Travel Weekly - May 16, 2011

BY MARK CHESTNUT

yucatán peninsula

CANCÚN & RIVIERA MAYA Ever since Cancun and the Riviera Maya first landed on the tourism map just a few decades ago, these two sun-soaked hot spots have consistently ranked among the most celebrated—and best selling— vacation destinations in the hemisphere. With an irresistible blend of Caribbean allure, Yucatan excitement, Mayan culture and world-class hospitality, Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer countless activities for families year-round, and this summer is no exception. Equip yourself with the information and tools you need to promote this popular region, and you’ll see the results in your sales.

AT ONE WITH
NATURE

The Yucatan Peninsula is graced with stunning natural beauty, as well as a variety of tours and attractions that make it easy for visitors to appreciate it. Among the best places for families to explore the natural side of the Yucatan is Xcaret, one of the world’s best-known eco-parks, where clients may swim and snorkel in underground cenotes (sinkholes), swim with dolphins and see live musical and dance performances. Also worth a visit is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, where visitors can learn about ecology, spot gorgeous tropical birds, go kayaking and enjoy scenic boat rides accompanied by experienced guides.

DAY AT
THE BEACH

The beaches in Cancun and the Riviera Maya are especially enticing, thanks to the crystal clear Caribbean waters that bathe the soft sands. Nearly every hotel in Cancun and the Riviera Maya is just steps away from a beautiful beach and warm, welcoming waters. A system of color-coded flags helps to inform visitors about the water conditions, and most hotels have life guards or monitors along the beach to answer any questions.

FAMILY PLANS

Hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya cater to the needs of a wide variety of travelers. In Cancun, family-friendly options include Dreams Cancun, where the Delphinus Dolphin Experience allows lucky guests to swim and play with live dolphins in the hotel’s seawater lagoon. Dreams also has a supervised program of children’s activities, as does the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, where the kids’ club has areas for videos games, arts and crafts and a children’s pool.

In the Riviera Maya, hotels with children’s programs include the Allegro Playacar, which has its own “Mini Disco” for kids, complete with piñatas, games and dancing, and Azul Fives, an upscale property with plenty of supervised activities, plus a children’s gym and a Fisher-Price toy-lending menu.

SIDE TRIPS:
ISLA MUJERES & HOLBOX
island life

Just eight miles off Cancun’s coast is ISLA MUJERES, a pristine, laid-back island that is only five miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point. Once a sleepy fishing village, today it’s a prized destination for vacationers — a picturesque place to relax and enjoy attractions including GARRAFON PARK, where clients may kayak and snorkel along coral reefs and swim with dolphins.

Also worth exploring is HOLBOX, a tiny island where fishing is the main livelihood and local restaurants serve the always-fresh catch of the day. Summer is one of the best times to visit, thanks to whale shark season, which runs from June through September. Clients can join whale-watching cruises and even swim with these gentle giants, who migrate to the warm waters just off the coast.

HISTORIC MEASURES

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are both ideal gateways for unlocking the fascinating mysteries of the Mayan world. Among the must-sees is Tulum, the ancient Mayan ruins set dramatically atop a cliff on the Caribbean coast, and Chichén Itzá, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also one of the new wonders of the modern world. These world-famous attractions should be on the itinerary of every traveler, and guided day trips and overnight excursions make it easy for families to visit.