Mexico Uncovered
It had been over 20 years since I last visited Mexico, and this time I was excited to explore some of the country's most popular tourist destinations. After arriving at Cancun Airport in Mexico a little under 10 hours after departing Manchester, within an hour of landing, we had checked into our hotel in Puerto Morales, ideally located just a 20-minute drive from the airport. In Puerto Morales, we stayed at Fives Oceanfront, which offers a laid-back beach vibe and a high standard of accommodation in addition to a gorgeous white sand beach.
The next day, we explored the Riviera Maya, an area known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. We visited the Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, a charming boutique-style all-inclusive hotel. I loved the hotel's Mayan-inspired architecture and its lush gardens A real standout was having a chat with the resident Parrott, who held a pretty good conversation (in English no less!).
After leaving the Zoetry we headed to our next overnight stay at The Fives Downtown, located a stone's throw from the buzzing centre and bright lights of Playa del Carmen, where we experienced the nightlife that the resort has to offer. Playa del Carmen is a lively resort, perfect for the young (and young at heart!) and families with teenage children.
Our journey continued the following morning as we boarded a ferry to Cozumel. As we approached Cozumel, it became evident why it is renowned for its incredible diving opportunities. The pristine, crystal-clear waters and the tranquil sea formed a picture-perfect postcard scene, complemented by the vibrant hues of the buildings that adorned the island. During our stay on Cozumel, we explored a variety of accommodation options that catered to different types of travellers. From Secrets, Dreams, and Iberostar to the Intercontinental Presidente, each resort provided a unique experience.
After our night on Cozumel, we took the ferry back to Playa del Carmen, where we were collected and taken to Dreams Tulum a lovely Yucatan-style all-inclusive resort located near the world-famous ruins of Tulum, which are well worth a visit. After this we headed to Akumal about 20 minutes away, staying at Secrets Akumal, a large all-inclusive resort with sprawling grounds that I would highly recommend.
The following day it was our time to explore the Mayakoba private estate, home to Fairmont, Rosewood, Banyan Tree and Andaz. This immaculate gated community offers some of the finest hotels on the Mexican Riviera. It is surrounded by the jungle, lagoon waters and the ocean, with boats that can take you between the resorts.
Our final two nights were at the beautiful Haven Rivera, a trendy boutique beach house style hotel, again offering a good all-inclusive and excellent quality accommodation. On our week-long adventure, we found ourselves visiting numerous hotels of different standards, meeting our hotelier partners, exploring the local towns and attractions, plus a little time for fun & cocktails! I found Mexico had a lot to offer for travellers, with excellent accommodation and I look forward to returning on my own holiday someday soon.
