Holidays in Riviera Cancun

Riviera Cancun has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With fine, white, powdered sand and shimmering turquoise water, these are beaches that cry out ‘play on me’, and waters that call out ‘jump in me!’ Their lure is irresistible. Playa Del Carmen is an international beach and resort which makes a superb base for an amazing holiday. All of our hotels on the Riviera Cancun are on the beach.

Sure, you can party 365 days of the year in Cancun, but pick the right hotel and you can also leave the glorious mayhem to others, while you enjoy a relaxed holiday swimming and exploring the beautiful coast. And with superb swimming pools the norm at all our resorts – and kids clubs too – you’ll always have something for the younger members of your crew to do on holidays to Riviera Cancun.

• The relaxed shores south of Cancun are perfect for families. By making your holiday to Riviera Cancun all inclusive, relaxing is even easier, with loads of dining options to suit every member of your party.
• Explore the leaning lighthouse and Mayan Handicraft Centre in peaceful Puerto Morelos.
• Head south to find the ‘Jardin Botanico’ (Botanical Gardens).
• Walk amongst wild spider monkeys, macaws and crocodiles at the Croco Cun Zoo.
• Visit Chichén Itzá and the Tulum ruins for experiences that will educate as well as amaze.
• Enjoy boutique shopping and mariachi bands along Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) in Playa del Carmen.

The Riviera Cancun has a deserved reputation as one of the best party destinations on the map. With world-class DJs, reasonably priced drinks and entrance fees, and a huge choice of venues to visit, the party faithful can have all the fun.

You don’t have to lie prone on a beach for two weeks, (although nobody will bat an eyelid if you do). Should you want to get out there and explore, there are plenty of unique and extraordinary opportunities for adventure on Riviera Cancun holidays.

• Take a deep breath and go diving in the coral reef, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this incredible living organism and all the creatures that coexist with it. Experienced divers can explore the Puerto Morelos shipwreck.
• Get all ‘Indy’ with it. Doctor Jones would approve of an adventure to the ancient city of Chichén Itzá, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, which was built by the Mayan civilization around 600 AD. In the centre of the site sits the Temple of Kukulkan (also known as El Castillo), an ancient stepped pyramid straight out of the movies.
• Cenotes are an incredible local geographical feature formed when the roofs of caves collapse, leaving refreshing underground pools open to the air. The Mayans believed they were gateways to the afterlife, today these limpid green pools are gateways to climbing, zip-lining, bungee-jumping, swimming and snorkelling fun.
• Go surfing, snorkelling, kite-boarding, paragliding, speed-boating, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing, sports fishing and more. If it’s fun and you can do it in the water, you’re in the right place.

Whether you are after an all-inclusive holiday on the Riviera Cancun, Mexico, or a flexible package, you won’t go wrong with our hand-picked selection of hotels. All are purpose built to deliver the ultimate in beach and relaxing holidays, while conveniently situated for local attractions. And many offer that little extra luxurious touch to make sure your holiday hits just the right spot.

This part of the world is dotted with fascinating glimpses into the distant past. At locations such as Chichén Itzá and the Tulum ruins, you can absorb the spine-tingling atmosphere as you tread where other humans have also trod for millennia. Ask your Virgin Holidays concierge for details of trips to experience these incredible ancient sites.

Mexico is a riot of colour and noise, and that’s just as true of the local food as it is of the famous mariachi bands that will serenade you all over. All Riviera Cancun resorts we feature offer international cuisine as well as local dishes, but if you are feeling adventurous here are some taste sensations to enjoy.

• Quesadillas are folded tortillas filled with melted cheese, herbs and a vast variety of exotic fillings.
• Enchiladas are rolled tortillas filled with meat, cheese, beans or vegetables, drenched in delicious chilli pepper sauce.
• Salbutes are local family favourites consisting of a puffed, fried tortilla topped with pulled chicken or turkey, pickled red onion, avocado and jalapeño.
• Fajitas are sizzling hot-plates of meat, onions and bell peppers for you to spoon into tortillas, add sour cream, pico de gallo (a freshly flavoured salsa) and cheese, and roll into squelching fat tubes of deliciousness.
• Cochinita Pibil is a slow roasted pork dish rubbed in nutty, sweet achiote paste and wrapped in banana leaves, dubbed “the king of the Mayan barbeque pit”.
• Habanero Chilli is one of the more intensely spicy species of the chilli pepper. The crop is widely cultivated in the Yucatan peninsula, which is why it accompanies most dishes in Yucatan either in solid or puree/salsa form. Consume with care!