Mayan Riviera: Smart Development

I have often been asked, "Why not Cancun?"

(Cancun Beach)

Yes, I have stayed in Cancun. Once. The water was beautiful and the sand was soft. Period. My basic philosophy of "Why not Cancun?" goes back to the quote by James Michener in my previous post: "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home."

(Playa del Carmen (Mayan Riviera) Beach)

Here is a link to a Travel & Leisure article from January 2006 that explains the difference between Cancun and the Mayan Riviera -- even going so far as to tag a new term that has really stuck in my mind: Eco Murder. Read the article HERE.

Cancun Hotel Zone

Mayan Riviera Resort
Cancun Hotels
Mayan Riviera Resort

The Mayan Riviera is the eco-smart choice--encouraging cultural support, acceptance and sustainability in its development.

Culture

One of my favorite travel quotes is by James A. Michener ~

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs,

fear the religion and avoid the people,

you might better stay at home."

Tulum Ruins Slideshow

La Buena Vida

La Buena Vida is a restaurant in Akumal on Half Moon Bay. With sand floors, swing seats at the bar, and the ocean-front view, you almost don't care what the food tastes like. But, turns out it is good. This restaurant is definitely one of MRTM's MUST TRY while in the Mayan Riviera. View of the restaurant from the beach/bay. Middle of the picture with all of the palapas.

Yucatan Peninsula Birds

One reason I add binoculars to the Mexican Packing List is so that you can enjoy bird-watching! I'm not a "bird-watching" type of person, but I can honestly say that the most extraordinary birds I have ever seen have been in the Mayan Riviera!

Here are some of my own pictures...(I know...I need a better zoom!)

Note: On November 13-16 there is a Yucatan Birds Festival in the Mexican state of Yucatan (home to Merida). Here's a link to the Festival Website.

Akumal - Baby Turtles

Admittedly, the Southern-California in me got a little excited when I first saw this - Don't see it? Here, look closer -
So, the So-Cal girl in me says, "Bonfire ring!" Right?

(My next thought: "Do they have marshmallows in Mexico?")

Good thing I took a closer look before I gathered the wood...That's right - a turtle nest! Very cool.

The nests outside of our condo did not hatch while we were there, but I did have the awesome experience of seeing some baby turtles digging out of their nest on one of my morning walks. Luckily a nice Mexican man and woman were gathering them up and putting them in water until they could release them later in the day (so the birds wouldn't eat them for breakfast!).

Note: No, this is NOT turtle soup!

Another Mexico memory to add to the stash of "I am different for having seen/experienced...in Mexico!"

Two sugerencias (suggestions) to not forget when packing for the Mayan Riviera:

A hat!

(Preferably one that covers the ears and the back of the neck.)

Hard-bottomed water shoes.

Palapa

A PALAPA is a thatched-roof umbrella (or open-sided structure) built to provide shade. These are very common in the Mayan Riviera. Even if you think you won't need one...you will. Grab it in the morning/while it's open/when it's free...because you will want it later in the day.
Sometimes there is netting covering the dried palm leaves to protect the roof of the palapa from wind-damage.

Some palapas have a built-in table around the center (like this one below)...

Inside view of a palapa...

Mayan Riviera Travel Management

A passion for the Mexican Caribbean (Mayan Riviera) has led to a desire to "share the dream" via a company that helps people plan their MR vacation. This new project is very exciting...hopefully the dream can be shared with a lot of people.

Here's the business card (front and back):