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.
Pros: Clean; cool room furniture; free breakfast; pool (too cold to use on this trip); great bathroom & shower; found a street parking spot right infront of the hotel; hard beds/mattresses--but it didn't bother me at all; 
Cons: Located on a busy side-street and half of the room doors are on this street, out in the open; a glass pane next to our "window" A/C was broken, so that let the noise in even further; no hot water for my 5:00 AM shower--I went back to bed and called at 7:00 and they fixed it; had to pay $2.50 for yogurt at breakfast--but it was worth it; 
The article mentions binding the head to produce a flattened forehead and elongated skull to drilling holes in their teeth and filling them with jade. 
It is an open-sided palapa made of woods and natural materials such as stone. Water and greenery contribute to the ambiance of a "jungle" feel.
As far as the food goes--lots of fresh fruit (salads, juices, etc.), homemade rye bread, and freshly made salsas! (Yum!) Traditional Mexican food with a twang (ie: shrimp breaded with Xcatic chili and cinnamon) is said to make for a new experience.
This man has incredible style!
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