This summer, we embarked on a fun adventure to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, together with my husband’s family visiting from Portugal. My husband and I wanted to offer them a wonderful Mexican experience, so we thought that staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya is the best option, where we can all just relax, enjoy the beach and neighboring towns, and savour delicious meals without the hassle of venturing out for food. Our week-long trip was filled with adventures and quality family time, leaving us with cherished memories for a lifetime.
Smooth Sailing with Spirit Airlines:
Our adventure began with an early flight via Spirit Airlines; I had flown with them before and partnered with them on my trip to Colombia. But what my kids have seen on social media has been horrible, so they’ve been too anxious about the flight. Although we encountered a minor hiccup during check-in due to some machine technical glitch, the airline staff quickly resolved the issue, and we were off to a promising start. The flight was on time, and the comfortable journey allowed us to appreciate the anticipation of what lay ahead. So keep in mind that what you see in social media, isn’t always what you’ll truly experience.
A Beautiful Haven
We stayed at Viva Azteca by Wyndham, which turned out to be a hidden gem nestled along the Playacar beach. Playacar beach is famous for its stunning white sands, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque views. It is located within a gated upscale community, providing a safe environment for visitors to enjoy. The resort is smaller than other neighbouring resorts, making it a breeze to navigate and discover every hidden gem. It also created an intimate atmosphere for us. It was perfect for my in-laws to enjoy lovely short walks through their beautiful garden and the beach. Well, they even ventured outside the resort and walked around the community to Playa del Carmen downtown. The beach is also great for everyone, with soft powdery white sands and crystal clear waters. Even though it was dotted with a few seaweeds, it was still an absolute delight. The resort offered diverse culinary, ensuring everyone in our party was happy with the dining options.
Exploring the Hidden Wonders:
Cenotes
We ventured beyond the resort to explore the breathtaking attractions nearby during our stay. One such adventure took us to the breathtaking Cenotes Casa Tortuga in Tulum. Our 76-year-old mother-in-law joined us bravely as we ventured into several cenotes and even went inside the caves, marvelling at the mystical underground world. It was a day filled with adventure and bonding, an experience we will forever cherish!
Isla Holbox & Isla de la Pasíon.
Our exploration of Riviera Maya extended to the enchanting islands of Isla Holbox and Isla de la Pasíon. One of the days, we left my in-laws at the resort to enjoy while my family went island hopping. This pristine paradise captivated our hearts with crystal clear waters and glistening white sands. We spent a blissful day in the sun, enjoying ourselves in this beautiful paradise! Isla Holbox and Isla de la Pasíon truly embodied the essence of a tropical getaway.
Our trip to the islands was a fun learning experience, and we give thanks to Turismo Channel for making it extra special. Vanessa, the representative from Turismo Channel, provided exceptional support throughout the planning of our trip, making the process easy and efficient. We also want to extend our gratitude to Chris, our private guide, for enriching our journey with historical insights and ensuring that our island exploration was both educational and fascinating! If you decide to book with them, ask for Vanessa and kindly mention my name, to get a VIP treatment:)
Chitchen Itza
Undoubtedly, the highlight of our trip was our visit to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. During our journey to this ancient Mayan archaeological site, we had the opportunity to glimpse the authentic Mexican countryside and observe the daily lives of the locals. My father-in-law has been very interested in an authentic Mexican lifestyle, and this was an excellent way for him to see it. We passed by small towns and dropped by Valladolid. As one of the “Magic Towns” of Mexico, Valladolid showcases colonial-era charm, with its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant facades, and cobblestone streets. It is definitely a town where I would want to spend more time on our next visit.
However, adventures are not always smooth riding. If you are a frequent traveler, then you would know exactly what I’m talking about. Adventures are not always picture-perfect; they often come with unexpected hiccups, mishaps and challenges that would test our adaptability. So, during our exhilarating journey, we encountered a bump in the road when we found ourselves with a flat tire. It served as a reminder of the realities of travel, where even the most detailed plans can be disrupted. Should I emphasise again the importance of travel insurance? Well… on my next blog, then. HA! Anyways, seasoned travellers understand that these unplanned moments often become the most cherished memories. YES… it was scary. YES… it was so stressful. And yet, YES… it was an unforgettable memory we will forever cherish. It taught us to embrace the unforeseen, find solutions on the go, and appreciate the resilience and camaraderie that emerges from these shared experiences. My kids watched their Dad change the tire, and my boy helped him; honestly, a sight to behold! I don’t know about you, but I am glad it happened; the incident was a valuable lesson, as my kids, especially my boy, now know how to handle a flat tire and the importance of being prepared for unforeseen situations. We returned safely to our hotel, adding an unexpected element of adventure to our excursion.
Our trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya was an epic adventure filled with unforgettable moments and beautiful experiences with our loved ones. We managed to balance it with relaxation, excitement and cultural immersion. We were thankful for the opportunity to create such precious memories with our family in stunning Mexico!
VIVA Mexico!!! Until we meet again… soon…
What an amazing adventure tULUM IS very high on my DO list and we would be travelling with family so this is great information