AN EXAMPLE 6 NIGHT HOLIDAY IN MEXICO – PERFECT FOR COUPLES
With beaches, jungles, culture and amazing food – Mexico is a dream destination for a honeymoon or romantic get away. From action packed adventures in underground caves to relaxing by the beach or on the deck of a sail boat, it will be a trip you’ll never forget. Wrapped up with breath taking scenery, historic landmarks and a warm welcome from the locals and you have the perfect holiday. Read on to find out more.
Where you'll stay: ANDAZ MAYAKOBA
Andaz Mayakoba is the ideal home base for a full action-packed week of adventure. It’s a vibrant and chic beach retreat that sits within jungle and lagoons, on the white sandy shores of the Mayan Riviera. The lush and leafy surroundings are full of exotic birds and a monkey or two, celebrating Mexican culture and spirit. It’s a place for winding down – everything runs at a gloriously relaxed pace and attentive staff seem to anticipate your every need.
Day 1: Arrive at Playa del Carmen
You’ll arrive at Cancun airport and enjoy a private transfer to Playa Del Carmen in the Riviera Maya you home for the week. Your resort is secluded but close to plenty or restaurants, bars and shops. The area is surrounded by rich vegetation, serene lagoons and meandering nature trails. Playa del Carmen is a small beach town with a relaxed atmosphere, and the area is known for its palm-lined beaches and coral reefs. This is the perfect base for a week of exploring, adventures and relaxing.
Day 2: Explore Tulum and Yal-Ku Lagoon
Explore the ancient city of Tulum, the only Mayan site with views over the Caribbean Sea, with a private guide. You’ll learn about Mayan history and cosmology, and observe the temples that were built hundreds of years ago to honour the gods of wind and rain. Afterwards there’s a chance to swim in the Caribbean Sea from below the site, and see Tulum’s iconic “Castillo” from a different perspective.
It’s then time to travel the 35 minutes to the beautiful Yal-ku Lagoon in the Akumal area. Here you can swim and snorkel in the peaceful inland lagoon, where fresh and saltwater mix to create a home for many types of fish, before heading back to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 3: Swim with whale sharks
Experience swimming with the majestic whale shark on a private guided boat trip along their natural migration route. Snorkel with these gentle creatures whilst taking in their impressive size and beauty. Your guide will give you a full briefing, before you slip into the water to swim and spend time with the harmless whale sharks that pass by this area annually in the summer months.
Afterwards, you’ll head to Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres for a delectable picnic lunch and a blissful dip at the beach before heading back to the mainland.
Day 4: Experience the Underground River of Rio Secreto
Experience the wonder of Río Secreto, a natural reserve in the jungle near Playa del Carmen, and explore the natural beauty of an ancient cave and cenote system that was hidden for hundreds of years. You’ll have a private, specialist guide to lead you through the experience, starting with a bike ride through a jungle trail before arriving at the underground cave system, considered the entrance to the Underworld by the Mayans.
Once there you’ll start with a walk in the dry caves between the light and the shadows as incredible rock formations unfold in front of you. You’ll arrive at a jungle camp, where it’s time to enjoy lunch and change into your underwater gear for the next step of the adventure!
Next you’ll continue swimming and walking through a semi-flooded cave system, or cenote, where you can admire stalactites and stalagmites reflected in crystal-clear water, as you take in the surreal and otherworldly environment. Afterwards you’ll return to the jungle camp to change, before continuing back to base camp to enjoy some well-deserved, traditional Mexican dishes.
Day 5: Visit Chichen Itza
No trip to Mexico would be complete without a visit to the iconic Chichen Itza and a tranquil afternoon at your own private cenote. Your expert guide will teach you about the cosmology, religion, and everyday life of the Maya before the Spanish arrived. One of the first structures you´ll see is the Castillo or Pyramid of Kukulkan, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
You’ll then be driven to a beautiful private cenote found within the ruins of a historic ranch.
These natural, freshwater sinkholes were considered sacred to the Mayans. Take a swim in the cenote´s clear waters and relax the afternoon away in total privacy in a truly unique setting. A traditional Yucatecan meal will be served for lunch before driving back to your hotel for the afternoon.
Day 6: Relax in the Riviera Maya
Spend your last day enjoying the beauty of the resort and the Riviera Maya at your own pace. Relax at the beach, go for a dip in the pool or pamper yourself at the hotel spa. Or maybe you prefer to take advantage of one of the many hotel activities. Don’t miss out on the Cacao Ceremony – an ancient Maya Ma´alob Kin ceremony. The immersive encounter is offered as complimentary experiences, inviting you to delve into the depths of flavor and tradition without hesitation.