Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

Elite

4504

Columbus, Ohio

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

afrotcdan - 2011-01-19 12:15 PM

Ok, so a few questions/concerns about Riviera Maya. But first, my fiancee and I are quite limited to where/when we can go on a honeymoon due to school and finances. So, we are a tight budget (~$2500 allotted) and our wedding is 12-17-2011. We were thinking of going on our honeymoon from 12-18-2011 to 12-24-2011 so we don't miss Christmas and to keep prices down since the per night price almost doubles on Christmas eve. That being said most travel agents we talked to suggested Riviera Maya.

#1. Is it safe? (My knowledge of Mexico travel is limited to the news of the border drug cartels)
#2. Anyone ever been there in December?
#3. Suggestions to an all-inclusive and preferably adults-only resort?

Thanks

1. Is it safe?
Yes, Tourism is one of the main revenue streams of the Mexicican economy. There a ton of cops on the streets if you visit Playa del Carmen or Cancun. Plus the resorts have security teams. I have never felt threatened or in danger. I definately recommend a private transfer.

2. Anyone been there in December?
Yes, the weather is cooler. Still warm from Ohio standards. The water will be much colder. Most of the gigantic pools at the resorts do not have heaters. So be prepared for "refreshing" dip.

3. Suggestions to an all-inclusive and preferably adults-only?
For $2,500 you are going to be hard pressed to find an adults only that is not adjacent to or associated with a kid-friendly resort.

Our first trip my wife and I stayed at the Iberostar Riveria Maya mega-resort (5 resorts all side by side). I believe it was named Pariso Beach at the time and was expanding to 4. They have since bulit Maya, Lindo and Grand Hotel. We had a good time but the size was a turn off. By the time you walked to dinner you were dripping in sweat, but again we went in August. The beach was great. Definately not adults only but I never had any problems with kids while there. I believe Maya and Lindo are adults only, but like I said the other kid-friendly resort is a stone throw away. Kinda like a non-smoking section divided by a half wall and I believe they are outside of your price-point.

Second trip was to RIU in Playa del Carmen. December time frame. Place was decorated for the holidays. Kinda weird seeing a fake Christmas tree when you are somewhere tropical with palm trees swaying the in breeze. Not as nice as our stay at the Iberostar. It was nice to be able to go out at night to Playa del Carmen but the beach was crowded. Also not adult only. You also should note that the beaches are not private property. So when you are near Playa Del Carmen or Cancun you will have vendors walking the beaches.

Third trip was to Excellence Riviera Cancun in the summer. Amazing vacation. Expensive, but definately one of the best if not the best vacations. Adult only. So-So beach but great pools, food and service.

I suggest checking out TripAdvisor.com for hotel reviews and the forums. I know it has helped me plan multiple trips.

Edited by JChristoff 2011-01-19 11:52 AM

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Pro

5011

Twin Cities

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

1. yes...I wouldn't go wandering around off the resort on my own in random places, but I have no problem going there.

2. Never been there in Dec. but I'm sure the weather is lovely :-)

3. Xpu Ha Palace resort. LOVED it.
Very private rooms (you get a little bungalo dealie with a balcony and everything, looking into the jungle or beach, as opposed to one big central hotel).
GREAT beach.
Nice restaraunts--and all teh booze is top shelf (or, rather, if you ASK for the top shelf, you get it). They have everything form "fancy" dress up restraunts to buffets and snack par types.
It's at a former eco park, so there aresome cool animals around--they have a bird sanctuary and some other "exhibits".
They have bikes you can borrow to ride around the resort, which is fun. They are POS bikes, but it's amusing to ride them.
The resort itself is big enough and has enough paths/trails that you can run around it and get a workout in, if you're so inclined.
Lots to do there---without ever leaving (although they do have trips and stuff). Body board, kayak (lagoon and sea kayak), scuba (you don't need a license--they teach you), snorkeling, etc etc.
It's a palace resort, so you can take a free shuttle to any of the other Palace resorts down there and use their facilities as well (golf, spa, etc.)

It's not adults only, but there are adults only areas (certain pools, entertainment, and dining areas), and honestly, while there were kids around...they weren't all that noticeable.

I don't have many pictures handy, but HERE are some, if you're so inclined.

Extreme Veteran

550

Vine Grove, KY

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

My wife and I went to Secrets Maroma Beach last May and had zero issues. We didnt go off the resort much other than to play golf and I ran about 2-3 miles down the beach with no issues. It was a quick 20 min trip from the airport. Price was right around that area, but it may have been a bit higher. I would recommend it.

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Champion

6056

Menomonee Falls, WI

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

1. Yes, it's safe so long as you stay within the resort areas. Playa del Carmen is basically a gated community for a large group of resorts. I went jogging beyond that gate and I never really felt uncomfortable, but it's probably best to stay within the gated area.

2. Nope. We've gone in January and March, and the weather was warm and beautiful both times.

3. We stayed at Sandoz with our young kids and the Grand Sirenas when we took our only kids-free vacation since having them. I would highly recommend either. Grand Sirenas probably had the better beach but I'd give Sandoz the edge on food and facilities.

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Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

check out trip advisor.com they have almost all resorts posted and reviewed. also while booking try book it .com .sometimes they have great sales . we have used this site many times without a problem. good luck...

Master

4119

Toronto

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

scoobysdad - 2011-01-20 10:39 AM 1. Yes, it's safe so long as you stay within the resort areas. Playa del Carmen is basically a gated community for a large group of resorts. I went jogging beyond that gate and I never really felt uncomfortable, but it's probably best to stay within the gated area. 2. Nope. We've gone in January and March, and the weather was warm and beautiful both times. 3. We stayed at Sandoz with our young kids and the Grand Sirenas when we took our only kids-free vacation since having them. I would highly recommend either. Grand Sirenas probably had the better beach but I'd give Sandoz the edge on food and facilities.

I stayed at the Grand Sirenis too a few years ago and loved it. I went in January and don't recall there being all that many kids there. Looooved the lazy river, the little mayan ruin on the beach and the taquito hut.

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Veteran

265

Westminster, Colorado

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

3. http://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/hotels/el_dorado_seaside/

Smaller than the big hotels. good food, swing bar, and adult only!!

Edited by TL2 2011-01-20 4:53 PM

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Extreme Veteran

605

Centennial, CO

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

1. It's absolutely safe. Use common sense just like you would if you were in the states. My wife and I go there every couple of years and love it. Learn to embrace the "Mexican Minute".

2. Never been there quite that late in Dec, but close. We went the day after thanksgiving a few years back. That trip was our favorite. The weather was awesome as usual and it was sooo nice getting away from the cold.

3. The only adults only resort we've stayed in is the Aventura Spa Palace. I honestly don't remember how much it cost.

Congrats to you and your soon to be wife

You'll get hooked on Mexico.

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Champion

5312

Calgary

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

juniperjen - 2011-01-20 9:34 AM

scoobysdad - 2011-01-20 10:39 AM 1. Yes, it's safe so long as you stay within the resort areas. Playa del Carmen is basically a gated community for a large group of resorts. I went jogging beyond that gate and I never really felt uncomfortable, but it's probably best to stay within the gated area. 2. Nope. We've gone in January and March, and the weather was warm and beautiful both times. 3. We stayed at Sandoz with our young kids and the Grand Sirenas when we took our only kids-free vacation since having them. I would highly recommend either. Grand Sirenas probably had the better beach but I'd give Sandoz the edge on food and facilities.

I stayed at the Grand Sirenis too a few years ago and loved it. I went in January and don't recall there being all that many kids there. Looooved the lazy river, the little mayan ruin on the beach and the taquito hut.

Grand serienis rocks. Gorgeous beach, ice cream and coffee shops. Big, but the beach is big and doesn't seem crowded. Kids are there but whatever. Why u wcbt adults only?

Frankly, doubt I will ever go back, was there in November and our hotel blew up.

I have friends who go down there on a cheap flight and bring a tent and sleep on the beach, so they think it is safe. Of course, soy t the woman who claims that she was raped by cops feels that safe.

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Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

If you cross over the channel to cozumel you can get an all inclusive and walk just about anywhere without any worries

December is beautiful

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Extreme Veteran

312

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

The Moon Palace is listed as Rivera Maya, though it is the first hotel in that area. It is AWESOME. Great food, beautiful property and free shuttle to the other 5 Palace resorts to eat at all the restaurants.

Champion

10019

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

My opinion on #1 is that it's NOT "Absolutely safe". The drug wars extend to areas beyond the border states, including in Cancun with at least two seperate incidents I can think of, and Cancun is close to Playa del Carmen. I am sick of having to continue this argument when no one listens and I will concede that it's "probably safe." No place is "absolutely safe" and until the whole drug war stuff I found all of Mexico to be "mostly safe."

Anyway, I agree with Chris's suggestion above and suggest going to Cozumel. Not only is the island safer by comparison, it's a lovely little town feel with all of the same shopping and dining options in Playa. The two times I have been there I took the ferry to Playa and was disappointed that I hadn't just stayed in Cozumel. Especially after the cruise ships leave, it's a very nice way to spend a vacation.

Have fun, whatever you do!

Edited by BikerGrrrl 2011-01-21 11:15 AM

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Extreme Veteran

312

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

BikerGrrrl - 2011-01-21 11:15 AM

My opinion on #1 is that it's NOT "Absolutely safe". The drug wars extend to areas beyond the border states, including in Cancun with at least two seperate incidents I can think of, and Cancun is close to Playa del Carmen. I am sick of having to continue this argument when no one listens and I will concede that it's "probably safe." No place is "absolutely safe" and until the whole drug war stuff I found all of Mexico to be "mostly safe."

Anyway, I agree with Chris's suggestion above and suggest going to Cozumel. Not only is the island safer by comparison, it's a lovely little town feel with all of the same shopping and dining options in Playa. The two times I have been there I took the ferry to Playa and was disappointed that I hadn't just stayed in Cozumel. Especially after the cruise ships leave, it's a very nice way to spend a vacation.

Have fun, whatever you do!

I agree with you that it is probably safe (not absolutely) - however that can be said about every city in the US. Chicago, DC, NY, LA, San Fran, Phoenix, Dallas, NO, and on and on.

The Cancun/Rivera Maya area is as safe as you will be in Mexico and for that matter any US city. You need to use common sense where you go and what hours - once again, the same as any US city.

Extreme Veteran

605

Centennial, CO

Subject: RE: Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

BikerGrrrl - 2011-01-21 10:15 AM

My opinion on #1 is that it's NOT "Absolutely safe". The drug wars extend to areas beyond the border states, including in Cancun with at least two seperate incidents I can think of, and Cancun is close to Playa del Carmen. I am sick of having to continue this argument when no one listens and I will concede that it's "probably safe." No place is "absolutely safe" and until the whole drug war stuff I found all of Mexico to be "mostly safe."

Anyway, I agree with Chris's suggestion above and suggest going to Cozumel. Not only is the island safer by comparison, it's a lovely little town feel with all of the same shopping and dining options in Playa. The two times I have been there I took the ferry to Playa and was disappointed that I hadn't just stayed in Cozumel. Especially after the cruise ships leave, it's a very nice way to spend a vacation.

Have fun, whatever you do!

Agreed....absolutely safe...no. I feel safer there then in NYC though.

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Riviera Maya Honeymoon?

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