When travelers think of Mexico’s beautiful crystalline waters and white sand beaches, they are thinking of this Caribbean coastline and luxury in the Riviera Maya.
Cancun is ideal for those coming for a very quick getaway. If shopping, off-resort restaurants, and nightlife are part of the holiday equation, Cancun may be the answer.
The city is home to a number of well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. Tulum is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can spend their days lounging on the beach, swimming in cenotes, and exploring ancient ruins.
Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa
Upscale all-inclusive property renovated in 2023 and located near Puerto Aventuras Marina. Located close to Akumal Beach, All Inclusive resort includes a bowling alley, and 2 swim-up bars. With a private beach, a beach bar, and beach massages, this property is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Treat yourself to hydrotherapy, a sports massage, or a body scrub at Zentropia, the onsite spa. Be sure to enjoy Mexican cuisine at one of the 11 on-site restaurants. The gym offers Pilates classes and fitness classes; other things to do include basketball, kayaking, and archery. In addition to a poolside bar and a terrace, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
TA Tip: Ask for a resort map for each person in your party (the resort is huge), and you'll need it for the first day or two.
Here are 4 unforgettable things to do while staying at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort that will truly say you went to Mexico:
(Ask during check-in for a full listing of scheduled activities offered during your stay).
Join a Mexican Cooking, Margarita, or Tequila Lesson
Snorkel with Sea Turtles. Just north of the resort, you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and swim among wild sea turtles. Bonus: Find the hidden Cenote in the resort’s gardens—perfect for a unique photo spot, even if swimming isn’t allowed.
Enjoy Mexican-themed shows at the resort—complete with dance, music, and folkloric performances reflecting local culture.
Start a morning with a peaceful sunrise at the Colonial Beach bar, cappuccino in hand. It’s a soft, truly Mexican way to welcome the day.
Discover the best of Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Tulum with handpicked tours curated by your trusted travel advisor.
Visit the archaeological site at Tulum and visit the Xunaan-Ha and Taak Bi Ha Cenotes with a professional, private guide. This package includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, guide services, and all entry fees, and snorkeling equipment will be available for you to borrow at no extra cost.
Discover the Riviera Maya with our exclusive private tour that goes beyond expectations. Start your day with a private vehicle and a certified guide will accompany you on this unique adventure.
Explore the Ruins of Tulum with the personalized attention of our guide, unraveling the secrets of the Mayan civilization. Then, immerse yourself in the waters of Akumal to swim with sea turtles, enjoying the experience in an exclusive way.
Continue your journey to a cenote, where privacy and serenity intertwine to offer you a unique moment in nature. And to top off this extraordinary day, treat yourself to a beachfront lunch, an exclusive feast.
This is not just a tour, it is a private service that combines luxury, knowledge and delight.
Experience the traditional Maya purification ritual of temazcal with a Maya shaman on a 6-hour cultural tour from Cancun that includes round-trip hotel transport, and dinner with a local family. Use a wood-fired steam bath, swim in a jungle cenote, and learn about daily life and heritage in a Maya community.
Embark on a journey to Chichen Itza, one of the Yucatán Peninsula's most significant archaeological sites. Marvel at the Kukulcan Pyramid and its equinox serpent shadow. Explore a sacred cenote, part of the Mayan underground river network, and swim in its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a buffet meal and relax with a stroll through Valladolid's colonial streets. With hotel pickup and a bilingual guide, experience the history, beauty, and culture of this iconic region.
Tulum, cenotes, and the terrific snorkeling site of Yal Ku Lagoon make this day tour from Playa del Carmen one you must book. Walk through the ruins of Tulum, a bluff-top city overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and one of the last places inhabited by the Maya people. Discover cenotes and explore a lagoon teeming with marine life—the perfect spot for snorkeling. This guided day of culture, history, and adventure includes snacks and hotel transport.
Embark on an action-packed adventure at Extreme Adventure Eco Park! Enjoy ATV rides through the jungle, zipline across the canopy, and cool off with a jump into a natural Mayan cenote. With a professional guide, small group setting, and round-trip transportation, it's the ultimate thrill-seeking tour.
Sail along the beautiful crystal-clear waters of Cancun’s Caribbean coastline on this half-day sailing adventure to Islas Mujeres. Get geared up and go snorkeling, then take a break to enjoy a gourmet lunch on board your catamaran. Stop at the island of Isla Mujeres, and visit must-see spots either on a guided tour or on your own. Afterward, sip on complimentary beverages on the way back to port.
Tacos are one of Mexico’s most famous dishes and the best tacos in Playa del Carmen can be found along Quinta Avenida. On this tour, dive into the local foodie scene on a guided tasting tour, visit up to four different taco restaurants, and learn all about the history of tacos and how they are made. Along the way, tuck into a selection of delicious handmade tacos, accompanied by traditional Pulque.
Snorkel with whale sharks on a full-day tour off the Yucatan coast from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, or Riviera Maya hotels. Under the direction of a biologist guide, swim with the world’s largest fish. Immerse yourself in the marine magnificence of Mexico’s waters on this spectacular small-group adventure. Your day includes lunch on the boat and transfers from many hotels, but reef tax is payable in cash.
Take a camel ride out through the jungle and along to sand dunes with this family-friendly tour. A professional guide will lead you and your small group of up to six riders on this 45-minute-long adventure, and no experience is necessary. You'll get round-trip transfers from your Cancun or Riviera Maya hotel.
Learn the basics of scuba without the hassle of a lengthy expensive course and enjoy two separate dives in the open ocean too on this generous beginners scuba experience. Begin with a theory class then learn some basic techniques in the safety of a pool before hopping aboard the boat for your real-world dives. Spend one exploring the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art and the second on some unspoiled reef.
Taste Mexico in every bite during this Puerto Morelos walking culinary tour. Explore around five to six local gems in this charming fishing village, from traditional family restaurants to sizzling street taco stalls, and colorful fruit markets. Along the way, savor each dish while your guide shares the rich stories that connect local cooking to traditional Mexican culture.
Mary Agler, CTA CLIA
Call/Text: 618-558-8143
Grove City, Ohio
info@mardeetravel.com
www.mardeetravel.com