New Discoveries in the Mexican Caribbean

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The Mexican Caribbean has been drawing visitors for decades for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, stunning archeological sites and much more.

So it’s hard to believe that Quintana Roo, the state that encompasses some of the world’s best known Mexican tourism destinations, could continually offer something new to discover.

But when it comes to the Mexican Caribbean, and in particular the perennially popular destinations of Cancun, Riviera Maya and Cozumel, there is always something new to explore, enjoy and savour.

Gastronomy

Whether you go for the authentic Mexican flavours being cooked up by locals at street-side taco stalls, or for more upscale dining offered throughout the region, foodies will always find something to satisfy in Quintana Roo.

Photo courtesy Quintana Roo Tourism Board

Coming soon to Cancun will be Babel’s, a rooftop bar and gourmet market where 14 chefs will offer signature cuisine from eight different countries. While in Cozumel, visitors can take part in the 10 Experiences tour. During the boutique culinary experience guests enjoy 10 Mexican dishes paired with 10 Mexican spirits. All enjoyed in the home of a local couple.

Opening December 2020, La Casa de la Playa in Riviera Maya will offer several noteworthy dining options on their boutique property, including Lumbre and Centri. Both come from award-winning Mexican chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita. He is known as a pioneer of Mexican cooking and described by Time magazine as a “prophet and preserver of Mexican culinary tradition.”

Once-in-a-lifetime outdoor activities

From crystal-clear water and lush jungle to mangroves and hidden lagoons, getting active outdoors is always easy in Quintana Roo.

Photo courtesy Quintana Roo Tourism Board

For a unique underwater adventure, Totonal is a tour operator focused on promoting sustainable tourism. They offer travel experiences like marine ecology and coral restoration diving in Cozumel.

While Alltournative offers the chance to immerse yourself in Mayan culture with their sustainable camping experience in a Mayan community located in the south of the state.

Cultural wellness indulgences

There are all sorts of ways to indulge in the region, but perhaps the most memorable are the spa treatments that incorporate Mayan traditions and local ingredients.

Photo courtesy Quintana Roo Tourism Board

Sense is a Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya. It has a menu filled with wellness treatments that pull from Mayan culture. The Mayan Healing Hands treatment involves a private consultation with a Mayan shaman. It also involves a cenote dip and time in a temazcal (traditional steam room).

Over at Esencia Spa in Tulum, therapists tailor restorative programs to each guest. They use ingredients harvested from the waters of the Caribbean and soil from the Mayan jungle.

Romance

There’s a good reason so many destination weddings take place in the Mexican Caribbean. From sprawling ocean-front resorts to secluded coves, it’s not hard to find a romantic setting worthy of wedding vows.

Photo courtesy Quintana Roo Tourism Board

A unique alternative to a beach-set wedding is a cenote. These otherworldly sinkholes filled with crystalline water make for a dramatic setting and envy-inducing photos. Alternatively, the aforementioned Alltournative offers couples the opportunity to have a traditional Mayan wedding.

Why people return to the Mexican Caribbean

Not every destination sparks a need to return. But in the Mexican Caribbean, no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to discover.