Choosing Between Resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya

Last-Minute Cancun Deals

2009-10-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Last-Minute Cancun Deals were extremely popular in 2009. Vacationers throughout the U.S. waited until the last-minute to book their vacations in hopes of finding the best possible vacation deals to Cancun. In many cases this worked out well, but 2010 might be a little different, especially if you're hoping for convenient non-stop charter flights from many of the markets Funjet Vacations and Apple Vacations fly out of. Non-stop charter inventory is lower than in 2009 and last-minute deals to Cancun might not be as easy to come by. Our recommendation.... Many of these tour companies (whom we sell packages for) have better insurance plans than ever, including price guarantee options, giving you a refund if the same package you buy drops in price. The Deals2Cancun.com Travel Support team can answer any questions you have regarding insurance plans and last-minute vacations to Cancun.

Non-stop Charters and Early Booking Incentives

2009-07-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Non-stop flights from Hub airports to Cancun are becoming more and more popular, vacation tour companies seem to be taking less and less risk in pre-buying seats and guaranteeing prices on their negotiated packages. As popular tour companies and like Funjet Vacations and Apple Vacations cut back on their inventory levels for non-stop charter packages, it becomes ever more important to book early. Take out travel insurance that includes price protection and you'll have the security you need and piece of mind that you'll receive the lowest price if your package price drops! Last-Minute Cancun vacation deals are easy to come by right now, but as the landscape changes and flight inventory decreases, these deals may not come around in the future as they are now. Deals to Cancun are great right now, so take advantage of the last-minute travel deals while they're still around and start planning for the future while early booking incentives are out there!

Flu Free Vacation Guarantee at Dreams and Secrets Resorts

2009-05-12T07:46:00.001-07:00

Secrets and Dreams Resorts & Spas Offer “Flu-Free Guarantee;”
Three Free Vacations if Guests Contract Influenza A - H1N1

According to a press release by AM Resorts:Mexico’s Decline in Cases Spurs Award-Winning Resorts to Offer Guarantee, Aggressive Promotions and Irresistible Prices

PHILADELPHIA (May 11, 2009) – As Mexico’s Health Minister reports a continuing decline in the H1N1 cases, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts (not sold on Deals2Cancun.com), Secrets Resorts & Spas and Dreams Resorts & Spas introduces a Flu-Free Guarantee* to help speed the country’s tourism recovery. Valid between May and December 2009, if a guest contracts Influenza A - H1N1 while staying at these resorts their next three vacations will be free of charge.

All Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets and Dreams Resorts & Spas follow the current American Hotel & Lodging Sanitation Measures and recently have taken additional heightened measures to ensure the highest level of sanitation and hygiene.

“The health and well-being of our resort employees and guests is a top priority for us. As a result, zero cases of influenza have been reported at any of our properties,” said Alex Zozaya, president and CEO of AMResorts, provider of sales, marketing and brand management services for Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas and Dreams Resorts & Spas.” “During the last few weeks, we have continuously encouraged travel to Mexico based on the real facts about the H1N1 virus, and the sanitary protocols in place at all of our resorts.”

The Mexican authorities’ recent lift on restrictions to all public facilities including restaurants and cafes, libraries, museums, churches, archaeological sites and more further supports AMResorts’ confidence in the healthy condition of the country.

“We are convinced the recent decline of cases and continued affirmation from the world’s leading health organization for unrestricted international travel will encourage tourists to quickly return to Mexico for its diverse and enticing tourism offerings, rich culture and competitive pricing,” said Zozaya.

* “Flu-Free Guarantee” H1N1 Insurance details:

Must be qualified as Influenza A - H1N1. Positive blood results in addition to certification of the doctor who performed the test are required
Applies to guests that booked May 8, 2009 through June 30, 2009 for travel taking place May 8, 2009 through December 20, 2009
Valid for same vacation (land only) to return once per year over the next 3 years and only for the original traveler plus one companion. Blackout dates and restrictions apply
Applicable to Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets and Dreams Resorts & Spas only

Irresistible Savings to Jumpstart Spring Travel Bookings

All Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets and Dreams Resorts & Spas are offering a host of irresistible special packages and promotions. Special promotion highlights include:

Spring Escapes:

Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts
• Up to 37 percent discount
Secrets Resorts & Spas
• Up to 55 percent discount
• $200 in resort credit
Dreams Resorts & Spas
• Up to 40 percent discount
• Up to $250 in resort credit
• Two kids stay free with two adults

Discounts are valid for bookings made from May 1 - June 15, 2009 for travel through December 23, 2009 and may be booked on Deals2Cancun.com in conjuction with an EXLUSIVE 10% CASH BACK REBATE.

Renowned Residential Area of Playacar Makes Perfect Vacation Spot

2009-04-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Below is an overview of the renowned residential area of Playacar just south of Playa Del Carmen. If you’re looking for a resort area that has both a relaxing and social atmosphere this area is likely a great option for you!

This is a very diverse area with travelers from around the world, with a good mix of Europeans and Americans. All-in-all the resorts in this area are in a great location just 45 minutes from the Cancun Airport and about 3 minutes driving distance from the upbeat town of Playa Del Carmen. The resorts are clean, the pools are relaxing and the service and entertainment are great. You’ll have your pick between luxury resorts and more authentic family-type resorts.

The 11-15 resorts in this area are within a 15-30 minute walk or 3 minute taxi ride to the shops and restaurants on Fifth Avenue in Playa Del Carmen. The resorts in this area are All-Inclusive and located closely side-by-side. You are able to walk up and down along the beach past the resorts, giving you great scenic variety. You are given a colored wrist band that let’s the resorts know which resort you are staying at.

Five Riu Resorts are spread along the beach in this area, including Riu Palace Mexico, Riu Palace Riviera Maya, Riu Playacar, Riu Yucatan, Riu Tequila and Riu Lupita. When you stay at either Palace resort you are able to go to use the facilities and All-Inclusive perks at any of the other Riu Resorts. If you stay at any of the other four, you are able to use the facilities and All-Inclusive amenities at any of the four non-Palace resorts. It is an easy walk between any of the resorts, although the Riu Palace Riviera Maya is a bit secluded from the others. The Tequila and Lupita are not located on the beach.

Two Iberostar resorts are also located next to each other on this stretch of beach; The Iberostar Quetzal and Iberostar Tucan. When you stay at one you have resort privileges at both. Another chain that has presence in this area is the Viva Wyndham. You have the option to stay at either the Viva Wyndham Maya or Viva Wyndham Azteca and can use either facility as well. Other resorts in this area include The Reef Playacar, Sandos Gala Playacar, and the Sandos Playacar Riviera Hotel.

One of the bummers in this area is the eroding beaches. They are still beautiful and relaxing to walk along and enjoy, but unfortunately the large black multi-ton sandbags in the beaches at each resort put a bit of a damper on the scenery. This is the case at all of the resorts in this area, but some are better than others. They don't seem to ruin anyone's enjoyment of the crystal clear blue ocean though, so don't base your resort decision solely on that.

The pricing at these resorts is also very affordable. Reasonably priced Cancun deals can be found yearround at any of these resort chains on Deals2Cancun.com.

The Cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula

2009-04-22T13:54:00.001-07:00

In addition to the abundant opportunities available for divers and snorkelers on the Caribbean coast, there is another subsurface world worthy of exploring in the Yucatán Peninsula. Over time, sections of underground caves have given way in the form of sinkholes to reveal complex systems of waterways. With no other access to fresh water, the ancient Maya built their cities around these sinkholes, or cenotes, and believed they were entrances to the Underworld. Archaeological exploration has shown the Maya threw precious objects and sacrifices into the cenotes as a way to worship and appease their gods.

Today the cenotes are a hotspot for divers looking for a less traditional type of underwater exploration. What the cenotes lack in marine life, they make up for in stunning geological scenery. The crystal clear water makes for much better visibility than an ocean reef and reveals a jungle of stalactites and stalagmites. Divers can also experience the halocline effect, in which the heavier saltwater meets the fresh water above in a blurry layer.

An experienced guide is necessary for a trip to the depths of a cenote. Many of the dive shops in Cancun and Playa del Carmen offer dive packages to experience this unusual and magical world. But you don’t have to be a diver to enjoy this aspect of the Yucatán; countless adventure parks offer tourists snorkeling or swimming opportunities. It’s your chance to tell all your friends and family you’ve been to the Mayan Underworld and back!

Exploring Tulum and Cobá

2009-03-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

Visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico have the chance to reach into history at a variety of Mayan sites. The ruins at Chichen Itza are the most visited by tourists, but with a three hour drive each way from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen, you may want to consider a visit to one of the other ancient cities that dot the coast.

Dramatically perched on the cliffs towering over the Caribbean Sea, the ruins at Tulum are the second most visited in the Yucatan. Their location, only 90 minutes from Cancun and 50 minutes from Playa del Carmen, makes them an easy drive from your resort or a feasible shore excursion with your cruise ship. Tulum, meaning fence or wall in the Mayan language, was built to defend against invasion and also served as an important place for trade and worship during the Postclassical period from approximately 1200 to 1450 AD. The site is relatively compact compared with other Mayan cities, but it is also one of the best preserved.

Today the buses roll into Tulum on a regular basis. Near the entrance, a complex of shops, restaurants and performers reflects a theme park vibe for this ancient spectacle. Once inside the crumbling walls, you’ll hear a variety of languages as vacationers in beachwear dart about snapping photos of temples. Flip-flops are not a problem on the manicured trails that weave throughout the site. Signs in Spanish and English stand in front of important locations, making a self-tour both easy and informative. Once you’ve had your fill of the ruins, descend the staircase to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Those that came prepared with swimsuits can dive into the aqua waves and gaze up at the picturesque cliffs and temples.

For a very different Mayan experience, head to the ruins at Cobá. Only 90 minutes from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this too is a perfect daytrip for resort guests and cruise ship passengers. The majority of buildings here were constructed during the mid to late Classic period, 600 to 900 AD, making the site much older than Tulum. Occupying a space of over four square miles, Cobá is estimated to have had 50,000-60,000 inhabitants and was the largest of all the Mayan cities. As many as 50 ancient roads lead into this city, indicating its importance at the center of Mayan culture.

Cobá is buried deep in the Mexican jungle so come equipped with good walking shoes and insect repellent. Contrasting the hustle and bustle of Tulum, Cobá is relatively quiet and peaceful as you explore the expansive grounds still being excavated. You can rent a bicycle near the entrance to cover more of the site and explore a variety of structures including two well-preserved ball courts. The most popular feature is Nohoc Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan and the only pyramid in the Yucatan tourists are still allowed to climb. The view of miles of jungle and temples peeking above the trees is worth every effort put into the steep ascent to the top.

We highly recommend adding adventure to your vacation by booking one of these or other many excursions available through tour operators at your hotel, or even ensure your spot and book your excursion right away when you book your Cancun vacation package.

Seek Adventure in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen

2009-02-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

It’s amazing how much there is to see and do in Mexico, yet there are many who prefer to get all they can out of their All-Inclusive resort enjoying cocktails, beaches and all the food available. Don’t get me wrong, the time for relaxation is definitely worth the trip, and there is no doubt you should get all you can for what you paid for the All-Inclusive perks. But when you consider the memories you look to make on a vacation, the ones that will likely stick out are those like the time you zip-lined through the forest at Xcaret Eco Theme Park in Tulum or went on a snorkeling adventure overlooking coral reefs that are more diverse than any in the world you could imagine.

We encourage everyone to find a balance between enjoying your All-Inclusive vacation package and splurging on adventures that will make memories to last a lifetime.

Here is a list of the top attractions vacationers find themselves talking about years down the road:

Cancun

Joe’s Jeep Adventure, La Isla Mall
Nautilus Diving and Training Center, Hotel Zone
La Isla Shopping Mall
Selvatica Canopy Expedition and Adventure Tour
Carlos’n Charlie’s
Coco Bondo
Senor Frog’s Hotel Zone
El Rey Ruins
Rancho Loma Bonita
Snorkeling Adventures
Aquaworld

Playa Del Carmen

Mexico Blue Dream
Xel-Ha natural Park
Maya ruins of Tulum
Diversity Diving
Reef Quest Divers
Geofish Dive
El Alux
Rio Secreto
Discovery Jungle Park
Xcaret Eco Theme Park
Alltournative Off Track Adventures
Dressel Divers at Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar

Please share any of your favorite activities! We'd love to expand this list.

Differences Between a Cancun and Riviera Maya Vacation. Finding What's Right for You!

2009-01-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

If you have your heart set on taking a Caribbean vacation, consider Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The fine, white sand beaches and bright turquoise waters are a sight to be seen, and the resorts offer variety unlike any other destination. Spend your days lying on the beach, participating in an abundance of water sports, taking in Mayan history at one of the many archeological sites, or snorkeling and scuba diving in one of the world’s largest living reefs.

Over 150 unique resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya line the Caribbean coastline and provide the opportunity to enjoy a great vacation at a great value. It can be overwhelming to make a resort selection whether it’s your first visit to the Yucatan or you’ve been there many times before. There are many sites out there that have forums and advice from travelers who have visited this area firsthand. We recommend taking a look at these. After you have narrowed down your options to a few resorts, you can visit Deal2Cancun.com to book the best Cancun deals from your favorite resorts.

One factor for selecting a resort is based on the type of vacation you will be taking. For example, a couple on their honeymoon may opt for an “adults-only” resort, while a family with young children would most likely want a resort geared towards families. Other resort categories include spa and luxury. Each type of resort is set up to create an atmosphere and cater amenities for that certain type of vacation.

Many resorts in the Mexican Caribbean are All-Inclusive, meaning the cost of your stay at the resort generally includes all meals, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), tips and non-motorized sports. Not all resorts offer these packages, and amenities offered with an All-Inclusive can vary by resort. Many are rated on a 1-5 scale, differentiating in service, food quality and number of activities offered. Our Cancun travel specialists have stayed at a wide variety of these resorts and can help you determine which resort can best fit your needs. To ensure that you won’t be disappointed with your vacation experience, we highly recommend staying at a resort that has a rating of 3.5 or higher.

Resorts on the Yucatan’s Caribbean coast are largely divided between two areas: Cancun and Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen. Each offers high quality resorts, but with vastly different surroundings. Below is an overview of each area to determine which is best suited for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a bustling, modern city. High-rise hotels stand side-by-side along the beaches, and jet skis buzz across the sparkling aqua water. Staying at resorts directly in Cancun (or along the “7”, Cancun’s hotel district) is great for vacationers who want to explore outside of the resort, try different restaurants, walk to shops and experience the vibrant nightlife at nearby clubs. There are countless activities to try both day and night, and it’s impossible not to pick up on the air of excitement.

Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen

Just south of Cancun is the beautiful Riviera Maya and the town of Playa del Carmen. This area is a remote oasis away from the active city. Rising no more than three stories high, most resorts along the lush Riviera Maya are All-Inclusive with a wider variety of restaurants and bars than their Cancun counterparts. This area is better for travelers who prefer to stay right at the resort for dining and nightlife during the majority of their stay, yet most resorts in Riviera Maya are only a short distance from Playa Del Carmen, a quaint, yet modern city with excellent shopping and restaurants. The pristine beaches offer opportunities for relaxing or trying various water sports. You will also find more historical parks and ancient ruins in the Riviera Maya.

Below is a list of our popular resorts in the Cancun and Riviera Maya region, based on preference:

Family Resorts

Grand Palladium Resorts (Riviera Maya)
Barcelo Maya (Riviera Maya)
Iberostar Resorts (Riviera Maya)
Sandos Playacar (Riviera Maya)
Gran Bahia Principe (Riviera Maya)
Great Parnassus (Cancun)

Adults-Only Resorts

El Dorado Royale (Riviera Maya)
El Dorado Maroma (Riviera Maya)
Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun (Playa Del Carmen)
Secrets Maroma Beach (Playa Del Carmen)
Excellence Playa Mujeres (Isla Mujeres)
Le Blanc Spa Resort (Cancun)

Spa Resorts

El Dorado Royal (Riviera Maya)
Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun (Playa Del Carmen)
Secrets Maroma (Playa Del Carmen)
Paraiso de la Bonita (Riviera Maya)
Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort (Riviera Maya)
Le Blanc Spa Resort (Cancun)
Royal Hideaway (Playa Del Carmen)

Explore a list of over 150 resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya. Offers and values are abundant in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. One great tool we have brings back the hottest Funjet Vacation Packages, INCLUDING SPECIFIC TRAVEL DATES, which is extremely helpful if you have flexible travel dates! Many of these deals are last-minute or simply deeply discounted. We encourage you to check out the great values you can get on a vacation package to Cancun and Riviera Maya.