Family Reunion Fun Made Easy in the Riviera Maya, Mexico!

The Riviera Maya is currently one of the hottest destinations in the world. Beautiful white-sand beaches, lively towns and sprawling jungle offer a variety of activities including relaxing on the beach, paddle-boarding, snorkelling with turtles, exploring cenotes and zip lining above the mangroves. It is exactly this variety of action packed activities that make the Riviera Maya perfect for a fun-filled family reunion. Whether you’re planning a special celebration or  you just want to get your clan together for some much needed family time, the Riviera Maya has a luxury vacation rental villa for you to call home.

The Riviera Maya consists of many towns, small and large, that make up this piece of the Mexican Caribbean coastline. Playa del Carmen is currently the #1 Mexican destination, however there are also other areas to consider if you’re looking for a quieter family vacation.

• Puerto Morelos:Puerto Morelos is located between the resort towns of Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Despite becoming more popular with tourists, it has retained a small fishing village atmosphere and offers a quieter alternative to larger, more touristy towns in the Riviera Maya. Activities include: diving at Reef National Park, turtle spotting, walking along the small port and exploring Las Mojarras and Verde Lucero cenotes.
• Playa del Carmen: Playa, as it is affectionately known by locals, can be considered the capital of the Riviera Maya and is currently the top destination in Mexico. 5* resorts, relaxing beach bars, bustling 5th Avenue and a lively nightlife make this a very popular choice for all ages. Activities include: shopping on infamous 5th Avenue, sampling some of the fantastic Mexican and international cuisine and relaxing at a beach or rooftop bar.
• Akumal:Akumal is located just 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and sits on Half Moon Bay. Known for being a popular turtle nesting ground, many people travel to Akumal to from April – June to snorkel with the visiting turtles. The town is now a very popular family destination with lots of vacation rentals, shops and beach bars. Activities Include: snorkelling with marine-life, exploring Aktun Chen Parque Natural and visiting the monkey sanctuary.
• Tulum:While Tulum is known for being a hit with hipster millenials, it is also a good choice for eco-conscious families looking for a vacation that is conservation oriented. Many luxury rental villas and hotels are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and protecting the natural beauty of the environment. Activities include: the Tulum ruins (the only known seaside Mayan ruins), Coba ruins, bicycle tours, and enjoying the best beaches in the riviera!

Wherever in the Riviera Maya you decide to base your family for your big reunion, there are some things to consider. Following these tips will make sure your family reunion goes as smooth as possible so you have more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of your favourite people.

1. Be aware of the high/low season:The Riviera Maya has a clear high/low season. High season is the dry season which runs from October – April. Low season is the wet season that runs from May – October. Despite this, there are still 300 days a year of glorious sunshine and temperatures remain warm year round. Rain goes as quickly as it comes in the Mexican Caribbean so the main difference you’ll notice between the seasons is the price of vacation rentals and the amount of tourists. Booking is much more competitive and with much higher fees during high season so be prepared to book your luxury villa in advance.
2. Explore the Local Area: While it’s important to pick the right vacation villa and location for your trip, it’s very easy to travel around the Riviera Maya. So don’t worry about sticking to your immediate area! A trip to Tulum ruins, a cenote and a nature park should all be compulsory for your first trip to the Riviera Maya! Rent a car (cheaper in low season) or make use of the local transport buses such as ADO or collectivos which are very cheap (usually between 25 and 45 pesos per person).
3. Mosquitos:As the Riviera Maya has a tropical climate, mosquitos are a constant issue. More abundant in the rainy season, they are an ever present plague in the riviera. Make sure you and your family are protected by using repellent, wearing light clothing and long sleeves/pants where possible. Luckily, dreamy mosquito nets are a common addition to many luxury vacation rentals.

So, is the Riviera Maya the perfect place to rent a luxury villa for your family reunion? Here’s a list of pro’s & con’s for you to consider:

Pro’s –

• The Riviera Maya is easily accessible. Direct flights from the U.S. to Cancun International Airport take just a few hours and then it’s a short 1-2 hour journey from the airport to the riviera.
• There are a variety of towns available to choose from that all offer a unique personality. You can pick which destination and villa fits your family’s needs.
• The exchange rate from U.S. dollars to Mexican peso is currently very favourable.
• There are a vast amount of activities to keep your loved ones busy both in your chosen luxury villa rental and in the local area.
• The Mexican hospitality in the Riviera Maya is second to none. Many Luxury rental villas offer personal staff that will do their very best to ensure your stay is as perfect as can be.
• There are many villa rentals available throughout the Riviera Maya with different price ranges and amenities.
• The Riviera Maya is considered a safe travel destination.

Con’s-

• The peak of the high season can be very busy indeed. If your family doesn’t enjoy crowds, then avoid this time of year.
• There is a high demand for rental villas and so finding your perfect home-base for your vacation will need some forward planning.
• Despite having two distinct seasons, the weather can be unpredictable in this tropical paradise. Pack light layers so your family isn’t caught out. Rain passes as quickly as it comes, and temperatures do remain temperate despite the occasional downpour.
• There’s an addictive quality in the air of the Riviera Maya that has families returning year after year. If you visit the Riviera Maya once, you may find that you have no choice but to keep coming back.

When planning a family vacation, there are so many destinations to choose from. The Riviera Maya is so popular due to it’s natural beauty, friendly population and action packed activities. It truly has something to offer every age group which makes it a definite contender for any family reunion.