Riviera Maya - Sheldon James

Your Insider Guide to Luxury Living in Riviera Maya

Beaches, watersports, shopping, golf, culture, and cuisine – it’s all here waiting for you in the Riviera Maya. We recommend the awe-inspiring ruins of Tulum, Coba, or Chichen Itza as insights into the ancient Mayan culture. Cool off after your tour in a cenote – a freshwater cave pool unique to this area.

Essential Travel Information

Helpful insights on seasons, local customs, and practical essentials—so you can travel with ease and confidence.

Weather and High Season Travel times

The Riviera Maya generally enjoys a warm, tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The region has distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season typically running from May to October and the dry season from November to April. Even during the wet season, rainfall tends to be in short, heavy bursts, often in the afternoons, with plenty of sunshine throughout the day.

Time Zone

Easter Standard Time (GMT-5)

Language

Spanish and English

Currency

Mexican Peso and USD

Arrival & Transportation

From touchdown to onsite exploration, we offer seamless connections that let you focus on the experience, not the logistics.

Arrival & Airports

Airports: Cancun International Airport (CUN) in Cancun, and Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) in Tulum
Fast track Services: Arrival & Departure in Turks and Caicos is straightforward, with optional fast-track services available to speed you through immigration and customs for a smoother experience.
For further information on immigration, visas and passports you can visit this link https://www.mexicotouristcard.com/

Getting Around the Islands

Airport transfers: Allow a private driver to welcome you into a luxurious vehicle, so you can get to your Villa in style! If needed, lunch or shopping stops can be arranged, to ensure a fabulous arrival experience.
Onsite transfers: Whether you need to commute to the marina for a private yacht experience, to a Restaurant for a delicious dinner or to a further location for an adventure tour we’ve got you covered! Let us organize a comfortable ride for you and your guests, so you just worry about your outfit choice.
Car Rentals: Our Concierge can help with arranging car rentals, which are easy to access and set up at the Villa or airport.

From the moment you touch down, every detail is designed with ease in mind. Discover arrival options, in-villa services, island activities, dining, and landmarks that bring this destination to life.

In-Villa staff and services

Experience Riviera Maya

Explore each destination through our tailored recommendations for activities, dining, and must-see local attractions.

Our Handpicked Activities

Private boat / yacht
The best way to explore the Mayan Riviera is through the water! Spend a half or full day in the ocean, sailing the stunning Mexican waters. The Captain and crew will be there for anything you need, as well as to provide a delicious lunch and refreshments onboard. We can also organize snorkel stops and water toys like jet skis!
Fishing Tours
You can help your Chef with one of your lunches at the Villa, by catching a beautiful fish on a fishing tour! You will have to wake up early though, to make sure the fish are ready for you.
Watersports
Riviera Maya offers a wide array of exciting watersports activities. Popular options include snorkeling and scuba diving in the vibrant coral reefs and cenotes, jet skiing and parasailing. For a unique experience, consider exploring the underwater world of cenotes, which are natural sinkholes, or swimming with sea turtles in Akumal Bay.
ATV/4WD
If you are more adventurous, we recommend trying an ATV/4WD and off-road tours. Super fun activity, especially for groups!
Natural/Adventure Parks
Riviera Maya offers incredible Natural Parks, where you will be able to enjoy natural diversity in both land and water, as well as experience several water and land activities. If you are more active, adventure parks are available to get your adrenaline pumping.
Tequila Tasting
There are several options to choose from, if you want to learn more about this famous and beloved liquor. You can visit the distilleries, or experience the tasting in the privacy of your Villa.
Mayan Ruins
The Riviera Maya boasts a rich tapestry of cultural spots, from ancient Mayan ruins to vibrant towns and natural wonders. Highlights include the archaeological sites of Chichen Itza and Tulum.
Mayan Ceremonies
From Mayan Purification Ceremony, to Sound Healing or a Cacao Ceremony, you will experience a unique moment with your friends and family in these powerful and meaningful ceremonies.
Golf
For golf lovers, Riviera Maya offers several course options. Talk to your concierge to find the perfect location depending on the exact region of your Villa.
Family Friendly
Children absolutely love the Natural Parks in Riviera Maya, as they can enjoy nature and activities at their own pace. Cooking classes are also a hit. Ask your concierge to personalize other activities for your family group!

Our Handpicked Dining & Bars

Piaf
One of the signature restaurants at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Widely regarded as one of the area's top French dining experiences. Its menu features classic French favourites, from escargot to bouillabaisse, prepared with elegance and exceptional attention to detail.
La Cueva del Chango
Authentic Mexican food with an elegant twist in Playa del Carmen, in a relaxed setting that makes you feel you are inside a little jungle. A must-go recommended option by locals.
HA'
A Michelin starred Restaurant located in Hotel Xcaret. It offers an elegant, multisensory, and intimate experience featuring contemporary Mexican cuisine crafted by Chef Carlos Gaytán (the first Mexican chef to earn a Michelin star).
Casa Maria
A highly-rated beachfront restaurant and beach club located within the Jaguar National Park in Tulum. It is known for its romantic, bohemian jungle-and-sand setting, authentic Yucatan cuisine, and direct views of the Caribbean.
Le Chique
Restaurant inside the Azul Sensatori Hotel. The culinary experience blends distinctive local flavours with carefully curated wine pairings, all served with stunning attention to presentation.
Alux
Spectacular setting inside a millenary cavern allowing guests to immerse int he natural and mystical environment of their ecosystem, offering a fine dining menu of contemporary Mexican dishes le chique(Playa del Carmen).
Passion by Martin Berasategi
At Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla, Spanish Chef Berastegui's award-winning culinary expertise shines through in a sophisticated Mediterranean tasting menu. The beautifully presented courses and polished service create a memorable fine-dining experience.
La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Bar
Beachfront location in Tulum offering authentic Mexican flavours, as well as a Chef’s Table experience for dinners. Inside La Zebra Hotel (day passes might be needed for beach access on lunch reservations).
La Madalena
Mexican and international dishes in an elegant setting by the water in Cancún. Perfect for a nice lunch upon your arrival at Mexico, before your Villa check in.
El Fogón
As one of the most popular taquerias in Playa del Carmen, you will find a busy dining room at almost all hours of the day. Not a fancy location, but the best place to taste the real flavours of homemade Tacos.

Our Handpicked Landmarks

Chichen Itza
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is a sprawling Mayan city with impressive structures like the Pyramid of Kukulkan.
Akumal
Known for its calm, clear waters and is a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming, especially with sea turtles. North Akumal Beach is family-friendly with gentle waves and shallow waters, ideal for swimming and water sports. Jade Bay, located south of Akumal, provides a tranquil escape with white sand and calm, clear waters.
Xcaret Park
An eco-archaeological park where visitors can explore Mayan ruins, enjoy cultural shows, and experience underground rivers and wildlife. Do not miss their vibrant evening show "Mexico Espectacular", unforgettable!
Tulum
A walled Mayan city situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offering a stunning combination of history and natural beauty. One of the most iconic sights in Riviera Maya.
Cenotes
A cenote is a natural sinkhole or deep water well formed when the limestone bedrock collapses, exposing groundwater below. You can jump, swim, snorkel or even dive on these natural pools. Check with your concierge which one is closest to your Villa.
Xel Ha
A natural water park known for its stunning natural inlet where fresh and saltwater mix, offering unlimited snorkeling and other water activities. It's an all-inclusive park with food, beverages, and various attractions, including a scenic lighthouse with waterslides, zip lines, and jungle trails.
Coba
Located inland, Coba features the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the tallest on the Yucatán Peninsula, and is surrounded by jungle. An Ancient Mayan city dating back to 100 BC, serving as a major hub for regional trade networks.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Discover diverse ecosystems in the Tulum area, including mangroves, lagoons, and the Mesoamerican Reef, with opportunities for birdwatching, snorkelling, and wildlife spotting.
Isla Mujeres and Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
A charming, laid-back Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea. Located just 8 miles off the coast of Cancún, making it a tranquil tropical escape. The water between the island and Cancun, mark the very northern beginning of the vast Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. This protected corridor is famous for shallow coral gardens, vibrant marine life, and unique underwater art installations.
Shopping in Riviera Maya
There are several areas in the Mayan Riviera to shop, from luxurious malls to local boutiques. Cancun offers the widest range of options to choose from. La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) in Playa del Carmen is a must visit spot for shopping and dining. Check with your concierge the best shopping location for your personalized needs.

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Toll Free: 1-888-277-8882
International: +1 514-400-5151

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