The ever popular Mayan Riviera has it all

(NC)-Ask any professional Travel Agent what the hottest sunshine destination is this year, and you'll hear "The Mayan Riviera." And this is true not just among Canadian travel agents, the Mayan Riviera is just as hot with folks in Britain, Europe, the U.S. and even as far away as Australia.

There is little wonder Canadians are in love; this captivating stretch of turquoise sea and soft white sand beaches, some 140 kilometers long, is just a four-hour flight from Toronto.

I've personally been visiting the Mayan Riviera at least once a year since the early '90's, and it just keeps getting better. And in this case, better is also bigger. Much bigger. In an effort to meet ever increasing demands, new hotels continue to bloom like the fiery hibiscus and sweet-scented oleander that fringe the white sand beaches. Remarkably, despite a quiet expansion averaging 2,400 rooms per year for the past ten years, the area has maintained its simplistic beauty and local charm.

Don't expect high-rise hotels here-no building is taller than a palm tree. You can expect stunning choices, the perfect home away from home, tailored to every taste: fun-filled family vacations, peaceful retreats, luxurious spa treatments, romantic honeymoons, an ocean of scuba-diving, and golf courses on par with the very best. Even more remarkable, perhaps, is that despite unprecedented growth, the entire Mayan Riviera maintains over 90% capacity year-round; don't even think about waiting to the last minute to book one of these gems.

Transat Holidays offers many first-class resorts including two brand new ones that are just opening: The Club Golden at the Bahia Principe Coba (5*), and Prestige Club at the Barceló Maya Colonial (4 1/2*) where Transat guests receive special extras like room service, daily turndowns, private receptions, concierge service, and the largest number of a la carte dinners. The All-inclusives offer such a dizzying selection of restaurants, bars, activities, pools, and entertainment, it will be hard to tear yourself away to explore the area. But you must explore.

The Mayan Riviera is so much more than sun-drenched beaches, cobalt seas and majestic resorts, it also offers a glimpse into the mysterious and rich Mayan civilization which dates back to at least 1500 BCE, and flourished between 300 and 900 CE. Discover ancient temples, as storied and noble as any Greek or Roman ruin; trek through lush rainforests and dense jungles; kayak through winding waterways; snorkel or dive the reef; plunge into the eerie green waters of the underground Cenotes, home to the Mayan rain Gods. And of course you're just a short ferry ride from another favoured playground, the golden beaches of Cozumel.

A final word: By September of last year most resorts were already full for the winter. The Mayan Riviera books early. Don't miss the chance to discover its magic.

- News Canada

« Caller ring tunes are soaring off the charts | Main | Quick Tips for Quitting Smoking »