Summertime is a great time to book your ticket and hotel stay in the Mayan Riviera. Days of sunshine are abundant, temperatures are just right, and the winds have subsided making for perfect days on the water. When visiting the Mayan Riviera, be sure to experience it all from the bustling streets and booming nightlife of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen to the relaxed atmosphere of smaller towns like Merida and Tulum.
GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA
For the best accomodations in the Yucatan look no further than the plethora of all-inclusive resorts of which one of the finest is Generations Riviera Maya. This beachfront resort features 144 guestrooms, five restaurants, and three bars, along with a massive pool and roomside pools on all levels to enjoy sunsets while cooling off in the pristine water. Cabanas line the beach, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and miles of gorgeous beachfront are at your disposal. Unbelievable service awaits as well. Cocktails, beers, and wines are easily attainable as the staff makes sure you are always taken care of. The delicious breakfast buffet to the variety of excellent lunch and dinner options complete the experience. Generations Riviera Maya is the perfect luxury destination. You can simply stay in the entire time and take advantage of all the exclusive activities on the property or you can take advantage of its premium location and wander out into the Yucatan in search of the countrys finest beaches, cenotes, ruins, and adventures.
CENOTES
Much of the Yucatan lies on a bedrock of limestone. Over thousands of years, rainwater seeped through the porous rock floor of the Riviera, creating large underground freshwater pools called cenotes. There are hundreds of cenotes, if not thousands, in this area perfect for touring, exploring, and scuba diving. Some of them are absolutely epic – dark and cave-like featuring stalagtites. Some of them are relaxing and soothing – open air cenotes that resemble natural pools – where you can simply float on your back or snorkel with tropical fish, and soak up some R&R under the hot Mexican sun. Chaak Tun and the Grand Cenote are two of the most popular cenotes in the area and are sure to complete a trip to the Riviera.
MAYAN RUINS
The Yucatan has a rich history going back hundreds of years to the time of the Mayans. When touring this area taking in the Mayan ruins is a must. This area has hundreds of ruin sites but three of them stand out above all others. Tulum, Coba, and lastly and most notably, Chichen Itza, are renowned ruins, each offering entirely different experiences. The ruins at Tulum are absolutely stunning, overlooking the clear blue Caribbean. Coba, deep in the forest of the Yucatan, has one of the tallest temples in the world. Atop Coba you can see 360 degrees of expansive jungle. Chichen Itza is one of the seven wonders of the world making it a must see, but also making it a magnet to large crowds of tourists from not only the Yucatan but the entire country of Mexico. Get there early and see the grounds before the tour buses arrive.
SPORTING LIFESTYLE
When it comes to living the sporting lifestyle, Mexico truly has it all. Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, diving, and snorkeling top the list of the incredible options afforded to you by the natural beauty of the area. The azure waters of the Mexican coast, combined with the proximity to one of the worlds premium reef systems makes the Mayan Riviera exceptional. Further south from Tulum, Ascension Bay calls sportsmen to its immense flats, filled with bonefish, permit, and tarpon. The Boca Paila to Punta Allen, are ideal for the adventuring type looking to fly fish, enjoy an eco-tour, kayak, or simply explore.
Mexico is truly the perfect year round destination. A short two-and-a-half hour flight from the Queen City can get you to this land of opportunity, where world-class beaches and an endless amount of tropical activities await. For more information visit www.karismahotels.com/generationsresorts.
CARIBBEAN
1 | Andros, Bahamas
Bonefishing capital of the world aside, Andros has some of the most spectacular beaches in the entire Caribbean. The seemingly endless flats surrounding the island boast beautiful shades of blue from the darkest royals to vibrant aqua marine. Its diverse flora and fauna, soft white sand, and absolutely pristine water comes with an added benefit: zero crowds, making it the perfect place to unwind and escape it all.
www.smallhope.com
2 | Exuma, Bahamas
Run from it all and hide in Exuma in the Bahamas. Spanning 130 miles over 365 islands, this old pirate hideouts crystal clear blue water is perfect for sailing, yachting, and diving, and its vast coral reefs and deep caves will keep you hooked for hours. Exumas population has boomed as countless resorts have been founded throughout the islands. With major cities like Miami, Atlanta, and even Toronto offering direct flights to Exumas capital of George Town, the island is very accessible, however there are still a lot of places to escape to on the island.
www.turquoisecay.com
3 | Dominica
They call it the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, and with good reason. Dominicas thick rainforests and lush landscapes are home to countless rare plants and animals. Featuring a highly active volcano system, the still-forming island resides in the Lesser Antilles region and is perfect for scuba diving. The surrounding sea is home for a family of sperm whales, making whale-watching a must.
www.secretbay.dm
4 | Anegada
Derived from the Spanish word for drowned, this flat and low coral atoll rises only 28 feet above sea level and offers visitors a gorgeous 360 degree view of the Caribbean horizon. White beaches ring the island and the 18 mile Horseshoe Reef, the fourth largest barrier reef in the world, lies just offshore. Attracting only 200 visitors a day, Anegada is the northernmost member of the British Virgin Islands and is the perfect spot to get awa y from the crowds and stretch out and relax.
www.anegadabeachclub.com
5 | Utila, Honduras
A paradise for divers, this small island in the Honduras bay has over 80 diving sites, covered with extensive reefs teeming with exotic marine life including the elusive whale shark. Once back on land, enjoy long backpacking trails and classic Caribbean culture. Utila is home to the annual Sunjam, the largest electronic music festival in Honduras, attracting international DJs and the very best regional talent to perform.
www.utilaguide.com
6 | Turneffe Atoll
The largest of Belizes coral atolls, Turneffe is another gem for divers with over 60 diving locations along with the enigmatic 450 foot deep Blue Hole located just offshore. Its flats are rich with life including a year round population of bonefish that are perfect for fly fishing. Visitors also explore the islands rich rainforests and observe dolphins, crocodiles and manatees.
www.tflats.com
7 | Bermuda
The pink sand of Bermudas most famous beach is a must see. Horseshoe Bay, rated as one of the best beaches in the world, is prime for water sports acting as the jump off for jet-ski tours for the entire island. Turtle Hill Golf Course and several pristine tennis courts are just nearby along with Bermudian sightseeing spots such as the Aquarium and Maritime Museum.
www.fairmont.com
8 | Iles De Saintes
The Islands of Saints, composed of two large mountainous islands and seven other smaller islands, feature a diverse ecosystem of plants, birds and marine animals perfect for sightseeing and whale watching. Plenty of sunshine, soft beaches, and clear water makes the island perfect for visitors year round.
www.hotelboisjoli.fr
9 | Middle Caicos
Bambarra Beach lies on the island of Middle Caicos, the largest yet least developed of The Turks and Caicos island nation. See the most pristine turqoise water and sand in the Caribbean while getting the privacy you long for.
www.bhresort.com
10 | Cayman Brac
The most prominent of the Cayman Islands and a great alternative to Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac is named after its world famous brac, or bluff, that rises steadily up to 40 feet above sea level. The brac is perfect for rock climbing, cave spelunking and hiking. Off shore, divers can check out a sunken Russian frigate, one of only a few Soviet vessels to have sunk in the west.
www.bracreef.com
