Story by Susanna Starr
Photos courtesy of Riviera Maya/Turner PR
The designation “Riviera Maya” is a fairly recent one. For many years, even after the advent and development of Cancun, then Playa del Carmen and finally Tulum, this magnificent stretch of beach along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, was little explored. When I first arrived in that area in 1973, there were a few narrow sand roads leading to some small places where you could find some basic accommodations. Of course, there was the beautiful resort development of Akumal, still in its early, formative years, but after that, there simply wasn’t much happening. Driving down to Chetumal was an adventure on the gravel roads that traversed long, lonesome stretches of undeveloped jungle.
Riviera Maya Lodging
Now the entire strip of land from Playa del Carmen to Tulum has been developed with magnificent hotels, many of which are all-inclusive. Other properties are simply upscale, grand hotels owned and operated by world consortiums, designed to entice passersby, as well as vacationers who have made their reservations online. Many look like backdrops for movie scenes: lush, tropical landscapes with sparkling white sand beaches, brilliant turquoise waters and, of course, ubiquitous palm trees swaying in gentle breezes. Read more at Global Writes.
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