The wait is over, the 2018 Soccer World Cup has begun and it’s time for all the football action from Russia. The host nation beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game and the group stage is now underway. How will the other teams fare in this global soccer fest? Stay tuned during your vacation; you can watch all the group stage games, the final 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and the final at the Royal Resorts Bars.
Sidelines Bar at The Royal Sands, La Cabaña Bar at The Royal Caribbean, La Trattoria Bar at The Royal Cancun, Cayo Largo at The Royal Islander, Pancho & Willy’s Bar and Captain’s Cove Restaurant in Cancun will be transmitting the World Cup action. Check the game schedules and times at the bars as they may vary.
At The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya, La Rotonda lobby bar will be soccer central with all the action from the World Cup cities. Guests staying at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos have a choice of venues: the Lobby Bar, Bicaci Salon or Heaven Beach Bar.
Will defending champion Germany win the 2018 Soccer World Cup? How will Argentina, Brazil and Spain do? Will it be Russia, England or Mexico’s moment to shine? Who will be this year’s soccer heroes: famous faces from leading teams in European Leagues like Messi, Ronaldo, Salah or Mexico’s Hernandez aka “Chicharito” or new talents making their debut on the world stage?
Every four years when the World Cup comes to town, even those who aren’t normally interested in soccer catch football fever and some become experts, albeit for a short time, as they follow the fortunes of the competing teams.
Football is the national sport here in Mexico and you’ll see plenty of flags out as people prepare to watch their team. The first game is on Sunday and Mexico take on Germany, the World Cup holders and one of the contenders in 2018. If you don’t have a favorite team, how about joining your Royal Resorts hosts and give a big cheer as you support Mexico!
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership.
Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers: • Exclusive Points access to the award-winning Grand Residences by Royal Resorts®, one of The Leading Hotels of the World® • Dozens of complimentary extras, including room upgrades, airport transfers, welcome baskets and massages • Three levels of Signature Club Elite membership, offering a convenient path to extending your options and benefits • 30-day priority access to five other Royal Resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya • Exclusive access to luxury vacation exchange around the world through The Registry Collection by RCI®, including discounts on golf vacations, yacht rentals and cruise vacations
To learn more about these exciting new memberships call your concierge at ext. 172 upon arrival at Royal Resorts or email rrsc@royalresorts.com
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun. Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or […]
Basking in the tropical sun on a Mexican Caribbean beach it can be easy to overdo it, especially if you come from a cooler northern climate. If you do have a case of sunburn, The Royal Resorts Spa at The Royal Sands in Cancun and The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya has the answer. […]
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun.
Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or a glass of Mexican beer or wine and choose what you are going to eat.
Start with a generous helping of guacamole, chips and salsa or fresh seafood ceviche. There’s a full salad bar featuring Mexican specialties such as tasty salpicon, which is shredded beef with radishes, tomato, lettuce, cilantro and red onion or help yourself to chicken, lettuce, jicama and other vegetables. Try a classic market snack: esquites or cooked corn kernels topped with cream, cheese, chili powder and lime juice.
Assemble your plate of antojitos mexicanos or Mexican snacks for starters. These may include tacos al pastor, quesadillas, crispy deep-fried tacos dorados and sopes, which are corn dough patties with assorted toppings. Yucatecan snacks to try are salbutes and panuchos, corn tortillas topped with shredded chicken or turkey, lettuce, sliced avocado and pickled red onion.
Main courses on the buffet range from chicken in mole sauce, that smooth chocolate-chili spice mix that is a traditional specialty in Puebla and Oaxaca, to Veracruz-style fish or the catch of the day cooked in garlic butter or al mojo de ajo. There are beef and chicken brochettes, chicken tamales and carnitas or marinated roast pork. Try the beef barbacoa which is cooked for so long it literally melts in your mouth or cochinita pibil, pork marinated in achiote and Seville orange juice spice mix, wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted. Served with warm homemade corn tortillas, pickled red onion and a dash of chili sauce, it is a showstopper dish from the Yucatecan kitchen.
Make your own tacos with corn or flour tortillas, diced beef or chicken, rajas con crema or poblano chili slices in a cream sauce, refried beans, Mexican rice and grilled spring onions. Vegetarian dishes include potatoes with chard, zucchini in tomato sauce and nopales, tender cooked cactus leaves.
Be sure to help yourself to some freshly made salsa. There are a variety of sauces to choose from, including pico de gallo, tasty cooked tomato salsa and avocado, green tomatillo, serrano chili and coriander-based sauces. For an extra kick, seasoned chili eaters can try xnipek, made with the fiery habanero chili from the Yucatan.
For a sweet ending to your Mexican meal, help yourself to some traditional desserts. They include candied papaya, fritters with cinnamon and piloncillo sugar sauce, caballeros pobres or Mexican-style French toast, crème caramel and tres leches or Mexican cream cake. Order Mexican-style coffee or hot chocolate with fragrant cinnamon and a glass of Xtabentun, the honey-anise liqueur made in the Yucatan.
The Monday night Mexican buffet at La Veranda in The Royal Sands is served from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and the marimba band plays from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost is $465 pesos per person, children half price. It is included in the REFINE All-Inclusive package.
A week of theme nights at La Veranda There’s something for everyone at La Veranda during the week with an array of theme night buffets, an a la carte menu and chef’s specialties. Satisfy your craving for fajitas on Saturday night and enjoy island recipes on Sunday during Caribbean night. Monday night is Mexican night and on Tuesday you’ll savor fresh pasta, seafood and other Italian dishes. Wednesday night brings you the flavors of the Orient and Prime rib night on Thursday is a favorite with meat lovers. Finally, on Friday, don’t miss the poolside BBQ.
Don’t miss these Royal Resorts dining choices either Not staying at The Royal Sands? Fear not, there are a variety of tempting theme nights to try during your Royal Resorts vacation in Cancun and at The Royal Haciendas in Playa del Carmen. Here are more Royal Resorts dining recommendations for you.
• Monday Lobster Night, La Palapa, The Royal Cancun Mediterranean Night, Tradewinds, The Royal Caribbean Teppanyaki Night, Sol Grill, The Royal Haciendas (reservations required)
• Tuesday Prime Rib Night, El Conquistador, The Royal Islander (reservations required) Oriental Night, La Palapa del Sol, The Royal Haciendas
• Wednesday Italian Night, Tradewinds, The Royal Caribbean Prime Rib Night, Captain’s Cove (reservations required) Teppanyaki Night, Sol Grill, The Royal Haciendas (reservations required)
Thursday Caribbean Beach Night, La Palapa, The Royal Cancun
Friday Caribbean Night, La Palapa del Sol, The Royal Haciendas Teppanyaki Night, Sol Grill, The Royal Haciendas (reservations required)
Saturday Lobster Festival, Tradewinds, The Royal Caribbean and Cayo Largo, The Royal Islander Prime Rib Night, Captain’s Cove (reservations required) Mexican Night, La Palapa del Sol, The Royal Haciendas
Sunday BBQ Night, Tradewinds, The Royal Caribbean Brazilian Night, La Palapa del Sol, The Royal Haciendas
This is just a sampling, ask the Concierge for more Royal Resorts dining recommendations.
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership. Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers: • Exclusive Points access to […]
Basking in the tropical sun on a Mexican Caribbean beach it can be easy to overdo it, especially if you come from a cooler northern climate. If you do have a case of sunburn, The Royal Resorts Spa at The Royal Sands in Cancun and The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya has the answer. […]
Basking in the tropical sun on a Mexican Caribbean beach it can be easy to overdo it, especially if you come from a cooler northern climate. If you do have a case of sunburn, The Royal Resorts Spa at The Royal Sands in Cancun and The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya has the answer.
The new SOS After Sun Facial from the Babor line of luxury skincare from Germany, now available at the Spa, is the perfect remedy. It contains soothing chamomile, vitamin E, soya, sesame seed and peanut oils, aloe vera, wild indigo extract and kaolin. These active ingredients refresh and calm skin that is red, irritated or overheated after too much sun, providing instant relief. The gentle formula also makes it ideal for sensitive skin.
The mask is applied and then your face is completely covered in bandages for 60 minutes for maximum absorption. The SOS After Sun Facial does not include a steam treatment or extractions.
Top tips for beating the heat from the Royal Resorts Spa • Wear a hat, sunglasses and have a t-shirt or cover up with you • Apply eco-friendly sunscreen with the correct factor for your skin and repeat during the day • Make sure that your children wear special kids sun lotion with a high SPF factor to protect them from burning, SPF 70 is recommended • The hottest part of the day is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. • Even if it is cloudy or breezy you can still burn • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, at least two liters is recommended • Don’t overdo your sunbathing! Cool off in the shade or in the water frequently • Sun products should always be reapplied after bathing • Use environmentally friendly sun products to protect marine life and coral reefs and shower before entering the water • An even better idea is to wear a t-shirt as an alternative to sun cream if you plan to go snorkeling • Wear cool cotton clothing in white, cream or pastel colors • Snack on fresh fruit and vegetables to cool off • Add some freshly squeezed lime, orange or grapefruit juice to your water or try some of the local tropical fruit drinks known as aguas de fruta o aguas frescas. Made with pineapple, orange, lime, mango, melon, guanabana or soursop, pitahaya (Dragon fruit) and guava you’ll find them very refreshing. Another cool drink to order is jamaica, which is a iced tea made with the dried petals of the hibiscus flower • If you are in Cancún or Playa del Carmen indulge with some helado as ice cream is known in Mexico, you’ll find a variety of flavors and whichever one you choose, it’s sure to be delicious • If you do burn, apply refreshing aloe vera gel to cool off or make an appointment at the Royal Resorts Spa for the SOS After Sun Facial • Apply moisturizer in the evening after bathing to keep your skin soft. Slices of cucumber over the eyes will also help you cool off • It is cooler on the coast due to the sea breeze so if you plan to visit the archaeological sites and colonial cities that lie inland in neighboring Yucatán, it is a good idea to go early when it is cooler. You’ll also beat the crowds.
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership. Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers: • Exclusive Points access to […]
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun. Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or […]
Are you ready for your Cancun vacation or are you traveling to the Riviera Maya this summer? The Royal Resorts Activity Centers and Kids Clubs have a fantastic program of sports, beach and pool games, competitions and crafts lined up for you. Get ready for a summer of family fun at Royal Resorts, with something for all ages.
Staying in shape Start the day with yoga, zumba, pilates or aqua fitness. There are stretching exercises and morning walks, you can sign out a bike or reserve a tennis court at the Sports Desk. Later in the morning, learn some salsa steps or practice your Spanish.
Enjoy the pool fun, water polo, dance and bingo sessions and at 3 p.m. it’s always time for beach volleyball.
If you are staying at The Royal Cancun try sail boating or paddle boarding out on the calm, crystal-clear waters of the bay and book your place on the kayak lagoon tour for the glimpse of the mangrove forest and the wildlife that inhabits it. You can also make a reservation to use sailboats at The Royal Sands and at the Royal Marina next to Captain’s Cove restaurant if you are a guest at The Royal Caribbean or The Royal Islander. There’s even a regatta at the Royal Marina on Friday morning.
The sheltered bay at The Royal Haciendas is ideal for kayaking and snorkeling and the Activity Center at our Riviera Maya resort has plenty of other fun sports, keep fit sessions, games, craft workshops and contests to keep you entertained.
Summer at the Royal Resorts Kids Club Your children will have so much fun at the Royal Resorts Kids Club that they won’t want to leave! Offering a fun-packed program of beach and pool games, sports, movies, craft workshops and more, there is plenty to keep them entertained and they will make lots of new friends too.
The summer schedule includes activities such as mini Olympics, treasure hunts, pirate face painting and hat making. Your children can learn how to make cookies, bracelets and tissue paper flowers and the traditional Mexican papier mâché piñata and there’s a piñata party for them too at the end of the week.
Open to children between the ages of four and 12, the Kids Club offers daily supervised activities at The Royal Cancun, The Royal Sands, The Royal Caribbean, also serving The Royal Islander, and The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya. Guests at Grand Residences by Royal Resorts® in Puerto Morelos can take their children to the resort Kids Club and there is a fun program of activities, sports and keep fit sessions for adults and teens to enjoy.
The activities listed in the activity and kids club programs may vary from resort to resort. Most activities are complimentary but some craft sessions have a small fee to cover the cost of art materials. Evening activities at The Royal Haciendas with food have an additional cost. Click here to see some sample activity programs.
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership. Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers: • Exclusive Points access to […]
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun. Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or […]
Call in at La Paloma Gift shop during your vacation to see what’s new this season. Start your Royal Resorts shopping right here!
Protect yourself from the sun and reduce your impact on the environment with brands of eco-friendly biodegradable sun products such as Arrecife and Aloe Up are now on sale at the gift shop. Lotions and sprays are available with different SPF levels.
The gift shop now has a larger selection of moisture proof t-shirts with the Royal Resorts logo that are perfect for gym workouts or general wear.
Colorful handmade bags and backpacks from the state of Oaxaca are now on sale and are a great gift idea.
La Paloma Gift shop is located at The Royal Sands and The Royal Caribbean with smaller stores at The Royal Cancun and at The Royal Haciendas.
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership. Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers: • Exclusive Points access to […]
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun. Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or […]
On June 5, World Environment Day, the Royal Resorts Foundation donated $281,984 pesos to Amigos de Sian Ka’an in support of its conservation projects in Quintana Roo.
From turtle protection to recycling, reducing plastic pollution, saving water and energy, and reforestation among others, for Royal Resorts the role of environmental stewardship is of the utmost importance. Conservation is one of the key causes of the Royal Resorts Foundation, and it is a longtime supporter of Amigos de Sian Ka’an.
Founded in 1986, following the designation of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Amigos de Sian Ka’an is a Cancun-based conservation NGO with a scope that has gone far beyond the borders of the huge reserve. It has been instrumental in the protection of more than 1,100,000 hectares of jungle, wetlands and marine ecosystems and the creation of 13 different reserves in the state of Quintana Roo designated by the state and federal governments.
Its multidisciplinary team of scientists works on conservation projects in the Mayan Jungle and wetlands and to protect wildlife, mapping the state of Quintana Roo’s and Yucatan’s precious aquifers and creating a water management policy that protects the underground rivers and cenotes. Marine biologists monitor the health of the Mesoamerican Reef, fish populations and the eradication of invasive species such as the lion fish and devil fish. Others are involved in sustainable development projects in Mayan communities, combating climate change and environmental education.
The Maya Ka’an community tourism initiative has the goal of bringing visitors to Mayan villages in the reserve and central Quintana Roo and improve the livelihoods of their inhabitants.
MARTI, the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative is a joint program with the public and private sector to establish better environmental practices in hotels, cruise lines, marinas and other tourism companies and protect the coral reefs and other ecosystems in the area.
For more information on Amigos de Sian Ka’an conservation programs visit www.amigosdesiankaan.org
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership. Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers: • Exclusive Points access to […]
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun. Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or […]
At a ceremony held in the Ciudad de la Alegria on the outskirts of Cancun in May, representatives of the Royal Resorts Foundation presented the Director of the Don Bosco Youth Center with a check for $340,000 pesos, the proceeds from the Third Royal Resorts Foundation Race in February. The money will be used to build and equip a kitchen at the community center for vulnerable teenagers.
The Don Bosco Center provides a safe environment for young people to study, learn skills and attend workshops. Having a kitchen to provide them with nutritious meals will improve their overall health, attention span and academic performance.
Get involved in Royal Resorts community work For more information on the Royal Resorts Foundation, its community and conservation causes and ways in which you can help, visit www.royalresorts.com/foundation
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership. Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers: • Exclusive Points access to […]
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun. Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or […]
Treat the family to a fun day out on your next Cancun vacation. Here’s a guide to some great Riviera Maya family trips and ideas for exploring further afield.
Watery fun, snorkeling is top of the list After days on the beach, in the pool or at the Royal Resorts kids club it’s time to do some exploring and there’s one thing in the Mexican Caribbean that fast becomes a family favorite, a snorkeling trip. If your children can swim they can learn to snorkel and they’ll soon be ready to take the plunge and join you to explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest coral reef system in the world.
Shallow water reefs in the Cancun-Isla Mujeres area, Chankanaab Park on the island of Cozumel and Puerto Morelos and Akumal in the Riviera Maya are ideal spots for snorkeling, offering sightings of angel fish, parrot fish, sergeant majors and even sea turtles.
An alternative is to spend the day at Xel-Ha Park. This chain of turquoise inlets, lagoons and cenotes is a snorkeling paradise offering face to face encounters with a variety of colorful reef fish. And although you’ll want to dive into the clear water over and over again in search of new species, there are other fun activities on offer.
Follow the paths through the forest to the park’s cenotes, smaller inlets and caves. Leap off the cliff of courage into the water and then drift across the lagoon on a giant inner tube. You can also try your hand at zip lining, swim in a cenote and walk across the floating bridge at the mouth of the inlet where larger fish such as snappers and jacks swim placidly by. You’ll see dolphins, manatees and stingrays in different parts of the park and for an additional fee you and your children can swim with them.
During your day at Xel-Ha, you’ll learn about the mangrove forest that plays such an important role in the lives of reef fish as a breeding and feeding area and a refuge for juvenile fish. As you walk along nature trails around the lagoon and in the forest keep a look out for iguanas, coatimundis and raccoons and discover the ancient Mayan traditions associated with bee keeping.
For a panoramic view of the park’s inlets and cenotes and the Riviera Maya coast, climb Xel-Ha’s latest attraction, a lookout tower that is also a huge water slide that your children will love.
On the outskirts of Cancun Hotel Zone, Ventura Park has more fun pools, water slides and rides that will keep your children happy all day.
Park life Spending the day at the Riviera Maya’s nature parks is a top family vacation activity and one that everyone will enjoy.
Heading the list is world-famous Xcaret Park just south of Playa del Carmen. Spending the day here is as much about fun in the water as it is about you and your children discovering the country’s rich traditions and wildlife.
Relax on the beach, swim in one of the park’s underground rivers and go snorkeling. You can see more treasures of the deep on a visit to the aquarium. Visit the sea turtles; there are tiny hatchlings, juveniles and huge turtles approaching maturity. Manatees swim in the lagoons and there are dolphins too (additional charge for dolphin swims and encounters).
Walk through the huge aviary, home to 90 species of birds from southeast Mexico, from hummingbirds to parrots, macaws and toucans. Sit for a few minutes in the peaceful sanctuary of the butterfly pavilion and don’t miss the regional wildlife enclosures where you can watch the antics of spider monkeys and coatimundis, deer grazing with their fawns and see the majestic jaguar.
Opened in 2017, the Children’s World area in Xcaret offers pools, water slides and cenotes for children under the age of 12 to swim in. As the little ones splash about in the water and run across rope bridges, parents can cool off and recharge in a shaded rest area.
As you wander through Xcaret you’ll see crumbling stone temples in forest clearings that are all that remains of an ancient Mayan port called Pole. There’s also a replica of a Mayan village where craftsmen work and the representation of the ancient Mayan ball game in the evening is a highlight.
During the day, you’ll see the Papantla Flyers from Veracruz climb a 30-meter pole and tie ropes to their feet. They then cast themselves off, circling the pole and gradually descending, emulating the flight of birds in an ancient ritual to honor the sun god. In the afternoon, you can watch the charros or Mexican cowboys display their equestrian skills as you enjoy a late lunch of mouthwatering traditional cuisine.
Be sure to stay on for the unforgettable Xcaret evening gala performance that showcases Mexican history, music, dance and song. It takes you from the days of ancient Mayan rulers to the sights and sounds of a Mexican fiesta, complete with a mariachi band. Your children will soon forget that they are tired and be so enthralled that they will be shouting “Viva Mexico” with the rest of the audience.
A shorter trip that younger children might enjoy is Crococun located just to the north of Puerto Morelos. They’ll see crocodiles, spider monkeys, parrots and toucans and can stroke white-tailed deer and other tame creatures.
For a fun morning in the Riviera Maya with older children, Xenses Park is a world full of illusions where what you see is what you don’t. There are two circuits with 17 different attractions that take park goers into a fantastic realm where nothing is what it seems. With names like the Pinwheel, Way of Dwarfs and Giants, Xensatorium, Xitrico Garden, Flutterfly and Sludgerie, the experiences take place on the ground, underground, in the air on zip lines and in the water and bring visitors into contact with nature.
After a visit to Xenses, head to Playa del Carmen for lunch and more optical illusions at the 3D Museum of Wonders where you can literally walk into 3D drawings on the walls, floors and ceiling. Not tired yet? Take the children to L’Aquarium, Playa del Carmen’s huge new aquarium.
Jungle Adventures How about a day of jungle adventures? These are fun Riviera Maya family trips for older children who will soon find their adventurous spirit. They can fly through the jungle canopy on thrilling zip line circuits and swim in cenotes or sinkholes at Xplor Park, Selvatica or Aktun Chen. Other adventure tours include zip lining, abseiling down a cliff, kayaking, biking and nature walks and ATV drives.
Taking the family to Xenotes Oasis Maya gives you the chance to explore the jungle and spend the day at four different cenotes on the Ruta de los Cenotes inland from Puerto Morelos. Swim, snorkel and rappel down a cliff wall. Go kayaking, float in an inner tube and splashdown in a cenote on a fun zip line. Venture into ancient caves and enjoy a guided walk along nature trails in the jungle.
If all the members of the family like horseback riding, there are several ranches offering rides through the jungle to a cenote where you can cool off with a swim.
If you want your children to learn about nature, how about a trip to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve? A trip from Muyil to the south of Tulum combines a visit to the Muyil archaeological site in the jungle with a fun boat ride across the lagoon into the mangroves where you’ll float-swim through a canal. There’s even time for the beach and of course you’ll see plenty of wildlife along the way. Other Sian Ka’an options include visits to Mayan communities where you’ll have the chance to meet local people and learn about their lives and traditions.
Discovering Mayan culture A day trip to the area’s famous archaeological sites is an option if you have older children, especially if you combine it with time on the beach or cenote visits. Tulum and Coba in the Riviera Maya are good sites to start with before heading to Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Always plan early trips to the archaeological sites so that you can beat the midday heat. If you do decide to go to Chichen Itza, the colonial town of Valladolid is a good place for a break and lunch and there are cenotes en route to Chichen where you can cool off.
Book your Riviera Maya family trips with Thomas More From tickets to nature parks to snorkeling, dolphin swims, zip lining adventures, boat trips and much more, book your Riviera Maya family trips with Thomas More Travel. Visit the website now to get started and if you are staying at Royal Resorts visit the travel desk for more options.
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership. Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers: • Exclusive Points access to […]
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun. Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or […]
Here’s the latest Cancun flight news with several airlines expanding routes from cities in the US and Europe.
Southwest Airlines will be inaugurating two new routes in June linking Pittsburgh and Raleigh-Durham with Cancun.
In other flight news, Iberia Airlines will soon be operating direct flights to Cancun from Madrid, Spain and Evelop will boost the number of flights it offers from Portugal and Spain.
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories. Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership. Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers: • Exclusive Points access to […]
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun. Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or […]
Watch the 2018 Soccer World Cup at the Royal Resorts Bars
The wait is over, the 2018 Soccer World Cup has begun and it’s time for all the football action from Russia. The host nation beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game and the group stage is now underway. How will the other teams fare in this global soccer fest? Stay tuned during your vacation; you can watch all the group stage games, the final 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and the final at the Royal Resorts Bars.
Sidelines Bar at The Royal Sands, La Cabaña Bar at The Royal Caribbean, La Trattoria Bar at The Royal Cancun, Cayo Largo at The Royal Islander, Pancho & Willy’s Bar and Captain’s Cove Restaurant in Cancun will be transmitting the World Cup action. Check the game schedules and times at the bars as they may vary.
At The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya, La Rotonda lobby bar will be soccer central with all the action from the World Cup cities. Guests staying at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos have a choice of venues: the Lobby Bar, Bicaci Salon or Heaven Beach Bar.
Will defending champion Germany win the 2018 Soccer World Cup? How will Argentina, Brazil and Spain do? Will it be Russia, England or Mexico’s moment to shine? Who will be this year’s soccer heroes: famous faces from leading teams in European Leagues like Messi, Ronaldo, Salah or Mexico’s Hernandez aka “Chicharito” or new talents making their debut on the world stage?
Every four years when the World Cup comes to town, even those who aren’t normally interested in soccer catch football fever and some become experts, albeit for a short time, as they follow the fortunes of the competing teams.
Football is the national sport here in Mexico and you’ll see plenty of flags out as people prepare to watch their team. The first game is on Sunday and Mexico take on Germany, the World Cup holders and one of the contenders in 2018. If you don’t have a favorite team, how about joining your Royal Resorts hosts and give a big cheer as you support Mexico!
Royal Resorts launches Grand Residences Points-based memberships
Royal Resorts is offering its members more options for a richer lifestyle that promises a lifetime of extraordinary memories.
Introducing a new Grand Residences Points-based membership that provides exclusive benefits through the Royal Resorts Signature Club’s latest addition, the Elite membership.
Discover what the new Signature Club Elite membership offers:
• Exclusive Points access to the award-winning Grand Residences by Royal Resorts®, one of The Leading Hotels of the World®
• Dozens of complimentary extras, including room upgrades, airport transfers, welcome baskets and massages
• Three levels of Signature Club Elite membership, offering a convenient path to extending your options and benefits
• 30-day priority access to five other Royal Resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya
• Exclusive access to luxury vacation exchange around the world through The Registry Collection by RCI®, including discounts on golf vacations, yacht rentals and cruise vacations
To learn more about these exciting new memberships call your concierge at ext. 172 upon arrival at Royal Resorts or email rrsc@royalresorts.com
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Basking in the tropical sun on a Mexican Caribbean beach it can be easy to overdo it, especially if you come from a cooler northern climate. If you do have a case of sunburn, The Royal Resorts Spa at The Royal Sands in Cancun and The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya has the answer. […]
New Royal Resorts dining option, Mexican night at La Veranda
We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun.
Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or a glass of Mexican beer or wine and choose what you are going to eat.
Start with a generous helping of guacamole, chips and salsa or fresh seafood ceviche. There’s a full salad bar featuring Mexican specialties such as tasty salpicon, which is shredded beef with radishes, tomato, lettuce, cilantro and red onion or help yourself to chicken, lettuce, jicama and other vegetables. Try a classic market snack: esquites or cooked corn kernels topped with cream, cheese, chili powder and lime juice.
Assemble your plate of antojitos mexicanos or Mexican snacks for starters. These may include tacos al pastor, quesadillas, crispy deep-fried tacos dorados and sopes, which are corn dough patties with assorted toppings. Yucatecan snacks to try are salbutes and panuchos, corn tortillas topped with shredded chicken or turkey, lettuce, sliced avocado and pickled red onion.
Main courses on the buffet range from chicken in mole sauce, that smooth chocolate-chili spice mix that is a traditional specialty in Puebla and Oaxaca, to Veracruz-style fish or the catch of the day cooked in garlic butter or al mojo de ajo. There are beef and chicken brochettes, chicken tamales and carnitas or marinated roast pork. Try the beef barbacoa which is cooked for so long it literally melts in your mouth or cochinita pibil, pork marinated in achiote and Seville orange juice spice mix, wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted. Served with warm homemade corn tortillas, pickled red onion and a dash of chili sauce, it is a showstopper dish from the Yucatecan kitchen.
Make your own tacos with corn or flour tortillas, diced beef or chicken, rajas con crema or poblano chili slices in a cream sauce, refried beans, Mexican rice and grilled spring onions. Vegetarian dishes include potatoes with chard, zucchini in tomato sauce and nopales, tender cooked cactus leaves.
Be sure to help yourself to some freshly made salsa. There are a variety of sauces to choose from, including pico de gallo, tasty cooked tomato salsa and avocado, green tomatillo, serrano chili and coriander-based sauces. For an extra kick, seasoned chili eaters can try xnipek, made with the fiery habanero chili from the Yucatan.
For a sweet ending to your Mexican meal, help yourself to some traditional desserts. They include candied papaya, fritters with cinnamon and piloncillo sugar sauce, caballeros pobres or Mexican-style French toast, crème caramel and tres leches or Mexican cream cake. Order Mexican-style coffee or hot chocolate with fragrant cinnamon and a glass of Xtabentun, the honey-anise liqueur made in the Yucatan.
The Monday night Mexican buffet at La Veranda in The Royal Sands is served from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and the marimba band plays from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost is $465 pesos per person, children half price. It is included in the REFINE All-Inclusive package.
A week of theme nights at La Veranda
There’s something for everyone at La Veranda during the week with an array of theme night buffets, an a la carte menu and chef’s specialties. Satisfy your craving for fajitas on Saturday night and enjoy island recipes on Sunday during Caribbean night. Monday night is Mexican night and on Tuesday you’ll savor fresh pasta, seafood and other Italian dishes. Wednesday night brings you the flavors of the Orient and Prime rib night on Thursday is a favorite with meat lovers. Finally, on Friday, don’t miss the poolside BBQ.
Don’t miss these Royal Resorts dining choices either
Not staying at The Royal Sands? Fear not, there are a variety of tempting theme nights to try during your Royal Resorts vacation in Cancun and at The Royal Haciendas in Playa del Carmen. Here are more Royal Resorts dining recommendations for you.
• Monday
Lobster Night, La Palapa, The Royal Cancun
Mediterranean Night, Tradewinds, The Royal Caribbean
Teppanyaki Night, Sol Grill, The Royal Haciendas (reservations required)
• Tuesday
Prime Rib Night, El Conquistador, The Royal Islander (reservations required)
Oriental Night, La Palapa del Sol, The Royal Haciendas
• Wednesday
Italian Night, Tradewinds, The Royal Caribbean
Prime Rib Night, Captain’s Cove (reservations required)
Teppanyaki Night, Sol Grill, The Royal Haciendas (reservations required)
Thursday
Caribbean Beach Night, La Palapa, The Royal Cancun
Friday
Caribbean Night, La Palapa del Sol, The Royal Haciendas
Teppanyaki Night, Sol Grill, The Royal Haciendas (reservations required)
Saturday
Lobster Festival, Tradewinds, The Royal Caribbean and Cayo Largo, The Royal Islander
Prime Rib Night, Captain’s Cove (reservations required)
Mexican Night, La Palapa del Sol, The Royal Haciendas
Sunday
BBQ Night, Tradewinds, The Royal Caribbean
Brazilian Night, La Palapa del Sol, The Royal Haciendas
This is just a sampling, ask the Concierge for more Royal Resorts dining recommendations.
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Beating the Heat at the Royal Resorts Spa
Basking in the tropical sun on a Mexican Caribbean beach it can be easy to overdo it, especially if you come from a cooler northern climate. If you do have a case of sunburn, The Royal Resorts Spa at The Royal Sands in Cancun and The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya has the answer. […]
Beating the Heat at the Royal Resorts Spa
Basking in the tropical sun on a Mexican Caribbean beach it can be easy to overdo it, especially if you come from a cooler northern climate. If you do have a case of sunburn, The Royal Resorts Spa at The Royal Sands in Cancun and The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya has the answer.
The new SOS After Sun Facial from the Babor line of luxury skincare from Germany, now available at the Spa, is the perfect remedy. It contains soothing chamomile, vitamin E, soya, sesame seed and peanut oils, aloe vera, wild indigo extract and kaolin. These active ingredients refresh and calm skin that is red, irritated or overheated after too much sun, providing instant relief. The gentle formula also makes it ideal for sensitive skin.
The mask is applied and then your face is completely covered in bandages for 60 minutes for maximum absorption. The SOS After Sun Facial does not include a steam treatment or extractions.
Top tips for beating the heat from the Royal Resorts Spa
• Wear a hat, sunglasses and have a t-shirt or cover up with you
• Apply eco-friendly sunscreen with the correct factor for your skin and repeat during the day
• Make sure that your children wear special kids sun lotion with a high SPF factor to protect them from burning, SPF 70 is recommended
• The hottest part of the day is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Even if it is cloudy or breezy you can still burn
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, at least two liters is recommended
• Don’t overdo your sunbathing! Cool off in the shade or in the water frequently
• Sun products should always be reapplied after bathing
• Use environmentally friendly sun products to protect marine life and coral reefs and shower before entering the water
• An even better idea is to wear a t-shirt as an alternative to sun cream if you plan to go snorkeling
• Wear cool cotton clothing in white, cream or pastel colors
• Snack on fresh fruit and vegetables to cool off
• Add some freshly squeezed lime, orange or grapefruit juice to your water or try some of the local tropical fruit drinks known as aguas de fruta o aguas frescas. Made with pineapple, orange, lime, mango, melon, guanabana or soursop, pitahaya (Dragon fruit) and guava you’ll find them very refreshing. Another cool drink to order is jamaica, which is a iced tea made with the dried petals of the hibiscus flower
• If you are in Cancún or Playa del Carmen indulge with some helado as ice cream is known in Mexico, you’ll find a variety of flavors and whichever one you choose, it’s sure to be delicious
• If you do burn, apply refreshing aloe vera gel to cool off or make an appointment at the Royal Resorts Spa for the SOS After Sun Facial
• Apply moisturizer in the evening after bathing to keep your skin soft. Slices of cucumber over the eyes will also help you cool off
• It is cooler on the coast due to the sea breeze so if you plan to visit the archaeological sites and colonial cities that lie inland in neighboring Yucatán, it is a good idea to go early when it is cooler. You’ll also beat the crowds.
Ready to book your appointment at the Royal Resorts Spa?
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Get ready for a summer of family fun at Royal Resorts
Are you ready for your Cancun vacation or are you traveling to the Riviera Maya this summer? The Royal Resorts Activity Centers and Kids Clubs have a fantastic program of sports, beach and pool games, competitions and crafts lined up for you. Get ready for a summer of family fun at Royal Resorts, with something for all ages.
Staying in shape
Start the day with yoga, zumba, pilates or aqua fitness. There are stretching exercises and morning walks, you can sign out a bike or reserve a tennis court at the Sports Desk. Later in the morning, learn some salsa steps or practice your Spanish.
Enjoy the pool fun, water polo, dance and bingo sessions and at 3 p.m. it’s always time for beach volleyball.
If you are staying at The Royal Cancun try sail boating or paddle boarding out on the calm, crystal-clear waters of the bay and book your place on the kayak lagoon tour for the glimpse of the mangrove forest and the wildlife that inhabits it. You can also make a reservation to use sailboats at The Royal Sands and at the Royal Marina next to Captain’s Cove restaurant if you are a guest at The Royal Caribbean or The Royal Islander. There’s even a regatta at the Royal Marina on Friday morning.
The sheltered bay at The Royal Haciendas is ideal for kayaking and snorkeling and the Activity Center at our Riviera Maya resort has plenty of other fun sports, keep fit sessions, games, craft workshops and contests to keep you entertained.
Summer at the Royal Resorts Kids Club
Your children will have so much fun at the Royal Resorts Kids Club that they won’t want to leave! Offering a fun-packed program of beach and pool games, sports, movies, craft workshops and more, there is plenty to keep them entertained and they will make lots of new friends too.
The summer schedule includes activities such as mini Olympics, treasure hunts, pirate face painting and hat making. Your children can learn how to make cookies, bracelets and tissue paper flowers and the traditional Mexican papier mâché piñata and there’s a piñata party for them too at the end of the week.
Open to children between the ages of four and 12, the Kids Club offers daily supervised activities at The Royal Cancun, The Royal Sands, The Royal Caribbean, also serving The Royal Islander, and The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya. Guests at Grand Residences by Royal Resorts® in Puerto Morelos can take their children to the resort Kids Club and there is a fun program of activities, sports and keep fit sessions for adults and teens to enjoy.
The activities listed in the activity and kids club programs may vary from resort to resort. Most activities are complimentary but some craft sessions have a small fee to cover the cost of art materials. Evening activities at The Royal Haciendas with food have an additional cost. Click here to see some sample activity programs.
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Royal Resorts shopping, new at La Paloma gift shop
Call in at La Paloma Gift shop during your vacation to see what’s new this season. Start your Royal Resorts shopping right here!
Protect yourself from the sun and reduce your impact on the environment with brands of eco-friendly biodegradable sun products such as Arrecife and Aloe Up are now on sale at the gift shop. Lotions and sprays are available with different SPF levels.
The gift shop now has a larger selection of moisture proof t-shirts with the Royal Resorts logo that are perfect for gym workouts or general wear.
Colorful handmade bags and backpacks from the state of Oaxaca are now on sale and are a great gift idea.
La Paloma Gift shop is located at The Royal Sands and The Royal Caribbean with smaller stores at The Royal Cancun and at The Royal Haciendas.
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Royal Resorts helping to protect the environment
On June 5, World Environment Day, the Royal Resorts Foundation donated $281,984 pesos to Amigos de Sian Ka’an in support of its conservation projects in Quintana Roo.
From turtle protection to recycling, reducing plastic pollution, saving water and energy, and reforestation among others, for Royal Resorts the role of environmental stewardship is of the utmost importance. Conservation is one of the key causes of the Royal Resorts Foundation, and it is a longtime supporter of Amigos de Sian Ka’an.
Founded in 1986, following the designation of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Amigos de Sian Ka’an is a Cancun-based conservation NGO with a scope that has gone far beyond the borders of the huge reserve. It has been instrumental in the protection of more than 1,100,000 hectares of jungle, wetlands and marine ecosystems and the creation of 13 different reserves in the state of Quintana Roo designated by the state and federal governments.
Its multidisciplinary team of scientists works on conservation projects in the Mayan Jungle and wetlands and to protect wildlife, mapping the state of Quintana Roo’s and Yucatan’s precious aquifers and creating a water management policy that protects the underground rivers and cenotes. Marine biologists monitor the health of the Mesoamerican Reef, fish populations and the eradication of invasive species such as the lion fish and devil fish. Others are involved in sustainable development projects in Mayan communities, combating climate change and environmental education.
The Maya Ka’an community tourism initiative has the goal of bringing visitors to Mayan villages in the reserve and central Quintana Roo and improve the livelihoods of their inhabitants.
MARTI, the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative is a joint program with the public and private sector to establish better environmental practices in hotels, cruise lines, marinas and other tourism companies and protect the coral reefs and other ecosystems in the area.
For more information on Amigos de Sian Ka’an conservation programs visit www.amigosdesiankaan.org
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Royal Resorts Foundation race donation to Don Bosco Youth Center
At a ceremony held in the Ciudad de la Alegria on the outskirts of Cancun in May, representatives of the Royal Resorts Foundation presented the Director of the Don Bosco Youth Center with a check for $340,000 pesos, the proceeds from the Third Royal Resorts Foundation Race in February. The money will be used to build and equip a kitchen at the community center for vulnerable teenagers.
The Don Bosco Center provides a safe environment for young people to study, learn skills and attend workshops. Having a kitchen to provide them with nutritious meals will improve their overall health, attention span and academic performance.
Get involved in Royal Resorts community work
For more information on the Royal Resorts Foundation, its community and conservation causes and ways in which you can help, visit www.royalresorts.com/foundation
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Great Riviera Maya family trips to try this summer
Treat the family to a fun day out on your next Cancun vacation. Here’s a guide to some great Riviera Maya family trips and ideas for exploring further afield.
Watery fun, snorkeling is top of the list
After days on the beach, in the pool or at the Royal Resorts kids club it’s time to do some exploring and there’s one thing in the Mexican Caribbean that fast becomes a family favorite, a snorkeling trip. If your children can swim they can learn to snorkel and they’ll soon be ready to take the plunge and join you to explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest coral reef system in the world.
Shallow water reefs in the Cancun-Isla Mujeres area, Chankanaab Park on the island of Cozumel and Puerto Morelos and Akumal in the Riviera Maya are ideal spots for snorkeling, offering sightings of angel fish, parrot fish, sergeant majors and even sea turtles.
An alternative is to spend the day at Xel-Ha Park. This chain of turquoise inlets, lagoons and cenotes is a snorkeling paradise offering face to face encounters with a variety of colorful reef fish. And although you’ll want to dive into the clear water over and over again in search of new species, there are other fun activities on offer.
Follow the paths through the forest to the park’s cenotes, smaller inlets and caves. Leap off the cliff of courage into the water and then drift across the lagoon on a giant inner tube. You can also try your hand at zip lining, swim in a cenote and walk across the floating bridge at the mouth of the inlet where larger fish such as snappers and jacks swim placidly by. You’ll see dolphins, manatees and stingrays in different parts of the park and for an additional fee you and your children can swim with them.
During your day at Xel-Ha, you’ll learn about the mangrove forest that plays such an important role in the lives of reef fish as a breeding and feeding area and a refuge for juvenile fish. As you walk along nature trails around the lagoon and in the forest keep a look out for iguanas, coatimundis and raccoons and discover the ancient Mayan traditions associated with bee keeping.
For a panoramic view of the park’s inlets and cenotes and the Riviera Maya coast, climb Xel-Ha’s latest attraction, a lookout tower that is also a huge water slide that your children will love.
On the outskirts of Cancun Hotel Zone, Ventura Park has more fun pools, water slides and rides that will keep your children happy all day.
Park life
Spending the day at the Riviera Maya’s nature parks is a top family vacation activity and one that everyone will enjoy.
Heading the list is world-famous Xcaret Park just south of Playa del Carmen. Spending the day here is as much about fun in the water as it is about you and your children discovering the country’s rich traditions and wildlife.
Relax on the beach, swim in one of the park’s underground rivers and go snorkeling. You can see more treasures of the deep on a visit to the aquarium. Visit the sea turtles; there are tiny hatchlings, juveniles and huge turtles approaching maturity. Manatees swim in the lagoons and there are dolphins too (additional charge for dolphin swims and encounters).
Walk through the huge aviary, home to 90 species of birds from southeast Mexico, from hummingbirds to parrots, macaws and toucans. Sit for a few minutes in the peaceful sanctuary of the butterfly pavilion and don’t miss the regional wildlife enclosures where you can watch the antics of spider monkeys and coatimundis, deer grazing with their fawns and see the majestic jaguar.
Opened in 2017, the Children’s World area in Xcaret offers pools, water slides and cenotes for children under the age of 12 to swim in. As the little ones splash about in the water and run across rope bridges, parents can cool off and recharge in a shaded rest area.
As you wander through Xcaret you’ll see crumbling stone temples in forest clearings that are all that remains of an ancient Mayan port called Pole. There’s also a replica of a Mayan village where craftsmen work and the representation of the ancient Mayan ball game in the evening is a highlight.
During the day, you’ll see the Papantla Flyers from Veracruz climb a 30-meter pole and tie ropes to their feet. They then cast themselves off, circling the pole and gradually descending, emulating the flight of birds in an ancient ritual to honor the sun god. In the afternoon, you can watch the charros or Mexican cowboys display their equestrian skills as you enjoy a late lunch of mouthwatering traditional cuisine.
Be sure to stay on for the unforgettable Xcaret evening gala performance that showcases Mexican history, music, dance and song. It takes you from the days of ancient Mayan rulers to the sights and sounds of a Mexican fiesta, complete with a mariachi band. Your children will soon forget that they are tired and be so enthralled that they will be shouting “Viva Mexico” with the rest of the audience.
A shorter trip that younger children might enjoy is Crococun located just to the north of Puerto Morelos. They’ll see crocodiles, spider monkeys, parrots and toucans and can stroke white-tailed deer and other tame creatures.
For a fun morning in the Riviera Maya with older children, Xenses Park is a world full of illusions where what you see is what you don’t. There are two circuits with 17 different attractions that take park goers into a fantastic realm where nothing is what it seems. With names like the Pinwheel, Way of Dwarfs and Giants, Xensatorium, Xitrico Garden, Flutterfly and Sludgerie, the experiences take place on the ground, underground, in the air on zip lines and in the water and bring visitors into contact with nature.
After a visit to Xenses, head to Playa del Carmen for lunch and more optical illusions at the 3D Museum of Wonders where you can literally walk into 3D drawings on the walls, floors and ceiling. Not tired yet? Take the children to L’Aquarium, Playa del Carmen’s huge new aquarium.
Jungle Adventures
How about a day of jungle adventures? These are fun Riviera Maya family trips for older children who will soon find their adventurous spirit. They can fly through the jungle canopy on thrilling zip line circuits and swim in cenotes or sinkholes at Xplor Park, Selvatica or Aktun Chen. Other adventure tours include zip lining, abseiling down a cliff, kayaking, biking and nature walks and ATV drives.
Taking the family to Xenotes Oasis Maya gives you the chance to explore the jungle and spend the day at four different cenotes on the Ruta de los Cenotes inland from Puerto Morelos. Swim, snorkel and rappel down a cliff wall. Go kayaking, float in an inner tube and splashdown in a cenote on a fun zip line. Venture into ancient caves and enjoy a guided walk along nature trails in the jungle.
If all the members of the family like horseback riding, there are several ranches offering rides through the jungle to a cenote where you can cool off with a swim.
If you want your children to learn about nature, how about a trip to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve? A trip from Muyil to the south of Tulum combines a visit to the Muyil archaeological site in the jungle with a fun boat ride across the lagoon into the mangroves where you’ll float-swim through a canal. There’s even time for the beach and of course you’ll see plenty of wildlife along the way. Other Sian Ka’an options include visits to Mayan communities where you’ll have the chance to meet local people and learn about their lives and traditions.
Discovering Mayan culture
A day trip to the area’s famous archaeological sites is an option if you have older children, especially if you combine it with time on the beach or cenote visits. Tulum and Coba in the Riviera Maya are good sites to start with before heading to Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Always plan early trips to the archaeological sites so that you can beat the midday heat. If you do decide to go to Chichen Itza, the colonial town of Valladolid is a good place for a break and lunch and there are cenotes en route to Chichen where you can cool off.
Book your Riviera Maya family trips with Thomas More
From tickets to nature parks to snorkeling, dolphin swims, zip lining adventures, boat trips and much more, book your Riviera Maya family trips with Thomas More Travel. Visit the website now to get started and if you are staying at Royal Resorts visit the travel desk for more options.
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Cancun flight news
Here’s the latest Cancun flight news with several airlines expanding routes from cities in the US and Europe.
Southwest Airlines will be inaugurating two new routes in June linking Pittsburgh and Raleigh-Durham with Cancun.
In other flight news, Iberia Airlines will soon be operating direct flights to Cancun from Madrid, Spain and Evelop will boost the number of flights it offers from Portugal and Spain.
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We have a new Royal Resorts dining option for you this summer, get ready to tuck into traditional dishes from all over Mexico! It’s Mexican Night in La Veranda at The Royal Sands in Cancun. Listen to mellow marimba music performed by a group from Chiapas as you sip a margarita, tequila or mezcal or […]