{"id":53079,"date":"2019-02-08T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-08T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/royalresorts.com\/blog\/days-of-romance-in-the-riviera-maya-and-beyond\/"},"modified":"2021-11-16T06:03:12","modified_gmt":"2021-11-16T06:03:12","slug":"days-of-romance-in-the-riviera-maya-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.royalresorts.com\/blog\/blog\/days-of-romance-in-the-riviera-maya-and-beyond\/","title":{"rendered":"Days of romance in the Riviera Maya and beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"

On your next trip to Royal Resorts spend the day exploring the Riviera Maya<\/strong> and Yucatan<\/strong> with the one you love. A day on the beach, out on the water or discovering a city full of history can be a magical and unforgettable experience. Here are some ideas for travel adventures.<\/p>\n\n

Riviera Maya Beach Hopping<\/strong><\/p>\n

Start the day with a stroll along the beach at dawn. See the glory of a Caribbean sunrise, listen to the waves and watch the pelicans on their morning fly past. It\u2019s a beautiful beginning to another day in paradise.<\/p>\n

Pack a picnic basket with goodies like roast chicken from the Royal Express menu, grab a bottle of wine from The Royal Market and head off for a day of Riviera Maya beach hopping. There are so many lovely beaches to choose from along this stretch of shoreline with idyllic spots to be found in Puerto Morelos, Maroma, Xpu-Ha, Akumal, Xcacel, Bahias de Punta Soliman and Tulum, among others. Choose your favorite sheltered bay or\u00a0 crescent beach or visit several during the day.<\/p>\n

On your way back, plan to call in at Riviera Maya capital Playa del Carmen for a spot of shopping, a cocktail and a candlelit dinner at one of the many eclectic restaurants along Quinta Avenida and neighboring streets.<\/p>\n\n

Island Sunsets<\/strong><\/p>\n

Catch the ferry across the bay to Isla Mujeres and spend the morning on the palm-lined beach of Playa Norte. Picture-perfect for its turquoise waters, Playa Norte often finds its way into lists of the world\u2019s best beaches in online travel magazines.<\/p>\n

After a lunch of fresh seafood at one of the tropical thatched restaurants along the shoreline, it\u2019s time to explore the island. Hire a golf cart and drive to Punta Sur for incredible views of the Caribbean with Cancun Hotel Zone in the distance.<\/p>\n

As an alternative, board a yacht for a cruise around the island and a spot of snorkeling along coral reefs in the crystal-clear waters of the bay. Keep a look out for sea turtles and even dolphins.<\/p>\n

Back on the Isla waterfront, make your way to one of the palapa beach bars to order a drink, watch local fishermen unloading their catch and wait for the sunset. Playa Norte is one of the best places in the area to watch the sun go down.<\/p>\n

Once you have visited one of the Mexican Caribbean’s islands, you’ll want to discover the others. Travel further afield to the island of Holbox just off the Gulf coast in northern Quintana Roo, another romantic spot with truly spectacular sunsets, long beaches and tropical ambiance.<\/p>\n\n

Set sail on a romantic sunset dinner cruise<\/strong><\/p>\n

All aboard for a romantic sunset cruise this February. Board the famous Spanish galleon Columbus for a voyage across the Nichupte Lagoon in Cancun. Dine on charcoal-grilled lobster and sip a Caribbean cocktail as you listen to soft jazz performed by a saxophone player.<\/p>\n

Another option is to cast off on a yacht for a champagne dinner cruise in the bay between Cancun and Isla Mujeres or a catamaran cruise along the Riviera Maya coast.<\/p>\n

Whatever your choice, you\u2019ll enjoy a romantic Caribbean evening under a star-filled sky, a perfect way to celebrate love.<\/p>\n

Yucatan serenade<\/strong><\/p>\n

Plan a getaway to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan, a historic city that is still steeped in romance. Spend the day exploring its 16th<\/sup>-century churches and convents, quiet squares and magnificent 19th<\/sup>-century mansions built at the height of the henequen boom. Visit museums and galleries and shop for Mexican arts and crafts in its boutiques and markets.<\/p>\n

Merida was founded by the Spaniards in 1542 amidst the ruins of an ancient Maya city of T\u2019ho. In the late 19th<\/sup> century, the city became rich from the cultivation of a native agave plant called henequen or sisal. Prized by the Maya since pre-Hispanic times for its tough fiber used to make rope and bags, henequen became so lucrative that it was called \u201cgreen gold,\u201d as demand for the fiber in international markets skyrocketed. Merida was one of the richest cities in the world and its wealthiest inhabitants commissioned elegant homes and civic buildings inspired by the belle \u00e9poque architectural style of Paris.<\/p>\n\n