If you're thinking up ideas for your next holiday and need a little paradise, Riviera Maya in Mexico could be the perfect place. With its turquoise waters, a bit of history, culture and greenery. This area offers something wonderful for all kinds of holiday makers. There's great food, natural wonders and the best beaches. What else could you need? 

When looking for a hotel we were impressed with this 5 Star property barcelo.com/en-us/barcelo-maya-caribe/. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya and on the beachfront which was the perfect base for exploring. 

So what are the best things you can do here and which experiences are a great way to see Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Here are our favorite things and the main attractions.

1. Swim in the Cenotes

One of the most well known experiences here is swimming in the cenotes. If you don’t know about these, the cenotes are freshwater sinkholes with crystal-clear water, often tucked away in the middle of the jungle. 

We visited a few, but our favorite was Gran Cenote near Tulum. This is a mix of open air and cave sort of spaces, filled with the clearest blue water. You can snorkel and catch sight of tiny fish. 

2. Tulum ruins 

I had seen pictures of the ancient city of Tulum and its ruins before going away, but there’s nothing like actually being in front of real archaeological sites. Perched right on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the sea, these ancient Mayan ruins are eerie and beautiful. 

Walking through the ruins felt really surreal as you don’t often come across spaces where such ancient civilizations have lived and they are still preserved. The only thing here; is it does get very busy so try to go early when there are just small groups. It is one of the most visited of the tourist attractions for the area. 

3. Head to the beach!

If you’re like us; when you think of Mexico you imagine hot weather, beautiful white sand beaches and warm waters. I’m pleased to say the beach club spots in Playa del Carmen are exactly this! 

Playa Mamitas was our main beach and we kept going back. It had a buzz and atmosphere but was not too crowded and noisy. We literally lounged in the sun, read books, sipped cocktails and coconut water. Then when we could raise our lazy bodies off the beach chairs we took a dip in the sea to cool off. 

4. Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

My daughter especially loved this part of the trip and I’m sure we will be back again in the future. 

5. Snorkeling or Scuba Diving in Cozumel

Riviera Maya is famous for its underwater world, and Cozumel, an island off the coast, is a diver’s dream. I didn’t dive (it’s on my bucket list for next time), but even snorkeling here was mind-blowing.

We hopped on a day trip from Playa del Carmen to the island of Cozumel and snorkeled in one of the reefs, where we saw so much marine life, from colorful corals, schools of fish, and even a stingray! No whale sharks or sea turtles this time but the water clarity was something else, we could see every detail, even down to the tiniest creatures. If you're into underwater exploration with stunning, clear waters, Cozumel is an absolute must!

Riviera Maya region is a place of natural beauty, one of those destinations where no matter what kind of traveler you are, you’re going to find the best activities to make your heart skip a beat. Whether you're delving into its ancient Mayan city, floating in cenote calavera, or simply soaking in the sun on its pristine public beaches, you’ll leave with memories that will stick with you long after the vacation glow fades.

If you’ve been, I’d love to hear about your favorite spots, from the natural parks, Chichén Itzá to the whole Yucatan Peninsula. And if you're planning to go, make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, a sense of adventure, and prepare to fall in love with Riviera Maya.