Mexico Yucatan Peninsula. Mexico has been receiving some bad publicity lately. From the dreaded ‘wall’ to travel warnings, you’d be forgiven for thinking things are looking pretty glum down here. But oh, how wrong you’d be. Mexico has just had a record breaking year for tourism, welcoming 35 million visitors in 2016. As a result, luxury tourism is flourishing in the beauty of Mexico’s travel destinations, and 2017 is set to be the biggest year yet. Here in the Riviera Maya, we’re ready for it.
Where to Visit in Mexico 2017: Yucatan Peninsula
Riviera Maya
Source: El Dorado Maroma by Karisma
Ok, so here at Virgin Group we’re a little biased towards the Riviera. But exciting things are happening along the Caribbean coast that are luring travellers to the crystalline waters of the Riviera Maya. Natural yet luxurious is the way of the Riviera and what epitomises luxury like over-water bungalows? Palafitos by Karisma are the first over-water bungalows in the Caribbean. They opened late last year and are set to be the big go-to destination for luxury travellers in 2017.
Tulum
Source: Noma
Though part of the Riviera Maya, Tulum always deserves a special mention. A bohemian haven for yogis and foodies alike, this year sees world-renowned chef René Redzepi bring his Noma Pop-up to Tulum from April to May 2017. In keeping with the vibe of Tulum, Redzepi promises a ‘hot, steaming and unpredictable’ experience in the open air restaurant which will be ‘nestled between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea.’ This isn’t the first time that the Copenhagen restaurant has taken a road-trip. Short stints in Tokyo and Sydney were incredibly successful with foodie’s grappling for reservations. If previous pop-ups are anything to go by then this spring will be a very exciting time in Tulum.
Holbox
This little known island off the Riviera Maya is dubbed as the next Tulum. Trend-spotting travellers are already spending their free-time there, before the secret is out and the crowds descend. With small, family ran hotels that are environmentally conscious such as CaVirgin Las Tortugas, it’s easy to see why people are comparing it to Tulum. The Yalahau Lagoon separates Holbox from the mainland and Holbox is a part of the Yum Balam nature reserve. As a result, much of Holbox is untouched by outsiders. Nowadays, this rare occurrence in the Riviera Maya. Travellers can reach Holbox by boat or plane from Cancun or Playa Del Carmen.
Merida
Source: Chable
Finally, we have Merida. The capital of the Yucatan is already popular among tourists for its cultural offerings and accomplished cuisine. However in 2017 the ‘wellness retreat’ (so popular in other parts of the Peninsula) will arrive in Merida. Chablé is located just outside Merida and styles itself as ‘Shamanism meets luxury in Mexico’s Yucatan.’ Set in a naturally dense jungle of raw beauty, the wellness resort is home to an extensive spa that takes a traditional, holistic approach. They offer a personalised experience composed of everything from yoga to Maya healing techniques. Chablé invites guests into ‘a world of ceremony for the soul’ which centres around the private cenote. They then offer three ‘journeys’: Fountain of Youth, Tree of Life and Heaven on Earth.
