Curator’s statement
The Riviera Maya has always felt like two trips in one—Playa del Carmen with its polished resorts, fine dining, and energy, and Tulum with its barefoot romance, jungle flavors, and slower pace. As a culinary graduate, I love how both places invite you to experience food with all the senses, whether it’s a chef’s tasting menu or handmade pasta by the beach. For couples, it’s a destination that balances vibrance with intimacy, creating memories that feel both luxurious and deeply personal.
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Things to do in Riviera Maya
When I’m in the Riviera Maya, I love starting the day slowly, whether it’s coffee overlooking the ocean or a swim in one of the region’s hidden cenotes.
Tankah Bay is one of my favorites because it feels untouched, and peaceful. It is the kind of place where you can float for hours without distraction.
Afternoons are perfect for experiencing one of the chic beach clubs. I adore the way they blend music, food, and sea views into something that feels both vibrant and relaxing, especially for couples.
There’s nothing like ending the day on a rooftop pool deck in Playa del Carmen, cocktail in hand, watching the sky fade from pink to deep indigo.
In Tulum, I always make time for long, lingering dinners under the jungle canopy, where the flavors are bold and the atmosphere is pure romance.
And in between it all, I find joy in simple luxuries—a couples’ spa treatment with Mayan-inspired rituals, biking along the beach roads, or sipping mezcal as the waves roll in.
For me, it’s the balance of energy and stillness, polished luxury and barefoot moments, that makes this destination so special.
Places to eat & drink in Riviera Maya
In Playa del Carmen, one of my favorite dining experiences is at Cocina de Autor inside Grand Velas. The tasting menu is inventive, and playful. It is the kind of meal that reminds me of why I studied culinary arts in the first place.
For something more indulgent but classic, I love an evening at Harry’s Prime, where oysters and champagne always set the tone for a romantic night.
Tulum, on the other hand, is where dining feels completely immersive. At Arca, the open-fire cooking fills the air with smoky aromas, and every cocktail feels crafted to surprise you.
I never miss Hartwood, where the ever-changing menu is rooted in hyper-local ingredients and the jungle backdrop makes it feel like another world.
For something intimate and soulful, I adore Posada Margherita—handmade pasta, candlelight, the sound of waves just steps away. it’s simple, but unforgettable. Even a casual mezcal cocktail in Tulum has a way of feeling elevated, because everything here connects back to the land and the senses.
Need to know
One thing I always remind clients about the Riviera Maya is that balance is key. Days here can be as full of energy or as slow and romantic as you want them to be. I recommend mixing one or two big experiences (like a tasting menu or cenote swim) with plenty of downtime at a beach club, spa, or rooftop pool.
Private transfers are worth it for comfort and peace of mind, especially between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and reservations for popular restaurants and beach clubs should always be made in advance.
October through April offers the best weather, though traveling just outside peak season can mean fewer crowds and a more intimate feel.
Above all, this is a destination meant to be savored—barefoot dinners under the stars, lazy afternoons in hammocks, and mornings that begin with the sound of the ocean.
Travel Advisor
Talisa VanderPoel
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