Riviera Maya: The Perfect First Mother & Son Trip

My favorite things to do in the area—whether it’s a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a friends trip—are the following.

• Tulum Mayan ruins: Explore ancient Mayan ruins perched on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea. It’s one of the most scenic archaeological sites in Mexico and easy to visit in a half-day!

• Cenotes: Cool off in crystal-clear water like Gran Cenote (my personal favorite), dos Ojos or Cenote Azul (great and so fun for younger kids), or Cenote Tankah.

• Visit a laguna: Relax at Laguna Kaan Lum, a turquoise lagoon just outside of Tulum with calm and shallow water with a deep cenote at its center.

• Adventure parks: Spend a day at an eco-adventure park featuring river floats, zip lines, caves, and nature trails. The perfect place for active travelers who want variety in one place! My personal favorites are Xel-Ha and Xplor.

• Walk Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen: Stroll Playa’s famous pedestrian streets filled with shops, nice restaurants (my favorite, Axiote!), street performers, and nightlife. Perfect for an easy afternoon or an evening out.

My favorite places to eat in Riviera Maya are the following.

• Axiote in Playa del Carmen: Definitely my favorite place to eat in Playa. Axiote reimagines traditional Yucatan dishes with modern techniques and local ingredients, earning recognition like the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

• Primo Playa: A cozy favorite blending Mexican and Latin flavors with a creative touch. Warm service in a relaxed setting.

• Maroma, a Belmond Hotel: We tried the restaurant Woodend by Curtis Stone, an Aussie chef who showcases seasonal, wood-fired cuisine that celebrates the connection between land and sea. Great place for a date night if you like fine dining experiences.

• Negro Huitlacoxe Tulum: My favorite in Tulum City! A standout Tulum eatery celebrating Mexican ingredients (especially corn and huitlacoche) with bold and flavorful dishes in an vibrant atmosphere.

• Hartwood: A must-visit in Tulum serving wood-fired, locally sourced dishes that change daily. Entirely solar-powered, they celebrate sustainability and Yucatan ingredients in a rustic yet elevated setting.

• Arca Tulum: One of Tulum’s most acclaimed restaurants offering inventive open-fire cuisine rooted in Mexican tradition with bold and seasonal flavors and a stylish jungle setting under the stars!