Dive into the Riviera of the Tropics.
This glorious sweep of swaying palms, dazzling sands and turquoise waters is THE place to combine a blissful beach break with something a bit more. As well as lazy, sun-soaked days by the sea, Riviera Maya holidays could see you snorkelling with sea turtles, zip-lining above bird-filled forest, cycling around Mayan ruins or diving into secret sinkholes hidden in the jungle. This is Caribbean paradise with Mexican zing: hot, hot, hot and super cool.
Start your Mexico holiday right
Book your holiday to Mexico and enjoy complimentary access to the No1 Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 3.
Better still, we’ll add your lounge access automatically to eligible bookings. No forms, no fuss – just more time to settle into holiday mode.
Valid for travel between 18 Oct '26 - 31 March '27. Book by 30 Sep '26.
Fly to Cancun International Airport in Mexico from London Heathrow.
10-11 hour flight time, with 1-2 hour transfer depending on your chosen hotel in Riviera Maya.
Other services available all year round with partner airlines.
Riviera Maya is where ancient worlds meet modern luxury, where you can snorkel a coral reef by breakfast and sip artisanal mezcal by sunset. Whether you're chasing thrills, chill time, or a little of both, here’s your go-anywhere, do-everything guide to the best things to do in Riviera Maya.
Beaches
Local vibes
Culture and adventure
Swoon at Paraiso Beach – the name of this paradisiacal stretch of sand is spot on, and it sits just south of Tulum, the most scenic Mayan ruin of all.
Go wild at Akumal Bay, the ‘place of the turtles’. These graceful creatures are drawn to the lagoon (see them with a snorkel) and haul up onto the beach to nest.
Party at Mamita’s – the beach fronting lively Playa del Carmen is the hipster’s Riviera Maya holiday spot of choice. Just inland from the sand are chic boutiques, while some of the world’s best DJs hit the decks here.
Mingle with locals at Xpu-Ha. Uncrowded and unhurried, it’s super for swimming, snorkelling or a game of beach footy, while the beach shacks serve a mean fresh fish taco.
Snorkel the ‘Great Maya Reef’, just off the laid-back village of Puerto Morelos. Part of a marine park, it’s brimful of coral and underwater life – look for dolphins, turtles and gliding rays.
Every December, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival soothes and sways Playa del Carmen – three nights of world-class jazz performed on the beach, under starry skies, all for free. Nice.
Slip into a cenote – an essential element of all great holidays to Riviera Maya. The limestone Yucatan peninsula is riddled with these water-filled sinkholes and a network of caves and passageways.
Stroll down Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue to shop for arts and crafts made in the Riviera Maya and Mexico, from bright embroidered shawls to traditional pottery. Visit on a Thursday night if you can, when the Caminarte art fair fills the streets.
Watch sunrise at Tulum – this former fortress city is the only Mayan site built beside the Caribbean, teetering on a bluff above the sea. Arrive to see dawn break on the azure waters then explore the site, climbing up the towering Castilo for the best views.
Cycle around Cobá, one of the Riviera Maya’s most important sites. This vast, jungle-encroached complex is best seen by bike – pedal between the different areas via the ceremonial sacbé (‘white roads’) laid by the Maya centuries ago.
Have an Indiana Jones adventure in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Mexico and home to more than 300 species of birds, 23 known archaeological sites and a wealth of wildlife – including jaguar. Explore by taking a boat or kayak trip amid the mangroves.
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya - Hacienda
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya, All Inclusive Resort
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Daisy at Ocean Coral Turquesa
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Daisy at Ocean Riviera Paradise
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya - Heaven
Riviera Maya, Mexico
TRS Yucatan Hotel
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Unico 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Grand Palladium Colonial Resort - Spa
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Ocean Allure Costa Mujeres
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
We'll whisk you from the airport to where you're staying. And when its time to go, we'll collect you from your accommodation and get you to the airport.
Riviera Maya, Mexico - which includes popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Akumal - is generally considered safe for tourists, especially in resort areas.
The official currency used in Riviera Maya, Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). U.S. dollars (USD) are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and resorts though - especially in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Here’s your must-see guide to Riviera Maya - curated for wanderlust-driven travellers, Virgin Atlantic style.
Tulum
Tulum is Riviera Maya’s eco-luxe superstar. Think barefoot yoga on the beach, mezcal under the stars, and boutique hotels tucked into the jungle. Explore the iconic Tulum Ruins, perched above the Caribbean Sea, or dive into cenotes (natural sinkholes) like Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera.
Playa del Carmen
Bustling, vibrant, and packed with energy, Playa del Carmen is your go-to for shopping, nightlife, and beach club vibes. Wander the pedestrian-friendly Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) for artisan markets and al fresco dining.
Akumal
Akumal (meaning "Place of the Turtles" in Mayan) is a hidden gem for snorkellers. Float beside gentle sea turtles in the crystal-clear bay or explore nearby Yal-Ku Lagoon. It’s family-friendly, peaceful, and a welcome break from the buzz.
