Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya - Hacienda
Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Family-friendly resort
- Choice of rooms with great benefits
- Kids' club
- Home to Rockaway Bay water park
So, where next?
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.
We fly direct to Cancun three times a week
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.
Flights from London Heathrow (LHR)
- Wednesday
- Friday
- Sunday
Flights from London Heathrow (LHR)
- Wednesday
- Friday
- Sunday
Essential information for Riviera Maya
Time Zone
UK -6hrs
Language
Spanish
Currency
Mexican Peso
Flight information
10-11 hrs, direct flight
Flight schedule
Fly direct from London Heathrow on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with Virgin Atlantic from 19th October 2025. Other services available all year round with partner airlines.
Do I need a visa?
No, UK passport holders don't need a visa for Mexico.
When is the best time to visit?
December-April is dry season with sunny skies, perfect for beach days and exploring.
Tropical paradise: highlights of Riviera Maya holidays
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
Hotels in Riviera Maya
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya, All Inclusive Resort
Riviera Maya, Mexico
1,802 reviews5 stars
- All Inclusive resort
- 13 restaurants and bars
- 8 resort pools, each with their own vibe
- Upgrade to the Enclave programme for exclusive resort perks
Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
3,646 reviews4 stars
- All-Inclusive resort with new swim-out suites
- Beautiful beach location
- Kids’ club
- Adults-only area
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
14,474 reviews5 stars
- Adult-only, all-suite resort
- Oceanfront infinity swimming pool
- Secrets Spa by Pevonia
- Ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya - Heaven
Riviera Maya, Mexico
11,876 reviews5 stars
- 4 restaurants and 3 bars
- 50 spa treatment rooms
- Home to Rockaway Bay water park
- Some areas and facilities are adults-only
Unico 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
7,979 reviews5 stars
- Adult-only relaxed luxury retreat
- Stunning Riviera Maya location
- 5 standout restaurants
- Immerse yourself in local experiences and culture
Grand Palladium Colonial Resort - Spa
Riviera Maya, Mexico
12,059 reviews4 stars
- Beachfront hotel, part of a larger complex
- Kids-only and adults-only spaces
- Exciting daily activities
Need more travel tips or holiday help?
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.