Come see where lush natural landscape and clear Caribbean waters live in harmony with world-renowned spas and golf courses.

Page 2 of 2
« Back

Visit the Other Side of Mexico - the Riviera Maya

When I arrived at Paraiso the sun had already set, and a full moon was rising. A slow five-minute drive off the main road to the resort led me through a mangrove forest—low-lying, interminably tropical, and perfect for setting the mood. The rich color palette of this hotel struck me instantly. Seeped strongly in the earthy tones of Mayan culture, it welcomes broad cultural influences with flashes of bright color inspired by the Mediterranean, India, Africa, and China. I found the most impressive vision though just off the entrance, where the moon glowed onto Paraiso’s pools of water, which extend seamlessly into the expansive Caribbean, midnight blue and tranquil. I achieved inner calm instantly. Each of the 90 suites at Paraiso offers equivalent views of the sea as well as a private terrace (some with plunge pools) and an individual decor inspired by the owners’ world travels.

Where To Play There’s so much to do here that you’d be remiss to spend too much time indoors. From the beach guests can board the resort’s private 50-foot catamaran, La Bonita, which is available for private day or overnight cruises, moonlight dinners, and cocktail parties. The two new yachts that joined La Bonita in December 2006 are available for multiday stays as well. Paraiso’s world-renowned concierge, Violeta Manon, will arrange boating excursions for guests looking to catch large local fish such as marlin, wahoo, tuna, mackerel, snapper, and grouper. For those more interested in getting under the water rather than being on it, the world’s second largest coral reef lies just beyond Paraiso’s beach. Scuba trips there provide a fish-eye view of the Caribbean.

Although Paraiso does not have its own golf course, it’s within a few miles from undoubtedly the best courses in Mexico and maybe Latin America. Violeta Manon will hook golfers up with rounds at Palaycar, designed by Robert Von Hagge, or the new El Cameleon at Mayakoba, designed by Greg Norman. In February 2007 El Cameleon—which has a natural cenote on the first hole—will host the first-ever PGA tour on Mexican soil.

After a morning of boating or golfing, a trip to Paraiso’s spa is in order. Spas play a central role in the Riviera Maya’s luxury lifestyle. Try a traditional therapy using natural ingredients, such as the Cold Marine Facial or the Seaweed Body Treatment. The full-scale Paraiso facility likely offers any treatment you could imagine.

From Riviera Maya it’s only a short, well-worth-it trip to Playa del Carmen. A late-afternoon excursion to Playa for shopping and dinner could turn into a much later night of drinks and lively conversation with locals and other travelers. The city feels rather European—a little edgy but largely relaxed with a strong Italian influence. Visit the Glass Bar for a favoloso dinner, and then walk across the street to the new Italian-owned Da Vino wine bar, where the sommelier will help you select a sip from the list of more than 100 wines. Or if it’s late and you need a pick-me-up to keep up with the locals, as I did, try waking up with an espresso. The sommelier suggests a side of grappa—the lively combination had me up and moving well past my bedtime.

For a taste of truly local cuisine, dine at Yaxche (pronounced yosh-CHAY, it means the “Tree of Heaven” in Mayan), and try specialties like the cream of chaya soup or the tamales wrapped in banana leaves. Hanging at this Mayan-inspired open-air restaurant and bar gives you a great picture of Playa—and the feeling of being truly immersed in the Riviera Maya.

What could impart a truer sense of this place than tasting ancient Mayan cuisine on the edge of Yucatán? Perhaps a dip below the limestone into a cenote or a sip of sweet tequila would top off the experience. Whatever your fancy, a washing in the waters of Riviera Maya satiates the spirit’s thirst indeed. —Kelly Margaret Smith

Page 2 of 2
« Back

Next article » Meet Katsuhiro Miura - A Man of Steel

Previous article « Altitudes