Avoid high-season chaos and relax in the Riviera Maya’s hotels and resorts that offer fall rates and packages in an exquisite tropical setting.


As the summer season fades and before December brings new flocks of tropical paradise-seeking tourists from the north, the Riviera Maya is no less exciting, but calmer, more relaxing and more affordable. The choices are plenty, and they are tailored for every taste and budget from luxurious all-inclusive beachfront resorts nestled at the edge of the lush tropical jungle to affordable downtown Playa del Carmen hotels close to the always-buzzing Fifth Avenue and steps away from the beach.

Here are some of the best choices in the Riviera Maya this fall:

Downtown Playa del Carmen:



Casa del Mar – Located in downtown Playa del Carmen, Casa del Mar is a little oasis surrounded by beautiful vegetation and has a 900 square feet rooftop that opens up to sweeping views of Fifth Avenue. This fall, the hotel is offering a Fall in the Playa package that includes a 15 percent discount from regular prices, Continental breakfast, and the 4th night is free. Minimum stay is 4 nights. The package is for two people, and additional guests would pay $10 extra per night. The package is valid from September 1 to December 15 of 2008. For more information, visit www.casadelmarplaya.com or email reservations@casadelmarplaya.com

Hotel Quinta Palmera – Located in downtown Playa del Carmen, about 100 feet from the beach, the Quinta Palmera is an intimate boutique hotel with six upscale rooms for adults only, decorated in a modern Mexican style. Quinta Fall Package includes one free night for guests staying for 3 nights (the 4th night is free) or 5 nights (the 6th night is free). The package applies only to Standard and Junior Suite rooms, is based on double occupancy ($30 per night per additional guest) and is valid from September 1 to December 20 of 2008. For more information, visit www.quintapalmera.com, email info@hotelquintapalmera.com or call Walter Pampinela at 984-803-5007.

Mosquito Blue Hotels & Resorts – Located in downtown Playa del Carmen, Mosquito Blue hotels – Mosquito Blue Hotel& Spa and Mosquito Beach Club Hotel -  are next to the beach and have their own private beach club. Embodying the architectural heritage of Mexico the hotels’ rooms offer rich amenities in a spacious yet intimate setting. This fall, both hotels offer the Save During Autumn Package, which includes 25 percent off regular rates until December 20, 2008. No minimum stay required. For more information, please visit www.mosquitoblue.com or email Luis Alberto at sales@mosquitoblue.com.

Coco Rio – A downtown Playa del Carmen hotel, Coco Rio offers Caribbean beaches just 100 feet away, Mamita’s Beach Club and proximity to shopping and nightlife of Playa del Carmen. Coco Rio offers a Special Fall Package that gives guests a 20 percent discount with a minimum stay of two nights. The regular price is $68 for a Standard Room for double occupancy. The package is valid from August 26 to November 15 of 2008. For more information, visit www.hotelcocorio.com or email info@hotelcocorio.com.

Corto Maltes by Encanto – A brand new oceanfront property in Playa del Carmen, Corto Maltes is a luxury condo complex conveniently located in the heart of Playa. The complex is low key, but trendy, enveloped by a tranquil and secure environment, just steps away from the Caribbean sea, shopping and entertainment. This fall, the condo complex is offering a Fall Getaway Package which features a 4-night stay with fourth night free for a total price of $840 for a 2-bedroom condo. Each additional night would cost $250. The package is valid from August 15 to November 30 of 2008. For more information,  email book@encantoresorts.com or call 866-978-4528.

Hotel Magic Express – Located in Playa del Carmen, the hotel features high technology, efficient services, comfort and convenience. Ideal for business travelers, its amenities include the executive center, meeting rooms, gym and more. Its Fall Special rates are $50 per room per night including Continental breakfast. The package is valid from August 17 till December 20th of 2008. The reservations can be made only through hotel’s website at www.hotelmagicexpress.com or through email at reserve@magicresortgroup.com

Hotel Playa del Karma – Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, this contemporary ethno-boutique hotel’s palapas (cottages) are set in a lush tropical garden. Stylish rooms and shady patios allow guests to experience the tranquility and relaxation in the midst of buzzing Playa del Carmen. This year’s September and October Promo Package includes American breakfast daily, free internet  in all of the hotel’s areas and one massage. The package price is $59 per person and a minimum 3-night stay is required. The package is valid from September 1 to October 31 of 2008. For more information, visit www.hotelplayadelkarma.com or email reservas@hotelplayadelkarma.com.

Playacar Vacations Rentals offer an extensive selection of top quality accommodations in luxury homes and condominiums in one of the most chic areas of Playa del Carmen. This fall, Playacar Vacation Rentals offer a special Plus Package. The package varies from one property to another and could include a free roundtrip airport transportation, visit to Chichen Itza, dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, massages and much more. To discuss specific packages, guests need to visit www.playacarvacationrentals.com, select one property and call 866-862-7164. “Via 38” is another special promotion that gives 10 percent discount at any property. Both special offers are valid from now until December 15, 2008.

 

All-Inclusive:



Barcelo Maya Beach Resort
– The five-star all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Beach complex boasts a private white sand beach and exudes affordable luxury. The resort is surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear turquoise water. This year, the resort offer a Special Fall Package, which includes a two-night stay, open bar in the room, all meals, snacks and beverages, a program of non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking, windsurfing, mini golf, snorkeling and more, water park show for kids, live music shows, 10 percent discount at the Spa and 10 percent off from Barcelo excursions. Prices per person start at $183 for an adult and $74 for kids (each additional night costs $92). The package is based on double occupancy and is valid from September 1 to October 31, 2008. For more information, visit www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Hotels/Mexico/MayanRiviera/MayaBeach/Home.htm, email sac7@barcelo.com or call 800-227-2356.

Grand Palladium Riviera Maya Resort & Spa – Located 20 minutes away from Playa del Carmen and 7 minutes away from Akumal, this beachfront harmoniously blends into the natural environment of the area. It has six restaurants, five swimming pools and a relaxing Spa. The fall rates are $103 per room per night based on double occupancy, and include a free stay for a 2nd child if booked from Sunday through Thursday. The rates are available from August 18 to October 31, 2008.  For more information, visit http://grandpalladiumrivieramaya.com or call Olga Ramos at 984-877-2100, ext. 8113.

Palace Resorts – including Aventura Spa Palace, Xpu-Ha Palace and Playacar Palace – Aventura Spa Palace is adults only resort set within 85 acres, combining the jungle, lawns and gardens; Xpu-Ha Palace is a 37-acre eco-friendly resort featuring bungalow-style accommodations; Playacar Palace is set in the heart of Playa del Carmen and features a golf course, Spa, pool with a swim up bar and 208 rooms. Palace Resorts offers several packages this fall: A Free Swim with the Dolphins for two includes transportation to the site and is valid for guests staying a minimum of 7 nights between September 1 to December 23, 2008; A $400 Discount for Spa and Golf  for two is valid for guests staying a minimum of 3 nights and includes a $200 discount for golf and $200 discount for Sp from September 1 till October 31, 2008; A $200 Discount for Spa and Golf  for two people is valid for guests staying a minimum of 3 nights and includes a $100 discount for golf and $100 discount for Spa from November 1 till December 15, 2008. For more information, visit www.palaceresorts.com or call 800-635-1836, ext 6030.

Catalonia Hotels – Five Catalonia Hotels – Catalonia Riviera Maya, Catalonia Yucatan Beach, Catalonia Playa Maroma, Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort – offer the Alegria Spa FALL In Love Package, which includes unlimited access to wet spa area, one relaxing 50 minute massage, 25 percent discount of massages and other Spa treatments and 25 percent discount of Spa’s products. The Spa package costs $75 per person and is valid from August 20th to December 25th of 2008. Accommodations not included. Guests must be 18 years old or older. For more information, visit www.hotels-catalonia.com, email rivieramaya.reservaciones@hoteles-catalonia.es or call 984-851-1037.

Royal Hideaway Playacar – This resort, situated on beautiful beaches and featuring an oversized cascading infinity pool and relaxation pools around the property, is the world’s first adult-only all-inclusive resort to earn a prestigious AAA 5-Diamond Award. This fall, the resort is offering a 4th Night Free Package which includes 3 nights for $306 per person per night for a double rooms and the 4th night is free. An additional night would cost $306. The package is valid from now till December 19, 2008. For more information, visit www.royalhideaway.com/index4.asp or email reservationsrh@mx.occidentalhotels.com

 

EP (European Plan):



Rosewood Mayakoba - Located just north of Playa del Carmen, Rosewood Mayakoba is a 1,600 acre luxury resort opened in late 2007 with 128 ultra-luxury suites, a signature restaurant, beach grill bar, specialty bars and spa café, swimming at beachfront pools and an Island Spa. This fall, the hotel offers its guests four different packages. Retreat Package includes: six nights’ Suite accommodation, daily breakfast buffet, private expeditions for two to Chichen Itza, Tulum and cenotes, day pass  for two to Xcaret park and a 60 minute massage at Sense Spa starting at $5,650. Romantic Getaway Package includes: five nights’ Suite accommodation, daily breakfast, candlelight dinner for two on the beach, 60 minute massage and candlelight bath experience starting at $3,850. Round Package includes: four nights’ Suite accommodation, full breakfast buffet daily, Greens Fee for two at El Camaleon golf course and Greens Fee for two at Ibersotar golf course and 60 minute massage starting at $3,850. Sense Spa Voyage Package includes: five nights of Suite accommodation, full breakfast daily, 2 hours of personal fitness training for two, a 60 minute massage, and 2 hours of private yoga lessons for two. All Rosewood Mayakoba packages include private roundtrip airport transfers, are based on double occupancy and are valid from now till December 15, 2008. For more information on Rosewood Mayakoba visit www.rosewoodhotels.com, email mayakoba.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com or call 984-875-8000.

Paraiso de la Bonita Resort – An ultra-luxury beachfront resort, Paraiso de la Bonita is an intimate, elegant and exclusive property, featuring beachfront suites, award-winning gourmet cuisine and the best in Thalasso therapy and Spa services. 4th Night Free Package includes roundtrip private airport transportation, Sea View Suite accommodations, a welcome bottle of tequila, a beach bag containing luxurious products, daily breakfast, 3 dinners, tasting of the best Mexican tequilas with a sommelier, and a 50 minute massage. The 4-night package is based on double occupancy and starts at $2,400 plus tax. An additional night would cost $800 plus taxes. The package is valid from May 15 to December 19 of 2008. For more information, please visit www.paraisodelabonita.com or email resa@paraisodelabonita.com.

Paseo del Sol by Encanto – Paseo del Sol complex is located on a quiet avenue in the gated community of Playacar. The area is surrounded by lush vegetation, and features a golf course, swimming pool, waterfall and a rooftop with barbecue area. A Fall Getaway Package offers 4 nights for a price of 3, and is priced at $600 for 2-bedroom condo for 4 people and $700 for 3-bedroom condo for 6 people. An additional night would cost $190 for a 2-bedroom condo and $200 for a 3-bedroom condo. The package is valid from August 15 to November 30, 2008. For more information, visit www.encantoresorts.com, email book@encantoresorts.com or call 866-978-4528.

 

Nature:



Boca Paila Fishing Lodge – Located in the Sian Ka’an bio-reserve, the lodge is ideal for families looking for a nature experience. Boca Paila is best known for its bonefishing and unparalleled permit fish population. Its bungalows are all beachfront with double beds, private bathroom and porch. This fall, a Promotional Fall Package includes accommodations and food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for $180 per person per night. Additional fly fishing tours to Sian Ka’an bio-reserve are available, where guests will be able to see manatees, crocodiles and hidden Mayan ruins. The price is $450 for 8 hours or 4322 for 4 hours of flyfishing. A 2.5 hour eco-tour costs $140. All prices are for one motorboat with maximum two people. The package is valid from now till October 25 of 2008 and a minimum 2-night stay is required. For more information, visit www.bocapailamexico.com , call 998-892-1200 or email info@bocapaila.com.

 

Easily accessible from many cities throughout the U.S., the eighty-one mile stretch known as the Riviera Maya is situated in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Beginning eleven miles south of Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya extends to Tulum, one of the most important archeological sites in the Mayan World. The region features the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, a vast network of underground rivers, over 100 cenotes, the action of eco-adventure sports including kayaking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing, proximity to many of Mexico’s most significant Mayan archeological sites, the varied activities of the eco-archeological parks, plus golf courses, spas, shopping, gourmet dining and a range of accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget. The Riviera Maya has been named a Top Destination in Mexico for four consecutive years by Travel Weekly (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007), one of the hottest beach destinations by Orbitz in 2008 and was also featured in the January 2006 issue of Travel + Leisure as “The Next Riviera.”

 


For more information on the Riviera Maya visit www.rivieramaya.com.

 

Source: Adams Unlimited

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".