8-day Hopping the Boutique Hotels in the Riviera Maya

Experience elegance at its very finest on this eight-day excursion, staying in the very best boutique hotels in the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula. As you travel across this much-loved Mexican destination, visit its most beautiful locations, including Tulum, Akumal, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Valladolid, and Merida.

Stop off at the essential archeological sites, including Chichen Itza and the beach-side ruins in Tulum. Also, experience Mother Nature’s finest creations in the Sian Ka’an and Celestún Biosphere Reserves. Finally, unwind with a spa day and chances to fully relax on the Caribbean coast’s white-sand beaches.

Contact a Journey Mexico Travel Planner to book this itinerary or to make any changes you might desire.

World-class boutique hotels – Enjoy elite comfort at the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula’s very best boutique hotels, including Be Tulum, Cacao, Hacienda Chichen, Coqui Coqui Valladolid, Casa Lecanda, Rosas y Xocolate, and Hacienda Xcanatun.

Maya ruins – Take private, guided tours of the Yucatan’s outstanding archeological sites including Tulum and Chichen Itza.

Nature in the Yucatan – Explore the nature reserves of the Sian Ka’an and Celestún, both home to some of Mexico’s most spectacular wildlife.

Caribbean Sea snorkel adventure – Visit Akumal to snorkel the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea with the chance to spot sea turtles.

Day 1: Arrive in Cancun, private transfer to Tulum

You will be met at Cancun airport and privately transferred to your first boutique hotel, Be Tulum. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the intoxicating blend of luxury and nature offered by this unparalleled hideaway surrounded by a tropical forest and the ocean.

Your suite features a daily American breakfast (including special room service for honeymooners) and a relaxing private pool on the ground floor (or a Jacuzzi on the second floor).

At night, enjoy a special dinner on the beach, where we have made reservations for a three-course meal.

Overnight: Be Tulum

Day 2: Visit Tulum and snorkel in Akumal

Start your day with a privately guided tour of the world-famous site of Tulum, considered one of the most beautiful Maya ruins in the world. If you’d like, put on your swimming costume and view this beach-side site from the waters.

After, head to Akumal to snorkel in the turquoise Caribbean Sea (weather and sea conditions permitting) and take the chance to see wild turtles in their natural environment. Enjoy free time at the beach before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Be Tulum

Day 3: Private tour to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Visit the gorgeous Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico’s most extensive and important protected areas. Explore the marine wilderness of mangroves and estuaries on a private boat, taking the chance to snorkel if you would like. Throughout the journey, look out for the reserve’s many incredible residents, including big cats, crocodiles, and much, much more.

After, freshen up at the hotel before dinner in town. Head to Playa del Carmen to enjoy food and/or drinks at NIBS restaurant in Cacao boutique hotel.

Overnight: Be Tulum

Day 4: Private tour to Coba and cenote swim

Enjoy a private transfer to Coba, a sprawling Maya archeological site with grand pyramids and many ruins to explore with your private guide. After, enjoy time to swim and relax in one of the most important and beautiful cenotes in the area.

Then, journey to Chichen Itza for a night in the quaint Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxkin Spa, a lovely hotel dedicated to sustainable tourism.

Overnight: Hacienda Chichen

Day 5: Tour Chichen Itza and Valladolid

An early start allows a tour of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, before the majority of the tourists arrive. In its time, this amazing place was one of the largest cities in the Maya world. Explore the site with your private guide, visiting the ball courts and famous stepped pyramid, El Castillo.

After, head to Valladolid, the first capital of the Yucatan, now a bustling Maya city with a special Colonial feel. Head to Coqui Coqui boutique hotel to visit the Coqui Coqui Perfumery, a place born and inspired by the charm of the Yucatan Peninsula and its tropical aromas.

At night, arrive in Merida to settle into the small luxury boutique, Casa Lecanda, located in the historic city center. This special property was built in a restored traditional Yucatecan home and was designed to retain the original Meridian style.

Overnight: Casa Lecanda

Day 6: Private tour to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve and Merida

Experience a private tour of the wonderful wildlife sanctuary, the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, an enticing spot for all animal lovers. Celestún is home to one of the largest migratory flamingo populations in the world. Enjoy a boat ride on the river, admiring the wonders of nature, beautiful flamingo colonies, and fresh water springs.

After free time for lunch, head back to Merida for a city tour and learn about this historic and thriving Yucatan city, named the World’s Best Small City 2019 by Conde Nast Traveler.

After, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. We suggest dining at the award-winning Casa de Piedra restaurant located at the hotel boutique Hacienda Xcanatun, an 18th-century gem offering a gourmet fusion of local and European cooking styles.

Overnight: Casa Lecanda

Day 7: Spa day at Rosas y Xocolate

After a day at leisure in Merida, enjoy a private transfer to hotel boutique Rosas & Xocolate’s  beautiful spa to enjoy their signature treatment  “Xocolate Experience.” This three-stage treatment uses the wonders of chocolate and cacao oils to refresh and regenerate your body and mind.

Before heading back to your lovely hotel, we suggest dinner or cocktails at the Sky Moon Lounge at Rosas & Xocolate (meals or beverages not included).

Overnight: Casa Lecanda

Day 8: Departure Day

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transported to the airport for your onward flight home. If you’d like to extend your itinerary or alter it in anyway, let a Journey Mexico Travel Planner know, and they’ll be happy to make the changes for you.

Dates

Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.

Prices

Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.