Canada-based Cirque du Soleil is building a new 600-seat theater next to Valentin Imperial Maya in the Riviera Maya. Its inaugural show, Joyà (meaning jewel, in Spanish), will occur Nov. 8, 2014; tickets are already on sale for USD $65–for $165 you can get a three-course dinner served with champagne. Here’s a video teaser:
Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma has decided to partner with Alexander Weiss (the 13 yr. old winner of MasterChef Junior Season One) to launch a new children’s program called Little Eko Chefs. This program is actually a series of cooking classes aimed at getting children involved in culinary experiences and learning more about what they eat. Here is a sample of some of the classes: Continue reading
As many Riviera Maya “fans” are aware, there is an artificial reef being built along the coast by Puerto Morelos specifically affecting the all-inclusive resorts of Generations Riviera Maya and the neighboring El Dorado Resorts (El Dorado Casitas Royale and El Dorado Royale).
The Riu Cancun resort will be closed from May 2014 through the end of July 2014 for a complete renovation. As is typical for these type of resort renovations, there is not a lot of official word out about the extent of the renovations from Riu headquarters; however, rumor has it that a theater will be added, restaurants will be relocated, the pool will be re-done, and guest rooms will undergo full renovations. As of this date, the outdoor renovations are still being worked on as well as working on room balconies. Given the scope of this renovation, the re-opening date may be in question.
Karisma has done it again, but with even more amenities–an “all suite, all butler, all gourmet” beachfront resort in the heart of the Riviera Maya just 25 min. south of the Cancun airport called Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma. The newest Karisma resort is a six-story contemporary stunner with facilities to accommodate couples, wedding parties, and multiple families in their one-to-three bedroom connecting suites.
During my recent stay at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya , I decided that I wanted to be more adventurous this trip AND save money, so I took the ADO public bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum to see the ruins. ADO’s are “first class” buses in Mexico and very comparable to American Greyhound buses with comfortable seats, strong A/C, an on-board bathroom, and small movie screens to help pass the time; however, programming is in Spanish. There are two ADO terminals in Playa, 5th Avenue and Benito Juarez which is right downtown, and the other is at 12th Avenue and Calle. 14 which is further north in town. From my prior research on the Trip Advisor Playa del Carmen forum, 5th Ave. and Benito Juarez sounded like my best departure point to get to Tulum, so I took a quick cab to Playa from the resort (USD $6).
A minor renovation is planned for Desire Resort and Spa Riviera Maya September 1, 2014-September 23, 2014. The renovation involves the pool area and Tentazione Restaurant–not only will these areas be closed but the beach area directly in front of the pool as well. The resort will offer complimentary transportation to Desire Pearl Resort from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. so that guests may enjoy the pool, beach area, and luncheon restaurant at its sister resort’s locale. Also, the on-site Jacuzzi Lounge will have extended hours during this time from 10 a.m. until 3 a.m. Perhaps the best perk of all is the 35% discount the resort is offering on all room categories for guests staying during these renovation dates (Jr. Suite Garden Views are already sold out for some of these dates). Contact the resort for more information: http://desire.originalresorts.com/rates.asp, or email at reserve@desireresorts.com, or info@desireresorts.com.
I was eagerly awaiting my first stay at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya. Since my last visit to this part of Mexico was along Cancun’s more commercialized Hotel Zone, I was yearning for a resort with some Old World charm amidst a jungle-like setting of mangroves and coconut groves. From my initial research, I came to the conclusion that this resort was destined to tick most of the boxes for me (well, maybe not the mangroves but I knew they were nearby). I definitely was not disappointed; in fact, I couldn’t stop the Cheshire cat-like grin from spreading across my face as I stepped inside this gracious, beautiful resort. From its gilded picture frames, stained glass ceiling panel, crystal chandeliers, and gleaming wood finishes, I knew I had made the perfect choice.