I just wanted to make a quick blog post concerning what’s actually happening at Cancun/Riviera Maya’s resorts with the new anti-smoking laws in place.  On my most recent visit I stayed at three resorts–Riu Palace Kukulkan, Catalonia Royal Tulum, and Hotel Xcaret Arte.

Smokers will be relieved to know that smoking was still going on at each one of these resorts; Hotel Xcaret Arte was the only resort where less overall smoking was still occurring.  At Riu Palace Kukulkan there was a small poolside area roped off with approximately six chairs, a place to put out your cigarette ends, and a sign saying your health may be affected by sitting there.  At Catalonia Royal Tulum there was even smoking occurring right outside restaurants with no designated area for it, and look for the smoking area at the very north end of the main swimming pool right by the pool entry/exit steps at Hotel Xcaret Arte.

There were still smoking areas at Xplor Park.  I have to admit that I did not see anyone smoking on beach areas anywhere, but that doesn’t mean smokers cannot smoke there as well.  I have read online social media responses from resort reps that they have no intention of policing Mexico’s new no smoking policy.

So, the bottom line for smokers is that resorts appear to still allow it, just watch yourself if you smoke on the beach.  Mexico’s beaches are public so there may more enforcement of anti-smoking laws if you get caught smoking on beach areas in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.