Experience the beauty and magic of Riviera Maya, Mexico. This exquisite vacation destination on the exotic shores of Caribbean Mexico offers a true escape. White sand beaches, lush jungles, towering palms trees, and the ocean breezes of Riviera Maya instantly melt your cares away.
Riviera Maya is home to the quaint seaside town of Playa del Carmen and the bustling resort city of Cancun. Cozumel, the largest island in Mexico, is located just 12 miles off the coast. Popular tourist attractions and activities in Riviera Maya include touring the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, snorkeling and scuba diving the coral reefs of Cozumel, and swimming with dolphins at local eco parks. Golf, fishing, boating, shopping, and dancing are also fun activities available in Riviera Maya.
Hugging the white sand shores of exotic Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the new Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya is the pinnacle of vacation luxury on the Riviera Maya. Elegant suite accommodations, international cuisine, a deluxe spa, state-of-the-art convention services, and all-inclusive vacation packages make Grand Velas Riviera Maya a top destination for business and pleasure.
by Nyima Bieber
Every year in Mexico, from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November in all regions of the country, one of the most popular and deeply rooted traditional celebrations takes place. This celebration is dedicated to those who are no longer of this world and is centered on their joyful remembrance: el Dia de muertos or Day of the Dead. A mix of the indigenous people’s legacy and the religious practices brought by the Spanish during the conquest, the commemoration of our loved ones who have passed on is an event full of folklore, music, colors, aromas and flavors that lift the spirit.
The ancient Mayas believed that after death there were nine spirit worlds where the soul could go according to the form of death. There they would stay for one year. After this year, the soul would move on to another place, a type of parallel world called Xibalbá (place of those who disappear) from which they could come and go.
In the Riviera Maya, the banquet of souls, Hanal Pixan as the party is known, has its own style. Since 1992 in Xcaret park a Puente al Paraiso or Bridge to Paradise is constructed to commemorate the occasion, with a cemetery of 365 brilliantly colored tombs made of various materials that represent the days of the year and the different regions of the country. Altars are mounted in memory of famous personalities and people of the community, decorated with colored paper, candles, flowers and the favorite food, drink and music of the deceased, in the belief that on the night of November 1st the soul will come and partake in the offerings with their loved ones. Orange paths made of marigold petals lead the dead from their tomb to their altar so that they do not lose their way. Eight days after, the Bix is celebrated, in which the deceased are invited to return next year. For this celebration the food is prepared again so that the souls can take their itacate, or provisions for their travel back to where they rest during the year.
All is life and death is part of life. It is not the final end but the beginning of eternity.
This amazing visual spectacle is made up of thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, creating an air of mysticism in this enigmatic place. Don’t miss the chance the presence this magnificent display of Nature.
This tour begins in the Master section Lobby that is immersed in the exuberant jungle. From here the tour follows the path to the resort entrance, through the zone known as “la casa de los alushes”
Holboxtiburonballena.com
From June to September, the spectacular whale sharks visit the magnificent beaches of Cancun and Quintana Roo, making this season a favorite of tourists who arrive to the tropical Mexican paradise to have the opportunity to swim in the company of these noble creatures.Considered one of the largest species to inhabit the planet, whale sharks measure up to 15 meters long. Preferring warm waters for reproduction, each year whale sharks migrate to the island of Holbox, where their mating rituals take place.
Holboxtiburonballena.com
Take any of the many boats found on the beach and head for the sea to find this friendly species and swim alongside them while you enjoy the incomparable waters of the Mexican Caribbean; guides are available to orient you and provide assistance at any time.
This is an unforgettable experience that will put you in direct contact with nature.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
by Julieta Del Toro
The fantastic island of Cozumel is undoubtedly a favorite site for scuba diving, home to the renowned sites of Yucab, Maracaibo, Santa Rosa, Paraiso, Palancar and Punta Sur, which attract thousands of divers each year.
Within Cozumel is the island of Las Golondrinas (Island of the Swallows), surrounded by waters that hold an incomparable natural aquarium. Towards the west is found a fascinating and intricate system of live and petrified reefs that are either partially or completely submerged in the crystalline, tranquil Caribbean waters all year long; this is a preferred spot for divers, as it is a refuge for diverse marine species such as sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, sharks and millions of multicolored fish that concentrate here due to the current that dominates this part of the reef.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A few meters farther and you see the continental slope that descends abruptly 150 meters out, creating a wall that shelters in semi-darkness some of the strangest and most interesting life forms. Due to the incline of the wall, divers in certain areas feel as though they are swimming beneath it, creating an optical illusion that turns the experience into something surreal.
What can be seen beneath the surface is so beautiful it must be seen up close. Experience this magical underwater adventure, as a marvelous hidden world is revealed before your eyes.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is proud to have received another award that recognizes our great effort and reaffirms our quality status. As of the 16th of August of this year, we will be able to display the Level II banner and certificate of the NMX-AA-120-SCFI-2006 for the quality of the beach in front of the hotel.
The quality certification of beaches came about in 2006 as part of the SEMARNAT program, and consists of two levels. The first certifies the beach as safe, contained place for recreational use. The second (being the highest level) is awarded to those who meet the standards and take precautions that contribute to the preservation of coastal ecosystems of the country, conserving their environment and wide range of inhabitants, filtering contaminants brought from fresh water systems, protecting the coastline from erosion and storms, and meeting sanitary and safety requirements.
This certification places Grand Velas Riviera Maya at the international forefront in relation to similar conservation projects, as well as reaffirming our commitment to protecting the environment and visitors to the area.
Visit us at: www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com
Xplor is a unique underground world, with 7 surprising adventure routes that invite you to rediscover yourself and put you in direct contact with the natural world.
Posted By:admin | 
No Comments | 
Experience Riviera Maya, Home, Things to Do in Riviera Maya | 
Del.icio.us | 
Print | 
Trackback
Fri, 22 Oct 2010
