Tulum was a pre-Columbian, walled Mayan city that is located on a cliff on the Yucatán Peninsula…read moreoverlooking the Caribbean Sea. It was inhabited from the 13th to 15th centuries and played an important role in defense and trade. My husband and I toured the Tulum ruins with a tour guide. The site was walkable, although the weather was very sunny and hot. We saw the structures El Castillo, a castle overlooking the beautiful shore; the Temple of the Frescoes, which has wall murals; the Temple of the Descending God; Casa del Chultun; and many others. The ruins were roped off, so we could see them only from a distance and not touch them, but they still looked impressive and interesting. We also enjoyed seeing wildlife such as iguanas. We have visited other Mayan ruins in Mexico and in Belize, and in comparison, I do recommend visiting Tulum.

Our 2nd time to Tulum Ruins was great! We joined a tour this time and enjoyed it. Our guide was…read moreknowledgeable and very accommodating when questioned. We went on a March weekend and was surprised it was not crowded which was great. I would love to come back during sunset next time - the dramatic scenery, combining ancient ruins with a beautiful beach and the ocean view, will definitely be worth it!

Rio Secreto was an amazing experience!…read more I went to Cancun for a girls' trip, and honestly, I was very nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I tend to get anxious about new experiences, but I always try to push myself--knowing I'll be happy I did afterward. When you arrive, check-in takes place in a hidden, lush area with benches. A short video plays so you can get an idea of what Rio Secreto is all about. After that, you check in, sign your waivers, and meet your guide for the day. We totally lucked out--our guide, George, was incredible! The guide makes all the difference. George was full of life, personality, and knowledge. He truly immersed us in the caves and shared so much about Mayan culture. I can't say enough nice things about him! Your guide then takes you by van to the Rio Secreto caves, about a 15-minute drive on an unpaved, natural, and bumpy road. I don't get carsick, but if you're prone to it, you may want to take something beforehand. The ride itself is scenic and surrounded by lush greenery. Once you arrive, you'll find lockers, showers, bathrooms, and seating areas. Be prepared to remove all jewelry, as it's not allowed in the caves--the water must remain pure. You'll take a quick shower before putting on your wetsuit and water shoes (they provide them, or you can bring your own). You'll also wear a helmet with a light. The facility is extremely clean and well-maintained. I was genuinely impressed by how often they sanitized the equipment, floors, and bathrooms. Once you're geared up, you take about a 10-minute walk to the caves. Before entering, you'll participate in a beautiful Mayan ceremony meant to cleanse your spirit--and take a quick group photo. Important tip: You cannot bring your cell phone! Let it go and just enjoy the moment. A photographer will take pictures throughout the tour, and trust me, it's worth it. Walking and swimming through the caves while listening to George share stories about the Mayans, the legends, and the discovery of Rio Secreto was truly magical. The water is cool at first, but you get used to it quickly. Floating through the crystal-clear water surrounded by stunning cave formations took my breath away. After the tour, you're treated to a delicious meal--including handmade tortillas! An amazing day and an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend Rio Secreto!

My first time in Cancun. I heard many great things about Rio Secreto had a wonderful time …read more.. Highly recommended our guide was Ricardo he did great job explaining everything very friendly and informative. Thank you Ricardo

**A Day of Sun and Discovery: Chichen Itza Adventure, local lunch buffet, and cenote visit**…read more I recently had the opportunity to visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience! Despite the scorching heat, our group had an absolute blast exploring this incredible site. **The Weather: A Sizzling Challenge** Let's get the obvious out of the way - it was HOT. Like, "I-can't-even-wear-my-sunglasses-because-their-frames-are-melting" hot. The sun beats down relentlessly, making every step feel like a marathon. But, as they say, "no pain, no gain" - and we were determined to make the most of our day. **The Ruins: A Treasure Trove of History** As we ventured deeper into the site, our eyes widened in awe at the sheer scale and grandeur of the ancient structures. The Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo) stole the show, its intricate carvings and stairways a testament to the ingenuity of the Mayans. The Temple of Warriors, with its 9 pillars, was another highlight - each one adorned with symbolic carvings that told stories of battles and mythological creatures. **Cenote** We were also lucky enough to visit a local cenote and were thoroughly impressed. Despite the short visit, the experience was refreshing and rejuvenating. (about an hour 1/2 or so) The water was crystal clear and a perfect temperature - a welcome respite from the hot Cancun sun. The calm and peaceful atmosphere made it easy to unwind and relax. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cool off or experience the natural beauty of Cancun, I highly recommend checking out one of these local cenotes. Don't expect to spend hours exploring, but do expect to leave feeling refreshed and invigorated. **Tips and Takeaways** * Bring sunscreen. Like, a lot of sunscreen. * Bring a canteen filled with Ice and water * Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking. * Take breaks in shaded areas or under umbrellas to avoid heat exhaustion. * Don't miss the acoustics demonstration at El Castillo - it's an impressive display! * Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak season. * Consider booking a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the site's history and significance. Thank you NOE and team!

Our tour guides, Miguel & Carmona were very helpful and knowledgeable. The deluxe tour package to…read moreChichen Itza and the cenote was well worth it. I was truly impressed with everything they planned for us.

Jorden was an amazing server, and the whole team was wonderful, inviting, friendly and…read moreknowledgeable. They all helped my friend and I celebrate our joint birthday's in a very classy and memorable way. Maybe the best filet mignon I've ever had, (get the USA grade steak, it's worth the extra $) it was a great experience, I was a bit afraid it would be a tourist trap and the food would be sub par... but NOT the case, the food was the main attraction and the cave was an added bonus. If you're looking for a really special experience, that is upscale dining without being pretentious, while simultaneously offering history/nature/ambiance within a cave.... 100% recommend. Other reviews on Yelp have mentioned Market Price (MP) for the lobster and NY Strip, I'd respond that if you have to ask the price, you shouldn't order the item.

2.5 stars You're…read moreabsolutely paying for the experience and atmosphere here. Walking through the cave, the lighting, the underground wine cellar where you pick your own bottle -- it's undeniably impressive and makes for great photos. For a birthday dinner or special occasion, I understand the appeal. That said, once the novelty wears off, the food and overall experience just didn't justify the massive bill at the end. Nothing was bad, but nothing really stood out as unforgettable either. The oysters were fresh, the drinks were solid, and a few dishes looked better than they tasted. It felt more like a place designed for the "wow" factor than for truly exceptional dining. Service was fine, but the pacing and attention didn't match the luxury pricing. In an area like Playa del Carmen where there are SO many amazing restaurants with incredible food, drinks, and atmosphere for a fraction of the cost, this one just felt hard to justify. Glad we experienced it once for a friend's birthday, but it's probably not somewhere we'd return. Great cave. Great photos. Average value.

8-Day trip as a solo traveler. I had an amazing time from the second I got there until the second I…read moreleft. I felt safe, cared for, valued and respected. 2 days of treatments at the spa were top notch. Amazing service by Eduardo, Juan, Leslie, Carmen, Denise, and Alberto. Some people say the treatments are expensive but I found that they were comparable to any nice, luxurious and exclusive day spa I have ever been to. It was worth every penny. Tons of pools and activities. I did not have to worry about finding seating. Moises at the Excellence Club pool was absolutely outstanding. He is legend around here and I can see why. Most days were spent at the beach, meditating and relaxing. I have never been taken care of better than I was by Ivan and Jorge. They were outstanding gentlemen and treated me very well and ensured I had a great week. Hibachi dinner was excellent. Rosy and Gerardo were so much fun. Food was fantastic. Erika at Aroma was a pleasure to see each night as I got a warm drink and tea to settle down for the evening. Overall, an absolutely great experience. I will definitely be booking another trip for next year.

This place is amazing! We will absolutely be back. Clean, friendly service, anything we asked for…read morethey would do their best to accommodate. Loved the pools, especially the lazy river. All of the restaurants are great, my favorites were Basmati and Spice. The only room for improvement: I wish there were healthier options available by the pools do lunch. The taco truck is great but doesn't open until 4pm.. a little late for lunch. I don't want fries/hotdog/burger/nachos for lunch. The Linux buffet was great, but it would've been nice to have a salad or tacos by the pool. Loved the shows and trivia every night! Can't wait to go back.

This place has it all. Seriously…read more Incredible stay all around. The service is truly top tier. The staff are attentive, friendly, and always make you feel taken care of without it feeling forced or over the top. The entire resort has a luxury feel from the moment you arrive. Everything is beautiful, calm, and extremely well maintained. The pools and beach are great, and the whole place just feels polished and relaxing. The rooms are especially impressive. Spacious, elegant, and spotless, with a very high end feel that makes it easy to unwind and feel comfortable right away. Overall, it was an amazing experience and easily one of the nicest resorts I've stayed at. Would absolutely come back and highly recommend it.

One of the most amazing experiences of my life! The beach was beautiful lots of activities for…read morekids. Grand class was adults only and absolutely stunning but walking distance from the kids friendly ambassador. There was transportation to get anywhere in the resort. Zen the more jungle focused hotel was Also beautiful. All inclusive 24 hour room service unlimited food and drinks and refillable mini bar. Cocina de autor which is a Michelin star restaurant was amazing , the wine pairing is extra but it's worth it. Piaf has great French food , Frida , Luca , sen Lin and Chaka are kid friendly I missed Chaka but the other three are really excellent. The bistro at grand class is great and azule is a great more casual buffet. There multiple bars the pools and the beach which is beautiful have food and drink service. Some activities are included and the spa is beautiful. My suite was over 1000 square feet with a plunge pool on my balcony. Getting chairs early is key at the pool and the beach. There are bars a coffee shop multiple boutiques gyms and activities. One of my favorite was catch of the day on the beach for lunch . There is a kids and teens club and a kids spa. Beautiful place for a wedding, I saw multiple during my stay. The food is really good! They have a mini golf course most of the year. There is night security and the resort is gated. They have mocktails as well as cocktails. The staff is really friendly. Tipping is optional but tipping in American money is recommended it will get charged to your card. There are three pools not including the spa. One at the grand class ( adult only) , zen, and the ambassador. The ambassador and grand class are walking distance from each other. This resort attracts more than Americans. It's beautiful and a world class resort.

My wife and I travel a lot, and I must say this place is definitely at the top of our list. She's a…read moretravel agent, and I travel around with her, trying the resorts so she can recommend them to her customers. From the time we got here, with the ease of the check-in, to the rooms, the food, the amenities, and just the overall service, this place is run like a well-oiled machine! This is an older resort that still has the older Mexican Hacienda feel, with all of the modern upgrades and additions. You can tell they've put a lot of work into keeping this resort as authentic as possible. There was clearly a lot of thought put into every change and upgrade that was made to this resort. Our room was a corner suite at the end of the resort overlooking the ocean, the Dunas Suites. We thoroughly enjoyed getting up every morning to watch the sunrise, drink our coffee, and start the day! We had our own private pool, which was great to come back to and just soak and talk at the end of each day. The room and accommodations were absolutely top-notch! The food was absolutely amazing! We typically don't do the buffet, but we tried it, and it was the nicest buffet we have ever been to. We tried a variety of the different restaurants, and they were all absolutely amazing! For anyone that is a foodie, this is probably the best food I've ever had at an all-inclusive resort. They have three pools here: the Silver, which is a smaller pool in more of a natural setting; the Golden Pool, which has a lazy river and goes from Building 6 to 8; and then the main pool, which is one of the largest pools we've ever seen at a resort. It's HUGE! What I liked about it is they had two different bars there, and they have rafts available, which is super convenient as we usually bring our own. And yes, they have a lot of high-end booze and make some really good drinks at the pool bars! Each night after dinner, we would end up at the Plaza España! On our way, we would stop and get a churro at the churro cart, which I highly recommend, and then we would finish with a few drinks from the La Plaza Bar and live entertainment, which was usually a DJ or a live band! The later it got, the livelier it became, as the dance floor was a pretty hot attraction! A must-stop is Café Sisal, which offers hot and cold coffee drinks, fruit drinks, a variety of different sandwiches and pastries, and of course, their ice cream! This is a big resort, and if you are staying toward the oceanside, I would strongly recommend utilizing the golf cart services. We would at certain times, but a lot of the time we found a shortcut by the big pool that cut the walk in half. They have so much to offer, with a variety of different daily activities. Overall, this place is absolutely amazing, and I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for an all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya.

It had been many years since I'd stayed at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, so I wasn't quite…read moresure what to expect at the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya. I was very pleasantly surprised with everything! From the food to the staff, to the activities and variety of spaces, it was really a wonderful experience. I also LOVED all the wildlife we saw! Especially the coatis. Once you arrive, you are greeted with a welcome drink and they take your luggage to your room. Our rooms weren't quite ready but we were able to head to the buffet and get some food. We had the deluxe junior suite, which was the cheapest room option. It was very spacious, with two double beds, a small couch, table and chairs, and a large bathroom with a jacuzzi tub and separate shower. We loved the location of the building as it was near the pools and all the restaurants. It's a bit further from the beach, but we didn't spend much time there. The resort features several restaurants: French, Italian/Mediterranean, sushi, Mexican, Thai/Asian, a buffet, and a surf & turf restaurant. There is also a coffee shop that's open late, and food trucks at the pool areas. The food was quite good, with lots of options and incredible care when it comes to food allergies. I loved the Petite Alsace experience (a private dining experience at the French restaurant), and at $59 per person extra it was totally worth it. The only food I didn't love was the room service - it was almost always cold. But the wings were tasty! The staff at this resort make it so fun - they were always smiling and friendly, and so entertaining. Sonia at the main pool bars was the best, mixing up all the best drinks! Speaking of drinks... they have everything you could possibly think of (except aperol). The specialty shots are very fun. The afternoon pool events were a blast - we watched the mechanical bull competition, participated in aqua yoga at the pool, learned about Mexican produce at the cooking class, and more. They have nightly entertainment like DJs and karaoke in the courtyard, as well as a show every night. We loved the magic show! We also did a yoga class and the bike tour - I highly recommend the bike tour on your first day as it helps get an overview of the layout of the resort. The Golden pool area is super quiet and calm vs. the main pool area. It was nice to switch it up mid-week with a more restful afternoon on the "lazy river." Tips: -Bring an insulated mug/cup for the pool (and a larger straw for frozen drinks) -A waterproof holder for your phone/tipping money at the swim up bar is nice to have -I went back and forth on bringing inflatable loungers... I didn't pack them but wish I had. You can find the resort's blue floating pads pretty easily but they are not very versatile (I prefer ones where you can sit more upright) -Bring a game/deck of cards to play while waiting for dinner. (There is a lot of entertainment too, but it was nice to have) -Large groups (more than 8) will likely have to split up for dinner at the restaurants I'm so glad I got to experience this resort. Some of the guests we met have been there 20+ times!

We had a really good time at this adults-only resort. There are plenty of activities where you can…read morebe busy or choose to relax and enjoy your time. I was not approached by anyone offering to sell me anything or attend presentations. Staff were super friendly and helpful during our stay. There's a main pool and a quiet pool. So you have an option where you want to be based on your interest. Night shows were great with some fantastic performers. I wish that there was more Mexican themed shows or music but I guess they try to accommodate that the majority of guests were from Canada and USA. Some of the restaurants rotate being open for dinner. Your best bet is to make reservations ahead of time. You can always show up but might have to wait depending on the time. Overall food was good. Drinks were ok but as a social drinker, I wasn't impressed with my 1-2 drinks/day during my stay. I think I had one drink that I found really good. Beach area is not private and you might have people approach you to sell you stuff or services. A polite "no, thank you" works great. Location and proximity to 5th Avenue made it a great place to explore the area. Although filled with tourists, you also get some local interactions. I would come back to this resort in the future.

Ownership has changed, and this property is now known as Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen…read more My boyfriend planned the trip, and my only request was an all-inclusive resort. While the property has a lot of potential, it ultimately missed the mark, especially for a resort of this size. The biggest issue was the constant selling. I understand upselling is part of the business, but having to say no repeatedly throughout the stay was exhausting. Even after interacting with the same staff members multiple times, nearly every conversation felt like a sales pitch. We also received early morning calls to the room for non-urgent matters and promotions, which was disruptive and frustrating. Despite being advertised as all-inclusive, there were frequent pushes to upgrade to higher-end alcohol, exclusive experiences, and add-ons. I would much rather pay more upfront for a truly inclusive experience than feel harassed during my vacation. It really affected the overall vibe of the trip. The food was average and not memorable. The highlight was the coffee shop, which was open most of the day and consistently good. Poolside dining is very limited. You cannot casually order snacks like chips and guacamole while at the pool and instead have to go to one of the restaurants. Also be cautious with food near the pool, as wildlife grabbed my pizza while I was sitting there. Overall, this resort could be great, but the aggressive upselling, average food, and limited poolside service made it disappointing for an all-inclusive experience.

This place is NOT LGBTQ friendly. My friend was called a slur by a HOTEL EMPLOYEE. He was filming…read morethe sunset and was able to capture the employee saying it to him on camera. When my friend confronted him and asked if it was him in the video, he agreed but then denied he called him a slur. The hotel only gave my friend half off his massage and transportation to the hotel. For the amount of money we spent at this place, this is RIDICULOUS. The managers and employees are all complicit and allow this horrible behavior to happen. They are extremely unprofessional and the massage therapists also offer happy endings in their services, saying they work off of commission. Este lugar NO es amigable con la comunidad LGBTQ+. Un empleado del hotel insultó a mi amigo con un término despectivo. Mi amigo estaba filmando la puesta de sol y logró grabar al empleado diciéndole el insulto. Cuando mi amigo lo confrontó y le preguntó si era él quien aparecía en el video, lo admitió, pero luego negó haberlo insultado. El hotel solo le ofreció a mi amigo un 50% de descuento en su masaje y el transporte al hotel. Por la cantidad de dinero que gastamos en este lugar, esto es RIDÍCULO. Los gerentes y empleados son cómplices y permiten que ocurra este comportamiento horrible. Son extremadamente poco profesionales y las masajistas también ofrecen servicios sexuales, diciendo que trabajan a comisión.

Long post sorry-Must come to resort. El Darado Maroma has the BEST staff. First, Osvaldo 5 along…read morewith his team Alex,Mafer,Lino,Omar, DJ cris and Jerik. This entertainment staff made our time so enjoyable with their high energy and passion in the hospitality business. Our bartenders Ana and Roberto , house keepers (Isidoro) and ground crews went the extra mile everyday. They sweep the sidewalks/pathways daily. This is a resort you want to visit. Beach is a dream, grounds are impeccable. You will not be disappointed and Osvaldo is an okay volleyball player lol The staffs will go through every effort to meet your individual request (be practical) Their enthusiasm is intoxicating because even on the no beach day with sargassum you are watching trucks, workers in the water with pitch forks and you think I'm on vacation. Never a bad day. You won't be disappointed here. The food is good. You may not find a five star Michelin chef but when you've been drinking all day, the food is plenty good and the atmosphere just makes the environment so delightful.

This is a beautiful resort with so much to see, and do. Endless activities for the entire family. I…read moreabsolutely love coming here. In the spa, Carmen, the lady who did my facial was amazing. She explained everything, asked me about my concerns, and answered other questions I had about the spa. On another note. Many of the female staff members in the spa, on the women's side were not helpful at all. If they spoke english, they all acted as if they couldn't. Each, and everyone of them would walk away in the middle of you trying to talk to them. I am not exaggerating. No-one in there was helpful, or cared to help. No one gave tours, and no one explained anything when asked a question. It was frustrating, and angering. As much as I wanted to love my experience, I couldn't. The female spa attendant workers ruined what could have been a great experience. However, if you asked a male worker on the men's side, they were bilingual, very outgoing, and helpful. What gives??

The property is huge. For its size, it is fairly well maintained. The main paths are well manicured…read morefor the most part. The activities for kids are numerous. The variety is much appreciated. The pools are nice and the service is great. We went during crazy sargassum so the beach was disappointing. If it wasn't for the seaweed, the beach looked like it had potential. The food here is hit or miss. Many of the portions are on the smaller side so you can order several dishes if you wanted to. If you come during spring break, or any other major peak season I'd imagine, it can get super busy at the restaurants. Many need reservations, which become impossible if you wait too long. We booked whatever time slot was available and just showed up whenever we wanted to eat. The staff was always able to to accommodate us. Luckily, if you don't have reservations, the buffet is pretty good for an all inclusive. Room service is also a great option. They cleaned our room several times a day for some reason, but that was nice since our kids always made a mess throughout the day. The water park is nice. Lots of areas for different age groups. The pool lounge chairs can be difficult to snag during busy season. We were unable to see most of the resort during our 5N there.