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Published October 21, 2006 Maya Way
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You can be, well, obvious and head to the French or the Italian, or you can fly off the beaten course…to the Riviera Maya. This little stretch of Mexican-Caribbean paradise has remained relatively below the radar, although Europeans have long been descending upon the Mayan Riviera's quiet alabaster-white beaches, fringed with lush tropical jungles, crumbling Mayan ruins, and nightlife worth a few coladas. Head to the southernmost tip of Tulum, where the new Azul Blue Hotel and Spa opens on November 1st. True Riviera-style indulgence abounds—a dedicated butler for each villa will help you select the firmness of your pillow from a "pillow menu" (we've heard a "slipper menu" is in the works), draw your temazcal, an ancient Mayan purifying steam bath, and book your beach cabana with its king size four-poster bed—all while serving you ceviche produced by their trained cevichero (yes, life's just better with a butler…and a cevichero). Nearby, explore the ruins or take a dip in the cenotes—underground water-filled caves. And if you hit the Riviera at the end of November, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival keeps the laid-back Caribbean vibe going on the sand late into the night. Adios for now, St. Tropez. |
VITALSAzul Blue Hotel and Spa |
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