Why Riviera Maya should be your next holiday destination
This 83-mile-long swathe of palm-fringed sands is lapped by tumbling turquoise waves and stretches all the way down to the border with Belize. Admittedly, if you're travelling as a family, a couple, solo or with a group of friends, it's all too tempting to spend long lazy days on the beach at your hotel – and you'd want to leave plenty of time for that. But this is a part of the world that's crammed with other things to see and do.
So, where do you start? Well, the dramatic ruins of Tulum are some of the most impressive you'll see – and not just in the country, but anywhere in the world. Teetering on a cliff edge overlooking the sea, the ancient ruins offer a fascinating insight into Mayan culture – and there's even a beach for a refreshing swim after you've dipped your toe in ancient Mayan history. Next? Head on to Calle Sol Oriente in boho Tulum town, where you can pause for photos taken in front of vibrant street art depicting sea turtles, jaguars and flowers, while checking out the stalls and picking up a locally made souvenir or two.
If you prefer to immerse yourself in nature you're in the right place: tours through the mangroves give you a chance to soak up the serenity of this part of the world, listening to birdsong and the gentle lap of water as you go. Or for something a little livelier, this is a part of the world that's packed with fun events, from the annual Riviera Maya Jazz festival in November to the Food and Wine Festival in September. But travel here at any time of year and you'll be spoiled for drink and dining options, from toes-in-the-sand bars for tasting tequilas and street stalls serving up zingy tacos to juice cafes and candle-lit fine dining. And travelling with British Airways Holidays comes with benefits that include low deposits, Atol protection and generous baggage allowances.
All this is assuming you can stray from your hotel, but that may well be trickier than you think, with several luxurious Melia hotels to choose from. One option is Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya, a super-sleek adults-only stay that's just a 45-minute transfer from Cancun International Airport. Surrounded by mangrove forests and strung along the beach, it feels remote and exotic, yet it's minutes away from buzzy Playa del Carmen, with its shops, cafes and nightlife.
The all-inclusive element of your stay means that you'll have delicious food and drink on tap in the six restaurants, from authentic lip-tingling Mexican favourites like tacos to ice-cold local beers and smoky mezcals and cocktails. The Reserve offerings (an adults-only upgrade offering even more exclusive services and amenities) give you the chance to try incredible cultural experiences as part of your stay, from a Mayan shaman ritual to swimming in pristine cave pools known as cenotes. Your Reserve benefits also include a destination concierge to arrange excursions and reservations and to ensure your every whim is taken care of while you revel in the romantic touches of the resort – think double sun loungers slightly submerged beneath the pool at the front of your suite, plus hammocks and Bali beds, or a a relaxing morning in the spa to ease you into your day.
If you long for a sun-soaked holiday with your family then try Paradisus Playa del Carmen instead. It's a haven for all ages, not least because it's also a speedy transfer from the airport – an essential after a long international flight. Palm-fringed sands and mangrove, the option of swim-up rooms and numerous pools with shaded cabanas and corners make the perfect play areas, as does the waterpark with its slides, splashing buckets and fountains. If your children are keen on making friends and you need an hour or two (or more) to yourself then the excellent kids club for ages one to 11 is just the place, and there's a teen room too. During the day they'll have their pick of toys and activities, while extended opening hours mean you can opt for a meal out without your kids as company, or if they're with you then the choice of eight restaurants – with international and Mexican cuisine – means they'll be happy with their meal choice. And when they're happy, you're happy too.
British Airways Holidays packages include a generous baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your Melia holiday to Mexico with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*.
*Based on two sharing. Full balance due seven weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
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Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
I stayed in the world's biggest Four Seasons resorts — it was the ultimate reset
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While Mexico was the eighth most Googled destination of 2024, Costalegre is usually overlooked in favour of Cancun, Tulum and Mexico City. It's hard to reach, but that makes it feel like another world. That's the sense you get as you pull into the entrance of the hotel and make the 15-minute drive through the nature reserve to the open air lobby. If you look hard enough, you'll see iguanas, maybe a boa constrictor and five of the six native big cats. There's no need to worry though, as nothing ventures near the hotel (apart from the occasional racoon if you leave your door open). To beat the jetlag, book yourself in for a tailor-made spa experience – a full body massage including a facial and lymphatic drainage. My masseuse Jasmine worked knots out of my shoulders that I thought would be there for life, and I left feeling wide awake. I stayed in the ocean-view cliffside panoramic suite (£1,161 per night), which was the same size as my flat back home. 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A highlight is the heavenly café de olla, coffee brewed with orange and cinnamon. You'll get to meet the animals including chickens, goats, pigs, donkeys, and gorgeous Great Pyrnees puppies that guard the livestock. You'll also be treated to fresh honey from the melipona bees. If you visit the hives you'll discover they don't buzz, they hover silently and don't have stings. If that's not your thing, book into a therapeutic floral arrangement class (£46pp) and try your hand at making a cacti display in the lovingly cultivated greenhouse. From July 8, 2025 to December 18, 2026, you can get a complimentary fourth night at the Four Seasons Tamarindo with every three consecutive paid nights you stay. The minimum stay is four nights to qualify for this deal and the rates you pay for this offer are based on the best available room rate for the dates chosen. The rate shown when you're booking will be the average rate per night after the complimentary night has been applied. 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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
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'I explored city full of infamous crime scenes, landmarks and mobster hangouts'
The Windy City has iconic pizza, ties to blockbuster films and an infamous history of crime and mob funerals - and British Airways offers direct flights With its blockbuster movie skyline, fabulous food options and notorious crime history, Chicago has plenty to enthrall curious city-breakers. And there's every type of tour led by clued-up locals to whisk time-pressed travellers straight to the best bits. Fancy sampling the best deep-dish Chicago pizza? Want to see the church where mob funerals took place? How about gazing at one of the world's most diverse and shapeshifting skylines while cruising the Chicago River? Be it by bike, bus, boat or on foot, there are routes carefully crafted by experts and insiders to let the Windy City blow visitors away with the stories of the people who put it on the map. USA travel warning for Brits as major change to tourism visas set to take force Abandoned 'ghost town in the sky' with 1,050m high rollercoaster and creepy empty saloons Chicago is one giant eating adventure with endless famous foods to tick off. With limited time to seek out the prize picks, I took the Tacos and Tequila street-food tour of Pilsen, one of Chicago's most colourful and culturally rich neighbourhoods. The three-hour tour, run by Chicago Food Tours Company and led by a local guide, spreads out across 1.5 miles taking in the very best Mexican drinks and dishes. For £60 you'll get to make your own tamales – spicy fillings wrapped in corn dough – sample steak tacos, Mexican pork and the most irresistible churros dipped in icing sugar and chocolate, all while admiring the many murals inspired by Mexican culture in the neighbourhood. You'll also get the all-important lowdown on the best spots to sip margarita cocktails. 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Chicago may be considered America's second city, but the appeal of the place that gave the world the skyscraper continues to soar. Book the holiday
Time Out
4 days ago
- Time Out
5 ways to experience Marunouchi after dark
Enjoy a classy night out Marunouchi is an ideal destination for a stylish and relaxed evening. Just steps from Tokyo Station, this elegant district offers a wide range of dining and nightlife options – many of which are open until 11pm or midnight. Take your pick from casual bites, refined Japanese cuisine, bold Asian flavours, or even authentic Mexican fare. For drinks with a view, head over to one of Marunouchi's many terrace bars, perfect for a special night out. Top picks include Marunouchi(House) on the 7th floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building, where you can enjoy cocktails alongside panoramic views of Tokyo Station. Nearby, Marunouchi Brick Square offers a charming European-esque atmosphere with open-air seating ideal for a laid-back dinner or drink. For something more unique, make a visit to Ginza Jyuji Marunouchi, where you can enjoy an entertaining magic show while you dine. Afterwards, wind down your evening with a stroll down the art-lined Marunouchi Nakadori street. Snap a photo at Marunouchi's many scenic spots For stunning sunsets and skyline views, head to the Maru Building and Shin-Marunouchi Building – both are packed with restaurants, shops and terraces perfect for capturing golden hour and night views. On the 35th floor of Maru Building, you'll find a west-facing lounge with free entry, where you can catch the city's beautiful sunset along with sweeping views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay in the distance. If you'd like food to accompany the views, the 5th floor offers plenty of eateries and bars with terraces overlooking Tokyo Station. Over at the neighbouring Shin-Marunouchi Building, the 7th floor Marunouchi(House) features a variety of bars and restaurants, each with terrace seating offering views of Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace grounds and Marunouchi. Time your visit for sunset to catch the golden hour, and don't forget to stop by the 'Marunouchi Tokyo' photo spot for a fun snapshot of the Marunouchi sign with Japan's busiest train station in the background. Dig into delicious food with an incredible view If you're looking to treat yourself, Marunouchi is home to numerous fine dining establishments where you can indulge in exceptional food with views to match. On the 36th floor of the Maru Building you'll find Breeze of Tokyo, a modern French grill and bar known for its fine wines and seasonal dishes prepared with expert grilling techniques. The panoramic cityscape provides the perfect backdrop for a stylish evening in the centre of Tokyo. Sharing the same floor is Antica Osteria del Ponte, the first overseas outpost of the Milan-based restaurant. It serves authentic Milanese cuisine in a refined setting with views stretching from Tokyo Skytree to Tokyo Bay. Window seats offer prime views and can be reserved from ¥27,500 per person for dinner course meals (table charge included). For upscale Japanese cuisine, head over to Usukifugu Yamadaya on the 35th floor of the Maru Building. Specialising in expertly prepared fugu (pufferfish), this restaurant offers multi-course meals (¥26,620-¥38,720) featuring this delicacy from Usuki City in Oita prefecture, all to be enjoyed alongside dazzling night views. Embark on a scenic night walk Marunouchi's streets are home to numerous historic buildings intermixed with upscale boutiques, making it an ideal place for a post-dinner stroll. Here are some standout spots to explore. On the way to the Imperial Palace, don't miss the beautifully illuminated Sakuradamon Gate. Designated an Important Cultural Property, the gate stands out along the inner moat and is lit up daily from sunset to 9pm, offering a stunning contrast between the traditional structure and Marunouchi's modern skyline. Originally built in 1961 to commemorate imperial weddings, Wadakura Fountain Park is a peaceful nighttime retreat beside the Imperial Palace moat. After dusk, the illuminated fountains and shimmering city lights reflect off the water, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. Marunouchi's picturesque Nakadori street is the ideal place for a quiet evening walk as it is lined with stylish boutiques and numerous public art installations. While it's a lovely spot to stroll year-round, it truly shines from November to February during the Marunouchi Illumination, when champagne-gold lights are wrapped around the trees giving the street a festive glow. Sip in style with a night of bar hopping Marunouchi offers a diverse mix of bars, from upscale lounges to casual izakaya – perfect whether you're out with friends or flying solo. Marunouchi Brick Square is a relaxing dining spot centered around a green courtyard. Enjoy terrace seating surrounded by art and nature, or head to Ginza Jyuji Marunouchi for dinner paired with an impressive magic show. For something a little more elevated, try out Café 1894 situated inside the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, which is conveniently open until 11pm. If you're in the mood for something livelier, the basement level of the building features a fun mix of izakaya and casual eateries that stay open until late into the evening. On the 7th floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building, you'll find Marunouchi(House), a unique space home to 12 bars and restaurants with open terraces and views of Tokyo Station. It's a great spot to unwind with a drink and try out several different venues all in one night. The atmosphere amps up on Thursday and Friday evenings when DJs and other events take the floor. Note: DJ schedules may vary depending on the event. Another fun spot is Marunouchi Base, a retro-American diner and entertainment zone spread across two floors. The first floor channels classic diner vibes, while the second level offers darts, karaoke, drinks and more. The SG Tavern offers a unique experience inspired by an 1865 voyage when 19 young samurai travelled to England to study abroad. The menu retraces this journey through a unique blend of Japanese and global flavours, all served in a British-inspired tavern setting. Don't miss their original cocktails, some of which are made with SG Group's house spirit, The SG Shochu. Since 2005, Cotton Club has brought the spirit of New York's jazz scene to Marunouchi. This classy venue pairs world-class live performances with food and drinks, making it a great choice for an elegant night out.
