Mexican Waves

By Adam Currie

Mexico When one thinks of Mexico, one often conjures up images of a limp- bodied, sombrero-donning figure reclining in the desert sun, with nothing but a bottle of Olmeca’s finest to keep him company.

Now scrap that mindset completely and welcome this incredible place for what it is - a paradise that will leave all who take the time to view its unique culture in absolute awe.

With the advent of the all-inclusive getaway, Mexico has exploded onto the tourism radar as a location that not only offers untarnished beaches, fine hospitality and an inviting climate, but also a format whereby family is key. Following a leisurely flight to Cancun, we were met by one of the Iberostar Paraiso Beach resort representatives and whisked away to one of the country’s far-from-hidden treasures.

Only thirty minutes by shuttle from the airport, the Paraiso Beach resort nestles on the shores of one of Mexico’s most stunning regions – the Riviera Maya. Also known as the Mayan Riviera, this district is renowned for its unique coastal feel, situated directly parallel to the Caribbean coastline of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo - the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula.

This extravagant family-friendly location boasts some of the highest resort ratings in Mexico, and after a weeklong stay it is clear why. Upon arrival we were greeted with fresh fruit cocktails and a detailed information session on what exactly the resort had to offer, before making our way to a spacious family-sized suite featuring incredible ocean views, a private terrace and beach hammocks a mere stones throw from our balcony. Boasting an array of local wildlife to entertain kids and adults alike, the resort lays host to impressive common areas including a shopping centre, modern spa, hairdressing salon, nightclub and golf course.

With Iberostar offering cheap shuttles into the heart of Cancun, the entire family were sampling some of Mexico’s finest delicacies within minutes of arriving at this Latin wonderland. I highly recommend the globally renowned La Habichuela- an eatery that became legendary three decades ago, when local cooking extraordinaire Armando Pezzotti opened the restaurant in what was once his home. Like Cuban cigars, Mexican beef is one of Latin America’s true unique pleasures and nowhere is this more apparent than on the Riviera. Be sure to sample the locally mastered Tamiquena beef fillet - a grilled strip of beef heart fillet seasoned with a traditional garnish of guacamole, refried beans, chicken enchilada, sliced red onions and chilli poblano strips in what can only be described as culinary exuberance.

Meals form an integral part of Mexican hospitality, with the Iberostar proving more than up to the challenge. Prepare to be blown away by not only the quantity, but also the quality of cuisine on offer. The entire family are able to choose from seven different à la carte restaurants, multiple international buffets, or a multitude of more laid back grill and snack bars, with the highlight being the dazzling interactive display put on by the chefs at the resort’s Japanese sushi restaurant. All of the restaurants are child-friendly, with kids’ clubs available for those times when parents want to savour the exotic ambience without any distractions.

This getaway is the definition of luxury for those wanting to take in a stress-free break, whilst simultaneously embracing a unique ambience. When night falls, guests are able to enjoy a variety of live shows and music, or for a more relaxed setting, a multitude of relaxed lounge bar settings scattered throughout the resort. Interestingly - and something that is lacking at many other all-inclusive experiences, children are treated to daily activities and talent contests prior to adult shows. There are an abundance of all-included family sporting options such as kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. No visitor should leave Cozumel Island without exploring its world-renowned coral reefs, the location being one of the most famous diving areas in the Caribbean. For those parents looking to spend some time at one of the many sensational pool bars on offer, the Iberostar offers an incredible kids club service for children aged between 4 and 12. It has done phenomenally well to take a simple concept filled with activities such as drawing, reading and playing and incorporate it into a learning experience- making use of the cultural diversity of the kids at their disposal. No geography lesson can quite transcend the lessons learnt from spending a week with a foreign playmate. The resort is continuously abuzz with the kids’ club offering an array of activities during the day as well as shows and live music at night.

A trip to this Latin playground would not be complete without sampling the local way of life. Located between Playa del Carmen and the lesser-known city of Puerto Morelos, we had a unique opportunity to soak up a mix of culture where hospitality is the order of the day. The contrast between these two cities is immediate with Puerto Morelos laying claim to a relaxed, laid-back ambience popular with artists, craftsmen, fishermen and divers. On the other end of the spectrum the glamorous and cosmopolitan Playa del Carmen is lively, vibrant with a lot more of a tourist-induced Riviera feel.

Exhausted from undertaking the holiday necessities of eating, drinking, lazing and shopping we did manage to spice things up by hopping onto one of the easily accessible town busses to explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. For any self-confessed "culture vulture" the ruins are nothing short of extraordinary. Known as the "Walled City," Tulum was considered to be one of the most influential cities of the ancient Mayan period, with Fresco remnants still visible throughout the structures. Tulum has a rich and colourful history first highlighted by Juan Díaz, a member of Juan de Grijalva's Spanish expedition of 1518. It shot to fame three centuries later gaining global recognition, when in 1843 it was published in John Lloyd Stephens’ epic Incidents of Travel in Yucatan.

On to Laguna Bacalar. The experience of driving down the typically dusty Mexican highway 307 can only be beaten by the Bacalar itself - a turquoise ribbon water mass winding through a Latin jungle as the gateway to some of the Yucatan's most renowned archaeological sites. For those seeking a historical masterpiece, prepare to savour the sights and feel of the Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar - built in 1729 to protect local communities from pirates. During the mid 1800s’ War of the Caste, the fort was used as a point of defence against Maya who besieged the village, massacred the local population and left the fort in ruins. Since then it has been restored and is now one of the most culturally significant landmarks in the country.

And it’s affordable - an essential component when planning any family trip. With children under 12 receiving discounts of up to 50%, and substantial discounts available during North American off-seasons, this resort is well poised to take advantage of foreign family clientele. For those wanting the ultimate luxurious experience without having to worry about any hidden extras, this is for you. While Mexico might be somewhat off the beaten track for most South Africans, it truly is well worth the time and effort it takes to get there. The culture is one that cannot be replicated, and its location truly unique. It does not take an intrepid traveller to venture there, only a family that is seeking something out of the ordinary - where only the extraordinary will do.

Getting there:

Flights from South Africa to Mexico City are available with a good choice of airlines and routes. From Johannesburg you can get a flight with the following airlines: Delta, KLM, Air France, South African Airways, Lufthansa and Alitalia, connecting through Atlanta, Amsterdam, Paris, New York or Frankfurt. To fly from other cities in South Africa you would first need a connecting flight through Johannesburg.

Catch a flight from Mexico City to Cancun or other parts of the country. Go to saflights for more info.