Cancun vs. Riviera Maya for Honeymoon?

Question

After taking some time for research on honeymoon, I've narrowed down to Cancun / Riviera Maya.

I'd like to hear suggestions, advises or experiences from people who have been to both locations which will definately help me to decide between Cancun and Riviera Maya.

As far as I know, Resorts in Cancun are high rised. how about beaches?

Once again, this is for a honeymoon. I will be leaving from Vancouver, BC. on 4th week of June 2008. I will be staying at an all-inclusive resort for 6 or 7 nights. I am planning to spend most of time at resort and beaches. My wife and I are in mid 20's with no kids. Whichever location we choose between two, we will be staying at a nigh quality all-inclusive resort. We have never been to Mexico.

thanks!

Answer 1

To be honest both places are beautiful. You would be happy at most any resort you choose.We stayed at the Palace resort last year for our sons wedding.The Riviera Myan is just a newer area but is equally nice.No matter what you choose you will not be disapointed.The water is beautiful every where down there..Beaches are pretty and lots to do.To me it is no different one place or the other.They share all the same good qualities.

Answer 2

Have been in both places...Riviera Mays is more beautiful...more tropical and still less visited by tourists...Cancun well....you need more money....If its nightlife and discos what you both like: Cancun...If you rather get something quieter, in communion with nature go to Riviera Maya...or better yet: Tulum...

Answer 3

My husband and I were married in June 2006.  We honeymooned at the Moon Palace, a bit south of the cancun hotel district.  The Moon Palace is basically all to itself, so walking anywhere outside of the complex really isn't possible.  We really liked it there because we aren't interested in clubbing and wanted something more quiet, so we knew the hotel district was not for us.

We have also stayed at the Playcar Palace and enjoyed it there as well.  It's very close to Playa del Carmen's 5th Ave. shopping and the ferry that can take you to Cozumel, so there's much more to do outside of the hotel than there was at the Moon Palace.  Unfortunately, there is not much of a beach in front of this hotel, but there is a public beach about a block away.

All Palace resorts are all-inclusive and offer free excursions  to Mayan ruins, snorkeling, etc.  I highly recommend them.

Answer 4

we are narrowing down our honeymoon for the week of june 30th betwen cancun, riveria maya and punta cana. cancun i have read has a gorgeous ocean but horrible beaches. rivera is more of an upsscale town and very popular with honeymooners. the moon palace and the adventura palace are the two we are looking at. for cancun, we are looking at the el dorado royale to stay in one of the casita suites. have you looked into that? it looks pretty cool!

back to the beaches, when they had the hurricane in 2005 it must have really tore up the beaches and there is not that much of sand and not so pretty. also in cancun you will have peddlers on the beach and is very annoying if it is like puerto vallarta where we stayed at two years ago. riveria i dont believe has peddlers on the beach and that is somethng you will want to consider.

http://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/dorado...

Answer 5

Cancun, YES. If you have questions about the real Cancun call 1-888-862-3806 for help booking rooms and all.

They will give you ideas for fun too like:

Definately the Swim with Dolphins, this is fantastic especially if you go to Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres, as you have a 40 minute boat ride there and back with open bar and entertainment.

The Captain Hook Pirate ships are another fun thing to try.

A Jungle tour through the mangroves, with snorkelling over the Coral reefs.

If you´re into diving, then Call Ben Mooney at http://www.mayanaquadive.com as he knows some great dive sites.

Xcaret is a wonderful day out, as you get to enjoy an ecopark, with dolphins, turtles ect and then get to watch probably the best show in the whole of Mexico at night.

A catamaran trip with http://www.cancuncatamarans.com is a must, a day sailing and snorkeling, with buffet lunch on Isla Mujeres, open bar, a shopping trip and the chance to have your picture taken holding a live shark.

At night, try the Cancun Party Hopper, there are now 2 different versions going to different bars, and they are great fun.

Car rental at http://www.cancuncar.com

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

riviera maya..... we went in 2002, aventura palace,,,no kids ,beautiful hotel....great pools...service was fantastic.five wonderful places to eat , and a buffet..

Answer 7

Just returned fron the SUN PALACE in Cancun. Its an adults only resor You wont go far wrong with this place my friend! Fantastic! The beach is beautiful, big waves and great sand. Look it it on tripadvisor and read the reviews! Good luck

Answer 8

I would choose Cancun.  It has more attractions, and you'll want to return!

Answer 9

Honestly...it really depends on what type of vacation you guys are looking for.

If you're looking for QUIET and more secluded atmosphere then I would go to the Mayan.

Resort Recommendation : Bahia Precipe Tulum. Its a massive resort and beaches are fantastic...

You can also visit its sister resort too.

If you're looking for more of an upbeat and busy atmosphere then stay in Cancun on 'The Strip'. Thats where all the shopping and nightclubs are.

The Mayan and Cancun are about an hours drive apart...so you could always enjoy the quiet hotel in Tulum and then come into Cancun for the busy stuff...

Like I said..it really just depends on what you're looking for out of your honeymoon.

BUT...my hotel recommendation for Cancun is the Riu Caribe. This hotel is awesome because its still on 'The Strip'...yet its not in the middle of all the noisy nightclubs...only about a 40 min walk..or you could hop on the bus and be there in a jiffy.