3


OF THE BEST PLACES


TO VISIT


Xcaret Eco theme park Discover how the Mayan jungle and the culture of


Mexico combine in more than 50 exciting attractions. Swim in


underground rivers or with dolphins and see the nightly show that takes you through


Mexico’s history.


Chichen Itza The capital of ancient Mayan civilisation makes a


full-day cultural excursion. Explore the city’s sacred


temples, grand pyramids and ceremonial sights.


Coco Bongo


Located in Playa del Carmen,


Coco Bongo is an adult-only nightclub with a twist; it’s a non-stop show of acrobats and exciting tributes to music stars. It’s a place


to dance, be amazed and be part of the show.


52 travelweekly.co.uk 17 November 2016


an entertainment team that runs daily activities on the beach, by the pool, or nightly events around the bar. However, if relaxation is top of the


list, there’s the Renova Spa where they can work their way through the long list of pampering treatments or use the gym to jog off any extra calories gained from the all-inclusive eating plan. But the biggest selling point for this


hotel is the staff. From reception to house cleaning, they are the friendliest and most helpful people you will ever meet. Book it: Thomson offers seven nights at Riu Playacar from £1,036, based on two adults sharing and including flights from Gatwick and transfers, for departures in April 2017. thomson.co.uk


◗ SPEND: RIU PALACE MEXICO The entrance to this award-winning resort is spectacular, from the high silver ceilings to Riu’s new signature purple decor and the double-height floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto well-groomed gardens. This colonial-style building is


breathtaking, and you know you’re going to love it when you’re handed a welcome drink and a cold flannel to cool down while the brisk check-in is completed. This is another of Riu’s beachfront


resorts that has been modernised with an $18 million injection that has seen interiors and restaurants revamped. Three new eateries have also been added, taking the total to six, and three new bars: the all-day all-night Lounge 24, swim-up bar El Palmera and Capuchino bar, complementing the two existing ones. All 434 rooms have also been


renovated making them fresher and brighter. They all have a hydro- massage bath, separate shower cubicle and double sinks. With six restaurants to choose


from, including Japanese, Mexican and Italian venues and a beachfront steakhouse, there’s no chance of going hungry here. The buffet restaurant offers themed spreads and don’t be shy, there’s nothing like a cheeky glass of cava at breakfast before relaxing on the white-sand beach.


That stretch of sand is cleaned daily


so you won’t find piles of seaweed obstructing your way to the clear warm sea, where you can take out kayaks, catamarans and body boards. Alternatively, relax and cool down with iced cocktails delivered to each sun lounger while watching the entertainment team giving a salsa lesson on the beach. The entertainment goes on all day and night, but it’s quite laid-back and there’s no obligation to take part – though who could resist a chance to practise their salsa moves each evening? That’s also the time to take advantage of the many imported beverages that come as part of the all- inclusive package. If little ones are in tow, there’s no


need to worry about them cramping their parents’ style, as the RiuLand kids’ club team will make sure they are entertained from morning until the early evening. The kids aren’t the only ones who


are well looked after; the staff here fall over themselves to help with whatever you need. Nothing is impossible and


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