DK Travel : Cancún and the Yucatán

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has a special atmosphere and an immense variety of attractions, including some of the world’s best beaches and diving areas. The modern, glittering resorts of the east coast’s “Mayan Riviera” lie alongside charming old Spanish Colonial towns, sleepy Mayan villages, and the awesome remains of ancient civilizations.

Akumal Beach Resort, Akumal

Medium-sized resort with an exquisite, large pool that snakes almost like a lake beside some of the rooms. Another plus is that it’s only a short walk from Akumal village along the beach, so that those who appreciate the convenience of allinclusives can also wander out of it whenever they wish.
Akumal Village

The beach in the center of Akumal is a little busier, and behind it there’s a bigger choice of lowkey bars and shops.
Albergue La Candelaria, Valladolid

Affiliated to AMAJ, this newish hostel in a pretty, old house has excellent, bright dorm rooms or hammock space in the garden, good shared bathrooms, a lounge and patio area, free coffee, and cheap Internet access.
Amaro’s, Mérida

One of old Mérida’s loveliest patios houses this relaxing restaurant, which has a half-vegetarian menu, including several dishes made with the special Yucatecan vegetable chaya.
Ambar Lounge, Cozumel

This bar/restaurant located in a white-walled colonial house is the place for quality Italian food and potent cocktails. You can also relax in the large garden
Amigo’s B&B, Cozumel

Three cabaña -style rooms, all with kitchenettes, fridges, and terraces, set around a pool and lovely garden. It’s especially suited to families: breakfasts (included) are served in a garden palapa (palm-roofed gazebo).
Angelfish

Spectacularly colorful fish, with a fan-like shape and luminous stripes and patches in yellows and electric blue.
Apasionado, Playa del Carmen

A mixture of modern chic and Caribbean style – a mellow, coolly comfortable “jazz-bar-restaurant” beneath a giant palapa palm roof above the Quinta.
Aqua World, Cancún

A multi-activity fun center on Cancún Island offering jungle tours, submarine rides, jetskiing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, parasailing, dinner cruises, and tours to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.
Aquatech – Villas de Rosa, Akumal

Owners Nancy and Tony de Rosa are the foremost cave-diving specialists on the Riviera, and many of their guests dive. The place is also well equipped for families.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $5
- $5-$10
- $10-$20
- $20–$35
- over 35
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under US$20
- US$20-$45
- US$45-$80
- US$80-$130
- over US$130