Break out - Uncommon beaches, resorts and cities make the best spring break destinations

Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010

Updated: Thursday, March 4, 2010

Riviera Maya

If you want to spend spring break enjoying tropical coral reefs or jungles, then Riviera Maya, Mexico is the perfect place for you.

Riviera Maya is the new hot spot for college “spring break-ers”. It’s affordable, fun and has beautiful weather.

Fly into Cancun’s airport and head south to Riviera Maya to find the second largest barrier reef in the world, beautiful lagoons that are perfect for snorkeling and cenotes (natural pools of clear water that are completely swimmable). Also, don’t forget the nightlife.

While enjoying a few days of fun-in-the-sun, spend a day interacting with Mexican culture in the theme park, Xcaret, snorkel in Xel-Ha, the largest natural aquarium in the world, and tan on the Akumal beaches.

Where to eat? Ah Cacao Chocolate Café serves food directly from the Mayalands of Mexico and was featured on the “Rachael Ray Show” and Ajua Maya is a five star dining setting featuring fresh lobster, USA Angus Beef and 100 percent authentic Mayan and Mexican cuisines all served live by Wild Fresh Mayans to the music of Terra Verra.

For four days, four friends can stay at the Iberostar Paraiso del Mar for only $555 per person and enjoy the luxuries of not just one resort, but four. Guests are welcome to dine, visit and watch shows at either the Paraiso del Mar, Paraiso Beach, Paraiso Lindo or Paraiso Maya, which are all in walking distance of each other.

In addition, guests receive full access to the common areas with a shopping center, modern spa with humid areas, Temazcal, hair salon, 28 cabins for treatments, the Underground, a convention center and a golf course.

For an even more affordable trip, you can try the Real Playa del Carmen for $459. Real Playa del Carmen is the best four-star hotel around, providing its guests with every opportunity to totally kick back and relax and all within a tropical village-style resort.

The hotel is located right off of 5th Avenue, a lively pedestrian strip boasting trendy boutiques, art galleries, cafes, jewelry stores and the hottest night clubs in Riviera Maya. The private beach club is a quick 10 minute walk from the hotel or a short complimentary shuttle ride away and provides guests with kayaks and snorkeling equipment.
Whichever hotel you choose, Riviera Maya is the perfect place for all spring break adventures.

Laura Masino can be reached at laura.masino@student.shu.edu.