As winter approaches the UK, a holiday somewhere warm is calling to many Brits. Searches for “winter breaks in the sun” have increased by 5,000% over the past month.
The Riviera Maya, a tourism and resort district in Mexico, is perfect for a break this season, with temperatures between 21C and 29C in December. It is often overlooked due to its being just south of Cancun, a city built as a major tourist destination that saw 9.7 million international visitors in 2024. The Riviera Maya is famous for its large-scale all-inclusive resorts and a historical tourism base of smaller boutique hotels, as well as the many fine-dining restaurants available along the Fed 307 and on or near the beaches. There are also increasing luxury villa rentals and yacht charters in the area. A major attraction is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (also known as the Great Mayan Reef), which is the second longest in the world. It begins near Cancun and continues along the whole length of the Riviera Maya continuing southward to Guatemala.
Activities in the area include jet-skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming in cenotes, swimming with dolphins, zip-lining, horse riding, sailing, and guided jungle tours. The area’s water temperature stays at about 26C in January.
Archaeology is also a big tourist draw in the area, including popular archaeological sites such as Tulum on the coast and Chichen Itza and Coba located inland.
The ecoparks of Xcaret and Xel-Ha also include some smaller archaeological ruins, but these natural water theme parks attract much larger crowds due to the diversity and range of activities provided, such as swimming with captive dolphins.
Heather Green, head of product for Sovereign Luxury Travel, said: “For those looking to travel a little further for winter sun, Mexico is a rewarding choice.
“Along the Riviera Maya, winter temperatures stay between 24 and 28 degrees, perfect for long days on 30 kilometres of white sand and swimming in the calm Caribbean waters. Just offshore lies the world’s second-largest coral reef, where snorkelling and diving reveal an underwater world of vivid marine life.
“Riviera Maya offers up sun-drenched beaches, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventure that creates a winter escape that feels both restorative and exciting.”