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on a 40-foot cliff overlooking turquoise waters. This was the only
Mayan city built by the sea, and has wooden stairs leading down to
a beautiful beach where you can swim. Arrive when the site opens
at 8:00 a.m., and (sunning iguanas aside) you could be the only living
souls around. Explore and relax a while, then drop in at the glass-
walled Sanará yoga studio for a 10:15 a.m. yoga class (10:30 a.m.
on Sundays) surrounded by full-on sea views. Ahhh … surfside sun
salutations don’t get any better.
Afternoon
Open to a temazcal? It’s a traditional Maya sweat lodge purification.
In Tulum, Maya Spa was the first to create the experience for Riviera
Maya visitors almost 20 years ago. Sit in a small, circular stone hut
as a shaman chants and shares Mayan wisdom while throwing
herb-infused water on hot rocks, enveloping you in steam. It’s an
intense experience, and even skeptics say they feel physically, men-
tally, and spiritually cleansed after.
Dinner
Back in Playa, embark on a leisurely journey into culinary bliss at
the acclaimed Cocina de Autor. Hailed by Food & Wine magazine
as one of the 100 Best New Food and Drink Experiences, it’s
celebrated for its cutting-edge, modernist cuisine. Think melt-in-
your-mouth tuna with avocado foam, grilled scallop on a slice of
beet in hibiscus-raspberry sauce, and chocolate mushrooms.
There’s no menu, and the chefs choose your 14 tasting courses.
Reserve in advance, and allow three hours to savor each and every
heavenly mouthful.
Evening
Back at your resort, slip off your sandals and stroll barefoot in the
sand by the light of the moon — the perfect way to reflect on your
mellow day.
Janice and George Mucalov are award-winning travel writers who
contribute to many U.S. and Canadian magazines and newspapers.
Follow their adventures on their travel blog sandinmysuitcase.com and
on Twitter @SandInSuitcase.
38 INTERVAL WORLD Spring 2016 IntervalWorld.com
A shaman chants and creates cleansing herb-scented vapor
in a traditional Mayan temazcal (steam bath).
Azulik
Located minutes from the heart of Playa del Carmen,
Playacar Palace is an upscale oceanfront resort with
direct beach access, an on-site spa, and
an oceanview pool. Most units have
balconies with stunning views of
Cozumel and the Caribbean Sea.
AREA RESORTS
To view all of the Riviera Maya resorts in Interval’s
network,
*This is an all-inclusive resort, requiring the purchase of a meal plan payable to the resort.
A serene refuge on the island of
Cozumel, this beachfront resort is within
walking distance of downtown San Miguel. Guests
can relax at one of four outdoor swimming pools and
snorkel right from the beach. Nearby activities
include swimming with dolphins and reef diving.
Conveniently located between Puerto Morelos and
Playa del Carmen, The Grand Bliss Riviera Maya
offers a relaxing beach-vacation experience. Enjoy
the serenity of a private pool and garden views from
your balcony and receive personalized attention and
pampering in an ambiance of casual elegance.
The perfect setting for a tropical escape, this beachfront
resort features spacious, modern accommodations.
On-site amenities include Jack Nicklaus golf, tennis
courts, a Brio Health Spa and Fitness Center, 13
restaurants, a pool with concierge, and beach access.
Situated along more than 1,000 feet of beachfront in
Puerto Morelos, Azul Sensatori is an excellent choice
for families, with its Azulitos Kids Club and Breeze
Teens Club. Guests can spend their day lounging on a
beach bed or indulging in spa treatments.
$1,500
Resort Credit!
For PKP
and CZP