Set between the turquoise Caribbean and verdant jungles of Quintana Roo, the Riviera Maya starts south of Cancun in Puerto Morelos and stretches 81 miles down through Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Archaeological sites and natural treasures are sprinkled throughout the region, while the portfolio of group-friendly properties—from boutique gems to exclusive resorts—continues to grow, making it a favorite meetings and incentives destination. One of the latest developments is Riviera Maya at Kanai, a master-planned beachfront community that will feature St. Regis, W, Auberge and Park Hyatt properties, and two championship golf courses. Other newcomers include two Paradisus Resorts properties in Playa del Carmen and the second phase of the Mayakoba complex, set to feature a 36-hole golf course.
case study
Donna Beatty
Manager, Global Accounts
HelmsBriscoe
Concord, N.C.
Event Overview: Beatty recently organized a gathering of 120 attendees from the cotton industry at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, located five minutes from Playa del Carmen. During the event, meetings were held between garment makers and retailers in the U.S. and Europe. Beatty recently won an award for being one of the top 10 HelmsBriscoe Associates booking the most business to Mexico, including Cancun, Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya.
Meetings Focus West: What are the biggest selling points of the Riviera Maya?
Donna Beatty: The frequency of flights is a big plus. It is also strategically located for Latin American and American companies. The weather seems to always be perfect!
Did you have any major concerns about Mexico and the Riviera Maya?
For most people, there have been heightened concerns because of recent political events and the social upheaval in Mexico. Security and the well-being of attendees are major concerns for us when securing international venues. From prior investigation and frequent visits to Mexico, those concerns have been dispelled for now. All worries were left behind when they came for the event.
What did your attendees enjoy the most about the Riviera Maya?
They really enjoyed the hotel a lot. The Grand Velas is a beautiful venue, and the service was amazing. The downtime in such an exotic and gorgeous location was a major success.
Did you use any off-site venues?
Our prime responsibility is the booking of the hotel, although we want to make sure the client gets the best when it comes to arranged visits, restaurants, etc. Grand Velas is an all-inclusive resort, so they set up several themed dinners outside, which went over very well.
What excursions would you recommend incorporating into Riviera Maya agendas?
The Riviera Maya has so many things to choose from. It is difficult to narrow down the selection between Xplor Zip Lines, cenotes (sacred caverns and secret underground rivers) and Tulum, an archaeological site that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. You can also choose to play golf, snorkel, sail and Jet Ski, and just an hour away is Chichen Itza, a world wonder that you don’t want to miss.
What local suppliers did you utilize?
We used Epic for transportation, and they offered excellent service. Amstar is another DMC that provides great services in all of Mexico.
What advice would you give other planners bringing groups to Mexico and the Riviera Maya?
Have confidence in the local planners and their abilities, and the quality of the facilities. In my experience, it’s as good as you get at home—and with a smile!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have booked many meeting and incentive trips in Mexico and have never really had a major complaint, which I think speaks volumes.
At a Glance
- Total Number of Hotels: 386
- Total Number of Hotel Rooms: 40,271
- Largest Meetings Property: Aventura Spa Palace, with 1,266 rooms and 25,000 square feet of meeting space (www.aventura-palace.com)
- Maximum Group Size: 2,400 people in a single group space at Aventura Spa Palace
- Average Room Rate: 2,100 pesos ($191 USD)
- Taxes: 11% sales; 3% lodging
- Value Season: April 20-Dec. 19
- Top Off-Site Event Venues: Cava de Vino at Xcaret (www.xcaret.com/la-cava); Punta Venado (www.puntavenado.com); Mamitas Beach
- Top Off-Session Group Activities/Excursions: Rio Secreto (www.riosecreto.com); Sian Ka’an Biosphere (www.cesiak.com); Hidden Worlds Adventure Park (www.hiddenworlds.com); Xel-Ha (www.xelha.com)
- Getting There: Cancun International Airport is located 30 to 90 minutes north of the Riviera Maya, depending on the location of the hotel.
For more information
Riviera Maya Tourism Board
Carlos Mora Vera, Meetings Manager
Tel: 011.52.984.206.3150
cmora@rivieramaya.com
www.rivieramayameetings.com
www.rivieramaya.com