If you’re looking for a destination that pairs world-class tacos with ancient history and Caribbean blue waters, you’ve found it. For us, Mexico isn't just a holiday, it’s a feeling.
While the country is vast, our hearts (and most of our blog posts) live in the Riviera Maya. Stretching from the bustling lights of Cancun down to the bohemian jungles of Tulum, this coastline is a playground for families, adventurers and foodies.
We didn't just stay in the resort, we got out and explored. Here are the highlights you’ll find in our detailed blog posts below:
If you want to escape the coastal heat and channel your inner Indiana Jones, Coba is an absolute must. It is home to Nohoch Mul, the tallest Mayan pyramid in the northern peninsula, standing at a staggering 42 meters high and you can climb it too! See more about our visit here.
One of our favourite memories was swimming alongside sea turtles in the wild. Akumal (which means "Place of the Turtles") is a must-visit for families and wildlife lovers.
If you love the water, Xel-Há is paradise. Rather than a traditional water park with plastic slides, Xel-Há is a massive natural inlet where the ocean meets fresh underground springs. It’s an all-inclusive eco-park, including food, drinks and snorkel gear which makes it a stress free choice for families.
Before you zip up your suitcase, here is the essential "Cooke’s Cheat Sheet" for UK travellers in 2026.
| Our Favourite time to Visit | May/June. |
| Flight Time from the UK | Approx. 10–11 hours (Direct from LGW/LHR/MAN) |
| Airlines | British Airways, TUI, and Virgin Atlantic offer the best direct routes |
| Entry Requirements | No visa for UK tourists |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines | Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid |
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN), though USD is widely accepted in tourist hubs. |
| Packing Essential | Biodegradable Sunscreen (Required for cenotes and reefs) |
Dive deeper into our Mexico reviews, guides and itineraries:
Planning a family holiday to the stunning Riviera Maya in Mexico and considering a visit to Xel-Ha Park? Wondering whether you should pay for the extra add-on activities? Then read our reviews below before deciding.
In our latest YouTube video, we’ve captured the magic of daybreak on Akumal beach at the Bahia Principe Explore Akumal with this stunning Riviera Maya sunrise. Watch as the horizon ignites, painting the night sky in vibrant streaks of amber, violet, and gold, gradually revealing the pristine coastline and lush, tropical landscapes of this fantastic resort.
In our latest YouTube video, we take you on a refreshing morning walk through this stunning beachfront resort Bahia Principe Explore Akumal in the Riviera Maya. From the lush, manicured tropical gardens to the crystal clear Caribbean waters, we’re showing you exactly what to expect from a stay at this highly-rated Akumal destination.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book that dream Mexico getaway, this is it. We just returned from an incredible trip to the Riviera Maya, Mexico, but we aren't just here to brag about our tans. We are writing this post because Grupo Xcaret just extended their massive Sale.
If you are staying at the Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal, you are perfectly positioned to experience some of the most breathtaking history in the world. But if you’re looking to see the iconic Coba pyramid and the Tulum ruins without the $100 per person price tag or the rigid schedule of a tour bus, we have a secret for you. Take a taxi.
After several incredible holidays at Bahia Principe properties in the Dominican Republic, the brand had earned our complete trust. We knew we loved their signature blend of service and luxury, but we were ready for a change so when we decided to experience Mexico, we knew exactly who we wanted to stay with.
Important Note on Water: Never drink the tap water in Mexico. Stick to bottled or filtered water (many resorts now have "water stations" to reduce plastic waste). Even when brushing your teeth, it's better to be safe than sorry!
Travel Insurance: Make sure your policy covers "Adventure Activities" if you plan on ziplining at Xplor or diving in cenotes.
Sargassum (Seaweed): While the brown seaweed known as sargassum has become a seasonal reality in the Caribbean, the resorts in the Riviera Maya work tirelessly to clear this and restore the beach to its iconic white-sand glory, usually by breakfast, your view is nothing but turquoise water.
Sun Protection: The Mexican sun is fierce. Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the coral reefs, it's actually mandatory in many eco-parks like Xel-Há.
The Hybrid Travel Hack: While we’re usually huge fans of the DIY approach, Mexico is the one place where we pivot. We’ve found that booking an All-Inclusive package through TUI offers unbeatable value and access to incredible family-friendly hotels that are hard to beat on price alone. The trick? We secure the flights and the resort through the package, then DIY our excursions.
Follow our blogs around the world, for our latest tips and reviews.
We’re constantly adding new stories and advice to our Mexico collection. Whether you’re here for the luxury resorts or the hidden gems, we hope our experiences help you plan a trip that’s as unforgettable as ours.
Need some help with planning your trip? Planning holidays is our speciality, without proper planning you risk missing out on visiting incredible places or just not spending your time and money wisely. Whether you work full time, have children that take up your time or just don't know where to look, we can help! Our personal travel planner services are designed to turn your average holiday into the trip of a lifetime. Click the link below to find out more.
