Ultimate Jet Vacations Blog

Mexico is a country with outstanding resort destinations. Perhaps two of the most popular ones are Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya.

Both of these have much to offer visitors. They have stunning resorts, spectacular coastlines, and cultural charm.

However, many things make each of these destinations unique. Their activities, climate, and atmosphere appeal to different types of travelers.

If you’re interested in learning about which destination is suitable for your client,  we did the research for you. Our agents Daniella Gutierrez and Jonathan Marin visited both sites to understand the travel experience better.

Here is everything you need to advise your clients on Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya.

Los Cabos

Which clients would be the best fit for Los Cabos?

We found that Los Cabos is a destination for everyone. Couples, families, and honeymooners can all enjoy this exciting location. However, because most of the properties do not have a swimmable beach, it’s not appropriate for those looking to spend a lot of time at the beach or in the water. Instead, it’s great for adventure seekers looking to do ATV/UTV activities or desert hikes.

Weather

Los Cabos has a desert climate with dry air. Evenings can be chillier depending on the time of year, so make sure your clients know that and pack accordingly.

Resorts Visited

Chileno Bay

One of the highlights of staying at Chileno Bay is a private dinner at Proa Restaurant while enjoying the sunset. The Mexican cuisine served there is out of this world.

Montage

If your guests stay at Montage, recommend taking the sunrise kayak tour. It is an amazing, underrated experience with spectacular views. 

One and Only Palmilla

Clients looking for a relaxing spa experience will love One and Only Palmilla. The spa treatments here are spectacular.

Las Ventanas

Clients who stay here should try the Octopus dish at the super romantic Arbol Restaurant. The service and drinks were outstanding, and the octopus is one of the best dishes we’ve had.

Waldorf Astoria Pedregal

This hotel was by far our favorite. You feel “blessed” when you travel through the tunnel to get to the hotel and see the stunning entrance. All rooms have scenic plunge pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Dining at Farallon is a unique experience over the cliff next to the ocean with amazing seafood. 

Cabo Experiences and Highlights

Some of our favorite highlights in Cabo were seeing its iconic Cabo Arch and taking a boat tour to see the sea lions. We felt that this tour is underrated because no one talks about it, but it was terrific. You’ll sail through the famous arch where you can take spectacular pictures on a boat filled with snacks and drinks. In the end, you’ll reach the sea lion habitat, where there are hundreds of sea lions. During whale season, you have a high chance of seeing these majestic creatures.

Another worthwhile experience is a day trip to Todos Santos, a small, rural, and authentic town about 45 minutes north of Los Cabos. A fun fact is that The Eagles wrote their hit song about the town’s Hotel California.

Why Cabo instead of the Riviera?

Agents should recommend Los Cabos over the Riviera because of its unique desert meets ocean atmosphere and better weather, with only nine days of rain annually. 

Riviera Maya

Which clients would be the best fit for the Riviera Maya?

While Los Cabos is an outstanding holiday destination for your clients, some may enjoy the Riviera Maya more. We found that this getaway is perfect for families and clients who enjoy the beach. The resorts here have outstanding kids programs and are excellent for families who want to experience Mexican culture (cenotes and Mayan ruins).

There are more oceanfront hotels with swimmable beaches and warm turquoise water. In addition, you can experience more culture at the Riviera Maya.

Weather

The weather in the Riviera Maya is very different than Los Cabos. It has a tropical Caribbean climate that is humid and rainy.

Resorts Visited

Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree’s main draws are its Asian-inspired architecture and very private accommodations. In addition, we loved the HAAB culinary experience dinner with a traditional Mayan show.

Rosewood Mayakoba

A MUST visit place in the Riviera Maya is the Mayakoba Pueblito. At this resort, we loved the La Ceiba farm-to-table style weekly dinner, the Aqui Me Quedo adults-only beachside lounge, and the Five Star Spa. This spa is the best in Mayakoba.

Nizuc

The Nizuc resort is a super romantic getaway perfect for couples. The adults-only La Punta restaurant has amazing Thai-style seafood. It has a famous family-friendly black infinity pool and a private beach. In addition, Nizuc is the only resort in Cancún with a Havana-style cigar bar.

Hotel Esencia

Hotel Esencia has a private beach and access to an inlet that houses manatees. It is a boutique resort with very secluded rooms perfect for travelers seeking some privacy.

Riviera Maya Experiences and Highlights

There are many exciting things to do in the Riviera Maya. The area has spectacular natural beauty and cultural history.

One highlight of the Riviera Maya is its archeological ruins. Tulum has spectacular Mayan ruins overlooking the beautiful blue Caribbean waters.

The waters of the Caribbean are in itself a highlight. You’ll find outstanding beaches with beautiful white sand and brilliant turquoise water perfect for swimming everywhere along the Riviera Maya.

Another unique Riviera Mayan feature is its cenotes. These sinkholes filled with water are an exciting place to go swimming, diving, and sometimes zip lining.

Finally, if your client is in the Riviera Maya, it is worthwhile to visit Isla Mujeres. It is a short ferry ride from Cancún. The island has outstanding seafood, stunning beaches, and plenty of nearby coral reefs.

Conclusion

Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya are both excellent destinations to send your clients. All of the resorts that we stayed at have outstanding amenities and mouthwatering cuisine.

We would recommend Los Cabos for clients who want an oceanside getaway but are more interested in boating and outdoor adventures rather than swimming at the beach. It is also great for travelers who don’t want to deal with humid weather and rain.

The Riviera Maya is a better fit for clients who want great kids’ programming, love the beach, and want to visit cultural sites. 

Both are unforgettable destinations where your client will make memories to last them a lifetime.