Here at Beauty Chat, we are accustomed to writing about the beauty that each person encompasses (or can be attained with the help of wonderful products), but this time, the beauty I am talking about is the natural splendor of Riviera Maya.

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico (think 30 miles south of Cancun, and way less commercialized), rests the gorgeous stretch of land known as Riviera Maya, or the “Mayan Riviera.” The resort we stayed at was nestled in between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea, providing a picturesque setting that I in no way had expected. I guess I imagined it to be more like Cabo San Lucas, which is more of an invented getaway than an untouched paradise.

The beaches were covered with white sand and palapas, and the ocean was a beautiful green that I had never seen before. Oh, and the weather, it was in the mid 80s…pretty great environment for early December!

From the moment we arrived on a Sunday night, until the following Sunday morning when we left, life seemed to be filled with new and exciting experiences. I embarked on this trip with my mom and dad, and we tried to take in all that the region had to offer. Although our days were a bit rushed, I am glad we decided to take multiple excursions.

One of the outings that we were glad to embark on was jet boating through the mangroves of Cancun. After about an hour of driving our speedy vessel through the glass-like water, we stopped to snorkel at a coral reef. It was so gorgeous! The fish were the most brilliant of colors, and the coral and underwater plants were all unique and impressive. We were literally only inches from an abundance of underwater creatures that didn’t even seem to notice us.

As it was only our first complete day, when we returned from our boating, we took the time to explore the resort. We couldn’t help but snap pictures of the peacocks that roam freely on the grounds. The feathers were absolutely gorgeous! Continuing our expedition, we made our way to the beaches located only a very short distance from our hotel room.

While walking down to the seaside, we were surprised (and yes, I was a bit frightened) to see animals come running at me as we walked through a path. After a few frightened shrieks and some darting down the bridge, I discovered that my new furry friends were coatis – a member of the raccoon family, but with long noses like an anteater. These little guys are quite daring!

Although they aren’t too big, a coati appears huge when it stands on its hind legs begging for food (which they did every time they saw a person). Eventually I got used to their eating habits, and I was pretty close to calm as they walked toward me on two legs with mouths open and outstretched paws…which had claws on them, despite the fact that they are extremely docile. These animals are even daring enough to wrap their arms around your legs as you feed them.

The next day it was off to do some historical sight-seeing (I am a self-proclaimed history nerd!) at the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. About an hour-and-half bus ride south from our resort, through jungles that we were informed were filled with creatures such as jaguars, toucans, and tarantulas, we arrived at our destination. This city was home to the great Mayan civilization and the remnants still stand tall and proud.

What makes Tulum so magnificent is the breathtaking view that it provides. Once a major trading post in the Gulf of Mexico, the city is positioned on a hill overlooking the warm crystal clear ocean water. It is definitely apparent why this location was so special to the Mayans.

Despite the memorable activities of tanning in the sun, frolicking in the incredibly warm ocean water, and the other excursions we partook in, swimming with the dolphins was definitely the most memorable experience. For an hour we were in the water with this spectacular alpha male dolphin (yeah, he was rather large). We purposely selected a program that only offers small groups, so there were only five of us in the water at the same time, allowing for plenty of one-on-one time.

The highlight of my time spent with the dolphin (and the absolute scariest also) was getting “pushed.” Laying face down in the water with my arms outstretched in front of me, the dolphin swam up behind me, putting his nose under my feet, and pushed me about 50 yards through the water (think the “I’m the king of the world” Titanic scene).

 We also got to pet, dance, sing, feed, and partake other activities, with the playful mammal before we had to say good-bye. Swimming with dolphins is a pricey 60 minutes, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who is remotely interested. It is undoubtedly one of those things that you will remember for the rest of your life.

 So overall, my trip to Riviera Maya was fabulous! There’s nothing better than a vacation in a warm, tropical setting that provides numerous activities and exquisitely attractive sights. If any of you get the chance to visit this remarkable area of the world, take it!

~ Leeann