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From luxury resorts to seaside archaeological zones, the Mexican Caribbean offers a diverse set of attractions and experiences that keep captivating visitors year after year.
This year, Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are on track to break the previous tourism record of 30 million visitors set in 2022, with two specific destinations already witnessing a notable influx of visitors.
As the high season unfolds in the Mexican Caribbean, Costa Mujeres and Tulum are dominating the charts when it comes to hotel occupancy rates. Costa Mujeres boasts an impressive 87.7% hotel occupancy rate, closely followed by Tulum with 86.1%.
During the Thanksgiving festivities, both destinations experienced a surge in overnight visitors, driving demand for accommodations, restaurants, and local businesses.
Costa Mujeres, leveraging the Thanksgiving break, soared to an impressive 92% hotel occupancy.
Furthermore, anticipation is high among hoteliers and service tour operators across the broader Mexican Caribbean region, expecting even higher figures in December.
@discover_tulum Tulum’s beauty unveiled 🌴🤎🪵 #tulum #tulummexico #tulumbeach #wheretovisit #travel #travellife #traveltiktok #tulumvibes ♬ Me Gustas Tu – Sped Up Version – Manu Chao
However, it’s worth taking a closer look at what has made these two destinations stand out in the first place – you’ll find out that the reasons are plenty!
Costa Mujeres
Costa Mujeres’ remarkable ascent to stardom is even more striking when you consider that just a few years ago, this region was nothing more than jungle and secluded beaches.
However, it was precisely these untouched features that caught the attention of hotel developers.
Fast forward to today, and Costa Mujeres proudly holds the title of one of the most stunning and exclusive destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.
@_noreturn_ Excellence playa mujeres 🌴🍷
♬ original sound – Daniel Mann
While the name ‘Costa Mujeres’ might remind you of Isla Mujeres, it’s worth noting that this region is located on the mainland, about 20 minutes from Cancun’s Hotel Zone, and not on the island per se. However, it does belong to the Isla Mujeres municipality.
The good news is that you don’t need to worry about these geographical intricacies, as when it comes to Costa Mujeres (which is also known as Playa Mujeres), all you really need to know is that it’s got everything you could wish for in a Mexican Caribbean getaway.
This is especially true in terms of resorts, as Costa Mujeres offers a selection of luxurious all-inclusives such as Excellence Playa Mujeres, Atelier Playa Mujeres, and Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres, among a dozen others.
The quality of these resorts has earned Costa Mujeres a reputation as a luxury hotspot, with more than a few of them earning a spot in this year’s TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards.
@raganluxurytravel Atelier Playa Mujeres – our favorite all inclusive in Mexico! @atelierplayamujeres #atelierplayamujeres #allinclusive #travel #mexico #cancun #fyp #vacation #food #traveltiktok ♬ So Much Happiness – Lux-Inspira
Beyond the upscale accommodations, Costa Mujeres showcases a myriad of attractions, including stunning beaches, excellent golf courses, world-class spas, and even its own archeological site, El Meco.
The tranquil ambiance provides a refreshing alternative to the bustling Hotel Zone, and its shallow, tranquil waters offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, kayaking, and jet skiing.
And with its proximity to Cancun’s Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun, this hidden gem strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and accessibility.
Tulum
From a small fishing village to one of the trendiest tourist destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, the journey of this enchanting beach town is arguably more remarkable than Costa Mujeres.’
What makes Tulum stand apart is that despite its truly astonishing development – including the recent inauguration of its very own airport – the town has managed to retain its original charm.
Here, you’ll find charming hotel boutiques, ecological resorts and spas, international restaurants, wellness centers, and a thriving art and culture scene, all adding to the town’s bohemian and cosmopolitan ambiance.
Moreover, the Tulum municipality has placed enormous emphasis on sustainable development and the responsible use of its natural resources.
In addition to its enormous allure as a sustainable luxury and wellness destination, Tulum’s breathtaking sandy beaches, lush jungle landscapes, and plentiful cenotes are one of the top reasons behind its skyrocketing popularity.
Not to mention the iconic Tulum Ruins, perched atop a cliff overlooking the stunning Caribbean Sea, ranking among the most majestic archaeological sites in the Yucatán Peninsula.
It’s safe to say that Tulum’s unique charm, combined with recent developments such as the Tulum Airport and the upcoming Maya Train this month, will only elevate its legendary status as a top Mexican Caribbean hotspot to new heights.
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