On February 14th, better known as Valentine’s Day, couples will celebrate their love for one another. It also provides an opportunity for Cupid’s arrow to put together a magical relationship between two individuals. This romantic holiday is celebrated with a special dinner date, red roses, and let’s not forget the most precious gift of all, diamonds! This could include a surprise trip to an exotic destination with gorgeous beaches, beautiful scenery, and fantastic weather for the more adventurous couples.
The 2016 Travelers’ Choice award by Tripadvisor is out. This list could have been taken straight from my bucket list of places in the world to see. Most are far away, distant lands but one destination close to your home made the list. And not to be biased but it is my favorite place… Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Here is the top 25 worldwide destinations;
1. London, United Kingdom
2. Istanbul, Turkey
3. Marrakech, Morocco
4. Paris, France
5. Siem Reap, Cambodia
6. Prague, Czech Republic
7. Rome, Italy
8. Hanoi, Vietnam
9. New York City, New York
10. Ubud, Indonesia
11. Barcelona, Spain
12. Lisbon, Portugal
13. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
14. St. Petersburg, Russia
15. Bangkok, Thailand
16. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
17. Buenos Aires, Argentina
18. Hong Kong, China
19. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
20. Cape Town Central, South Africa
21. Tokyo, Japan
22. Cusco, Peru
23. Kathmandu, Nepal
24. Sydney, Australia
25. Budapest, Hungary
“Playa del Carmen is one of the top dive destinations in the world, thanks to vibrant sea life and dazzling underwater caverns. On dry land, Playa is a hipper and more modern version of the fishing village it once was. Spend some quality time on the golf course or wave hello to the playful spider monkeys at The Jungle Place sanctuary. Explore the ancient ruins of the Coba Mayan Village, or get in some quality people-watching as you shop and stroll along 5th Avenue.” Commented Tripadvisor about the destination hotspot Playa del Carmen.
Some of the most exotic and beautiful beaches made the list. Coming in at number 21 is Playa Paraiso in Tulum, Mexico. It is known gorgeous turquoise blue water, white powdery sand and breathtaking views.
Here is the top 25 worldwide beach destinations;
1. Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
2. Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
3. Playa Paraiso in Cayo Largo, Cuba
4. Anse Lazio in Praslin Island, Seychelles
5. Cayo de Agua in Los Roques National Park, Venezuela
6. Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico
7. Playa de Ses Illetes in Formentera, Balearic Islands
8. Ngapali Beach in Ngapali, Myanmar
9. West Bay Beach in West Bay, Honduras
10. Nacpan Beach in El Nido, Philippines
11. Maho Beach in Cruz Bay, St. John
12. Whitehaven Beach in Whitsunday Island, Whitsunday Islands
13. Sharm El Luli in Marsa Alam, Egypt
14. Elafonissi Beach in Elafonissi, Greece
15. Playa Manuel Antonio in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
16. The Baths in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
17. Camp’s Bay Beach in Camps Bay, South Africa
18. Praia da Marinha in Carvoeiro, Portugal
19. Kata Noi Beach in Karon, Thailand
20. Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida
21. Playa Paraiso in Tulum, Mexico
22. Agonda Beach in Agonda, India
23. Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton Parish, Bermuda
24. Tumon Beach in Tumon, Mariana Islands
25. Praia de Santa Maria in Santa Maria, Cape Verde
“One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. Swim, take a nap, read a book. You’ll be happy to just be here.” Commented one Tripadvisor client about Playa Paraiso in Tulum.
“Best time to go: Year-round”, states Tripadvisor… can you imagine a gorgeous beach that has weather so nice it can be enjoyed year-round.
How many places have you been to on these lists? To experience beautiful places you don’t have to travel across the world, just go to the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Explore the culture and cuisine, wonderful sights such as ancient Mayan ruins, cenotes and pristine beaches. Enjoy the near perfect weather year round… leave those frigid winters behind. Many Americans and Canadians are not just exploring the area but are choosing to retire here. They have selected a place where their social security, pensions, and saving will go much further. See what so many are talking about, explore the Riviera Maya.
Beach #2 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Tulum North Beach
Meet our second favorite beach in the Riviera Maya, Tulum North. If you are familiar with the Tulum area, you know there is a lot to love: wavy turquoise beaches with powder white sand, a peaceful vibe and so many other things that lead you to relaxation.
But if you want to explore another side of Tulum, this beach will take your breath away. Nested along a natural preserve, Tulum north keeps the raw beauty of the coast with large coconut trees, sand banks and local plants giving it a more secluded and natural feeling. Another perk of this area is the amazing view, from the coast of the water you can clearly see the shore and the Tulum archeological site.
Tulum North Beach: Getting There
Getting to Tulum North is easy, there is a paved road that can take you to the entrance of this favorite beach.
If you are coming from Cancun, take the 307 federal highway in direction of Tulum. Once you get to the town, turn left at the first traffic light (the one across the San Francisco grocery store). Take that road towards the beach and when the road comes to the end turn left, there is going to be some hotels and restaurants but also some signs that say “Acceso Libre a la Playa”.
Tulum North Beach: Things To Do
Chilling and sunbathing seem to be the favorite activity for the visitors of Tulum North beach, however the wavy nature of the beaches makes them perfect for bodyboarding and board paddle as well as windsurfing or surfboarding.
There are also plenty of local fishermen offering fishing trips and tours around the coast if you want to do something different. Additionally, there are many reef areas that are great for snorkeling, make sure to bring your snorkel gear with you or ask around for a snorkel tour.
Tulum North Beach: Mingle With the locals
One of our favorite spots at Tulum North Beach is “Santa Fe”, a free access beach that has a small restaurant with delicious fresh food and amazing burgers and fries. There is also a camping area, bathrooms and showers available as well as rental of lounge chairs in front of the beach.
Finding your favorite beach in the Riviera Maya might be more difficult than finding the home of your dreams! If you are looking for a home in Mexico, contact our professional real estate agents or visit our website and browse thousands of beautiful properties in the best areas of Mexico.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Tulum North Beach. It is a nice beach to catch some sun and relax at. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check all of the other beaches on the list. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!