Sun, Sand & Savor
By Lola Méndez
Sun, Sand & Savor
By Lola Méndez
Soak in oceanside luxury during your next stays at Waldorf Astoria Cancun and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya.
The Riviera Maya has a plethora of gorgeous hotels from which to choose. Fortunately, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has properties in the most desirable locations in Cancun and Tulum, so you can travel to Mexico’s renowned ocean-front destinations with a hotelier brand you know and trust. The Mexican coastal destination is known for its prestigious resorts, pristine beaches, and world-class culinary scene. Here’s where to stay, eat, and play on your next vacation to the Riviera Maya.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
Stay: Make a reservation at the stunning Waldorf Astoria Cancun, just a 20-minute drive from the Cancún International Airport. This property is perfectly located for a memorable beach vacation as it’s situated in a secluded area between a protected mangrove forest and an idyllic strip of beach along the Caribbean Sea. Reserve one of the 173 luxurious rooms and suites — all with a private balcony and soaking tub.
Eat: The Waldorf Astoria Cancun has created an exciting selection of memorable foodie experiences for guests to enjoy during their beach holiday. Join in on one of the interactive Mexican and Mayan cuisine cooking demonstrations and learn how to prepare some of your favorite local dishes. Don’t miss the chance to taste Mexico’s world-famous beverages presented by the Waldorf Astoria’s sommelier who will teach you about Mexican wine, craft beer, tequila, and mezcal. On-site are five of the best restaurants in Cancun. There are options for international cuisine and local Mexican specialties.
Make a reservation at Malpeque to enjoy the raw bar and grilled seafood; JA’O for traditional Mexican cantina-inspired dishes; Chaya with international cuisine; Pool Bar with fresh and light dishes ideal for lunch; and Peacock Alley, the lobby bar with exciting cocktails.
Play: Experience the best of Cancun’s nature right on-site at the property. Borrow a kayak or stand-up paddle board and get out on the Caribbean Sea and glide over the second-largest coral reef in the world looking for aquatic life. Go out on a bicycle and explore the mangrove on two wheels. Save at least an afternoon to relax by the ocean-front pool on a plush Balinese-style lounge bed.
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Stay: Home to the new Tulum International Airport makes it easier than ever to jet away for a few days in paradise. Located just an hour from both the Tulum and Cancun International Airports is the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya. The secluded property is located within a natural sanctuary that boasts a picture-perfect white sand beach with clear crystalline waters. Reserve one of the 349 oceanfront rooms and suites.
Eat: On-site at the Conrad Tulum there are a whopping 11 restaurants and bars from which to choose including the highly sought-after Autor restaurant which is a must for a memorable meal.
Each dining establishment has been inspired by local Mexican wellness concepts from exclusive gourmet experiences to globally inspired cuisine to casual poolside fare. Stay in a Ceiba Club-level guest room to have access to a unique dining experience crafted by a private chef and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner and a curated selection of beer and wine.
Play: This beach paradise embraces an eco-chic coastal aesthetic alongside Mayan mystique to create memorable experiences for guests. Enjoy each of the hotel’s five pools, but also make time to get off-site and immerse yourself in Quintana Roo’s mesmerizing nature and archaeological sites. Book a tour of the Gran Cenote or the cenotes of Dos Ojos and visit the Tulum Archaeological Zone. Back at the Conrad, partake in the Mayan calendar reading workshop before dancing the night away at a tribal night with drumming and sound healing.
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With over 30 years in the travel industry, I’ve built my career around one core belief: travel should feel personal, meaningful, and effortless. I design experiences for couples, romantic escapes, multi-generational families, and curious explorers who want more than a reservation. They want connection, discovery, and memories that last long after the trip ends. Some of my most meaningful moments weren’t about the destination itself, but about traveling with my children and the uninterrupted time we shared together. That perspective shapes how I plan for my clients. The right trip isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how you feel while you’re there. My approach is highly personalized and conversation-driven. I value real connection, so we’ll talk through your vision and I’ll thoughtfully match you with destinations, accommodations, and experiences that truly fit. I focus on simplifying the process and removing stress so planning feels easy, organized, and exciting. In addition to c ...