The Riviera Maya along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline is brimming with exquisite beachfront resorts. But for active people, a longer stay at a Mexican beach resort can leave them feeling antsy. Running on the sand or swimming in the ocean might help combat the endless sun lounging and margaritas, but for real sports-lovers, there are better options.
Plenty of resorts in Quintana Roo offer sporting opportunities beyond the hotel gym. In fact, these resorts offer everything from tennis clinics with pros, to professional scuba training on Cozumel and relaxing yoga escapes in dreamy Tulum
1. Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Costa Mujeres
Fancy a game of tennis while on your beach vacation? TRS Coral Hotel is an all-inclusive beachfront resort set along the stunning Costa Mujeres north of Cancun. On the grounds of the resort is the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, an elite facility designed by Nadal himself with clinics that follow the tennis superstar’s elite training method.
The Centre includes eight clay courts, three of which are covered. True tennis fanatics will enjoy a quick walk through the Museum Xperience which exhibits many of Nadal’s trophies and other paraphernalia from his incredible career.
Private one-hour lessons are offered in packages ranging from 3-6 days and can be booked as part of an all-inclusive package with their room. Check out the breathtaking swim-up suites and ocean view lofts on their website.
2. Mayakoba Jim McLean Golf School
Mayakoba’s resorts—set just north of Playa del Carmen, Mexico—are a haven for active vacationers. The Fairmont Mayakoba is set beside the El Camaleon PGA Golf Course designed by golf legend Greg Newman.
The property is also home to the Jim McLean Golf School which offers a variety of private lessons with highly certified instructors, club fittings and top-of-the-line video swing analysis.
Beyond golf, the resort offers a dive center, kayak tours through the canals, cenote swimming, nature walks, birdwatching boat tours, beach volleyball, stand-up paddleboards, bicycles, yoga and fitness classes.
3. Presidente Intercontinental’s Scuba Du Cozumel
One of the world’s largest coral reefs surrounds Cozumel, an island just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Its greatest claim to fame? Jacques Cousteau called the island one of the world’s most beautiful dive spots! How’s that for an endorsement?
Set beside the stunning Caribbean waters, the Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort is also home to the Scuba Du Cozumel, a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Dive Center. Here, guests can enjoy unlimited diving on the house reef where they’ll spot turtles, sharks, dolphins, eagle rays, lobsters and more.
Ferries run from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel in under an hour and the island is also home to an international airport.
4. Sanara Tulum – Yoga & Healing
With a name meaning, “you will heal,” Hotel Sanara is located on the laidback, boho beach of spiritual Tulum, Mexico. Their oceanfront yoga studio is an oasis of tranquility with floor-to-ceiling glass walls for full jungle and Caribbean Sea views.
Stays at Sanara are a barefooted journey into total tranquility. With everything at the resort focused on nourishing and healing the body and soul, yogis will feel especially at home. In addition to private or group yoga sessions with amazing teachers, Sanara offers stand-up paddleboarding, sound healing and full moon rituals with live music.
5. Ikarus Kiteboarding
Ikarus, one of the first kiteboarding shops and schools in Mexico, is located on the stunning, rural peninsula of Isla Blanca, north of Cancun. With its wind speeds, abundant space and consistent wind, Isla Blanca is the ideal kitesurfing location for all levels.
Ikarus offers ten rooms of accommodation, plus camping or hammock-sleeping. Hot water is available but accommodations are otherwise basic (fans, no AC) as they solar generate all their own electricity. Beyond private and group kitesurfing lessons, Ikarus also offers stand-up paddleboards, kayaking and kiteboarding meditation.
