With mile after mile of pristine white sand Caribbean beaches framing clear turquoise waters and lush tropical jungle, all teeming with wildlife, it’s no surprise that Mexico’s Riviera Maya is one of the world’s top tourist destinations! Are you thinking to buy a house in the Riviera Maya? After all, the world’s second-largest barrier reef lies just offshore, a variety of professionally-designed golf courses are waiting to be discovered and ancient Mayan ruins abound (you can even climb a massive pyramid!). Here along Mexico’s only Caribbean coast, visitors also get to enjoy world class dining, shopping and nightlife, making the Riviera Maya region one of the most well-rounded vacation destinations on the planet… And a fantastic place to buy a house, whether you plan to become a full-time expat or are simply looking for an incredible vacation house in paradise!
“Mexico’s Riviera Maya has been transformed over the years from a sleepy backwater into a world-class vacation destination,” wrote Forbes in late June, 2020. “And along with tourism growth, mobile professionals and digital nomads have flooded to towns like Playa del Carmen and Tulum.”
Here’s a quick overview of the safest places to buy a house in the Riviera Maya, which encompasses more than 80 miles of stunning coastline stretching south from Cancun to Tulum.
Where to buy a house in the Riviera Maya?
Real estate in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region offers properties with excellent value for the money, especially compared to other popular Caribbean vacation destinations. From Playa del Carmen to Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum, there are a wide variety of beautiful condos, luxurious homes and beachfront villas to choose from, with options that will fit virtually any budget and taste.
Playa del Carmen
Situated just 45 minutes south of the Cancun International Airport, downtown Playa del Carmen is a cosmopolitan town with a distinctive European flair and Caribbean vibe. Known as “Playa” by locals, it’s also a haven for expats from around the world and the first big stop along the major highway that runs from Cancun to Tulum (and beyond). By the 1990’s it was the fastest-growing cities in the Americas, but just 30 years ago it was little more than a small fishing village with a few ill-equipped rental cottages. Today, the once-sandy roads of Playa del Carmen have been paved to make way for trendy stores, delicious cafes and boutique hotels, as well as private enclaves of gorgeous houses and condos near the beach! With every modern convenience close at hand – from hospitals, big-box stores and art galleries to entertainment, nightlife, dining and a dizzying array of adventure tours – Playa has everything you need to enjoy life (and then some), making it easy to live here either full or part time. If you are considering buying a house in Playa del Carmen, do it, don’t wait!
Puerto Aventuras
About 15 minutes down the highway from Playa lies the exclusive gated golf, beach and marina community of Puerto Aventuras, which is still growing but already offers a wealth of convenience at your fingertips. Whether you purchase an oceanfront home, condo or villa here there is always something to do, with the Dolphin Discovery Riviera Maya experience located in the marina, along with a a golf course designed by Thomas Leman, fun catamaran tours and other exciting ocean or jungle adventures readily available. The marina is also a great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, while the beach at Puerto Aventuras is calm, clean, well-appointed and typically uncrowded. Go for a snorkel right off the beach or book a scuba lesson and prepare to have your mind blown! Puerto Aventuras is a private and safe community to buy a house on the golf course, on the marina or on the beach.
Akumal
Just a bit farther south along the coast, Akumal offers an idyllic spot where you can swim with turtles, snorkel in crystal-clear freshwater cenotes, or simply relax on the soft white-sand beach. With a laid-back, small-town vibe, Akumal means “Place of the Turtles” in ancient Mayan, and although the area is still growing it has retained a relatively “undiscovered” feel, offering incredible value when it comes to real estate or to buy a house. The stunning land, homes and condos available here allow buyers to truly enjoy the good life… Like frequenting the charming bars and restaurants that serve fresh seafood right off the boat! And since Akumal Bay is nicely sheltered, the warm, tranquil waters are an excellent place to snorkel, because you can see many different types of tropical fish, exotic corals, massive rays and – of course – sea turtles!
Tulum
At the southernmost reaches of the Riviera Maya you will find the magical, eco-chic beach town of Tulum, which features the most beautiful beaches in the world, along with ample spa, yoga and wellness offerings, a nice variety of gourmet restaurants and an incredibly preserved ancient Mayan city overlooking the sea! In the early 1980’s Tulum was an exotic backpacker’s outpost, attracting hippies and nature lovers who really wanted to get away from it all, and today the town has managed to hang onto that offbeat vibe, transforming into a top destination for travelers who want to slow down, relax and recharge, attracting digital nomads, jet setters and celebs from all corners of the world. In today’s Tulum, it’s commonplace to see beautiful people doing yoga and meditation on the beach, with lines of hipsters who are more than willing to wait for a chance to dine at some of the world’s most interesting restaurants. When it comes to real estate in Tulum, buyers have a diverse array of options to choose from, in up-and-coming areas like Aldea Zama or La Veleta, as well as in and around downtown Tulum proper. Whether you are looking for a turnkey luxury condo or buy a house that comes fully furnished, or prefer to build your dream home from the ground up, you can find it here
Do you have questions about the best places to buy a house in the Riviera Maya, Mexico? Post them in the comments!