The Riviera Maya is home to the most amazing ecological parks in the world. There are very few places on earth where can you find the richness and diversity that nature has freely provided here.

Xel-Ha is known worldwide as the largest natural aquarium and it offers an innovative All Inclusive Program. Xel-Ha means, in the language of the Maya, ”Where the water is born”.

Xcaret is closer to Playa del Carmen, in the heart of the Riviera Maya, and it’s without a doubt another of the most famous eco-archaeological parks in the world.

Xel-Ha Ecological Park

This ecological park is the largest natural aquarium in the world! It is formed by a large lagoon that has currents that flow out into the Caribbean Sea. Xel-Ha Park looks like a shimmering mirror and it is fed by the waters of a tranquil river.

Old Mayan legends tell of Mayan gods who mixed their wisdom and love for ”amazing things”, in order to create a place where the most beautiful natural attractions in the Caribbean are all found in one place. The ancient Maya called this area Xel-Ha ”where the water is born”.

This ecological park, of breathtaking beauty, has a turquoise blue lagoon, a calm river, exuberant jungle and freshwater cenotes that when all mixed together forms a uniquely beautiful scenario, in front of the sparkling Caribbean sea.

Activities Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha has lots of wonderful activities, if you want to take a closer look at the underwater world. Choose from Snuba, the Sea trek, Aqua Adventures or even an amazing Dolphin Swim.

These activities allow you to have an amazing experience with the tropical fish and other marine life that live in this beautiful natural environment. Whether you want to snorkel, swim or dive, Xel-Ha always has the perfect option t o help you get to know and understand the area’s indigenous flora and fauna.

Challenge your courage with the adventure activities featured at Xel-Ha, boost your adrenalin and stir up your senses. Lose your balance and fall into the river full of tropical fish; take a bike and explore every corner of Xel-Ha, throw yourself from a thick rope hanging from a Chicozapote tree, or climb a high rock and jump into the water the below; it’s all available at Xel-Ha.

Xcaret Eco-Park

Xcaret Eco-Park is situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Xcaret means, in Maya, ”Small Cove” and it is located on the shore of the Caribbean Sea, in front of the island of Cozumel. Xcaret Park features an impressive natural cove and invites you to discover a paradise that shelters all the wonders of the Mexican Caribbean. It’s just few minutes away from Playa del Carmen and less than an hour from Cancun. Without a doubt it is one of the most famous of all the ecological and archaeological parks.

On your next visit to Riviera Maya, a trip to Xcaret is a ”must” because it offers 30 fully-interactive activities, among which the most incredible ones are the underground rivers, the butterfly-pavilion, the turtle farm, the interactive aquarium, the museum and dolphin center and the best show with folk costumes, music and regional dances from all over Mexico.

Attractions in Xcaret Park

Some of the best attractions in the Riviera Maya are without a doubt the ones at Xcaret. Every step you take through Xcaret Park you will find something exciting, interesting or fun to do, just let your senses guide you through this wonderful eco-park.

Swim with dolphins, snorkel in the two underground rivers, take a dip in the natural pools by the sea, dare to come face to face with a shark, enjoy the wonderful night shows of a high cultural content, or simply marvel at the amazing view of the Caribbean Sea as you savor your favorite cuisine.

Your Xcaret ticket is more than just the entrance; with your ticket you get access to a number of cultural and ecological attractions. We are 100% sure that your experience at the Xcaret Ecological Theme Park will be unforgettable.

If you’re interested in participating in these two unique experiences when you visit us at Le Rêve Hotel & Spa, be sure to email our concierge at concierge@hotellereve.com or simply ask upon arrival.

Dining in Playa is delicious. Panuchos, cochinita pibil, fajitas de pollo, tacos al pastor… the very mention of these delicious, authentic Mexican dishes makes any gourmand’s mouth water. Mexican food is rich and varied, combining indigenous and colonial ingredients and cooking techniques. There are Mexican dishes with strong and light flavors.

Italian cuisine acquires a tropical touch at El Provenzal and the Wine Glass Bar, two of Playa’s favorite fine-dining locations. One of Playa’s better eating establishments is Le Bistro, which hosts an assortment of fine French foods, wines, and desserts in the intimate, relaxed, and jovial atmosphere of a typical French bistro. Strolling down la Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), you find a great number of bars and restaurants featuring appetizers such as pasta, green salads, and even bagels. So, go ahead and enjoy your dining experience.

Casa Adela

Casa Adela is an innovative place featuring an interesting blend of an art gallery and a restaurant offering delectable Mexican traditional and contemporary cuisine. Located on Playa del Carmen’s trendiest street, the famous 5th Avenue, it features an array of specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering diners a magical atmosphere full of folklore, tradition, music, and art.

Chez Matisse

If you want to enjoy a delicious meal or a romantic dinner, then visit Chez Matisse. This elegant restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere that combines with the charming decor, inviting you to experience delicious food made with the freshest ingredients and traditional French flavors. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy an exquisite dish from their extensive menu and select a good wine to accompany your meal.

Di Vino

Di Vino is a contemporary restaurant with open-air terraces and an elegant lounge for those who appreciate fine dining an excellent wine. The menu features an extensive variety of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, including some incredibly scrumptious house specialties, and their selection of Mexican, Italian and Spanish wines is outstanding. The atmosphere is delightful, and the service is second to none.

El Bistro

Unique and different, with its own charming appeal, is Playa’s only French bistro, a small, very casual structure. El Bistro creates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where you can have a great meal accompanied by select wines from around the world.People come to Le Bistro, order their meal or simply a platter of fruit or cheese and a bottle of wine, and stay for hours.

Ipanema’s Grill

This Brazilian steak house offers 20 different meat options, all char-grilled. Have your choice from beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish or seafood (USDA and Angus certified), all on 3 foot long stakes, cooked to a savory finish and sliced, if you wish, at your table and onto your plate. Accompany your choices of meat with an extensive salad bar and seafood buffet. An absolute must for those who love a good cut of meat.

John Gray’s Place

Taste the rich flavors of classic international fare embellished by the unique skills of our chef. In this stylish bistro, located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, you can order nourishing salads and entrees, juicy steaks or delicious fish from the grill, and also mouthwatering desserts, while enjoying the ultra laid back atmosphere that is “Playa”. A wide selection of wines by the glass and signature cocktails will undoubtedly be the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Karen’s

Karen’s is located in Playa del Carmen’s famous Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue). This restaurant was one of the first in the area, and over the years it has become one of Playa’s most popular places to dine. Opened in 1992, Karen’s still remains busy every night, packed with locals and tourists enjoying the succulent steaks and incredibly fresh seafood served here. This restaurant offers an excellent variety of Mexican dishes as well, such as parrilladas, which are a combo of succulent grilled beef and vegetables. Enjoy the fun atmosphere and friendly service, all topped off with live Latin music.

La Ceiba

La Ceiba offers delicious buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy delicious cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere, exclusive international dishes and Mexican specialties. Drinks are also included in the buffet two hours a day. Don’t miss this restaurant in the heart of Playa del Carmen!

Madre Tierra

Have a juicy steak and cold beer or a fresh fish filet with white wine at the Madre Tierra restaurant. It also features a mixture of minimalist and rustic styles in its decoration, which turns it into one of Playa’s most recommendable restaurants. As a bonus, Madre Tierra features a special menu for kids to please everybody.

Playasia

Blue Parrot proudly presents its newest creation, the Playasia Restaurant Bar, located at the new Blue Parrot on 5th Av. It features a jungle-chic style that is both exotic and fun; and consists of an impressive garden with small cabanas, built on different levels around a pool with color changing water.

It has a romantic and sensuous ambiance and its inspired menu offers a selection of delectable delicacies to please everyone’s palate. They serve international cuisine including a creative and innovative selection of seafood specialties, steaks, sushi, sashimi, and other Asian specialties. Every night there is also a DJ, taking guests on a musical tour of the world.

Last but not least, do not miss Naay Restaurant in Le RêveHotel & Spa!

Le Rêve Hotel & Spa has one of the best dining experiences in all of Playa del Carmen, Cancun and the entire Rivera Maya.

To make sure guests enjoy the most incredible dishes, we start with fresh ingredients delivered daily to our kitchen.

Our chef oversees a handpicked team of culinary experts as they carefully work to create premium meals.

We even have our own bread and pastry chef to make the most satisfying breads, muffins, pastries and cookies fresh every day!

Bon Appetit!

Chichen Itza

A brief description by the UNESCO states that “…this site is one of the most impressive testimonies to the Maya-Toltec civilization of the Yucatan (10th to 15th centuries). It contains some of the most outstanding examples of Central America architecture, combining Maya construction techniques and Toltec sculpted decoration.”

Chichen Itza means “mouth of the well” and covers about 3 miles in area, built in the late Classic Period (800-1000 AD). Chichen Itza is a magical place, with the massive Pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo) as an elegant centerpiece.

During your trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, you cannot miss the chance to visit the gorgeous Maya Ruins of Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza Site Description

The Mayan Ruins in Chichen Itza are divided into two groups: Old Chichen (Maya Classic Period 800-1000 AD) and New Chichen (Maya-Toltec Period 1000-1200 AD). Chichen Itza is one of the most important archaeological sites of Yucatan.

Chichen Itza is a massive ancient ceremonial center comprised primarily of the Puuc construction style (old Chichen). Not all of the monuments (Temple of the Warriors, Temple of the Jaguar) are accessible to the 3,000,000 visitors who visit yearly. These are closed due to the preservation of these historic monuments.

The most important structures are: El Castillo, The Great Ball Court, The Sacred Cenote, Platform of Eagle & Jaguar, Temple of the Jaguar, The Observatory, Venus Temple, The Temple of 1000 Warriors (columns), The Market, Casa del Venado and The Ossuary.

Chichen Itza Main Buildings

The Pyramid of Kukulcan EL Castillo

One of Chichen Itza’s Main Buildings is the Pyramid of Kukulcan, without a doubt the most impressive monument of these Mayan Ruins. Its design is believed to have some significance in the Maya Calendar. This square-based pyramid was built for astronomical purposes and is a prime example of archaeo-astronomy. It stands in the middle of a vast esplanade and is surrounded by many other monuments.

The Ball Court

The Sacred Games played in the Ball Courts had a profound significance for the Maya people. These Ball Courts are found in most of the Maya Ruins of great importance in the Yucatan, but the biggest one is located in Chichen Itza, which is also the best preserved court discovered in Mesoamerica: 545 feet from end to end, three of its sides are also part of temples (most likely used for rituals during the games), which feature intricate carvings and decorations, scoring stone hoops and such great acoustics that a whisper can be heard at the other end. A vivid example of Maya culture and magnificence.

The Observatory El Caracol

We know today for a fact that the Maya knew the exact length of the yearly solar cycle and that it measured at 365.24 days. The Chichen Itza Observatory or “El Caracol” (The Snail) was dedicated to the study of astronomy and it consists of a tower erected on two rectangular platforms. The Observatory’s name is derived from the unusual stairway inside resembling a snail shell. From the top of the tower these amazing astronomers made observations of the stars with the naked eye and recorded their movements. For all these reasons, this temple is one of Chichen Itza main buildings, one you should visit when walking around these magical Maya Ruins.

The Temple of the Descending God

The Temple stands to the right of El Castillo and although there are many representations of The Descending God, this is the only monument bearing his name. The temple sits on a flat platform that was filled in and prepared to serve as a base for the erection of the building. A staircase leads up to the Temple showing a plumed guardian (thought to be Ah Muzem Cab), whose feet are illuminated when the sun rises, standing vigilant and protecting coast and commerce. The temple has a single chamber and a bottle-shaped vault. The structure is topped by a roof crest, and over the doorway, there is a niche with a painted stucco figure of the winged God descending from the sky.

The Temple of the Jaguar (Lower)

The Temple stands to the right of El Castillo and although there are many representations of The Descending God, this is the only monument bearing his name. The temple sits on a flat platform that was filled in and prepared to serve as a base for the erection of the building. A staircase leads up to the Temple showing a plumed guardian (thought to be Ah Muzem Cab), whose feet are illuminated when the sun rises, standing vigilant and protecting coast and commerce. The temple has a single chamber and a bottle-shaped vault. The structure is topped by a roof crest, and over the doorway, there is a niche with a painted stucco figure of the winged God descending from the sky.

The Temple of the Warriors

The Temple of the Warriors in New Chichen was built over an older monument dedicated to the Reclining God Chaac-Mool, the central figure of this awesome complex. The temple is a massive structure adjacent to The Temple of the Jaguar and surrounded by hundreds of carved columns. It is 10 meters tall and 40 meters wide and a prime example of the Toltec influence in Maya architecture. A wide stairway on the facade of the temple leads to stone representations of Chaac Mool and Kukulcan (Quetzalcoatl). The view of the temple seen from the Kukulcan Pyramid is spectacular and well worth the climb to the top of El Castillo.

Mexico is filled with rich traditions. The country is colored with folklore dancing, exquisite cuisine, and the all-time-favorite Tequila.

Blanco, Joven, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo are all types of tequila. Each are granted different flavors based on aging length and the type of barrels in which they are stored. Barrels used to store tequila are made of French or American white oak, and the degree of barrel charring or no charring at all contributes to the various flavors to tequilas.

Blanco, clear in color, contains all the nature flavors of the agave and its sugar thus making it popular among tequila connoisseurs.

Joven tequila, a derivative of Blanco, consists of burnt sugar to give it a smoother flavor.

Reposado, the most popular type of tequila, is aged in barrels no more than two months; it is woody in color and is slightly smoother than the Blanco and Joven.

Añejo is aged at least one year and, due to its superior quality and taste, it comes highly recommend for first time drinkers.

Extra Añejo, aged between 3 and 5 years, consists of one or several flavors of wood, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel and rose petals.

Multifaceted and flavorful rich in history, tequila will continue to be a Mexican tradition you won’t want to miss.

What will you do with your wedding gown once your big day is over?

While the spontaneous answer from most brides may be to store their precious wedding gowns, an increasing number are taking a radical stance. Newlyweds are wearing their wedding dress one last time for a dramatic photo shoot, a new tradition known as “trashing the dress”.

The “Trash the Dress” photo shoot is one of the latest trends in wedding photography styles  in which brides decides to ruin their dress by getting it wet, dirty or torn in a contrasting environment. This unique experience is a symbolic declaration that the wedding is over and an alternative to storing the dress, never to be seen again.

The idea of destroying a wedding dress originated in Hollywood in 1998 when Meg Cummings of the TV show Sunset Beach ran into the ocean in her gown after her wedding was badly interrupted. In 2001, Las Vegas wedding photographer John Michael Cooper pioneered a creative artistic movement in the world of wedding photography by asking newlyweds to pose in unusual settings.

The concept is to unwind and let your creativity flow as you enjoy wearing your dress one last time in a fresh and liberating way. You can take a creative approach to your photo session by walking through tropical rainforests, dipping into a pool or heading into magical cenotes and fantastic underground caves distinctive of the Riviera Maya.

Brides who have embraced the trend state that the “Trash the Dress” experience and photo shoot bestows their gowns with new life, instead of simply sitting in the closet.

So trash the dress, brides! It will be one of the few times you will truly enjoy getting dirty.

We are delighted that you are considering our property to celebrate your wedding.

Le Rêve Hotel & Spa is an intimate and magical haven. Taking your vows in our wonderland is the very essence of romance.

Our team, directed by Le Rêve Hotel & Spa’s Wedding Coordinator will be pleased to assist you in coordinating the details of this special moment – from the tiniest detail to the ceremony, to the reception to guest accommodations.

A wedding is one of the most important and memorable occasions in a lifetime and our attention to detail and friendly approach allow us to develop personal relationships with the Bride and Groom and families long after the wedding takes place.

Tailor made weddings

Le Rêve Hotel is very well known for its tailor made weddings and ceremonies. Our Wedding Coordinator is in very close contact with the wedding couple puts together your “a la carte wedding” according to your wishes and instructions. All the details will be taken care of, leaving you free to relax and savor every moment.

Contact our Wedding Coordinator today to start with it before the day ends.

You name it – we do it. Your imagination is the limit.

Have candles all over the hotel? – No problem at all!
Have your ceremony and your dinner at the beach? – Of course!
Rent out the hotel’s 25 rooms to have 100% privacy – Definitely possible!
Bring your own photographer, flowers and decoration? If you wish, please do so!
Optimize your expenses and spend money only on what really matters? Ok!

Le Rêve description

Le Rêve Hotel & Spa was born, as its name says in French, from a dream….

Le Rêve is one of the most enchanting luxury boutique hotels located in the Mexican Riviera Maya, just outside Playa del Carmen. Our 25 individually decorated suites, our restaurant with carefully chosen menus, our infinity pool, and the turquoise blue Caribbean water make Le Rêve Hotel & Spa the perfect settings for a memorable wedding.

Le Rêve Hotel & Spa adapts to its guests needs through supreme service, stunning settings and comfort.No matter where guests are from, the members of Le Rêve’s hospitable family will transform vacations into dreams turned reality.

Make Le Rêve all yours!

Are you dreaming of an intimate wedding on a beautiful Caribbean beach?

For the ultimate celebration, you can rent our 25 suites to enjoy exclusive use of Le Rêve Hotel & Spa. Make our entire property your own home to host your wedding event!

Enjoy privacy, excellent service and exquisite food in our tropical paradise for a perfect wedding…

Feel free to visit Le Rêve official website and read reviews of previous brides on our

Best Destination Wedding webpage. Please join Le Rêve Hotel & Spa group on Facebook and Twitter. Last but not least, I invite you to click here to see pictures taken by our preferred wedding photographer.

Please contact our Wedding Coordinator for any assistance.

Arlenis Ruiz – Wedding Coordinator

Phone:          +52 984 109 5660

Fax:                +52 984 109 5504

Email: weddings@hotellereve.com

White sandy beaches combined with turquoise water, friendly people, amazing sunsets and a vast array of ceremony locations make weddings in Mexico spectacular and above all, memorable.

Playa del Carmen is a lovely destination to get married. It has charm, entertainment, and romantic beaches to which a couple can escape.

Get married in Playa del Carmen and start a romance of a lifetime.

General Overview

Situated just south of the border of the United States, Mexico is easy to get to and has become a great destination wedding and honeymoon spot.

Generally, the best time of year to go to Mexico is from October to May, but two periods to avoid are the week leading up to Easter and the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, as they are extremely busy times in Mexico.

The climate can range from hot and humid to warm and dry, and there is sure to be a spot in Mexico to suit your wedding needs.

A visa is not required to enter and stay (up to 72 hours) in Mexico if you are a US citizen, but if you are planning a lengthy stay you will need to obtain a government tourist card for a fee of $20 (usually included in ticket prices if you fly to Mexico).

Destination weddings in Mexico cater to all budgets and are diverse with beautiful resorts, stunning beaches and traditional Mexican fiestas. Undoubtedly the most popular destination for a Mexico wedding is Riviera Maya which draws couples to its shores.

Legal Requirements to get married in Mexico

You must present your tourist card when you apply for your marriage license, and you must be married in a civil ceremony at a Civil Register Office (or other location, but there will be an additional fee).

If you want, you may have a religious or other ceremony later on, but the only legal wedding ceremony is the civil one.

In some cases, you’ll need Spanish translations of your birth certificates.

Mexico also requires blood tests for HIV and RPR (syphilis) and chest x-rays to be completed in the country – in all, the process from applying for your marriage license to getting married will take about three business days.

The cost for a wedding in Mexico is about $200 US dollars.

Mexico Weddings

Most Mexican weddings have two ceremonies: the civil and the religious.

The site of your wedding is up to you as well; you can either have a small beach ceremony or a festive authentic Mexican fiesta for many guests.

Mexico wedding packages are available for all price ranges and wedding styles.

Mexico Reception

There are many different forms of receptions you can have following your wedding.

Whether you’d just like a quiet candlelight dinner on the beach with your new spouse or a large reception with all your friends and family, the hotels in Mexico can accommodate any sort of reception plan.

If you choose to have a traditional Mexican reception, you should think of hiring mariachis (Mexican musicians) or have your reception at one of the wedding rooms that many hotels in Mexican cities provide for this purpose.

Mexico Wedding Activities

There are lots of things to see and do in Mexico. Off the shores of Mexico’s many beaches (such as Playa del Carmen) you can go snorkeling, diving, boating and enjoy many other water activities. Yucatan offers historic monuments built by the Aztecs and other Mexican wonders. There are as many different sites and activities available as there are distinct areas of Mexico.

Mexico Wedding Guests

If you’re planning on having guests at your Mexico destination wedding, please make sure that you send out “Save the Date” cards about four to six months before the wedding so that your guests can have plenty of time to make arrangements to get to your wedding spot.

Plan a few events for your group, such as an archeology tour or other side trips.

One of the best things about Riviera Maya is the fact that you can get everything you dream, and it goes from the simplest things, up to the most elaborated…

We are certain that whatever your decisions, your wedding is going to be full of magic.

From Le Rêve Hotel & Spa, we would like to wish you a happy wedding planning!

The 8th Annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

“Music is an integral part of a vacation experience; there’s nothing like sitting on a beach listening to great music under the stars.” -Director of the Rivera Maya Destination Marketing

The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival combines an impressive fusion of jazz music with its many varied expression and the most desirable vacation destination, the Riviera Maya.

The extraordinary beachside concert takes place at Mamita’s Beach Club in Playa del Carmen, one of the most popular spots in the Caribbean.

The 2009 Riviera Maya Jazz Festival drew 50,000 visitors to the popular Mexican tourist destination with jazz artists Herbie Hancock, Spyro Gyra, Al Jarreau, Sergio Mendes, and many local jazz musicians.

In its eighth season this year, the 4-day festival is scheduled for November 25-28.

WHAT: The 8th Annual Riviera Maya the Jazz Festival

WHEN: From November 25, 2010 7:00 pm to November 28, 2010 10:00 pm

WHERE: Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen, located 15 minutes from Hacienda Tres Ríos.

WHO: Aguamala, Al Di Meola, Armando Manzanero, Eldar Djangirov, Eugenia Leon, George Duke, Hiram Gomez, Incognito, Ivan Lins, John McLaughlin, Mike Stern & Dave Weckl, The Manhattan Transfer, Troker, Yekina Pavon.