Distinctive destination: a connoisseur's guide to exquisite and exotic locales

Natural History, Nov, 2002

MEXICO

For the tranquility of solitary beaches or the excitement of eco-adventure sports, come to the Riviera Maya

THE RIVIERA MAYA--a seventy-five-mile stretch of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Mexican Caribbean--boasts tranquil and uncrowded beaches, a vast network of underground rivers, proximity to many of Mexico's most significant Maya archeological sites, and a range of accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget. You can kayak, mountain-bike, dive in a reef or cenote (a water-filled limestone sinkhole unique to the Yucatan Peninsula), or enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, golfing and tennis, trekking, birdwatching, and deep-sea fishing.

Located in the state of Quintana Roo, the Riviera Maya region was an important commercial and religious center for the ancient Maya during the post-Classic period (A.D. 1000-1550). Tulum, a Maya fortress set on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, is the most impressive site from this era, but there were other important towns such as Xaman-Ha (today called Playa del Carmen), Xcaret (known by the Maya as the port of Pole), and Xel-Ha, the first European settlement in the peninsula. Farther inland is Coba, a city that had 50,000 inhabitants during the Classic period (A.D. 300-1000).

A good starting point when you visit the Riviera Maya is the pristine beach of Playa del Secreto, just eighteen miles south of the Cancun International Airport. Tres Rios, a 370-acre eco-park of tropical jungle, mangroves, and cenotes, offers biking, canoeing, kayaking, trekking, and horseback riding. Playa del Carmen, the largest town in the Riviera Maya, combines the flavor of a quaint fishing village with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. For shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, take a stroll along Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida). Nearby is the area's principal ecological reserve, Sian Ka'an, a habitat noted for the richness of its flora and fauna.

Xcaret, an eco-archeological park only five kilometers from Playa del Carmen, offers a unique glimpse into the region's natural surroundings and interactive activities such as snorkeling in underground rivers, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, scuba diving, a 2,000-year-old ball game called pok-ta-pok, plus an archeological site, natural aquarium, museum, botanical garden, Maya village, and folkloric shows at night. The small bay and beach of Paamul, where turtles come to leave their eggs, is one the region's best spots for diving and snorkeling and a great place for a picnic.

For more information on the Riviera Maya, call 1-888-955-7155 or visit www.rivieramaya.com.

SWAN HELLENIC

WITH OVER FIFTY YEARS of experience, Swan Hellenic has made an art of discovery cruising. Established in Britain in 1954, this award-winning company offers a wider range of destinations than any other--from the Arctic Circle to South America. Its customized excursions are led by expert local guides as well as knowledgeable guest speakers who help you discover the arts, culture, and history of the places you visit.

With intimate-sized ships, exquisite food and service, shipboard pools, and plenty of free time, you can start relaxing once you're on board.

Swan's itineraries feature fascinating places off the tourist track as well as the must-see attractions. Enjoy ocean voyages through the Black Sea, Mediterranean, Baltic, Arabian Gulf, and around India and the Far East; clipper voyages to Panama, Ecuador, and Peru; or river cruises down the Danube or Nile. For the full selection of itineraries, visit www.swanhellenic.com.

Swan's newest vessel, the Minerva II, boasts the ambience of an unpretentiously elegant British country house. This special ship boasts a superb range of cabins, most with private balconies, and spacious yet intimate surroundings in which to enjoy the unique style of care-free cruising that continues to earn Swan Hellenic its superb reputation.

NORWAY

IN THE LAND of the Midnight Sun, you can experience daylight in the middle of the summer night or watch the blazing Northern Lights cascade across the winter sky. Explore picture-perfect fjords that wind their way into the country from the coast, idyllic islands and skerries in the sunny southern coast, and the dramatic North Cape, where you can walk on glaciers, tundra, and stark mountain plateaus tipping toward the sea, or watch thousands of birds soaring in the gentle Arctic light.

Start with a visit to Oslo ("the meadow of the gods"), Norway's cosmopolitan capital, situated at the end of a fjord and surrounded by green hills and vast forests. Then head to quaint fishing villages, with picturesque wooden houses showcasing the country's unique folk art styles, or visit wooden churches dating from the Middle Ages. But most of all, enjoy the natural landscapes--magnificent fjords formed during the Ice Age, rushing waterfalls, and awesome mountains--that make Norway such a special place to visit, no matter what time of year you come.

BELIZE LODGE & EXCURSIONS

THE TINY ENGLISH-SPEAKING, Central American country of Belize, located on the Caribbean, is a favorite destination for naturalists, who prize its remarkable diversity. To enjoy an unusual, off-the-beaten path vacation in this ecological paradise, contact Belize Lodge & Excursions Limited, a unique ecotourism facility and adventure travel operator.