The Riviera Maya is an ideal place to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean and its magic. Its attractions are endless, going through the postcard landscapes, the incredible ruins that tell the story of the Mayan people and a unique gastronomy and culture.
Nature never ceases to amaze visitors, who are enraptured by the beauty of the turquoise of the Caribbean Sea where it bathes the coast of pale sand. Or with some underground formations, where water accumulates to start the mystery and adventure: the cenotes.
the door to the underworld
The Mayan people considered these sites to be sacred because they meant the entrance to the spiritual underworld or Xibalba and, through them, they reached the world of the dead inhabited by the life-giving rain god, Chaak. It is believed that the cenotes were the scene of sacrifices and offerings for him.
Inside these caves were found animal skulls, jewelry and remains of ceramics and utensils that were used in religious ceremonies. Even the current Mayan generations continue to perform rituals in the cenotes to ask the god for rain.
Cenote Adventure
In the Mayan language, they were known as ts’onot or ts’ono’ot or hole in the ground, and that’s what it’s all about. The cenotes were formed over hundreds of years with the filtration of rainwater in the cracks of the limestone rock floor. The wear they were causing generated caverns where the roofs collapsed.
With its extravagant shapes, bathing in the cenotes or snorkeling to see the bottom of these formations is a unique experience. As a good work of nature, none is the same as another and you can choose the adventure in those that are semi-open or in the shape of a pitcher, those that are open or free-fall, those that are watered down and those that are cave-type.
The cenotes and the Mayan calendar
It is well known that the Mayans were a people of great scientists who created, among other things, their own calendar that is remembered worldwide today. But, what relationship do the cenotes have with this development?
Around these wells in the ground, the Mayans formed great cities and it is believed that they were decisive in defining the architecture of the buildings for astrological reasons. Just to name an example, in the city of Chichén Itzá the influences they had to define its location are analyzed.
The central pyramid, El Castillo, has its stairs to the northwest, so during the equinox of March and September, the shadow of the sun draws a snake in its path that moves along the side of the central stairs of the pyramid. According to National Geographic, this allowed the Mayans to adjust their calendar.
An exclusive cenote
Through the green vegetation, the mystical and exclusive cenote of the ONLY 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya is hidden. When approaching, different sensations are experienced such as the relaxation and comfort of resting at your feet lying down, the adrenaline rush of jumping in and swimming, and the curiosity of exploring the cave area with flashlights on the headbands of your helmets.
The bluish waters contrast with the brown and the yellow and orange tones of the rock walls. In the middle of a jungle landscape, every detail of nature accompanies you to discover this mystical space that keeps stories to discover.
The hotel immerses its guests in the culture of the area with its cocktails and cuisine based on local ingredients. The design is fully inspired by the culture of the Riviera Maya and incorporates many natural and handmade materials from the area.
Entering a cenote is immersing yourself in the depths of mystery and contact with nature. It is moving through the doors of the Mayan underworld and discovering an underwater world with underground galleries and caverns.
About UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya
UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya embraces the contemporary culture of the region. This one-of-a-kind all-inclusive hotel for the sophisticated traveler offers travelers a royal, unfiltered experience in the context of relaxed luxury complete with locally sourced art and carefully selected handcrafted design elements. Guests are encouraged to fully immerse themselves through exclusively off-property private excursions, from exploring the lesser-known corners of the region to dining at local tastemakers’ favorite restaurants and bars. Culturally inspired experiences on property include live art demonstrations by musicians and painters, and a mixologist who infuses local flavors and ingredients to craft specialty cocktails throughout the hotel. For more information or to book a stay at UNICO 20° 87° Hotel Riviera Maya, visit https://www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com/es/ To interact socially with the hotel, visit Facebook.com/unico2087 or find us on Twitter and Instagram @unico2087.
by CEDOC