Top Travel Days of 2024, Living La Villa Life on Mexico’s Rivera Maya

In October, I headed to Mexico to meet up with my Largay Travel Family, hosted by Villas of Distinction. But first I needed two days of Me Time to unwind, get a spa treatment, swim in the ocean, dine on great food and enjoy some spicy margaritas, all at the fabulous all-inclusive adults-only property, Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun. Then it was off to Rivera Maya to jump into cenotes, zipline, dance with a mariachi band and snorkel, as they wined and dined us in style! Our group stayed at four different gorgeous villas which were linked together and lined the beach. Each villa had an authentic Mexican style and were adorned with art and each had a pool overlooking the beach. One even had a pickleball court in its large courtyard! With an amazing chef and staff, the villas offered us a wonderful place for lounging and enjoying each other’s company without a care in the world. One night’s entertainment meant that I even got a chance to pretend I was in The Blue Man Group!

–Lisa Leavitt

Thank you for reading our Top Travel Days of 2024. We’re here at ActiveTravels to help you create the Top Travel Days in 2025! Let’s start planning together!

The Ideal Time to Rent a Villa

Due to the pandemic, it’s not surprising that we’re receiving many more requests for homes, villas, and townhouse rentals this summer. These residences all have full kitchens, so you don’t have to worry about dining at restaurants every meal. Also, the companies we work with not only personally inspect all properties, but hire cleaning services to thoroughly disinfect before and after each rental.

Known for their upscale private homes around the world, we like to use Villas of Distinction in the winter months for families headed to the Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, especially their luxurious Noble House outside Montego Bay that can sleep 10. Due to the demand of private homes this summer, the company is expanding their profile. All homes have been vetted, and unlike VRBO or Airbnb, all deposits are placed into escrow, so if you cancel during the allotted time period, you don’t have to worry about fighting for your money with a private homeowner. Villas of Distinction also offers a concierge at each location to arrange all activities and dining, including a private chef if need be. New destinations this summer include Westhampton, New York (the former home of composer Marvin Hamlisch), and a 6-bedroom property on the beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

If interested in any villa or house rental this summer or fall, please let ActiveTravels know and we’ll discuss the options.