Quo vadis, Mexico?
Mexico - the new Gulf Mecca in the Caribbean?
In view of the new golf arena being built on Baja California, this could be true. "Los Cabos" is the name of the hip golfing hotspot with the most beautiful courses by top golf designers. But the idyll has a hitch, because the north of the Mexican peninsula borders the USA and is increasingly besieged by American tourists in search of sex, drugs and cheap alcohol. And now there is also the dilemma with Mr. Trump, who wants to build his billion-dollar wall there of all places. We'd rather go straight to the south-eastern tip of Yucatan, where you can experience the ancient Mayan culture as well as paradisiacal places and the associated resorts.
Riviera Maya - the Mexican Caribbean
.....nts the 200-kilometre-long coastline that stretches along the turquoise blue ocean, lined with glistening white sandy beaches in the south-east of the province of Quintana Roo. What makes Yucatan and the Riviera Maya so unique for golfers are the tropical jungle areas that rise up like a wall towards the sea, Caribbean flair, powdered sugar beaches, Mayan cultural sites and golf courses that are among the best in the world for their charm. As early as the 15th century, the Mayans are said to have played a game similar to golf here with a stick and rubber ball, which they called "pelota". Today there are around 20 courses, which can be played almost all year round at an average temperature of 27°C. There is also plenty of "fun" for sun worshippers and adventurers who love the jungle tours in the X-Caret adventure park, from diving freaks who opt for reef diving a`la Jaques Cousteau on the island of Cozumel to culture vultures who are interested in the mysticism of the Mayas in Tulum.
Golf & culture & Caribbean Sea
A different world begins just after Cancún airport: the hotel castles disappear and the view is calmed by the greenery of the tropical forests you drive through. Although this is deceptive, because even on the drive to Playa del Carmen the 5-star hotel resorts are lined up like pearls. You can't see them, but you can recognize them by the oversized entrance gates and strikingly designed signs. Four of the most famous golf courses are hidden here - most of them are included in hotel resorts. For example, the Grupo Mayangolf Riviera Maya, whose 18 holes were built by Jack Nicklaus in the middle of a boy's landscape. Immediately afterwards, the Iberostar Hotel Playa Paraiso advertises its 18-hole course, on which star architect P.B. Dye has left his characteristic mark with deep bunkers, doglegs and other hazards. Grotesque shapes in the middle of the tropical jungle are somewhat reminiscent of links golf, although the vegetation here is more lush than in Scotland - as are the temperature and humidity. You can enjoy listening to the tropical birdsong and maybe even come across a sleepy iguana, which finds more peace here than on the beach. Those playing here are also spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. Four very differently designed Iberostarstar hotels vie for the golfing guest. Our tip: the Grand Paraiso. Like all the others, this 5-star plus luxury hotel is an all-inclusive establishment with 312 exquisitely furnished rooms and suites, but offers butler service and a gourmet restaurant in addition to the four à la carte restaurants. The architect was inspired by the Greco-Roman style, which he cleverly combined with modern elements. The 10,000 square meter spa with all conceivable treatment options and fitness facilities is also of interest to the golfing guest. Various pools with cabanas and, of course, the snow-white beach with exclusive lounge top it all off.
The Mexicans are particularly proud of the latest Greg Norman course "El Camaléon Mayacoba". Not only because of its design with lagoons, rock caves and bunker landscapes. Also because of its special nature conservation program, which soon earned it its first awards. And finally, because the American PGA Tour stopped there - with the best players in the world. Of course, this also makes it expensive, especially as the hotels in "Mayacoba" that belong to it contribute their good names: Fairmont, Banyantree and Rosewood. "Don't miss your 18 chances to hit a hole in one" is the somewhat frivolous motto on the 18-hole golf course "El Manglar" between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. But that will be difficult, because the Jack Nicklaus design is not only peppered with gleaming white and oversized bunkers, but also leads the game over 10 lakes, where every club is used. However, a "hole in one" is rewarded with a certificate.
South of the town of Playa del Carmen, golf legend Nick Price has created a beautiful jungle course, the Grand Coral Golf Course, whose 18 holes feature no fewer than eight lakes and 71 bunkers. At almost seven kilometers in length, it is also home to the most difficult of the vacation courses here, called Playacar Golf Course. Designer Robert von Hagge has peppered the 18 holes with lakes in lush vegetation, where high ball losses seem inevitable. Nevertheless, it is only a stone's throw from there to Playa del Carmen, known as the "Dolce Vita" city with its lively nightlife and endless shopping opportunities. It is not far from here to the ancient fortress of Tulúm, which, like the temples of Chichén Itzá, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the only Mayan city directly by the sea, you will find millennia-old excavations such as the fresco temple and the Temple of the Descending God. A small bathing bay with turquoise-colored sea provides refreshment during the sightseeing tour.
Text: Elsa Honecker
