Between classes you will have ample time to rest and relax by the pool, in the hammock, on the quiet white sand beach or have a spa treatment at the Casa Om spa. The reef at Puerto Morelos is spectacular and easily accessible. Snorkeling is fabulous, either from the shore or by boat.
You can enjoy touring the Mayan ruins in Tulum, the preserved indigenous botanical gardens, go shopping locally or in Playa del Carmen and / or visit the Mayan city of Chichen Itza, one the seven wonders of the world. You are free to go on excursions any day you like, and Wednesday we may hold one early morning class to reserve that day for those who wish to go on a full day excursion. All Activities can be booked directly at Casa Om.
Fine dining
Puerto Morelos has an excellent variety of restaurants, ranging from Uruguayan food, Vegetarian, Indian, Mexican, Fusion gourmet, and more. Most places offer a fish and sea food menu, but you can always ask them to prepare you something vegetarian. You can find a wider variety of options in Playa del Carmen and Cancun, as well as numerous organic stores of fine delicatessen products from the region.
Spa
Have a spa treatment in Casa Om's spa, and let all of your stress melt away. The in-house therapists offer a breath work therapy, Polynesian massage, or reconnective healing to relax you during your stay. Casa Om also partners with Mayan healer Avelino May Xul, who practices energetic healing techniques rooted in Mayan culture. He comes to Casa Om one day a week, by appointment only, so please let the manager know in advance.
Paddle boarding
Thanks to the coral reef, Puerto Morelos has excellent water conditions allowing you to enjoy this friendly exercise while contemplating on an unusual panorama off the shore. It will just take you a few hours, but the silence above the water might be exactly what you need.
Ek Balam
Ek Balam is one of the most ancient, and more recently restored Mayan cities in the area. You can rent a bike to ride across the jungle, go on top of the main pyramid, and visit a refreshing cenote full of geological formations and a very fun zip line. It’s only a two-hour drive from Puerto Morelos, and on the way you can also visit the colonial town of Valladolid.
Botanical gardens
Just three kilometers away from Casa Om, you can go to the botanical gardens of Puerto Morelos for a nice walk in the shade. As you explore this beautiful green park, look for spider monkeys, discover rugged temple ruins, and cross a swinging bridge. It takes about 90 minutes for this local adventure, and it’s the only place in the region where you will find preserved and pure indigenous nature.
Shopping
As one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, the shopping options in the Riviera Maya are impressive. You will find everything, from ultra-chic designer stores and famous brand names to flea markets and souvenir shops. There are many shopping malls in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, all offering the avid shopper a real treat; however, if you are looking for real and authentic Mexican handmade gifts you can go over the Market 28th in Cancun as well as to the 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) in Playa del Carmen, which is a pedestrian street where restaurants, shops, art galleries, and various services are located.
Every Thursday during the evening, arts and cultural bazaars are installed along 5th Avenue, where you can find and get original pieces directly from their authors.
Chichen Itza
The Mayan city of Chichen Itza is the jewel of the archeological sites in the Yucatan peninsula. Considered one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza’s more famous landmark is the main pyramid call “El CasFllo” There is also a sacred cenote on the site where ancient Mayans used to perform a lot of sacrifices.
It is a four-hour drive from Puerto Morelos, but visits can include a stop in the colonial town of Valladolid, where excellent vegetarian food can be found. The excursion will take a whole day, but this majestic site will not disappoint you.
Whale sharks
If you want to swim with the largest fish in the world, in the Riviera Maya you can do it. From mid May to mid September, this area has the privilege to receive the largest migration of the mighty whale sharks. Casa Om's manager can help you make a reservation for the transportation to pick you up and take you to Punta Sam, where you will get on a boat that will take you in to open waters, where the sharks can be found.
The boat ride is about an hour long and, to avoid damaging the sharks, sunscreen is not allowed before swimming with them. It is recommended that you sleep well, take a t-shirt with you and avoid eating a lot before getting on the boat. Remember to please not leave any trash and avoid touching the sharks.
Xcaret
Xel-ha and Xplor Xcaret amusement parks are known for the quality of their shows, delicious food, huge aquariums, and beautiful locations. From adventure to nature, Xcaret parks have it all. For the more adventurous, Xplor offers underground caves, ATVs and thrilling zip lines.
Lovers of nature will enjoy Xel-ha’s incredible sea life but, for a more complete experience, Xcaret main park and its famous night show will take you through the history of Mexican culture, ranging from ancient civilization to modern identity. Food is included inside of the parks, so it is recommended that you plan a whole day for your visit.
Akumal
The bay of Akumal (one hour south of Puerto Morelos) is famous for its unique visitors: the sea turtles that can be found there all year long feeding from the sea grass that grows in the bay. It is important not to touch the turtles, but you can swim very close to them and visit the coral reef of the area. In Akumal, there is also the Yalku lagoon, where cenote waters meet with seawater, creating a natural aquarium where you will find hundreds of colorful fishes.
Cirque Du Soleil
If you want to have a night full of emotions and imagination, the Riviera Maya is one of the few places in the world where you can experience a show hosted by this renowned circus. The performance starts between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. and last 70 minutes,
Tulum ruins
The Tulum ruins are just two hours south of Puerto Morelos. It is one of the main ceremonial centers of the ancient Mayans. Today, the archeological site is one of the most visited locations of the Riviera Maya. Its location and turquoise mythic waters will not disappoint any expectations. Casa Om can help you arrange a transportation that will pick you up, take you there, help you by the entrances, wait for you, and bring you back. To avoid big crowds it is recommnded that you go very early and avoid weekends.
Snorkeling
Puerto Morelos is located in front of a National Marine Park, which includes the Mesoamerican coral reef, the second largest reef in the world. There are amazing scuba diving and snorkeling spots right in front of Casa Om. You can walk from Casa Om to the beach, get on a boat, snorkel on the reef, and come back in less than three hours. There is also snorkeling excursions in Isla Mujeres and Contoy Island, but consider that going there will take a whole day.
Cinema
If you feel like having a quiet night out you can catch a movie at one of many movie theaters in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. You can find 3D theaters in Cancun and Playa del Carmen and 4D theaters in Cancun. Films are played on their original language and with Spanish subtitles, but sometimes they are translated so make sure you check at the ticket office first.
