Travelers from New York approach a Cancun or Tulum trip with a certain mindset. The flight is easy, the time change is minimal, and the destination delivers something very different from city life. What sets New York travelers apart is how intentionally they choose where to stay. Rather than scattering across the region, many gravitate toward resorts that emphasize design, privacy, and a sense of place.
From beachfront enclaves near Cancun to the curated communities of Mayakoba and Kanai, New Yorkers consistently book properties that feel polished without being overdone. These choices also shape how transportation is planned once they land, especially when arriving with longer itineraries, multiple bags, or holiday travel schedules.
Why Cancun and Tulum Work So Well for New York Travelers
Cancun and the Riviera Maya fit naturally into New York travel patterns. Direct flights from JFK and Newark make weekend escapes and longer stays equally practical. Once on the ground, the region offers variety without complexity. You can stay close to the airport in Cancun, retreat into nature in Mayakoba, or head south toward quieter coastal stretches.
For many New Yorkers, the appeal is balance. Mornings by the water. Afternoons spent exploring. Evenings that feel calm rather than crowded. That balance is reflected in the resorts they choose and the way they move between airports and hotels.
Top Resorts for NYC Travelers
Across both JFK and EWR departures, New Yorkers tend to book resorts that prioritize space, architecture, and thoughtful dining. These properties are spread across a few key areas.
Mayakoba and Kanai
Mayakoba and the newer Kanai development are among the most requested areas for travelers from New York. These gated resort communities sit just north of Playa del Carmen and offer a sense of separation from the busier parts of the coast.
Common choices include Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, and Andaz Mayakoba. In Kanai, travelers often select The Riviera Maya EDITION or The St. Regis Kanai. These resorts appeal to guests who value design, privacy, and a quieter beachfront experience.
Because these communities are expansive, arrivals are smoother with private transportation that can navigate directly to the correct entrance and residence.
Costa Mujeres and Playa Mujeres
North of Cancun, Costa Mujeres and Playa Mujeres attract New Yorkers who want modern resorts with wide beaches and a more relaxed pace than the Hotel Zone. Garza Blanca Resort & Spa, SLS Playa Mujeres, Majestic Elegance, and Planet Hollywood are frequent picks.
These resorts work well for couples and groups alike, especially those planning longer stays or traveling during peak holiday periods. The drive north from Cancun Airport is straightforward, but arrival timing matters as security checkpoints can slow traffic in the evening.
Cancun Hotel Zone
Some New York travelers still prefer to stay close to the heart of Cancun. The Hotel Zone remains popular for its convenience and access to dining and nightlife. Resorts such as Nizuc Resort & Spa, Le Blanc Spa Resort, and JW Marriott Cancun consistently attract guests looking for a refined experience without traveling far from the airport.
For shorter stays or late arrivals, the Hotel Zone offers the fastest transition from plane to room.
How New Yorkers Plan Transportation
Travel style plays a major role in how transportation is booked. New York travelers often arrive with multiple suitcases, longer packing lists, or plans that involve more than one destination. That influences vehicle choice.
Luxury SUVs are the most common option for stays in Mayakoba, Kanai, and Nizuc. These routes benefit from comfortable seating and direct travel, especially after evening arrivals.
Vans are frequently chosen for all-inclusive resorts in Costa Mujeres and Playa Mujeres, where guests may be traveling as families or small groups with additional luggage.
For those connecting onward to Holbox via the port in Chiquilá, SUVs are preferred due to the longer drive and the need for reliable timing.
During major holiday windows, including winter travel and New Year’s week, sprinter-style vehicles are often selected to accommodate larger groups arriving together.
Choosing the Right Airport
Most New York travelers still fly into Cancun International Airport. Resorts in Mayakoba, Kanai, Costa Mujeres, and the Hotel Zone are best accessed from Cancun, with predictable drive times and well-marked routes.
Some travelers departing from New Jersey are beginning to consider Tulum Airport for properties farther south along the Riviera Maya. While this can shorten the drive to certain areas, it requires more careful planning around flight schedules and ground transportation.
For planning details, these resources can help:
Pro Tip for Mayakoba and Kanai Arrivals
If your resort is located within Mayakoba or Kanai, provide your chauffeur with the specific building or residence name before arrival. These communities are large, and having precise details helps avoid unnecessary delays at the entrance.
Getting There Without Guesswork
Private transportation allows New York travelers to move on their own schedule, whether arriving late in the evening or coordinating multiple pickups. With a dedicated chauffeur, arrivals feel more predictable, luggage stays with your group, and timing stays under your control.
Black Luxury Service offers luxury sedans, SUVs, vans, and larger vehicles suited to everything from solo travelers to extended families. Vehicles are selected based on route, group size, and travel plans rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Reserve your private transfer before leaving New York or explore our luxury black fleet and choose the vehicle that best suits your needs.
