El Camaleon at Mayakoba, just outside of Tulum and Cancun, is one of the leading golf courses on the ... [+] Yucatan Peninsula and in all of Mexico. Erik Matuszewski While Cancun has long reigned as a quintessential spring break destination – well-known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and convenient access from major U.S. cities – many of those in the know are setting their sights a bit further south to Tulum. Just down the coastline of Mexico’s northeastern Yucatan Peninsula from Cancun, Tulum offers the same crystalline waters and perfect weather, but with a more relaxed vibe. The beaches feel more secluded, the pace more measured, and the atmosphere more sophisticated. And for U.S. golfers seeking a balance of high-end warm weather play and luxurious relaxation, whether during spring break or another time during the year, Tulum is something of a hidden gem. Along the Caribbean coast, the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya has introduced a spring break experience for itinerant golfers – one that’s particularly appealing to those in northern parts of the U.S. seeking sunnier spots to start their golf season. The luxury resort, which is under the broader Hilton banner, offers an exclusive golf package that facilitates access to two of the region’s most scenic and highly regarded courses while serving as a tranquil sanctuary and sumptuous home base between rounds. The Conrad Tulum is an elevated experience across the board, with 11 restaurants and bars, five pools, a luxury spa, sandy beaches, and inspired coastal views throughout. Sustainability and preservation are a priority, and this becomes clear the moment you drive on property. From the outside in, the resort just looks and feels different than many other properties in the Cancun and Tulum area. The Conrad Tulum has 11 restaurants and bars, five pools, a luxury spa, sandy beaches, inspired ... [+] coastal views, and is close to several of the top golf courses in the region. Erik Matuszewski And for guests looking to level up their stay, the property’s Ceiba Club offers elevated experiences such as curated culinary offerings, top-tier service, and a range of exclusive amenities, from private check-in and check-out to exclusive access to some beach, pool and dining areas. The Conrad Tulum also offers transportation to and from both the airport (Cancun or Tulum) and the nearby golf courses. MORE FOR YOU Daylight Saving Time: Clocks Spring One Hour Forward Tonight—As Trump Suggests He Won’t Change It 50,000 Russian Troops Have Deserted NYT ‘Mini’ Crossword Today: Clues And Answers For Saturday, March 8 A Tale of Two Courses PGA Riviera Maya provides a scenic yet challenging test on its 18-hole championship course. Erik Matuszewski The two courses in Conrad Tulum’s golf package – El Camaleon at Mayakoba and PGA Riviera Maya at Bahia Principe -- showcase the region's natural beauty in different ways, but both are loaded with scenic beauty and strategic challenges. El Camaleon is the crown jewel of golf in the region, a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole championship venue that’s one of the few in the world that has hosted both PGA Tour and LIV Golf events. The course made history in 2007 as the first PGA Tour stop outside the U.S. or Canada, hosting that tournament for 16 years before welcoming LIV's season-opening event in recent years. This year, it will host the LPGA’s Mayakoba Open, marking the tour’s return to Mexico after an eight-year absence. El Camaleon is one of the few golf facilities in the world that's hosted both PGA Tour and LIV Golf ... [+] events. Erik Matuszewski El Camaleon – The Chameleon -- embraces its surroundings, with a lush layout that weaves through the diverse ecosystems of Mayakoba: tropical jungle, dense mangroves and a freshwater canal while working its way to the coastline for several holes. The result is a round that’s both visually stunning and challenging. And the first unique challenge comes near the green at the opening hole, where resident hungry coatimundis are known to vie for handouts and surround the carts of particularly generous golfers. In a course full of memorable holes, the standout is the par-5 7th which features Mayakoba’s signature hazard, a massive cenote (underground cavern common to the Mayan region) known as the Devil's Mouth. This Instagram-worthy bunker sits front-and-center on the hole, positioned to swallow drives down the middle of the fairway. Meanwhile, two oceanfront holes offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The cenote bunker at El Camaleon at Mayakoba is one of the most unique hazards in the golf world and ... [+] a picturesque challenge for destination golfers. Erik Matuszewski The second course in the package, PGA Riviera Maya, offers a slightly different but equally compelling experience. The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design is an impressive piece of landscape architecture that weaves the Mayan jungle, natural lakes, and water-filled cenotes into a 27-hole property. And there’s a tacit acknowledgement of the layout’s challenging nature when the starter welcomes returning players back to the clubhouse with not just a smile, but by asking how many balls they “donated” to the water hazards, cenotes and rocky outcroppings. Among its many memorable holes, the 15th stands out as a monster Par 3, playing just over 260 yards from the back tees, with almost a full carry over water. Even if you're playing from one of the more forgiving sets of tees during your round, you'll undoubtedly want to hit a tee shot from the tips there for the spectacular view. And to say you tried it. The view from the back tee of the 15th hole at PGA Riviera Maya features a heroic carry, much of it ... [+] over water. Erik Matuszewski Beyond the Fairways For those seeking adventure beyond golf, the area offers activities like kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and cultural journeys to nearby Mayan ruins – providing a balance of entertainment and cultural experience that makes a spring getaway truly memorable. There's a wide variety of culinary options at the Conrad Tulum, one of the newest luxury resorts on ... [+] the Yucatan Peninsula. Erik Matuszewski At the Conrad Tulum, the spa, pools, beach and bars offer ideal places to unwind after a round. And the property’s diverse culinary offerings span Asian-inspired, Japanese, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisines, with a host of other laid-back spots for dining and drinks. Its sister property, the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, has eight resort pools, 13 restaurants and bars, a luxury spa, and more family-friendly options for those seeking something a little different. It’s understandable why Tulum has become an increasingly popular spring break destination for travelers, in the golf world and beyond. In addition to the picturesque and at times formidable golf offerings, there’s a welcome balance of luxurious accommodation, cultural richness, and natural beauty -- all of which are wrapped in a more relaxed atmosphere than its northern neighbor Cancun. A green (and flag, far left) sit atop a natural cenote at the El Camaleon course at Mayakoba. Erik Matuszewski Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades