You may have written off Cancun as either an endless sea of impersonal resorts, or an inauthentic version of Mexico, but on a recent visit we saw a more sophisticated side of the oft-misunderstood stretch of Mayan Riviera. Long associated with spring breakers, crowds, bad tequila and hangovers, Cancun can get a bad rap. But if you’ve eschewed this sunny city it’s time to rethink Cancun. We have five reasons to put it back on your must-visit list.
Cenotes
Cancun and the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula are home to a seemingly countless number of cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with clear fresh water. And by clear we mean so clear you can see even tiny fish darting around in deep water. Cenotes can be either underground where you enter via a long ladder leading into the water below, or open air. Cenote Azul in Cancun is an open air cenote and a great place to cool off for a few hours when you need a break from the beach. The water is refreshing, whether you’re swimming, donning snorkel gear to peer at what lies below the surface, or bravely jumping in from the rocky ledge above.
A stay at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Despite being smack dab in the heart of the bustling Hotel Zone, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is an inviting property that exudes a warmth and personality that can be tough to find in the area. We think that has something to do with their commitment to finding a balance between fun and refinement, and sophistication and relaxation. Highlights include daybeds on the beach (with waiter service so you don’t need to get up for your margarita), Mayan-inspired spa treatments at the recently renovated 35,000 square foot spa, and a secluded adult-only pool overlooking the beach. Head there with a book and a margarita for a seriously http://premier-pharmacy.com/product-category/mans-health/ chilled out afternoon.
Easy day tripping to other destinations
Cancun is conveniently close to several other noteworthy destinations along the Mayan Riviera making it an ideal spot to base yourself if you want to see more of the area – which you should if you have the time. Isla Mujeres (pictured) is just a short ferry hop from Cancun and well worth the trip for an afternoon of souvenir shopping. Playa Del Carmen has excellent food, shopping and nightlife, Cozumel is known as a great dive and snorkel destination, and charming Tulum boasts white sand beaches and the Mayan site of the same name well worth a visit.
The food
It’s quite possible to come to Cancun and spend your time solely eating your way through it, and surrounding areas. Some food-based highlights of this trip included traditional Mexican fare in an elegant setting at Julia Mia in downtown Cancun, breakfast or lunch at Mango Cafe on nearby Isla Mujeres where watermelon mimosas and green apple guacamole shouldn’t be missed, and refined Mexican dishes at cute, kitschy and totally delicious La Cueva del Chango in Playa del Carmen.
Rediscovering tequila
Forget everything you thought you knew about the notorious beverage. There’s a lot more to this alcohol than meets the eye and you’re supposed to sip it, not shoot it – who knew? Gain a new appreciation for tequila with a guided tasting, which you can do through the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun resort. Here you’ll get a brief history, learn about how the potent liquid in your class gets from the agave plant into the bottle, and tasting notes of three types and ages of tequila: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. You might not leave in love with tequila, but you will look at it in a whole new way.
