Belen Hostalet at Azul Sensatori Hotel Riviera Maya
Infinite beaches of white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, hidden cenotes, authentic Mayan ruins , turtles and all kinds of fauna you can find. Yes, Mexico is just as incredible as the image you have in your head right now. But among all the wonderful places in Mexico, if you travel to Cancun you should not miss: Carmen beach, Women Island and as, Tulum , the new paradise for it girls and celebrities.
cancun It has been a tourist destination for decades, but as much as this city has been exploited to the fullest it still has that I don't know what that captivates us all and makes us want to return again and again . Once there, I recommend that you stay in one of these resorts, you will be amazed, you will never want to return, luxury is a somewhat poor adjective to describe how extraordinarily beautiful they are: Royalton Hotel , Hotel BlueBay Grand Esmeralda , Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Viceroy Riviera Maya . If, on the other hand, you travel with children, I recommend that you try one of the chain's resorts Karisma Hotels , are perfect because they have millions of activities, and the all-inclusive gourmet option, where you can taste all their culinary offerings (very, very tempting).
Relax at El Dorado Maroma Beachfront Resort in Playa del Carmen
All these resorts, located on the coast between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, are relatively close to what you want to visit, although you will need transportation for all the activities you plan. Even so, it is worth a break away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Cancun, I recommend you not to stay in the center.
Once in Cancun, there are two things you have to do, which you CANNOT, absolutely CANNOT miss for any reason: visit the ruins of Chichen Itza and the Ik Kil cenote , which is only 35 minutes from Chichen Itzá and is amazing! It is surrounded by vegetation, exotic plants, which makes it the perfect habitat for wild birds such as parrots or toucans, among others. I do not want to tell you anything about Chichen Itzá because it is better that you discover its importance in Mexican culture together with a local person, the mayan story It's one of the most intriguing and interesting things I've heard in a long time.
The ruins of Chichen Itza
We continue the trip in Playa del Carmen. My recommendation is to spend the morning on the beach, even in the hotel , because as soon as you get there you will notice how hot it is (in addition to the humidity), so you will not feel like walking around noon. So in the morning enjoy the turquoise waters, kayak or snorkel and discover its wonderful marine fauna. When the sun goes down, go straight to Playa del Carmen, specifically what they call La Quinta Avenida, it is the main shopping street and there you can find from brand stores to small stalls of local people where they sell from cotton and linen clothes typical of Mexico even precious huaraches and leather bags that they manufacture themselves (you won't be able to return without some huaraches, they are pure love, and you won't be able to choose just a few, I'm sure).
Walk to the end of the avenue and you will arrive at the beach, normally at that time all the local people are on the beach enjoying with the family, watching the sunset and even having a picnic. It is the best time to buy a freshly cut coconut and mango at one of the nearby stalls and sit on the sand to observe all the charm of the environment. Of course, we can also change the mango and coconut for some good tacos, as they say: "You haven't been to Mexico if you haven't tried the tacos in Mexico" (try the fish ones, specifically: shrimp). And, as I was saying, sit in the sand and discover the life and happiness that this country has.
Playa del Carmen is also known for being one of the main party areas, there are several pubs and a multitude of restaurants, although my favorites are: Indigo Beach Club, Aldea Corazón, Mar de Olivos, Lido Beach Club and my favorite: LA FISHERIA, of impeccable decoration and incomparable flavor, healthy mexican food with a careful touch.
Women Island
We advance on the way to “paradise”: Women Island. My head can't come up with enough adjectives to describe how spectacular it turned out for me that small island that you can travel in an hour and a half in a golf cart , yes, you read correctly, a golf cart, the almost official transport of this small islet. Isla Mujeres is reached by ferry, which will cost you about 20 euros roundtrip from the port of Cancun (the best 20 euros spent on the entire trip, I can assure you). Your eyes will not be able to count the different shades of blue that the sea has throughout the journey , until you reach a beach with completely transparent waters and an unimaginably turquoise blue.
when i hit the ground rent the golf cart and go around the island. Start from the west, choose a beautiful Beach club and spend the day until after eating there, there are several that are incredible such as Zama Beach Club, Marina Paraíso and Parque de los Sueños (which also offers water activities). Although I don't know how, I ended up finding a wonderful boutique hotel/beach club (very very private). It's more, we were alone and it was completely wonderful : private beach and infinity pool next to the restaurant where the most tasty mango, banana and strawberry smoothies together with the freshest shrimp tacos that we ate in Mexico, the name of this pearl: MARIA’S KAN-KIN .
Streets that fall in love in Isla Mujeres
In addition, the calm waters and beautiful coral reefs of the western part of Isla Mujeres are a first-class option for snorkeling or diving if you are a beginner . You can go to the Lighthouse (El Farito) or visit the underwater sculptures near the Manchones reef, in the southern part of the island. Finish the day going down to the Punta del Sur Lighthouse and return along the east coast, where you will see a totally different landscape because the waters on this side are much deeper.
And calm came... in Isla Mujeres
I have left Tulum for last because it deserves a magnificent presentation. I am sure that you have noticed that this small city, located in the State of Quintana Roo, is in fashion: it is the main destination for many celebrities and influencers, why? For being totally virgin, special and with that romantic touch that makes it unique. Tulum is also an eco-friendly city where most houses and hotels do not have electricity (ie: no TV, no phones). You won't find 500-room resorts here On the contrary, you will see luxurious and rustic cabins, charming hotels (eco-friendly in most of them, although others have an electricity generator, which turns off around midnight). If you are looking for peace, silence and reconnect with nature, Tulum is your place.
For our route we will divide Tulum into three areas, the first: The mayan ruins . Tulum was a walled city that lived its moments of glory at the end of the classic period (approx 1000 AD), and it is the only archaeological zone that sits on the seashore (that is why it is one of the most photogenic sites in the region and probably the whole country). The ruins of Tulum are well known, and one of the few tourist epicenters in the area, to which can be accessed on foot or by bicycle (enjoy them with a local guide) .
In the Tulum town we can find small hotels and shops, although what stands out is the multitude of beautiful, healthy restaurants and coffee shops that we can discover. In fact, in this sense, Tulum is twinned with the Canggu area in Bali, a corner where many expatriates live, people who decide to move to Mexico to change their lives. You can't miss: The Real Coconut , at Hotel Sanará, if you follow the paleo or vegan diet or simply like healthy food, it is a must on your list; also noteworthy Raw Love Tulum , your menu is vegan paradise (try from their raw vegan pizza to their delicious smoothie bowls) ; and the Hartwood: probably one of the trendiest restaurants in Tulum, a must for foodie travelers. They are also the amazing: Jaguar House and ** Posada Margherita **.
Lastly, don't miss what they call tulum beach strip , the small street that frames the entire length of Tulum beach, and where you can find the best hotels. This area is one of the most bohemian and relaxed, here everything is accessible on foot or by bicycle. If you want to stay in this area, don't waste any more time thinking and searching, book at Azulik Hotel or in Sanará Hotel.
Paradise is at Azulik Hotel
Azulik is very, very special, it is one of the eco-friendly hotels that I mentioned earlier, although the most curious thing (and what makes it more unforgettable) is that their rooms are cabins located in trees , and all of them with direct views of the sea , which will make you connect with nature, with yourself and, above all, with your partner, since is it an adults only hotel.
Sanará is an eco boutique hotel, as they define themselves (in fact, its name comes from the verb “heal” in Spanish conjugated in the future). The hotel is located on one of the most popular beaches in the world and all its rooms have views of the wonderful waters of the Caribbean Sea. Sanará stands out for its acclaimed Yoga-Studio and for its activities related to the practice of yoga; They also have what they call: "a world class Wellness Center", that is, it is a full-fledged well-being paradise.
Until next time...