I’ve travelled quite a bit over the last 10 years, a majority of which were spent on Caribbean islands. I had been to Cancun 10 years ago but it was a very different type of trip consisting of way too much drinking and partying. Luckily (for Mel) my tastes have since changed when I travel.
Flying from Toronto to Cancun took about 4 hours, which I find super short of a flight when compared to some of my other yearly escapades. To be on a beach in the middle of Feb, when it’s snowing at home I will sit on a 16 hour flight if I have to.
Normally I go all inclusive, but this time was different. We rented a car and ate out or just cooked our own food as our room had a full kitchen in it as well. Having a car is SUPER clutch, you don’t have to be at the mercy of tours and taxis and the price generally isn’t that bad depending on the type of car you pick up.
We in between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, The Vidanta which hosts a HUGE property housing 3 resorts in one was pretty nice, well kept and clean, good amenities. The only gripe for me was the beach….could have been better.
But that aside, since we rented a car and didn’t go all inclusive we didn’t spend too much time at the resort and opted for excursions daily which included XPLOR, TULUM, COBA, ISLA DE MUJERES, DOWNTOWN CANCUN, and PLAYA DEL CARMEN. It was a pretty jam packed trip and I will say that when I go back it will definitely be for 2 weeks and not 1.
So speaking of Beaches, Isla de Mujeres, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum were super nice, white sandy beaches and beautiful water to go along with it. Packing all my stuff in my Poppy and Peonies beach bag helped a lot since we did do a fair amount of walking to and from some of the beaches. Not to mention the ferry ride to Isla De Mujeres. Durable, stylish, and carried literally everything I needed for both Mel and me.
Every night we would go into either Playa Del Carmen or Downtown Cancun to find somewhere to eat dinner (I will make a post about where to eat another day). If you don’t like spicy food……first…..what’s wrong with you?! and second learn to love it, because it’s everywhere and absolutely delicious! Rocking some of my new favourite pieces from Le Chateaus SS18 line which included what will be my go to spring blazer. Pastels are in and Le Chateau totally hit the mark with this blazer!
As you imagine being in the sun all day and enjoying the wonderful salt water escapades, my skin took a bit of a beating. Luckily Kiehl’s had me covered with some dope Vitamin C Serum! which I found pretty damn refreshing, I honestly feel like skincare for men is one of the most overlooked aspects of our grooming routines (among a few others). But I just recently started using and trying different products that I HAD NO IDEA about. Not to mention how I do enjoy some good face cream after a hot shower. Kiehl’s had me covered there too with their Ultra Facial Cream!
So for those of you looking to go to Mexico here’s a quick list of places to visit if you are staying in Quintana Roo:
- Mayan Ruins of Coba – you can actually still climb their highest temple (the other ruins have been closed due to security risks). You can also rent a bike or rickshaw to hike up to the ruins from the entrance of the park. I suggest the bike!
- Tulum Beach – easily one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find. It’s surrounded ruins, which is really unique since the Mayans never used to build their cities near water,
- Playa Del Carmen – Cancun, but better. Better prices, more chill over parties, and the quaintest pedestrian-only streets and markets. Extremely lively in the evening!
- Isla de Mujeres – a tiny island off the coast of Cancun where you can rent a moped/golf cart and explore the entire island in a day. So much authentic Mexican culture preserved and a lot of amazing architecture
- Parque de las Palapas – a Mexican night market… for locals. You’ll be 1/3 tourist groups there. Churros, $3-5 food, incredibly friendly people, live music… and all for free
- Xplor – probably the coolest excursion you’ll find in the area. Zipline across 14 zip lines over the Mexican jungle (take about 2 hours), swim in underground Cenotes, drive an Amphibious car through the jungle… it’s worth it.
- Cenote Swimming – freshwater pools in a cave. The photos are real and they’re as epic as they look.
I will most def hit up Mexico again, it was an absolute blast so maybe next year, we’ll see. So until then, stay classy, keep travelling and keep reaching for your goals people peoples!
