Riviera Maya
Spring Break bitches. Want to know how to thrive in Mexico’s Riviera Maya? Read on to find out.
Where to stay: This AirBnB.
Literally the best deal I think I’ve ever gotten anywhere. For $300 a night, the 9 of us stayed at this incredibly modern palace complete with a gym, pool, ping-pong table, and beach. Vicky and Miguel were with us the whole stay, and not only did they clean and cook for us, but they also drove us wherever we needed to go (so no one had to be DD). You can use their kayaks to go down to the resort area. You’re about 10 minutes from the nearest village, about 30 minutes from Cancun, 45 from Playa del Carmen and an hour and a half from Tulum. Its a perfect AirBnB at a literally unbelievable price.
Where to party like a good old trashy college student (at night): Melody Maker
Ibiza has Ushuaia, and Cancun has Melody Maker. Club and hotel occupy this massive building, and we actually watched Tiesto perform here on our last night. And even though the hotel is huge and Tiesto is world-famous, the concert felt weirdly intimate, which made it so much more enjoyable. So down those Four Lokos and party like no other (just look at this photo of us). Only downside-the party ended too early! We wanted more, but we were definitely satisfied with what we got.
Where to party like a good old trashy college student (during the day): Grand Oasis
Pay $90 and have a good time at this massive resort. Whether you’re raging with Lil Jon, competing in drinking games, or blacking out at the swim up bar, you’ll have a good time here. All food and drink are included in this daily price, so take advantage of it (and always ask for double shots, otherwise the drinks are not nearly strong enough). And while all the food is included, prepare for some seriously disgusting tasting food. But hey, get drunk enough and it doesn’t even matter, right?
Where to party like a refined expat: Tulum
This place is really weird. It’s basically Europe in Mexico (with European prices, mind you). So whether you want to dance the night away at Casa Jaguar (probably the best clubbing option in Tulum), dance with short, fat, shirtless bartenders at Bolas de Postre I Scream Bar, rage during dinner at Rosa Negra, or sing along to Eminem at the cenote karoake bar, Clan-Destino, Tulum has an option for you.
Where to lounge like a refined expat: Nomade
This place is amazing. A beautiful beach, beautiful people, beautiful grounds, beautiful pool-its all beautiful. The bohemian vibes are everywhere, from the decor to the outfits. And the food? Best we had in Mexico, hands down. If you’re in a large group, try and sneak onto the big teepee beds. Its an awesome place to hang out and do a whole lot of nothing (besides eat and drink that is). Note: minimum spend of 800. Just get a lot of shots and appetizers. Problem solved.
Where to see one of the seven wonders of the world without any other tourists: Chichen Itza
So we tried to go between 5 PM and 7 PM, where I had previously read the entry ticket is slightly higher but they allow less people in and take advantage of sunset views to make up for it. This wasn’t the case. Instead, we were told we had to wait until 7 pm to enter and watch some stupid light show. Thankfully, we had some goooood sweet talker in our group who were able to get us free access while no one else was there. Granted, we only had 30 minutes, but that’s kind of all you need. Suffice to say, it was an experience of a lifetime.
Where to jump into a cenote: Cenote Ik Kil
Touristy as it may be, this is a stunning geological area. The water in the cenote is divine, and almost makes you forget that you’re surrounded by hundreds of other tourists. Jump 15-20 feet into the water for a little heart pumping action, then infuriate the lifeguards by swimming to the off limit, but far less crowded parts of the cenote. Ik Kil is on the way to Chichen Itza, so definitely combine the two into a one day trip.
Where to swim with turtles: Akumal Beach
Paying for entry is a must, but once you’re in and you’ve brought your own snorkel gear, suit up and follow a tour group to find the huge turtles which call this beautiful bay their home. No need to pay for a tour at all, just go off on your own then occasionally follow a group if you can’t find the turtles.
Where to have traditional Mexican food in a touristy town: La Perla Pixan
Tucked away at the end of Playa del Carmen’s famous Avenida 5, this little gem provided a great night of solid food and music. It’s a nice walk down this bustling pedestrian only street, and made me feel a little less bad about stuffing myself with local treats, including insects, because I guess that’s traditional here!
Where to also have traditional Mexican food in a not-so-touristy town: Punta Corcho
Puerto Morales is where you go if you really want to escape the tourists. Somehow, it has retained its authentic Mexican vibe, and this restaurant provides a trendy, tourist friendly way to eat the culture while enjoying views over the azure waters of the Caribbean.