STAY | REFINED
Cancún’s sparkling Vegas vibe comes largely from the multitude of high-rise hotels sandwiched between the beach and the main drag, Boulevard Kukulcán. And with 146 resorts and just under 30,000 rooms, the city attracts Vegas-worthy hordes of conventioneers. But Le Blanc Spa Resort (877-753-2526; leblancsparesort.com) is a magnet for couples. A posh 260-room all-inclusive, it touts a laundry list of luxuries, including white-glove butler service, daily delivery of complimentary bottles of cabernet sauvignon, free calls to the United States and, for stays longer than three nights, four complimentary tours – niceties sufficient to soothe the indignity of wearing a wristband.
The spa-like ambience at Live Aqua Cancún (800-504-5000; feel-aqua.com) is apparent the moment you enter its soaring, light-filled lobby, hear the New Age soundtrack and get a whiff of its signature eucalyptus scent. Factor in the hand massage at check-in, and you’re on the road to relaxation before you’ve even unpacked. The newest on the strip, the 371-room resort has all the bells and whistles you’d expect, with all ocean-view rooms, eight pools and, predictably, an impressive spa.
There’s quite a scene at the fast-paced, adults-only all-inclusive Royal Cancún (800-760-0944; realresorts.com), where hundreds of buff (and not-so-buff) vacationers jockey for prime position in curtained cabanas facing the crystalline sea. Beach butlers pushing carts laden with sunscreen and magazines navigate rows of poolside lounge chairs, and the lobby bustles at all hours with throngs of arrivals chattering in a cacophony. Particularly impressive: the bountiful and diverse breakfast buffet (which includes caviar, gluten-free bread and miso soup) and the Royal beds, possibly the comfiest anywhere. One caveat: Unless you’re interested in purchasing, give the pushy time-share sales team a wide berth.
STAY | RUSTIC
Araceli and Eduardo Rodriguez, owners of El Rey del Caribe (52-998-884-2028; elreydelcaribe.com), claim to run a completely green hotel – and it’s not just hype. This Centro (downtown) oasis has genuine eco bona fides, right down to the composting toilets. Clustered around a jungle-like courtyard garden and small pool, 31 rooms each have a kitchenette with recycling and composting bins, key-operated air conditioning, a solar water heater and a water-saving shower. In keeping with the owners’ sensibilities, no alcohol, cigarettes or sodas are sold, and guests are asked to remove their shoes before entering the dining deck.
On Centro’s busy Yaxchilan Avenue, Maya-themed Hotel Xbalamqué (52-998-884-9690; xbalamque.com) is in the thick of a colorful local scene. Decorated in rustic Mexican style with dark woods, vivid hues, and pebble and tile accents, its 65 rooms are walking distance from popular nighttime hangout Parque las Palapas, and its trendy lobby bar, Los 4 Elementos, has live trova music Thursday through Saturday nights.
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| STAY | EAT | PLAY | SHOP |
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