SHOP | REFINED
The most obvious place to drop some serious dinero is Plaza Kukulcán, a sleek mall where prestigious brands, including Louis Vuitton and Cartier, operate duty-free boutiques. But a short taxi ride downtown yields gems such as the Avenue Bonampak atelier of local designer Erica Flores (52-998-887-1095; ericaflores.com). The designer’s signature “beach formal” aesthetic is conveyed in diaphanous sundresses and vibrant cotton tunics hand-embroidered by Yucatecan artisans, and her compact collection of necklaces, handbags and scarves is truly lust-worthy. Likewise, Shop (52-998-887-0630; davidsalomon.net), the miniscule boutique of local darling and New York Fashion Week alum David Salomon, is a find for leather handbags, bold jewelry and casual knits.
SHOP | RUSTIC
Step away from the oversize sombreros. Dial down the kitsch and amp up the authenticity at the bazaar-like Plaza la Fiesta (52-998-883-2116), in La Isla Shopping Village, where, amid aisles of touristy items, you’ll find hecho-en-Mexico souvenirs such as Talavera pottery, hand-tooled leather goods and onyx candle pillars.
Counterintuitive though it may seem, head for one of two downtown Wal-Mart stores for Mexican salsas and food items. Savvy shoppers snag bottles of flavorful Cancún brand chili oil and squares of fruit jelly called ate, which, accompanied by cubes of cheese, make a popular local dessert that is easily replicated at home. Tipplers shouldn’t leave without a bottle of xtabentun, a traditional Maya liqueur made from anise, fermented honey and rum.
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| STAY | EAT | PLAY | SHOP |
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