Sun, sea & tacos

Why go to Cancun?

Situated closer to Miami than Mexico City, you’ll find photogenic white sands, inviting Caribbean waters and ideal sunbathing weather. It’s no wonder Cancun is one of the most popular resort destinations in Mexico. It may have a party hotspot reputation, but swerve the clubs and you’ll find holiday bliss.

To the beach

With around 20km of beaches to discover, Cancun is fly-and-flop heaven. Bag yourself a room in the Zona Hotelera, an L-shaped island with Nichupte Lagoon on one side and the Caribbean on the other, and you’ll be moments from the coast. There’s no shame in spending a week here shuttling from hotel pool to sands, cooling off in between with a salt-rimmed margarita.

Playa Delfines, with a conspicuous lack of resorts, consistently ranks among the top beaches in the area. Arrive early to snag one of the thatched parasols. Alternatively, jump in a cab and take a 35-minute ride to Puerto Morelos, a laid-back fishing village with golden sands and a small plaza surrounded by local restaurants and souvenir shops.

Delicious dining

Cancun is packed with international restaurants, fine-dining outlets and, of course, street eats. Your head will spin with the number of options here, but make sure you devote some time to exploring the culinary heritage of Mexico. Navíos (naviosseafood. com) is a restaurant that serves modern Mexican seafood accompanied by beautiful views over Nichupte Lagoon, while Sacbé Beach Shack offers a refined take on regional gastronomy right on the sands.

Don’t pass up the opportunity to eat at a traditional taco outlet, either. They’re authentic, cheap and, more often than not, serve food to rival the upscale resort restaurants. Head downtown to Tacos Rigo for a varied selection (its tacos al pastor are particularly good) or El Polilla, also downtown, for hearty pulled pork-style tacos known as carnitas.

Stay at a luxe resort

The Zona Hotelera, or Hotel Zone, is the obvious choice. Here, all-inclusives chains and luxury hotels dominate the strip. Hotel NYX Cancun is an excellent, wallet-friendly option, with a prime address squidged between t