Rethinking & Remixing the Cancun Vacation
It's not yet summer and spring is taking her sweet time making a real appearance but you need a vacation that will make you forget emails, texts and Twitter mentions. Whether you're with the girls or your honey—it doesn't matter as long as you are in the sun. So don't be shocked when you hit me for a quick getaway recommendation and I reply 'Cancun!'Allow me to explain.When the opportunity recently arose for me to visit Cancun with some fellow travelistas on a spring vacation getaway, admittedly my first thought was 'How many drunk teenagers will I have to dodge on the way to my room?' Ever since the MTV-fueled glory days of Spring Break reality specials, Cancun has unfairly become labeled as a tequila fest for the under 21 set and thus never made it onto Parlour's travel list. But after four days in this small semi-island off the coast of Mexico—my mind was completely changed. I was hooked and already looking into a return trip while awaiting the plane ride back home.WHERE TO STAYWith The Girls: The CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort didn't get its name (translation: Big House) for nothing. With 400 rooms and over 11,000 square feet of event space and one of the grandest pools on the beach, this property is made for group travel. Gratefully, the property isn't run like a huge factory, the rooms are far from claustrophobic and offer all the expected amenities. If you can, splurge on the ocean-front room for a private view of the ocean around the clock.The key to any girls trip, especially when it comes to the hotel, is options. Morning room service on your balcony or a Mexican-themed breakfast buffet? Parasailing and jets-skiing, laying on the beach or a quick run in the gym? Cocktail service in the massive hot tub overlooking the beach or swimming up to the bar and grabbing one yourself? Actually do both. Because CasaMagna hosts plenty of groups, there are many services to keep a group of any size stimulated.Overall, its a fun place to escape when you need to relax but aren't interested in taking yourself too seriously.Tip: Try the Cadillac Margarita in the lobby bar and thank me later. With The Honey: The moment you enter the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, it's quite clear you are on a property apart from others in the Zona Hotelera of Cancun. It's a bit quieter, the lobby is a bit smaller, the marble floors and chic decor are a bit nicer—it's accessible luxe that isn't stuffy. Unlike the CasaMagna, the JW is more of a tower which means that while it may have almost the same number of rooms as CasaMagna, you feel as if you are on a more intimate property. Rooms are spacious, all with ocean views and bathrooms bigger than most NYC studio apartments—perfect if you two plan on spending more time in the room then normal.When you do decide to explore, check out the lagoon-designed pool, and the beach which never has a shortage of chairs and shade. But to take your day in the sun up a notch, consider renting a daybed for a half or full day. Overlooking the beach, each space comes with a complimentary chilled fruit assortment and personalized service to pass the time in style.If you can pull yourself off of the beach, definitely book time at JW's Mayan inspired spa. Like most luxury spas, their cold and hot pools, sauna and steam rooms are modernized for the latest in self care. But unlike most spas, they have Antonia, one of the smallest women I've ever seen, who managed to give me a full body massage that rivaled most New York body practitioners. The spa area is also where you will find their full gym—boasting spin and group workout classes—where you can stay on top of your fitness while taking in an ocean view.Click to see our full photo album on our Facebook Page 
WHERE TO PLAYWhen on vacation, if there is a chance to take a mini-vacation inside of your vacation—do it. For Cancun, there is La Isla de Mujeres or The Island of Women. Charter a private catamaran ride or jump on one of the many ferries from Cancun that offer hourly service across the bay to la Isla, it's the perfect day-long getaway from the mainland. While there, navigate your way through the many stalls of souvenir shops selling traditional hammocks, silver and home goods. There are some authentic gems to be found with local artists and craft workers who have studios on the island.There are a variety of beach clubs on the island that allow you to stay on the sand while enjoying a nice meal along with your sunbathing session. But for a real experience dock your boat or drive to the south side of the island and head to Playa Lancheros to experience a traditional Yucatecan cuisine dish called TikinXic. Traditionally prepared with fish, this achiote and citrus flavored grilled dish is meant to be consumed with your feet in the sand and a Sol or Tecate beer to wash it all down.If you prefer to keep things close to Cancun, contact your hotel concierge to get in touch with the Tequila Herradura Sensorial Museum and schedule a private tequila tasting in the lobby bar. A typical session involves a brief history of Mexico's national spirit, as well as a primer on tasting and pairing tequila correctly with food. During my stay, our ambassador Magdalena also broke down the differences between tequila and mezcal, and the actual worth of various popular labels so you can make sure you get what you pay for when buying a few bottles on the way home.For those who want to shop locally, head to downtown Cancun to Mercado 28, an expansive open air market full of vendors selling Mexican wares, souvenirs and more. Most stalls carry the same items and there are plenty of cheap imitations to be found, but you will quickly be able to tell the difference between what's real and authentic based on appearance, price and the vendor's selling style. This market is also home to plenty of food stalls for local eats.Click to see our full photo album on our Facebook Page
WHERE TO EATIt's pretty obvious, you eat Mexican food in Mexico. But before you drown yourself in flautas, mole and margaritas—note that both Marriott properties offer a variety of internationally flavored dining options that are favorites for locals and visitors alike. Standouts are Sasi Thai at CasaMagna and Gustino at JW Marriott that stay true to their respective Thai and Italian traditions with authentic preparation and chic decor. Gustino's in particular, with a candlelight display in the center of the restaurant, is probably one of the most romantic destinations on the island if you'd like to make special plans.Located just down the road from the hotels is La Habichuela Sunset, which faces the lagoon on the opposite coast of Cancun. Whether you choose to eat indoors or out, it's contemporary Mayan and Caribbean inspired decor and menu shouldn't be missed. The garden dining area, right on the docks of the lagoon tends to be the preferred place for most guests as it features Mayan inspired stonework immediate access to the water.If you are a street food adventurer, jump in a cab and head downtown Cancun to El Parque de las Palapas. This particular area serves as the main square for Cancun and is full of locals attending mass at the island's main Catholic church, spending time with their children as they take their turns driving rentable Power Wheels minicars and watching elderly couples dance to classic tunes in the center of the square. No matter what, everyone is eating from one of the many vendors selling savory and sweet Mexican/Yucatecan snacks like marquesitas, churros, and my new obsession—esquites. Take boiled corn, add mayo, queso fresco, lime juice and chiles and you have the creamiest cup of corn goodness in life. Also, don't miss your chance to experience local helado flavors such as corn and cheese. Local artisans are also available for some authentic goods to bring back home.There you have it, in four short days I managed to defy my own expectations, put my phone down (most of the time), make some new friends and truly relax. No matter how you choose to do Cancun, be sure to step beyond the sombreros and cheap tequila shots to explore the city and create an experience that will make you want to return again and again.Click to see our full photo album on our Facebook PageTIPS & TRICKSAt press time, the exchange rate for Mexico is about 12 pesos to one US dollar. Most prices are listed in pesos and if you ask, you may be able to receive monies back in dollars, but don't count on it. Try to spend in pesos to avoid street exchange rates.Tipping expectations are the same as they are here in the U.S., in addition to customary pesos for live performances at more casual restaurants and on ferries and mass transportation.When in the market, take a look at all of the vendors first and then barter. Everything is negotiable.While Spanish is the national language of Mexico, you will hear plenty of English—but don't count on it. Take a few hours to try to memorize typical greetings and pleasantries, as well as numerical amounts for shopping. Don't worry about mispronouncing anything, folks will respect you trying to speak their language! So are you ready to leave yet? If you are interested in checking out all of my recommendations, do it Parlour style—with a good deal inspired by my Return of The Vacation getaway: