Shop My Looks – Details
White Board Shorts: Andrew Christian; Plastic Oval Sunglasses: Gant; Moorea Swim Trunks: Vilebrequin (similar) ; Logo T-Shirt: Insted We Smile; Flip-Flops: Reef; Black Sunglasses: Tom Ford (similar); Aviator Sunglasses: Ray Ban; Knee length Board Shorts: Vilebrequin; Long Sleeve Dress Shirt: Report Collection Men’s Stripe Button-Front Shirt, Orange, L
For me vacation is a time to just sit back and relax. With no set agenda, I love the thought of lounging by a pool, strolling the beach, reading trashy magazines and enjoying the cocktail of the day. While I like to travel sometimes it’s good to not have a set itinerary and just take it easy.
For my annual trip, I returned to The Royal Resorts and Spa (http://www.royalresorts.com/the-royal-sands.asp#.VjLOe66rSRs), a 2015 Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice property. While the resort operates primarily as a timeshare, it also serves as an all-inclusive hotel chock full of activities, features a variety of dining options as well as a world class gym and spa. Another 2015 Trip Advisor Choice property is Secrets the Vine Cancun (http://www.secretsresorts.com/vine-cancun) and the Ritz Carlton Cancun (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Cancun/Default.htm) is another excellent property, earning a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor. Staying at properties like these is almost like being on a cruise ship without ever leaving land.
For those who want to learn a little Mexican culture, an excursion to the Mayan ruins should be on the top of the list. Two of the most frequented are Chichen Itza (http://www.chichenitza.inah.gob.mx) and Tulum (http://www.tulumruins.net/). The Tulum ruins are set on the seaport and are a great example of a Mayan city. For this trip, I headed over to Tulum for a half day to explore the magnificent ruins. Afterwards, it was off to Xel-Ha.
Xel-Ha (www.xelha.com/) is one of several natural parks located in the Mayan Riviera. This park features a massive lazy river with multiple stops along the way to practice your American Ninja skills. Among these include ropewalks, cliff dives and zip lining. In addition there are underwater caves to explore along with some terrific snorkeling. Other parks including Xcaret (http://www.xcaretexperiencias.com/tour-xcaret.php) and Xplor (http://www.xcaretexperiencias.com/tour-xplor.php) feature a wealth of outdoor activities such as zip lining, cave exploring, hiking and exploring the jungles of Mexico.
Not one to end a trip without shopping, Cancun has two malls, the smaller Kukulkan Plaza and the larger La Isla Cancun (http://www.laislacancun.mx/content/). Here you’ll find many of the same brands you find in the states such as Diesel, Hugo Boss, Nike and Zara as well other European brands like Pull and Bear. If you’re looking for a great pair of sunglasses, there were several sunglass stores that boasted the latest in designer eyewear at slight lower prices than you can find in the states.
Joining these brands, some fantastic restaurants, movie theater and even an aquarium many of the high-end brands have also set up shop. Designers such as Prada, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Carolina Herrera, Ermenegildo Zenga and Emporio Armani have al opened up boutiques in the mall. It was a shopping mecca and definitely geared to a foreign audience as much as their fashions were current Fall/Winter selections and geared for much colder climates. Remember when shopping pay in pesos if using a credit card and you’re card is not subject to foreign exchange fees; prices tend to be even lower.
