While you might think of Cancun as party central for spring breakers, it can just as easily be a slice of serenity. Located on the south-east coast of Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun offers warm weather year-round, white powdery sand beaches, turquoise crystal waters and a reasonable flight time from just about anywhere in the US. All these factors make it a great place for a long weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation. Follow this itinerary with a focus on mind, body, spirit and wholeness to treat yourself to three perfect days guaranteed to restore, renew, and get you ready for whatever comes next.
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Get up when the sun does and walk the beach. The only sound is the splash of the waves. Next, work your body. Kick-start your wellness quest with a boxing class at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa’s gym, that is walls of windows with breathtaking ocean views and home to a full selection of fitness equipment, an aerobics studio, indoor pool, giant whirlpool, sauna and more. Not only will you burn calories, you’ll get rid of some stress. If you’re lucky you’ll get Malcolm, a charming former Mr. Mexico. But don’t letthat smile fool you, he will work those muscles!
Mid-morning is ideal for a return to the beach. Relax in one of the gorgeous thatched roof private Bali daybeds. You haven’t “lounged” until you’ve laid in one of these. It’s confirmation that you are royalty. When the munchies hit, stroll over to BeachWalk. There are plenty of healthy options like the blackened grouper sandwich or grilled greens Mediterranean salad.
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For an afternoon that’s one for the memory books, visit the 35,000-square-foot Mayan spa. There are so many treatments to choose from, this first one won’t be your last. Consider the Hunab Ku Ritual, a traditional Mayan massage that uses a mixture of rituals and unconventional healing movements with a very unique abdominal massage technique performed according to the traditional beliefs of energy flow. It’s 80 minutes of bliss.
Finish off a superb day with dinner at Gustino Italian Grill. With its large glass windows, many candles, live saxophone music and excellent service it gives new meaning to luxury dining. Warning: you might fall in, or deeper in love with whoever you’re with. Feast on the house specialties, pastas, seafood and meats.
After walking the beach, do yoga in the gym. Spa director Rakesh Thapliyal will gently push you, “Don’t breathe like a bird,” but also inspire, “Don’t let your thoughts be a slave to the past, or the future. Be in the present.” Classes are designed for all levels of experience. Cool off in one of several pools.
Grab lunch at Sedona Grill, where southwestern specialties are the order of the day. Take another spa treatment or get out and explore Cancun. Deep sea fish, golf and check out the interactive aquarium and visit Tulum, an ancient Mayan fortress city, or Xplor Park where you can zipline and raft on underground rivers.
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For undoubtedly some of the best Mexican food anywhere, dine at Porfirio’s, which reimagines the traditional flavors, textures and colors found in Mexican cuisine. You’ve never had tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas quite like this. Porfirio’s is contemporary, yet sticks with some traditions, like a lively Mariachi band. It offers 100 different labels of tequilas and mezcales.
When you’ve had enough libations to feel courageous, there’s Champions Sports Bar, where suddenly you think you can sing and karaoke seems like a good idea. Pray your performance won’t end up on Facebook tomorrow.
After a morning walk, go wild. Gather your nerve to climb into a two-person speed boat and ride in the lagoon where you’ll embark on a guided snorkeling expedition and come face to face with sea creatures and coral reefs.
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All that excitement is bound to stir your appetite. Le Natura, a quaint café with an arrayof vegetarian and healthy food, is a local favorite. Next, soak up the sun one last time in a Bali daybed to relax and reflect. Let the sea serenade you to sleep.
Your trip won’t be complete without a bite at Sasi Thai, an elegant fusion of Japanese and Thai cuisines with great al fresco ambience. It’s healthy and tasty. Now, exhale and get ready to head home.
