Nestled in the Yucatan Peninsula, on the border of the Caribbean Sea, lies the city of Cancun, Mexico. A popular vacation spot for travelers that boasts gorgeous weather, bright blue ocean waters, and tropical excursions.
Cancun is the perfect destination for thrills and relaxation. I visited Cancun with family friends during the summer of 2016 as a graduation gift from my parents. I spent a week in this slice of paradise, exploring all the wonders that Cancun has to offer.
Despite the humid weather, the sun never hid beneath the clouds. It was the best climate I have ever experienced. Not a single drop of rain was to be found when I traveled to Cancun in late June.
The sky exhibited the most beautiful sunsets while the enormous palm trees provided shade when the rays became too warm. I have never felt more tranquility than laying on the sandy beaches of Cancun.
Most of my time in Cancun was at the Omni Hotel and Resorts, a popular retreat for lovers of this Mexican city. The resort had dozens of restaurants, all-inclusive activities (like beach volleyball), and top-notch staff and service.
Everyone at the retreat felt like a friend by the end of my stay. I would play volleyball with the trainers in the morning and see them as staff at dinner service the same night. It felt like my days always overlapped with theirs and I admired their hard work. The hospitality was unbeatable.
The food was also incredibly tasty. As a self-proclaimed foodie, this was a huge part of the trip that I was looking forward to. I have had Mexican cuisine before, as I am sure we all have, but nothing compares to the fresh comida tipica directly from the source. Each night, we went to a different restaurant on the resort and I could not name a bad dish that I ate.
My favorite eatery was called Piña Colada, a beachfront restaurant where you enjoyed your meal right in the sand; shoes were optional! Some gorgeous dancers and entertainers serenaded us all night while we enjoyed exquisite cocktails and classic Mexican fare.
Aside from spending most of my time at this lovely resort, I made some excursions away from the hotel to visit Cancun City, to go snorkeling and cliff diving, and drive speedboats to a shark reservation.
I must admit I was a little too frightened to hold the sharks on the reservation, but I was fully involved in every other off-resort activity. The city of Cancun had so much to offer, just a week’s vacation seemed like only a few days.
Excursion to Isla Mujeres
One of my excursions consisted of visiting the island of Isla Mujeres, located in the Caribbean Sea, just northeast of Cancun. The air was even crisper on this island, as we were surrounded by the salty winds of the nearby ocean. Isla Mujeres was filled with bright-colored homes and delicious street food.
Due to the narrow roads, there are no cars on the island. Locals get around by riding bikes, motorcycles, and golf carts. The beaches on Isla Mujeres are some of the most serene and scenic I have ever encountered, giving them worldwide recognition.
Aside from the tourist hotspots on the island, there are also opportunities to visit a Sea Turtle Conservation Center or to sign up for guided scuba diving tours of the Caribbean Coral Reefs.
Most of my experience on Isla Mujeres consisted of walking around the eclectic streets, giving my legs a stretch after taking a boat to reach the island. The streets were lined with cheerful homes and inviting people. There were restaurants and stores galore, with natives selling their handmade jewelry and novelty gifts to travelers.
This was where I picked up most of my souvenirs for loved ones, so if you have the pleasure of visiting Isla Mujeres, I highly recommend checking out the local crafts. I enjoyed interacting with the residents and learning their stories of how they came to settle on this small yet happy island.
Arguably one of the most relaxing moments on Isla Mujeres consisted of lounging in their hundreds of hammocks on the beach. It is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you are looking to visit this gorgeous island, I recommend arriving early to secure a space in one of their shaded hammock areas.
The views were unbeatable, and the shade was a relief from the warm sun. While I did get some minor sunburn from the island’s powerful rays, the calming water washed away any pain my skin might have felt. Isla Mujeres was truly a hidden gem that made my trip to Cancun even more memorable.
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