TRAVEL

oh,mexico!

OPEN & WELCOMING ADVENTURERS

STORY AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF

TR AC Y LO U THAIN

with plumes of dust

billow ing around us, w e bounced along a narrow dirt road, anxiously aw aiting our destination. Tight curve after tight curve, over the undulating and unpaved roads, w e made our w ay to the elusive, magical sw imming hole. Referred to as a cenote, these crystal-clear pools are w indow s into beautiful underw ater w orlds and provide ties to the early inhabitants of Mexico.

This experience w as especially exhilarating after having been grounded by the pandemic, a situation that has taxed many people’s mental health. Americans are now ready to start boarding planes and experiencing different places and cultures again. O pen for visitation w ith safety precautions in place, Mexico is w elcoming adventurous travelers. The country does not require vaccinations or a negative CO VID test to enter. (Visit travel. state.gov for the latest travel advisories.) Most businesses require masks and many spray hands w ith sanitizer at the door as an added precaution. W e opted to try a variety of lodging options, all marketed as safe — a private vacation rental condominium, a small boutique hotel and an all-inclusive resort.

W hile Mexico presents vacationers a sea of destinations, w e narrow ed in on the Yucatan Peninsula for the beaches, adventurous activities and historic ruins. Arriving at the Cancun airport, travelers have access to a variety of cities including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and the island of Cozumel. This part of Mexico is also home to Mayan cities including Chichén Itzá, U xmal, Tulum and Cobá.

For those w ho w ant to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and busier resort areas, Playa Del Carmen offers a relaxed atmosphere w ith friendly locals and w alkable streets. Located in the state of Q uintana Roo, this chill coastal resort tow n is know n for its beaches and Q uinta Avenida, aka Fifth Avenue. The quaint, tree-lined street is home to blocks of shops, restaurants and nightspots ranging from laid-back bars to dance clubs.

benefits of a vacation rental

The biggest benefit of renting a home for a vacation is the chance to live like a local. A quick search on Airbnb or VRBO brings up plenty of options. W e chose a three-bedroom apartment at Las Palmas, w hich featured a private pool and gated courtyard just three blocks from Q uinta Avenida and five blocks from the beach. The house w as located w ithin w alking distance to the Mega G rocery Store, so w e stocked up on groceries and basic needs there. That allow ed us to save money and enjoy meals safely w ithin our private residence. For added mobility, w e rented bicycles and explored the tow n on tw o w heels. From the fragrant aroma of pork cooking al pastor-style in front of local restaurants to the scent of salt air near the coast, w e enjoyed the ever-changing sights, sounds and smells as w e navigated the local streets. W hile there is no concierge at a vacation rental house, talking to neighbors is a great w ay to uncover favorite nearby dining spots and w aterholes. W e discovered Don Sirloin for the best tacos, Trujillos Cantina De Celva for drinks and dinner, Playa Punta Esmeralda for the top beaches, Bar Loco for the greatest local dance party and Parque Los Fundadores seaside park for Mayan dance performances and mariachi bands at sunset.

W hen adventure calls, choices for exciting excursions, tours and attractions abound, including Xel Ha Park and Xcaret— a pair of aquatic parks. W ith day trips offered from most cities, experiencing Mexico’s heritage and natural w onders is just a click aw ay. Travelers can book tours of the cenotes and Mayan ruins or rent a car for a self-guided journey. A short 40-minute drive from Playa Del Carmen placed us at the entrance to Tulum, one of the best preserved Mayan sites in Mexico. The ruins date back to 564 AD, and the location overlooking the Caribbean Sea makes the experience even more breathtaking.

U pon entering the park and w alking up the gravel path to ancient ruins, one can only imagine w hat life w as like thousands of years ago. The spectacular stone structures and view s are w orth the hike. El Castillo, the main structure and focal point of the tour, presides over the site. The path through the ruins leads interested visitors to gathering spots, including the House of Columns and the House of Halach U inik. The nearby tow n of Tulum offers lots of options for dining and shopping after the tour.

benefits of a boutique hotel

A boutique hotel is a great option for travelers w ho w ant a little more pampering, including daily housekeeping and a concierge desk. These lodgings are sprinkled throughout Playa Del Carmen. Many, including the Cache Hotel Boutique, have rooftop pools. The intimate inn is located on Calle 10 and Avenida 15 near Q uinta Avenida. The rooms feature modern décor and encircle the second floor’s roof-top pool, deck and bar. Pool hopping is a fun w ay to spend a sunny day in Playa Del Carmen. Most hotels w ith roof-top pools are open to the public during certain hours to order a drink at the outdoor bar and enjoy a dip.

benefits of an all-inclusive resort

All-inclusive resorts, the most luxurious option, provide travelers safety, convenience and service. Since Cozumel is a short 45-minute ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen, w e w ent there in search of new adventures and some of the best diving in the w orld. Famous oceanographers including Jacques Cousteau have long traveled to the underw ater sanctuary off the coast of Cozumel, recognized as the second-largest coral reef in the w orld.

Disembarking from the ferry, w e made our w ay to Iberostar's all-inclusive resort near the southern tip of the island. This beachfront paradise provides easy access to dive sites along the barrier reef. U pon arrival, guests are greeted w ith a cocktail and an overview of resort amenities as w ell as the property’s CO VID protocols, including scheduling a complimentary CO VID test. Proof of a negative CO VID test is needed to re-enter the U nited States.

In addition to the w ell-appointed, bungalow -style suites, one of the reasons to love the resort is Iberostar’s focus on sustainability. The company’s W aves of Change program is an ambitious commitment to protect the oceans and promote responsible tourism. As part of the program, Iberostar resorts have discontinued single-use plastics, use recycled w ater for irrigation, practice responsible consumption of seafood and much more.

In partnership w ith the Dressel Dive Center, Iberostar is w orking to help restore the reefs through coral nurseries. O ne of the local champions of change is Berenice, w hose name fittingly means “bearer of victory.” She’s a local marine biologist w ho spends hours educating vacationing divers on how to treat some of the most beautiful reefs in the w orld. Along w ith other locals, she volunteers countless hours to maintaining and cleaning the coral nursery, w hich supports Cozumel’s reef restoration project. By planting coral fragments, this initiative is helping to restore the delicate coral ecosystem for future generations.

At the Dressel Dive Shop, w e met Flo (short for Florian) w ho has also joined the effort to educate divers on preserving the reef. Flo and the rest of the Dressel team provide divers access to the 19 reefs lining the coast, and spectacular opportunities to experience the abundance of marine life and brightly colored corals.

O n property, Iberostar features daily buffets and full-service dining rooms including Las Dos Marias, El Cedral Rotisseri steakhouse and La Pagoda Japanese restaurant. W ith meals and drinks included, travelers can relax poolside or on the beach, or head out for adventure. Beyond w orld-class diving, Cozumel offers natural attractions including Punta Sur Eco Beach Park and San G ervasio Mayan Archaeological Site. Dow ntow n Cozumel is home to a museum as w ell as shops and restaurants.

O ur Mexican adventure encouraged us that travel is returning. W hile families must evaluate the risks, w e discovered it is possible to w ear face coverings, sanitize regularly and travel safely. In the w ords of James Taylor, “O h, Mexico, it sounds so simple I just got to go.”

Salud, Mexico!