Fiesta Fuel
The party gets started after nightfall in Cancún.
Cancún’s connotation as a wet-and-wild spring break destination comes with revered reason. The Mexican city bordering the Caribbean Sea on the Yucatán Peninsula presents a playground for travelers seeking a judgmentfree getaway among fiestas.
By day there’s certainly no rush, with plenty of ways to while away time. Sip frozen margaritas at some of the luxury, lavish resorts — only 15 minutes from Cancún International Airport — such as at NIZUC Resort and Spa’s swim-up pool bar oasis overlooking the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, or SLS Cancun with its private beachfront club.
Golf enthusiasts appreciate sipping Tecate while teeing off at Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort. Meanwhile, fashionistas explore the new Grand Outlet Riviera Maya, the largest commercial complex in Latin America, or head to downtown Cancún where the open-air Mercado 28 delights with its artisanal crafts, including jewelry and textiles.
Nightfall brings a shift in cadence as mariachi bands set up to accompany seaside dinner reservations and the bass from the nightclubs begins to reverberate through the notorious Hotel Zone. For dining, you’ve got options. Lorenzillo’s and El Fish Fritanga are relaxed, waterside eateries boasting an impressive selection of fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. More specialized locales include Porfirio’s for elevated Mexican dishes and Herbívoro for vegans.
At the heart of the Hotel Zone, RosaNegra — a regional chain also in tourist havens from Tulum to Cabo — straddles the line between fine dining and nightclub as it serves up Latin American cuisine with modern flair before fireworks, fire dancing and sparkler-topped bottle service encourage guests to rise and dance. Illios, Funky Geisha and Taboo follow suit with their animated dining experiences.
For late-night hot spots in the Hotel Zone, Coco Bongo’s live performances and Mandala’s beachfront dance floor will have you buckling up for the location’s famed party scene. Coco Bongo is celebrated for its diverse crowd, but those seeking a more LGBTQIA+-curated experience will want to head to downtown Cancún. La Vaquita and 11:11 Club are two clubs renowned for their inclusive setting, complete with karaoke and outdoor seating.
Should the after hours get the best of you, find solace in the fact the hair-of-the-dog lifestyle is accepted, even cherished, here: A Bloody María awaits at the beach bar come morning.