Nothing says fiesta like a frosty margarita. But did you know that this most Mexican of cocktails was actually created by accident when a bartender in Tijuana mistook the tequila bottle for gin, and poured from the wrong bottle. The resulting lime-infused libation soon became one of the country’s most popular drinks. Today, the drink has its own holiday, National Margarita Day on February 22, and variations on the original can be sampled at resorts in Mexico’s top destinations.
Photo: Fiesta Americana Cozumel
Blue Margarita
This new take on an old favorite begins with an ounce and a half of Tequila Reposado, one ounce of Blue Curacao liqueur added for color, and a dash of orange juice added to the traditional ounce of lime juice. Its served in a tall martini glass with a salted rim and lime garnish. You can sample a Blue Margarita at the swim up bar at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun. Photo: Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun
Margarita al Pastor
A visit to Puerto Vallarta provides a chance to try a slightly sweeter take on the margarita, as the bartenders at the Fiesta Americana resort forgo the lime juice in favor of an ounce of orange liqueur, and tablespoon of sugar, a handful of cilantro leaves and a dash of pineapple chipotle, blended with an ounce and half of mezcal, served in an old-fashioned glass with a chili-powdered rim and pineapple garnish. And in case you are wondering, mezcal is the more general name for a range of agave cactus-based liquors that includes tequila. Photo: Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta
Coconut Margarita
An ounce and a half of white tequila pairs with a half ounce of Controy liqueur and two ounces of lime juice along with a half ounce of simple syrup in this tropical take on the margarita, but it is the dash of coconut cream and the coconut shavings that provide the creamy taste. You can taste it at the Fiesta Americana Villas Acapulco. It’s best when served in a welled Margarita glass with a cherry garnish. Photo: Fiesta Americana Villas Acapulco
Cadillac Margarita
As you might expect when ordering from the bar at the upscale Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, this traditional take on the libation is elevated by premium ingredients. It begins with an ounce and a half of Jose Cuervo 1800 Tequila and an ounce of Grand Marnier liqueur, tempered by a half ounce of lime juice, prepared frozen or on the rocks served in an old-fashioned glass with a salted rim. Photo: Grand Fiesta American Coral Beach Cancun
Lychee Margarita
Flavors from across the Pacific make their way into the margaritas poured at the Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos resort. The base flavors of mezcal and the orange accents of Controy liqueur are sweetened by the addition of 3 or 4 minced lychees, and tweaked by a mint garnish. The recipe calls for an ounce and a half of mezcal, one ounce of Controy liqueur, one ounce lime juice and 3-4 minced lychees. Photo: Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos
Chac-Xil
Paying homage to Mexico’s Mayan heritage, this variation on the margarita starts with the expected ounce of white tequila, half ounce of Controy liqueur, and half ounce lime juice, then adds both sweetness and tang with a combination of one ounce sugar, one ounce tomato pulp and one strawberry, all blended and served frozen in a welled margarita glass. It can be enjoyed on the island of Cozumel at the Fiesta Americana oceanfront resort. Photo: Fiesta Americana Cozumel
Margarita Anicarita
After playing 18 holes of golf at the Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas, players can relax with a refreshing Margarita Anicarita, which doubles down with two ounces of Tequila Don Julio Blanco, paired with an ounce of fresh grapefruit juice, a half ounce of Controy, an ounce of Pucker Watermelon Schnapps, and a hint of lemon juice. Photo: Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas
Margarita Playa Grande
Hints of ginger and spice make this drink a favorite with guests at Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, which is one of the best places in Cabo San Lucas to linger over a cocktail on the beach. The recipe calls for an ounce and a half of Tequila Clase Azul, an ounce of lemon juice, a few springs of fresh mint, a dusting of serrano chili, and a full six ounces of ginger ale. Photo: Playa Grande Resort
Margarita The Ridge
Tajin Clasico seasoning adds zing to a number of Mexican dishes, and it also adds an extra layer of flavor to margaritas served at The Ridge at Playa Grande, in Cabo San Lucas. The mix calls for an ounce and a half of Tequila Don Julio Anejo, an ounce of lemon juice, a generous ounce and a half of Controy, all blended with a few chunks of pineapple and a splash of Tajin sauce. Photo: The Ridge at Playa Grande
Shark-a-rita
Served at the Norman Estates at Rancho San Lucas, this amped-up take on the classic gets it’s bite from a generous three-ounce pouring of Tequila Blanco and an additional ounce of agave nectar liqueur. These potent potables are tempered by two ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice, two ounces of agave nectar, one ounce seedless cucumber, coarse salt, thinly sliced cucumber, lime wedges and ice. Photo: Norman Estates at Rancho San Lucas
Sunset Mezcal-ita
To evoke the colors of a sunset across the Pacific, the bartenders at the Rancho San Lucas Los Cabos add a touch of grenadine and several cherry tomatoes to two ounces of Mezcal Amores Espadin. A touch of lime juice, a splash of bitters and a hint of Tajin seasoning round out the flavor combination, which is then enhanced with a garnish of fresh basil and cherry tomato. Photo: Rancho San Lucas Los Cabos
RSL Margarita
Ordering this drink at Rancho San Lucas Los Cabos should qualify you for a serving of fruits and veggies. Two ounces of Tequila Don Julio 1942, and one ounce each of lime juice, Controy and Grand Marnier, are paired with four ounces of carrot juice, a lemon slice, orange slice, Tajin sauce, rosemary, a habanero chili and a carrot stick. Photo: Rancho San Lucas Los Cabos
Seadust Margarita
The mix served at the Seadust Cancun Family Resort is as refreshing as the ocean breezes that grace the shores of the Mexican Caribbean. Bartenders combine two ounces of Tequila Reposado with a dash of Blue Curacao liqueur, an ounce and a half of Triple Sec, an ounce each of lime and pineapple juice, then blend in 10 small cubes of grilled pineapple, and four limes, served in a tall tumbler with a salt rim and pineapple and lime garnish. Photo: Seadust Cancun
Nothing says fiesta like a frosty margarita. But did you know that this most Mexican of cocktails was actually created by accident when a bartender in Tijuana mistook the tequila bottle for gin, and poured from the wrong bottle. The resulting lime-infused libation soon became one of the country’s most popular drinks. Today, the drink has its own holiday, National Margarita Day on February 22, and variations on the original can be sampled at resorts in Mexico’s top destinations.
Over the years, the island of Cozumel has morphed from a low-key scuba diving destination into a major cruise ship port, often hosting up to a half- dozen of the big ships each day. But once you escape the shore leave crowds, time-share hustlers and gift shop clutter of downtown San Miguel, there’s still much to like. Savvy travelers head south, and check in to one of the beachfront all-inclusives scattered along Cozumel’s southwestern shore. Not only do these resorts provide privacy and space, they are also sitting on the island’s best beaches, and overlook prime diving and snorkeling reefs. Here are three top picks down south.
If you are seeking a more private and natural setting for a beach vacation, the Occidental Cozumel is the place to be. This upper-end property is the southernmost resort in Cozumel, and it is tucked into the wooded grounds of a nature preserve. Here, a collection of hacienda-style buildings with red tile roofs are set in beautifully landscaped grounds that include fountains, courtyards and flower-lined pathways. Guest rooms are large and comfortable, decorated in bright colors that create a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. The resort attracts both families and couples, and offers all-suite options at the Royal Club for those seeking a bit more space to spread out or keep everyone together. There are dedicated facilities and activities for children, including a dedicated youth pool. Overall, however, the vibe remains low-key, and the atmosphere will please adults looking for a relaxed getaway.
A cheerful courtyard at the Occidental Cozumel is typical of the resort’s setting, which places the emphasis on quiet relaxation and the beauty of the natural surroundings. Photo: Occidental
While rooms are set back from the beach in the garden-like grounds, the main pool deck sits on the edge of the beach, offering ocean views and easy access to the white sand beach. The all-inclusive plan includes a range of water sports such as kayaking, sailing and snorkeling, and guests have access to a spa, gym, beach club and six restaurants. A favorite dining option is the beachside terrace, where evening meals are accompanied by sunset views. Nightly entertainment programs are over before ten o’clock, leaving time for guests to enjoy the sounds of the forest as they fall asleep. There is also a dance club for those seeking an extra helping of nightlife, but the music doesn’t intrude into the rooms, or disrupt the tranquility of the setting.
The pool at the Occidental Cozumel resort overlooks a white sand beach. The island’s best coral reefs are just offshore, and can be enjoyed by divers and snorkelers. Photo: Occidental
If you are looking to score points with your significant other by creating a romantic getaway, Secrets Aura is the resort of choice. This adults-only, all- suite resort edges into the five-star category, with upscale touches such as 24-hour room service and the island’s best wine cellar. The resort is spread out around a number of courtyards that hold bars, shops and clubs. This allows guests to choose between the lively scene at the Party Pool or the ultimate tranquility of the beachfront Relax Pool. For even more luxury, the resort offers Preferred Suites, which include soak tubs, rainforest showers, a dedicated pool and access to the Preferred Club. In addition to the waterfront buffet station, there are four gourmet a la carte restaurants to choose from, and guests also have full access to the amenities and dining options of the next-door Sunscape Sabor Cozumel.
Guests who stay at the Preferred Suites section at Secrets Cozumel have a dedicated pool with a swim-up bar, and exclusive access to a private beach area. Photo: Secrets
Active guests have access to a full-featured gym, weight room and yoga studio and the island’s only clay tennis court. There is a full menu of water sports that includes concierge-level snorkeling and scuba diving services, with boat pick up at the resort’s private pier. Those who prefer relaxation have even better choices, as the 14,000-square-foot Secret’s Spa by Pavonia is the largest and best on the island. Unique experiences at the spa include fish tank pedicures on arrival, and access to a hydrotherapy area that includes hot and cold plunges, water massage stations and waterfall experiences. In keeping with its couple-centric theme, Secrets offers a number of special packages for weddings, honeymoons, anniversary and romantic getaways. These can include special experiences such as couple’s massages, breakfast in bed, private beachfront dining and vows ceremonies.
All accommodations at Secrets Cozumel are suites, and include garden and ocean-view options, as well as rooftop suites with private pools overlooking the ocean. Photo: Secrets
You don’t have to bring the kids when you stay at Allegro Cozumel, but if you do, you won’t have to worry about keeping them busy. You can drop the younger ones at the resort’s kids’ club, where they can enjoy a full day of age-appropriate games and activities. If they are good on their own, there are dedicated play areas, but you will probably find them splashing about in the water park that sits within the resort’s activity pool. Don’t worry; there are three more pools on the property for those seeking tranquility. Teens can hang out in their own club, get active on the tennis or basketball courts, pump up at the fitness center, or hit the beach for beach volleyball or water sports.
Guest rooms at the Allegro Cozumel are separated into two-story, thatch- roofed clusters that include private balconies with hammocks. The beach is one of the islands best. Photo: Allegro
Mom and dad aren’t forgotten either. The beach is one of the islands finest, perfect for napping or snorkeling. The on-site spa offers a range of pampering treatments, and hot tubs and saunas to enhance the relaxation. Allegro sits on the edge of the famous Palancar Reef, which is one of the Caribbean’s best. Daily snorkeling and scuba diving trips can be arranged, and the shores can be explored by kayak or stand up paddleboard. When it’s mealtime, there are four restaurants to choose from, and five bars for happy hour. Like a number of Cozumel resorts, Allegro provides an all-inclusive plan that covers room, meals and activities. What makes this 261-room property especially appealing for family groups is not only the amenities, but also the value. Rates are often some of the most attractive of any comparable property on the island, making it possible to bring everyone along without breaking the bank.
An updated guest room at Allegro Cozumel showcases the resort’s clean, simplistic approach to comfort, which includes all the expected amenities without pretension. Photo: Allegro
Whether it’s a cleansing dip after a day of adventures in rainforest and reef, or a relaxing immersion in preparation for a private candlelight dinner on the beach, a bathtub can become more than just a way to get clean. Here’s a sampling of amazing bathing experiences from around the world. So sink in and relax. A marble tub is the perfect place to refresh with a flower and herb scented bath after a massage at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa at Jamaica’s Half Moon resort.
Sun and sand; palm trees and margaritas; clubbing and spa time. These are the things that lure travelers to the resorts of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. But there’s much more to the region that is worthy of discovery, and for those who want to venture away from the beach and explore a wider swath of the Yucatan Peninsula, there are limitless opportunities to immerse oneself in the region’s deep-rooted culture and history. Moreover, this territory’s distinct beauty is so outstanding it’ll knock your socks…er flip-flops off! To get you started, here are five notable destinations that are an easy day or overnight trip away from Cancun and the resorts of the Riviera Maya
Though it is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the Yucatan, Mérida retains the eclectic charms of a Colonial era town. The narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town are lined with rows of multihued buildings, where horse-draw carriages share the roads with pedestrians. It is a town perfect for walking. Roadways intersect at thirteen lovely town squares, where lofty trees shade park benches, and historic monuments front Colonial cathedrals. Mérida has been named among the top places in the world to visit, and recognized as capital of culture for its lively music and cultural flamboyance.
In the center of Mérida, the Church of the Third Order is home to a massive crucifix sculpture known as Cristo de la Unidad, by contemporary Spanish artist Ramón Lapayese del Río. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
Be sure to visit the Mercado de Lucas de Galvez, which is a lively indoor/outdoor market place that bustles with merchants, selling everything from jewelry and shoes to honey and flowers. The Plaza Mayor is a vibrant meeting place where locals linger at sidewalk cafes to enjoy traditional drinks, such as champola or sorbet. The city’s most alluring avenue, Paseo de Montejo, is closed to traffic on Sunday so residents can enjoy live music and a popular artisan market.
It’s called the Lagoon of Seven Colors. This natural freshwater lake is fed by underground rivers that flow from mysterious blue holes that mingle to create a captivating palette of Caribbean blues and greens. On the lake’s western shore, the town of Bacalar is a hidden gem of thatched roof cabanas and quaint bed and breakfast-style retreats, and it is a town with an intriguing history. Linked to the sea by canal and river, it was settled by the Conquistadores in the 1500s, and became the most important trading port in the southern Yucatan.
The flow from hundreds of underground springs fill the waters of Lake Bacalar with clear fresh water, which is lit in many shades of blue and turquoise from sunlight reflecting from the sand. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
Pirates came to plunder, prompting the building of Fort of San Felipe. This stone fortress still commands the waterfront. Behind the stone ramparts are well-preserved cannons, while inside is an impressive mural and plaques displaying the area’s fascinating history. Arguably the most intriguing exhibit inside the museum is a glass tomb containing the skeleton of an alleged Pirate of the Caribbean! Bacalar is a four-hour drive south from the Cancun area, but well worth the trip.
It’s not just a saying. Izamal is magic. That’s according to the Government of Mexico, which has honored a small number of unique and especially picturesque towns across the country with the title of Magic Towns. What makes a town magical? According to the requirements for consideration, it must be small, scenic and with rich historical tradition. So why Izamal? Just enter the town and that question will be answered. The first thing any visitor notices is that the town is painted yellow… all the colonial buildings, the market, the huge convent, everything! The next things that stand out are the cobblestone streets and the iron lampposts that give the town a unique ambiance.
The San Antonio de Padua Convent at Izamal was built in 1561 by Spanish conquistadors and monks, using stones from a destroyed Mayan pyramid that previously occupied the site. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
Called the City of Hills, Izamal may be the oldest city in Yucatán, dating back to the Classic Mayan period. Today the town is alive with three cultures – the ancient Maya, the colonial, and the present day bustling town. Izamal is a monument of color, history and pride that can be felt in its streets and buildings. Art, music, and gastronomy are all around you, and there is a lively town market. Among the locations not to be missed is the Government Palace, the Maya archaeological site of Kinich Kakmo, and the Franciscan convent built over the remains of a Maya pyramid. Izamal is a 45-minute drive from Mérida and a bit less than three hours from Cancun.
Before Cancun and the Riviera Maya became an international resort destination, the coastlines of the Yucatan Peninsula were home to small, sleepy fishing villages. For a taste of the bucolic seaside charms of yesteryear, head to Holbox Island. Located 40 miles to the northwest of Cancun, and accessibly only by ferry, the island’s single beachfront town is a place of sand streets, eclectic eco lodges and pristine ocean views.
The thatch-roof bungalows of the Hotel Villas Delfines overlook a white sand beach on Isla Holbox. This eco-conscious property includes composting bathrooms and solar water heating. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
The Caribbean Sea is the central attraction. The calm coastal waters are a favorite with paddle boarders, who come to explore the shoreline, or participate in SUP yoga sessions. Nature lovers head to the Yum Balam Biosphere to view flamingos, or snorkel with sea turtles and wild dolphins. From June through September, Holbox becomes the starting point for day trips to an offshore sand bank where massive yet harmless whale sharks gather to feed. Swimmers can don mask and snorkel for a life-list encounter with these gentle giants.
You can only get there by boat. The sandbar known as El Cielo is a white sand shoal that lies about a half mile off the southwestern coast of Cozumel. A number of tour operators will provide the ride, and once there, passengers disembark to wade in the shallows, or swim in crystal clear waters. Stingrays are frequent visitors to the shoal, and the white sands are strewn with colorful starfish. It is the combination of these stellar-like creatures and the cerulean blue of the water that inspired the name El Cielo, which translated into a combination of the words “sky, heaven and paradise.”
A sailing catamaran glides over the shallow sand bank known as El Cielo. This is a favorite destination for swimmers, who can wade in the shallows among tropical fish, stingrays and starfish. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
For an added dimension, visitors can don a mask and snorkel and venture out to the edges of the bank, where colorful coral heads rise from the sand, then become a massive reef as depths increase. Two of the island’s most popular snorkeling destinations— Colombia and Palancar—are just a short boat ride away. Many tour operators combine a stop at El Cielo with a snorkeling excursion to one or both of these reefs, which are home to turtles and a wealth of colorful tropical fish.
There’s nothing like standing under the cool, cleansing flow of an outdoor shower set amid natural surroundings. While lathering up in bubbles, you might hear the songs of birds, monkeys chattering in the trees or the sea rolling ashore. Bringing you closer to nature and pictured here is a close up of a private courtyard outdoor shower at the Blancaneuax Lodge in Belize.
Imagine falling asleep to sea breezes and the sound of the surf. Or waking to a sunrise over the water. A select number of resorts around the world have elevated the bedroom into a showroom, rewarding guests with spectacular one-of-a-kind views that make water and sky star attractions to create a slumber like no other. Here at the One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives resort sunset’s afterglow sets the mood for relaxation on a cabana bed perched on the deck of an over water villa.
Though Cinco de Mayo gets a lot of hype north of the border, Mexico’s true Independence Day is September 16. This day marks the anniversary of “El Grito de Dolores,” the day in 1810 when bells rang out in the city of Dolores to usher in the Mexican War of Independence. Much like American’s commemorate the Fourth of July with patriotic bunting in the colors of the stars and stripes, people all across Mexico decorate homes and streets with flags, flowers, and lights in their national colors of green, white, and red. September 16 is a day of parades, rodeos, and street parties, and the revelry is ramped up by the sounds of whistles, horns, and fireworks. Celebrations happen all across the country, but certain cities take the festivities to the next level. Here are three places you’d want to be on Independence Day in Mexico.
On the Yucatan Peninsula, the historic city of Campeche begins Independence Day observances with formalities, and then gets on with the party. In the evening, crowds gather in the city’s Moch- Couho plaza, next to the government palace, to hear a reading of the Act of Independence, sing the national anthem, and chant “Viva Mexico” as replicas of the bells of Dolores ring out. This patriotic display is followed by a fireworks spectacle and video mapping presentation that uses special effects and music to recreate the events of 1810. Next, the real celebration kicks off with singing, dancing and on-stage performances by headline artists. Visors can absorb a double dose of culture, because the city of Campeche is also home to the Feria de San Román – a religious festival that begins on September 14 to honor the beloved Cristo Negro of Iglesia de San Román. This festival includes a vibrant market and midway with Ferris wheels, food and local crafts. There are also sporting matches and a traditional dance competition.
Campeche’s Catedral de la Concepción Inmaculada rises above the city’s historic district. The cathedral’s bells are rung on Independence Day. Photo: Christian Pinto/Cancun CVB
The city of Acapulco begins Independence Day preparations on September 15th, when residents and visitors flock to the city’s central market to buy commemorative decorations such as flags, piñatas, pinwheels and ribbons. Nearby Avenida Costera is decked in green, white and red lights for the occasion. As darkness falls, celebrants congregate at the Zocalo, the city’s main square, where government officials lead the crowd in the traditional “Cry of Dolores.” After enthusiastic chants of “Viva Mexico,” everyone then moves to food booths along the pier to watch fireworks and continue the party until dawn. To recover from the all-night revelry, locals tuck into a hearty bowl of pozole. This post- celebratory dish, which is a broth, made of hominy, pork or chicken, chili peppers and vegetables, is said to be a cure for overindulgence.
Independence day fireworks light the sky over the pier at the Acapulco waterfront. After crowds gather to watch, this area becomes the center of an all-night street party. Photo: Cancun CVB
This small town in the state of Guanajuato is known as the cradle of Mexican independence. It was here that revolutionary priest Miguel Hidalgo made the “Grito de Independencia” — the cry for independence — by ringing the town’s bells to signal the beginning of a revolution against Spanish rule. Every year, the town stages a festival on the evening of September 15, featuring theatrical performances, open-air dancing and plenty of tasty Mexican food. Visitors to Dolores Hidalgo should also take in the Hidalgo House Museum, the Museum of Independence, and the House of Abasolo, where the national hero was born. Two additional highlights of the historic town are the church of Our Lady of Dolores Parish, which showcases unique Novohispano baroque architecture, and Atotonilco Parish, where Miguel Hidalgo adopted the famous flag of the Virgin of Guadalupe and led the march of independence.
The central plaza at Dolores Hidalgo holds a statue of revolutionary hero Miguel Hidalgo, and a tree that is said to have received the tears or Cortez. Photo: Roman Korzh/Flickr
Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, a day known as El Grito de la Independencia – the cry of independence. It is a time of parades, fiestas and feasts. And visitors can get in on the celebration, as a number of resorts get into the spirit of independence with special banquets, entertainment and even fireworks.
Independence Day celebrations center around the resort’s award- winning La Joya restaurant, where typical Mexican delicacies will be dished up at food stations throughout the restaurant, accompanied by a domestic open bar from 7 p.m. to midnight. Colorful entertainment will include mariachis and musical trios, along with the live broadcast of the “Independence Day Ceremony” directly from Mexico City.
Mariachi music livens Independence Day festivities at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, where the party will continue until midnight. Photo: Claudio Pellettieri/Fiesta Americana
Every year this Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resort plans elaborate Mexican celebrations, which include ballet and mariachi performances. There is a buffet with Mexican cuisine, highlighting the delicacy known as “Chiles en Nogada.” This dish is a signature element of Mexican celebrations, encompassing the authentic flavors of Mexican fare with ingredients such as poblano chilies, picadillo, walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, which are arranged to paint out the three colors of the Mexican flag: green, white and red. During the celebration, the staff will be dressed in traditional “charro and china poblana” attire, and there will be fireworks to end the evening.
Chiles en Nogada as prepared by the chefs at Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta. This traditional dish is a favorite entree at Independence Day feasts. Photo: Carlos Parra/Fiesta Americana
This upscale adults-only property celebrates Mexico’s independence with a grand “Chef Parade” where the resort’s culinary team presents a delectable food tasting for guests to enjoy at the pool. Staff will also be dressed in traditional costume to interact with guests as they enjoy vibrant dinners and music during the festivities.
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the beachfront pool at Live Aqua Cancun is visited by a replica of trajineras—a traditional Mexican canal boat. Photo: Diaz Ana/Live Aqua
Aside from mouthwatering Mexican gastronomy and treats at El Mexicano restaurant, Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun will host exquisite tequila tasting at the pool to educate guests on the nuances of this signature Mexican libation. Mexican independence characters like Miguel Hidalgo, Jose Ma Morelos, Josefa Ortiz and Ignacio Allende will also be present at the property to share Mexico’s journey to independence with guests. Other celebrations include a beautiful folkloric ballet performance in the main pool and a “Noche Mexicana” which will celebrate “El Grito de la Independencia.”
Fireworks light the sky above the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun during the annual Mexican Independence Day celebration known as El Grito de la Independencia. Photo: Fiesta Americana
In the Riviera Maya, four picture perfect properties of Bahia Principe will offer plenty of opportunities to feel the spirit of Mexican Independence Day. Grand Bahia Principe Coba and Grand Bahia Principe Tulum cater to families, while adults gravitate to the Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal and Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an. During the day, beach parties will feature traditional Mexican games, activities, contests and a Charreria show. Charreria is a Mexican take on rodeo developed after the Mexican Revolution. Guests can take in the cultural display as horses visit the beach with cowboys and cowgirls in traditional attire. At Hacienda Doña Isabel, the fun will kick up in the evening. Hotel guests will gather for a Mexican party including festive décor, mariachi performances, folk dancing and a video mapping highlights of the events that took place in 1810.
On the beach at Grand Bahia Principe Tulum, riders known as Charros exhibit their horsemanship as part of a Charreria, which is a Mexican cultural event similar to rodeo. Photo: Bahia Principe
This premier beachfront resort will observe Mexican independence with a range of events that includes a Mexican Kermesse, or block party, which will take place by the pool and garden. This will be followed by a Mexican show and an Oasis company show. At 10 p.m. guests can then head over to the official “Fiesta de la Independencia” at the Oasis Cancun Beach Club, where there will be a DJ, go-go dancers and contests. There will also be a live stream of “El Grito de Independencia” that will lead up to the grand finale fireworks display.
The Grand Oasis Cancun stages an extensive Independence Day celebration that includes a traditional block party, live performances and a live-stream broadcast. Photo: Grand Oasis
The island of Cozumel boasts some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. Scuba divers come from around the world to discover the dramatic coral formations that line the island’s western coast. But you don’t need air tanks to enjoy the underwater landscape. Within swimming distance of shore, shallow reefs provide shelter for a menagerie of marine life. A number of these snorkel-friendly sites are located near beach resorts that offer exclusive water access. Stay at one of these prime properties and you will be just a few fin strokes away from the action.
This upscale property provides an ideal blend of water access and convenient proximity to all of Cozumel’s attractions. Its water’s edge location provides sweeping ocean views from guest rooms, all less than a mile from the shops and restaurants of San Miguel. The property boasts the only sand beach in the area, and faces a protected cove that provides easy water entry for snorkelers. Coral heads begin just a short swim from shore, and the currents that sweep the island’s western coastline are often mitigated by nearby reefs. The Presidente is a full-service resort that accommodates for everyone from the business travelers to honeymooning couples and vacationing families. Amenities include an oceanfront pool, spa, tennis courts, fitness center and three on-site restaurants. The Chiqui Club provides youngsters with a range of age-appropriate activities, including the hotel’s signature iguana hunt. Adults are similarly indulged with a full range of concierge services.
The protected swimmers cove at the InterContinental Presidente resort provides an easy water entry for snorkelers, who can make a short swim to a collection of shallow coral reefs. Photo: InterContinental
Guests can enjoy views of Cozumel’s most famous snorkeling reef from the balcony of their two- or three-bedroom suite at the Landmark. This five-star residential resort delivers a full range of creature comforts and amenities, including full kitchens, living and dining areas and large sea-view balconies. There’s a pool and outdoor hot tub on site, but many guests prefer the adjacent beach club, which provides exclusive access to the coral gardens of Dzul Ha Reef. This site has been named the best snorkeling destination in Cozumel, thanks to its shallow depths and abundant marine life. Expect to see lobsters, stingrays, colorful parrotfish and swarms of colorful tropicals, all just a short swim away from the beach. For a special experience, rent an underwater flashlight from the watersports center and head out at sunset for a twilight snorkel. This is when many creatures such as octopus that have been hiding during the day come out to forage. Time it right and you’ll finish your explorations just about the time the live band starts up at the beach club.
A school of small snappers find shelter in the shadow of a coral head at Dzul Ha reef. This shallow snorkeling site is located directly off the waterfront of the Landmark Cozumel resort. Photo: Landmark Cozumel
Snorkel excursion boats often bring their passengers to the reefs right in front of the Fiesta Americana Resort. This gives guests of this popular all- inclusive resort a home-field advantage, as they are not constrained by schedules, and can make the short swim from shore at their leisure. And should they want to take a boat ride, the on-site concession for Dive House can provide transportation to other areas along Cozumel’s southern coast, getting snorkelers to prime areas ahead of the tour groups from the cruise ships. But easy access to the best reefs isn’t the only reason to stay at the Fiesta Americana. With a water sports center, two pools, seven restaurants, a fitness center, dedicated children’s programs and a large on-site spa, there’s something for everyone. All of the resort’s spacious studio and one- bedroom suites feature oversize private balconies or terraces with partial or full ocean views, and attractions such as Chankanaab Park and Playa Palancar are nearby.
The Fiesta Americana resort overlooks one of the best snorkeling reefs on the Cozumel coast. The hotel’s beach club provides changing areas, showers and a waterfront bar and restaurant. Photo: Fiesta Americana
The islands of the Caribbean are ringed by coral reefs. These colorful underwater gardens are special places. But some are more special than others. There are a number of qualities that put certain sites at the top of divers’ and snorkeler’s aquatic bucket lists, including the clarity of the water, the health of the corals and the variety of fish life. When these factors are tallied up, a handful of reefs always top the list. Here are five of the best.
The entire island of Bonaire is surrounded by a marine park that protects some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the Caribbean. At points all along the island’s calm western shore, divers and snorkelers can wade in from shore to discover a wealth of underwater diversity. But to discover the very best of Bonaire’s underwater treasures requires a short boat ride to the small, uninhabited island of Kline Bonaire. There isn’t much to look at above the surface, as the land is a barren limestone plateau almost devoid of vegetation. Slip below the waves, however, and you will be immediately immersed in riotous growths of colorful soft corals and sponges. The exceptionally clear water allows ample sunlight to penetrate and brighten this underwater garden, which begins just below the surface and continues into the depths in a series of slopes and ledges.
The shallow reefs of Kline Bonaire give snorkelers a prime window to the underwater world. These sites are noted for colorful coral formations and abundant fish life. Photo: David Stahl/Flickr
Imagine hovering weightless on the face of a sheer cliff that drops vertically into unseen depths. This is wall diving, and for many, it is the Holy Grail of scuba. The Cayman Islands have long been a mecca for wall diving, as they sit atop oceanic plateaus that plunge dramatically into the depths just a short distance from shore. The most famous of these aquatic precipices is found off the northern shore of Little Cayman island. While most underwater walls in the Caymans start at depths of 70 to 80 feet, Bloody Bay Wall rises to within 20 feet of the surface, and then falls away abruptly to a depth of more than a mile. Adding to the drama is the site’s extremely clear water, which creates the illusion that divers are floating in air. For added adventure, there are canyons and tunnels that cut into the wall, creating an underwater maze ripe for exploration.
A diver hovers on the face of Bloody Bay Wall. This mile-long underwater formation is the prime attraction on quiet Little Cayman island, which is home to fewer than 200 people. Photo: Erwin Poliakoff/Flickr
Marine life thrives on the nutrients brought by moving water. And the steady oceanic currents that wash the western shores of the Mexican island of Cozumel create a bountiful buffet for both fish and corals. Small wonder that Cozumel has remained one of the Caribbean’s top diving destinations for more than 40 years. In addition to nurturing a rich variety of marine life, the moving waters are ideal for drift diving—a technique in which divers are dropped at one end of the reef, then picked up by the boat down current after enjoying the underwater equivalent of a soaring Superman flight. A series of shallow coral formations closer to shore allow novices and snorkelers to get in on the action, but the big ticket are the outside reefs, which rise on the edge of an underwater abyss that plummets to unseen depths.
At Cozumel’s Palancar Reef, a grove of gorgonians extends webs of finger– like appendages to capture nutrients carried by the currents that wash over this site. Photo: Tam Minton/Flickr
One of the thrills of diving is never knowing what might swim up from out of the blue. And one of the best places for these chance encounters are the reefs of West Caicos island. Here, just a chip shot from shore, a coral- encrusted sea wall faces the open ocean. These reefs are especially colorful, home to huge, bright-orange elephant ear sponges and multi-hued vase and barrel sponges. Stands of pillar coral shelter colorful butterfly, angel and parrot fish, along with large groupers, toothy barracuda and swirling schools of jacks. As captivating as these reef scenes can be, divers often keep one eye on open water while exploring these reefs. At any given moment, a squadron of spotted eagle rays may glide by, a curious sea turtle may come in for a closer look or patrolling reef shark may be seen in the distance. For the truly lucky, there may even be a visit from a passing pod of dolphins, and each winter humpback whales have been known to swim by on their way to southern breeding grounds.
A coral head near West Caicos island becomes a gathering point for numerous species of tropical fish, while the crevices hide lobster and crabs. Photo: Benignorco/Flickr
When Christopher Columbus sailed into this archipelago of 250 coral and mangrove islands on Cuba’s southern coast, he was overwhelmed by the beauty of the waters, and christened the area Jardines de la Reina—Gardens of the Queen—to honor his Spanish Queen Isabella. These waters later caught the attention of another historic figure. In the 1990s, Fidel Castro declared the entire area a marine sanctuary, and banned all forms of commercial fishing and industry. A diver himself, Castro was reputed to enjoy exploring the reefs in his younger years, and considered the waters to be his private fishing spot. The gardens have since been opened for limited dive tourism, and those who visit proclaim the reefs to be the most vibrant and pristine in the entire Caribbean. As an added bonus, divers can move from the corals into nearby grass beds and mangrove lagoons that hold a wealth of juvenile fish species. The truly adventurous can seek out the North American crocodiles that visit certain reefs, and are said to be non– aggressive when encountered in clear water.
A school of colorful grunts patrol a garden of soft corals in Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen. This protected area supports thriving fish populations. Photo: Jon McClintock/Flickr
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