Celebrate the month of May—specifically Cinco de Mayo—with a trip to Mexico! If you can already feel the sand exfoliate your toes, the wind whip your hair, spicy food burn your tongue, margarita salt on your lips and the sweet sound of mariachi bands fill your ears—that can only mean one thing—you are ready to go south of the border. As one of America’s neighbors, Mexico is only a short plane ride away. So if you own a swimsuit and you like to have a good time, there is no excuse not to spend a week or two of your summer soaking up the sun on one of their international beaches.
Acapulco, Mexico
Built in a natural bay, Acapulco contains a rich history, which means there are many unique,
cultural experiences to be found. Interested in heart-pounding adventures? One popular Acapulco tradition is watching the La Quebrada cliff divers. Every afternoon and night, men dive 136 feet from the jagged cliffs of La Quebrada, timing their landing with only five seconds of incoming waves that cushion the rocky shallows—talk about a close call! For a slightly less adrenaline-inducing day, check out El Fuerte de San Diego. This star-shaped fort provides a beautiful view of Acapulco Bay and the city, and the museum inside teaches about its history as one of the most important Spanish strongholds during colonial rule. VisitMexico.com, INAH.gov.mx
After a long day at the beach, there is nothing better than walking only a few feet to your hotel. Located on Playa Condesa, one of the most popular beaches in Acapulco, Fiesta Americana Villas Acapulco is the perfect place for pampering and comfort. Almost every room has a breathtaking view of the sea, and several rooms have a Jacuzzi next to the bed. This resort can arrange aquatic tours including glass-bottomed boat rides and parasailing. With a multilingual staff, laundry service, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, two outdoor pools and a health club spa, Fiesta Americana provides the perfect getaway for everyone. FiestaAmericana.com
The interesting cuisine in Acapulco is reason enough to travel there. Imagine the bursting flavors of traditional Mexican food infused with Asian spices and ingredients. The restaurant Zibu brings all that and more to your palate with their creation of Mextai, a cuisine honoring Acapulco’s history as being a trade center between Mexico and Asia. While eating at Zibu, you can look over the shoreline and beautiful slopes of Puerto Marqu.s Bay. With a menu that boasts food enjoyable by all, including marinated fish with julienned mango and Thai Salad with shrimp tempura, you will leave Zibu planning your next trip back to Acapulco. Zibu.com.mx
Los Cabos, Mexico
Encompassing more than just the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo, Los Cabos is also a destination where high energy and excitement are the norm. If a water-based playground sounds like your idea of fun, then Medano Beach has your name on it. At Medano Beach you can suit up in water gear and join the Andromeda Divers exploring ocean life up close. After hanging out nose-to-nose with fish and sea life, you rent a kayak, boat or wave runner to enjoy the ocean in the fresh air. Try not to get tired too early though, because in Cabo people wake up at night to dance to live music, sip on delicious mixed drinks and party on the beach with hundreds of locals and other international visitors. MedanoBeachCabo.mx
While your feet are still sandy from the beach, stop by the Baja Cantina Beach Club for a real Los Cabos experience. Leave your swimsuit on and enjoy a Mexican breakfast at lounge chairs by the sea, or choose from a wide selection of drinks and cocktails with bar swings for seats. If you end up staying for dinner—it’s easy to lose track of time here—you’re in for a romantic experience with fresh seafood and Mexican food at a table in the sand. BajaCantinaBeachClub.com
Spend your evenings at ME Cabo, located at the center of downtown Los Cabos near shopping, clubs, restaurants and, like everything else, right on the beach. This luxury resort provides stunning views of Lovers Beach and the southern-most tip of Baja in almost every single room. Everyone will delight at the balcony and patio for sunbathing in each room. Enjoy a rain shower and slip into complimentary bathrobe and slippers in your room, or go outside and swim up to the wet bar to have a few drinks and enjoy the atmosphere. Melia.com
Cancun, Mexico
Another reason people come to Mexico is for the mouth-watering authentic Mexican food you just
cannot find in the States. In Cancun, there is no shortage of Mexican restaurants, and La Destileria is one that you cannot miss. La Destileria is a sports bar that serves amazing Mexican cuisine. The modern, comfortable atmosphere is relaxing and the food will make you loosen a notch or two on your belt. From poblano peppers and fried cheese appetizers to a delicious entr.e of chicken, steak or seafood, you will leave La Destileria full and with your cheese craving fully satisfied. LaDestileria.com.mx
For a hotel that makes you feel like royalty, you can stay at the Beach Palace Cancun. This resort is exactly what its name implies—a palace of your very own. Inside your room, you will find a double whirlpool tub, a liquor dispenser (read: whiskey, tequila, rum and vodka on tap), and unlimited long-distance phone calls to the U.S., Canada and Mexico, perfect for checking up on friends not lucky enough to come along. In addition to gazing at the gorgeous views of the Caribbean outside your balcony, you can swim in one of the two rooftop pools or relax in the sauna. Outside, there are water slides, hot tubs, dance lessons, Spanish lessons and a kids’ area. Staying at the Beach Palace is all you need to ensure that you have the best time in Cancun. PalaceResorts.com