Hola, Mexzine friends!
Whenever I ask a foreigner if they’ve been to Mexico, most of them mention Cancun before any other destination. It’s easy to understand why: it has some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, there are tons of resorts, and you can easily fly in from places like Amsterdam, Istanbul, or Buenos Aires. The downside, perhaps, is that most visitors only stick to the familiar – the large hotels, the flashy restaurants on Zona Hotelera, the nightclubs. And while there’s a time and a place for that – I’ve enjoyed a stay or two at a good, old all-inclusive – here at Mexzine we’re all about finding unique spots with cool stories behind them. With that in mind, I drew from my own experience and enlisted my friend and Riviera Maya guru, Alana, to contribute a few of her favorite Cancun gems.
Let’s get started! As a reminder, our Cancun Google Map at the bottom of this email is available for paid subscribers.
–Cristina Alonso, Managing Editor
Where To Stay
Casa Ixum // The Yucatán Peninsula’s traditional rural architecture finds its chicest expression at this four-suite boutique hotel on Avenida Nader, with elements like stone, wood, and palapa roofs that create an unexpectedly serene hideaway in Centro. At the cozy restaurant, chef Lucía Pereda blends international flavors with local touches, while the aptly named Leisure Terrace calls for slow mornings with a cup of coffee, relaxed evenings with a cocktail or two, and even inspired work sessions, should you need to crack that laptop open during your stay.
Nizuc // Placed on the tranquil Punta Nizuc, this 12-hectare property houses 274 suites and villas, yet never feels massive or overwhelming, with space as a priority across every guest room and common area. One of its greatest assets: its family-friendly suites and pools, balanced with adult-only accommodations and lounging areas. Led by chef Sylvain Desbois, culinary offerings include Ramona, focused on contemporary Mexican specialties. Carve time for relaxation at the spa – the first by ESPA in the region – featuring unique rituals focused on sleep and gut health.
Mezcal Boutique Hotel // With a lush garden that seems to take over the entire property, this charming 26-room boutique hotel is hiding in the heart of Downtown Cancun. Don’t be fooled by its size – there’s plenty to do here, from browsing local crafts at Casa Nawalla boutique or enjoying a cigar at Humo Smoke Shop to melting into a massage at the spa. Of course, if all you want to do is hang out by its cenote-inspired pool and order ceviche and sushi from Mero 18, nobody will judge you.
Where to Eat
Hanaichi // Of all the places to find legit sushi in Cancun, I never expected it to be the nightclub-packed area around Coco Bongo. Yet tucked in a strip mall, here it is: Hanaichi, a Japanese-owned joint serving some of the freshest sushi I’ve had in years. Grab a seat at the counter and watch the chefs craft nigiri, temaki, and maki with precision. A few favorites: the scallop nigiri, the hamachi don, and the chicken karaage – all washed down with an icy Sapporo.
Navíos // With an unbeatable setting on a deck floating on the Nichupté Lagoon, this is the table to book if you’re in the mood for a romantic sunset dinner. The extensive menu is a celebration of fresh fish and seafood, with standouts like smoked marlin tostada, black aguachile, clam-and-scallop birria, and Rosarito-style lobster tacos (there are also options like rib eye and chicken milanesa if there’s a fish-averse guest in your party).
La Dolce Vita // If you’re anything like me, Italian food isn’t merely a craving, but a constant need. And when in Cancun, this beloved staple since 1983 really hits the spot. The menu features beautifully prepared classics like caprese salad, spaghetti alla carbonara, gnocchi al pesto, and tagliata di manzo, and even includes great gluten-free and vegan options, a rarity in many an Italian restaurant. The recently renovated space and warm service crown it all.
Wani // There’s always a good reason to take a break and visit this beautiful, Japanese-inspired coffee shop on Nader. Mornings mean freshly-baked pastries and fluffy French toast, while afternoons are for homemade onigiri and the house stars: the sandos. Try the chicken katsu or the cheese-avocado for a meatless option, all served with addictive shoestring fries. Throughout the day, its liquid offerings remain strong, from ceremonial matcha and creamy matcha lattes to hojicha and iced coffee.
Where to Drink
Numa // An ideal antidote to Cancun’s massive clubs, this intimate speakeasy hides above Wani and shares its Tokyo-infused vibes. With only a small communal table, it’s perfect for a night out with your +1 or a couple of friends – especially if you’re in the mood to make a few new ones. Sake and cocktails are the stars here, especially tried-and-true concoctions like Negronis and martinis. Should you feel a bit peckish, excellent bites like baos and wings are the way to go.
Culto Vinyl Bar // One of the newest spots in downtown Cancun, Culto is your go-to if you’re in the mood for an intimate, music-forward evening, courtesy of a curated vinyl selection ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Billie Eilish. The beautifully outfitted space, with record-lined walls and moody lighting, sets the stage for potent cocktails, shareable snacks, and DJ spins. The vibes are equally strong in the daytime, with good music pairing exceptionally well with omelets, French toast, and lattes.
La Coyota // Caribbean vibes abound at this beloved downtown bar, designed for dinner, drinks, and dancing. The food menu is extensive and bar-friendly – think burgers, tacos, and tostadas that find their ideal matches in the house margaritas and piña coladas. Bring your best salsa and bachata moves to the dance floor, and don’t be surprised if you end up dancing with a stranger. If you’re a total amateur, check out the free lessons offered each week.
Where to Explore
Museo Maya de Cancun & San Miguelito Archaeological Zone // Cancun’s first archaeological museum, this modern space houses one of the country's most significant collections of Maya culture. Blending modern galleries with open-air spaces, it also invites you to appreciate the region’s natural beauty, crowned by an esplanade with sculptures by Jan Hendrix. Your ticket also grants you access to the San Miguelito Archaeological Zone, a complex surrounded by lush jungle that was possibly once linked to other regional sites, like Tulum and Xelhá.
Nichupté Lagoon // Before anything else, Cancun was and still is a place of breathtaking natural beauty, and this 3,000-hectare nature reserve is proof. Composed of seven lakes and linked to the Caribbean through two channels, Nichupté Lagoon is surrounded by rich mangroves and home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Find a lagoon experience that suits your adrenaline levels – from a sunrise kayak tour to a speedboat expedition, all the way to a leisurely sunset cruise.
Isla Contoy // One of the prettiest and most pristine (I don’t use that word lightly) corners of the Mexican Caribbean coast, this Protected Natural Area is incredibly biodiverse, home to some 98 plant species, 173 types of birds, plus endangered sea turtles and even whale sharks. As access is limited to only 200 visitors a day, make sure to book a legit tour with enough time, which usually includes snacks and a snorkeling stop in the Ixlaché reef.
Cenote Exploration // As naturally stunning as they are spiritually meaningful to the Maya community, these natural sinkholes are sprinkled across the Yucatán Peninsula. Ruta de los Cenotes, starting near Puerto Morelos, features a series of cenotes that include the open-air Cenote Verde Lucero, where you can zipline above the water, and Siete Bocas, a favorite among divers. For a full day of exploring, combo it with a stop for lunch by the beach in Puerto Morelos.\