Cancun, the crown jewel of the Mexican Caribbean, offers endless answers to the question of what to do after a golf game. The brilliant turquoise water and white sand are definitely this destination’s biggest draws, so you know water sports are king: scuba diving (this is the home of the world’s second-largest coral reef), snorkeling, fishing, and boating top the list—although an afternoon of lounging under a thatched palapa with butler service is not out of the question.
Away from the beach, Cancun can keep you busy around the clock.
There are air-conditioned shopping centers filled with fashionable finds, a local mercado for fine souvenirs, a plethora of manicured greens (see the list below), and tennis courts await to keep your game on. Museums will allow you to peruse everything from the history of tequila to Mayan archaeology, and nights are made for swanky restaurants, clubs, bars, and the discos that are a Cancun staple.
Just south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya runs down 81 miles of breathtaking Caribbean coastline and is home to some of the most luxurious experiences in the world. There is an astonishing variety of resorts to choose from, and every location showcases the destination’s abundant natural resources.
Playa del Carmen—known as “Playa” by locals—is the hub for nightlife, dining, and shopping here. You’ll give your credit card a workout on its famed Quinta Avenida, which is lined with funky shops and fancy boutiques. Hungry? Check out the authentic Mayan cuisine created with ancient ingredients, sample fish fresh-caught that day or try nouvelle cuisine with a local touch. After dark, Playa comes alive with chill-out music and exotic cocktails—including the smoky mescal. And don’t forget the tiny town of Tulum just south of Playa: not only is it home to a set of fascinating seaside ruins, but it also has its share of quirky bars and restaurants with sandy floors and organic produce that make for a great—and tasty—evening.
Suppose you’re into a “greener” experience. In that case, you’ll love the eco-parks that combine modern facilities with natural wonders (check out Xcaret, Xpu-Há or Tres Ríos), not to mention the magnificent biospheres of Sian Ka’an and the Río Lagartos. There are also some extraordinary, ruined cities just a tour bus ride away: Uxmal, Chichén Itzá, and Cobá are Instagrammable beauties. And, just offshore, the islands of Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Contoy can be added as a day trip or a stay on their own. A word about parks, since we mentioned them earlier: there are quite a few in the Riviera Maya besides the three we mentioned. Xcaret Group alone owns and operates eight of them, ranging from the mind-blowing Xenses to the adrenaline-pumping Xavage, giving you plenty of options for fun.
TOP COURSES
Iberostar Cancun Golf
Hard Rock Golf Club
