Cancun

Royal Resorts

The Royal Sands, villa I5025

BLVD. Kukulcan KM 13.5 No. 32 Seccion A Segunda Etapa, Zona Hotelera Cancun, Q.Roo 77500 Phone From US: 01152 (998) 881-0100

Notes: What to take: shower gel not provided. For kitchen: scissors, cocktail shaker if you like, French press (for Mexican coffee), foil, baggies, saran wrap, wire whisk

The Royal Caribbean, villa H125 (Last year: 2017)

BLVD. Kukulcan KM 17 Lote 50 Zona Hotelera Cancun, Q.Roo 77500 Phone From US: 01152 (998) 881-0100 Notes on activities and restaurants in Cancun

Get reservations at Peter's and Du Mexique (Cancun) and Oh Lala (Playa) days before you go, they're small and fill up fast.

Wines

Lorca Malbec Poetico (2007) (at Puerto Madero, but gone now)

Restaurants

Elefanta - good Indian cuisine (km 12.5)
Puerto Madero - epic Chilean seabass, nice Malbecs (km 14)
Hanaishi - fantastic sushi in Plaza Caracol (km 8.5)
Irori - great sushi in downtown
Thai Lounge - La Isla (km 12.5)
Cenacolo - nice Italian restaurant hand made pasta excellent (moved to km 14 across from Royal Sands) loved the shrimp fettucini, quality la sagne, sausage ravioli. outside seating on the lagoon available
La Madonna - Swiss fondue, great martinis (km 12.5)
La Destileria - great tequila, fine Mexican food (km 12.6)
El Fish Fritanga - Hidden gem - Great spicy fritangas, ceviche - lunchtime atmosphere - beach under palm trees (km 12.5)
Harry's - excellent steakhouse (km 14.5)
Savio's Bistro - excellent Italian fish house (km 15)
Du Mexique - first rate French cuisine, Best Duck Ever! (downtown, book for after 8pm)
Peter's Restaurante - very friendly, excellent food (downtown) - epic hot Fois Gras, superb Tamarind Ribs, save room for dessert!!
Fantino - at the Ritz Carlton - Fabulous service, tasting menu plus wine pairings - expensive - good for special occasions (km 14.5)
Tempo - at Paradisus - Fantastic multi-couse 3-star Michelin Basque restaurant (waiter Florenzio always remembers us) (km 16.5)
Hitomi - first rate sushi! (km 2)
Other Nick Picks

Also...

La Habichuela - just ok Mexican (km 13) - show.
Fred's House - fish/steak - get a booth * 2015 disappointing menu, service still excellent, good ceviche, don't order grouper for two(km 14.5)

Playa del Carmen

The Royal Hacienda, villa B106

Mza. 70 Lt. 2 Carr. Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Km289+10, Centro Playa del Carmen Solidaridad Q. Roo. 77710 Phone From US: 01152 (984) 206-3110 Notes: What to take for kitchen: same as Royal Sands + kitchen sponge.

Restaurants

Aldea Corazon gorgeous cenote/garden, Mexican/Mayan food, friendly service good chicken mole (5th and 14th Norte.)
Curry Omm - very tasty UK style Indian (10th south end)
Imprevist - Mediterranean/Asian Fusion, superb food, friendly staff, excellent service, clean restrooms, quiet street (1st & 14th norte)
Sur - excellent Argentinian steakhouse, v.good service (5th & 10th norte)
Oh Lala - EPIC, no theme, just excellent food. Get reservations days before (14th norte between 10th&15th)
Dirty Martini -Great martinis Mango, Cucumber, Chocolate, Key Lime (the best) - 1st between 8th&10th norte. nice staff and fun place.
Plank - Superb drinks, service and food outstanding. New 2014 . Connected to Imprevist. Scallop starter, salmon main excellent. Beef Wellington just ok. bet. 5th Ave and 1st on calle 16 norte).
Mar de las Pampas Argentinian, downtown option nice atmosphere off the beaten track at 34th Norte. Food ok.
La Bodeguita del Medio - Cuban, when the music's on, be there!

Also...

Madre Tierra - good service, used to have excellent food, bit ordinary in 2017 (5th & 14th norte)

Tulum

Restaurants

El Bistro at Ziggy Beach - fun beach bistro, fish + passion fruit cevice, coconut shrimp and cocktails
Mezzanine - Thai great food, beautiful location.

Activities

Cancun: Snorkel boat trip to see Sailfish, see Queen Angel
Scuba trip to Dos Ojos cenote
Playa: Scuba dive with Bull Sharks, tons of fish
Playa: Coba trip interesting with excellent Cenote swim.
Laguna Kaan Luum