January 2013 · Hip Stop · Page 26

A Classy Cancun

Page 26 of Snap No. 6Page 27 of Snap No. 6

Urban Hot Spots & Underground Treasures

My best girlfriends got me a trip to cancun for MY 30th birthday. While I was extremely grateful, admittedly, my first thought was: Isn’t Cancun for the barely legal Spring Breakers?

However, I turned the infamous locale into a career woman’s much needed R&R oasis. Read on to learn how we made the trip less “drunken disaster” and more “super chic.”

Resort When you’re barely legal, staying in a trashy hotel is fine, even expected. But this is one area you can’t skimp on if you’re going for the “30-is-the-new-20” vacation. We stayed at the Hyatt, and from the room to the service to the food, the entire experience was fantastic. Sure, the room was a little more pricey than the $80 run-down “hotels” a.k.a shacks, but the comfort and convenience is worth it.

Food Cancun is full of touristy options (Senior Frogs, anyone?). Feel free to skip those, and instead visit The Grill (at the Hyatt) and Macombo (a short walk from downtown). The Grill had some of the best food of my entire life, which is a tall order considering I live in San Francisco which has some of the best restaurants in the world. Macombo was great for seafood and ceviche, but what was even better was the location. It’s situated right next to the ocean, so you’ll be calmed by the sound of the water while you sip a margarita and chat with friends late into the night.

Beach attire If you look fabulous, you’ll feel fabulous. Cut off shorts from your high school jeans are okay when you’re 19, but for

this trip, spend a little money on some stylish beachwear. I purchased several coverups from Victoria’s Secret and rocked them up and down the beach, feelin’ fabulous and sexy.

Flea markets Mexico is known for its flea markets. Instead of getting some throwaway friendship bracelets, find a really nice pair of earrings, or a beautiful tapestry you can take home and frame to remind of your relaxing days on the white sand near crystal blue water.

Night life Cancun wouldn’t be Cancun if you didn’t have a little fun. And hey, 30 is the new 20, so feel free to connect with your inner wild child a bit! If you’re going to a club, I suggest the Palazzo. The interior is gorgeous, with spectacular lights and great music. However, be warned, there isn’t a last call in Mexico. Before you know it, you might be watching the sun come up... and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. One life!

The pages

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From Snap No. 6, January 2013, pages 26–33, as printed. Some names and links may be expired.

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