Tulum

While Mexico is brimming with tourist beaches, each with their own allure, Tulum is our favorite. Its magnificent shoreline, with its confectioner-sugar sands, azure water, and mild breezes, places it among Mexico's greatest beaches. Plus, where else can you have all of it plus a spectacularly placed Mayan Ruin?

This is a beach for folks who want lavish accommodations, fashionable eateries, and instagram-worthy views. There are also lots of things nearby to keep you occupied if you decide to get out of your reclining chair for the afternoon.

You can stay near the beach, where the rates are higher but the views are more beautiful, or near the old town, where the prices are lower but the views are more beautiful. For our money, we recommend the eco-friendly La Posada del Sol near the beach. And, for the tastiest traditional Yucatecan taco, the cochinita pibil, go to Taquera Honorio.