Steal Our Itinerary for the Best Food & Activities in Cancun, Mexico
In this episode I share all about our family’s dreamy week in Cancun, Mexico, where we celebrated my 50th birthday! From sunny beach days and incredible food to unforgettable adventures, this trip was the perfect mix of relaxation and fun. Tune in to hear my favorite places to stay, eat, and explore in this tropical paradise.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Cancun is worth the hype, or worried about safety, keep reading! I’m sharing everything we loved, from where we stayed and what we ate to the fun excursions that made this trip unforgettable.
Why Cancun?
When I mentioned to friends that we were heading to Mexico, a few hesitated about safety. But in our experience, Mexico has always been a warm, welcoming destination.
We love visiting Mexico! We’ve visited Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Rocky Point, Mexico City, and now Cancun. Every trip has been fantastic.
The people are kind, the food is incredible, and with the usual common-sense travel precautions, it’s a place I always feel good about visiting.
Flying here was so easy! From Phoenix, it’s a direct flight under four hours.
Where We Stayed: Rosewood Mayakoba
We chose to stay in the Mayakoba area, about 30 minutes south of the Cancun airport, tucked between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Think of Mayakoba as a luxurious little world of its own, complete with lush jungle, winding canals, and top-notch resorts.
We stayed at the Rosewood Mayakoba, one of several beautiful resorts in the area (others include the Fairmont and Banyan Tree).
The property feels incredibly secure—there are two gated entrances, and your name must be on the list to enter.
From the moment we arrived, we were pampered. A fruity welcome drink greeted us before we boarded a boat that took us through the canals to our villa. It was such a fun, unique way to arrive.
Each guest gets a bike for the duration of their stay, making it easy to explore the resort and ride to the beach. We spent time at the spa’s red light sauna and cold plunge (included with our stay), worked out in the gym, and relaxed on the peaceful beach.
If you love calm, shallow water, this beach is perfect. For big waves, you might want to explore other nearby spots. On property, there’s also a cenote, butterfly garden, and miles of jungle trails that are free to explore.
Rosewood Mayakoba was truly a splurge-worthy stay! It’s high-end but worth every penny for the service, setting, and serenity.
The Food
We ate so well in Cancun. I had arranged for a private chef, Chef Paula, to come cook three of our dinners, and it was easily one of the highlights of the trip. Her company, UXATA, offers private chef experiences for $40 per person. Every dish was perfection! From fresh salsas and sauces to the best tacos and desserts, it was honestly better than eating out.
We also dined at three fantastic restaurants:
Punta Bonita (Rosewood Mayakoba) – Homemade focaccia, fresh pasta, and a massive tomahawk steak that my son called “the best meal of his life.”
Saffron (Banyan Tree Mayakoba) – A Thai restaurant set over the water with a dreamy, romantic atmosphere and incredible food.
Turo (Fairmont Mayakoba) – A solid steakhouse with great service and a cozy vibe.
We stocked up on groceries on the way from the airport, which was perfect for easy breakfasts and snacks between adventures. And we couldn’t resist shrimp tacos and fresh guac at the Rosewood Beach Club, where servers surprised us daily with fun treats like popsicles or chili-dusted fruit.
What We Did: Relaxing + Adventure
This trip was all about balance—some days of total relaxation and others filled with adventure.
A few highlights:
Massages in Playa del Carmen – We booked 90-minute massages at Mia Spa ($80 each) and loved them. Great reviews, great service, and perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Chichén Itzá + Cenote Tour – We booked through MyQuest Concierge, who also handled our airport transfers. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and we loved exploring the ancient Mayan ruins before swimming in a breathtaking cenote surrounded by hanging tree roots.
Catamaran Cruise – On my actual birthday, we spent the afternoon on a sunset catamaran with The Yacht Experiences. There was snorkeling, a paddleboard, floating mats, snacks, and dinner. It was the perfect way to celebrate.
Jet Skis – We rented jet skis right from the resort and had so much fun riding in the ocean. A total hit with the kids!
When a few rainy days hit, Rosewood kept the fun going with special activities. We joined a guacamole-making class, a hot chocolate and pastry bar, and even a mocktail workshop—each ended up being a private session for just our family!
What We Missed (and Want to Do Next Time)
We didn’t make it to Xcaret Park, an adventure park with zip lines, cenotes, and cultural shows, but it’s high on our list for next time. It came highly recommended and looks like the perfect day of fun for families or couples.
Final Thoughts
From peaceful mornings on the beach to evenings filled with incredible food, our Cancun trip was everything I’d hoped for, and more.
If you’re planning your own getaway, I hope our itinerary gives you ideas for the perfect mix of luxury, relaxation, and adventure.
And if you have questions about anything we did, you can always message me on Instagram @thistraveltribe. I love helping others plan their own meaningful adventures!