Spring break: a notable phenomenon and tradition recognized here in the United States during which college students and families alike seek sun, sand and a worry-free getaway. According to a study by Allianz Global Assistance that reviewed more than four million spring break trips planned by its customers between February 24, 2017, through April 9, 2017, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Rico, Punta Cana and Puerto Vallarta are just a few among the list of desirable international destinations for spring breakers. Here’s a look at the best of the best attractions, eateries, and accommodations in these highly-sought after destinations:
Cancun, Mexico
To do:
- Tortuanga: Tortuanga translates to turtle farm and is located on Isla Mujeres, or the Island of Women. The farm contains several hundred sea turtles and an aquarium with tours in both Spanish and English. Travelers can reach Isla Mujeres by ferry from three different Cancun ports: Punta Sam, Puerto Juarez and Grand Puerto.
To eat:
- Restaurante Benazuza: Bring your appetite because Restaurante Benazuza offers a 20+ course meal! While a meal like this might cost well over $200 in the United States, it’s roughly $60 per person in Mexico. Critics say a meal at this restaurant is a must during your stay in Cancun.
To stay:
- Le Blanc Spa Resort: An adults-only resort located in the northern part of Cancun’s hotel zone. If you’re willing to splurge, request a higher floor with an ocean-facing suite. Past guests say the view is well worth the steep nightly rate. The resort also offers a spa, four eateries and Moon Palace Golf & Spa’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.
Visit http://cancun.travel/en/
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
To do:
- Land’s End (El Arco): Even if you’ve never been to Cabo, it’s likely that you’ve heard of Land’s End: the picturesque rock formations created from the rough winds and seas of the Southern Peninsula. The best way to see this tourist attraction is via water taxi or boat tour from the marina.
To eat:
- Ediths: Edith Jimenez is the woman behind the name and the restaurant. She started at this restaurant as a waitress and eventually bought the spot. Today, the quaint eatery near Medano Beach has charming thatched ceilings and rustic tables. The food combines Baja flavors with the rustic cuisine of her hometown in Guerrero.
To stay:
- One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos: This recently renovated hotel offers an extensive list of high-end amenities. The 173 rooms each offer a flatscreen TV, Bose audio system and a balcony or patio with views of the Sea of Cortez or the Pacific Ocean. The resort also has three eateries, a 27-hole course and opportunities for adventurous excursions.
Visit http://visitloscabos.travel/
Puerto Rico
To do:
- Parque de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy: Translated, this tourist attraction is a 268-acre park of underground caves. You take a tram ride down to a 180 foot high cave filled with a variety of wildlife, including crabs, tarantulas and bats. The walk through the caves is manageable but can be difficult in some parts.
To eat:
- BBH: Located inside the hip Bravo Beach Hotel, this restaurant serves up a range of tapas including; steamed mussels, risotto with prosciutto, and tangy swordfish. There’s also a wine room where you can sample vintages from the extensive wine list before dinner.
To stay:
- Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Situated on Puerto Rico’s northern shore, this Ritz Carlton property offers guests access to a mile of shoreline and an 11-mile nature trail. Adults can make use of the 72-hole golf course or full-service spa while kids play on the resorts aquatic playground. Each suite boasts a rooftop balcony or private plunge pool with outdoor showers.
Visit http://www.seepuertorico.com/
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
To do:
- Discovery Cruise Cap Cana: An all-day excursion aboard a two-tier catamaran that sails along the coast of the exclusive Cap Cana private complex. The catamaran offers an open bar and an opportunity to snorkel in Cap Cana’s crystal clear waters. The excursion is topped off with a seafood lunch in one of Cap Cana’s restaurant and a trip to Juanillo Beach for a relaxing afternoon.
To eat:
- La Palapa by Eden Roc: After an excursion in Cap Cana, enjoy one of the locations top restaurants. La Palapa offers fish and seafood, gnocchi, sushi and fusion cuisine. Keep in mind that dinner at La Palapa requires smart-casual dress code.
To stay:
- Tortuga Bay: Tortuga Bay is located between the Punta Cana Marina and the Punta Cana International Airport. The resort offers a wide range of luxurious amenities, including in-room Jacuzzis, kitchenettes and flatscreen TVs. Sitting on a 1,500 acre reserve, Tortuga Bay provides a refreshing break from the overcrowded Punta Cana scene.
Visit http://www.godominicanrepublic.com/destinations/punta-cana/
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
To do:
- Los Arcos and El Malecon: Noted as one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos refers to the row of arches in the oceanfront square of Plaza Morealos. Los Arcos is a good place to stroll during the evenings, especially along El Malecon, an oceanfront walkway that lines part of Banderas Bay.
To eat:
- Le Kliff: Located roughly 25 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Le Kliff offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience to guests with panoramic views of the Pacific coast.
To stay:
- Hotel Mousai: An all-inclusive resort with three on-site restaurants, a neighboring sister property, a full-service spa and private beach access. Guests also have access to the on-site tennis, squash and basketball course. The resort has a rooftop infinity pool and offers close proximity to downtown Puerto Vallarta. Each room has a walk-in rain shower, a terrace with a hammock and a 55-inch LED TV. Keep in mind that this is an adults-only property.