Cancun

Cancún’s hotels cater for all the varying budgets that come with being known as a partying hotspot. The Golden Parnassus Resort & Spa (Boulevard Kukulcan Km 14.5) is a budget-friendly all-inclusive resort that offers beer pong at breakfast and nightly shows. For those looking to push the boat out, Le Blanc Spa Resort (Boulevard Kukulcan Km 10) is something of a standard bearer when it comes to how all-inclusive should be done. ME Cancún (Boulevard Kukulcan Km 12) is an adults-only resort that isn't far behind Le Blanc, equipping rooms with rain showers, Aveda toiletries and iPod docking station, while Hotel Xbalamqué Resort & Spa (Avenida Yaxchilán 31) is a downtown option.

There is certainly a large choice when it comes to shopping in Cancún, with perhaps the glitziest for clothing being La Isla Shopping Village (Boulevard Kukulcan Km 12.5), offering some 150 boutiques. For designer brands head to the Kukulcan Plaza and Luxury Avenue malls (Boulevard Kukulcan Km 13), which lie next to each other. For handmade scarves and Mayan-influenced accessories try Mexican brand Pineda Covalin. If you’d rather shop markets than malls head to open-air flea market Mercado 28 (off Avenidas Yaxchilán and Sunyaxchén) in central Cancún, where you'll find everything from fresh produce to Mexican handicrafts, for a fraction of the price you’ll be given at stalls in the hotel zone.

Cancún’s dining scene is thriving, from cheap eats to upmarket meals. Head downtown to Parque de las Palapas for authentic Mexican fare courtesy of the street vendors selling inexpensive churros, tacos, tostadas and quesadillas. Cheap and cheerful Mexican can be found at PikNik (Avenida Tulum Calle Tulipanes), while Peter’s Restaurante (Avenida Bonampak 71-72) serves excellent gourmet food. Locals and tourists mingle at La Habichuela’s (Calle Margaritas 25), which offers tables in a romantic courtyard, while Puerto Madero’s (Boulevard Kukulcan Km 14) in the hotel zone provides a fine dining experience through a menu that includes fresh seafood and Argentinian steak.

Cancún Carnival

February

Carnival in Cancún is naturally a raucous affair, with plenty of revelry to be found everywhere. The procession picks its colourful way through the streets as a blend of food stalls, concerts, exhibitions and plenty of drinking is enjoyed by all.

Cancún-Riviera Maya Food & Wine Festival

March

The Cancún-Riviera Maya Food & Wine Festival is a nod to the rise of the region’s culinary scene, attracting an array of talented chefs, including in the past El Bulli’s Ferran Adrià. Running for four days, the selection of demonstrations, workshops and samples will leave you well-fed.

Riviera Maya Film Festival

March/April

This film festival sees showings throughout the Riviera Maya region, with Parques de las Palapas and Autocinema playing host in Cancún, although the festival provides a good opportunity to explore more of the area’s coastline.

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

November

This jazz festival is a highlight of the musical calendar, and recently located from Cancún to nearby Riviera Maya. Mamita’s Beach Club lays on three days of concerts as international artists throw down their Latin beats.

Cancún International Film Festival

November

The Cancún International Film Festival draws a cosmopolitan crowd each year, compelled to check out the latest offerings from both up-and-coming and established filmmakers.