What’s Inside Perfect Day Mexico? Waterslides, Beaches, and More

Perfect Day Mexico is designed to be the ultimate vacation experience for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone craving a sun-soaked escape. The destination is divided into seven unique “neighborhoods,” each delivering a distinct vibe and array of attractions:

• Loco Waterpark: Boasting over 30 waterslides across five towers, including Jaguar’s Park—the tallest waterslide tower in North and South America at 170 feet. Expect dueling slides, a record-setting family raft slide, hydrolaunchers, adventure pools, and even the world’s first sombrero slide.
• Splash Cove: Home to the world’s longest lazy river—an hour-long float from start to finish—plus float-up bars, a massive 100,000-square-foot pool, and Royal Caribbean’s largest Splashaway Bay for kids, with the brand’s first Splashaway Cabanas.
• El Hideaway: An adults-only oasis with a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar, live music, in-pool DJ, and a party cabana designed for up to 20 people.
• Costa Beach Club: Premium relaxation with a heated infinity pool, powdery white-sand beaches, private cabanas staffed by attendants, and top-tier dining.
• Chill Beach North and South: Nearly two miles of unspoiled beach to explore, offering a tranquil escape and access to complimentary loungers and umbrellas.
• Fiesta Plaza: The lively arrival zone with live music, mariachi bands, margaritas, and local artisan shopping to get the party started.

Dining, Bars, and Unique Features

With 12 different dining outlets, guests can enjoy a variety of culinary options ranging from grab-and-go bites to laid-back sit-down meals. According to Royal Caribbean, “nearly all” food will be complimentary, adding even more value to your stay. For those thirsty after a day in the sun, there are 24 bars scattered across the resort, including six swim-up options.

Art installations, interactive performances, and shopping opportunities from Mexican artisans further immerse guests in the vibrant culture of the region. All of these experiences are set against a backdrop of white-sand beaches and endless turquoise waters.

Who Can Visit Perfect Day Mexico?

Exclusive access will be granted to guests sailing on Royal Caribbean itineraries departing from New Orleans, Galveston (Texas), and all Florida homeports. Bookings for cruises with stops at Perfect Day Mexico will open this fall, offering advance planners the chance to secure their spot at the hottest destination on the Caribbean coast.

Record-Breaking Thrills and Family-Friendly Relaxation

Perfect Day Mexico isn’t just about adrenaline—it’s about delivering the best of both worlds. Whether you want to brave the tallest slides on the continent, float along the world’s longest lazy river, or simply unwind with a cocktail at an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean, there’s something for every type of traveler.

As Royal Caribbean’s president and CEO Michael Bayley put it, “Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date. This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide.”

For the first official look and upcoming booking details, keep an eye on Royal Caribbean’s announcements and prepare for an unforgettable getaway in 2027.

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Chic Design Meets Laid-Back Vibes on Oaxaca’s Coast

Hotel Humano sits just a 20-minute drive from Puerto Escondido’s airport, on a lively stretch in the heart of La Punta. The hotel’s latticed brickwork, bold concrete forms, and glossy tiles set a stylish scene, while the 39 rooms are a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living. Madrid-based Plantea Estudio drew inspiration from Le Corbusier’s minimalist beach shack on the French Riviera, with playful touches that suit the surfer-friendly spirit of Oaxaca.

Every room and suite faces a lush, palm-ringed pool, with many featuring tropical wood sliding doors and custom Mexican craftsmanship—from Oaxaca City quilts to quirky artwork by Lucio Muniain. Book an Ocean View Suite for a private plunge pool and sun-drenched patio made for lazy mornings or remote work with a view.

Unmatched Sunsets and Social Rooftop Moments

When it’s time to unwind, guests gravitate to the hotel’s showstopping rooftop. Here, ocean-facing benches, a petite pool, and firepits invite you to take in the technicolor sunset with a michelada or a primo spritz in hand. Resident DJs set the mood several nights a week, making the rooftop the social heart of Hotel Humano, where guests and locals mingle under the evening sky.

Fresh Seafood, Global Flavors, and Easygoing Eats

Dining at Humano is a treat thanks to chef Marion Chateau, who brings French technique and Oaxacan ingredients together. The poolside Bistró serves up dishes like grilled local white fish with zesty pico and lemon beurre blanc, alongside ceviche, fish tacos, and fresh eggs at breakfast. The lobby café tempts with açai bowls, smoothies, and pastries—ideal pre-surf fuel—while the rooftop bar pours craft cocktails and local brews to toast the end of a sun-soaked day.

Surf, Swim, and Chill—La Punta’s Laid-Back Spirit

Guests can walk to the beach in five minutes (or less via a secret shortcut), where Hotel Humano’s team arranges surf lessons with top local instructors. While the main Zicatela Beach boasts legendary breaks for pros, La Punta’s gentler waves are perfect for beginners. Afterward, the hotel’s 46-foot courtyard pool, lined with palms and maroon loungers, is the perfect spot to recover or simply bask in the sun.

Wellness, Sustainability, and Smart Touches

Hotel Humano’s recently opened spa features massage rooms, a sauna, and cold plunges for full-body relaxation. Thoughtful architecture—including double-height ceilings and solar-powered AC—keeps the hotel cool and sustainable. While rooms are not ADA-certified, comfort and climate responsibility are prioritized at every turn.

How to Book and Get the Most Out of Your Stay

• Nightly rates start at $191 for garden-level rooms and $300 for Ocean View Suites.
• Hotel Humano is a member of Design Hotels and the Marriott Bonvoy program—meaning guests can earn or redeem points and enjoy perks like free Wi-Fi and late checkout.
• Fly directly into Puerto Escondido Airport in Oaxaca for easy access.

Why Hotel Humano Is the Coolest New Beach Retreat in Mexico

Forget the crowds of Tulum or Cancun—Hotel Humano in Puerto Escondido’s La Punta offers a more intimate, authentic, and design-forward escape. With mesmerizing sunsets, world-class surf, custom interiors, and some of the friendliest hospitality around, it’s no wonder this modernist hideaway is making waves on global “best new hotel” lists. For travelers who want substance, style, and a true sense of place, Hotel Humano is where Mexico’s next great beach story begins.

The post Puerto Escondido’s Hotel Humano: Mexico’s Next Great Beach Escape for Sunset Seekers and Style Lovers first appeared on Travel Lyra – Where Travel Stories Spark Your Next Adventure.

What Makes Handshake Speakeasy So Special?

Now in its fourth year, the North America’s 50 Best Bars ranking recognizes the finest establishments across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as judged by a panel of over 300 industry experts. Consistency, creativity, and guest experience are at the heart of the awards—and Handshake Speakeasy delivered all three in spades.

Co-founder Rodrigo Urraca and bar director Eric van Beek credit their dedicated team for back-to-back wins. “We are all incredibly happy,” Urraca said after the victory, emphasizing the importance of staying humble and committed to excellence. “Our team is the heart and soul of Handshake.”

Stepping inside, guests are transported to a moody, bi-level space inspired by the Prohibition era. But while the decor nods to the past, the cocktail program is anything but retro. Molecular mixology and local Mexican ingredients combine to create drinks that surprise and delight even the most seasoned cocktail lovers.

What to Drink: Fig Martini and Piña Colada Redefined

For those planning their first visit, van Beek and Urraca recommend starting with the bar’s now-legendary fig martini an inventive, aromatic twist that set the tone for Handshake’s reputation. The piña colada, another top pick, reinvents a beach classic with unexpected depth and balance. Both are shining examples of the bar’s talent for reimagining the familiar in unforgettable ways.

Beyond these signatures, Handshake’s rotating menu invites guests to explore further. The team’s approach to molecular techniques infusions, foams, clarified juices brings out new textures and flavors, always anchored by Mexican produce and global spirits.

What’s Next for Handshake and for Mexico City’s Cocktail Scene?

Success hasn’t slowed Handshake’s ambition. After expanding their current Colonia Juárez space, the team plans to launch a second bar in Mexico City and their first international outpost in Amsterdam by year’s end. Their momentum comes as no surprise: Mexico City landed an impressive eight bars in this year’s Top 50, cementing its place as a global destination for cocktail aficionados.

• Tlecān (No. 3)
• Licorería Limantour (No. 9)
• Bar Mauro (No. 14)
• Baltra Bar (No. 20)
• Bijou Drinkery Room (No. 34)
• Hanky Panky (No. 35)
• Kaito del Valle (No. 40)
• Café de Nadie (No. 47)

Vancouver and Canada Shine on the International Stage

Hosting the awards in Vancouver highlighted the city’s growing reputation for outstanding hospitality and cocktail craft. Botanist (No. 26) and The Keefer Bar (No. 28) led the local charge, while Toronto and Montreal also made strong showings with Bar Pompette (No. 7), Civil Liberties (No. 21), Cloakroom Bar (No. 31), Atwater Cocktail Club (No. 36), Bar Mordecai (No. 37), and Mother (No. 40).

Emma Sleight, head of content for 50 Best, celebrated the decision to spotlight Vancouver: “Hosting the awards here allows us to highlight the city’s exceptional talent and celebrate its innovation on a global stage.”

Raise a Glass to North America’s Best

With Handshake Speakeasy at the top and a strong showing from Mexico City, Canada, and beyond North America’s bar scene is richer and more exciting than ever. For the complete 2025 list, visit theworlds50best.com, and get ready to add some new destinations to your bucket list.

The post Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy Tops North America’s 50 Best Bars Here’s What to Order first appeared on Travel Lyra – Where Travel Stories Spark Your Next Adventure.

What Cinco de Mayo Really Commemorates

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. That holiday is celebrated on September 16. Instead, May 5 recognizes a singular, heroic victory in the town of Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. At the time, France — under Napoleon III — sought to invade Mexico under the pretense of collecting war debts. The French army, considered one of the most powerful in the world, outnumbered the Mexican troops two to one.

The Battle of Puebla

Despite the odds, Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza managed to defeat the French. The victory not only boosted Mexican morale but also sent a powerful message of resilience and national unity. In honor of the general’s leadership, the city was later renamed Puebla de Zaragoza.

How Cinco de Mayo Is Celebrated in Puebla

In Puebla — the heart of the battle and the epicenter of the celebration — Cinco de Mayo is not just a day but an extended cultural event. Each year, the city hosts military parades, community fairs, and vibrant displays of local heritage. It’s a moment of pride and remembrance rather than commercial festivity.

The Parade

The grand parade in Puebla showcases a rich tapestry of Mexican identity. Participants include soldiers, marines, musicians, and dancers. Indigenous communities in the region proudly share their customs, donning traditional dress and performing ancestral dances. One of the most anticipated spectacles features charros (Mexican cowboys) and escaramuzas (female equestrians) — who typically close the parade in a dramatic finale.

The Puebla Fair

The city doesn’t stop at a single-day celebration. A weeks-long fair follows, filled with live music, amusement rides, artisan markets, and food vendors. The fair is not only festive but also reflective of Puebla’s cultural and culinary significance. Traditional dishes take center stage — from the famous mole poblano to sugary confections like camotes (sweet potatoes) and borrachitos, fruity candies soaked in tequila or rum.

Historical Landmarks of the Battle of Puebla

For those interested in exploring the deeper history behind Cinco de Mayo, Puebla offers several important sites that bring the story to life.

• Fort Loreto: One of the two key locations during the battle, this former Catholic shrine was converted into a military fortress in the early 19th century. Today, it houses the Museum of Non-Intervention, which displays original weapons, flags, and letters from President Benito Juárez to General Zaragoza.
• Fort Guadalupe: The second key stronghold in the battle, Fort Guadalupe now features an interactive museum that traces its evolution from a religious site to a battlefield.
• Underground Tunnels: Puebla’s vast subterranean network once connected strategic locations throughout the city. Guided tours reveal how these tunnels were used by troops during the French invasion.

A Holiday of Resilience

While Cinco de Mayo has taken on different meanings across borders, its roots lie firmly in the soil of Puebla — a city that stood firm in the face of a formidable enemy. The holiday may have grown into a global celebration of Mexican culture, but for the people of Puebla, it remains a tribute to courage, heritage, and national pride.

The post The Meaning of Cinco de Mayo in Mexico — and How It’s Celebrated in Puebla first appeared on Travel Lyra – Where Travel Stories Spark Your Next Adventure.