John Whaite visits Cancun, Attitude’s Destination of the Year
By Will Stroude
Cancún has officially been named Attitude’s Destination of the Year, supported by Virgin Holidays and HIP Hotels – and as is fitting, our favourite great British baker John Whaite jetted off to the white sands of Mexico to make sure we’d made the right choice…
As a gay man, I’m always wary of where I travel. It probably comes from my nights out in Wigan as a college student when my mum would constantly warn me to be careful of gay bashers, even though I was 6ft tall and 15 stone. For whatever reason, though, I do always wonder whether my destination will be gay-friendly. So when Attitude asked me to visit Cancún, I was riddled with both excitement and angst.
Located in the Yucatán peninsula in east Mexico, Cancún was simply forgotten land on the Caribbean Sea until the 1970s when the Mexican government decided to focus on creating a touristic paradise. And that is precisely what it is. We stayed in the beautiful Le Blanc Spa and the sumptuous Secrets the Vine, both located in the hotel zone situated between the blue, crocodile lagoon and the white sandy beaches – a term that never really had meaning for me until I visited Cancún. The sand is made from eroded coral so it sits shiny white in the sun and doesn’t get hot. No more hotfooting it into the sea to cool your blistered soles! There aren’t any gay beaches in essence, although the boys tend to accumulate on the public Playa Delfines, just as beautiful a beach as the ones at private hotels.
If it’s near-naked studs you’re looking for though, you’ll find them in Coco Bongo. The near 2,000 capacity nightclub/cabaret is seriously good fun. The queues to get inside can be daunting so it’s really worth paying the extra 60$ for VIP entry and seats. Once inside, ripped dancers and hunky acrobats keep you entertained whilst you are showered in balloons and icy air blasts until 4am. Drinks are included in the price so a waiter will ensure you are topped up, though do be careful: it’s strong stuff. Whilst this isn’t a gay bar, everyone is welcome, so there’s no need to be looking over your shoulder.
If you’re on the hunt for a gay bar then you’ve got a few options. The oldest gay bar in Cancún is downtown – about 20 minutes taxi ride from the hotel zone, but taxis are so cheap and the bus system is more frequent and reliable than in London. Karamba Bar instantlyfelt seedy. I went after the excitement of Coco Bongos so was fuelled with adrenaline, ready to party in true gay fashion. Down a back street and up a dark staircase is a dance fl oor around which sat groups of seamy looking blokes, plus the odd lonesome traveller looking for love. On the stage that night was a resident drag queen who, like a proper northern drag artiste, picked out members of the audience to jeer and jibe at. Afterward a stint there I hauled my carcass back to the hotel zone’s commercialised bars – Hooters, Hard Rock, Mandala – and gratefully sipped and sauntered. The best option by the way of gay bars is 11:11 – also downtown. This is much more modern with gorgeous boys hanging around in Andrew Christian undies. In spite of the eye-candy here, the mainstream clubs accept everyone and are as entertaining.
There’s plenty of shopping to be done in Cancún. The hotel zone strip has a fabulous range of stores and malls including Liverpool Duty Free, where the designer names bandied about here are real, and with a reasonable discount. There are more rustic markets – like downtown Mercado 28 – where you can acquire souvenirs, shot glasses and slogan t-shirts to your heart’s content. The items here are also sold in the hotel stores, but supporting local trade is always recommended, and somewhat more worthy.
Food in Cancún is awesome, and so varied. The Surfin Burrito is a legendary little roadside shack of carb joy. Open 24 hours, they serve burritos with more fl avour and girth than a 1980s porno. It gets a little cramped as it is quite literally a roadside hutch with a few tables and chairs, but the atmosphere in the evening is something else – probably a result of the cheap drinks. Cancún really does have so much to offer, and everything is so well priced. A week didn’t seem quite long enough, as there was so much more that I wanted to fi t in, from cultured tours of ancient ruins of the Mayans, to abseiling into an underground lagoon. Make sure you factor in time for relaxing poolside in the hotels. They are all so luxurious that you’ll most likely want to just sip margaritas and bask in the sunlight all day long. My worries about gay bashers were unnecessary. Cancún isn’t a gay city per se, it’s just a city where anything goes and not once did I feel unsafe. It’s a true sign that we no longer need to recede into the shadows of a grim bar; we’re welcome to join in with the rest of them and have a simply wonderful holiday. I can’t wait to go back.
ACCOMODATION
Le Blanc Spa Resort:
This is an oasis of stylish sophistication extending along 230m of Cancun’s powder-white beaches. With two infinity pools, en-suite Jacuzzis and a luxurious spa nestled in bamboo gardens, the exceptional attention to detail will ensure that your stay is unforgettable.
leblancsparesort.com
Secrets The Vine Cancun Resort:
Warmly greeted with champagne and a cool towel upon arrival, it becomes immediately clear that at Secrets The Vine Cancun, your comfort is the priority. Showcasing breathtaking ocean-side rooms, impeccable service and gourmet dining, the ambience is of chic, elegant opulence.
secretsresorts.com/vine-cancun
FOOD
La Parrilla:
This is a vibrant, authentic Mexican restaurant serving delicious food with local flavour. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming and provides the perfect setting to dine al fresco and watch the sun set over the bay. The service adds its own spice with a live Mariachi band and waiters delivering cocktails on their heads!
secretsresorts.com/vine-cancun
Cenacolo Mare:
The contemporary, stylish interior of Cenacolo Mare reflects the professionalism of the service and excellent quality of delicious Italian cuisine. Situated overlooking the beautiful lagoon, the backdrop is unforgettable and as such, Cenacolo Mare is the ideal location for a romantic meal for two on a warm summer’s evening.
cenacolo.com.mx/mare
Surfin Burrito:
If you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere after a hard day’s sight-seeing, the relaxed, road-side Surfin Burrito is for you. Offering fresh, quality Mexican food, build your own burrito and tailor your experience to your taste! For an informal and fun flavour of Mexico, there is nowhere better.
ENTERTAINMENT
Coco Bongo:
This is as much a spectacle as a club, with a huge variety of fabulous entertainment, from live bands to dance acts and even cirque-du-soleil style acrobats. The VIP option is recommended to guarantee a seat and avoid the chaos of the crowds. However, it is a loud, camp, and exciting night not to be missed.
cocobongo.com.mx
11:11:
This is a desirable gay club in Cancun radiating a fun, inclusive and urban vibe. Perhaps not as glamorous as your average club in London, it still offers an enjoyable night out. Expect typical music to whip your hair to, from Madonna to Gaga.
Congo Bar:
For a less pricey, but equally memorable (or possibly not,) night than Coco Bongo, check out Congo Bar! With an excellent selection of music from 80s beats to current chart-toppers, strong drinks at reasonable prices and a vibrant atmosphere, you’re onto a winner. This is a party destination that will not disappoint.
CULTURE
Chichen Itza:
Prepare to be utterly entranced by the ruins of Chichen Itza, a city which symbolises the dazzling sophistication of the Mayan people. The crowning glory of this site is the breathtaking El Castillo, the iconic stepped pyramid highlighting pre-Hispanic architecture. This promises to be an overwhelmingly impressive visit.
Tulum:
This represents the best combination of culture and entertainment in Cancun, with dramatic ruins situated on the craggy, rugged coastline, and sparkling, crystal-clear waters to swim or bathe the day away. This is a relaxing and edifying outing which perfectly reflects the ethos of lazy pleasure that a trip to Mexico has to offer.
Isla Mujeres:
Delve further from Cancun’s centre with a boat-ride to the spectacular, tiny Isla Mujeres, a perfect spot for kayaking, windsurfing and snorkelling with an assortment of gleaming, exotic fish. It is an oasis of calm, so use the chance to really unwind and relax on the untouched beaches.
Le Blanc: 7 nights in Mexico from £1,885pp
Seven nights in Mexico with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Cancun, all-inclusive accommodation at the 5V Le Blanc Spa Resort and airport transfers.
Price is per person based on 2 adults travelling sharing a Royale Deluxe – Resort View room and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Price is based on a departure on 5 May 2015.
Virgin Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book: virginholidays.co.uk, 0844 557 3859 or visit one of our 110 stores located in Debenhams and House of Fraser stores nationwide. Start your holiday before you’ve even taken off in the v-room at Gatwick Airport. adults £24.50, Kids £14 (2-11 years).
Secrets the Vine Cancun: 7 nights in Mexico from £1,625pp
Seven nights in Mexico with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Cancun, all-inclusive accommodation at the 5V Secrets the Vine Cancun and airport transfers.
Price is per person based on 2 adults travelling sharing a Deluxe Ocean View room and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Price is based on a departure on 3 February 2015.
Virgin Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book: virginholidays.co.uk, 0844 557 3859 or visit one of our 110 stores located in Debenhams and House of Fraser stores nationwide. Start your holiday before you’ve even taken off in the v-room at Gatwick Airport. adults £24.50, Kids £14 (2-11 years).
For more information visit virginholidays.co.uk