Papaya Playa Project

Tulum went from backpacker hideout to global fashion destination almost overnight, and Casa Banana somehow held onto the intimate, genuinely warm version of the town that most places forgot.

Part hotel, part beach restaurant, part genuinely hip standalone bar, La Zebra sits on a stretch of Tulum’s Mayan-coast sand with a sexy, unhurried energy that pulls double duty as a family spot. The small beach bar near the water is the liveliest seat in the house, run by cheerful, capable bartenders; step a few feet further for quieter sand. Tequila and mezcal dominate – around 25 tequilas and 30-plus mezcals on the list – though classic rum drinks are well covered too. Balinese-style beach beds, a daily mezcal-margarita happy hour, and a beach menu of ceviches and tacos that holds its own against the main restaurant next door.

Cruise passengers plan entire shore excursions around Nachi Cocom’s unlimited margaritas and reef-ringed leeward water.

Infinity pools and hammocks over turquoise water, Mr. Sancho’s has basically perfected the formula for a Cozumel cruise-day beach club.

Bob Marley’s music and cold Red Stripe against crashing surf and wild mangroves, Rasta’s has been the most colorful stop on Cozumel’s undeveloped eastern shore for decades.