< Previous58 AZFOOTHILLS.COM RnR: InMexicoRnR: InMexico ESCAPE TO MERIDA By Suzanne Koch Capital of Yucatán, Mérida is full of colonial history and Mayan ruins. Just 35 minutes away from the city, the wellness destination Chablé Resort & Spa is nestled into the Mayan jungle channeling the best of the magical region. Here, Rocco Bova, general manager of Chablé, gives us the inside scoop on Mérida’s best finds. AFM: What makes Mérida unique from other cities on the Yucatan Peninsula? RB: It has an authentic colonial feel and is not overcrowded by tourists. Mérida’s main Plaza Grande looks and feels like you stepped back in time and seeing many Yucatecan families walking and enjoying their time together is a joy to watch. AFM: What’s your idea of a perfect day in Mérida? RB: Breakfast at Yucatán Country Club, the best golf club in Yucatán, followed by a stroll at Mercado San Benito to experience the smells, sounds and shopping of the locals. Then, ice cream at The Colon, the oldest ice cream shop in Mérida, for a little break. Lunch at La Pigua, possibly the best seafood restaurant in town serving the freshest and most typical platillos from the Yucatán peninsula. Visit the Dzibilchaltún Mayan ruins for sunset and if you are in the mood, swim in its cenote. Dinner at Néctar, in my opinion, is the best dining experience...outside of Chablé, of course. AFM: Where is the best place to get a true “taste” of Mérida? RB: My favorite place is a little street restaurant in Chichen Itza (yes, near the famous Maya pyramids) called Loncheria Fabiola. It is a little outside of Mérida but not too far. AFM: What are some of the best archaeological sites to visit? RB: My favorite is Dzibilchaltún. It’s a low- key site with a small pyramid. The ruins are not in the greatest shape, but it’s the only one with a cenote that you can swim in. It also has a museum full of great finds. Most importantly, there are no vendors and very few tourists. During the equinox you can see the sun shining right through the door on the top of the temple. AFM: After a long day exploring in town, what spa treatment at Chablé Spa do you recommend for unwinding? RB: The Mayan Herbal Compress Massage will totally relax and soothe you after a long day of discovering one of the most authentic Mexican cities. To Learn More Chablé Resort & Spa chableresort.com/yucatan.60 AZFOOTHILLS.COM WHAT A LOOKER. … Style Sun’s out. Suit’s on. Photographed by Amber Asaly. All swim via ilovelolli.com.We’re here to listen and to help. Call or text: 602-248-8336 Teen Lifeline is available 24/7/365, with teen peer counselors available 3 - 9 pm daily. Trained peer counselors are standing by to help troubled teens and concerned adults every day of the year. Is your teen struggling? Your Support Builds a Connection of Hope You’re invited! Plan to attend our annual Connections of Hope gala to celebrate Arizona’s youth and raise funds for essential suicide prevention services. Friday, October 4 | 6 pm Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia 4949 East Lincoln Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85253 TICKET AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION: teenlifeline.org/hope or call 602-248-8337 Student ID Provides Help & Hope Imagine, something as simple as having a phone number on the back of a school ID could save the lives of countless teens. Is your child’s school providing a connection of hope to your child? Flip their school ID over. If our number isn’t there, reach out to your school or call the Teen Lifeline business number at 602-248-8337. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: teenlifeline.org/schoolID !"#$%&'#$"#%#$(()*#+%&&#",#$(-$#./010231344.62 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Style: Beauty Summer Smoocher Load your lippies with anti-aging skin care benefits and natural-looking shine with the just-unveiled LOVINGLY LIP TINTED LIP OIL ($30 EACH). Ingredients like milk thistle and bilberry seed oil provide a mega dose of hydration and promote cell renewal, which results in firmer and youthful-looking lips. Plus, the blush hues are oh-so pretty and perfect for summer. lilahbeauty.com. –Melissa Larsen P.S. I'm vegan!64 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Put simplicity at the forefront this season with minimalist swimwear that pairs with saltwater hair and the sand between your toes. Photographed by Amber Asaly. All swim via ilovelolli.com.66 AZFOOTHILLS.COM @azfoothills #azfoothills 67Next >