| In between work and my little strolls after work, I've been using my time in January to collect ideas about where I'd like this year to take me. Mostly, I've been bookmarking new articles that we've published and keeping tabs open that I keep meaning to revisit. These are the destinations filling my browser right now: | I've also been seeking inspiration from my teammates, nudging them for recommendations they're only too happy to share. They've had some incredible experiences recently, from dancing in Argentina to skiing in Whistler and staying in beautiful treehouse-style hotels in Mexico. Read on for their tips – hopefully they will spark some ideas for you, too. | | | VP of Integrated Marketing | | | 1. Where I stayed: Boca de Agua hotel in Bacalar, Quintana Roo. The hotel is a series of luxury treehouses set back far from the road and lagoon, so you're truly in the jungle. You can take part in experiences like a jungle walk, sunrise paddle boarding and mezcal tasting. 2. Best experience: My first time scuba diving! I told my husband, who's been certified since he was 11, that this would be the year I tried it. We spent the day with ScuBacalar, and our dive master, Mathias, took me to a mangrove forest to practice the basics before a dive in Cenote Azul. 3. Best meal: Definitely the quesabirria at Boca De Agua's restaurant, Flora. The consommé that you dip the taco in was so tasty that you could easily drink it. | | | If you're looking for a Tulum vibe, this isn't it! Bacalar is a very relaxed, low-key town. To get there, fly into Tulum airport, rent a car and drive 2½ hours south. | | | 1. Best experience: As a person who loves to dance, there were several highlights in Buenos Aires, like seeing Malambo (a gaucho dance with ropes) and catching beautiful tango dances at random places, such as on a bridge in the middle of the city. 2. Don’t leave without: A visit to the speakeasies. Our Argentina editor, Alicia, told me there were some fun speakeasies in BA, so we checked out Floreria Atlantico, where you have to walk through a flower shop to access the bar. Atis Bar, an ivy-covered former convent, was also really cool. 3. Most memorable meal: Since my husband is a chef, he wanted to check out the tasting menu at Fogón. As a person who mostly eats chicken, fish and veggies, it was more beef than I’ve ever had at once. | | | 1. Best experience: Cross-country skiing at Whistler Olympic Park was glorious! It’s a great place to break free of the crowds and enjoy some serene time in nature. 2. Most memorable meal: The tasting menu at Wild Blue, the buzzing fine-dining restaurant in Whistler. It is pricey, but it also has a late-night and après menu. 3. Don’t leave without: A visit to Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the two First Nations communities from the Whistler area. Along with art and history, enjoy a First Nations-inspired menu in the cafe and shop for work from local artists in the gift shop. | | | Trending articles this week | | | Photo credits: Brester Irina/Shutterstock, Melissa Killian, Matt Paco, Melissa Yeager/Lonely Planet | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
