American Capitals of Cool: From Manhattan to Tulum

With three full days to explore New York at leisure, the city is yours for the taking. For classic jaunts straight off the big (and small) screen, take a morning stroll or jog through Central Park, check out the awesome architecture of Central Station, then tuck into a stacked pastrami sandwich at Katz, and take in the panoramic views from the top of the Empire State Building – surely the world’s most famous skyscraper. Culture vultures can soak up the city’s history at Ellis Island and sip tea in MoMA’s garden (your entrance tickets are included), while keen shoppers can bargain hunt at DUMBO, stroll the Williamsburg flea or sample fresh food and drink at Brooklyn's farmer’s markets, before enjoying a martini and manicure break in the East Village.

For an active day, cycle along the Brooklyn Bridge, head to Queens via the Queensboro Bridge, or walk the High Line – the one-and-a-half-mile-long elevated park in the east of the city and one of New York’s best examples of urban regeneration. Sports fans can take a ride to Flushing Meadows, the legendary Mets' stadium in Queens, while hipsters will enjoy a nightcap at A-list hangouts such as The Mercer and The Standard.

Included in the itinerary is an informal walk with a native New Yorker, to discover the Lower East Side neighbourhood nestled in lower Manhattan. Cradle of immigration since the 19th century, the L.E.S. was for a long time disenchanted, but recently it has become the go-to destination for trendsetters, from tattoo artists and bearded hipsters to budding fashionistas. Known for its innovative food and drink scene, the only problem is deciding what to eat and where to go in a land of endless options. You can sample everything, from hearty Chinese hotpot and Hawaiian-style seafood to zesty Moroccan brunch specials and Filipino gastropub fare, as well as classic by-the-slice pizza at Stromboli. Wander down bustling treelined avenues bordered by elegant brownstone buildings for more foodie fun.

Today, switch over to the Brooklyn side for a guided stroll in Bushwick and Williamsburg. This bohemian neighbourhood has an eclectic mix of people: indie rock musicians and up-and-coming artists rub shoulders with Hasidic Jews, descendants of Italian and Spanish immigrants, African Americans and more. Visit the flea market, where you can indulge in an impulse buy at the stalls bursting with vintage clothes, jewellery and other unusual souvenirs. The crafts market is the place to pick up street art style murals, handmade goods and delicious coffees and chocolates. Finally, pop into the classic record shops that have revived a love of vinyl. Other options for your final day in New York include a helicopter flight offering spectacular aerial views of Manhattan Island, and a guided walk round the wide boulevards and art deco buildings of the South Bronx.

It’s time to bid goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the city and say hello to the bleached beaches of Mexico. You’ll be privately transferred to the airport ahead of the four-hour flight to Cancun, where you’ll collect your rental car and drive to Tulum (the journey takes around one-and-a-half hours). Get set for four nights in a blissful waterfront property, boasting hammocks and other serene spots.

Settle in for three full days of R&R, enjoying your charming accommodation and the exquisite beach, or discovering the surrounding area at your leisure. If you can bear to leave your lounger, there’s a wealth of stunning sights to explore including numerous cenotes and the ancient city of Tulum, which offers an unbeatable combination of impressive architecture and exceptional nature. Originally called Zamá – Mayan for ‘City of Dawn’ – it’s located on a cliff, facing the sunrise, and surrounded by walls to defend the fort from invasions. With access to both land and sea, it became a key trade hub and an important site for the worship of the serpent-god Kukulkan.

Other excellent excursions include sailing through the mangroves of the Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve and visiting IK LAB – a contemporary art gallery suspended in the jungle. Of course, there’s also the option to simply relax on the powdery sand and in the lush garden of your hotel. Each to their own. As a special treat, we can make you a reservation at a stunning luxury restaurant that serves modern Mayan food, built into the jungle canopy of Tulum, complete with an open-air kitchen, pergola covered tables, and a varied menu featuring quality cocktails. There’s also the option to discover the incredible Punta Laguna reserve.