Playa del Carmen, Cancun

Playa del Carmen has carved its own Euro-chic niche along the Yucatán Peninsula. Sophisticated expats and vacationing Europeans relax at the beachside lounges, upholding this small enclave's budding reputation asthe place in Quintana Roo to see and be seen. The area's nerve center is El Zócalo, and similar to Mediterranean beachfront towns like Nice, the funky little public square is within walking distance of the beach. Just off the square and running parallel with the shore, La Quinta Avenida features 20 blocks worth of delicious eateries and quirky shops.Cancún is so 10 years ago -- today's savvy beachgoers choose the cosmopolitan "Playa."