Cancun Journal

Cancun offers a perfect vacation spot to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean with it's powdery white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the finest hotels in the world are located on this tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and it is only a few hours flight from most American cities.

Cancun offers a variety of shopping, from small flea markets to modern day shopping centers. Travel about the city is achieved most economical by foot or bus. The buses run frequently (about every 2 minutes) during the day, but you'll find they are usually packed during peak hours with hotel construction workers. Taxi fares are fixed and also found to be quite reasonable when traveling within the 'hotel zone'.

From Cancun, you can find daily excursions to destinations like Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras and of course, 'Chichen Izta'. Reservations for these excursions are best made a day in advance.

At dusk, the city transforms itself, boasting over 100 restaurants and nightclubs. The Rain Forest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, and the Hard Rock Cafe are but a few of the exciting places one can visit and enjoy.

The Riviera Maya
The Mayan Riviera is located about an hour south of Cancun. For those who wish to dine in Cancun or enjoy it's night life, it's a bit too far south. But for those who wish to experience the more peaceful, rural and historic village type atmosphere of Mexico, it's perfect! The Riviera Maya also provides closer access to tour excursions like Cozumel (the island), Xcaret (the echo park), Tulum (Mayan Ruins) and Xel-Ha (a natural water park).

Chichen Izta'
The Mayan ruins at 'Chichen Izta' are well worth visiting. 'Chichen Izta' lies about 2 hours inland, and visitors can reach there by air conditioned coach. While there, visitors can embark on a long, but somewhat treacherous climb to the top of Chichen Itza's tallest pyramid. Or, you may feel more comfortable walking amidst the ancient columns in the Temple of a Thousand Pillars as they lay silent against the dense Yucatan backdrop. Mayan ruins cover nearly 12 square miles of the 'Chichen Itza' National Park. Plan to spend the entire day and be sure to bring plenty of water.

Hotel Spotlights

The Melia Cancun Beach and Spa Resort (spotlight)
Located within zone 3 of the Cancun hotel strip, the Melia offers a perfect setting to enjoy what Cancun has to offer. Whether it's a quick trip into town, or simply relaxing under a palapa and enjoying the warm Caribbean breeze, this 5 star hotel with nine hole executive golf course is exquisite. Beautiful vines cascade nearly nine stories inside the hotel's atrium. In fact, hanging vines decorate nearly all the hallways throughout the hotel. The views are captivating and this distinctive and beautiful hotel is a must see when visiting Cancun.

The Aventura Palace Resort (spotlight)
This romantic adults only resort is located between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras in the heart of the famed Riviera Maya. It is one of five Palace Resorts (i.e. Cancun Palace, Beach Palace, Sun Palace, Moon Palace and Aventura Palace). The grounds of the Aventura contains a beautiful man-made lagoon protected by a massive reef. The pool area is the second largest in all of Quintana Roo (their sister resort, the Moon Palace has the largest) and you can find a double wide lounging Jacuzzi in every room. The Aventura pampers their guests with a luscious buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily which includes T-bone steaks, prime-rib and baked potatoes even during lunch. Other amenities and activities include eight bars, five outdoor Jacuzzis, beach and pool volleyball courts, horseshoes, darts, ping-pong and the list goes on and on.

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