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| CANCUN, MEXICO |
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Cancun is one of the world’s most popular resort destinations. Cancun is Mexico’s Caribbean gem located on the Yucatan Peninsula, full of state-of-the-art luxury hotel resorts, hot nightclubs, shopping malls, bars, & restaurants. A paradise for honeymooners, couples, families and singles alike. Cancun offers something for everybody. Here in this warm tropical climate you can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, or just relaxing in the golden tropical sun. Cancun has many miles of magnificent white sandy beaches. The surrounding areas host several archeological ancient ruins, pyramids, amusement parks and popular family attractions. |
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| CANCUN MAP |
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The main Cancun resort area “The Hotel Zone” (Zona Hotelera) consists of a long stretch of a thin white sand island 14-miles long connected by bridges at its north and south ends. A large lagoon (Launa Nichupte) to the west separates the island from the mainland. The eastern side of the island is caressed by the Caribbean Sea rolling up onto the beautiful clean white sand. The Lagoon is host to many marinas, waterfront restaurants, taco stands, bars, and malls. Here you can engage in many water sports activities, as there are a vast number on equipment rental facilities. Sports fishing, diving and snorkeling excursions are popular activities that are readily available. The Caribbean Sea is abundant with wildlife and gorgeous coral reefs. Cancun makes for an ideal aquatic playground. |
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Kukulcan Boulevard is the main strip that runs along the Hotel Zone. Along this stretch you’ll find a vast number of modern resorts and luxury condominiums lining the coast. Around the middle of the island you’ll find an area know as “The Party Zone”, that features world-class nightclubs, discos, bars, restaurants and shopping malls. This area comes alive at night for a nonstop nightly party ritual. You will find some of the world’s best nightclubs & discos in Cancun. Many stay open all night. This area offers everything from live Latin music to techno pop. This area is also entertaining and fun for those who are not club hoppers. You’ll find some excellent fine & casual dining choices and softer entertainment. Buses run up and down the strip every few minutes offering a convenient way to get around. |
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Outside of the Hotel Zone, Downtown Cancun (Centro) offers a more traditional Mexican Latin atmosphere full of friendly local run shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Prices in Cancun Centro are more affordable as this is where the locals live. The establishments in Cancun Centro love tourists and are very hospitable. There are very excellent authentic Mexican restaurants and cantinas with good service that are reasonably priced. Be sure to sample some of the local cuisine of the Yucatan. |
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Inside and outside the Hotel Zone shoppers will enjoy Cancun. Here you’ll enjoy everything from major shopping malls, small boutiques & shops, open-air markets and street vendors. You can purchase anything from designer fashions and expensive jewelry & Swiss watches to T-shirts and hats. Many prices are negotiable but please remember to be courteous. |
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Since you are at the beach and surrounded by water while in Cancun, water sports are a major attraction. Indulge yourself with Parasailing, jet skiing & wave runners, banana boat rides, water skiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The warm crystal clear blue waters off of Cancun host some of the worlds most spectacular colorful coral reefs and underwater national parks. Cancun is also excellent for its deep-sea sport fishing. Sport fishing enthusiast come her for the marlin, sailfish and Dorado. Most resorts can arrange fishing and diving charters. |
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Golfers and tennis buffs will also find plenty to enjoy in Cancun. Cancun has two championship 18-hole golf courses with three more 18-hole golf courses all within an hours drive. Tennis is readily available at most resorts. Non-guests can often play tennis for a fee. Be sure to bring and drink plenty of fluids on hot days if you intend to play golf, tennis or any sports activity where you will be in the sun. It can get hot in Cancun. |
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Less than an hour to the south of Cancun along the Mayan Riviera, you’ll find the resort town of Playa Del Carmen. This is also another popular Mexican resort destination. It is not as built up or as modern as Cancun and has a more traditional Mexican ambiance to it. You will find many fine luxury resorts around Playa Del Carmen. Between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, the Mayan Riviera is full of mega all-inclusive resorts spread out along the coastline. The small town of Puerto Morelos sits about half way between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. There are also a few nice all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Morelos and the surrounding coastal areas. |
| Here are VoyageMonkey’s recommended Hotels: |
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa – Located in the Hotel Zone on Kukulcan Boulevard this 14 story 5-Star hotel has 448 comfortable spacious guest rooms. Rooms feature ocean views, private balconies, luxurious marble bathrooms with separate bath & shower, dual sinks, 32” flat-panel TV’s, internet access and other amenities. Clubroom guests enjoy five complimentary food & beverage services daily as well as the clubroom lounge. The resort includes a white sandy beach, outdoor & indoor pools, swim-up-bar, whirlpools, 35,000 square-foot 3-story spa & fitness center, tennis, fine & casual restaurants, bars, on-site kids club, business center, and complimentary parking. Hotel guests enjoy golfing privileges at two nearby golf courses. There are plenty of water sports available and a concierge to assist with your daily activities. One of the nicer Marriotts. Great for families and couples. VoyageMonkey rates it 4.5-Stars.
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Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach – Located on Kukulcan Boulevard at the north end of the Hotel Zone, this resort rates 5-Stars although VoyageMonkey only rates it at 4.5-Stars. The resort is 11 stories with 602 rooms. There are two large presidential suites and 79 master suites, including an exclusive executive floor. Each spacious 560 square foot Jr. suite comes with a step down sitting room, marble bathroom and private balcony. Guests are greeted at the luxurious 6-story atrium lobby with marble floors and stained-glass ceiling. The resort features a large multi-level lagoon style pool with three swim up bars, childrens’ pool, tropical gardens, and a spa & fitness center. There are three indoor tennis courts, 5 restaurants, 4 bars, a supervised kids club and business center. Guests enjoy the resort’s beautiful secluded sandy beach that is excellent for swimming and has a view of Isla Mujeres Island. The water-sports center offers personal watercraft rentals, sailboats, parasailing and other activities. The staff is very friendly and helpful. This hotel has a great location close to restaurants and shopping. VoyageMonkey recommends this resort.
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Gran Melia Cancun - This 4-Star rated beachfront resort is centrally located in the heart of the Hotel Zone across from the AquaWorld Marina. It’s conveniently located just 5-minutes from the Party Zone. Styled in spectacular Mayan pyramid design architecture, the resort offers 678 spacious guestrooms and suites in five pyramid-shaped towers of 5-8 stories. Each of the towers contains a pond, hanging gardens and atrium with a pyramid-shaped skylight. The resort has class and sophistication throughout. A central meeting place for guests is the large main atrium lobby with lush hanging gardens and lounge areas. Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious. Each features a marble bathroom, 32” flat screen TV, high-speed internet, and private balcony or terrace (some with whirlpools). Rooms have views of the Caribbean Sea or the Nichupte Lagoon. Resort amenities include an expansive white sandy beach, four pools, swim up pool bar, childrens' pool, hot-tub spas, on-site 9-hole par three golf course, tennis courts, spa and fitness center. Guests can enjoy daily activities programs for children and adults and various entertainment. The resort includes shopping, five fine & casual dining restaurants, a water sports activities center, business center and 24-hour room service. The resort staff is friendly & courteous. VoyageMonkey always gets positive feedback on the Gran Melia. We rate it 4-Stars.
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Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort – The 4-Star rated Hilton is set on 150 acres of beautiful beachfront property in the Hotel Zone. The 9-story hotel has 426 guestrooms that include full bath with tub and shower, large LCD flat screen TV’s, high-speed internet access and stocked mini-bar. Deluxe rooms include a private balcony. The resort offers villas and executive accommodations. The main lobby boasts a large atrium with a cascading fountain and lounge. The Hilton has its own on-site 18-hole, par 72, championship golf course for the golf enthusiasts. The 12,000 square-foot Spa at the Hilton Cancun offers relaxing beachfront treatments and couples treatment suites. The resort is located on the largest beach in the area and includes a massive pool area with seven cascading pools, infinity pools, swim-up pool bar and two large heated whirlpools. The resort offers five restaurants and two bars, including fine dining on the beach, a sports bar and live music. Recreation offered includes tennis, beach volleyball, a regulation-size soccer field, jogging track, guest bicycles, a variety of water sports activities and a state-of-the-art fitness center. There are meeting facilities, a business center, activities desk & car rental desk. Parents will enjoy the childcare center and baby-sitting service. The service at this hotel is excellent. This is a great resort for families with kids and couples looking for a variety of recreation activities. VoyageMonkey rates it 4.5 stars. |
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