It may be commercialized and more American than Mexican in design, but Cancún remains one of the finest resort destinations in the world -- with breathtaking beaches and enough pleasure-pursuits to make even the most unrelenting hedonists blush. And while Cancún may be a top travel destination for Americans and other Western travelers who flock here like sun-seeking swallows in winter and spring, it's also a favorite for Mexicans who come to holiday year-round.
Due to Cancún's ideal mix of elements -- its transparent turquoise sea, powdery white sand, and immense potential for growth -- a group of Mexican government computer analysts targeted the town for tourism development in 1974, transforming it from a deserted beach area to a five-star resort. Since then, Cancún has sustained the devastations of hurricanes and other powerful tropical storms, only to emerge stronger and more irresistible. In the wake of Hurricane Wilma, which tore through the Yucatán peninsula in 2005, wreckage rapidly gave way to exacting renovations, luxurious upgrades, and brand-new destinations. Today Cancún is better than ever.
The allure hasn't changed much over the years -- it's still the spectacular Caribbean beach. Cancún (which means "golden snake" in Mayan) stretches from the downtown area known as Cancún City east to the Hotel Zone, also known as Isla Cancún, which is a narrow 24-km (15-mile) island that runs southwest and is framed on one side by the beautiful Caribbean Sea and on the other by the picturesque Nichupté lagoon.
Cancún is home to breathtaking resorts; an unrivaled range of shopping, dining, and nightlife; and endless outdoor activities. Air travel is easy, with major airlines flying here from destinations across Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Europe. And it's a gateway to the nearby ruins of Tulum, Chichén Itzá, and Cobá.
Cancún embodies Caribbean splendor and the exotic joys of Mexico, but even a Western traveler feeling apprehensive about visiting foreign soil will feel completely at ease here. English is spoken and dollars accepted; roads are well paved and lawns manicured. Some travelers are surprised to find that Cancún is more like a U.S. beach resort than a part of Mexico. Indeed, signs of Americanism are rampant. U.S. college students continue to descend in droves during Spring Break -- which, depending on your perspective, may be reason to rush headlong into the party or stay far, far away during this season. One astonishing statistic suggests that more Americans travel to Cancún than to any other foreign destination in the world. Indeed, almost three million people visit annually -- most of them on their first trip to Mexico.
You won't find much in the way of authentic Mexican charm in the Hotel Zone, although you can get a glimpse of this in Cancún City, where most of the local population lives. You'll find good value hotels, a number of outstanding traditional restaurants, and some excellent shopping here. Cancún is also a convenient distance from the more traditional Mexican resorts of Isla Mujeres and the coastal stretch known as the Riviera Maya -- extending down from Cancún, through Playa del Carmen to the Mayan ruins at Tulum -- making for easy day trips.
You will likely run out of vacation days before you run out of things to do in Cancún. Snorkeling, dolphin swims, jungle tours, and visits to ancient Mayan ruins and modern ecological theme parks are among the most popular diversions. A dozen malls sell name-brand and duty-free goods (with European imports for less than in the U.S.). With tens of thousands of hotel rooms and more than 350 restaurants and nightclubs, there's something for every taste and budget.
A day here could easily combine time at the pool or beach with a nearby excursion. After soaking up the sun, you might want to browse some of the shops or head for a sunset cocktail. Choose a restaurant for fresh Caribbean seafood or creative Mexican cuisine before heading to a tequila bar or chill lounge to get the night started. Then end up at a rocking bar or dance club filled with nighttime revelers who can't bear going to sleep until the dawn.
Cancún's luxury hotels have swimming pools so spectacular that you may find it tempting to turn into what I'd like to call a pool potato -- but don't. Set aside some time to get yourself to the beach and wriggle your toes in the fine, brilliant white sand. It is, after all, what put Cancún on the map -- and no tempest of nature has been able to sweep it away.
The nearby Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. (©istockphoto/Curtis Kautzer)
