Cancun is known internationally for its tropical beauty and archaeological treasures.

One of the most modern and popular tourist resorts in the world, it is characterized by rows of resort hotels along beautiful white sand beaches.  The Caribbean Sea sparkles in every imaginable shade of emerald and turquoise.

Just south of the Cancun Hotel Zone lies the Riviera Maya.  Most of the area is secluded and uninhabited, but dotted with developed areas rich with all inclusives.  The region is filled with scenic and natural wonders bordered by limestone shores of sugar white, palm fringed beaches.

Details

Playa Del Carmen is a thriving former fishing village featuring the famous Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue.  This main pedestrian arcade is home to shops, boutiques, and open air cafes.  Since the mid 1980’s the neighboring village of Playacar has grown to a major resort area as well as the home of the area’s premier golf course.

The coastline of this part of the Yucatan Peninsula is dotted with several other villages such as Puerto Morelos, Akumal, Tulum, and Puerto Aventuras.  All have a variety of resorts and villas, marina and water sports activities, and world renowned sites of Mayan history.  Each has its own personality and offers something for everyone.

The Paradise Perspective

My first trip to Cancun was in 2003 on a Vacation Express President’s Club retreat.  We spent 3 nights at the Aventura Spa Palace Resort.  I immediately fell in love with the area.  My friend, Beth, and I spent a large part of our time at the beach on the lagoon and relaxing in the hammock on our balcony.  But my favorite memories are of the time we spent exploring 5^th Avenue in Playa Del Carmen. 

 Since that trip I have returned many times both for pleasure and on travel agent “fam” trips.  I stayed on the Hotel Zone at the Fiesta American Condessa during a GoGo Worldwide Vacations Cancun Learning Conference, and the Cancun Tourism Institute held its training at the Omni Resort.  One of my most memorable stays was with Apple Vacations at Dreams Cancun.  I’ve always been impressed by how that resort is situated on Punta Cancun, surrounded on three sides by the ocean.

 Adults and couples only resorts appeal to the honeymooners, and family oriented resorts provide plenty of options for kids and teens.  Discos and night clubs are still a major draw for the party scene.  Cancun defines the phrase, “something for everyone.”