Cancun (Mexico)

A dazzling white spur of beach-fringed land, backed by a peaceful lagoon, Cancun is every bit as good as the travel brochures proclaim. In many ways, this purpose-built extension to a sleepy, provincial, coastal town, is the single most persuasive reason why Mexico has become the most successful new long haul destination for decades. And, with its mix of world-class resort hotels, fine beaches, excellent facilities, and fascinating cultural history, it's not hard to see why this resort easily gives Florida a run for its money.

Beaches

Cancun's silica sands are cool underfoot, soft to the touch, and swept clean daily. They shelve gently into the phosphorescent waters of the Caribbean Sea, and are patrolled by an ever-vigilant legion of lifeguards. Could there be any better reason to spend most of your days here? Perhaps you'll enjoy a spot of snorkelling, a gentle swim, or, in the safely cordoned-off zone, indulge in some high-octane watersports. The beaches in Cancun - most of which are free to access - are a real delight.

Eating Out

With strategically placed restaurant hubs every couple of hundred yards along the Hotel Zone, Cancun caters for every taste, everywhere. You can enjoy Irish steaks (really!), American grills, Caribbean stews and, of course, Mexican guacamole and tacos. There are more Tex-Mex outlets than anything, though, with really excellent steaks, sociable platters of spicy tit-bits, Chimichangas (deep-fried, filled burritos full of flavour, and calories!) and excellent fish dishes. Mexicans wash this all down with Sol beers and zingy margaritas. We can think of nothing better.

Shopping

Holidays in Cancun are ideal for those who can't bear to be parted from a shopping mall for more than a few hours. There are at least half a dozen huge, air conditioned malls all within easy striking distance: crammed with international brands. La Isla Village is by far the prettiest: a make-believe village of 'olde world' shopping streets, clustered around a meandering stream, complete with little bridges and village squares. And an aquarium and ghost-train, should the shopping ever get too much! Oh, and if you notice the shop called 'Liverpool' - it's not the place for replica kits. Liverpool is Mexico's leading department store! Take a taxi to the Old Town for the bustling, and good-value market.

Nightlife

Rowdy if you want it to be, romantic should you wish it, Cancun's a place for those who want to squeeze every drop of fun out of every day. It's a lively spot, to be sure, with Spring Break US youngsters flying in their thousands to enjoy the Rn'B grooves pumping from the discos and bars along the north end of the Hotel Zone - chiefly the legendary Coco Bongo and Senor Frog's. But that's not to say you can't find a more civilized spot to enjoy the sounds of a Mexican Mariachi band or Caribbean calypso. Dinner cruises are another option, should want to escape the glare and glitter for an evening. Head into the old town to experience a Mexican 'Cantina' - an altogether more authentic after-dark experience.

Attractions and Activities

Cancun's not short of diversions. Its watersports are legendary. Diving is excellent - just offshore, the Great Mayan Reef is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. Dolphins are more than happy to swim with you, and the fairways are just waiting for your nine-iron shot. Out of town, though, the action gets a little more eclectic. Here, lest you forget, the Mayan civilization once ruled a land rich in resources, and steeped in fable. Three hours inland, stunning white-stone pyramids and temples of Chichen Itza stand sentinel above the canopy of lush rainforest while, along the coast, the Mayan Riviera is a land of coastal temples, ecoparks (Xcaret is excellent) and cobalt waters.