Top 10 See and Be Seen Spots in the Riviera Maya

1. Blue Parrot, Playa del Carmen: With an open-air dance floor and fire dancers at your back door, you can’t go wrong.
2. Fairmont Mayakoba, Punta Bete: The huge stone entryway makes you wonder what’s inside; only the privileged few know for sure.
3. Live Aqua Cancún: Cancún’s one and only lounge hotel, with 24-hour DJ and luxe beach bar.
4. Hotel Básico, Playa del Carmen: The prosperous days of 1950s Latin America glorified with a rooftop bar, oil-tank swimming pools, and rooms with neon lights.
5. Hotel Deseo, Playa del Carmen: Up the unmarked stairs, it’s the hip hangout for the Playa elite.
6. Hotel Esencia, Xpu-Ha: The former estate of an Italian duchess can be yours, for a price.
7. Maroma Resort & Spa, Punta Maroma: If it’s good enough for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, you’ll probably enjoy it also.
8. Mezzanine Hotel, north of Tulum pueblo: Swanky digs, topless beaches, and DJ parties in the shadow of the Tulum ruins.
9. Occidental Royal Hideaway, Playacar: Playacar’s premier hotel proves all-inclusive resorts can be luxurious, too.
10. Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, north of Puerto Morelos: With a $3,000-a-night penthouse, you never know who you may rub shoulders with at the swim-up bar.

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Reserve Now for Spring Break in Cancun

Every year about this time, students from across the country start to plan their Spring Break vacations. This year, there are some great package trips, including airfare and hotel.

Many students choose to use a big-name tour company to book their trip, but they don't realize that they are throwing money away, since they end up paying way more than if they just booked the trip themselves. Travelers can go to the SAME CLUBS, the SAME BEACHES, the SAME PARTIES as people who book with a tour company, but can pay about half a much.

There's no need to spend too much to go to Spring Break. With tour companies, you are restricted on how many people you can put in a room, who you can stay with and you will have chaperons bothering you all of the time.

Book your own trip and you can be in control. You can choose to go to the clubs you want to go, when you want to go. You won't have to sit in a big massive bus waiting for everyone to be ready. Do what you want to do, when you want to do it. And you can party with all of the same people.

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Visit the Riviera Maya for Spring Break >>

Don't be treated like cattle on Spring Break. Plan your own trip and pay half as much -- and have twice as much fun!

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Mexico's best local beers
Golfing in Mexico
Stay and work in Mexico

Taylor Lautner Headed to Cancun for Spring Break

As if Mexico's beach resorts needed any more dubious publicity, Summit Entertainment, the Hollywood film studio that created The Twilight Saga, has announced plans to film an adventure movie set in the Cancun.

The movie will star teen Twilight heartthrob Taylor Lautner, who will play a Spring Break vacationer whose pleasure trip turns into a nightmare when his girlfriend and her friends run into trouble at the hands of the local drug cartel. Rather than spend their days frolicking on the beach, going snorkeling and enjoying wet T-shirt contests at Sr. Frog's, they end up fighting for their lives as the drug dealers threaten them with all sorts of unpleasantries sure to ruin a Spring Break vacation.

Directors are making use of Lautner's fairly extensive martial arts experience, so audiences should expect to see plenty of action and fight scenes.

Though drug cartels are present in many of Mexico's cities, even the tourist towns, vacationers have not been the primary targets of any violence, making such a story a bit of a stretch from the current reality. That said, with all of the negative press that Mexico has seen lately, it's easy to see how the plot line will resonate with many American tourists, many of whom are already wary of traveling south of the border.

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Mexican Navy Closes Gran Caribe Real's Beach

Tourists watched with amusement and a bit of frustration as armed sailors from the Mexico Navy portioned off the beach in front of the Gran Caribe Real hotel following claims that the hotel had illegally pumped sand from the ocean floor.

After exceedingly high tides and rough waves caused by Hurricane Wilma eroded the beach in 2005, Mexico spent some $19 million to pump sand back onto the shore, but the action of the waves has slowly been eroding it away again.

To disrupt the erosion process, some hotels have begun to build concrete or rock jetties at the waterline to help keep the sand in place, but this is the first time that a hotel has actually been accused of using underwater pumps to move the sand from deeper waters and onto the beach.

Officials with the Mexico environmental enforcement agency that five people were detained and the beach was considered a crime scene and would remain closed until the matter is settled.

Sunbathers moved to another beach and the hotel is arranging to accommodate guests as much as possible during the interim.

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Hotel Profile: Temptation Resort Cancun

Introduced to the market at the end of 2007, this cleverly named resort seems to conjure images of the anything-goes “Temptation Island” reality show and the similarity doesn’t necessarily stop there. The 384-room upscale adults-only all-inclusive beachfront hotel is known for its lively atmosphere, topless swimming pool, adult-themed activities program and sexy vibe throughout. It is NOT a “lifestyle” resort, though, and it retains a sense of class and even elegance through its facilities, staff and accommodations.

The resort is located in the northern end of Cancun’s hotel zone, just 10-15 minutes from downtown Cancun or the main entertainment and nightlife district at Punta Cancun. The beach behind the resort is powdery white sand, leading to a calm waterfront, ideal for relaxing in and around the ocean.

The stylish rooms have balconies with ocean or garden views, plus modern and stylish décor themed after the forbidden apple. A red “sexy light” glows from behind the headboards while dramatic silver sculptures, illuminated bedside tables and plush bedding give rooms a romantic vibe. Each room has satellite TV, phone and clock radio. Some first-floor rooms also have a terrace Jacuzzi. Minibars are stocked daily with sodas and a couple beers.

The main Embarcadero restaurant serves three buffet meals a day. Bellavista serves poolside breakfasts and Caribbean dinners by reservation. Margarita’s Snack Bar & Grill is open for continental breakfast, late lunch and late-night snacks until 5am. The Village Wok offers a la carte Asian cuisine for dinner. The Tex-Mex dinner restaurant is open by reservation on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Il Piacere serves Italian dinners by reservation every day but Wednesday.

Bar options include a couple of swim-up bars, a sports bar and a highly popular patio bar that serves as the main meeting point in the evenings. The Nice Shoes Disco hosts nightly shows in the evening, ranging from Karaoke Night to sexy dancing shows to a lingerie show. Brief full nudity is allowed at some of the shows.
There are three pools, each with a distinct atmosphere—sports, relaxing and topless.
Poolside activities at the topless pool (or “Heartbeat Pool,” as it’s called) include a naughty joke contest, water volleyball, exotic dance lessons, striptease classes and other games designed to get guests to interact. The use of kayaks and other watersports equipment is included in the rate. Nightly bar tours are offered for a fee, including one-way transportation.

There is an on-site beauty parlor, jewelry shop, travel agency, car rental desk and a couple of fee-based Internet workstations.

The resort appeals to a wide variety of guests, but most tend to be couples and groups of friends in the 30-45 age range. They are upwardly mobile and interested in a wide range of recreational activities. The tropical grounds, convivial atmosphere and non-stuffy ambiance make the resort a great vacation getaway.

Rates start at about $140 per night, per person, based on double occupancy.

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Mayan Weddings in Cancun

Cancun is reinventing itself into a more upscale vacation destination, thanks in part to a USD $2.5 billion investment into local infrastructure and tourism development. One of the region’s key new attractions is the Mayan wedding ceremony. The area of Cancun and Puerto Morelos is a popular destination for weddings, hosting nearly 5000 weddings each year. There are domestic and international specialized wedding planners in the area that take care of everything from legal requirements to the planning of flights for the guests. Cancun can provide everything visitors need: bilingual judges, priests from all main religions, a huge variety of musical groups, catering services, florists, photographers, couture designers and venues that can host any number of guests from just 2 to 6000.

Mayan weddings are led by a local shaman and are held in the native Mayan language. The service follows the actual traditions used by the ancient Mayan. The bride and groom are presented to the seven directions--up to the superior cosmic energy (masculine), down to the Mother Earth (feminine), to the four winds (north, south, east, west) using the Mayan order and names, to the guardians of the location where the ceremony is held, and inside to the center of their own hearts, the temple of love.

An altar is made with flowers at four points with an arch and offerings on top. Four candles are lit on the arch. Four candles will also be lit on the four corners of the table and one candle stands in the table's center. The candles represent the four cardinal points (north, south, east and west) and the four gods that sustain the Mayan cosmology. The central flame is dedicated to man and god (Mother Earth and cosmos). The priest has the privilege of lighting this final flame, but can decide to let somebody else do it.

The couple will give each other symbolic gifts. The groom will give corn and cacao seeds. In return, the bride will give tortillas and powder of cacao. Symbolically, a woman will turn the raw material given by her future husband into food. Mayan music with pre-Hispanic instruments is performed before and during the ceremony.
Participants and guests can wear their own clothes, but they should dress in white or cream colors. Ties and traditional western wedding clothing are not suitable for the wedding couple, just simple dress in a simple style. Shoes will not be worn by the wedding couple during the ceremony and are optional for guests who want to fully receive the ceremony's energy. Being barefoot lets you have close contact with Mother Earth.

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Hanal Pixan - And Happy Halloween

Cancun -- Since Prehispanic times, each November, Mexicans celebrate and remember those who have passed away and come back to share and celebrate with living family members.

Moved by reverence and nostalgia, each region has a different way of praising their ancestors through rituals and ceremonies such as the picturesque and peculiar Mayan tradition of Hanal Pixan or supper of the souls.

Combining Mayan and Christian elements, this custom consists of food and beverage offerings that aim to remember their beloved ones that undertook the eternal journey and are granted permission to visit their relatives and friends here on Earth. For this reason, those who are still alive, welcome their loved ones with the most succulent flavors that will make them feel alive once again.

During the days prior to the celebration, people begin embroidering tablecloths to be placed at the altar table, while also mud plates and wax flowers are crafted especially for the death. As a tradition, homes and patios are cleaned up well so that the special guests won’t have to do so. People also go to bed earlier and visit the cemeteries where they place different kinds of altars.

October 31st is dedicated to the children’s souls. According to tradition, children attending the ceremonies should wear a red or black ribbon on their wrists so that the souls of the dead don’t take them. The offerings must be agreeable and indulged with toys, sweets, chocolates, honey, fruits and vegetables topped with salt, lemon and chili. This way, deceased kids will be happy and smiling instead of being sad to depart.

November 1st is the day devoted to the souls of adults and All Souls Day is on Nov. 2. That day, tables are served with the souls’ favorite stews and drinks as well as cigarettes for those who were smokers, but mainly the mucbilpollo, the Mayan word for food that is baked in a hole at ground level and the balché which is a spiritual beverage made of Mayan tree bark. There is also soap and water for them to wash their hands and clothes.
A week later, Mexicans celebrate the day when the visiting souls say good bye to their relatives and leave this world. For that reason, people place candles in their homes for souls to be able to find their way back. This custom is locally known as the Bix, the Mayan term indicating the celebration of the dead.

For the third consecutive year, the traditional Festival of Life and Death will take place from October 30th to November 2nd at Xcaret Park, near Cancun. During the event, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about Hanal Pixan with the participation of over 1000 volunteers, 719 artists and 39 local Mayan communities of Quintana Roo who will give theatre and music performances, offering exhibits and rituals. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about local handicraft, visual arts and the great gastronomic exhibit.

This occasion is ideal to learn more about a tradition that dates back thousands of years and identifies the Mayan communities in Yucatan while providing visitors the opportunity to experience first hand one of the most distinctive Mexican traditions.

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Wildlife & Adventure in Cancun & Riviera Maya

Cancun -- The Yucatan's Cancun and Riviera Maya regions make up one of the few places on earth where travelers can find nature’s richness and diversity at its best. Through its reefs, mangroves and jungles, taking some time off the beach to explore wildlife is an essential part of every trip to the region, which offers a unique glimpse at fabulous sceneries under the waters and above where you can be in contact with wildlife and find jaguars and monkeys.

In the jungles surrounding Cancun, you can have the adventure of a lifetime going in search of one of the most admired animals by the Mayans: the jaguar. You can be part of a new expedition organized by local tour operators beginning in February, playing tribute to the habitat of this great feline by following the footprints of this enigmatic species. The tour allows learning about its conservation, while also participating in activities such as snorkeling, exploring Mayan sites and camping on immaculate protected areas.

The Yucatan Peninsula is top on the list of unique sites ideal for bird watching. Currently, of the 1,062 species known in Mexico, 537 are registered here, including 14 common species which can be seen during Cancun’s bird watching tours. Observing radiant flamingos, the incredible turquoise and green plumage of the Toh bird, or the colorful toucans undoubtedly make these tours a fascinating experience.

The spider monkey has a unique sanctuary in Punta Laguna where locals walk you through the jungle while experiencing the sights of the forest and the crystal-clear water of lagoons engulfed by the magical sounds of the rainforest.

In the waters of Cancun lies a reef extending more than 700 miles from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula to the islands of Honduras and home to more than 500 species of fish and 65 coral species. The Mesoamerican Reef is more than 225 million years old and offers a unique opportunity to snorkel and dive along fascinating species in just a short distance from your hotel.

Nature’s greatest experiences are at your doorstep in Cancun. Each year, turtles that feed off the reef arrive to the coasts of Cancun where they nest along the shore. To contribute to their conservation, several hotels offer programs to preserve the turtles while engaging tourists in the gratifying experience of their conservation.

Cancun’s wetlands, specifically the Nichupte mangrove swamps, are a tourist attraction for nature lovers due to their incomparable scenery and varied biodiversity. Tourists might see thousands of blue and red crabs that live in the lagoon and migrate each year across Cancun’s hotel zone from the swampy areas. They lay the eggs along the coast with the help of locals and tourists, a very fulfilling and educational activity.

Just 20 minutes from Cancun, there is one of the most famous crocodile farms where iguanas, coaties, snakes, deers, parrots and macaws can be seen in their natural habitat. Additionally, the botanical garden of Puerto Morelos is home to over 250 species of animals and exuberant flora, such as La Ceiba, the sacred Mayan tree.

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Mayan Weddings in Cancun

Cancun is reinventing itself into a more upscale vacation destination, thanks in part to a USD $2.5 billion investment into local infrastructure and tourism development. One of the region’s key new attractions is the Mayan wedding ceremony. The area of Cancun and Puerto Morelos is a popular destination for weddings, hosting nearly 5000 weddings each year. There are domestic and international specialized wedding planners in the area that take care of everything from legal requirements to the planning of flights for the guests. Cancun can provide everything visitors need: bilingual judges, priests from all main religions, a huge variety of musical groups, catering services, florists, photographers, couture designers and venues that can host any number of guests from just 2 to 6000.

Mayan weddings are led by a local shaman and are held in the native Mayan language. The service follows the actual traditions used by the ancient Mayan. The bride and groom are presented to the seven directions--up to the superior cosmic energy (masculine), down to the Mother Earth (feminine), to the four winds (north, south, east, west) using the Mayan order and names, to the guardians of the location where the ceremony is held, and inside to the center of their own hearts, the temple of love.

An altar is made with flowers at four points with an arch and offerings on top. Four candles are lit on the arch. Four candles will also be lit on the four corners of the table and one candle stands in the table's center. The candles represent the four cardinal points (north, south, east and west) and the four gods that sustain the Mayan cosmology. The central flame is dedicated to man and god (Mother Earth and cosmos). The priest has the privilege of lighting this final flame, but can decide to let somebody else do it.

The couple will give each other symbolic gifts. The groom will give corn and cacao seeds. In return, the bride will give tortillas and powder of cacao. Symbolically, a woman will turn the raw material given by her future husband into food. Mayan music with pre-Hispanic instruments is performed before and during the ceremony.
Participants and guests can wear their own clothes, but they should dress in white or cream colors. Ties and traditional western wedding clothing are not suitable for the wedding couple, just simple dress in a simple style. Shoes will not be worn by the wedding couple during the ceremony and are optional for guests who want to fully receive the ceremony's energy. Being barefoot lets you have close contact with Mother Earth.

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Mexico's Best Beaches

From the LA Times -- June, 2008

Cancún: In terms of sheer beauty, Mexico's best beaches are in Cancún and along the Yucatán's Quintana Roo coast, extending south almost all the way to the Belizean border. The powdery, white-sand beaches boast water the color of a Technicolor dream; it's so clear you can see through to the coral reefs below. Cancún offers the widest assortment of luxury beachfront hotels, with more restaurants, nightlife, and activities than any other resort destination in the country.

Tulum: Fronting some of the best beaches on Mexico's Caribbean coast, Tulum's small palapa hotels offer guests a little slice of paradise far from crowds and megaresorts. The bustling town lies inland; at the coast, things are quiet and will remain so because all these hotels are small and must generate their own electricity. If you can pull yourself away from the beach, nearby are ruins to explore and a vast nature preserve.

Isla Mujeres: There's only one small beach here -- Playa Norte -- but it's superb. From this island, you can dive El Garrafón reef, snorkel offshore, and take a boat excursion to the Isla Contoy national wildlife reserve, which features great birding and a fabulous, uninhabited beach.

Playa del Carmen: "Playa" is Mexico's hip beach destination with a dash of third-world chic. Above all, it's easy and low key. You walk to the beach, you walk back to the hotel, you walk to one of the many good restaurants. Next day, you repeat. The beaches are white sand; the water is clear blue and perfect for swimming. If you feel the urge to be active, not far away are ancient Maya ruins, Cozumel, and the megaresort of Cancún, offering all the variety that you might want in a beach vacation.

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Temptation Resort: Hard to Resist

Introduced to the market at the end of 2007, this cleverly named resort seems to conjure images of the anything-goes “Temptation Island” reality show and the similarity doesn’t necessarily stop there. The 384-room upscale adults-only all-inclusive beachfront hotel is known for its lively atmosphere, topless swimming pool, adult-themed activities program and sexy vibe throughout. It is NOT a “lifestyle” resort, though, and it retains a sense of class and even elegance through its facilities, staff and accommodations.

The resort is located in the northern end of Cancun’s hotel zone, just 10-15 minutes from downtown Cancun or the main entertainment and nightlife district at Punta Cancun. The beach behind the resort is powdery white sand, leading to a calm waterfront, ideal for relaxing in and around the ocean.

The stylish rooms have balconies with ocean or garden views, plus modern and stylish décor themed after the forbidden apple. A red “sexy light” glows from behind the headboards while dramatic silver sculptures, illuminated bedside tables and plush bedding give rooms a romantic vibe. Each room has satellite TV, phone and clock radio. Some first-floor rooms also have a terrace Jacuzzi. Minibars are stocked daily with sodas and a couple beers.

The main Embarcadero restaurant serves three buffet meals a day. Bellavista serves poolside breakfasts and Caribbean dinners by reservation. Margarita’s Snack Bar & Grill is open for continental breakfast, late lunch and late-night snacks until 5am. The Village Wok offers a la carte Asian cuisine for dinner. The Tex-Mex dinner restaurant is open by reservation on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Il Piacere serves Italian dinners by reservation every day but Wednesday.

Bar options include a couple of swim-up bars, a sports bar and a highly popular patio bar that serves as the main meeting point in the evenings. The Nice Shoes Disco hosts nightly shows in the evening, ranging from Karaoke Night to sexy dancing shows to a lingerie show. Brief full nudity is allowed at some of the shows.
There are three pools, each with a distinct atmosphere—sports, relaxing and topless.
Poolside activities at the topless pool (or “Heartbeat Pool,” as it’s called) include a naughty joke contest, water volleyball, exotic dance lessons, striptease classes and other games designed to get guests to interact. The use of kayaks and other watersports equipment is included in the rate. Nightly bar tours are offered for a fee, including one-way transportation.

There is an on-site beauty parlor, jewelry shop, travel agency, car rental desk and a couple of fee-based Internet workstations.

The resort appeals to a wide variety of guests, but most tend to be couples and groups of friends in the 30-45 age range. They are upwardly mobile and interested in a wide range of recreational activities. The tropical grounds, convivial atmosphere and non-stuffy ambiance make the resort a great vacation getaway.

Rates start at about $140 per night, per person, based on double occupancy.

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Cancun Turns 38 Years Old

Cancun -- On April 20, the resort town of Cancun will turn only 38 years since established, but is currently the most important tourist destination in Mexico and one of the most important in the world.

It is a successful reality that no one would have ever imagined when the island of Cancun – Kaank’uun in the Mayan language – was inhabited by only a small group of Mayan fisherman. Back then, no one dreamed that in just 38 years it would offer international tourism 146 hotels with over 28,000 rooms, approximately 453 restaurants, 12 shopping centers and 13 golf courses.

Cancun’s story began in 1968 when Bank of Mexico was looking for new ways to bring foreign currency into the country. It commissioned a group of economists to explore 11,000 miles of the nation’s coasts to find the most attractive location in which to develop tourism, based on climate, water temperature and beautiful scenery. The computer picked Cancun as one of those special places.
During the 70s, there was hardly any international tourism in Mexico. With Cancun came freeways, airports, ports and the entire country’s tourist attractions moved to the next level. International investors and tour operators set their sights on the new territory and transformed it into the phenomenon that it is today, making it the favorite destination of more than three million national and international tourists each year.

Cancun annually brings a considerable amount of foreign currency into the country and it is a direct or indirect source of employment for approximately 800,000 people. It has the second largest airport in Mexico with 54,729 annual flights and it has become one of the hubs with the highest number of direct international flights in Latin America.

Cancun aims to continue elevating the quality and diversity of its tourist attractions, by adding sports, ecological and adventure attractions to its white sand beaches, archaeological attractions and famous 15-mile boulevard.

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Nightlife Profile -- Coco Bongo Cancun

Located across from the Cancun Convention Center, in the heart of the city's party zone, Coco Bongo is Cancun's premier party spot. But to call Coco Bongo a bar would be woefully inadequate; to even call it a nightclub is somewhat of a joke. It's more like an entertainment center, where travelers from around the world congregate to celebrate life and pretend it's Spring Break all year long.

There's often a line wrapping around the corner, but it goes fast, and you can start making friends before you even get inside. Cover charge varies by night, ranging from $30 to $60 USD for entry and open bar. Once inside, you'll find a central bar area ringed by stadium-like seating, an upper deck with another bar and more seating, and an elevated stage, where most of the club's nonstop action happens.

Accommodating up to 1800 guests, it's amazing how frequently the place gets packed. Even when the other clubs in the area are hurting for business, Coco Bongo is always a party. Throughout the night, one show after another is presented, each one good enough to headline anywhere else in town. From celebrity impersonators and high-flying acrobats to live rock music and comic book reenactments, there's always something happening on stage or hanging from the rafters above the main bar.

Between acts, DJ music fills the room while bar-top conga lines, audio-visual displays, cascading soap bubbles, balloon drops, streamers, confetti and air-blasts keep the crowd energized. The atmosphere is very convivial, with a strong spirit of communal fun. Recent celebrity guests include actors Benicio del Toro and Daman Wayans, plus former NBA bad-boy and famed partier Dennis Rodman.

Insider's Tip: Though most of the action happens on the ground level, with a clear view of the stage, head to the top level, stage-left and snag a spot along the rail for a while. From this vantage point, you can see the entire club as well as the back-stage preparations and the door leading to the dressing room. It's a great spot to see the inner workings of the place and helps lead to an even greater appreciation of what it takes to keep a club of 1500 revelers whipped into a frenzy all night long.

Doors open at around 10pm, with midnight to 2am being the prime hours. Depending on the night and the crowd, the party can go until sun-up.

If you're interested in staying within walking distance to Coco Bongo, consider the very upscale Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach, tourist class NH Krystal Cancun, or the moderately priced Carisa y Palma Condos, all within stumbling distance.

Even if you're staying in Playa del Carmen or elsewhere in the Riviera Maya, going to Coco Bongo should be part of your travel itinerary. Though cultural purists may cringe at the notion, for travelers to the Mexican Caribbean, Coco Bongo as much of a must-see as the ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza.

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Elan Resort Brings Old World Charm to Cancun

The Elan Resort & Spa opened in May 2007 after a $15 million renovation of the former Club Las Velas. The hotel is located on a private beach facing the Nichupte Lagoon on the Cancun mainland, just a few miles from the resort town’s main commercial and entertainment district. The hotel was designed by Mexican architect Tomas Aunon to resemble a 17th Century Mexican village and the staff works hard to maintain a gracious Old World sense of warmth and service. Strolling mariachis, Mexican folklore shows, cooking classes, history lessons and a weekly Mexican fiesta in the main courtyard also help to set the tone.

Given its lagoon-front location, expansive grounds and adults-only policy, the Elan has a faraway feeling of peace and tranquility hard to find at other Cancun-resorts.

It is much more sedate and relaxing than other hotel properties that are so firmly established in the area. The staff is exceptionally warm and accommodating, giving the hotel an exclusive and friendly atmosphere.

At meal times guests have several options. The day starts for many with a fresh and delicious Mexican breakfast at the waterfront La Palapa Restaurant. Guests in the villas can also opt for coffee and a Continental breakfast in their room. El Embarcadero is open for poolside lunches and afternoon snacks. The Trattoria serves brick oven pizzas next to the lagoon for lunch and dinner. Fans of Asian food head to Tao for fresh sushi and noodle dishes. For a taste of the Mediterranean, guests can go to the Mare Nostrum dinner restaurant and for a sampling of authentic dishes from across Mexico, they head to Cielito Lindo. In the evening, the hot spot for pre-dinner cocktails and snacks, plus live piano music, fortune-telling exhibitions and billiards is the Café Mystic. Diners can return after dinner for coffee and dessert. Other options for food and drink include the lobby bar and swim-up pool bar.

The resort is operated as an all-inclusive, with all food, drinks and non-motorized water sports included. The on-site fitness center offers workout stations, exercise classes and free weights. Other recreational opportunities include a white-sand beach, two freshwater swimming pools, two tennis courts, beach volleyball, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. There is also a full-service day spa, offering ancient Mayan healing treatments, facials, massages and a number of ayurvedic treatments. There are steam rooms, a Temazcal sweat lodge, massage, yoga, Pilates, aikido, body wraps, facials, Reiki, reflexology and a host of salon treatments. Accommodations include a half-hour massage on their day of arrival.

The hotel’s guestrooms are built around a courtyard, reminiscent of a traditional Mexican colonial town square, with meandering pathways and tropical gardens. Each room has king or queen beds with premium Egyptian cotton sheets, wireless Internet access, cable TV, minibars stocked with water and juice, safes, clock radios, bathrobes and private terrace or balcony with views of the hotel gardens or lagoon. Villa suites also have coffeemakers, a living area with additional TV, CD/DVD player and wine and beer included in the minibar.

Key Facts:
Elan Resort & Spa
Blvd Kukulcan, Esq. Galeon St km 3.5
Cancun, Q. Roo, Mexico
Hotel Direct Phone - (52) 998-891-4080
USA Reservations Line - (888) 400-Elan (3526)

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Hurricane Dean Threatens Riviera Maya

Local officials in Playa del Carmen and Cancun are urging tourists to leave the Yucatan Peninsula as quickly as possible to avoid the dangerous situations likely to come about with the passing of Hurricane Dean. The storm, currently a Category 4 but expected to grow into a 5, is forecast to strike the region by Tuesday.

The Cancun and Cozumel airports are still open, but could close as soon as Monday if the storm stays on its current path. Some flights into the region have been canceled and extra planes are being positioned in Cancun to help evacuate tourists whose return flights are not scheduled until after the storm is supposed to hit.

The editors of MayanHoliday.com urge all tourists to leave the area as quickly as possible, even if it means renting a car and driving inland, toward Mexico City. Even though emergency plans are in place to house tourists in safe areas away from the beach, resort towns are not good places to be during severe weather.

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Resort Report: Grand Oasis Cancun

The Grand Oasis Cancun is a luxury all-inclusive resort in the heart of the Cancun hotel zone. The main attraction is the picture-perfect beach, ideal for sunbathing, strolling, site-seeing, building sandcastles and playing in the water. The hotel is less than 30 minutes from the Cancun International airport and half that from the main nightlife, shopping and entertainment district of the city.

A large pyramid-shaped main building rises above the green grass of the golf course and gardens that front the hotel. Once inside, guests are surrounded by hanging plants and tropical flowers, which ring the interior atrium and help create an exotic and faraway ambiance.

Guest rooms feature contemporary styling with aspects of Mexican design, including earth-tone walls, native print linens and decorative headboards. All rooms feature shower/tub combo, cable TV, direct-dial phone, hairdryer, minibar and private terrace or balcony with views of the Caribbean or lagoon (perfect for watching the sunset). Suites have separate sitting areas and spacious bathrooms with jetted tubs.

The Grand Oasis Cancun has more food and beverage options than nearly any other hotel in the Cancun area, giving guests plenty of choices at mealtime. There are bounteous buffets served at a couple of different restaurants, plus specialty a la carte restaurants serving Italian, Asian, Tex-Mex, gourmet Mexican, sushi, Mediterranean, Brazilian barbecue, seafood and more. Between meals, guests can hit up the poolside snack bar or a casual restaurant next to the beach.

Nightlife options are nearly as numerous. There is a lively lobby bar serving exotic cocktails, a sports bar with several TVs and the UP & Down Nightclub, home to the Thursday night Foam Party, draws revelers from all across Cancun. There are also theme parties and live music each evening to keep guests entertained.

The hotel pool is famous throughout the Caribbean. It is more than a quarter of a mile long, with waterfalls, tropical gardens, several swim-up bars and plenty of room to lounge in the sun. The beach in back of the hotel is huge, also, with lounge chairs and umbrellas for guest use. Most days, the water is fairly calm and clear, making it a great place to play in the water. The sand is powdery white and is so fine that it doesn’t get hot, even in the middle of the day.

Active guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities and recreational opportunities without leaving the resort. There are two lighted tennis courts, a soccer field, basketball court and fitness center with workout stations, free weights and treadmills. Guests can also visit the hotel’s water sports center, which offers free kayaks, paddleboats and surfboards. They also offer a variety of local fee-based tours, including scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, adventure tours and visits to Mayan ruins.

Guests can play golf for free at the resort’s own 9-hole course, located just in front of the property. The holes are short, but still present a fun challenge for all levels of play. There are sand traps, water hazards and palm trees aplenty. The hotel maintains a corporate membership at Cancun’s Pok-Ta-Pok Country Club, located about 20 minutes away. Guests get great discounts on fees and can make reservations through the hotel concierge desk.

You can’t keep going at high-speed your whole vacation, though. When it’s time to relax, guests head to the on-site day spa and salon. Popular treatments include massages, sunburn relief, body wraps, facials, waxings and visits to the Temazcal, which is a Mayan-style sweat lodge.

The Grand Oasis Cancun is popular with young vacationers, active couples and families. It is known as one of the most lively and fun resorts in Cancun.

Key Facts:
Hotel Grand Oasis Cancun
Blvd. Kukulkán, Km.16,5.
Phone from USA: (52) 998-881-7000

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Cancun's Bulldog Cafe Presents Live Lucha Libre

Cancun, July 2007 -- Bulldog Cafe, one of Cancun's most popular nightclubs, now offers a weekly "Lucha Libre" theme night, offering patrons the chance to watch live Mexican-style wrestling on the main stage. Located on Punta Cancun and close to Coco Bongo, Daddy O's, Sr. Frog's and other bars, Bulldog is known for its live rock music, stage-side Jacuzzi and lively scene of vacationing revelers.

The wrestling them night gives visitors a little taste of the Mexican costumes, traditions and folklore, while highlighting the abilities and skills of local athletes. Aside from the wrestling, there are awe-inspiring acrobatics, an open bar and plenty of Cancun-style parting and dancing.

The Lucha Libre show plays every Tuesday night, starting at midnight. The wrestling ring is also used as the dance floor, giving all attendees the chance to take pictures and enjoy the thrill of being in the ring. The club's waiters and other staff wear Mexican wrestling masks and masks are also given to some partiers to make the night even more fun and exciting.


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Cancun International Film Festival 2007

CANCUN, July 2007 -- The Cancun International Film Festival has announced plans for the inaugural event, to take place November 14-18. The festival will feature approximately 50 feature length films, presented in both competitive and non-competitive programs over the five days of the festival. Awards will be presented at the Awards Gala on Sunday, November 18, 2007, following the Closing Night Premiere. Additionally, eight honorary awards will be presented during the festival.

The event will include:

Special Presentations - Approximately six Gala Premieres will be presented during the Festival. Each evening will host a Premiere Screening, followed by a party to celebrate the screening. The films will include a selection of major Hollywood releases and top international films of the season. The directors and stars of the films will be invited to attend the premiere screenings. The Closing Night Premiere will be held on Sunday, November 18, prior to the Awards Gala.

Cancun Looks at the World - A collection of approximately 30 to 35 feature length films will be presented. These will include both fiction and documentary films from countries around the world and will represent the top international films of the year.

Spotlight on Latin America - This Competitive Program will include approximately 12 films from Mexico, Latin and South American, including Brazil. The collection will represent the very best of cinema from the region this year. This competition will be judged by a jury of internationally acclaimed filmmakers and industry VIPs.

REEL World - This Competitive Program will include a collection of feature length documentaries from around the world including Latin America. A jury of international filmmakers and industry executives will select the winner.

Films in Brief - This Competitive Program of short films will include live action, short documentary and animation from all over Mexico, Latin and South American, including Brazil. Films must have a running length of no more than 30 minutes to be eligible. Approximately 25 films will be chosen for this program that will be judge by a jury of internationally acclaimed filmmakers.

Retrospectives - The Festival will pay tribute to some of world’s top filmmakers and actors in a series of Retrospectives held this year. These Retrospectives will include a presentation of a number of the filmmakers or actors films, screened throughout the Festival.

Master Classes - The Festival will invite vanguards of film from around the world to come to Cancun to discuss their work and detail their experiences in the business for both film students and Festival audiences. These Master Classes may include a selection of films chosen by the filmmaker for the influence they had on their own work.

Stars on the Beach - Each night, the festival will present a classic film screening on the beach. These beach screenings will be free to everyone. The lineup of festival favorites will include films from Mexico and around the world.

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Nightlife Profile -- Coco Bongo Cancun

Located across from the Cancun Convention Center, in the heart of the city's party zone, Coco Bongo is Cancun's premier party spot. But to call Coco Bongo a bar would be woefully inadequate; to even call it a nightclub is somewhat of a joke. It's more like an entertainment center, where travelers from around the world congregate to celebrate life and pretend it's Spring Break all year long.

There's often a line wrapping around the corner, but it goes fast, and you can start making friends before you even get inside. Cover charge varies by night, with pay-as-you-go options starting at around $10 and all-you-can-drink specials starting at $25. Once inside, you'll find a central bar area ringed by stadium-like seating, an upper deck with another bar and more seating, and an elevated stage, where most of the club's nonstop action happens.


Accommodating up to 1800 guests, it's amazing how frequently the place gets packed. Even when the other clubs in the area are hurting for business, Coco Bongo is always a party. Throughout the night, one show after another is presented, each one good enough to headline anywhere else in town. From celebrity impersonators and high-flying acrobats to live rock music and comic book reenactments, there's always something happening on stage or hanging from the rafters above the main bar.

Between acts, DJ music fills the room while bar-top conga lines, audio-visual displays, cascading soap bubbles, balloon drops, streamers, confetti and air-blasts keep the crowd energized. The atmosphere is very convivial, with a strong spirit of communal fun. Recent celebrity guests include actors Benicio del Toro and Daman Wayans, plus former NBA bad-boy and famed partier Dennis Rodman.


Insider's Tip: Though most of the action happens on the ground level, with a clear view of the stage, head to the top level, stage-left and snag a spot along the rail for a while. From this vantage point, you can see the entire club as well as the back-stage preparations and the door leading to the dressing room. It's a great spot to see the inner workings of the place and helps lead to an even greater appreciation of what it takes to keep a club of 1500 revelers whipped into a frenzy all night long.

Doors open at around 10pm, with midnight to 2am being the prime hours. Depending on the night and the crowd, the party can go until sun-up.

If you're interested in staying within walking distance to Coco Bongo, consider the very upscale Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach, tourist class NH Krystal Cancun, or the moderately priced Carisa y Palma Condos, all within stumbling distance.

Even if you're staying in Playa del Carmen or elsewhere in the Riviera Maya, going to Coco Bongo should be part of your travel itinerary. Though cultural purists may cringe at the notion, for travelers to the Mexican Caribbean, Coco Bongo as much of a must-see as the ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza.

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Cancun Is More Than a Day at the Beach

This article appears on the Miami Herald.

For Kids, Cancun is Much More Than a Day at the Beach
By Jeff Silverstein

CANCUN -- Cancun and kids. The words don't exactly roll off the tongue. If you're like me, when you think of Cancun, you probably have visions of wet T-shirt contests, hot tub parties and Girls Gone Wild.

But there's another side to this booming city, and after a week-long visit with my 6-year-old son Max, I can report that there's a slew of things to do with kids -- zip lining over the forest canopy, snorkeling off some of the Caribbean's prettiest reefs, floating down mystical underground Mayan rivers and swimming with dolphins.

Read the entire article.

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