Holidays to Cancun

If you want a lesson in how to get things right, first time, look no further than Cancun. A generation ago, this sublime spot was a forlorn spit of land, a dog-leg of muddy sand overlooking a stagnant lagoon at the edge of the rainforest. Now it's a billion dollar plus tourism industry, leading the way in showing Central America how to raise its stakes and attract wealthy Americans, fun-loving Europeans and sleek Cruise liners.

Make no mistake, when the Mexican tourist authority wanted to create a tourist resort to rival Florida they left nothing to chance - keying in all those necessary requirements of climate, suitability of terrain and kindness of the Caribbean sea. All co-ordinates pointed to this lonely spur, shaped like a number seven, arching out from the mainland at the old market town of Cancun...

Twenty years later. The lagoon is clean and fresh, the sand is sieved and sparkly, and the spur of land is now one swift and straight avenue of designer malls, watersports clubs, dolphin shows and sherbert-coloured hotel complexes, each more dramatic than the last. There's not a lot of subtlety here - the international chains jostle each other for attention, creating powder pink castles of ostentatious luxury - replete with complex pool systems, swim-up bars, private stretches of beach (don't worry, there's plenty to go round) and all manner of pampering opportunities.

If the Hotel Zone (the new name for this spur of land) looks daunting in its seemingly neverending length, don't worry, it's all conveniently broken down into sections, each section having enough late night bars, shopping villages, cinemas and waterparks to keep you from wandering too far. But do. Wander all the way into Cancun's Old Town (past the largest Mexican flag we've ever seen) and explore the taverns, markets and (cheaper) shops of the real Cancun.

And don't forget to delve deep into the rain forest for three hours to gasp in amazement at the Chichen Itza complex, the Mayan city only rediscovered a century ago, when an explorer spotted the pinnacle of the Pyramid of Kukulcan poking out from the undergrowth which had reclaimed this once mighty seat of power.

Aquamarina Beach
	Rating AAA Board Basis All Inclusive A comfortable and convenient base set on the beach and within easy reach of Cancun's many attractions. Chill out by the pool or in the bar, or enjoy the entertainment and activities. ... Hotel details Add to shortlist

Aquamarina Beach
	Rating AAA Board Basis All Inclusive A comfortable and convenient base set on the beach and within easy reach of Cancun's many attractions. Chill out by the pool or in the bar, or enjoy the entertainment and activities. ... Hotel details Add to shortlist

Barcelo Costa Cancun
	Rating AAAA Board Basis All Inclusive The more you get to know the Gran Costa Real, the more impressed you'll be. Packed with facilities, this is an ideal hotel for families looking for plenty to do, and lots of ... Hotel details Add to shortlist

Barcelo Tucancun Beach
	Rating AAAA Board Basis All Inclusive Comfortable and stylish you will soon feel at home at the Tucancun Beach with its friendly staff and animation team. The hotel is located on the sandy beach and is within easy reach ... Hotel details Add to shortlist

Catalonia Riviera Maya
	Rating VVV Board Basis PUERTO ADVENTURAS Catalonia Riviera Maya with its beachfront location in Puerto Aventuras in the heart of the Mayan Riviera is within walking distance of the great marina with ... Hotel details Add to shortlist

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