Cancun, the paradise that awaits you

Sunrise at the private beach of Excellence Riviera Maya Resort

By Yoon Jie-min

After spending a week in Cancun, I’d say it is, without doubt, the world’s most romantic city. I can surely say couples will not regret choosing Cancun for their honeymoon destination despite the distance from Korea.

Cancun has world class resorts. The unique feature of these is that they are all-inclusive, with unlimited food and beverages included in the room rate. Couples can also enjoy breakfast-in-bed as room service is mostly included too. Also, various activities such as water sports and Mayan heritage exploration tours allow newlyweds to create lasting memories.

A poolside bar at ME by Melia Cancun

Resorts

“Live Aqua” is a huge property with the best quality service provided by 12 restaurants, cafes and bars. It has seven pools, including a wide infinity pool and jacuzzis with varying temperatures. All rooms are ocean-view.

“Secrets the Vine” is also famous for all its rooms having either an ocean or lagoon view. Daily activities such as mixology classes, aquarobics, yoga and wine tasting are provided. Wine lovers will love to stay here as they have the best selection of wine with 3,000 varieties. Honeymooners are recommended to request a Preferred Club, where they can enjoy a higher level suite and exclusive swimming pool and hammocks.

Enjoying jet-skiing and boat riding in Cancun

“ME Cancun by Melia” is great for young couples who seek a hip and fun atmosphere. You can choose to have your room as all-inclusive or not. The resort is not adults-only but adult-focused. This resort is also popular for a group of young people traveling with friends. Those who love to make friends and have fun at parties would love the property as it is stylish and loud.

If you prefer to be away from the crowded hotel zone, you can consider staying at hotels in remote locations. There are islands and cities around Cancun which have beautiful beaches.

Infinity pool view at ME by Melia Cancun

“Excellence Riviera Maya” is located about 30 minutes away from the hotel zone and 20 minutes away from the airport. This is an all-inclusive resort; the location allows you to enjoy a more intimate and private vacation away from the crowds. The swimming pool is huge and you can request a private dinner on the beach.

As there are various activities you can enjoy around Cancun, it might be a waste to book all-inclusive resorts if you can’t enjoy the food and services during the daytime. An option is to book a luxurious all-inclusive resort for a day or two of rest and then move to less expensive resorts for several days of activities.

Tulum ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea

Activities

“Xelha” is certainly worth visiting for the activities. It is an eco-friendly water park where you can enjoy the nature of the Yucatan peninsula. Xelha means “where the water is born” in Mayan language. The park is situated where the river meets the ocean, preserving the natural jungle and mangroves. You can ride a tube through a mangrove forest and experience Mayan caves on the Yucatan peninsula. Swimming and snorkeling are other options.

Xelha has a natural mangrove forest where you can explore on a tube

Chichen Itza, one of the largest Mayan Pyramids in the area, is popular for visitors exploring the cultural heritage in Cancun but Tulum is another secret spot for explorers. Tulum is unique as its Mayan pyramids are situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Emerald beaches with a view of the Pyramids offer fantastic scenery.

Tulum has numerous Cenotes, natural water-filled sinkholes resulting from the collapse of limestone, which are frequently found in the Yucatan. If you are a diver, scuba diving in these Cenotes is highly recommended as it is a rare activity. It is amazing to view a halocline, a blurry swirling layer where the fresh and saline water mixes.

Xelha has a natural mangrove forest where you can explore on a tube

Cancun is certainly a paradise for honeymooners, providing as many options as possible for you to enjoy. All-inclusive resorts will treat newlyweds tired of preparing their wedding ceremony. Couples-only resorts will provide services such as a private dinner on the beach and romantic spas upon request. Special activities like parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and dolphin watching will add more vibrancy. Traveling from Korea, another merit of Cancun is that you can stopover at New York or Los Angeles for a few days to shop on your way home.