Articles with the theme hotels

Cancun Beach Recovery Project | Guests Reviews

The beach recovery project is almost finished in Cancun.  Ninety-three percent of the restoration has been achieved with an expected completion date by the end of this week.  Using almost five million cubic meters of sand, the last stage of the project is about to begin, including the location of the “closing structure” to prevent future sand erosion.

Last weekend, we visited the beach at the Royal Sunset Hotel where the beach recovery program began less than three months ago. Numerous guests where enjoying the wide beach with soft white sand, a sight that we had not seen since 2005 when Hurricane Wilma eroded the beaches of Cancun.  Here are some comments about the new beach from travelers.

 

Tips for moving in and around Cancun|How do I get to…

After more than 20 years of living in Cancun, I’ve learned about the things that concern travelers and visitors in this paradise. Besides the weather (which can easily be followed on the web), adventurous and thrifty tourists wonder about transportation options. They prefer to discover the city vibe in a more authentic way instead of renting a car.  As a travel lover, I must say this the BEST way to really know the places and the people.

A) … my hotel for the first time?

One of the first challenges for you is how to get to your hotel. If the place you’ve chosen doesn’t provide transportation services, it could mean that your hotel or hostel is located in Cancun Centro/downtown Cancun.  (All of our resorts & hotels offer transportation services.)  The moment you leave the airport Arrivals gate, many people will offer you transportation.  Think twice.  These companies charge between $30 and $60 USD to take you to your destination, which is probably just a 25-minute drive away.  Instead, ask for the ADO bus stop, and for +/- $4 USD ($45 pesos) , a comfortable bus will take you to the main ADO bus station in downtown Cancun.  From there, a taxi driver will charge you no more than $3 USD (the minimum is $20 pesos or $1.70 USD) if your hotel is located in Cancun Centro.

If your hotel is in on the main tourist route, the Cancun hotel zone, it’s still a better deal to take the ADO bus downtown and then take a taxi, which will cost you between $6 and $18 USD, depending on the location of your hotel in the hotel zone.

B) …the hotel zone and the beaches?

The easiest way to get to the beach, besides walking, is to take the bus. If you’re staying downtown, find your way to Tulum Avenue (Cancun Centro’s main street) or  to Wal-Mart, two centrally located spots with continuous public bus transportation to the hotel zone, where the newly recovered beaches are.  From Tulum Avenue, take bus numbers 1, 2, or 27; from Wal-Mart, take bus number 15.  All buses are well identified with the Hotel Zone – Downtown sign marked on their front window.  Bus fare is less than a dollar ($8.50 pesos).  There are several public beaches in the hotel zone, but Playa Chac Mool (pronounced “shuck mole”); Marlin, and El Mirador are the nicest.

C) …restaurants, nightclubs, etc.?

It depends on where you want to go.  If you are going to a restaurant or a nightclub (most likely) in the hotel zone, read item  B above.  If you plan to stay in downtown Cancun, it’s a good idea to buy a map and then walk or take a taxi.  The taxi will charge you the minimum fare ($20 pesos or $1.70 USD).  Ask your hotel or hostel concierge for recommendations on where to find an authentic Mexican meal.  They will usually know some great spots.

D) …Playa del Carmen & Puerto Morelos?

Go to the ADO bus station (see item A above), and you’ll find convenient, comfortable buses that travel frequently (almost every 15 to 20 minutes) to your destination.  For $3 USD, you can go to Playa del Carmen and for a bit less, to Puerto Morelos.

When you plan your visit, take a look at our Cancun travel deals, I’m sure that you’ll find the right one to enjoy your next Cancun vacation.

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Jorge is the Social Media Executive for Yucatan Holidays. He is a travel lover & tennis player living in Cancun. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter to find out the latest travel deals in Cancun & the Riviera Maya.

Tequila: Gift from the Gods

We may think of tequila as a great party drink, but it’s also considered an art, like wine tasting. There are so many types and flavors of tequila available; it’s like a flavor fiesta. Some places also offer tequila tasting, like Hacienda Tres Rios in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. There’s even a World Tequila Conference. Tequila is a big deal and worth exploring.

Tequila Legend

Let’s touch on its origins. Legend has it that the very first tequila was born by an act of nature during Aztec times. Lightning struck an agave plant (the source of that wonderful tequila nectar). It burst into flames, creating a fermented liquid from the core of the agave plant. When the Aztecs tasted it, they enjoyed its flavor and effects, believing that it was a drink of the gods and so named it: pulque ("pool-kay")

Tequila Production

That’s an apropos name for such an exotic, intoxicating drink. When the Spanish arrived, favoring the Aztec beverage, they distilled it and called it tequila. The name comes from the town of Tequila, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, where it was first produced over 200 years ago.

Today, more than 100 distilleries exist in Mexico, producing more than 600 different tequilas, made from the blue agave plant. Distilleries must follow a strict set of processing standards dictated by the government (Mexicans take their tequila very seriously). Mexican law requires that all tequila contain at least 51% agave. Genuine tequila containing 100% agave can only be produced, bottled, and inspected in Mexico.

Note: Agave liquor is not tequila. When buying tequila, make sure it’s labeled as “tequila.”

Tequila Types

Oro or Joven (gold or young): Young tequila, not aged, gold-ish color; additives are used to resemble aged tequila. This type includes added flavoring to mellow its crisp, harsher flavor. Commonly used for mixed drinks and shooters.

Blanco or Plata (white or silver): Young tequila, not aged, white color. This type typically has a harsher, robust, and tastier flavor than the aged types. Also commonly used for mixed drinks and shooters.

The three aged types of tequila below are richer, smoother, and more complex, containing flavors that are spicy, woody, citrusy, floral, herbal, sweet, and sometimes with a hint of vanilla or chocolate. These types are best consumed neat, chilled, and sipped like brandy.

Reposado (rested): Aged between two months and one year, golden color.

Añejo (aged or vintage): Aged between one and three years, amber color.

Extra Añejo (ultra aged or maduro): Aged a minimum of three years, darker amber color.

Popular Tequila Brands

Jose Cuervo (try their tropical flavored tequilas)

1800

Don Julio

Herradura

Cazadores

Sauza 100 Años

Jalapeno Tequila by Tanteo (a milder, well-balanced pepper and agave flavor in a slightly sweet Blanco base). Sounds delicious! What’s your favorite tequila?

A nice place to learn more about tequila is at La Destileria in the Hotel Zone, Boulevard Kukulcan, Km. 12.65, Cancun. Consider learning the fun and finer side of tequila while on your next Cancun vacation. These days, there are some great travel deals!