Fun things to do in Cancún

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In our hotel is a beautiful spa called "SpAzul" or Spa Blue. Situated oceanfront, you can sit in the outdoor jacuzzi, experience an outdoor waterfall or have an oceanfront massage in one of the massage cabanas.

The spa offers a different perspective with Mayan-influenced Sáas Philosophy program. In the Mayan language Sáas is translated as "clarity and light". The SpAzul dedicated to reviving and recreating ancient Mayan healing treatments as an added benefit for spa guests. Using the proven power of the four basic "earthly" elements: Tierra or Earth, Viento or Wind, Agua or Water and Fuego or Fire. The Spa will calculate the element that best represents you and design a treatment program custom made for you.

The young man at the reception desk did not speak English at all, nor did he really want to do so. In a five star resort this should NOT happen. It proves to be a bit difficult in scheduling your appointments. He kept saying everything I wanted to book was not available all the Mayan treatments which, according to him, they have not begun yet. The treatment rooms are spacious allowing the guest to have all the massage and facial services done in one room. The rooms can be a cool from the air conditioning so just ask for another blanket. I had a $100 resort credit which I applied to the massage and facial. I spent about $80.00 for a massage, facial and nail polish change and it covered all the tips. I was disappointed that the Mayan based treatments were not available and for the services I did have they were what I call a "resort facial and a resort massage" perfunctory, at best. Had I paid full price for the treatments, I would not have been very happy. Despite all of this I did enjoy the treatments and I really enjoyed the Spa's facilities. Lockers and showers were provided as well as bathrobes and slippers.

In Mexico, there's an argument about whether the world's second largest coral reef is at Cozumel or off of Playa Moreles. Some argue that Cozumel had the edge before the hurricane two years ago.

Here's what I know: The snorkeling trip I took off of a small boat from Playa Moreles far exceeded my expectations. I recommend exploring this area. Here's why:

1. Lots of coral formations, which means lots of fish.
2. Fairly shallow waters so you can see everything.
3. I have been a volunteer at an aquarium, so I'm difficult to impress, but the diversity of fish and sea critters was amazing.
4. I got to chase a small sea turtle.
5. The water was temperate and lovely.

Warnings: If you go with the group I did (and I don't think it even has a formal name, but they have the boat "Paulina"), they'll encourage you to stay with the group. The lead swimmer, any one of their employees, is inevitably a strong swimmer. He is a stronger swimmer than you. And the current is strong. I had a great time and was able to keep up with just a little more effort than I was planning on, but other snorkelers were worn out after our first 45-minute exploration and stayed on the boat at the second spot.

Expect to be forced to wear a life vest. They say it's the law in the reef's national park. Although I resisted the idea at first, it ended up being nice because it made it easy to rest in between fighting the current.

Mexico is a shopping haven if you're in the market for jewellery and Cancun is a good place to start. We went with a couple of friends and we both did very well buying diamonds .Its best to buy from a reputable jeweller however and make sure you get a certificate . We felt comfortable at Diamonds International, they are all over the world.

We Loved this place! They have contest going on all night long. Join in! There is a congo line every so often where you were given tequila shots. Just a lively, fun place. We did take our older kids there earlier in the night for the dancing. They loved it...but you should probably make sure they are no where around after 11:00 pm as things start to heat up. There is a time of 12am when no one under 18 is allowed.

We went snorkeling with one of the Chaza travel groups from our hotel. I believe the name of the place running the snorkeling was Paradise Travel. The price was very reasonable $66 each for roundtrip transportation and about 2 hours of snorkeling. Our trip was cut short due to a storm at our second reef. The water was very clear and clean. We did not see as many fish as when we snorkeled in the Bahamas, but saw very many different kinds and 2 stingrays. The water is amazingly shallow and the coral comes almost right up to the surface, it is really amazing.

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this included a boat ride through the 'jungle' (just a whole lot of shrubs)....and snorkeling....this was a fun daytrip, but do not expect to see any wild animals...you get your own boat to ride..this was fun...watch your hat (our friends blew off :) the snorkelng was nice.

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If you are into snorkeling, (which, I mean honestly, who isn't?) than take the Aquaworld half day "Jungle Tour" excursion. You get to drive your own little 2-Person boat out to the snorkel spot. They are the coolest little power boats that actually go pretty fast. The trip out takes about 45 minutes in your little boat and you travel through the mangrove swamp area. It's very cool. We booked ours through Aquaworld, but I think I saw a few other companies out there when we were on our way. The only draw back is that all the snorkel companies basically take you out to the same spot, so depending on the day, it can get pretty busy. But the ocean is a big place, so don't let that stop you. this is definitely worth the $60 and the half day!

There are many tours and activites on Cancun. This wasn't the greatest experience. There is a long bus ride to a horse farm, and though the place was beautiful and everyone spoke perfect english, we waited a long time to get started and there was no great game plan. I found this very unorganized. Once we were on horseback, a group of at least 30, we started out. We did not even get to trot. It was vey boring and slow. Then they took us into the water on horseback. This was very slow and kind of gross. Bareback isn't too comfortable. I guess it was an interesting thing to try, but I would never do it again. An entire day was used on this trip for I found it to be a waste.