7 days and nights in Cancun
From rain to sun
Continuing our Cancun Christmas tradition, this year we’ve chosen the week of 10 - 17 December. Houston weather was chili and for us cold, so we were looking forward to Cancun’s 82 Fahrenheit sunny and warm days.
Upon the arrival, we changed our winter to short sleeves shirts right at the airport pick up area while awaiting on our hotel transfer.
This time we stayed in Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach resort. In short, the resort is located at the north end of the most exclusive white sand beach in Cancun with wonderful views of Isla Mujeres. It redefines the luxury all inclusive experience with no limits, including edge cuisine, unparalleled service and exquisite attention to every detail. Simply, enjoying being unique in this resort was all we needed. At the beginning we thought to take a boat tour to Isla Mujeres, but later on we realized that it could not be better than this resort so why wasting our time. The crystal turquoise water and white sand beach anchored us right there.
However, we followed a specific daily routine: first we had a breakfast in one restaurant, then enjoyed the beach experience until a lunch time at another restaurant and again a beach until the time to get ready for the dinner and a night fun. Although this may sound boring, but it wasn’t. We enjoyed every moment and aspect of the All inclusive experience.
Every night before a dinner, we would gathered at the lobby, started with the group picture under the resort’s landmark, the real huge Christmas tree. Right next to it was the Lobby bar with live music playing every night (different bands).
The truth is that a weather wasn’t so nice all the time as we expected, but it didn’t diminish our spirit and positive energy...
... so every day we thanked God for another great day.
Day one: Sunday, December 10
Upon checked in, we went to have a lunch at the Isla Contoy seafood restaurant. It’s right at the beach with wonderful views of the Caribbean Sea under an extraordinary palapa (a traditional Mexican shelter roofed with palm leaves or branches). As this restaurant is known for the freshest seafood in Cancun, no wonder it was our favorite lunch place. Octopus, the fish of the day and cocktails were on the menu every day.
After the launch, for a short period of time we enjoyed the sun and white sand beach, until the weather changed. The sun was covered by heavy clouds and a wind was howling over the sea creating some waves. The sound of waves crushing at the beach was calming and relaxing - real romance.
After the sunset, it was a time to go back to our rooms and prepare for a night fun and experience. The dinner took place in Viña Del Mar restaurant, with international specialties on the menu. This restaurant is featuring gorgeous decor and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, especially during morning breakfast time
After the dinner, we’re watching a show and mingling around the Lobby bar for a while.....
Day two: Monday, December 11
Imagine waking up with impressive views of the Caribbean Sea and the lagoon-shaped pool, from the balcony of your suite. That was all what we needed to stay happy and positive.
After the breakfast, we were gathering at the beach with a few warm towels around shoulders as it was still windy. The water was just perfect for swimming, but getting out was a little bit uncomfortable. Anyway, we continued to enjoy beach fun and activities like it was a perfect sunny day. The sun was showing up for a couple of hours, especially around the lunch time and we fully enjoyed it. Definitely, there was no fear of getting sunburned.
We used reclining beach chairs in front of the beach restaurant Nah K’ aax (in Maya language that means The Jungle House), where signature cocktails designed to surprise and delight and menu immersed in Mexican-Asian flavors, were served as well. With decor crafted by local artisans, the stylish yet comfortable beach vibe provided the perfect ambient to chill and dine.
We had lunch at Isla Contoy restaurant. All the food was delicious, but I prefered the lentil stew and the fish of the day. Honestly, I ate it every day for lunch.
And it was the time for the night fun and experience. We met at the Lobby bar and took the group picture under the Christmas tree...
That night we enjoyed the amazing Fiesta Mexicana cultural entertainment. The Mexican food was offered while watching the performance of Mexican folk dance group.
After that a litte bit more dancing at the lobby bar and a quick look into the Havana disco bar before going to sleep.
Day three: Tuesday, December 12
Another morning and wake up view from the balcony.....Nor weather or our positive spirit wasn’t changed. We were looking forward to another great day. First a breakfast then a coffe or capuchino on the way to the beach...
Just to mention that we had a different morning routine. Some loved an early walk on the beach while filming a sunrise from the water and others preferred a longer morning sleep or finishing up their business duties before going to the beach. I preferred a light morning work out in the Spa where the gym access was free. Either way, we all would start our day as desired or how we’re feeling that morning. There was no pressure or any protocol to follow.
In the evening, we had a nice romantic dinner at Isla Contoy restaurant while rain was crashing against the palapa roof. Everything has its charm here: cloudy sky turning into blue color, wind & waves, rain.... Later on as usually, a little bit more mingling at the Lobby and disco bar. Then, well deserved rest before a next day adventure.
Day four: Wednesday, December 13
Another morning wake up view from the balcony.....and warming up with tequila shot at the beach...
The weather was improving as much as it could, therefore we continued with our habitual morning routine as well as the beach activities. At this point we already got some tan which made us feel really good.
Here are a few images of the European style Lobby area where we were spending a lot of time.
At night we met at the Lobby to visit the La Joya restaurant that boasts authentic Mexican dishes and an exclusive yet causal environment. While enjoying the food, the Mariachi band was entertaining guests at each table singing and playing songs guests desired. The decor of the restaurant was really special making this night even more pleasant and enjoyable.
Day five: Thursday, December 14
Good morning and thank you God for another day in this paradise...!
Today was the day for our well known Christmas beach photo session...
....and a little bit of the pool experience...
This night a special dinner was served in Havanna Club Steak & Latin Lounge. It is an Argentinian Mexican steakhouse designed to evoke the intimate ambiance of a supper club. Savor traditional steakhouse favorites, made to order and seared on a Basque-style grill utilizing locally sourced wood including filet mignon, rib eyes, Kurobuta pork chops, and rack of lamb.
Complement any meal with classic sharable salads, and an extensive list of accompaniments such as roasted asparagus, creamed spinach, mac and cheese with aged cheddar, and Ribeye chicharron. Premium cuts and offerings including a Tomahawk, Kansas City Strip steak, Porterhouse, and a Caribbean Lobster can be enjoyed for an additional charge.
Day six: Friday, December 15
Good morning to another beautiful sunny morning.
Enjoying a swimming in a warm water and fighting with waves, was our every days’ beach experience. Additionally, walking to the nearby Hyat Ziva hotel beach near the lighthouse, was also a part of the morning walk tour. We also devoted some time for a funny photo sessions on the beach.
In the evening, again a dinner time, but this time in the Chianti - Il Consorzio Italian restaurant. The experience of flavors of Tuscany, Italy’s most celebrated cuisine while a melody of live tenors fill the air. Begin with a traditional Primo’s such as the Tuscan Salad, an antipasto with prosciutto and melon, bruschetta, and Sicilian style arancini.
For Secondi, enjoy fresh homemade pasta with creamy goat cheese gorgonzola ravioli, spaghetti carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, or a variety of risottos, such as the seasonal Pescatore made with fresh seafood, white wine, and a touch of saffron. For dessert, indulge in the hotel’s interpretation of tiramisu or a delicious, palate cleansing gelato.
The interpretation of tiramisu...!
Day seven: Saturday, December 16
All started with a beautiful sunny day, although a little bit windy, but the Cancun charm continued to spread among us. We already started to compare who got the most of tan and became experts of tequila taste. The beach experience was as usual: breakfast followed with morning coffee or capuchino then getting beach chars ready before jumping into the water.
As Hyatt Ziva hotel was just next to our resort, one of our daily routine was to walk to the Habanero restaurant beach. We know this beach from our previous visit and the water is always calm, clear and nice. The photo sesion and climbing rocks to the lighthouse was, like always a real fun.
That night we went back to the La Joya Mexican restaurant for a dinner. Again, a great food accompanied by Mariachi band entertaining guests around tables.
Day eight: Sunday, December 17