Cancun, Mexico

I have to be honest - when we decided to book a trip to Cancun I was nervous. Several folks told me it was unsafe to go there and I felt unsure. We checked on the US Government website and it said it was a Level 2 travel advisory, which means travelers should "exercise increased caution" due to terrorism and crime. Yikes! So, we did further research and discovered that the "Hotel Zone" in Cancun is "a designated tour district and strip of land along the coast of Cancun consisting of resorts, beaches, shops, nightclubs, and restaurants aimed specifically towards tourists." This area of Mexico was deemed safe, but obviously you should always be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant. Armed with our current information, we hopped on a plane and headed to Mexico to have one of the best vacations I have ever experienced.

The Riu Palace Kukulkan is an all-inclusive, adult-only resort located in roughly the center of the Hotel Zone. I would consider it a 5 star hotel that prides itself on the upkeep of a well-manicured oasis with every different variety of tropical plant or foliage imaginable. To call this hotel a palace was quite fitting with beautiful columns and chandeliers adoring the lobby. You could practically see your own image in the detailed polished floors that were continuously cleaned. At check-in, you were greeted with a glass of champagne or beer as you stood in line for a very efficient and quick check-in.

Once settled, we toured the property that housed three swimming pools, one with a swim up bar. It had 7 different restaurants that covered all the of different venues that would appeal to anyone's palate. Mexican, Asian, Italian, Fusion, American, and the most incredible steak house with nightly lobster tails. The buffet was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you got hungry in between meals there was Pepe's Grill that served American fare such as hamburgers, wings, hot dogs, fries, and nachos. Too tired to leave your room? 24 hour room service was also available. All of the food was first class with some of the best meals I have ever eaten and I can't say enough about the service. The attention to every detail was superb, and every one of our needs was meet with friendly, helpful people. Don't forget dessert if you visit this resort. The Italian Restaurant has the best tiramisu that ever crossed my lips! We stopped there more than once for that delicacy. A spa, gym, and gift shop also adorned the property.

Every night there was some form of entertainment. Three of the seven nights, the entertainment was hosted at a sister property. We attended the white party which was quite festive. They did face painting before the parties and required everyone to dress in white. I can tell you it was crazy and I wish I was about 10 years younger. A live band, and almost circus-like entertainers roamed the area, some even on stilts. A pool was in front of the stage and massive amounts of bubbles would shoot over the area. You had to see it to believe it. Other parties were a jungle party and a paint party, but we didn't make it to those. They also hosted a trivia night, bingo night, and game night. There is something for everyone.

About a block down from the resort is the La Isla Shopping Village. Stores ranged from souvenir shops to extremely high-end merchandise. Many bars and restaurants also adorn the area. It also offers fun attractions, such as an interactive Aquarium where you can learn about marine life, boat rentals, and a Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the area.

About 10 miles away, and roughly a short 20 minute ferry ride, you can visit Isla Mujeres which is an island out in the bay. There you can experience snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with whales, and can check out an underwater museum. We rented a golf cart and toured the entire island. We stopped by the Ice Bar which is a bar completely made of ice, and boasts a high temperature of zero. It is also where you can visit the Mayan ruins which were actually pretty neat. It doesn't hurt that the views are absolutely spectacular.

Speaking of spectacular, I saved the best for last. The beach at Riu Palace Kukulkan was breathtaking. It was clean with white sand that was so fine you would sink right into it. The water was every shade of blue from intense, to turquoise, to soft shades that reminded me of the old fashioned kaleidoscopes we looked into as kids. I was so in awe.....I truly said if this is what heaven will be like, I will be at peace when God calls me. The palm trees with the coconuts still attached swayed in the breeze that blew across the water. As you looked towards the horizon you might catch a glimpse of a ship far away in the distance, or see the beauty of a sailboat as it glided across the enchanting water. Staff were always eager to help you find a spot to sit and provided chairs and umbrellas to protect you from some of the intense sunshine. A waiter came by often, and made sure your favorite beverage was always in your hand. A flag flew everyday letting you know if the water was safe to enter and the beach was staffed with lifeguards. One afternoon, as we laid lazily on the beach, a swimmer got way too far out and the current started to take him away. Juve, a highly trained and skilled lifeguard, made it all the way out to the swimmer and assisted him back to the shore. I had never seen a real rescue before and was quite impressed with him, and his crew of lifeguards, as they took good care of the swimmer and everyone else.

After seven days, our time in Cancun came to an end. As we flew back over the ocean to the good old United States, I felt a sense of gratitude for the time we spent there. It was an incredible experience that I will cherish forever and I am so thankful for this little slice of heaven. In the famous words of Hans Christian Andersen "To move, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote: To travel is to live".