Is Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach the best Cancun resort hotel? Well, we haven't stayed at any others, but it's the best hotel we had stayed in up to that point,anywhere.

My first and only trip to Cancun so far was the result of over a year of hard effort in insurance sales, the result of which was I qualified for the annual convention of the top salesmen of my insurance company. The location was the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach hotel. After a swift trip from the airport in a hotel bus we were literally swept away by the hugely impressive atrium of the hotel lined with magnificent marble floors, and the overwhelming sense of luxury that permeates the place.

From our window we could see the beautiful pool and beach area and Isla Mujeres, just off-shore. The pool is a few hundred feet long and snakes round the back of the hotel like a lagoon. Looking through a window in the opposite direction were rows of luxury hotels dotting the skyline and I commented to my wife that I hadn't seen so many "five star" hotels in such a small area before. I was not surprised to learn that this 602-room hotel is a member of the “Leading Hotels of the World” and won an AAA Five Diamond Award for over 12 years running.

We didn't have time to dwell on the views as we were summoned outside to the pool area for drinks where we were plied with drinks, Mexican music and then the heavens opened and a summer shower eventually forced everyone to resume drinks inside. Compared to rain in other countries in which I've lived-e.g the U.K- the downpour was not unpleasant, but refreshing, and merely served to liven things up.

After a great breakfast the next day in the Grand Coral Beach's sun-filled, opulent breakfast restaurant we hit the beach and then later in the afternoon visited one of the markets, Congeladora Mariscos Del Caribe, S.A. De C.V, a map of which can be seen here.

We had lunch there and were treated to some Mexican guitarists spontaneously strumming their stuff and breaking out in song. Back that night at the Fiesta Americana we were then in to our fancy clothes and watching a Mayan production courtesy of the hotel and local actors. I distinctly remember a donkey replete with sombrero shuffling disinterestedly around the lobby outside the auditorium!

Some other places to visit are Chichen Itza. This is situated 120 km from Merida. The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza, known as “El Castillo” (the castle), is one of the new Seven wonders of the world elected on 07.07.2007. It is exactly 24 m. high considering the upper platform. Apart from the Kukulkan Pyramid, in Chichen Itza there many other archaeological sites to visit, all bearing traces of Mayan Culture in some way.

Then there’s Xcaret. Seven miles south of Playa del Carmen lies Xcaret Eco-archaeological park, with all sorts of attractions, including reef diving in the park and on the beach which should have something for everyone from the sedentary to the athletes

The Island of Cozumel is one of the premier dive destinations in the world, as the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere stretches parallel along its continental coast just a few feet away. Whether you choose to dive near the beach or visit offshore coral sites, you will find the world of the reefs and their inhabitants fascinating, and they will be sure to give you memories for years to come. "Huge violet fans move back and forth with the currents through the turquoise waters, over white, ocher, and red coral formations and different types of green-hued seaweed highlight bright blue and yellow fish" says one travel writer.

Isla Mujeres is great for those used to laid-back European beaches and has great diving available.  There are many species of tropical fish close at hand. North of the island, an underwater cavern known as the Sleeping Sharks Cave, is home to a large school of sharks. This is apparently one of the few-if only -places in the world where you can actually get near sharks, even to pet them and swim among them safely

Coco Bongo.

My wife and I prefer being able to wake early-ish and enjoy the whole day but if you are a party-goer this is for you.  This is meant to be the hottest spot in Cancun.  It has live bands, a hanging stage, flying acrobats, foam parties, streamers, balloons and people pouring tequila down their throats!  You may not wake up for most of the next day, but as I say that might be your scene.

Bulldog Café.

This place has a great laser show with live music. The VIP lounge even has a Jacuzzi. This place has hosted shows by world-famous pop groups like Guns n Roses.

One warning I would give about our trip is that it might be wise to carry some water purifiers or grapefruit seed extract because Cancun belly did develop on the last day of our stay-which was a shame.

Not long after we got home I was interested to hear that that part of the Cancun resort area was hit by a hurricane and there was some damage to the beach and the atrium lobby. Since then, though, there has been significant improvements including a reconditioning to all the pool and beach areas, the restaurants La Joya, Le Basilic and Island Contoy; the pool bars Sunset, Sunrise and Bikini; the tennis courts; and the two Presidential and Ambassador suites, and the impressive stained glass dome in main lobby has been restored.

I would recommend the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Hotel to anyone, whether you are going for a spring break or romantic vacation, as I think it has something for everyone. If you are interested in luxury, you may also want to try the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, which we didn’t go to, but I hear a lot of folks rave about. My only real regret about our trip to Cancun was that we were not there long enough, and I had to adjust back to cold weather, windy beaches and ornery clients back home.