Cancun's History
Located on the north eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun was once the home of the Mayan civilization, whose ruins are still a popular tourist attraction. Between the years 1000 and 1500 the peninsula was an important commercial and religious center with three major population centers: Tulum (fortress on the Caribbean), Xaman-Ha (now called Playa del Carmen), and Coba (the most important city of the area with a population of 50,000).

Known for their advanced civilization in science and the precision of their calculations, the Mayans traded throughout the region. When the Spanish arrived in 1519 the Mayan population had been depleted and dispersed by wars with neighboring peoples, the harsh climate, dangers of the forest and frequent hurricanes.

Xel-Ha was the site of the first European settlement, however the same conditions which stressed the Mayans made populating the Yucatan difficult. Frequent pirate attacks and dangers of the forest stunted the area’s growth and continued with the Mexican Revolution and the Caste wars in the late 1800’s. The Mayans nearly retook the Yucatan, but failed and were pushed back into the jungle where they established the city of Chan Santa Cruz and were nearly independent for the next fifty years.

By the 1960’s the government of Mexico was looking for a site to develop for tourism. Cancun’s population went from 18,000 in 1976 to 70,000 in 1982. Today the area consists of more than 500,000 people and is divided into three areas, Ciudad de Cancun, the ecological preserve, and the island Zona Hotelera where hotels and shopping malls are located. The future holds two new projects planned including a tourist sea resort, Puerto Cancun, and Malecon Cancun encompassing 170 acres.

WHAT TO DO:
The Adventurous Couple
Selvatica is an ecological adventure park. With over 247 acres of jungle, your day will be filled with adrenaline and adventure. Their zipline “Canopy” tour boasts 24 platforms, making their circuit the longest in North America. Submerge in the crystal waters of their great “cenote” sinkhole whose diameter exceeds 165 feet. www.selvatica.com.mx

Many adventures await you with a vast selection of activities, such as high speed boating, underwater driving in your own personal submarine, ATV rides, and horseback riding.

The Sports-Minded Couple
If golf is your game, then Playa Mujeres Golf Course is a must. This new Greg Norman-designed course features several lagoon and ocean-front holes with four that actually play from or towards the beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise-colored ocean.

This 18-hole course was conceived with full respect for the exotic tropical flora, fauna and natural beauty surrounding the entire course.Its masterfully planned design combined with unmatched ocean and lagoon holes is certain to berecognized not only as one of the top courses in Mexico, but one of the finest in the world. www.playamujeresgolf.com

Many options await the sports enthusiast. Take a thrilling mountain bike trail at Selvatica-go deep sea fishing, try scuba diving or grab hold of a wave runner and enjoy.

The Laid-Back Couple
Enjoy the wonders of nature as you snorkel in the waters off the second largest reef in the world or leisurely walk the white sand beaches of the Caribbean. Relax by the pool at your resort and enjoy the evening’s entertainment. Leaving your all-inclusive resort is optional!

WHERE TO STAY
Our travels took us to the all-inclusive luxury resort Excellence Riviera Cancun. We soon discovered the terms luxury, attention to detail, commitment to provide unconditional relaxation, extravagance and contentment, were not just words but the soul of the resort itself. www.excellence-resorts.com

Every detail is choreographed from the moment you arrive to provide warmth, intimacy and luxury. The resort is perfect for your destination wedding, honeymoon or a romantic getaway vacation. This adults-only resort is large enough to provide variety and all the quality activities expected from an all inclusive resort, but not too large where you feel faceless in the crowd.

From the layout of the grounds to the design of the rooms, every detail is targeted toward romance and intimacy. Even at full capacity, you won’t have problems finding poolside or Oceanside sitting, more secluded areas or comfort on your own patio or balcony.

Dining at this Excellence Resort proved to be a wonderful experience. No reservations are required in any of the eight gourmet international restaurants featuring delectable cuisine.

A description of this resort couldn’t be complete without talking about the spa treatments at Marine Wellness Spa. It’s the best we’ve ever experienced. Imagine being in a state of peace and relaxation even before your massage.

This was accomplished with a guided sequence of hydrotherapies in order to improve blood circulation and prepare the body for a spa treatment. We continued with “La Brisa Ritual,” their ritual dedicated for couples, starting with a feet clarity bath with aromatic salts, followed by the perfect relaxing massage, with a warm mud column therapy. The experience continued with resting time in the spa terrace with torches, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.

This lavish swim-up spa with a fullscale fitness and cardio center, offers a special Bridal Spa Celebration collection of experiences targeted toward couples and their bridal party.

Getting Married
Nothing is more beautiful for a marriage ceremony then being on the turquoise waters of Cancun just before sunset with the white sandy beaches and glowing torches. These were the words spoken by their on-site wedding coordinator who helps with all the details for your wedding. She welcomes working with your travel agent as well.

Accommodations
At Excellence Resorts, every guest is treated the same. Romance was the most important element when rooms were designed. Some upgrades include outside Jacuzzi and swim-up poolside locations.

Other Excellence Resorts
Excellence Playa Mujeres: Opened in November 2007. If you’re looking to experience the pristine natural beauty of the Caribbean, then this is the resort for you. Situated just 20 minutes north of Cancun, Playa Mujeres is the latest luxury development destination in the region, removed from but convenient to the activity of Cancun proper. This jewel of Cancun offers spacious rooms, many with an expansive rooftop terrace complete with private HydroSpa Pool.

Excellence Punta Cana: Dominican Republic: Feel secluded among palms on a perfect white sand beach. Experience the natural friendliness of its people. Enjoy the privacy you desire without sacrificing luxury and service you want.




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