Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa is not an all-inclusive property like other Fiesta Americana resorts in Mexico. However, the property is offering a credit package through December 2015 that includes $1,000 in resort credits that guests can use for experiences around the property, from dinners to excursions. This allows guests to customize their Fiesta Americana experience and create their perfect Cancun getaway. I had the opportunity to put some of these experiences to the test during my 4-day trip—here’s a breakdown of what I experienced.
the zen experience
The Gem Spa at Fiesta Americana is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. The 3-hour hydrotherapy experience plus massage treatment I opted for included stops at 10 stations. These stations included an ice room that resembled the inside of an igloo, a room with wooden benches and coal burning, an aromatherapy steam room, a small “pool of sensation” walk through a pool filled with bubbles and floor geysers—one hot, one cold—and water cascades and neck jets in the pool. After the guest blissfully goes through these treatments, the massage itself begins. This indulgent experience definitely left me extremely relaxed and in a perfect mindset to begin the 4-day getaway.
the foodie experience
There is a variety of onsite restaurants: the authentic Mexican venue, La Joya, complete with mariachi performances and where I had the opportunity to take part in a tequila tasting lesson; the five-diamond Le Basilic, where on some nights an artist is on hand painting pieces for the restaurant; and the oceanfront Isla Contoy, which offers fresh seafood—its ceviche is very tasty and a must-try.
the cultural experience
There are many opportunities to experience the local culture, including a ferry ride to Isla Mujeres, where I had the opportunity to tour the cobblestone streets, and visit the art park, Parque Escultorico Punta Sur, with sculptures by artists from around the world. Here, I also had a chance to stand at Acantilado del Amanecer, or the Cliff of the Dawn—the easternmost point in Mexico—where the views of the crystal-blue waters crashing against the cliff completely took my breath away. For lunch, we went to Zama Yacht & Beach Club, an upscale beach club that guests can book to spend time beachside on the island enjoying watersports, indulging in a massage, or simply having lunch before returning to the hotel. A minimum consumption of $20 is required.
At the Museo Maya de Cancun, I had a chance to take in the Maya culture by viewing an array of archaeological artifacts within the museum and at the next door San Miguelito archaeological site. This experience was not a part of the resort credit, but definitely a must-do for Maya aficionados.
Shopaholics should schedule time to dig into their pocketbook at the upscale shopping mall, Fashion Harbor, which features many brand-name shops, including Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, and others.
An offering your clients can experience with the resort credit program is snorkeling. We took a boat ride out to sea, where a guide snorkeled with us and pointed out some of the fish. It was a gorgeous experience, and I was able to spot numerous sea creatures, including a small sea turtle that swam to us, then quickly descended under the surface.
the hotel experience
The 602-room, all-suite property offers stunning ocean views. My room was the Grand Club Junior Suite King, which in addition to the spacious square footage, offers guests private check-in, snacks and a selection of domestic and imported drinks at the Grand Club or en-suite. The room’s neutral palette with pops of lime green and aqua, allows the ocean view to be the main focus. The property’s pool spans the length of the hotel with blue “lagoon-like” waters. Grand Club guests also have access to a private beach area with cushioned lounge chairs; breakfast and lunch snacks are also offered beachside.
the resort credit experience
The resort credit is applicable to guests staying a minimum of five nights in any room category. The options include one complimentary Romantic Spa Dinner for two; complimentary hydrotherapy rituals at Gem Spa for two; complimentary tickets for the ferry to Isla Mujeres for two; a romantic beach cabana set-up; a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine at the pool or beachside; a tequila tasting session for two at La Joya restaurant; and much more. Rates start at $250 for a standard suite, and $400 for the Grand Club Junior Suite in low season; in high season, a standard suite starts at $400, and rates for the Grand Club Junior Suite start at $600.
Archived related articles (available on recommend.com/magazine/issue-archive):
Club Med Cancun Yucatan (March 2015)
contact information
Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa: fiestamericanagrand.com/en/mx-cancun/hotel-grand-coral-beach or fiestamericanagrand.com/en/travel-agencies
