The Essence of Paradise
Cancún's beaches are undoubtedly the town's most appealing attraction. Turquoise waters crashing onto pristine white sands is hard to resist. I stayed in the Hard Rock Hotel and from the minute I stepped into the lobby of Hard Rock Hotel Cancún I knew I was in for a treat. Located in the heart of Cancún's Hotel Zone, with the sparkling Caribbean Sea as its backdrop, this resort leaves no stone unturned in providing unmatched luxury with a subtle touch of signature Hard Rock aesthetics.
Each room offers panoramic ocean or lagoon views, encouraging you to soak in Cancún's scenic beauty. One of the major highlights of Hard Rock Hotel Cancún is the culinary journey it offers. With five restaurants serving everything from Brazilian, Asian, Italian, Mexican to international cuisine, there is a plate for every palate. During our trip to Cancún we took a day trip to Chichen Itza & a beautiful Cenote which really was one of the most memorable places we have been. We just loved it.
During our 2.5-hour journey we stopped at a Mayan village where we got an understanding of the roots of the captivating Mayan civilization, a visit to an authentic Mayan village offers an unrivalled first-hand cultural experience. Unmarred by the bustle of modern lifestyle, these villages showed me simplicity, community spirit and a deep connection to nature.
While walking through the village, we were greeted with a traditional Mayan meal a pot of simmering cochinita pibil - a slow-roasted pork dish made with a mix of native spices. The taste of this home-cooked meal, served with warm tortillas and pickled onions, is an experience in itself. We then arrived at Chichen Itza.
Chichen Itza stands as a testament to the architectural and astronomical brilliance of the ancient Mayan civilization. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is an essential visit for travellers seeking a brush with history and culture. As you wander, you encounter the Great Ball Court, the largest and most impressive of its kind in the Americas. It is remarkable not only for its size but also the acoustics – clap from one end of the ball court, and you will hear the sound echo back distinctly seven times.
One of the most famous cenotes is the 'Sacred Cenote’ in Chichen Itza. Also known as 'Cenote Sagrado', it was significant to the Mayan people for religious ceremonies and believed to be a gateway to the afterlife. We then took a short bus journey to a Cenote which completely took our breath away.
There is a shop and changing area there. There are life jackets available if you are not a strong swimmer (like me) The Cenote is like a magical underground swimming hole that make you feel as if you are stepping into another world. The crystal-clear waters offer a visibility that sometimes exceeds fifty meters, casting a magic vibe.
After the most amazing day we got our bus journey back to our hotel. For any of you that would be interested in visiting Cancún please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to help organise and plan your journey.