The best-known resort town on the Riviera Maya, with a long hotel-zone beach on the Caribbean Sea and an international airport serving as the gateway to the region – my last stop before heading back to Germany.
Right in the hotel zone with its own private beach, a truly all-around great stay: clean, modern 4-star hotel, generous breakfast buffet, free loungers and towel rental on the beach, plus several restaurants with live music by the pool.
Verdict: the staff were exceptionally friendly, a clear recommendation for the hotel zone.
One of the hotel zone's most famous and beautiful public beaches, with deep blue water, fine white sand and the famous "Cancún" lettering for the classic photo – because of the often strong waves it's better suited for experienced swimmers.
Near the malls, usually less crowded and also has public access and showers, though barely any shade.
In Cancún I ate exclusively at Hotel NYX, which with its large breakfast buffet and several restaurants was completely sufficient, so I unfortunately can't give a personal recommendation for outside restaurants.
Tip: international cuisine with lots of seafood dominates the hotel zone, for more authentic Mexican food it's worth heading into the city center.
Driving my own speedboat through the mangrove channels out to the coral reef was one of the most exciting parts of the whole trip for me, at the underwater museum MUSA you can then snorkel among sculptures and colorful fish (approx. €58 per person plus $15 parking fee in cash, meeting point Marina Jungle Tour Adventure across from the JW Marriott).
A visit to the Museo Maya de Cancún with the adjoining San Miguelito ruins is also worthwhile for a cultural break from the beach.
For a day trip I recommend the uninhabited Isla Contoy, a strictly protected natural paradise with a limited number of visitors.