Planning Your Trip

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Cancun is likely the beaches — and rightly so — but there is so much to do beyond enjoying the soft sand and cerulean water. Here’s what to pack so you’re ready for anything:

A woman in beach attire walks along a sandy path lined with palm trees and plants

Beach Vacation

There are 1,200 feet of white-sand beach just beyond the resort walls as well as two swimming pools and an oceanfront whirlpool, so come prepared to spend lots of time on the waterfront.

Consider bringing more than one bathing suit. With so many swimming options, it’s good to have a fresh suit waiting for the evening swim while the morning’s suit is drying out.
The Mexican sun is strong, so pack sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat and sunglasses.
While temperatures soar outside, air conditioning indoors keeps temperatures refreshingly cool. Bring a cover-up or light layer to ward off any chill.

Resort Essentials

Beyond the beach and the pools, there are many on-site offerings to keep guests of all ages wonderfully occupied. Here’s what to bring to make the most of your time at the resort:

A pair of sandals will undoubtedly get the most use but also bring one pair of closed-toe shoes for formal meals and hiking.
Cancun has a decidedly laid-back atmosphere, so pack comfortable clothes made for relaxing; linen shirts, loose kaftans and easy bathing-suit cover-ups are all good choices.
Pack one slightly more formal outfit if you’re planning on a special dinner at Fantino (the dress code is “resort elegant” and men are required to wear jackets, long pants and shoes) or The Club Grill (men are required to wear long pants).

Outdoor Adventure

Just beyond the resort is a wealth of outdoor activities for the intrepid traveler. Pack strategically to be able to partake in these exciting activities.

Sensible, breathable walking shoes and socks for trekking will protect your feet from vegetation and keep them dry even on the most humid of days.
A daypack or tote is helpful to bring along essentials like extra sunscreen, snacks, a water bottle and extra layers.
A lightweight rain jacket is a must since an unexpected downpour can interrupt even the clearest, sunniest day.

Don’t Forget:

Bring a waterproof camera or camera case in order to capture unforgettable moments like swimming with whale sharks or dolphins.

While Cancun’s primary draw — the stunning beaches — don’t require anything more than a bathing suit, SPF and perhaps a good book, there are other must-try activities that necessitate a bit of advance planning. Here’s what to book.

Dining Reservations

There are several truly unique on-site dining options where reservations are encouraged: Fantino offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and one of the region’s finest wine lists; in addition to locally inspired fare, the award-winning Club Grill serves an impressive selection of martinis at the martini bar as well as a tequila tasting; and guests can learn to cook alongside The Ritz-Carlton chefs at The Culinary Center. Finally, dine alfresco while listening to the waves in a private cabana overlooking the ocean — a spectacular way to enjoy the beautiful sunsets.

Spa Appointments

Start with a bit of relaxation in the aromatherapy showers, steam rooms, relaxation gardens, whirlpools and cold plunge pools before settling into one of the spa’s unique treatments like the Mayan Sanctuary Ritual — a massage performed with seashells on the spa’s beachfront terrace that begins with a traditional energetic cleansing.

Outdoor Excursions

Take advantage of the beautiful weather and arrange to spend time enjoying some of the many outdoor activities on offer. Begin the day with a morning yoga class; dive into a three-day scuba diving course culminating in a dive in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters; from July through November, become a Sea Turtle Guardian and assist on-site experts with releasing protected baby hatchlings into the sea; and much more.

Day Trips

Take a day to explore the area surrounding the property — there is so much to see and do, from award-winning golf and open-air markets to spectacular shopping and nightlife like no other. Some particularly interesting attractions include the MUSA underwater museum, where visitors can dive or snorkel through more than 2,000 underwater sculptures; a day trip to the ancient city of Coba (a two-hour drive); a sailing excursion to Isla Mujeres for relaxation and snorkeling among the reefs; or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with 50-foot whale sharks.

Cancún is a city in southeastern Mexico on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula surrounded by the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, soft coral sands, and the striking shade of blue that emerges from its crystal-clear waters, a visit to Cancun will make you wonder whether you are in a dream or else.

Cancún is just north of Mexico's Caribbean coast resort band known as the Riviera Maya. There are some small Mayan vestiges of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in Cancún. Close by in the Riviera Maya and the Grand Costa Maya, there are sites such as Cobá and Muyil (Riviera) the small Polé (now Xcaret), and Kohunlich, Kinichná, Dzibanché, Oxtankah, Tulum, and Chacchoben, in the south of the state. Chichén Itzá is in the neighboring state of Yucatán.

Culinary Tour

Cancun occupies a unique space within the Yucatan peninsula. The Mayan heritage of the region pulses underneath it all, while the sophistication of its global visitor base has brought in a wide range of cuisines. The fresh seafood and local produce dictate much of what is made here, with an overall emphasis on freshness and quality of ingredients.

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Friends Getaway

A trip away with good friends is always fun, but when you mix in pristine beaches, historic ruins and delicious food, it’s hard to go wrong. Cancun is a lively city with a mix of natural delights and shopping areas. Its close proximity to spectacular sites like Chichén Itzá and natural cenotes makes the trip more special than the normal beach getaway.

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Area & Activities