Vacationers visiting Mexico’s Caribbean coast are charmed by its delights. The region is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and exceptional water sports. The good news for vacationers who discover Mexico’s Caribbean coast on a cruise is that it’s very easy to return for a longer visit to explore more of the area’s attractions. Choosing the perfect place for your land-based vacation is an important part of the process.

Cancun offers the most direct flights from the United States and Canada, making it the most convenient airport to reach on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Because of the large number of flights, airfares to Cancun tend to be lower as well. Cancun is a highly developed tourist zone, however, so many upscale vacationers prefer to head south to nearby Puerto Morelos for their luxury vacations. Located just thirty minutes from Cancun International Airport, idyllic Puerto Morelos offers a serene environment for discerning travelers who want to relax and get away from the crowds.

Puerto Morelos is also a paradise for watersports lovers. The area’s beaches are protected by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef located right off shore. This massive barrier reef system is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest on earth. Snorkelers and divers come from all over to explore this pristine underwater world and see its abundant marine life. In addition to watersports, there’s much more to do in the area.

Where to Stay

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is the destination of choice in the greater Cancun region. Located in Puerto Morelos, the resort is the recipient of TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Award and is ranked as the top property in the area. It’s an excellent choice for discerning families, multigenerational groups and vacationers seeking opulent villa-style accommodations with all the amenities of a world-class five-star resort. For families, having plenty of sumptuous space to relax in on vacation is often one of the greatest luxuries of all.

Affiliated with Leading Hotels of the World, Grand Residences is the perfect home away from home. The resort offers 103 massive ocean-view suites and all are beautifully decorated. The property’s one- to four-bedroom suites are great for families and multigenerational groups, featuring well-appointed kitchens, pull-down Murphy beds for kids, washer/dryer facilities, and large outdoor terraces with Jacuzzis. These fully furnished terraces are the ideal spot for reading and relaxing, adding another element of luxury to the property’s magnificent accommodations. For those seeking the best sea views, oceanfront suites are available as well.

Once at Grand Residences, it’s hard for many guests to pull themselves away from the beautiful property. Everything one could want is right there. The resort features four pools, excellent dining options, tennis courts, a world-class spa and salon, state-of-the-art fitness center, sports desk, activities station, bicycles, a large adult-supervised kids’ club, teens’ club, a gourmet market and much more. An in-house travel agency and concierges are also available to help guests plan sightseeing trips, adventures and excursions. For those who wish to explore, the authentic town of Puerto Morelos is only a quick bike ride or leisurely beach stroll away.

Dining Delights

Guests staying at Grand Residences are in luck. The on-property dining options are excellent. El Faro Grill offers delicious fresh seafood and steaks in an intimate, well decorated setting. Service here is attentive and superb, as it is throughout the property. The restaurant features special theme nights as well. Guests can also sample the restaurant’s excellent wine list and choose to dine al fresco if they wish.

Additional bars and dining venues on property include The Lobby Café and Bar, Heaven Beach Bar and the Pool Bar. Don’t miss the guacamole at the Heaven Beach Bar – it’s truly heavenly. Those who wish to dine in their suite can take advantage of Grand Residences’ 24-hour room service or pick up ingredients for meals at the Natural Foods Gourmet Market on property. Specialty foods, snacks, fresh baked goods, and a range of wines and spirits are available there, too.

It’s always fun to dine at restaurants with a local flair on vacation. The nearby fishing village of Puerto Morelos delivers all that and more. Stop in at beachfront El Merkadito for delicious fresh fish ceviche, fish tacos and other delectable dishes. The restaurant's atmosphere feels like something right out of a Jimmy Buffett song and fish fresh from the sea is delivered to the kitchen daily. Playa del Carmen’s many restaurants and shops are also just a drive away.

Activities and Attractions

For some of the best of what this region has to offer, get out on the water. The reefs around Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres are spectacular and the water is very clear, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling and diving. The Sports Desk at Grand Residences provides snorkeling equipment and guided snorkeling and diving excursions are easy to arrange. Boat excursions are available and adventure seekers can also enjoy cenote diving near Grand Residences as well.

It’s also possible to snorkel with massive whale sharks near Cancun during the summer months. This is one of the many great reasons to return to Mexico’s Caribbean coast, as these tours are only possible as part of a land-based vacation. Grand Residences can arrange these day-long bucket list experiences for guests and the whale shark encounters are not to be missed. Other popular day trips include sport fishing, golf, and visits to the region’s popular parks including Xcaret, Xel-ha and Xplor.

If all of this has you dreaming of the white sands and azure waters of Mexico's Caribbean coast, come back and linger longer on your next vacation. There are plenty of memorable experiences that easily take several days to savor. After all, one taste of heaven is never enough.

If You Go:

For more information about Grand Residences, visit www.grandresidencesrivieracancun.com.