Visiting Cancun - 1

Instead of going skiing this winter vacation, we decided to go to somewhere warmer - the family chose Cancun Mexico. We booked an all-inclusive resort in Zona Hotelera on a "7" shaped barrier island, which was developed in 1980s, pacific ocean on the east, and a lagoon on the west, right outside the city of Cancun. Interestingly Cancun means snake nest in Maya.

Security

I was little bit worried due to all the negative news about crimes against tourists in Mexico. I was told by a tour promoter at airport that zona hotelera was the safest place. While being driven from airport to the resort, I saw federal police presence at a public beach near the south entrance to the hotel zone. There were police patrolling the beach on Christmas day. During our stay there, we did not feel insecure at any time; the police presence from time to time just added assurance that everything was under control.

Gourmet food 

Gourmet food was a important part of the all inclusive resort. There are three sit-down to order formal restaurants at the Omni hotel and resort - La Pina Grill (Mexican food) , La Vista (Asian food)  and Davinci (Italian food). We had 5 course dinner at each of the restaurants - delicious food, good service.

The first dinner was at La Paloma - a buffet. The restaurant was dark, food was so-so. We had our second dinner under the moon on the beach at La Vista; both food and service were good, the sight of full moon and sound of waves made it unique. The Christmas eve dinner was at La Vista; both the dinning hall and servers were dressed for the occasion. Da Vinci restaurant was the most formal and elegant restaurant, Lily was thoroughly impressed

There are also sushi bar and a Mexican grill by the pool, a buffet restaurant and a few pool side bars.

We had plenty of sushi and drinks there. I tried margarita but did not take it well - felt dizzy and had rash after the drink. My favorite drink was pina colada. 

Note:

1. A valuable tip I received from a fellow tourist on the shuttle from airport to the resort: make dinner reservations at the formal restaurants as soon as possible - they are popular all the time, at Concierge.

2. Book travel from a trusted agent makes life easier. We used Costco travel. Their contractor at Cancun was very good and reliable.