On a promontory, surrounded on three sides by water in Cancun's hotel zone, this all-inclusive resort exhibits a blend of traditional Mayan and contemporary Mexican architecture.
Substantial renovations refreshed the already recently remodeled resort. The point location is ideal, offering placid but shallow beaches. It is one of only a handful of hotels that is walking distance to the Forum Plaza, ground zero for many of the resort town's most popular restaurants, bars, mega-clubs, shops and other attractions.
Guests arrive through an airy lobby with sitting areas, a lounge with live music and conversation-evoking artwork. This space is sweltering when the breeze falters. Five gift shops offer a variety of items, from sundries to silver.
Dining is varied here. The beachfront Oceana provides live music during lunch and dinner, as does Paloma Bonita, which is next door, which requires reservations and is not part of the all-inclusive.
Himitsu
features pan-Asian specialties including sushi. The World Cafe specializes in international dishes, Sea Side Grill offers grill specialties, and the poolside Snack Shack offers snacks and cocktails during the day.
The black-tie service is exceptional. Libations are available in each of the restaurants, as well as in five nicely located bars, including the Rendezvous and Azucar bars, both of which present live music. The latter also serves tapas and is an extremely popular salsa club (a dress code is enforced) and is open to the public. Entrance to the club is included along with two drinks.
Though the hotel perches on a rocky peninsula awash in rough surf, the leeward side harbors a beach with shallow water and a watersports pier—a perfect place to learn sailboarding and kayaking. Guests can swim with mullets and the occasional turtle in the small sea-fed lagoon that laps the buildings.
At its dolphin complex, the resort conducts a program in conjunction with the Via Delphi Institute that lets guests swim with dolphins and learn about the creatures through educational programs. 
A whirlpool and a swim-up bar flank the large pool. A tennis court is lighted for night play, and the fitness center offers yoga lessons, bicycle tours and archery lessons.
A menu of treatments is available at the spa, which houses massage rooms, a steam room and a beauty salon. A gazebo on the picturesque point is adaptable for weddings, yoga, massages and small gatherings.
Convention space can host 600 people, and a children's club provides supervised activities. The Internet can be accessed in the lobby, business center and accommodations, and guests have 15 minutes of free access each day.
Guest rooms and suites in the step-pyramid building are tastefully decorated. Suites include a seating area and dinette. All units afford water views (of either the sea or lagoon), and guests can relax and sun on the spacious terraces or balconies.
In the Tower Club section, guests enjoy a private lounge area, evening cocktails and hor d'oeuvres, international newspapers and private concierge service. The corner junior suites feature a balcony whirlpool.
Master suites add a large living room and dining room, as well as a private bedroom with a king bed, a large dressing room and a full bath with a second whirlpool. The presidential suite has a direct-access elevator, two bedrooms, and upgraded amenities and decor.
All accommodations have a TV, minibar, hair dryer and 24-hour room service. Turndown service is standard. Three rooms are wheelchair-accessible.
Attention to guests' needs has always been a strong point here, a holdover from the time when this hotel was Cancun's top choice. Thanks to renovations, this place is once again a good option for travelers seeking an upscale all-inclusive resort in the midst of the hotel zone and near the Convention Center.
