Riu Cancun, Cancun

I and my other half had one of the best weeks of our life in November 2008 in Cancun, Mexico and a lot of this was down to the Riu Cancun.

We flew with Thomson and booked at quite short notice. I had always wanted to go to Cancun as it looked so fun and beautiful - I wasn't disappointed!
It was the first time we had ever gone All Inclusive, which we were expecting to hate, as we love going out and exploring and didn't want to be stuck in a complex all day every day. However, with a place like this you cannot complain.

Our flight was pretty much pain free and flew by quick enough for us. Watched a couple of films, few comedy shows, had a bite to eat and that was that. My partner slept the majority of the way; I haven't managed to pick up the knack of sleeping on a plane yet! When we arrived, we caught our coach to the hotel, crossed our fingers and hoped for the best.

When walking in to the reception/lobby area, we were already blown away! We had never stayed in a 5star hotel before and must've stuck out like two sore thumbs! This did not bother us in the slightest. We were made to feel warmly welcomed and were asked to go for a meeting in the downstairs lobby area. This is what we were afraid of - a scheduled holiday that looked relaxing on the tin, but in reality were timetables and boring talks and meetings. We then stood corrected.
We picked our seats and settled down as we were pretty tired by this point. When over walked a waitress with some fresh tropical juice and a nice big cocktail. The staff introduced themselves to the group and were all friendly and funny. We had a quick welcome talk, were given our room keys, wrist bands etc and we were off!
First ones to the elevators, on the top floor (15th) with a gorgeous view of the beach below us - we'd definitely hit the jackpot. The room was nice enough - nothing too posh like you'd imagine in your head a 5 star hotel would be like - but this was top drawer for Mexico. One thing I would say is great is the mini fridge in your room gets replenished every day. Bottles of water, sprite, coke, diet coke, you name it and not to forget the all important Corona. We also had four optics of Vodka, Brandy etc... which we heard would also get replenished - we never made it to the bottom to find out. The room had all the basics you would need and the cleaners definitely earned their tips, the place was spotless.

For two people who said they didn't want to be stuck in a complex all day, we certainly did a good job of it! Time would fly by. How can there be a problem when you are laying on a bright white beach, with beautiful blue waters. Imagine relaxing in the heat on your sun lounger and a lovely waiter/waitress bringing you over you're requested cocktail so you don't have to move - I got accustomed to this is no time!

The hotel has four pools, one even has a swim up bar in it, this was usually pretty full, but with the seats & tables built in to the swimming pool, you could still grab a seat.
The beach area was clean and had the softest sand I have ever walked on. For those who prefer the shade, the beach is dotted with these wooden beach hut type umbrellas, complete with table for your drinks.
The Riu also has a few bars, one that also serves snacks during the day. The Sports Bar can be found upstairs, near the conference rooms - word to the wise - do not attempt that flight of stairs if you've had a couple! The Sports bar is opened 24/7, however we went there at 3pm and 5pm on different occasions and there were no staff to be found. I'm not complaining as they could've been in the toilet for all I know, just something to remember if you're craving a daiquiri on your way back from the clubs!

The Riu lays on entertainment in the lobby most nights, they also have nachos that you can self serve along with the melted cheese to top it off, you can beat it.
There is also a theatre, where they have performers or a show of an evening, which is very big and has its own bar. There is also a club Pacha, which we never made it to. I know it was free entry for All Inclusive people but I'm not 100% sure if it was free inside or not, but I would imagine so. You could also use the second Riu hotel next door, your wrist band counted there as well.

I suppose I should mention the food and drink, seeing as this is always a selling point for us. With going All Inclusive, there is always the danger that you will be left hating the food and hungry or ill every night. You have no worries at the Riu. From the breakfast, lunch to the dinners - they were all superb. We were left stuffed after every single meal and thoroughly enjoyed the lot of it. From traditional Mexican meals, to a roast dinner or pizza - they had anything you can think of. My other half especially liked the self service ice cream machines, he was like a big kid! The drinks, no matter how many you wanted or how often you fancied them were all free and never too much hassle for the staff. One day at the snack bar we actually worked our way through the whole cocktail menu and instead of being rude about it like you would imagine bar staff being over here, the barman (Luis if I remember correctly!) was actually encouraging us!

Thomson offered us a whole list of excursions to fill our time. We picked a few that sounded like the best value for money. We went to snorkel in the middle of a lagoon in the ocean (tip - get a cheapy cheap underwater camera for this!) and the instructors were amazing. They took us further and further out, got us to touch coral and all sorts.
We also rode our own speed boats, which was so exhilarating! Our most interesting day out was a twofer (two for one) we spent the morning in a lagoon park, it was the most gorgeous place I have ever seen. The water was blue and went on for miles and miles, yet it was all a lagoon for snorkelling in. They gave us breakfast and lunch, which was nice as it was also All Inclusive. We held parrots and big bright colourful birds and had our pictures taken which was a great experience. Unfortunately everything else that attracted us to the park was charged extra, there was absolutely no mention of this beforehand and we had to go without, as we couldn't afford it.
The afternoon was spent in an ancient town were they had Mayan ruins. We had a tour guide take us around in a group and it was so interesting and educational, it was a great change of pace.
One of the excursions we didn't choose was Chichen Itza and we have regretted it ever since. It sounded to us like it was an old Mayan pyramid and we thought we were getting better value for money with the Mayan village tour. However we have since Wiki and googled it and it is currently one of the 7 wonders of the world and I really feel like we missed an opportunity to see it.

Although the Riu Cancun is like a mini little world, you really good stay within the complex for the whole time and not run out of things to do. As they have the spa (make sure you book in advance - we got the whole place to ourselves by doing this!) and games around the pool areas. I would still recommend that you go and explore the town and go to a few of the legendary clubs - as they will be nothing you have ever experienced before. Senor Frogs - has a water slide in it! Coco Bongo - the most amazing place ever (YouTube it - trust me!) which is also owned by Jim Carrey, if I am not mistaken. There are some nice restaurants in the area, Hard Rock Café, Rainforest Café and Hooters for example, however they recommended that you don't eat in any of the local food places, as you are likely to get a bad tummy, the food is so different, I'm sure it will take a while to get used to!

So on the whole, you should most definitely shell out the extra money for the comfort and service you will receive from the Riu Cancun - I would most definitely give it the 5 stars it holds.