Grand Coral Beach :
Cancun
Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach - Cancun, Mexico
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Jackson Pinot Noir was a moderately priced wine that everyone enjoyed by the glass.
Appetizers start at 120 pesos and entrées start at 220 pesos. Open daily for lunch from 11:30am to 5pm and offers a la carte dinner every day but Tuesday, from 6:30pm to 11p.m.
Le Basilic
If you're in the mood for elegance and refined sophistication, then Le Basilic is the most wonderfully perfect place to find it. From the striking black and white marble floors to the dark mahogany wood furniture and soaring ceilings, you'll feel as though you've entered a visual and culinary delight. The pre-chosen menu for us was nothing short of an exquisite celebration of what fine dining at the Fiesta Americana has to offer. The first course was Norwegian-style smoked salmon blintz with chives and lemon crème fraiche. Delicate and smooth, yet intensely flavorful – we were all off to a great start. The second course was jumbo ravioli of fresh duck liver and truffle mushroom puree, with Brittany salt and roasted partridge jus emulsion. This doubled could have easily been the main course for lighter appetites – it was a unique, thoughtful, and highly pleasing blend of potentially strong flavors. The main course was a pepper crusted Angus beef tenderloin, marrowbone and sweet potato gratin. Artfully presented, it was not this taster's favorite choice – the tenderloin was a bit dry for my liking. The grand finale was a serious chocolate celebration, which consisted of dark chocolate fondant, mousse and sherbet. The variety of textures, temperatures and shapes on the same plate was a sight to behold. If there was ever a reason to dive into a chocolate fantasy – this was it. Don't even think about it – just enjoy! When food becomes art and an expression of the chef's soul, any patron who partakes has an unforgettable evening. This entire dining experience was a tribute to this gift – it was a truly spectacular experience on all levels.
Appetizers start at 130 pesos and entrées start at 225 pesos. Evening wear required, dinner only, reservations requested. Open from Monday to Saturday from 6:30pm to 11pm. Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun, Bulevar Kukulkán Km 9.5, Cancún Island, Tel: 800-343-7821.
Day Trips
Río Secreto
Shopping: There are a wide variety of activities within walking distance of the hotel. The most popular destinations are the Kukulcán Plaza Mall, which has 300 shops and the Plaza Caracol Mall, which has 210. The nightlife vibe will pump you up, too! Dance the night away to live music at the Bull Dog Café and the Glow Dance Club.
Adventure: If you're real adventurous, then check out Río Secreto. It's a recently discovered ancient underground river system. If you're anxious about being in caves or dark places, don't be afraid. You'll be in a group and an experienced guide will take you though an underground world that's amazing. The landowner, who was chasing a plump iguana, discovered the underground river when his meal scurried into a pile of rocks. He heard a splash and immediately knew it was a big discovery.
The round trip excursion form the hotel will take six hours and costs $80 per person. This includes the transportation. Upon your arrival, you'll transfer to a shuttle van that will take you the final 20 minutes to the tour staging area. You'll be required to shower before you enter the semi humid ecosystem that supports specially adapted, catfish, shrimps, spiders and fish.
Our enthusiastic guide was Fernando. He provided us with some special equipment to ensure our personal safety. This included a wetsuit, life jacket and a helmet with a built-in safety light. All of this equipment came in handy as we entered the Río Secreto through a ceiling collapse in the jungle.
Entering the underground river system is surreal. You'll gradually traverse down 60 feet to where the water is ebbing and flowing towards the Caribbean Sea. The formations of stalactite and stalagmite rival that of any location on the planet. This place is a living natural museum. Along the way, a professional photographer will take individual or group photos that can be purchased at the end of the tour. The photos are truly amazing due to the specially located remote strobe setups that bring out the luminescence of the limestone. The entire journey took approximately an hour and a half and we walked about half a mile underground. One of the most special moments of the tour was when Fernando directed us into a small, room-like cave and had us sitting in the waste deep water. He asked us to calm our minds and meditate for several minutes. He then turned his light out and we were in total primeval darkness. His words are still ....