Grand Coral Beach :

For fifteen years the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun has been awarded a Five Diamond rating. That's quite an accomplishment and they didn't disappoint us on this trip! Built in 1991, the property offers 602 suites with ocean views. The hotel is now undergoing a $27 million renovation that will include new contemporary furniture, Simmons bedding and plasma TVs.

We stayed in a 900-square foot master suite, which is 250 square feet larger than the junior suite. The room amenities included: marble floors, in-room safe, sitting room, oversized-bathroom, a sunken Jacuzzi tub, a 200-square foot terrace and flat screen TV. Wireless Internet is an extra $20 per night.

The master suite overlooks the largest swimming pool in Cancun, and 1,000 feet of sandy beach. Grand Coral Beach is the number one choice for families with small children because the beach faces north towards the leeward side of Isla Mujeres. This makes the surf calm even on windy days.

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun
The Grand Coral Beach offers celebrities, CEOs and high rollers accommodations in two presidential suites. John Travolta's family and P-Diddy and his entourage recently chose the resort for its top-notch service and privacy. The presidential suites sport 5,000 square feet of living space that includes a 2,500-square foot terrace with a soaking pool and hot tub overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The cost is $4,000 per night and includes a butler.

The Beach
The idyllic turquoise blue water and the gorgeous, 1,000 square feet of baby fine powder sand is impossible to resist. The beach has no major rocks, big waves or undertow and all ages can easily enjoy a quick dip or a more vigorous swim. If snorkeling interests you, within the roped off area of the beach, about 100 feet out, is a small coral reef which can have a decent showing of fish. It is vital to secure a palapas (small Tiki umbrella and lounge chair) for necessary shade, and in high season, they go quick. We all need a healthy dose of sunshine and vitamin D, but don't mess around with the intensity of the sun and the potential to ruin your vacation by not using a high SPF sunscreen. Avoid the high price toiletries at the gift shop and bring your own sunscreen and a wide brimmed beach hat. Ladies, break out the pretty beach cover-ups and matching flip-flops. Guys should avoid beat up T-shirts with funky slogans because this is a classy and refined beach resort with a relaxed and comfortable vibe.

The three multi-level, 800-foot, lagoon-shaped swimming pools have waterfalls, platforms and swim up bars to accommodate all kinds of desires … when it comes to thirst and hunger, that is! It's pristine, beautifully landscaped and very clean. The full waiter service on the beach was prompt, cheerful and quick – I had the recommended drink special of the day and the banana monkey was a delicious way to kick off some fun in the sun. The professional wait staff will serve the entire pool bar menu on the beach as well. If the mood for a little adventure strikes, then hop on a jet ski or try snorkeling. Scuba and water skiing are available upon request.

Beach Massage 
Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in an outdoor beach massage. It is totally private behind ivory curtains and set away from the main beach area. The soothing sounds of the ocean and mild ocean breeze added an enormous level of luxury and peace. I had the pleasure of choosing the scented body massage oil and I immediately began to decompress. I highly recommend asking for Christina, she has the gift of healing hands. She applied the perfect amount of requested soothing pressure, and I simply melted into a puddle of bliss. I would recommend scheduling a massage either first thing in the morning or late afternoon – just to give you ample time to shower afterwards and re-group!

Dining Options

Isla Conte:
This casual seafood restaurant is situated in a Robinson Crusoe-style hut with 30-foot thatched coconut husk cathedral ceilings. It's located overlooking the beach and the Caribbean Sea right next to the swimming pool. The menu has a variety of dishes for the seafood lover. There are some great meat offerings to choose from that included grilled rack of lamb, grilled chicken breast and pan-fried black Angus filet of beef. However, the smart move is to sample the fresh seafood made-to-order from the buffet. You'll be able to select your own Caribbean lobster from a holding tank or choose from a variety of local fish including hogfish, calamari and shrimps. For dessert, the mango crème brulee is out of this world and the Kendall ....