Cancun, Mexico |
​JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

Until early 2018, I'd only been to Cancun twice for a few hours during two separate excursions off cruise ships. I didn't really understand the appeal of the famous-for-Spring-Break destination until I spent a few days at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. Having visited numerous resort towns  on Mexico's west coast where the water can be brownish gray, I didn't fully appreciate the beauty of Cancun's clear, turquoise waters until I had something to compare. Well, now I get Cancun. Of course, I'm well past college age so when I return, it'll definitely be during one of the slower months (September and October are part of the off-season and also mean less chance of kids being out of school).

Of course, a great deal of credit to this transformative experience goes to the JW Marriott team for making me and my travel companions feel so welcome. With room renovations underway (and many floors complete), the property has gone from generic to chic. Best of all, this resort offers some adults-only components that make for an even more relaxing experience—especially any time except Spring Break when it's the "adults" who are crying, throwing tantrums and peeing in the pool. Thanks, but no thanks. –Steven Lindsey

marriott.com

5 Reasons to Visit JW Marriott Cancun 

Heated Adult Pool with
​Ocean View
​​Even during the rare cold snap (which happened on my visit), the heated adults-only pool creates a tranquil oasis within the expansive outdoor gardens and beachfront portion of the resort. A swim-up bar means you can have frosty beverages on demand. The only downside might be the lack of adults-only jacuzzi. I wish every resort would make hot tubs kid-free because nothing's less relaxing than a child with snorkeling gear swimming in between all the grownups. Nobody should have to hope and pray that all the bubbles in the tub are from the jets—and not the children.

Adults-Only
​Spa Facilities
​​​​You must be 18 or over to use the spa facilities, which combined with the quiet nature of the space easily makes this the most peaceful retreat in the entire hotel. Amenities in the separate men's and women's lounges and wet areas include a steam room, dual whirlpools, steam showers and a large relaxation area with ocean views. The co-ed indoor pool is a perfect escape if it's raining, you want to get away from the kids, or both. The top-notch spa services draw from Mayan rituals for a more unique experience than the typical massage, wrap or facial.

Newly Remodeled Guest Rooms & Bathrooms
​​​​​As of this writing, not all rooms have been renovated, so for the best experience make sure to ask for one of the newly remodeled rooms, which include spacious walk-in showers and soaking tubs in the bathrooms and modern, Mexican-inspired decor in the bedroom. Upgrade to a room with Club 91 access for five daily food-and-beverage setups, including hot breakfast, snacks throughout the day, complimentary cocktails and other perks. 

The Italian Food
(Yes, I Said Italian)​​​
I often lament the lack of local cuisine at resorts when traveling to some countries. Most seem to cater to Americans and rather than deliver an authentic experience choose to lure guests to restaurants serving, sushi, steak or something else entirely un-insert-country-name-here. Fortunately, the JW Marriott Cancun does indeed have a Mexican restaurant (and epic buffet on occasion), but dare I say I enjoyed the pasta and other delights at Gustino Italian Grill far more. (At least I paired dishes with tequila to squeeze in a local twist.)

Take A Day Trip to Nearby Isla Mujeres
​​​​As lovely as the beaches may be in Cancun proper, I highly recommend taking a ferry or other mode of water transportation to Isla Mujeres for a day. The charming little island feels more, well, Mexican than much of Cancun, which caters to tourists through international chain restaurants and massive bars. Isla Mujeres, in contrast, has small mom-and-pop operations, colorful bazaars and tiny little bars with cheap drinks and often unspoiled views. The farther off the beaten path you go, the bigger the rewards. Hire a guide if you're not that adventurous.