Destination information
The most popular region in Mexico, the brilliant white sands and the azure blue water of the Caribbean Sea, means that the Riviera Cancun really does look like the brochure pictures! With lots to offer you, there are striking modern hotels, a hectic nightlife and a high energy atmosphere from it’s designer malls and international restaurants, plus the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula is easily accessible for getting out and about. A closer look reveals lively salsa clubs, bare-bones beach bars and inexpensive taco stands, offering genuine no-frills Mexican fare. The long, wide strip of sand dipping into the luminous Caribbean Sea, is magnificent and bordered by the manicured gardens of the stylish and generously proportioned Riviera Cancun hotel complexes. All of which means you're never too far from a bar! Alternatively, you could try swimming with dolphins, or, simply, sitting back and relaxing underneath a thatched beach umbrella somewhere along the 7-mile stretch of coast. For a fitting end to the day, retreat to your hotel for a moonlit margarita on the sands, or for the more adventurous, try a shot or two of the infamous Mexican spirit – tequila. Traditionally served with a worm in the bottle, the worm should be eaten when the bottle is finished if you dare!
Eats & drinks
Refried beans, tortillas, enchiladas…you’ve tried it at home, but make sure you try the real thing, with hot chillies, zingy spices and piquant sauces. You'll never look at a meek chimichanga in quite the same way again. That said, holidays in Cancun offer a broad range of mealtime possibilities, from ranch-style steaks, to high-end French cuisine, authentic Italian and just about everything else in between.
Getting around
Most attractions in the downtown area are within walking distance, outside of the downtown area, getting around is a breeze, with a bus service which travels the length of the hotel strip every few minutes, 24-hours a day, and the cost is about $1.00. Alternatively, taxis are plentiful and can be hailed almost anywhere. A car isn't necessary within the city, but it affords you more scope to travel further, with the Highway 307 along the coast giving easy access to the Riviera Maya area with its famous archaeological remains.
Additional info
Time zone offset: GMT -6 Hours
Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso
Different destinations have different magic touches so make sure to check out the "Rockstar Service" to see what makes your holiday with us so special.
Getting there
From June 2012: Fly non-stop from London Gatwick on Virgin Atlantic's award-winning service to Cancun. Flight time: 11 hours.
Pre June 2012: Fly non-stop from London Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning service to Miami, where you conveniently connect on to your short flight to Cancun. (An overnight stay in Miami may be required). Flight time: Approx 10 hours to Miami, 1 hour 15 min from Miami to Cancun.
Please note: Only holidays beginning in June 2012 are web bookable. For holidays that start before June 2012 please call our call centre.