Words and Photos By Melanie Ormston

With winter upon us, my boyfriend and I were contemplating future vacation destinations, while reminiscing about the last time we felt warm sand between our toes and hot sun on our skin. The stress (and fun!) of the holiday season had taken its toll on us…so we decided to escape to Mexico. Here’s how-for $709 each-we made it to a week in sexy beach paradise-but never actually made it to breakfast.

Going on little more than a few friends’ recommendations and somewhat varied internet reviews, my boyfriend and I headed to Grand Oasis Cancun in Cancun, Mexico. He had stayed there earlier this year with a guy friend, leaving me with some doubts about his review; was this going to be a ‘Spring Break meets University Res’ type of experience? Because that was not what I had in mind for my first tropical vacation in four years. But tt really is a great couples getaway. It’s a place where you can get lots of quality time with your significant other without ever feeling like it’s too much time – there’s a good balance of friendly people and things to do. It’s an easy place to unwind and spend time together. The experience exceeded my expectations.

Located less than 25 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, the Grand Oasis Cancun resort is picturesquely situated on the Hotel Zone of Cancun, with views of both the Caribbean Sea and Lagoon. Grand Oasis Cancun is home to the longest pool in Cancun – at a quarter of a mile in length – and boasts a number of popular swim up bars.

I would recommend getting the black wristbands – they guarantee you free access to the resort’s Thursday night foam party ($40US all-you-can-drink for non-black wristband wearers), the best restaurants and most intimate bar settings at the resort (‘Tequila & Ceviche’ serving up some of the best, freshest seafood we’d ever had), and VIP access to a number of clubs in downtown Cancun – just 10 minutes from the resort. They also guarantee a stay in either the main pyramid or Phase 2 (avoid Phase 1, unless ‘Spring Break meets University Res’ sounds appealing to you).

Waking to temperatures of 22-25 degrees and basking in 30-32 degree weather by the afternoon, we were spoiled by consistently warm and dry weather – which can be unpredictable at the end of their rainy season. Out of a full seven days in Cancun, it only rained lightly one day – much of which we spent in our room, which was adequate but nothing to write home about (the rough bedspread and slow draining tub were my only complaints). If you have some extra spending money, there is a full-service spa that offers massages in private outdoor huts right above the beach, overlooking the ocean. For the more adventurous and/or energetic traveler, there is lots of shopping to be done outside of the resort – which also hooks guests up with discounts at a variety of popular restaurants and shops.

We spent the six sunny days enjoying and exploring the landscape of the resort. The sandy white beach is scattered with salespeople (persistent but easy enough to get rid of), the odd topless woman, men sporting banana hammocks, adventurous swimmers, snorkelers and Bo Derek look-a-likes. Though the resort provides numerous activities (like yoga, tennis, golf, beach volleyball, and water sports), parasailing seems to be the activity of choice. We would have been hard pressed to look out at the ocean and not see at least one daring individual up in the sky, trailing behind an advertisement for one of many Cancun nightclubs. The people-watching on the beach is as entertaining as the resort’s poolside entertainment, provided by someone who reminded us of an 80’s game show host on vodka Red Bull.

Our favourite place to have drinks was at the bar overlooking the beach and Caribbean Sea, right beside Tequila & Ceviche (black wristbands only). Opening at 11am, the bar was manned by Marcos – whom, I informed, I would hire as my personal bartender if I were to ever win the lottery. He served up Corona (the only beer available at the resort, and always on tap) and countless varieties of pina coladas spiked with fruity liqueurs. One is never too far from a bar at the Grand Oasis Cancun, or from one that suits your taste – whether you’re looking for a sports bar, intimate lounge, classy nightclub, Caribbean, beachside, or party atmosphere, they’ve got you covered. Not only that, but even the room fridges are stocked with beer (just one daily, but we weren’t complaining), pop and water.

Like the bars, there are restaurants for every taste. Craving sushi (Sushi Beach Bar or Sushi Bar Akeru)? Need a burger and fries after a late night of partying (Sands Snack Bar or Hammocks Snack Bar)? Fancy some Thai (Akeru or Cocoa), Mediterranean (Dos Lunas), Italian (Tratoria Tatish) or Mexican (Careyes)? Or maybe you have absolutely no idea what it is you want – in which case you’ll want to visit one of the numerous above-average buffets – some of which surpassed all expectations and garnered return visits from us. There’s even a sports bar that serves food from 11pm-6am!

Whether you’re looking to relax and lay low, embrace your inner sports fanatic, meet new people, or dance and party the night away, the Grand Oasis Cancun is the place to go.