What's New in Cancun for 2016

Jun 02, 2016

Cancun is getting a face-lift this year.

Clients can already bask on its 14 miles of white-sand beaches or dive down to more than 400 submerged statues at Cancun Underwater Museum. But now, the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has announced a new ensemble of activities in time for summer 2016.

“We are proud to see the growth of the destination’s dynamic tourism offering as it adds hotels, restaurants and attractions to its expanding repertoire,” said Jesus Almaguer, CEO of the Cancun CVB. “Cancun’s constant evolution will help it continue to solidify its international presence as one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world.”

In January, Hyatt Resorts opened Hyatt Ziva Cancun — its second Cancun property — a 547-suite beachfront hotel with oceanview rooms along the Yucatan Peninsula. Eight restaurants, six bars and three lounges dish out international cuisine, and the resort also features a microbrewery, a tequila bar and a dessert shop complete with a chocolate fountain. For a luxury getaway, check out Turquoize, an adults-only beachfront tower with suites that span 700 square feet and feature oversize balconies with private hot tubs.

“Hyatt Ziva Cancun has been at the forefront of the boom in high-end resorts in Cancun,” said Alexandre de Brouwer, general manager of Hyatt Ziva Cancun. “Playa Hotels & Resorts and the team at Hyatt Ziva Cancun are thrilled to be the force behind the opening of the new and fully reimagined five-star resort located in Cancun’s most attractive and renowned location, Punta Cancun.”

January also saw the opening of the city’s first wax museum at La Isla Shopping Village in the Cancun Hotel Zone. Cancun Wax Museum has 23 rooms that house more than 100 athletes, movie characters and music legends, giving guests the opportunity to “meet” their favorite celebrities.

Finally, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Xcaret eco-archaeological park, Cancun will open a new Xenses Park on June 1. The original attraction features 19th-century mansion Hacienda Henequenera, a cave passageway to the Mayan Village and a raft tour through the jungle. At the $20 million sister park, designed to be an “adventure for your senses,” clients can wander in the Underground Arteries Labyrinth, take in the fruity aromas at Xitrico Garden, surround themselves with a soft concoction at Sludgerie and use their eyes, hands and skin to identify sounds and objects in the Xensatorium. Just 45 miles from Cancun, the site is expected to attract as many as 3,000 guests per day.

“We feel honored and excited to welcome our sixth theme park in Quintana Roo,” said Paola Fuentes, public relations manager for Experiencias Xcaret, the parent company of Xcaret and Xenses. “Xenses is one of our wildest additions yet, and it is expected to please thrill-seekers of all ages looking to expand their feelings and senses.”

These offerings will no doubt pack a vacation full of island bliss. With Cancun’s new tourism developments, it’s not surprising that the number of sun-kissed travelers to destination is expected to break last year’s record of 5 million.