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 Travel & Outdoors | September 2005 
Pick of the Seaside Resorts Down Mayan Way
 Michael Taylor - South China Morning Post
| | The couple are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in Scotland. |
Mexico's beach resorts offer a mix of sun, sand and surf together with the chance to explore nearby colonial towns and villages as well as ancient Mayan and Aztec archaeological sites.
Some of the world's best ecotourism destinations round out the country's travel options, while many resorts offer excellent spa facilities. Friendly locals, excellent cuisine, varied nightlife and stunning architecture make Mexico an ideal antidote. Here is a list of the country's top resort areas:
1 Cancun
Over the last 30 years, Cancun has evolved into one of the world's leading beach resorts. Connected to the archaeologically rich Yucatan Peninsula by two bridges, it has world-class hotels, resorts, clubs and malls. Some 70 per cent of foreign tourists spend part of their holiday on the island.
2 Puerto Vallarta
Overlooking glorious Banderas Beach, the sunny resort and its miles of golden sand attract 2.2 million visitors a year. With a 500-year history, it has maintained much of its colonial charm with white-washed buildings and cobblestone streets. The beaches of Puerto Vallarta attract 2.2 million visitors a year.
3 Acapulco
It is no longer the most expensive hotel in town, but Las Brisas remains in a class of its own. Each of its 263 pink and white bungalows overlooking Acapulco Bay has its own private or semi-private swimming pool.
4 Huatulco
Situated in the state of Oaxaca, Huatulco is one of the country's newest resorts. Unlike more established tourist destinations, the city has no high -rises. Of the 92,000 acres of land earmarked for development, 40,000 have been set aside for ecological preservation.
5 Mazatlan
Fifteen miles of sandy beaches are not the only show in town. Known as the Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatlan has the country's largest shrimp fleet and is home to a popular beer. Sports fishing, historic sites and one of the world's largest carnivals also draw adventurous travellers.
6 Cozumel
The world's second largest barrier reef attracts scuba divers and snorkellers from around the world to this picturesque island. Explore the underwater limestone caverns, tunnels and marine life at Cozumel Reef National Park. Then head for the quaint town of San Miguel, with its seafront restaurants and cafes.
7 Manzanillo
Located on its own island, the Isla Navidad Golf Course, Marina and Resort is considered by many to be Mexico's top resort. It has a country club, 27-hole golf course, marina and three swimming pools. Nearby Manzanillo is one of the most important tourist resorts on the Mexican Riviera.
8 Ixtapa
Modern Ixtapa and its rustic neighbour Zihuatanejo offer a chance to experience two Mexicos - the new and the old - in the shadows of the majestic Sierra Madre mountains. Attractions include scuba diving, cruises, fishing and golf.
9 Los Cabos
Located on the tip of Baja California, Los Cabos is an emerging tourist destination with world-class spas, golf, watersports, fishing and nightlife. As Mexico's second fastest-growing resort, Los Cabos attracts a large number of retirees. There is a marina, an underwater nature reserve, striking rock formations and a pristine beach. |
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