Cancun is renowned for its vivacious nightlife, but on a visit here I'd prefer to skip the wild, late-night dance parties, and instead immerse myself completely in relaxation. The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun provides the perfect escape. With its location at the southern end of the "hotel zone," the resort is close enough to the action to dip in when you feel like it, but far enough to truly get away from it all. With a private beach, four swimming pools, and a spa, the hotel's exactly the type of place I'm looking for.

I'd begin my retreat into tranquility by submerging myself in the Caribbean waters, snorkel, mask, and flippers securely in place. The underwater paradise of nearby Palancar Reef, brimming with coral, tropical fish, and even sea turtles, offers a quick way to shed the stress of life in the real world. After an hour or so I'm in full on vacation mode, and ready for a massage under one of the beachside palapas. The sound of waves lapping the shore, combined with the aroma of essential oils being kneaded into my back put me in a state of serene euphoria. Now I'm ready to slip into a lagoon-side whirlpool, watch the sunset, sip a pina colada, and plan tomorrow's trip to one of the region's spectacular cenotes where I'll get one step closer to my goal of total relaxation by floating in the turquoise waters while the sun filters down through the opening in the cave wall above. Ahhh... Cancun.