The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, built in 1990, is swimming against the tide of new luxury resort developments and complete transformations. Instead of closing down during its metamorphosis, resort upgrades are being subtly implemented so it can remain open for its enduring, international fan base. Even as flashier resorts crop up like weeds, “regulars” can continue enjoying their favorite property highlights, including a pristine stretch of beach, numerous on-property activities including unlimited non-motorized water sports (kayaks, paddles, boards, snorkeling masks), and impeccable service.

The resort’s biggest selling point remains its restaurant and bars, especially since it transitioned into an all-inclusive in 2020. Enduring standbys include all-you-can-eat buffet Viña del Mar, locally-inspired beachside sit-down restaurant Isla Contoy, and Nah K’aax, an elevated casual outdoor restaurant/bar with a Tulum-meets-Bali ambiance and clever spins on street food. The AAA Five-Diamond Le Basilic, opened in 2003 under the direction of Paris-bred Chef Henri Charvet, still draws acclaim. La Joya, the resort’s flagship restaurant, was widely regarded as Cancun’s best high-end Mexican restaurant in its pre-all-inclusive days among locals and regular visitors. Now, it is revived and reinvigorated with an expanded selection of regional dishes from across Mexico, adorned with savory and sophisticated sauces, seasonings, and presentations.

With more than 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and an acclaimed meetings and special events team, the resort is also perfectly appointed for “bleisure.” The resort’s design, including a lavish 15,351 square-foot Grand Coral Ballroom and 20 breakout rooms, ensures privacy for conferences and family gatherings for 10 to 1,700 people. While adult guests keep busy with their business, romantic, outdoor adventure, or wellness pursuits, the Coral KidZ Club, a state-of-the-art $2 million, 40,000 square-foot educational and recreational facility, is enriched with a variety of spaces and activities for different age groups.

This big upgrade in the past year is the opening of a trio of fine-dining restaurants, carved into its former ground-level shopping colonnade. A lot of thought went into the interior design and vetting of the chefs for each venue, ensuring each restaurant outing would equal or exceed similar venues outside the hotel.

Chianti Il Consorzio Ristorante is the most surprising of the three because its Tuscan-Italian dishes are so on-point that one would swear the executive chef had been trained in Italy. Although this is not the case, his experience working in some of Mexico City’s top restaurants speaks volumes about his commitment to perfectly executed garlic soup, Cacio e Pepe pasts, arancini appetizers, lemon sorbetto, and more.  A new cocktail program led by mixologist Alejandro Moo completes the updates of existing and new restaurants through carefully curated cocktail menus that perfectly complement each restaurant’s theme.

Havanna Club Steak House & Lounge has an Argentinian/Mexican sensibility with an added several supper club elements allowing it to transition into a dance club later in the evening. Tango performances enliven dinner service as does a Basque-style grill fueled by locally sourced wood used to prep various steaks to perfection. The extensive menu includes filet mignon, rib eyes, a superb short rib main, salmon, Kurobuta pork chops, rack of lamb. Starters and sides include sharable salads, ceviches, seafood cocktails, roasted asparagus, creamed spinach, mac and cheese with aged cheddar, and hands-down favorite Ribeye Chicharron.

Torii is a modern interpretation of the Teppanyaki format, where the star attraction is the “Chef’s Omakase” presentation served with miso soup, fried rice, and a choice of chicken, fish, and shellfish. For an additional fee, chefs can add Wagyu A5, lobster, and sea urchin. While Latin flair is built into the chefs’ execution of preparation, guests can alternatively order off a pan-Asian menu with different tempuras, Szechuan Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, and Pad Thai. The sushi bar fronting the main restaurant prepares and serves sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites.

Other travelers will argue that the Coral Beach Gem Spa is the hotel’s most glamorous draw. The 40,000-square-foot, bi-level wellness paradise is decked out with rich woods, Italian mosaics, and sand marble, along with a luxuriant ten-step Hydrotherapy Ritual which guests can enjoy free of charge on their “spa day.” The prolific menu is packed with aromatic and indulgent body treatments and facials that are as carefully thought-out flair as dishes served at the resort’s better restaurants. The spa staff is also first-rate, ensuring guests absorb every facet of the experience.

The other major upgrade executed in 2023 is the resort’s “Infinite Luxury by Grand Fiesta Americana” guest category. The “Infinite Lounge” on the 11th floor serves as a private check-in and a quiet place to grab a bite, relax, and plan activities with its concierge service. Extra privileges above and beyond the “all-inclusive” proposition include daily access to the hydrotherapy area in the Gem Spa and the adults-only Infinite Beach Club, with its own pool, beach, and food menus. An exclusive expanded menu of complementary on- and off-property activities such as excursions to the Mayan Museum, shopping trips, and various adventure outings off-property.

One of the most popular outings is a jaunt to Isla Mujeres with round-trip ferry tickets, admission to Garrafon Natural Reef Park Isla Mujeres, lunch, an open bar, and activities such as zip lining over the ocean. Even with many well-loved restaurants to choose from on Isla Mujeres when you truly crave local fare and people-watching, Cafe Mogaugua is a winner with a trio of flavorful breakfast enchiladas, vegan and vegetarian offerings, acai bowls, Middle Eastern fare later in the day, along with beautifully crafted chocolate croissants, coffee drinks, and live music.

Infinite Club guests are invited to choose specialized assemblages of activities grouped in an “Infinite Experiences Menu.” There are programs specially curated for families, foodies, romantic couples, and wellness-minded guests. Other perks include priority dining reservations, upgraded beach activities, exclusive day and evening activities, an expanded selection of premium bar offerings, and babysitting services.

For more information, please visit www.coralbeachcancunresort.com or call 1-888-830-9008.