A Holiday Fiesta
Fly south for the holidays: Glaucia Canil of JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa explains why Cancun is an unforgettable Christmas destination
Centurion Magazine: Cancun is one of the best cities in the world to spend Christmas, with visitors flocking here from all over the globe. What makes it so special during the festive season?
Glaucia Canil: At JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, we make the festive season truly special with a wide array of activities and events for everyone to enjoy.
It begins with our annual Christmas lighting, which sets a magical tone for the holidays. Guests can then indulge in tequila tastings and the vibrant Viva la Fiesta at La 16 Speakeasy, or an afternoon of Mexican food, drinks and fun on 21 and 28 December and 4 January. We also offer sushi-making classes, Winter Christmas Olympics for kids, margarita and mezcalina tastings, fitness activities, cookie decorating, and a chance to meet Santa, all of which are designed to create unforgettable holiday memories for the whole family.
Cancun is definitely a top destination for a warm-weather Christmas, offering a unique holiday experience under the sun. What makes it so appealing at this time of year is the variety of activities and attractions available for all kinds of travellers. Visitors can join tours exploring the rich Mayan heritage of the region, or they can unwind by crystal-clear waters on Cancun's breathtaking beaches. And if they’re keen on diving into adventure, they can go snorkelling in the vibrant coral reefs.
The city of Cancun also boasts fantastic shopping malls for those seeking holiday gifts, and the famous XCaret parks provide family-friendly fun with eco-adventures and cultural shows.
The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is one of the region’s most-awarded and best-loved hotels. The property has also recently joined The Hotel Collection by American Express, where Cardmembers will receive extra benefits. Why has it become such a favourite for visitors?
The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa has become a favourite for visitors largely due to the exceptional service provided by our associates, which is frequently highlighted by our guests. Our resort offers five international restaurants catering to a variety of tastes, and we also have an award-winning spa. Located in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, the resort is just 15 minutes from the airport and five minutes from popular shopping malls, making it convenient for travellers. Our stunning, pristine beaches, along with Cancun’s turquoise waters and white sand, set us apart as a truly unforgettable destination.
You mentioned the Sens-yah Spa, your spectacular 3,352sq m spa that features traditional Mayan wellness treatments and ingredients. Do you have any special wellness activities on offer during the Christmas period?
At Sens-yah Spa, we offer wellness activities year-round, with a robust fitness calendar featuring options like sunrise yoga, Pilates, cross-training and ab classes. During the festive season, we enhance our offerings with special spa packages that vary each year. For example, last year’s "A Gift of Relaxation" package allowed guests to indulge in a holistic aromatherapy experience using carefully blended essential oils tailored to individual needs for the relief of stress and tension.
Additionally, we host the Winter Christmas Olympics, a complimentary activity for kids, on 24, 27 and 31 December. Held in our main garden and on the beach, it includes a variety of fun games and challenges, making Christmas at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa even more memorable for families.
In terms of indulgence, there are few places in Cancun to match your offerings, with a range of restaurants and bars serving up a cosmopolitan mix of food and drinks. What should guests look out for when they are visiting at Christmas?
At JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, we offer a world-class dining experience with five international restaurants, featuring Spanish, Mexican, Thai, Italian and international cuisines. During the Christmas season, guests can indulge in a range of exciting culinary activities that enhance the festive experience. Highlights include our popular Tequila Tasting, where you can discover Mexico’s finest spirits, and Taco Madness, a fun and flavourful event celebrating the diversity of this iconic dish. We also host Viva La Fiesta, a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture with live entertainment and traditional food, as well as a Margarita Class for those eager to master the art of the perfect cocktail. Every month year round we have a cocktail of the month, but in December we pull out all the stops with festively themed drinks available at each restaurant. Add to this our gift shop, room service and exclusive Club 91 lounge, and guests are sure to find plenty of indulgent options to make their holiday unforgettable.
One thing you can't miss when you visit the JW Marriott Cancun during Christmas – and it's something you will notice right when you walk in – is our annual Christmas lobby décor. Every year the theme is different, from upside-down Christmas to gingerbread houses, and this will be the year of Willy Wonka, which we are very excited to see! Our kitchen team does an amazing job decorating and creating all the décor by themselves.
For Christmas Day itself, the resort puts on a whole range of activities for the entire family. What are the highlights?
Starting on December 23rd, Christmas at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is filled with excitement and family-friendly activities. You can kick off the day with a complimentary Zumba class at our seaside garden, then stop by the Taco Madness station for a taste of authentic Mexican flavours.
On Christmas Eve, the festivities continue with a cumbia dance class in the morning, followed by the Winter Christmas Olympics for kids at 2:30pm. At 4pm, don't miss the magical moment when Santa arrives on the beach – with the chance to meet him! You can then take a keepsake family photo in the lobby at 7pm. If you’re looking to relax, stop by the Bubble Bar in the lobby between 5 and 6pm. End your night with our traditional Christmas Buffet at Bravío Restaurant from 5:30 to 11pm.
On the 25th we’ll be hosting our special cookie decorating class, which is perfect for families looking to spend some time together and, most importantly, have some fun.
How will you ring in the New Year?
This year, we’re excited to host our 2024 New Year’s Eve Party on 31 December from 7pm to 1am in our beautiful beachside garden. The evening will kick off at 6:30pm with event registration, followed by doors and bars opening at 7pm, complete with a DJ setting the festive mood. At 8pm, guests can enjoy a variety of food stations, while entertainment continues at 8:30pm with a live percussionist performance, followed by a captivating live water drums show from 9:30 to 10pm. A violin duet will then take the stage from 10:15 to 11pm, and the 6 Elements Band will keep the energy high from 11:15 pm until the countdown at 11:59pm. As the clock strikes midnight, we’ll celebrate with a live band and DJ to ring in the New Year in style. It’s set to be an unforgettable night of music, food and celebration!
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is part of American Express' The Hotel Collection.
For more information or to make a booking, please call your Centurion Travel Service.