Taken into lobby area for registration, guests are greeted with music of Mexican guitarists and singers and provided with Margaritas and Piña Coladas, (with or without alcohol), soft drinks, and bottled water, making entire process one of comfort and convenience.

One immediately recognizes luxury and sobriety of resort, its classic lines, comfortable spaces and discreet colors, spawning feeling that such a style will never go out of fashion, but rather, would be one to emulate by others in tourism sector. There is absolutely no doubt that enormous attention was given to design of interior areas which have a stamp of prestige that rings out in clear and unambiguous tones.

The Resort's features of balconies overlooking ocean from each of its 365 guestrooms and suites are of particular significance to guests, who enjoy such welcome extras, such as a private safe, fully stocked honor bar, and telephone in bathroom. In addition to a 24 hour room service, hotel provides twice daily maid attention, evening turndown service, and a multi lingual concierge staff.

Guests wishing for an added measure of service and personal attention may select accommodations on Ritz Carlton Club, accessed by a separate elevator key. The spacious and well-appointed Club Lounge features complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout day, including continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and sweets and cordials.

The resort opened on April 15, 1993 and features two outdoor swimming pools, three tennis courts, (one of which is lighted) and Ritz-Carlton signature blue "cabana chairs" on beach. The Fitness Center is equipped with weight training and cardiovascular equipment, steam and sauna rooms, and aerobic classes are offered each morning. Spa services are available, including massages in Fitness Center, guestroom or on beach. A beauty salon is also located in hotel.

Relaxing on beach takes on a whole new meaning as private beach cabanas staffed with individual butlers, personal messages delivered upon receipt to guests lounging poolside, chilled scented towels and fresh fruit on silver trays are among benefits.

Upon arrival at pool and beach area, all guests are greeted by a specialty concierge personnel and registered at guest services desk. This enables staff members to locate any guest in area and deliver important messages, phone calls or faxes.

To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/ritz/cancun/cancun.html

Edwin Ali, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

THE ALCAZAR GARDEN — Named because design is patterned after gardens of Alcazar in Seville, Spain, The Alcazar Garden lies adjacent to House of Charm. It is known for it's ornate fountains, exquisite turquoise blue, yellow and green Moorish tiles and shady pergolas. This formal Garden, is bordered by boxwood hedges and is planted with 7,000 annuals for a vibrant display of color throughout year. The Garden has been reconstructed to replicate 1935 designe by San Diego architect Richard Requa. Open daily; free.

BOTANICAL BUILDING — At 250 feet long by 75 feet wide and 60 feet tall, building was largest wood lath structure in world when it was built in 1915 for Panama-California Exposition. The building, located on Prado, West of Museum of Art, contains about 2,100 permanent tropical plants along with changing seasonal flowers. Open Fridays through Wednesday's (closed Thursdays and city holidays) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. The Lily Pond, just south of Botanical Building, is an eloquent example of use of reflecting pools to enhance architecture. This 193- by 43-foot pond and smaller companion pool contain water lilies and lotus as well as varieties of goldfish and Japanese koi. The lilies and lotus bloom spring through fall.

THE DESERT GARDEN — Lies north of foot bridge across Park Boulevard near Natural History Museum and encompasses 2.5 acres. There about 1,300 plants, including succulents and drought-resistant plants from around world. Peak blooming period is January through March. Open daily; free.

THE OLD CACTUS GARDEN — This historic garden was developed for 1935 California Pacific International Exposition and is located on west side of Balboa Park Club. This contains some of largest cacti and succulent specimens in Park and has also been developed to include exotic African and Australian Protea plants.

THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN — Located northeast of Spreckels Organ Pavilion,it includes a small entry garden, an exhibit house, a traditional sand and stone garden, and a wisteria arbor reviewing area overlooking canyon below. The garden is a place of contemplation for visitors. Japanese Garden concepts and symbolism are adapted to climate and topography of San Diego. New features include an entry plaza with tea stand, koi (carp) pond, activity center, a 60' long fujidana (wisteria arbor) and strolling paths.

To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/globe02/usa02/balboa/balboa.html

Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com