As much as we love the Algarve, we decided to take a break and head for shores unknown. We gave plenty of notice and RCI exchanged our weeks for an apartment in Cancun, Mexico. Now why did we expect a dry arid region, with Mexicans sitting on street corners in ponchos and huge hats? We flew over immense rainforests - our first surprise - and found ourselves in a town resembling a cross between Marbella and Miami. As darkness fell Cancun lit up to millions of twinkling lights, round every palm tree and bush, and adorning every hotel - and it wasn't even Christmas! Cancun is sophisticated, fun, attractive and there is something for everyone - from golf courses to white sandy beaches, to shopping malls to extensive water sports to upmarket restaurants. Getting around was an absolute doddle- buses ran the entire length of Cancun, with one appearing every couple of minutes. We ventured out on several excursions, each one surpassing the last. We swam with the dolphins at the laggons of Xel Ha, climed the Mayan ruins at Tulum, traversed the Ocean floor in a submarine, sailed around the lagoon on asunset cruise, and even risked life and limb on a reverse bunjiee jump- NOT to be recommended after a meal! Our apartment was magnificent- with ocean views to the front and loon views to the rear, and tropical flowers in abundance. There were so many restaurants in Cancun that ate in a different one each evening. One tip for travellers to Cancun though- carry lots of small change - just about everybody required tipping, and were not backward in coming forward about asking! A wonderful holiday but, alas, not a sombrero in sight - except in the souvenir shops. Ron House, Hawkwell, Essex