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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday December 1, 2007 - 29 Cancun rebounds from Hurricane Wilma Cancun, has re-invented itself yet again. It has not only completely recovered, but is better than before Hurricane Wilma. You won't see any signs of Wilma, what you will see are sparkling new or newly-renovated resorts, bars, restaurants and stores. There is a new bike, and walking path right down the length of the island (27 kilometres), which adds to the charm of the magnificent resort city. The resorts have added spas and upscale decors to their 25,000 rooms. They've also brought back the beach to the tune of millions of dollars. If you want calm peaceful days to relax and enjoy the sea, sand and sun, this is a great place to be. If you want wild nights, in famed clubs, this is the place to be. If you want fabulous shopping, this is definitely the place to be. And, of course, the water sports are top of the line as well. My Cancun visit often includes a stay at one of my favourite resorts, Dreams Cancun, right on the most eastern tip of Mexico, Punta Cancun. I like the fact that it is, surrounded on three sides by the azure Caribbean Sea, and the seven landscaped acres tucks you away from the bustle of the city. When you want it, it is right there at the front door. You can easily party, dance, shop and explore, on foot. There have been lots of changes since I was last there two years ago, but the biggest is that Saasil, Kanek, Kichpam, Xcaret, Zama and Kookay have arrived and are living in the saltwater lagoon right in the middle of the property. It means you can book a room overlooking their new home, or simply do what I did and that is spend hours watching them from various spots. I never got tired of seeing them, loafing, playing together, selection. You can choose either a dolphin viewing room, or on the ocean side of the pyramid, where the crashing waves lull you to sleep. Dreams Cancun, a Sunwing Club property has some very special features for their guests. First of all, no wrist bands, and no reservations needed. Just decide where you want to eat, and wander over to any of the three a-la-carte restaurants. If they don't have a table, they'll give you a buzzer so you can go admire the moon, or have a drink, or watch the dolphins. There is 24-hour room service, and believe it or not the hot food arrives, hot and the cold, is cold. Forget lining up with your beach towel card, you won't need one, just grab a towel or two when you need it. Pools are heated during the winter months when the temperature dips a bit at night. Kids from three to 12 have an explorer's club, including a camp out on the beach ('til midnight), giving Mom and Dad a chance for a romantic dinner. The water trampoline and the kids-only rock climbing mountain are big hits. The Spa, is state of the art; hydro-therapy, indigenous treatments, private Vichy and Swiss showers, jacuzzi baths, and a couples outdoor massage cabana. There is a full range of cardio conditioning activities at the fitness centre, and nothing beats the gentle yoga class on the beach. Afternoon tea is very civilized, and so is the evening entertainment in the lobby. It was hard to decide which was more enjoyable, the singer, or the fashion show as people left to go clubbing. It is in the details that Dreams come true, and Dreams Cancun does it well. -- Sam Ion can be reached at sion10@cogeco.ca. SNEAK A PEEK AT INSIGHT'S EUROPE 2008 Ten new tours, more hotels and a new "Dine-Around" program highlight Insight Vacations' 2008 Europe program. Some of the new tours are on water rather than land, giving travellers further options. Choice is also behind Insight's "Dine-Around" evenings where guests will be offered a menu from a choice of two or three restaurants. Guests will be able to review menus a few days prior to the meal and make their reservations via their Insight tour director. Among the new tours are Irish Elegance: Operated in conjunction with sister company Brendan Tours, this 10-day tour features stays in some of Ireland's finest five-star properties; Glorious Switzerland: Guests can savour the best of Switzerland in just nine days, with inclusions such as the Glacier Express train and a cable car ride to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, as well as an excursion into Italy to visit Lake Maggiore; and Treasures of the Balkans: This tour begins with two nights in Belgrade and makes its way to Sarajevo with visits to Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb. We have Insight Europe 2008 brochures with all of the details. The "down-under" Drive Goway Travel has expanded its self-drive programs in Australia and New Zealand for 2008. Goway offers more than 160 pre-planned itineraries that have been researched, planned and test driven by staff. There's something for everyone ­ from independent drives with accommodation passes to special interest themed itineraries such as food and wine, farm stays, bed and breakfast or up-market boutique hotels. All travellers on Goway's self-drive itineraries receive a special co-pilot backpack, which includes their detailed itinerary, maps and guides. Because everything is reserved in advance, travellers can relax and enjoy the scenery and attractions on route. One of Goway's most popular Australian self drive tours is the pacific Coast Explorer priced from $1,815.00 per person. Travellers can experience the beauty of the Ease Coast of Australia and can choose from seven, nine or fourteen-day durations in economy or first class accommodations. Also gaining popularity is the five-day Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive, which incorporates sleepy fishing villages, spectacular coastal scenery and National Parks. Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com or checking out the pier area where their people present treats. Zama did his best to actually land on the pier. It was a good thing I have a digital camera, in my effort to get the perfect shot, I took 50 pictures. And yes, I spent an hour in the water with them, patting them, watching them, and admiring these glorious mammals that always look as though they're smiling. There is something magic about the experience, and no-one came away disappointed. Delphinus has an excellent reputation, and is respected for its trainers, and the research they are doing. These dolphins were all born in one of the five Delphinusins along the Mayan coast, and a couple are third generation. I liked the way their people educated us along with giving us time to swim with the dolphins. They truly are curious, and came to those of us who didn't show any fear. These creatures are BIG, so it takes a minute or two to swallow doubts. After you clamber out of the water, grinning from ear to ear, you can buy pictures or a whole DVD to take home and show all your relatives. Next visit will be a hard choice, when it comes to room HOSTED CRUISES Enjoy the company of our Ensemble Hosts ­ onboard the ship to assure your cruise vacation is not only worry-free but also extraordinary! Join your hosts for a private `get acquainted' cocktail party and an exclusive private-label Ensemble Experience Shore Event. Gina Cheng Many of our clients tell us this is the highlight of their entire cruise! And they are only available from our travel agency. Whether you favour intimate luxury yachts or glittering liners, there's an Ensemble Hosted Cruise that's perfect for you! Call our travel agency 905 849-0333 and allow us to plan your next cruise vacation! Oakville Town Centre I 300 North Service Road, W. Oakville 905.849.0333 www.totaltravel-oakville.com Ont Reg No 2766538 Voted Best Travel Agency Best Cruise Company Best Travel Agent Thanks Oakville! Hopedale Shopping Centre 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville Ont Reg No 2766538 Relax... you're with us (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com Oakville Town Centre I 300 North Service Road, W. Oakville 905.849.0333 www.totaltravel-oakville.com 221 Lakeshore Road E. 905-337-2228 www.hookedoncruising.com