Even though Hurricane Wilma was one of the most devastating hurricanes to hit this area, Cancún has made a complete recovery and is still the most popular destination in Mexico. While traditions such as spring break will always be a part of the culture, new beaches, hotels and attractions beckon couples and families with children, who will discover Cancún on the Mayan Gold Coast.

Today, most of the damage wrought by the hurricane has been repaired. Hotels, old and new, are once again back in business, and the city, formerly known mainly as a spring break paradise, is now focusing on offering something for everyone.

Financial aide came quickly in the Wilma’s aftermath. The Mexican government contributed about 250 million, 20.8 million of which went directly into restoring the beaches that are now twice as wide. In addition, private companies infused a whopping 2.2 billion into the local economy, setting the stage for a renewed and vibrant tourist destination.

Post-Wilma, Cancún appeared to have a collective re-examination of itself and realized that not only did they have to do more to ensure overall safety (Many hotels have been built with new materials and storm-resistant windows.) but, in order to survive in the future, the coastal city had to attract families and tourists other than the usual spring break and college crowds. Nowadays, properties such as Club Med are offering many clubs and activities geared toward young children.

This was my first visit following the hurricane and changes were apparent everywhere. New shopping centers (There are more than 2,000 in the hotel zone and downtown area.), restaurants and hotels gave the downtown area a new look and feel. The Ritz-Carlton spent $15 million on renovations and added a culinary center for guests to take part in interactive classes. An increased police presence also added to a new sense of security, especially at night.

Still, the new Cancún is all about choices, and while you can stay at many fine resorts in the hotel zone from budget to five-star, other, smaller properties and boutique hotels are nestled along the nearby Mayan Riviera and are just waiting to be discovered.

About 20 minutes south of the city, in an area known as Puerto Morelos, is one such small property known as Ceiba Del Mar. Now part of the upscale Boutique Brand within the Preferred Hotel Group, this little gem was completely destroyed during the hurricane but now has a multi-million facelift and is as charming as ever.

Each of the 88 rooms has an ocean view with a private balcony or terrace, cable TV, DVD/CD players, and twice-daily maid service. The property is geared toward adults (Children must be 15 to stay here.) and this would be a great place for a romantic getaway. Ceiba Del Mar has a fitness center, spa, 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, and even an on-site dive shop, whose employees will take you out to the nearby reef for some fantastic views of the local marine life.

Cancún now has many attractions that will appeal to families as well as those traveling solo. The entertaining Captain Hook Pirate Ship Dinner Cruise, for example, is a show on the water with games, music, a dinner that was actually quite good, and a ship to ship sea battle with each ship being boarded by swashbuckling sword-dueling pirates.

Water is, of course, one of the main draws here and activities range from diving trips and jungle cruises via small speedboats through the mangroves to deep sea fishing or just soaking up some sun on any number of Cancún’s beautiful white sand beaches. Xcaret and Xel-Ha are two popular water parks south of the city and offer swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling in and around reefs loaded with multi-colored fish, buffet-style dining, and even a hammock city, where you can take a traditional siesta.

Chichen Itsa was, at one time, the political, cultural and religious center of the Mayans, who populated the Yucatán beginning in the early 16th century and who continue to inhabit the area today. Built around 800 AD, the temple of Kukulcán is the highlight of the ruins left here, the remnants of a once thriving civilization. The temple has 4 sides with 91 steps ascending at a 45-degree angle to the top.

The occasion of my visit was the spring equinox when the sun passes directly over the equator and intersects with the strategically placed stones late in the day forming what looks like a serpent slowly descending the pyramid. This event draws thousands, all waiting for the sun to break through the clouds to reveal the phenomenon. People clapped, yelled, prayed, and otherwise celebrated what the Mayans came to rely on as part of their intricate calendar system. Chichen Itsa is about a two to three hour drive from Cancún, depending upon the traffic, but is well worth the effort as it is one of the major archaeological wonders of the world.

Hurricane Wilma might have permanently left its mark on Cancún after its 185 mph maximum winds ripped through the city and the Yucatán Peninsula in 2005, nearly destroying everything in its path. But, thanks to both public and private funds combined with the resiliency of the Mexican people, Cancún has come back to life and is being reinvented as a family-friendly destination. Its natural treasures and rich cultural heritage are just waiting to be rediscovered along the Mayan Gold Coast.