<p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/6033e296bed5c50011a2bd4b-1872/Shutterstock.com%203.jpg" border="0" alt="Cancun, Mexico" data-mce-source="Shutterstock.com"></p><p></p><bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><p>Last week, Texas Senator <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ted-cruz-ignores-cdc-recommendations-to-quarantine-after-vacay-2021-2">Ted Cruz left behind frigid Texas temperatures</a> to visit the luxurious Ritz-Carlton in Cancun.</p><p>Cruz's decision to fly to Cancun, while <a href="https://www.insider.com/texans-share-accounts-of-water-shortages-burst-pipes-flooded-homes-2021-2">millions of Texas residents battled severe winter storms,</a> power outages, and water shortages, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ted-cruz-takes-cancun-trip-amid-texas-winter-storm-struggles-2021-2">sparked intense backlash.</a></p><p>The senator also invited several people outside of the family to the hotel, which the Cruz family has reportedly visited "many times" in the past, according to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/heidi-cruz-text-messages-planning-mexico-trip-ted-cruz-2021-2">leaked text messages from the senator's wife, Heidi Cruz</a>.</p><p>Cancun has become a popular destination during the pandemic. Expedia's <a href="https://newsroom.expedia.com/2020-11-16-Looking-forward-Expedia-com-reveals-the-top-travel-trends-and-tips-for-U-S-travelers-in-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021 Travel Trends Report</a> lists Cancun as the No. 1 destination for US travelers.</p><p>Here's what you need to know about the luxury Cancun resort Cruz frequents:</p><h2>Accommodations at the five-star luxury hotel start at over $300</h2><p>The Mexican resort has a sweeping ocean view. All the rooms at the hotel look out on the Caribbean sea and feature private balconies and terraces.</p><p>The luxury resort also has one of the largest hotel beach fronts in Cancun1,200 feet of prime beach real estate.</p><p><a href="https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/cancun-mexico/the-ritz-carlton-cancun">Forbes' Travel Guide</a> ranks the Ritz-Carlton as one of the top luxury hotels in Cancun.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation=""><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome home to The <a href="https://twitter.com/RitzCarlton'ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RitzCarlton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cancun'src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cancun</a>. Follow along as we share ways to have an unforgettable winter season with us. <a href="https://t.co/vb4SN94wh0">pic.twitter.com/vb4SN94wh0</a></p> The Ritz-Carlton (@RitzCarlton) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1353735907657056257'ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p></p><h2>The hotel has over nine dining options</h2><p>The Ritz-Carlton can house over 360 guests and features two award-winning restaurantsFantino and The Club Grill.</p><p>Guests can visit Fantino, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant decorated with Old World-style elegance, or enjoy live jazz music at The Club Grill.</p><p>Hotel visitors can also participate in a private dining experience from their balcony with the hotel's 24-hour dining services or try the resort's expansive tequila menu at D-Lounge, which is home to over 100 different tequila options.</p><p>The Ritz-Carlton also has interactive meal services. The Culinary Center has an oceanfront kitchen where award-winning chefs prepare a custom meal, teaching the guests throughout the process.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation=""><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Balcony breakfast and ocean views, are the perfect way to begin your winter getaway in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cancun'src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cancun</a>. <a href="https://t.co/0yDF3WMW29">pic.twitter.com/0yDF3WMW29</a></p> The Ritz-Carlton (@RitzCarlton) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1353757177928888320'ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p></p><h2>The resort has one of the top spas in Cancun</h2><p>While visitors can enjoy private beach cabanas and lounges off the ocean, the hotel features a wide variety of other aquatic amenities, including two swimming pools and a whirlpool that looks out on the ocean.</p><p>The Ritz-Carlton has one of the area's best spas, according to Forbes. The 5,500-square-foot spa focuses on Mayan-inspired healing practices.</p><p>Additionally, guests looking to relax in their rooms can enjoy 400-count Egyptian cotton sheets, large marble bathrooms with a separate shower and bathtub, as well as bi-daily cleaning services.</p><p>Cruz, who said he planned to work in Cancun, would have likely used the resort's full service Business Center and childcare options.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation=""><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In the afternoon, embark on a journey to wellness at The <a href="https://twitter.com/RitzCarlton'ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RitzCarlton</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spa'src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spa</a> where the serene gardens and secluded terraces will create the perfect environment for your relaxation. <a href="https://t.co/ZTMV9set6O">pic.twitter.com/ZTMV9set6O</a></p> The Ritz-Carlton (@RitzCarlton) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1353796866866114563'ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p></p><p>Cruz cut his stay at the Ritz-Carlton short after a picture of the senator at the airport went viral.</p><p>He decided to only stay at the hotel for one night after multiple state residents expressed outrage at his decision to leave Texas in the middle of a deep freeze that left many Texans without electricity, heat, or fresh water.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ted-cruz-apologizes-for-cancun-trip-amid-texas-winter-storms-2021-2">Cruz later apologized for the trip as protestors called for his resignation.</a></p><p>"It was obviously a mistake and in hindsight I wouldn't have done it," Cruz said.</p><p>Upon his return, Cruz was seen helping serve meals to first respondersa move that defied CDC guidelines, requiring individuals to quarantine for at least a week after traveling.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ted-cruz-cancun-trip-hotel-he-stayed-at-ritz-carlton-2021-2#comments">Join the conversation about this story »</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/economist-weighted-voting-could-help-save-us-democracy-2018-5">A top economist explains how weighted voting could change democracy</a></p>
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