Timeshares have a funny reputation. People buy their "week" and either return every year to the same property or trade out with other timeshares.

But savvy travelers know that you can stay at a timeshare without ever buying one. And get some great deals, too.

The newest luxury property to join the Royal Resorts timeshare family, the Royal Sands, has been sited to take full advantage of the magnificent Cancún beach views.

Located near Kukulcan Plaza and close to other Royal Resorts properties, the Royal Sands has the benefit of one of the best beaches and units with more space than a normal hotel room. In fact it is a whole villa. And you can't get more for your money anywhere else in Cancún. Unfortunately, I spent everything I saved by staying at Royal Resorts on silver jewelry. Fortunately, that means I came home with wonderful memories of my trip, and less guilt about my acquisitions.

Villas are designed using the flexi-villa © concept that has proved so successful at other Royal Resort properties. It allows the use, rental or exchange of the whole unit, a suite that sleeps four, or a room for two. Units have furnished kitchens, a dining area for six, television, telephone, safe, and central air conditioning, along with daily maid service. A luxurious spa and full-service business center complement the restaurant and lobby bar, convenience store, boutique jewelry store and guest laundry.

All the amenities that have garnered Royal Resorts its many continued accolades from owners, guests and the industry are present at the Royal Sands. Water sports equipment, a full schedule of daily activities, on-site gourmet restaurants, a travel counselor to help plan and book day tours and an exceptionally high level of service allows guests to vacation royally.

Cancún-based Royal Resorts, voted number one by the Timeshare Users Group and awarded the coveted Five Star Award from Interval International since its inception in 1983, has more than 40,000 members and currently operates four resorts including the Royal Islander, the Royal Caribbean, the Royal Mayan and Club Internacional de Cancún, all in Cancún, Mexico. The Royal Reef, located in The Cayman Islands, is scheduled to open early 2000. For more information on Royal Resorts' membership programs or properties, call 1-888-373-5959 from the U.S., or from Cancún call 81-0100.

GUIDEBOOKS

Lonely Planet Mexico
Well organized with great pictures and maps
Terrific section on shopping
www.lonelyplanet.com

Michelin Tourist Guide to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize

Berlitz Cancún & Cozumel
www.berlitz.com

Hunter Travel Guide Adventure Guide to the Yucatán, Cancún & Cozumel

Hidden Cancún & the Yucatán by Richard Harris
Ulysses Press
E-mail: Ulyssses@ulyssespress.com
800-377-2542

Eat Smart in Mexico: a Travel Guide for Food Lovers
By Joan & David Peterson

Live Better South of the Border
By Mexico Mike Nelson
Fulcrum Publishing

On Mexican Time
By Tony Cohan
An American writer and his wife find a new home—and a new lease on life—in the charming sixteenth-century hill town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico