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Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa is one of Mexico's top destinations, with so many options for fun and relaxation that it can be hard to know where to begin. Should one start at Spa del Mar, with its 14 treatment rooms, waterfall whirlpool, and Swiss showers? Or perhaps partake in a spirited tennis match on the resort's world-class, ocean-view courts? Personally, I'd head straight for the three-tiered infinity pool, which provides unbroken vistas of sea and sky that seem to go on forever. While this might sound like a dream, it can become reality in no time, thanks to Starpicks. That's because Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next six weeks. So instead of daydreaming about this Mayan masterpiece on the Yucatan Peninsula, you can pay it a personal visit. And as you gaze out at the Caribbean Sea and Laguna Nichupté, you can start to dream up your next great getaway.

It's no great secret that a visit to the stunning Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá in the Yucatan, just a few hours away from Cancun, is an experience one should have at least once in their lifetime. There is simply nothing like witnessing the sun cast shadows throughout the day on El Castillo, the stunning step pyramid that is at the center of this pre-Colombian civilization. This building, an architectural calendar of a structure, is especially noteworthy during yearly equinoxes and solstices and was a centerpiece of this pre-Colombian civilization from 400 to 1000 AD. While El Castillo, named one of the new seven wonders of the world, may be the most famous aspect of Chichén Itzá, it is by no means the only, and you can easily spend many hours, wandering amongst the multiple structures including the Great Ball Court and an observatory known as El Carasol, where shadows in the room predicted the solstice.

You will have to devote at least a few hours to explore Chichén Itzá, so I suggest if you're staying at the Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun, wake up at sunrise and get to the site early to avoid the crowds, the tour vans and most importantly, the relentless Yucatan sun. Pack some food for the road, and for snacking, as while there are options at the site, they are few. Anyhow, especially on hot summer days, bring along a bathing suit, as just a few miles away is the Ik-Kil Eco Park. Inside is home to the Cenote Ik kil, known as the Sacred Blue Cenote, a limestone sink hole, and it's a refreshing and beautiful stop before riding back to town.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Spa Operations Development and Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa.

The beautiful Westin imagery of flowers and butterflies received some acclaim last year in the “Dolphin is Art” program sponsored by the Kulkulcan Plaza and Sedetour in Mexico benefiting the World Wildlife Foundation. Artists from around Mexico painted sculptured dolphins in an exhibit which has been on display throughout Mexico, the United States and parts of Europe.

The dolphin pictured above, “Aletita,” was painted by Martha Fernandez using Westin’s imagery of renewal and is currently on display in the lobby of The Westin Resort and Spa in Cancun. Oh and by the way, the program raised $590,000 Mexican Pesos for WWF in the name of saving the whale shark!

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Spa Operations Development and Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa.

The best part of going to a spa is not the pampering, not the facials, not even the massage. It is taking time for yourself and if possible, going on a spiritual journey. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, and like any difficult experience, could be greatly facilitated by working with a guide.

I found one such guide on my recent visit to Mexico: Sergio Mendez, the “Temazcalero” at the Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin Resort and Spa in Cancun. “Temazcalero” is the name given to the Shaman who leads guests on their spiritual journey from within the Temazcal, a traditional Mayan steam bath ritual which takes place in a small adobe hut located (in this case) on the small beach beside the Lagoon behind the hotel. The bulk of the ritual treatment takes place inside the Temazcal while the Temazcalero’s partner, the “hombre de fuego” or “fire man” feeds more and more hot rocks into the pit in the center of the hut.

Summer's almost over, but it's not too late to get in one more great trip to the beach. The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun (pictured) is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates and Starpoints with every booking. And since the Westin Cancun is a resort property, the rates are good for stays during the next six weeks. So go ahead and enjoy one last summer celebration in Cancun. Swim in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon, get in shape in the state-of-the-art fitness center, or relax in an ancient Mayan Temazcal steam bath.

Of course, if you can tear yourself away from the resort's amenities, there's plenty to do in and around Cancun. Those interested in exploring ancient Mayan culture might enjoy a trip to Tulum, about two hours away, while fans of shopping should stop by the nearby Ki-Huic flea market, which is the perfect place to get local handicrafts and unique souvenirs. When evening rolls around, enjoy some fine international cuisine at the resort's Arrecifes restaurant, followed by a night of dancing at one of Cancun's many popular nightclubs, such as the always wild Coco Bongo. Of course, those looking for a mellower experience should avoid Coco Bongo and similarly-named places and instead make their way to one of the local jazz clubs. It's true that good things come to those who wait, so find a last-minute destination at Starpicks and start packing your suitcase.