Spring is in the air and @JourneyMexico will be co-hosting next Monday’s #MexChat to share our expertise about Mexico spring vacations!
We invite you to join the #MexChat party happening on Twitter on Monday, March 11th at 1pm EST. Just follow the hashtag– we’ll ask the questions and you’ll provide the answers. To RSVP, click here..
To get ideas flowing, these exciting destinations are perfect for spring!
A couple of years ago, Don Mankin, an award-winning travel writer and adventure enthusiast (among many things), joined Journey Mexico for a pulse racing trip through the Copper Canyon. To our delight, Don published an article about his trip which ran in the Spring 2012 issue of Active Over 50. The article became award-winning and we would like to congratulate our friend Don for receiving the Gold Award in the ”50+ Travel and Travelers” category for print articles from the North American Travel Journalists Association.
Here is an except Zipping Over Copper Canyon, Mexico by Don Mankin:
I’m scared of heights. So what the hell was I doing zipping across a 1,500 foot deep canyon on nothing more than a cable, some pulleys and assorted safety equipment? The adrenaline rush is part of it. I’m not too old for that but it was the views more than anything. As I soared faster than I have ever traveled before without mechanical propulsion, I had plenty of time to look at the maze of canyons below.
The Copper Canyon in northern Mexico is one of the biggest canyons in the world, even bigger than the Grand Canyon – 6,000 vs. 4,500 feet deep and four times the volume. The Copper is more vast than steep, made up of seven major and over 20 minor canyons rather than vertical walls plunging down to a single river at the bottom like the Grand.
It’s not only the scale and the views that make the Copper Canyon so attractive. It is also the home to the Tarahumara Indians, whose isolation in the rugged Canyon has produced many world famous long distance runners and a culture that is still relatively untouched by the modern world.
To read the entire article, you can download it from Active of 50 here.
About.com Readers’ Choice Awards are happening right now, showcasing the best in categories across About.com’s vast network. We are proud to announce that Journey Mexico has been selected as a finalist in the category for Favorite Tour Company in Mexico!
From now until March 19, the public is allowed to vote once a day for Journey Mexico. There are other Mexico categories to vote on as well, such as Favorite Beach Destination, Favorite Colonial City, and Favorite Luxury Hotel.
We hope to count on our network of friends and supporters to cast votes and to spread the word so people know return often and keep voting!
Click here to vote for Journey Mexico for Favorite Tour Company in Mexico.
Cancun and Riviera Maya join together this year to hold their second annual Wine and Food Festival. The festival will be held March 14 to 17 and will feature 25 events. International chefs and sommeliers from around the world will join the exclusive gourmet festival to show off their culinary talents.
Last year the festival honored Mexican gastronomy, this year’s theme is Taste the New World – Europe Meets America. Taste demos, mezcal and wine tasting, spirits seminars, and chef competitions are just some of the events that will be held in luxury resorts and venues found in the area. Enrique Olvera and Massimo Bottura are the guests of honor.
The Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival gives food enthusiasts an incredible opportunity to sample cuisine, taste wines from around the world, and watch cooking demonstrations in the finest spots in the Mexican-Carribean. If you would like to visit, please contact Journey Mexico.
For a schedule of events, visit www.crmfest.com.
What do you search for when trying to plan the perfect couples getaway? What characteristics does a hotel need to have to create the perfect honeymoon, or anniversary? This month, over a hundred people chimed in on Twitter’s #MexChat conversation to discuss romantic destinations and hotels in Mexico.
With first hand knowledge of all the over-the-top, luxurious, and romantic hotels in Mexico, we decided to curate a list to take the guess work out of researching ’that perfect hotel’ for you and your honey. Here is a list of the most romantic hotels in Mexico – beach resort edition.
Best All-Inclusive in Riviera Maya
Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita
Located in Puerto Morelos, this all-inclusive boutique resort of only 90 luxury oceanfront suites is set on beautiful 14 acres that includes a private beach. The hotel is focused on wellness, serenity, and romance, catering to couples in a relaxed setting.
What makes it romantic: Intimate property, bottle of wine & fresh fruit delivered daily to room, many of the rooms feature a whirlpool and a private plunge pool, private catamaran rides and private candlelit dinner on pier can be arranged,
Runner Up: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Adults Only: Secrets Maroma & Excellence Riviera Cancun
Most Luxurious in Riviera Maya
Maroma Resort & Spa
An Orient-Express property, this resort is located on a private beach of powder white sand and turquoise waters. It was once an adult-only resort, and although it now accepts children, the intimate ambiance is still present.
What makes it romantic: Privacy of suites and villas, shared beach loungers, romantic details (upon request), private candlelit picnics can be arranged
Runner Up: Viceroy Riviera Maya
Mayakoba Exclusivity: Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba
Best All-Inclusive in Los Cabos
Zoetry Casa del Mar
This hacienda-style boutique resort welcomes you with a gorgeous cobblestone pathway and fountain. It is situated on the Sea of Cortes just minutes away from Cabo San Lucas. The resort provides Endless Privileges® all-inclusive getaway that provides gourmet dining options.
What makes it romantic: Adult-only, bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit daily, oceanfront suites with private terraces, infiniti-edge jacuzzis available
Runner Up:Secrets Marquis Los Cabos
Most Luxurious in Los Cabos
One & Only Palmilla
One & Only Palmilla is an ultra-luxury resort that has won numerous of accolades. The hotel is an exclusive hideaway of refined tranquility, with an array of accommodations including suites, villas, and casitas.
What makes it romantic: Chilled bottle of champagne and fresh flowers upon arrival, newlyweds enjoy an assortment of chocolate truffles upon arrival along with a romantic turndown amenity, private cove experience available, all ocean-view suites, butler service
Runner Up: Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Capella Pedregal, Esperanza
Most Luxurious in Huatulco
Quinta Real Huatulco
Perched on a hillside overlooking Huatulco’s Tangolunda Bay, this resort’s design was inspiried by The Arabian Nights. With only 28 suites, each with their own balcony or terrace, the service is very personalized and attentive. Guests say there is a certain ‘magical’ feel to the hotel that creates the sensation of escape and intimacy.
What makes it romantic: Smaller property with dramatic views, marble jacuzzi tubs in each room, private beach club, suites available with private pools.
Runner Up: Camino Real Zaashila
Most Luxurious in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo
Viceroy Zihuatanejo
On the shore of Playa La Ropa is the luxurious retreat of Viceroy Zihuatanejo. The 35 guestrooms and 35 suites are housed in casitas providing a good level of privacy; and no two rooms are alike. The property spans a large amount of beach, and also has a private lagoon.
What makes it romantic: Canopy beds, private hammocks with large terraces, suites have an outdoor infinity-edy pool, dramatic setting throughout property and beautiful sunset views
Runner Up: Capella Ixtapa
Best All-Inclusive Puerto Vallarta/ Riviera Nayarit
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
This resort is continuously receiving accolades for its luxury and service. The property provides an array of suites that cater to every need, each over 1,000 sqft and with their own private terraces perfect for a romantic dinner.
What makes it romantic: Amenities such as interior Jacuzzis or outdoor Jacuzzis with panoramic ocean views, sensual couples massages.
Runner Up: Secrets Vallarta Bay, Villa Premiere
Most Luxurious Puerto Vallarta/ Riviera Nayarit
Four Seasons Punta Mita
Located in Punta Mita, this Four Seasons property offers the absolute best in terms of hospitality, dining, spa, and everything you could ask for in an exclusive resort. There are several pools, a lazy river, private beaches and lounging cabanas that create romantic and secluded settings..
What makes it romantic: Suites have terraces with private plunge pools and hammocks, private 55-foot yacht available to charter, horseback riding and bonfires available for romantic dates
Runner Up: St. Regis Punta Mita
This week, people all over the world are starting their Carnival celebrations (known as Mardi Gras in the USA). The celebrations always start a week before Ash Wednesday, a history that ties back to Biblical times and Lent.
Carnival celebrations in Mexico take place in at least 200 cities and towns. Some celebrate with a large and spectacular presence, comparable to Carnaval in Brazil, and some celebrate in small, uniquely traditional ways. Here are our top five picks for where to celebrate carnival in Mexico:
Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Mazatlan’s International Carnaval is a non-stop affair with thousands of costumed partiers, parades, floats, fireworks, concerts and confetti. It is the biggest celebration of its kind in Mexico, with traditions dating 100 years old and attracting hundreds of thousands of people!
Veracruz, Verzcruz
This Mexican coastal city has become host to one of the most important carnivals in Mexico as a result of its folklore and unique elements in its jubilee. Music plays a very important role in Veracruz’s celebrations and a variety of different styles can be heard whether it’s danzon in the main plaza, marimba during one of their many parades or ballads during their ’burning of the bad mood’ ritual.
Morelos State
This state knows how to party for Carnival! Several towns in Morelos, such as Tepoztlan, Tlayacapan, Yautepec, and Jiutepec add several religious traditionsto accomopnay their colorful festivities. One tradition that is prominent to this region is the Dance of the Chinelos, a costumed dance where the characters are playful, tricky, and jump in the movement of puppets.
Campeche, Campeche
Campeche is one of Mexico’s oldest carnivals. They celebrate with both unique and traditional customs, some which accompany certain days of the week. On “Wet Monday” children throw water balloons; ”Painters Tuesday”, neighbors gather to paint each other; and “Fat Tuesday” the carnival ends with the traditional burning of the doll that represents Juan Carnaval.
Merida, Yucatan
Merida comes alive with color during its carnival celebrations more than usual. Themed parades of local folklore and costumes happen frequently over their eight day festival, continuing into all-night long dancing parties of salsa, cumbia and mambo. A peculiar tradition to Merida is the Battle of the Flowers, where people throw flowers at each other.
Condé Nast Traveler author, Wendy Perrin, recently sat down to interview one of Mexico’s Top Travel Specialist to reveal trends, tips, and suggestions you need to know when planning your Mexico vacation. It just so happens that the Condé Nast Traveler Travel Specialist was our very own, Zachary Rabinor!
In addition to speaking about what’s new, what’s trending, and what you shouldn’t do in Mexico, Zach also commented on the important topic of safety in Mexico:
People are finally returning after several years of a hiatus to Mexico’s more cultural, wildlife and off-the-beaten-path destinations. So, I think for the past few years, while there was a lot of negative PR, negative press about Mexico, about violence in Mexico, that’s subsiding in both frequency and intensity, and so people are again, looking toward the cultural destinations in Mexico.
To hear all of the insider Mexico tips, press play on the video below:
View the original Condé Nast Traveler Perrin Post: Tips from a Travel Specialist, Mexico Edition here.
The new AMResorts, Secrets Vallarta Bay and Now Amber Vallarta, have been widely embraced and welcomed as all-inclusive resorts to Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone. Since opening in April of 2012, the hotels have been receiving great feedback and after closer Journey Mexico inspection and experiencing the services first-hand, we agree.
While both hotels are on the same property, just a few minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s Downtown, they feel completely separated. Secrets Vallarta Bay is adults-only, romantic, and elegant while Now Amber is family-friendly, fun, and exciting. Both all-inclusive hotels operate under the signature Unlimited-Luxury® plan which provides top-notch services, indulgences and leaves you with a “don’t worry about a thing– you are on vacation” attitude.
The are a limited number of quality options that are minutes away from Puerto Vallarta’s Centro, so these two additions make great options for families or couples visiting the area. At Journey Mexico, we know all the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta and throughout the entire country. Give us a call today to plan the trip of a lifetime!
Puebla is gearing up for the 38th Edition of the Tianguis Turistico — Mexico’s most important travel trade show. The fair will be held from March 17th to March 20th at the Exhibition Center in the state’s capital, providing a unique business arena where domestic and international purchasers are able to meet with over 500 Mexican tourism service providers.
For 36 years, Tianguis Turistico had been held in Acapulco before deciding to become a traveling tourism fair, making its first stop in 2012 at the beach destination of Puerto Vallarta. Puebla will be the first colonial destination of the Tianguis Turistico Mexico. While last year had a record-breaking attendance of 1,400 buyers and 7,500 attendees, this year Mexico is expecting to exceed that number with 1,500 buyers from 33 countries. Puebla was chosen as this year’s host because of it abundance of cultural and historical significance. In fact, the city of Puebla was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Puebla commented that it will be a proud host and as part of preparations for Tianguis’ activities, the city has invested more than 300 million pesos in infrastructure.
If you are unfamiliar with Puebla, it has exquisite architecture which can be seen in its many churches and convents and it is also where some of the popular dishes of Mexican cuisine come from –such as chiles en nogada (a colorful blend of poblano peppers topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds) and mole poblano. Puebla also is proudly home to seven Pueblos Magicos — recognized ‘Magical Towns’ that imbue certain characteristics and experiences through architecture, traditions, customs, music, gastronomy, festivities and handcrafts.
If you’re planning to attend this travel fair or visit Puebla for any reason, give Journey Mexico a call. Matteo, Rene, and Jessica, will be representing Journey Mexico at this year’s Tianguis. If you would like to make an appointment, please email them.
The award-winning hotel chain, Las Brisas Hotel Collection, has announced the launching of their new, luxury hotel in the Cancun/Riviera Maya– Nizuc Resort & Spa. Opening its doors in March 2013, Nizuc Resort & Spa combines discreet exclusivity with the allure of the Mayan culture.
The resort is located at the gateway of the Riviera Maya, at the southern point of Cancun’s hotel zone on Blvd. Kukulkan, known as Punta Nizuc. The 29 acre property that faces the white sands of the Caribbean Sea is settled within a paradise of protected mangroves and lush local foliage. Beyond that, it borders a 22 acre ecological reserve that is open for guests to explore via accompanied walks into Mother Nature’s serenity and silence.
While Nizuc’s prime location makes it a convenient starting point for accessing all of the Yucatan’s natural wonders, archaeological sites and attractions; the true wonder can be found at the resort itselfm with 274 exceptional suites, extraordinary amenities and outstanding culinary selections.
Highlights of Nizuc Resort & Spa include personalized attention and butler service, superb healing spa treatments, five swimming pools (two adult-only), three distinct accommodation areas each offering its own unique atmosphere, and 6 world-class restaurants of gastronomic delicacies head by Executive Chef, Vincet Wallez. The resort treats their guests with what they call “Endless Indulgence™ service culture” – ‘delivering highly personalized service imbued with discretion and warmth, showing each one of their guests what it is like to have a Mexican Spirit and a Mayan Soul.’
Louis Daniel, NIZUC Resort & Spa’s General Manager, says “We are introducing a new level of refinement at NIZUC to be shared with only the most discerning guests. Diligent preparation for the hotel opening includes meticulous staff selection to provide culinary excellence and impeccable butler-class service. Our exceptional interior design and amenities exude luxury and creates the uniquely serene atmosphere and attitude which defines the culture of the resort.”
For more information, contact a travel planner at Journey Mexico or see Nizuc’s fact sheet.