New Flights to Mexico in 2014

Posted by & filed under News.

New Routes

Mexico City to Chicago ORD:
Volaris has moved its Chicago service to Mexico City from its Midway Airport (MDW) to O’Hare (ORD). Daily flights our of ORD commenced at the end of 2013. The Chicago Midway Airport will continue to connect with Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Morelia, and Zacatecas. Volaris serves other US destinations including Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix and San Diego.

Los Angeles to Leon/Guanajuato:
Delta Air Lines launched its 19th route to Mexico in December 2013. The new Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Leon/Guanajuato (BJX) route is being offered on a daily basis.

Montreal to Ixtapa:
Sunwing Airlines, added another service to its seasonal offering with the launch of weekly flights (Tuesdays) between Montreal (YUL) and Ixtapa (ZIH) in Mexico.

New York to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos:
AeroMexico has increased its New York (JFK) to Cancun frequency from 7 flights a week to 10. It also launched seasonal,  twice weekly service to Puerto Vallarta and once weekly service to Los Cabos; both will run through August 2014.

Fort Myers, Florida to Cancun:
The Wisconsin-based charter operator, MetJet,  launched weekly round trip seasonal flights from Fort Myers, FL, to Cancun in December and the service will run through May 15, 2014. The Saturday flights originate in Green Bay, Wisconsin, stop en route in Fort Myers, and continue on to Cancun. The service will be operated by Sun Country Airlines.

Miami, Florida to Cozumel:
American Airlines began nonstop service between Miami (MIA) and Cozumel (CZM) late last year. The flight runs five times weekly from Thursday to Monday.

London Heathrow to Mexico City and Cancun:
AeroMexico will operate three weekly flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Mexico City (MEX) starting in April, increasing capacity by 30%. With the arrival of the Dreamliner, the airline will offer 243 seats per flight, 32 flat
beds on Premier Class, more space between aisles and new personalized entertainment. A direct service from London to Cancun on Saturdays is also scheduled to start on April 5th.

Mexico City to Palenque:
Interjet recently launched a flight between Mexico City and Palenque. It will fly round-trip on Thursdays and Sundays.

Update 4/16:
Mexico City to San Luis Potosi:
Interjet will begin service from Mexico City to San Luis Potosi on May 22.

San Francisco to Morelia:
AeroMexico recently launched a flight between San Francisco (SFO) and Morelia (MLM). It will fly three times a week, departing San Francisdo on Mon/Wed/Fri and departing Morelia on Tue/Thur/Sat.

Chicago to Morelia:
AeroMexico will begin service from Chicago to Morelia on June 7.

 

Other Airline News

Delta Expands to Mexcio’s Pacific Coast
Delta Airlines will increase its flights from key U.S. gateways to Mexico’s Pacific Coast  beginning in October.  The expanded schedule includes:
four weekly services between Salt Lake City and Puerto Vallarta, starting Oct. 1
four weekly flights between Atlanta and Los Cabos, beginning Oct. 1
four weekly flights from Salt Lake City to Los Cabos, starting Oct. 4
four weekly flights between Atlanta and Puerto Vallarta, beginning Oct. 5
weekly flight between Minneapolis and Los Cabos, beginning Nov. 8
All new flights are available now for booking.

Southwest Takeover of AirTran
Southwest Airlines will begin international service on July 1, a transfer of existing AirTran routes. By the end of 2014, Southwest plans to take over the Cancun, Los Cabos, and Mexico City schedules.  

Volaris Wants More US Routes
The Mexican airline Volaris filed at the Transportation Department to add seven more U.S. routes to its schedule proposing from Oakland and San Jose to Tijuana; from Orlando, Denver and San Antonio to Guadalajara; and from Las Vegas to Hermosillo and Culiacan.

Air France Lands The Biggest Plane In The World In Mexico
Air France’s Airbus A380, considered the biggest passenger plane in the world, landed at Cancun’s International Airport in November 2013 to inaugurate the new direct route from Paris to Cancun. It is the first time that a vessel of this size –with two floors, six bares, an art gallery, hundreds of windows and a capacity for 516 people – commercially flew into Latin America. Read More >>

New Regional Airline
Mexico launched a new carrier, Regional Air Transport (TAR), with a fleet of three aircrafts. By 2017 it expects to operate a fleet of 14 planes.  Based in Queretaro, current routes include Guadalajara, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Monterrey, Durango Tampico and Los Mochis. Later this year they  plan on including Toluca.

 

All About Isla Holbox – #JourneyHolbox

Posted by & filed under Cancun, On the Road, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

My love for Mexico always has me traveling throughout the country looking to find new experiences and treasures. I have gone on countless journeys exploring Cancun/Riviera Maya down through Tulum and it wasn’t until two years ago that I heard of the nearby ‘hidden paradise’, Isla Holbox.

Development and tourism keeps pushing down south the coast of Cancun, but for some reason, no one ever thinks about the destinations to the north. Perhaps that’s a good thing, because to the north are pristine islands like Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox that hopefully, forever stay that way. After day in and day out hearing about how great Isla Holbox was, I finally made my way to visit. Hesitant that it would be overrated, I was delightfully wrong.  Isla Holbox is a true paradise and one of those places that can not be adequately described through words…..you must live it to believe it.

About Isla Holbox

Located northwest of Cancun, Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) is a small island separated from the mainland in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is only about 25 miles in length, less than 2 miles wide, and makes up part of the Yum Balam Ecological Reserve. The shallow lagoons where the Caribbean Sea converges with the Gulf of Mexico create a picture perfect refuge for visitors of all types including flamingos, white pelicans, and other exotic birds. From June to September, the protected waters also attract whale sharks – the largest fish in the world. There are almost always refreshing winds blowing towards the island, creating relief from the hot sun and making a day at the beach very enjoyable. The water is shallow and gentle, radiating a blue oasis and seeming-like infinity-edge pool that has no end.

Life on the island is very laid-back and traditional. The residents of Isla Holbox are a unique mix of Maya, Spanish, and Cuban, many of which make their living by fishing. It is not uncommon to see most people walking around barefoot given that the streets are clean and completely made of sand. Very few cars are allowed access on the island in order to protect the environment so the preferred mode of transportation is either golf cart, moped or bicycle.

Isla Holbox

Getting to Isla Holbox

There are a few ways to get to Isla Holbox. The most common is via public transportation. Leaving from the Cancun Terminal de Autobuses is a Maayab bus headed to the town of Chiquilá ($80 pesos) followed by a ferry ride ($100 pesos) to get to Holbox. The red ferry gets you to and from Isla Holbox in about half of the time than the blue one! In total, this trip takes about 4.5 -5 hours. The journey can feel a bit long, especially when the buses make several stops. The preferred way to arrive to the island is to arrange private transportation. Since cars are not allowed on the island, renting a car is not recommended. There are many private transfer companies (including Journey Mexico) that will help arrange this for you and the travel time takes about 2.5 hours. For those in a hurry to get to paradise, the fastest (and coolest) way to arrive is to fly in from Cancun or Playa del Carmen in a Cessna aircraft. With a birds-eyes view in a plane, the vistas of the Riviera Maya coast and surrounding islands are incredible.

What to Do in Isla Holbox

Still considered a virgin beach destination unspoiled by mass tourism, Holbox is a place of natural beauty where one comes to just rest, relax, and recharge batteries. Boutique hotels can be found beachfront and offer plenty of hammocks, loungers, and palapas to soak in the Mexican-Caribbean sun. Mid-day is a good time to walk around town or rent a bicycle and explore the island’s parameters. The town only spans  several blocks and is mostly made up of restaurants and artisan shops. Punta Mosquito (to the east) and Punta Coco (to the west) are both fantastic beaches to escape to and spend a few hours in complete seclusion. Right before nightfall, it is a must to witness the famous Isla Holbox sunsets.

Outside of town, nearby attractions include: Isla Pájaraos, a small mangrove island with an vast diversity of birds; and Cenote Yalahau, a crystal-clear freshwater lagoon/spring and magical place of pirate folklore and history. Both are only accessible by boat. During the months of June through September, whale sharks are known to visit the open waters near the island allowing visitors the chance for up-close and personal encounters via a swimming with whale shark tour.

Where to Stay

There are boutique hotels and hostels all along the shore of Isla Holbox ranging from a backpacker’s budget all the way to luxury indulgers. Casa Sandra Boutique Hotel is a quiet place that incorporates artistic flairs, personalized attention to guests, and a very ‘welcome home’ ambiance. Other popular choices include Las Nubes, which has a bit more secluded location away from town, and Casa de las Tortugas, a colorful and trendy boutique hotel that is an all around great place to relax, dine, drink and experience.

Where to Stay: Casa Sandra Boutique Hotel

Where to Eat

Restaurants are plentiful in Isla Holbox, mostly serving, as one can imagine, seafood. A must-try when visiting is Lobster Pizza –it has become a Isla Holbox tradition and very easy to find. For authentic, the originals are at Restaurant Edelyn and for delicious, Cariocas serves it up perfect with two glasses of wine.

A delightful place for a light breakfast is at Casa Sandra. They serve fresh fruits, mouthwatering banana bread, a divinely rich coffee from Chiapas and refreshing hibiscus-lemon tea (almost identical to Stabuck’s Shaken Iced Passion Tea Lemonade!) For lunch, Las Panchas is a very popular place for both locals and visitors and has the best ceviche on the island. Their menu only features seafood and it is both fresh and  served in very reasonable portions  At night, a great option for dinner is Rosa Mexicana where they specialize in what they call, nueva cocina Mexicana— a refined take on traditional ingredients. While the goat cheese stuffed chicken with plantain covered in mole poblano was indeed a fantastic explosion of flavors, I recommend sticking with a seafood dish. Another great option for dinner is Mandarina, an acclaimed Mediterranean restaurant serving fresh, organic food including pastas, breads, and meats – a perfect break from all the seafood!

Where to Drink

As with restaurants, bars are everywhere. My suggestions are the following: La Diosa Kali for a inexpensive bucket of beer on the beach; Casa Sandra for the best Cuban mojitos on the island; Las Nubes for a Coco Loco (spiked coconut water served in a coconut) at sunset; Cariocas pop-up palapa on the beach for a fresh caipirinha; Los Peleones at night for a “La Reyna de Mi Corazon de Puebla” (a watermelon spin on the traditional mojito); Arena Lounge for a free coronita; and finally Casa Las Tortugas for a fantastic selection of mezcals. During the day, Casa Las Tortugas also has a menu of what they call “Water Therapy” — their Vitaminica is the perfect fix to dehydration after –or during—a long day in the sun.

 

This post is part of my #JourneyHolbox trip – reporting live from Casa Sandra Boutique Hotel on Isla Holbox. You  can read my insider’s tips (orginally shared in real-time) on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and FourSquare with the hashtag #JourneyHolbox

The Cuban Mojito – #JourneyHolbox

Posted by & filed under On the Road, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

When Cuban poet and artist, Sandra Pérez, stepped foot on Isla Holbox for the first time, she was instantly attracted to the raw colors of nature and island-lifestyle. Her concept to create a hotel infused with art  in this paradise soon became a reality and the influences of Cuban culture in the property created a unique space on the small Mexican island.  Cuban antiques, Cuban art, and sophisticated Cuban dining all contribute to the multi-cultured, artistic vibe Casa Sandra Boutique Hotel provides and to my delight, it boasts that their Cuban mojitos (my favorite mixed drink) are proportioned in the strict Havana standard and the best on the island. With that, I was determined to find out if it was true!

Wandering around the island and talking with the locals, I came to find out that there were a handful of Cubans who now call Isla Holbox home and that the Cuban mojito sort-of, unofficially, became the island’s signature drink. I tried several mojitos around Holbox including Casa Sandra, Las Nubes, Viva Zapata, Capriocas, and Los Peleones and the verdict was clear – Casa Sandra did do the Cuban mojito best!

I sat down with Israel, the hotel’s coctelero to learn more. Israel started by sharing a little bit of history with me: the mojito became popular from the famous restaurant Bodeguito del Medio in Habana, Cuba and it was Ernest Hemingway’s favorite drink. The difference between a Cuban mojito and a regular mojito is the rum must be Cuban! At Casa Sandra they use Havana Club Rum (añejo 3 años and añejo 7 años) and although they have a variety ways to make it, he showed me how Casa Sandra does it the signature way – by hand and with love. Mint (or yerbabuena), lime, sugar, sparkling water and rum are the main ingredients but depending on what type of sugar you use can greatly influence the taste of the mojito. The signature is made with brown sugar and opposed to throwing all ingredients in a shaker, Israel personally crushed each of the mojitos by hand in their respective glasses. The result? Perfection. To show us the difference in taste, Israel then whipped up a batch in a shaker for our testing; while still refreshingly delicious, it was very noticeable that the taste was indeed different. Israel personally prefers it shaken but said most people prefer it crushed.

Signature Cuban Mojito at Casa Sandra in Isla Holbox
Signature Cuban Mojito

Casa Sandra Signature Cuban Mojito Recipe

2tbsp brown sugar
2 mint of yerbabuena sprigs
1.5oz freshly squeezed lime
Havana Club Rum (to liking)
Splash of mineral water
Ice

Crush the first three ingredients together in a glass then add rum, ice, and mineral water. Be sure not to add too  much water or all the mint will rise to the top. Stir. If you’d like, you can add a little bit of sweetening syrup to the drink.

 

Signature Cuban Mojito at Casa Sandra in Isla Holbox

If you are not a fan of the Cuban mojito, another popular mixed drink on the island is called Caipirinha – made with cachca, a Brazilian sugar cane alcohol.

 

This post is part of my #JourneyHolbox trip – reporting live from Casa Sandra Boutique Hotel on Isla Holbox. You  can follow me in real-time on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and FourSquare with the hashtag #JourneyHolbox

 

Be Relentless ¡Vamos Norma!

Posted by & filed under Cancun, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

The Mexican athlete, Norma Bastidas, started on a record-setting journey this  month in Cancun as she plans to complete the longest triathlon in the world. Her mission is to combat human trafficking and empower thousands of survivors, a topic she not only is very passionate about, but can relate to. As an adolescent, Norma was kidnapped, sold, and forced into prostitution but thankfully managed to escape; today, she is a strong survivor of illicit activity and has been running marathons to bring attention to the issue. In addition to running then longest triathlon in the world and going for the Guinness Book of World Records, she also strives to raise money along the way for prevention and boost awareness on the fight against trafficking.

Norma’s journey of 5,600km (3,479m) in 40 days begins in Cancun, passes through Mexico City and continues on to Laredo and New Orleans before concluding in Washington, D.C.. iEmpathize will be accompanying her on her challenge and shooting a documentary titled ‘Be Relentless’ (Sé Implacable) which will be released in Mexico and the United States in late 2014. In addition to the money raised during her triathlon, the money from the film will also be allocated to projects of human trafficking prevention. If you would like to donate please visit http://berelentless.iempathize.org.

Norma, is completing 122 miles (196km) of swimming in Cancun and will be there throughout the week. Our General Manager, Matteo, had the honor to swim with Norma – a whole 4km! Check out the video below:

Be Relentless Day 9 from iEmpathize on Vimeo.

 

 

Isla Holbox Sunsets – #JourneyHolbox

Posted by & filed under Cancun, On the Road, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

As noted in the previous post #JourneyHolbox, I am in Isla Holbox for the first time gathering the complete 411 of the area.  To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect before arriving; I had been hearing  nothing but great things about Holbox for the past two years but in the back of my mind,  I had a small feeling that it was going to be overrated. Thankfully, that thought couldn’t have been more farther from the truth — Isla Holbox is a true paradise just like they say. As one would expect, I spent my first day on the island just enjoying the sun and eating fresh ceviche.  Since the end of winter is winding down, that means the days are short and the sun sets at around 5:45pm.  I was very much looking forward to the sunset; not only are they ‘famous’ on the island, but my skin was definitely already ready for some relief from the hot sun. Most people say the best place to view the sunset is the most western (SW) part of the island, but in my opinion, since the island is already facing west, anywhere is good.  With that, I chose to do the opposite and  make my way to the eastern (NE) portion in order to watch how the sun bounced off the shore and reflect graciously on the water. Simply breathtaking, just take a look.
isla-holbox-sunset-2

isla-holbox-sunset

The next day…

isla-holbox-sunset-4

 

This post is part of my #JourneyHolbox trip – reporting live from Casa Sandra Boutique Hotel on Isla Holbox. You  can read my insider’s tips (orginally shared in real-time) on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and FourSquare with the hashtag #JourneyHolbox

Off The Beaten Path: Three Places In Mexico You Haven’t Been

Posted by & filed under Adventure, Chiapas.

“No matter how many times you go – no matter what you think you’ve seen – Mexico always surprises you” – that quote cannot be any more accurate! Mexico is a vast and limitless country containing so many innumerous wonders that, in my opinion, no other one single country can match. Mexico has pyramids larger than Egypt, beaches more beautiful than Australia, historic architecture more stunning than Rome  and a rich gastronomy that gives France a run for its money! It would take more than one lifetime to truly immerse yourself in all that Mexico has to offer and most travelers just barely cover the surface.  Many once off-the-beaten-path places, such as Tulum, have developed over time into incredible world-class destinations, and although hesitant to make known current off-the-beaten-path towns for fear it will one day become spoiled,  they are just too remarkable not to share!

San Juan Chamula, Chiapas

Near Chiapas’ former capital, San Cristobal de las Casas, is the quaint, autonomous village of San Juan Chamula where no outside police or military are allowed to enter the indigenous Tzotzil-Maya community.
San Juan Chamula peoples’ ancestors were one of the few groups to never be fully conquered or captured by the Spanish resulting in pre-Hispanic customs and traditions that are still very much present today. The town’s church is a unique and complex mixture of Christian and Pagan beliefs and some say a completely out-of-world experience. To learn  more, read The Cultural Crossroads at San Juan Chamula.

chiapas-san-juan-chamula-2

Travel San Juan Chamula via Chiapas: A Journey Through Mexico Less Visited 

Comala, Colima

A small, picturesque village, Comala offers rich, locally produced coffee  and boasts eternal spring-like weather creating the perfect setting to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. Not known to many is the beautiful Hacienda San Antonio hotel set at the foot of an active volcano. Alluring gardens open up to unspoiled natural beauty creating the perfect, luxurious retreat and the hotel itself provides incredible insight to the rich traditions of Mexico’s arts and crafts with works by some of the country’s leading artisans on display.

Comala Colima hotel luxury

Travel Comala via the Luxury Pacific Coast Romance Vacation

 

Xilitla, San Luis Potosi

Hidden deep within the jungles off the slopes of the Sierra Gorda mountain range is the Pueblo Magico of Xilitla, best known for The Surrealist Gardens of Edward James – also known as Las Pozas. The  town is mostly made up of  the Huastec indigenous group but oddly enough, it is where the eccentric Englishman, Edward James decided to plant his feet and create his own fantasy world based on surrealism. Covering over 80 acres, Edward James built a complete dream of  whimsical sculptures and fantastical figures intertwined with splashing waterfalls and lush gardens.

journey-mexico-seba-xilitla

Travel Xilitla via the Famous Gardens of Edward James Weekend Extension Trip

#JourneyHolbox

Posted by & filed under Cancun, On the Road, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

The buzz generated about Isla Holbox lately is undeniable; it is becoming the Yucatan Peninsula’s next “it” destination as traveler’s are seeking a more relaxed and unique experience when escaping to the beautiful shores of the Riviera Maya. The small Island of Holbox is conveniently  located about 2 hours away from Cancun (only a bit more compared to Tulum) and its special location where the Caribbean Sea converges with the Gulf of Mexico results in mesmerizing shades of emerald and turquoise waters.

After our Marketing Manager, Susanne, visited Isla Holbox and came back raving about it in her post “Rain or Shine – Holbox Is Always Worth A Visit“, multiple requests from people all over the world came in all wanting to visit! With such interest, we’ve decided to head back to lovely island again and this time, interact live via our social media channels.

We invite you to follow our Community Manager, Jessica, starting March 6 as she discovers Isla Holbox for the first time. She will be staying at the boutique hotel Casa Sandra and will be scoping out where to indulge in the best meals, where to find the best views of the famous Holbox sunsets, and many other  insider tips’ that Journey Mexico is known for! You  can follow Jessica’s journey on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and FourSquare with the hashtag #JourneyHolbox. If you have any questions, or requests (perhaps you want to see the signature Cuban mojitos at Casa Sandra), be sure to send them along to Jessica and include the hashtag!

We are also excited to announce that if you are inspired to book a trip to Isla Holbox with Journey Mexico during Jessica’s visit, Casa Sandra is offering a free night stay! Here are the details:
Book with Journey Mexico to receive many extra amenities including a full american breakfast daily, with one our your daily breakfast to be served in bed;  a welcome signature Cuban mojito drink; a guaranteed upgrade at the time of booking to next room category if booking 3 or more nights (+ early check-in & late check-out); an upgrade to best available room at the time of check in (subject to availability);  early check-in & late check-out (subject to availability); and finally, 2 sunset cocktails served with exotic cup of fresh fruits of the region at the beach.In bookings prior to March 7th, one free night for every 4 nights. If interested, please send an e-mail to our sales team.

journeyholbox

Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza and Dzibilchaltún

Posted by & filed under Chichen Itza, Culture, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

The vernal equinox, the day each spring when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun and so night and day are of roughly equal length, falls on March 20th. Chichén Itzà and Dzibilchaltún, both just outside of Mérida, are considered to be the most impressive places in the Yucatan to witness the fusion of Mayan astronomy and architecture.

The Maya, known for an almost preternatural understanding of astronomy, built the pyramid at Chichén Itzà in honor of their serpent god Kukulkan. The angle of the sun was accounted for in such a way that during the equinox, the cast of the sun forms seven isosceles triangles that resemble a feathered serpent slithering toward its stone head at the base of the pyramid.

Yucatan Peninsula ruins

As Chichén Itzà’s serpent is meant to show the might of the gods, Dzibilchaltún’s Temple of the Seven Dolls, which was originally built in 700 AD, demonstrates Mayan architectural precision. At sunrise during the spring equinox, the sun shines directly between the doorposts into one window of the temple and out the other. With the “arrival of the sun” a beam of light shines over the thousands of worshipers and tourists that come for the event each year.

The Maya measured their lives by the sun, and as such, the equinoxes had practical importance for them as well. The spring equinox marked the time to begin planting the corn crop and the autumnal equinox signaled the time to begin the harvest.

For those planning to visit the Spring Equinox in the Yucatan Peninsula this year, consider staying at Hacienda Petac.  The private estate is nestled on 250 acres in the Maya countryside outside the colonial city of Merida, and located within easy reach of the archaeological zones mentioned above. Hacienda Petac comments on the spring equinox, “…the event summons a bit of nostalgia and appreciation for our culture’s history but also reminds us that the warmth of spring will soon be here.”

Merida Luxury Resort

This post originally appeared on Hacienda Petac’s Blog, titled “Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza“

 

Las Ventanas al Paraíso New Luxury Villas

Posted by & filed under Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Luxury.

Since opening in 1997, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort has set the bar for luxury around the world and created a new standard of excellence in Latin America.  Now, the legendary Five-Diamond property is re-setting the bar with 12 stunning new villas and one magnificent, 22,500 square foot Master Villa that will be the ultimate in luxury, design, craftsmanship, attention to detail and privacy.

Designed to be an extension of the resort and reflect the serene Los Cabos desert environment, Las Ventanas’ stunning new villas are the ultimate indulgence for guests who desire a private, residential style escape, but still want the legendary service and luxurious amenities for which Las Ventanas is renowned.

Opening in December 2013, the 12 richly appointment villas range from one- to three-bedrooms and feature 4,500-5,700 square feet of seamless indoor-outdoor living space set on the sparkling Sea of Cortez.  The elegant one-bedroom villas, which are perfect for intimate couples’ getaways and special occasions, feature either a media room with state-of-the-art entertainment systems or a wellness room, complete with high-tech fitness equipment and a personal wellness coach. The two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas are ideal for couples retreats, families and groups of friends, with plenty of space for entertaining and hosting special starlit celebrations on the sweeping outdoor terraces.

las-ventanas-villa-2

While staying in the new villas, guests are treated to a personalized and decadent experience that is a trademark of the Five Diamond resort.  The experience begins the moment guests arrive with a luxurious in-villa massage to help guests relax and transport them into a vacation state of mind.  Customized to meet guests’ every need, each villa features a dedicated, 24-hour butler who offers an unprecedented level of pampering and attends to their every whim.  From delivering fresh breakfast daily to making homemade guacamole and margaritas each afternoon and customizing the digital music library on the villa’s iPad, the personal villa butlers ensure that every desire is instantly fulfilled. Days are spent lounging poolside, getting spoiled by dedicated pool butlers and partaking in unique, complimentary experiences each afternoon such as a private, in-villa ceviche cooking class with the resort’s executive chef and a romantic picnic on the beach.  At night, guests can enjoy magical private chef dinners by the adobe fire-pit or sample the finest tequilas from their outdoor Jacuzzi under a blanket of Baja stars.

Designed by architect Jorge Torres from Cabo Development, each villa features a private infinity-edge pool and swim up bar, which is surrounded by gardens of desert plants native to the Baja region.  Authentic Mexico meets modern luxury with lavish bedrooms, impressive walk-in closets, and expansive open-air bathrooms featuring invigorating steam and rain showers, infinity bathtubs, and private outdoor garden patios.  The villas’ fluid indoor-outdoor design allows for the dazzling Los Cabos sunlight to flood the living rooms and bedrooms, creating a feeling that one is always outdoors.  The walls of the brilliant white villas come alive with authentic, vibrant Mexican artwork and décor throughout, which has been carefully hand selected from cities all over Mexico, paying homage to the country’s true spirit.

To complete this exceptional villa project, Las Ventanas will debut an extraordinary 22,500 square foot Master Villa in spring 2014, offering guests an once-in-a-lifetime retreat into the lap of luxury.  With 22,500 square feet of luxurious indoor-outdoor accommodations, the Master Villa is the crown jewel amongst the villa offerings at Las Ventanas. Also overseen by Jorge Torres, the Master Villa has been designed to be a scaled down version of the resort, offering exquisite details such as an 80-foot infinity edge pool set on the sparkling Sea of Cortez and an extravagant list of personalized amenities to ensure the ultimate experience in luxury and service. The VIP treatment at the Master Villa includes everything from a customized firework display to a live-music menu wherein guests can select their favorite music and a live band will play personally for them at the villa each night. Starting at $30,000 per night, the Master Villa maintains the highest level of luxury, exclusivity and discretion.

Las Ventanas Villas Montage from Exclaim Productions on Vimeo.

Carnival Celebrations in Mexico

Posted by & filed under Campeche, Destinations, Holidays, Fairs & Festivals.

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!
Carnival Mexico Mazatlan

 

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.
Chinelos

 

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.
Carnival in Merida Yucatan

 

Bird Watching in the Riviera Maya

Posted by & filed under Adventure, Ecotourism, On the Road, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Mexico is a great place for bird watching. It has more bird species than the United States and it has double the amount of species found in Canada. One of the best Bird Watching spots in the Americas is the Yucatan Peninsula and thanks to its subtropical location, bird aficionados can find over 500 species year-round; during winter the Peninsula has even more species because of migration patterns. Popular birding sites can be found along the Riviera Maya and include Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Cozumel, and Rio Lagartos.

Journey Mexico’s General Manager, Matteo, recently got together with one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s best conservation of biodiversity company, Biosakbé, for a chance to learn and partake in this activity. Matteo reports:

“We met our Guide – Luis Ku , native from a little village close to Merida and over 20 years of experience in Bird watching – at 6:00am together with the biologists from Biosakbé by Puerto Morelos and drove inland on the route of the cenotes to a little village called Central Vallarta. This was a former Chicle (Gum) Farm. Since the first steps we were able to see a large amount of birds – our guide did provide us with important information and gave us each binoculars. After a small walk we continued further inland were we where able to see even more birds. Luis explained to us that the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the best places in the Americas for this activity. In our 5 hour tour we saw an astonishing amount of 80 different Birds (and about 20 Spider Monkeys!!!).”

Photo by Biosakbé

Chara Yucateca – Yucatecan Jay – Cyanocorax Yucatanicus – Ch’el

Photo by Biosakbé Photos by Biosakbé

 

 

Temporary Exhibition by Leonora Carrington in Campeche

Posted by & filed under Campeche, Culture.

A incredible collection from surrealist artist, Leonora Carrington’s (1917-2011)  “Personajes Fantásticos”  is currently on display in Campeche‘s Centro Historico from February until May.  Secretary of Culture, Carlos Vidal Angles, mentioned the sample is composed of twelve bronze sculptures whose dimensions range from about one to three meters and is showcased in front of the Cathedral.

The collection is made up of the sculptures “The Palmist” , “The Ship of Cramer” , “Cantante muda” , “Elefanta” , “Stallion” , “Dama con tocado” , “El sueño del fuego” , “La madre de los lobos” , “La sombra del ahuehuete” , “Nigromante” , “Paseo a caballo” y “Máscara de la diosa emplumada”.

“Personajes Fantásticos” is a travelling collection and moves throughout Mexico, recently in Coahuila, Mexico City, Cancun, and Merida.

Source: Cultura Colectiva

Discover and Scout Mexico With Us – In Real Time

Posted by & filed under Adventure, On the Road, Things We're Proud Of.

With tourism to Mexico rising, Journey Mexico is keenly focused on ensuring unmatched service and unique travel experiences for our discerning guests.  We are continuously inspecting hotels, visiting new destinations, training our guides, and controlling the quality of the services and experiences we offer throughout the republic.

We invite you to join along  during our inspections of Mexico’s finest hotels, villas, and excursions,  in real-time by following along on Instagram! If you don’t have Instagram, you can check out a recap of our latest travels below.

While supervising an Educational Journey in conjunction with Criterion Travel, Yale Educational Travel, and led by renowned scholar and Mesoamerican Art Expert Dr. Mary Miller, Journey Mexico CEO Zach Rabinor traveled through Oaxaca, Puebla, and Mexico City.  He mentioned although he has visited all of the sites in the itinerary dozens of times, he was fascinated by the unique lens that Dr. Miller offered, especially concerning the sites of Cacaxtla, Teotihuacan, and the Templo Mayor.  He also made a special visit to the UNAM Centro Cultural Universitario Tlatelolco and was treated by an insider visit of the “Museo Expuesto” (Exposed Museum) exhibition which he visited with curator and Contemporary Mexican Art expert James Oles.  Zach couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, “It’s amazing that there is still so much to learn about these sites, it was an honor and a privilege to  visit them with Mary and James, two of the worlds foremost experts on Mexican Art and history!”.

 

Marketing Manager, Susanne, recently scoped out the St. Regis and the Four Seasons in Punta Mita. In the detailed account of her visit, Punta Mita –  Where Simplicity Meets Ultra Luxury, Susanne mentions that the staff at Four Seasons Punta Mita stood out as gracious and eager to please with such natural, genuine friendliness while the modern Mediterranean-Mexican ambiance of the St. Regis Punta Mita provided a great escape.

Susanne also participated in the Royal Dolphin Swim  with her family, a day tour we now offer on our website.  She raves, “There is nothing more rejuvenating than swimming with the Dolphins and spending a day on the beach with my [family]!”  She commented that the personal attention the staff and trainers showed  the group (with people from  5 different countries) was fantastic; however, took note that she felt that the group size was a little too large.

 

Groups Manager, Michael, did some taste testing at the Hartwood Restuarant in Tulum and visited the Papaya Project. The Hartwood Restaurant continues to remain the talk of the town with changes made to the menu daily (via chalkboard) due to their reliance and use of fresh, local ingredients available at the time. Entering the candlelit, open air restaurant, Michael found himself wait-listed but mentioned that this was “perfectly fine” because he was able to to enjoy a few pre-cocktails. As for the Papaya Project, Michael found it to be the perfect place for millennial travelers looking to meet new people. He explained, “Although the monthly Full Moon parties are famous, it’s not a rowdy place at all, it’s very tranquil and beautiful.”

Community Manager, Jessica, and Lead Guide, Juan Carlos,  test-drove a new segway tour in Mexico City. In her detailed account, My Segway Tour Through Mexico City,  Jessica explains being able to experience and explore the capital with new eyes and a fresh perspective while having a blast shuffling around on two wheels!

 

General Manager, Matteo, recently dove in two cenotes in the Riviera Maya: Dos Ojos and The Pit.  The Pit is located within the Sistema Dos Ojos (third largest underwater river system in the Rivera Maya) and although hardere to access compared to other cenotes, it is well worth the reward. Matteo, who has a PADI Advanced Open Water Certification, explains his dive in The Pit, “The particular thing about El Pit is that only half of the cenote has collapsed and therefore only half is open to the sunlight. Due to this particular circumstance, the dive in this cenote is spectacular as you can see the sunshine “cutting” into the water like laser beams!.. It is truly special”. Having dove in the two cenotes in one day, he duly noted that a Dos Ojos dive should always come after El Pit because of their varying depths.

 

Operations Coordinator, Paola,  conducted numerous site inspections in the Riviera Maya including  BE Tulum, Viceroy, Esencia, Maroma Resort and Spa and Grand Velas Riviera Maya.    She is happy to report several positive changes and discoveries such as the incredible new villa category at Viceroy complete with an outdoor shower and soak tub; a brand new spa at BE Tulum that has already welcomed A-List celebrities; a superb dining experience at Grand Velas’ Cocina de Autor – the first all-inclusive restaurant to receive AAA 5 Diamond award; and her favorite, scouting out a hidden and romantic spot at Maroma that provides a 360-degree view of paradise and where you can witness some breathtaking sunsets.

 

Coming in the months to come: Jessica will be interacting live from Casa Sandra on Isla Holbox, you can follow along with hashtag #JourneyHolbox on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; several Journey Mexico staff members will embark on a eventful multi-day journey full of site inspections throughout Colonial Mexico.

 

Twitter Chat with Travel +Leisure

Posted by & filed under Things We're Proud Of, Travel + Leisure.

Planning a trip to Mexico and not sure where to start, where to go, or how to prepare? Then join Travel+Leisure on Twitter  for a live chat about Mexico! On Tuesday, February 18th at 2pm EST, travel experts, including Journey Mexico,  will be joining a select panel to answer all your questions. See full details here on the Travel and Leisure website.

Before the chat, be sure to pend a few minutes thinking about what you’d like to get out of your trip to Mexico so that you can make the most of this opportunity. You can post your questions as soon as the chat starts.

Merida Luxury Resort
When
The Travel+Leisure Twitter chat is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18th, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Where
Getting there is easy. Simply head to twitter and follow the hashtag #TL_Chat.

Who
The hand-picked travel experts for the Mexico edition of #TL_Chat include @JourneyMexico, @TripAdvisor, @GrupoHabita, @LiveAqua, @LosCabosTourism, @RivieraMaya and others. Be sure to follow the panel and also @TravlandLeisure.

How 
Travel + Leisure will pulse out some questions for the panel to answer, you are welcome to answer wit your own responses or ask questions of your own. Remember to always add the hashtag #TL_Chat to your tweets.

All tweets are subject toTravel +Leisure social media terms and conditions and may be used in any and all media including editorial. See full social media terms and conditions. 

Romance at Las Nubes, a Paradise in the Mexican-Caribbean

Posted by & filed under News, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Las Nubes Boutique Hotel on Isla Holbox, was considered in 2013 by TripAdvisor, as one of the most romantic hotels on the island.

Its strategic location in the Yumbalan Reserve surrounded by unspoiled beaches has allowed the hotel to become ideal for couples, tucked away from curious eyes. In addition, they have dedicated and reserved space on the property just for couples. The hotel has only 28 rooms, three pools (one with a view to the sea) and balconies that offer extraordinary panoramic views of the whole island.

Las Nubes not only seeks to create a unique space, but its greatest appeal is to create an experience that will last and endure.  The Orquídea Spa is a holistic space where it is possible to hear singing birds and the sound of the wind and sea, all while enjoying a massage with Mayan treatments that seek to bring physical and mental harmony to couples.

The hotel also offers a space for relaxation, a place to find oneself  and enjoy the incredible creations at Larena restaurant, considered as one of the ‘must-visit’ spots to enjoy the sunset of the Mexican-Caribbean.

The beaches located right in front of the hotel allow guests to explore several meters into the shallow waters, away from the coast, creating the experience of walking on water until arriving to a sandbar where it is possible to sit and chat with flamingos and pelicans that pass by!

Boutique hotel Holbox

For the weekend of Valentine’s Day, Las Nubes de Holbox is offering a special Romance Experience package: 3 days/2 nights with continental breakfast included for two people, 30% off en bottles at dinner in Larena restuarant, 20 minute private vapor steam in Orquídea Spa, 2 relaxing massages, and a romantic dinner on the beach.

Want to know more about Isla Holbox? Read Rain or Shine – Holbox is always worth a visit! which documents our latest visit to the island.

En Español

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things to do in Tulum

Posted by & filed under Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Tulum has become the hottest spot to vacation at in Mexico and has grown into a world-class tourism destination.  As increased visitation and development pushes down the coast from Cancun, Tulum has managed to retained its bohemian and laid-back atmosphere making it attractive for tourists wishing to truly escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

If you’re interested in visiting Tulum, be sure to read The Complete 411 on Tulum: Where to Stay, Eat, and Wander  before making any plans; in it we’ve personally scoped out for you the best of the best that Tulum has to offer and why it has become such a popular spot. If you’re in a crunch for time, check out the  top 4 things to do in Tulum below:

 

Take a privately guided tour to visit the Mayan ruins

Famous ruins at Tulum archaeological site

Tulum was not as important economically, militarily, or religiously as Cobá or Chichen Itza; however, its unique location perched on bold cliffs and over looking spectacular turquoise waters allow for  awe-inspiring photography.  Perhaps that is the reason why the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum is one of the most visited in the region. There is  beach access below the ruins, so bring your suit and plan for some time to cool off after the tour.

Tip: Combine the tour with another popular Mayan site, Cobá (Private Cobá and Tulum Tour); or opt to swim with turtles in Akumal (Private Tulum and Akumal Tour).

 

Stay at an eco-chic boutique hotel

Boutique hotel in Tulum

Boutique hotel in Tulum
Tulum established the term ‘eco-chic‘ so it is only most appropriate to seek a hotel that embodies its meaning.  There are a handful of properties that employ “eco-friendly” practices and many of them are brand new boutique hotels. The most innovative new additions to the scene include Villa Casa de Las Olas, Coqui Coqui, Jashita, Las Ranitas, and  Be Tulum.

Tip: Journey Mexico travelers will receive special perks when staying at Be Tulum! See more details here.

 

Eat your heart out

Best restaurants in Tulum

The once-sleepy pueblo has now turned into a mecca for foodies. Keeping in theme with ‘eco-chic’, many restaurants use locally grown ingredients for their carefully crafted dishes. Interestingly enough, some of the best local fares can be found on the beach including towering portions of ceviche, delicious Red Snapper, and tacos al pastor served with an array of homemade salsas. On more extravagant end of memorable culinary experiences, there are restaurants like Puro Corazón and The Hartwood.

Tip: El Camello Jr. is where you will find some of Tulum’s most freshest seafood and La Gran Mosca Verde is known for the best Mojitos in town.

 

Swim in a cenote

Swimming in Cenotes

Besides beautiful beaches, Tulum is also famous for its cenotes (fresh water sink holes that allow access to the amazing subterranean river system). These pools harbor the mysterious past of Mayan history and scared rituals and are believed to have healing properties in the water.  Visitors can explore by walking, swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA expeditions. El Gran Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Cenote Sac Actun are great options to explore.

 

Mexico Makes List for Top 10 Wine Travel Destinations

Posted by & filed under Culinary Vacations, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, News.

The leading wine lifestyle magazine, Wine Enthusiast, recently released its top picks for this year’s must-visit wine destinations in its third annual travel issue. The issue showcases the editors’ favorite wine finds from around the globe and offers readers a unique insight into each destination’s distinctive culture. Profiles on the best places to stay and visit, where to dine and, most importantly, taste outstanding wines, transports Wine Enthusiast’s readers deep into each location.

This year, the magazine gave recognition to Mexico, highlighting Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California and included exclusive tips on the region. Executive Editor Susan Kostrzewa says, “This year’s list represents the best—and in some cases still unknown— places in which to marry a love of wine, food and culture right now.”

Valle de Guadalupe Wine Region is no secret to Journey Mexico. It has been producing incredible wines that have been gaining international recognition for decades. There are several wineries in the region that are worth checking out and in response, we’ve curated a great Mexico Wine and Cheese tour.  Not only does the itinerary include sampling Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, Syrah, and Tempranillo wines, but also a visit to local ranch and cheese factory, a boat excursion to mussel farms, and dining at some of the area’s finest restaurants. The Valley of Guadalupe Wine & Cheese Tour is the perfect getaway for lovers of fine wine and delicious food hoping to eat, drink and live like a king on vacation!

To read the full profiles of the 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations for the year,  read it here. If you are interested in visiting the Baja California Wine Region, start planning here or contact a Journey Mexico travel planner for more information.

Vineyard and wine tasting at Casa de Doña Lupe

Vineyard and wine tasting at Casa de Doña Lupe

My Segway Tour Through Mexico City

Posted by & filed under Mexico City, On the Road.

Living in Mexico City for over two years, I have seen and experienced a lot but still haven’t covered it all.  I usually spend my weekends biking down Reforma, shopping in Polanco, and soaking up the culture in the Centro Historico; this past week, I had the opportunity to explore Mexico in a new, unique way– via segway tour. My segway experience started in Polanco,  crossed Chapultepec by the Museum of Anthropology  and toured down Paseo de la Reforma to El Angel de la Independencia. It was an incredibly fun way to experience the city from a different perspective!

In case you are not familiar, a segway is a personal,  two-wheeled motorized vehicle that you usually see VIPs riding around on.  After watching a safety video, I became bit nervous about getting on the machine; it’s all about balance and shifting your weight and to be honest, I can be quite the klutz. As I stepped onto the segway equipment for the first time, my instructor, Ulises, told me I had to have a zen, calm and controlled state of mind. He told me it was necessary to be loose in my grasp and to let the machine and I harmonize together. Sounded silly, but it was true. I quickly realized that you must focus on your every movement and center you whole being. After about 10 minutes of practice, I was ready to hit the busy streets of Mexico City!

As with anything, maneuvering the vehicle became easier with time to the point that I no longer had to concentrate on my body.  By the time I made it to the Museum of Anthropology I went from Beginner to Novice, shuffling around for some pictures and exploring my surroundings.

Segway tour

My favorite part was riding down Paseo de la Reforma where you could really pick up the speed! Reforma is one of Mexico City’s main avenues and is always vibrant with freshly planted flowers to fit the season, art exhibitions, unique art pieces, and monuments acknowledging important figures. As many times as I’ve strolled along that avenue, this was the first time I was ‘guided’ ; the thoughtful explanations and interesting facts allowed me to appreciate the art and see Mexico with a new pair of eyes.

Segway tour mexico-city-segway-7

The segway is a great, eco-friendly way to explore Mexico City and an efficient alternative to cars and taxis that battle excessive traffic.

The Mexico City Segway Tour  can be added to any of our Mexico City Private Tours. The route may be customized for a special itinerary or follow the ‘typical’ paths: Reforma, Reforma at Night, Polanco, Centro Historico, and Coyoacan. If interested on taking a segway tour during your next Mexico City vacation, contact a Journey Mexico travel planner today.

Segway tour