Zachary Rabinor: Named to Conde Nast’s Top Travel Specialist for 2020

Posted March 31, 2020 by Rafael Mendez & filed under Condé Nast.

For the eleventh year in a row, Journey Mexico CEO Zachary Rabinor joins a select group of travel experts from across the globe recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists 2020.

In the announcement, Condé Nast says: Rabinor, who lives with his family in Puerto Vallarta, has private access to sites like Chichén Itzá and Palenque, connections with artisans in Oaxaca, and entry to local festivals like the Day of the Dead in Michoacán villages. A sandy-haired surfer, he’s an unrivaled source for the country’s best breaks and is a whiz at crafting thrills like a hiking expedition through remote Copper Canyon to trail run alongside the Tarahumara.

Zach’s passion to share Mexico as a world-class destination and craft unique experiences for each client as the leader of Journey Mexico has earned him this prestigious recognition for the past eleven years. Congratulation Zach!

To see the full list of honors won by the Journey Mexico team, head to our awards page.

An Update From Journey Mexico

Posted March 24, 2020 by Rafael Mendez & filed under News.

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Travel Community,

First and foremost, I sincerely hope you are all safe, healthy, and doing everything possible to minimize the risks of contracting and spreading the Coronavirus. We are extremely grateful for the kindness, generosity, and collaborative spirit we have felt in our community as we face unprecedented challenges. In times of crisis character and leadership matter; you have all gone above and beyond my wildest expectations in our common cause to protect our teams, guests, colleagues, and livelihoods. I am proud that together we have managed to get all our guests safely home, and our team and colleagues too.

I am writing to inform you that in order to protect our most valued asset, the team at Journey Mexico, we have taken the difficult decision to suspend all non-essential activities. Our priority is to protect the safety and health of each and every member of our Journey Mexico Family. From today until the 15th of June we will be operating with a reduced staff; working from home; performing the essential tasks needed to continue operations. Even more importantly, we will be prepared to jump back into action when it is once again safe to travel. We will be reevaluating this timeline as the situation evolves and will advise if it changes. While this has been a difficult decision, we are confident that it is the right course – one that will lead us to survive and thrive in a not too distant future.

We are hopeful and confident that this is a momentary pause, even an opportunity that will forge a more united, stronger, and more successful team, community, and country. We are equally optimistic in a swift and robust recovery as Mexico’s allure continues to grow; at the same time, our passion to share our world-class culture, nature, and adventure knows no limits! We have weathered crises before and will be here waiting to serve you when the smoke has cleared with the same pride and warmth that has defined Mexico over the centuries.

Finally, I offer my personal time and attention if I can help in any way at all. We will do everything in our power to exceed your expectations, even in these most trying of times.

Stay safe, strong, compassionate, and positive; together we will get through this. #allinthistogether

Sincerely yours,

Zach & the Journey Mexico Team

Zachary Rabinor
Founder | President | CEO
JOURNEY MEXICO

When Size Matters, These Two Extraordinary Mexican Retreats are Peerless

Posted March 10, 2020 by Sam Murray & filed under News 1.

If you’re looking to rent a luxurious getaway for a big celebration, a large group trip, or family retreat, securing the perfect accommodation is vital. Finding it, though, is never easy.

You want somewhere elegant, somewhere with elite amenities, somewhere that stuns when you first see it and continues to delight throughout your stay. Plus, you need things to do… and lots of them. You need to keep everyone entertained while still being able to relax yourself. If all that sounds like a fantasy, two ultra-luxurious hotels on Mexico’s Pacific side – both within a comfortable car ride from Manzanillo Airport – are your dreams come true.

Hacienda de San Antonio

The first heavenly property is Hacienda de San Antonio, a gorgeous 25-suite estate completed in 1890 by German immigrant Don Arnoldo Vogel and his Mexican wife, Doña Clotilde Quevedo de Vogel.

Sitting at the foot of an active volcano in the state of Colima, it started life as a highly respected coffee plantation, sending its arabica beans to both the New York Waldorf Astoria and the German Imperial family. One hundred and thirty years later, however, and its grandeur, sprawling grounds, and jaw-dropping beauty put it among the elite for getaways in Mexico.

The number of activities to enjoy is practically limitless. Active members of the group can get competitive on the tennis courts, test their balance by stand-up paddleboarding on a sparkling lake, trot through the Mexican countryside on horseback, or test themselves against the elements with an ATV ride.

Those with an understandable aversion to exercise on a luxury vacation can take it slower, unwinding with a private picnic at Epazote Lake or by enjoying an expertly led painting or mixology class. For children, every day brings a new adventure, including exploring the magical gardens, playing in the games room, and getting creative (and making a mess!) with a wonderful baking class.

When it’s time to bring everyone together, Hacienda de San Antonio shines. During the day, guests can congregate in the tree-lined swimming pool or among acres of manicured lawns. In the evening, majestic shared spaces, such as The Yellow Bar and the Club Room, offer a beyond-sophisticated meeting spot for drinks, chatter, and merriment.

Completing the experience is the flexibility of Hacienda de San Antonio, meaning individual suites can be rented for smaller groups and families or the whole property for large groups, celebrations, and other big occasions.

Cuixmala

Its sister property sits just three hours’ drive or 40 minutes´ flight away. Cuixmala is an ultra-luxurious eco-retreat set within 30,000 acres of UNESCO-protected nature reserve. The estate is vast, with accommodation spread across the grounds.

Casa Cuixmala, the grand building of the estate, sits on a lush hill overlooking the ocean and contains four suites and six freestanding bungalows. There are also three four-bedroom private villas with private pools, plus one-, two-, and three-bedroom ‘casitas’. As with Hacienda de San Antonio, accommodations can be rented individually, or the property can be rented as a whole.

The once-private estate, owned by the Goldsmith family, offers a breathtaking array of habitats, from the Río Cuixmala, which marks its southern border to the hilly northern boundary via ocean, coconut plantations, bamboo groves, and mango trees.

Unsurprisingly, that biodiversity leaves plenty of space for an adventure or two. Dreamy days can be spent at any one of the three beaches: Playa Cuixmala, Caleta Blanca, or Playa Escondida. Watersports and beach activities include snorkeling, sea fishing, sailing on the property’s 42-foot Mercury, and whale watching over the winter period.

Guests can also visit the on-site Marine Turtle Sanctuary, the Zebra and Eland Animal Reserve, and the organic and biodynamic farm, as well as go horseback riding, play tennis, bike, and take an ATV tour. In other words, no matter how many guests you bring, there’s more than enough entertainment to keep everyone grinning from ear to ear.

Secure your stay with Journey Mexico

What both properties offer is a grand sense of occasion. Their beauty is undeniable, and their settings equally so. Both are considered among the very finest luxury resorts in all of Mexico, a country blessed with many fine retreats.

And organizing a large group getaway or family vacation at Hacienda de San Antonio or Cuixmala is easy. Simply head to our Plan Your Trip page, tell us what you would like, and we’ll organize every second of the vacation – from the moment you touch down in Mexico to the moment you leave. A big celebration, a large group trip, or family retreat has never been simpler.

Fundación En Vía: A Lifeline for Female Entrepreneurs in Oaxaca

Posted March 6, 2020 by Sam Murray & filed under Oaxaca.

This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting and celebrating the work of Fundación En Vía, a non-profit organization working tirelessly on empowering and promoting female entrepreneurs in Oaxaca’s traditional towns.

Using funds generated through immersive tours, En Vía provides much-needed interest-free loans and educational programs to help small business owners in six communities expand their operations.

Their work is immensely important to the women they support and it’s also a glorious example of how tourism can be used to benefit local communities.

About Fundación En Vía

Founded in 2008, En Vía works in six communities in the Tlacolula Valley, around a 40-minute drive from Oaxaca city’s center. The region, aside from being home to the pre-Hispanic sites of Mitla and Yagul, is famous for its traditional weaving and textiles communities.

En Vía runs immersive tours to these communities, allowing travelers to interact with locals and learn more about their culture and customs. Funds generated from the tours go back into the community, helping female small business owners grow their operations.

The non-profit currently supports around 250 local women running businesses in a wide variety of disciplines, from raising chickens to weaving tapestries.

Furthermore, the En Vía beneficiaries are also treated to monthly business courses and workshops aimed at helping grow their profits.

How you can help

If you’re traveling to Oaxaca, we can highly recommend taking an En Vía tour. Each of their experiences offers an intriguing look into traditional Oaxaca life from the perspective of the artisans and businesswomen who benefit from En Viá´s financial assistance.

It’s a unique opportunity to interact with the women, to hear about their businesses and their traditional communities. Of course, you’ll learn more about Oaxaca’s indigenous towns, artisanal heritage, traditional foods, and the local economy. It’s also a chance to understand better the challenges of life in Mexico’s second poorest state and to bring a viable path out of poverty for those affected.

Microfinance Tour

The Microfinance Tour, their most popular excursion, travels to two communities outside of Oaxaca to meet En Vía beneficiaries. The women will present their projects and explain what they’ll do with future loans. They’ll also discuss their lives and answer any questions you might have. Guests can also enjoy a delicious lunch at an En Vía-funded business or home, a chance to taste authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

Immersion Trip

The Immersion Trip is a far more in-depth experience, spread over five days, and offering the chance to engage with traditional Oaxacan communities. Guests take part in several fascinating activities focused around their area of interest. One option is a five-day artisan itinerary, which includes a pottery workshop in Tlapazola, a weaving workshop, a natural dyes workshop, and an embroidery workshop. Guests will also enjoy dinner in Oaxaca and a cooking class with chef Reyna Mendoza.

Another option is a five-day culinary tour, which includes a chocolate/tamales workshop, a mezcal experience, and a cooking class with chef Mendoza. The tour also includes a weaving class and embroidery experience.

Alternatively, guests can build a customized itinerary based on their interests.

Day of the Dead

En Vía’s Day of the Dead tour allows guests to explore the colorful traditions of the Oaxacan villages during the annual celebration of lost loved ones. Meeting the En Viá entrepreneurs and their families, guests will see traditional altars in a family home, enjoy Day of the Dead food and drink, and learn about the customs and rituals of the holiday.

Alternative Breaks

The Alternative Breaks vacation provides an alternative spring break trip to Mexico. Organized through universities, students can enjoy hands-on projects and discover the culture and landscape of Oaxaca. Each vacation can include educational workshops, textiles demonstrations, hiking in San Miguel del Valle with a local guide, and a tamale-making class with an En Vía beneficiary.

Volunteering

People with more time in Oaxaca – residents or those on an extended vacation, perhaps – can support En Viá through volunteering. Opportunities could include volunteering as a teacher, tour guide, or photographer, but change with En Vía’s requirements. Check out the available opportunities here: envia.org/volunteer

Donate

Finally, if you’re not coming to Oaxaca any time soon (or even if you are!), it’s possible to donate either through Paypal or through Omprakash, which allows Americans to make tax-deductible donations: envia.org/donate.

Find out more about Fundación En Vía through Facebook, Instagram, and their online blog.

Time to Escape the Crowds? Here’s Why Mexico Makes the Perfect Hideout

Posted March 5, 2020 by Sam Murray & filed under Destinations, Luxury.

When it’s time to escape it all – the crowds, the news, the hysteria – Mexico’s vast lands make the perfect hideout.

Not only is it a short hop from the rest of North America, but it’s also home to some of the world’s finest remote retreats.

At Journey Mexico, we’re well-versed in assisting high-profile travelers who want to avoid others but still want a getaway packed with unforgettable experiences.

From the moment you land we can whisk you away in private transportation to a remote destination. Private staff can provide 5-star resort-level comforts and, when you fancy an adventure or two, we can organize unforgettable activities without any outsiders spoiling the party.

So, if you’re looking to get away from it all, here’s how to escape the crowds in Mexico.

Private villas

For a truly secluded escape, exchanging hotels and resorts for a private villa is a must. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean you’ll need to give up the benefits of a resort. Luxury villas can offer everything one would expect in a resort – gyms, security, swimming pools – but without having to share them with anyone else.

Take a look at some of the options below to find your perfect private retreat.

La Datcha | Pedregal

10 bedrooms/beachfront/20,000 sq.ft

Nightly Rate: $15,000 + 19% taxes (minimum $10,000 security deposit)

Staff: Chefs, butlers, housekeepers (Mon-Sat), concierge, security, masseur, personal trainer

Amenities: Heated infinity pool, beachfront in-villa gym, snow room, on-site spa, two Jacuzzis, fire pit, wine cellar, TV room

Included: Round-trip airport transfers in the house car, transfers to Cabo San Lucas Marina, all-inclusive for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, soft drinks and beers included.

Availability: Open through to April 19, 2020

Casa Fryzer | Del Mar Palmilla | NOW WITH 10% OFF

6 bedrooms/oceanview

Nightly Rate: $12,000 USD + 19% taxes + security deposit

Staff: Private butler, private chef for breakfast/lunch (groceries not included), housekeeping.

Amenities: Heated infinity pool, fitness facility, home theater, hot tub, fire pit, oceanfront lounge area, golf cart

Included: Access to the restaurant, bars, spa, and golf at One&Only Palmilla – subject to availability

Optional: Access to Villa Del Mar Club 96 & Espiritu for $250/day + taxes

Availability: Open March 22-April 9, and April 14-29

Casa Luna Escondida | Del Mar Palmilla | NOW WITH 10% OFF

8 bedrooms/oceanview/12,000 sq.ft

Nightly Rate: $12,000-$15,000 USD + 19% taxes + security deposit

Staff: Private butler, private chef for breakfast/lunch (groceries not included), housekeeping.

Amenities: Swimming pool, private plunge pools, gourmet kitchen, media room, fire pit, barbecue, hanging loungers, golf cart

Included: Access to the restaurant, bars, spa, and golf at One&Only Palmilla – subject to availability

Optional: Access to Villa Del Mar Club 96 & Espiritu for $250/day + taxes

Availability: Open

Villa 462 | Del Mar Palmilla | NOW WITH 10% OFF

5 bedrooms/beachfront

Nightly Rate: $6,500-7,500 USD + 19% taxes

Staff: Private butler, private chef for breakfast/lunch (groceries not included), housekeeping.

Amenities: Heated infinity pool, hot tub, sun deck, sun loungers, barbecue, lounge area, golf cart

Included: Access to the restaurant, bars, spa, and golf at One&Only Palmilla – subject to availability

Optional: Access to Villa Del Mar Club 96 & Espiritu for $250/day + taxes

Availability: March 21 onwards

Villa 481 |Del Mar Palmilla | NOW WITH 10% OFF

4 bedrooms/beachfront

Nightly Rate: $4,750-5,250 USD + 19% taxes

Staff: Private butler, private chef for breakfast/lunch (groceries not included), housekeeping

Amenities: Infinity pool, outdoor dining space, fully equipped gourmet kitchen, barbecue, golf cart

Included: Access to the restaurant, bars, spa, and golf at One&Only Palmilla – subject to availability

Optional: Access to Villa Del Mar Club 96 & Espiritu for $250/day + taxes

Availability: March 14 onwards

Villa 431 |Del Mar Palmilla | NOW WITH 10% OFF

3 bedrooms/beachfront

Nightly Rate: $4,500 USD + 19% taxes

Staff: Private butler, private chef for breakfast/lunch (groceries not included), housekeeping.

Amenities: Heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, barbecue, golf cart

Included: Access to the restaurant, bars, spa, and golf at One&Only Palmilla – subject to availability

Optional: Access to Villa Del Mar Club 96 & Espiritu for $250/day + taxes

Availability: March 1-April 5, April 11 onwards

Remote destinations

Mexico is home to plenty of private gated communities that offer seclusion from the outside world – Punta Mita or the many offerings in Los Cabos for instance. But when only complete remoteness will do, two destinations stand out for their peace, quiet, and absence of large hotel resorts.

Careyes

Sol de Occidente in Careyes

Perched on the Costa Alegre on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the luxurious getaway of Careyes is an ultra-exclusive private estate made up of ocean castles and private villas. Founded in 1968 by adventurer, visionary, and one-time banker, Gian Franco Brignone, Careyes is where pioneering architects, artists, and creatives go to escape the crowds and live in peace. Everything you need (and much more) is provided through luxurious on-site facilities and the stunning natural beauty of area.

Sian Ka’an

Casa Nalum in the Sian Ka’an

One of Mexico’s largest and most important protected habitats, the Sian Ka’an is about as remote as it gets. Just south of Tulum, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has 400,000 hectares of land – that’s around 750,000 football fields – and 120 kilometers of coastline. There’s also 120,000 hectares of protected marine area which includes parts of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest reef.

Asides from its sheer size, it’s also a spectacular natural habitat for tropical and endangered wildlife including jaguars, manatees, cougars, dolphins, monkeys and much, much more. A select few properties enjoy a spot in the Sian Ka’an, making it one of the most exclusive and remote retreats in Mexico.

Flights without the crowds

One of the easiest ways to escape the crowds is to avoid commercial airports and hop on a private jet. More affordable than people assume, particularly when traveling with a family or group, your costs for private air travel might not be much more than nice seats on a commercial flight. It is a convenient way to travel and a great way to avoid crowds.

Flying into Mexico

As a destination favored by the world’s rich and famous, Mexico is well-suited to those who want to make a crowd-free entrance. There are more than 40 airports accepting private jet charters across the country including major destinations such as Los Cabos, Cancun, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Puerto Vallarta.

Getting around Mexico

Once you’re in Mexico, privately charted jets and helicopter flights are the easiest and quickest ways to hop from destination to destination while still avoiding the crowds. At Journey Mexico, we’re used to organizing private flights for our customers, so booking the right aircraft for your needs won’t be a problem. Plus, there’s no lines, no waiting, and no hassle.

Crowd-free experiences and activities

It’s also possible to have all the wonderful experiences you would typically enjoy on a vacation, but in complete privacy (it’s what we specialize in!). Check out some of the vacation-boosting experiences and activities we can arrange for you.

Unique private experiences

For a completely crowd-free experience, we have an exhaustive list of private activities available. It would take far too long to name them all here but highlights include: a private tequila tasting session at Casa Dragones, one of the world’s finest boutique producers; private catamaran cruises on the Caribbean Sea; and a hot air balloon flight over a volcano in Colima. In-villa experiences such as private cooking classes or beach-side yoga lessons can also be arranged for those who would prefer to stay in the property.

Off-hours visits to Mexico’s landmarks

For those who would hate to miss the iconic attractions, Journey Mexico can also organize off-hours visits. These extra-special excursions can be arranged at Chichen Itza, the National Anthropology Museum, and the beach-side ruins at Tulum. The sites will still be open to the general public, but we know from experience that the number of people there will be very low.

Private transportation

Getting from your accommodation to any of the experiences without meeting another soul (apart from the driver, of course) is easy. Private transportation can be arranged in clean, luxurious vehicles with plenty of room.

Private staff

And just because you’ve chosen a vacation away from the crowds, doesn’t mean you have to give up the comforts of staff. Every one of the itineraries we handcraft include 24/7 concierge and in-country support as standard. The majority of the luxury villas in our portfolio also come with additional staff such as housekeeping. On top of that, many come with resort-style staff such as private drivers, personal trainers, private chefs, butlers, and yoga teachers. Anything that’s missing, we can add.

Book your crowd-free escape to Mexico

Creating an unforgettable crowd-free escape to Mexico would be exceedingly difficult on your own. But with our help, it’s exceptionally easy. Simple head to our Plan Your Trip page and tell us what you want from your vacation. From there, one of our expert Travel Planners will use their in-depth knowledge of travel in Mexico and bursting contact book to create a unique, exciting, and crowd-free vacation specifically crafted to your wishes.