Mexico-On-Linetag:mexico-on-line.com,2009://12009-11-05T18:04:47ZMexico Travel Guide with Maps & HotelsMovable Type 3.35Cozumel Hotel Saletag:mexico-on-line.com,2009://1.1662009-11-05T18:03:46Z2009-11-05T18:04:47ZCozumel: Save up to 47% on your hotel stay! - Expires 11/30/09 From Expedia....Cozumel: Save up to 47% on your hotel stay! - Expires 11/30/09 From Expedia.]]>
Mexico Vacation Sale from Expediatag:mexico-on-line.com,2009://1.1652009-09-11T10:32:31Z2009-09-11T10:33:56ZFall Free Nights Sale: Mexico Vacations - Air + 4 Nights from $385! Expires 10/15/09 Follow the link above for details about this offer....Fall Free Nights Sale: Mexico Vacations - Air + 4 Nights from $385! Expires 10/15/09
Follow the link above for details about this offer.]]>
$100 5 nights in Cancun, Riviera Mayatag:mexico-on-line.com,2009://1.1642009-08-14T10:18:11Z2009-08-14T10:20:18ZTravelocity has a special going for Cancun and the Riviera Maya - spend at least $1,800 on a 5 night vacation and get $100 off: $100 Off 5+ Night All-Inclusive Vacations to Cancun, Riviera Maya! Coupon: 100AI (Minimum $1800 Spend)...$100 Off 5+ Night All-Inclusive Vacations to Cancun, Riviera Maya! Coupon: 100AI (Minimum $1800 Spend)
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Book an air + 4 nights vacation package to Mexico & get $100 off instantlytag:mexico-on-line.com,2009://1.1632009-07-09T13:02:25Z2009-07-09T13:03:13ZExpedia travel special: Book an air + 4 nights vacation package to the Caribbean & get $100 off instantly. Use Code TBCARIBBEAN100 at checkout. Expires 8/15/09...Book an air + 4 nights vacation package to the Caribbean & get $100 off instantly. Use Code TBCARIBBEAN100 at checkout. Expires 8/15/09 ]]>
Free nights sale from Expediatag:mexico-on-line.com,2009://1.1622009-06-22T15:11:50Z2009-06-22T15:14:35ZFrom Expedia.com: Mexico Free Nights Promotion: Get your 2nd, 3rd or 4th night free! - Expires 7/30/09...Mexico Free Nights Promotion: Get your 2nd, 3rd or 4th night free! - Expires 7/30/09
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Mexico Travel Forumstag:mexico-on-line.com,2009://1.1612009-01-19T23:46:24Z2009-01-19T23:47:17Z Mexico-On-Line has travel forums for the following destinations. Log in post or sign up if you haven't already! Acapulco Travel Forum Cabo San Lucas & Los Cabos Travel Forum Cancun Travel Forum Cozumel Travel Forum Guadalajara Travel Forum Guanajuato...Mexico-On-Line has travel forums for the following destinations. Log in post or sign up if you haven't already!
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Los Cabos Trip Reporttag:mexico-on-line.com,2009://1.1582009-01-08T21:19:00Z2009-01-08T21:31:55ZI was privileged to be invited to participate in a Fam trip to Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico. For those of you who aren't familiar with the phrase "Fam trip", that is short for "familiarization trip", which is a trip...www.alaskaair.com, for a short 2 hour flight down to Los Cabos. We were met by Contact Incentives www.contactincentives.com, who arranged all of our activities and transportation while we were there. From the airport, we were transferred to the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa http://sheratonloscabos.com.]]>
After the tour, we attended a small wine/cheese reception in the chapel/art gallery and were treated to a showing of fine art by a local artist. From the reception, we walked down to the beach side of the hotel for an incredible dinner at the gourmet D'Cortez Restaurant. A beautiful place with excellent food!
The next day, Thursday, we were up bright and early for a hosted, at-leisure breakfast at Tomatoes Restaurant. A lovely, lovely place with a complete buffet breakfast offering both Mexican and American food, and a make-your-own smoothie bar! Seating is at umbrella-shaded tables outside, overlooking the ocean.
We all met again at 9:00 a.m. for a transfer to Cabo San Lucas, about 20 minutes south of the hotel, and our first stop was the Glass Factory, where we were treated to a demonstration of glass blowing, and an artist made a huge vase before our very eyes! Then we had time to shop a little (good thing I brought an extra small duffel bag to drag all my purchases home!).
From the Glass Factory, we continued on to the harbor where we boarded a 57 ft. catamaran for a 45 minute sail out past Lover's Beach to Land's End and around the tip of Baja California to the Pacific Ocean side. It was wonderful. Good music, good drinks, good company!!
When we returned to the dock, it was time for a trip to the flea market and some major souvenir shopping! Again I was glad I had brought an extra bag along to get all my purchases home! Boy did I get some cool stuff! From the flea market, we were transferred to the Baja Cantina & Grill on Medano Beach, overlooking the ocean & main beach in Cabo San Lucas. Again we had another fabulous meal & drinks under umbrellas with our feet in the sand.
We returned to the hotel about 2:30 p.m. and I hurried down to the spa for my 3:00 appt. to have my nail polish changed. Of course when I got on the plane my nails looked fine, but my polish started chipping off the minute we landed (or at least it seemed that way!) and it looked horrible! It was $15.00 for a polish change, which I thought was reasonable for a fancy spa. All of the nail products were the OPI brand.
At 5:45 we all met at the hotel entrance again for a transfer to San Jose del Cabo for a short walking tour, an art gallery reception, and dinner. San Jose del Cabo is about 20 min. north of the hotel - an easy ride. We got there after dark and the town was beautiful and quaint with Christmas lights & decorations everywhere; and people were in the plaza enjoying themselves in the lovely warm 80 degree evening. The art gallery reception was wonderful. The gallery is located in one of the original haciendas in San Jose, and filled with beautiful original paintings, several of which I wish I could have taken home with me!
From the art gallery, we went to dinner at Morgan's Encore, a beautiful restaurant with mostly outdoor dining in a hacienda-style patio, and very romantic! It would be perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary dinner. Morgan's Encore offers an amazing menu. They also have their own sommelier and a wine cellar featuring wines from around the world. We were treated to a "tasting" of many of the things on their menu. We had so much food no one could sample everything! When it came to dessert, the vanilla creme brulee, made with fresh vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks, was TO DIE FOR!
After dinner we all waddled back onto the mini bus for our ride back to Hacienda del Mar, where tonight there was a big bowl of fresh fruits waiting for me in my room; again, compliments of the Hacienda del Mar. I crashed and slept like a baby in my big soft king size bed with 4 puffy pillows!
Friday started with breakfast at Tomatoes again. Today was the day for our optional activity. We had the choice of a Swim With The Dolphins, an off-road ATV tour, an America's Cup Cabo Regatta sail, or the Canopy Zip Line Adventure. I chose the zip line! What a hoot! I thought it would just be a zip across a canyon, but it turned out to be several zips across the canyon, increasing in length and height each time. You have to be able to climb up the side of the canyon on paths to get to the lines, so you should be in reasonable shape. I'm in pretty good shape and I got a little winded on a couple of the climbs. There are a total of 3 miles of zip lines and 7 or 8 different lines back and forth across the canyon. I didn't realize that the zip line tour also included what they call the "Tarzan Swing", which is basically just holding on to a rope and swinging across a small canyon and spinning and twisting. I didn't do this one because it was sort of uneventful and you just had to climb right back up to where you take off from, and seeing as it was 85 or 90 degrees at that time, it wasn't worth the climb to me! LOL! The little kids absolutely loved it though! The next thing was the rappel down a 180 ft. cliff! I wasn't sure I could do this one, because I didn't realize it was coming, and I've always had a fear of going over a cliff. I'm not afraid of heights at all, it's just that "going over a cliff" thing! But they had us rigged in so well, and they take safety so seriously that I really had no fear! Over the cliff I went, channeling my best Lara Croft, and I rappelled down! OMG! It was SO much FUN! I wanted to go again, but unfortunately only once to a customer! I will definitely be doing this again!
After the "adventure" was over, we went back to turn in our gear and have a beer and quesadillas made with fresh corn tortillas that you could watch the lady make. You've never had a corn tortilla until you've had a freshly made one! A Pacifico and 2 quesadillas with chips and guacamole was only $6.00! After lunch, we were treated to a short demonstration of tequila making, and a tasting. Now, I'm not a tequila girl, but I guess I've never had "good" tequila before! This brand is called Don Crispin and it cannot be purchased in the United States. I didn't buy any, but I think the next time I'm down there, it will be a "must". We learned a lot about tequila... did you know that if tequila is over 30% alcohol it's not good? The fellow said "if it's over 30%, they've done something wrong." We tasted a clear tequila, mandarin orange tequila, almond tequila, and coffee/chocolate tequila. The almond and the coffee/chocolate didn't taste at all like the tequila I've had before, it was more of a tequila liqueur, and it tasted like dessert!
After the tequila tasting, we were transferred back to the hotel to have the rest of the afternoon to ourselves to spend time in the pool, on the beach or at the spa. Party animal that I am, I laid down for a nap and fell soundly asleep for 3 hours! I blame it on too much of a good time, some very tasty tequila, and that wonderful bed with those puffy pillows!
I woke up at 5:00 p.m., with enough time to get myself ready for the "Sand Between Your Toes" event. A glorious beach party put on by the hotel, described as: "a surf & turf barbecue and bonfire at the Tortugas Beach under the stars." There were lounges and tables on the beach with an absolutely amazing buffet and tropical drinks that never stopped flowing! There was lobster, chicken, and steak. Ceviche and salads and side dishes... again so much food! I was beginning to feel like Nero at a Roman banquet! The lounges and tables on the sand were way cool! White vinyl sofas and tables made of white plexiglass with blue lights inside! After dinner, there was a bonfire set up next to where the tables and sofas were. Chaise lounges covered with colorful Mexican blankets were arranged in a semi-circle around the fire. We stumbled over to the chaise lounges and plopped down to be immediately served s'mores! Oh yum! And after the s'mores, copious amounts of toasted marshmallows! More drinks, more wine! Looking up at Jupiter and Venus, the Pleiades, Orion and Cassopeia in the sky! I am in Heaven!
I kept thinking how perfect this would be for a destination wedding! There is a beautiful gazebo to get married in that overlooks the beach, and a "beach party" reception could be held just below the gazebo on the sand, with the waves crashing in the background.
We all moseyed back to our rooms about 10:30 p.m. and didn't have to get up early in the morning! Yay! Saturday we had breakfast at leisure again at Tomatoes Restaurant, and from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the morning to ourselves to enjoy the pools, spa, or beach. I slept-in and then used the morning to leisurely pack. I took a walk down to the beach to take more pictures - I hadn't been up to the northerly rocky point yet. It was an amazing day and the ocean was so gorgeous! But it's not like St. John at all. There is an undertow and people are warned not to swim out very far... mostly just wade. There are definitely places in Cabo where you can swim & snorkel, but you must respect the ocean at Hacienda del Mar. But in spite of not being able to swim much there, I have to tell you that it is one gorgeous beach!
Again, not like St. John, but absolutely "calendar picture" gorgeous! The sand is rough and the grains are not smooth, like the powder fine sand on St. John. One of the ladies on the trip said it had rubbed all the calluses off her feet! LOL! She said her feet had never been so smooth! Even though it didn't hurt to walk in the sand, and it was actually pretty nice, I mostly walked with my flip-flops on because I was always in shorts & a top, not a bathing suit, and I was too lazy to carry my shoes! At noon, everyone met for lunch at the Sirenas Snack Bar. Again the hotel treated us to another amazing meal, featuring Mexican food this time. Up till now it had been pretty gourmet! We also got to sample 4 different kinds of Margaritas. Regular lime, Mango, Blue-something, and Strawberry. Very yummy!
Our transfer to the airport was scheduled for 2:15 and we all gathered at the entrance with our luggage. A couple of the ladies had decided to extend their stay for a couple of days, so there were hugs and kisses all around. Hugs from the Hacienda del Mar staff who had hosted us, and hugs from the Contact Incentives hosts. What a great group of people! I highly recommend all of them for anything you would want to do in Cabo San Lucas or San Juan del Cabo! Whether or not you want to take a group of people to Baja or just a private vacation, you can do a lot of the same things I did. You can stay at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar and eat at several fine restaurants on-property and have the beach and spa at your beck & call. You can take a taxi down to Cabo San Lucas and shop your little heart out! Eat at several fine restaurants, go to Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo, or if you're crazy, check out Squid Row, a big hit with the Spring Breakers! Girls Gone Wild and all that! LOL! Take a taxi up to San Jose del Cabo and see a picturesque really cool little village that is packed with art galleries, fine eating establishments and bars! San Jose del Cabo is the "Laguna Beach" of Baja California. There are also some excellent restaurants in SJD, of course I 100% recommend Morgan's Encore! Excellent, excellent! Worth driving from CSL to SJD just for dinner! Check out the Baja Brewing Company across the street from Morgan's and smoke a Havana! Try the Canopy Zip Line tour! I never once felt scared or at risk, and I'm kind of a chicken! And I rather liked channeling Lara Croft for a while... well, in my mind, anyway! Take a water taxi out to Lover's Beach, and take along a picnic lunch and your snorkel & mask! Go for a daysail or a short sail around Land's End. Now THAT's cool. I took a picture of the very tippy tip of Baja California... and I think that's pretty darn cool, too!
Here are some links you may find useful:
Sheraton Hacienda del Mar
Enrique Gonzalez, Director General - Contact Incentives, Cabo San Lucas
enrique.gonzalez@contactincentives.com
Carlos Luevanos, Sr. Freelance, Certified Guide - Cabo Free Lance Tours & Travel
cabofreelance@hotmail.comExtreme Canopy Costa AzulMorgan's Encore
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JetBlue planning a new route to Cancuntag:mexico-on-line.com,2008://1.1572008-12-09T17:25:46Z2008-12-09T17:27:37Z"JetBlue's planned service to Cancun and Santo Domingo is the latest in the airline's Caribbean expansion from Fort Lauderdale. The airline kicks off twice-daily nonstop service to San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 18 while another new route, to Nassau,...
"JetBlue's planned service to Cancun and Santo Domingo is the latest in the airline's Caribbean expansion from Fort Lauderdale. The airline kicks off twice-daily nonstop service to San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 18 while another new route, to Nassau, Bahamas, begins February 1, 2009. In addition to its new Caribbean service, JetBlue offers routes from Fort Lauderdale to 13 cities throughout the United States with up to 46 daily departures."
More: JetBlue to Add Two New International Routes from Fort Lauderdale]]>
Franko's Map of Cancuntag:mexico-on-line.com,2008://1.1562008-12-02T17:19:01Z2008-12-02T17:26:26ZFranko has done it again - yet another excellent guide map in his ever growing series. This map is brand new in 2008 and features Cancun and the Riviera Maya. It is packed full of useful and up to date...Franko has done it again - yet another excellent guide map in his ever growing series. This map is brand new in 2008 and features Cancun and the Riviera Maya. It is packed full of useful and up to date information, especially if you are into diving and snorkeling.
You can buy this map on-line from Caribmart.com: Franko's Map of Cancun. ]]>
NYTimes.com - Frugal Traveler: Cancuntag:mexico-on-line.com,2008://1.1552008-11-19T07:41:31Z2008-11-19T07:46:09Z
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Frugal Mexico from the NY Timestag:mexico-on-line.com,2008://1.1542008-11-17T16:23:24Z2008-11-17T16:26:03ZGood article from the NY Times about Chiapas and specifically San Cristóbal de las Casas, with a video, slide show, and lots of links at the end....Chiapas and specifically San Cristóbal de las Casas, with a video, slide show, and lots of links at the end.]]>
St. Regis Punta Mita Resorttag:mexico-on-line.com,2008://1.1532008-11-03T17:19:17Z2008-11-03T17:25:41ZLocated in Mexico's Most Exclusive Beach Community, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Features Latin America's First Remede Spa, World-Class Cuisine, Three Infinity Pools with Private Cabanas, Two Jack Nicklaus Golf Courses, State-of-the-Art Fitness Facilities, a Private Beach Club, Tennis...
Located in Mexico's Most Exclusive Beach Community, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Features Latin America's First Remede Spa, World-Class Cuisine, Three Infinity Pools with Private Cabanas, Two Jack Nicklaus Golf Courses, State-of-the-Art Fitness Facilities, a Private Beach Club, Tennis Courts and the Signature St. Regis Butler Service
PUNTA MITA, Mexico, Nov 03, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the debut of its renowned St. Regis brand in Latin America with the opening of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. A joint venture between Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Ideurban Consultores, the luxurious new destination resort is located in Bahia de Banderas, one of the worlds' most alluring private beaches in the state of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Offering an unrivaled dimension of opulence, bespoke service and refined elegance at one of the best addresses in the world, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort features 120 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites, three world-class restaurants, three infinity pools with private cabana service, a state-of-the-art fitness center, private beach club, tennis courts, a luxurious Remede Spa and an outstanding line-up of recreation facilities, including two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses. Frequented by celebrities, world leaders and business moguls, Punta Mita offers travelers a seductive, exclusive setting in the heart of Mexico.
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www.stregis.com/puntamita
About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining timeless sophistication with modern luxury, the St. Regis brand is uncompromising in its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor with the landmark St. Regis Hotel, New York over a century ago, St. Regis is known for delivering an unrivaled dimension of luxury, bespoke service and refined elegance at the best addresses in the world. The brand plans to further its legacy globally and will unveil highly anticipated St. Regis properties in Atlanta-Buckhead, Baha Mar, The Bahamas, Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico, Bal Harbour and Deer Crest in North America, and in Buenos Aires, Costa Rica and Mexico City in Latin America. In Asia, St. Regis has announced plans to open properties in Bangkok, Jakarta, Lhasa, Kuala Lumpur, Macao, Osaka and Tianjin. In the Middle East, St. Regis will expand in Cairo, Doha, Dubai, and Bahrain. Personalized service and amenities, enviable locations and luxuriously localized design are recognized worldwide as hallmarks of the St. Regis experience. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.stregis.com.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 890 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood(R) Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Meridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, Aloft(SM), and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
About IDEURBAN
Established in 1974, IDEURBAN is one of Mexico City's leading urban development companies delivering a complete range of integrated real estate solutions and construction services. Supporting the needs of communities, governments, commerce and industry on a local, national, and international basis, the company has led projects in markets ranging from hospitality, residential, retail and commercial to highway infrastructure, mixed-use developments and urban planning. IDEURBAN is recognized for its skilled professional staff and its commitment to the highest quality and ethical standards. The company is currently involved in the development of the three largest private-sector construction projects in Mexico City, including The St. Regis Mexico City.
About Punta Mita
Punta Mita is an ultra-luxurious, 1,500-acre resort and residential community situated in the Riviera Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta. It lies on a private spear-shaped peninsula surrounded by white sand beaches, Pacific Ocean waters and lush tropical flora. Punta Mita is home to private villas and residences, two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. The master plan of Punta Mita includes several additional developments currently in the works. For more information, visit www.puntamita.com.mx. ]]>
PUERTO VALLARTA OFFERS IRRESISTIBLE FALL DEALS FOR A STRESS FREE ESCAPEtag:mexico-on-line.com,2008://1.1522008-10-22T08:39:47Z2008-10-22T08:44:07ZNEW YORK - October 21, 2008 - Not all the news about the overall state of the economy is bad. Travelers looking for unbelievable deals this fall need not look further than to the authentic Mexican charms of Puerto Vallarta...
NEW YORK - October 21, 2008 - Not all the news about the overall state of the economy is bad. Travelers looking for unbelievable deals this fall need not look further than to the authentic Mexican charms of Puerto Vallarta for hard to pass up, deeply discounted rates and packages that are sure to leave everyone sunny and upbeat. From three star charmers to five star luxury, Puerto Vallarta hotels have never made it easier to go on a finance-stress free vacation. Even the exchange rate is more favorable these days with the US Dollar stretching further in Mexico which makes it even lighter on the pocketbook. Following are some of the special offers that travelers can take advantage of:
BUENAVENTURA GRAND HOTEL & SPA - This newly renovated property located just steps from lively downtown Puerto Vallarta is offering enticing fall packages with 25% off regular rates. The Fall all-inclusive package is priced at US$100.00 per person, per night (based on double occupancy) and includes: 3-nights/4 days accommodations in a Deluxe Room, one Gold Star Wrap spa treatment per person, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner served at Frutas and Flores buffet restaurant or Rodisso, an a la carte Brazilian steakhouse; unlimited international and domestic cocktails, beer and wine by the glass; and in-room mini bar with soft drinks, bottled water and beer (replenished daily). www.hotelbuenaventura.com.mx]]>
HOTEL ELOISA - Located in Puerto Vallarta's most traditional quarters, the Romantic Zone, Hotel Eloisa is an excellent option for those looking for a true taste of Puerto Vallarta's local spirit. From October 13 to December 23, 2008 the Eloisa is offering a third night free. Regular rates start at US$ 61 for an air conditioned room. www.hoteleloisa.comMARRIOTT CASAMAGNA PUERTO VALLARTA RESORT & SPA - Currently undergoing a floor-by-floor US$10.7 million renovation, this luxury beachfront property nestled between the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains and Mexico's picturesque Bay of Banderas, is offering a Girl's Getaway Package for friends in need of a liberating break from current life's stresses at the resort's world-class Ohtli Spa. Valid through December 10, and starting at US$318 per room/per night (based on double occupancy) it includes accommodations in an ocean view room, daily breakfast for two, four spa treatments per stay per room, two daily passes to Ohtli Spa's wellness areas, and two fitness classes. www.puertovallartamarriott.comMELIA PUERTO VALLARTA - This luxury all-inclusive hotel located on the beach in the Marina Vallarta area, is offering special rates starting at US$ 158 per person/per night (based on double occupancy) till November 12, 2008 and from US$ 178 from November 13 to December 22, 2008. Supervised outdoor activities including wall climbing and themed activities for kids and four restaurants to choose from make it a great place for families. www.melia-puerto-vallarta.comPLAZA PELICANOS - This charming Mexican property features two all-inclusive options: the Plaza Pelicanos Club, a short walk from the beach and with its own beach club, and the beachfront Plaza Pelicanos Grand offering superior amenities such as in-room coffee maker and bath robes as well as superior food and beverage options that include alcoholic beverages. Special rates at the Club start at US$65 and US$ 85 at the Grand. All rates are per person/per night, include all taxes and tips and are based on double occupancy. Two kids under 12 stay free. Valid until December 23, 2008. www.plazapelicanos.com.mxVILLA PREMIERE HOTEL & SPA - This award winning boutique beachfront retreat that's walking distance to downtown Puerto Vallarta is offering a special package with savings 25% off regular rates. The Winter package is priced at US$560 per room, per night (based on double occupancy) and includes: 3-nights/4-days accommodations in an oceanfront guestroom with indoor jacuzzi, an 80-minute Therapeutic Massage, per person, per stay and daily American breakfast for two. The package is valid from November 1, 2008 through December 20, 2008 and January 4, 2009 through March 1, 2009 and includes all hotel taxes and tips. www.premiereonline.com.mx.
Located only a few hours flight from many US cities, Puerto Vallarta is an ideal getaway destination offering a wide range of attractions and activities for everyone. Visitors can chose to lounge on endless miles of sandy beaches set amidst the beautiful vistas of Banderas Bay, explore the historic center's cobblestone streets for beautiful arts and crafts, or enjoy an excursion in the dense forests of the Sierra Madre Mountains. More active types can choose from a wide range of outdoor adventure activities such as canopy tours, parasailing, horseback riding, sea kayaking, snorkeling, or golf in championship courses, just to name a few. Puerto Vallarta is also a destination rich in culture with live music concerts, theater, trendy art galleries, and one of the most vibrant culinary scenes in Mexico offering a first class dining experience.
Upcoming world-class events that travelers can look forward to include:
November 12-15, 2008 - 53rd. International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament - A 50 year-old tradition that attracts the most passionate group of fishermen for three exciting days of fishing in some of Mexico's finest waters. Prizes this year will exceed US $300,000.
November 13-23, 2008 - 14th Annual International Gourmet Festival - Resident chefs from Puerto Vallarta's finest restaurants and hotels team up with talented guest chefs to offer special tasting menus, cooking classes and demonstrations, and wine, cheese, tequila and chocolate tasting events.
November 16-17, 2008 - Vallarta Golf Cup - Puerto Vallarta's signature golf tournament will take place in some of the area's most challenging golf courses.
Additional information on Puerto Vallarta, festivals and events is available at www.visitpuertovallarta.com]]>
HURRICANE NORBERT FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 26tag:mexico-on-line.com,2008://1.1512008-10-10T09:25:49Z2008-10-10T09:27:42ZHURRICANE NORBERT FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 26 NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP152008 0900 UTC FRI OCT 10 2008 AT 2 AM PDT...0900 UTC...THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS ISSUED A HURRICANE WARNING FOR THE WEST COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA FROM PUNTA...
HURRICANE NORBERT FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 26 NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP152008 0900 UTC FRI OCT 10 2008
AT 2 AM PDT...0900 UTC...THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS ISSUED A HURRICANE WARNING FOR THE WEST COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA FROM PUNTA ANDRESITO TO AGUA BLANCA. A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.
Visit the National Hurricane Center for more information.]]>
Have mummy, will traveltag:mexico-on-line.com,2008://1.1502008-10-10T07:38:57Z2008-10-10T07:42:34ZStrange local story from the AP about a traveling mummy show in Monterrey: Have mummy, will travel: Mexican corpses on tour MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) -- First they jet-setted to Monterrey in specially designed glass cases. Crowds lined the streets to...Have mummy, will travel: Mexican corpses on tour
MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) -- First they jet-setted to Monterrey in specially designed glass cases. Crowds lined the streets to watch them pass. Only in Mexico, where a fascination with death dates back to pre-Hispanic times, could mummified corpses receive the same welcome as a celebrity.
The 15 females, eight males and one head make up a macabre troupe of 100-year-old corpses visiting this industrial city from Guanajuato's Museum of the Mummy. They are part of a special exhibition in Monterrey that runs through Dec. 28
More of this story here, official site of the "Mummy Tombs".]]>
We all met again at 9:00 a.m. for a transfer to Cabo San Lucas, about 20 minutes south of the hotel, and our first stop was the Glass Factory, where we were treated to a demonstration of glass blowing, and an artist made a huge vase before our very eyes! Then we had time to shop a little (good thing I brought an extra small duffel bag to drag all my purchases home!).
From the Glass Factory, we continued on to the harbor where we boarded a 57 ft. catamaran for a 45 minute sail out past Lover's Beach to Land's End and around the tip of Baja California to the Pacific Ocean side. It was wonderful. Good music, good drinks, good company!!
When we returned to the dock, it was time for a trip to the flea market and some major souvenir shopping! Again I was glad I had brought an extra bag along to get all my purchases home! Boy did I get some cool stuff! From the flea market, we were transferred to the Baja Cantina & Grill on Medano Beach, overlooking the ocean & main beach in Cabo San Lucas. Again we had another fabulous meal & drinks under umbrellas with our feet in the sand.
We returned to the hotel about 2:30 p.m. and I hurried down to the spa for my 3:00 appt. to have my nail polish changed. Of course when I got on the plane my nails looked fine, but my polish started chipping off the minute we landed (or at least it seemed that way!) and it looked horrible! It was $15.00 for a polish change, which I thought was reasonable for a fancy spa. All of the nail products were the OPI brand.
At 5:45 we all met at the hotel entrance again for a transfer to San Jose del Cabo for a short walking tour, an art gallery reception, and dinner. San Jose del Cabo is about 20 min. north of the hotel - an easy ride. We got there after dark and the town was beautiful and quaint with Christmas lights & decorations everywhere; and people were in the plaza enjoying themselves in the lovely warm 80 degree evening. The art gallery reception was wonderful. The gallery is located in one of the original haciendas in San Jose, and filled with beautiful original paintings, several of which I wish I could have taken home with me!
From the art gallery, we went to dinner at Morgan's Encore, a beautiful restaurant with mostly outdoor dining in a hacienda-style patio, and very romantic! It would be perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary dinner. Morgan's Encore offers an amazing menu. They also have their own sommelier and a wine cellar featuring wines from around the world. We were treated to a "tasting" of many of the things on their menu. We had so much food no one could sample everything! When it came to dessert, the vanilla creme brulee, made with fresh vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks, was TO DIE FOR!
After dinner we all waddled back onto the mini bus for our ride back to Hacienda del Mar, where tonight there was a big bowl of fresh fruits waiting for me in my room; again, compliments of the Hacienda del Mar. I crashed and slept like a baby in my big soft king size bed with 4 puffy pillows!
Friday started with breakfast at Tomatoes again. Today was the day for our optional activity. We had the choice of a Swim With The Dolphins, an off-road ATV tour, an America's Cup Cabo Regatta sail, or the Canopy Zip Line Adventure. I chose the zip line! What a hoot! I thought it would just be a zip across a canyon, but it turned out to be several zips across the canyon, increasing in length and height each time. You have to be able to climb up the side of the canyon on paths to get to the lines, so you should be in reasonable shape. I'm in pretty good shape and I got a little winded on a couple of the climbs. There are a total of 3 miles of zip lines and 7 or 8 different lines back and forth across the canyon. I didn't realize that the zip line tour also included what they call the "Tarzan Swing", which is basically just holding on to a rope and swinging across a small canyon and spinning and twisting. I didn't do this one because it was sort of uneventful and you just had to climb right back up to where you take off from, and seeing as it was 85 or 90 degrees at that time, it wasn't worth the climb to me! LOL! The little kids absolutely loved it though! The next thing was the rappel down a 180 ft. cliff! I wasn't sure I could do this one, because I didn't realize it was coming, and I've always had a fear of going over a cliff. I'm not afraid of heights at all, it's just that "going over a cliff" thing! But they had us rigged in so well, and they take safety so seriously that I really had no fear! Over the cliff I went, channeling my best Lara Croft, and I rappelled down! OMG! It was SO much FUN! I wanted to go again, but unfortunately only once to a customer! I will definitely be doing this again!
After the "adventure" was over, we went back to turn in our gear and have a beer and quesadillas made with fresh corn tortillas that you could watch the lady make. You've never had a corn tortilla until you've had a freshly made one! A Pacifico and 2 quesadillas with chips and guacamole was only $6.00! After lunch, we were treated to a short demonstration of tequila making, and a tasting. Now, I'm not a tequila girl, but I guess I've never had "good" tequila before! This brand is called Don Crispin and it cannot be purchased in the United States. I didn't buy any, but I think the next time I'm down there, it will be a "must". We learned a lot about tequila... did you know that if tequila is over 30% alcohol it's not good? The fellow said "if it's over 30%, they've done something wrong." We tasted a clear tequila, mandarin orange tequila, almond tequila, and coffee/chocolate tequila. The almond and the coffee/chocolate didn't taste at all like the tequila I've had before, it was more of a tequila liqueur, and it tasted like dessert!
After the tequila tasting, we were transferred back to the hotel to have the rest of the afternoon to ourselves to spend time in the pool, on the beach or at the spa. Party animal that I am, I laid down for a nap and fell soundly asleep for 3 hours! I blame it on too much of a good time, some very tasty tequila, and that wonderful bed with those puffy pillows!
I woke up at 5:00 p.m., with enough time to get myself ready for the "Sand Between Your Toes" event. A glorious beach party put on by the hotel, described as: "a surf & turf barbecue and bonfire at the Tortugas Beach under the stars." There were lounges and tables on the beach with an absolutely amazing buffet and tropical drinks that never stopped flowing! There was lobster, chicken, and steak. Ceviche and salads and side dishes... again so much food! I was beginning to feel like Nero at a Roman banquet! The lounges and tables on the sand were way cool! White vinyl sofas and tables made of white plexiglass with blue lights inside! After dinner, there was a bonfire set up next to where the tables and sofas were. Chaise lounges covered with colorful Mexican blankets were arranged in a semi-circle around the fire. We stumbled over to the chaise lounges and plopped down to be immediately served s'mores! Oh yum! And after the s'mores, copious amounts of toasted marshmallows! More drinks, more wine! Looking up at Jupiter and Venus, the Pleiades, Orion and Cassopeia in the sky! I am in Heaven!
I kept thinking how perfect this would be for a destination wedding! There is a beautiful gazebo to get married in that overlooks the beach, and a "beach party" reception could be held just below the gazebo on the sand, with the waves crashing in the background.
We all moseyed back to our rooms about 10:30 p.m. and didn't have to get up early in the morning! Yay! Saturday we had breakfast at leisure again at Tomatoes Restaurant, and from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the morning to ourselves to enjoy the pools, spa, or beach. I slept-in and then used the morning to leisurely pack. I took a walk down to the beach to take more pictures - I hadn't been up to the northerly rocky point yet. It was an amazing day and the ocean was so gorgeous! But it's not like St. John at all. There is an undertow and people are warned not to swim out very far... mostly just wade. There are definitely places in Cabo where you can swim & snorkel, but you must respect the ocean at Hacienda del Mar. But in spite of not being able to swim much there, I have to tell you that it is one gorgeous beach!
Again, not like St. John, but absolutely "calendar picture" gorgeous! The sand is rough and the grains are not smooth, like the powder fine sand on St. John. One of the ladies on the trip said it had rubbed all the calluses off her feet! LOL! She said her feet had never been so smooth! Even though it didn't hurt to walk in the sand, and it was actually pretty nice, I mostly walked with my flip-flops on because I was always in shorts & a top, not a bathing suit, and I was too lazy to carry my shoes! At noon, everyone met for lunch at the Sirenas Snack Bar. Again the hotel treated us to another amazing meal, featuring Mexican food this time. Up till now it had been pretty gourmet! We also got to sample 4 different kinds of Margaritas. Regular lime, Mango, Blue-something, and Strawberry. Very yummy!
Our transfer to the airport was scheduled for 2:15 and we all gathered at the entrance with our luggage. A couple of the ladies had decided to extend their stay for a couple of days, so there were hugs and kisses all around. Hugs from the Hacienda del Mar staff who had hosted us, and hugs from the Contact Incentives hosts. What a great group of people! I highly recommend all of them for anything you would want to do in Cabo San Lucas or San Juan del Cabo! Whether or not you want to take a group of people to Baja or just a private vacation, you can do a lot of the same things I did. You can stay at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar and eat at several fine restaurants on-property and have the beach and spa at your beck & call. You can take a taxi down to Cabo San Lucas and shop your little heart out! Eat at several fine restaurants, go to Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo, or if you're crazy, check out Squid Row, a big hit with the Spring Breakers! Girls Gone Wild and all that! LOL! Take a taxi up to San Jose del Cabo and see a picturesque really cool little village that is packed with art galleries, fine eating establishments and bars! San Jose del Cabo is the "Laguna Beach" of Baja California. There are also some excellent restaurants in SJD, of course I 100% recommend Morgan's Encore! Excellent, excellent! Worth driving from CSL to SJD just for dinner! Check out the Baja Brewing Company across the street from Morgan's and smoke a Havana! Try the Canopy Zip Line tour! I never once felt scared or at risk, and I'm kind of a chicken! And I rather liked channeling Lara Croft for a while... well, in my mind, anyway! Take a water taxi out to Lover's Beach, and take along a picnic lunch and your snorkel & mask! Go for a daysail or a short sail around Land's End. Now THAT's cool. I took a picture of the very tippy tip of Baja California... and I think that's pretty darn cool, too!
Here are some links you may find useful:
Sheraton Hacienda del Mar
Enrique Gonzalez, Director General - Contact Incentives, Cabo San Lucas
enrique.gonzalez@contactincentives.com
Carlos Luevanos, Sr. Freelance, Certified Guide - Cabo Free Lance Tours & Travel
cabofreelance@hotmail.com
Extreme Canopy Costa Azul
Morgan's Encore
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Franko has done it again - yet another excellent guide map in his ever growing series. This map is brand new in 2008 and features Cancun and the Riviera Maya. It is packed full of useful and up to date information, especially if you are into diving and snorkeling.
You can buy this map on-line from Caribmart.com: Franko's Map of Cancun.