MIAMI, June 17, 2013

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa Debuts Teens-Only Beachfront Lounge

         CANCUN, MEXICO–(Marketwired – Jun 4, 2013) -  There’s no better place south of the U.S. border to spend time on the beach than the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa according to readers of Celebrated Living magazine.

One of my all time favorite Mariachi songs is called “Volver, Volver.” Loosely translated the title means “Come back, Come back,” and it symbolizes what I feel every time I leave Mexico. My heart always aches a bit and the words to that song run through my head. There is something remarkable about returning to a place that touches your soul. It’s never like the first time; it’s better. There’s a touch of familiarity that gives the impression of being welcomed back home. That’s how I felt about coming back to Oaxaca and Hacienda Los Laureles.

On a map, the state of Oaxaca (wah-HAH-kah) can be found about 300 miles southeast of Mexico City. The entire region is filled with both natural and cultural beauty, but the centerpiece of the state is the magical Oaxaca City. Founded in 1532, the city is surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range and sits atop a highland plateau some 5,000 feet above sea level. And though the city is densely populated, it remains unusually intimate. Easily explored on foot, it has the warm and inviting pace of a village. There is a certain energy that radiates from the people and buildings, almost as if the past remains in the present. The city is widely considered one of the finest displays of Spanish colonial architecture in the entire country and was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1987. A total of 1,200 historic monuments remain throughout the city and surrounding areas.

The charming and elegant Hacienda Los Laureles is located a quick 8 to 10 minutes from the zócalo (city center).  Tucked away in the foothills, this hotel is a real gem.  Built in the early 1800s, the property maintains its grand colonial style, while offering all the modern amenities. My first visit to the hacienda was back in 2001, and I was happy to discover it was even more beautiful upon my return. The lush and manicured gardens had matured even more and are now filled with blooming flowers along with huge cypress and mango trees. To add to the natural peacefulness of the grounds, a symphony of singing birds can be heard throughout the foliage.

From the moment you arrive, it will feel as though you are in your own private hacienda. With a total of only 23 guest rooms (including four master suites and presidential suite), the service is very personal. Owner, Peter Kaiser, tells me, “We want our guests to have a unique experience here so the staff is always available to cater to their needs.” Peter has built his reputation on attention to detail and understands the importance of “the little things” that make a hotel experience memorable.  Los Laureles is a member of the exclusive Mexico Boutique Hotels group, and received Four Diamonds from AAA. In addition, the hacienda was bestowed with the Tesoro (Treasure) Award from the Oaxaca State Government and an “M” from the Tourism Ministry presented by the previous Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevarra. The “M” is for “Modern,” but obtaining it requires exhaustive training and inspection.

Each room and suite has its own look and feel. Keeping true to its historical roots, heavy wood furniture is accented with Mexican handicrafts, bursts of color and fresh flowers. The suites have big, comfortable beds and plenty of space. Everything feels special here. We were in Oaxaca celebrating my 50th birthday, so when we checked in, our bed was adorned with rose petals spelling out “Feliz Cumpleaños” (Happy Birthday).  It was such a nice touch. There are small tables and chairs just outside your door are the ideal place to sip some coffee and take in the beauty of the garden and grounds. If you need a bit more pampering, stop into the Le Petit Spa for a memorable massage or refreshing facial. Or, take a spiritual journey in the temazcal. A “temazcal” is a traditional Mexican steam bath similar to the Native American sweat lodge. Los Laureles has a small one on the property that will fit three people. Ask at the spa for details.

Though there are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Oaxaca, I must say that one of the finest in town can be found at the hotel – Los Cipreses. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a candlelit table set in the garden and treated to an extraordinary meal. In fact, we were so impressed with the service and the food that we ate dinner on the property two out of the three nights of our stay. Chef Horacio Reyes is brilliant. Offerings range from the tasty Camarones a la Oaxaqueña (Oaxacan style shrimp with onion, garlic, mushrooms, tomato, mezcal and white wine) and an expertly prepared Filete de Res del Bosque (Filet mignon with mushrooms and herbs) to the amazing Ensalada de Nopales (sliced cactus with peeled tomatoes, onions and avocado) and the Canasta de Chapulines al Cilantro (basket of grasshoppers with coriander, garlic, onion tomato with guacamole and tortillas). Yes, I said “grasshoppers.” They are a very famous dish in Oaxaca and a “must try.” Don’t worry, you will be pleasantly surprised! In addition, the Chef offers cooking classes that will give you insight into these unforgettable dishes.

During our stay, their was a private birthday party being set  up. The tent and tables were festive and flawless. The hacienda is well known for hosting special events, meetings and gorgeous weddings. If you’re looking for an intimate and off-the-beaten-path place for your ceremony, you might want to add Los Laureles to your consideration list.

 The hacienda is also a premiere location to use as a jumping off spot to explore the region. The front desk can call for a taxi for trips in and out of the city and arrange any kind of tour (private or group) with an English-speaking driver/guide. Be sure to study up on the area so you know what you’d like to see, but I would certainly recommend the archeological sites of Monte Albán and Mitla, and the artisan village of San Martin Tilcajete.

Monte Alban

My return trip to Oaxaca and Hacienda Los Laureles was outstanding. The service was brilliant, the room was perfect and I felt as if I was coming home. This is a place I know I will return to again and again and I know it will always be magical. For more information contact Sylvie Laitre at Mexico Boutique Hotels (sylvie@mexicoboutiquehotels.com ).

Monday: Chapala Celebration: Crispy Pork Tacos with Cinnamon, Chicken Fajitas with Pailla Chili, Green Enchiladas, Shrimp Tacos and Sautéed Squid with Guajillo Chili.

Tuesday: El timon de Guerrero: Fish Tacos with Guajillo Chili, Octopus with Green Sauce Tacos, Beef and Egg Tacos with Red Sauce, Shrimp Tacos with Bell Pepper, and Turkey Tacos with Jalapeno Pepper.

Wednesday: El Norte: Duck Tacos with Oregano & Chili de Arbol, Prime Rib Tacos with Green Sauce, Shredded Beef and Egg Tacos, Skirt Flank Steak Tacos with Red Onion, and Tuna Tacos with Carrots.

Thursday: Puebla: Tacos with Turkey in Mole Rojo Sauce, Port Tacos with Chard and Cumin, Scallops with Potato and Green Mole Sauce, Mexican Sausage Tacos with Rice, Tacos of Spanish Marinated Sausage.

Friday: Mariachis of Jalisco: Barbacoa Taco (slow braised beef); Birria Tacos with Morita Chili, Crispy Beef Torta bathed with Red Sauce, Deep Fried Taco Stuffed with Chicken and Coriander.

Saturday: The Hope of Oaxaca: Pork Chop Tacos with Coriander; Chicken Tacos with Cactus Leaves and Green Tomato; Ground Beef Tostada with Lettuce and Green Aioli, Salmon Tacos with Beans and Chipotle Chili.

Sunday: Yucatan Specialties: Pit Roasted Pork in Annatto Sauce Tacos, Chicken in Black Sauce Tacos; Tacos de Pollo Guisado con Chrimole, Chicken in Black Seasoning Paste Tacos, Fish Tacos Bathed in Annatto Sauce, Shrimp Tacos with Local Spinach.

“It is a pleasure and an honor to offer this taste of authentic Mexican cuisine to our guests and share our love of fresh food,” said Fernando Garcia, Managing Director of Real Resorts. ”We have gone to our talented chefs and asked them to prepare their own favorite recipes from their home kitchens and create this interesting and varied flavor explosion of Mexico. Our guests are praising this variety and true flavor of Mexico,” added Garcia.

In addition to Albatros guests of the upscale, all-inclusive Resort may also choose from six other specialty restaurants including: Gaviotas, a beachfront restaurant featuring Show Cooking Stations, Il Pescatore, an Italian specialty restaurant and bar overlooking the Bay, the Sunset Grill for fresh grilled fish and meat, Maria’s for Mexican a la carte service, Trade Winds for snacks and cocktails, as well as the 24-hour Snack Bar and room service.

About Gran Caribe Real Cancun   

Gran Resorts consider fun a serious pursuit and have perfected the art of a vibrant, yet relaxing vacation.   With its premium beachfront location in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Caribe Caribe Real is dedicated to providing heartfelt service and the extras that create a memorable holiday. The beach at the Gran Caribe Real is one of the widest in Cancun and has been recognized with numerous conservation and ecological awards.

The Resort offers a comprehensive recreational program for adults and families including up to two children 12 and under staying, eating and playing for free. Kids from four to twelve may enjoy the OKI Kids Club with its endless activities in a family friendly environment. Programs include poolside sandcastle building, face-painting, hula-hooping, theater programs, as well crafts activities. Teens can participate in the Resorts’ unique T-Zone program and lounge in an age appropriate setting, or indulge in activities such as a game of beach volleyball, or pick and choose among the waterslides, pools or just soak and swim the day away. There is also ping-pong and the indoor OKI Fun World which includes a video arcade. Additional activities for families include unlimited golf greens fees when booking the upper Gran Suite categories. In addition, kids and adults will enjoy Oki Splash, an expansive aqua park featuring a replica of a 17th century pirate ship, a medieval castle, multiple water slides and sprays that create fun water escape.

The Gran Caribe Real Cancun has a large selection of suites including Family Suites with bunk-beds, Gran Master and Presidential Suites. Larger suites can comfortably accommodate two adults and up to three children or teens. If a family is larger than two children, additional children sharing an adults’ suite receive a 60% discount, and teens 13-17 receive a 60% discount when sharing an adult’s suite.

When staying for a minimum of five nights in an Ocean Front suite at The Gran Caribe Real Cancun families receive a complimentary ‘swim with the dolphins’ experience for one person, valued at $140. Additional family members can also enjoy the experience at a 50% discount.

For more information about the Gran Caribe Real in Cancun contact a travel agent or Real Resorts at  800-760-0944 . Hotel information can also be obtained at www.RealResorts.com.

About Real Resorts

Real Resorts is a privately owned hotel company in Mexico. It owns and operates four all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and Playa del Carmen under “THE ROYAL”, and Gran brands, which appeal to a wide range of lifestyles. THE ROYAL in Cancun and THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen offer luxury-gourmet, all-inclusive, all-suite accommodations and attentive service for adults only. Both resorts are AAA Four Diamond Resorts and multiple recipients of the prestigious International Star Diamond Award, a recognition awarded by The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences to the best five star hotels. The Gran Caribe Real Cancun and the Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen offer personal service and upscale accommodations appropriate for families and travelers seeking a casual beachfront quality all Inclusive vacation experience. Reservations can be made through a travel agent or by calling  800-760-0944 . For more information visit online at: www.RealResorts.com.

Mexico City, May 21, 2013 – The United States and Mexico agreed to create the Mexico-U.S. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council (MUSEIC). The Council was formalized through the signing of the framework agreement between the U.S. State Department and Mexico’s National Institute of Entrepreneurship.

During President Obama’s visit to Mexico earlier this month, he expressed, along with President Peña Nieto, his commitment to developing an even closer economic and trade relationship between both countries. The Presidents announced the High Level Economic Dialogue, in which officials from both governments will work together to promote competitiveness and connectivity, boost economic growth and innovation, and join forces for global leadership.

On May 8, the preliminary stages to create a binational entrepreneurship and innovation council were developed. This Council will provide a forum to coordinate and collaborate on strategies that trigger the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises.

This Council will integrate a working plan that includes specific programs and activities to incorporate Mexico into the Global Entrepreneurship Program, a U.S. initiative that seeks to catapult entrepreneurs in emerging economies through tools and links to its programs.

MUSEIC was formally launched on May 20th through the signing of the framework agreement by Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Jose Fernandez and the chairman of Mexico’s National Institute of Entrepreneurship, Enrique Jacob Rocha, with Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy Ildefonso Guajardo serving as witness of honor. Representatives from the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and the National Council for Science and Technology were also present at the signing.

Assistant Secretary of State Jose Fernandez said, “I have been impressed with the commitment of the Mexican government to entrepreneurship both with the words last week by President Peña Nieto and by the formation of the new INADEM led by Enrique Jacob Rocha.  We are confident this partnership will create the environment where both our countries will have the opportunity to work together for economic prosperity.”

Enrique Jacob Rocha, chairman of the National Institute of Entrepreneurship stated, “This Council represents the ideal platform to boost our entrepreneurship ecosystem, not only domestically, but around the world, and it will allow us to fulfill one of the goals of this Institute: making our entrepreneurs more competitive alongside one of our key partners.”

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affires ad interim Laura Dogu said, “Entrepreneurs are the drivers of innovation, of job creation and of sustained economic growth. This is why I am pleased that MUSEIC will strengthen regional competitiveness, which gives us a critical advantage above other regions in a global economy of innovation that is more competitive every day.”

The Mexico-U.S. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council will focus on:

A regulatory framework that will favor innovative entrepreneurship;     Promoting women-led entrepreneurship;     Participation and collaboration of the Latin American diaspora;     Promotion and integration of infrastructure to support entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises;     Sharing expertise and best practices on development of regional innovation clusters;     Sharing expertise and best practices on supply chains; and     Sharing tools and best practices on financing and promotion of innovative, high-impact entrepreneurship.

The Council will be comprised of different participants of the entrepreneur ecosystem from Mexico and the United States, including government officials, academics, private sector representatives, non-government organizations and venture capital funds, among others.

Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen is pleased to announce that all four properties in this family of condo hotels now offer complimentary Wi-Fi in every suite and guest unit. This amenity comes as a welcome addition to the dozens of other special considerations that guests can expect to receive when staying at the posh Playa del Carmen hotels.

Among Playa del Carmen hotels and resorts around the world, these accommodations are given top honors by both Trip Advisor and Frommer’s. The properties of Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen are all kid-friendly with amenities available for both parents and children. The concierge can help guests plan a visit to nearby Mayan temples, horseback ride along the beach, swim with dolphins, discover beautiful archaeological sites, enjoy a catamaran sailing trip, go off-roading on an ATV, or head out for some deep sea fishing. Guests can even arrange to have a family meal prepared by a personal chef if they decide to stay indoors. The opportunities are so plentiful that one might wonder where to begin and how it can all be done in one vacation.

For those who prefer to remain relaxed in the lap of luxury at the Playa del Carmen hotels, guests have the option to relax at the Maya spa and beauty center, sunbathe at the beach club or workout at the GYM which is operated by the founder of the famous Equinox fitness clubs. All of the condo hotels have Jacuzzi hot tubs and heated pools as an added bonus.

Visitors seeking to reflect inwardly will appreciate the complimentary wellness programs arranged for guests to enjoy. Experience morning yoga or tai chi on the beach. Loosen up with water aerobics class in one of the heated pools. Maybe even meditate on the pier at sunset or take advantage of the outdoor massage center for a truly relaxing experience under the Mexican sun.

“We are pleased to offer a luxury experience along the Mayan Riviera,” says Jack Perlman, owner of the Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen properties. “Wi-Fi is now available for those who can’t help but mix a little business with their pleasure. I just hope that they can break away from the laptop long enough for a little beach time as well.”

Located against the backdrop of a charming Mexican beach town known for white sand beaches, the properties of Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen are just steps away from a ferry that takes visitors to Cozumel. The center of the city and famed Fifth Avenue are in close proximity to each of the Condo Hotels Properties. Globe-trotting guests have immediate access to world-class shopping, bars, and dozens of restaurants serving both international cuisine and local dishes that will delight anyone looking for an authentic experience around the Playa del Carmen hotels.

For more information about a stay at one of these Playa del Carmen hotels, Jack Perlman invites those interested to visit the company’s website at http://www.condohotelsplayadelcarmen.com/ or call the hotel at +52 984 803 0108 or El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condo Hotel, 1 Norte Esquina Calle 14 Norte, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo Mexico.

About Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen
Located along the internationally known Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, the Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen group of resorts offers four unique properties: El Taj, Maya Villa, Porto Playa, and Villas Sacbe. The establishments are frequently featured in travel publications, and the boutique accommodations offer just about any amenity or comfort that can be imagined.

- Starting on July 15th, Aeromexico will operate its second frequency with Boeing 737 aircraft – 132 seats.

- The airline is also adding frequencies in Houston and Chicago, as well as new routes to Mexico, from Los Angeles to La Paz, Loreto, Cancun and Huatulco.

If you stay at the Hacienda Uxmal, you might end up sleeping in the same room once occupied by the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Indira Gandhi, or even Queen Elizabeth II. These are just a few of the illustrious guests who have used this historic hotel as a convenient base from which to explore the spectacular Mayan ruins of Uxmal, which lie just a stone’s throw away from the resort’s front gate.

Built in 1950, the Hacienda Uxmal has also long been the lodging of choice for archaeologists who come to work at Uxmal. This close connection with the nearby ruins is celebrated by an “Explorers Gallery” on the hotel’s main floor. Lining a long, open-air corridor overlooking a turquoise colored swimming pool are photographs of famous nineteenth century explorers who visited Uxmal. Among them are the American traveler and author John L. Stephens, who published Incidents of Travel in Yucatán in 1843, and Frederick Catherwood, the talented British artist who accompanied Stephens on his journeys in Mexico and Central America. Catherwood illustrated Stephens’ books with remarkably detailed and haunting drawings of the region’s abandoned cities.

Adding to the Hacienda Uxmal’s historical ambiance are Spanish colonial touches such as Moorish arches, richly tiled floors, and iconic statues of angels and the like scattered about the grounds. The hotel’s 79 guestrooms are airy and bright, plus some have balconies surveying the rolling Puuc hills. Comfortable sitting areas outside each room feature traditional wooden furniture made from local timber. These cozy arrangements make ideal spots for sitting back and taking in the hotel’s forest-like gardens while pondering the incredible legacy left behind by the ancient Maya.

Please click on this link to watch a slideshow of my photos of the Hacienda Uxmal. It may take a few seconds to load.

Santorini, Greece – Interlaken and Lucerne, Switzerland – Positano, Italy – The Himalayas – these are a few of the destinations that make my short list of “no matter how you imagined it, it’s better.” After my recent trip to Oaxaca for my 50th birthday, it’s time to add a couple more to the list: Huatulco and the ocean front villas and casitas at Las Palmas.

As a writer, I have the rare opportunity to travel through Mexico in search of paradise. I have found hundreds of amazing destinations throughout this marvelous country, but from the heart, I can tell you Huatulco is simply one of the best beach resorts in the entire country, and Las Palmas one of most perfect places where I’ve had a chance to stay… and that’s a tall order. There is a certain inexplicable magic here, a laid back sweetness if you will, all wrapped in the inviting smiles of the local people who are always happy you chose their charming, yet isolated, gem of a beach town on the Pacific.

In the early 1970′s, the Mexican government embarked on an ambitious plan to develop tourism through a series of integrated master-planned beach resorts. FONATUR, which is the National Trust for Tourism Development (Fondo Nacional del Fomento al Turismo), was responsible for the blockbuster resorts of Cancun, Ixtapa and Los Cabos, as well as the lesser-known communities of Loreto and the Bahías de Huatulco (the Bays of Huatulco, which has been shortened to simply “Huatulco.”) Nonetheless, their loss is your gain. The very fact that it hasn’t exploded with tourism is exactly what makes it so very special. Huatulco is far different from its high profile companions. Considered and developed as an “ecotourism” resort, 70% of Huatulco is made up of ecological preserves. In 1988, then President Ernesto Zedillo converted most of Huatulco’s preserves into a giant national park (protecting both land and marine life).  They pride themselves in being a totally “green” resort. FONATUR still controls all local land sales within the development and ensures that all new projects meet certain standards in order to maintain Huatulco’s Green Globe status.

    At the center of it all are a series of nine spectacular bays notched into 21 miles of shoreline hosting 36 beaches, countless inlets and coves, and arguably some of the most extraordinary coastline on the Pacific. The crystal clear water, and usually sparsely populated golden sand beaches, somehow don’t feel like a tourist destination. It all seems a bit more secluded and private. And since some of the bays and beaches are only accessible by boat, everything remains as nature intended. I wouldn’t usually recommend much snorkeling on some parts of the Pacific coast, but rest assured you won’t be disappointed here.

In my opinion, there just aren’t a lot of places like this left in the world. There is just enough development here to give you anything and everything you want in a beach resort, and just enough off-the-beaten-path remoteness to keep it off most tourists’ radar. Of the nine bays that were slated for development, only six have “visitor facilities.” The main areas are: Tangolunda Bay, home to the big resorts, an 18-hole golf course, a smattering of nightlife and a little resort shopping. The bay of Santa Cruz, with a good-sized marina, an intimate little village with beachside restaurants and bars, plenty of shops and an often-deserted cruise ship dock. And, Chahue Bay (CHAH-way), located between the two above, sports another marina, lots of new high-end condo projects and a public beach. About a mile inland, the charming little town of La Crucecita is a slice of pure Mexico. With a colorful and quaint town square, plenty of inviting restaurants and bars, a few excellent fresh seafood stalls to pick up the daily catch, and a very well-stocked grocery store (the Súper Che) that takes U.S. dollars and gives change in pesos at a great rate… what more do you need?

Well, you need an amazing place to stay… and that’s the subtle, refined, and perfectly done Las Palmas. Since we were looking for a villa, my good friend Sylvie Laitre, who owns and operates Mexico Boutique Hotels, made the recommendation. A quick glance at the endless 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor and it was an easy sell. I was put in contact with the darling and incredibly efficient manager, Courtney Glassman. Her title, Director of Escapes, is very appropriate. She is the ideal hostess and makes sure everything is in perfect order before you arrive.

Las Palmas has a prestigious location, perched on a cliff with incomparable views of Violin Bay on one side and Santa Cruz Bay on the other.  Just five minutes from La Crucecita and 15 minutes from the Tangolunda Golf Club, you won’t spend more than $6 USD to get anywhere in the area. (Taxis are plentiful and happy to wait for you at the grocery store.) With a total of five casitas and three villas, Las Palmas has the look and feel of an expertly designed Mexican estate. Owners, Ron and Jackie Williams, saw it as just that. Ron told me, “We came down here in 2001 with another couple. We had always wanted something tropical but had been leaning towards Hawaii. On our fourth day in Huatulco we saw the beach at Violin Bay from the road, looked up at the cliff and, even though it was all jungle, knew this was the place.”  Ron and Jackie tell their story with such love and passion that their energy can’t help but flow into the property.  “We took a boat around to the bay and looked at the property by sea. We wired the money as fast as we could.”

Over the course of the next several months and years, the vision of Las Palmas began to develop. There was infrastructure in place with fresh water and electricity available at the street. They interviewed three different architects and finally decided on Gontran Orozco Canales, who Ron and Jackie affectionately call the “contractor from heaven.” The doors opened to the Turtle Bay and Dolphin Cove Villas in 2007, the casitas followed in 2008 and the House of the Rising Sun villa in 2009. And since the beginning, it’s been all about the guests. “We have so many repeat guests that are like family to us now,” Jackie says. “The same five couples come every year and we arrange our big bookings (which are weddings) around our regulars,” Ron boasts with a smile. “It’s just soulful here and we do our best to make it unforgettable for everyone.” From where I sit, I’d say they have certainly succeeded in doing just that.

Even though there were only four of us, we went all out and opted for the Dolphin Cove Villa. As many times as I looked at the pictures on their website in the months before we left, it was even more breathtaking when we arrived. We kept staring at each other in disbelief. The open-air dining room and living room flowed seamlessly to the negative edge pool that seemed to connect to the Pacific horizon. The view… well, check out some of the photos and I think you’ll agree it’s quite breathtaking. Our concierge, Talina, was waiting for us at the villa to offer her services for anything we might need – excursions, private massages, restaurant reservations, etc.

All three of the villas are gigantic and everything is wide open. Each has four suites, making them ideal for both couples and families. Daily housekeeping service and a grounds keeper ensure you feel completely spoiled. There is also the option of having your meals prepared daily – TAKE IT! DO IT! There are few things more decadent than waking up and having fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee and fruit waiting for you on your poolside terrace. Follow that with a ridiculously delicious traditional Mexican breakfast and every day is off to a superb start. There are countless options for things to do and see if you’re feeling ambitious, but I can promise you’ll be hard pressed to leave the glorious sanctuary of your own pool over the Pacific.

To enjoy the beach on Violin Bay, it’s a short, and not particularly steep, hike down to the usually deserted shore. The snorkeling is great and you’ll feel as though you have the ocean all to yourself. There is another fantastic swimming and snorkeling beach, La Entrega, that is also an easy walk from the property. There are a number of little restaurants there so bring some pesos. Avid snorkelers can also take a bay tour that brings you into some remote beaches by boat.

I’d like to tell you we ventured out and explored more, but we are saving that for our return trip. This trip was dedicated to pure relaxation and soul rejuvenation. It was also about sleeping in, taking an hour and half to eat breakfast, cruising to the Súper Che to pick up wine and other goodies, napping, swimming, reading and stuffing ourselves with fresh ceviche prepared for us daily by the incomparable Margarita (our angelic and splendid cook, housekeeper and professional happy person).  They say a picture is worth a thousand words so I am quite sure after checking out some of these you’re already planning your trip here… and you should be!

Ron also gave us a tour of a couple of the casitas. They were all full at the time, but the other guests welcomed us with open arms to take a peek. The five casitas all have one-bedroom suites with ocean views and share a pool and a cozy common area with tables where everyone meets, greets and enjoys breakfast and afternoon snacks (featuring the best homemade guacamole ever!).  If you must (and I did) check email, there is free WiFi there too. A lot of people we met had been coming for years, and it was just as Ron described, like being part of a family.  (And, if you’re considering planning your wedding in Mexico, look no further, as this would be an unforgettable spot.)

A quick shout out to a local restaurant we visited in Tangolunda: We did actually leave our private paradise to sample some local fare with Ron and Jackie. There are a lot of expats here and one of their favorite hangs is the exceptional Cafe Vienna. The colorful Austrian owners, Manfred and Helmut, serve an unusual and delectable fusion of Austrian and Thai cuisine. It was excellent food and service and the only time in my life I have eaten expertly prepared European schnitzel in Mexico!

Trust me when I tell you I could ramble on and on about this place… and I most likely will in some following posts. Suffice to say, you’ll love it here. I promise. There are few times in life when reality meets your expectations. A visit to Huatulco and a stay at Las Palmas may very well be one of them.

For more information visit their website at www.laspalmashuatulco.com or email Courtney at courtney@laspalmashuatulco.com

* Professional photos courtesy of Las Palmas (Only the two of the bay from above and this last one are mine!)