Oaxaca is a small charming Spanish colonial gem.  Known for mole sauces that take all day, cathedrals, colorful handwoven carpets and rugs, and brightly painted carved wooden sculptures, it even boasts a UNESCO World Heritage site.  I enjoy Oaxaca because of its genuineness: traditions hundreds of years old are still being honored.  Celebrations run the gamut from graduations to weddings, with parades, including costumes and lots of street dancing.  My bucket list includes going back for the Day of Dead celebration in early November – I have a feeling it would be like none other. (Don’t worry, I’ll report back!)

The downtown is centered around The Temple of Santo Domingo (Temple de Santo Domingo), Oaxaca’s most emblematic and iconic landmark. A visit is a must on any tour exploring this wonderful city. It is both a working church as well as a museum, and you will learn a lot about the history of religious orders in Mexico. You also get an overview of the impact that their arrival had on the indigenous population. But that’s not all! If you go to the back of the temple you will find the entrance to the botanical gardens, which currently have plenty of interesting endemic plants only found in Mexico.

Monte Alban, the UNESCO site, is the site of ruins of an ancient center of Zapotec and Mixtec culture. Carved out of the mountain, the ruins are symbols of a sacred topography.  There are a lot of many interesting temples and pyramids to explore so I really recommend you take a guided tour to fully understand the ingenuity and way of living of the ancient Zapotecs.

Pro tip: Grab a lot of water and a pair of good shoes because you’ll be walking a lot!

Our guide stopped in the beautiful town of Santa Maria del Tule to show us the stoutest tree trunk in the world – it has been placed on a tentative list of UNESCO World History sites.  Who knew!

You have to visit Hierve el Agua and its petrified waterfalls. First and foremost, although the name itself would certainly imply boiling water (literally, that’s what Hierve el Agua means), the truth is that you can actually swim in the three natural pools located within the area.

Pro tip: Even though the name means boiling water, it is actually very cold.

Of all the charming towns around Oaxaca City center, the one that you really shouldn’t miss is Tlacolula, a very interesting off the beaten path destination located close to Oaxaca.  The main attraction of Tlacolula is the archeological ruins of Yagul, a rarely visited site that, despite being smaller than Monte Alban, offers a more intimate experience thanks to its isolated nature. Plus, you can enter some of the ancient tombs and hike towards some epic cave paintings.

The Food

Oaxaca is known, both within Mexico and worldwide, for the amazing food.   Whether you are enjoying watching guacamole being made tableside at an upscale restaurant or eating street food, you will be impressed.  Did you know that Mexican cuisine was the first to receive UNESCO culinary heritage status?  (Yes, my husband likes to visit as many UNESCO sites as possible around the world!) The food you will enjoy in Oaxaca played a role in receiving that designation.  I’ve scheduled a private cooking class on my next visit, so I can bring the flavors home with me.  The tour starts at the market, shopping for the ingredients, and then to the kitchen to prepare your meal. I am looking forward to the sights, smells, and learning more about the local ingredients.

Because of its location surrounded by mountains and the fact that the city center is free of skyscrapers, it is more than possible to enjoy wonderful sunsets and sunrises on most rooftops in Oaxaca City.  If you take a walk in Oaxaca’s historical center you will find at least two rooftop cafes/restaurants/bars in every corner. I promise it will be hard to choose the best one. My favorites are the ones directly in front of the Temple of Santo Domingo, as they are the tallest of the historical downtown. Ask for a table on the top level.  My picture is from that very spot, on a beautiful evening several years ago.

I hope this has piqued your interest about Oaxaca.   It is a very culturally rich town which makes you feel right at home.  Let me know if you have any questions about Oaxaca or would like to plan a trip to visit.  We are going the end of May – you could always come with me.  Don’t forget to include a mezcal tasting!

Te Veo Pronto, Hope to see you soon!

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(Spoiler alert: We can get you added amenities!)

Stillpoint Lodge, Halibut Cove, Alaska

Sitting on a private peninsula, 117 miles from Anchorage, Stillpoint Lodge includes activities such as kayaking, whale watching, hiking, paddleboarding and more. Enjoy new menus each day included in your stay, along with wine, beer, and cocktails. You’ll love this secluded outpost for its eco-friendly vibe and luxurious amenities.

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives

A speck on the map in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka lie the Maldives. Unspoiled islands that capture the heart and inst-envy of all those who visit. Taj Exotica is surrounded by crystal blue waters, just 5 miles from the Male airport, and offers 64 villas, many with private pools.

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Hermitage Bay, and its 30 luxury suites, always feels quiet and remote. This 5-star resort includes all your meals, premium beverages, romance, island luxury, and tranquility. Plus, a gorgeous beach. Enjoy your time, at your own pace. Hermitage Bay is barefoot luxury at its finest.

The Brando, Tahiti

A short twenty-minute flight on a private plane brings you to the airstrip at the Brando. Once there, you may never want to leave. Sitting on a three-mile-wide lagoon, The Brando is nothing short of spectacular. Each room has a private pool, and steps away you’ll find a pristine white sand beach. Meals and some activities are included at this paradise resort.

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Imagine, if you will, lounging in your private infinity pool, gazing out to the mountains and the ocean, and feeling like you are the only people on earth. Sounds good, right? Biking, watersports, beaches, and of course a fantastic spa, are all available at Jade Mountain, and with only 29 luxurious suites, you’ll be treated like the VIP that you are.

Private Yacht and Catamaran Charters

OK, I may have cheated a little with this one, since it is not one “place.” We have a wide range of catamarans, barges, and private yachts all over the world that are available for charter. Fully crewed, with a captain and chef, and on some boats, additional staff, you will want for nothing as you glide across the French rivers in a private barge, or cruise through the Virgin Islands to secret coves. From the Mediterranean to Tahiti and everywhere in between, we can set you up with the perfect charter for you. The world is yours to discover, privately.

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Imagine seventy four acres of paradise, surrounded by coral reefs, complete with white sand beaches. Now imagine that it is all yours (at least for the time you are there). With just seventeen rooms, Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private island is available for just your family/group/party. Your days are yours to do as you please, while the staff caters to your every need. Imagine a decorated canoe floating toward you loaded with mouthwatering sushi, or a six-course gala dinner celebrating, well, anything. The choice is yours.

However you choose to spend your time enjoying the private corners of the world, we are here to help you make the most of it. We handle all of your travel needs, and look forward to helping you plan your next memory-making vacation.

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Gallo pinto is a rice and beans mixture, served with eggs, fried cheese, and plantains. It is a lot for early in the morning, but apparently, one needs strength to raft into the lodge. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and then continued on the journey.

After another hour or so, we entered private property, and continued twenty minutes down a bumpy dirt road until we reached the river. We saw a bunch of companies getting people outfitted for their day trips on the river, and as we arrived our driver gave us some information and pointed out the bathrooms. “They are a little rough, but if you have to go,” he said. I’ve gone in worse places, but yes, they were a little rough for sure.

Ready for action, we met the guides that would take us to Pacuare Lodge and received a safety briefing. With us in the raft we had a guide, and there was also a kayaker along for added safety. We were in capable hands as we embarked on the whitewater raft trip. After having only done this once, about fifteen years earlier, the safety briefing was quite important.

An hour of relatively easy paddling and class I – II rapids, with a few class III rapids thrown in to make sure we were paying attention, was exhilarating (also, the water is incredibly cold for this Floridian, so that may be part of the excitement). Greeted with fresh fruit smoothies, and escorted to our room where our luggage was already waiting for us, our arrival could not have been easier.

THE SUITES

There are several suite types at Pacuare, from the Garden Suites (670 square feet of spacious comfort, with a private terrace), River View Suites (nearly 1,000 square feet of spaciousness with great river views and a private terrace), and Linda Vista Villas (more on that in a moment). The Jaguar Villa is the grandest of all with over 3,700 square feet of space, two bathrooms, a private pool, and a bridge and tree platform overlooking the river.

We stayed in Nutria, which means otter, a Linda Vista Villa, and it was spectacular. With almost 2,500 square feet of space, the villa is nothing short of spectacular. Our villa had a spacious bedroom, living room, huge bathroom complete with indoor and outdoor showers, and an amazing deck. Outside space boasts a soaking tub with a river view, a private infinity pool, chaise loungers, and a swing perfect for reading or enjoying a cup of coffee. I never wanted to leave.

A couple of things to note about Pacuare Lodge: this is a glamping experience. Yes, it is luxurious, but you are in the jungle, and that means things are different than more urban environments. There is no air conditioning here, but the screened windows (there is no glass), and ceiling fans make for extremely comfortable sleeping temperatures. The lodge generates its own electricity, so there is not an excess of electricity. Don’t even think of operating a hair dryer. Also, things like a morning cappuccino may not be possible if there is not quite enough electricity to operate the machine. To me, these are quite minor issues and, frankly, part of the charm. Nonetheless, they are things you should know if you are planning a visit.

HOW IS THE FOOD?

Delicious! We arrived, somehow hungry after that huge breakfast en route, to a fantastic lunch. Before embarking on the rafting adventure, we were told about the lunch choices, and asked to choose so the chef could adequtely prepare. Each day at breakfast and lunch we were given several options for the following meal, and we made our choices in advance.

Meals were multi-course events, and overall, delicious. With many dishes to choose from, and excellent service, you will not go hungry. Meals are included in the room rate, though alcoholic drinks are additional. The “wine list” comes in the form of a trip into the cellar to pick a bottle. Mixed drinks are also available at the upstairs bar, and if you are hungry after an afternoon activity, but before dinner, some snacks can magically appear in your room.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

Included activities at Pacuare Lodge can be a hike to a waterfall (excellent), ziplining (only one person did this, and it was not me), canyoneering and more. We opted for a shorter hike the first afternoon and a longer hike the following morning. Our long hike was nearly four hours of steep, sometimes muddy, mountain terrain, and may have been the hardest hike I have ever done. It was exhausting and worth every bit of mud that is still clumped on my shoes.

For the less active, Pacuare Lodge also offers a full-service spa. I can say firsthand that after a long hike a massage is always a good idea. In the late afternoon, a presentation on jaguars is offered, for a chance to learn all about this incredible animal.

LEAVING BY RAFT

We left the lodge the same we arrived: by raft. Our luggage took the car service out, but we went the more adventurous route. Coming in was about an hour on the water, while leaving would be three hours over class III and IV rapids. Because the rapids are stronger going out, we had two guides in the raft along with a kayaker. Safety first.

I felt completely at ease with our wonderful guides, and those class IV rapids are no joke. We paddled and bounced around in the water, enjoying every minute of the morning. About two hours in, we made a stop along the way for some snacks. Even after leaving the lodge, they do not let you go hungry. They sent us wraps, fruits, and iced tea for our riverside picnic – a wonderful way to end the trip.

If you are thinking of going to Costa Rica, I highly recommend it. We work with only the best people in the country and can create the vacation of a lifetime for you.

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At 24 years old, and on somewhat of a lark, Tanya Zaufi applied for a job with Princess Cruises. To her surprise, she was offered a job, and with no idea what to expect, passport in hand, she flew to San Juan to meet the ship. The Regal Princess would be her home for the duration of her contract.

First order of business on any ship – for both crew and passengers -is the obligatory lifeboat drill. After a few wrong turns, Tanya found her way to the muster station and saw a cute guy. Later that night, they met again at the crew bar. But how would the story play out? After all, this was only day one.

During the first few days, Tanya and her roommate enjoyed sightseeing, shopping, and beaches. It hardly seemed like work. Living in a passenger cabin (a crew cabin was not yet available for them), and touring Caribbean ports, while doing very little work, seemed like a dream job. Eventually, the real work began working in Guest Services.

While her roommate was out partying a lot, Tanya found herself thinking about Josef. All. The. Time. Their story takes many twists and turns, and All Over The Map is a wonderful recounting of a ten-year romance in the making. Over the years, they worked aboard different ships, lived in different countries, dated other people, and somehow found their way back.

There are so many wonderful stories in the book, and I will not share them all, but I have a few favorites for you.

Lesson 1: Always learn what you are saying

Tanya stayed with Josef in Austria for several months. Several weeks before Christmas, the traditional Krampuses take to the streets. Dressed in fur and skins, wearing masks, the half-goat-half-demon Krampuses whip people into behaving for Christmas. Josef was working, so Tanya went out with a friend. Before leaving the house, Josef gave her a saying in German should she be approached by a Krampus.

It worked. She avoided the whipping. The very next day, while working at a coffee shop, a co-worker congratulated her and asked when she was due. With a confused look, she wanted to know why they were asking. Apparently, her German avoidance of the Krampuses was to announce that she was pregnant. Oops.

Lesson 2: Manage the details

Tanya and Josef’s story took a decade through many ups and downs. Moving to another country is no easy feat, and getting a visa to move to Canada was no easy feat for Josef. When he finally moved to Canada, getting his belongings in the country was another hurdle. Josef’s beloved Harley was stuck in customs because there was dirt on the tire. Austrian dirt. On a motorcycle. Go figure. Eventually they got the bike into the country, but not before the customs officers threatened to burn the custom made motorcycle.

Lesson 3:  Keep the faith and embrace the traditions

A ten year, multi-ship, multi-country romance is no easy feat. If you really want something, stick with it until you make it happen. Also, you can have two weddings and only one marriage. Pro tip: When getting married somewhere other than your home country, read up on the local traditions first. (See the interview for more details!)

Tanya is fun and engaging, and it was a pleasure to talk with her about the book. You can see the entire conversation below. Also, pick up a copy of her book – even if you are not traveling now, the book will make you feel like you are on vacation.

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Everyone visits Cairo to see the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, located just on the outskirts of Cairo on the esplanade known as the Giza Plateau.  The Great Pyramid, also known as Khufu’s Pyramid, is the greatest pyramid of the complex: a truly magnificent sight.

Did you know? The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World and the only one still standing.

When gazing at this colossal structure, there’s no way to escape the feeling of being dwarfed. It is impossible to comprehend the magnitude until you’ve seen it, up close and personal. The features of the Great Pyramid are so large that they can be seen from space. Astronauts have even sent back photos. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the Great Pyramid is what is hidden inside the secret chamber that to this day remains unexplained. (What is it? Come with us to Egypt and find out firsthand!)

Another iconic landmark on the Giza Plateau that you should not miss is the Great Sphinx.  It has the facial features of a man and body of a lion.  Believed to have been carved during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, the Great Sphinx protects the tomb.  But new studies suggest it is much older that previously thought.

The recently opened New Egyptian Museum is a must, and initial reviews have been amazing. The museum houses King Tut’s treasures and much more.

Alexandria: A love triangle and a gem of a city.

On this upcoming trip, we also get to visit Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great around 331 B.C. This is where the three-way romance between Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII played out.  Nicknamed the Pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt.

One of the best things to do in Alexandria is to visit the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This modern rendition of the ancient Great Library of Alexandria is said to have held more knowledge and books than anywhere else in the ancient world.

The ancient library was lost when the city was burnt to the ground by Julius Caesar during the wars with Rome. Scrolls and books were consigned to history while Alexandria fell from grace. However, the city’s reputation as a place for learning has never diminished. It is rumored that the sarcophagus of Alexander himself was taken there.

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and Pompey’s Pillar are on our list to visit as they are within walking distance of each other.  According to legend, the catacombs were rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey accidentally fell down the shaft in which dead bodies were once lowered. These are the largest known Roman burial sites in Egypt.  The tombs date from the 2^nd to the 4^th century AD.  Unique to Egypt’s ancient world, you can view the catacombs, but photography isn’t allowed inside. You will have to visit for yourself to view this historic site.  Pompey’s Pillar is the only known free-standing column in Roman Egypt and one of the largest outside of Rome. The pillar is part of the ruined Temple of Serapis.

Learn more about our upcoming group trip and let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

I simply love the Souk District. Get lost amongst the maze of shops and market stalls. Stop and take in the colors and smells of the spices. It is a tantalizing feast for the senses.  A cup of refreshing mint tea with sugar is a must!

Alexandria’s citadel, the Citadel of Fort Qaitbay, sits on the exact site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, another one of the original Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.  Several earthquakes destroyed the lighthouse. In the 15^th century the area was fortified and the citadel was built.  Stones from the Lighthouse have recently been discovered on the sea floor. Plans are in place to build an underwater museum.  Yet one more reason for a return trip to Egypt.

There are too many museums and other sites to visit on this trip so I think it will be time to get back to the ship for a cocktail. I’ll watch the sun set over the Mediterranean and the harbor as it did during the time of Cleopatra. Join me, Debbie Horres, October 25 – November 4, 2021, roundtrip Athens, for a truly wonderful small ship experience.

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Did you know that you can gift someone part of a trip or a whole trip? We offer gift cards that can be used for planning fees or specific trip features. Please give us a call or send an email for details.

Some examples of great travel gifts:

• Business class flights for a honeymoon (the cost of these tends to vary wildly, so it is best to discuss it with us first).
• A private, guided tour, which could be at the Vatican with a visit to a secret room, or a fabulous wine tasting in the country complete with driver. The possibilities here are limitless.
• An upgraded cabin on a cruise ship, or other cool cruise amenities.
• A private cooking class – anywhere from Mexico City to Italy to Thailand and beyond!
• …anything else you can imagine. We are, of course, happy to tailor your gift to the recipient.

Are you looking for a travel-related gift that doesn’t involve going anywhere? Here are a few of our favorites:

• A photo album. In the age of digital photos, it is a nice gift to compile an album that can be flipped through over a glass of wine to relive the experiences.
• A gift basket of food items from the last country visited – or the next country your recipient would like to visit.
• Scratch maps to see all the places you’ve been, and those you would still like to visit. (I have this one!)
• Any number of great, hand-selected items from our newly launched !

As always, when you are ready to plan future travel, please let us know. We are here for you, and happy to help you get the best possible vacation, customized to your needs.

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You may want to grab a snack and/or a cocktail. I assure you this list will make you want both.

Mexico City: De Mar a Mar

I chose this restaurant for our first night because it was close to our hotel. I did not expect it to be so good that we would return for another meal during our short stay in Mexico City. We arrived, were greeted, and escorted upstairs to the charming outdoor patio overlooking the street (and California Pizza Kitchen across the street. Clearly, we made the better choice.)

De Mar a Mar is best known for seafood, and they did not disappoint. As we mulled over the menu and ordered some tasty Mexican wine, we enjoyed the tortillas and three salsas. We started with the best ceviche I have ever had. Fresh fish loaded with oregano and other seasonings – it was simply outstanding. Our foursome enjoyed the “envuelta” stuffed with shrimp and cheese and reminiscent of a high-quality hot pocket. It was so good we ordered a second order.

Mexico City: El  Pescadito

There are thousands of places to get tacos in Mexico City. Just finishing our morning outing to Xochimilco, we needed some lunch. I planned a food tour for the evening that started at 5:30, so this was simply a question of where we could get something decent to eat, quickly.

In the age of Covid, we were delighted to note that even a hole-in-the-wall taco joint took our temperatures, sanitized our hands and shoes on entry, and served toppings from the once DIY salsa bar. We ordered some fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and a crazy-good shrimp and cheese quesadilla-type thing, plus several beers. Not only did the food not disappoint, the entire meal, including drinks, for four of us was about $30.

Mexico City: Expendio Maiz

The first stop on a fantastic food tour, Expendio Maiz embodies the saying “sin maiz, ho hay pais” or, without corn, there is no country. This tiny, six table, open kitchen place offers no printed menu. We enjoyed several dishes, but perhaps the best was the first thing we ate: little corn cakes presented as Day of the Dead masks, complete with spicy salsa verde. I highly recommend this hyper-local experience.

Pro tip: they close at 6:00 PM, so go for lunch or an early happy hour snack.

Mexico City: Entremar

As we were touring through San Angel after a wonderful visit to Casa Azul, I gently asked our guide what she had in mind for a lunch stop. Our group is happy to tour, see art, and learn about history, as long as we don’t miss a dining opportunity. After some discussion, we could have gone to a place near to where we were, but on the mention that I wanted to go to Contramar but couldn’t get a reservation, our guide jumped into action. She let me know they have a sister restaurant, Entramar, in Polanco, where we would be headed later that afternoon. Seeing my delight, she snagged a reservation for us, and we headed for yet another deliriously wonderful seafood feast.

It was a late lunch, and we were hungry, and in no rush, so we ordered a lot. It was all wonderful, and of course, there were a few standout dishes. Tuna tostadas: check. Lightly seared tuna (called sashimi on the menu): check. Garlic shrimp to die for: check. Fish tacos in the style of “al pastor”: check, check, check.

As we sipped margaritas on the upstairs patio, we enjoyed each dish, as well as the upscale atmosphere and good service. Entremar, we’ll be back.

Mexico City: Amaya

The minute I make travel plans, or possibly even before the plane tickets are purchased, I start looking at where I will eat. Generally, I look for several characteristics: unique, small, local-feeling, and of course, well-reviewed. Amaya fit the bill nicely. I was delighted, when weeks later, I saw it on Somebody Feed Phil.

Amaya is a little challenging for those, like me, whose Spanish is lacking, but everyone is friendly and willing to help. The restaurant itself is small, and with Covid protocols in place, there were only about 6 or 7 tables. Amaya is known for having a unique, well-curated wine list, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

The food is straightforward and delicious, and the portions are enormous. Several of us started with salads, and three of us could have shared one.

Mexico City: Meroma

Meroma is the restaurant I would eat at every single week if I lived in Mexico City. No exaggeration. Why? Meroma has it all, except for spacious bathrooms. Seriously, tiny restrooms aside, this is a find. Once again, we found ourselves on a second-floor terrace overlooking the quiet street.

Our server did not speak very much English, so we relied on my poor Spanish until one of the owners, Mercedes, came over to see how we were doing. She routinely checked on us, explained things in English when necessary, and generally made us feel welcome.

We started with a couple of “snacks” and some wine. While stuffing fried baby artichokes in yogurt sauce and perfectly blistered shishito peppers into our mouths, we perused the rest of the menu. We also may have ordered a second helping of the artichokes. And I may have recreated the yogurt sauce at home no less than weekly since we have returned.

At some point post-appetizer, the power went out in the neighborhood. Fortunately for us, there was plenty of wine, and we passed the time quite happily. Once the power came back, we enjoyed the rest of the meal – a wonderful tomato salad, flavorful fish Crudo, and several plates of pasta. Each bite was perfectly delicious and left us wanting more.

The next time I plan to visit Mexico City, Meroma will be my first stop.

The Mexico City food scene is certainly having a moment, and I highly recommend a visit! We’d be delighted to help plan your next adventure to Mexico and beyond.

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Mexico City, or as it is known locally, CDMX (Ciudad de Mexico), is not only the capital, but a culturally rich destination with a great food scene. More on food later, as that is deserving of its own post. Today, I will focus on some of the great sights, especially ones that can be visited now, safely.

Casa Azul

It seems that many people had never heard of Frida Kahlo until a very popular movie starring Salma Hayek came out nearly twenty years ago. Frida, and her twice-husband Diego Rivera, are synonymous with Mexican art and deeply woven into the culture. So, a visit to her house is an absolute must.

Casa Azul, the blue house, sits on a corner in the Coyocan neighborhood. Inside, stroll the gardens, and walk through the house to see many paintings, studio space, and an entire clothing display, among other works.  Pay special attention to the mirror above the bed, used for self-portraits while she was bedridden.

Pro tip: Due to the pandemic, you’ll need to buy advance tickets for a particular time. Also, if you want to take photos inside, you need a pass costing 30 pesos (about $1.40).

Diego Rivera’s Famous Mural

Speaking of Diego Rivera, Mexico City’s most famous artist/muralist/womanizer, a visit to his famous mural is a must. Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central (“Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central”)was painted and housed in Hotel del Prado’s dining room since its creation in 1947. The mural was moved to a museum solely dedicated to the work after the hotel was destroyed.  (You can see a piece of the hotel wall if you peer behind the mural. Like me, you’ll probably be yelled at by security.)

The work depicts over 150 people from all classes of society, including some of the leading characters in Mexican history.

Must see.

Pro tip: Towards the back of the room on the right side (when facing the mural) is a diagram explaining each of the characters in the mural.

The Canals of Xochimilco

Ok, let’s get this out of the way: it is pronounced “show-chee-meel-ko.”

Xochimilco is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can hire a trajinera (flat bottomed, colorful boat) to take you on a wonderfully relaxing cruise through what is left of a pre-colonial canal system. Xochimilco is a southern neighborhood of Mexico City. Truly, as you leisurely cruise through the waters, dogs barking, and laundry hanging, it is hard to imagine you are in a city of nearly nine million people.

During our cruise, our driver asked if we would like beverages, pulled up to a house along the canal, and brought out a bucket of beer and sodas. When I asked how much, he told me not to worry about it, we would just pay for what we drank. Fair enough. After about half an hour, we pulled back up to the same house, returned the unopened beverages and paid for what we had (about $9 for 6 or 7 beers).

Along the way, note the creepy island of the dolls (some may say “charming,” I’m sticking with creepy) as well as the abundance of flora and native birds.

Museums, museums, and more museums

Much to my dismay, the famed Anthropology Museum was not open when we were there. In Mexico City alone there are over 150 museums, including the Bella Artes (fine arts palace), a contemporary art museum, modern art museum, and so many more. Hopefully, they will all start opening in the near future as I have several on my list for the next trip.

Teotihuacan

About an hour north of Mexico City lies the sacred pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan. (Pronounced tay-oh-tee-wah-kahn). The main structures are the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. In non-pandemic times it is possible to climb the pyramids. Fortunately for my clumsy self, that was not a possibility when we were there. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this one is also well worth a visit.

Expect to walk. A lot. From the entrance to the Pyramid of the Sun is almost 2 miles. Bring some water with you, as it gets hot in the sun.

There are so many more things to see and do in and around Mexico City, and I cannot wait to go back again. Are you planning to go? Intrigued? Want to talk about it? Let me know. We can plan your perfect Mexican Getaway for any size group.

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The post Mexico City: Things You Must See and Do appeared first on Florida Keys Girl.

As a Virtuoso advisor, we routinely get our clients added amenities, upgrades, and more, so I was delighted to enjoy some of those same benefits during my travels. But first, a little about the hotel.

Just opened in 2019, the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma is stunning. At the entrance, a historic façade of the grand old home that once stood there. Behind the beautifully preserved façade lies a modern, comfortable hotel with fantastic service and amenities.

The moment we arrived, our bags were whisked out of the car and brought up to the reception area on the fourteenth floor while we checked in. Especially today, cleanliness matters. Before entering the hotel, we were all temperature-checked, our shoes were sanitized, and we were provided with hand sanitizer. The lovely people at the Sofitel upgraded our room, as well as that of our friends and traveling companions, to junior suites.

Pro tip: This is a benefit afforded to all our clients at over 1,500 properties around the world. Upgrades depend on availability at check-in.

All rooms here are modern and well-appointed, with L’Occitane bath amenities, modern furnishings, and ample space. Bedside remotes control the shades in the room, and bathroom curtain controls are next to the sink. I was two showers into our stay before I realized I could lower the shade in the bathroom. Oops.

Our floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the Angel of Independence statue and gave us a birdseye view of the taxi/Uber protest on our last day, in addition to magnificent sunset views over the city.

It is more than the rooms that make the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma so wonderful. There is also a rooftop pool and gym (both available by reservation), two restaurants and three bars. The rooftop bar, Cityzen, offer stunning views of the entire city, along with delicious cocktails. They also have a small food menu.

Pro tip: As an added amenity, we offer a resort credit of $100 per room at the hotel. Perfect for a couple of rounds of cocktails at Cityzen!

Balta, a modern space on the twelfth floor, serves breakfast daily in addition to lunch and dinner. Start your morning with delicious pastries, excellent coffee, and a whole menu of made-to-order yumminess.

Pro tip: Daily breakfast is an added amenity from us, your Virtuoso advisors.

The best part of the Sofitel? Location. The hotel is walkable to many areas of interest, and hundreds of good restaurants (we will be back to sample more!) Mexico City is huge, however, and the entire city cannot be covered on foot alone. The hotel is a quick, and inexpensive, uber ride away from anywhere else you would like to go.

Overall, I highly recommend the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. Perfect for a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, the hotel is simply wonderful.

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The post Sofitel Mexico City Reforma: Sleek and Contemporary Luxury appeared first on Florida Keys Girl.

Everyone has something different on their “must do” list – from skydiving Mount Everest to a private viewing of Michelangelo’s David. To get your creative travel dreams started, take a look at some of these Ultimate Milestone Vacation ideas:

Birthdays that end in “0” (or any other number)

You may be the kind of person that likes to celebrate their birthday for an entire month, like me. Or, you may be the kind of person that literally crawls under the table should anyone hum a few bars of “happy birthday”, like a friend of mine. Either way, a birthday is worth celebrating in whatever way makes you happy. Why we, as a society deem 50 more important than, say, 44, I have no idea, but those nice, round numbers are cause for celebration. (The other ones are, too!)

Some of the most popular birthday vacations are cruises. They are very easy to do as a group, as most things – especially on the luxury lines – are included. Impromptu cocktail parties (or, as I like to call it, Thursday), can happy any time. There are ample spaces for groups to gather, and enjoy everyone’s company, and plenty of options for quality time on shore or at sea.

Proposals

Asking one seemingly simple question tends to provoke anxiety in even the most prepared. We are now planning more proposal trips than in years past. Many people are looking for the perfectly Instagrammable photos of the big moment. So where to do it?

Good question. The beach is always a favorite, and there are plenty of gorgeous resorts to choose from along the Mexican coast. Wineries are a favorite as well, as the vineyards make a stunning backdrop for a proposal. One of the most unique options, is a trip to Tahiti, where we can schedule a private sightseeing flight over a beach, and have a message carved in the sand just for you!

Pro tip: for the honeymoon, you can go back to Tahiti to the same or new-to-you islands.

Honeymoons

Planning a wedding can be super stressful. The best way to combat all the this-person-cannot-sit-next-to-that-person, gift debacles, and speech faux pas, is with an amazing honeymoon. We’ve got your back on that one!

Hawaii is always a favorite. Italy is also a top choice for non-beach vacations. One unique option for a honeymoon or any other “big” vacation is an African Safari. Your ultimate honeymoon can start in Cape Town with a visit to Robben Island, penguins, and perhaps a hike up Table Mountain, complete with picnic. From there, head to the Winelands for a day or two of tasting. Next, a luxury safari camp with amazing food, service, amenities, plus all the animals you could hope to see.

“But what about the beach? I want it all!” Of course, you can have it all! After your safari, head to the Seychelles for some rest and relaxation after the busy beginning of the trip. Enjoy a private pool villa at Fregate island, or an oceanfront pool villa at Six Senses Zil Pasyon for the ultimate in stunning beauty and relaxation.

A “Big” Anniversary (or any anniversary)

Anniversaries are cause for celebration! Many milestone anniversary clients enjoy wonderful vacations to Tahiti (overwater bungalows!) or a river cruise through Central Europe. Those are both wonderful ideas. What about something a little more adventurous, like Morocco? We’ll craft your ultimate anniversary vacation to include the best tours and activities for you. Those can include visiting the famed bazaars as well as artisan workshops and hiking in the High Atlas Mountains. You may want to wake up early for a hot air balloon ride or enjoy sunset over the Sahara at a luxury desert camp. Perhaps you’ll try a tajine cooking class or a food tour. We’ll craft your custom vacation to delight all of your senses!

Graduation

After so many years of study, a graduation is a perfect milestone to celebrate. Southeast Asia is incredibly popular, and can be done within a variety of budgets. From sunrise at Angkor Wat to a playing with elephants at a conservation center, there is plenty to do. Cooking classes in Chang Mai, Vespa tours in the Cambodian countryside, or even relaxing at the beaches of Thailand and Vietnam are all possible as we customize your vacation.

For even more inspiration, please check out one of our sample Asian itineraries here.

Family Reunions/Multi-Generation Vacations

When getting a large family together, spanning several generations, it can sometimes be challenging to schedule activities that everyone will enjoy. For this reason, cruises are extremely popular for these types of trips. How about taking it to the next level and chartering your own catamaran or yacht (depending on the size of your group)? For large families and groups, we can even charter a small cruise ship! Imagine a 100 passenger cruise ship all to yourselves as you meander through the British Virgin Islands, stop at the baths on Virgin Gorda  and enjoy a beach barbeque and party just for your family.

Not only is it possible, we can make it happen.

Retirement

Nothing says nice, long vacation like retiring from a lifetime of working, right? The perfect vacation to celebrate this milestone is a World Cruise. Spanning four to five months, you can enjoy six continents, loads of port stops, entertainment, fine dining and more. The best part? Besides being on vacation for five glorious months, you only have to unpack once! Check out a sample itinerary here.

A World Cruise is a large investment in travel, and we are delighted to help you choose the right one to best suit your needs.

Whatever you are celebrating, we are here to help!

Leave a quick comment!

The post Seven Ultimate Milestone Vacations (for every stage of life) appeared first on Florida Keys Girl.