During the fifth annual Magical Towns Fair in Morelia, Michoacán, the Mexico Tourism Board announced the addition of 10 new Pueblos Mágicos, bringing the number of destinations 121. Launched in 2001, this program recognizes towns in Mexico that provide visitors with rich culture, regional traditions and folklore, historical significance, provincial arts and crafts, natural wonders and inviting hospitality.
Nestled in the Central Highlands of Mexico, in the state of Chiapas sits the incredibly picturesque town of San Cristóbal de las Casas at an elevation of 2,200 m (7,200 ft). This charming town was founded by the Spanish as a military fort in 1528 and is the cultural center of the state and a hub for exploring this region brimming with rich history and natural wonders.
As you tour the streets of San Cris, as it is known by many, you will sense the Spanish colonial history in the cobblestone streets, colorful Baroque and Moorish buildings, old Cathedral and the city center. You will also experience the still present indigenous population and the highly visible culture in the markets, on the streets, and in the neighboring communities. You may even need to find creative ways to communicate with some of the local who only speak indigenous languages.
With an absolutely ideal location coupled with a cozy, luxurious atmosphere, Hotel Bo is the perfect stay for your San Cristóbal experience. This unparalleled property expertly combines the authentic colonial spirit of the town with modern design and amenities, creating a truly unique space. As you are greeted at the door, set on a quaint, traditional Mexican street, and enter this luxurious hotel, you are captivated by the interior design that combines the textures and colors of Chiapas with a modern, yet 1970’s décor vibe, that works perfectly. This luxury-chic atmosphere flows throughout the entire property, from the lobby, to the library, to the courtyard to the impeccable rooms. Everywhere you look, you’ll notice the stunning attention to detail which makes this property the only place to stay in San Cristóbal for sophisticated travels.
LUM Restaurant
One of the highlights of Hotel Bo is its restaurant, LUM. With a beautiful and open dining space and outdoor patio incorporating the exclusive design elements of the hotel, LUM is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal. At LUM, meaning “earth” in local Tzotzil language, the Chefs source local, fresh and in-season ingredients of the highest quality, paying respect to the natural richness of the region. From these ingredients, they create incredible dishes inspired by flavors and textures of the area and of Mexico, while also incorporating gastronomic influences from around the globe, creating a unique menu. LUM’s creative and innovative chefs, Daniela Mier and Joaquin Iturralde, combine their unique backgrounds and international cooking experience to not only create a diverse and innovative menu, but also a complete dining experience.
From the Bar
Combine your meal with a bottle of Mexican wine or one of several craft beers from breweries across Mexico. And, after dinner, enjoy a cup of locally grown, high-altitude Chiapas coffee or a refreshing cocktail made from fresh fruits and natural syrups made on the property. Sip your drink out on the open-air patio, looking up at the stars and listen to the sounds of the town, as you end your perfect day of exploration, discovery and new experiences.
The Only Way to Experience San Cristóbal
There is a reason that San Cristóbal is one of Mexico’s top destinations and continues to grow in popularity. With so much to do and see, all set in an around this stunningly beautiful and photogenic town, it has something for everyone. And for those looking for a luxurious taste of San Cristóbal, you cannot do better than a stay at Hotel Bo. Contact Journey Mexico and let’s talk about creating your personalized San Cristóbal travel experience with a stay at Hotel Bo and memorable gastronomic experiences at LUM Restaurant, where each bite introduces tastes of Chiapas for you to savor.
Every year, Travel + Leisure recognizes the best hotels and tourist destinations around the world. For the second year in a row, Travel + Leisure readers chose Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende as their favorite city in the world.
In 2018, Mexico reigns supreme. For the second year in a row, San Miguel de Allende, a colonial oasis in the country’s central highlands, comes in first place. (Its appearance atop our 2017 list was a first in the awards’ 23-year history.) Meanwhile, Oaxaca has climbed to second place, and Mexico City is making a welcome return to the top 15. “Mexico City is beautiful,” one T+L reader wrote. “Even though it’s overpopulated and the traffic can sometimes be a challenge, the culture and history outweigh any inconveniences. The food is outstanding and can really be eye-opening.”
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Visit Mexico during the Day of the Dead Celebration (Día de Muertos) to experience this colorful, intimate holiday of love, loss, and life after death…
All around the world, Mexico is known for tequila. This Mexican liquor is, after all, one of the country’s main exports. Even mezcal has had its share of the world’s attentionlately, with hip mezcal bars popping up in Los Angeles, New York and London. But in the world of Mexican spirits, there are other, lesser known artisanal distillates as varied as Mexico’s geography. Here are just five you should know about.
Xtabentún
This drink comes from the Yucatan Peninsula, where it earned the nickname of “Mayan liqueur.” Its origins go back to the peak of the Maya civilization. Xtabentun (pronounced ish-tah-ben-TOON) is made with anise seeds and fermented honey from bees fed on the xtabentun flower, a type of morning glory. Craftsmen then add rum to the mix and the result is an aromatic, sweet drink with a hint of anise. It is related to balché, a Mayan “mead” used for its inebriating properties.
This agave distillate originates from the western sierra in the state of Jalisco (same state where tequila comes from). It is most closely associated with Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding towns, like San Sebastián and Mascota, where it is produced in small, artisanal distilleries. This Mexican spirit is fruitier and a bit stronger than tequila. While tequila is distilled from blue agave, raicilla is prepared with a type of agave called lechuguilla. It is best served on ice and mixed with juice—orange, grapefruit or lime.
Sotol, like raicilla, is another cousin of tequila and mezcal. This artisanal spirit is produced in the northern area of Mexico—in the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango—and it is made from a flowering plant commonly known as desert spoon. The indigenous Rarámuri people of Chihuahua have made a sotol drink for centuries, but production techniques were influenced by the Spanish. Sotol is known for its smooth flavor and its contrast with the smoky tones of mezcal.
Pronounced posh, this Mexican spirit is big in southeastern Mexico, especially in the state of Chiapas. Pox is prepared with sugarcane, corn and wheat, and has been used ritually by the Mayan communities in the Chiapas highlands for centuries. For years it was produced exclusively for local consumption, but Mexico’s government recently certified pox, allowing the drink to become available in posherías in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico City and Mérida. Pox is known for its sweet notes and smooth flavor. The name comes from the Tzotzil Mayan dialect and it means “medicine.”
Una publicación compartida por Journey Mexico (@journeymexico) el
Bacanora.
Think of bacanora as tequila’s rougher, stronger cousin. This spirit is native to the Mexican state of Sonora (specifically the town of Bacanora), where for generations it has been distilled from wild agave pacifica—again, in contrast with tequila’s grown blue agave. For most of the 1900s, the authorities banned the production of bacanora, but this changed in the 90s, when the drink was awarded its own origin denomination. It has been getting more and more attentionsince then.
Traditional, artisanal bacanora is only made in the town of the same name and the surrounding towns. It is best served neat. Try bacanora with this recipe.
Interested in exploring the fascinating world of Mexican spirits and Mexico’s cuisine? Let us design a trip for you and discover Mexico’s exciting tequila country, world-class restaurants, and wine scene. You can also head to Mexico’s less-visited destinations and experience unique flavors and aromas.
Last year brought exciting news for Mexico lovers and travel enthusiasts. During 2017, Mexico actually jumped another spot on the list and became the sixth most visited destination on the world (back in 2013 it was at number 15). But Mexico does not show signs of stopping. From new luxury resorts to attractive destinations on the spotlight, 2018 is set to be another strong year. Here are a few Mexico travel updates for 2018 so far.
A whopping 10.6 million travelers visited Mexico during 2018’s first quarter, breaking the record for the same period last year. More >
Mexico’s tourism revenue reached $6.217 billion in this year’s first three months, a 7.2% increase from the same period last year.
Cancun saw an upsurge in visitors during March: 2.8 million travelers, a 14.5% increase over March of 2017. Most of Cancun’s international visitors come from Toronto, Chicago, New York, and Montreal.
Mexico City has been designated the 2018 World Design Capital! It is the first city in the Americas to receive this title. Several cultural and academic events are taking place throughout the year in commemoration of this award.
Oaxaca is #3 on National Geographic’s list of Places You Need to Visit in 2018. More >
Los Cabos made it to Travel + Leisure‘s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018, and the East Cape (a few hours drive from Cabo San Lucas) is on the New York Times list of 52 Places to Go in 2018.
Chablé Maroma brings the luxury and elegance of the original Chablé Resort to the heart of the Riviera Maya, across 650 feet of private beach. Its 70 suites and state-of-the-art spa will be inaugurated in August.
Los Cabos is considerably increasing its luxury offerings this year: Viceroy Los Cabos, Solaz – A Luxury Collection Resort, Zadún – A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Montage Los Cabos. More >
The Riviera Nayarit will soon see two exclusive luxury properties: Fairmont Costa Canuva and One & Only Mandarina.
Over at Villas by Journey Mexico‘s Insider Key blog we’ve published a brief guide on enjoying Mexico City like a local, for everybody intrigued by this sprawling, cosmopolitan city, but who doesn’t know how to start planning a trip there. We take a look at where you can stay (hint: a gorgeous luxury rental in the city’s best neighborhoods), what you can do, and where you can eat to get the most out of your trip to Mexico City:
Day 5 was a bit of a travel day as we boarded two small, private planes and flew from Oaxaca to Tuxtla Gutierrez in the southern most state of Chiapas. From Tuxtla, we transferred to Chiapa de Corso for a boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon.
Cruising through the Sumidero Canyon
The canyon itself was impressive with its walls climbing thousands of feet towards the sky, but I was more impressed with the history of the canyon. Our Journey Mexico Chiapas guide, Roberto, explained to us that when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Chiapas with ally Mexican Indians, they met resistance from a specific group of natives in the area. Out numbered but refusing to give in to the Spanish, this group ultimately retreated into the canyon using its steep walls and narrow entry as natural protection. Hernan Cortez and his troops eventually caught up with the rebellious natives and destroyed them.
San Cristobal de las Casas
After the canyon, we had lunch in Chiapa de Corso then continued on the highland city of San Cristobal de las Casas, where the climate is drastically cooler than that of the lowlands from where we came. Our group was immediately impressed by the beauty of San Cristobal. It has a very European feel with its narrow streets and abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. The city has a very bohemian vibe going on and I was surprised to see the amount of European travelers who looked like they’d been camped out in San Cristobal for some time. Before settling into our hotel, we did site inspections of Villa Mercedes, Casa Felipe Flores, and Casa Mexicana (where we have been staying).
Day 6 began with breakfast in the hotel as usual, which was followed by a trip into the outskirts of town to a village called San Juan Chamula. Roberto gave us some nice insight into the history of the local people on our way out, explaining how the Chamula peoples’ ancestors were one of the few groups to never be fully conquered or captured by the Spanish. Their ancient traditions still carry on today, and we were lucky enough to be permitted into their church to witness their most unique customs.
Roberto teaching us about San Juan Chamulan Customs
The Chamula are still considered “pagan” by the catholic church, even though the religion they practice is sort of a mash-up of catholic and ancient native beliefs. Roberto told us several of the parables they hold to be true including one in which Jesus had a younger brother who was basically murdered by Jesus for being too greedy. Inside the church (whose floor was covered with pine needles, burning incense, and lit candles), we witnessed many local shamans performing healing rituals on the sick. Some of the rituals involved rubbing the back of the sick person with chicken eggs, steady chanting, and the drinking of a locally brewed rum (called Posh), which they would also pour out between the candles for the Saints to drink.
The church of San Juan Chamula
The most striking ritual actually involved a sacrifice. Roberto explained that the Chamula people believe that certain illnesses are caused because a piece of the sick person’s soul has been taken by dark spirits. To retrieve the piece or pieces of missing soul, a shaman will offer the spirits a chicken in exchange for the soul. To do this, the chicken must be killed right there in the church. In the fifteen or so minutes we were in the church, we probably witnessed four or five chickens being strangled in sacrifice. Roberto noted that Priest of the church (who had been thrown out by the people many years before) is occasionally called back to the church to baptize the children. After he performs the baptism, however, he is then asked to leave again as he does not approve of the sacrifices, rituals, and the drinking of posh within the church. (See reactions of our visit into the church from three members of our group below).
From San Juan Chamula, we drove to another local village called Zinacantán, where we again had the pleasure of being welcomed into the home of a local family to learn about their customs. This particular family produced brightly colored rugs which are woven on what they call a back-strap loom. One of the women ties the one end of the loom to a post and attaches to the other end to a belt that is worn around her back. Leaning backwards to create tension in the loom, she weaves intricate patterns into the rug. Many of our group purchased rugs and table runners from the family as they were too beautiful to pass up.
Zinacantán woman weaving
Before leaving the home for an incredible open-air buffet lunch, we were treated to some homemade quesadillas with beans on blue tortillas as well as a few bottles of homemade posh. It was tough not to spoil our appetites with more than one quesadilla as they were so delicious. The posh was tasty as well – and potent! In fact, two of our group members enjoyed it so much they “got married” in traditional Zinacantán wardrobe. Although the wedding only lasted a few minutes, it was a beautiful ceremony.
Our newlyweds
After lunch, we visited the enchanting estate of the Parador San Juan for a site-inspection then returned to the hotel to relax before a lovely Italian dinner on a terrace overlooking one of the many lively streets of San Cristobal. Tomorrow, we travel to for Palenque, stopping at several ancient archeological sites on the way. Stay tuned for more to come!
Nizuc Resort & Spa is located on Nizuc Point at the southern end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. It possesses all the beauty and comforts of the Mexican Caribbean, yet remains secluded from the noisy tourist scene. Inside the resort you will find Nizuc Spa by ESPA, an oasis within an oasis. This 30,000 sq. ft. spa features stunning facilities (with state-of-the-art technology and design) and gorgeous ocean views. This season, the spa is introducing a new set of treatments focused on mindfulness and inspired by the Yucatan Peninsula’s Mayan heritage.
These new treatments are guided by ESPA’s holistic philosophy, “working from the inside out to create natural beauty and inner calm.” This time around, Nizuc Spa by ESPA takes its cue from the Maya people. Mayans were mindful observers of the skies above and the land around them, curious about the rhythms of the universe. The treatments develop this insight by cultivating mindfulness: a mental state of heightened awareness on the present moment.
Therapists, dermatologists, chemists, and aromatherapists have worked together to create the Mayan Mindfulness Program. Guests can experience the Mindful Massage, Facial, and the Couple’s Mindful Journey at Nizuc Spa by ESPA. The goal of this “mindfulness retreat” is for guests to leave with a new self-awareness and inner peace that will have a positive impact throughout their lives.
Mindful Massage
Relax as your therapist guides you through visualization and breathing techniques. You will learn to achieve mindfulness and go beyond the bustle of everyday, liberating your mind and emerging with a renewed focus. This treatment includes a full body massage that targets the metamorphic zones on the feet. Finish up with a re-energizing scalp massage using warm Rose Quartz Crystals.
Mindful Facial
Keeping the attention on mindfulness, the Mindful Facial is also accompanied by breathing and visualization techniques. This holistic facial will nurture, revitalize, and soothe your skin and your spirit. The therapist sculpts and tones the facial contours using warm poultices that nourish and replenish your face. Finish with your choice of a hands-and-arms massage or a soothing scalp massage.
Couple’s Mindful Journey
This treatment combines the nourishing Mindful Facial and the relaxing Mindful Massage. Couples looking for a bonding experience will deepen their spiritual connection and enjoy an intimate moment together. They will conclude this Mindful Journey with a hearty, nutritious Spa Lunch.
In addition to the brand-new treatments above, guests can choose from these other favorites:
Mayan Purity Wrap & Massage: A body exfoliation, followed by an Algae or Marine Mud Wrap is applied and the scalp gently massaged.
Mayan Cacao: Bask in this muscle-melting massage using the purest cacao oil. The treatment ends with powerful oil pour to the forehead.
“Silk Effect” Salt & Oil Rub: This exceptional skin softening body exfoliation combines sea salts with essential oils to leave your skin nourished, smooth and supple.
A spa day (or days!) at Nizuc Spa by ESPA will be one of the highlights of your magical trip to the Yucatan Peninsula with Journey Mexico and Nizuc. Contact one of our expert travel planners and let us put together a custom trip for you.
Mexico’s cosmopolitan capital has a charm that attracts and inspires creative types from around the world: painters, filmmakers, sculptors, photographers, architects and other creators. Mexico City’s reputation is such that the World Design Organization named it the 2018 World Design Capital, the first city in the Americas to receive this title. Sometimes it is not easy keeping track of the latest happenings in the city’s art scene, so we’ve prepared a handy guide to six Mexico City galleries your inner connoisseur will love.
This gallery, a complement of Casa Lamm Cultural Center, is housed in a rehabilitated mansion in Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood. Galería Casa Lamm is “a place for art research and dissemination,” open to a variety of artistic expressions. The gallery supports the work of students at the cultural center and offers various art counseling services.
Galería Casa Lamm’s latest exhibition is Árbol, rama y tiempo. Eterna naturaleza (Tree, branch & time. Eternal nature). Through the perennial image of the tree, this exhibition explores the flux of time and its accompanying transformations. Trees embody the cycle of life and the seasons, from roots to branches.
OMR is one of Mexico City’s leading contemporary art galleries. Established in 1983, Galería OMR showcases the work of both budding and established avant-garde artists. One of its recent exhibitions is Mecánica de lo inestable (Mechanics of instability) by José Dávila. Each piece in the exhibition explores the way that artists and people reorganize existing structures. Dávila’s work shows the complex, sometimes absurd, relationships in these systems.
ALMANAQUE is a cutting-edge contemporary photography gallery that debuted in February 2016. The gallery has made a name for itself with works that explore the various ways photos and images are used as an artistic medium. Iluikak, ALMANAQUE’s current show, is the work of Mexican photographer Mara Sánchez-Renero. Sánchez-Renero developed this project during her travels in the sierra of Veracruz, where she captured the ritualistic relationship between nature and the Nahua people.
PROYECTOSMONCLOVA—a stylized version of “Monclova Projects” — is a contemporary art gallery and one of Mexico City’s foremost venues for contemporary art. One of the gallery’s guiding points is fostering the dialogue “between Mexican and international artists from different generations.” The show De Métrico a Imperial (From metric to imperial) is running through the end of April. In it, Slovenian artist Ištvan Išt Huzjan experiments with various mediums in a style that is described as a tension between avant-garde and neo-avant-garde.
MARSO started with the goal of creating a platform where young artists from other countries could showcase their work, and where Mexico’s creative community could engage with international artistic practices. The project soon grew and began collaborating with other institutions and galleries. It also developed a residency program and other nonprofit projects. Among MARSO’s recent exhibitions is Un día que no estabas (A day you were not here), by Jean-Luc Moulène. Un día que no estabas is Moulène’s exploration of “little nothings” that go by unnoticed, yet make up our reality.
The concept for kurimanzutto was born in New York, where Mónica Manzutto, Gabriel Orozco and José Kuri dreamt of a “nomad” gallery that could adapt to the spaces needed by innovative projects. Eventually they established kurimanzutto in Mexico City, where their innovative spirit lives on. The gallery prioritizes “creative innovation above all else.”
DAME ZERO, by British artist Sarah Lucas, will be exhibited until this May. The exhibition takes a hard look at the way people relate to essential human experiences, like sickness, sexuality, death and culture.
Rafael Rebollar 94, Colonia San Miguel Chapultepec, Mexico City
Una publicación compartida por kurimanzutto (@kurimanzutto) el
Interested in exploring Mexico City’s art and architecture? Contact one of our expert travel planners and let us put together a custom trip for you. Now you can experience Mexico City from the comfort of a luxury vacation rental close to the city’s best museums and galleries.
Sustainable travel has always been an important part of us here at Journey Mexico. We think this goes beyond environmental responsibility and conservation efforts—as important as these are. Practices that favor local communities are important for a well-rounded idea of responsible travel. It is great when we hear about an initiative that, like us, sees local communities as an essential part of places we love to visit. Enter K’iin Beh, Rosewood Mayakoba’s Educational Center.
Rosewood Mayakoba celebrated the opening of Centro Educativo K’iin Beh at the start of the current school year. K’iin Beh—which means “towards the sun” in Mayan—is a newly built bilingual school established for local children and the children of the resort’s employees. Under the leadership of Principal Raquel Mitre, the school offers full time, bilingual education for over 200 students in elementary and middle school. Thanks to its scholarship-based enrollment, K’iin Beh is accepting students from all economic backgrounds.
“Mexico has been so kind to me over the past 8 years, so I feel that the opportunity to build this new school is the least I can do for the generous and beautiful people of Mexico,” said Daniel Scott, Rosewood Mayakoba’s Managing Director. “Constructing the school from the ground up has been incredibly rewarding for me personally and it has been privilege to work with so many people who truly want to make a positive difference. We are so proud and humbled to play a small role in the enrichment of the lives of our families at Rosewood Mayakoba and the community as a whole.”
The construction of K’iin Beh’s new facilities was funded by friends and family of Rosewood Mayakoba and the support from local businesses and friends. But help—in different shapes— is always welcome.
Travelers interested in voluntourism are welcome. Be it individuals or groups, they can practice sustainable travel and contribute to Rosewood Mayakoba’s Educational Center in a number of ways. These include providing school supplies, financial donations, or touring and volunteering at the school for hands-on projects with the children.
Volunteering at K’iin Beh is also a great idea when traveling with your family. Getting everyone involved will be a bonding experience that teaches the importance of giving back to the people and places that welcome us.
Staying at a lavish Villa Residence with Rosewood Mayakoba and Villas by Journey Mexico is a fantastic option for families. With two and three-bedroom options on offer, each villa is designed to create an earthly paradise for your Riviera Maya vacation.
There is a reason why the world’s leading luxury and travel press cannot stop raving about Hotel Esencia. Formerly the winter hideaway of the Italian Duchess of Ferrari, this 50-acre estate has changed but managed to retain its grandeur and refinement. Hotel Esencia is located in the bay of Xpu-Ha, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where sea turtles arrive yearly to nest. Far from crowded beaches and Cancún’s rowdy party scene, guests enjoy privacy and an airy, minimalist sense of luxury.
As of last season, Esencia also boasts a new collection of six suites that have captured the sophisticated traveler’s attention: the Beach Suites. Condé Nast Traveler called them the “room to book.” These sumptuous suites are only 20 meters (65 ft) from the glistening Caribbean, giving guests an authentic “‘barefoot in the sand’ experience together with the finest comforts of home.” Take a look at our gallery and fantasize about the lavish time you can have at Hotel Esencia.
Each one of Hotel Esencia’s Beach Suites features a private beachfront terrace, 600 thread count linens, an in-room double bathtub, a large HD television, and a sound system with iPhone integration — as well as favorite Hotel Esencia amenities, like complimentary Havaianas sandals.
Lest you may think there’s no room for food enthusiasts at the stylish Hotel Esencia, the boutique hotel recently debuted Mistura. This restaurant is led by chef Dimitris Katrivesis, who masterfully blends Peruvian and Japanese flavors to deliver a unique culinary experience.
Learn more about Hotel Esencia here, or contact one of our expert travel planners and begin designing your own dream vacation at this gorgeous property.
Journey Mexico wishes to acknowledge the generosity of Hotel Esencia’s owner, Mr. Kevin Wendle, who donated room nights at the hotel for an auction designed to raise funds for relief efforts after the earthquakes that hit Mexico City and neighboring states in September 2017. In the name of the Journey Mexico family, ¡gracias!
Every year Journey Mexico invites a select group of our elite travel partners to join us on a research and familiarization trip to let us show them what traveling with Journey Mexico is like. This year we decided to also have a 7-day research trip, hitting some of the most iconic attractions in Central Mexico: Teotihuacan, Mexico City, Michoacán and Puebla. Our guests had the chance to fly over Teotihuacan’s pyramids, try Puebla’s renowned cuisine and sit in the forest as thousands of monarch butterflies flew around them.
Take a look at the following pictures and see some of the best moments of our trip.
Are you interested in being part of these experiences on your next trip to Mexico? Take a look at our sample itinerary Mexico’s Great Colonial Cities for travel ideas to Mexico City and Puebla–or take a Culinary Tour Through Mexico City and Puebla if you’re into amazing cuisine. Monarch Butterfly season takes place from November to March, but February is the best month to see this magical migration.
Your stay at Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is not complete without a pampering session at Kinan Spa, a true gem among wellness retreats, set among flower-filled gardens and 200 acres of lush rainforest, so close to the Caribbean you can feel the breeze. Treatments inspired by the wisdom and traditions of the Maya people perfectly complement the spa’s gorgeous setting, making for a unique mingling of nature and culture.
Kinan Spa, named after a Mayan word for the “healing energy of the sun,” is introducing Slow Beauty, a collection of experiences, workshops, and treatments directed toward anti-aging, daily rituals and cultivating attention to the body, mind and soul.
The goal of the Slow Beauty workshops is to learn daily rituals, recipes and ideas that promote personal growth when practiced regularly. As such, the real value of this experience is that it stays with you long after you have left the spa. Guests will learn the health benefits of practices like meditation and the use of essential oils, as well as natural bathing and a ritual designed to help break unwanted habits.
The stars of Kinan Spa are its Melipona bees, an endemic, stingless species whose honey was used centuries ago by the Maya to help heal burns and wounds. Their honey is still used by Mayan communities today to treat ailments like sinusitis, bacterial infections, bronchitis, and laryngitis. Melipona honey is a key ingredient in the Kinan Facial, designed to reduce inflammation and premature aging. The honey is also part of the Kinan Ritual, which uses a full body mask made of honey and salt from the Yucatán town of Celestún to draw out toxins.
The Zempul-ché sweat bath ritual by the sea is another highlight of Kinan Spa. This sweat bath is more widely known as “Temazcal” after the Aztec name for it. Zempul-ché is seen as the womb of Ixchel —a Mayan goddess linked to the earth, fertility, and midwifery. The ritual takes place in an underground structure where guests are led into by a Mayan shaman. Within, they take part in a life-affirming ceremony of purification and rebirth.
Cinthya Alva, Spa Director and resident beekeeper, wants guests to stop “for a moment to admire the surroundings and awaken the intuition lost in the daily routine.”
“At Kinan Spa we believe and embrace the idea that real beauty comes from inside and spreads throughout your body and soul,” she said.
Easter in Mexico is a two-week holiday consisting of Semana Santa (The Holy Week, beginning on Palm Sunday and ending Easter Saturday) and Pascua (Starting with Easter Sunday and ending the following Saturday). Semana Santa is undoubtedly the most important holiday in Mexican culture. Schools and often businesses in Mexico close during these two weeks and many Mexican families go on holiday during Semana Santa and Pascua.
photo via mexperience.com
Across the country, Mexicans celebrate the last days of Christ during Holy Week with elaborate and much anticipated processions, ceremonies, and rituals. Most of the larger Semana Santa celebrations include a dramatic reenactment of the capture, the trial, and the crucifixion of Jesus. To be a part of these productions is a great honor and the actors are known for delivering inspiring and moving performances. Different regions of Mexico are known for practicing unique traditions during Semana Santa such as acts of physical torture, public displays of political/social ridicule, and displays of resolutions and commitment.
In some of the more devout regions of Mexico like Taxco, the reenactments include penitentes – men and women who show their penitence and prove their faith by inflicting physical pain on their bodies by whipping themselves or carrying large religious objects on their backs. This is an ancient tradition that dates back to the middle ages and was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish more than 500 years ago. During the reenactments, the actor playing Jesus usually wears a real crown of thorns and carries a massive cross weighing hundreds of pounds over great distances to the scene of crucifixion. Actors prepare both physically and mentally for months before hand with the support of their families and communities.
In towns like San Miguel de Allende, another Spanish-influenced tradition is celebrated during the Holy Week called “The Burning (or Firing) of the Judases.” In Spain, carpenters would make wooden dolls representing Judas, which would be hung and burned in town squares to punish Judas for betraying Christ. During the Holy Inquisition, when the Spanish were burning people at the stake for heresy, Mexicans protested by making dolls and dressing them like Spanish inquisitors and burning them instead of Judas. This evolved into the current tradition where giant Judases made from paper mache are dressed and painted to resemble political and public figures not currently in favor of the public. The dolls are then hung and blown up with fireworks, scattering limbs in the street for children to collect as souvenirs. Famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo were strong proponents of the value of art in political commentary and quickly adopted the tradition of creating Judases.
Other traditions focus on different ways to show your dedication and appreciation of Jesus’s sacrifice. In Iztapalapa, people called Nazarenes parade the streets before the procession of Christ, marching in promise to fulfill a manda, or religious promise, as payment for a granted favor from God. In many regions of Mexico, people show their devotion by visiting twelve different churches in a single day – one church for each apostle. In more remote regions like the Copper Canyon, local cultures mix christian celebration with ancient native rituals, paying homage to both their Spanish and Indian heritage (see: Copper Canyon Semana Santa Trek).
photo via mexperience.com
Once the sacrifice is made and Jesus rises from the dead, Pascua begins and the second week of the Easter celebration carries on with a brighter tone, reflecting the resurrection, the start of Spring, and the promise of new beginnings. Many Mexican families travel to beach destinations like Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta during these Easter celebrations to enjoy the coast as they pay tribute.
Traveling to Mexico for Semana Santa and Pascua is an unforgettable experience, but can be tricky to plan logistically – especially last minute as the traditional areas of celebration and most beach destinations are usually booked in advance. Contact Journey Mexico for assistance with planning travel to Mexico for Semana Santa.
Start Planning to Experience Easter Traditions in Mexico
To witness or take part in Easter traditions is a unique experience in Mexico. However, logistically, it can be difficult to organize with luxury hotels and villas snapped up quickly. Make sure to speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can organize your whole trip for you taking in the very best celebrations throughout the country. Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers in interior Mexico, and $1,800 per day for two travelers in beach destinations. Contact Journey Mexico here.
Mexico City has been the artistic capital of Mexico since colonial times, when Europeans and the budding mestizo population began filling the city with palaces, theaters, and sanctuaries for the arts. The city’s reputation has endured well into our current day. Moreover, in recent years the city has garnered global recognition for its art and design scenes, as shown by its designation as the 2018 World Design Capital. Also of note is Zona Maco México Arte Contemporáneo, a prestigious art fair that is being held from Wednesday, February 7th to Sunday the 11th.
ZONA MACO International Art Fair
Zona Maco is a contemporary art and design fair, now in ts 15th edition, that gathers leading and emerging galleries from around the world. Zélika Garcia, a native of Monterrey and one of Mexico’s 50 most powerful women, founded Zona Maco in 2002. This year’s exhibitors hail from São Paulo, Madrid, Stockholm, Tokyo, Florence, Zurich, and Montreal—to name but a few cities. The fair takes place in Mexico City’s Centro Citibanamex and has consistently been a success not only with art professionals and collectors, but also with the general public.
Zona Maco features four sections. The Main Section is the fair’s largest and highlights the finest international artwork in sculpture, painting, installation, photography, graphics, video, and new media. New Proposals showcases emerging artists and fosters opportunities for new creators. Zona Maco Sur, now on its tenth year, invites an international guest curator. This year’s guest is the London-based Brazilian curator and editor Kiki Mazzucchelli. The Modern Art section features artwork from the first half of the twentieth century by international artists.
This year also marks the eighth edition of Zona Maco Diseño, an exhibit meant to boost Mexico’s design sector. Selections “include furniture, jewelry and both utilitarian and decorative collection objects.” Take a look at Zona Maco’s website to learn all you need to know before visiting.
World Design Capital 2018: Mexico City
Mexico City is the first city in the Americas to receive this title. The World Design Organization recognized Mexico’s capital for “blending old and new in innovative health, communications and security programmes, a bike sharing programme, urban gardens, parks and playgrounds.” However, the people behind Mexico City’s World Design Capital programme see this not just as a recognition for things done well, but also as a spur to keep making the city a better place to live.
Several cultural and academic events are taking place throughout the year in commemoration of this award. All events relate to six themes connected to urban challenges of the 21st century: a city’s identity, environment, public spaces, inhabitants, mobility, and creative economy. The goal is to create networks of leaders that share best practices and to start a dialogue on the relevance of design for society and the life of a city.
According to Time Out’s City Life Index, Mexico City’s inhabitants “soak up more culture than anywhere else, enjoying theater, cinema, art and live music 76 times a year.” The success of Zona Maco and Mexico City’s WDC designation are two more examples of the city’s vibrant cultural life. With these exciting developments, and after last year’s terrible earthquake, Mexico City shows it is unstoppable.
All photos by Mauricio Aguilar.
Interested in exploring Mexico City’s art and architecture? Contact one of our expert travel planners and let us put together a custom trip for you.
Over at Villas by Journey Mexico‘s Insider Key blog we’re featuring Villa Mandarinas, a gorgeous oceanfront property south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. We visited this month and have 11 photos that best represent the kind of amazing vacation you can spend at this colorful villa. Go take a look, let your mind wander and imagine your holiday at Villa Mandarinas:
Zachary Rabinor, founder and CEO of Journey Mexico, has been named to Wendy Perrin’s WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts for the fifth consecutive year. Formerly the Director of Consumer News and Digital Community at Condé Nast Traveler, Wendy is an authoritative voice among travelers and travel professionals; she continues to build on her reputation and success as Travel Advocate on TripAdvisor and the Founder and Editor of WendyPerrin.com.
As a member of Wendy’s WOW List, Zach is recognized as one of “the most well-connected travel fixers and custom itinerary designers in the world,” in Wendy’s words. Since the WOW List’s inception in 2014, Zach has been named as the only Trusted Travel Expert for all of Mexico. The list has been a unique resource for sophisticated travelers seeking the world’s best destination specialists. Many of our travelers found us because of Wendy’s annual WOW List. If you’re looking for somebody like us for a destination outside Mexico, you’ll find that somebody on the WOW List.
Zach has written Insider Guides on Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Riviera Maya for Wendy. She has highlighted Zach’s Mexico expertise by writing, “His deep relationships with local guides, communities, and hoteliers often translate into room upgrades, special-access visits, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that travelers wouldn’t know about otherwise.”
WOW Week 2018
This year, Zach and Journey Mexico are also joining in Wendy’s first-ever WOW Week social media travel festival. Every day from January 22 to 28, we will be sharing the best travel intelligence for 2018 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Here’s how you can be a part of the WOW Week conversation.
Journey Mexico CEO Zachary Rabinor recently gave The New York Times key tips on having a luxury travel experience in Mexico while on a budget. Zach’s advice focused on three things: when to go, where to stay, and what to eat.
The time of the year (even the day of the week) can make a big difference price-wise depending on where you’re going:
If you’re interested in Mexico City or Puebla, for example, plan a weekend visit when hotels offer lower rates for leisure travelers. The weekdays are dominated by business travelers, and nightly rates for a room can be twice as expensive compared to weekends […] When it comes to beach destinations, such as Cabo San Lucas, Punta Mita and Riviera Maya, go during low and shoulder season, from May to October, when luxury beach resorts have attractive deals and temperatures are still comfortable.
When it comes to accommodations, renting a villa is definitely an option to consider, especially “if you’re traveling with a group or have a family with multiple children”:
“The savings can be enormous because you’re buying most of your food and drinks from grocery stores and paying local costs with no markup,” Mr. Rabinor said. “Also, when you break down the price per room, per night, you’re likely paying 50 to 80 percent less than you would at a luxury hotel.”
Readers interested in booking a luxury villa for their next holiday in Mexico should contact the experts at Villas by Journey Mexico. For travelers looking at luxury hotels, Zach reccommended booking in advance and staying at recently opened hotels, two options that often offer lower rates.
Lastly, although there are plenty of high-end restaurants in Mexico, Zach advices the discerning traveler to seek out spots that may be less popular, yet are big with locals and just as delicious:
“You’ll enjoy world-class cuisine and drinks such as high-quality tequilas and mezcals for less than $50 a person,” he said.
We had one of the best vacations ever! The hotel was great, in the middle of town with access to everything, they were terrific very helpful. We were very impressed with our guide and driver, she was knowledgeable, concerned about meeting our needs and helped us see exactly what we wanted. Could not be happier with our experience. Thank you and Journey Mexico. We will be traveling with you again.
