Three Luxury Properties Now Open In Los Cabos

Posted by & filed under Los Cabos & Baja Californias.

Los Cabos’ epic comeback continues.. and after nine long months since Hurricane Odile swept through Baja California Sur, the luxury hotels of Esperanza, One & Only Palmilla, and Rosewood Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos  have all officially re-opened this month to receive guests.

 

One&Only Palmilla, opened April 20th, is inviting guests to see their several resort improvements which include 173 updated guest rooms, a new 22,000-sq ft indoor/outdoor spa with fitness center, a new steakhouse restaurant, a newly re-imaged Agua Bar, a manicure/pedicure studio, a designer hair salon, and a Barber&Blade men’s salon. One&Only Palmilla now also has a yoga garden on site,  private beach coves and beach cabanas. To celebrate their comeback, the resort is offering guests the fourth night complimentary plus private chauffeured round trip airport transfers and daily American Breakfast for two.

one-only-palmilla-new

Rosewood Las Ventanas al Paraiso,  opened June 4th, debuted their enhanced resort with  83 suites and villas, including 12 Signature Villas ranging from one to three bedrooms each with infinity-edged pools. Opened in 1997  Las Ventanas al Paraíso have made ongoing renovations but nothing quite as in-depth as these past months.  New aesthetic features include different furniture and decoration and they have also introduced personalized services which include villa hosts and dog butlers! To add to their “sense of place” signature style in hotels, Las Ventanas has launched a collection of Baja-inpsired expereinces that include a cooking class, tequila tasting, treasure hunt through Baja, and the opportunity to create a pearl at a pearl farm.  Much admired for its architecture and artistry, the constant attention to detail, and striving for something better distinguishes this remarkable resort.

Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, opened June 7th, showed off re-imagined rooms that embody the spirit of Los Cabos coastal living. New additions to the resort include a completely transformed and sophisticated updating of Esperanza’s interiors, restaurant, bar, and pool. Details in the 57 all-seaview guestrooms include handmade furniture, hand-blown glass details, hand-embroidered pillows, and bathroom accessories created by local artisans from Guadalajara and Oaxaca. Also being reintroduced is Esperanza’s signature Cocina del Mar restaurant which complements the seafood-driven local cuisine of Chef Gonzalo Cerda, with a new ceviche bar taking center stage. The newly transformed Esperanza resort exudes barefoot elegance and for a limited time, guests can enjoy their 4th night free, private roundtrip airport transfers, daily breakfast, welcome amenity and complimentary fitness and yoga classes.

esperanza-los-cabos-new

 

 

Welcome Sean Emmerton as Journey Mexico’s New Villa Program Director

Posted by & filed under Things We're Proud Of.

Mexico City, Mexico – Journey Mexico – Mexico´s leading luxury travel company – is pleased to announce that Sean Emmerton has been appointed as their new Villa Program Director. Sean brings to Journey Mexico´s team a wealth of knowledge about the hospitality industry with a specialty in Los Cabos luxury. Sean will spearhead the company´s new villa program along with developing an exclusive portfolio.

In his new role, Sean will be accompanied by his son, Hunter, who also joins the Journey Mexico team as Villa Sales Manager. Together, the dynamic father/son duo will be responsible for building a hand-selected portfolio of Mexico’s finest villa properties in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, Tulum, Cancun, and the Pacific Coast including Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita. Sean explains, “What will set Journey Mexico´s new villa program apart from many others is that we are based in Mexico and have many years’ experience understanding the variety of destinations and unique cultural aspects for each area of the country”.

sean-e-1Born in the UK, Sean has over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry across the globe. His most outstanding achievements include being named as Rosewood Resort’s Director of Sales & Marketing for the opening of Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a resort which completely changed the luxury travel and tourism service levels for Los Cabos and all of Mexico; and also creating the private villa rental program for Villas Del Mar, Los Cabos’s most prestigious private resort community.

A formal launch of the villa collection will take place late July 2015 and forthcoming is a new online portal showcasing the villas using state-of-the-art navigation on Journey Mexico´s website.

 

About Journey Mexico
Journey Mexico is a deluxe travel company that creates tailor-made itineraries throughout the Mexican republic for sophisticated and discerning travelers. With offices in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Mexico City, Journey Mexico´s strong presence throughout country´s vast and diverse regions enables the firm to offer distinctive and authentic travel experiences that include multi-region itineraries in states such as Yucatan, Chiapas, Oaxaca and Guanajuato with in-depth guided tours; luxurious seaside escapes; private jet and yacht excursions; culinary packages, villa rentals and much more. www.journeymexico.com

For more information:
Media Contact: Lillian Avilés
Director of Marketing Journey Mexico
Mexico City Tel: +52 (55) 5350 8533(MX), +1 (646) 688 3322(US)
info@journeymexico.com

New Rosewood Puebla to Open 2016

Posted by & filed under Colonial Cities, Puebla.

Puebla will be home to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ fourth Mexican property. Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage City situated approximately 75 miles southeast of Mexico City and is known for its outstanding colonial architecture, traditional cuisine and colorful ceramics.  Expected to open in 2016, the hotel will be in a prime location near the city’s main square which is Puebla’s cultural, religious and political center.

Rosewood Puebla will be housed in a collection of buildings from different eras surrounding a picturesque courtyard where a 300-year-old chapel stands. The hotel will offer 79 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant, a rooftop bar and swimming pool with views of Iglesia de San Francisco, an outdoor courtyard seating, and their signature Sense® spa.

The city and people of Puebla are the primary source of inspiration for the hotel’s design, drawing from the art, history and architecture of the region. Traditional materials  will be incorporated into the building and throughout the property they will highlight talavera pottery along with  works from Mexican artists in a sophisticated blend of the traditional with the contemporary.

“Rosewood Puebla will be a wonderful complement to our existing Mexican properties,” says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer, Rosewood Hotel Group. “Puebla is a living canvas and offers rich cultural, culinary and historic traditions in which guests will be able to immerse themselves.”

Photos courtesy of Oficina de Turismo de la Ciudad de Puebla

Photos courtesy of Oficina de Turismo de la Ciudad de Puebla

Read full press release here: Rosewood Puebla in Mexico to Open 2016

Condé Nast Traveler Releases Travel Specialists 2015

Posted by & filed under Condé Nast, Things We're Proud Of.

After a few management changes last year, Condé Nast Traveler surprised everyone by releasing a new website that is fresh, visually engaging, and interactive.   This month, they have rolled out on a new tool on their site that will let users find and connect with travel specialists from around the world.  The launch of the tool is timed to the release of their June issue, which includes a package of stories that features the work of travel specialists and includes some anecdotes from clients. It will be the first of  more coverage to-come highlighting  all that travel specialists do. Top Travel Specialists in Condé Nast Traveler is a  distinction that only a handful of travel professionals from around the world have been awarded.

Zach, who was a member of the original CNT Travel Specialist program from 2010-2013, is again featured on the new Condé Nast Traveler Travel Specialist website tool. Click here to view his profile:

 

zach-cnt

 

Journey Mexico Staff Participates in Sacred Mayan Journey

Posted by & filed under Cancun.

Brenda, part of Journey Mexico’s Coordination Team, recently participated in the 9th Voyage of La Travesía Sagrada Maya (the Sacred Mayan Journey). The event is an ancient ceremony in which women and men guided by strong helmsmen, honor their Mayan ancestors by crossing in  a canoe from Pole (Xcaret) to Kuzamil Island (Cozumel), for the sacred message of the goddess Ixchel.

The Sacred Mayan Journey event includes 35 teams of 10 people and requires a minimum of 6 months training commitment to participate. During these 6 months, the canoeists train both mentally and physically to be able to row the long distance of 35km (22mi).

The voyage of The Sacred Mayan Journey is a ritual that dates back to 1250-1519 AD that combined knowledge about sea navigation and commercial shipping routes of the the ancient Maya. These routes were centered around Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the Moon, tides, fertility, childbirth, and medicine. When the Mayas crossed, they would bring offerings to Ixchel and receive divine messages to share with their communities. Today, the tradition is a practice that strengthens the cultural identity of the Yucatan Peninsula and with the expert advice of INAH, adheres faithfully to the original rituals, dances, music, and even types of canoes.

xcaret-travesias-brenda

Brenda, participated for the first time this year in the event. She shares her experience:

The Sacred Mayan Journey provides a set of essential life characteristics that make one human: physical force, a higher power, and the sea. It is with this mindset I had to learn to incorporate those values in my personal life. First, in a physical aspect; the voyage demanded intense preparation to achieve a certain condition, force, and resistance. One must push their body to extreme limits beyond what they believe they are capable of.  Battling this challenge, I realized that the ability to be able to push yourself physically actually comes from the mind and that you must  question your actual being and faith. Faith, is a powerful force which one does not see or touch, and although does not provide certainty it helps you to push forward. Faith in myself is what allowed me to reach a physical condition I never knew I had. Finally, the sea which represents life: completely unpredictably; the sea, as with life, is beautiful but wild. To be able to make a long, unpredictable journey in hopes to arrive to somewhere new, it is essential to cross with a passion and blazing fire in your heart. It was an honor to be apart of something so significant not only in regards to honoring my culture, but also becoming a stronger person in doing so.

 

2015 Updated Mexico Travel Warning from U.S. Department of State

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety.

In an effort to make sure U.S. citizens are aware of any international security concerns in Mexico, the U.S. Department of State has been updating their travel warning about every eight months or so. The report was edited May 5, 2015, with little changes from its prior.

 

map300General Conditions

Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day. The Mexican government dedicates substantial resources to protect visitors to major tourist destinations, and there is no evidence that organized criminal groups have targeted U.S. visitors or residents based on their nationality. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime that are reported in the border region or in areas along major trafficking routes.  More >>

 

 

State Assessment:

The follow states have no warning or advisories in effect, unless noted otherwise with an asterisk (*) or pound sign (#). For your convenience, we have highlighted the touristic destinations that can be found in those states.

Baja California Sur##: 
Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos, Isla Espiritu Santo, Loreto, Laguna San Ignacio, Magdelena Bay

Campeche: No advisory is in effect.
Campeche City, Calakmul, Edzna

Chiapas: No advisory is in effect.
San Cristobal de las Casas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Comitán, Tapachula, Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Toniná, Sumidero Canyon, San Juan Chamula, Zinacantan

Guanajuato: No advisory is in effect.
Guanajuato City, Leon, San Miguel de Allende

Guerrero*:
Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa

Hidalgo: No advisory is in effect.

Jalisco#:
Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Tequila

Distrito Federal: No advisory is in effect.
Mexico City (Polanco, Santa Fe, San Angel, Coyoacan, La Condesa, Chapultepec Park, Bascilica de Guadalupe, Historic Center, Zócalo, Xochimilco, Templo Mayor, Bellas Artes)

Michoacan*:
Morelia

Nayarit#:
Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita, Sayulita, Bucerias

Oaxaca: No advisory is in effect.
Oaxaca City, Sierra Norte, Monte Alban, Mitla,  Teotitlán del Valle, San Bartolo de Coyotepec, San Martin Tilcajete,  Cuilápam de Guerrero, Tlacolula,  Huatulco, Puerto Escondido

Puebla: No advisory is in effect.
Puebla City, San Andres Cholula, San Pedro Cholula

Queretaro: No advisory is in effect.
Queretaro City, Bernal

Quintana Roo: No advisory is in effect.
Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum,  Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba, Akumal, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Aventuras, Cozumel, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve,  Xpu-Ha

Sinaloa*:
Mazatlan

Tabasco: No advisory is in effect.
Villahermosa

Tlaxcala: No advisory is in effect.

Yucatan: No advisory is in effect.
Merida, Chichen Itza, Isla Holbox,  Ek Balam, Valladolid,  Izmal, Uxmal

*There are advisories in effect for the state. The listed cities listed okay for travel but you should exercise caution and stay within tourist areas.
#There are advisories in effect for the state in general but does not specifically mention the listed cities below.
## There are advisories in effect for the state but in very specific areas, the cities listed are not included in the advisory.
Read the official warning for specific details and outlines.

 

Journey Mexico Recommends

As with any travel, you should always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. We encourage everyone to review the detailed information on staying safe in Mexico via the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Mexico.  We also recommend reading Journey Mexico Owner, Zach Rabinor’s recent interview on safety: What You Need To Know As A Traveler Visiting Mexico Right Now

 

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Note: The U.S Department of State travel warning was updated January 19, 2016. Read the new post here: 2016 UPDATED MEXICO TRAVEL WARNING FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Guadalajara Named Hottest Destination of 2015

Posted by & filed under Condé Nast.

Guadalajara was named “the next it city” by Conde Nast Traveler in their “Hottest Destinations of 2015” travel list!

Conde Nast Traveler writes,

 Look out, Mexico City—Guadalajara, the country’s second-largest metropolis and the capital of Jalisco is coming into its own. Especially the food scene, which is as good as you’d expect in the birthplace of tequila and the torta ahogada (a chili pepper sauce–soaked pork sandwich). Check out Casa Fayette, the new Grupo Habita hotel opening in late summer.

In our opinion, we are happy Guadalajara is on the map! We recommend traveling our Guadalajara, Tequila, and Punta Mita itinerary where travelers have the opportunity to learn all about Jalisco, and the folklore and traditions behind the Mexican symbols of mariachi and tequila. Fly into Guadalajara for a few days, head to the charming town of Tequila, and then finish on the beach side haven of Punta Mita.

Guadalajara

Escape to the Riviera Maya – Tulum, Akumal, and Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Posted by & filed under Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Looking for a reason to travel to Mexico this summer? There is no better time to visit the Riviera Maya than now! For a limited time, we are offering an exclusive early booking bonus for Banyan Tree Mayakoba with up to 25% off rates and  freebies such as private round-trip airport transfers and a private day tour of Tulum and Akumal with a 7 night stay (up to $785 value!).

Offering unrivaled serenity, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a luxurious oasis located on Mexico´s crystalline Caribbean coastline. With sleek design and special attention to service, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the first all-pool villa resort in the region, making it one of the most exclusive resorts on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Guests who book 7 consecutive nights will enjoy a complimentary private tour to visit Tulum Archaeological Site and to swim with sea turtles in Akumal.

Swimming with turtles in Akumal

Early Booking Bonus Features:

    • Up to 25% discount on published rates
    • Complimentary private round-trip airport transfer
    • Daily buffet breakfast at Oriente restaurant included
    • Complimentary spa session with a minimum stay of 3 consecutive nights
    • Complimentary private deluxe day tour of Tulum and Akumal with a minimum stay of 7 consecutive nights
    • Rates are subject to local tax and service
    • Subject to availability, not combinable with other promotions & applicable only for new bookings

Booking window: May 11, 2015 – June 30, 2015
Travel Period: Now through December 19, 2015

 REDEEM HERE

Luxury resort in Riviera Maya Mayakoba

 

CLICK HERE  to start planning or contact directly a Journey Mexico planner:  info@journeymexico.com

 

What Have You Heard About Mexico These Days? Misconceptions Made Clear

Posted by & filed under Culture, News.

What have you heard about Mexico? Here are some facts about Mexico you probably didn’t know.

1) Mexico is home to world class archaeology, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and museums

Mexico is home to over 44,000 archaeological sites, 27 of which are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage — that’s  more than Egypt and Greece! Mexico City also has more museums than any other city in the world.

2) Mexico is home to some of the most significant cities in the world

Mexico has 11 UNESCO World Heritage Cities, ranking the country in third place after Italy and Spain. The cities included on the list: Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla, Zacatecas, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Morelia, Tlacotalpan, Campeche and Guanajuato are considered to be of outstanding importance to the common heritage of humankind.

3) Mexico is fourth among the top 10 best locations to retire

According to International Living,  Mexico is fourth among the top 10 best locations to retire. Reports are that approximately one million Americans live in Mexico.

4) Mexico excels in education

Mexico holds one of the worlds leading places of engineering graduates. Mexico is also home to the oldest university in North America.

5) Some of the world’s best vacation spots can be found in Mexico

Mexico hosts over 24 million tourists every year; and 80% of them return to visit again. With 176 natural protected areas, Jacques Cousteau named the Sea of Cortez “The Aquarium of the World”.  Don’t forget, Mexico’s cuisine is one of only two recognized as having special cultural significance to the world by  UNESCO.

6) Mexico is creative

Mexico is one of the worlds top producers and exporters of creative products. Mexican media and creativity companies report sales of over 20 billion dollars a year allowing media content to impact millions of people all over the world! Mexico is also a leader in design and production of aircraft parts and host to over 300 aerospace companies.

7) Mexico is High tech

Mexico is proud to be the number one flat screen exporter in the world, the 8th largest vehicle producer, and the 4th largest exporter of automobiles. Mexico is also first class as the worlds most competitive location for software, video games, web, and multimedia development.

Facts About Mexico

 

8)  Mexico is a cultural center center

Mexico hosts the largest Hispanic book-fair in Guadalajara and also hosts MACO, the most prestigious, international contemporary art fair in Latin America every year.

9) Mexico is on every dining table world wide

Mexico is the number one exporter of avacado, papaya, tomato, guava, and mango. The country is the proud birth place of chocolate as well as the second most important supplier of chocolate to the US. Tequila is also a product of Mexico, and they are also the number one exporter of beer. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Mexico is also one of the world’s leading organic coffee producers and exporters.

 

Discover for yourself. Ready to visit Mexico? Start planning here.
Need more facts about Mexico, click here.

Guanajuato Named Gastronomy Capital

Posted by & filed under Colonial Cities, Guanajuato & San Miguel Allende.

During the International Tourism Fair in Madrid (FITUR), the Mexican state of Guanajuato was recently awarded the title of the 2015 Gastronomic Culture Capital of Ibero America.

Fernando Olivera Rocha, the Secretary of Tourism in Guanajuato, said, “For Guanajuato, it is a great responsibility and compromise, but also exciting to have become the Ibero American Capital of Gastonomic Culture.”

This year, Guanajuato has planned 105 different gastronomic themed activities, both artistic and cultural, that will accompany the celebration of their new title not just in the state, but around Mexico. Spain, Portugal, Chile, Peru, and Colombia have also promised to help promote the new Gastronomic Culture Capital.

Guanajuato was also recognized for their touristic Tequlia Route that starts in Irapuato, primarily known for strawberry farming and home to the Plazuelas archaeological site, and ends in Pénjamo to enjoy a tasting of tequilas.

guanajuato-journeymexico-4

¿Did You Know? Mexico is the oldest wine-producing region in the Americas and Guanajauto has several vineyards sprinkled throughout the state. Their wine harvest festivals take place in August. Read more here.

Why to Travel to Mexico in the Summer

Posted by & filed under Destinations, News.

Wondering when to visit Mexico? While Mexico is primarily thought as of an exotic, winter-escape destination, there are plenty of reasons why Mexico is also a fantastic getaway for summer  — especially for families! Colorful festivals, unique wildlife opportunities, and low-season rates make for memorable travel experiences in the summer in Mexico.

Colorful Festivals

Mexico comes to life during the summer with an array of activities that only take place from late June through the end of September. In Oaxaca, the lively and vibrant Guelaguetza Festival  is a yearly cultural celebration with traditional dances representative of indigenous groups from across the state. In Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, and Baja California the summer is wine harvesting season, and the vendemia celebrations are on-going with wine stomping,  folk music, festival games, and of course wine tasting! In Guanajuato, the GIFF Film Festival (July) and Cervantino Festival are internationally recognized events; and if you’re anywhere in Mexico on September 15th and 16th, get ready for a green-white-and-red party of a lifetime as the entire country unites together in the streets, plazas, and hotels to celebrate their patriotism on Independence Day!

la-guelaguetza-oaxaca-cvb

 

 

Unique Wildlife Experiences

The summer lends itself to some pretty amazing animal migrations. From May to September,  whale sharks can be found off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun. These 11ft long, 40 ton gentle giants are completely harmless to humans making swimming beside whale sharks an incredible lifetime memory. The summer is also season for sea turtle nesting, when thousands of mother turtles nest and lay their eggs on the beach. Many  hotels have sea turtle rescue and release programs, protecting the eggs from harm and allowing tourists to release the baby turtles into the sea once they hatch.

 

sea-turtles

 

Hotel Promotions

Compared to Christmas and Spring Break, the summer months are considered low season for Mexico, especially on the coast. That means hotels have lower rates or sweeten the deal with value-saving promotions. In the Riviera Maya, you can find deals at  Banyan Tree Mayakoba (lower rates), Belmond Maroma (4th night free), Grand Velas Riviera Maya (summer package) and the Viceroy (resort credit).  In the Yucatan Peninsula, there are hot summer discounts at each of the five luxury Haciendas; and in Los Cabos, the newly modified One &  Only Palmilla is offering the 4th night free!

grand-velas-riv-may-j

 

Exchange Rate 

This year in general has proven to be one of the best times to travel to Mexico as money extends further due to the current exchange rates against the peso. What typically was once a 10 to 1 rate (10 MXN:1 USD) has now increased 50% to an approximate average of 15:1.  That means shopping, fine dining, theatre, tickets for musuems and events, and select tours are more accessible than ever!

If you’re ready to plan your summer vacation to Mexico, contact a Journey Mexico travel planner today.

 

 

Journey Mexico – Mexico City News

Posted by & filed under Mexico City, Things We're Proud Of.

After just six short months of opening our first Journey Mexico office in Mexico City (and third in the country), we are happy to report the following progress:

Staff

The Mexico City office, located right in front of the capital’s iconic landmark: El Ángel de la Independencia (Angel of Independence) now has six full time employees which include the Marketing Team, a Groups Sales Manager, an Operations Manager (Mexico City), and a Senior Travel Planner. You are invited to get to know each of them: Ana Belem, Judit, Mabel, Paulina, Lillian, and Jessica. We are currently looking for candidates to fill a  airport supervisor position.

Insider Access

Keeping up with the trends and knowledge of a city where over 20 million people live is no easy task which is why our entire staff in Mexico City is dedicated to staying on top of the latest and greatest. Our presence in Mexico City allows us to have our finger on the pulse of the most exciting happenings citywide. Scoping out the newest restaurants, having VIP access to museums or exclusive art shows, and where to shop in the hottest boutiques are just some of the expert, insider access details we provide to our clients.

df-staff

New Product and Hotels

Boutique hotels in Mexico City are springing up everywhere! La Valise in Roma Norte, Hippodrome in La Condesa, and Busue in Polanco are some the newest which we work with. We are also developing new, unique tours, such as “The Charro Experience”, off hour visits to the Anthropology Museum, hot air ballooning at Teotihuacan, and the”Mexico City Chocolate Indulgence Tour“, which shows the important role chocolates played in Mexico’s history and how it has evolved into modern gastronomic art today.

In The News

Spearheading the Mexico City office, Journey Mexico Director of Marketing, Lillian Aviles, has been taking the city by storm! One of her many accomplishments has been amplifying Journey Mexico’s presence in various press outlets including Travel Weekly, Travel Agent Central, and About.com. She has also been featured in La Agencia de Viajes Mexico magazine,  and Tale of a Guest for her hardwork and passion for Mexico.

“Mexico City can be whatever you want it to be”, replies Lillian Avilés (Director of Marketing at Journey Mexico) when we ask her why she loves Mexico City so much. “It’s just so colourful, lively and diverse!”. Her enthusiasm for one of the most intriguing and popular cities in the world is evident. It’s always exciting to meet people like Lillian, who love what they do and share their passions with the rest of us. – Tale of a Guest, Lillian Avilés: Living Each Day In The Moment.

 

If you’re interested in planning a trip to Mexico City, please contact our travel planning department: info@journeymexico.com

 

6 Things to Know This Whale Shark Season

Posted by & filed under Adventure, Cancun, Nature, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Whale shark season in Mexico brings the chance to enjoy a bucket-list-worthy experience: an ocean swim next to a giant of the deep

But when is the whale shark season? And what rules and regulations should you follow? Find out the answer to these questions and more with these six things to keep in mind for whale shark season.

 

6 Things to Know About Whale Shark Season in Mexico

There are two whale shark seasons in Mexico

Mexico has two separate destinations where it is possible to swim with whale sharks. The first is off the Yucatan Peninsula and, more specifically, the waters around Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Isla Holbox. The other is off Baja California Sur in the Sea of Cortez and Bay of La Paz. However, these two destinations welcome whale sharks to their waters at different times of the year.

Whale shark season in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Isla Holbox, runs from June to September. Whale shark season in Baja California Sur runs from October to May.

 

The rules to swim with whale sharks will be enforced

It’s important to remember that only two people at a time per guide may enter the water to swim with a whale shark. In a typical group tour of 10 people, a person can expect to swim in the water two or three times, only several minutes each time. If travelers are interested in spending more swimming time with these amazing creatures, we recommend a private guide or a complete private whale shark excursion.

Other important rules to remember include no jet skis, no diving, no touching the whale sharks, no camera flashes, use biodegradable sunblock, and always keep at least three feet away from the whale shark’s body and at least 10 feet from its tail.

 

whalesharkrules

Be flexible

Sea conditions will greatly impact the chance of interacting with whale sharks. If the ocean is choppy – not only is seasickness a factor – but it is much more difficult to find whale shark groups. And if it has recently rained, the whale sharks will not feed on the surface of the water and stay submerged.

Before the tour, it´s important to stay flexible and check with your provider to see if ocean conditions are agreeable. At Journey Mexico, we recommend only going out when conditions are best to ensure a pleasant experience.

 

The Whale Shark Festival is in mid-to-late July

Every year, the Isla Mujeres Department of Tourism runs its Whale Stark Festival. The event showcases the achievements, traditions, and environmental splendor of Isla Mujeres and attracts more than 5,000 people. The family-friendly fest encourages swimming with the whale sharks and educating visitors on the need to preserve the area’s marine ecosystem.

Part of the proceeds from the festival goes to Amigos de Isla Contoy, a non-profit organization working to advance education on sustainable marine conservation and ecotourism in the region. For more information, visit www.whalesharkfest.com.

 

Swimming with Whale Shark

Choose your tour operator carefully and consciously

Whale sharks are endangered – a species considered to be in danger of extinction in the wild. Therefore, it´s important to work only with a highly knowledgeable and experienced tour company that operates with the utmost respect to the animals. The tour boat operator should be aware and trained in the movements of the whale shark to avoid any collisions, and the guide should be certified and give a detailed briefing about the rules and safety before entering the water. If you are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable whale shark tour, please contact one of our Travel Planners.

 

Plan ahead!

Mexican conservation authorities decided to drastically limit the number of authorized whale shark boats after heavy congestion in past years resulted in injuries to the whale sharks. For this reason, availability is restricted. The new rules and regulations launched in Quintana Roo in 2019, for example, limit the number of divers to 80,000 visitors over the season.

It is therefore strongly recommended to reserve a tour before coming to Mexico. Try to avoid peak hours, visiting either before everybody arrives or when everybody starts to leave to maximize your time with the whale sharks.

 

Ready to Swim with Whale Sharks?

For the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks of Mexico, check out our Private Whale Shark Tour or Yacht Expedition to Swim with Whale Sharks. Remember, the use of a private, expert guide will enhance your experience greatly, enabling you to not only receive personal attention but also to perform the activity under your own pace and not have to wait in long lines to enter the water. In line with our commitment to sustainable tourism and pledge to provide the best possible services to our discerning travelers, we assess each tour carefully, only operating during good conditions and with certified, bilingual guides.

Discover Costalegre, a Jet Set Destination

Posted by & filed under Destinations, Luxury.

Journey Mexico recently chatted with Travel Agent Central about Costalegre and Cuixmala. Below are excerpts from the article “Costalegre’s New Airport Set to Boost Jet Set Destination” written by Ana Figueroa and featured on Travel Agent Central’s website:

Mexico’s Pacific coast is in the news of late. That’s especially true of the Costalegre, the expanse of beaches, capes and bays between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta. Long the favorite of the private jet set, it’s about to become a bit more accessible — in an exclusive way that is. A new Costalegre airport is in the works, making it much easier to reach the region. At the moment, visitors flying commercial must arrive either at Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo.

“If all goes well within two years the new airport will be up and running. The runway is already there and they’re working on the buildings. They will also be widening the road going in both directions,” Wayne Hudson tells Travel Agent. Hudson is spokesperson for Cuixmala, the expansive resort that was once the home of British tycoon Sir James Goldsmith. Cuixmala lies in the middle of the Costalegre, and attracts a distinct crowd.“

Exotic, bohemian, remote, off the beaten path. Cuixmala is truly the brainchild of a rather eccentric billionaire unconstrained by budget or the need to generate money. Where else can you go in Mexico and see free roaming zebras,” Journey Mexico Founder and Director General Zach Rabinor tells Travel Agent.

cuixmala-beach

cuixmala-nature

The added airlift will bring more visitors, but it won’t change the feel of Costalegre. Nor will other new developments in the pipeline.

“Luckily, the master plan for the Costalegre area calls for low density eco-oriented tourism. That has remained in place and authorities have been very stringent about approving new projects. It’s great to have some positive things happening with the infrastructure. The developments are of a very high quality. It will maintain what’s already there,” said Hudson.

“Jalisco wants to develop this area with high quality and have its own airport far enough from the border to any other state. They’ve felt kind of cheated with the Puerto Vallarta Airport. So many people arrive there and go straight to Punta Mita and Sayulita inNayarit. That doesn’t bring Jalisco any revenue,” said Hudson.

TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE ON TRAVEL AGENT CENTRAL, CLICK HERE.

 

 

Los Cabos Epic Comeback Continues

Posted by & filed under Los Cabos & Baja Californias.

More than six months have passed since Los Cabos was stirred by Hurricane Odile. Bouncing back resiliently from the storm in an #unstoppable way, a majority of the areas hotels, restaurants, golf courses and airlines were back up and running within two months. In our last report “An Update on Los Cabos After Hurricane Odile”  we included new developments and plans for the area which now, only a few short months later, has grown even larger.

HOTEL UPDATE

Many of Cabo’s luxury resorts and Corridor hotels took a hard beating from the hurricane. The most prestigious of the hotels have only just recently opened, or remain closed until later this spring. Here is an update from our partner hotels and resorts in Los Cabos:

The Resort at Pedregal (Capella Pedregal) and Casa Natalia are open.

One&Only Palmilla will reopen on April 20th and will feature many new property enhancements. Included in the renovations post-hurricane include a new steakhouse, SEARED by Jean-Georges Vongerichten; a make-over for Suviche restuarant with floor-to-ceiling views of the Sea of Cortez; a new farm-to-table dining concept for Agua by Larbi  that will offer seasonal menus; a renovated One&Only Spa and Fitness center which will offer indoor and outdoor treatment spaces; the new OBO Beauty Salon by Jonathan & George and a new men’s salon, Barber&Blade; a new adult outdoor lounging area; and completely refurbished guest rooms and suites with new furnishings, fabrics and color schemes. Read more here.

Villa Cortez by One&Only Palmilla will also start accepting guests on April 20th. The a four-bedroom beachside residence has also been completely restyled.

Esperanza Resort will re-open in June with a comprehensive revitalization which includes a re-design of the 57 guest rooms, an enhanced pool, and a refreshed spa space. The new rooms evoke a romantic seaside sanctuary and are embellished with hand-crafted Mexican decoration in a modern way. The resort is also introducing a new ceviche bar alongside many other changes to the Concina del Mar, and Lounge Bar restaurants. Read full press release here .

Las Ventanas al Paraiso will re-open on June 4th. The hotel took the opportunity to refresh the resort with new furniture and decoration.

ME Cabo is currently undergoing renovations with no tentative open date scheduled at this time. Zoetry Casa del Mar also remains closed.  The Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos will reopen on March 1st, 2016 totally renovated.

Luxury hotel in Cabo San Lucas

NEW HOTELS

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel has announced they will open on June 13th. The resort will offer views of the iconic Arch and private terraces from each of their 161 rooms which are divided into one, two, and three-bedroom guestrooms, and bi-level suites. The Cape, is described as”mid-century modern aesthetic with a vibrant 1960s Mexico-meets-Southern California.” Read more here.

Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa, and new hotel line from AM Resorts is scheduled to open November 2015. The adult-only hotel will feature 160+ rooms and will appeal to adults (single, couples, and friends) seeking a modern and chic vacation.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts remains on schedule to open later this year. The renowned resort will be located in the gated community of Puerto Los Cabos and will sit on 2,000 acres that offers a private marina, an expansive event space, and a golf course. It will also feature a  45-room Griffin Club (a hotel within a hotel) featuring exclusive amenities and services.

Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos is scheduled to be completed by 2016. It will be an all-inclusive resort offering several restaurants and multiple swimming pools located in the Diamante Cabo San Lucas resort community.

Other new hotels include The Ritz-Carlton Reserve; Park Hyatt; Le Blanc Spa Resort VieVage Los Cabos, an Auberge Resort; The Resort at Diamante; and Mar Adentro by Encanto;

 

FLIGHTS

Luis Palacios, the new commercial director-chief commercial officer for the Los Cabos Tourism Board, has made it a priority on his agenda to increase air connectivity to further boost the destination’s tourism numbers. “From 2011 to 2015, Los Cabos added an unprecedented 800,000 airline seats,” he said. “There’s no growth like this at any other airport in Mexico'” (Travel Pulse – Tourism Officials: Los Cabos Is Poised for Growth)

Delta Air Lines increased its seasonal offering with the addition a new Los Cabo route. On March 5th, the airline commenced daily flights from San Diego (SAN). Alaska Airlines and Spirit already offer non-stop frequent, existing SAN-SJD routes.

United Airlines expanded its network to include a new seasonal service from Washington, DC (IAD) with weekly flights on Saturdays until May 2.

Air Transat included a new weekly route from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) which will run seasonally. The YYZ-SJD route is also served by Sunwing and Air Canada with multiple flights.

Alaska Airlines plans on launching two nonstop service routes from Orange County, California (SNA). The flights are planned to run year-round and will operate four times weekly between Orange County and Los Cabos. Alaska currently operates 50 weekly peak-season flights to Los Cabos from California.

 

OTHER RECENT NEWS

Two new golf courses opened in December: Quivira Golf Club designed by Jack Nicklaus which has the largest oceanfront play in Cabo; and El Cardonal at Diamante, the first  Tiger Woods designed course in Mexico.

Chileno Beach was awarded with the Blue Flag Certification as one of the cleanest beaches of the world

One and Only Palmilla luxury hotel in Los Cabos

Want more Cabo?

Check out the New York Time’s recent post: 36 Hours in Los Cabos or start planning your luxury Los Cabos vacation here.
 

 

 

Mexico City’s Quaint Neighborhoods, Rich Culture and Delectable Cuisine

Posted by & filed under Mexico City.

Why Spring Travelers Should Flock To Mexico City – Quaint Neighborhoods, Rich Culture and Delectable Cuisine Abound in Mexico’s Capital 

A cultural mecca where vibrant history and tantalizing entertainment collide, Mexico City is the ideal destination for travelers planning a getaway this spring. An easily accessible destination, more than 50 direct flights travel to Mexico City each day from international locations. U.S. and Canadian cities connect to Mexico City via nonstop service operated by Delta, Aeromexico, United Airlines, Air Canada and American Airlines among other carriers. And, once you arrive, the opportunities are limitless. Beautiful accommodations, breathtaking attractions and engaging people, culture and history await visitors of all backgrounds and interests.

Mexico’s capital delivers mesmerizing neighborhoods fit for every lifestyle. While there are over a dozen distinct neighborhoods – each with their own personality and attractions – here is a snapshot of the varieties to be found from neighborhood to neighborhood within the sprawling city limits:

Centro Historico
For a glimpse into Mexico City past and present, visitors can stroll through the heart of the capital, the Centro Historico neighborhood, a UNESCO world heritage site featuring notable landmarks and streets that have evolved over the years.  Here travelers will find prominent examples of the city’s history in the iconic architecture and layout.

The main plaza, Zocalo – the second largest in the world – is the perfect starting place for exploration around this neighborhood and the city as a whole. Don’t miss the 16th century constructed cathedral; Mexico’s seat of Government, Palacio Nacional; or the ancient ruins of the Aztec’s most important temple, Templo Mayor.

Mexico CIty Zocalo

Roma and Condesa
An essential part of the city’s cultural and gastronomic life, the adjacent Roma and Condesa neighborhoods are home to Mexico City’strendy and creative. The area overflows with diverse dining options and alluring nightlife possibilities; as well as varying architectural styles and bold design. Whether strolling past immaculately tended public gardens and art deco architecture, grabbing coffee at a sidewalk cafe or perusing one of the many clothing and design stores, the Condesa neighborhood appeals to visitors seeking chic culture and style in a relaxed setting.

With its fascinating history and creative residents, the Roma neighborhood  has numerous art and design galleries can be found along the popular street Calle Colima, delighting enthusiasts with a curated selection of fine art.

Reforma and Chapultepec
With quaint cafes, historic architecture and intriguing museums dotted throughout the area, the Reforma – Chapultepec area is the perfect stay for arts and culture enthusiasts. Chapultepec is commonly known as one of the most dynamic green spaces on the planet and is filled with museums well as zoological gardens and three sprawling lakes.

Paseo de la Reforma is a grand leafy boulevard which showcases the city’s French influences and most recognizable monuments. On Sundays from 9-2pm, Paseo de la Reforma is car-free, allowing visitors and locals alike to ride bikes or walk in the street and discover a more intimate view of the charming neighborhood. Also, with Roma, Condesa and San Miguel Chapultepec neighborhoods nearby, staying in this area ideally positions visitors within reach of top galleries and emerging spaces of new young artists.

Segway tour

Polanco
Within close distance to Reforma and Chapultepec by car is one of the city’s main and most prestigious business districts: the Polanco neighborhood, which serves as home to a range of Mexico’s most important businesses and embassies. Balance business and leisure with retail therapy due to your proximity to designer shopping such as Ferragamo, Hermes and Christian Dior, and the Antara Polanco Shopping Center, which houses high-end shops, restaurants and cantinas.

For a glimpse at how the landscape of Polanco has changed, walk along Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra where you’ll find the Soumaya Museum and Jumex Museum. Inside the Soumaya Museum, visitors will find featured collections spanning the fifteenth through twentieth centuries, while more contemporary works are displayed throughout the new Jumex Museum across the street.

San Angel and Coyoacan
To sample some other flavors of Mexico City, head south to the San Angel and Coyoacan neighborhoods, where wide streets, ancient churches, plazas and distinguished museums serve as a perfect setting to unwind. Museo Frida Kahlo, a must-see attraction, is located at Coyoacan, offering visitors an opportunity to see the environment where she grew up and then shared with Diego Rivera in some periods of their life together.

San Angel Bazaar Sabado

Xochimilco
Also situated in the southern region of Mexico City, Xochimilco is another one of Mexico City’s four UNESCO world heritage sites. This borough of the capital city features hundreds of colorful boats, called trajineras that float along the canals of Lake Xochimilco. Popular for weekend outings, family get togethers and celebrations, colorful gatherings are held here. Once used for transporting goods, these gondolas are now primarily utilized for tourism and are available for various group sizes. There are many different ways to exploreXochimilco, including an intimate ride with a relaxing picnic past pristine gardens and the famous island of dolls.

mexico-city-xochimilco

Mexico City (March 24, 2015)/PRNewswire/ – For more information on travel to Mexico City’s various neighborhoods, visit http://mxcity.mx/en/.

Mexico City is the country’s premier tourism destination, welcoming more than 12.5 million visitors a year.  The ancient capital offers a vibrant, contemporary culture that combines pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern influences that span nearly seven centuries.  With more than 150 museums and more than 180 galleries, 30 distinct archaeological and historic sites, the city is a mecca of fine art and treasures that speak to its vast history. The Mexico City Tourism Promotion Fund (Fondo Mixto de Promocion Turistica del Distrito Federal) supports and enhances city tourism.  For more information and daily updates please visit/follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MexicoCityLive) and Twitter (@MexicoCityLive).

Media Contact: Lauren Lane, +1 (212) 445-8303, llane@webershandwick.com

 

 

Zach Rabinor Wins Traveller Made Award for Most Friendly

Posted by & filed under Things We're Proud Of.

Traveller Made® recently hosted their 1st Luxury Travel Connection Forum in Montreux, Switzerland. The four day, invitation-only event gathered together the travel industry’s most Bespoke and Luxury Member Agencies and Travel Partners including the network’s accredited hotels, destination management companies, and airlines representing the most symbolic destinations for high end tourism worldwide.

At the Luxury Travel Connection Forum Traveller Made also hosted their first award ceremony where Member Agencies honored Traveller Made Partners who have provided outstanding service. Of the eight awards given out, Journey Mexico was nominated for two: Friendliest Owner of a DMC and Best Content Provider DMC;  and walked home with the award for Friendliest Owner of a DMC!

Zach, who attended the event, felt honored to be nominated in these categories alongside some of the world’s most professional travel companies.  Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!

zach-award

 

What’s Going on in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

Posted by & filed under Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita.

The West Pacific Coast of Mexico is growing strong as investments and developments come pouring into the Vallarta – Nayarit region. The touristic corridor, which spans just south of Puerto Vallarta slightly past Romantic Old Town and up north past Punta Mita to Sayulita, features over 50  miles of coastline and according to Mexico’s Tourism Ministry (SECTUR), the number of tourists visiting is growing at a rapid rate.

HOTELS

South of Puerto Vallarta’s Centro, which is the oldest part of town set in verdant hills, is receiving quite a bit of revitalization for their visitors.  Leading the trend are the all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta that recently opened on site of the former Dreams property; and Hotel Mousai which opened late last year featuring a 72-all suite contemporary design for adults only. New hotels that are set to follow suit include Piñata PV and Luna Liquida – both boutique properties. Piñata PV will feature six rooms and is a clothing-optional, gay man-only hotel while Luna Liquida is a traditional hotel and will feature 14 rooms distributed in five villas with extravagant views of Banderas Bay.

In the heart of Puerto Vallarta on Los Muertos Beach, Almar Resort Luxury All Suites & Spa will be partially opening up later this year after its $25 million dollar renovation. The property is expected to operate as part condo/hotel and part timeshare/vacation club. The 130-room hotel is expected to be the most eye-popping resort in the downtown-area featuring infinity pools, modern decor, a nice beach front, and a  restaurant at Mantamar.

Just down the beach visitors will find the new Sapphire Ocean Club. Expected to open completely in October of this year, the hotel will feature 13 luxury beachfront pool suites. Right now, three suites are available ranging from 460-sq ft to 600- sq ft and the beach club (formerely Lido Beach Club) is available for use on a pass/membership basis.

Other exciting hotel news includes the iconic Hacienda San Angel boutique hotel in the heart of Puerto Vallarta which will be building a sister property nearby. The completion date is still to-be-determined, but they are hopeful that it is finished before the end of the year.

Moving north up the Riviera Nayarit coast, news has come from the prestigious One&Only Resorts that they will be expanding their brand in Mexico with plans to open  One&Only Mandarina, located approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Puerto Vallarta’s airport. The beachfront resort will offer 145 luxurious villas as well as private residential estates, world-class farm-to-table dining, original retail options, a beach club, and a family pool. The resort will also offer an indulgent One&Only Spa and Fitness Centre, honoring its natural surroundings with treatments using traditional Mexican elements. One&Only Mandarina is scheduled to break ground at the end of this year.

Other hotel news in the Riviera Nayarit includes a $20 million renovation project for Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit that will be completed by 2016. The renovations will include improvements to their Azul restaurant, enhancements to the spa, as well as the modernization of amenities, furniture and décor.

 

hotel-mousai-1

 

FLIGHTS AND CRUISES

According to the SECTUR, 141 crusies have confirmed Vallarta as a port of call in 2015. In airline news, Alaska Airlines recently launched direct seasonal service from Portland, OR (PDX) and plans on providing lift from Santa Ana, CA (SNA) three times weekly; Southwest Airlines has applied for  approval to fly nonstop from Orange County, CA (SNA) and is expected to begin service in June;  Delta launched a flight out of Seattle-Tacoma (SEA); and Air Transat has begun their weekly service from Quebec City (YQB).

 

ATTRACTIONS

Just months after the  launch of Joyá in Cancun,  Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta are eager to widen their presence in Mexico. They have recently announced plans to build the first amusement park of its kind in Riviera Nayarit. The project, which is still in the planning stages, may include both an aquatic park and a nature park where they will present open-air shows seating anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 spectators. Each presentation will be animated by Cirque du Soleil artists and follow a common story line. Completion date for the park is projected to be in 2018. You can read more here.

A Greg Norman-designed golf course will open in two stages on the Riviera Nayarit later this year. The first nine holes will open in May with the balance to 18 opening in November; when completed the greens are anticipated to be able to accommodate as many as 260 golfers per day.

In the beach town of Bucerías will begin the construction of a new 100-foot artificial reef project, marina and boardwalk lined with stores, restaurants and bars, as well as an additional boardwalk constructed for coastal fishing.

La Galeria, a new curated gallery of contemporary Mexican artists, opened recently in Punta de Mita. The pop-up exhibit space is open to visitors daily through March. (Travel Weekly)

cirque-vallarta