An Update on Los Cabos After Hurricane Odile

Posted November 28, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Destinations, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, News.

Back in September of this year, Hurricane Odile swept through Baja California Sur and greatly impacted the Los Cabos community. Despite being the largest hurricane to hit the area since 1967, Los Cabos swiftly united themselves in efforts to restore the destination back to its original beauty.

As with the case with Hurricane Wilma that hit Cancun in 2005, what winds up happening in these situations is that the destination comes roaring back stronger and better than ever, and that is exactly what is happening with Cabo. With the support of the local tourist board, the community immediately launched an #Unstoppable campaign to demonstrate that “the spirit of Los Cabos is unstoppable and will us prove that no matter what, when tourists arrive, Los Cabos will be ready.”

Jairo Torres, Marketing Vice President of Los Cabos Hotel Association, recently shared in a Travel Weekly webinar, “We believe in our destintion and I truly hope you do too”. Below is a recap of the latest status in Los Cabos:

What’s Happening With The Airlines/Airport?

In October, less than a month after the hurricane hit, Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) was still able to welcome more than 18,000 passengers on 216 flights. SJD is expected to return to 100% normal operation in early December, just in time for the winter travel season.
– Southwest Airlines is already back on track with their service to Los Cabos and in addition have announced a new service out of Baltimore.
– United Airlines, which is the largest carrier into Los Cabos, is operating at about 85%.
– Delta Airlines had originally planned a huge increase in lift, but did get a bit sidelined from the hurricane. At holiday peak, they will add flights out of JFK, Seattle, and San Diego in addition to the standard offerings from Minneapolis, Dertoit, Atlanta, and Salk Lake City.
– Sunwing Airlines joined the campaign of Los Cabos #unstoppable decorating one of their aircraft with the image of Los Cabos which reaffirms the preference of Canadian tourists to this tourist destination of the Mexican Pacific.

What’s Open?

Almost all of the major hotels in Los Cabos are up and running, with exception for a few properties in the Corridor which were hit a bit harder than most areas. For the majority, there was no damage or loss in any of the beaches, and almost all restaurants, bars, and shops are running at 100% functionality. Of the 12 golf courses Cabo features, only one is closed, and two brand new ones are set to inaugurate in December.

Hotels Open

December Opening

Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa
Fiesta Americana Los Cabos
Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa
Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
Pueblo Bonito Rose
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach
RIU Palace
RIU Santa Fe
Sandos Finesterra
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos
Sheraton Hacienda del Mar
Solmar All-Inclusive Resort
Wyndham Cabo San Lucas
Villa del Arco
Villa del Palmar Los Cabos
Villa La Estancia

Royal Solars Los Cabos
Holiday Inn Los Cabos
Secrets Marquis

2015 Opening
Capella Pedregal
Dreams Los Cabos
Esperanza, an Auberge Resort
Las Ventanas al Paraiso
ME Cabo
Westin Los Cabos
Zoetry Casa del Mar
One & Only Palmilla
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
Melia Cabo Real

So what’s next for Los Cabos?

In addition to the new flight connectivity mentioned above in the airport update section, Los Cabos continues full-steam ahead for all the new investments pouring into the area. Planned to open in 2015 are the Thompson Cabo San Lucas, a new boutique, luxury property; The Ritz Carlton Reserve Los Cabos, which will offer 124 oceanfront villas with private plunge pools; the JW Marriott spanning over an impressive 14 acres; a Park Hyatt with meeting and event facilities; and The Resort at Diamante which is a massive 15,000 acre community development. By 2017 Los Cabos will also be home to a brand new, all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos which will feature 600 rooms, six restaurants, meeting space, and multiple swimming pools.

In addition to the all the hotels moving in, Los Cabos will also be opening two new golf courses in December: QUIVIRA, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course that will have the largest oceanfront play of any course in Cabo; and El Cardonal at Diamante, the first ever Tiger Woods Design Course in Mexico. These two new cources will bring the destination’s total cource count to 14, qualifying Los Cabos as Mexico’s golf capital.

For more information about Los Cabos #Unstoppable, real-time updates, and hotel updates, visit unstoppablecabo.com.

Hotel Mousai Debuts in Puerto Vallarta

Posted November 25, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Luxury, News, Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita.

Puerto Vallarta’s South Zone received a bit of a revitalization this month with the grand opening of the new 72 suites-only Hotel Mousai (formerly part of the Garza Blanca Hotel). The adults-only boutique property features contemporary suites and a colorful infusion of Mexican design.

Architect, Carlos Palomera, and Hotel Mousai’s Creative Director, Karoll Gonzalez, worked closely together to make Hotel Mousai a bold, trendy statement in an otherwise quiet location. With spectacular views of Banderas Bay, Palomera was inspired by the surrounding art and nature and strived to creatively capitalize on the “mind-blowing views and lush green jungle” that circles the hotel. With that as his goal, he was able to design the 18-story building harmoniously with it’s environment incorporating multi-layered architectural elements to the organic contours of the mountains behind it, maximizing the views of the Vallarta skyline as well as sweeping outline of the Banderas Bay.

Inside the hotel, the interior design also reflects the art/nature concept. The name of the hotel references Greek Muses implying all types of art as well as inspiration and the senses. Gonzalez explains, “The intention was to make the suites at Hotel Mousai playful statements that embody the idea of a sensual partnership and chic romance. We want our guests to feel comfortable yet frivolous, elegant yet trendy. We have sought to make the functional, fashionable and the practical luxurious, like the electric curtains and lighting that are pre-set to the flip of a switch and the seductive gold tiled Jacuzzi on a private deck that makes you feel like the Queen of Sheba on tour.”

The 72 suites at Hotel Mousai are divided into two categories: the Mousai Junior Suite and the Ultra Mousai Suite. Each suite features a private terrace with panoramic views of the bay, a jetted plunge pool with opulent Venetian finish gold tiles, and a siesta turn-down service with hammock. The hotel describes them as “shamelessly lavish” with no detail left overseen.

Hotel Mousai also features “The Terrace” which is a breakfast venue in the morning; a stylish teahouse by day, and a sophisticated cigar lounge at night; and “Hiroshi” a Japanese restaurant that flamboyantly blends Asian textures and ingredients. Their spa, Spa Imagine, features a five-cycle vitality pool, plunge shower, plunge pool, large jacuzzi, and therapy rooms fashioned to embody one of the seven sacred energy Chakras.

The Rooftop is the most flashy as it soars 112 meters above sea level and features an expansive infinity pool, majestic views of Puerto Vallarta, and sensational cocktails and snacks. We invite you to “be among the first guests to taste the lavish comfort of Hotel Mousai”.

Wendy Perrin’s Trusted Travel Experts and Insider’s Guides to Mexico

Posted November 18, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Things We're Proud Of.

One of travel’s most respected industry voices, Wendy Perrin, has recently named Journey Mexico’s Zachary Rabinor as one of the most Trusted Travel Experts on The WOW List.

Wendy Perrin, who earlier this year left her position as Director of Consumer News at Condé Nast Traveler and has now joined Trip Advisor as their first-ever Travel Advocate, also runs her own website WendyPerrin.com where she and her savvy team share very insider travel information from across the globe. Recently rolled out is ‘The WOW List’ which is compromised of Trusted Travel Experts from around the world who can assist travelers with their plans at an extremely detailed level. Wendy and all the selected destination specialists share a common goal: maximizing each traveler’s experience and creating extraordinary trips; and when travelers connect with an advisor from The WOW List, they are marked as V.I.P. with special benefits and even Wendy’s trip-monitoring service.

WendyPerrin.com also features Insider’s Guides to various destinations around the world, including Mexico, Norway, Morocco, China, North America, Australia, and more! With Zachary featured as the Trusted Travel Expert for Mexico, he was excited to share some truly special travel details about Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya, and Mexico City. Check out the Insider’s Guides to Mexico on Wendy’s site (snippets below).

Journey Mexico (Zachary Rabinor) is honored to be included in WendyPerrin.com, and we know travelers will. enjoy reaching out to Wendy and her other Trusted Travel Experts. Happy travels!

Tis the Season to Plan Your Getaway to Idyllic Las Alamandas for the Holidays

Posted November 11, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita.

Escape the cold and the stress of the season and spend the Holidays with family and friends in the chic tropical paradise of Las Alamandas where the December weather is idyllic. Tis the season to make your Holiday plans. Choose from an all-inclusive seven-night Christmas getaway, Dec. 19^th -26^th 2014, or an all-inclusive, seven-night New Year’s Eve escape, Dec. 26^th 2014 – Jan. 2nd 2015.

The Las Alamandas holiday season is fun with celebrations, mesmerizing beach bonfires, Mexican fiestas with DJ, and delicious traditional holiday feasts.

Sunny days are spent at the beach swimming in the warm Pacific Ocean, by the pool sipping Margaritas or enjoying a siesta whilst gently swaying in a hammock. The evenings evoke the cheer and spirit of the season with delicious Holiday menus and drinks, bonfires on the beach with marshmallows and tequila-infused coffees, or movie nights al fresco at our rooftop “Estrella Azul” bar. Christmas Eve brings a festive gourmet celebration, while a fabulous party is on the agenda for New Year’s Eve with Mariachis, dancing and fireworks. The special holiday has delights for every guest, from delicious freshly baked Christmas cookies, BBQ lunches by the lagoon with freshly caught tilapia prepared right before your eyes, Margaritas, Mescal and Tequila Tastings, and cooking classes with the resort chef. Days are filled with activities for children at the ecologic Kids Club; with a Jungle Gym, supervised Arts & Crafts and piñatas for the kids, a traditional Mexican Christmas posada, and the joyful decorations and glowing lights painting the resort with a merry seasonal ambiance.

The seven-night Holiday packages includes:

– Luxurious and spacious suite and all meals (a la carte)
– Gourmet Christmas Eve Dinner or a fabulous New Year’s Eve Party with Mariachis and fireworks
– An array of festivities and activities including:

– Bonfire on the beach with Tequila infused Coffees and Marshmallows
– BBQ Lunch by the Lagoon with Fresh Caught Fish prepared right before your eyes
– Margarita, Mescal & Tequila Tasting
– Cooking Classes with special Mexican Holiday dishes
– Mexican Fiesta with DJ
– Movie Nights “al fresco” at the rooftop Estrella Azul Bar
– Full days of activities for children at the Kids Club including arts & crafts and A Jungle Gym
– Bazaar of jewelry, textiles, arts & crafts
– Fun outdoor games and competitions
– Joyful decorations, piñatas for the children and Traditional Mexican Posada

For more information, contact a Journey Mexico travel planner here.

Las Alamandas is a 1,800-acre tropical paradise that was selected by The Robb Report as one of the World’s Top 100 Resorts of 2014. The luxurious vacation retreat, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, that has earned a AAA Four Diamond rating annually since 2004, is nestled within a private nature reserve boasting four private beaches, two lakes, a river, and a private airstrip. You can walk to lookout points with dramatic panoramas of the coast, focus your binoculars on numerous varieties of birds, bike or horseback ride on private trails, swim in the warm ocean waters and picnic on a beach of your own. Las Alamandas’ verdant gardens are a profusion of towering palms, flowing fountains, expansive lawns and colorful blossoms.

The full gamut of luxury creature comforts includes: 17 exceptionally spacious and luxurious suites with vibrant Mexican chic décor, oversize bathtubs, terraces with private Jacuzzis and panoramic views; a beachfront Spa Pavilion for massages to the soothing sound of the Pacific Ocean; gourmet farm-to-table Contemporary Mexican cuisine prepared daily with seafood freshly caught by local fisherman, meats and free-range eggs and chicken raised by local farmers, and fruits and vegetables grown in the resort’s own organic gardens. At the roof-top lounge bar called “Estrella Azul,” or Blue Star, sip specialty drinks under a vast heaven of stars, see art exhibitions at the Gallery, enjoy the lounge with a library and big-screen TV, or work-out in the fully equipped air-conditioned gym.

In the perfect December weather – warm days with gentle breezes that give way to cool, pleasant evenings – guests enjoy myriad activities and facilities, such as: 60-foot swimming pool, beach volley ball, lighted tennis court, half basketball court, croquet, lawn chess, mountain bikes, ping-pong, horseback riding, bird watching, kayaks (doubles and singles), hiking, surfing and boogie boarding.

Boutique villa and resort in Costa Alegre Careyes

Hotel Cacao Opens in Playa del Carmen

Posted November 3, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Hotel Cacao, the First ‘Hotel Matilda Lifestyle Collection’ Property, Opens in Playa del Carmen

Plays del Carmen, Mexico – Cornerstone has launched its Hotel Matilda-themed collection of lifestyle-focused boutique hotels with the opening on October 1st of chic and edgy Hotel Cacao in Playa del Carmen.

Hotel Cacao’s guests are being immersed in a kicked-back, relaxed “Hippie Chic” lifestyle of sophisticated accommodations and cutting-edge dining and mixology experiences. Located on Playa del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenue, the 60-room property is located in the heart of the destination’s chic scene of restaurants, clubs and boutiques.

The team that created the internationally heralded ‘Matilda lifestyle’ guest experience at Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende founded Cornerstone in 2013. The hotel management and development company is building a ‘Hotel Matilda Lifestyle Collection’ of boutique properties in strategic locations throughout Mexico. The second hotel will open in 2015 in the San Angel district of Mexico City.

The spacious, modern rooms and suites offer every contemporary amenity, including bathroom amenities by Italian fashion designer Missoni. Architect Rodrigo de la Peña has imbued the property with dramatic architectural elements such as huge canvas accents in geometric shapes and a central court with a hyacinth lily pond. The interior design is clean and contemporary with bold color accents. The roof-top bar feature innovative “coctelería” (mixology) experiences blended with spectacular views of the Caribbean and Cozumel Island.

Hotel Cacao’s restaurant, Nibs, is a serene, mouthwatering escape from the bustling dining scene on 5th Avenue. Nibs has a strong connection with Hotel Matilda: At the helm is Chef Alejandro Cuatepotzo, a protégé of Enrique Olvera who was chef de cuisine at Hotel Matilda’s Moxi restaurant. Olvera, who is Mexico’s most famous chef, operates Moxi. Nibs’ exciting and innovative menu taps the fresh, indigenous ingredients of the region and reinvents favorite Mexican seafood and meat dishes, such as ceviches with coconut and lime, scallops with lime pearls, lobster with green mango, shrimp burritos, tuna and beef tartare, salt-baked red snapper, conch fritters, and prime flat-iron carne asada. The area’s tropical ambience is re-imagined indoors with guests dining amid an original jungle mural by international street artist Eduardo Kobra, a flowing water wall, and banana and passion fruit plants. In stark contrast to the colorful tropical atmosphere, Namuh-designed walnut tables and chairs with Italian carrera marbletops are accented by simple white linens and china. The restaurant’s name reinforces the chocolate theme of Hotel Cacao: Nibs are unsweetened chocolate chips, created when cacao beans are crushed in the chocolate-making process.

Quirky, fun art in strategic interior locations, including brightly painted VW Bugs, are by Tommy Hilfiger. An after-hours-style bar downstairs has a sexy bordello look. The shops and restaurants on the street level of the building include Maíz de Mar, a marisquería (seafood restaurant) by Chef Olvera. Keep Reading..

For more information about Hotel Cacao here contact a Journey Mexico travel planner .

Update: Hotel Cacao is now LAT20 by Live Aqua

Help Keep The Sumidero Canyon Pristine

Posted October 28, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Chiapas.

Every summer during rainy season in Chiapas, hordes of debris and garbage from littering gets washed into the peaceful Grijalva River that flows at the base of the towering walls of the Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s most beautiful natural wonders. This serious pollution problem has become increasingly worse year after year with tons of waste making its way and settling in the steam, floating stagnant atop the water due to the current patterns of the river and narrowness of the canyon.

On a weekly basis, local volunteers and citizens come to clean the river to help restore balance to the eco-system and ensure it remains a magnificent place for both tourists and the people of Chiapas alike; however, as the amount of trash piles up and increases in volume, it is important that people visiting in the area also contribute and do their part. To help keep Mexico’s natural parks and touristic areas clean, please be conscious of your trash and impacting footprints.

The People of Mexico Through the Lens of Michelle Pasmanik

Posted October 22, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Media, On the Road.

On our recent 15 day educational #MexicoJourney through Southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, we had the pleasure to be joined by Michelle Pasmanik, a travel consultant based out of Australia. Michelle, full of spirit and enthusiasm to learn about Mexico, took copious notes, asked all the right questions, and always had her camera in hand. At the end of the trip Michelle admitted to taking over 5,000 photos that included snaps of all the hotels we visited, the varying landscapes Mexico has to offer, several colonial towns, the delicious food at every meal, and so forth.. but when flipping through her pictures what stood out were her images of the local people — which through them, fantastically captured the culture of the country. Michelle has granted us the opportunity to share some of her best photos with you, just take a look:

Michelle Pasmanik is a Senior Travel Consultant at Executive Edge based out of Melbourne, Australia. She has a passion for all things travel and enjoys taking professional photographs to try and capture the world’s beauty. If you are interested in having Michelle plan a trip for you, or are interested in her photography, you can contact her at michellep@executiveedge.com.au.

Barefoot Luxury, a Tulum Escape

Posted October 17, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Riviera Maya & Tulum.

To some, luxury means extravagance and sumptuous, and to others, it simply means having the opportunity to indulge in something that easily makes them happy. For us and our discerning travelers, vacationing in Mexico–any type of vacation– is a leisure, and for those looking to escape from the stuffiness of daily routine, we have scoped out the perfect rustic-yet-chic retreats that not only are a nice change of calm scenery but also somewhere where service, hospitality, and character will undoubtedly satiate.

While there are endless nooks and crannies in Mexico where one can escape to, we think Tulum in particular is one of the greatest. White powder sand, azure rolling waters, and sun-dried palapas create the perfect backdrop to kicking off your shoes, letting your hair down, and just being on holiday. We’ve already scoped out and wrote about The Complete 411 on Tulum: Where to East, Stay, and Wander and Things to do in Tulum, but this time we want to specifically highlight the special properties that excel in capturing the concept of ‘Barefoot Luxury’.

Coqui Coqui Tulum

With only seven rooms, and usually requiring months in advance reservations, this boutique property is the definition of exclusive. The beachfront limestone structure has a stunningly double exposed spa, breezy bedrooms, and wordly scents from their perfumery that tantalize the senses. More: Coqui Coqui Tulum.

Be Tulum

This hotel is one of the properties that best captures Tulum’s signature “eco-chic” atmosphere. Dark woods, funky yet subtle decoration, and great places to lounge are found throughout the limited 20 rooms. More: Be Tulum.

Hotel Esencia

A former estate to an Italian duchess, Esencia spoils whoever stays there without being exhuberant. With 29 rooms incorporated in their 50 acres outside of Tulum, guests enjoy privacy without drastic seclusion. More: Hotel Esencia.

Now, for couples traveling, we understand that the concept of Barefoot Luxury should also incorporate sexy elements and lasting memories. Whether it’s for a honeymoon in Tulum or just a romantic getaway, Tulum still remains an ideal place where couples can effortlessly combine a relaxing and romantic escape with exploration of the areas main attraction. To make it easy, we created the Romantic Tulum itinerary which includes, a stay at Be Tulum with a private pool or jacuzzi in your suite, a special romantic dinner on the beach, private excursion to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a couples’ spa experience at the Yaan Wellness Energy Spa, swimming with sea turtles hand in hand in Akumal, and more…

Mexico Tourism: Facts & Statistics 2014

Posted October 14, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under News.

The following information information comes directly from The Mexico Tourism Board.

To see the most updated, please go to: Updated Mexico Facts & Statistics

The following data is from the end of the first semester of 2014

The number of international tourists exceeded 14.2 million, a new record!
The number of international visitors increased 2.8 percent compared to the first half of 2013, reaching 39.4 million.
8.8 million passengers on international flights were recorded, equivalent to an increase of 10.7 percent over the first half of 2013; this result was accompanied by an increased number of international flights observed in the same period (by 7.3 percent).
According to the Migration Policy Unit of the Mexican Secretariat of the Interior (SEGOB) in passenger arrivals by air to Mexico by their nationality, the following was observed:
Americans (56.5%) Candians (15.3%) Brazilians (2.1%)
The arrival of international visitors increased by 19.6% over the same period last year.
In terms of tourist arrivals by air (main segment of tourism) increased 10.8 percent, from 6.5 to 7.2 million tourists.
The flow of border tourism grew by 35.5%, registering 6 million tourists, compared to 4.5 million in 2013.
In the first six months cruise visitors increased 26.3 percent; rose from 2.4 million in 2013 to 3 million in 2014.
In the first quarter of 2014, international visitors increased from:
Russia (3.9%) Colombia (15.3%) Peru (7.2%) China (32%) Venezuela (16.6%)
Visitors from the United States grew 12.3 percent, from 1.8 million in the first quarter last year to 2 million in the same period this year. Meanwhile, the arrival of travelers from Canada increased 6.9 percent, to register a total of 765,700, while in 2013 the number was 716,300.
In turn, visitors from UK increased 3 percent, growing from 82,000 in January-March 2013, to 84,400 in the first quarter of 2014.

The following data is from January to August of 2014

International tourists amounted to 19.3 million, 19% higher than recorded in the same period of 2013.
Banxico highlighted that the tourists by air increased 10.8 percent, from 8.4 to 9.3 million, in the period from January to August this year, and as to border tourism, an increase of 32.6 percent was observed, reaching 8.5 million passengers, compared with 6.4 million tourists from 2013.
The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) reported that foreign exchange earnings from international tourists in the first eight months of the year grew 18.1 percent over the same period of 2013.

Things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas: Mundo Maya Textile Museum

Posted October 8, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Chiapas, Culture, On the Road.

One of the highlights of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas is the shopping. Delicately woven and colorful hand-crafted textiles patterned with flowers, geometrical shapes, and indigenous symbols radiate from the market, but what many buyers don’t understand is what makes them so special to Chiapas and how it represents the culture today.

Right next to the market, in the Convento Santo Domingo church, is the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Textile Museum) which lends itself to an incredible history and insight to the significance of all the fabrics for sale that you can find right outside its doors. It recently has been renovated extensively by Formento Cultural Banamex Collection to include Guatemalan and other Mayan textiles and features a beautiful array of textile pieces from different Maya eras.

Textiles, including daily clothing, are the most powerful forms of artistic expression in modern day Maya communities. Thanks to the dedication and persistence of generations of women weavers who have passed their knowledge to their daughters and granddaughters for over a thousand years, this art form continues to exist. Like many cultural forms of expression, Mayan clothing has undergone changes due to elements such as the introduction of foreign material, technology, politics, and synthetic fibers. The first dramatic change occurred in the 16^th century when pre-Hispanic culture was influenced by the Spanish conquest and power of the Catholic Church. Still allowing to preserve the foundation of the Mayan culture, they adapted their textiles.

Now, in the 21^st century across the Mayan region, the use of traditional apparel is a symbol of conviction. It is a way that the Mayans from different communities identify themselves and their people. The use of different patterns and technique is a proclamation of being Maya. The museum includes typical garmets of Mayan settlements including Tojolabales, Choles, Tzeltales, Tzotziles (Chiapas); and Quiches, Ixchiles, Cakchiqueles, Mames, Kekchis (Guatemala).

chiapas-san-cristobal-de-las-casas-maya-textile-museum-1

Restaurants and Where to Eat in Mexico City

Posted October 2, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Culinary Vacations, Mexico City.

Thanks to our presence and new office in Mexico City, we’re able to acquire truly unique and insider information of all the fantastic experiences Mexico City has to offer. Apart from already personally scouting and creating new product such as our Tlatelolco Tour, Charro Experience, and a Mexican Chocolate Indulgence Tour, we are tightening up our restaurant recommendation list too! We want nothing but the best of the best for our travelers so we’ve been scoping out all the ins and outs and latest of Mexico City’s restaurant scene. Below are some of our favorite restaurants in Mexico City that have popped up in the last few years:

Los Limosneros

Allende 3, Centro Historico
www.limosneros.com.mx – 55 5521 3725 – https://www.facebook.com/Limosneros

Led by Juan Pablo Ballesteros, Los Limosneros is the “rebellious little brother” to the famous and iconic Cafe de Tacuba. The restaurant is 100% Mexicano, using only ingredients from Mexican soil and impressively enough, they have taken the dedication one step further by personally curating their own array of mezcals and wines. One of the fun highlights is that their salsas can be custom-made right at the table from scratch, you can pick the types of chiles and amount of spiciness!
Insider Tip: When in season, be sure to order the Chile en Nogada. It’s an incredibly innovative twist on one of Mexico’s most traditional plate, turning the ‘chile’ into a gelée and the ‘nogada’ into a creamy mousse.
Insider Experience: Exclusive tasting-menu (with items not even on the menu!), each dish paired with a mezcal/wine/craft beer and a friendly visit with Juan Pablo himself.
Open Monday 1:30pm-10:00pm; Tuesday to Saturday 1:30pm-11:00pm; and Sunday 1:30pm-6:00pm.

Quintonil

Newton 55, Polanco
www.quintonil.com – 55 5280 2680 – https://www.facebook.com/pages/QUINTONIL/

A collaboration between Chef Jorge Vallejo and restaurant vet, Alejandra Flores, Quintonil offers an upscale dining experience that feels familiar instead of showy. While the Mexican dishes the restaurant offers are indeed contemporary, they manage to retain the homestyle tastes and traditional flavors of Mexico. It is not uncommon to see Alejandra around the dining room, personally welcoming and interacting guests to ensure the homey atmosphere.
Insider Tip: Save room for dessert! Nearing the end of your meal (with 15 minutes of anticipation), order the “cazuela de chocolate con helado de pinole” which is a Mexican melt-in-your-mouth molten cake.
Open Monday to Saturday 1:00pm-5:00pm, 7:00pm-11:00pm; and Sundays are closed.

Sue 45 (formerly Cornelia)

Eugenio Sue 45, Polanco
www.sue45.com.mx – 55 6650 5916 – https://www.facebook.com/sue45mx

Tucked away in a vintage casona, Sue 45/Cornelia boasts its sleek design and excels in its friendly service. While Chef Fernandez is busy in the back of the kitchen concocting avant-guard dishes, the educated waitstaff can be found in the front of house explaining all of the wonderful plates to try and what wine to pair it with.
Insider Tip: Order the ‘Carne Arrebatada’ which is a juicy grilled New York steak with diverse textures added such as onion ashes, cactus noodles, and broth of cinnamon and tomatoes — an explosion of flavors!
Insider Experience: Reserve a table on the private terrace and enjoy a tasting menu carefully crafted by Chef Fernandez himself.
Open Monday to Friday 7:00am-1:00am; and Sunday 7:00am-11:00am.

More blog posts on restaurants in Mexico City:

Where to Dine in Mexico City: Sue 45
Mexico on The World’s 50 Best Restaurant List 2014
Food, Wine and Tequila in Colonial Mexico

Journey Mexico Opens New Office in Mexico City

Posted September 22, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Things We're Proud Of.

Mexico City, Mexico – Journey Mexico, Mexico´s leading Destination Management Company, continues to expand and opened its third office on August 4, 2014 in Mexico City. This new location supports regional product growth and better serves the growing number of international travelers arriving to the country via the Mexico City airport. The new office is located in Mexico City´s on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, right in front of the city’s iconic landmark: El Ángel de la Independencia (Angel of Independence).

Journey Mexico’s Director of Marketing, Lillian Avilés, heads the Mexico City office spearheading the company’s global marketing strategy and developing new and unique touring product in the capital and surrounding colonial cities. “We are in the epicenter of one of the most vibrant cities in the world and have delved into its fascinating culture, art and culinary scenes enabling us to offer exceptional experiences to our customers. From visiting private art collections, to market tours with renowned chefs, to insider access to events and museums, our presence in Mexico City allows us to have our finger on the pulse of the most exciting happenings citywide and throughout the Central Highlands.”

About Journey Mexico
Journey Mexico is a deluxe travel company that creates tailor-made itineraries throughout the Mexican republic for 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.

For more information:
Email: info@journeymexico.com
www.journeymexico.com
www.facebook.com/journeymexico
www.twitter.com/journeymexico

Which Mayan Archaeological Site To Visit – #MexicoJourney

Posted September 18, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Chiapas, Chichen Itza, On the Road, Yucatan.

Visitors looking for a glimpse into Mundo Maya (The Mayan World) and their mysteries can effortlessly find a plethora of information on the web thanks to an initiative created through the collaboration of Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to promote Mayan Culture. The Mayan civilization was the most advanced of their time and many aspects of their culture still remain a riddle; with over 150 archaeological sites to be visited, how does a traveler decipher which ones are worth visiting? The answer is easy: As many as you can!

In Mexico alone, the archaeological sites — some of which are named as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their special cultural significance to the world– can be found in five different states: Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and the Yucatan. Each of them are special and unique in their own way with history and stories so intriguing, it will leave any visitor astonished.

On my recent #MexicoJourney through the Yucatan Peninsula, I covered six different sites in just four days: Toniná, Palenque, Yaxchilan, Bonampak, Uxmal, and Chichen Itza. As the group and I traveled from each one to the next, I found myself unable to choose a favorite as all of them left me in awe. Each of the sites have something significantly different about them, whether it was a unique location in the middle of the dense jungle, or its almost-unbelievable, perfectly preserved murals. What I learned is that many people (including myself prior) do not realize that the Mayas existed from 300 BC to 1517 AC which means centuries had passed through their culture, and through them different innovations and styles of living transpired resulting in distinctive aspects and features that we are able to witness today.

Toniná

Location: Ocosingo, Chiapas
Time Period: 300 to 900AD
What makes it stand out? Its size. It’s pyramidal structure is composed of seven platforms and thirteen temples.

Palenque

Location: Palenque, Chiapas
Time Period: 200 BC to 800 AD
What makes it stand out? Its majesty. The architectural and sculptural remains are exceptionally preserved and picture perfect.

Yaxchilán

Location: Ocosingo, Chiapas
Time Period: 300 to 800 AD
What makes it stand out? Its location. Only accessible by boat, the structures are deep in the jungle where you are accompanied by howler monkeys, spider monkeys and other wildlife.

Bonampak

Location: Ocosingo, Chiapas
Time Period: 580 to 800 AD
What makes it stand out? Its murals. Three rooms at Bonampak feature near-perfectly preserved frescoes where the ancient history, aftermath, and celebration of the site are displayed astonishingly.

Uxmal

Location: Santa Elena, Yucatan
Time Period: 500 to 1000 AD
What makes it stand out? Its intricacy. Well cut patterns of Mayan geometric art and stone mosaics (influence from the Puuc) set this site apart from the above mentioned.

Chichen Itzá

Location: Chichen Itza, Ycuatan
Time Period: 600 to 1300 AD
What Makes it stand out? Its precision. The structures of Chichen were built perfectly aligned with time and astronomical events. The tracking of the sun, moon, stars, and planets enabled the Maya to create a calendar which was so precise they could forecast events thousands of years before their time.

Other Sites: Ek Balam, Kabah, Labná, Calakmul, Dzibilchatun, Cobá, Edzná, Kohunlich, Tulum

Ready to visit these amazing Mayan Archaeological Sites in Mexico? Browse our itineraries, including The Archaeological Mayan Journey and start planning here.

Hurricane Relief for Baja California Sur and Los Cabos

Posted September 17, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Los Cabos & Baja Californias.

The International Community Foundation is raising funds to support immediate disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in Baja California Sur in response to damage caused by Hurricane Odile.

Odile made landfall near Cabo San Lucas on Sunday night, September 14, 2014, as a powerful Category 3 hurricane, with estimated winds of 127 mph and torrential rainfall; one of the strongest hurricanes to ever make landfall in Baja California Sur. Odile continued to rake the state of Baja California Sur Monday, as it marched northward with strong winds and heavy rains flooding the southern half of the peninsula. It is expected that the heavy rains threaten to trigger mudslides and floods.

The storm has already caused widespread damage across the southern half of Baja California Sur, including homes, hotels, hospitals, and roads. Mexican authorities report that at least 15,000 people in high risk areas suffered damage or total loss of their homes due to heavy winds. Currently all airports and ports are closed to civilian traffic. There remain power outages across the region, a lack of clean running water, and phone service is down. Emergency officials also report that at least 135 people have been treated for varying injuries as a result of the storm, mostly from broken glass and falling objects.

The International Community Foundation (ICF) is actively working to assess needs of local communities in those areas most directly affected by the hurricane, and will concentrate its efforts on immediate disaster relief and rebuilding efforts. ICF will partner with on-the-ground relief organizations, including our long-time partner, the Mexican Red Cross, and our grantees throughout the region.

Today, we are asking our donors and friends to give generously to these efforts and to stay tuned for more news from us. Join us in our relief efforts but also in our hopes that the people of southern Baja California are safe tonight.

Donate now.

Contributions can be made via internet to the Baja California Disaster Relief Fund at the International Community Foundation here
or by mail:
Baja California Disaster Relief Fund
c/o International Community Foundation
2505 N Avenue
National City, CA 91950
Please make checks payable to ‘International Community Foundation’ with ‘Baja California Disaster Relief Fund’ in the memo line

The Perfect Day in Oaxaca – #MexicoJourney

Posted September 7, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Oaxaca, On the Road.

As one can imagine, our #MexicoJourney FAM trip is intense; in just 15 days we travel to a handful of destinations in Mexico and have back-to-back activities and hotel site inspections –it can be both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. On our fourth day, the group woke up in Oaxaca ready to take on another fantastic journey getting to know Mexico. Myself, I had visited Oaxaca many times prior so I wasn’t particularly as pumped as the rest, but to my surprise by the end of the day it had turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and exciting days I have ever had while traveling Mexico. From dawn to dusk it was perfectly planned and ideally paced, filled with local culture, meaningful experiences, and of course, fantastic Oaxacan food. I wish I could relive the experience again and again!

Jessica Seba in Oaxaca with Journey Mexico

Here is our itinerary of our perfect day in Oaxaca:

8:00am Enjoy Breakfast at Casa Oaxaca
Casa Oaxaca, which doubles as a boutique hotel and renowned restaurant, offers a fantastic breakfast menu of fresh and local ingredients. The coffee, which of course comes from Oaxaca, is distinctive and the variety of fruit is refreshing. I recommend the chilaquiles with mole verde, a Oaxacan spin on a classic Mexican dish!

9:00am Brief City Tour of Oaxaca
The Historic Center of Oaxaca is a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Santo Domingo church and museum, the main plaza, and the Mayordomo Chocolate factory. The city retains its iconic architecture and the buildings representative of a cultural tradition of more than four centuries of art and history. The Historic Center is quite small so a quick walk around to acquaint yourself with the layout and its highlights is a good way to start the morning.

11:00am Tour Monte Alban Archaeological Site
Monte Alban Archaeological Site is the most important archaeological site in Oaxaca. Well-maintained pyramidal structures, temples, and ball courts tell a fascinating story of 1,500 years ago and the succession of peoples – Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs — who once inhabited the high plateau.

1:00pm Visit Indigenous Family in Teotitlan del Valle
Teotitlan del Valle is an indigenous (Zapotec) weaving town which is known particularly for it’s colorful, hand-woven rugs. The tour, which is only offered to a very limited amount of people, allows the opportunity to enter the personal home of the Ruiz Family to get to know them, their work, and lifestyle outside of modern-day Mexico. The experience, which starts with a moving blessing from Mother Ruiz who only speaks Zapotec, involves strict protocols and customs. After being formally and traditionally acquainted with handshaking and offering of a candle, the Ruizs’ demonstrate how they still use century-old techniques to make their textiles. The family also graciously invites you for lunch for a home-made cooked meal. Caution: This experience may bring you to joyful, emotional tears!

4:00pm Shopping in Market and Wandering the City
Oaxaca is the type of city you must experience by just wandering around, whether it’s people watching in the main plaza, buying a raspado (shaved ice) from a street vendor, or getting your shoes shined by one of friendly locals! Having nothing on the adgenda and being able to do as you please helps to understand the real essence of Oaxaca. A wander around the markets, Benito Juarez and 20 de Novimebre, are also extremely immersful experiences where you can find quite a lot of great buys!

8:00pm Dinner at Casa Crespo
End the day with some chocolate sampling, mezcal tasting, Mexican artisan beer sipping, and authentic Oaxaca food on the tree-lined, pedestrian friendly block of Allende Street overlooking the Santo Domigo Church. Having dinner here it is easy to see how Chef Oscar has a particular talent when combining the most ordinary ingredients to create memorable dishes.

Want to learn more about Oaxaca? Read other blog posts here or start planning your trip: Oaxaca Private Tours

This post is part of our #MexicoJourney trip through Southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, to read more click here. You can follow along in real-time Aug 29-Sept 13 via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with hashtag #MexicoJourney.

Ten Facts About Puebla – #MexicoJourney

Posted September 2, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under On the Road, Puebla.

Containing more than 70 churches in the Historic City Center alone, Puebla maintains its close ties to colonial Spain through its architecture and famous azuelejos. Exclusive boutiques and restored buildings add to the modern melding of worlds both past and present. Here are ten facts about Puebla:

1) Puebla was founded on April 16th, 1531 as the first ‘perfect’ city in the Americas; that is, a city built to accommodate only Spaniards

2) The Historic Center of Puebla, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, contains 2619 monuments distributed across 391 blocks allocated over 6.9 square kilometers making Puebla the city with the largest number of monuments in the Americas.

3) Unlike other Mexican cities, the Archive of the City of Puebla preserves unique documents such as the original Royal Charter that establishes its foundation and its Royal Provision, showcasing the famous coat of arms of the city. Because of their importance, the aforementioned documents and many others belonging to the Archie have been inserted in the UNESCO Mexico Memory of the World Register.

4) Many Relevant historical events have occurred in Puebla; for example, the famous “Battle of Cinco de Mayo” commemorated internationally. This battle took place in 1862 and in it the Mexican army defeated the French army which at the time was considered the strongest of all. Furthermore, the city is the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution; on November 18th, 1910 the Serdan siblings were attacked at their house by the Mexican government due to their subversive ideas and activities. The revolution movement spread across the country in a matter of days after this attack.

5) The talavera from Puebla is one of the few Mexican products with protected designation of origin. Talavera is a type of ceramic that has been produced without interruption for more than four centuries, making it one of the most important folk art expressions in Mexico.

6) The Palafoxian Library is considered the oldest library in the Americas with an intact collection and where the building and all the shelves and furniture are original. These characteristics lead UNESCO to add the library to its Memory of the World Registry in 2005.

7) The gastronomy of Puebla is one of the most diverse and exquisite in all of Mexico, and even the world. Puebla has provided Mexico with its most traditional dishes: Mole Poblano and Chiles en Nogada.

8) The Cathedral of Puebla is considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, in addition to having the tallest towers in the continent. The Cathedral safeguards an important art collection including paintings, sculptures, music compositions and documents.

9) Africam Safari is the most important zoo-safari in Latin America. Wild animals roam free an make for an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals, encouraging them to love and respect our planet.

10) La Capilla del Rosario (The Chapel of the Rosary) is one of the most grand baroque jewel of the seventeenth century in Puebla and Mexico. Since the day is opened its doors in 1690, the chapel has been seen as one of a kind due to its symbolism and the quality of its decorations which are lively covered with gold foil.

Want to learn more about Puebla? Read other blog posts here:
Puebla City Highlights — Puebla, a Culinary Delight! — Lonely Planet Names Puebla One of the Top 10 Places to Visit or start planning your trip:Colonial Mexico and Puebla Private Tours

This post is part of our #MexicoJourney trip through Southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, to read more click here. You can follow along in real-time Aug 29-Sept 13 via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with hashtag #MexicoJourney.

Hotel Downtown, A Hip Oasis Among Cobblestone Streets – #MexicoJourney

Posted September 1, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Mexico City, On the Road.

Hotel Downtown, a boutique hotel located within walking distance from Mexico City’s main plaza and within the blocks that make up the Historic Center (a UNESCO World Heritage site), is one of the capitals best place to see and be seen. Open in 2012 under the Grupo Habita umbrella and soon after recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the world’s “Best New Hotels”, the hotel quickly made its mark and attracted the hip and wealthy from both abroad and locally.

The hotel is a converted 17th century colonial building once known as “Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle” and outshines itself with not only its boutique hotel, but also its youth hostel,collection of 100% Mexican shops and restaurants, and best rooftop terrace the city has to offer. The two restaurants on the group floor include Azul Histórico and Padrinos, both hip yet classy options for traditional Mexican food with a contemporary spin. Throughout the building, the designteam found a way to respect the original architecture while adding a distinctive and grand 21st-century industrial feel and a concept which would best be described as “hipster-chic”.

On Sundays, the terrace which includes a pool, Jacuzzi, and bar, hosts “Recovery Sunday” parties open to the public to come join and rest, relax, and sip a cocktail or two. The ambiance is low-key with live jazz and funk playing starting at 2pm and is one of the hottest places to hang out.

Location: Isabel La Catolica 30, Colonia Centro, Mexico City, Mexico.
Rooms: 17 rooms, 4 categories
Features: Air condition, C.O. Bigelow amenities, flat screen, minibar, and wifi.

This post is part of our #MexicoJourney trip through Southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, to read more click here. You can follow along in real-time Aug 29-Sept 13 via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with hashtag #MexicoJourney.

Journey Mexico Achieves Inc. 5000 List, Fastest Growing Private Company

Posted August 25, 2014 by Jessica S. & filed under Things We're Proud Of.

For the 6th time, Journey Mexico has made the Inc. Magazine‘s Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America, ranking 40 in the travel industry.

Weathering the storm of unrelenting negative reports of Mexico in the media for the past three years, Journey Mexico has stayed committed to providing unforgettable travel experiences to a continuously growing number of discerning and sophisticated travelers. For other Journey Mexico accomplishments, visit Journey Mexico: In the Press

What’s Happening With The Airlines/Airport?

What’s Open?

So what’s next for Los Cabos?

Update: Hotel Cacao is now LAT20 by Live Aqua

Coqui Coqui Tulum

Be Tulum

Hotel Esencia

READ MORE ABOUT TULUM HERE:

THE COMPLETE 411 ON TULUM | THINGS TO DO IN TULUM | THE HOTEL ESENCIA EXPERIENCE | INCREDIBLE PHOTOS OF TULUM | TULUM ITINERARIES

To see the most updated, please go to: Updated Mexico Facts & Statistics

The following data is from the end of the first semester of 2014

The following data is from January to August of 2014

Los Limosneros

Quintonil

Sue 45 (formerly Cornelia)

Toniná

Palenque

Yaxchilán

Bonampak

Uxmal

Chichen Itzá

The International Community Foundation is raising funds to support immediate disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in Baja California Sur in response to damage caused by Hurricane Odile.

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