Hot off the digital presses! April’s newsletter is packed with the latest in what’s going on in Mexico and where to go. This month we feature a post about how many hotels in Mexico are making headlines for their excellence. We also feature an exclusive promotion we secured from Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta. Other highlights include the Volcano Climbing Expedition, Palace Resorts, and Hotelito Mio.To view the April newsletter in its entirety, click here.
One cannot read information about Mexico’s Riviera Maya without a picture of the beautiful Tulum ruins as the highlight photo. The town of Tulum and its ruins are located on the south end of the Riviera Maya, about an hour and 40 minutes drive from Cancun. It has evolved into a world-class tourism destination that Journey Mexico knows inside and out.
To check out our Tulum guide click here; or just enjoy photos from our most recent trips:
Photo Credits: (1-4) Graham Mattock, (5-7) Jessica Seba, (8-10) Zachary Rabinor
Condé Nast Traveler, the world’s premier travel magazine, released their much anticipated “2013 Conde Nast Villa Specialist” Annual Guide to the World’s Top Villas Specialists in their March 2013 issue. Journey Mexico is proud to announce that Founder and President, Zachary Rabinor, has been awarded the title of Top Villa Specialist for Mexico.
This thoughtfully hand-picked list is chosen by Wendy Perrin, the Director of Consumer News and Digital Community, who comments on the selection process:
For sheer peace of mind, nothing beats the voice of authority. That’s why for the past eight years, we’ve been rigorously vetting villa rental agents around the world—renting from them, accompanying them on villa inspections, interviewing them extensively, and hearing feedback from readers. Getting on our list of top villa specialists means filling out a 47-question application and sending sample house books, checklists used to evaluate properties, and at least one client reference… …Forty-one agents made this year’s cut, representing properties in all our favorite destinations—from Tuscany to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.
Zach has earned the Villa Specialist for three consecutive years now which is not an easy task. As Perrin explains in CNT, “Staying on this list is even tougher: It requires proving user-friendliness, conscientiousness, and honesty time and again”. Zach is the only Villa Specialist in Mexico who has also been chosen as one of the World’s Top Travel Specialist (also by Condé Nast Traveler). You can view Zach’s profile here.
VILLA BEL’HA, Mayan Riviera, Four bedrooms; from $14,000 per week.
What Conde Nast Traveler has to say about Zach :
Mexico resident Rabinor has assembled a carefully chosen portfolio of luxury properties all over the country, with a concentration in Puerto Vallarta and Punta de Mita. Whether at a country hacienda or a contemporary beachfront casa, you’ll find authentic Mexican style, full staff (at most properties), and information packets that offer guidance on everything from tequila tastings to turtle-nesting sites. Rabinor can also masterfully plan any local itinerary or day-trip.
Already traveled with Journey Mexico before thanks to Zach’s assistance? If so, he requests you to kindly leave a comment on his profile found on this link. Thank you!
Mexico’s annual Tianguis Turistico will be held in Cancun next year. Tianguis is the most important travel trade show in Mexico, providing an important platform for travel industry professionals to meet with hundreds of Mexico tourism service providers. Unlike other travel trade shows, the three day event is entirely focused on one destination and topic: the promotion of Mexico.
For 36 years straight, the event was held in Acapulco, Guerrero before making its first move to Puerto Vallarta in 2012. Deciding which city to host the event after 36 years was not an easy task; destinations had to submit proposals as to why they should be host and prove they have the infrastructure required. It is clear why Cancun was chosen for 2014; it has over 32,000 hotel rooms (70,000+ if you include the Riviera Maya), several AAA 4 and 5 Diamond properties, the largest Latin American international airport with the most connectivity and high quality services and framework.
Cancun has already started preparations for Tianguis Turistico. The Mexico Tourism Board is making an initial investment of 40 million pesos, while federal and state government in Quintana Roo will invest 80 million pesos. In an interview with MexicoNews.Travel, Robert Borge Angula, Governor of Quintana Roo, said, “We are already preparing and doing very well with the first arrangements, regarding the productions of such a important event, while also evaluating all the areas of the event. We are very well prepared and we would like to have at least two venues for the fair.” Later it was announced that the main host for the event will be the Moon Palace Resort on the southern part of Cancun’s Peninsula.The Cancun Center and Xcaret are also being considered as a venue for opening and closing ceremonies.
The event dates are still not set, but it is speculated to be held in May instead of March or April.
Juan Carlos González Hernández, Minister of Tourism for Quintana Roo, is requesting this change because he says “[March through April] is a period in which hotel occupancy rates are an average of 92%, which would complicate the touistic festivities.” Cancun is also setting expectations for attendees; while 2013 Tianguis Turistico in Puebla was record breaking, Cancun is expecting to surpass it with at least 45 different countries present. Angula commented on the goal, “[Quintana Roo] is a very well positioned state not only in Mexico, but also in the whole Caribbean as well as Latin America…”
If you’re anticipating to attend this travel fair, you can get more information on their website http://tianguisturisticomexico.com.mx/, or by staying tuned on our blog. If you plan on visiting Cancun/Riviera Maya for any reason, give Journey Yucatan a call. We can help you choose the best accommodations for your stay and give you valuable inside information about the best things to do in this lovely part of Mexico.
Every month, the Journey Mexico Newsletter features two luxury hotels that are currently offering promotions to travelers. We also work hard to present to our readers exclusive promotions available only to travelers who make their arrangements through Journey Mexico.
Thus far in 2013, we are excited to offer the following exclusive promotions in Baja California Sur and Mexico’s Pacific Coast:
One & Only Palmilla – Cabo San Lucas
Welcome Margaritas for two.
Valid for travel through December 2013. Offer can be combined with Sunny Escapes or Retreat promotion.
Hacienda San Angel – Puerto Vallarta
Complimentary bottle of Hacienda selected wine in room.
Upgrade guests to next room category.
Valid for travel through December 2013.
Other standard promotions include:
Maroma Resort & Spa Riviera Maya: Full daily breakfast, welcome margarita & more.
Hotel Esencia Riviera Maya: Third or fourth night free, full daily breakfast for two & more.
Esperanza Los Cabos Daily breakfast at Cocina del Mar, complimentary nights & more.
Capella Ixtapa: Full daily breakfast, complimentary nights or resort credits & more.
If you wish to take advantage of these exclusive promotions, do not hesitate to contact Journey Mexico today. To receive the latest information and offers such as these in your inbox, subscribe to our mailing list below!
This month’s newsletter went out a little late, but it was because we were busy filling it with with the best news and offers! In this edition, our CEO, Zach Rabinor, shares his insight and insider tips on both general travel to Mexico and the latest on what is going on in Tulum. We also are happy to share with you an exclusive promotion we secured for One & Only Palmilla! Other news featured includes Hotel Xixim and a promotion from Maroma.
To view the March newsletter in its entirety, click here.
The most important event in Mexico’s tourism, Tianguis Turistico, continues to grow as expectations in terms of buyers and attendance have exceeded and broken record the past two years. Being held for the first time in Puebla, the 38th edition Tianguis Turistico was the largest in terms of countries represented — with over 42 present. For the 25,000+ attendees, events, parties, lunches, and tours were held all around the city. Puebla dazzled and delighted its visitors during the four day event showing off their cultural and historical highlights that warrants the recognition to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here are some of the places highlighted in Puebla during Tianguis Turistico:
Civic Center Cinco de Mayo
The Puebla Convention Center is located on the foothills of the Cerro Los Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe, which is where the Battle of Puebla on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) took place back in 1862. Today, the Civic Center Cinco de Mayo remains as a place of major importance in the history of Mexico and is commemorated by memorial monuments, the old fort structures Fuerte de Loreto and Fuerte de Guadalupe, and interactive museums of military history and talavera.
Centro Historico
The Historic Centre of Puebla, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, preserves over 2,500 monuments distributed across 391 blocks making Puebla the city with the largest number of monuments in the Americas. In the Historic Centre of Puebla, colorful, colonial architecture dominates and is strewn with unique cathedrals and churches, world-renowned gastronomy, bazaars and artisans.
Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles
An important piece of history, the Ferrocariles Mexicanos (Mexican Railway) Train Station was close to being demolished in the 1970s but was rescued for its declaration as cultural heritage. It later turned into a museum that today demonstrates the importance of its construction and locomotive engines that helped the development of the railway system in Mexico.
La Purificadora
Located in the Historical Center of Puebla, La Purificadora has converted from a late 19th-century factory once used to purify water for the production of ice to a trendy, boutique hotel. The hotel offers one of the best views of Puebla, overlooking San Francisco Church and beautiful gardens.
Cholula (Archaeological Site)
A newly recognized Pueblo Magico (Magical Town), Cholula is best known for its grand pyramid on which rests the large yellow church, Iglesia de los Remedios with a dramatic backdrop of the Popocatépetl Volcano. The pyramid, which is the largest pyramid in the world, is made up of sever overlaid pyramids built over a six century period. Today, the archaeological site includes ruins, tunnels, and a museum.
El Mural de los Poblanos
Puebla is home to some of the most popular dishes in Mexican gastronomy and El Mural de los Poblanos restaurant is where you can find the some of these traditional Poblano treats. The house specialties are cemitas, chile relleno, and five kinds of mole all served up in an authentic and elegant way. They also have a wide selection of mezcales and tequila, mexican wines and cooking classes and workshops.
All photos taken from www.puebla.travel
Continuing its long-standing tradition of offering outstanding resorts and hotels, several properties in Mexico have recently been awarded by major international media publications for their excellence.
AAA Five Diamond Award – Mexico has a total of 13 Five Diamond hotels– more than the Caribbean and Hawaii combined! The properties can be found in Los Cabos, Mexico City, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya.
The newest addition to the list is Capella Pedregal Resort and Spa in Cabos San Lucas, joining others such as the Four Seasons in Mexico City and Grand Velas Riviera Maya. See the complete list here.
Capella Pedregal
Four Seasons Mexico City
About the Award – “Representing just 0.3 percent of the total 59,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, this exclusive group of AAA Five Diamond hotels provides unique experiences chock full of leading-edge creativity and highly personalized hospitality to satisfy even the most savvy traveler.”
Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2013 – Mexico has a total of 37 hotels and resorts listed on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Gold List , a jump from last year’s 33. Seven new hotels have been featured on the list, including Rosewood and Hotel Matilda in San Miguel Allende, Cabo Azul Resort in Los Cabos, THE Royal and Playacar Palace in Playa del Carmen, Le Blanc in Cancun, and Banayan Tree Marques in Acapulco.
In addition to being featured on the Gold LIst, Esperanza in Los Cabos, Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, One&Only Palmilla, Four Seasons Punta Mita, Maroma Resort and Spa, La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatanejo have all earned their way into the Platinum Circle (making the list for the past 5 years in a row)!
Hotel Matilda
Rosewood San Miguel Allende
About the list – “The 19th annual Gold List is the ultimate annotated guide to the word’s finest properties and cruise lines, as elected by more than 47,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers.The Gold List is truly a global representation of real quality, no matter how far-flung. “
Spring is in the air and @JourneyMexico will be co-hosting next Monday’s #MexChat to share our expertise about Mexico spring vacations!
We invite you to join the #MexChat party happening on Twitter on Monday, March 11th at 1pm EST. Just follow the hashtag– we’ll ask the questions and you’ll provide the answers. To RSVP, click here..
To get ideas flowing, these exciting destinations are perfect for spring!
A couple of years ago, Don Mankin, an award-winning travel writer and adventure enthusiast (among many things), joined Journey Mexico for a pulse racing trip through the Copper Canyon. To our delight, Don published an article about his trip which ran in the Spring 2012 issue of Active Over 50. The article became award-winning and we would like to congratulate our friend Don for receiving the Gold Award in the “50+ Travel and Travelers” category for print articles from the North American Travel Journalists Association.
Here is an except Zipping Over Copper Canyon, Mexico by Don Mankin:
I’m scared of heights. So what the hell was I doing zipping across a 1,500 foot deep canyon on nothing more than a cable, some pulleys and assorted safety equipment? The adrenaline rush is part of it. I’m not too old for that but it was the views more than anything. As I soared faster than I have ever traveled before without mechanical propulsion, I had plenty of time to look at the maze of canyons below.
The Copper Canyon in northern Mexico is one of the biggest canyons in the world, even bigger than the Grand Canyon – 6,000 vs. 4,500 feet deep and four times the volume. The Copper is more vast than steep, made up of seven major and over 20 minor canyons rather than vertical walls plunging down to a single river at the bottom like the Grand.
It’s not only the scale and the views that make the Copper Canyon so attractive. It is also the home to the Tarahumara Indians, whose isolation in the rugged Canyon has produced many world famous long distance runners and a culture that is still relatively untouched by the modern world.
To read the entire article, you can download it from Active of 50 here.
About.com Readers’ Choice Awards are happening right now, showcasing the best in categories across About.com’s vast network. We are proud to announce that Journey Mexico has been selected as a finalist in the category for Favorite Tour Company in Mexico!
From now until March 19, the public is allowed to vote once a day for Journey Mexico. There are other Mexico categories to vote on as well, such as Favorite Beach Destination, Favorite Colonial City, and Favorite Luxury Hotel.
We hope to count on our network of friends and supporters to cast votes and to spread the word so people know return often and keep voting!
Click here to vote for Journey Mexico for Favorite Tour Company in Mexico.
Our February newsletter is packed with highlights you won’t want to miss! This month we feature a list of the most romantic hotels in Mexico, along with three hotel promotions: Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Esencia, and Hacienda San Angel. The spotlight section features a 15 day Culture of Mexico Experience, where you can follow and share pictures, posts & video all month long on our facebook! There is also information on the exciting opportunity to attend our Baja & Copper Canyon FAM Trip.
To view the February newsletter in its entirety, click here.
Click here to view information for Cancun – Riviera Maya Food and Wine Festival 2014
Cancun and Riviera Maya join together this year to hold their second annual Wine and Food Festival. The festival will be held March 14 to 17 and will feature 25 events. International chefs and sommeliers from around the world will join the exclusive gourmet festival to show off their culinary talents.
Last year the festival honored Mexican gastronomy, this year’s theme is Taste the New World – Europe Meets America. Taste demos, mezcal and wine tasting, spirits seminars, and chef competitions are just some of the events that will be held in luxury resorts and venues found in the area. Enrique Olvera and Massimo Bottura are the guests of honor.
The Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival gives food enthusiasts an incredible opportunity to sample cuisine, taste wines from around the world, and watch cooking demonstrations in the finest spots in the Mexican-Carribean. If you would like to visit, please contact Journey Mexico.
For a schedule of events, visit www.crmfest.com.
Once a year, Journey Mexico operates a FAM trip through The Copper Canyon to discover what might be Mexico’s most adventurous state. This year the 10 day FAM will cover both South Baja and The Copper Canyon over May 5th to May 14th.
The trip begins in Los Cabos, inspecting some of the most high-end hotels including One & Only Palmilla, Ventanas al Paraiso, Capella Pedregal and Esperanza Resort. A little beach and culture time come next with a stop off in the Pueblo Magico of Todos Santos before making our way to La Paz and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Isla Espiritu Santo.
After 5 days in Baja California Sur, attendees will board a private plane to cross the Sea of Cortes and transfer over to The Copper Canyon, settling in another one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, El Fuerte. The following days are full of adventure and discovery: a train ride on the world famous Chihuahua al Pacifico into the Sierra Madre Mountains, nature walks to a nearby waterfall, trips to breathtaking vantage points and incredible vistas of the canyon, cable car and zip-line excursions, visiting Creel (yet another Pueblo Magico), and hiking to Lake Arareko and Cusarare Waterfall.
If you would like to join or would like more information, please e-mail Zachary at zach [@] journeymexico.com Space is extremely limited so please advise interest ASAP.
What do you search for when trying to plan the perfect couples getaway? What characteristics does a hotel need to have to create the perfect honeymoon, or anniversary? This month, over a hundred people chimed in on Twitter’s #MexChat conversation to discuss romantic destinations and hotels in Mexico.
With first hand knowledge of all the over-the-top, luxurious, and romantic hotels in Mexico, we decided to curate a list to take the guess work out of researching ‘that perfect hotel’ for you and your honey. Here is a list of the most romantic hotels in Mexico – beach resort edition.
Best All-Inclusive in Riviera Maya
Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita
Located in Puerto Morelos, this all-inclusive boutique resort of only 90 luxury oceanfront suites is set on beautiful 14 acres that includes a private beach. The hotel is focused on wellness, serenity, and romance, catering to couples in a relaxed setting.
What makes it romantic: Intimate property, bottle of wine & fresh fruit delivered daily to room, many of the rooms feature a whirlpool and a private plunge pool, private catamaran rides and private candlelit dinner on pier can be arranged,
Runner Up: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Adults Only: Secrets Maroma & Excellence Riviera Cancun
Most Luxurious in Riviera Maya
Maroma Resort & Spa
An Orient-Express property, this resort is located on a private beach of powder white sand and turquoise waters. It was once an adult-only resort, and although it now accepts children, the intimate ambiance is still present.
What makes it romantic: Privacy of suites and villas, shared beach loungers, romantic details (upon request), private candlelit picnics can be arranged
Runner Up: Viceroy Riviera Maya
Mayakoba Exclusivity: Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba
Best All-Inclusive in Los Cabos
Zoetry Casa del Mar
This hacienda-style boutique resort welcomes you with a gorgeous cobblestone pathway and fountain. It is situated on the Sea of Cortes just minutes away from Cabo San Lucas. The resort provides Endless Privileges® all-inclusive getaway that provides gourmet dining options.
What makes it romantic: Adult-only, bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit daily, oceanfront suites with private terraces, infiniti-edge jacuzzis available
Runner Up:Secrets Marquis Los Cabos
Most Luxurious in Los Cabos
One & Only Palmilla
One & Only Palmilla is an ultra-luxury resort that has won numerous of accolades. The hotel is an exclusive hideaway of refined tranquility, with an array of accommodations including suites, villas, and casitas.
What makes it romantic: Chilled bottle of champagne and fresh flowers upon arrival, newlyweds enjoy an assortment of chocolate truffles upon arrival along with a romantic turndown amenity, private cove experience available, all ocean-view suites, butler service
Runner Up: Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Capella Pedregal, Esperanza
Most Luxurious in Huatulco
Quinta Real Huatulco
Perched on a hillside overlooking Huatulco’s Tangolunda Bay, this resort’s design was inspiried by The Arabian Nights. With only 28 suites, each with their own balcony or terrace, the service is very personalized and attentive. Guests say there is a certain ‘magical’ feel to the hotel that creates the sensation of escape and intimacy.
What makes it romantic: Smaller property with dramatic views, marble jacuzzi tubs in each room, private beach club, suites available with private pools.
Runner Up: Camino Real Zaashila
Most Luxurious in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo
Viceroy Zihuatanejo
On the shore of Playa La Ropa is the luxurious retreat of Viceroy Zihuatanejo. The 35 guestrooms and 35 suites are housed in casitas providing a good level of privacy; and no two rooms are alike. The property spans a large amount of beach, and also has a private lagoon.
What makes it romantic: Canopy beds, private hammocks with large terraces, suites have an outdoor infinity-edy pool, dramatic setting throughout property and beautiful sunset views
Runner Up: Capella Ixtapa
Best All-Inclusive Puerto Vallarta/ Riviera Nayarit
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
This resort is continuously receiving accolades for its luxury and service. The property provides an array of suites that cater to every need, each over 1,000 sqft and with their own private terraces perfect for a romantic dinner.
What makes it romantic: Amenities such as interior Jacuzzis or outdoor Jacuzzis with panoramic ocean views, sensual couples massages.
Runner Up: Secrets Vallarta Bay, Villa Premiere
Most Luxurious Puerto Vallarta/ Riviera Nayarit
Four Seasons Punta Mita
Located in Punta Mita, this Four Seasons property offers the absolute best in terms of hospitality, dining, spa, and everything you could ask for in an exclusive resort. There are several pools, a lazy river, private beaches and lounging cabanas that create romantic and secluded settings..
What makes it romantic: Suites have terraces with private plunge pools and hammocks, private 55-foot yacht available to charter, horseback riding and bonfires available for romantic dates
Runner Up: St. Regis Punta Mita
A new year brings new plans in travel! In our January newsletter, we highlight the most invigorating experiences and destinations to add to your 2013 travel list and we feature a culinary journey through Puebla that will make you crave Mexican food! This month’s hotel offers come from Esperanza in Los Cabos and Capella Ixtapa and as always, you will find the latest news of hotel & industry updates, and latest news from Journey Mexico including upcoming travel dates.
To view the January newsletter in its entirety, click here.
Condé Nast Traveler author, Wendy Perrin, recently sat down to interview one of Mexico’s Top Travel Specialist to reveal trends, tips, and suggestions you need to know when planning your Mexico vacation. It just so happens that the Condé Nast Traveler Travel Specialist was our very own, Zachary Rabinor!
In addition to speaking about what’s new, what’s trending, and what you shouldn’t do in Mexico, Zach also commented on the important topic of safety in Mexico:
“People are finally returning after several years of a hiatus to Mexico’s more cultural, wildlife and off-the-beaten-path destinations. So, I think for the past few years, while there was a lot of negative PR, negative press about Mexico, about violence in Mexico, that’s subsiding in both frequency and intensity, and so people are again, looking toward the cultural destinations in Mexico.”
To hear all of the insider Mexico tips, press play on the video below:
View the original Condé Nast Traveler Perrin Post: Tips from a Travel Specialist, Mexico Edition here.
The new AMResorts, Secrets Vallarta Bay and Now Amber Vallarta, have been widely embraced and welcomed as all-inclusive resorts to Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone. Since opening in April of 2012, the hotels have been receiving great feedback and after closer Journey Mexico inspection and experiencing the services first-hand, we agree.
While both hotels are on the same property, just a few minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s Downtown, they feel completely separated. Secrets Vallarta Bay is adults-only, romantic, and elegant while Now Amber is family-friendly, fun, and exciting. Both all-inclusive hotels operate under the signature Unlimited-Luxury® plan which provides top-notch services, indulgences and leaves you with a “don’t worry about a thing– you are on vacation” attitude.
The are a limited number of quality options that are minutes away from Puerto Vallarta’s Centro, so these two additions make great options for families or couples visiting the area. At Journey Mexico, we know all the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta and throughout the entire country. Give us a call today to plan the trip of a lifetime!
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