Wednesday, October 29, 2008

10 dazzling destinations
MEXICO -- Mexico is blessed with fabulous beaches on both coasts. One of my favourite Mexican hideaways is the one-time sleepy fishing village of Zihuatanejo (just south of the modern, hip resort town of Ixtapa).

If you want a relaxing, seaside Mexican experience on the west coast and would rather stay at fab digs such as the Casa Qui Canta (the House That Sings) than at an all-inclusive five-star mega-resort, this is the place to chill out.

But if you are looking for a superb beaching and water-sports shangri-la, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera should be at the top of your list as a Mexican sun spot.

The 130-km stretch known as the Riviera Maya begins 18 km south of Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos and extends to Tulum, one of Mexico's most important archeological sites.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Hanal Pixan, a Supper Not Everyone Can Enjoy
CANCUN, Mexico, Oct 27, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Since Prehispanic times, each November, Mexicans remember those who have passed away and come back to share with living relatives.
Each region has a different way of praising their ancestors through rituals and ceremonies like the picturesque Mayan tradition of Hanal Pixan or supper of the souls.
Combining Mayan and Christian elements, food and beverages are offered to remember those beloved ones that undertook the eternal journey and are permitted to come back to visit their living relatives who prepare the most succulent feast that will make them feel alive once again.

Monday, October 27, 2008

The quiet side of Yucatán
Our walk along the Yucatán beach on the Gulf of Mexico is turning into a voyage of discovery, despite the fact that we are a half-hour drive from the closest Mayan ruins.

We stride by fishing boats leaning over in the sand and wave at fishermen returning with coolers full of grouper, which will end up on dinner plates in nearby homes and restaurants in the port city of Progreso.

We pick up shells washed up by the tide and stop to snap pictures of kids playing soccer in the sand. It all seems very ordinary, but the backdrop is not.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Leonardo DiCaprio holidays in Mexico
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has become the latest celebrity to enjoy a holiday in Mexico this year.

Following in the footsteps of Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Beckinsale, Leo was spotted soaking up the sunshine alongside his model girlfriend Bar Refaeli.

According to gossip website JustJared.com, the pair have been spending their time visiting historic sites and topping up their tans on the beaches of Cancun.
Leo was pictured wearing a wetsuit, while his glamorous girlfriend looked tanned and toned in a two-piece bikini.
Escape to ... Mexico's Maya Riviera
Bright lights, big city? That's Dallas, no doubt. But when the prescription calls for a getaway to a locale where serenity is as abundant as the tropical scenery, the cure can be found in Mexico's Riviera Maya.

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, paradise is forever at the Ceiba del Mar resort. At least it seems that way, when you're lounging in the sand under a thatched-roof canopy listening to the waves caress the shore. The quaint fishing village of Puerto Morales is just a short stroll down the beach, and it's easy to envision a sun-kissed life from a simpler time.

While it's only 20 minutes from the Cancun airport (direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth are numerous), Ceiba del Mar is a world away from the glitz, bustle, and noise of Cancun and Cozumel. But as a luxury destination, this boutique resort ensures you'll never leave wishing for more -- except for extra time to enjoy all it has to offer. Such as ...

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

2 tourists die in parasailing accident in Mexico
CANCUN, Mexico: A security official says two foreign tourists fell to their deaths while parasailing south of Mexico's resort town of Cancun.

Local Deputy Attorney General Luis Canche says the two women were killed when the rope tying their parachute to a speed boat snapped. The women were hurled onto rocks on shore. A third woman fell into the water and survived.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

AirTran to fly Cancun from BWI, ATL
Just in time for spring break, AirTran plans to offer new flights to Cancun, with roundtrip nonstops from both BWI and Atlanta.

The AirTran planes will fly out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Eco-adventuring in the Mayan world
CANCUN, Mexico - Evidently, there may not be much time left. According to the Mayan calendar, a distinct end of a cycle will occur on Dec. 21, 2012.

Although it's not clear what cycle will be ending -- and although we're not fatalistic -- we decided it would be an opportune time to experience the Mayan world.

It seemed there wouldn't be any better way to explore this ancient civilization than by taking an interactive eco-adventure tour.

There are a variety of Mayan ruins to explore in the area -- Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. Our choice for a group tour was Coba.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Mayan Worlds
Cancun, Mexico. Evidently, there may not be much time left. According to the Mayan calendar, a distinct end of a cycle will occur on Dec. 21, 2012.

Although it's not clear what cycle will be ending -- and although not fatalistic -- we decided it may be an opportune time to experience the Mayan world.

It seemed there wouldn't be any better way to explore this ancient civilization than by taking an interactive eco-adventure tour.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Magic pueblos cast a spell with relaxed pace, ancient traditions
The "magic of Mexico" is such a popular slogan that it's almost a cliché, and yet the unspoiled villages, relaxed pace and ages-old traditions that phrase represents to travelers are in short supply in the go-go destinations the country promotes most vigorously.

Fortunately, Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism, working with state and local governments, has begun recognizing its Pueblos Magicos (magic villages) and, more importantly, funneling government funds to help preserve their authentic qualities and develop unintrusive tourism facilities. To become a Magic Pueblo, a community must have unusual historical or religious significance, a heritage that has been preserved over time and reasonable access from major cities or other tourist destinations.
Swimming off the Mexican coast with the gentle giants
Cancun, Mexico - Skipper Jorge drops anchor 50 kilometres off the Mexican coastal resort of Cancun before shouting over to his partner Jose to usher two passengers with life-jackets, flippers and snorkels to the side of the vessel. Suddenly Jorge lets out a cry of "12 metres" and a huge fish, whose mouth stretches more than one-and-a-half metres across, looms into view. It approaches the boat slowly and swims alongside.

Jose and the two guests let themselves fall into the water before making their way towards the cavernous opening which could easily swallow up both of them. For its part, the whale shark seems to be ignoring the two colourful "objects" within its field of vision and it simply changes course.