Mexico Travel Tips & Information

posted by colin on Oct 9

In May of 2011, President Felipe Calderon (president ofMexico) reassured travel executives attending a global tourism summit in Las Vegas that “Mexico is a safe place to visit”.

Despite Calderon’s comforting words, various news programsand magazine articles have left some of us asking whether or not we should go.

Mexico is a large country, and so any attempt to answer that question should probably focus on those places that are safest for travelers.  On April 22^nd, the US Department of State issued a Travel Warning to inform US citizens aboutsecurity situation in Mexico.  In the Travel Warning, the Dept. of State specified that “resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico are generally do notsee the levels of drug related violence and crime reported in the border region
and in areas along major trafficking routes”.

Anecdotally, I can report that my wife and I spent two weeksin and around Cancun in May.   We took taxis into town and buses to attractions outside of the populated areas and never had any problems or felt uneasy at all.   The locals were always friendly and very helpful.  Most are very proficient in English.  We are heading to Playa del Carmen in December without giving it a second doubt!

And what about our guests?  Are they concerned about venturing to Mexico?  We have had a few inquiries about this
topic.  Safety questions do arise once in a while.  To questions such as “how safe is it? and Is the media blowing it out of proportion?”  I insist that you should use common sense.  Be alert, stay in populated areas, don’t wear expensive jewelry away from the resort, late night activities away from your resort should be curtailed, be respectful of your surroundings.  The same advice that I would give if traveling to NYC, Washington DC or LosAngles.   Use your head,  contact KokoTravel for your next Mexico vacation and you’ll have a great time!!!

posted by Donna-Lee on Jul 18

Isla Mujeras, on the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of Travellers’ Choice 2010 Top 10 Beach and Sun Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Isla Mujeras Dock

Isla Mujeras (Island of Women) is a small island that was once a sanctuary to the Mayan goddess of childbirth and medicine.  With its picturesque views, tranquil beaches, marine parks and sculptured cliffs, Isla Mujeras displays nature at its best. Just eight miles across the bay from Cancun (Bahia de Mujeres) the island is just five miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point.  The area that could be called ‘downtown’ is but six blocks long and four blocks wide.  The weather is glorious with an average temperature at 80 degrees with 60% humidity.  Isla Mujeras is flat with beaches on all sides of the island.

 Strolling the streets of Isla Mujeres, you will still see evidence of the fishing village that it once was with families gathered in their homes tucked between stores and restaurants.  The tourism has provided the villagers with another means to provide for themselves, but the charm and tranquility of the fishing village remains. 

 Isla Mujeres welcomed tourists from around the world, long before the development of Cancun as a tourist meca.  You can still find older residents who can tell stories of tourists signalling from a make-shift dock where Puerto Juarez stands today. The local fishermen’s sons would take a small boat to the mainland to pick up visitors for their stay on the island.  Today there is a ferry that makes runs every half hour.

Isla Mujeras Beach Restaurant

Isla Mujeres is the easternmost point of Mexico, the frontier of eastern Mexico, and the Mexican Navy base was established in 1949 . Fishing was still the main source of income; it wasn’t until recent years that Tourism became a large part of the island. In 1967, the Mexican Government and its water department (C.A.P.A), with the help of many local divers, install an under-the-sea purified water piping system, the first in the world. The 6″ pipes were replaced with 8″ pipes in 1988 the same year Hurricane Gilbert hit the island, which partially destroyed the Mayan temple on the south point. The last few years have seen tremendous improvements to the island including an extensive drainage and sewer system, electric and phone service to the various colonias, paved streets that allow rainwater to drain and a high school.

If you are lucky enough to be vacationing on Isla December 31st, it is a tradition for Isleños to greet the first rays of the sun at the dawn of each new year at the south point, the most eastern point of Mexico.

Life in this little village is much more laid-back and peaceful than that of Cancun, but there is still plenty to see and do, from snorkeling and swimming to shopping and sunning.  The people of Isla Mujeres are proud of their history, and hold the magic of the island in their hearts.

Isla Mujeras Palace Resort

One of the most highly recommended resorts on Isla Mujeres is the small boutique all inclusive resorts, Isla Mujeras Palace Resort.

This small, 62 room resort boasts elegant contemporary design, luxury and comfort in this delightfully intimate resort. A ferry ride out of Cancun, one can look across the Caribbean Sea to the beautiful lights of Cancun’s Hotel Zone from the second story of this resort. The excitement of Cancun is worlds away, yet conveniently accessible.

The freestyle pool with swim up bar overlooks the sea as does the resort’s Holistic Center. Luxuriate around the pool or on the beach, staff will attend to your needs in either location.

The island environment is relaxing yet re-awakens all of your senses. The International menu includes the ideal wine to pair with your meal and cocktails are readily available in the lobby bar as well.

With the 1500 Vacation Dollars, you can select activities and tours to enjoy as well.

Activities on La Isla Mujeras include snorkeling with the opportunity to see stingrays, crabs, barracuda, sea turtles and huge masses of other tropical fish. The water on the around this resort is is calm and clear, and perfect for snorkeling at no cost. There are charters that will take you out to one of the bigger reefs for more fun,

Golf carts and bicycles are available to rent so that you can explore the island, it will take about 20 – 30 minutes to go from one end of the island to another. There are quaint shopping, hotels and restaurant areas on the southern tip of the island, enjoy Mayan Ruin, a turtle farm, an old pirate house, and even a lighthouse lookout where the view of the ocean is breathtaking; there’s plenty to see.

Isla Mujeras is one of Travellers’ Choice 2010 Top 10 Beach and Sun Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.  We make it affordable for you when you stay as guest of a Palace Premier VIP membership by renting Palace Resorts Timeshare weeks.

posted by colin on Jul 13

Le Blanc Resort On Cancun White Sand Beach

Le Blanc offers a perfect adults only resort atmosphere in a luxurious, all inclusive beach resort.

From a decadent Diamond Facial to a butler-per-floor policy, Le Blanc Spa Resort continues to entice visitors with advantages that escape the standard all inclusive experience.

“Le Blanc redefines luxury the moment guests enter the sleek and minimalist lobby of the resort,” explains Maira Briceno, dir. of marketing. “Guests are instantly welcomed and treated like royalty…. At this resort, guests are indulged from beginning to end.”

Hovering over the magnificent white sand beaches of Cancun, this adults-only resort combines modern sophistication and service in such details as pillow menus, Jacuzzis built for two, and fully stocked, in-room liquor dispensers that offer premium nightcaps. Haute cuisine is another standard fare at Le Blanc, with everything from Italian favorites to Asian delicacies. Guests watching what they eat find an assortment of healthy fare including salads, lean fish, sushi and other low-cal dishes-a perfect complement to the resort’s amazing spa experience.

“The Le Blanc Spa was created with the guests’ complete relaxation in mind-a place where tranquility prevails throughout the exquisite, elegant and soothing architectural design. Here, surrounded by bamboo gardens, elegant wood and marble floors and wonderfully relaxing outdoor massage pavilions all cares are left behind,” says Briceno. “This unique mix of Asian and European traditions offers and experience of refreshment and rejuvenations for your mind, body and spirit.”

Perhaps one of Le Blanc Spa’s most arresting attractions is the Blanc D’or Suite, a private sanctuary for two with steam, sauna, double Jacuzzi, and private terrace where couples may spend the day in each other’s company while enjoying a full array of treatments. Indulgence is more of an art form here. Guests may begin their spa experience with a guided hydrotherapy routine known as the Water Journey, then continue on to anything from a hydrating papaya and melon wrap to an Asian Discovery (Zen shiatsu and Thai herbal massage) for two at a couples’ suite.  In the near future, Le Blanc will introduce new treatments for mothers-to-be.

Le Blanc Infinity Pool On The Ocean

Le Blanc is more about “a lifestyle vision of wellness and personalized attention.” Rather than just massages or facials, here it’s all about, a “sensory journey, a balancing experience that cannot be repeated at home. The location, the aromas, the architecture, the professional service are a true synergy of harmony and balance.”

Celebrities and royalty frequent Le Blanc.  This resort is exclusive and the perfect environment for a honeymoon or anniversary celebration, if not simply an escape from reality.  The best deal for Le Blanc is through one of the few
Palace Resorts VIP members with access to Le Blanc

posted by colin on Mar 20

One of Palace Resorts’environmental undertakings is a program that protects native plants from the jungle, mangroves, wetlands, and more by collecting them before construction begins on a new project, and harboring them in nurseries to protect their survival. It has also established a sea turtle protection program along the beaches of Quintana Roo, with three SEMARNAT- authorized camp sites.

Palace Resorts, in it’s effortsto protect and preserve the environment while keeping in mind that their idyllic locations are often naturally abundant and ecologically significant – Palace Resorts has created the “Palace Resorts Environmental Committee” to guarantee effective practices among the staff and visitors through out its properties. The program stretches to the most minute detail of the hotels’ operations, from green administration to reducing waste and educating personnel at all levels.

SEMARNAT is responsible for developing a state policy of environmental protection that reverses ecological deterioration and promotes sustainable use in Mexico. Additionally the resort properties point out the associated fauna that shares their habitat for guests to learn, appreciate and protect the animal species that live in each area.

Xpu Ha Palace  in the Rivera Maya just received the certificate of environmental quality in tourism from Mexico’s PROFEPA (Federal Procurement of Environmental Protection), with the set to receive the award in the very near future. Palace Resorts’ goal is to have at least nine of its properties to receive the certification by the end of 2009. Moon Palace Cancun.

posted by colin on Jan 20

Riviera Maya New Adventure Park; Xplor

Is driving an unstoppable amphibious vehicle along the jungle, water, rocks and grottos your idea of fun? Or is it swimming through mysterious routes, surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites in underground caves? There’s a place underground where adventure beats at the same rhythm as your heart.

On July 7th, the Xcaret Group, proudly inaugurated Xplor Park. Located in the Riviera Maya, in the state of Quintana Roo, this 22 million dollar investment is ready to welcome visitors who are in search of adventure.

Xplor Park invites you to explore more than six miles of daunting borders between jungle, water, rocks and caverns. The park offers four different activities: swimming, zip lining, water rafting and individual travel inside caves. This park displays the region’s striking geology and is close to the zone that 65 million years ago was struck by an asteroid, which according to investigators, explains the extinction of dinosaurs.

Waiting for you at this underground world are 11 exciting zip-lines, journeys through the jungle on amphibious vehicles, stalactites and stalagmites surrounding you as you swim through the underground paradise, and raft navigation across subterranean caverns. The goal of Xplor Park is to expand the attractions offered to the tourism market, which has based its growth from the sun and beach sector, and capture new visitors through extreme sports.

Resorts in the Riviera Maya area:

Palace Resorts All Inclusive Mexico Vacations

Mayan Palace Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

Mexico Vacation Rentals Best Mexico Family Vacations