Mexico Travel Tips & Information

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 Jul 6

Moon Palace Cancun Hosts Global Flu Summit

Acknowledged as one of the world’s finest meeting properties, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancún, Mexico, was chosen to host the Global Flu Summit on July 1-3, 2009. The Global Flu Summit was held to reflect on the lessons learned from the Influenza A-H1N1 virus. Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon called the meeting to order on July 2, 2009 and then the attendees collaborated resources from around the world to uncover tools to  prevent, limit and mitigate the pandemic

Moon Palace Cancun

 Attendees included the World Health Organization General Director Margaret Chan, who recently praised Mexico for the openness and speed with which it implemented health measures, as well as Pan-American Health Organization General Director Mirta Roses, ministers of health from approximately 40 different countries and the highest level specialists and representatives from more than 50 countries. Mexico’s immediate reaction, taking control of the epidemic in a matter of a month, and acquired knowledge is proof that the world can only benefit from Mexico’s experience, said the country’s Minister of Health.

The Governor of Quintana Roo, Felix Gonzalez, emphasized the importance of this event, as it shows the reestablishment of confidence and trust in the country, especially in the Mexican Caribbean, where tourism continues to recuperate at a rapid pace and is almost back to normal seasonal occupancy levels. The Global Summit not only positioned all of Mexico and singled out Quintana Roo as a safe place for tourist activity, but also served as platform to exchange knowledge and information regarding Influenza A (H1N1) virus benefiting people around the worlds, added Gonzalez. 

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort was chosen to host The Global Flu Summit due to its stunning meeting facilities at the largest convention center in Cancún, as well as its reputation for five-star service and amenities. The extraordinary conference center facilities include 142,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with permanent staging, the capacity for up to 8,600 attendees, and the option of 40 breakouts. Serving as one of the most technologically sophisticated resorts in Mexico, high tech board of director rooms and a business center will make these conference facilities ideal for the Global Flu Summit.

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort is located on Cancun’s tranquil south shore, nestled between 123 acres of tropical foliage and secluded white sand beach. This quintessential Cancun family resort offers something for everyone, starting with 2,457 luxurious rooms, including waterside and garden view accommodations or golf villa suites. Two of the largest lagoon-style pools in Mexico wind their way along the beach for more than 650 feet and are complemented by two children’s pools, one Golf Club pool, six Jacuzzis and four swim-up bars. Additional on-site adventures range from a water sports marina and sporting activities to a fully equipped fitness center and private Kids Club. The Moon Spa & Golf Club is home to the only Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course in Cancun and one of Palace Resorts’ signature spas, which offers a complete hydrotherapy journey and signature treatments for the body and soul. Travelers enjoy a variety of international delights at 13 restaurants and premium beverages and nightly entertainment at 11 bars and lounges.

posted by colin on May 28

The Ministry of Health initiated a certification program for tourism destinations that are free of influenza A H1N1 by analyzing the most important touristic places and endorsing them as safe and healthy.

To this date there are five cities certified as “virus free”. These cities are: Cancun, Cozumel, Villahermosa, La Paz and Manzanillo. Nine more entities will be added to this list, including Mexico City.

The program involves the daily review of tourists and employees and is led by the Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS). This commission will maintain control of the spread of the virus and confirm that these places are safe and ready to receive tourists.

The program declares a destination as safe after 20 days of certification–the estimated incubation period ensuring the absence of the virus.

posted by colin on Apr 28

Crime Threats

The Yucatan Peninsula has not suffered the same level of escalating violence seen in other parts of Mexico. There is no evidence that indicates that criminals specifically target American citizens. Criminals select victims based on appearance, vulnerability, and inattentiveness.

Safety

In recent years, moped rentals have become widespread in Cancun and Cozumel, and the number of serious moped accidents has risen accordingly. Most operators carry no insurance and do not conduct safety checks. U.S. Embassy Mexico City recommends avoiding operators who do not provide a helmet with the rental. Some operators have been known to demand fees many times in excess of damages caused to the vehicles, even if renters have purchased insurance in advance. Vacationers at other beach resorts have encountered similar problems after accidents involving rented jet skis.

One of the better recommendations for avoiding being the victim of a crime at tourist destinations is employing the buddy system, traveling with a trusted individual. Be cognizant of your consumption of alcohol. Most vehicular accidents and incidents of crime affecting U.S. citizens involve the excess consumption of alcohol.

Traveling by Automobile

Road conditions in the Yucatan Peninsula are different than those encountered in the United States. Extra care should be exercised when passing a vehicle or being passed. Non-toll roads between major cities can be narrow and vary in conditions. Toll roads are generally wider and better maintained. Drivers should beware of unmarked speed bumps in populated areas. Driving at night outside of major cities is not advisable due to the lack of adequate street lighting.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death of U.S. citizens in Mexico. Motorists should exercise special caution on the heavily traveled expressway south of Cancun, particularly between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where the road reduces from four divided lanes to two-way traffic on a narrow and poorly maintained road.

U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Prior to road travel ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and that fluids are at the correct level. When traveling long distances, it is best to travel in tandem with another vehicle. Ensure that there is enough fuel to reach larger cities or towns, as some smaller communities may not have service stations.

The following items are recommended for road trips:

• Cellular phone and charger
• Spare tire
• Portable gas can with funnel
• Potable water
• Non-perishable food items
• First-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Flares / reflectors
• Tool kit
• Spare key

Protecting Your Vehicle

Do not leave valuables or items such as laptops, iPods, and expensive sunglasses in plain view and unattended in your vehicle. Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street. When possible park your vehicle inside residential compounds or parking areas with attendants.

OSAC – Overseas Security Advisory Council