SANDOS LAUNCHES AGENT PROMOTION WITHFREE NIGHTS AND RATES STARTING AT $45

Sandos Hotels & Resorts, with two resort complexes on the RivieraMaya, Mexico, has launched an exclusive Extra Night promotionfor travel agents that includes free night(s) and special all-inclusiverates starting at $45 per person per night for travel throughNovember 15, 2010.

Agents who stay at the resort for four nights will pay for only three,while those interested in longer vacations can stay for five nightsand pay for four or book six or seven nights and pay for five.

Agents can head to environmentally-friendly Sandos Caracol EcoResort & Spa, through November 15 to enjoy a rate of $45 per per-son per night, or to the sprawling beachfront Sandos PlayacarBeach Resort & Spa through October 31 to enjoy a rate of $50 perperson per night. The Extra Night promotion is based on one travelagent per room. Rates quoted are ppdo per night in select room cat-egories and must be paid directly to the resort upon arrival. Amandatory site inspection of the property will be arranged on-site.

Booking is taken by email, and a travel agent ID must be presentedon check-in. Those traveling with children are afforded increasedsavings as one child under the age of 12 stays, eats and plays free,and a second child (under the age of 12) receives a 50-percent dis-count off regular rates (for kids staying in the same accommoda-tions as paying adults).

An all-inclusive Sandos Hotels & Resorts vacation features accom-modations, all meals and beverages, sporting activities, daily activ-ities program, supervised Kids Club and Teen Club, nightly enter-tainment and entrance to the disco, and all hotel taxes, servicecharges and gratuities. Sandos Hotels & Resorts, 866-336-4083, asistreservas@sandoshotels.com, www.sandos.com

HACIENDA TRES RÍOS RESORT CERTIFIEDGREEN GLOBE

For the second year in a row, Green Globe has certified HaciendaTres Ríos Resort, spa and nature park; recognizing their sustain-able practices, conservation of the environment, support for localcommunities and preservation of local culture. Located in RivieraMaya, the luxury resort focused on green travel has received thehighest grades from Green Globe Certification after an extensive

review of the procedures, daily operations and green practices. The Vice President of Development and Financing, Tres Ríos

Romárico Arroyo highlighted the hard work that has been investedin Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort. “Tres Ríos started out as an ecologi-cal park and we have been consistent in following our set guidelinesand standards to protect the extraordinary beauty and diversity ofthe region.” he said.

Green Globe Certification CEO, Guido Bauer said, ‘It is reassur-ing to see how a luxury beach resort, can operate at such high stan-dards of sustainable management. The Tres Rios SustainabilityTeam are experts in managing natural resources, including the careof 120 species of plants and 90 species of animals. This conserva-tion management is further enhanced by their training programsfor staff and the local community.’

Hacienda Tres Ríos has been recognized by the highest Mexicanenvironmental authorities, the Secretariat of Environment andNatural Resources (SEMARNAT), as well as international organi-zations UNEP, Sustainable Travel International and RainforestAlliance. Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, www.haciendatresrios.com; Green Globe, www.greenglobe.com

ME CANCUN WILL ADOPT ‘COMPLETE ME’CONCEPT

ME Hotels, a collection of “experience-based” urban hotels andcontemporary resorts operated by Sol Melia, has announced thatME Cancun will shift to an all-inclusive business model January 1,2011, and will embrace the brand’s first “Complete ME” concept,breaking the mold of traditional all-inclusive resorts where non-guests are prohibited access to the property grounds and amenities.Besides welcoming hotel guests, the revolutionary business ap-proach will embrace non-guests and local movers and shakers, al-lowing them to enjoy a la carte culinary offerings and revel in MECancun’s high-style design and vibrant social scene.

Basic offerings will feature unlimited food and beverage options,complimentary access to the pool, YHI Spa’s fitness center, “ChillOut Deck,” “The Beach Club,” the property’s WiFi and all in-roomamenities including iPod docking stations, Aveda organic productsand house mini bar. Guest rooms on “The Level,” the hotel’s pre-mium accommodations, will offer elevated privileges and amenitieslike private VIP check-in, use of the 10th floor’s “Living Room”lounge, exclusive concierge services and 24-hour in-room dining.

Guests will still be able to enjoy dining services at Salt,Beachhouse Restaurant, Silk, e-space, in-room dining and TheWater Grill, an Argentinean-style grill that will debut alongside thenew model. Additional services such as private “barefoot dinners”on the beach, premium high-energy pool parties with special per-formances by guest DJs, treatments at the 11,000-square-foot YHISpa and top-shelf liquor products, among others, will be availablefor an added fee. Sol Melia, www.solmelia.com; ME Urban Hotels & ContemporaryResorts, www.mebymelia.com

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News24 • OCTOBER 2010

MEXICO

MEXICAN CARIBBEAN RESOURCE DIRECTORY

The

ExperiencePalladium

Call Center: +1888 237 1226 (Toll Free)

www. .com www.bluetulumresorts.com

www.maromahotel.comwww.blueparrot.comwww.enchanting-group.com

www.posadadelmar.com www.royalresorts.com www.mayanresorts.com.mx

In the heart of Playa del Carmen, you’ll enjoy our hotels’high quality service ataffordable rates.

www.tukanhotels.comreservations@tukanhotels.com

AN APPLE VACATIONS PARTNER

With majestic views of the Mexican Caribbean Sea and crystalline gentle waves breaking onto a dramatic

shoreline, we work everyday on perfecting thefine art of combining world-class and discreetservice, a soothing and relaxing ambiance that

respects the natural integrity of the environment, with stylish design facilities

and luxury suite accommodations.

We are an organization committed toaccomplishing changes that allow us to

make the world we live in a betterplace. Our goal is to generate

ecological awareness through activitieswe develop, not only in the world of

tourism, but the virtual world as well bymeans of a web community.

Our endeavors begin in real economy(our hotels) and transcend into the web,

an ideal environment to promote andinstill a change in our awareness with

respect to the world we live in.

One of Playa's original hotel and beach clubs, the

B L U E P A R R O Thas been synonymous with

the Playa Del Carmen beach experience for hundreds

of thousands of guests fromaround the world.

Mayan Resorts offers a world of endless vacation possibilities. Its prime beachfront

locations, spectacular architecture and unsurpassed service and amenities have madeit a leader in Mexican tourism for over 30 years.

Mayan Resorts has redefined the concept ofluxury vacations, making it the best option forpeople wanting to experience the vacation of

their dreams.

Set among verdant jungle beside a white, sandy beach,

Maroma Resort and Spa is pure escapism with a touch of

Mayan magic. This Orient-Express paradise is one

of the Yucatan’s hidden gems, a haven of well-being.

Founded in Cancun in 1975, Royal Resorts is a pioneer in Mexican tourism and a leader in the international vacation

ownership industry.

The Hotel Posada del Mar is located directlyacross the street from a large white sandbeach, and only a short distance from the

world famous North Beach.

Walking distance to a wide variety of restaurants and bars, that will

satisfy any palate.

USA TODAY NAMES ISLA MUJERES A BESTPLACE TO SWIM WITH SHARKS

Isla Mujeres, a Caribbean island off the coast of Cancun, was re-cently recognized by USA Today for being one of its “10 greatplaces to swim with sharks.” From June to September the waterssurrounding Isla Mujeres are home to some 1,400 migrating whalesharks, the largest fish in the sea. Their largest concentrations arereported in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, primarily in thenortheastern corner of the Yucatan Peninsula.

It’s not rare to see over 50 whale sharks congregated in IslaMujeres’ waters searching for plankton. The slow-moving anddocile whale shark is not carnivorous, but actually prefers eatingmacro-algae, plankton, krill, and small squids. This unique charac-teristic is one of the many reasons why swimming with whale sharksis both a thrilling and completely safe experience.

A short ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres has capitalized onits whale shark fame and offers hundreds of guided tours allowingvisitors to get up close with the mammoth fish.

Ceviche Tours tours cost of 125 per person. Private tours are alsoavailable for a maximum of 10 guests at $1,100. Prices includesnacks, refreshments and snorkeling equipment, as snorkeling isthe preferred method of interacting with whale sharks. Tours usu-ally leave at 8 a.m. from a local dock, and return at 2 p.m.

Another tour provider is Searious Diving, which offers tours for$125 per person or $1,250 for a private tour for up to eight pas-sengers. Departing between 7 and 9 a.m. (depending on the habitsof the sharks), the Searious Diving tours last up to two hours andcover a seven-mile-wide circle. While onboard, passengers are of-fered snacks and beverages. Tour cost includes life jackets andsnorkel gear.

For $125 per person, Aqua Adventures’ tours leave between 7and 7:30 a.m. and return 1–2 p.m. The large and comfortableboats fit up to 10, and are navigated by an experienced captain andcrew. Snorkel equipment is included in the price, and travelers areallowed to snorkel on the reef outside of Isla Contoy. Light break-fast and lunch are included.Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), www.visitmexico.com

FLAMINGO HOTEL COZUMEL WELCOMESFORD IRONMAN COMPETITORS, SPECTATORS

Flamingo Hotel is welcoming Ironman competitors and fans forthis year’s Ford Ironman 2010 Competition set for November 28.

The program officially begins Thursday, November 25, allowingathletes three days prior to race day to train, register and prepare.The race itself is on Sunday, November 28. The 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run all begin and end at ChankanaabPark. The award ceremony and closing party will be held Monday,November 29. In support of the athletes and interested spectators,Flamingo Hotel is offering 30 percent off nightly rates for stays dur-ing this time. Courtyard rooms are now only $53 per night, Superiorrooms $62, and the Penthouse Villa—ideal for families traveling together—is just $149 a night. All prices include full breakfast each morning.

The 22-room boutique hotel sports tastefully decorated accommo-dations enhanced by high-level service. The Flamingo’s AquaRestaurant and Bar offers complimentary breakfast with all staysand cocktails throughout the day and into the evening.

Scuba diving, horseback riding, snorkeling, sailing, parasailing,fishing and tours of Mayan ruins are also available for booking byFlamingo’s English-speaking staff.Hotel Flamingo, 800-806-1601, info@hotelflamingo.com,www.hotelflamingo.com

VALENTIN IMPERIAL MAYA PROMOTESHEALTH

Valentin Imperial Maya, a luxurious adult-only all-inclusive resortnestled along the stretch of Riviera Maya coastline aptly namedPlaya del Secreto, offers options for guests watching their waistlinethat permit indulging in gourmet offerings without worrying.

At Le Marché, the resort’s buffet restaurant open for breakfast andlunch, each dish’s name cards are color-coded to correspond to di-etary restrictions. Valentin Imperial Maya recently launched theConcierge Corner, allowing guests booking online to take advantageof unique packages not otherwise available once on property. TheValentin Healthy Day Package helps keep guests on track by givingthem healthy options packaged within their vacation. On the firstmorning at the resort, they receive a special breakfast delivered totheir room that includes a selection of tropical fruits and fiber. A 50-minute Swedish massage followed by a 60-minute mud body treat-ment detoxifies and rehydrates. Following this, a yoga lesson onwhite-sand beach is made all the better with waves crashing as abackdrop. Package price is $250 per person with the second personreceiving 50 percent off.

Conveniently located 25 minutes from Cancun’s InternationalAirport (CUN) and close to downtown Playa del Carmen, ValentinImperial Maya Resort features superior all-suite accommodations,unlimited access to nine restaurants, eleven bars, non-motorizedwater sport equipment, live entertainment nightly, fully equippedbusiness center and complimentary high-speed Internet access.Valentin Imperial Maya Resort, www.valentinmaya.com

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News26 • OCTOBER 2010

MEXICO

NEWLY NAMED HOLA GRAND FARO LOS CABOS OVERLOOKS SEA OF CORTES

The Hotel “Crowne Plaza Los Cabos-Grand Faro” has a new name,according to Grupo Hola, owner and operator of the property locatedon the Sea of Cortes, at one of the most beautiful beaches of San JoseDel Cabo. As of July 1 this year, the hotel is operating under the nameof Hola Grand Faro Los Cabos, Luxury All Inclusive Resort.

Well-located overlooking the sea, next to the beach and close to theinternational airport of Los Cabos, the resort’s privileged location al-lows visitors to move around comfortably from the picturesqueCentre of San José del Cabo and the new marina Puerto Los Cabos,to Cabo San Lucas driving through the prestigious tourist corridor.

Hola Grand Faro Los Cabos, Luxury All Inclusive Resort offers fa-cilities and services to enjoy unforgettable holidays or to organizesuccessful meetings for groups of 20 to 1,200. The property has 333deluxe rooms and suites, five swimming pools and Jacuzzi, paddle,volley, basket and racquetball, kids club for children four to 10 and afamily room.

Guests will enjoy splendid buffets served in restaurants by the seaand alongside gardens from dawn till dinner time. At night, exquisitedishes of international cuisine are available in its fine Italian andMexican restaurants. There is also a Lobby Bar and, in the top of thehotel lighthouse, the Sky Sports Bar with has the best panoramicview in Cabos.

The Spa and sports facilities at the hotel offer relaxation and healthrefreshment. Guests can practice water polo or aquaerobics in one offive pools. For those who prefer to play golf or go sport fishing, Cabosoffers some of the world’s best spots.

For weddings, all details are handled, from hosting and servingguests, arranging all legal procedures, organizing the ceremony onthe beach, preparing the banquet, hiring music, decorating the bridalroom with cool champagne, and pampering the couple with a succu-lent breakfast the morning after the wedding.Hola Grand Faro Los Cabos, Luxury All Inclusive Resort, www.holagrandfaro.com.mx

VIRTUOSO’S ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ AWARDS‘BEST SPA’ TO GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA

Leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso®, along with its award-winning magazine Virtuoso Life, named Grand Velas Riviera Mayaas the Best Spa within the prestigious “Best of the Best” Awards for2010. Representing the finest in hospitality standards and ameni-ties, the ‘Best of the Best’ awards were revealed on August 18, 2010,by Virtuoso CEO Matthew D. Upchurch, Virtuoso Life publisherTerrie Hansen and Virtuoso Vice President Destinations & ToursAlbert Herrera, during the Hotels & Resorts dinner at Virtuoso’s22nd annual Travel Mart conference.

“The ‘Best of the Best’ awards acknowledge those hotels and indi-viduals that really go above and beyond the expected standards,”said Herrera. “As the recipient of the award for Best Spa, GrandVelas Riviera Maya has proved itself as a leader in the industry. Thewinners are characterized by the service they provide to guests, andthese products represent the best experiences in luxury travel.”

“We are so proud to be recognized by Virtuoso as the hotel spa thatoffers the most alluring environment for rest and rejuvenation, cre-ative and therapeutic treatments, and highly skilled and knowledge-able therapists,” said Fernando Garcia Rossette, Managing Directorof Grand Velas Riviera Maya.

Virtuoso Life editors, in collaboration with Virtuoso’s membertravel advisors, selected nominees in 10 categories representing thepinnacle of service, design and luxury in the industry. Grand VelasRiviera Maya was selected above other nominees as the very best inits category demonstrating innovation, dedication, a heightened so-cial conscience and even courage. At 89,000 square feet, The Spa atGrand Velas Riviera Maya is built amid the lush jungle that hugs theresort and boasts an organic style reflective of its Mexican surround-ings. A cavernous lower level takes its inspiration from the region’sunderground water pools, or cenotes. Grand Velas Riviera Maya, 866-230-7221,www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com; Virtuoso, www.virtuoso.com

THIRD LARGEST CABLE CAR NOW IN MEXICOThe state of Chihuahua in Mexico has launched the world’s third

largest cable car in Copper Canyon’s Adventure Park. Travelers canview the canyon from the comfort of cable car seat, or at high veloc-ity as they zip line across—literally flying above one of the world’smost majestic natural wonders.

The multi-million dollar cable system consists of two cars runningsimultaneously, each moving in a different direction. It also includesan intermediate station where passengers can board smaller carsthat run in the same way as a carousel. A restaurant travelers mayvisit this way offers them one of the most beautiful views in the world.

Chihuahua is also home to unique historical locations, from man-sions standing during the time of the Mexican Revolution, to theiconic Palacio Federal (now known as Casa Chihuahua) to PanchoVilla’s grave.Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), www.visitmexico.com; Chihuahua, www.ah-chihuahua.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com OCTOBER 2010 • 27

MEXICO

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News28 • OCTOBER 2010

MEXICO

ANDRÉS SANHUEZA NAMED GM OF CUTTING-EDGE HOTEL MATILDA

Hotel Matilda has appointed AndrésSanhueza General Manager of the icono-clastic boutique hotel that just opened inSan Miguel de Allende. The cutting-edgehotel in the heart of the 500-year-old his-toric center of Mexico’s most reveredcolonial town will be a “living art gallery”catering to the lifestyle of today’s interna-tional traveler.

“Our guests will enjoy a modern,lifestyle-focused guest experience at Hotel

Matilda that will be defined by personalized service, sophisticatedamenities, an evocative and comfortable ambiance, and dramaticcontemporary art,” said Sanhueza.

Sanhueza comes to Hotel Matilda with 13 years of hospitality ex-perience in Mexico and his native Chile. Most recently, he was partof the opening team for the W Hotel Santiago, where he served asAssistant Food and Beverage Director. Previously, he was Directorof Food and Beverage at Casa Sierra Nevada, the Orient ExpressHotel in San Miguel de Allende, and at Valle Nevado Ski Resort,Chile. His additional experience includes Director of Restaurants,Hotel Carrera, a Leading Hotel of the World in Santiago, Chile;and Head Butler/Food & Beverage Operational Manager as part ofthe opening team for the San Cristobal Tower Luxury Collection &Sheraton Santiago, Chile.

The new hotel offers 32 rooms and suites—many with vistas overSan Miguel’s dramatic steeple-studded skyline, in addition to in-ternational gourmet dining, personalized spa experiences and a dy-namic art scene. Hotel Matilda, 800-Matilda (628-4532),info@hotelmatilda.com, www.hotelmatilda.com

COSTABAJA RESORT & SPA IS FIRST 5-STARPROPERTY IN LA PAZ, MEXICO

CostaBaja Resort & Spa, the first five-star resort in La Paz,Mexico, is set to open November 13, and will be the centerpiece ofthe 220-acre Costa Baja development.

In addition to the new hotel, CostaBaja will be opening a new GaryPlayer-designed golf course November 7. CostaBaja Resort & Spais just 10 minutes north of downtown La Paz, the capital of BajaCalifornia Sur. The resort is set on the magnificent Sea of Cortezoverlooking a 250-slip double-basin marina and white sand beaches.Rates start at $149.

The 115-room property will offer ocean, mountain, golf course andmarina views. In-room features include 42-inch flat-screen televi-sions, glass-enclosed showers, and dark mahogany wood finishes tocontrast the bright surroundings.

CostaBaja Resort & Spa will also be home to the first spa in LaPaz, two signature restaurants, two pools and a beach club. Theproperty will include a 2,477-square-foot ballroom that can also be

divided for smaller functions.“Grand Heritage is pleased to make CostaBaja Resort & Spa our

first property in Mexico,” said John W. Cullen, III, President ofMaryland-based Grand Heritage Hotels. “We are excited to bringa new level of service and hospitality to the destination of La Pazand we look forward to welcoming guests to the Gateway to the Seaof Cortez.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Grand Heritage Hotels forCostaBaja Resort & Spa,” said Alejandro Yberri, CEO ofCostaBaja. “They bring a proven track record of operating some ofthe greatest resorts in the world with a commitment to quality.”CostaBaja, www.costabaja.com; CostaBaja Resort & Spa,www.costabajaresort.com

MEXICO SEES IMPRESSIVE 27.5% INCREASEIN INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVELERS IN JULY

In July of this year, according to Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism,the number of international tourists arriving in Mexico by air in-creased 27.5 percent over July last year, with its airports receiving899,172 foreign visitors, up 193,899 passengers. According to theNational Institute of Migration, the United States was the mainmarket source for Mexican travelers, seeing 583,732 Americansarriving, an impressive 20.1-percent increase compared to 2009.Mexico also saw an increase in Canadian arrivals—57,587 visitedMexico in July, an increase of 22,864 passengers.

Spain came in at number three with 35,893 Spanish visitors inJuly, a 57.8-percent increase over 2009. France registered an in-crease of 39.4 percent, with 17,564 arriving in July 2010, com-pared to the 12,597 in 2009.

When it comes to Latin America, Argentina is the country withthe most air travelers visiting Mexico: 16,235 represented a 48.3-percent increase for July alone. Between January and July, morethan 108,000 Argentinean travelers visited Mexico, a 51-percentincrease over 2009. Brazil is the Latin American country with thesecond greatest number of air travelers, with 13,546 arriving inJuly of this year, a 173-percent increase over July 2009. Over68,000 Brazilians traveled to Mexico this January–July, 106.5percent over the same period in 2009.

From January to July of this year, more than 6 million touriststraveled into Mexico via air, an impressive 19.8-percent increaseover the same period in 2009. Nearly four million came from theU.S. alone—16.9 percent over 2009, and almost a millionCanadian tourists came to Mexico between January and July thisyear, a 20.2-percent increase from 2009.

Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo reported thatMexico’s federal government has invested over $3 billion in newtourism projects, generating 12,000 new jobs in the tourism sec-tor. Furthermore, she reported that from January to June 2010,$1.833 billion dollars were attributed to private sector investment,of which 88.4 percent were from domestic investors and 11.6 per-cent from foreign investors. Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), www.visitmexicopress.com

ANDRES SANHUEZA