International Women?s Day Conference To Be Held on Isla Mujeres
By Jeanine KitchelTo coincide with International Women?s Day, which takes place March 8 each year worldwide, We Move Forward ? a conference for women who value living life with passion and purpose ? will stage their conference on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, for the third straight year. The four-day conference begins March 5. Isla Mujeres, which translates to island of women, was chosen partially because of its name and also so attendees could be surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, said founder Janeen Halliwell.
February 14th, 2013 at 5:11 am
By Jeanine Kitchel
To coincide with International Women’s Day, which takes place March 8 each year worldwide, We Move Forward — a conference for women who value living life with passion and purpose — will stage their conference on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, for the third straight year. The four-day conference begins March 5.
Isla Mujeres, which translates to island of women, was chosen partially because of its name and also so attendees could be surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, said founder Janeen Halliwell. ”It’s the perfect spot to celebrate International Women’s Day.”
Daily motivational speakers are the cement that binds this four-day conference together. Several of the speakers included in the line-up are Monica Parker, Jane Hatwin, Karen Sugar, Deborah Kimmett, Sunny Twelker, Paula Pyne and Bonnie Hamilton.
With the help of skilled facilitators, women will harness inspiration and make pathways forward in a direction that will serve them in their daily lives. Movement sessions, including yoga, dance, and pilates, will be available to all that attend.
Over the length of the conference, attendees will be immersed in experiences that encourage them to become clear on their passions, chart their way forward, and gain insight and self assurance. Along with this bucket list of life priorities will be the chance to enjoy all Isla Mujeres has to offer at the end of each day.
For every ten women who register, We Move Forward sponsors one local woman to attend the conference.
“We Move Forward brings together one hundred women who have lived one hundred unique lives,” says Halliwell. “There are universal milestones all women share, and the natural bond between women transcends geography, culture and status. It feeds our resolve and broadens the boundaries of what we think is possible. It provides momentum for moving forward.”
To enroll in the conference, see the website http://www.wemoveforward.com. Cost is $555 USD for four days. For details, contact founder Janeen Halliwell at janeen@wemoveforward.com.
February 14th, 2013 at 6:11 am
“Million-Star” Resort Excited About Increased Tourism to Baja Peninsula
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, the newest member of Villa Group Resorts and Baja’s first “million-star” resort, today announced that it is rolling out the red carpet for guests when Alaska Airlines begins daily flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Loreto on February 24, 2013.
The resort, which abuts one of the most pristine coastlines in the world and unobstructed nighttime views of “a million” stars, has become a popular tourist destination for travelers from the West Coast of the United States, especially for those who are looking to disconnect from their daily hassles and reconnect with one another. With new daily flights to and from the Islands of Loreto, that’s sure to bring even more tourism to the area.
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has created a series of air-inclusive packages with air travel provided by Alaska Airlines. Subject to availability, promotional air-inclusive packages start at just $149 per person, per night, based on double occupancy, plus taxes. Details are available by calling toll free to 866-209-0726.
These dedicated packages include airfare provided by Alaska Airlines to the Islands of Loreto via Los Angeles International Airport and originating in multiple destinations including Seattle; Portland; Vancouver, B.C.; the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles area.
“We are thrilled to have Alaska Airlines expand its number of flights and begin daily service next month, and we know our guests will love the flexibility this new schedule provides, as well,” said Owen Perry, owner and president of Villa Group. “Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto provides unique beauty, authentic culture, and access to truly unparalleled sporting opportunities. We look forward to sharing those experiences with a whole new set of travelers and showing them what we mean when we say ‘Your Story Starts Here.’”
The Islands of Loreto, located on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula on the Sea of Cortez, is known for its quiet beaches, scenic vistas, rich history and astounding natural habitats. The region caters to adventurous travelers looking to explore the many outdoor opportunities including snorkeling, hiking, fishing, diving and mountain biking, as well as people looking for a getaway where they can enjoy the beauty and authentic culture of the region without the commotion of heavily-trafficked Mexican destinations. The destination is fast becoming an alternative for travelers looking for a slower pace with all the options and amenities they have come to expect from a vacation in Mexico.
For more information about Villa del Palmar and its Alaska Airlines packages, or to book, contact your preferred travel professional, visit http://www.villadelpalmarloreto.com/ or call 866.209.0726 from the U.S. or 855.440.5590 from Canada.
ABOUT VILLA DEL PALMAR
Baja’s First Million Star Resort
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is a self-contained destination resort on the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja peninsula overlooking Danzante Island (one of five in the region). It features 181 new, spacious, beautifully appointed Deluxe Ocean View, one, two and three bedroom Suites with balcony or terrace, stunning ocean views, mountain views, outstanding restaurants, an attentive English-speaking staff, five swimming pools, a 39,000 square feet Spa, two tennis courts , beautiful beaches and a mild and warm climate year-round. The New York Times lists Loreto in its Top Ten Places to go in 2011. The travel article featuring the Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico ranked first among readers.
Guests can enjoy scuba and snorkeling tours in the protected Marine Park within the five prominent Loreto Islands, horseback riding, swimming, world-class fishing (catch a Dorado and bring it home to have a Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto chef prepare it for you), paddle boarding, kayaking, whale watching and mountain biking. With complimentary shuttle service, guests can explore the historic town at the Islands of Loreto and visit the 1697 mission that made the town famous. The area is also known for its wildlife, including the 900 species of fish off the coast and in an area that has been declared a World Heritage Site. Hotel perks include a spa and fitness center, massages, salsa dance lessons and movie nights for children.
February 14th, 2013 at 6:19 am
Our friend Elizabeth Helsley tells us about the new changes in Mexican auto insurance liability requirements. This is essential news for anyone driving into Mexico
http://www.mexipreneur.com/2013/02/major-change-in-mexico-auto-liability-insurance/
February 14th, 2013 at 6:29 am
Expects Record Tourist Numbers for Celebration, Continues to Diversify Tourism Portfolio
This year’s Carnival expects to draw record tourist numbers, demonstrating that Mazatlan continues to diversify and strengthen its tourism product and offering far beyond its world-class beaches to its strong cultural portfolio.
“Tourism to Mazatlan continues to grow as the destination launches new programs and initiatives to appeal to a variety of tourists,” said Carlos Berdegue, President and CEO of El Cid Resorts, and vice president of the Mazatlan Hotel Association. “There is increasing demand for air service to our destination, particularly for meetings and conventions.”
Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism recently appointed El Rosario, a colonial town nearby Mazatlan, as a Magic Town – a distinction for highly cultural places in Mexico which appeal to tourists – and Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History recognized Las Labradas, volcanic rocks nearby the village of Chicayota 51 km north of Mazatlan, as an archaeological monument zone.
Later this month, on February 28, Mazatlan will host the NAFTA Golf Tournament for the second consecutive year and welcomes more than 150 professional and amateur golfers from United States, Canada and Mexico.
About Mazatlan
Mazatlan is a thriving cultural destination in southwest Mexico known to many as “the Pearl of the Pacific.” Set at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains on a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlan is one of the Mexican Riviera’s premier resort areas and has become a popular retreat for the national and international community of 440,000 inhabitants. Named Travelocity’s “Best Family Beach in Mexico” amongst fierce competition, the city of Mazatlan is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlan, or Centro Historico, and the Zona Dorada connected by a 7-mile Malecon along the beach.
Recognized for its world-class beaches, golfing, gastronomy and cultural offering, Mazatlan is an ideal vacation getaway for all ages on the Mexican Riviera: you can see The Lighthouse (El Faro), the second-tallest natural light house in the world; you can experience the famous Angela Peralta Theater nearby the charming Plazuela Machado; and you can taste the exquisite gastronomy, whether a local pastry shop in Old Mazatlan or the world-famous seafood at The Shrimp Bucket. So, come try it all yourself. Go Mazatlan.
* All images courtesy of the Mazatlan Hotel Association
February 14th, 2013 at 7:09 am
Do you need another reason to head south? How about a day out in the blue Sea of Cortez with a line in the water. Or heck, you don’t even need to fish to enjoy this incomparable body of water – and they do practice catch-and-release. Here is a recent report from a local captain http://www.bdoutdoors.com/forums/baja-mexico-fishing-reports-discussion/358719-good-fishing-cabo-san-lucas.html
And there is lots more to do while you are in town. World-class restaurants attracts locals and celebrities, or just stop by a street stand for a fresh fish taco.
February 14th, 2013 at 7:11 am
Here is an announcement from President Enrique Pena Nieto on a new Forestry Program. This is a great move for the environment and the people of Mexico.
Today I returned to the city of Las Palmas, the capital of the beautiful state of Colima.
Colima is a state where virtually all forestry activities are conducted in marginalized areas, using subsistence practices with low productivity and high environmental costs. However, it is a state with great potential for the development of sustainable forestry.
So I came to this land to present the new National Forest Program (PRONAFOR), designed to improve the social and economic conditions of those living in forests and protect them.
The program will be operated by the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), which this year will have a budget of 6,937 million pesos. The goal for 2018 is to practically double the timber production achieved in 2011 from 5.5 million 10.7 cubic meters.
Our forests and jungles generate large benefits: they prevent soil erosion and loss; generate water; purify the air; capture carbon and produce timber. If we exploit them rationally and sustainably, forests can be a great source of wealth for those who live in them.
February 14th, 2013 at 7:36 am
(February 1 , 2012) – The luxury all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers guests 20% savings on a stay now through April 30, 2012. Also, children under 12 stay for free and teens 13-16 enjoy a 50% savings rate. In addition to all-inclusive rate features, the promotion includes kids club activities, 10% discount on resort boutique and $50 credit that can be used toward golf or spa treatments.
While at the resort, hotel guests can take advantage of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s special 10th Anniversary Spa Menu, where guests choose from the Spa’s 10 most popular treatments from the past 10 years and receive an additional 25-minute massage (Back, Legs, or Face & Head) for only $10. Offered through the end of December, treatments range from the Four Hand Samunprai Massage, to the Magnetic Diamond Treatment and Men’s Facial.
The Velas Resorts’ all-inclusive rates include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24 hr in-suite service, fitness center, taxes and gratuities, and more. All-inclusive rates start at $281 per person per night in double occupancy. For more information and reservations, please call Velas Resorts at 1-888-323-4294 or visit http://www.velasresorts.com.
About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, an all-suites and spa resort located just 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Five-Diamond Award. The resort features 267 spacious ocean-view suites. The crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World, the Spa at Grand Velas features 20 treatment rooms, over 60 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. The family-friendly resort also offers tiered three-temperature infinity pools, tennis court, 25,321 total sq feet of meeting space and a Kids Club. Nearby are championship golf courses, numerous options for soft adventure, and the charming town of Puerto Vallarta with its many shops, art galleries and nightlife. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has received numerous accolades within the industry, including most recently as one of Forbes’ 10 Coolest All-Inclusive Resorts
February 14th, 2013 at 8:24 am
Yesterday was the birth date of Justo Sierra Mendez, a great man who was very important in founding of the National University of Mexico – better known as UNAM. You can read more about him here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justo_Sierra
February 14th, 2013 at 9:20 am
Magazine’s Reader Survey Ranks Grand Velas Riviera Maya and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Amongst Mexico’s Top Resorts
Mexico’s “Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit are honored as top resorts by Travel & Leisure readers in the 2013 T+L 500 List of Best Hotels in the World. Grand Velas Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit on the country’s Pacific Coast rank as two of 20 resorts named to the list in Mexico. This is the first time being selected for both Grand Velas Resorts. Chosen by readers, the list is a compendium of the highest-ranking hotels and resorts worldwide, based on data collected in the Travel + Leisure 2012 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey.
“We are deeply honored our resorts have been recognized as two of the world’s best,” says Juan Vela, Vice President of Operations of Velas Resorts, “We are thankful to our loyal guests and committed staff who helped make this happen.”
“We are especially proud to make our debut on Travel + Leisure’s 500 List of Best Hotels in the World,” said Fernando Garcia Rossette, Managing Director for the Grand Velas Resorts. “It will be another banner year for our resorts thanks to our staff; the award coming on the heels of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s 10th Anniversary, another AAA Five Diamond rating, two Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards and Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s inclusion in Forbes’ roundup of the 10 Coolest All-Inclusive Resorts.”
About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-suites and spa resort located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, is the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience. This Leading Hotels of the World designated resort is the preeminent one of its class boasting 491 suites, each more than 1,000 square-feet, in three separate ambiances– premium ocean-front Grand Class Suites with terrace plunge pools for families with children 12 and up, family-friendly ocean-view Ambassador Suites and Zen Grand Suites embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. The resort presents a gastronomic tour of the Yucatan, Europe and Asia offering seven restaurants with world-class chefs from France, Spain and Mexico; dedicated butler service for each guest, and the region’s largest spa sanctuary at over 89,000 square-feet specializing in signature treatments inspired by ancient cultures from around the world. The spa was named “Best Spa” in the world by Virtuoso and also earned a SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award. The resort was designed by lauded Mexican architecture firm Elias and Elias and features the sleek and modish interiors that fuse the serenity of the Caribbean with the vibrancy of Yucatan cultures.
About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, an all-suites and spa resort located just 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Five-Diamond Award. The resort features 267 spacious ocean-view suites. The crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World, the Spa at Grand Velas features 20 treatment rooms, over 60 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. The family-friendly resort also offers tiered three-temperature infinity pools, tennis court, 25,321 total sq feet of meeting space and a Kids Club. Nearby are championship golf courses, numerous options for soft adventure, and the charming town of Puerto Vallarta with its many shops, art galleries and nightlife.
February 14th, 2013 at 9:38 am
By: MP News Staff
Mexico is quickly being recognized as a hub for emerging contemporary art but also is noted for its rich history or traditional art. Mexico Boutique Hotels, a full service online hotel collection specializing in extraordinary boutique properties, highlights tucked away hotels that incorporate art in various ways, from art galleries exhibited within the hotel, art tour packages, recommendations for local galleries and more.
Hacienda San Ángel – Puerto Vallarta:
The 16-room Hacienda San Angel located in downtown Puerto Vallarta, is a restoration masterpiece of several classic-style houses overlooking the expansive Banderas Bay. The hotel houses a vast and prestigious collection of antiques, one-of-a-kind artifacts, and authentic artwork from large original oil paintings circa 1560 through mid 1900’s, and other exquisite rare relics. Downtown Puerto Vallarta has a number of art galleries featuring contemporary local artists. A popular Art Walk is hosted every Wednesdays from 6-10pm (October to April) highlighting two of the hotels favorite spots, including Galeria Uno a pioneer in the PA art world, and Galeria Pacifio, known for exhibiting art from Mexico City, Oaxaca and Guadalajara.
Hacienda de los Santos – Alamos:
Relax in a beautifully restored 17th century 27-room hacienda just blocks from the main plaza, mercado and cathedral in the colonial gem of Alamos. The elegant property also features three swimming pools, two putting greens, a theater, a Revolution-era cantina and a full-service spa. The Hacienda is a Mecca for art and architecture students with seminars often held by experts in various fields. Local artists frequently paint at the hotel, among them Richard Murphy, Catherine Callingham and Millard Davidson. In addition, the hacienda houses one of the finest private collections of retablos in Mexico, with prominent religious pieces from statues, to Ex-Votos and oil paintings dating back to 1500’s with a selection for sale in the Galeria. The well-known Mexican wood carver, Augustin Parra, created several carved mirrors for the suites, as well as two large gilt figures for the stage of the Teatro.
La Quinta Luna – Cholula:
La Quinta Luna is a 17th-century mansion converted into a beautifully intimate seven-room retreat located in Cholula, the American continent’s oldest city. The hotel features a gallery of over 40 original contemporary artworks by renown Mexican artists including Federico Silva, José Lazcarro, Gerardo Brito Ramos, Fernando Camino, Raymundo Sesma, José Bairo, Mario Benedetti, Germán Montalvo, and many others. The hotel can arrange the sale of work directly with the artist from oil painting, prints, lithographs, to sculptures. In addition, the hotel offers an Art Tour package starting at $395 including accommodation. The tour includes visits to talavera pottery workshops and studios of contemporary artists along with an a la carte dinner at the hotel’s acclaimed La Antigua Capilla restaurant.
Mesón Sacristía de la Compañía – Puebla:
This intimate eight-room 19th century colonial hotel is located in the heart of Puebla’s historic center. The property itself acts a gallery where all the décor and furnishings from fine antiques, reproductions, and traditional crafts can be purchased. The galleries currently shows works from the famous painter Jalicience Chucho Herrera, Jose Maria Velazco, Jesus Reyes Ferrerira and other international artists. In addition, Meson offers an “Art Experience” package that includes six nights in a Junior Suite, a 15-hour in- studio workshop in Talavera pottery making including materials, passes to two prominent museums in Puebla, a tour of the historic center, daily breakfast, ans lunch or dinner in Meson Sacristía de la Compañía Restaurant. The package starts at $1,300 per couple, tax included.
To experience these or any of Mexico Boutique Hotels’ stylish properties, call 1.855.223.6061 (US and Canada) or visit http://www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com.
About Mexico Boutique Hotels:
Established in 1999, MBH is a collection of upscale, independent member properties (located in 25 destinations throughout Mexico) handpicked for their intimacy, high level of service and outstanding attributes. Some are housed in exquisitely restored buildings, others are paeans to Mexican cuisine, still others showcase the sleekly modern–but they each encourage guests to savor the many fascinating traditions of this vast country, and all offer guests a unique travel experience. Typically less than 30 rooms in size, they are often destinations unto themselves. Based in Puerto Vallarta, MBH is staffed by an experienced team of multicultural—and multilingual—travel and hospitality professionals who both live and work in Mexico.