March 1, 2018 by Arlene

Top 7 Unique Reasons You Need to Spend Your Holiday in Mexico

Mexico has always been a popular destination for American vacationers. It’s just pretty close and there’s a nice selection of luxury villa rentals in Mexico to enjoy your stay.

Here are some compelling reasons why you need to book a stay in Mexico for your next vacation:

The Day of the Dead

Did you watch the James Bond film Spectre? That opening sequence was fantastic, wasn’t it? The exciting chase occurred with the Day of the Dead as its backdrop, and it sure was a striking spectacle.

Here it’s of course known as Día de Muertos, and you can drop by to experience the festivities for yourself starting on October 30. It’s the strangest and yet most fun celebration of death in the whole world.

Mayan Ruins

The country is full of Mayan ruins, and it’s time for you to discover more about that ancient civilization. You have plenty of options here. You can visit Uxmal, which was formerly a capital city 25,000 people once called home. There’s Palenque, which Europeans didn’t know about until the late 1700s.

You should also see for yourself the towering glory of the El Castillo temple, which is found in Chichen Itza. Each side has 91 steps, so add the steps for all 4 sides plus the final step at the top and you have 365 steps—that’s one step of each day of the curiously accurate Mayan calendar.

The Secret Beach

It’s said that Mexico is a beach lover’s idea of heaven, as it has more than 450 beaches and each one tends to have its own vibe. Perhaps the most unique is the beach known as Playa del Amor, which you can find a few miles north of Casa Kimberly. The only way you can reach this beach is to go through an underway tunnel!

The City of Flowers

This is the name bestowed by the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt for the city of Xalapa. This is the high-altitude capital of the state of Veracruz, and here you can find the lush tropical flowers all around you wherever you go. Obviously, to enjoy the full beauty of the place you will have to visit in the spring.

In addition, the city is also famous for the great taste of its coffee. Stay here for a magnificent brew and view and Starbucks will be forgotten.

Cancun

Yes, this has become a cliché among tourist destinations, but so what? There is a reason why young adults visit us during spring break, and why entire families spend their holidays here. You have daisies for adults, while people of all ages can sunbathe and sunbathe. It may seem like another vacation spot, but somehow there is nothing like Cancun and its famous luxury resorts where grownups and children can enjoy a great vacation.

Guadalajara

While Mexico City remains a must-see for visitors, there’s just something truly cool about the city of Guadalajara. It’s like the hipster capital of the country, with excellent food that you can enjoy with mariachi bands, along with stunningly contemporary hotel architecture. Here you can find the latest in art and fashion as well.

Island of the Dolls

If you want to creep yourself out, you really need to visit Isla de las Muñecas between the canals of Xochimico south of Mexico City. Let’s see how brave you are when you’re hiking through a forest filled with the severed heads and limbs of creepy dolls.

You can’t find these spectacles anywhere else in the world, so book your next holiday for Mexico. Vaya con Dios!

August 5, 2017 by Arlene

This is the best time to visit the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is known worldwide for its paradisiacal landscapes of white sand and turquoise waters, natural wells, archaeological zones and tropical vegetation. This town, located in the south of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, has become one of the most visited destinations by tourists from all over the world.

Regardless of the time of year you travel, you will live a wonderful experience and have access to multiple activities, luxury hotels, and internationally renowned restaurants. However, there are times better than others to enjoy this tropical destination to the fullest.

Here are two key factors to consider when traveling to the Riviera Maya, so you can choose the season with the best weather and most of the traditional Mexican festivities to enjoy.

Be aware of the rainy season!

If you want to enjoy the radiant sun of the Mexican Caribbean and its warm temperature of maximum 93 °F, you have to make your trip from December to April, since the rainy season takes place from May to November. The last thing you want is that on your beach vacation you find yourself locked in the room because of the rain or even hurricanes!

You will also want to travel in this time if you want to practice extreme sports such as climbing or hiking, or if your plan is to visit the famous archaeological ruins of the Riviera Maya. You will have the perfect weather to do all these activities and trips!

Celebrating as a native Mexican

Mexico is a country known worldwide for its colourful traditions, gastronomy, and joy of its people. Most of the cultural celebrations take place in the last quarter of the year, and you can enjoy them if you travel from December to April. Some of them are:

Procession of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception (December 7 and 8)

Live the Mexican tradition of honouring the patron saint of Isla Mujeres. Be part of the joyful maritime procession that honours their virgin to the rhythm of the music, which is joined by countless boats of all kinds and represents a colourful celebration of this state.

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12th)

If you want to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, this is an experience that you must live. This festival is very important in Mexico as it honours the Virgin of Guadalupe to the rhythm of the mariachis, who come to the temples to sing her “Las mañanitas”, leaving lots of colourful and tasty offerings.

Christmas Eve (December 24th)

This celebration is more intimate and activities and traditions vary from family to family. However, spending Christmas Eve in the Riviera Maya is something that you have to live. The hotels offer their guests a very warm Christmas dinner, to make them feel at home.

New Year’s Eve (December 31st)

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year to the rhythm of the music of bars and restaurants of the 5th Avenue, corner of Playa del Carmen that has become famous for offering the public an open party, where anyone can attend. The only requirement is that you go with the spirit of celebration to the fullest. In this multicultural party, you can meet people from all over the world.

If you want a more VIP celebration and want to skip the overcrowded bars and clubs; you can always bring in the New Year in the privacy and comfort of a luxury villa. There are many homes to choose from the exclusive area of Playacar, so you can celebrate in style and enjoy the company of your family and friends in a comfortable and relaxing space.

Three Kings Day or Three wise men – (January 6th)

This holiday is one of the most important in Mexico. There are processions throughout the country where Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar are honored. The children write letters to the Three Wise Men, asking for toys and treats, just as in other countries they write to Santa Claus. This day you have to try the delicious “Rosca de Reyes”!

December 23, 2013 by author

Ola Guadalajara!

Guadalajara is the second biggest city in Mexico and is one of the most frequented places in the country by travellers from all around the world. But why not? With its rich culture and being the origins of mariachi music and tequila, there are so many things for tourists to see and enjoy in this part of the country. From the thriving countryside to the bustling city, you will surely find something to keep you busy and happy throughout your stay.

The Town Centre

Guadalajara is the capital Jalisco, Mexico and is most famous for its radical transformation – from an ancient colonial town to a modern and industrialized city. There is no shortage of clubs and bars and high end restaurants that will keep your nights and stomachs satisfied. Despite the developments, there is one district in the city which was able to maintain the city’s wonderful history, aptly called the Historic Centre. Here you will find various religious and historic structures like the Cathedral and the Degollado Theatre. There is also the Cabanas Cultural Institute, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lake Chapala

Venture out into the outskirts of the city and you’ll find one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Guadalajara – Lake Chapala. This is the largest among all of the freshwater lakes found not only in the area but in the whole country as well. The lake does not only offer visitors a picturesque view for photo ops, but also a place where tired visitors can come for a relaxing and peaceful retreat. The lake and its surrounding mountains are home to some of Guadalajara’s indigenous flora and fauna, along with migratory birds who are looking to escape the winter weather. Given the size of the lake, visitors can enjoy boating to the two islands of the lake, namely Escorpion and Isla Mezcalla, the latter being declared a national monument, filled with ruins and a fortress which are remnants of the place’s warring history.

Rodeo, Guadalajara Style

Yes, there are also cowboys and Indians in Mexico and you can find them gathered in the Charreria, Guadalajara’s version of the rodeo. It all started out as a friendly competition among workers of haciendas who try to beat each other in horse riding and roping, vying to become the revered charo, the Mexican image of strength and masculinity. However, this pastime has evolved into a sport and is now considered the official sport of Mexico, despite soccer being the most popular. If you find yourself in Guadalajara on a September, don’t miss out on the International Mariachi and Charreria Festival where you’ll get to witness some of Mexico’s best charos battle it out in the dirt, while mariachi bands hold concerts and parades throughout the streets of the city – the perfect event where you’ll see the best that Guadalajara and Mexican culture can provide.

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Photo by danielkaempfe on Flickr

April 1, 2013 by Arlene

Five Magnificent Places In The World For Deep Sea Diving

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When determining the next place to cross off of your wish-list of destinations to visit, then you really must consider one of these six magnificent places in the world for deep sea diving.

The Galapagos Islands

Certainly one of the most spectacular places on our magnificent planet has to be the Galapagos Islands. Made famous by the research of Darwin, the Galapagos offer views into ocean life and aquatic species that exist at no other place in the world.
Many of these creatures have evolved to be well-suited for the exact conditions present here on the islands. Being that the islands are quite a distance from any other mainland, unique species have evolved here that exist nowhere else in the world. The animals and ocean life on the Galapagos Islands have never learned to fear humans. This allows for spectacular viewing opportunities that can only be found here. You will see animals and sea life acting in their normal behavior, unaffected by human activity, and in their natural surroundings; A once in a lifetime experience.

Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef

If it’s the Manta Rays that you’re wanting to see, then you will be left in total and complete awe of these amazing creatures as they glide effortlessly through the aqua blue waters of Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef. During the Winter months, the massive manta rays are known to populate the area. This small island contains just one resort and one airstrip, so be prepared for a slower paced lifestyle here. The deep sea diving that can be found at Lady Elliot Island will rival any other location on the planet. The reputation of The Great Barrier Reef speaks for itself, and you won’t be disappointed.

Cayman Islands

The historic volcanic activity of the prehistoric past at Cayman Islands has helped to create one of the most exquisite of all the underwater environments. The Cayman trench has forged tremendous vertical walls that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Trench is the premier feature of the Cayman Islands which encompasses Cayman Brac, Little Cayman, and the infamous Grand Cayman Island. One of the features that make the Cayman Islands unique to any other is the unparalleled underwater clarity that make these islands perfectly suited for deep sea diving.

Bay Islands, Honduras

Groupers, Creole, and a wide variety of marine-life swim through the deep blue currents of Half Moon Bay Wall. Here, an underwater tunnel takes divers through a dazzling display of sea sponges, sea fans, black coral, and amazing sea creatures of all types. There is also a deep fissure named Mary’s Place. During the right time of day, Mary’s Place might become illuminated with moving streaks of sunlight that appear to dance through the water. At other times of the day, Mary’s Place can have an eerie and ominous feeling. In any case, these underwater drop-offs and ever changing coral make scuba diving here an experience of a lifetime.

Hawaii

How can we have a top six deep sea diving list and not mention Hawaii? As you relax and enjoy luxurious Maui Villas, take advantage of all the island has to offer during your vacation. Known for its popular scuba diving destinations, Hawaii has many unique diving sites that can be reached year round. One particular feature that makes diving in Hawaii so spectacular are the night dives that are available here. Arm yourself with a flashlight and dive into the dark waters of the sea. When you turn the flashlight, plankton becomes attracted to it which attracts manta ray and other underwater ocean life. This make for the most unique underwater spectacle that many never get the opportunity to experience.