tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14282564054168045142024-03-05T19:49:36.826-08:00Mexican DestinationsMexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-30575234433487700942017-02-09T11:35:00.000-08:002017-02-09T12:11:33.527-08:00<h1 class="o-AssetTitle__a-Headline" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="o-AssetTitle__a-HeadlineText" style="background-color: black; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Michelada (Mexican Bloody Mary)</span></span></h1>
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<span class="o-AssetTitle__a-HeadlineText" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Michelada is the ultimate "beer cocktail" that is popular in the Northern areas of Mexico. Try this uniquely spicy take on a Mexican cerveza with chili powder, Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="o-AssetTitle__a-HeadlineText" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvB5VLPAJKc7x_yygoz9QxoBIStLZaL9Qoc1Zn_rq9FTQQHNCGlQ3gcVuVg4O8Ol6mV0c3NGdIbPFf-RoQ0JoluGYcgsBA0ASSua6tyU9cAxo8LegEg8rVv8zAO9SMu-b-JVehHJTMcM/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvB5VLPAJKc7x_yygoz9QxoBIStLZaL9Qoc1Zn_rq9FTQQHNCGlQ3gcVuVg4O8Ol6mV0c3NGdIbPFf-RoQ0JoluGYcgsBA0ASSua6tyU9cAxo8LegEg8rVv8zAO9SMu-b-JVehHJTMcM/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></span></div>
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<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 8px 0px;">
<span class="o-AssetTitle__a-HeadlineText" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Ingredients</span></span></span></span></div>
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<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Mexican lager beer </span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Clamato or tomato juice</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">3-4 splashes Tabasco, more or less to taste. </span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">2 splashes of Worcestershire sauce</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Juice of one lime</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Tajín seasoning (or salt) for the rim</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: white;">Serve over ice and a salted rim and garnish with a lime. It is a great hangover cure or as some say the best beer cocktail in Mexico. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: white;">Salud!!</span></span></div>
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Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-73813464603269943562012-08-16T10:56:00.002-07:002012-08-16T10:58:24.070-07:00Mexican Culture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWcnai5REAwLMja3Y-1_h4eUwMPXQDZop5qmpeRob-ixI2OmODUoyLK7jTswSukwrnLveokbLxsRDy7lQMrG5eqJpgBLE6dmHGlku0P7EFdNNIWgWt0nQC7ZkwJ4EaZy36XUQDr19224/s1600/133542_1706239611414_7399787_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWcnai5REAwLMja3Y-1_h4eUwMPXQDZop5qmpeRob-ixI2OmODUoyLK7jTswSukwrnLveokbLxsRDy7lQMrG5eqJpgBLE6dmHGlku0P7EFdNNIWgWt0nQC7ZkwJ4EaZy36XUQDr19224/s320/133542_1706239611414_7399787_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just returned to Puerto Vallarta after spending a week on
St. John, USVI with my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the
beaches and geography of St. John are beautiful, for me something about our
experience was missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a few
days to figure out what it was, but I finally realized that what was missing is
a sense of local culture on the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, there are island natives living there and it was common to hear
“Yah, Mon,” however, it was hard to get a true sense of what island living was
all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly am not bashing
St. John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The landscape, the beaches,
and the water truly are stunning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
it just reminded me what I love most about living in Mexico…the culture!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you like to experience and explore local
customs as much as I do, here are some great tips about what to check out on
your next trip to Mexico:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Puerto Vallarta:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is where I live so I am a bit biased, but to me Puerto Vallarta is one of the
best resort destinations to check out the day to day Mexican lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are art tours, food tours, and constant
festivities for any and all reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday nights downtown are a hot spot for the
locals with dancing in the plaza followed by a stroll down the Malecon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are fireworks every night (yes, EVERY
night), but for big holidays, the fireworks shows are the best I have ever
seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mexican people truly celebrate
life, and every Puerto Vallarta visitor will feel the hospitality and warm
welcoming demeanor of the locals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cabo San Lucas:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be
sure to visit San Jose del Cabo at some point during your trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s close to the airport and about 30
minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>San Jose is a quaint area with art galleries and fantastic
restaurants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, take a day trip to
Todos Santos, about an hour from Cabo San Lucas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todos Santos is a beautiful town full of
picturesque colonial buildings and home to the Culture House Museum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">San Miguel de Allende:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The historic center of San Miguel hasn’t changed much in the past 250
years, although these days the town has more of a bohemian feel to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its cultural and artistic reputation attracts
visitors from all over the world. The culture of San Miguel been recognized in
such publications as the New York Times travel section, Vogue magazine, and
Smithsonian magazine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t miss the
Mercado de Artesanias to check out and purchase crafts from local
artisans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Riviera Maya:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Riviera Maya is known not only for its crystal blue waters, but also for its
Mayan history and spectacular ruins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Explore Tulum and Xcaret to experience ancient Mayan ceremonial centers
and archaeological sites to learn about the Mayan way of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">~<a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/destination-experts/stephanie-watts" target="_blank">Stephanie Watts, Destination Expert</a></span></div>
Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-64921125557392026162012-07-17T09:11:00.002-07:002012-07-17T09:11:48.692-07:00Favorite Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZsVKdnvjQW94kTDEKcKLW9kN9nfn5WvvciKBDIqVxowGNzTXOlRRdC1z0SmekbhBDobZ-3C-LwI8fPU1cu2uF1GZzDtYzl5w-CFGaWOj_opXamWYkPRDRaXNezdxbEYAj66-FTb8nCM/s1600/PV2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZsVKdnvjQW94kTDEKcKLW9kN9nfn5WvvciKBDIqVxowGNzTXOlRRdC1z0SmekbhBDobZ-3C-LwI8fPU1cu2uF1GZzDtYzl5w-CFGaWOj_opXamWYkPRDRaXNezdxbEYAj66-FTb8nCM/s320/PV2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this month, I thought I would offer up my favorite
things to do while in <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/puerto-vallarta?EID=93.17.64.0"><span style="color: magenta;">Puerto Vallarta</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I started creating my list, I realized that there are a variety of
travelers out there who won’t necessarily like the same things that I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I approached some locals and asked what
they recommend to their guests when they have friends and family visiting
from out of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s what they said:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Free and Cheap
Stuff:</span></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Malecon and the Church of our Lady Guadalupe:</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you visit Vallarta and don’t walk up and
down the Malecon at least once, then you haven’t really visited Vallarta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a landmark, and generally speaking, the
place to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While you’re there, the
church is located just off of the plaza one block over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Sunset Boat Trip on the Water:</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grab a water taxi, any water taxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are everywhere and they are
cheap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a bottle of wine and you’ve
got a perfect start to a romantic evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you return, there are a ton of beachfront restaurants to continue ‘date
night’ (I've listed a few suggestions below).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Day Trip to a Different Beach:</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sayulita, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan, Yelapa,
Las Animas and several more beaches are located within an hour’s drive of
downtown Puerto Vallarta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sayulita is a
popular surftown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mismaloya and Boca
de Tomatlan are small fishing villages, great for true local culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yelapa is only accessible by boat (any water
taxi will take you).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Las Animas is
accessible by boat or a 90 minute hiking trail from Boca de Tomatlan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pre-Package Trips
and Tours:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Calibri;"><u><a href="http://puertovallartafoodtours.com/?EID=93.17.64.0">Vallarta Food Tours</a></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">: This tour is great for first-timers or
frequent visitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are about 10
stops, where guests can try all kinds of local food from mole sauce to tacos to
ceviche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For frequent visitors, the
restaurants are a bit off the beaten path, so doubtful places you’ve been
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 3 hour walking tour gives
first-timers a great opportunity to learn the lay of the land and offers a
little history about Puerto Vallarta along the way.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Calibri;"><u><a href="http://www.vallarta-adventures.com/?EID=93.17.64.0">Vallarta Adventures</a></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">: From zip-lining to snorkeling tours, Vallarta
Adventures offers up a little bit of everything for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those looking for a little more activity,
try zip-lining or </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the Outdoor Adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re looking for something different in
the evening, you should do the Rhythms of the Night tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also offer some great snorkeling trips
to Las Marietas and Las Caletas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
crew at Vallarta Adventures has proved to be very entertaining, great for
adults or the whole family.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Restaurants and Bars:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the best things about Vallarta is that there are
countless restaurants and bars, offering any type of food you could possibly
crave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food is fantastic at all of
these places, so I’ve just noted other tidbits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of the locals’ favorites: </span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Calibri;"><u><a href="http://haciendasanangel.com/dining.html?EID=93.17.64.0">Hacienda San Angel</a></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This place was put on the map by Elizabeth
Taylor & Richard Burton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
atmosphere is true Mexican hacienda-style and the views are spectacular.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Calibri;"><u><a href="http://www.lapalapapv.com/site/?EID=93.17.64.0">La Palapa</a></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one of Puerto Vallarta’s oldest
restaurants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s beachfront, so stick
your toes in the sand & have a little fresh seafood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://www.cafedesartistes.com/?EID=93.17.64.0">Café des Artistes</a></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">: True gourmet, Café des Artistes has been
honored with numerous awards over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is your “get dressed up and go out for a fancy dinner” place.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Calibri;"><u><a href="http://seamonkeypv.com/?EID=93.17.64.0">Sea Monkey</a></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The complete opposite of the restaurants listed
above, Sea Monkey is a super casual beachfront bar that has become a favorite
of locals and tourists alike. This is
the place for happy hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bucket of
Pacifico is only about $5.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Calibri;"><u><a href="http://joejacks-fishshack.com/">Joe Jack’s Fish Shack</a></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Located just a block off of the beach, Joe
Jack’s is a popular spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grab a rooftop
table and a killer mojito.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s “All You
Can Eat Fish & Chips” every Friday and the fish is fresh daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, there are a number of other things to see and
do here in Puerto Vallarta, but this is a just a list of some of the
highlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you at Sea Monkey at
5pm!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-Stephanie Watts, Destination Expert</span>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-26147716403559977432012-06-12T09:03:00.000-07:002012-06-12T09:03:18.260-07:00All Inclusive Hotel vs. Luxury Villa<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the greatest misconceptions about villa rentals is
that they are significantly more expensive than staying in a hotel. However, that
is not the case at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a matter of
fact, sometimes they end up being cheaper!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take, for example, one of our of 3 bedroom homes compared to a popular
all-inclusive hotel in<span style="color: purple;"> </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/search/puerto-vallarta/n4294965203?EID=93.17.64.0"><span style="color: magenta;">Puerto Vallarta</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUvBzHgXlvkrLglHWPPiW7YPJ4fmQUG0MRhli9FZqjQACiXe5WILsh8aWsE4Q3kRrXLuKvw01JM8xY1KshD4kxaiSo-MUFE73cV7mg7DnXtBBwm2UAdAUrxLYh70jLPlYflRU52s0C6A/s1600/Villa+Azul+Celeste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUvBzHgXlvkrLglHWPPiW7YPJ4fmQUG0MRhli9FZqjQACiXe5WILsh8aWsE4Q3kRrXLuKvw01JM8xY1KshD4kxaiSo-MUFE73cV7mg7DnXtBBwm2UAdAUrxLYh70jLPlYflRU52s0C6A/s320/Villa+Azul+Celeste.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/puerto-vallarta/property-p95014?EID=93.17.64.0"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Calibri;">Villa Azul Celeste</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> is a gorgeous 3 bedroom home, oceanfront in Conchas Chinas,
about a 7 minute drive to downtown Puerto Vallarta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rate is $650/night this summer, and there
is a great promotion of “Stay 7, Pay 5.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The total for a week’s stay would be $3250.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This rate includes 2 meals per day, daily
housekeeping, and the beach there is shared by less than a dozen homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there are 6 people staying in the home,
each person will pay $542 for a week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now let’s compare that to the Melia Puerto Vallarta All
Inclusive Beach Resort, a beautiful, oceanfront hotel located in the marina
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Melia is running a “40% Off”
special right now, which brings the nightly rate for an ocean-view room down to
$179.20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The total for a week is
$1254.40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Based on 2 people per room,
the cost would be $627.20 per person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That means it costs each person $85 MORE to stay in an
all-inclusive resort hotel for the week rather than in a luxury, beachfront,
fully-staffed villa!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, of course, there are cheaper hotels to
compare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are also cheaper homes to
compare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally speaking, quality for
quality, the prices will be comparable between villas and all-inclusive
resorts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition to the cost, there are other advantages of staying
in a home instead of a hotel:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">POOL:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>The home has a private pool, rather than
a large, noisy common pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Want to
float around on a raft in the pool and read a book all day?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or perhaps, lay by the pool and take a quiet
nap?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No problem!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be no one there other than your
friends and family to take away from your complete relaxation.</span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FOOD: </b>You
can choose your own menu. Instead of choosing from a limited-selection hotel
menu, when staying at a villa, you create the menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Want fresh seafood caught that day rather
than chicken piccata?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you like a
truly authentic Mexican meal rather than nachos smothered in cheese from a
can?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider it done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, a private chef cannot be beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have yet to have a hotel meal that has come
close to comparing to the delicious meals prepared by our villas’ private
chefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(And I eat out a lot!) </span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ACTIVITIES:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Our private concierge will take care of
arranging any activity you would like from a private in-home massage to a zip
line canopy tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can arrange for
activities through the hotel concierge too, but most likely, you will be on a
tour bus with 30-40 other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
also common that our vendors (such as in-home massage therapists) cost less
than vendors used by big hotel chains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE
MEXICO:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s be honest…unless you
are staying in a quaint, family-owned boutique hotel, you could probably be at
any “Big Name Brand” hotel in the world and they will all feel the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless you leave the property, a Hilton is a Hilton,
a Melia is a Melia, and a Westin is a Westin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You never really FEEL like you are in Mexico opposed to Hawaii or the
Caribbean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staying in a villa, you will
truly know and feel the Mexican experience, which is not an experience you want
to miss. Trust me, I live here and the <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/?EID=93.17.64.0"><span style="color: magenta;">Mexico experience</span></a> is fabulous!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Many of our guests who have stayed in a villa for the first time swear they will never stay in a hotel again after being pampered and spoiled by the villa experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So gather up your friends or family, and start planning your next Mexico vacation…in luxury </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">- Stephanie Watts, Destination Expert</span></div>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-68436825652799547712012-05-14T10:23:00.001-07:002017-02-09T09:12:11.849-08:00Cinco de Mayo Extended: Mexico’s Many Festivities<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">One of my favorite things about Mexico is there is ALWAYS a
celebration of some sort. In the past two weeks alone, we have had Dia de los
Ninos (Children’s Day), Primero de May (Labor Day), Dia de la Crux, Cinco de
Mayo and Dia de la Madre (Mother’s Day). Each holiday elicits a fiesta:
parades, fireworks, shows on the plaza, or a day off of work. On any given day,
you could be driving down the street and stopped for a small parade crossing
the street and not even be sure why. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In addition to all of the holidays, there always seems to be
a festival of some sort. There are film festivals, art festivals, and (most
importantly) food and wine festivals. One of the greatest festivals of the
year, the </span></span><a href="http://www.pvpulse.com/en/news/news-from-banderas-bay/8th-altruism-festival-at-casamagna-marriott"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "calibri";">Atruism
Festival</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">, was held this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The best thing about
the Altruism Festival is that that the proceeds support more than 20 local
non-profit organizations. The next best thing is that more than 40 local
restaurants donate food and drink to the attendees. For 400 pesos (that’s about
$32 US), you can eat and drink some of the finest foods in the Vallarta area. Restaurants
like </span><a href="http://www.barcelonatapas.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">Barcelona Tapas</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, </span><a href="http://www.cafedesartistes.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">Café de Artistes</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, </span><a href="http://www.rivercafe.com.mx/home.html"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">River Cafe</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> and </span><a href="http://www.ddpv.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">Daiquiri Dick’s</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> each have a table set up and
selections from their menu available. Desserts from </span><a href="http://pieinthesky.com.mx/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">Pie in the Sky</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> and other fine pastry shops are
offered, and all beverages (water, beer, wine, tequila, etc.) are included. We
attended for the first time this year, and all of the food was delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After we sufficiently stuffed our faces, we were entertained
for over an hour by local dancers and a show by the crew of </span><a href="http://www.vallarta-adventures.com/tours/rhythms-of-the-night"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">Rhythms of
the Night</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. As with all festivities here in Puerto Vallarta, the evening
ended with a fireworks show (we see fireworks here every single night and it never
gets old). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Before the end of the month, we have </span><a href="http://www.virtualvallarta.com/puertovallarta/entertainment/restaurantweek/index.shtml"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">Restaurant
Week</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, the </span><a href="http://www.pvscene.com/13448/wind-festival-2012/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">Wind Festival</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> and one of
the biggest holidays of the year here, </span><a href="http://www.pvscene.com/4488/happy-91st-birthday-puerto-vallarta/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">Puerto
Vallarta’s Birthday</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> on May 31<sup>st</sup>. To top off the festivities,
the weather is absolutely perfect this time of year. So, pack your bags &
come on down, or book your trip now to attend next year’s Altruism Festival! We
will certainly never miss it again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">- Stephanie Watts, Destination Expert</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt;">To join the festivities <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/"><span style="color: magenta;">click here</span></a> or call 1.844.258.8144</span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 26px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 12pt;">to
speak to a Destination Expert!</span></div>
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Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-53470971097549345382012-04-27T10:07:00.002-07:002012-04-27T10:07:28.505-07:00The Mexico Tourism Board: Reaching New Heights<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow! I’m impressed. I know that the <a href="http://www.visitmexico.com/?EID=93.17.64.0"><span style="color: magenta;">Mexico Tourism Board</span></a> has
been working overtime in the past couple of years to create a campaign and a
platform that is both inviting and professional. You may have noticed a few
tempting TV ads or colorful magazine placements aimed at educating you about
“what you’ve been missing” in Mexico. Well, I recently came across their
updated website: </span><a href="http://mexicotoday.org/"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Calibri;">http://mexicotoday.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,
and I’m thrilled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not only is this site beautiful, informative and organized,
but it’s in English! Are you wondering about current events in Mexico? Curious
to hear from the locals? Need travel ideas? The website breaks it all
down, clearly and concisely, via categories such as Culture, Economy,
Environment, Mexico & The World, and Tourism. Great articles, like <span style="color: magenta;">“</span><a href="http://mexicotoday.org/news/magazine/all/mosaic?EID=93.17.64.0"><span style="color: magenta;">SanMiguel de Allende- the most beautiful town in Mexico?</span></a><span style="color: magenta;">"</span> or <span style="color: magenta;">“</span><a href="http://mexicotoday.org/news/economy/all/mosaic?EID=93.17.64.0"><span style="color: magenta;">World EconomicForum on Latin America- Highlights</span></a><span style="color: magenta;">”</span> will help to make you a better informed
tourist, businessperson or citizen of the world. Check it out and let me
know what you think!</span></div>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-35391383419554664012012-04-10T12:18:00.000-07:002012-04-10T12:18:15.465-07:00Fun Day in Puerto Vallarta<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently we had the opportunity to
book the </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/puerto-vallarta/property-p95151"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">Marea Baja Villa</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in Puerto Vallarta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With that reservation we were provided our own private tour of </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/puerto-vallarta"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">Puerto Vallarta</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and it was awesome! Most of the tours have a lot of people in a stuffy bus or van.
We were in our own Suburban with our personal driver/tour guide visiting some
of the places most tours wouldn’t go to. For example he took us to a little ice
cream shop that makes homemade ice cream pops. He also took us to the best
markets in town to pick up our souvenirs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Marea Baja Villa was amazing. We had our own private beach to swim in the ocean or a pool that overlooked the ocean to swim in if we wanted (see picture below). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPiJ-oP71pElQqqHjEUG-Sa18Gy1sct6W7aUP0EQYRpbLyCdosJz_dK3tpV8ot5D30W5-OfRwKzR73CvVkxaMKLHJFYWGAfJdDOLWTsRwomlLwoyhpMM70xyTC-B_MJdRxpKI3JPv4bs/s1600/Bart_Marea+Baja+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPiJ-oP71pElQqqHjEUG-Sa18Gy1sct6W7aUP0EQYRpbLyCdosJz_dK3tpV8ot5D30W5-OfRwKzR73CvVkxaMKLHJFYWGAfJdDOLWTsRwomlLwoyhpMM70xyTC-B_MJdRxpKI3JPv4bs/s320/Bart_Marea+Baja+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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All the bedrooms were very
comfortable and well kept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The villa</span> had a nice
flat screen TV and a big stereo system so you could listen to music while soaking
in the pool or in the kitchen while eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the bedrooms had a Jacuzzi tub with a window that had an awesome
view of the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My personal favorite
though was the food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Villa provided
us with Julia, our own chef.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After our
tour was done we came back and had the best guacamole I have ever tasted with
pico de gallo and chips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night she
made us an amazing three course candle lit dinner with the sound of the ocean
in the background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of the
best meals as far as atmosphere and taste I have ever had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If I am in </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/puerto-vallarta"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">Puerto Vallarta</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> again this is where I
will stay!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pnSJz-RO-0-2GREkRWV_Sn-gRsFNTSueI1D8kbL-6mGgHXDC2W5GRFD6Nw8rND72C3hgHo9Vh_8UTGc3iMgiPS8RmOTuTvkEmcv7pHbiTyWAUzA37gu77BWm-O7wFpOSL_v5khCDKLE/s1600/Bart_Marea+Baja+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pnSJz-RO-0-2GREkRWV_Sn-gRsFNTSueI1D8kbL-6mGgHXDC2W5GRFD6Nw8rND72C3hgHo9Vh_8UTGc3iMgiPS8RmOTuTvkEmcv7pHbiTyWAUzA37gu77BWm-O7wFpOSL_v5khCDKLE/s320/Bart_Marea+Baja+2.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Happy Couple, Puerto Vallarta Couple's Retrea</span>t</span> </div>
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</div>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-35612493635555220362012-03-26T13:48:00.001-07:002017-02-09T09:14:26.668-08:00Celebrities in Mexico<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I</span>f you follow us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MexicanDestinations"><span style="color: magenta;">Facebook</span></a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MexDest"><span style="color: magenta;">Twitter</span></a>, you have surely
seen several posts regarding celebrity visits to Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can thank me for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HA!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am a bit of a <a href="http://puntamita.com/celebrity-spotting-in-punta-mita-mexico/"><span style="color: magenta;">celebrity</span></a> gossip junkie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, what I’m really trying to do is show the world that they don’t have
to be afraid to travel to Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all
honesty, one is more likely to experience criminal activity in NYC or Houston,
TX than in the resort towns of Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
of the more popular <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals"><span style="color: magenta;">locations</span></a> for celebrity vacations include Punta Mita and
Cabo San Lucas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone from the
Kardashians to Lady Gaga, George Clooney and Stacy Keibler, even the
President’s daughter can be found enjoying time in Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, what are you waiting for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/"><span style="color: magenta;">www.mexicandestinations.com</span></a> or talk to one of our Destination Experts 1.844.258.8144 to book your celebrity vacation today! </div>
Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-68589558715499396882012-03-14T13:26:00.001-07:002012-03-14T13:27:41.604-07:00Puerto Vallarta's First Annual Salsa/Mambo Festival<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This weekend marked the <a href="http://www.salsamambofest.com/"><span style="color: magenta;">1st annual Salsa/MamboFestival</span></a> in <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/Puerto-Vallarta"><span style="color: magenta;">Puerto Vallarta</span></a>. The event included exhibitions, workshops and
nights of dancing that would blow your mind. A friend of mine, here in Vallarta,
is a salsa instructor, and she invited a few of us to join her at “White Night”
at Senor Frog’s (mind you, I haven’t been in Senor Frogs since spring break 20
years ago). So, we got all dolled up in our sassiest white attire and hit the
town. What we witnessed and experienced, I wouldn’t have missed for the world. Remember
the initial dance scene in Dirty Dancing? Well, it pales in comparison to a
full-on salsa experience. The second the music started, the dance floor was
jammed packed. A couple of us sat back and just watched in awe. Salsa is kind
of like swing-dancing, but sexier. The footwork, the spins and twirls and the
swinging hips were spectacular. There were several exhibition dances throughout
the evening from local professionals. My favorite was a group of kids, ranging
in age from 5-9. They were fantastic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgl6IQxrbD5IlBEzuyy51C9llOx6jwe7pcvDPXpYYUn_3izoC1DMq7zv09-AB2yVZClqPEFW-Jpvmvf176bIjuFAawpu6OsHITq1idjGyg0tUWI9xkKE0_F1VCglce85aVYXv0saloYM/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgl6IQxrbD5IlBEzuyy51C9llOx6jwe7pcvDPXpYYUn_3izoC1DMq7zv09-AB2yVZClqPEFW-Jpvmvf176bIjuFAawpu6OsHITq1idjGyg0tUWI9xkKE0_F1VCglce85aVYXv0saloYM/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibition dancers at the 1st Annual Salsa Mambo Festival</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I consider myself a decent dancer. I’ve
got rhythm and can pick up a dance step pretty easily. But, I was humbled when
I was asked to dance (it’s a couples thing, so the ladies have to wait to be
asked to dance). The footwork is fast and if you miss a step, you’re all over
the place. Lucky for me, my partner was patient and excited that I wanted to
learn, so he taught me a few basics and by the end of the song, I was twirling
around like I knew what I was doing. And now, I’ve got the salsa bug! I can’t
wait to take some lessons. When the festival comes around this time next year,
I want to be on that dance floor and know what I’m doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">- Stephanie Watts, Destination Expert</span>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-74790813711000108642012-02-28T11:03:00.001-08:002012-02-28T11:05:54.761-08:00Best Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta?! My Vote<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaPhZqYvXrHQCHZH-Dh50DTgB3x-zsgLbwF_47NlDUbtPC0OmKZSS80XtuwclsO5F0YakLhaOh3DqzqsQCnPKeVMeI23M4pDSvczPpDZXq3xZB8RGSlGeELOuux-EY5AnHJQqOamNwsg/s1600/a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaPhZqYvXrHQCHZH-Dh50DTgB3x-zsgLbwF_47NlDUbtPC0OmKZSS80XtuwclsO5F0YakLhaOh3DqzqsQCnPKeVMeI23M4pDSvczPpDZXq3xZB8RGSlGeELOuux-EY5AnHJQqOamNwsg/s1600/a4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken from <a href="http://www.barcelonatapas.net/">www.barcelonatapas.net</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have said it before and it just keeps getting
better. <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/Puerto-Vallarta?EID=93.17.64.0"><span style="color: magenta;">Puerto Vallarta</span></a> is home to some of the best restaurants in the
world. With so many options, it’s hard to narrow in on just one. But, I’ve
risen to the challenge (I know, poor me) and I’m ready to cast my vote.
<a href="http://www.barcelonatapas.net/index.htm?EID=93.17.64.0"><span style="color: magenta;">Barcelona Restaurant</span></a>, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
located right downtown on the corner of Matamoros and de Octubre, boasts a
hilltop location with panoramic views of the beautiful Bay of Banderas. My
suggestion: bring a group, bring a camera, order lots of yummy sangria and try <i>everything</i>! If
you aren’t familiar with tapas style serving, you can expect small portion
sizes of the most savory dishes, with something to excite every palate. Seriously,
I have yet to try a dish that I don’t like. You will relish in the food,
the drink and your charming company, yet you will find that you cannot help but
periodically lose yourself in the smell of the fresh salt air and peaceful
tranquility of the ocean. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">- Noelle Michaud, Destination Expert</span>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-79035042345098755272012-02-13T13:08:00.000-08:002012-02-13T13:13:28.086-08:00Don’t like Tequila or Guacamole? Me either!<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone gives me a hard time for living in Mexico and not
liking tequila or guacamole. I know it’s odd, but I’ll admit that I’ve always
been a fairly picky eater. I grew up in a “meat & potatoes” household, so
for about the past 20 years I’ve been trying to expand my horizons by trying
different genres of food. Unfortunately, I have a texture issue with some
things and avocados and guacamole fall into that category. As for tequila,
well, I think many of us can say we’ve had a bad experience with tequila at
some point in time. When I uttered the words “I’m never drinking tequila
again,” I meant it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, what does one eat if not the fundamentals of a Mexican
diet? The answer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A LOT! There are
countless restaurants in <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/puerto-vallarta">Puerto Vallarta</a>, offering a diverse selection of
cuisine. Here are some of my favorites:</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><u><a href="http://www.lacigalebistro.com/">La Cigale</a></u></strong></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: Crossing the threshold of La Cigale, you will
be instantly transported to the streets of Paris. In the short time this French
Bistro has been open, it has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The
menu includes traditional French Onion soup, escargot and ratatouille. The wine
list is extensive and the desserts are scrumptious. Tip:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should make a reservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a very big place and its popularity
guarantees a wait if you don’t have one</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><u><a href="http://www.barcelonatapas.net/">Barcelona Tapas</a></u></strong></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: If you are looking for a place to celebrate a
special occasion, Barcelona Tapas is the spot. This rooftop restaurant
overlooks downtown and the food is spectacular. Spanish tapas are small,
appetizer size portions, which is a great way to have a little bit of
everything on the menu. Some of our favorite selections are baked goat cheese,
spicy garlic shrimp, paella, and of course, the sangria. Tips:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plan on dining around dusk so you can watch
the sunset and catch the nightly fireworks around 9pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daily lunch promotions are available from
Noon-4pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/laposta444">La Posta</a></u></strong></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: Located right in the heart of downtown, along
the malecon, is La Posta a Restaurante Italiano. La Posta offers a casual
atmosphere and one of the best pizzas in town. The homemade ravioli is one of
my favorites and the risotto is tasty as well. Tip: Pizzas are only 65 pesos on
Mondays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_DrFQLBZqgLUJNf55C3OJdUJfAbgAGU4t32Klqpfn3Z0SRoJFpCDIPvIXNkceChyphenhyphenPbuyTz-90SpEFEpp7evgRdycYA8UVXKaP5_GCYuitXkRtuQITLlPt2Wj5O_Dr-oxUmsgZuaKmsk/s1600/daiquiridicks_001p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_DrFQLBZqgLUJNf55C3OJdUJfAbgAGU4t32Klqpfn3Z0SRoJFpCDIPvIXNkceChyphenhyphenPbuyTz-90SpEFEpp7evgRdycYA8UVXKaP5_GCYuitXkRtuQITLlPt2Wj5O_Dr-oxUmsgZuaKmsk/s320/daiquiridicks_001p.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Daquiri Dick's outdoor patio </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><u><a href="http://www.ddpv.com/">Daquiri Dick’s</a></u></strong></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: The award-winning Daquiri Dick’s has been a
favorite for 40 years. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests can dine on
the outdoor patio or on the beach. The menu can be characterized as
Mediterranean/Mexican cuisine with an Asian influence. Their roasted red pepper
salsa is unbelievably delicious…I could just sit, eat the chips and salsa and
skip the main meal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tip: Daquiri Dick’s
makes their own pastries so be sure to stop by for Sunday brunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-52573210752268461452012-01-25T12:35:00.000-08:002012-01-25T12:36:10.249-08:00Safety In Puerto Vallarta: Tripadvisor Knows What's Up<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We can say it until we are blue in the face. But,
maybe we have a biased opinion. Would you feel more comfortable if you
had another informed source to evaluate the level of safety in <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/Puerto-Vallarta">Puerto Vallarta</a>? Tripadvisor.com, the “world’s largest travel site" that offers
reviews on lodging from Switzerland to Canada, is about as informed as it gets
when it comes to travel and they are talking about Puerto Vallarta's safety. So, now, you don’t have to take our word for it…</span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150793-s206/Puerto-Vallarta:Mexico:Health.And.Safety.html"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150793-s206/Puerto-Vallarta:Mexico:Health.And.Safety.html</span></a></div>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-51035818789210518442012-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:002012-01-18T13:44:20.964-08:00Puerto Vallart's Boardwalk<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you’ve ever been to </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/Puerto-Vallarta"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Puerto Vallarta</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, chances are you’ve
strolled along El Malecón. The Malecon meaning jetty in Spanish is the city’s
boardwalk and is one of the most popular areas in Puerto Vallarta. Almost a
mile long and hugging the shoreline, the Malecon is hopping with activity
almost any time of the day or night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Along the promenade you’ll find restaurants, bars,
nightclubs, an array of shops, street performers, local artists selling their
wares and numerous sculptures. There is a large outdoor amphitheater called
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Los Arcos </span>(the Arches)
where constant entertainment performs, such as the Xiutla folkloric dancers,
live music, cultural events and the ever popular clown shows in the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With its recent makeover, the Malecon now offers free public
Wi-Fi, plenty of new benches to sit and enjoy the view, an abundance of new
palm trees all adding to the already tropical environment. A large section of
the Malecon is now closed to vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrians to stroll
leisurely along the widened esplanade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPUSde1c-KP768cLnC3yQuVWBzgOTOJdZpGFeNxL34jLDnRziAsws6ff0ryO0mtPCvatSiy34HpWsuqW-KbPmel2iP_VVi2sxtSPR48sqW7a2CEdNXYm-k2z9Ivyz1rZGnErIy7y8gxk/s1600/new+malecon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPUSde1c-KP768cLnC3yQuVWBzgOTOJdZpGFeNxL34jLDnRziAsws6ff0ryO0mtPCvatSiy34HpWsuqW-KbPmel2iP_VVi2sxtSPR48sqW7a2CEdNXYm-k2z9Ivyz1rZGnErIy7y8gxk/s320/new+malecon.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bird's-eye view of El Malecón</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you love to walk and are an art lover, you should check
out the Malecon Sculpture Tour, every Tuesday morning at 9:30am. The tour is
free and lasts about 2 hours. Your tour guide is Gary Thompson of Galleria
Pacifico, and the tour meets at the Millenia sculpture on the north end of the
Malecon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For weekend fun, Sunday evening is an especially popular
time on the Malecon. Everyone has the day off on Sundays in Mexico, so all of
the locals are out in their Sunday best. Big band music is available at the plaza
starting at 6pm and many of the locals will be dancing along. You are welcome
to join!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Activities are not limited to these times! Every night and weekend
is like a carnival</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, because special events are frequent
on the Malecon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to join the
festivities on your next trip to </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/Puerto-Vallarta"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Puerto Vallarta</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the latest events calendar go to <a href="http://www.pvscene.com/">click here</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-48419520750189644252012-01-13T09:39:00.000-08:002012-01-13T09:40:14.413-08:00Puerto Vallarta’s Renaissance<a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/Puerto-Vallarta"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Puerto Vallarta</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> wants everyone to know that it is the ultimate </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mexican destination</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for vacationers. In the upcoming months it hosting two industry
events, one for travel and one for economics, to showcase recent town
renovations and to highlight what is can offer to. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Pacific coast resort city of Puerto Vallarta is sprucing itself up as it
prepares to host two important events this spring: the Tianguis travel trade
fair from March 25 to 28 and the World Economic Forum on Latin America from
April 16 to 18.<br />
<br />
The biggest project is along the city’s waterfront. In November, the malecon,
the promenade fronting Banderas Bay, was reopened after reconstruction and
renovation that turned the formerly traffic-filled thoroughfare into a
palm-lined, pedestrian-only pathway. At its center is a beachfront amphitheater
overlooking the Pacific. As part of the renovation, the city opened a kiosk
with bicycles, kayaks and strollers available for rent. Their use is free for
the first 30 minutes.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To read the entire article, </span><a href="http://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Insights/Puerto-Vallarta-spruces-up-for-big-events/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">click here</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-82404617111313063072011-12-29T09:20:00.000-08:002011-12-29T09:20:42.705-08:00Mexican Flavors Already in Your Pantry<span class="textrec"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Full
of flavor, the sweet and nutty Mexican wedding cookie is easy to make and you
probably have all the ingredients in your pantry. A cousin of the traditional sugar
cookie, the Mexican wedding cookie dates back to a Medieval Arab cuisine where sugar was a prominent ingredient
in dessert-like foods. When the Moors immigrated into Southern Spain they
brought along their sugary delights. Some centuries later, in the 1600s, the
New World was discovered and the sugar cookie was introduced to today’s Mexico.
With time, the Mexican sugar cookie reincarnated into a nutty and sugary treat
that utilized the abundant Pecan nuts, called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nuez</i>, native to the New World. Today the Mexican wedding cookie’s simple
ingredients make it perfect for any occasion. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span class="textrec"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Check
out a Mexican wedding cookie recipe below: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pXfykJi6Dp4oICMIbuFGulgh8d_FtpW4InJ7m44ge9hSNeL4GTJ7OJLSG9dvWaGJBBMprcTWLtPLF7hV7oVqp6mZry7Oo3kMm0CAKAssUiU6jWxSAt1_330KL0PewUGk9lvJW5LbC28/s1600/img38l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pXfykJi6Dp4oICMIbuFGulgh8d_FtpW4InJ7m44ge9hSNeL4GTJ7OJLSG9dvWaGJBBMprcTWLtPLF7hV7oVqp6mZry7Oo3kMm0CAKAssUiU6jWxSAt1_330KL0PewUGk9lvJW5LbC28/s1600/img38l.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken from <a href="http://www.william-sonoma.com/">www.william-sonoma.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 cups unsalted butter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 1/2 cups finely ground pecans<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 1/2 tsps vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 cups sifted all purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar for
rolling<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Preheat oven to 325* <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Cream butter in a bowl,
gradually add confectioner’s sugar and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add
pecans and vanilla. Blend in flour gradually and mix well.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Shape into balls using
about 1 tsp for each cookie. Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake for
15-20 minutes. Do not brown. Cool slightly, then roll in the extra confectioner’s
sugar, roll again when cooled.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-87576412499432824672011-12-21T15:14:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:20:25.524-08:00Culture, History and Food in Puerto Vallarta<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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Whether it’s your first time to Puerto Vallarta or your
tenth, the Vallarta Food Tour is a must! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only will you experience some of Vallarta’s
amazing local food, but you will also learn about the culture and history of
Puerto Vallarta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The </span>tour starts at Mole Rosa, a locally owned restaurant
located in the Zona Romantica, off of the south end of the Malecon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never thought I liked mole before, but
apparently I was wrong. The owner served up 3 different types of mole: the
traditional mole which tastes a little like chocolate, a green mole that is
made with pumpkin seeds, and their specially, mole rosa, which is a pink mole
infused with red beets. They were all delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br />
From there, we strolled around the Zona Romantico down a well-known street called Basilio Badillo to Robles
taco stand. There are countless taco stands around Vallarta, and it is amazing
how different one can be from the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A taco is just a taco right? Not the case! You can spend a week here
eating only at taco stands & never have the same meal twice. Robles is one
of the best, serving their taco “dorado” style, basically meaning fried. They
are a little greasy, but SO tasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtjyujf3ZrmGq6TS7wTUURQ_6p5IrV6NlMvue78Hy-Lz_zVXrW0NTNJYHQ-k-GLwA8wiOZoW9gaBBUgIjd4cAgakOnMu3o8W4__jTKTUraMEnrLbp5fmOMHLSGLS8iCuVOR_7fjoaVyo/s1600/PV+Food+Tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtjyujf3ZrmGq6TS7wTUURQ_6p5IrV6NlMvue78Hy-Lz_zVXrW0NTNJYHQ-k-GLwA8wiOZoW9gaBBUgIjd4cAgakOnMu3o8W4__jTKTUraMEnrLbp5fmOMHLSGLS8iCuVOR_7fjoaVyo/s320/PV+Food+Tour.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Robles's fried tacos. Yum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our third tasting included ceviche at Marisco’s El Guero. To
ensure the best quality, the owner of this hidden treasure buys his
seafood fresh daily, dorado (also called mahi-mahi), straight from the Banderas
Bay. Served on a crisp tostada, it was one of the best ceviches I have ever
eaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our next delicacy was at Cesar’s Coconut Stand.
Family owned for 3 generations, Cesar’s stand serves over 1000 coconuts a week
during busy season. Serving both coconut juice and coconut meat, this was
clearly a popular spot as there were several drive-up customers in just the few
moments we were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Hot off the presses were fresh tortillas for our fifth stop.
La Gloria Tortilla Factory provides tortillas for the majority of the local
restaurants. If you think the tortillas are delicious with your meal, you will
love them freshly made. </div>
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<br /></div>
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After strolling across a couple of swinging bridges and
through the local flea market into El Centro, my personal favorite stop was La
Revolucion. The history behind this local cantina is fascinating. Evidently,
this spot was frequented by Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton back in the
day. Witnesses say they had some of their best lover’s spats right at the bar. La
Revolucion served up 3 scrumptious soups:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>black bean, tortilla and Florida Calabasas. This was accompanied by
local tequila (which you are supposed to SIP, not down in one gulp).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meandering through El Centro, we stopped by one of the town’s
icons, the church of our Lady Guadalupe, and then down the famous Malecon. Conception,
one of the local’s favorite vendors, was on the Malecon & offered up a
refreshing cup of tuba water - water </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">made from fermented coconut</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> with little pieces of yellow or red
apple, chunks of nuts and a little sugar added. This unique combination makes
the water more refreshing than soft drinks or other waters that are prepared
with fruit. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day ended on a sweet note at La Azteca’s candy store. Another
family owned business, the owner of La Azteca started out as a street vendor. His
candied nuts were so popular that he moved into a small store front, and his
business expanded numerous times over 30 years. Owned now by his children,
La Azteca now has 9 storefronts and offers a plethora of homemade candy
treats.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all left the tour pleasantly full with an enriched
appreciation for the Mexican way of life. If it’s your first time to Puerto
Vallarta, the Vallarta Food Tour is the best way to learn about the history of
the area, experience some incredible local foods & learn your way around
town. If you've been to Vallarta before, the Food Tour will show you tucked
away treasures that you probably haven't yet experienced, adding to the rich
culture that you already love so much. Don’t miss out!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more information, </span><a href="http://www.vallartafoodtours.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Calibri;">www.vallartafoodtours.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Stephanie Watts</span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</span></span>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-43049723820766544602011-12-14T15:14:00.000-08:002017-02-09T09:21:16.472-08:00What our Destination Experts are saying about Cabo<span style="font-family: inherit;">Noelle and I spent a few days in Cabo San Lucas recently
to tour some of our inventory and to learn more about the area so that we can
be TRUE Destination Experts. If you were to ask me today, “What should we do
while we’re in Cabo?” here are some ready responses for you:</span><br />
<br />
<strong>ACOMMODATIONS</strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether you want an all-inclusive hotel, condo or villa, we
have inventory to suit all. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favorite hotels was Pueblo Bonito Pacifica. PB
Pacifica is a tranquil retreat located about 5 minutes outside of downtown Cabo
San Lucas, on the Pacific Ocean side of the peninsula. This full service
property has 5 restaurants, 2 pools, an incredible spa and a secluded beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rooms are top-notch and with a very
professional staff. Our guide, Jesus, met us upon arrival with cool towels and
a fresh glass of Jamaica (ha-MY-ka) juice. As we toured the guest rooms, we
were greeted by a welcome message on the bed. We felt very special, but
apparently ALL of their guests are treated the same way.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXM0ZihTKaMEAohgPDkrpPFN8Q_HHNlkW7ZI8jJ7CK0bIrv3wWguDcyA6BAvqyCpX_T8S6xPOEYoUcZU9_5-PYztIFphFbiifynZdg9KDmIvx_LpdtjxEb4Co_Rh9DeXt8Tnui1b-X6DE/s1600/PB+Pacifica+Welcome+VR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXM0ZihTKaMEAohgPDkrpPFN8Q_HHNlkW7ZI8jJ7CK0bIrv3wWguDcyA6BAvqyCpX_T8S6xPOEYoUcZU9_5-PYztIFphFbiifynZdg9KDmIvx_LpdtjxEb4Co_Rh9DeXt8Tnui1b-X6DE/s320/PB+Pacifica+Welcome+VR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
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</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you’re traveling with a family and need some more space,
I’d recommend a condo at the </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/cabo-san-lucas/property-p352816"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Hacienda
Beach Club</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in downtown Cabo San Lucas. Not only is the location convenient,
but the property itself is exceptional. Situated on Medano Beach, Hacienda
Beach Club is within walking distance to the marina and downtown. Our top
choice, unit 501-C, is expansive with a gourmet kitchen, sizeable living space
and terrace with three en-suite bedrooms. The property itself offers 5-star services
including restaurants and room service, a top of the line spa including fitness
center, fitness classes and an infinity pool overlooking Land’s End. Unfortunately,
we did not have an opportunity to try out the restaurant, but rumor has it,
it’s one of the best in town.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our villa options are plentiful and diverse, ranging in
size, location & amenities. It really is hard to pick just one favorite, so
I chose three:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/cabo-san-lucas/property-p215027"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Villa
de los Suenos de Pedregal</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/cabo-san-lucas/property-p336774"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Villa
Gran Vista</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/cabo-san-lucas/property-p324947"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Villa
Turquesa</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. All of these properties are located in Pedregal, just outside of
downtown Cabo San Lucas, and overlook the Pacific. Villa de los Suenos de
Pedregal is a luxurious home offering up to 8 bedrooms. The vaulted ceilings
and elegant furnishings make this home feel grand, yet extremely cozy. Villa
Gran Vista is a true home away from home, offering comfortable living spaces, a
gaming room with pool table, media room, office space and 7 en-suite bedrooms. Five
of the bedrooms could be used as masters, so no need to fight over whom gets
the best room in the house. Villa Turquesa sits on the hilltop with amazing
views of the Pacific. This home has some flexibility to be rented as either a 4
or 9 bedroom home. Some fun features of Villa Turquesa include a putting green,
theater room, indoor shuffleboard, and kid’s room with bunk beds and a jungle
gym.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<strong>RESTAURANTS</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you’re looking for some good, not too fancy, fun places
to eat, here are a few of my favorites:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Baja Cantina</em>- Located at the marina, the Baja Cantina has a
really fun atmosphere. It is definitely a popular spot and always hopping with
tourists and locals alike. If you’re looking for a place to watch your favorite
sport (it was a must for me to watch the Ravens vs. Steelers game), this is the
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for food, I had the pizza and
it was delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.bajacantina.com.mx/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><strong>www.bajacantina.com.mx</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Sharkey’s</em>- Of the beaten path a little, Sharkey’s is located
about 2 blocks from the marina. Looking for some great authentic Mexican food?
This is the place. And if you happen to catch a fish while you’re in town,
Sharkey’s can prepare it for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.sharkystacos.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><strong>www.sharkystacos.com</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Baja Brewing Company</em>- If you’re tired of drinking Corona, head
to the Baja Brewing Company. They have 3 locations: at the marina in Cabo San
Lucas, in the historic art district in San Jose and rooftop at the Cabo Villas
Resort on Medano Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beer was great
and you have to try the arrachera burger…yum!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><a href="http://www.bajabrewingcompany.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><strong>www.bajabrewingcompany.com</strong></span></a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
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</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>MUST DO ACTIVITIES</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Drinks at The Office</em>- The Office is an icon! Right on Medano
Beach, The Office is great place to hang out day or night. The buckets of beer
are CHEAP and the people watching couldn’t be better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Boat tour of the harbor</em>- We took a tour around sunset for
just about an hour and I’d highly recommend it. Take out a bottle of wine (or
2), enjoy the sunset, the skyline and the views of Land’s End.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Spend a day in San Jose</em>- San Jose is the epitome of
“quaint.”Get away from the hubbub of Cabo, walk around, do a little shopping
and be sure to stop for a beer at the Baja Brewing Company in the Historic Art
district.</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are just a few insider tips, but our knowledge of Cabo
San Lucas is comprehensive. So feel free to give us a call and we’d be happy
to help you plan your next trip to the Baja Peninsula!<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span lang="EN">To speak with a Destination Expert, call <strong>(844) 258-8144</strong> or visit <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>www.mexicandestinations.com</strong></span></a> to
plan your Cabo vacation!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span lang="EN">- Stephanie W</span></span></span></div>
Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-13591287610555884312011-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-07T00:00:02.134-08:00Where’s the best place to stay in Cabo and what’s the deal with San José?!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmhSfa7YU3_CCWcn3ajmxA1tS8sEqKlDGvIzvB9ukFlfpZJFTA1F7yfxZm2LcjCvH0wcEop1-J_XarxnIZCAfNlbQXWLxSWpXpq0YlV57AvuuB7qs6Y_TU-rYRQ9uxLB7ZiMPLGvm6Lc/s1600/southern-baja-map-large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmhSfa7YU3_CCWcn3ajmxA1tS8sEqKlDGvIzvB9ukFlfpZJFTA1F7yfxZm2LcjCvH0wcEop1-J_XarxnIZCAfNlbQXWLxSWpXpq0YlV57AvuuB7qs6Y_TU-rYRQ9uxLB7ZiMPLGvm6Lc/s320/southern-baja-map-large.gif" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Before I
got the opportunity to really spend time in and around Cabo San Lucas, I had a
hard time wrapping my head around the lay of the land. How far is <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">San José</span></strong> from downtown Cabo?
Which homes are located on swimmable beaches? Where are said beaches, in
relation to downtown? What’s the difference between homes on the “<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pacific side</span></strong>” vs. homes on the
“<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Marina side</span></strong>?” What the heck is
the “<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Corridor</span></strong>?” Sound familiar?
Well, I’m happy to say I finally mastered Cabo’s layout and am here to share my
newly-acquired knowledge. And, yes, it is all that it’s cracked up to be (just
in case you were wondering)!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, so
let’s get started. When you fly into Cabo, you fly into <strong>Los Cabos
International airport</strong>, which is about 20 minutes inland from the
coast. You have two choices once you enter into the heart of <strong>San José</strong>:
you can continue straight through the roundabout into oldtown <strong>San José</strong>,
or turn right onto the coastal highway to make your way up the coast to Cabo
San Lucas. If you choose the former you will enter into <strong>San José</strong>‘s
Hotel Row (beautiful hotels and condos that line the SWIMMABLE beach in SJ).
This area has a more authentic “Mexican” feel than downtown Cabo, so if you’re
looking for that experience, you should stay on Hotel Row (ex. Costa Azul
Resort or Las Mananitas condominium) or at least make a day trip from Cabo to
check it out. If you choose to go straight ahead into Cabo you will pass
through the area between <strong>San José</strong> and downtown Cabo: the “<strong>Corridor</strong>.”
You won’t see many homes because they are hidden on either side of the highway,
however, this is where most of the SWIMMABLE beaches are located. You can stay
along the Corridor and be anywhere from 10-30 minutes from downtown Cabo.
Beaches are the <strong>Corridor</strong>‘s main attraction and is a great area
for those looking for quiet and privacy.</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Continuing
past the <strong>Corridor</strong> is downtown Cabo. Downtown is not very
large, about a 20 min walk from end to end, but it's full of shopping, bars,
restaurants, and hotels (Pueblo Bonito Rose & Pueblo Bonito Blanco and the
5 star Hacienda Cabo condominiums are just behind the beach and great for a
central location). <strong>Medano</strong> beach is the place to be if you are
looking for water sports, day drinking or maybe interested in the singles
scene. Also, if you are staying in downtown Cabo, <strong>Medano</strong> is
really your only option for a SWIMMABLE beach. In addition, it has the best
vantage point for viewing<strong> The Arches</strong> – unless you take a boat
out to see them, which I highly recommend!</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, if
you continue along the waterfront (Bay of Cabo San Lucas), you will enter the <strong>Marina</strong>.
This is where the fishing boats, charters and boat slips are located. There are
also several restaurants ranging from Ruth’s Chris to local fare. Most gringos
dine here at night and have a few drinks before hitting the clubs (i.e.
Giggling Marlin, El Squid Roe – all located just behind the Marina, downtown).
The food is good and all restaurants have outdoor seating. Two blocks inland
from the <strong>Marina </strong>is <strong>Pedregal</strong>; a gated hill
community comprised mostly of homes owned by the local gringo population. The
homes on the lower side of the hill are only a couple of blocks from downtown,
making it convenient to walk into town.</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now,
here’s where it can get confusing: <strong>Pedregal</strong> is a hill with
homes located on all sides. It is split up into two areas the “<strong>Pacific
side</strong>” or “<strong>Marina side</strong>.” If your home is on the west
side of the hill, you are on the <strong>Pacific side</strong>; if your home is
on the east side, you are on the <strong>Marina side</strong>. Homes on the <strong>Pacific
side</strong> have expansive views of the ocean and tend to have light later in
the day. Anything facing the <strong>Marina</strong> or the east has views of
the Sea of Cortez. The Pacific Ocean is not swimmable in this area. Should you
stay in <strong>Pedregal</strong>, it’s easiest to catch cabs to and from town
unless you choose to rent a car for day excursions. There are a few hotels on
the <strong>Pacific side</strong>, such as Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Pueblo
Bonito Pacifica and the Monte Cristo Estates. They are located just behind <strong>Pedregal</strong>
and offer beautiful beach access (though not swimmable). This location is
perfect for weddings, large groups or couples that wish to spend most days by
the pool, enjoying one another’s company. The hotels are all full-service and
the villas have private pools and kitchens, so the need to leave the premises
is minimal. From here, you are about a 15 minute drive to downtown.</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, that
pretty much sums it up, from San José to Cabo, the ins and outs. I hope that
this was helpful!</span></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Noelle
M<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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</div>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-57296669199644745292011-10-13T10:14:00.000-07:002011-10-13T10:14:00.151-07:00Villa Estrella Mar in Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >For an unrivaled visit to Puerto Vallarta, <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/puerto-vallarta/property-p347465">Villa Estrella Mar</a> is the obvious choice. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Conchas Chinas, Villa Estrella Mar is the most luxurious place to rest your head. Besides being the epitome of Mexican style and architecture, the hillside villa overlooks the ocean and white sand of Olas Altas beach. The open, no-glass windows allow the ocean breeze to warm and refresh the entire villa. Also, getting to downtown is only a short stroll away. The villa has six suites, nine bathrooms, a workout room, elevator, fireplace, heated pool, and private terraces.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >The experience is comparable to having a hotel and its staff all focused on you.<span> </span>The friendly and professional staff of fourteen --including an English speaking houseman, maid, chef, security, and gardener-- ensures your stay is absolute perfection.<span> </span>The staff is attentive but works without drawing too much attention.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >The villa is featured or mentioned regularly in travel magazines, most recently in the Nov-Dec 2011 issue of <a href="http://mx.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416190754&o=int&prev=sub&p=62">Destination Weddings & Honeymoons</a> magazine. Its size and space makes it perfect for a wedding, family getaway, or other special occasion.<span> </span></span></p> <span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Some people have made Estrella Mar their yearly winter vacation spot and it’s not hard to understand why. Estrella Mar is one of the most unique places you’ll ever stay in the world. <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/">Mexican Destinations</a> creates unforgettable vacation experiences with the romance and magic of Mexico. This starts with providing the finest professionally managed vacation rentals. Our travel experts have an in-depth knowledge of the rental options and , local restaurants, shopping, tours, and other recreation.</span></span>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-10089619521893692922011-10-10T11:42:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:42:00.410-07:00Luxury in Colonial Mexico: San Miguel de Allende<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: medium; "><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 18px; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; width: auto !important; max-width: 640px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; overflow-y: hidden; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; ">A quick flight from Mexico City to Leon or Queretaro, followed by a 1.5 hour drive through small towns and beautiful countryside, you know that you’ve arrived in heaven when you hit the cobblestone streets of <a title="San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">San Miguel de Allende</a>.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; ">It’s been a little over a year and I’m itching to be back in the mountains of Mexico. At 90+ degrees, it’s no wonder that I’m craving an escape from Salt Lake City to the temperate climate of <a title="San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">San Miguel</a>. When you think of Mexico, you probably think of a wintertime escape to the <a title="Cabo San Lucas" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/Cabo-san-lucas" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/Cabo-san-lucas" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">beach</a>. But, that’s not nearly all that this diverse country has to offer. <a title="San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">San Miguel</a>, widely known as a refuge for American expats, is a small town in the middle of Mexico, boasting an expansive population of artists and thinkers from around the world. The colonial and peaceful charm of <a title="San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">San Miguel </a>proves an ideal environment for inspiration and relaxation alike. It’s for this reason that so many people have chosen to build beautiful <a title="San Miguel de Allende rentals" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/search/san-miguel-de-allende/n4294965191" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/search/san-miguel-de-allende/n4294965191" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">homes</a> and retreats within its borders.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; ">Most of <em style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; font-style: italic; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ">my</em> time in town is spent out and about, admiring the enchanting <a title="San Miguel de Allende villas" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/search/san-miguel-de-allende/n4294965191" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/search/san-miguel-de-allende/n4294965191" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">villas</a> that I’m lucky enough to represent as a part of <a title="Mexican villa rentals" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">Mexican Destinations</a>. If you get the opportunity, be sure to participate in the <a title="San Miguel de Allende Home and Garden Tour" href="http://www.bibliotecasma.com/index.php/library-services/house-and-garden-tour" target="_blank" href="http://www.bibliotecasma.com/index.php/library-services/house-and-garden-tour" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">Home and Garden tour </a>offered by the historical society. It’s the most curious thing: these cobblestone roads, you will see, are interspersed with quaint antique <a title="Activities San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/ideas/activities-san-miguel" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/ideas/activities-san-miguel" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">shops</a>, <a title="Activities San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/ideas/activities-san-miguel" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/ideas/activities-san-miguel" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">restaurants</a>, churches. But, between them all, walls with doors: some ordinary doors, some ornate. It’s anyone’s guess what lies beyond. Trust me, it’s worth further exploration. The Home and Garden tours will provide entrance to these otherwise inaccessible properties. Behind these walls, you will find the most unexpected elegance. Often, the doors open to extravagant gardens and some of the most original, luxurious homes that you have ever seen. Though the culture and history of colonial Mexico are preserved, each home has its own unique style and appeal. Additionally, you can actually rent these homes through <a title="Villa rentals San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">Mexican Destinations</a> and experience what it’s like to live the fairytale life that lies “behind the walls.”</p><p style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px; ">Other “must do” <a title="Activities San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/ideas/activities-san-miguel" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/ideas/activities-san-miguel" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">activities</a>: take an art class- everything from pottery to painting is available. Hit the links- San Miguel offers some of the best <a title="Activities San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/ideas/activities-san-miguel" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/ideas/activities-san-miguel" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">golf</a> in Mexico. Go Antiquing and bring some extra luggage for the trip home- you can thank me later. Eat delicious, authentic cuisine at <em style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; font-style: italic; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ">La Posadita. </em>Or, just relax in your own private garden with a good book and a margarita, taking in the peace that is <a title="Rental homes San Miguel de Allende" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" target="_blank" href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/san-miguel" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(0, 102, 204); line-height: 1.5; ">San Miguel de Allende</a>. <em style="font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; font-style: italic; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; "> </em></p></div></span>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-66313315053154318242011-09-29T10:24:00.000-07:002011-09-29T10:24:00.592-07:002011 Pan American GamesNeed another reason to visit Puerto Vallarta this October? Do you just want something else to add to your activity list while you’re already there? How about the watching part of the <a href="http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/eng/01_inicio/index.asp">16th Pan American Games</a> live? <div><br /></div><div>The Pan American games are second only in size and stature to the Summer Olympic Games. They are only held every four years and the year prior to the Olympic games. The 46-sport alphabet of events goes from archery to wrestling.<br /><br />Puerto Vallarta will host the <a href="http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/eng/03_deportes/deportes_en_guadalajara2011.asp?id_dep=27">sailing</a>, <a href="http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/eng/03_deportes/deportes_en_guadalajara2011.asp?id_dep=51">open water swimming</a>, <a href="http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/eng/03_deportes/deportes_en_guadalajara2011.asp?id_dep=26">triathlon</a>, and <a href="http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/eng/03_deportes/deportes_en_guadalajara2011.asp?id_dep=44">beach volleyball</a> events. The events are spread across dates from October 16th to the 23rd.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Contact a Destination Expert at <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/">Mexican Destinations</a> to book a villa close to the action. Check out <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/puerto-vallarta">Puerto Vallarta's</a> destination information page.</div></div>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-24396002436994133942011-09-26T10:47:00.000-07:002011-09-26T15:57:57.885-07:00I LOVE Rainy Season!You heard me…I love it! Since we moved to Puerto Vallarta almost a year ago, we have heard nothing but how horrible rainy season can be. Of course, this mostly comes from locals who have been here a long time and who thrive on the warm, much less humid, winters here. Don’t get me wrong, the winters here are truly superb. But rainy season may be my favorite time of year. Here’s why:<br /><br />SUNNY DURING THE DAY, RAINY AT NIGHT- That’s how it happens 99% of the time. It is extremely rare for it to rain all day every day, especially for a few days at a time. Instead, it’s actually blue skies and sunshine during the day. You would never even know that it’s rainy season until late afternoon. That’s when the clouds roll in. Which leads me to…<br /><br />SUNSETS- In the summer, the sunsets are stunning. The clouds roll in just in time to create a heavenly tropical sky. Picture your favorite sunset postcard photo and that’s what it looks like every day. You are also more likely to see the infamous ‘green flash’ during the rainy season, or so they say.<br /><br />THUNDERSTORMS- If you like thunderstorms, there is no better place. Once the sun sets and you’re settling in for your evening cocktail, you can catch a spectacular thunderstorm almost every night. You know how you see the lightning, then count the seconds until the thunder? Well, it’s not uncommon for the lightning and thunder to occur simultaneously here. The sound is almost deafening!<br /><br />SLEEPING IN THE RAIN- When I was a kid, we used to sit in the screened porch at my grandmother’s house, listening to the raindrops hit the tin roof. Maybe I’m just nostalgic, but there’s something about the sound of rain at night. Now, there are a lot of times when the thunderstorms go on into the wee hours, but usually it’s just the rain that continues on through the night. And, MAN, can it rain here!<br /><br />IT’S SO GREEN- Puerto Vallarta is beautiful all year round, but during rainy season, the colors from the mountainside and the flowers are so vibrant they just pop! The colors are so brilliant that they almost seem fake.<br /><br />WARM WATER- If you’re like me, and most women are, the ocean is there just to cool off after lying in the sun too long. The only time I go further than just sticking my toes in the water is when I’m hot. In the winter, I don’t get very far because the water is so cold! In the summer, the water is so warm I never want to get out. I could float around and play in the waves for hours. <br /><br />HAVING THE TOWN TO YOURSELF- Rainy season tends to discourage tourists from visiting this time of year. Clearly, the businesses would love to see the streets full 365 days a year. The truth is it isn’t very busy in the summer, so the beaches, the shops, the restaurants, and the bars are pretty quiet. If you think you like Vallarta during the height of tourist season, just imagine having it all to yourself.<br /><br />So, the next time you’re considering a trip to a tropical destination like Puerto Vallarta, don’t let the words rainy season dampen your spirits (pun intended). You will be pleasantly surprised.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/destination-experts/stephanie-watts">Posted by Stephanie Watts, Destinations Expert.</a>Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-164160243781316742011-09-15T13:44:00.000-07:002011-09-16T09:10:22.154-07:00Luxury in Colonial Mexico: San Miguel de Allende<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqCIJbrFxTCXzAvf0FFUqqnDRVpUVTqqU_v-e-5M-VEPKULcN3BjfxNsimvn28SbWaCI1t5Mdaxl84UzBWsBF8kmEpC4b2Z2SMrufSSg5ch4mjyT5kEmolGMFPEPyHR094-wQaudms44/s1600/mexico.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqCIJbrFxTCXzAvf0FFUqqnDRVpUVTqqU_v-e-5M-VEPKULcN3BjfxNsimvn28SbWaCI1t5Mdaxl84UzBWsBF8kmEpC4b2Z2SMrufSSg5ch4mjyT5kEmolGMFPEPyHR094-wQaudms44/s320/mexico.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652990480828043106" /></a><br /><br />A quick flight from Mexico City to Leon or Queretaro, followed by a 1.5 hour drive through small towns and beautiful countryside, you know that you’ve arrived in heaven when you hit the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende.<br /><br />It’s been a little over a year and I’m itching to be back in the mountains of Mexico. At 90+ degrees, it’s no wonder that I’m craving an escape from Salt Lake City to the temperate climate of San Miguel. When you think of Mexico, you probably think of a wintertime escape to the beach. But, that’s not nearly all that this diverse country has to offer. San Miguel, widely known as a refuge for American expats, is a small town in the middle of Mexico, boasting an expansive population of artists and thinkers from around the world. The colonial and peaceful charm of San Miguel proves an ideal environment for inspiration and relaxation alike. It’s for this reason that so many people have chosen to build beautiful homes and retreats within its borders.<br /><br />Most of my time in town is spent out and about, admiring the enchanting villas that I’m lucky enough to represent as a part of Mexican Destinations. If you get the opportunity, be sure to participate in the Home and Garden tour offered by the historical society. It’s the most curious thing: these cobblestone roads, you will see, are interspersed with quaint antique shops, restaurants, churches. But, between them all, walls with doors: some ordinary doors, some ornate. It’s anyone’s guess what lies beyond. Trust me, it’s worth further exploration. The Home and Garden tours will provide entrance to these otherwise inaccessible properties. Behind these walls, you will find the most unexpected elegance. Often, the doors open to extravagant gardens and some of the most original, luxurious homes that you have ever seen. Though the culture and history of colonial Mexico are preserved, each home has its own unique style and appeal. Additionally, you can actually rent these homes through Mexican Destinations and experience what it’s like to live the fairytale life that lies “behind the walls.”<br /><br />Other “must do” activities: take an art class- everything from pottery to painting is available. Hit the links- San Miguel offers some of the best golf in Mexico. Go Antiquing and bring some extra luggage for the trip home- you can thank me later. Eat delicious, authentic cuisine at La Posadita. Or, just relax in your own private garden with a good book and a margarita, taking in the peace that is San Miguel de Allende.Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-41980345841281032602011-08-03T15:34:00.000-07:002011-08-03T15:41:42.589-07:00Falling in Love with Puerto VallartaMy first visit to Puerto Vallarta was about 15 years ago. Quite honestly, I don’t remember much about it other than Senor Frog’s and Carlos O’Briens (which is probably why I don’t remember the rest of the trip). It wasn’t until I met my now husband four years ago that I really got to experience Vallarta for the amazing place that it is.<br /><br />We stayed with my husband’s family friends who own <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/puerto-vallarta/property-p96224" target="_blank">Villa la Casita</a>. Walking in the door of their villa for the first time was a WOW moment. I had never seen anything like it: spectacular views, private infinity pool, all rooms facing the ocean with open windows/walls…true living on the outside. We spent our long weekend there lounging in and by the pool, eating out at some of the local favorites and being tourists. One of my favorite activities was the canopy tours through <a href="http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com/" target="_blank">Los Veranos</a>. I am a little bit scared of heights, but zip lining through the jungle was really exhilarating!<br /><br />We visited Vallarta one more time the following year, and again, had an amazing time. When we got in engaged in the fall of 2008, we debated about our wedding venue. We were living in Park City, Utah at the time and had each been there most of our lives. We looked at venues around Park City, but nothing really felt like “us.” Then it dawned on us…what about a destination wedding to Puerto Vallarta?<br /><br />Before long, we had a date set, a Puerto Vallarta wedding planner and catering company contracted and all we needed was a venue. We booked another trip to Mexico so we could tour the possibilities. Our wedding planner, Zac from <a href="http://www.em-vallarta.com/" target="_blank">EM Vallarta</a>, set up several site tours of villas for us to consider. All of them were beautiful, but when we arrived at our last destination, I knew it was the place before we even walked in the door.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/lodging/puerto-vallarta/property-p347465" target="_blank">Villa Estrella Mar</a> was simply breath-taking. With 6 bedrooms and more than 20,000 square feet, it was large enough to accommodate both of our immediate families. The beach cove in front of the villa was small and fairly private. And best of all, talk about WOW factor upon entering…we knew our guests would be astounded.<br /><br />Our wedding took place on the beach at Villa Estrella Mar on October 10, 2009. We were joined by 55 of our closest friends and family. Estrella Mar proved to be not only a beautiful spot for our ceremony on the beach, but the perfect place for our reception in the living area. Early October is the end of rainy season, so it was plenty humid. But our guests didn’t mind, especially by the end of the night when we all ended up in the pool…in our wedding clothes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQmcidBCpfQyOrNpyBsu2fy5nWPPr8sGUfGCD64piG0eO5CNCynksQ52dPzBtml09TZkB9P2wqMl_Ts6wf5RDcAynUmUvO680DQboczqZtzCuIKniJz_a8YAy6-EniaJfcgeerRYBIz4/s1600/Wedding-+Pool.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636762384080639202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQmcidBCpfQyOrNpyBsu2fy5nWPPr8sGUfGCD64piG0eO5CNCynksQ52dPzBtml09TZkB9P2wqMl_Ts6wf5RDcAynUmUvO680DQboczqZtzCuIKniJz_a8YAy6-EniaJfcgeerRYBIz4/s400/Wedding-+Pool.jpg" /></a><br />We spent a few weeks in Vallarta that fall and wondered what it would be like to live in such an incredible place. Little did we know then that we would be spending our first anniversary back on the beach at Estrella Mar…as residents of Puerto Vallarta.<br /><br />-StephanieMexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428256405416804514.post-85651539336306887872011-07-29T09:35:00.000-07:002011-07-29T09:52:40.981-07:00Surf San Pancho<a href="http://images.mtnres.com/Repository/Destinations/Beach/San%20Pancho/SanPancho1_268x184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 184px;" src="http://images.mtnres.com/Repository/Destinations/Beach/San%20Pancho/SanPancho1_268x184.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Sunny <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/vacation-rentals/San-Pancho" target="_blank">San Pancho</a> may not stand at the forefront of Mexican tourist hotspots, but once you've discovered the charm of this beautiful hideaway, you'll know why visitors continue to pour into the little seaside town. San Pancho is renowned for its incredible surf, which is ideal for serious wave riders and also provides great place for new adventure seekers to splash down. Christina Famiglietti recently highlighted some of the little-known beaches and surf locales that make San Pancho special. Here is some of what she had to say:<br /><blockquote><br />If you love to hit the waves, then this town is another great surfing spot in the Riviera Nayarit. Located along popular Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific Coast, this small town is more appealing to surfers because unlike other surf spots, San Pancho is still relatively undiscovered. That means no crowds, so you pretty much have the ocean to yourself. Even though it's relatively unknown, it's still easily accessible to tourists - only about a 45-minute drive north of Puerto Vallarta.<br /></blockquote><br />Read the entire article <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Surf-San-Pancho,-Mexico&id=6455731" target="_blank">here</a>, and be sure to speak to a knowledgeable <a href="http://www.mexicandestinations.com/destination-experts" target="_blank">Destination Expert</a> if you'd like to find out more about planning a surf excursion to San Pancho.Mexican Destinationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09847718231374563293noreply@blogger.com0