Tag Archives: Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Mexico, Plan, Puerto Vallarta, Trip Ideas

Mexican Resorts Celebrate Earth Day

April 10, 2023

With Earth Day just around the corner, some of the earth- friendly resorts along the coastlines of Mexico are commemorating the day with celebrations and beach cleanups. There’s still time to book a trip to participate in one of these activities and honor Mother Earth in Mexico.

W Punta de Mita

You’ll find the W Punta de Mita perched above one of the best beaches in the Riviera Nayarit area of Mexico. It’s certainly not your typical monochromatic decorated resort, here you’ll find vibrant colors and bold architecture, and locally inspired furniture with a nod to the indigenous Huichol. Traditional patterns combined with local bohemian surf culture prevalent in the Pacific Coast of Mexico come through in artwork and furnishings. Each guest room is unique and accented with vintage photos and murals of historical figures.

The 450-foot-long blue and green mosaic walkway is meant to mimic the Pacific Ocean, it runs from the hotel out onto the pool area. Photo: W Punta de Mita

To celebrate the connection between Mother Earth and Mayan ancestral roots a Cacao Ceremony will be held on April 21, 2023. Nature lovers and wellness seekers are welcome to gather at the resort’s pristine sand beach where an altar of flowers lit by a sacred fire will cleanse and make space for new energies. Cacao experts Alba López and Montserrat Limón will take participants through the rituals as guests drink ceremonial cacao and absorb sound and healing frequencies. Geared to align one’s emotional, mental, and spiritual levels with the Earth’s magnetic vibrations, the ceremony also activates blood circulation and boosts overall energy and well-being. Learn more at: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pvrwh-w-punta-de-mita/overview/

The cacao ceremony on the beach in front of the W Punta de Mita promotes self-reflection and spiritual awakening. Photo: W Punta de Mita

Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa

This coming Earth Day visitors can recognize some of Mother Nature’s best work in Cabo San Lucas. One of the world’s most popular vacation spots where stunning desert landscapes contrast the deep blue seascapes is blessed with 320 days of sunshine a year. The area deserves to be cared for so future generations can enjoy the natural beauty. Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa is doing its part to make that happen.

One of the largest beach clubs in Cabo San Lucas and the largest on Medano Beach offers private cabanas and a restaurant. Photo: Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa

To commemorate Earth Day, on April 21, guests can participate in a hotel beach clean-up along the shores of Medano Beach, the most popular beach in Cabo. Protecting and maintaining the beach helps keep the sparkling blue waters pristine for the amazing sea life that calls the Sea of Cortez home. After the beach healing, visitors can head to Aleta for an Earth Day green menu, centered around organic produce and local ingredients that support small farms in the area. For tequila lovers, Corazón is offering a special Earth Day Tequila Tasting, featuring Tequila Herradura, a premium tequila brand committed to sustainable practices like utilizing solar energy, reducing water usage, and recycling waste. Learn more at https://www.corazoncabo.com/

With spectacular views and the freshest fish in town showcasing sushi and a raw bar, you can’t beat Aleta at Corazón. Photo: Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Turtle hatching season which takes place from June to December is punctuated with sea turtle releases along the coastline around Banderas Bay. The area beaches are the most important in the world for protecting the Green Ridley turtle. The tortuga (turtle) is the spiritual symbol of the Huichol people native to the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain range. These creatures are credited with assisting the rain goddesses and protecting the quality of the springs and replenishing underground water sources. From June to December, guests staying at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa can share in the local belief and pay respect to Mother Nature in the release of newly hatched turtles at the resort’s beach. In addition to playing a role in the resort’s turtle protection program guests will learn the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and taking care of the environment so that species like these can thrive.

Guests staying at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa are just 30 minutes from the town of Puerto Vallarta. Photo: Marriott Puerto Vallarta

2023 marks the 20th anniversary of this family favorite program and children staying at the resort will be able to name their turtles and gather at sunset to wish them luck and set them free to return to the ocean. In 2005, the Ridley Sea Turtle was in danger of extinction. The Marriott Puerto Vallarta donated a portion of its beach to create a permanent nursery. The resort employs a biologist to oversee the program, patrol during the night, and educate the hotel’s staff and guests about the species. Today, the Ridley is now a vulnerable species with an increased survival rate due to programs like these. The activity is offered every day during turtle season and as Mother Nature permits. www.puertovallartamarriott.com

Baby sea turtle ready for a journey to the sea. At Marriott Puerto Vallarta turtle specialists oversee the sendoff. Photo: Marriott Puerto Vallarta

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

Cancun is known for its year-round turquoise blue waters and 80-degree temperatures. This year, the JW Marriott Cancun is hosting a meaningful Earth Day activity. Located on the white sand beach steps away from the Hotel Zone, the resort offers ocean views from every room. This year, the resort is inviting guests, visitors, and associates to give back to Mother Nature by participating in a beach cleanup followed by a ceremony at an “Earth Commitment Wall,” where participants can pledge their promise to take care of the planet. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cunjw-jw-marriott- cancun-resort-and-spa/overview/

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa makes it easy for you to pledge your commitment to Mother Earth. Photo: JW Marriott Cancun Resort

Guests looking for a once-in-a-lifetime activity may want to see the gentle whale sharks that frequent the waters off Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Isla de Mujeres. During spring and summer, guests can swim and snorkel with Cancun’s population of these gentle giants. While they are considered sharks, they have no teeth and take in nutrients by gathering water that flows out and over their gills leaving behind plankton and small fish to be digested. Massive, they are between 18 and 32 feet long on average, and they swim slowly at just three miles per hour so just floating in the area will give you plenty of opportunity to see them. There are many trips to choose from; research well and choose an ethical and eco-minded outfit for this nature sensitive adventure.

Gentle whale sharks flock offshore near Cancun between spring and summer each year. Photo: JW Marriott Cancun Resort

Asia, Bahamas, Bahamas-New Providence, Bahamas-Out Islands, Cabo San Lucas, Caribbean, Hawaii, Islands, Mexico, Oahu, Oceania, Plan, Play, Tahiti, Thailand, Trip Ideas

Where to Snorkel with Sharks

November 18, 2020

Leave a comment

Forget those old cliches about “shark-infested waters.” The reality is that these often-misunderstood creatures pose very little danger to humans, and are far more likely to avoid the splashing chaos of swimmers and divers. But there are certain places around the world where sharks can be found with predictable regularity, allowing snorkelers with a sense of adventure a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

New Providence, Bahamas

From Thunderball to Into the Blue, a vast majority of the underwater shark encounters that show up on the big screen were filmed in the waters near Stuart Cove’s dive center in the Bahamas. Decades of feeding have conditioned the area’s resident population of gray reef sharks to the presence of humans, and they hang around even when they aren’t getting a handout of fish bits. Snorkelers can get in on the action with trips to several of the area’s shallow reefs, where the sharks will cruise by, but otherwise ignore the fin-wearing interlopers. There’s usually a dive guide with a camera on hand to grab a shark-and- snorkeler shot for anyone looking for a great social media post. Visit: https://stuartcove.com/

Underwater sites with clear and calm waters in the Bahamas await divers and snorkelers on a Stuart Cove’s adventure. Guided adventures include shark sightings. Photo: Salisbury University Geography Students/Flickr

Bora Bora, Islands of Tahiti

The huge sand-bottom lagoon that surrounds the island of Bora Bora is filled with all manner of fish life, including a group of resident lemon sharks and rays. Encounters sometimes begin right from resort beaches or near over- water bungalows, but more guaranteed are the boat trips provided by several tour companies, which ferry snorkelers to areas within the lagoon where the sharks and rays are known to gather. Snorkelers who prefer a more controlled environment should visit the island’s Lagoonarium. This natural enclosure is located near the island’s eastern shore, and it is home to a variety of sharks, rays, tropical fish, and sea turtles. More adventurous swimmers can also book trips to outer reefs where dolphins and manta rays may join the mix. Visit: http://lagoonarium.e-monsite.com/

Shark and ray feeding trips are available from resorts for visiting snorkelers in Bora Bora. The sandy flat outside the lagoon is populated with hungry sharks and stingrays. Photo: Michael Rubenstein/Flickr

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo is the gateway to the Sea of Cortez. All manner of sharks and large marine mammals pass by this point on their way to and from seasonal hunting and breeding grounds. The Pelagic Safari takes small groups of snorkelers on a half-day or all-day speedboat cruise into the open waters of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. When a likely site is located, participants go overboard with snorkel gear and drift with the waves as the boat follows to provide support. Depending on the season, snorkelers may come face-to-face with anything from humpbacks and gray whales to blue and mako sharks, billfish, and massive schools of Mobula rays. Visit: https://pelagicsafari.com/

Modula rays invade the waters off Southern Baja and the Sea of Cortez on a seasonal basis. Plan a visit May through July or November to January. Photo: Pelagic Safari

Oahu, Hawaii

There are some sharks that are best seen from behind bars, and that’s exactly what snorkelers can do at Hawaii Shark Encounters. These adventures take place three miles off the north shore of Oahu. After reaching deep water, the tour operator stops the boat and deploys shark cages that float on the surface. Snorkelers enter these cages, and chum with fish deployed to lure oceanic predators. The species that show up most often are Galapagos, sandbar, and tiger sharks, but there’s also a chance of a visit from blue sharks and hammerheads. To make the encounters more thrilling, the cages are fitted not only with bars, but also Plexiglas windows that provide unimpeded viewing. Visit: https://hawaiisharkencounters.com/

Both thrilling and educational, shark cage adventure tours on the north shore of Oahu will dispel many shark myths and create awareness for their protection. Photo: ptpablo/Flickr

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

The Phi Phi Islands are the stuff of postcards and screen savers. Rising like giant limestone haystacks from emerald waters, these unique formations are surrounded by coral reefs and riddled with secret coves fronting white sand beaches. In recent years, one of the fastest-trending adventures that visitors to the islands can experience is the chance to swim with black-tip reef sharks. Several tour companies ferry snorkelers to shallow reefs, where these non-threatening sharks forage among the formations in search of hidden morsels. Morning is said to be the best time to sign up for these tours, as this is not only when the sharks are most active, but also the times when there are fewer swimmers in the water. After the swim, there’s usually a chance to visit mysterious sea caves and have lunch on a deserted beach. Visit: https://www.getyourguide.com/discovery/phi-phi-islands-l9477/snorkeling-tc57/?utm_force=0

From Phuket, visitors can take boat tours to the amazing Phi Phi Islands. Some may stop at Monkey Beach, while others head out to reefs. Photo: Corey Hamilton/Flickr

Bimini, Bahamas

The waters of the Gulf Stream flow close to the Bahamian island of Bimini, bringing game fish and sharks in from the deep blue. This gives snorkelers a rare chance to meet oceanic marine life in shallow water, including reef sharks and hammerheads. The starting point for these thrilling encounters is Bimini Undersea, which is located within the fisherman’s village at Resorts World Bimini. Participants board speedboats for a three-mile trip to a formation known as Triangle Rocks. There, in depths of 25 feet or less, the reefs attract passing sharks, which are clearly visible in the clear water. This half-day trip is considered safe and appropriate for all ages, as the sharks gather in anticipation of a free meal, but are not fed while snorkelers are in the water. Visit: https://biminiundersea.net/

Up-close views of reef sharks can be experienced in special programs like The Sharks Adventure at a beautiful reef, south of Bimini. Photo: sassamafracken/Flickr

Asia, Belize, Cabo San Lucas, Caribbean, Central America, Islands, Maldives, Mexico, St. Lucia, Stay, Thailand, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Dream Sleeps: Resorts with Water View Bedrooms

October 13, 2017

Leave a comment

Imagine falling asleep to sea breezes and the sound of the surf. Or waking to a sunrise over the water. A select number of resorts around the world have elevated the bedroom into a showroom, rewarding guests with spectacular one-of-a-kind views that make water and sky star attractions to create a slumber like no other. Here at the One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives resort sunset’s afterglow sets the mood for relaxation on a cabana bed perched on the deck of an over water villa.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Stay, Trip Ideas

Mexico’s Top Summer Vacation Deals

June 8, 2017

Leave a comment

This summer, why not ditch the usual road trip or lake cottage and add some excitement to the season with a trip south of the border. Beachfront hotels all across Mexico are offering some sizzling seasonal specials, and now is the time to save and savor the sun, sand and surf.

CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

June is a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta. The winter crowds are gone and the summer rainy season is yet to come. And a great place for an impromptu getaway is at the CasaMagna Marriott. The hotel offers direct access to the golden sands of Salado Beach, and just across the street is the Marina Vallarta and its top- rated golf course. The hotel’s infinity-edge pool provides a relaxing oasis, with magnificent views of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains. In addition to four on-site restaurants, the CasaMagna offers the Ceviche &Tequila Bar, serving up more than 180 varieties of this iconic libation, including some made at an on-site distillery. After indulging, guests can detox and renew at the Ohtli Spa, where treatments and healing traditions are inspired by ancient Huichol healing arts. Save 25 percent with the Sand Dollar Vacation Package, which includes a $50 daily resort credit. Use promo code S29 that is valid seven days a week through December 22, 2017. Rates from $104.00 to $219.00 per night. www.Marriott.com

The CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort is close to downtown attractions and the Marina Vallarta, where guests can book sailing excursions and seasonal whale watching cruises. Photo: Marriott Puerto Vallarta

Thompson Playa Del Carmen

Mexico’s coolest beach town is still on the vacation hot list, and the hippest place to be is at the corner of La Quinta Avenida and Calle 12. There, in the center of Playa’s vibrant restaurant and trendy club scene, the boutique Thompson Hotel provides a chic oasis of downtown luxury, with a rooftop playground featuring an infinity pool, panoramic ocean views, luxury cabanas and two dining venues that include famed Manhattan culinary concept CATCH. Beach lovers can book into the nearby Beach House, a sister property with 27 oceanfront rooms, and exclusive pool, private cabanas and an oceanfront restaurant. Both properties are offering special summer packages: when you book in for two nights, the third night is on the house. Summer rates start at $200.00 per night for the Fifth Avenue property and $270.00 per night at the Beach House. www.thompsonhotels.com

After the sun sets, the rooftop pool deck at the Thompson Playa del Carmen is transformed into a nightlife hot spot, with DJs and live music keeping the party going. Photo: Thompson Hotels

Papaya Playa Project

The beachside enclave known as Papaya Playa has long been the hippest spot in Tulum, and the resort’s new casitas take the eco- chic vibe to a whole new level. Built from stone, reclaimed and recycled wood and a clay-like composite substance containing an extract of the chuckun tree, these spacious dwellings are furnished and decorated with items created by local artisans. Casitas set in the jungle are elevated on stilts for minimal environmental impact, and large front terraces, plunge pools and roof decks rising above the trees. Oceanfront casitas sit mere feet from the surf, with high ceilings and large windows to catch the sea breezes and sounds of surf and jungle. To promote these new accommodations, Papaya Playa is offering a pay for 4 stay for 5 promotion for stays between June 26 and September 17, 2017. www.papayaplayaproject.com

The new oceanfront casitas at Papaya Playa Project are equipped with air conditioning, but designed to take advantage of natural cooling created by sea breezes from the Caribbean. Photo: Papaya Playa Project

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences

This new addition to the Cabo resort scene sits on the best slice of beach on the cape. With a year-round swimmable beach and infinity edged pool with direct ocean views, there are plenty of choices for those who want to get wet or float and relax. Golfers will delight in the 18-hole Tom Fazio designed course, which is reserved for members and guests of the resort. The Chileno Bay Resort & Residences features guest rooms and multi-bedroom villas with plenty of indoor-outdoor space for socializing with your group. Phase II of the development has added a new collection of two and four bedrooms villas located in a secluded area of the property, which affords stunning and expansive ocean views. Through December 20, 2017, the resort is offering a third night free plus daily full breakfasts for two at the resort’s signature restaurant, COMAL. Use booking code AUBERGE. https://chilenobay.aubergeresorts.com/

Oceanfront villas at the Chileno Bay Resort are furnished with large day beds, and overlook a private swimming cove set within a coastline of dramatic rock formations. Photo: Chileno Bay

Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos

This is the place to be if you want to get in some serious tee time this summer. Rated by Golf Digest as one of the top 50 golf hotels in the world, the Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive Golf & Spa gives guests full access to the renowned courses of the Cabo del Sol Golf Club. The desert course is a Tom Weiskopt design in which each of the 18 holes is sculpted to complement the natural surroundings. The ocean course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that stretches along a mile of craggy coastline. After a day on the links, you can schedule a different kind of wine therapy at the SOMMA Wine Spa, where treatments tap into the antioxidant properties of wine and grapes. Choose a champagne mud wrap or a wine massage. Reward yourself with a summer getaway and save 40 percent on travel from July 7 to August 12, 2017. www.lacoleccionresorts.com

The grounds of the 526-room Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos include six swimming pools, including an adults-only area with elevated ocean views and waiter service. Photo: Fiesta Americana

Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Stay, Trip Ideas

Mexico’s Best New Beachside Resorts

April 24, 2017

Leave a comment

With plenty of sunshine, sand and blue waters, the coasts of Mexico remain among the hemisphere’s most desirable vacation destinations. New resorts continue to rise on traditional strands, but some of the best aren’t the biggest or the best known. For travelers seeking just the right touch of indulgence, seclusion and intimate luxury, these three just-minted properties are at the top of the list.

Andaz Mayakoba Resort, Riviera Maya

The Andaz Mayakoba’s mission is all about the region’s natural surroundings and local culture. For guests, this translates into a unique resort venue where accommodations fabricated from local materials such as limestone, wood and cane are tucked into a 590-acre oceanfront setting that preserves natural mangrove lagoons and other indigenous vegetation. The experience begins when guests arrive at a central reception area where a sculpted water feature mirrors the region’s mystical cenote reservoirs, and architectural elements frame sky and nighttime views of the stars in a tribute to the ancient Mayan traditions of astronomy.

The pool deck at the Andaz Mayakoba Resort is formed from native limestone, and trimmed with accents crafted from sustainably harvested local woods. Photo: Andaz Mayakoba

The architecture of the resort is inspired by the more than 200 bird species found at Mayakoba. The forms and curves of these birds are seen in the geometry of the roofs of the guestroom buildings. Panels and facades on the outside of the guestroom buildings reflect the glyphs and numbers used in Mayan numerology and calendars. Interior elements showcase traditional local craftsmanship and icons, with open layout floor plans overlooking clear lagoons, mangroves and resort gardens, or the Caribbean coastline. In addition to a secluded section of beach, the resort includes a beachside pool and a lagoon view pool.

Native greenery is framed by the muted tones of an oceanfront terrace at the Andaz Mayakoba Resort. Rooms are designed to take advantage of natural light. Photo: Andaz Mayakoba

Beach House, Playa del Carmen

The Beach House is the second Thompson hotel to arrive in the resort town of Playa del Carmen. The brand’s first, a 92-room property on Fifth Avenue puts guests in the heart of the lively shopping and entertainment district. In contrast, the Beach House exudes a private club sensibility. On-site amenities at the Beach House include an exclusive pool, private cabanas, and the acclaimed C Grill oceanfront restaurant. More opportunities await two blocks away at the Beach Club’s sister Fifth Avenue property, where the 30,000-square-foot rooftop deck offers an infinity pool, panoramic ocean views, luxury cabanas and Playa del Carmen’s hottest new restaurant, CATCH.

The chic, minimalist design of the Beach House creates an intimate oasis that is just steps from the beach, but sequestered from the bustle of downtown Playa del Carmen. Photo: Thompson Hotels

There are just 27 luxury suites at the Beach House, each with a furnished, private balcony and expansive ocean views. The mid-century decor focuses on locally sourced materials such as hand pressed Guadalajara tiles, native stone and whitewashed wood panels. Custom furnishings are complemented by an airy, relaxing color palette infused with rich Mexican patterns and textures designed to create a chic, bohemian vibe. Spacious bathrooms feature glass enclosed rain showers and select guest rooms feature Aquaspa bathtubs.

Rooms at the Beach House are finished in muted patterns and earth tones that complement rather than compete with the expansive ocean views. Photo: Thompson Hotels

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Cabo San Lucas

The newest resort on The Cape occupies a prime piece of waterfront once home to the area’s most iconic destination. For more than a half century, the Hollywood elite made discrete getaways to the Hotel Cabo San Lucas on Chileno Bay. In December of 2016, an entirely new resort opened its doors on the site of this former landmark. The Chileno Bay Resort & Residences is a 29-room, boutique luxury hotel that also includes 32 contemporary three and four-bedroom beach villas. A centerpiece of the resort is the Rio pool, a 400-foot-long waterway that follows the path of a natural arroyo leading to the beach. Surrounding this waterway are poolside cabanas, an oceanfront hot tub, fire pits and a second family pool.

The 400-foot-long Rio pool at the Chileno Bay Resort is a centerpiece of the property, connecting ocean and desert along the path of a natural arroyo canyon. Photo: Chileno Bay Resort

The property is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, which includes Auberge du Soleil and Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley and Esperanza Resort in Cabo. Buildings at Chileno Bay Resort feature warm natural colors and use indigenous materials designed to blend in with the surroundings. On the inside, there’s an emphasis on native stone and wood with earth, plant and sea tones. Villas have floor-to-ceiling windows and open floor plans to maximize ocean views, and broad overhangs and open-air spaces to create natural ventilation and enhance indoor-outdoor living.

Open floor plans and indoor-outdoor spaces at the Chileno Bay Resort are strategically configured to frame views of the dramatic shoreline and the Sea of Cortez. Photo: Chileno Bay Resort

Cabo San Lucas, Hawaii, Islands, Maui, Mexico, Oceania, Play, Trip Ideas

The World’s Most Amazing Places to Kayak with Whales

April 20, 2017

Leave a comment

There are a number of places around the world where you can observe whales from the deck of a tour boat. Far rarer are opportunities to paddle a kayak up close and personal to meet one of these magnificent marine mammals at eye level. And rarest of all are locations where these kayak encounters take place in warm tropical waters. Here are three places where paddlers and whales mingle.

Maui, Hawaii

The world’s number one destination for kayak whale encounters is the island of Maui. Each year, as many as 10,000 humpback whales travel south from the arctic to breed, birth and nurse newborns in Hawaiian waters. The greatest numbers of whales are often seen off the western shores of Maui, where calm seas and warm water prove a comfortable habitat for whales, and relaxing surface conditions for humans.

Maui’s western shore is sheltered from prevailing trade winds by the island’s tall mountains, creating calm kayaking conditions for whale watching. Photo: Pixaby

Whale watching tours are offered aboard all types of sail and powerboats, but also allowed within this whale sanctuary are more personal encounters aboard self-powered craft. Several outfitters lead guided kayak trips into the whale sanctuary, where encounters can begin less than a mile from shore. As is the case with tour boats, kayakers are not allowed to approach within 100 yards of whales. The whales are free to approach humans, and are much more likely to swim close to a small, silent kayak than they would a tour boat with engine idling. Whales visit Hawaiian waters from November to May, with February and March being prime time for almost guaranteed interactions.

A whale tail breaks the surface in the calm waters off Maui’s western shore. This is a prime area for whale watching by kayak. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Loreto, Mexico

Some 200 miles north of the resorts of Cabo San Lucas, the historic port town of Loreto is the launching point for day trips and extended tours along the rugged coast of the Baja Peninsula. With dramatic cliffs, deserted islands and inviting blue waters, this is a bucket list paddling experience at any time of the year. Winter brings the added bonus of whales, which migrate along the coasts, and find shelter in the protected waters of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

The Sea of Cortez attracts seasonal migrations of grey and humpback whales, and is home to many more species of smaller whales and marine mammals. Photo: Pixaby

Gray whales are the most frequent visitors to these waters, but they are sometimes joined by the world’s largest animal, the blue whale. There’s always a chance of seeing a spouting whale on a day trip, but more popular are the multi-day paddling tours that transit the coast. These fully guided and supported excursions not only provide ongoing chances for whale sightings, but also bring dolphins and sea lions into the mix. Best of all, you don’t have to be a grizzled kayak veteran to participate, because many tours set a leisurely pace, and are shadowed by a support boat. At days end, paddlers stop at waterfront lodges or are treated to beachfront cookouts while guides do all the work of setting up a camp by the ocean.

In the coastal waters of the Sea of Cortez, a kayaker is treated to a once in a lifetime encounter with a 30-foot whale shark. Photo: Marie Humphrey/Flickr

Vava’u, Tonga

The islands of Tonga are off the beaten path, but that doesn’t deter travelers who come from around the world for a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with humpback whales in clear Pacific water. A majority of these encounters take place in the sheltered waters of the Vava’u Island group, which also happens to be a world-class kayaking destination.

Paddling safaris through the islands of Tonga may include overnight camping stops on uninhabited beaches or day breaks for lunch and beach barbeques. Photo: Friendly Island Kayak Company/Flickr

Paddlers sign up for island hopping itineraries that include snorkeling on coral reefs, camping on uninhabited islands, and visits to local villages. And in the months between July and October, there’s a good chance of seeing whales while paddling. This is Tonga’s dry season, when seas are calmest and temperatures are mild. Anyone making the trip should certainly sign up for a swimming encounter. Adding a kayak tour will increase the chances to see humpbacks in the wild, without the time limitations that are placed on in water encounters.

Kayaks sit ready on a sandbar in the islands of Tonga. This area is one of only a few in the world where paddlers can come face to face with whales. Photo: Photo: Friendly Island Kayak Company/Flickr

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Play, Puerto Vallarta, Trip Ideas

Mexico Whale Watching Adventures

November 24, 2015

Leave a comment

Humans aren’t the only mammals who travel to frolic and relax in warm tropical waters each winter. Starting in early fall, whales depart arctic feeding grounds and swim thousands of miles south to seek out sheltered and shallow coastal waters where suitors vie for mates, and mom’s birth and nurture young calves. These activities take place at a select number of sites along Mexico’s western coast, giving humans a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the largest animals on the planet.

Gray whales are the most common sighting in the waters near Cabo San Lucas, but numerous other species pass through the area, including the largest animal on earth the blue whale. Photo: iStock

Cabo San Lucas

The Sea of Cortez is a favorite winter destination for a number of different species of whale, and to reach these waters, they first have to swim around the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, which puts Cabo San Lucas right in their path. Unlike some destinations, which are known for harboring one particular species of whale, Cabo welcomes a diverse mix of animals. Gray and humpback whales are commonly seen, but there’s also a chance for sightings of less-common relatives such as the minkey, sperm, fin and Bryde’s whale, and sometimes the biggest of them all, the blue whale. Whale watching excursions depart daily from the city’s marina, with a fleet that includes everything from fast inflatable speedboats to luxurious launches and leisurely sailing trips. Whale watching tours pick up in mid December, and run through early April. Operators must comply with international guidelines that assure human activity doesn’t cause undue stress to the whales.

A gray whale prepares for a dive that could last as long as a half hour. Their flukes can measure up to nine feet across, providing the power to swim at speeds of up to 10 miles an hour. Photo: iStock

Magdalena Bay

The Sea of Cortez isn’t the only winter destination for migrating whales. A significant number of gray whales stop short of the cape, and spend the season in the sheltered waters of Magdalena Bay. This area is designated as a special reserve for the protection of the Pacific gray whale, and remains one of the specie’s primary nurseries. The grays start showing up late November, and early it’s more about mating, as the males compete for the favors. After the New Year, the fruits of previous year’s liaisons are brought to life. Moms and new calves linger the longest, and visitors who come in February and March are often treated to up-close encounters with curious youngsters. Local guides and small boats are used for such interactions, and all tours follow well-established guidelines to ensure human activity doesn’t interfere with the daily lives of the whales. There are several small hotels and eco lodges in the area, and several tour companies offer day trips for La Paz and Cabo San Lucas.

A curious gray whale calf interacts with human observers in Magdalena Bay. Each winter, the shallow, protected waters of the bay welcome shelter for pregnant females and nursing mothers. Photo: iStock

Bay of Banderas

Few things in nature can compare to the spectacle of a 50-ton animal erupting out of the water to perform the world’s largest belly flop. These are the humpbacks, the most acrobatic of all whales. Among their favorite warm water haunts is the 60-mile-long Bay of Banderas, which encompasses Puerto Vallarta and the resorts of Riviera Nayarit. They come for the usual reasons: mating, birthing and child rearing, but their above water antics add an extra dimension to whale watching trips. At times, you may see a lone whale poke it’s head out of the water, rising up to it’s pectoral fins while rotating, as if taking a peek at what’s around. Fin slaps and tail slaps are common, and every so often, watchers are treated to the signature move known as breaching. This involves the whale shooting suddenly from the water to perform a half twist, with fins extended as if trying to fly, only to come crashing down with a monstrous splash. By mid winter, as many as 600 humpbacks are splashing about the bay, and a number of charter operators provide hour- to day-long excursions to witness this spectacle.

A humpback whale shakes its tail just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Individual whales can be identified by the unique color patterns and markings of their tails. Photo: Alexey Stiop/iStock

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Stay, Trip Ideas

Cabo San Lucas’ Best Luxury Hotels

October 27, 2015

Leave a comment

Of the many fine resorts in the Cabo San Lucas area, a handful stand alone. These are the places that draw the rave reviews and extra stars in the guidebooks, and justify premium rates. They sit on the best beaches, command the most amazing views, feature the best restaurants and offer the highest level of personal service. Some welcome families and groups, others are best enjoyed as a couple, or even alone. No matter whether you are planning a quiet getaway or a celebratory splurge, one of these four top- ranked properties will fit the bill.

One & Only Palmilla

Baja’s original upscale escape has been hosting the elite and discrete since the 1950s. Now affiliated with the One & Only hotel family, this venerable landmark property is better than ever, thanks to a recent nine-figure renovation that left the familiar red-tile roofs intact, but touched most every other aspect of the resort. The feel is hacienda traditional, with whitewashed stuccoes, fountained courtyards and tropical landscaping. Interior upgrades are more obvious, and combine rich hand-carved furnishings and exposed- beam ceilings with warm-tone terracottas, granites and marbles. All accommodations feature ocean views, lavish bathrooms, separate sitting areas and private terraces with day beds and telescopes for spotting the whales that migrate just offshore.

The One & Only Palmilla is Cabo’s original upscale getaway resort, and thanks to more than $100 million in recent upgrades, it remains one of the region’s premier properties. Photo: Barbara Kraft/One & Only

One quality of Palmilla that that hasn’t changed over the years is the resort’s ability to accommodate a wide range of guests. Those who want to relax in privacy can tap into private butler services and cloistered cabanas, or arrange for a private beachside dinner under the stars. But Palmilla also hosts its share of wedding parties and special celebrations, and is far more family friendly than other high-end properties in the area. There’s plenty to do on site, as the resort overlooks one of the area’s best beaches, and encompasses an acclaimed 27-hole golf course, four restaurants, spa, fitness center, two infinity-edge pools, tennis courts and a children’s club.

Las Ventanas al Paradiso

At the upper end of the resort spectrum, the experience is as much about the service as the amenities. Las Ventanas al Paradiso excels in both categories. Sitting on a private section of coastline half way between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo, and convenient to both, Las Ventanas offers a collection of suites and beachfront villas that blend privacy with views, and include intimate touches such as wood-burning fireplaces. Living quarters begin at 1,000 square-foot suites and range up to three bedrooms villas larger than the average home. Whitewashed stuccoes, native woods and cascading water elements set a tone that complements rather than competes with the magnificent sea views found at every turn.

In a setting that highlights ocean views, Las Ventanas al Paradiso combines the comforts of spacious suites and beachside villas with an unrivaled focus on personal service. Photo: Blake Marvin/Las Ventanas al Paradiso

All the expected amenities of a five-star Rosewood property are in evidence, including fine dining, spa services and luxurious beach cabanas with private plunge pools and Jacuzzi tubs. What truly sets Las Ventanas above most other luxury properties in the region is an unrivaled level of personal and personable service. From the moment guest are greeted upon arrival, requests are not just met, they are anticipated, and the staff has perfected the art of providing warm, attentive interaction without overstepping the bounds of the service relationship. It is this human factor that creates the lasting memories, which continue to win this premier property top accolades from its guests.

Esperanza

Sink into the spa tub on your private terrace, watch the surf crash just below, and you might never want to leave your room. But should you get the ambition to go deep sea fishing, or heed the siren call of Cabo’s legendary night life, you won’t have far to go. Esperanza sits three miles up the coast from downtown Cabo San Lucas, which is just far enough to keep drive times short while providing ample insulation from the Medano Beach party scene. The resort commands its own stretch of waterfront, with rock bluffs bookending the compact beach, and also delivers spectacular cliffside views from the adjacent two-tiered infinity pool.

The Esperanza resort perches on a low rock bluff, with commanding views of the Sea of Cortez. A private beach is just steps away. Cabo San Lucas is a short cab ride to the south. Photo: Erhard Pfeiffer/Esperanza

Earth tone stuccoes, rough-hewn woods and thatch roofs set the tone for the 17-acre compound. Interiors continue the theme, creating an inviting atmosphere that delights, but also complements rather than distracts from the ocean views that await on the private outdoor terraces. All guest quarters are spacious, ranging upward from 900-square foot Casitas to four-bedroom villas, and the beachfront suites are literally a stone’s throw above the surf. Esperanza draws its share of A-list celebrities, who come for the same attentive yet professionally discrete service all guests will enjoy. The resort’s signature Cocina del Mar restaurant serves inspired seafood creations, and includes outdoor dining spaces that extend out onto the rock headland, placing diners right above the surf line. The on-site spa has also earned a reputation as one of the region’s best.

The Resort at Pedregal

On a side street near downtown Cabo San Lucas, a tunnel disappears into the hillside. At the other end of this chandelier-lit passage is a resort like no other. The Resort at Pedregal sits in isolated splendor on the west side of the peninsula, facing endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Every element of the architecture celebrates the location, from the outdoor tables of the cliffside El Farallón restaurant and the new cliffside Champagne Terrace to the private infinity-edge plunge pools that turn each private balcony into an extension of the seascape. Modern adobe, native rock and natural woods set earth tones that blend with and mirror the hues of beach and cliff, while interiors are warmed by browns and bronze tones, with in-room fireplaces and hand- crafted furnishings and fixtures. Especially luxurious are the spacious bathrooms, which include both open showers and stand-alone soak tubs.

A fire pit greets guests arriving at The Resort at Pedregal. To reach this property from Cabo San Lucas, guest travel through a tunnel that leads to an isolated section of beach. Photo: Robert Reck/The Resort at Pedregal

The surf-washed beach is best enjoyed by strolling rather than swimming, but just yards away from the high tide line are two infinity-edge pools, which create the appearance of melding right into the waves. The larger of the two pools includes an enticing swim-up bar where one can order up a Margarita and a nosh of fresh guacamole seasoned by salt air. Other water elements on the grounds include a series of rooftop cascades, which feed a separate indoor/outdoor saltwater pool that extends into the treatment chambers of the Luna y Mar Spa. At the spa, one can indulge in a decadent range of soaks, scrubs and rubs, or tap into traditional Mexican folk healing arts, with treatments that include a spiritual cleansing by a native shaman.

Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta

Mexico’s Best Horseback Beach Rides

March 2, 2015

Leave a comment

Sun, surf, sand and a cantering horse. It’s a compelling image, and a familiar entry on many traveler’s bucket list. The trick is finding a ride-worthy stretch of sand that’s not overrun with beach chairs and bathers, but still within easy reach of the resort. Equally important is choosing the right outfitter—one that provides healthy, well-trained mounts that respond with an enthusiasm and temperament matched to the rider.

Oceanfront rides are offered at a number of Mexico’s Pacific Coast vacation destinations by outfitters from itinerant and often unaccredited entrepreneurs to large tour companies that stage large group rides. For the best experience, you’ll want something in between: an established and reputable stable that specializes in smaller parties, stables with well-trained animals and has access to the most scenic trails and beaches. Here are some of our favorite outfitters and routes.

Cabo San Lucas

A number of tour operators in the Cabo San Lucas area can get you on horseback. But if you want the best, make your way north of town to Cuadra San Francisco (www.loscaboshorses.com). This premier equestrian center and riding academy trains in disciplines such as dressage, driving and polo, and also produces exceptional trail horses. Private or small group rides lead into the nearby hills of Cabo Real, along undeveloped beaches, or take in both. Horses are matched to each rider’s ability, providing novices with accommodating animals while inspiring experienced riders with a mount that shares their enthusiasm for the trail.

Near the town of San Jose del Cabo, wranglers lead a string of horses back to the stables after completing an evening ride along the beach. Photo/iStock

Mazatlan

Before you saddle up for Mazatlan’s favorite beach ride, you’ll first take a short boat ride across the harbor entrance channel to the area known as Stone Island. The close-by stretch of beach overlooking Isla Cardones is a favorite with day-trippers disembarking from the cruise ships, but your horse provides an easy escape from the crowds, and there are miles of undeveloped beach to the south to discover. In addition to following the surf line, routes may also take you through coconut groves, coastal mangrove forests and small local villages. The stable that earns consistent high reviews is Randi’s Happy Horses. (www.randishappyhorses.com)

Just across the harbor from Mazatlan, Stone Island is a favorite destination for day trips, and a starting point for horseback rides along the wilder beaches to the south. Photo: Jerry Moorman/iStock

Acapulco

If your idea of the ideal beach ride includes crashing surf, you’ll likely be in luck when you schedule a ride along Acapulco’s Playa Revolcadero. This less-developed section of coastlines lies southeast of both Acapulco Bay and Puerto Marques, and is a favorite with surfers. The same cresting breakers provide a memorable backdrop for beach rides. Those willing to travel a bit farther afield can continue along the coast to Barra Vieja, where a ride can be one element of a day spent sunning, fishing and soaking in the laid-back vibe of this coastal village. The leading outfitter, Playa Revolcadero Horseback Rides, does not currently have a web site, but trips can be arranged through a number of tour companies or hotel concierges.

A sunset over Acapulco’s Revolcadero Beach. This coastline is less developed than beaches within the bay, and ideal for a memorable horseback ride on surf-washed sands. Photo: Andres Balcazar/iStock

Puerto Vallarta

As beaches all along the northern end of Banderas Bay see a new wave of beachfront development, there are no longer areas where horses and bathers mix. Which is not a problem, because the more dramatic backdrop for a seaside canter is still found to the north of the bay, on surf-washed beaches near the coastal towns of Sayulita and San Francisco. One of the area’s favorite stables is the Painted Pony Equestrian Center (http://paintedponiesequestriancenter.com), where riding adventures can range from a one-hour ride along Litibu Beach to half-day excursions that also take in coastal jungles and waterfalls.

A short drive north from Puerto Vallarta resorts and Banderas Bay, the wild beaches near the small coastal town of Sayulita are ideally suited for horseback rides on the beach. Photo/iStock

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas

Walk This Way: Plaza Mijares, San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico

March 2, 2015

Leave a comment

Cabo San Lucas may be party central, but there’s more to the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula than tequila shooters and all night parties. Some 20 miles to the north of Land’s End, the town of San Jose Del Cabo offers a historic side, and a dose of arts and culture. Head for Plaza Mijares, which lies in the heart of old town, where cobblestone streets run though a neighborhood that dates back to the 1700s.

As in many Mexican towns, the plaza is a hub of local social activity, which can include live music, private celebrations and public fiestas. Just across Hidalgo Street, the Iglesia San José is worth a visit. The original mission built on this site dated from the 1500s, but was destroyed in a powerful hurricane in the early 20th Century. The current church was reconstructed in the 1930s, and remains the focal point for a number of religious and cultural ceremonies.

From Hidalgo, stroll down Obregon street, where a number of historic buildings have been transformed into cafes and galleries. From November to June, locals and visitors converge on this area each Thursday evening for the Art Walk. This event has become a major social gathering, with dozens of artists and artisans exhibiting their wares in a festival-like atmosphere that spills into the streets.

W Punta de Mita

Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

New Providence, Bahamas

Bora Bora, Islands of Tahiti

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Oahu, Hawaii

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Bimini, Bahamas

CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Thompson Playa Del Carmen

Papaya Playa Project

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences

Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos

Andaz Mayakoba Resort, Riviera Maya

Beach House, Playa del Carmen

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Cabo San Lucas

Maui, Hawaii

Loreto, Mexico

Vava’u, Tonga

Cabo San Lucas

Magdalena Bay

Bay of Banderas

One & Only Palmilla

Las Ventanas al Paradiso

Esperanza

The Resort at Pedregal

Cabo San Lucas

Mazatlan

Acapulco

Puerto Vallarta

Most Popular Articles

The Tropics are Calling

The Tropics are
Calling