Tag Archives: Mexico

Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe, Florida, Florida Keys, Greece, Islands, Mexico, Plan

Where to Go this Fall

August 30, 2023

When the summer travel rush subsides, you’ll find fewer crowds and lower temperatures, all conducive to exploring some of these stunning destinations around the world. Uncover gorgeous beaches, challenging hiking trails, and meaningful connections to nature at these six spots. Whether you sneak in a long weekend or plan a full-on month away, these places are certain to captivate.

Zakynthos

One of the four larger Greek islands of the Ionian Sea, this isle gets its points for natural beauty. The rocky headlands and white sand beach contrasting with the cobalt sea paint the scene. Inland the scenery is lush, green, and packed with flora and fauna. The eastern side is where you’ll find sandy beaches and on the west coast caves and cliffs. However, the most photographed stretch of sand is Shipwreck Beach, only accessible by boat, showcasing both sandy shores and rocky headlands.

A highlight for visitors to Zakynthos, Greece is the scenic Blue Caves. Access is via the road which includes a walk down 100 steps or by boat. Photo: sietevidas/iStock

The second most famous attraction is the loggerhead turtles, and the National Marine Park of Zakynthos is a spot to see and learn about these amazing docile creatures and other marine life. Summer is the start of nesting season and from May to August hundreds of eggs are laid in the soft sands of the eastern and southern beaches. Hatchlings appear from late July until October and chances to see turtles swimming is best during that time. While it may be tempting to join a boat tour to see the turtles be aware that some may not have the turtle’s best interest in mind. Look for an eco-friendly tour that does not chase, remove, or allow human contact or interference with the animal. Better yet visit the Zakynthos Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Centre https://zanteturtlecenter.com/en/ and if time permits devote two weeks to help with the conservation efforts. To learn more about protection and conservation visit ARCHELONE The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece. https://archelon.gr/en

Isla Mujeres

You might hear that the best time to visit Isla Mujeres is in the winter when the weather is more agreeable. But summer and fall offer options like turtle laying season and turtle release programs which take place from late August into October. This is also the time when the whale sharks gather north of the island, typically from June to September. Here, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea the abundance of marine fish spawning gets the attention of these giant filter-feeders. Swimming with these gentle creatures is a lifetime experience. And thanks to the protocol that keeps masses of swimmers from invading them they will remain docile and majestic frolicking in their feeding grounds in the middle of the ocean where they find plenty of algae, krill, and fish eggs.

Whale shark swimming off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. These slow-moving gentle giants are the largest fish in the sea. Photo: Martin Voeller/iStock

While there are plenty of options for a swimming excursion, the reputable boats will only take 10 passengers out and only two at a time are allowed to enter the water so plan on a full day; it’s a good hour boat ride to get out to where the whale sharks hang out. Of course, you need a mask, snorkel, fins, and a shorty suit, a 3 mm should be fine. Most charter boats will provide snorkel gear and lifejackets which are mandatory. And, make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe which means no oxybenzone and octinoxate. Aqua Adventures Eco Divers, is a 5 Star Padi Dive Center and offers swims with the whale sharks and manta rays. They run the boats with 6-10 people from mid-May until mid- September. To book with them: https://diveislamujeres.com/

Azores

Spring to Fall in the Azores is punctuated with flowers growing on hillsides, in fields, along paths, and in home gardens. The volcanic soil gets the credit for the rich and stunning shades of blue and purple hydrangea that mark pathways and are seen in landscapes overlooking lakes. The height of hydrangea flowering is May, but once those blooms have faded the islands are graced with flowering ginger in August and September.

Beautiful rows of hydrangea flowers on the northern coast of Flores, Portugal. Blooms begin in late April and can last until mid-September. Photo: Danaan Andrew- Pacleb/iStock

But visitors come for more than just the flower show; the natural scenery and views on these islands are most impressive. And during the fall, the tourists have dissipated making the islands truly a land to discover on your own. Hiking, walking, and trekking leads to waterfalls, craters, and lakes. By one account there are 83 marked trails to explore. For trails to explore on your own: https://trails.visitazores.com/en If you want to go with an organized group several tour companies take you to volcanic peaks and charming villages. Check out: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/ https://www.backroads.com/ https://www.gadventures.com/

Bermuda

After a warm summer, the water temperature is ideal for long swims and snorkeling explorations along the pink shores of the south coast beaches. Easy beach access makes Horseshoe Bay and Church Bay ideal after the crowds thin out following the June through August high season, and the air temperature will still be warm and balmy. During this endless summertime, you’ll want to explore underwater seas surrounding the islands whether you are a driver or just like to don a mask and snorkel. Snorkel excursions are available around the island from watersports operators like K.S. Watersports https://kswatersports.com/ and Snorkel Adventures Bermuda https://www.bermudasnorkeling.com/. Known as The Shipwreck Capital of the Atlantic, there are over 300 wrecks around the islands plus underwater reefs, rocks, coves, caves, and grottos to explore. For dive and snorkel trips Dive Bermuda https://www.bermudascuba.com/ has two new locations at Somerset and Grotto Bay.

The pink sands and cerulean waters of Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda’s most photographed beach along the south shore are always popular during high season. Photo: Dani Dragoescu/Shutterstock

On land, you’ll want to take in local cuisine which focuses on fresh seafood including tuna, wahoo, amberjack, red hind, rockfish as well and Bermuda spiny lobster during the season which runs from September through the end of March. For a day of tasting visit St. George’s Seafood Festival during the event on September 17 when the island’s talented chefs showcase all versions of local catch. Art lovers will want to check out the first annual Art Month in October. This month-long event will bring together the island’s art community and visiting artists with workshops, beach sip and paint sessions, art tours, and discussions. https://www.gotobermuda.com/event/art-month

Key Largo

Fall is a good time for a snorkeling trip to Key Largo, the northernmost and longest of the Florida Keys just an hour south of Miami. The summer travelers have vacated so crowds are lessened, and the water remains warm so you can leave the wetsuit behind. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/ is the only coral barrier reef in the continental U.S. and covers 3,800 miles of pristine waters stretching from Miami to the Dry Tortugas. There are a plethora of spots to snorkel and dive among wrecks and coral reefs. Popular sites include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park https://pennekamppark.com/, the first underwater park which opened in 1963. Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area may be the world’s most visited reef as snorkelers find shallow waters making it easy to view star and brain coral, sea fans and sponges and colorful parrotfish as well as the occasional sea turtle or stingray. You’ll want to book a snorkel trip with a Blue Star operator, https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/bluestar/ who practice responsible diving and snorkeling trips. Sea Dwellers Dive Center https://www.seadwellers.com/ offers snorkeling trips to both Molasses Reef and John Pennekamp and follows the Blue Star protocol.

A school of goatfish and blue-striped grunts swim on the seascape of Molasses Reef and the shipwreck of the City of Washington in Key Largo. Photo: Swimwitdafishes/iStock

We all know the world’s coral reefs are in danger of disappearing. But there are chances to see the underwater wonders and opportunities to join in coral renewal and restoration programs in the Florida Keys. You can help the team as a volunteer with the Coral Restoration Foundation in Key Largo as a diver or at the center by building coral trees. There’s also the opportunity to participate in a community dive and snorkel program. https://www.coralrestoration.org/

Corsica

Known as The Isle of Beauty the French island of Corsica is blessed with spectacular scenery including 200 beaches. Some strands are hidden with secret coves and others are backed by mountainous scenery and only accessible on foot. The beaches in the north, the Haute- Corse region are untamed, and you won’t find any amenities, however, the beaches in the southern region of Corse-du-Sud have plenty of watersports available and the necessary comforts.

The path down from Genoese Tower along the Parata peninsula unveils a panorama vista of the west coast of the French island of Corsica. Photo: Sasha64f/Getty Images

During the summer when it’s sunny and hot, the beaches are where you’ll want to be. A visit in the fall after the tourists have vanished and it’s prime time for a hike. This rugged and mountainous Mediterranean isle is a hiker’s paradise. More than half the island is made up of parks with marked and unmarked trails unveiling breathtaking coastlines. Trails can be an easy walk or the hard core GR20 which is considered the most difficult hike in Europe and takes about two weeks. If you want to go it a bit easier then join in a walking tour with Backroads. They have a six-day walking & hiking tour that includes coastal towns and mountain hamlets. For more info: www.backroads.com/trips/WSCI-9/corsica-walking- hiking-tour

Bonaire, Caribbean, Central America, Cozumel, Islands, Maldives, Mexico, Oceania, Plan, Seychelles, St. Lucia, Tahiti, Thailand

Saving Coral Reefs

July 13, 2023

Leave a comment

Diving or snorkeling on a coral reef is a magical experience. It’s unfortunate that reefs in many parts of the world now face threats from human impact, but there is hope. Governments around the world continue to establish and expand marine preserves that protect coral reefs. And there’s a growing movement to move beyond mere protection and focus on restoration.

Currently, there are more than 100 international organizations dedicated to rebuilding coral reefs, and the leading method is the replanting of corals. Much like tree saplings, small fragments of living coral can be nurtured in a controlled environment, then replanted in the wild to revitalize natural reefs. This is a labor- intensive process, and many of these programs rely on volunteers to do the planting. If you are a diver or snorkeler who wants to get involved in coral reef conservation, here are nine resort destinations where you can make a difference during your vacation.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora is surrounded by one of the world’s most scenic lagoons, and the Four Seasons Resort plans to keep it that way. Set within the lush landscaping of this premier property is the Sanctuary, a sheltered body of water that’s home to a marine research station and a coral nursery. The guests of the resort are invited to snorkel in this natural aquarium to witness or participate in ongoing coral seeding and planting work. During a half-day immersion session, participants learn how to harvest and graft corals into donut-shaped rings. These structures will later be placed in open water to form new reefs and disperse millions of coral spawn to help ensure Bora Bora’s reefs remain spectacular. For more info: https://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/

Coral fragments planted by divers at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort are thriving and continue to grow and provide habitats for fish and other marine life. Photo: Four Seasons

Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire

Bonaire has some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean, thanks to decades of protection. But even healthy and well- protected coral colonies can benefit from an infusion of new growth, and that’s the mission of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire and Buddy Dive Resort. The resort offers a range of coral replanting programs ranging from an afternoon session to a full week of volunteering. A Reef Renewal dive takes place on the nursery located in a shallow section of Buddy’s Reef, right in front of the resort dock. Participants learn the basics of assessing nursery health and tending to the corals. Full-day programs have divers helping foundation staff with nursery maintenance and out-plantings at a number of different sites. Buddy Dive also offers a Reef Renewal Week Package that includes 12 dives devoted to foundation activities. For more info: https://buddydive.com/

Newly planted staghorn corals in Buddy Dive’s coral nursery will grow into dense clusters that support a wide variety of marine life. Photo: Buddy Dive

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

The Ozone – AKA Outrigger Zone – is this upscale resort group’s conservation initiative to protect coral reefs through awareness and restoration. At Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, guests are encouraged to visit on-site coral nurseries and learn what can be done to protect the world’s coral reefs. Anyone who wants to take it one step further is encouraged to join the resort’s dive team and resident marine biologist in an ongoing replanting program. These programs include the creation and deployment of unique “fish houses” made from cultivated coral fragments. When placed in local waters, these structures transform into new marine life habitats as the corals continue to grow. Both snorkelers and divers can view the coral nursery and take part in the replanting program. For details: https://www.outrigger.com/fiji/fiji-beach- resort

A collection of new corals is readied for placement on one of the fish house formations at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Photo: Outrigger Fiji

Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia

Protecting and restoring the coral reefs in the Soufriere Marine Managed Area in St. Lucia is a project headed by CLEAR Caribbean in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation. As part of the project local communities and schools are engaged and educated on the value of reefs. While guests at Sandals may enjoy windsurfing and wakeboarding as part of the activities now scuba divers can add one more endeavor to the list by learning the art of coral planting. This activity is available to certified divers staying at any one of the island’s three Sandals properties – The Grande St. Lucian, Halcyon Beach, and Regency La Toc. The program begins with land and in- water practice sessions that culminate in a special dive trip where participants will attach corals to new reefs. Once these new corals are established, they provide shelter for fish and lobsters, along with coastal protection from storms and swells. For more info: https://sandalsfoundation.org/environment-project-coral- restortation https://www.clearcaribbean.org/

At the Sandals St. Lucia coral nursery volunteer divers can help transplant newly grown coral fragments to area reefs. Photo: Sandals

Anantara Dhigu, Maldives

Anantara’s Dhigu resort sits on a stunning private island ringed by white-sand beaches and colorful coral gardens. To ensure the future health of these sites, guests are encouraged to adopt a rope. This program, which was launched more than a decade ago, embeds coral fragments onto ropes that are then positioned to provide optimum sunlight and water quality. Guests can adopt a rope by donating, while those who want to get hands-on can participate in attaching corals to their rope with the help of a resident marine biologist. As the rope transforms into a living piece of reef, it will be moved to the resort’s snorkel trail and other area reefs. Along the way, the nursery staff provides updates and photos so participants can witness the results of their work. For details: https://www.anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives

At Anantara’s Dhigu resort, a diver checks the status of corals planted on a new snorkel trail. Photo: Anantara Dhigu

Four Seasons Seychelles

This premier Four Seasons property created the Petite Anse Reef Restoration Project to protect and nurture corals. A key element of the program uses divers to collect pieces of broken coral damaged by natural events such as wave action. These rescued corals are placed in the resort’s coral nursery for later replanting, and in the first two years of the program, more than 16,000 coral fragments were replanted on the reef. A unique element of the program is known as the Love Grows Beautiful Things experience, which gives couples a chance to use rescued corals to create a heart-shaped coral formation that will be placed on the reef. For info: https://www.fourseasons.com/seychelles/

At the Four Seasons Seychelles, coral fragments are placed on frames that will allow them to grow into heart-shaped formations. Photo: Four Seasons Seychelles

Xbalanque, Roatan

The Roatan Marine Park is always looking for volunteers to help keep the island’s coral reefs healthy. You don’t have to be a diver to participate in the various educational and outreach programs at the foundation’s coral nursery. Divers can take their experience to the next level with a Coral Restoration Certification Course to learn the skills needed to participate in coral restoration. Once qualified, divers can become coral farmers for a day. Those with a true passion for the reefs can take the next step with a longer-term internship program. The foundation works with a number of local hotels and resorts, and a favorite with vacationing divers is the Xbalanque, which is a luxury boutique property located within easy walking distance of Marine Park headquarters. For info: https://www.xbalanqueresort.com/

Divers surface after relocating corals to a reef in the Roatan Marine Park. Photo: Roatan Marine Park

El Cid La Cieba, Cozumel

In 2023 the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program will mark its tenth year of research and action to protect and restore coral reefs in the waters of this favorite Mexican scuba diving destination. Founder Dr. German Mendez remains hands-on with both educational programs and volunteer diving activities. A unique aspect of this restoration project is the use of underwater platforms that become recovery stations for damaged corals. Volunteer divers help by scouring the seabed for coral fragments, which are then placed on the platforms and allowed to grow until they are large enough for replacement on the reefs. One to five-day programs are offered by the foundation, which is based at the El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel. For info: https://www.elcid.com/cozumel/el-cid-la-ceiba-beach- hotel/

Divers attach rescued coral fragments to a concrete platform as part of the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program. Photo: Cozumel Reef Restoration

Zeavola, Thailand

Set on a scenic beach at the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi Island, Zeavola is one of Thailand’s leading Five Star PADI dive resorts. The resort combines luxury accommodations with diving adventures that offer an opportunity for guests to get involved and make a difference in the marine environment. The volunteer program begins with instruction and practice on the methods used to reconstruct and replant coral structures. These skills are then put to work during dive trips that restore corals in the surrounding waters. Non-divers can also help, as the resort schedules regular snorkel excursions that remove fishing gear and plastic debris from the reefs to prevent corals from suffocating. For more info: https://www.zeavola.com/

A free diver participates in a coral reef cleaning session at Thailand’s Zeavola resort. Photo: Zeavola

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

Mexican Resorts Celebrate Earth Day

April 10, 2023

Leave a comment

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

Barbados, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Florida, Hawaii, Islands, Maldives, Maui, Mexico, Plan

Best Places to Travel in March 2023

February 14, 2023

Leave a comment

March is one of those months that can fly below the vacation radar. It’s just past the end of winter getaways, and a bit before the mad crush of spring break. This means travelers who time it right can enjoy an ideal combination of mild weather, fewer crowds, and great shoulder-season rates. Here are seven good choices for a March getaway.

Panama

Just a few miles from downtown Panama City, Somberania National Park is an oasis of rainforest greenery. And March is a great time to visit because – well, it isn’t raining all the time. Visiting the park during the dry season means plenty of sunshine and mud-free hiking trails. Paths lead through impressive stands of cotton, mahogany, and guayacan trees, crossing streams and swaying bridges on the way to waterfalls and swimming holes on the Chagres River. The 55,000-acre park is a favorite destination for bird watchers, who have tallied 400-plus species including exotic finds like toucans, trogons, flycatchers, and tanagers, along with rare birds such as the red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-eared toucanet and ground cuckoo.

Sunrise over the Chagres River in the Soberanía National Park of Gamboa, a 55,000-acre protected tropical ecosystem in Panama. Photo: Bkamprath/iStock

Mexico

March breezes usher in one of Mexico’s premier sailing events in the blue waters of Puerto Vallarta. 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the Banderas Bay Regatta. This international nautical get- together draws an eclectic mix of serious sailors and casual competitors to compete in a week-long series of around-the-buoy races and shoreside celebrations. Headquarters for the event is the Vallarta Yacht Club, but don’t expect blue-blazers and bloody marys, because the club has a more laid-back flip-flop and Corona vibe. After watching the races, head to the quiet fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle for some old-school Mexican hospitality.

Racing unfolds during the 2022 Banderas Bay Regatta, an annual event attracting sailors from Mexico and North America. Photo: John Pounder/JL Digital Media.net

Maui

Each year thousands of humpback whales from all corners of the Pacific gather in the warm, shallow waters off the coast of Maui to mate, give birth, and raise their young. The action takes place in calm water not far from shore, making it one of the most relaxing places in the world for whale watching. And in addition to on-the- water viewing sessions, anyone who’s really into whales should mark their calendars for the Lahaina Whale and Ocean Arts Festival. Held on the first week of March at Lahaina’s Campbell Park, this event combines ocean-themed art exhibits with food, games, live music, and family activities.

A humpback whale fluke during a sunset whale watching in Lahaina on Maui. Here, the whale-watching season runs from March to November. Photo: Manuel Balesteri/Shutterstock

Maldives

There’s really not a bad time to visit the stunning islands of the Maldives, but March gives you a chance to slip in after the end of the winter rush while still enjoying some balmy weather and plenty of sunshine. This is also a favorite date for divers and snorkelers, as waters are particularly clear at this time of the year. March also marks the beginning of the surfing season. There are beginner- friendly waves ideal for anyone who has ever thought about taking up the sport, and some legendary breaks to challenge experts. With more than 100 islands offering stunning beach resorts, there are options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Aerial view of a seaplane approaching an island resort in the Maldives where over-the water-bungalows are ubiquitous. Photo: Sven Hansche/Shutterstock

Florida

Florida’s theme parks and beaches can get crowded once spring breakers arrive, but there are still plenty of quiet places to enjoy in the Sunshine State. For a truly wild adventure, head to the Everglades National Park and sign up for an airboat tour into the heart of America’s largest wetlands. These specially-designed flat- bottomed boats glide through sawgrass meadows and shallow waters that aren’t accessible to other types of boats. For added enjoyment, combine a boat trip with a visit to the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation for a cultural immersion into the history and traditions of the Seminole tribe.

Blue skies are reflected in the still waters of the Florida Everglades as tourists take airboat rides to visit alligators and other wildlife. Photo: allouphoto/Shutterstock

Dominica Republic

Each year, as many as 2,000 humpback whales visit the Dominica Republic’s Samana Bay, and March is an ideal time for a whale- watching trip that has the added bonus of visits by resident pods of dolphins. Plan your trip early in the month and you can also take in the National Carnival Parade. This event is the culmination of weeks of regional carnival competitions, all leading to the big finale when the best carnival troupes from across the country converge on the Santo Domingo Malecón for a weekend of pageantry, dances, and parades. And if you miss that party, there’s still time after your whaling trip for a road trip to the Cabarete district to watch the action at the World Surf League and get in on the final carnival of the season.

The Bay of Samana is ideal for watching humpback whales as they come to mate, give birth, and nurse their young in these warmer waters. Photo: Judith Lienert/Shutterstock

Barbados

It’s fitting that the island that has been called “a little piece of England” delivers echos of The Royal Ascot with the staging of the Caribbean’s most prestigious horse racing event. The Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup is a highlight of the island’s sporting and social calendar. The race draws an international field of jockeys and thoroughbred trainers. The Gold Cup is the culmination of a tradition dating back to 1845 when officers of the British Regiment stationed in Barbados staged impromptu horse races on the parade grounds of the Garrison Savannah. Today, it is much more than a race, as it has become the centerpiece for a weekend of social events and celebrations.

Any escape to Barbados involves some beach time. With more than 80 white strands on the island, there is plenty to explore. Photo: Barbados Tourism Marketing

Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Greece, Islands, Mexico, Plan, Playa del Carmen, Trinidad & Tobago, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Places to Travel in February 2023

January 18, 2023

Leave a comment

You survived the holidays and you’re ready to embark on a new journey. February is a time to celebrate whether it’s as big and worldwide as Carnival or a quiet getaway with your Valentine. It’s also an opportunity to take advantage of off-peak rates and you’ll encounter fewer tourists to share in the experiences.

St. Croix, USVI

Every year on Saturday before Fat Tuesday the island of St. Croix celebrates Mardi Gras with the same vigor and raucous as those in New Orleans. At the helm is Krewe de Croix, a group of Louisiana ex-pats and Mardi Gras aficionados. Everybody joins in and follows the parade along the scenic North Shore of the island, beginning at La Valle and ending in eastern Cane Bay. There’s plenty of food along the way as well as music and floats to guide the party. This year’s festivities take place on February 11 beginning at noon-DS For more information on events in St. Croix visit: https://www.gotostcroix.com/

St. Croix Mardi Gras is only a one-day event where most of the island joins in. Photo: gotostcroix

Trinidad

In countries around the world, February means Carnival! And one of the most iconic pre-Lenten fetes takes place on the Island of Trinidad. This is the home of steel pan music, and a highlight of each year’s Carnival celebrations is Panorama, which brings steel band orchestras from more than 30 countries together in a melodic battle for top honors. And that’s just the beginning. Carnival week is a time for calypso and Soca competitions, limbo contests and street parades where dance troupes decked out in dazzling over-the-top costumes show their moves. Add in plenty of lavish parties and there are plenty of reasons to mark your calendars for this year’s big event, which takes place from February 15- 22.-PH

Dancing at the sambadrome during the Carnival celebration in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Photo: Mauro Repossini/iStock

Abaco, Bahamas

One of the largest islands in the 700-island chain nation, Abaco is bringing a Rum and Music Festival to its shores. The event brings a roster of musicians while hotels like Firefly Sunset Resort, Hope Town Inn and Marina, the Abaco Inn, On the Beach, and Sea Spray Resorts will host the experience and guests. This small friendly island makes an ideal location to host intimate beachfront concerts along with a selection of rums for tasting. The Hope Town Music and Rum Festival runs February 7-12.-DS

During the rum and music event on Abaco visitors will want to explore the Hope Town lighthouse on Elbow Cay. Photo: Wirestock/iStock

Tulum, Mexico

For a funkier take on the Carnival season, head to the Mexican Rivera hotspot of Tulum. During the winter high season, this is an A-list destination prized for its stunning beaches, wellness culture, and offbeat-but-upscale vibe. February Carnival celebrations take place all across the Yucatan Peninsula, but Tulum’s take on the party adds an extra helping of glamor, glitter, and funkiness, thanks to an eclectic mix of jet-setting millennials, celebrities, new agers, Instagram influencers, and pride posies, plus a smattering of aging hippies, and colorful locals. The action kicks off with the famous Full Moon Party at Papaya Playa Project, is pretty much non-stop all month, and builds to the big parades happening over the weekend of February 17 to 19.-PH

Celebrations in Tulum can last the entire month of February and into March. Photo:Katiekk/Shutterstock

Rhodes, Greece

Often viewed as a summer destination when cruises and tour operators bring in hordes of tourists, Rhodes can offer you an escape from the crowds during February. Visit Old Town, the Medieval city, a World Heritage Site, where you can explore the 200 streets and alleys on your own. Wander through the picturesque town of Lindos where whitewashed homes line the labyrinth of village streets and overlook a beautiful cobalt-blue bay. Here you’ll be able to dine with locals as many tourist spots shut down until summer. Imagine being able to roam the walls, terraces, and columns of the Acropolis without bumping into others trying to capture the spiritual space on their phones and cameras. Pack a raincoat for that cloudy day and a jacket for cooler temperatures that average 15 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.-DS

Explore the ancient Greek architecture at the famous tourist attraction of the Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes without the crowds of summer. Photo: frantic00/iStock

Ambergris Caye, Belize

In the final days of February, the island of Ambergris Key is home to Belize’s most colorful festival —literally. El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro is a cultural tradition dating back more than 150 years. It centers around a character known as Juan Carnival, a legendary Lothario credited with 1,000 sexual conquests before being done in by his jealous wife. Festival participants atone for their collective transgression by burning Juan’s stuffed effigy and doing a lot of painting. Buildings, monuments, street signs, and people are all fair game for decoration during this three-day flurry of brush strokes. Adding more fun to the festivities are troupes of cross-dressing men who stage dance competitions, with top honors going to the most outlandish performance.-PH

Everybody joins in during the Carnival in San Pedro, Belize. Kids paint their bodies and face while adults keep the party going for three days. Photo: Tony RathFollow/Flickr

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

If you want to celebrate Carnival, there’s certainly plenty going on in the capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to fuel your party cravings. It might be the second largest and most popular after Rio, so don your sparkling costumes and head to the streets for some Latin music and wild dancing. February is also a month you can have some quiet time. Head to the southern beaches and you’ll share the sand with sea birds and surfers. The island’s longest stretch of sand is at El Médano, a favorite spot for locals and is also popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders when the winds are up.-DS

The perfect view of Playa el Médano with Montana Roja in the background on the island of Tenerife. Photo: Anita Bonita/iStock

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

Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Caribbean, Eat, Jamaica, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Dining on the Sand in the Caribbean

October 3, 2019

Leave a comment

We’ve rounded up seven of the best beach dining experiences in the Caribbean. At these resorts, you can wiggle your toes in the sand, gaze at the sun setting over the horizon and dine like a gourmand.

Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Stay, Trip Ideas

Sayulita Yoga Resorts

June 1, 2018

Leave a comment

Sun, sand and surf. These elements alone can deliver personal renewal. Add in the scenic backdrop of a picture perfect beach town, with a combination new age/old surfer vibe, and you have the ideal setting to spend some time on yoga practice, meditation and personal rejuvenation. It is these elements that have made the Mexican beach town of Sayulita a regional epicenter for yoga and wellness. Here are four of our favorite places where practice and relaxation come together.

Yoga Los Sueños at Hotelito Los Sueños

The practice of yoga in all its diversity is the sole mission at Yoga Los Sueños. The owner is a yogi who came to Sayulita to transform a small hotel into a center for practice. This included the creation of a studio with padded floors, high ceilings and a soothing ambiance. Each day at this quiet retreat is filled with choices, from morning yoga to hatha/mediation practices, slow- pose yin, restorative practices, two-person acroyoga, core, and kundalini with chanting and pranayama. Special programs include yoga solar, which focuses on nature rhythms, seasonal changes and moon phases. Lodging choices include rooms, suites and villas decorated in traditional Mexican style, with the addition of modern comforts such as air conditioning and purified drinking water. In addition to practices, Los Sueños offers group activities such as cooking classes held on the hotel’s rooftop palapa kitchen.

Rooms at Hotelito Los Sueños face inward to focus on a quiet courtyard and pool. The owner of this boutique hotel is a practicing yogi who embraces a wide range of practices. Photo: Hotelito Los Sueños

Paraiso Yoga

Founded in 2006 by Argentine-born yogi Narayani, this intimate enclave centers around a palapa sheltered rooftop yoga space on Sayulita’s Calle Playa Azul. The center also includes lush gardens, a space for Thai massage, and rooms for physiotherapy and other forms of bodywork. Narayani teaches numerous yoga traditions, including hatha yoga, power yoga, and ashtanga yoga, but the emphasis at Paraiso isn’t just on the physical practice, but on the whole philosophy of yoga. To this end, practitioners of all levels are encouraged to work together, and welcomed in all classes. Yoga, tai chi and meditation sessions are available to walk-in guests on a day-to-day basis, and the center also offers accommodations in three modestly priced guest bungalows, each with private baths and access to a common area with a kitchen, lounge and hammocks for relaxation.

Participants on a session at Paraiso Yoga enjoy the relaxing rewards of savasana. Practices and meditation take place in a rooftop studio that rises high above the activity of the town. Photo: Paraiso Yoga

Haramara Retreat

The designers of this beachfront haven for yoga and renewal describe Haramara as a place “where Robinson Crusoe meets Architectural Digest.” Set on a hillside overlooking the ocean, the retreat’s cabañas are hand built from natural materials, and situated to offer privacy and seclusion while still taking advantage of the spectacular water views. The theme of rustic luxury takes in elements such as private hammocks for lazy afternoon naps, and oil lamps and candles for softly lit evenings. The retreat’s spacious open-air dining room sits high on the hill, facing west for jungle and ocean views. Here, delicious and healthful cuisines are tastefully prepared and artistically presented by an award winning culinary team. Daily practices take place in two yoga shalas set on separate knolls. Both feature high roofs and handcrafted hardwood floors, with open sides that invite ocean breezes. Wellness programs take place in a pavilion set in a secluded clearing near the ocean, where the rhythmic sound of surf and breezes through the trees invite a reconnection with nature.

The thatched-roof bungalows of Haramara Retreat peek through the treetops. Guests find calm and relaxation with ocean views and sea breezes enjoyed from private balconies. Photo: Haramara Retreat

Aurinko Bungalows

With bright colored stucco walls, rustic woodwork and vaulted thatched roofs, this boutique hotel epitomizes the Sayulita experience. The property is located in the heart of town, opposite the main plaza, and just a short walk from the beach. Aurinko’s six one and two-bedroom bungalows are cloistered into a courtyard setting, which also includes a small swimming pool. Guest accommodations showcase an eclectic regional décor and feature separate sitting areas furnished with couches, chairs and hammocks. Each bungalow also includes an open-air kitchen. This allows guests the option of shopping locally and preparing their own healthful meals. Daily yoga practice takes place at the on site Heart Shala. This elevated studio was designed to create a quiet oasis, with sliding glass windows, handcrafted wooden walls, and a soaring palapa roof. In addition to daily yoga practices, the Heart Shala hosts workshops and meditation sessions.

Hammocks hang on shaded balconies at Aurinko Bungalows, which is centrally located in downtown Sayulita, a block from the beach and just steps from the central plaza. Photo: Aurinko Bungalows

Cozumel, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas

Just Back from Cozumel

June 1, 2018

Leave a comment

Some three decades after my trip to Cozumel, I was back for the umpteenth visit – but for the first time in nearly five years. I knew there would be changes and new development, but hoped that the island still retained its laid-back, small town vibe. Like many Caribbean destinations, Cozumel has become a major stop on the cruise ship circuit, and there are occasions when six or more of the big ships arrive at the same time to disgorge up to 10,000 day-trippers.

To really experience all the island has to offer, you need to stay a while. Some longer-term visitors escape to one of the upscale resorts that lie well south of the town of San Miguel. These properties become oases of leisure that cloister guests in a wealth of all-inclusive indulgences and diversions, but they also remove you from the local essence of the destination.

A Downtown Palace

Rather than head south, I checked in to the Cozumel Palace. This downtown landmark was originally known as the Hotel Plaza Las Glorias. After it was acquired by the Palace hotel group, it underwent a full renovation that transformed this 176-room property into an all-suite hotel with luxury touches such as two-person Jacuzzi whirlpools, a full-service spa, two infinity-edge pools and four specialty restaurants. Dollar for dollar, the Plaza represents one of the best values on the island. Like many Cozumel resorts, the Palace offers an all-inclusive rate plan that covers all meals. But don’t think warming trays and buffet lines, because the Plaza’s culinary team takes things to the next level, and no matter which of the resort’s dining venues you opt for, you’ll enjoy cuisines that are a level above the expected.

The landmark downtown hotel now known as the Cozumel Palace has been upgraded and transformed into one of the island’s more luxurious options. Photo: Ione Ascanio Green/Cozumel Palace

Beyond the waterfront

Another reason for staying at Plaza was its walking distance location to downtown San Miguel. When you walk the waterfront, you may think there’s nothing more to this town than timeshare kiosks and duty-free shops. But as you explore a few streets inland, you’ll begin to discover a variety of eclectic and low-key shops that don’t just serve the cruise ship crowd. Cozumel is Mexico’s equivalent of Key West, and it has long attracted artists and artisans from all parts of Mexico. One of the best known is Galo Ramirez. Though originally from Mexico City, Galo has been a fixture of the Cozumel art scene for more than 25 years. His work in acrylics, charcoals, and oils often depicts subjects such as jazz musicians or island scenes, and he is also an accomplished sculptor. He and his equally talented wife Niurka live and work at their studio on 25th Avenue, where he welcomes all who drop in.

Galo and Niurka Ramirez pose in front of their namesake gallery on San Miguel’s 25th Avenue. Galo is the best-known member of Cozumel’s thriving artist community. Photo: Pierce Hoover

Dine Around

There are a number of charming local eateries to be discovered when wandering the back streets of San Miguel. As you might expect, there are quite a few that serve traditional Mexican dishes and regional cuisines, and two worth checking out are and Diegos and Pescadaria San Carlos. When looking for a change from the usual regional fare, my favorite find is La Cocay on Calle Ocho Norte. Slightly upscale but completely unpretentious, this local favorite serves a savory Mediterranean menu, accompanied by a respectable wine list and live music on certain nights. Closer to the central square, the corner bistro known as Le Chef is famous for it’s fish burgers and lobster/bacon sandwiches, while a stroll to the south side will bring you to Chocolateria Isla Bella. This family-run confectionary creates fresh and tempting chocolate creations each day.

Locals and in-the-know visitors to Cozumel tend to avoid the waterfront restaurants in favor of venues such as La Cocay, which is located a few blocks inland. Photo: Pierce Hoover

The Return of the Locals

One of the more charming aspects of life on Cozumel has always been the evening activity around the central waterfront square. As night falls and the cruise ships depart, the town folk would gather on the square, often to the accompaniment of a band playing in the landmark gazebo. In 2016, the square was given a major facelift, which included the removal of the old bandstand in favor of a larger stage. Some decried these changes as the end of an era. An evening stroll from the Cozumel Palace revealed that this wasn’t the case. Families, young couples and old friends could all be found taking in the night air, and children were playing in the square’s latest addition, which is a lighted display of dancing water fountains. Similar activity was taking place at Quintana Roo Park, which is adjacent to the Municipal Palace. Here, parents and grand parents bring youngsters for a lively scene includes food carts, vendors, face painting booths and nightly concerts.

The clock tower is one of the enduring landmarks on Cozumel’s central plaza. At night, this area becomes a gathering point for locals, and often features live music. Photo: Pierce Hoover

Life’s a Beach

Though the Cozumel Palace is a waterfront hotel, like many similar properties located on the island’s north and central coast, it lacks a true beach. Cozumel’s best beaches lie several miles to the south. Some stretches of sand are accessible only to guests of the cloistered resorts scattered along this coast, but others are the sites of beach clubs. These venues cater to daytime visitors, with amenities that go beyond beach chairs and restrooms to include full-service bars and dining, water sports and entertainment. The key to a good day at a beach club is avoiding the crowds that taxi down from the cruise ship docks. To maintain personal space on the sand, some clubs limit the number of guests admitted. This is the case of what I consider the island’s current best club, which is known as Nachi Cocom. This waterfront day park sits on the north end of San Francisco Beach, flanked by jungle on each side, and facing the snorkel and dive sites of famed Palancar Reef. Daily capacity is limited to just 130 guests, who enjoy water sports, beach massage and a four-course lunch.

A select number of beach clubs such as Nachi Cocom are scattered across the island’s southwest coast. This area combines calm water with some of the island’s best sand beaches. Photo: Nachi Cocom

In the Water

It was scuba divers who first put Cozumel on the travel map. Beginning in the 1970s, the first wave of traveling divers returned from the island with stories of tall coral reefs covered in rich growths of multi-hued sea fans and sponges. By the late 90s, Cozumel had grown into one of the most popular diving destinations in the Caribbean, with more than 90 individual dive operators on the island. Too often, this sort of popularity can spoil the very things that make a place special. Not so with Cozumel’s reefs. Thanks to decades of protection within a marine park, and a constant flow of nourishing oceanic water, the reefs are in excellent health, and rich with fish life.

The shipwreck known as the Felipe Xicoténcatl is a former Mexican naval destroyer that was sunk intentionally as a fish haven and attraction for scuba divers. Photo: Walt Stearns

I never miss a chance to dive and snorkel when on Cozumel, and on this latest visit, I started with an exploration of the island’s signature shipwreck, the Felipe Xicoténcatl, which is now home to a very large moray eel. The following morning, I boarded the Aqua Safari boat for a longer trip to the southern reefs. The most famous of these is Palancar, where a wall-like line of coral formations rise two stories above the sand, and are riddled with a maze-like network of canyons and tunnels. After the dive, we moved closer to shore to join the fleet of snorkel boats that visit sites in the National Coral Reef Marine Park.

Cancun, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Stay, Trip Ideas

Eco Boutique Hotels in Tulum

March 20, 2018

Leave a comment

Spectacular beachfront settings with nary a high-rise in sight. Natural and sustainable materials that complement the landscape. Locally sourced food that is innovative and inspired by regional traditions. Sunrise yoga sessions followed by lazy afternoons in a hammock. If these sound like the ideal ingredients for a relaxing and inspiring beach vacation, then Tulum is for you, and these authentic and eco-friendly resorts are the place to stay.

Sanará Tulum

Soon after opening in 2014, this beachfront retreat became a highly favored holistic hideaway, and a magnet for yoga enthusiasts and teachers, who come to participate in Hatha and Vinyasa practices. The complex has just 19 rooms and suites, some beachside and others with jungle and garden views. Both the interior and exterior design of rooms and public areas seek to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings of coconut and chit palms and complement the views of turquoise water. Interiors have dark woods that offer a dramatic contrast to white furnishings, walls and linens. A dream catcher hangs overhead to maximize dreamtime and trees grow through the roofs of buildings. The 10 Tamarind suites are just steps from the sea with private gardens and unobstructed water views from front decks. Some have outdoor showers and tubs set in private walled gardens. The Jungle suites are set around a Mayan-inspired rock stream garden, and some also include private pools.

Sanará Tulum’s Real Coconut restaurant is dedicated to the use of sustainably sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes that encourage digestive wellbeing. Photo: Sanará

The heart and soul of the property is the Sanará Wellness Center, where a range of treatments is tailored to guests seeking deep relaxation, renewed energy or the resolution of any ongoing health issues. Traditional Mayan massages and healing customs are used to enhance nutrition, physical lifestyle and spiritual wellbeing. Co-owner Daniella Hunter was inspired to create The Real Coconut. This on-site dining venue focuses on plant-based foods and sustainable sourced animal proteins, and in keeping with the name, coconut is infused into many dishes. In addition to daily yoga practices, guests can enjoy beach time and water sports such as windsurfing.

Simple whitewashed walls and rich wood textures create a restful atmosphere at Sanará Tulum, which focuses on dual themes of wellness and self-discovery. Photo: Sanará

Nest Tulum

The ocean takes center stage at this boutique resort, which promises natural simplicity. The beachfront setting encompasses a collection of individually styled bungalows, suites and villas. Some are set right on the shoreline, where the sounds of the sea provide the background music. More guest accommodations peak from the beachfront landscape, or are cloistered fully in greenery, with garden and jungle views. Interiors feature a minimalist design, with whitewashed walls, found objects and one-of-a-kind handmade furnishings sourced from around Mexico. Unpaved walkways wind through the landscape, and hammocks are hung throughout the property.

At Nest Tulum, the shoreline is left in its natural condition, and guests relax on white sand in the shade of simple, thatch roof palapas that allow sea breezes to circulate. Photo: Nest Tulum

Outdoors spaces are designed to evoke a sense of cozy comfort. Day beds are scattered across the sand, and tables sit in palm groves or under the shade of a thatched palapa. The setting encourages beach walks and leisurely dining, followed by naps in sun or shade. The property’s Mexican fusions restaurant serves locally sourced foods from morning till 10 p.m., and the thatched roof bar offers Mezcal infused cocktails with a taste of tropical fruits. Guests looking to expand their horizons can explore via bicycle, as the pueblo of Tulum is just six miles away on a shaded bike path. More ambitious day trips include visits to Mayan ruins, cenotes and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Open and shaded day beds line the beach at Nest Tulum. Guests have first choice on these amenities, but walk-on beach goers can also hire a bed for the day. Photo: Nest Tulum

Papaya Playa Project

What started as a seasonal pop-up gathering of creative individuals became a permanent fixture on Tulum’s beach in 2011. But the Papaya Playa Project isn’t just another oceanfront resort touting green credentials. Partnering with the Design Hotel group, the founders set out to establish a one-of-a-kind resort that would set the region’s standard for eco conscious design and operation. All resort structures were designed for minimal impact, which resulted in leaving some 93 percent of the original jungle landscape intact. Building materials and furnishings were locally sourced from sustainable materials, and some rooms are elevated as tree houses to leave the forest floor intact. The Project is a member of the Rain Forest Alliance, which serves to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods, and strives to preserve the natural beauty of Tulum. In July 2015 the Project launched a mission to begin zero emission and zero contamination to the community by June 2018.

A number of buildings at the Papaya Playa Project are elevated above the ground. This not only allows cooling breezes to circulate, it preserves the natural landscape below. Photo: Papaya Playa

The Project promotes a spiritual and healthy approach to living. Guests are provided with numerous ways to relax and connect with nature and relaxation, including daily yoga, tai chi and meditation sessions. Buildings are constructed in a traditional Mayan manner to usher in sea breezes and maintain cool interiors. Local traditional materials and textiles from various regions of Mexico are incorporated in interior designs. Private porches and plunge pools are included in cabanas and casitas. The Papaya Playa Beach Club features open air dining and relaxation spaces with ocean views, and menus inspired by Mayan and traditional Mexican fare. The Club’s beachfront amphitheater is a popular gathering spot for concerts, readings and lectures.

An ocean front terrace at Papaya Playa Project showcases the resort’s approach to creating spaces that are both comfortable and in touch with the natural surroundings. Photo: Papaya Playa

Zakynthos

Isla Mujeres

Azores

Bermuda

Key Largo

Corsica

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia

Anantara Dhigu, Maldives

Four Seasons Seychelles

Xbalanque, Roatan

El Cid La Cieba, Cozumel

Zeavola, Thailand

W Punta de Mita

Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

Panama

Mexico

Maui

Maldives

Florida

Dominica Republic

Barbados

St. Croix, USVI

Trinidad

Abaco, Bahamas

Tulum, Mexico

Rhodes, Greece

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

New Providence, Bahamas

Bora Bora, Islands of Tahiti

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Oahu, Hawaii

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Bimini, Bahamas

Yoga Los Sueños at Hotelito Los Sueños

Paraiso Yoga

Haramara Retreat

Aurinko Bungalows

A Downtown Palace

Beyond the waterfront

Dine Around

The Return of the Locals

Life’s a Beach

In the Water

Sanará Tulum

Nest Tulum

Papaya Playa Project

Most Popular Articles

The Tropics are Calling

The Tropics are
Calling