Recently in Mexico Category

Oxkintok Photo.jpgMexico's Yucatan Peninsula contains some of the oldest and most well-preserved Mayan ruins in all of Latin America, and visitors to the area are spoiled with choices if they want to see what life was like prior to the arrival of the Conquistadores. Oxkintok, for example, is an extensive former Mayan city that dates back nearly 2000 years. With masonry buildings, a Mesoamerican ball court (where a violent ballgame was played), and anthropomorphic columns that represent the most fearsome warriors of the time. But the highlight of Oxkintok is a structure called Tzat Tun Tzat, a three-level labyrinth with a maze of rooms, passageways, and gates that may have represented the three levels of the Mayan worldview. Wander the ruins by yourself, or hire a guide who can explain the history of the Mayan people and their fascinating way of life. If you get there early enough, you'll have time left over to explore the nearby Calcehtok Caves, a system of natural caverns that once served as shelter for the Mayans during the Caste Wars. A guide is essential here, but many are available for hire, and they'll keep you on the right path while explaining the natural features of the cave and how the early war refugees used them to their advantage. Oxkintok and the Calcehtok Caves are about an hour's drive from Hacienda Santa Rosa, a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection.

[image via Yucatan Today]

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Westin Puerto Vallarta Room Photo.jpgHow does a last-minute getaway to sunny Puerto Vallarta sound right about now? The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks, so it won't take much to find yourself on a Pacific beach feeling your worries melt away like the ice in your margarita. This spectacular resort is located on 21 tranquil acres, with swaying palm trees and nearly 900 feet of private beach. Spend the day indulging in your every tropical fantasy, from a round of golf at a nearby course to a few hours lounging in an oceanfront pergola at Las Pergolas Beach Club. Take a dip in one of two outdoor pools, or enjoying a pampering massage treatment at The Spa at the Westin Puerto Vallarta, which has seven serene indoor treatment rooms, an oceanfront pergola for outdoor massages, whirlpools, saunas, and hydrotherapy facilities. When the sun dips beneath the horizon, you can savor some expertly-made local specialties at El Palamar Restaurant, or try the inventive fusion cuisine at Arrecifes Seafood & Steakhouse, a beachfront restaurant where the view is just as exciting as the food. Of course, the Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta is just one of dozens of Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the destination of your dreams.

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vallarta botanical gardens.jpgThe next time you're in Puerto Vallarta, take a day away from the beach and head to the hills instead. Nestled within the Sierra Madre mountains just 12 miles south of the city, you'll find one of the most beautiful natural areas in all of Mexico, with lush vegetation and gorgeous views of soaring mountains. The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens occupy 20 acres of tropical dry forest ecosystem at 1,300 feet above sea level, with a unique mix of trees, flowers, and wildlife that you won't see anywhere else. There's a lot to experience, from the Palm Gardens, with its towering tropical trees, to the Orchid House, which cultivates these rare and beautiful flowers. There are dozens of species of Mexican wildflowers, and even a a few carnivorous plants, so keep an eye on your sandwich when you walk past those guys. Those looking for a bit of a workout can go for a nature walk along winding jungle trails, and even enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear Rio Los Horcones. After a morning of adventure, settle down for a gourmet lunch at the Hacienda de Oro Restaurant, which serves salads, wood-oven baked pizza, and a full menu of Mexican and Italian dishes. Share a bottle of wine with friends and family and toast the stunning beauty of this gorgeous city on the Bahía de Banderas. Starwood has three properties in Puerto Vallarta: the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center, the Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, and the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.

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Sheraton Buganvilias.jpgWinter is in full force in the northern hemisphere, and those who wish to avoid the snow, sleet, and other harsh weather that comes with it have but one direction to go: south. The Pacific coast of Mexico is always a good idea, but it's even more enticing this week, thanks to Starpicks. That's because the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks. This luxurious beachfront resort offers everything you could want in a winter escape, with gorgeous views of the ocean, a large swimming pool and patio area lined with palm trees, and five restaurants and lounges where you can savor the flavors of Mexico. Spend your day exploring the many attractions of Puerto Vallarta, from the nearby Shrine of Guadalupe to the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens high in the Sierra Madres. But save some daylight for a proper afternoon of relaxing around the pool and doing little more than reading a book, staring at the clouds, and sipping delicious tropical drinks. For dinner, feast on fresh local seafood at Las Gaviotas restaurant, which serves international cuisine in a romantic setting with ocean views. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

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If you've ever daydreamed of a tropical vacation where water is involved, it is probably a safe bet to assume that you've let your mind wander to the vision of swimming with dolphins, gliding with them along the water with the most effortless motion you've ever felt in your imaginative life. Is there a more freeing feeling out there? It's an experience that most will never be lucky enough to have, and indeed one you may have excluded from your goals due to perceived feasibility. But the dream can easily become your personal reality during a visit to Cabo thanks to the wonders of the world-renowned marine center known simply as Cabo Dolphins.

The personable dolphins here are whimsically named after great historical artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Renoir, and are available to play with their new human friends in a variety of ways, from swimming sessions to scuba diving excursions. Cabo Dolphins has a number of different options to cater something special for patrons of all ages, skill levels, and interests, with the aim to leave no one behind. Playing with this wonderfully artistic set at Cabo Dolphins is but one of the many enticing adventures possible from your stay at the Westin Los Cabos. Have you ever been swimming with dolphins while on holiday?

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Mexico takes pride in its rich heritage of artistry and craftsmanship. Within the quaint historical district of San Jose del Cabo, a quieter alternative to Cabo San Lucas and just six miles from the Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos, opportunities for picking up authentic handmade treasures abound.

Begin your excursion at the Plaza Mijares, a picturesque square crowned by towering palm trees and a tall white mission church. Here, you can get a good sense of the district's historic charm before setting off on your shopping adventure. The plaza's southern border, Boulevard Mijares is lined with a nice row of boutiques. Be dazzled by the glistening gemstones at Don Romulo Mexican Fire Opals, then head next door to Necri Boutique. A stunning assortment of hand painted Talavera pottery, a type of Majolica ceramics, fills the colorful shop. Select a traditional water pitcher or a fine set of dinner plates before setting off for Copal Artesanias, a family-run boutique filled with wool rugs, enamel and lacquer ware, and wood carvings. Sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and jewelry are elegantly displayed at Silvermoon Gallery, which leads to El Rincon del Opalo. Here, breathtaking Mexican fire opals are set in gorgeous gold and sterling silver settings. The surrounding streets are filled with equally enchanting shops, art galleries, and beautiful restaurants with open air gardens and patios, so be sure to allow plenty of time for your exploration.

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edithscabosanlucas.jpgHopefully you're starting the new year off right: with a trip to a sunny, warm locale to thaw those chilled bones. If I were able to get away, it would be down to the Westin Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, where it's almost always sunny and the margaritas are always fresh.

If wiling the day away with a drink in your hand sounds fun, I've got a couple recommendations for you. Mango Deck offers a great beachfront view and the typical Cabo mix of Mexican and continental dishes, while the Giggling Marlin offers the opportunity to be hung upside down, as well as notable huge burgers, burritos and nachos. Both keep things lively with drinking games and other entertainment all day and dancing at night.

Maybe fine dining is more your speed. Edith's is an excellent option, featuring ocean fresh seafood and produce cooked to perfection. Peacocks is another good seafood choice. Meanwhile, staying close to the Westin is also always a great possibility. Arrecifes is ranked among the best in the region, and La Cascada and La Playa recently introduced new seasonal menus.

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A Historic Russian Home in Mexico City

Monday October 26, 2009

Trotsky Museum.jpgLeon Trotsky (1879-1940) was one of the leading figures of 20th century Russian history, having fought alongside Vladimir Lenin during the October Revolution of 1917. In the decades that followed, however, he ran afoul of Joseph Stalin, and was exiled to Mexico. Today, Trotsky's historic home in Mexico City's Coyoacán neighborhood is a museum dedicated to Marxist thinker's life, and it's filled with his art, writings, and other mementos Bolshevik philosophy. It was here in this "little fortress" that Trotsky wrote some of his most scathing critiques of Stalin, accusing the Soviet leader of betraying Marxist ideals for authoritarian leadership and bureaucratic ministries. Sadly, it was also here where one of Stalin's agents finally dispatched of the philosopher in 1940, having posed as a young writer in search of advice. Today, visitors to the Leon Trotsky Museum will find a unique snapshot of Mexican life in the mid-20th century, with a tranquil courtyard brimming with flowers and plants - including rare cactuses that he collected on trips to the countryside - as well as shelves of rare books, an ancient-looking dictaphone, tattered Mexican rugs, and a stone engraved with a hammer and sickle adorning his burial site. Just minutes from the Frida Kahlo House, this unique destination provides a rare opportunity for visitors to see what life was like for those bold enough to criticize Stalin during his infamous rise to power. Starwood has five hotels in Mexico City, including the luxurious St. Regis Mexico City.

[image via trotskyana.net]

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Riviera Maya Jazz Festival.jpgJazz fans are in for a big treat this November as Mexico's picturesque Mayan Riviera plays host to one of the biggest music festivals of the fall. The Riviera Maya 2009 Jazz Festival will take place November 25-28, 2009, welcoming some of the world's top artists in the fields of jazz, R&B, and hip hop to a beautiful stage on Mamitas Beach at Playa del Carmen. It's four days of music, food, and fun, as legends like Spyro Gyra, Sergio Mendes, Al Jarreau, and Herbie Hancock perform to a mix of die-hard jazz fans and curious vacationers drawn to the enchanting beats. Keep an ear out for local favorites Aguamala, an energetic "Rock & Jazz" group from Playa del Carmen who serve double duty as event hosts and headliners. It's music in paradise, and the best part is, it's absolutely free. The festival is a short drive from Cancun, home of Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa, the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort, and the Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun.

[image via worldguide.eu]

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Gourmet Mexican Food in Mexico City

Thursday September 10, 2009

pujol_mexicocity.pngYou wouldn't think this would be a short list, would you? But as it turns out, high-end, gourmet Mexican food is harder to find in Mexico City than in Chicago — Mexican tastes at this level simply run to other, foreign cuisines.

But if white tablecloth Mexican is what you're after, there are a few places to go while staying at the W Mexico City. Aguila y Sol is a good place to start, with an inviting menu that features gourmet versions of traditional Mexican street food. Tiny Pujol remains a darling of the financial district for its extremely modern take on Mexican specialties. For a more old-school approach, San Angel Inn is a good bet, where you'll find such dishes as huitlacoche crepes and chicken with mole are on the menu alongside classic European fare.

If seafood is your passion, Contramar is your place. Fresh ceviches and beautifully grilled fish abound in the bright, airy space. The catch: it's only open for lunch. Seafood is the specialty at NAOS as well, where a raw bar and glass-walled kitchen demonstrate just how fresh the ingredients are.

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