Tuesday, March 20, 2012

To Mexico or Not to Mexico.....Part DOS....

As the reports roll in from all the Spring Breakers, I must say that the happiest people are those that went to....drumroll....MEXICO! Over the top, hands down, most awesome, most excited people that I have talked to went to Mexico.

AND, of those....Capella tops the list of awesome resorts. I had people at Capella Pedregal and Capella Ixtapa....

"Thank you for assuring me that this was exactly what I was looking for! Capella was amazing!"

"OMGoodness!! LOVED my stay. THANK YOU. The staff was so wonderful. They all took very good care of me. Just as you'd promised. The week was relaxing and peaceful. The view was gorgeous and oh, how I miss that ocean...Thanks again, Denise. Spot on!!!

Just sayin.....

Monday, March 12, 2012

To Mexico or not to Mexico

That is the question….

So when I get a call for the beach these days it usually goes like this….

‘We want a beautiful beach, great resort, great food BUT NOT MEXICO….’

I know Mexico has is drug cartels and political issues, but honestly the resort areas are amazing! The Riviera Maya has some of the most beautiful beaches, great snorkeling and some off the charts luxury resorts.

Punta Mita is also a beautiful destination and sits on a secure peninsula in a private gated oasis!
The Four Seasons Punta Mita has great villas for families and a plethora of things to do….and the BEST lazy river EVER! A sample itinerary from the Four Seasons:

Upon arrival in the Puerto Vallarta airport, you will be greeted by Four Seasons Staff. Cold towels and refreshments await in an air conditioned Suburban – step in and embark on your journey to paradise. Take in the vista as you drive through the Sierra Madre Mountains, edged by pectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1 – Welcome to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Start your getaway by unwinding and reconnecting.
· Order breakfast from our extensive In-Casita Dining menu, and enjoy the meal on your private terrace.
· Following breakfast, take advantage of the many activities available at the Resort.
· The complimentary Kids For All Seasons programme is a fun way for children to spend their day. The programme offers outdoor and indoor activities.
· Both novices and experts can enjoy a round of golf at either of our two 18-hole ocean-view courses, both designed by Jack Nicklaus.
· The Pacifico course features an optional par 3 hole on a natural island, a challenge to the most avid golfer.
· After a round of golf, attend a yoga class on The Rock, a beautiful cliff that overlooks the ocean.
· In the afternoon, catch up with the rest of the family and unwind while drifting on the Lazy River.



Evening -
· For dinner, enjoy Mexican modern cuisine at Ketsi Restaurant.
· At the end of the day, let our experienced spa staff guide you in your pursuit of complete relaxation. Choose a therapeutic treatment at Apuane Spa, open until 9:00 pm everyday.

Day 2 – Discover the activities Punta Mita has to offer
Day
· For breakfast, visit Tail of the Whale and try the Huevos Rancheros, one of our specialties.
· After your meal, take the whole family horseback riding – a magical way to explore the beaches and trails of Punta Mita.
· Embark on an exciting adventure aboard the luxurious Four Seasons Yacht and visit the Marietas Islands, an ecological sanctuary that several endangered bird species call home.

Evening
· Dine right on the beach at Bahia restaurant, and try the delicious grilled specialties by Richard Sandoval.
· Make a selection from our DVD library and enjoy a movie in your room with the family.

Day 3 - Getting familiar with the property
Day
· Enjoy breakfast al fresco by the pool at Ketsi Restaurant with the whole family.
· After breakfast, visit our Las Cuevas beach and compete in a family kayak race.
· Catch of the day makes for a special lunch – meet our local fisherman on the beach with the fresh catch and allow the Executive Chef to make preparation suggestions.
· Relax by the infinity-edged Nuna pool. Pool attendants cater to your needs with towels, cooling facials sprays and hourly amenities.
· Children will love the snow cones!

Evening
· Have In-Casita Dining set up a romantic dinner for two on The Rock, and enjoy your meal while taking in endless views of the horizon.
· While you're dinning, the kids can visit Nunutzi, our game room, where they have access to PlayStation, an air hockey table, dancing machines and more.

Day 4 - Enjoying it at its most
Day
· Enjoy breakfast al fresco by the pool at Ketsi Restaurant with the whole family.
· Take a nature walk together and learn more from our local flora and fauna, while enjoying this morning activity.
· Paint ceramic figures for the kids while the parents enjoy Las Cuevas beach one of the relaxing day beds overlooking the Pacific.
· Enjoy lunch at Las Cuevas through in-room dining.
· Build castles on the beach
· Participate in a shell treasure hunt by Manzanillas beach.

Evening
· Enjoy contemporary Asian food at Aramara restaurant.
· Enjoy the cuban live music at Aramara's Bar while discovering one of our infusion signature cocktails.

Day 5 - A final wind-down day
Spend your last day relaxing with the family before heading back to reality.
Day
· Enjoy an à la carte breakfast with the whole family at Ketsi thatched roof palapa restaurant.
· After breakfast, enjoy a tennis clinic for parents and kids.
· While the kids discover the playground at the Kids for All Seasons programme, parents can relax in one of the ten cabanas at the Tamai adult pool complete.
· For lunch, enjoy a sushi and tapas menu at Tamai restaurant, while kids can order through in-room dining.

Evening
· Let the fun continue by watching a movie at the Kids for All Seasons programme.
· Complete your day enjoying the sunset while having a memorable family dinner at Bahia by Richard Sandoval.

I say ABSOLUTELY to Mexico every time! It is beautiful, fun and safe for the whole family!