Isla Mujeres - Miles Away from the Masses

Just a short ferry ride from Cancun lies the tiny island of Isla Mujeres. Cancun may be within sight but it feels 1,000 miles away... you see, Isla Mujeres hasn't been overrun by massive resorts, Hooter's and malls. The island still has a small town feel and in the main town, you can walk safely day or night, get to know locals and eat at many beachside establishments. Minino's, for example, offers great seafood served at tables on the sand. You can kick back, enjoy a Sol beer and listen to these two brothers play some marimba music while you thank God you picked Isla over Cancun.

Nerdy Hurricane Heads to Los Cabos

Anyone seen the latest tropical update? It appears Hurricane Nortbert is heading towards Baja... read that right? Norbert! Sweet... what kind of a name is Nortbert? You get the feeling that when Norbert was just a young tropical depression, he used to get picked on by Ike. And Katrina? Yeah... she wouldn't be caught dead in public with Norbert. His only friend was Gustav, a foreign exchange storm.

Oh well, I guess Norbert had an inferiority complex so he's now a powerful category 4. Let's hope for the best in Baja.

Assuming Los Cabos rides out the storm without a problem, let me make a small suggestion. If you happen to be heading to Los Cabos, my suggestion would be to either stay in the hotel corridor, where many beautiful hotels are located (our favorite is the Melia Los Cabos, now the Dreams Los Cabos, or near San Jose Del Cabo. San Jose Del Cabo is the original colonial town whereas Cabo San Lucas is the touristy, less authentic town. I'd rather opt for a more authentic experience than a party town known more for Carlos n Charlies, Cabo Wabo and "The Office". That's just me... that's what I look for.

When we stayed by San Jose Del Cabo, we stayed at the Royal Solaris, an all-inclusive hotel. It was nice but not where we would normally stay. BUT... it was free which made it wonderful. The only problem... being there in February. I guess that's OK if you're from Jersey and you're used to cold Februaries but, those of us from the Gulf Coast like a little warmth with our beach experience.

Assuming Norbert doesn't go all postal on Los Cabos, here are some places to check out while there...

Wandering the side streets of San Jose Del Cabo

Snorkeling in Santa Maria Bay

Horseback riding on Las Mananitas beach

Visiting the Main Square in Los Cabos

Blustery Times South of the Border

Heading to the Pacific side of Mexico for the 4th? Looks like a potentially active weekend may be ahead. Maybe... maybe not...

More insight on Zihua

This article from the San Diego Union Tribune may be a crusty three years old but it provides a nice general overview of Zihuatanejo and it's relationship to neighboring Ixtapa.

From A to Zihuatanejo

I recently posted a little entry on the resurgence of Acapulco. While only a few hours away and at the other end of the alphabet, Zihuatanejo is about as far as you can get from glitz and glamor. While not the sleepy fishing town some claim it to be - over 80,000 live in the area - Ixtapa's neighbor is a casual and low-key alternative for those wanting to relax and escape massive resorts and all-inclusives.

We had been looking at both Acapulco and Zihuatanejo and will head to Zihua sometime this year. Of course, Zihuatanejo has been in the news lately as several recent and very rare shark attacks have placed the Mexican resort area on the map. I'm not worried... either I'll surf in the bay if there is a big swell, possibly swing by Escolleras or just enjoy my time on the beach. Troncones won't be on the itinerary.

If you're looking for a place to stay in Zihua, a few places consistently come up as top-notch hotels. Unlike nearby Ixtapa, there are only about 400 hotel rooms in Zihuatanejo - probably as many as you might find at the Las Brisas or the Barcelo'. You won't find mega-resorts. You will find small, personalized, family-run hotels. La Casa Que Canta, while absurdly expensive in a town like Zihuatanejo, is consistently named one of the best hotels in Mexico. Some options to consider...

La Casa Que Canta - One of the highest-rated hotels in Mexico
Hotel Las Brisas Del Mar - Our choice
Villa Carolina Hotel
The Tides - Formerly Villa Del Sol

A Bright Future for Acapulco

Acapulco... once the hub of the international jetset eventually lost its luster and the magic that attracted visitors from all over the world. The past few years, though, have smiled kindly upon ACA. The city is bouncing back as classic hotels like Las Brisas are renovated, new, hip boutique hotels are built and spectacular restaurants teem with patrons. The prospects for Acapulco look much brighter as this March article from the New York Times attests.

Our First (and not last) Visit to Huatulco

It seems like my computer problems are behind me and I can get back on task - finally!? Hardware problems quickly make you realize how completely dependent we are on technology. Kind of sad, really. Then again, it's technology that allows me to post on a blog like this.

We spent four days and three nights in Huatulco and absolutely loved it - what a refreshing change from Cancun. So laid back, so remote and really gorgeous. It was our first trip there and we would gladly go back. The people were great, the weather was ideal and the water was just pefect!

The Las Brisas Huatulco, seen below, was sprawling and offered plenty to keep us busy, particularly since we were taking a test run with the baby. As you can see from the picture, the 50 acre resort is broken up into four pueblos - each one with a name like mar or estrellas. We were located in Pueblo Mar, situated on the far left of the photo. Since everything is relatively spread apart, regular golf carts shuttle hotel guests around the resort. Foot paths also allow you to get around pretty easily although the resort is rather hilly. It didn't bother us.

Las Brisas Huatulco, as seen from our flight into Huatulco

The Pueblo Mar has quite a few suites with spacious terraces - highly recommended. In fact, I would spend the extra money for a room with a terrace - makes all the difference! The views over Tangolunda Bay were stunning, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Rooms, whether renovated or not, tend to have white themes with marble floors. Bathrooms are roomy with double sinks and a big shower.

Sunrise over Tangolunda Bay with the Sierra Madres in the background

The resort has four beaches that can only be accessed from within the resort. The snorkeling beach, seen below. was right below our puelbo. Just a few feet from shore is a nice coral reef with an overwhelming abundance of sea life... all sorts of tropical fish. Guests commented on spotting turtles, rays and even an octopus. The variety is amazing. Looking at the photo, you can see the resort's larger beach (below the pool and restaurant area) just beyond the first set of rocks. An activities beach offers various watersports and a "secret" beach offers a quiet little cover that, while really nice, is not completely secret - not when it's on the resort map.

The clear waters of the Snorkeling Beach

From the Snorkeling Beach, you can pass the resort's Mexican restaurant and follow a foot-path ot the main beach. Here you will find a bar and a large lawn area. Above the lawn area is the resort's main restaurant as well as other restaurants like Kasbah (Moroccan). The main restaurant offers decent buffet food - mostly used by people on the all-inclusive plan. Depending on the number of nights of your stay, you will receive a certain amount of a la carte dinners, as well.

Passing the main beach to head to the pool area

Most visitors to Huatulco head off the resort to either La Crucecita or Santa Cruz. On Sunday, we took a taxi to La Crucecita for lunch. Quaint little town - there were very few tourists and mostly locals. We found a friendly vibe and a picturesque little town with a charming main square. The food we ate was excellent!

Traditional Oaxacan Cheese.... mmmm!

Given that Huatulco is waaay down south in Mexico, the weather can get awfully warm. We didn't find it too humid (what Houstonian would?) but the temperature did seem a little warm for our baby boy. The main square offers some a nice break from the ever-present sun.

Relaxing at the Plaza Principal

We wandered around for about an hour, checking out shops and the local market. There were quite a few restaurants and a handful of small hotels. Locals were busy going about their day.

Fresh mango for sales in La Crucecita

Overall, we had a great time. There's so much to do in Huatulco but, since we were with the baby, we weren't able to really venture out. That's why we picked Las Brisas - it had everything we needed. Next time, we'll definitely check out the remote beaches, go see some whales and probably go surfing. This was a great start and, as you can see, led to smiles all around :)

A Happy Family!

The Laid Back Vibe of Isla Mujeres

As you know, we recently went to Cancun for a company-sponsored trip. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed some simply perfect weather. However, as many of you know, Cancun is not really Mexico. That is, Cancun could just as easily be Miami or L.A. - it is mostly overrun with American food chains and restaurants catering to tourists. Authenticity and Cancun don't necessarily go together.

If you want authenticity, take a short ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres - a small five mile long island just north of the Yucatan Peninsula. Yes -it's the Isla Mujeres that some know from booze cruises but the island really offers so much, including a real taste of Mexico.

We made it to Isla Mujeres on a Saturday to go swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery. I can't recommend this enough. If you're going to do it, spend the extra money to actually "swim" with the dolphins and not just pet them. It's one of those "to do before you die" experiences.

Anyway, the rest of Isla Mujeres has a very laid back feel with beautiful waters, a more local vibe and plenty of authentic color. I built a little slide show to give you an idea of the main town. While there, be sure to stop by Mininos on the main thoroughfare for some pulpo and a Sol beer. The food is inexpensive and the two men playing vibes are priceless. Nearby is a public beach and you're not too far from getting to Playa Norte.

A Peek into Huatulco

Here's a great video I found on YouTube that sheds more light on why Huatulco is special. See my last entry for more insight...

Undiscovered Huatulco

The pool at the Las Brisas Huatulco

Ask a typical American traveler to locate the Mexican resort area of Huatulco on a map and chances are you'll be greeted with a blank stare. Chances are that most non-Mexican nationals, be they American or not, couldn't find Huatulco on a map.

In the mid 1980s, FONATUR, the Mexican government agency behind resorts like Cancun and Ixtapa, decided to create a new, more exclusive resort area called Huatulco, based on the 9 Bahias de Huatulco in souther Mexico. Located in the state of Oaxaca, Huatulco still remains a relatively undiscovered paradise. While over 10 million travelers flew into Cancun's airport in 2006, about 350,000 flew to Huatulco.

So, what is so special about Huatulco? The area, for the most part, is still relatively unspoiled. Most of the 9 bays in the area are undeveloped and can be accessed mostly by boat. Development has primarily been focused around three bays - Santa Cruz, Tangolunda and Chahue'. The warm waters are teeming with sea life and are suitable for snorkeling along numerous coral reefs. Resorts like the Las Brisas and the Camino Real Zaashila provide all one might need from a traveler's standpoint and small towns like La Crucecita and Santa Cruz have a more local, slow-paced feel. The weather is ideal with over 300+ days of sunshine and an eternal summer-like climate. Outdoor pursuits include snorkeling, surfing, eco-tours, waterfall hikes and more.

I bring up Huatulco because we'll eventually be checking out the resort. I had heard of Huatulco in the past as a gorgeous area - more upscale than traditional Mexican beach towns and much more laid back. The New York Times rightfully called it the anti-Cancun. Perhaps Americans aren't familiar with Hualtulco due to the limited amount of flights. Most flights come from Mexico City on Aeromexico while Continental Express offers a seasonal flight from Houston. Last-minute airline seats can be found even in the midst of spring break.

To get a more "personal" feel of what it's like to visit Huatulco, The Independent offers a wonderful 15 minute broadcast on Huatulco. It's definitely worth listening to.

Our Stay at the Cancun Palace

OK, then... let's put together a quick post on Cancun, namely reviewing the Cancun Palace. Here are my thoughts on the resort that we visited while in Cancun on a company trip.

First, would I recommend it? Yes, I would. It was completely renovated in 2007 and looks quite different than older pictures of The Cancun Palace. Gone is the Mexican-style resort - in it's place is a modern, sleek resort. Here is an idea of what it used to look like and here is the view from our 5th floor balcony - room 580 at the resort.


The rooms are nice and spacious and all include a hot tub. Other amenities include large showers, double sinks, modern furnishings, a fridge full of non-alcoholic drinks/beer and a liquor dispenser with Smirnoff, Dewar's and more. Yes, they'll refill it daily. All the rooms have a balcony although the ones on the side wings have larger balconies. End rooms have larger, more open balconies with unimpeded views of the Caribbean. Very nice. Some rooms on the lower floors either have obstructed views or face the pool. If possible, shoot for a higher room - you'll be glad you did. Oh, and make sure you face the ocean because there are lagoon view rooms - not the best choice, to be sure.

Now, onto the food - there are five restaurants to choose from... El Mercado (international), Leonardo (Italian), Frida (Mexican), Miyako ("oriental") and The Steak (uh... steak). For breakfast and lunch, El Mercado and Frida serve essentially the same thing although the buffet at El Mercado is superior - hands down. Both have outdoor seating but only El Mercado has indoor seating. I can't speak to their food for dinner. I never ate at Leonardo but our friends said they liked it. Miyako is Asian and not a great version although a nice enough place to eat. My wife's pad thai did not look like the pad thai I know and my shrimp in green curry was lacking in spice. Still, it was all serviceable and we were treated extremely well - the staff went out of their way. Never ate at The Steak but the atmosphere looked fantastic (see below).


Depending on your taste, the pool scene can get a bit loud. When facing the ocean, the pool scene to the left is rowdier with a DJ while the pool scene to the right is calmer. If you want a prime spot to lay out, "hold" your chair early by placing a towel and your book on the chair. People start doing it early. The jacuzzis (see above in the steak picture) weren't working so there weren't many people hanging out there. If you want peace and quiet, that's probably your best bet.


Inside the hotel, you'll find a great gym (one of the best we've seen at a resort - see above), tennis courts, a kids' club, a theater used for nightly entertainment (like a Michael Jackson show), a gift shop and jewelry store (both with reasonable prices), several tour desks and more. A centrally located lobby bar has nightly entertainment - live bands, karaoke, etc. The hotel spa is rather pricey but the treatments we enjoyed (and from what we heard from others) are quite good. The treatment rooms are nice but the common areas are very disappointing. Not like the stunning common areas at a resort like the Boca Resort.

What else... service, overall, was excellent. The rooms are cleaned twice a day. Despite being an all-inclusive, the staff generally provide quality drinks and don't skimp on the hard stuff. Everyone really made us feel welcome despite being one of 600+ guests. The beach is pretty much gone but there is a little strip of sand that runs along the hotels. Like I said... would I recommend the resort? Yes... it was a great stay.

Heading South of the Border

It looks like we'll be heading to Cancun before the summer... a company reward trip for a job well done. We're excited. Not only do we love to travel - we really love to travel for free! Who doesn't.

My wife hasn't been to Cancun before and I haven't been there since a 8 day raucous spring break trip in 1992. My memories of Cancun are a bit incomplete, if you know what I mean. I remember Cancun as a very touristy version of Mexico and I know it's pretty much the same... probably on a much bigger scale. If you want to experience the "real" Mexico, Cancun isn't it. Still, what you do get is a warm and sunny vacation with beautiful white sand beaches and gorgeous turquoise waters.

We'll be staying at the Cancun Palace, a 600+ room all-inclusive resort. From what I've seen, the resort looks fantastic. Every room has a balcony with most facing the ocean and a few facing the lagoon. Every room has a jacuzzi and a large bathroom. Reviews on TripAdvisor are largely quite positive. I understand the hotel used to be less "modern" in design (pre-Wilma) and had more of a Mexican feel. Some people complained about that but, again, if you're looking for "old world Mexico" you might want to pick another resort.

While there, I'm sure we'll do a whole lot of nothing. Our agenda, from what we understand, will be relatively open. One sidetrip we'll probably take is Isla Mujeres. Rather than taking the typical booze cruise, we plan on taking a ferry to the island and then renting a golf cart to get around and do our own thing.

More on the trip when it approaches...

When Not to go to Mexico

Our sales team had a good year in 2006 so several of us are being rewarded with a trip to Acapulco. Never mind the recent news... we're looking forward to a great vacation. Anyway, it doesn't take one long to figure out that organizing a dozen schedules can be a bit, eh... daunting, shall we say?

We were originally shooting for March but now the date seems to be flying all over the 2007 calendar. It turns out fares in March are ridiculous thanks to some obscure event called "spring break". At one point, a few people wanted to shoot for September or October.

Having vacationed on the western side of Mexico, I immediately started raising a stink. "You don't want to book a trip to Acapulco in September." Apparently, quite a few people didn't realize that...

a) Western Mexico gets hurricanes
b) July - October are "prime time"
c) Oh yeah... they tend to form right in the waters off of Acapulco

In case you're thinking of Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta or Acapulco, take a look at what happened in 2006. Of the 18 named storms, 17 formed after July 11th. Hurricane John was particularly troublesome. 1997's Hurricane Pauline was no slouch, dumping 16 inches of rain on Acapulco. Of course, the same goes for the western Pacific although the 2004 hurricane season should've straightened people out.

So... just keep that in mind when planning a trip to the tropics. The Internet will help you figure out when to plan a trip. My cousin and I visited Ixtapa during Labor Day Weekend in 1995 and had a great time. The weather was ideal. Yet, when my wife and I went to Los Cabos over Labor Day Weekend in 2000 for his wedding, the wedding day was pushed off by a day due to a hurricane in the Pacific. Do some homework and you can avoid situations like the photo listed above - Cancun after Hurrican Wilma.

Do you have any stories you can share about poorly timed trips to the tropics?