MEXICAN MARVELS
4/30/2007 11:27:49 AM by Clint Brownfield
A plethora of watery wonders await your every desire South of the Border. From world-class fishing to surfing off a small town at the northernmost tip of Banderas Bay, we plan the perfect itinerary for you to experience the U.S.’s exotic southern cousin.
CANCUN
This paradise is virtually 100 percent back to normal, and some say even better than it was before hurricanes Emily and Wilma dropped in uninvited in 2005 and parked themselves over most of the Yucatan Peninsula for days on end.
A luxurious example of recent re-openings is the Ritz-Carlton (RitzCarlton.com), which can arrange for you and your party to enjoy scuba diving, fishing, jungle tours, parasailing and night diving, most of which are less than 30 minutes from the Ritz.
At Aquafun (Aquafun.com.mx), Cancun’s “Home of the Jungle Tour” lets visitors drive their own outboards and navigate through the Nichupte Lagoon’s winding mangrove channels. The tour also allows the unique opportunity to snorkel in Cancun’s National Marine Coral Reef Park, ideal for admiring multi-colored fish and delicate coral formations.
Even non-divers can get a glimpse underwater at the Breathing Observation Bubble (CancunBOB.com), which lets guests explore Cancun’s natural reefs, plants and marine life via their own personal submarines, guided by a trained diver. A DVD of the submersion is included.
Cancun also offers a number of activities for dolphin lovers through Dolphin Discovery (DolphinDiscovery.com), including a Dolphin Encounter, Royal Swim and Swim Adventure at dolphin-laden Isla Mujeres across from the city.
If buying a second home is in your plans, make sure to scope out La Amada (LaAmada.com), the new luxury development offering spacious residences, open-air living and world-class views and ammenities, all nestled within one of Cancun’s most exclusive resort communities.
COZUMEL
The Mexican Eden is back in business after a tough hurricane season and it awaits your visit. Many say it’s even better than it was before the hurricanes. Jacques Cousteau himself cruised this Yucatan island in 1962 and immediately declared it one of the most spectacular scuba diving areas in the world. And, let’s face it, Cousteau really knew his way around an ocean.
Cozumel is known as the “drift” capital of the world and sits along the largest reef network in the Western Hemisphere and is ringed by more than 37 dive sites filled with limestone caves and tunnels to explore in addition to fabulous fish and amazing coral. The clear waters offer visibility up to 200 feet with temperatures of 77-82 degrees.
Non-divers can enjoy snorkeling, Sea Trek glass-bottom boat tours and the Atlantis submarine ride. Kids can also enjoy a swim with the dolphins at the island’s Dolphin Discovery Center.
February-July are ideal fishing months with bonefishing being among the most popular angling activities, with grouper and snapper among the main game fish. Good to eat, too. Go to IslaCozumel.com.mx for all the information you’ll need to plan your trip.
LOS CABOS
This Baja mecca is made up of San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas located at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. With the Pacific on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the east, this marine wonderland is the acknowledged “Marlin Capital of the World.” For premier sportfishing tournaments presented by Bisbees, check out Bisbees.com.
Besides world-class marlin, this idyllic area attracts whale watchers the world over from January to March. There are spas so soothing that your dreams may just become realities and the food — seafood to be exact — is so good that you can’t believe things so low in calories can be so satisfying.
And, if you’re a celebrity watcher, your eyes will go into high-gear over the superstars this area continually attracts to its resorts and villas, all of which are virtually unequalled on the planet. This, combined with gorgeous scenery, championship golf, spectacular sportfishing and an incredible nightlife will keep you coming back for decades.
A new attraction for sailing addicts is “America’s Cup Sailing” from Cabo Adventures (Cabo-Adventures.com) where you can capture the thrills and romance of sailing aboard Team New Zealand NZL 81 and NZL racing yachts — competing head-to-head in your own “Cup Regatta.”
Additionally, Gladiator Charters has developed a new fractional membership program specifically for their fleet of multi-million dollar yachts. Yacht charters range from a half-day up to two weeks. All charters include luxury services such as the inclusion of experienced crew, captain, mate, gourmet chef, hot hors d’oeuvres and premium bar beverages. Clients determine the waters in which to travel anywhere in the region. To custom-charter your own tour of this Mexican paradise, go to CaboYachtManagment.com, CaboYachtClub.net or GladiatorCharters.com. To create the perfect agenda, go to ExperienceLosCabos.com.
RIVIERA MAYA
Again, better than before. This slice of paradise features an 81-mile stretch of coastline and begins about 11 miles south of Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos. It extends to Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a small town near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. It also includes Tulum, a Mayan fortress set on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean and is the most impressive site from the Post-Classic Period from 1000-1550 A.D. This classic ruin juxtaposed against the azure Caribbean waters below is a view that makes a trip to Riviera Maya memorable, along with some of the best beaches in the world.
In Puerto Morelos, many prefer to stay at the award-winning five-star Hotel Marina El Cid, a full-service hotel/resort situated on the water. The place also has an amazing pool that allows for lounging to take on new meaning.
Further down the coast, Playa del Carmen is also back in business and forms the backdrop for some of the most amazing Mexican beach vacations you can imagine. It’s eclectic, stylish and hip and offers a great mix of small hotels, inns and cabanas. The nightlife is intriguing and the town is a good base from which to launch adventures into the area’s nature parks and historic landmarks. For a virtual tour of this exotic destination, go to RivieraMaya.com.
PUNTA MITA
Located on its own private 1,500-acre spear-shaped peninsula jutting out into the Pacific, Punta Mita is poised to become the most priviliged and exclusive luxury resort community in Mexico. Already in place is the Four Seasons Resort & Villas (FourSeasons.com) as well as a variety of private villa communities that are beginning to dot the area.
The recently developed Las Palmas Villas (LasPalmasPuntaMita.com) and a second Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will open soon. The St. Regis Resort & Residences (St. Regis.com) are also slated to open in December 2007. Condominiums may also be purchased or rented for vacations.
At Punta Mita, privacy, serenity and security are what draw members to this beautiful spot located about 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, the third largest bay in the world and one of the most popular and consistent surfing spots on the planet. Here, guests and property owners can take full advantage of the resort’s vast network of connections to enjoy a seamless vacation or full-time residency, pre-arrival grocery shopping, airport transfers, rental cars, in-house or in-villa spa services, watersports, horseback riding and tee-times, among many other activities. For more information, go to PuntaMita.com.mx.