Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 38)

DESTINATIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 ean-style prime cuts. In walking distance from Dreams is Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach (www. fiestamericana.com), which is shielded from the open sea and attracts swimmers with its 328yard beach of calm water and 219-yard heated free-form pool. The resort, which has hosted Salma Hayek and Will Smith, has three indoor tennis courts, and guests receive complimentary access to the nearby 18-hole Pok-ta-Pok Golf Club. For families, it’s best to book Junior Ocean Front Suites, which have a living room and balcony facing the Caribbean Sea. Though all 602 guest suites have ocean views, the Corner and the Master Suites on each floor provide Deluxe room at Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa ending with 18 to 22 have bay and hotel zone views; and the rest ending in 24 to 32 have sunset front and bay views. Royal Presidential and Royal Governor suites are the largest. Le Blanc offers full-service butlers from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on every floor. Book the rooms via the reservation department (877-753-2526, reservations@leblancsparesort.com). Public Re- AGENTADVICE Gary Lichter, manager of Liberty Travel in New York, reveals some great ways to explore this hot travel destination. “Cancun is certainly filled with plenty of bar/restaurant type of establishments for which the resort area has become famous: Senor Frogs, Carlos ‘N’ Charlie’s and on and on,” says Lichter. “But, there are other places in Cancun and the surrounding area that are very good.” La Habichuela in downtown is one of Lichter’s favorite spots. “It has an open backyard, which is great as long as it’s not too hot. Food ranges from local cuisine to Caribbean fare and great seafood.” He also recommends Rosa Mexicana (a famous Mexican restaurant with locations in New York); Pericos, a Spanish-style restaurant and Puerto Madero in the Hotel Zone, for its great steak. For shopping in Cancun, Lichter points out that like all tourist spots, Cancun has tourist traps, but that “Mexico is also filled with great artisans who create beautiful ceramics, paintings and jewelry.” Lichter suggests visitors try Market 28 in downtown Cancun, or head out to Playa del Carmen and walk down Fifth Avenue, where shops specialize in jewelry: silver, turquoise and other semi-precious stones, bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings. While shopping for silver, Lichter points out that silver everywhere in Mexico is stamped .925 by the government, meaning it’s 92.50 pure silver. “Don’t be afraid to stop in smaller towns and try bargaining with the local artisans for the array of beautiful and creative works of art and crafts they produce,” says Lichter. memorable panoramic ocean views. On the 12th floor in each tower, the two Presidential Suites have a private reception area, two rooms, a living room, kitchen, ample terraces, a private pool and views of Cancun, Isla Mujeres and the Caribbean Sea. The Spa offers Germaine de Capuccini products and supervised handicrafts activities for children. For on-site dining, suggest the hotel’s La Joya restaurant, which serves refined Mexican cuisine and folkloric shows. Nearby La Habichuela Caribbean Restaurant (+52-998-884-3158) is a hot spot for a romantic dinner. On a white-sand beach between Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, the adults-only Le Blanc Spa Resort (www.leblancsparesort. com) is an all-inclusive new resort where President George W. Bush has stayed. Request Royal Honeymoon Suites: They have spacious floor plans. And for the best views, the block of the rooms ending in 00 to 17 are ocean front, boasting great sunrise vistas; those lations Manager Elizabeth Acosta (relpublbc@ leblancsparesort.com) is the contact if you are sending important clients. Although the 29,000-square-foot spa houses two dozen suites, it is still a good idea to book it upon arriving via Spa Director Cecilia Valenzuela (cvalenzuela@leblancsparesort.com). Request the Steam Vichy Rain Journey or the popular Qi 4 elements stone massage. Chief Concierge Aramis Sosa (cconcierge lbc@leblancsparesort.com) and his team are good at accessing luxury vehicles and making tour arrangements. For on-site dining, suggest Le Blanc Stage restaurant. For nearby dining, Cenacolo Restaurant (+52-998-885-3603) inside Kukulkan Plaza has excellent Italian food and wine. I CONNECTING YOU For more on what to see and do in Cancun, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/cancun 38 | TravelAgent October 1, 2007 http://www.fiestaamericana.com http://www.fiestaamericana.com http://www.leblancsparesort.com http://www.leblancsparesort.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cancun

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Online Now From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Caribbena: Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico, an Unspoiled Retreat Carribbean Deals Mexico: Insider Tips: Hotels, Dining and Shopping in Cancun Mexico Deals Las Vegas: Tell Clients About Day Trips Into the Great Outdoors Europe: Budapest: Off-Season Promotions Pacific/Asia: Korea Expands its Offerings Seoul Primer: All the Info You Need For a Smooth Trip Pacific/Asia Deals Hawaii: Captivating Kauai: Enhanced Resorts, Natural Beauty Cruises: Building Revenue with Themed Cruises Cruise Deals Hotels: London: The Lanesborough’s New Guest Rooms Tours: Gutsy Women Travel’s New Morocco Itinerary Tour Deals Spas: Escape to Tranquility: Three Spa Havens Spa Deals Cover Story: Donna Flora Agent Profile Podcasts Offer a New Way to Give Your Clients Added Value Car Rental Navigation 101: Shift Profits into High Gear with These Tips Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Cruise: Commission Cutting, Hurricanes Pitch Colombia, Impress Your Clients Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism New Alaska Products for Families In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

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