Recommend November 2010 - (Page 94)

re-discovering the wonders of THE continued from page 92 YUCATAn “The Peninsula is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico (around Campeche) and the Caribbean, which afford plenty of locations for relaxation and enjoying the water. There are so many Mayan ruins...just waiting to be explored.” Suzanne Teng, Family Holidays Product Manager, Abercrombie & Kent all about variety One of the most wondrous things about the Yucatan Peninsula is the fact that it’s so diverse, any kind of traveler would find his pleasure here. Should clients want to include the whole family, for instance, there’s Abercrombie & Kent’s A Yucatan Adventure, with stays at Fairmont Mayakoba, The Lodge at Chichen Itza and Hacienda Temozon, from Starwood’s Luxury Collection. “The interior of the Yucatan Peninsula should not be missed and there really is no better way to stay than in one of the luxurious hacienda properties that can be found here,” says Teng. “These properties are from a different age and time and have been meticulously restored. My personal favorite is on the family program—Hacienda Temozon. It is completely grand and one feels transported into another era.” Indeed, haciendas are one of the Yucatan’s calling cards—a grand collection of estates, some dating as far back as the 16th century that became micro-economic hubs for various productions. In this part of Mexico, they were mostly geared to henequen, a type of agave plant suitable for making rope. Some of these haciendas have been meticulously restored and turned into inimitable hotels that embrace their history while adding modern-day magic in the form of creature comforts. This 8-day itinerary, adds Teng, is “…a wonderful blend of activities.” It starts off with visits to the Mayan archaeological site of Ek Balam and Valladolid, the first Spanish capital of the Yucatan, then a swim at a cenote. The visit to Chichen Itza includes its sound and light show and indepth exploration of the ancient city. Once they arrive in Merida, they’ll enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and visit a traditional Mayan village nearby, plus ride on a boat along the Celestun Biosphere Reserve to spot flamingos before a city tour of Merida. They’ll also visit the temples of Uxmal before hopping on a private flight to the Mexican Caribbean to discover Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and its many Mayan relics, hidden amid mangroves, wetlands and flamingo colonies. Finally, it’s a beach day on the Riviera Maya aboard a private catamaran for snorkeling and swimming before heading home. A Yucatan Adventure starts at $5,715 pp dbl on a Feb. 26 departure date. According to Teng, both the familiarity and the proximity of the Yucatan to the U.S. makes it ideal for “destination reunions”—the opportunity for family members to meet up and share exciting experiences. “These are often planned around milestone celebrations, such as anniversaries or birthdays, and involve multiple generations, which also means that different family members weigh in on the itinerary, making planning a trip together a challenge. Abercrombie & Kent simplifies the conversation with our recommended “Tailor Made” itinerary,” she says. 94 november 2010 “A ‘Destination Specialist’ is available to consult with individual family members who want to pursue a personal passion as part of a larger, multi-generational trip. ‘Local A&K’ guides, private airport transfers on arrival and departure and 24/7 support ensure everyone is well cared for from beginning to end.” merida and campeche An ideal mix-and-match of historical heyday with classical haciendas and its status as an up-to-the-minute travel hotspot, makes the Yucatan all the more special for travelers. Merida’s Hacienda Xcanatun is as lofty a representation of the past and present glory of the region as any other, thanks to gorgeous rooms and suites, splendid gardens and a spa led by a Mayan therapist. The elegant hacienda—which was built in the 18th century—also offers local excursions to nearby cenotes, archaeological sites or to beautiful Merida to visit its mansions and take carriage rides along the stately Paseo Montejo or shop for regional delicacies and crafts. Another standout in Xcanatun: the award-winning Casa de Piedra Restaurant. Rates start at $265 per room, per night beginning on Jan. 7. There’s also a Girlfriend’s Getaway good through Dec. 15 that starts at $615 pp dbl for a 3-night stay in a deluxe suite and includes daily breakfast, a 3-course dinner and a massage for each, plus transfers from and to Merida’s airport. For those who want to conquer “mildly” uncharted territory, the least explored region of the Yucatan is perhaps one that still holds the most secrets for visitors. There’s still time to book the 7-night Discover Campeche from Tia Stephanie Tours, departing on Dec. 11 and exploring sites such as Chicanna, Ixpujil and Becan. There’s also a visit to Calakmul, one of the top Mayan centers in Mexico, and its accompanying bio-reserve, home to toucans, howler monkeys and many other species. Travelers also spend time in the city of Campeche to enjoy its colonial splendor and the Fort of San Miguel. Travel Impressions offers a lofty stay with reduced rates at Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes Merida if you book by April 24, or at Ceiba del Mar Spa Resort in Puerto Morelos. n contact information Abercrombie & Kent: (800) 554-7016; abercrombiekent.com Hacienda Xcanatun: (888) 883-8633; xcanatun.com Tia Stephanie Tours: (734) 769-7839; tiastephanietours.com Travel Impressions: (800) 284-0044; travelimpressions.com recommend.com http://www.abercrombiekent.com http://www.xcanatun.com http://www.tiastephanietours.com http://www.travelimpressions.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend November 2010

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Medical Tourism Introduction
India: The Guest is God
Turkey: Investing in the Future
A Medical Tale of Two Latin American Countries
Quality Care in Taiwan
Uruguay's Making Waves
No More "Risky Business" in Colombia
River Cruising for 2011
Israel-100 Years of Green
South Africa With Style
Chicago: Nothing Second About This City
Jacksone Hole, Wyoming
Shining the Spotlight on Amelia Island, Florida
Koh Chang, Thailand
Barbados: Back to Work
Jamaica: Back to Basics
Acapulco on the Rise-Again
Re-Discovering the Wonders of the Yucatan

Recommend November 2010