Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Difference Is I...

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Difference Is I...: Photo of Bahia Akumal beach by Allen Barkus Typical accommodations at resort. Photo by Allen Barkus  The real The difference betw...

Sen Lin at Grand Velas Riviera Maya Awarded Four Diamonds by AAA

Fourth Restaurant at Resort to Receive 4+ Diamond Rating ​ Riviera Maya, Mexico  – Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s Sen Lin was awarded the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Four Diamond Award, the fourth restaurant at the resort to be so honored. With 22 Diamonds by AAA, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has set new standards in the All-Inclusive World – its food, creativity and presentation comparable to top restaurants in world capitals. In addition to Sen Lin, the AAA Five Diamond resort offers guests five gourmet offerings including the AAA Five Diamond Cocina de Autor and Frida and Piaf, rated Four Diamonds.  Sen Lin is founded on the culinary traditions of northeast and southwest Asia including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand.  At the helm of the restaurant is Chef Wayu “Light” Wattanakamin whose 14 years of culinary-industry experience and exploration of international cuisine keep traditional food and flavors of Asia in every dish. Sen Lin offers authentic Asian decor indoor and outdoor views from the terrace of the Yucatan’s lush jungle setting.  Signature dishes include bamboo-steamed buns filled with pork; pork wontons with pickled vegetables, Siam Pad Thai, and rack of lamb with Sriracha and grapes. Each year AAA reviews more than 31,000 restaurants. Only 2.1 percent make the AAA Four Diamond list. AAA Diamond Ratings for restaurants represent a combination of the overall food, service, décor and ambiance offered by the establishment. The descriptive ratings are assigned exclusively to establishments that meet and uphold AAA’s rigorous approval standards. A Four Diamond restaurant provides distinctive fine dining, creatively prepared, and skillfully served, amid upscale ambiance. Gourmet meals and premium beverages are included in the resort’s nightly rates. Rates start at $434 USD per person per night based on double occupancy and also include luxury suite accommodations, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visithttps://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com. About Grand Velas Riviera Maya: The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya. Guests can choose accommodations among oceanfront, ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, L’Occitane amenities, artisanal mezcal, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza, Mikel Alonso and Xavier Pérez Stone, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Se Spa is the region's largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids’ Clubs and Teens’ Club; baby concierge; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Piano Bar, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and several other magazines and major companies worldwide, including Virtuoso’s Best Spa and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya Launches First Spa Atelier Workshop

Riviera Maya, Mexico  – Se Spa at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya has launched its Spa Atelier, workshops inspired by local Mexican culture and based upon the principles of ancient Ayurvedic medicine that center around self-discovery. The first offering at the resort is a workshop to make energy bites full of superfoods. Recipes will vary from Cacao and Matcha-Pistachio to Cranberry-Orange and Carrot. Superfoods are foods that increase energy and improve retention, as well as provide antioxidants, minerals and vitamins and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The Spa Atelier concept initially launched last year at its sister property Grand Velas Los Cabos. It features Mandala meditation, tea discovery, DIY body scrubs based on one’s Dosha and a Natura Bissé Facial Masterclass. The Energy Bites Workshop at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an hour long, held every Thursday, July through September, for small groups of 3 – 6 people. The class costs $65 USD per person. For those who can’t make it to the resort to try out the class, Grand Velas Riviera Maya shares a recipe to make some of the energy bites at home. Cacao Energy Bites 1/3 cup            powdered cocoa 16                    dried dates 7 tbsp               honey 1 tsp                 coconut oil 1 tsp                 Maca root powder 1 tsp                 acai ½ cup               rolled oats 4 cups              cashews For toppings: amaranth, chia, hemp seeds and grated coconut Process: Chop the dates in a food processor before adding the cocoa, Maca, honey, coconut oil, oats, acai and cashews. Pour the mixture into a bowl and mix until well combined. Roll into balls a little under an inch and finish with topping of choice. Nightly rates start at $393 USD. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include all tour arrangements and transportation, luxury suite accommodations, à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com. About Grand Velas Riviera Maya: The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya. Guests can choose among three separate ambiances, including adults-only oceanfront, family-friendly ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, L’Occitane amenities, artisanal tequila, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands ofworld renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza, Mikel Alonso and Xavier Pérez Stone, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Se Spa is the region's largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids’ Clubs and Teens’ Club; baby concierge; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Piano Bar, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and several other magazines and major companies worldwide, including Virtuoso’s Best Spa and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visithttps://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

International Living Chooses Mexico As The World’s Best Place To Retire In 2017

Tulum-based expat company, Riviera Maya Property Consultants, explains the motives behind Mexico’s popularity

A house project by Riviera Maya Property Consultants

 Tulum, Mexico. International Living rates and ranks the world’s best retirement destinations. The winner of 2017 is a country that is making no surprises as the world’s best destination – it has been ranked among the top 10 for the past 14 years, and has won the first place five times.

This year, the winner – again – is Mexico. International Living believes that this country offers the easiest transition to expat life, as it gives a great balance of exotic culture and familiar Western lifestyle.

Currently, expats from other countries – Costa Rica, Ecuador and Belize – are moving to Mexico, seduced by its low-cost lifestyle, that blends ancient traditions with contemporary convenience.

Here are some of the main reasons that expats are choosing Mexico:

1. Mix of traditions and modern Western lifestyle. Mexico is the land of tradition: for example, in the Riviera Maya you will be living side by side with Mayan descendants, surrounded by ancient Mayan towns with their majestic pyramids. In the town of Merida, you will be surrounded by an eclectic mix of Mayan and Spanish colonial cultures. At the same time, Mexico, being close to America, offers most common American-brand stores and all the modern conveniences: cable TV, appliances, and high-speed Internet.

2. Strong U.S. dollar against Mexican peso. Mexican peso has just reached an all-time low against American dollar. Peso, which has been steadily falling over the years, reacted to the announcement by Ford not to build a new plant in San Luis Potosi. However, the fall of the peso has been a steady trend throughout years, meaning your dollar will most likely have even more value in Mexico over time. At the time of writing, the rate is 21.39 MXP to 1 USD.

3. Quality of life. Life quality in Mexico improves for any Westerner. The weather is pleasant year round, services and goods cost just a fraction of the price, and if you choose such beach paradise as Tulum, you will also be enjoying incredible beaches, delicious food and a growing expat community. In any case, by reducing the costs for goods and services, expats have the time to enjoy the activities that they like. A lot of time frees up by hiring a gardener, a maid and a cook. It’s easy to have a quality lifestyle on just $1,200 per month, or around $2,000 per couple.

4. Affordable healthcare. Health care in Mexico is much more affordable than in the U.S., and has high international standards.

5. Real estate opportunities.  Mexico has multiple hotspots with excellent real estate opportunities, from colonial city centers to breathtaking beaches, so there are plenty of opportunities to choose a certain type of lifestyle. For example, those looking for a beach life with excellent investment opportunities, choose Tulum, an emerging boomtown, where investing in real estate is likely to bring additional value to the second home. Luxury 602-square-foot suites in Tulum were sold from $127,000 in 2009. Now they are listed for $265,000, which is a $138,000 increase. Monthly rents for a two-bedroom, furnished condo range from $550 to $1,200 a month. You can still buy a lot in a developing residential neighborhood for $40K USD and then build your own house as you want it. Riviera Maya Property Consultants, a local real estate & architectural company founded by expats, provides all services starting from land or property selection, architectural projects, construction and even property management.

Mexico will continue to attract Americans and expats from other countries with its unparalleled opportunities for a great retirement. Other top retirement destinations on International Living’s top list include Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Malaysia, Spain, Nicaragua, Portugal and Malta.

ABOUT RIVIERA MAYA PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

Riviera Maya Property Consultants is a company founded by professionals from the U.S. and Europe, with years of experience in project management, architecture, construction, high-level sales and marketing. Based in Tulum, RMPC has formed close ties with local land sellers, and offers land purchase for the best market value, as well as architectural services, construction and property management.

For more information, please visit www.rivieramayapropertyconsultants.com

Top Reasons To Travel To Mexico In 2016

 Ring the New Year by exploring new destinations in Mexico and rediscovering the ones you’ve already been to by taking off the beaten path adventures. Whether travelers decide to embark on a winter getaway to a colonial city or a pristine beach, they will find all year-round perfect weather, friendly locals, world-class services and amenities, and an unbeatable shopping experience. From local crafts and jewelry to luxury clothing and international brands, visitors traveling to Mexico will encounter a great variety of shopping offerings. But did you know with MONEYBACK you can receive a refund on the total amount you spend when you shop in Mexico? No more excuses for not bringing back home the perfect souvenir.

Top reasons to travel to Mexico in 2016

1. Receive a refund when you shop- MONEYBACK, Mexico’s leading tax-refund company, offers shoppers a rewarding shopping experience by refunding 8.9% of the total amount they spend when shopping in Mexico at any of the participating stores. Receiving your money back is fast and convenient. Submit your invoices along with the shopping incentive refund form, credit card vouchers, copy of your passport, cruise ID or immigration form and boarding pass at any of MONEYBACK’s 55 service locations and your 8.9% will be refunded directly to your card in 45 days.

2. Explore hot destinations- It’s no surprise some of the most sought-after and popular destinations in Mexico are its beaches. Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Los Cabos and Riviera Maya offer the ideal getaway to start the year. Whether you select a beach destination or a city for your next trip, with over 55 service locations throughout the country, covering 98% of all the points of departure, travelers can submit their forms in a matter of minutes at cruise ports, shopping malls and airports before leaving the country. MONEYBACK modules are located at major tourist destinations including Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Puerto Escondido, Mazatlán, Guadalajara, Puebla, Queretaro, Guanajuato and Mexico City.

3.  Get more value for your money- With the strong dollar and wide selection of luxury products and items to choose from, international travelers get more value for their money. Items including jewelry, clothes, electronics, alcohol and handcrafts among others are eligible for a tax-refund. With over 6,000 participating stores, including Diamonds International, Louis Vuitton, Costco, Sears, Coach, Nine West, MAC, Kenneth Cole and many more travelers can find international brands and luxury items for a better value and at the same time receive a refund on their purchase. For the complete list of participating stores visit: http://moneyback.mx/shophere-taxback.html)

To learn more about MONEYBACK, participating stores and locations please visit:http://moneyback.mx/

TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Difference Is In The Details At The Bahia Prinicipe Akumal In The Riviera Maya, Mexico

Photo of Bahia Akumal beach by Allen Barkus

Typical accommodations at resort. Photo by Allen Barkus 

The real The difference between hotels and all inclusive resorts is in the details, the thoughtful services and amenities those properties provide.Some of those details that you'll appreciate at the Bahia Akumal include butlers to take care of your individual needs, complimentary minibars, included premium beverages, and bathroom amenities that include a toothbrush and shaving kit. Free Wi-Fi is also
available throughout the resort.

 A recent stay at the family welcoming Bahia Akumal, one of their luxury Don Pablo Collection, demonstrated that they are a step ahead of most other luxury all-inclusive resorts. This is the reason many of their guests come back year after year. The resort has 758 rooms, including 128 newly added in November 2015. The resorts' all-adults sister property, Sian Ka'An is located nearby on their magnificent golf course/club designed by Robert Trent Jones 11.

For those interested in learning about the Eco-Preservation of the Riviera Maya the resort has an extensive certified program to preserve the eco balance of the region that has the second largest barrier reef in the world and the nesting sites of the Central American river turtles. Also on site is a Nature Interpretation Center that you can observe local birds, and learn about the medicinal benefits of local plants.  For more details please visit: www.eco-bahia.org .

Photo by Allen Barkus

Dining at the Akumal is very good overall at their 4 restaurants and exceptional at their 2 A la Carte restaurants for dinner.  The selection pictured is from the Gourmet Arlequin restaurant, demonstrating the artful presentation you can expect. An additional restaurant will be opening shortly that will be serving a light lunch and cocktails during the day and become an A la carte Brazilian style restaurant during the evening.

Coba. Photo by Allen Barkus

The Rivera Maya, near Cancun Mexico, is ideally suited to both adult and family vacationers since there are both a wonderful selection of resorts and nearby ancient and modern Mayan sites to explore and learn about this important civilization. A highly recommended tour that can be arranged at the resort will take you to the sites of Coba, Tankah, and Tulum. At Coba, settled 100BC,  you have the opportunity to climb the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan. At Tankah you will have the opportunity to enjoy the lush setting, swim in one of their natural sink wells, go ziplining, and feast on traditional Mayan food. Tulum,  a well preserved site important to the history of the trading economy of the Mayan culture, is the only walled structure built on the shores of the Caribbean sea. 

Tankah. Photo by Allen Barkus

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is a premium resort division of one of the leading travel companies, Grupo Pinero based in Mallorca Spain. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts features 17 resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica and four resorts in Spain. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts are well-known for their exceptionally high standards of service,cuisine, guest rooms and resorts amenities and activities and have garnered many awards for its resorts, cuisine and service. In 1995 they opened their first resort, the Bahia Principe San Juan in the Dominican Republic.

For further information please visit: www.bahia-principe.com and/or contact your local travel agent.