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Posts Tagged ‘riviera maya’

GAL Travel – Mayan Calendar Draws Budget Tourists to Mexico in 2012

With the end of the 5,126 year-long Mayan calendar in December, tourists are flocking to the Riviera Maya region of Mexico! 2012 is definitely the time to travel to the Yucatán Peninsula, especially if you’re looking for an out of this world experience in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet.

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The Riviera Maya is just south of Cancun and offers affordable but luxurious amenities, tranquil beaches, and rich cultural significance, making it a desired destination for travelers of all ages.

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If you plan well enough in advance, there’s still time to find airfare deals online. On Travelocity.com, flying from Tuesday to Tuesday in mid-May (from Los Angeles) will cost either $459 (Aeromexico) or $510 (American Airlines) for a roundtrip ticket. That’s hundreds of dollars cheaper than buying an airplane ticket to other popular destinations such as Hawaii or Europe.

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Hotels in the Riviera Maya have also decreased their rates dramatically, with hopes that tourists will return to the region despite the negative press the country has experienced in recent years. One of my favorite hotels is Hacienda Tres Rios, an eco-friendly resort set amongst a 326 acre nature park. For a limited time, this lavish resort is offering their lowest rate ever to families of 4 (with 2 children under 12). For just $135 per adult per night, a family can indulge with the Endless Luxury plan, including the suite, an all inclusive meal plan for all plus unlimited alcoholic beverages for the adults, and infinite access to the many tours and activities available on the property. This is truly an incredible bargain!

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Fun and adventure for those that love the outdoors is endless in this area of Mexico. Crystal clear blue waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling, while the many underground caves and cenotes make for a unique day of hiking, swimming and exploring. The Riviera Maya is also known for zip line tours, the perfect option for thrill seeking travelers!

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By far, the most enticing tourist attractions in the region are the remains of the Mayan culture. There is nothing like soaking in the rich history and magnitude of the Mayan ruins, up close and in person. The seaside Mayan city of Tulum is said to be one of the most well preserved ancient relics, with the cooling waters of the Caribbean Sea just steps away to keep you refreshed after a long day of walking. The ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek-Balam are also just a few hours away, and make for an ideal day trip.

Take my word for it that the Riviera Maya is a must visit destination, no matter if you go in 2012 or in the years to come. Whether you’re traveling solo or with you family, this tropical paradise has a little something for everyone. And the best part is, you won’t break the bank!

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GAL Travel – Hacienda Tres Rios (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

When you dream of a Mexican vacation, you might imagine beautiful beaches, Mariachi bands and tropical cocktails.  At Hacienda Tres Rios in the heart of the Riviera Maya, you will experience all that and more.  Opened in November 2008, Hacienda Tres Rios is an exclusive eco-friendly resort located forty five minutes south of Cancun, amongst a 326 acre nature park.  Enjoy the natural beauty of the lush jungle, mangrove forest, and coastal dunes.  The three freshwater rivers, or tres rios, that run throughout the property and the ten cenotes (cave like sinkholes with natural wells), end where the immaculate white sand beach meets the Caribbean Sea.  Hacienda Tres Rios offers travelers the best of worlds old and new – a luxuriously modern vacation destination set within the pristine beauty and historic landscape of the Mayan Riviera.

Rest

The 273 suites at Hacienda Tres Rios are immaculate.  From the local Mexican mahogany furniture, marble floors and bathrooms, luxurious bedding, and flat screen televisions, to the in room jacuzzi (available in most) and spectacular ocean views, you may never want to leave the room.  And with the unlimited, 24 hour room service available, you might never have to.  From junior suites to spacious one and two bedroom suites, Hacienda Tres Rios can accommodate everyone from couples on a romantic getaway to families on summer vacation.                    

GAL Travel Tip ~ Request an upper level suite away from the main lobby for the best overall experience.   

Indulge

All-Inclusive at Hacienda Tres Rios means Endless Luxury, the ultimate indulgence for all your food, beverage, and entertainment needs.  On the Endless Luxury plan, guests are allowed unlimited meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages during their stay.  With six restaurants on site, multiple bars, a fully stocked in room minibar, plus 24 hour room service, one can wine and dine to their heart’s content.  The Mexican cuisine at El Alebrije is deliciously inventive, with cricket empanadas and ostrich tamales as popular dishes.  The pizza at il Forno, the poolside pizzeria, is tasty and a perfect complement to a frosty piña colada.  The Hacienda Grill has savory grilled fare, from jumbo shrimp to juicy carne asada. And the International buffet at Casa La Islas, features alternating menu items each day that will leave you craving more.  All tips are included in the All-Inclusive plan, but once you experience the warmth and generosity of the property’s servers, you’ll want to take care of them too. 

GAL Travel Tip ~ Befriend the general manager of each restaurant to enjoy unique dishes off the main menu.

Enjoy

Also included in the Endless Luxury plan is exclusive access to the activities in the Tres Rios Nature Park.  Tours are available daily for all levels, from beginners to advanced.   Guests of all ages can enjoy biking through the jungle, kayaking on the pristine rivers, and snorkeling (gear included) in the amazing cenotes.  Guests can also discover the reforestation process in the botanical garden and nursery.  With additional daily activities for kids, teens and adults ranging from mask making, yoga, and tequila tasting, there is definitely something for everyone. An incredible experience for the entire family is the SenseAdventure Tour, which leads guests on a journey of the five senses.  Led by a Mayan native in the jungle of the nature park, this tour exposes you to the elements of the universe and awakens your senses inside and out.  The resort also offers fine evening entertainment, from a spectacular fire presentation to a traditional Mayan show.  However, if all you desire is a little quiet time, unwind on the comfortable beach beds overlooking the Caribbean Sea.   

GAL Travel Tip ~ Experience both the beginner and advanced cenote tours – snorkeling down the river is easier and more relaxing than kayaking.  When kayaking, prep your skin with insect repellent as you will encounter pesky critters amongst the mangroves.

Relax

Become one with the Mayan gods at the Ya’ax Che Spa, the temporary spa retreat at Hacienda Tres Rios.  Although the permanent site for the spa will not open until later this year, Ya’ax Che will not disappoint.  Signature treatments such as the Mayan Gods Ritual will leave your skin soft and supple from the cocoa bead scrub and body wrap.  The Yaa’ Kun Ritual is a romantic option for couples, combining a relaxing massage with an aromatherapy bath, topped off with two glasses of champagne and fresh fruit.  Other treatments are also available, from a la carte massages, nourishing facials, nail services and waxing.  The spa also has a full service fitness center, as well as a co-ed hydrotherapy room with a whirlpool, steam room and sauna, which guests can use at their leisure.  (Spa treatments are not included in the Endless Luxury plan.)

GAL Travel Tip ~ Inquire about the Ancient Mayan Ritual, the Temazcal Bath.  This unique, native experience is very rare and includes a steam bath performed in an authentic Mesoamerican hut.  This relaxing, purification ritual is meant to have many therapeutic benefits.

Fall 2010 Promotion

This Fall, Hacienda Tres Rios is enticing visitors to enjoy the splendor of the Riviera Maya with a special limited time promotion.  A party of 2 can enjoy a mangrove or ocean view junior suite and experience all the benefits of Endless Luxury.  When guests purchase three nights at the discounted rate of $429 per couple/per day, they will receive the fourth night free!  This promotional price is valid until October 31, 2010 and includes the suite, the All-Inclusive Endless Luxury plan, exclusive access to the nature park, and all the above mentioned tours and activities.  For more information, click here.

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