Jetsettersblog

Riviera Maya 2008 Special Events Calendar

The Riviera Maya has announced a number of events for 2008 events.

Among them: the PGA Canadian Tour Golf Tournament takes place May 12-18 at the Iberostar Hotel Paraiso Lindo. The Exotic Travel Club Pro-Am, which will take place May 14, will be one of the highlights. Visit http://rivieramayaopen.com/schedule.html  or www.iberostar.com/irmo

The Sacred Mayan Journey, which takes place May 30 through June 1, celebrates the ancient Mayan rituals like chanting, dances and sacred cleansing and purification ceremonies. Long before the arrival of Spaniards to the coasts of Mexico, young women across the Mayan empire journeyed on a sacred pilgrimage to pay homage to Ix Chel. The Sacred Mayan Journey is now repeated every year via canoes. Email irodriguez@gxcaret.com.mx or visit www.travesiasagradamaya.com.mx

The Tequila Expo, which takes place in August in Playa del Carmen on the famous Fifth Avenue, highlights Mexican culture, with music, crafts and competitions, such as an attempt to make the world’s largest margarita. The national restaurant association will stage a Gastronomic Expo on the final day. The Tequila Expo represents traditional brands such as Herradura, Patron and other distilleries, but the majority of displays are for small distilleries whose tequila is only available in Mexico. Visit www.rivieramaya.com  or www.playamayanews.com/entertainment

The Riviera Maya Underground Film Festival, which takes place Oct. 15-19, features independent short films and documentaries from filmmakers around the world. There are also cinematographic workshops and conferences throughout the five days. This is a non-profit event, and all activities are free. Email info@rmuff.com or direcciongeneral@rmuff.com  or visit www.rmuff.com 

 The Xcaret Life and Death Traditions Festival will take place Oct. 30 through Nov. 2. The festival celebrates and preserves Day of the Dead and All Saint’s Day traditions from across Mexico, including traditional music, food, rituals, and folkloric and classical dance with various shows and exhibits. Email irodriguez@gxcaret.com.mx  or visit www.xcaret.com.mx

The Cancun-Riviera Maya Film Festival, which takes place Nov. 3-9, features original productions by new and known filmmakers from around the globe. Visit www.cancunfilmfest.com.mx  The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival at Mamitas Beach takes place Nov. 27-29. The festival has hosted performers like George Benson, Kool and the Gang, and Marcus Miller. This year’s program will be announced April 25.

Visit www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com

For more information on the Riviera Maya, e-mail info@rivieramaya.com or visit www.rivieramaya.com

Preferred Hotel Group Giving Room Program

Preferred Hotel Group, in cooperation with participating member hotels and resorts, announced that 58 member hotels worldwide will participate in this year’s “The Giving Room,” more than triple that from last year.

Through August 31, for every night a hotel’s designated “Giving Room” is occupied, 10 percent of the selected room or suite’s revenue will be donated to the hotel’s charity of choice.

At the conclusion of the program, donations will be matched by funds from the Ueberroth Family Foundation. “The Giving Room” is an outgrowth of Preferred Hotel Group’s GIFTTS program which stands for Great Initiatives for Today’s (Tomorrow’s) Society, a recognition initiative launched in August 2006.

Designed to acknowledge and encourage socially responsible actions by member hotels and employees in the areas of philanthropy, environment and community service. In its inaugural year,

“The Giving Room” raised nearly $20,000 in total donations for charitable organizations in seven countries and generated nearly $100,000 in room revenue for participating hotels.

For more information, call 866-990-9491 or visit www.phggiftts.com

Marquis Reforma Hotel Mexico City Sampler Package

The Marquis Reforma Hotel is offering a Mexico City Sampler package that features visits to Aztec pyramids, Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, and a half-day city orientation. Guests choose one of three cultural excursions: a trek to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan and a visit to the Basilica de Guadalupe; Saturday shopping at the Bazar Sabado and a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum housed in her family’s Casa Azul; or a half-day city tour.

The nightly room rate is $370 through Dec. 31 and also includes one-bedroom suite, daily buffet breakfast, fresh fruit and bottled water each day, early check-in and late checkout.

Call 800-235-2387 or visit www.marquisreforma.com

CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Holiday Packages

The CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa is offering packages for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day: The Give Me a Break package for Mother’s Day is valid May 7 through June 30.

Starting at $245, the package includes accommodations in a Deluxe Ocean View room, complimentary stay for children ages 12 and under, complimentary daily breakfast for children 12 and under from the children’s menu, breakfast for two daily via room service or at one of the resort’s restaurants, a spa treatment for mom, welcome flowers and a special gift for mom, a disposable camera, and cookies in guest rooms during nightly turndown for two guests. Rate codes are LCCW (phone bookings) and L9Z (online bookings). The Sand Dollars package, in honor of Memorial Day, offers a fifth night through June 30.

With nightly rates starting at $179, the package also includes a $100 food and beverage credit per stay.

The rate code is S29. Call 888-727-2347 or visit www.puertovallartamarriott.com

Holland America Cruises Early-Booking Amenities

Holland America Line in 2009 will offer four Grand Voyages of 50 to 117 days on three ships — the Rotterdam, Prinsendam and Amsterdam. Guests who make full Grand Voyage cruise reservations by May 31 will receive early booking amenities. Early-booking amenities vary depending on cruise and cabin category, and may include first-class or economy air, limo or motorcoach transfers, shipboard credit, pre-paid gratuities, luggage delivery, an exclusive shoreside event, initial in-suite bar set-up and a bottle of champagne.

The four Grand Voyages in 2009 include the Rotterdam’s Grand World Voyage departing Jan. 19 and the Grand South America Voyage departing Jan. 2. The Prinsendam will operate the Grand Mediterranean Voyage departing March 11 while the Amsterdam will operate the Grand Australia and New Zealand cruise departing Sept. 26.

Rotterdam sails a 117-day westbound route Jan. 19, 2009, from Los Angeles through the Pacific Ocean to the Hawaiian Islands, on to the South Pacific, Australia, Asia and Africa before making calls in the Caribbean en route to Fort Lauderdale and New York.

Calling at 39 ports in 27 countries across five continents, Rotterdam will cover more than 35,100 nautical miles while sailing on 15 oceans, seas, bays, channels and straits. Prinsendam departs Jan. 2, 2009, on a 68-day South America and Antarctica cruise round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. During the voyage, the ship will circumnavigate South America and spend seven days exploring the Amazon River. On the other end of the continent, Prinsendam spends three days cruising Antarctica. The ship will visit 32 ports of call in 14 countries, including 13 ports in Brazil.

For guests who want to explore Europe without flying overseas, Prinsendam departs Fort Lauderdale March 11, 2009, for a 50-day round-trip cruise to the Mediterranean and Black Sea. After calls in the Caribbean, the ship sails eastbound across the Atlantic to Europe. The ship sails westward back across the Atlantic, calling at Bermuda before the cruise ends in either New York or Fort Lauderdale.

The Amsterdam departs Seattle Sept. 26, 2009, on a 67-day voyage westward to the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. Amsterdam returns to Los Angeles via Hawaii Dec. 2, 2009.

On the Grand Voyages, local fare is often featured on the menu and theme nights reflect the sailing region. For guests who want to brush up on the history and background of their sailing destinations, Holland America Line sends out a list of suggested reading materials prior to Grand Voyage departures.

Additional highlights on the Grand Voyages include themed balls such as the “Sweethearts Ball” on Valentine’s Day and “Green and White Ball” on St. Patrick’s Day, pillow gifts on each segment and an exclusive shoreside event including a grand dinner in a select port of call.

Mexico’s Hotel Marina El Cid Family Offer

The Hotel El Cid Spa & Beach Resort, in Puerto Morales, Mexico, is offering the Maya Discovery Family Adventure Package, now through June 30, 2008. Offering discounts of up to 30 percent, the Maya Discovery Family Adventure features three expeditions for a total of $150 per person, including taxes, in addition to the all-inclusive rate, down from $215 per person for these excursions booked separately.

The Arrecife Day Trip takes guests on a sailing cruise to the white sandy shores of Playa Maroma. The second excursion, the Snorkeling Trip, explores vibrant underwater life in the protected Puerto Morelos National Reef Park. The third excursion, the Chichen Itza Day Trip, brings visitors to these Maya ruins.

Each of the Maya Discovery Family Adventure excursions includes transportation and lunch. The Chichen Itza tour leaves from the lobby, while the snorkeling and sailing tours depart from the El Cid Marina, located one block from the resort. This private, state-of-the-art marina accommodates up to 120 slips. In addition to catamaran and snorkeling tours, the full-service facility offers sport fishing expeditions, organized fishing tournaments, private trips, water sports, and dive center. The Maya Discovery Family Adventure Package is valid for guests who pre-book and pre-pay for a junior, one-, two- or three-bedroom suite.

It also applies to Platinum Club guests. Call 800-525-1925 or visit www.elcid.com

Mexico’s El Dorado Maroma Photo Package

El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma, located along the Riviera Maya, Mexico, and LUXE Destination Events, a boutique consulting firm and travel agency specializing in luxury destination events in the Caribbean and Mexico, invites travelers on an exclusive photo retreat from Aug. 15 to 19, 2008.

During this learning vacation, photographer and founder of The Academy of Photo Arts (APA) Studios, Richard Emmanuel, will host intimate photography courses, followed by excursions to some of the Riviera Maya’s historical sites where participants will put their newly acquired skills to use. During the five day LUXE APA Photo Retreat, 40 guests with all levels of photography experience will have the opportunity to work alongside Emmanuel and his team in a series of intimate workshops, featuring instruction on lighting, working with models, perspective, documentary and storytelling styles, and even classes on photography at night.

Following each daily session, groups will venture out on excursions to the nearby jungle; Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World; and the archeological sites at Tulum, an ancient Mayan city perched on a bluff over the Caribbean Sea, among other photo opportunities. Rates for the LUXE APA Photo Retreat at El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma begin at $1,995 per person for a four-night stay in a Swim-Up Jacuzzi Suite including the Gourmet Inclusive experience including all meals and beverages in a cash-free environment. Transportation to and from the airport and tours will also be included.

Upon completion, guests will receive an APA Photo Certification. Photo retreat reservations can be booked by calling 888-LUXE933 or photoretreat@LUXEdestinationevents.com  (Participants are required to bring a camera, digital cameras are preferred. For more details and recommended photo equipment contact LUXE Destinations Events.)

For more information on the resort, visit www.karismahotels.com

United Vacations Reduces Mexico, Caribbean Packages

United Vacations opened up vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean for travel in 2009 for booking.

Clients who purchase early will have the first pick of available travel dates, flights and hotels and early booking bonuses such as free nights and reduced hotel rates on many hotels. For bookings for this summer, United Vacations is offering savings up to $300 per reservation. To receive the savings from this deal, bookings must be made by May 20 for travel through Sept. 30.

Promotion code SPRING must be used at the time of booking. Save $300 on vacations of $5,500 or more; $200 on vacations of $3,500 to $5,499; $100 on vacations of $2,000 to $3,499; or $50 on vacations of $1,200 to $1,999. As a bonus United Vacations gives clients 500 bonus miles per adult — up to 1,000 bonus miles per reservation - with any complete vacation package  in addition to the regular miles they’ll earn with their flight. United Vacations includes roundtrip airport/hotel transportation service in Mexico and Caribbean vacation packages.

Mexico’s Hotetur Hotels, BlueBay Resorts Offer Free Room

Hotetur Hotels & BlueBay Resorts in Mexico will be offering a 2nd room free for families of at least three adults traveling together from July 15 to Oct. 30, 2008. The offer is good at the Grand Esmeralda in Playa del Carmen, and Los Angeles Locos in Manzanillo and only available by booking online at www.bluebayresorts.com  or by calling 888-342-9555.

Copper Canyon Summer Discounts

Canyon Travel
TEL: 800-843-1060
copper@canyontravel.com
www.canyontravel.com

BULVERDE, TX— The mysterious canyons of NW Mexico’s Sierra Madre run deep. This summer, so do the discounts on Copper Canyon tours hosted by Canyon Travel. The region’s most respected and experienced tour operator recently announced savings starting at $100 dollars up to $500 dollars per person! The deals, available May-September vary based on the itinerary and length of stay.

Just 300 miles south of the Texas border, the amazing canyon system spans 25,000 square miles occupying four times the space filed by the Grand Canyon in the United States. Development is minimal and traversing the steep terrain can be tricky, so travelers are advised to explore the canyons under the direction of guides with local experience and knowledge. Leading intrepid travelers into the bottomless canyons for more than four decades, it’s difficult to find an operator more familiar with the canyons and its’ native people than Canyon Travel owner, Emilio Kifuri. With his passion for the region and dedication to practicing ethical, eco-tourism, Canyon Travel enjoys a relationship built on trust with the Tarahumaran Indians often resulting in his guests being granted exclusive access to the most remote canyon areas untouched by mass tourism.

After a day exploring the less traveled trails of this magnificent eco-system, only Canyon Travel guest’s retreat to private lodges built to take advantage of the canyon’s most breathtaking views. Each room has a private bath outfitted with plush terry robes. Guests are served tasty regional cuisine on fine linens and often dine by candlelight followed by a bonfire or performance by regional musicians.

In addition to hiking and biking adventures, Canyon Travel offers customized tours based on their traveler’s special interests. Trips can be arranged to focus on birding, botany, or history and archaeology. Naturalist guides trained by field scientists lead guests on a fascinating journey of discovery to one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Canyon Travel tours are priced regularly from $899, per person based on double occupancy, and range in length of seven to 12-days. With discounts available for up to $500 dollars per person, this summer the wonders of Copper Canyon are within everyone’s reach.