CHABLE RESORT & SPA

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Surrounded by mangroves on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, Chablé Maroma will feature interior designs by Paulina Moran, who also worked on Chablé Yucatan. Architect Javier Fernandez has designed the buildings of the five-star beach resort, which will be set between a tropical jungle and Maroma Beach, and will include 70 suites, each with its own private pool and outdoor terrace.

The resort also features a yoga pavilion, fitness center and beachside pool with private shoreline cabanas.

Chablé Maroma will showcase a blend of luxury and nature, and guests will be able to enjoy a variety of activities, including meditation classes, yoga, paddle boarding, kayaking and jungle tours.

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AMENITIES

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2513″ img_size=”750×750″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2512″ img_size=”750×750″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2510″ img_size=”750×750″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_cta h2=”For more information on this resort, please get in touch with us” txt_align=”center”]

📱: 8008178310⁠ or 📧: hello@3385travelandevents⁠

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Considered to have the best beach in the Caribbean, Belmond Cap Juluca is a dream-like escape, spread across the Caribbean’s most beautiful beach. Feel the breeze blowing across your private terrace—every room is a beachfront haven. Be positioned to discover an island famed for pristine sands, broad coral reefs, and an unmissable culinary scene. Or simply breathe the sea air, relax, and let the hours float by.

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AMENITIES

Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) – 20 min | 113 rooms, suites and villas | 6 restaurants and bars | SPA service | Children program is not available | Golf not on property

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📱: 8008178310⁠ or 📧: hello@3385travelandevents⁠

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10 Exceptional Mexican Experiences for Families

Mexico offers something for every family, from parents with young tots in tow to multi-generational travel with adult children. Whether you want to cut yourself off from the world to relax or dive into the beating heart of a vibrant city, you’ll find the vacation you crave.

1  |  Swim with whale sharks

Rather than visit a facility where dolphins or whales are held in captivity, meet these giants of the ocean in their natural habitat. Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish – averaging 40-feet long. Despite their name, they’re docile filter feeders and excellent swimming companions. You’ll find them in the waters off Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres from June to September, with peak populations in July and August.

2  |  Explore Mayan ruins

The Mayan people built large, complex cities starting as early as 250 B.C. Perhaps the best known is Chichen Itza, on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a major tourist attraction, with the crowds to prove it, but still a must-see for travelers to Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen. If you can, visit on the spring or fall equinox, when the light forms a serpent on the pyramid dedicated to the serpent god, Kukulcán.

Other can’t-miss Mayan ruins include the stunning seaside Tulum; Coba, where you can climb the main pyramid; and Muyil, a haunting, partially excavated site.

3  |  Eat a taco in the town square

Mexico has plenty of great restaurants, but for a taste of the local culture, you’ve got to eat street food. It’s cheap (think $3 or so for a full meal) and delicious, and it’s the most authentic grub you’ll eat on your trip.

Head to any town square in the evening and you’ll likely find carts selling tacos, empanadas, and tamales. If you’re feeling nervous, start with the sweets – you can’t go wrong with flan or churros, even for kids with picky palates.

4  |  Watch a baby sea turtle release

Every night from July to December, sea turtles crawl onto the beach to lay their eggs.

To protect the turtle population from the many natural predators that hunt both turtle hatchlings and eggs, many resorts move the nests to an enclosed nursery where the hatchlings can develop in safety. Visitors can no longer touch the babies (it’s dangerous for the turtles), but it’s still breathtaking to watch a trained professional send these squiggly little creatures off to sea on the day they hatch.

5  |  Snorkel in an underwater museum

The Underwater Museum of Art between Cancun and Isla Mujeres is a collection of 500 sculptures placed on the seafloor to form an artificial reef. Many of the initial sculptures by artist Jason Decaires Taylor are based on local people, with their eyes closed looking up to the sky. The effect is hauntingly beautiful.

Families with older kids can scuba dive among the sculptures for an up-close look at how sea life is taking over and changing the artworks. There are also shallower galleries – just three or four meters deep – that are perfect for snorkeling.

6  |  Take a cooking class

Mexico was the first country to have its cuisine recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. A cooking class is a great way to learn about the local ingredients and techniques used in the part of Mexico you’re visiting, and a fun way to teach kids some kitchen skills.

Many resorts offer in-house cooking classes or check with your travel agent for a family-friendly recommendation in your destination. Come with an open mind and an empty stomach, and enjoy the satisfaction of eating authentic local food prepared with your own hands.

7  |  Surf or SUP

Mexico is a world-class surfing destination, hosting international competitions. Sayulita, near Puerto Vallarta, is a classic laid-back surf town, while Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca State has some of the biggest waves in the world.

For a calmer approach to boarding at sea, rent a stand-up paddleboard and explore the area close to shore while getting a killer core workout to boot. Many resorts offer group SUP lessons that welcome families looking to explore together.

8  |  Swim in a cenote

These underground caves filled with fresh water are dotted throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Ranging from large caverns to tiny tunnels, they’re often filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites – spiny icicle-like shapes made of limestone. Swimming in these clear blue pools is an entirely different experience from hitting the beach. It’s blissfully quiet and the water is mind-bendingly clear. Wade into the cool water in a cathedral-like cave and you’ll see why the Mayans viewed cenotes as sacred spaces.

9  |  Commune with millions of butterflies

With up to a billion Monarch butterflies landing in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve every fall, it’s no wonder this magical forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The butterflies spend the winter in the reserve, then begin the eight-month migration back to Canada in the spring. Getting into the reserve requires some hiking in high altitude, so it’s not a great option for younger kids, but teens and adults will be dazzled.

10  |  Admire the art and architecture

Mexico is much more than its coastlines. Mexico City is a hotbed of modern museums with a vibrant nightlife, Oaxaca is UNESCO-recognized for its pre-Hispanic and colonial architecture, Merida is known for its music and cultural scene, and Tepotzotlán has the world’s largest aqueduct. Spend some time in one of Mexico’s major cities for a completely different take on this country as a vacation destination.

Which experience would your family enjoy?

Brand Spotlight: UNICO 20°87° 

Experience a new category of all-inclusive.

Set on the stunning white beaches of Riviera Maya, UNICO 20°87° immerses guests in the culture of the region, from the locally-inflected cocktails and cuisines to the art in the rooms. Three unique pools and holistic spa and wellness center drive home a sense of relaxed luxury, while exciting pop-up events insert a touch of spontaneity into the experience.

The design of the adults-only, all-inclusive UNICO 20°87° is directly inspired by the rich character of Riviera Maya, and incorporates many natural and handmade materials sourced within the area. The rooms and suites mix modern luxury with familiar rustic moments inspired by the region’s history. All of the hotel accommodations feature an Anfitrión, a local host, available 24-hours a day to provide an added level of personalized service.

Dining at UNICO 20°87° is not a singular experience, but rather a multi-sensory adventure, with constantly changing tastes, textures, and sensations. While locally-sourced ingredients are a staple at every restaurant and bar, the offerings are a diverse mix of international flavors. The restaurants vary from elevated fine dining to a casual beachside buffet. Similarly, the cuisine ranges from simple and healthy to wonderfully indulgent. UNICO 20°87° is a haven for any who love food, with a wealth of carefully executed options, and an exciting rotating chef concept at restaurant Cueva Siete, where the first to head up the kitchen is Chef Christian Bravo. An extensive, expertly curated selection of spirits can be found at each bar and restaurant, accented by a mixologist-driven cocktail program. Meticulously crafted cocktails and a selection of top-shelf spirits can be found at both lounges while the café sports a variety of juice creations. The energy shifts as the evening darkens to night with live performances, late-night snacks, and one-of-a-kind programming.

Wellness at UNICO 20°87° is an immersive experience for the self, featuring signature spa treatments, a full-service beauty salon & barbershop, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. The full-service spa caters to body, mind, and spirit through a range of luxury spa treatments, UNICO 20°87° signature treatments, and locally-inspired beauty rituals. A fully-equipped hydrotherapy facility and a wide variety of natural ingredients help create an immersively relaxing environment. The holistic fitness program is designed to adapt to your personalized routine. We offer personal training sessions, meditation and yoga, beachfront classes, and a state-of-the-art gym.

A strong connection to the region defines the UNICO 20°87° experience. Discover and embrace contemporary Mexico, and share in the passion for the region.

ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES INCLUDE:

  • Roundtrip hotel transfers
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Hotel tax and service charges
  • All meals, drinks, and snacks
  • 24-hour room service
  • Daily activities
  • Nightly entertainment
  • Select land and water watersports and much more!

Also, included in your stay at UNICO 20°87° are Unlimited Inclusions* of Golf, Select Spa treatments, Select Beauty Salon and barbershop services and Select local tours and adventures!

Please send us a message if you have any questions or comments about anything you see in the e-zine. We’d love to hear from you!

Three Mexican Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

Three Mexican Festivals You Won

Festivals in Mexico offer a unique way to connect to the culture. These colorful celebrations are a whirlwind of activity, and it’s easy for visitors to participate. Ask your travel agent for advice on a guided trip to experience the festivities through the eyes of a local guide, or just stroll the streets and soak it all in.

Day of the Dead

From October 31 to November 2 every year, colorful altars appear in homes and public spaces throughout Mexico, particularly in the south of the country. While this three-day festival is a chance for families to honor lost loved ones, it’s more celebratory than somber. Colorful parades and processions wind through villages, and many families get together in the cemetery to eat, tell stories, and play their loved ones’ favorite songs all night long.

Respectful visitors are welcome to admire the public altars covered in food offerings and bright orange marigolds, or to walk quietly through the cemetery, which is both boisterous and hauntingly beautiful, as families light hundreds of candles to mark their loved ones’ graves. 

Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe

In 1531, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in Mexico with a message for a man named Juan Diego: He was to tell the bishop to build a church on the barren Tepeyac Hill. When the bishop asked for proof of the encounter, Juan Diego returned the hill to find it covered in roses. He gathered them in his cloak, and when he dropped the roses at the bishop’s feet, an image of Mary appeared on his chest where the roses had been.

This miracle of the Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated throughout Mexico every December 12, with a week or more of celebrations leading up to the main event. Community groups and families gather in processions, walking through town to gather at the church. These processions take on the feel of parades, complete with marching bands, dancing, and elaborate costumes.

It’s a religious celebration centered around the church, but there is plenty of revelry, too, with street food and dancing in the town square and elaborate fireworks displays to end the night.

Mexican Independence Day

On September 16, 1810, Mexico began its war for independence from Spain.

Today, it’s a national holiday where communities showcase their national pride. The celebration starts at 11 p.m. on the night of September 15, when the president of Mexico shouts “Viva Mexico!” at the National Palace in Mexico City. Homes and public spaces are decked out with the red-white-and green Mexican flag, and parades and fireworks rule the day on the 16th – including the national military parade in Mexico City.

It’s also a time to highlight local traditions, with school and community groups coming together to dance, sing, and reenact battles in traditional dress.

Content courtesy of Ensemble · August 2018

Discover Mexico City’s Thriving Cocktail Scene

While Mexico is best known for its tequila and mezcal, recent years have brought a deluge of beautifully crafted cocktails to its capital. Bars like Licorería Limantour have made waves internationally and are leading the up-and-coming scene. Now, there’s a chance to bar hop some award-winning cocktail bars and see a new side to CDMX.

Mexico City is a sprawling and intense metropolis. Grand Art Nouveau houses with crumbling facades line multi-lane highways crowded with vehicles. Street vendors steep the city in the smell of slow roasting al pastor while world-class restaurants abound boasting minimalist aesthetics and gastronomic prowess. The cocktail scene, once confined to passable martinis found in the fancier hotels, grew from these culinary roots, and now the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods are dotted with contemporary bars and a new generation of bartenders redefining cocktail culture as something distinctly Mexican.

Casa Franca

La Roma, made famous by the Oscar-winning movie, is also one of Mexico City’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Its main boulevard, Avenida Álvaro Obregón, is lined with bars, restaurants, and cafes, shaded by the towering Jacaranda trees. Off a side street, you’ll find Franca, a casual bistro with excellent pizza, but head next door through the double doors and up a narrow staircase for its sister cocktail bar, Casa Franca. Made of a collection of small sumptuously decorated rooms, with heavy drapes, brocade wallpaper, gilded mirrors and golden lighting, it feels like a 1920’s salon. Watch the jazz band, which takes centerstage in the main space, or take up one of the bar stools in the adjacent room and marvel as the bartenders create one pleasingly strong cocktail after another.  

La Licorería Limantour

Just over the road from Casa Franca is Licorería Limantour. If there was one bar in the city considered the mother of Mexico’s modern craft cocktail movement – even in Latin America – this is the one. Opened in 2011, it now ranks amongst the best bars in the world. They use a staggering array of fresh ingredients, herbs, syrups, and spices, with an emphasis on the homegrown, incorporating Latin American traditions and flavors into the menu. The drinks may be upmarket served in beautiful receptacles, but the two-story Art Deco space – like so many bars here – is low key with windows opening onto the buzzing street outside. Their most popular cocktail is the Margarita Al Pastor – a twist on the classic through the lens of a traditional dish, which is entirely better than it sounds.

Maison Artemisia

Also in La Roma, Maison Artemisia is an ostensibly chic French restaurant in a beautiful 19th-century restored house; but after eating your short rib ravioli, you’ll want to head straight upstairs for the tiny cocktail bar. It specializes in absinthe (it’s run by a group of French expats, naturally), but the menu is far wider for those who might not be fans of the Green Fairy. Cocktails come in crystalware, and they never allow in more people than is comfortable for an enjoyable experience.

Baltra

In nearby Condessa, a dreamy upscale neighborhood dripping in greenery and known for its young professional – and dog-loving – residents, you’ll find Baltra. Hailing from the same people behind Licorería Limantour, Baltra is its more casual cousin. The atmosphere is closer to cocktail hour in a friend’s front room – you even have to buzz to get in. There are no servers or hosts, which encourages you to walk up to the bar and chat with your friendly bartender. The menu changes regularly but is inspired – as is the decor – by Charles Darwin’s travels through the Galapagos Islands. The shelves are decorated with natural kooky animal specimens in bell jars (a seahorse?), maps, and other curiosities.

Hanky Panky

Finally, head north to the edgier neighborhood of La Juarez for Hanky Panky. Half the pleasure of this reservation-only hotspot is figuring out how to get in. The speakeasy craze might have swept through New York and London and out the other side, but here in Mexico City, it’s still going strong. Hanky Panky is hidden within a taqueria, and your journey will at some point involve a refrigerator door. Once you’ve passed the test, however, you’ll find yourself in a sophisticated cocktail bar with deep red leather bar stools, intended to keep you comfy as you work your way through the menu. Each cocktail was created by some of the world’s leading bar talents, but you would be remiss not to order the Hanky Panky, the namesake cocktail, originally devised in London’s Savoy Hotel in 1903.

Content courtesy of Ensemble · July 2019

Good Eats: Isla Mujeres

Fabulous Family Meals in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

A short ferry ride from the hustle and bustle of Cancun, you’ll find lovely Isla Mujeres. At just over four miles long and only 2,100 feet wide, this friendly little island is a perfect family destination where you’ll drive a golf cart instead of a rental car, and the kids can play on the beach while you feast on fresh-caught fish.

Whether you visit Isla Mujeres on a day trip from Cancun or settle in for an extended holiday, these top family dining picks will give you a real taste of the island at any meal.

Breakfast and Brunch

The best way to start your day in the town center is to head just off the main street to Elements of the Island, a small café offering Swiss breakfast specials like birchermüesli, roasted potatoes, and apple strudel. The fresh, house-made jams in flavors like banana pineapple make your meal really pop, and kids will love the dolphin-shaped cookies.

If you’re craving eggs, you’ll find great ones at M&J Cazuela. The cazuela is their signature creation – a cheesy soufflé-like omelet served with tortillas. Traditional omelets are also offered or opt for crepes with savory or sweet fillings – including the kid-pleasing banana and Nutella.

If you’ve got a golf cart or don’t mind a short taxi ride, head to Polo’s Mango Café in the Colonia Meteorologico neighborhood for a kid-friendly menu (try the coconut French toast) that adults will love for its Mexican flavors and top-notch coffee.

Lunch

If you only have one lunch on Isla Mujeres, go for the Tikin Xic fish at Playa Lancheros. You’ll enjoy this whole fish grilled in the Yucatan style while your kids play in the Caribbean Sea less than 20 feet away. Plus, the guacamole is a great bet for picky eaters.

For a quick lunch break near Isla’s best beach, Playa Norte, pop over to Loncheria Alexia y Geovanny next to the main food market. This no-frills family operation serves delicious Mexican dishes at reasonable prices. Kids will love the agua de sandia – a drink of fresh blended watermelon with water and sugar.

Dinner

Avenida Hidalgo, Isla Mujeres’s main pedestrian street, is lined with great restaurants. A top pick is Lola Valentina, where adults will find some of the best margaritas in town (think watermelon and jalapeño or hibiscus and rosemary), and kids get their own menu of chicken or fish fingers, mini-burgers, or quesadillas with fries.

For family-pleasing pizza and pasta, head to Mamma Rosa, also on Hidalgo. The cloud-like gnocchi melt in your mouth and the pizza options range from basic pepperoni to the more adventurous combo of squid, shrimp, octopus, and mussels. Sit at an outdoor table to get a great view of the action on this lively strip.

If you’re visiting the island with a larger family or group, book the semi-private pagoda at Olivia. This central restaurant run by an Israeli couple features tasty Mediterranean dishes, including huge wraps that easily satisfy two smaller appetites. The tapas selections are great for sharing, and you can’t beat the candlelit garden setting.

Photo Credit: Christina Newberry