Hola Mexico

Flip-flops, sunscreen & swimsuit...yes, I'm off to Mexico. I leave Wednesday for Puerto Vallarta, my first visit to this formerly sleepy fishing village. I'll be one one of the first to walk through the doors of a new Riu, the Riu Palace Pacifico, located in Riviera Nayarit (Puerto Vallarta).

This Riu will offer 445 guestrooms, four specialty-themed restaurants, five bars and two conference rooms. The family-owned resort chain currently offers two hotels (1,250 rooms) in Puerto Vallarta. Riu Palace Pacifico will be the third RIU hotel in this Pacific coast resort city.

Also in 2008, Riu Hotels & Resorts will break ground in a new area of Mexico: the coastal resort town of Mazatlán. Hotel Riu Emerald Bay, a 5-star, all-inclusive, beachfront hotel will offer 716 suites, three specialty-themed restaurants, five bars and three conference rooms. The hotel will open in May 2009.

“We have invested in Mexico since 1997 and our guests want to explore more of this beautiful country,” stated Mr. Riu. Mexico, the top destination for RIU in terms of arrivals and revenue, is currently home to 13 Riu resorts, offering a total of 6,937 rooms. By the end of 2008, Riu will offer 14 hotels (7,382 rooms) in Mexico. By Spring 2009, RIU will offer 15 hotels with 8,098 rooms all in Mexico.

About Riu Hotels & Resorts
Riu Hotels and Resorts, a family owned business, was founded in 1953 in Mallorca, Spain. Ranked as the 27th largest hotel chain in the world by Hotels Magazine (2007), the company operates more than 100 hotels worldwide with 27 hotels in the Americas region. Worldwide, RIU employs 20,000 people in 17 countries on three continents, offers 35,000 rooms and serves 2.7 million guests annually. For more information about Riu Hotels & Resorts visit http://www.riu.com/ or contact your travel professional.

Adios Amigos, Diana

All-Inclusive Mexico resorts

SHOES: Flip-flops, chica! But don't forget the strappy sandals for the nightlife.

I just posted this on American Express' new "membersknow.com" space, and thought it would be great for my blog too. For those that see this again, sorry! but hey, all comments are welcome.
For example, what are your favorite Mexican all-inclusive resorts?

https://www.membersknow.com/conversation/view/Mexico+Vacation+Tips
EXCERPT from above blog:
Hello all, just joining this conversation, as a frequent visitor to Mexico.

Another tip for those traveling to Mexico, whether seasoned or new. All-inclusives are SO worth it, especially those on a budget. You know upfront that your airfare, hotel, transportation, food & drinks at a hotel will be XXX dollars. However, you don't have to feel like you're getting second-hand accommodations and crappy buffets. There are some over-the-top all-inclusives, some mid-range, and some definitely budget conscious. Pick and choose wisely, a hundred dollars more or less can make a big difference, and don't be afraid to take suggestions. ;-)

Speaking of suggestions... In December, I previewed the new Barceló Maya Palace (opened the end of December in Riviera Maya 20 minutes from Playa: http://www.mayapalacerivieramaya.com/). It's an All-Suite Ultra- Luxe Property and the Fifth Hotel at the Fabulous Barceló Maya Palace Resort -- and the best part it's only about $25 more person for the ultra experience. Guests at Maya Palace enjoy all 5 hotels, restaurants & amenities, although the other four hotels are not allowed access. It's absolutely GORGEOUS! My hubby and I wished we could've stayed there (but it wasn't open yet...), and still our favorite all-inclusives are Barcelo's Riviera Maya resorts.

However, I must echo Bluedog (from Amex blog). Even when the resort is all-inclusive, make sure you tip. The people in Mexico are gracious and kind, and even a $1 tip (in an economy that $5-$10 PER DAY is big bucks!) is appreciated, and it sure makes you feel good without denting your pocketbook.

Bueno, diana
http://www.travelinginheels.blogspot.com/
http://www.dianarowe.com/

Manzanillo, Mexico & Barcelo Resorts

SHOES: Flip-flops all the way! But if you head out of the resort, I'd recommend closed toe shoes, because some areas aren't so clean (like downtown).

A couple of weeks ago, I was on assignment in Mexico, with multiple connections from Manzanillo. at Barcelo's Karmina Palace, Manzanillo is located in the State of Colima on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, south of Puerto Vallarto. Beautiful golden beaches, lush green valleys, majestic mountains, with banana plantations lining the valleys and mountains.

Manzanillo is the the sailfish capital of the world, and this is the best place for deep sea fishing enthusiasts. Besides sailfish, other varieties caught include tuna, marlin, and dorado. This small fishing village admittedly needs some cleaning up, but their downtown is doing just that in preparation for their cruise ship traffic as a major port for cruise lines.

I stayed at my favorite Mexico all-inclusive chain: Barcelo's Karmina Palace. Several years ago, I visited Karmina before it was purchased by Barcelo, and the changes are subtle but noticeable. Service is definitely at a higher level. For an all-inclusive, the food is decent, and the breakfast buffet includes made to order omeletes and eggs. Other meal options included a fine dining restaurant "Carioca" as well as several other buffet, less formal meal spots, and a nightly show.

Other upscale amenties at Karmina Palace: oceanfront with white beaches, interconnected cascading swimming pools, two secluded adults-only areas, attentive staff - need I say more?

Shoes: optional. :-) but bring along your comfortable flip-flops for walking.

Next up -- the glitzy Acapulco and the Fairmont Acapulco Princess & Pierre Marques.

Your TravelingInHeels.com Host: Diana