Mexico News
Glamping in Tulum
A decidedly 21st-century term, “glamping” puts a glamorous spin on the camping experience, with extra amenities and services to assure that guests are always well-cared-for. Travelers headed to Mexico’s Caribbean coast will find multiple options in and around the popular beachfront town of Tulum.
Nativus Tulum, which is described as a sustainable glamping community, is located fewer than three miles from Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Tents at Nativus are furnished with king-size beds, full bathrooms, and open-air showers. The property also has a private dock and a cenote with kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear provided. From US$149 per night for two guests with breakfast.
Also in Tulum is Harmony Glamping and Boutique Hotel, which sits on the grounds of the Green Beat Organic Permaculture Farm. Each of the hotel’s tents is decorated differently and outfitted with a queen-size bed, a fan, an outdoor veranda, and a table, with a shared bathroom divided into men’s and women’s sections. Guided tours of the farm, stand-up paddleboards, yoga, and jungle cycling are just a few of the options. Tents from US$35 and suites from US$50 per person per night.
New Secrets and Dreams Resorts opening
AMResorts recently announced the opening of the 278-room Secrets® Bahia Mita Surf and Spa Resort and the 363-room Dreams® Bahia Mita Surf and Spa Resort.
Both properties, which are scheduled to open June 1, are located in an exclusive area of Punta de Mita, with breathtaking views of the famous Marietas Islands. The two hotels will offer an unlimited, all-inclusive format at the Grand Tourism level with all the chain’s luxury features.
Cruise News
Celebrity to return to Mexican Riviera
Celebrity Cruises is set to resume sailings in 2021, and the brand is already looking to 2022 for a triumphant return to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. New seven- and eight-night itineraries onboard Celebrity Millennium will be the first from the line after eight years away from the region. A total of 12 sailings are scheduled from late-September through mid-December 2022.
The pair of Mexican Riviera routes will feature a combination of Cabo San Lucas (sometimes overnighting), Ensenada, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. Scenic tours will showcase everything from beautiful Pacific Pearl beaches to Guadalupe Valley wine tastings.
Following the season in Mexico, Celebrity will sail a special 15-night Panama Canal transit over Christmas and New Year’s Day between Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise will have seven relaxing sea days and call on Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, as well as Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama; and Cartagena, Colombia.
The Celebrity Millennium itself was recently enhanced as part of the multimillion-dollar Celebrity Revolution refurbishment program. Onboard, guests will now find new Exhale bedding and Cashmere mattresses, as well as The Retreat, which encompasses an exclusive sundeck, a lounge, and Luminae restaurant just for suite guests. Also redesigned are the ship’s signature spa and Sunset Bar.
What’s more, as part of its new Always Included approach, Wi-Fi access, drinks, and tips are complimentary on Celebrity Cruises.
Deal of the Week
Centenary World Voyage of Cunard
Celebrate a century of pioneering ocean travel with a season of global adventures inspired by the anniversary of Cunard’s very first World Voyage. Journey on one-of-a-kind waterways and explore some of the world’s greatest cities by joining Cunard for two unmissable Centenary World Voyages commemorating a landmark year in travel history.
For her winter 2023 season, Queen Elizabeth® exchanges European shores for the Asia Pacific. Offering a selection of vibrant itineraries, she will circumnavigate Australia and Japan in an enriching exploration that takes in numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Reservations go on general sale March 17, 2021.
Queen Victoria® A historic journey
Queen Victoria’s 2023 Centenary World voyage visits 26 ports in 20 countries across 92 nights, including ten of the ports originally called at by Laconia during her pioneering 1922-23 World Voyage.
- Voyages between 2 to 105 nights
- Featuring voyages to: Colombo—Mexico—New Zealand’s Bay of Islands—Honolulu—Petra
- 92 nights, departing January 20, 2023
- Balcony fares from US$25,499 per person
Queen Mary 2® The ultimate adventure
Queen Mary 2’s 2023 Centenary World Voyage will call at 31 ports in 18 countries on her global travels combining in-depth explorations of Australia, Asia, and Africa.
- Voyages between 7 to 117 nights
- Featuring voyages to: Egypt—Sydney—Colombo—Mauritius—Safaga—Cape Town—Hong Kong
- 117 nights, departing January 3, 2023
- Balcony fares from US$30,499 per person
Queen Elizabeth®
Queen Elizabeth will spend her 2023 season in the Asia Pacific, where she’ll embark on a full circumnavigation of Australia and Japan, complemented by voyages to New Zealand and South-East Asia.
- Voyages between 2 to 43 nights
- Featuring voyages to: Indonesia—Transit the Suez Canal—Yokohama—Busan—New Zealand’s Fiordland and Bay of Islands
- Australian Circumnavigation: 28 nights, departing November 15, 2022
- Balcony fares from US$7,199 per person
Guests who have sailed with Cunard before will receive up to US$1,200 per person discount off the Launch Fare when booked by May 24, 2021.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant since 1971, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit your interests, physical abilities, and budget. Please contact Newell for further information on Travel News topics and around-the-world travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: TravelAge West, CVB Riviera Nayarit, Cunard