Ohh La LaÖMexico's Secluded Beaches
Only a Short Flight Away

Need a break from the daily grind? Look no farther than Mexico's coastal paradises this winter.  With thousands of miles of coastline there are hundreds of unexplored areas just waiting for sun-seekers to hang up their hammock and enjoy a scrumptious seafood taco.

PACIFIC COAST ñ Nayarit and Jalisco

Sun-seekers are bound to find a place to rest their towel and forget their worries on the beaches of Nayarit. The small yet colorful state located on Mexico's Pacific Coast is not only a major agricultural center but also one of Mexico's most beautiful beach destinations. Among the must-sees is the coastal city of San Blas, founded in the mid XVII century and the main tourist center in Nayarit because of the beauty of its beaches and countryside. Water sports abound and there are many seaside restaurants which specialize in serving up the local seafood delicacies. Another Nayarit secret enclave is the tiny low-key fishing village of Sayulita. The beautiful sandy beaches are popular among surfers who come from nearby Puerto Vallarta only an hour away. You can rent surfboards on the beach and rent bicycles, join boat trips, go horseback riding, and/or enjoy some trekking and kayaking. For more information, visit www.turnay.gob.mx . The neighboring southern state of Jalisco also has its share of intimate getaways.  Among the most popular is Playa Careyes, eight miles of beautiful coastline spanning secluded beaches, palm-strewn foothills and lagoons surrounded by tropical vegetation. Here, a car-accessible track continues along the dune, where you could enjoy a day or week of beach camping. Fishing is good either from the beach, by boat or the rocks on either side. Water is generally clear for snorkeling and, beyond the waves, good for either kayaking or sail boarding. For more information, visit http://visita.jalisco.gob.mx .

SOUTHERN COAST ñ Oaxaca and Chiapas

Rich in tradition, cuisine, culture and natural beauty, Oaxaca also has amazing beaches. Tucked sleepily in southern Mexico's Pacific coast is the Oaxacan beach village of Zipolite extending for a little over a mile. Zipolite is a great place to take it easy, with a magical combination of pounding sea and sun, open-air sleeping, eating, drinking and unique scenery. Most Zipolite accommodations are on the beach, where you can rent rooms, cabanas or even hammocks. Seaside eateries abound and are highly recommended. Nearby Mazunte is a quiet little place that attracts nature-loving beach-goers.  Although there are few amenities, this is a great place to get away from it all and is home to an impressive turtle museum, the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga (Mexican Turtle Center). There are also boat excursions to see turtles and dolphins in the area for a small fee. Only two miles west of Mazunte is Playa Ventanilla, a small quiet untouched village.  For those seeking a tranquil interlude, this peaceful village is as close to paradise as one can get. Playa Ventanilla is a great spot for an adventure or just a day at the beach. There are tours of the local lagoon 7 days a week for about US$3 per person. The tour lasts approximately an hour and a half and takes you to an island in the lagoon where cold drinks and food are served. You may see crocodiles, birds and other wildlife. Further down the beach is a much bigger lagoon. Locals are willing to guide you there for a small fee. There is also a horseback riding tour of the lagoons. For more information on the Oaxacan coast, visit www.aoaxaca.com . Heading eastwardly is the state of Chiapas, home to renowned archaeological sites, folkloric Indian communities and secluded pristine beaches. While Chiapas shares its borders with the famed Pacific coast, its beaches are still quite virgin and little known to international travelers. Among these is the area Boca del Cielo in Puerto Arista, a lagoonside village, where you can take a lancha across to a sandbar, with a few seafood eateries, between the lagoon and ocean.  Local specialties include fresh lobster and fresh coconut water.  For more information, visit www.turismochiapas.gob.mx .

YUCATAN PENINSULA COAST ñ Yucatan and Campeche

Characterized by world-famous archaeological sites, enchanting colonial cities, romantic haciendas and resorts, beautiful beaches and distinct cuisine, the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is the ideal tranquil setting, making it one of Mexico's premier travel destinations. Just far enough away from the denser population areas so that it maintains a special, slow, laid-back feeling is the beach town of Puerto Telchac, only 35 miles northeast of Merida. The area offers visitors breathtaking white sand beaches and gentle surf, safe for swimming and an excellent spot for snorkeling. Other recreational activities in Puerto Telchac include hiking, sailing, boating, fishing and snorkeling. During July and August, the main plaza is especially folkloric as the fair is in town with booths offering foods, regional handicrafts and mechanical rides. Only an hour away from Merida is Sisal, a legendary port during colonial times. Today its warm white beaches and exotic natural scenery make it the perfect place for rest and relaxation. Beautiful migratory birds like the Canadian duck arrive punctually every year in search of the peaceful waters of Sisal. Also worth a visit are the fortifications built by the port guardians to protect against raiding pirates.  Local cuisine is offered by a few good seafood restaurants serving up cold beers and fresh ceviche daily. For more information, visit www.mayayucatan.com.mx . With more than 300 miles of coastline, neighboring state Campeche has its own hidden treasures. There are beautiful beaches in Campeche and most of them have little or no development on them. Many beach areas are protected for the preservation of carey turtles. A little less than five miles away from the city of Campeche is Playa Bonita, easily accessible by bus or taxi. There are palapas where you can hang a hammock sold in town and enjoy a relaxing beach outing among the locals that typically go on the weekends in the spring and summer. For the more adventurous, Campeche is also home to Playa de Sabancuy on the banks of the river Sabancuy. This is an enchanting place almost untouched by humans. The waters are very calm and sand is powder like. There are shrimp, oysters and a wide variety of fish in the river. The town of Sabancuy is an old fishing village with a lot of potential for tourism. There are plans to develop an eco-resort in Sabancuy in the next few years. For more information, visit www.campechetravel.com .

Amelia Island, An Escape to a
Totally Ecological Environment

by Sue Lynn
Contributing Writer

When a resort such as Amelia Island Plantation seamlessly integrates itself with its adjacent lush surroundings, one gets the feeling that Mother Nature and the resort have been holding hands for a long time. Amelia Island Plantation, an AAA 4-Diamond award recipient since 1980, is such a place.
 
Ageless live oaks, sand live oaks, saw palmettos, magnolia and cedars trees, interact with marshland, grassy lawns and homes that have been built on the island by a developer who respects the land. Residents of the island as well as visitors revere this ecologically sound destination as more and more concrete jungles take a firm foothold up and down the Florida coast.

At Amelia Island Plantation (Amelia Inn & Beach Club), 29 miles northeast of Jacksonville International Airport, the Atlantic Ocean’s waves continually provide their own form of music as they repeatedly lap up to the edge of the seashell-filled, sandy, quartz beach that extends for miles in both directions. No gaudy colors have invaded this destination, all signage is in place without being obtrusive and busy traffic sounds are non-existent.
 
Although the accommodations are spacious and well appointed, one does not realize that an outstanding feature at this resort are the bed linens, something not too many guests think about when making a reservation. However, the 330-count Egyptian cotton, triple sheeted bed linens and the customized pillow-top mattresses, made expressly for the resort by Serta, as well as the plush extra pillows, is a sleeping experience you won’t easily forget.

 
This 1,350-acre privately owned resort has world-renowned golf and tennis facilities; a 13,200 square foot luxury spa; programs for children; fine dining; family recreation; entertainment; shopping; and a complimentary on-property transportation system. A guest can be as involved or uninvolved in the various offerings available at the resort.
 
Since tennis, golf, exercising and hiking are not exactly my strong suites, I opted to try a group ride on a Segway. This mode of transportation first has to be practiced before one starts out. Ecologically correct, since it is powered by electricity, a rider stands on a platform and is guided by a resort employee to teach some body and hand movements to keep you going.  It was lots of fun, zigging and zagging up and down narrow trails, as well as behind the resort seeing the pristine beach, as well as golfers playing on the golf courses that are located in the beach area.
 
Segway offers several tours, including a family Segway experience, 1 hour-30 minutes; Safari experiences that takes you through the natural surroundings at the Plantation; back to nature safari visiting four miles of trails with a coach and naturalist. All tours include full orientation prior to each tour and groups are guided with one coach per four riders.

 
For those who prefer the bicycle to get around, or want to check out the area in an “Island Hopper,” a four-person gas powered golf cart, no problem, there are vehicles for rent to mosey along at your own rate of speed. If youngsters are with you, training wheels and child seats are also available when bicycling.
 
Another “don’t miss” experience is the 13,200 square foot facility Spa at Amelia Island Plantation. The architecture, beautiful scent when entering the greeting area, and utter luxury of it all, gets you ready for a very special treatment in one of the 25 treatment rooms, with each having an outstanding view of lagoons and moss-draped oaks.
 
The signature treatment here is Watsu, a unique concept of rejuvenation and wellness designed exclusively for this spa. Some other treatments available are the Seaweed Bath; Total Body Moor Mud Mask; Aromatherapy Salt Glow & Vichy Shower; Sea Dream Anti-Stress Body Wrap & Massage. However, there are more than noted above.
 
Golfers are challenged on the 72 holes of  championship golf, on four golf championship courses, two designed by Pete Dye and Bobby Weed that consist of 36-holes on two signature courses; another 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio and the 18 hole course designed by Tom Jackson borders the ocean, marshes and wooded interior of the island. A golf school is also on the premises for those who want to increase their skill.
 
Tennis anyone? This is home of the annual Bausch & Lomb Tennis Championships and recognized as one of the Top 50 American Tennis Resort by Tennis Magazine. Three courts are lighted for night tennis.
 
Restaurants on the premises are all guest oriented, meaning that the selections and service are faultless. Choosing one above another is difficult as the Sunrise Café and Ocean Grill; the Sunrise Café; The Ocean Grill; Beach Club Grill and The Verandah, located in different area of the property, can be reached by taking the courtesy vans that constantly circulate throughout the property picking up and dropping off guests.   
 
This is a “money-less” society, as all charges appear on your master account, including gratuities and taxes.
 
If you plan to fly to the resort Continental’s Gulfstream connectors will get you to Jacksonville from Miami or Fort Lauderdale with a stop in Tampa.
 
Arrangements can be made in advance with the resort for a van to pick you up. There is a fee for this service.
 
Since I have confessed that sports, exercise and exertion are not my cup of tea, when I return to this outstanding environment I plan to take advantage of the 330-count cotton sheets, oversized pillows, soft coverlet and I’ll open the balcony door, enjoy listening to the waves make contact with the beach and call for room service. It’s a vacation that will stay in one’s memory for a long time.
 
For more information about rates and packages, accommodations, meetings, etc., contact the resort’s web page, www.aipfl.com, or call 800-874-6878.
 
 
PHOTO IDS
 
1. Vichy shower
2. Watsu pool
3. Inn and pool
4. Golf at Amelia Island
5. Poolside dining

Alexander Hotel:
Known for Beauty, Location and Cuisine

The Alexander Hotel in Miami Beach is often called one of the most elegant hotel in the City. It also is cited as among the most convenient --15 minutes from the airport, the Port of Miami, and Downtown. It is close to all the sports and sites that make Miami famous.  These are among the many reasons it enjoys such a remarkable reputation.
 
Local patrons also know it for its world-famous Don Shula Steak Restaurant and as the site of one of South Florida’s highly ranked Catering Departments. It has become globally recognized as a site for topnotch functions and meetings -- and a place of fine food as well as great accommodations.
 
“General Manager David Dohmen locally is considered one of the outstanding hotel executives nationwide” says Press Club executive Ron Levitt, who has staged a scholarship dinner there annually for years.
 
The Alexander All-Suite Oceanfront Resort is also proud that it is minutes from South Beach and Art Deco District.is  located directly on the elegant Millionaire's Row of Miami Beach with its own dock,  The Alexander, a beachfront property, is located at 5225.Collins Avenue.
 
As an example of the high praise for its catering skills. The Alexander was chosen in 2005as the site of a major event of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs International Gastronomic Society. It is an organization that only selects the “culinary best” for its dinner series. The event brought an elite group of guests to the Alexander Resort. Alexander Executive Chef Greg McDaniel, oversaw the highly praised dinner.
 
Last summer, Shula’s Steak House at the Alexander Resort joined forces with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and other top restaurants to create the 4th Annual Miami Spice Restaurant events presented by Campo Viejo- - a much-anticipated annual fine dining program.  Shula’s Steak House, has been named one of the top five steak houses in the country for the decade.

Eden Roc Renaissance Resort & Spa is Fabulous at 50
 Legendary Miami Beach Hotel Celebrates
Golden Anniversary

After 50 years, the legendary Eden Roc Renaissance Resort & Spa on Miami Beach is still as good as gold. To celebrate this iconic grand dame, Eden Roc has created an array of exciting events and special amenities and services showcased throughout the year.
 
“There is no better time to visit the Eden Roc. It will be the place to see and be seen on Miami Beach, and its legacy shines brightly,” said Saun Lightbourne, Director of Sales & Marketing.
 
Eden Roc was originally designed and built in 1955 by famed architect Morris Lapidus and opened in time for its first peak season in 1956. Its design and architecture reflect the flamboyance of the 1950’s and 1960’s glory days of Miami Beach. With its timeless design, sophisticated ambience and award-winning cuisine, it remains one of the most popular and sought-after destinations for celebrities, captains of industry, and anyone seeking a taste of yesterday’s glamour with all of today’s service and amenities.
 
On January 14, the hotel is celebrating its golden anniversary by hosting the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala fundraiser -- “50 Years Unfold On A Night of Gold”. This star-studded event will feature music by Frank Sinatra, Jr. and Lucie Arnaz, numerous Hollywood celebrities, Las Vegas-style impersonators, elegant dining under the stars and dancing by moonlight to the sounds of the house orchestra/swing band. This year’s auction will feature fabulous gifts for the travel connoisseur as well as jewels and personal services from well-known chefs, artists, and local personalities. This year’s honorees include J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Inc., internationally renowned artist Romero Britto and Leonard Abess, Jr., CEO of City National Bank who will be receiving the Corporate Citizen of the Year, Jan Pfeiffer Distinguished Service Award, and the Leanord “Doc” Baker Lifetime Achievement awards, respectively. All proceeds from the auction will benefit charities selected by the honorees, which include Children’s Miracle Network, Best Buddies and United Way. The evening will be topped off with a spectacular fireworks display and sumptuous desserts.
 
Eden Roc Miami Beach Renaissance Resort & Spa is situated on Millionaire's Row in Miami Beach at 4525 Collins Avenue. Eden Roc overlooks one of the world's most famous beaches and the Intracoastal Waterway, and is just minutes from South Beach and the airport. For reservations and information, please call the Eden Roc Renaissance Resort & Spa at 305-531-0000. Visit www.edenrocresort.com.
 
Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites is an upscale and sophisticated lodging brand designed to enhance guests' enjoyment and productivity. Travelers can expect stylish, comfortable environments, contemporary restaurants and attentive service. Renaissance hotels participate in Marriott's award-winning frequent travel program, Marriott Rewards®.
 
PHOTO IDS
1. Eden Roc

Puntacana: Caribbean Hideaway for Oscar,
Julio and Misha

When famed Dominican couturier Oscar de la Renta and his buddy crooner Julio Iglesias first laid eyes on the pristine beaches and close-in reefs at PUNTACANA, they knew they had found the place for their Caribbean homes.  They approached entrepreneur Frank Rainieri, developer of this 11,000 acre resort, bought oceanfront homesites, and promptly became investors in the now-booming club community.
 
Thus began “Corales,” an elegant neighborhood within the PUNTACANA Resort & Club complex itself.  It didn’t take long for their mutual friend, dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, to join them in building his vacation home in Corales as well.
 
Misha, an ardent golfer, was seduced by the charms of La Cana, the spectacular oceanfront golf course designed by P.B. Dye of the illustrious Dye family (daddy did the infamous “Teeth of the Dog” at Casa de Campo).  The handsome Caribbean/Palladian Golf and Beach Clubhouse overlooking the 18th green and the palm lined beach was Oscar’s concept, from the architectural style to the casual island interiors.
 
Corales will shortly have its own golf course, another seaside marvel being designed and built by the renowned golf architect Tom Fazio.  It will be a private club and course with its own clubhouse and dining facilities, scheduled to open in 2007.
 
Golfers aren’t the only ones who find PUNTACANA magical.  The marina is home to a fleet of charter fishing, scuba and snorkeling craft.  ESPN holds its annual billfish tournament here each spring, as the giant tuna and marlin make their way north through the Mona Passage.
 
A tennis center with lighted caliche-clay courts, a petting zoo for children, horseback riding along the three-mile stretch of beaches and a fascinating nature walk through native forests and spring-fed pools fill out the amenity picture.
 
Shopping is a pleasure at the Galeria PUNTACANA, where sidewalk cafes, boutiques and native craft shops offer vacationers a wide variety of selections.
 
Finally, the Punta Cana International Airport, the world’s largest privately owned airport (owned by the Rainieri family), handles thousands of passengers a day from England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Spain and, of course, the United States and Canada.
 
Visit www.puntacana.com for more information.

Travel Trackers on the Move, Always!

Travel Trackers, Inc., a full service travel company for meetings and conventions worldwide, is one of those busy firms providing staffing, tour directors, and relocation services. The firm is a full destination management of experienced professionals providing for individuals and group meet and greet transfers from all airports and ports.
 
“We are a community resource for meeting and event planners, and provide a broad range of individual and group solutions,” according to Adrienne Chiron. “Dynamic events, exciting tours and lectures range from a few hours to one or more weeks.” Each group program is customized for impact, and not limited to the following venues: Art Deco, Everglades, City, Gardens, Shopping, South Beach, the Florida Keys. as well as the state of Florida. Guides are licensed in the tri-county area by Miami Dade College, and the staff has more than 25 years in the industry.
 
Travel Trackers Inc. is a member of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Aventura Marketing Council, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce, the Women's Chamber of Commerce, Professional Tour Guide Association of South Florida, and World Wide Tour Guides.