CATHY MATOS SAYS…



World Travel Market Blog, November 2019



I always dread the journey but once there I am always pleased, I went. It’s wonderful to see all my “Mexicans”!.  This year it was different in the fact that I have decided to form an association with CUBA....people know how passionate I am about Mexico… Well I have met my match.... Toby Brocklehurst feels the same way about his Cuba, and he works in the same way as I do.  He is dedicated to his Client from the moment they arrive to when they leave. He does not do “packages” he looks for the most select, intricate, stylish hotel and tours. Havana is his joy of a City (as it is mine). We are going to put together itineraries to include visiting Mexico and then Cuba or the other way around.  I am sure you out there are aware of the restrictions and embargoes President Trump has put against visiting this beautiful place...but of course that does not affect the UK market.

I shall enjoy this partnership very much and am looking forward to it.  Here is link which gives Toby’s description of his Cuba....

https://www.myprivatemexico.com/cuba

InCloud9 – www.incloud9.com

Tel: Cuba Office: +537 833-0510 UK Office: +44 1264 852012



Below is a sample of Companies in attendance on the Mexico Stand at W.T.M



The Fives  

Renaud Pfeifer – Vice President

www.thefiveshotels.com

I am looking forward to working with this Property. Tatiana who is part of this hotel is an old and trusted working partner, she was responsible for many bookings I sent to her previous Company Le Reve.



Nayarit    

Lucero Guerrero & Nitzy Rios - Convenciones de la Riviera Nayarit

www.grandvelas.com/resorts/grand-velas-riviera-nayarit

This is an area of Mexico that I really want to work with. One of the many reasons for this is because it has one of the exquisite 5-star luxury Velas properties. In fact, the last time I was there I was lucky enough to be staying there, also staying was a past President of Mexico.



Encuentro     

My Dear friend Estela Flores

www.congressandtours.com

This is a Mexico City DMC I am hoping we are going to do lots of work together



Gran Velas

Lupita Ayala – European Director Velas Resorts – London based

www.grandvelas.com

I am a huge fan of this hotel company. Their properties are beyond luxury!



Mar del Cabo (Gran Velas)

A Beautiful Boutique Property situated in Los Cabos. You will find this Property firmly placed on our website www.myprivatemexico.com/hotels



Arriva Hospitality Group

Alma Lopez (Chief Commercial Officer) & Elena Adame (International Sales Director)

I have worked with Alma Lopez for so many years. Any product she endorses I would go to the ends of the earth to promote. Cozumel happens to be one of my favourite places in Mexico so I will be studying the Westin property in Cozumel.  

https://arrivahotels.mx/franchise/the-westin



OAXACA

Juan Carlos Rivera Castellanos – Secretary of Tourism 

www.oaxaca.gob.mx

The beautiful state of Oaxaca contains so many treasures. Tour operators tend to put it in a brochure

and just make it into a “tour” of Monte Alban and Mitla, I prefer to recommend and promote all the

true Oaxacan things to see and do such as the wonderful markets, gastronomy, typical restaurants and local life.    



PUEBLA

Valeria Pitalua Yunes - Promotion and Advertising Director, Government of the State of Puebla

I simply adore this state of Mexico, unfortunately it is virtually a “Secret Destination” because it gets

very little coverage from UK Tour Operators, such a pity because it is true Mexico! The old Historic

centre is something that “Dreams are made of”.

Hotel Meson Sacristia de la Compania www.mesones-sacristia.com



LOS CABOS



Cape Hotel

https://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/mexico/cabo-san-lucas/the-cape  

This is one of the most stunning and different type properties I have ever seen, this is a big statement coming from me. The managing Director Eduardo Segura Vehovec is a true gentleman and a joy to work with. 



Casa Natalia

This is just a sample of the lovely Hotels there are to visit in this area now completely opened up due to the new TUI direct flight. The first flight departed the UK on the 14th November, and it was 100% FULL!



I caught up at W.T.M.  with some of the best in the business!



Rafe Stone - Journey Latin America,

www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk

401 Kings Street, London, W6 9NJ

020 3733 0208



Paul Webb - The Ultimate Travel Company

www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk

25-27 Vanston Place, London SW6 1AZ

020 7386 4690



Andrew Russell – What he does not know about “My” Mexico nobody does (except others mentioned herewith) Andrew comes from the “old world” of travel, First Choice, Air2000.  



Jack Leaf – Destiny Travel

www.destiny-travel.co.uk

Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

01702 719478



Harvin kaumaya – Sunset Faraway Holidays

www.sunset.co.uk

SUNSET HOUSE, 6 Bedford Park, CROYDON, CR0 2AP

(0)20 8774 7103



Clare Plummer

Another well-known specialist who at one time worked with us at Mexican Tours. 



Natasha Steele   - Touchdown

This is a fantastic organisation helping the travel industry with discounted travel. Natasha is a star!



John Stephens - Compass Worldwide Travel

www.compasstravel.co.uk

The Coach House, Stanton Drew, Bristol, BS39 4ER

01275 33 11 40



Karen Collado  - Cirque Du Soleil

www.Cirquedusoleil.com

I don’t think a lot of people/tour operators realise that Cirque Du Soleil has their own event on the Riviera Maya. For more information please contact us. 



Eugene Rybicki my dear friend - Amstar DMC



Polo Sanchez Valle - Mx Connect

MXConnect was formed by a group of three London-based agencies in the shape of Hestegia Ltd (Vicente Salas), 110PerCeb Ltd (Manuel Diaz Cebrian) and Métonymie_ (Polo Sanchez-Valle) with one common strategy in mind: Creating bespoke networking events and trade marketing activities where Mexican resorts, airlines and suppliers will foster relationships with European travel professionals. 

www.mxconnect-online.com



This company, Métonymie, is specialised in helping individuals, companies and tourist destinations to drive their image and build their reputation in Europe through marketing and public relations strategies. https://www.metmie.com



And of course, the wonderful JOHN SAMSON – Presslink +44 207831 0023  

27 Newton St, London. WC2B 5EL john@presslinkgroup.co.uk

My own PR and Press Agent What would I do without him!!



Medical and Cosmetic Travel – Mario Zamora Tellez

www.medicaltourismmexico.com



Aero Mexico

www.aeromexico.com

Our dear friends we were working their socks off at WTM.



BARBADOS

I am due a trip to Barbados in January.  I met two fabulous women at WTM who helped me enormously.

Tracy Denman-Hughes Sales and Marketing Director – Caribbean Collection

And

Britta Pollard – Managing Director – Southern Palms Beach Club

A pretty hotel, in Christchurch, owned by the founders of Thomson Holidays.

Can’t wait to meet them both again.



GUATEMALA

There is so much I want to teach people about this amazing country. Watch this space for more news.



ENCORE PARTY

www.encoretickets.co.uk

This an annual event, very popular within the Travel industry. Ashley Herman, Co-founder and Director, John Wales, Co-founder and Director (and my son-in-law)

Please do contact me with my “new hat on” THE PRIVATE MEXICO OF CATHY MATOS I Intend to be the Guru of “What is it, Where is it, How is it and most importantly How much it is”

www.myprivatemexico.com

CATHY MATOS SAYS…

Autumn Blog…October 2019

I begin with a fabulous lunch and I mean truly fabulous at The Santo Remedio Cocina Mexicana,

152 Tooley St, SE1 2TU, T: +44(0) 20 7403 3021 E: contact@santoremedio.co.uk W: www.santoremedio.co.uk

I was invited by Lupita Ayala, the ex Mexican Tourist Office sub director. Lupita is now the Regional Sales Manager for Europe for the Gran Velas hotel chain. This super beyond luxury brand is in my opinion one of the best all inclusive products in all of Mexico – www.grandvelas.com

People ask me all the time “where is the best Mexican restaurant in London” there are many now but the delightful, cosy, intimate very Mexican Santo Remedio ticks all the boxes for me.



Royal Automobile Club 
We arranged a super surprise birthday party for Dale Viberg (previously lived in Mexico City). The event turned out to be “out of this World” handled brilliantly by Hardie Bates (Events Manager) and chef Matthew Marshall. 
89 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HT. Tel:2020 7930 2345. www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk


Eurostar  www.eurostar.com 
We took off the four of us for two glorious days in Paris. I simply adore Eurostar. I would actually like a big badge that says, “I love this train”. Our hotel of choice was 
Best Western Anjou Lafayette Opera 
4 rue Riboutte, 9th Arr., Paris 75009 T: +33 1 42 46 83 44 W: www.hotelanjoulafayette.com
A fabulous 3 star hotel, I would go back again and again!      

Charles de Gaulle We flew from here to Mallorca, what a joy, security simple and no passports!

NEWS FROM MEXICO……

MERIDA…

Recently voted one of the World’s top 10 cities by Conde Naste. This year the travel fair “TIANGUIS” will take place in March 2020 (22^nd – 25^th). For those of you in the travel industry reading this blog please come and join us…  meridaelite.com/en/blog/tianguis-turistico-merida

I would like to make mention of Saul Ancona who has been incredibly helpful to me.

Tianguis for years has been held in Acapulco, I am enormous fan of this true traditional resort.

Ritz Hotel, Acapulco
www.ritzacapulco.com
My dear friend Reyna Luna has been in touch.  

CUERNAVACA
Have had contact with my good friend Juan Fenton who owns the exquisite Hacienda San Gabriel de Las Palmas
www.haciendasangabriel.com
This hotel is situated very close to the main highway to Acapulco (3 hours).   

MONTY DON GARDENER
This was a wonderful recent TV program on the beautiful gardening areas of Mexico and made mention of the Monarch Butterflies.

PUEBLA
Another favourite place of mine situated just a 3-4 hour drive from Mexico City. I recently placed clients in the beautiful Hotel Meson Sacristia
www.mesones-sacristia.com

PUERTO VALLARTA
This review I received back from a Client... It does not get much better than this..
“We stayed at Riu Palace Pacifico (family of 2 adults + 2 kids). The hotel is out of this world! It’s located on a beautiful stretch of sand. All the staff are very friendly and go out of their way to make your stay perfect. Especially the staff in restaurants and bartenders are amazing – special shout out to the pasta chef that made my gluten free pasta for me on a few occasions, unfortunately I don’t know his name, but that was the best pasta I ever had. You have a choice of a buffet and 4 a la carte restaurants every night - especially the Guacamole serving authentic Mexican dishes is worth a visit. At the pool, you not only have a swim up bar but also waiters going round the pool bringing you drinks. We met people from all round the world that come back to this hotel every year and no wonder why, it’s an absolute gem!”
Riu Palace Pacifico
www.riu.com/en/hotel/mexico/vallarta-riviera-nayarit/hotel-riu-palace-pacifico

TUI
The new flight to Los Cabos is about to take off!!! I can’t wait for it to happen, it’s going to be such a great success!

MAR DEL CABO 
A precious true boutique hotel nestled amongst the giant all-inclusive hotels of the Los Cabos beaches. Destined to be a great favourite with me! Part of the Gran Velas chain.
Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 18, San José del Cabo, Corredor Turístico, Municipio de Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, C.P. 23405, Baja California Sur.T: MEX: 800 831 2990 W: https://mardelcabo.com E: reservations@mardelcabo.com

NEWS FROM CUBA…
I have decided to include Cuba in my new portfolio “My Private Mexico”. I have linked up again with the fabulous Toby Brocklehurst. His company In Cloud 9 is in my opinion the best window to Cuba you could possibly find. Toby works in the same way that I did for 35 years in caring so exclusively for the individual client. I will be sending out a separate introduction to his company and services directly after World Travel Market. Meanwhile here are their details:
www.incloud9.com E: info@incloud9.com T: Tanja Havana +5353255239 and whatsapp
Office +5378330510

NEWS FROM MALLORCA…
As always my visits to “My” Island are filled with friends, restaurants, dentists and beauty treatments…..

I must give extra special words to Jaime & Mati at ES PORTENO Puerto Andratx, T: 628 26 90 17… great food, great value and great friends.

Millor Restaurant in Palma. Calle Espartero 24, 07014, Palma de Mallorca T: 971 456 961 The chef here who is Spanish speaks English better than me!

Antic Celler Son Toreo. Placa Fossar No 3 – 07510 Sineu M: 692 734 199 – 659 477 355

My thanks to…

Pilar – Beautician situated in Sa Pabla - www.clinicaramistauler.com

Juan – Dentist at Bupa in Palma

My Two great OPTOMETRISTS…MATEO PONS and JUAN SANCHEZ These two marvelous doctors, each a genius.

Both these eminent surgeons are based at IBO Instituto Balaer de Oftalmologia.

Jumbo Tours Group Many thanks for the sales call

NEWS FROM LONDON……

BELMOND HOTELS
www.belmond.com
KATE DICKS (Director of Global Leisure Sales).  Kate and this organization do such a good job here in keeping us all up to date with Belmond properties.  Link

AEROMEXICO
www.aeromexico.com
NIEVES RODRIGUEZ (Country Manager UK & Ireland)Nieves is GREAT! At keeping us in the loop with new flights/fares etc..

GRAN VELAS
www.grandvelas.com
LUPITA AYALA (Regional Sales Manager) Constant, offers/News etc on all Velas products

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAYS
Lots of good journeys up and down to Devon with the wonderful  Dining Car

FLYBE 
Travelled on the last service Palma/Exeter my favourite route to Mallorca. So sad it is not operating anymore.

GALLERY 105 
105 Victoria Street, St Albans, AL1 3TJ
T: 01721 833 557 E: jean@gallery105.co.uk
Attended wonderful art evening here at Gallery 105 on Elvis Presley... Dinner afterwards at the perfect little Italian Restaurant La Cosa Nostra in St. Albans.
62 Lattimore Road, St Albans, AL1 3XR T: 01727 932 658 E: lacosanostraltd@gmail.com www.lacosanistraltd.co.uk

FOREIGN AIRINES ASSOCIATION
Monthly luncheon. This time at a Vegan restaurant called The Gate…superb food!
www.thegaterestaurants.com 

WINDMILL PUB
This great old pub in Mill Street (Off Conduit Street) only serves Pies and Puddings…Its just sensational! Ask for the lovely Lisa.!!  
6-8 Mill Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2AZ T: 0207 491 8050 www.windmillmayfair.co.uk  
 
THE RISING SUN
137 Marsh Lane, Mill Hill, London NW7 4EY
T: 020 8959 1357 www.therisingsunmillhill.com
My local pub has begun their Christmas party menu…do pop in! 

My thanks to… 
Mr NARESH JOSHI (Consultant)
Wendy.Addison@Cromwellhospital.com 2 Pennant Mews, London, W8 5JN


Dr Harpreet Wasan
This eminent man is treating my husband and doing an excellent job.
fundraise.pancreaticcancer.org.uk 

Mr Sam Gidwani (Hand Surgeon)
Thank you for all your wonderful help.

World Travel Market begins next week at Excel London, I hope to see you all there!

Remember I am now Cathy Matos of MY PRIVATE MEXICO. A new journey for me!

Cathy Matos

 Summer Blog

It seems I only just arrived back from Mexico on glorious United Airlines into London, when the summer season was upon us.

JUNE

ASCOT:  4 wonderful days in the Royal Enclosure, lots of hats, dresses and of course the Queen.
Not to mention the masses of oysters and Caesar salad! Did you know this dish was invented by a Mexican?  
Followed by lots of champagne and Pimm's N0.1

My hat was made by Maxine of “Henry and Daughter” from

Camden.



June 25th

Ladies Day Event for F.A.A. (Foreign Airlines Association)  www.foreignairlines.co.uk  This was a very special event dedicated to Women in the Travel Industry. The brief, set out by the Chairwoman, was that “We should take a female guest whom we admire”. My choice was Lupita Ayala, ex-director of the Mexican Tourist office in London for many years. She now heads up European Sales for the glorious, luxury chain of hotels “Grand Velas” throughout Mexico. Most important of all she is a dear friend.



There were many Powerful and Dynamic women in attendance. For example, guest speakers Alessanda Alonso, founder of Women in Travel  www.womenintravelcic.com; Els Koister, co-founder of Webox www.weboxworkshops.com;   Julia Feuell managing director of Talk to the Travel World  www.onlinetraveltraining.com/uk


I met Christina Lawford founder and managing director of Diamond Air, this is an airline Concierge company, which I think is marvellous, more to follow on this in a later blog

www.diamondairinternational.com





Also, on 25th June

MEXICAN SUMMER EVENT: This was a delightful evening of Mexican destinations promotion. In attendance were:

AERO MEXICO www.aeromexico.com

GRAND VELAS www.grandvelas.com Contact Lupita on sales@velasresorts.com

YUCATAN Contact Vincente Salas at Hestegia

LOS CABOS rep.uk@visitloscabos.travel
Manuel does a fantastic job promoting this beautiful state of Mexico.

XCARET www.xcaret.com Rianne van Groenigan, European Sales Manager

Obviously there was much excitement about the new planned TUI  flight UK to LOS CABOS. I am very much hoping to be on this flight.
The  evening was organised and arranged by Polo Sanchez-Valle.





LONDON CALLING …

Peters health is for the moment safe. He is in the excellent hands of the great Dr Harpreet Wasan MBBS. FRCP consultant oncologist at Hammersmith Hospital.


I had two medical visits one to Lizzie my Fabulous Physio therapist.   harleystreetphysiotherapy.co.uk

The second to Dr Gidwani (Carpel tunnel) Guy’s and St Thomas NHS London.

All thanks to my wonderful GP Dr P Lai Chung Fong.



CHARLIE AND SWIMMING!

My seven year old grandson dives and swims like a fish thanks to his Teacher Kasia. Camden Town, London.

I actually threw him in to a pool at eleven months old! At seven years now we have created our own “Johnnie Weismuller!” who lived his life in Acapulco.

Received a lovely summer visit from John Monk known as “Icky”, an institution in Mexico City!

Finally, many visits to our favourite local Pub The Rising Sun, Mill Hill, N. London

Discovered a great new electrician for our area, email address s.e.e@virgin.net



MALLORCA

Great flights as always with FLYBE  www.flybe.com
Visit to my perfect dentist Juan Mas at Sanitas  www.sanitasexpat.com
Visit to my perfect Beauty Clinic  RAMIS-TAULER Tel no: 971540599 Dra. Marta Serna  www.medisans.com

A visit to Boutique Una in Puerto Andratx. This is my favourite place to shop for jewellery and stylish gifts. There is never a Christmas when there is not one of these exquisite package's hanging from the tree! I have known our friend Werner Jaeger for so many years. His shop can be found in Calle Cristobel Colon No: 7a, Puerto de Andratx, Isla Baleares.

Attended the AMAV Summer party along with  the best Tour Operators /Travel Agents of Mallorca and of course the best known of them all -
PEDRO IRIONDO   www.viajeskontiki.es
Pedro is a great expert on Mexico and all things Mexican, maybe this is because he came from Acapulco!
Pedro can “tailor-make” your Mallorcan itinerary in his own very inimitable style.
A launch party was held for the new SECRETS IN Paguera... Once the beautiful and iconic Hotel Villamil
Believe it or not I had my first ever lobster here at 16! (and that was many years ago)...



NOW ON TO MY FAVOURITE SUBJECT -RESTAURANTS



Up we went to LLUC MONASTRY where my dear friend Maria greeted us so warmly.... Staying there overnight, with as always, a fabulous dinner in SA FONDA.



(I truly love this place and cannot recommend it highly enough). www.lluc.net



Next spending a glorious day at ES GUIX  www.esguix.comThere are no words to describe this absolute paradise! I could live there forever!

The Food, the sheer calm and peace amongst the trees and flowers... Dearest Pepe, the owner and a great friend, and wine connoisseur always there to greet us. You only need pull up the reviews to endorse what I am saying
We will be back very soon to visit.

Another of our favourite restaurants is GALICIA, situated next to the  Church in Puerto Andratx. Always ask for the owner Tony..... also look out for my favourite Bar.  BAR CENTRAL Ask for Jose !! He is the best ever for friendly, cheerful and professional service. 
La Piazetta is also situated in Puerto Andratx, "Maitre D" Martin will guarantee you a pleasant, gourmet experience.
Finally on the subject of Food!  Spar supermarket located in the the village of Andratx. In my opinion Rafael there is the best butcher in Spain!


Back to London for



PROMS at the Albert Hall.  www.royalalberthall.com



DEVON



Then off to Devon for John’s Birthday. We celebrated at the WELCOME STRANGER PUB Please come to know this place you will not regret it. The food is to die for, portions are huge so don’t eat for a day beforehand!  www.thewelcome.co.uk



Well I am now working on my new project. To be called THE PRIVATE MEXICO OF CATHY MATOS.

I know I have been a long time getting this off the ground, but believe me I am finally up and running



Hoping to have our new website ready to go live by September, the building of which is being handled by Justine Perry cariadmarketing.com We are also working with the famous John Samson of Presslink
As I have already said. I have made a collection of all my favourite Hotels and States that I have worked with over the past 35 years...
A small selection has already been loaded onto the system.
The capital of Mexico, MEXICO CITY....under the expert and excellent direction of CARLOS MACKINLAY



HOTEL FOUR SEASONS - MEXICO CITY



HACIENDA SAN GABRIEL - CUERNAVACA



HOTEL DIVISIDERO - COPPER CANYON



HOTEL KIN SOL SOLEIL - RIVIERA MAYA



HOTEL CASA DE BALAM -  MERIDA



HOSTAL DE LA NORIA - OAXACA



ALL PROPERTIES IN THE GRAN VELAS PORTFOLIO



GROUND OPERATOR -  AMIGO YUCATAN



GROUND OPERATOR -  AMSTAR CANCUN



GROUND OPERATOR - FIRST CLASS MEXICO CITY.



This is just a small selection of the many I hope to work with. Especially looking forward to a connection with TASTE AND TRAVEL.



CUBA CUBA CUBA!!!

So great to hear from my old friend Toby Brocklehurst...I would so love to include THIS FAB COMPANY IN THE PORTFOIO.

Toby runs such an excellent operation in Cuba...





WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY HEALTHY SUMMER! 

Mexico Trip April 2019

MY TRIP!!            MI VIAJE!!           APRIL 2019

United Airlines - www.unitedairlines.co.uk

Simple, non-stressful check in. Delightful girl (Sharmer)

Good food – afraid I succumbed to the ice-cream (Sundae) no one makes them like United!

The salad was fresh with great orange!

EWR (New York) as always friendly, welcoming but beware!!

Give yourself plenty of time for the connecting flight.

The gate for the flight to Mexico City will always be in terminal C. You disembark the aircraft and go through to immigration, if you are in possession of an ESTA this will speed things up for you, do tell the person in charge and she/he will direct you to the special area for ESTA holders. You then deposit your suitcase with the “connecting flight baggage drop” and proceed to get the train to terminal C. Once there you will go through security to get to your actual gate. This can take up to 1.5 hours. Everyone at United is extremely helpful and kind.      

Mexico City

This is my special place, never ever ceases to amaze me! Within 10 minutes of arrival at the gate I had my luggage (thanks to United), I was through customs and out! This is such an enormous airport and yet faster than London has ever been (my personal opinion).

Mauricio  - First Class Transportation - www.firstclassmex.com was there as always to meet me…

First Class is an excellent transportation company for Mexico City and sightseeing. We took Charlie to see The Pyramids of Teotihuacan then to one of my favourite inexpensive local restaurants…

Casa de Tono… www.m.lacasadetono.com.mx

Hotel Camino Real Mexico City - caminoreal.com/Hotels/Details/CR/MEX 

This was my own personal choice of place to stay. My World of Mexico has always included this fabulous Hotel. This unique City landmark is situated on acres of land surrounded by gardens, tennis courts and swimming pool. I had forgotten how family orientated this property is. Perfect for my young  Grandson’s first visit to this enormous city. The wonderful Polanco shopping and restaurant area is within walking distance. We were in the Executive Club Rooms  which were a delight. The food as in all Camino Real Hotels is sensational. I have worked with Ignacio Perez Cardenas Director General Camino Real Hotels most of my working life, he is a Legend.

I must also pass on my grateful thanks to Veronica Sanchez Medrano, Director of Sales for her invaluable help in making this trip possible.

Friday Morning in Mexico City…

This huge, vibrant Metropolis – truly something to behold. When I first saw it I was 22 years old and I was completely overwhelmed and me a born and bred Londoner so used to a big city!

No visit to Mexico for me would be complete without a 3 night stay at least, in my glamourous Mexico City…I simply love it! From the tree lined Avenues to the gorgeous old Mexican Mansions.

Then off to Acapulco and my adored Las Brisas - www.lasbrisashotels.com.mx/es/acapulco

Arriving by road in time for sunset and “My” room 508 nothing could be more perfect!!!

This hilltop hideaway has been a paradise for literally hundreds of celebrities for the past fifty years! In fact Cathy Matos Mexican Tours began very special weddings here which were some of the first to be seen in the UK. I spent my own honeymoon in room 508, 22 years ago! Nothing has changed it has just got better and better. We spent two glorious days here.      

TIANGUIS 2019

I must praise the excellent presentation given by Carlos Mackinlay. Carlos is the Secretary of Tourism for Mexico City.  I have been proud to know this man for so many years, his dedication to his craft is phenomenal. No one knows Mexico more than Carlos...I as many people know am an enormous fan and supporter of this fabulous city and state.. I know Carlos will make a big difference and give huge effort, he has my full and whole hearted support.

Held this year in its traditional destination Acapulco.

Always a joy to attend, I see so many old friends and colleagues.

Here is a sample of some of them…

Oaxaca – wonderful Mephi of HOSTAL DE LA NORIA

Tepotzlan – Alejandro Camarena of Posada Del Tepotzteco – Already scheduled to be in portfolio “The Private Mexico of Cathy Matos”

Celestun – Sergio Vazquez – one of my most favourite in The Whole Wide World!! And the equally lovely Verena from their unique and beautiful Hotel Xixim

Yucatan – Jorge Escalante of Amigo Yucatan

Copper Canyon – Jesus Mesta – I would very much like to promote Chihuahua in the UK

Presidente Intercontinental - Merida

The Fives

The Palm

Pilar Arizmendi – Palladium Hotel Group

Bumped into my old dear friend Servando Gonzalez a great past Director of “The Mexican Tourist Office”

Magda Monroy – Camino Real and Quinta Real

INTERJET AIRLINES - This Airline has certainly taken over from where Mexicana left off.....As everyone knows I was proud to represent Mexicana in U.K. for over 26 years.....I have watched the Airline grow and grow.... ..It has gained huge respect throughout Europe

My Dearest Reyna Luna of the fabulous Ritz Hotel, Acapulco


Hacienda de Cortes, Cuernavaca - www.hotelhaciendadecortes.com.mx
Private Suite (24) buried within the gardens and surrounded by green lawns…simply exquisite. We are in room 1.

Remember all the words I use are my own , I am not reading from a travel book.

I have always loved this property; ever since I can remember. When Juan Corral took  command many years ago, I was over the moon.

He has developed this special property into a paradise, mixing the dark Spanish history of the 15^th century with a modern day hotel that is seamlessly run with friendly professionalism.

I consider the Hacienda to be a sanctuary; peaceful, tranquil  gardens so exquisite you cannot stop being amazed at them The birdsong, the pool and  spa, all just perfect.

The dining room is a spectacle, especially at night when it assumes fairy tale proportions.

We stayed for a magical 3 nights.  There is a lot to see in Cuernavaca but you need to spend at least a week here.  Initially to absorb, the atmosphere  relax and then concentrate on sightseeing.

Cuernavaca is the City of eternal Spring so the climate is glorious.

We were lucky enough to be there during one of the legendary weddings hosted by the Hacienda, sitting in the gardens with the Mariachi and Peter eating probably the best steak he has ever sampled!!

How I would love to see the “old Taxco Trail routes come back”, making Hacienda de Cortes a base and  visiting the famous silver city, and to see the outlying villages of Mexico as they really are! Far away from the “All Inclusive” market place!!

Hotel Casa Del Balam - www.casadelbalam.com

“My home”!!

The first Hotel I ever visited in Merida...so many years ago.... I then always returned to  to what I considered to be Mi Casa!!!

The original former Home of the Barbachano Pioneer. It has lost none of its charm and cozy feeling. We were there for 3 days Charlie spent every hour of those three days in the Pool!.....

Ya’ax Boutique Hotel - www.yaaxmerida.com

In complete contrast to the old fashioned feel of Casa Del Balam.  This perfect boutique property, previously a painter and sculptor's gallery, was restored by artisans using traditional techniques and local materials to preserve its Yucatecan heritage.  I will be writing more on this property later.

Amigo Yucatan DMC - www.amigoyucatan.com.mx

This wonderful company has been part of my life, it seems forever.  I do not know what I would have done without them and indeed now that I am changing my track to some extent I need them more than ever...

For Don Jorge Escalante the Founder and C.E.O. nothing is too much trouble especially for the upmarket well-travelled client.

Jorge so understands  the world of Cathy Matos Mexican Tours. He has excursions far from the ordinary “run of the mill”... He fills his vehicles with wonderous video’s thereby giving the client history at the same time as their tour.....

It was Don Jorge who arranged our Son Y Lumier at Chichenitza,  in a very special way.

Chichen Itza and The Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows - www.mayaland.com/mayaland-hotel-and-bungalows

Anyone who knows me has heard the story of me, The Barbachano Family and the archaeological sites of The Yucatan. I thought I knew all there was to know….well I was wrong…what Fernando Barbachano has done in The Mayaland Hotel is just simply spectacular. The rooms are stunning, we were lucky enough to have suites overlooking the famous observatory structure.

We arrived again to a beautiful sunset…The Son y Lumiere was enchanting and spectacular. The private entrance to the Mayan site just makes the whole experience magical and so reminiscent as to how it used to be all those years ago when I had just begun my career.

Food is authentic and great. Congratulations to everyone who make this oasis perfect!

The Lodge at Uxmal - www.mayaland.com/the-lodge-at-uxmal

After trying to initiate Charlie into the wonders of this Archaeological Site...we spent a blissful afternoon , huge super lunch.....at this lovely property.

Kin Sol Soleil – www.kinsolsoleil.com

I will never forget the look on Peter’s face when we arrived at this complete paradise, he had been dreaming of this part of the trip.

This idyllic, 9 suite Hotel has a really unique style. We were  lucky to have  suite “Angela 1” with a super private pool and complete privacy all round. Walk in external shower, massive bed and of course “all mod cons”, wi-fi etc.

Owners, Jose Luis Moreno and his wife Sally were  past owners of “Maroma” now Belmond and  indeed it was Jose Luis who designed and built the original hotel.

We spent part of our Honeymoon on this very beach so it is so special for us!

KIN SOL SOLEIL  is truly as it says in the brochure “ The vision of one family which believes in small, boutique hotels”.

Guests can visit the delightful restaurant  here from other hotels and they provide a romantic, private, candle lit beach dining experience.

The Cuisine is superb, and breakfast is legendary!

If you are driving yourselves to this paradise  you enter via the Maroma Resort but call first for directions, it is literally tucked away in the jungle.

KIN SOL SOLEIL is something that should be on everyone’s “bucket list” , an experience not to be forgotten .

Grand Velas Riviera Maya – www.velasresorts.com/our-resorts/rivieramaya

Well!! What an experience....located on the Mexican Caribbean with over 200 acres of natural beauty from the white sand beach to the lush jungle and mangroves. The resort features stunning spaces for guests of all ages plus tranquil areas for adults only.  

These words are taken from Velas brochure…the following are my words…

This has to be the supreme All Inclusive in all Mexico.  This beautiful chain of properties literally take your  breath away. We spent the day on the 18^th April visiting all areas from the Zen rooms to the most luxurious private pool suites. This is almost like a city in itself…sheer bliss!! I will be writing more on Velas properties later.   

Dreams Tulum - www.dreamsresorts.com/en_us/resorts/mexico/tulum

Joanne John and Charlie stayed at this property...It is such incredible good value for money... Very family orientated.  The rooms are comfortable with huge bathrooms.  The entertainment staff are great and work very hard, especially on children's activities.  For the first time ever Charlie joined a kid's club, lured in by promises of water fights in the pool, camping and roast marshmellows on the beach followed by cinema - yes on the beach!  Food is great and lots of it.  Staff superb!

Sadly it came…time to leave.... Amstar provided super comfortable transfers.....More on this....

REMEMBER…These are all my own words I am not reading from a tour book!!!

CATHY  MAY  2019