EASTER BLOG

Hello from me to everyone from a sad empty London....

Even my Fabulous RAC club in Pall Mall close to the Palace is closed!!

www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk
Fortunately, Buckingham Palace is not closed. We are receiving regular messages from our dear Queen.

What would I do without all the messages and thoughts from friends in Mexico, Guatemala and Cuba...

So let's begin with Guatemala...

When the Corona virus hit.... The first message we received was from Clark Tours. The best and in my opinion only Tour Operator in Guatemala.
Were the first to send a get in touch with the softest most encouraging and thoughtful words. It was an inspiration of encouragement.

www.clarktours.com.gt

Cuba

Our Wonderful Toby Brocklehurst came through with everything that is going on in his Cuba. I was very Grateful for this information.

IN CLOUD 9     www.incloud9.com

And now on to Mexico....

The List is endless but let me just mention few, Very important names and places

We have to begin with MERIDA .....TIANGUIS the travel fair of Mexico was of course postponed.
Now to be held 19-22 September         www.tianguisturistico.com

Mexico City

Yes I heard from literally everyone in the City.

The greatest Lawyer in the World. My good friend Victor Rodriguez..

Martin Morales of Stara Hotels. 

I hope to be Visiting in September when I will report back on these properties. The Sales Director Martin Morales is a very dear friend he headed my relationship with Casa Viejas.

www.starahotels.com

Four Seasons

www.fourseasons.com/mexico/

First Class

What would I do without my wonderful Mauricio Chavez.. His Transfers are second to none, even to the door of the Aircraft. Not many agents can lay claim to this but I can!

www.firstclassmex.com

Camino Real

We were lucky enough to stay here last year during a family trip. This is one of my special favourite hotels, an oasis of calm amidst this buzzing capital city. You actually awake to bird song. The grounds and gardens are so lovely. 

www.caminoreal.com/en

And guess what?? New find and new venture-

pugseal.com        

This is a brand new concept for me, these are B&B Properties , exquisite old Mansions of which there are many in Mexico city. The average tourist is unaware of the magical things to see in this Capital.

The magnificent homes and gardens of the wealthy sector. Some Baroque and some dating back to the early 19th Century.These properties actually rival those of Beverly Hills and certainly have more character and history.

Carlos  Mackinley  Secretary of Tourism  www.turismo.cdmx.gob.mx
Carlos has always done a magnificent job promoting and developing the state of Mexico.

Los Aluxes

We were booked to stay here, one of my favourite Hotels. I Have known this property and its owner for many years, Great location, great rates, great customer service (In fact one of the best) I look forward to returning in September.

www.aluxes.com.mx/en

Amigo Yucatan

My dearest friend Don Jorge Escalante, President, was fantastic with his updates and messages throughout the frustrating time of the cancellation of Tianguis. His support to me is incredible and i thank him from the bottom of my heart....

www.amigoyucatan.com.mx

Fernando Barbachano...

President, Founder, Owner of Mayaland

The exquisite Hotel Mayaland in Chichnitza.. A wonderful place to stay..Yes the actual site of Chichen is very commercialised but it's worth visiting just to stay at the hotel.   

You have to believe me on this ... I should know. I began working with the Barbachano family over forty years ago!! 

Merida and the Mayan Archaeological sites are "My home town" !!!

The lodge at Uxmal

Another gorgeous product...

www.mayaland.com

Cozumel. (My Island) Hotel Playa Azul

We were due to visit also on our postponed trip My one and only place to stay.

Wonderful friend Martha.. Thank you for your message, see you soon when all this is over!!

www.playa-azul.com

Mayair

Fly from Cozumel from Cancun

https://www.mayair.com.mx/

CANCUN TO COZUMEL   

Monday,        12pm,    3pm & 7.20pm

Tuesday,        8.20am, 1pm & 7.20pm

Wednesday,   8.20am, 1pm & 7.20pm

Thursday,      8.20am, 1pm & 7.20pm

Friday,           12pm,    3pm & 7.20pm

Saturday,       8.20am,  1pm & 4.40pm

Rivera Maya

The Famous Riviera Maya. Where some of the lovely Hotels are situated (My opinion)!!

My good friend Pedro Lara.  The Viceroy       www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/riviera-maya

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

This is my All inclusive along the coast. Of course one of the first people to contact us was Lupita Ayala, Regional Sales Manager- Europe
Grand Velas - Casa Velas - Velas Vallarta - Mar del Cabo
Tel: +44 (0) 208 287 0849 / + 44 (0) 77 3435 9566

Have regular updates from the office here in London, headed up by Lupita Ayala

www.grandvelas.com

Hotel Esencia

So Exclusive you need in "normal" times a good length of booking time.

hotelesencia.com

Kin Sol Soleil

My small private paradise nine rooms.
kinsolsoleil.com

Akumal
 www.secretsresorts.com

A very unspoilt different Coastline a Divers Dream. An exquisite little enclave, so special, so iconic for me as i remember it to be a wild and wonderful jungle Seafront retreat. Now the Beautiful Secrets Akumal, stands proudly with the wonderful Daniel Mellado at the helm. The picture's I have posted is of me thirty five years ago!!

Peter and I were due to stay here last month, I am so sad we could not go. This magnificent Hotel is home to me. We will revisit in September.

Amstar and Eugene Rybicki

www.amstardmc.com

Anyone who reads my blogs will know that Eugene is one of my dearest friends and supporters.....

Acapulco

Reyna Luna. The Ritz Hotel

We were heading there for Peters Birthday in September. Reyna is my oldest friend. I can't think of anywhere else I would rather be in Acapulco

ritz.hotelsacapulco.net

Of course we cannot forget Las Brisas

www.lasbrisashotels.com.mx

Copper Canyon

My "other" Family the Sandovals. Bless them all, for getting in touch. I must mention the fantastic programme on TV. Around the world by train with Tony Robinson on Channel 5 Mexico aired on Friday 10th of April and is available
on catch up tv

www.channel5.com/show/around-the-world-by-train-with-tony-robinson/

Los Cabos,

Received a message from the famous Manuel Diaz Cebrian, Manuel does an excellent job in promoting this beautiful area of Mexico.

Why not visit when all this is over.... You can reach Los Cabos from Copper Canyon... If of course you have the right itinerary designer (Like me for example!)

Finally what would we have done without our suppliers, contacts and friends here in Devon.

We are all isolating here. Joanne, John, Peter and my glorious grandson Charlie!!!

Thanks to

The Rugglestone Inn

This wonderful old Pub set in the heart of Widecombe in the moor. Dear Vikki and Richard making super dishes. Arriving piping hot at the door ready for a Takeaway collection. I just live for Wednesdays and Fridays when this all happens. 

www.rugglestoneinn.co.uk

The Butcher

One of the best Andrew at Cox and Laflin coxandlaflin.co.uk

Andrew actually supplied James Martin (Super Chef) his beef for a Programme in Scotland.

The Chef

James Martin, Light of my life I have watched every episode of his Islands to Highlands... Without him I think I would have gone under!!!!

The Solicitor

I have had a personal injury claim for the past three years. Now solved by the amazing Sally Gray. What a star and what a terrific solicitor. I would have no hesitation in recommending her.

   

rallisolicitors.co.uk

STAY SAFE EVERYONE

NEWS FROM THE MEXICO OF CATHY MATOS

Dear Friends,

In times of crisis, Mexican people have proven that working together federal, state and municipal governments, private sector and citizens, are able to overcome any adversity. Therefore, I invite you to circulate this video among your contacts with the aim of encouraging the spirit and commitment of the Mexican tourism sector. This video is the first of several that will be released through the media as part of a campaign designed to show the strength of our great nation and maintain our leadership in tourism.

Best regards,

Miguel Torruco Marques

Tourism Minister

Video

Sadly, I was unable to upload the Video

Please click to link below

https://youtu.be/rMUwfHg1pMs 

Please see the above statement issued by the Minister for Tourism Snr. Miguel Torruco.

I personaly think it is a great gesture on his part. For me it was devastating that the annual Tourism Fair did not go ahead, but of course it was the correct decision.

My own journey to Mexico and the yucatan was cancelled only because of the non-conference. As of today's date there are still only 4 cases of the virus, and still none in Cancun.

I was looking forward to our stay at two of my favourite properties, 

SECRETS AKUMAL www.secretsresorts.com/en_us/resorts/mexico/akumal-riviera-maya

And GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA www.grandvelas.com/resorts/grand-velas-riviera-maya

I have been involved with travel throughout Mexico for many years, but this particular area is where it all began for me..... Cozumel my dream Island is very very special to me...THE PLAYA AZUL www.playa-azul.com Is where I always stay, this adorable small Hotel situated actually on the Sea Edge. The first property to be built by the legend that was the great DonNassim.....

WINTER BLOG

Cathy Matos says......

This Blog spans Christmas to Valentine's Day 2020

9th November 2019

On this day I underwent an Operation at Guy's Hospital www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk

Under the hands of MR GIDWANI  www.samgidwani.com

The operation was on the Carpel Tunnel in my right wrist

This Surgeon was simply amazing. My first ever operation and first time in an NHS Hospital....I could not believe the incredible care and Attention I received, I checked in at 7am and was home by 2pm and I have since had follow up appointments.


6th December

Attended Interline Christmas Lunch.
This is a Terrific Organisation Made up of  Airlines and Tourism related Members.

My Guest was Lupita Ayala
Regional Sales Manager - Europe
Grand Velas - Casa Velas - Velas Vallarto - Mar del Cabo
Tel: +44 (0) 208 287 08491 / +44 (0) 77 3435 9566




Lupita very kindly made the extremely generous gesture of purchasing one of the Auction prizes,
It was immensely appreciated by all in attendance.
The Charity involved was Power of Parenting
 www.powerofparenting.co.uk

I was personally quite taken aback by the speech given by the Organisation..I had no idea that Teenage children were so often left Homeless or uncared for on this occasion the speech involved three Children from the same family.
 JUST HEARTBREAKING

I am scheduled to host a Luncheon for Mayair along with other Mexican Suppliers / Hosts during June. Look out for the Date.



10th December

F.A.A. Christmas Lunch  www.foreignairlines.co.uk

Christmas.

Paul Edworthy Turkey www.dartmoorpoultrycompany.co.uk/
Devon Produce at it's best!

Tavistock Inn


www.tavistockinndartmoor.co.uk
A true Devonshire Inn

Journey Latin America

Met with Rafe Stone, an absolute amazingly knowledgeable Travel Guru..... I have been working with this company for so many years....

A True Family Concern, totally interested in the care and dedication to their Client. They plan exquisite itineraries, covering every detail.
www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk




Lupita Ayala joined us, we were able to have a "Brain Storming" afternoon... Rafe told me some things I did not Know, imagine me with my adored Mexico all these years learning new things, new archaeological Zones, new properties...Lupita gave us so much information on her product GRAND VELAS

Grand Velas
www.grandvelas.com

This Company has Hotels at various locations within Mexico. They are all an incredible standard of luxury "Beyond five star"

News from Mexico City

We are very excited to announce that we will be working with Encuentro

This is a Super ground operator whom i have known for many years. I have complete and utter trust in this company.
More on this to follow.

 Cirque de Soleil, Luzia

Described as a walking dream of Mexico! I work closely with Cirque de Soleil in many locations.

They are a Fantastic "must see" event for our traveller to Mexico. I will be taking my Grandson Charlie, to see this show at the Royal Albert Hall on March first

www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia

Oaxaca

Heard from my friends in Oaxaca, the state hosted an amazing food exhibition and cooking demonstration at F.I.T.U.R. In Madrid. This beautiful region of Mexico has so much to offer it's archaeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla, it's artisan elements and of course the food which is legendary. The traveler should dedicate at least a week in exploring this great location.

Tianguis Merida 2020

Tianguis for Readers of this blog who don't know ... It is the annual Travel Fair for Mexico. Traditionally held in Acapulco, but this year to be held in Merida.

Any Travel Agents/Tour operators out there who want to attend please contact me for more information.
It really is an amazing event......www.tianguisturistico.com
Where I am hoping to stay in Merida is Ya'ax Boutique Hotel www.yaaxmerida.com
I am also hoping to catch my friend Eloisa Vadillo of the Intercontinental Hotel Merida I am very fond of both these properties and i am hoping they will be included in my new Portfolio MY PRIVATE MEXICO

Amigo Yucatan. www.amigoyucatan.com.mx
 My Dear Friend Jorge Escalante will be there at Tianguis. My true and trusted ground operator, we have been working together for over Thirty Years!
There has been quite a flow of interest for Tianguis ( The Travel Market of Mexico ) in the UK.

BARBADOS


Yes, a trip to this lovely Island. Flying TUI.... Perfect check  IN at LGW Joanne at the service desk could not have been kinder or more efficient. Super flight, Complimentary drinks all the way! Arrival BGI everywhere a sunny smile and a friendly welcombe.......Off to the Little apartment in St. James, Our host's Lorna, Sharon and Ricardo.......Booked through super efficient Airbnb
I have made friends for life with this adorable family. Thank you so much it was wonderful.
I only had five precious day to spend, but enjoyed every one .....The beaches, the fish, the rum punch and all the Happiness I loved it all. A long way from My Mexico but so very similar in the proudness of the people for there history and Culture.

www.visitbarbados.org



St. Valentine

We spent a lovely evening at one of our Favourite Pubs Near Bath
THE JOLLY HUNTSMAN  www.jollyhuntsman.com

SEE YOU ALL IN MERIDA

CATHY