Left out Bits!

I wanted to put in bits I left out in last blog (July). 

Peter's Marathon Inspection Trip

Peter from Cathy Matos Mexican Tours took off all in a hurry to attend the travel fair in Merida.  He then experienced for the first time Mayair on the flight Merida to Cancun.  Please keep an eye out for their new route to Veracruz! 

He began with visiting Hyatt Regency Hotel Cancun.  I have always had an awful lot to say about this property since I think it is so splendid now!  I am very fond of Hanan Zanzuri who I have known for over 25 years.  Hanan used to be a Director of this property all those years ago.  He is now back under a completely new guise.  I have many memories of Cancun when it first exploded into the world of tourism.  Hyatt Regency was one of the first hotels.  I therefore like and feel very comfortable in the area where it is.  I find it to be a stunning and iconic building.  Peter was a bit overwhelmed with it all, so used as he is to working with us on small, boutique, hidden places.  I would encourage clients to stay here as it is a really trendy place and now has a great, huge beach, good spa and is bang, smack in front of Coco Bongo (but that's another story!).

Peter proceeded down the coast stopping off at Maroma, the gorgeous, expensive, exclusive Orient Express property followed by Amarte.  Amarte is what Maroma was to start with, very special, very private.  If you want more details you have to ask me personally because I am very close to this paradise and its owners. 

Tides Riviera Maya - what was Ikal del Mar.  I have always gone on about this property and nothing really describe quite what luxury there is here.  As I keep saying in my blogs "what is luxury?"  It is the experience. 

Royal Hideaway - don't think we have mentioned this hotel before.  All-inclusive, gated, lovely. 

Al Cielo - as diferent as chalk and cheese to all properties mentioned so far.  Peter loved it.

Omni Puerto Aventuras - our all-time favourite. 

Dreams Tulum (Peter went to every bar and every restaurant!). 

New name for us to work with - Jacinta - situated in Tulum.  There are many, many properties now in Tulum, all small, chic, quiet and bijoux.  Be Tulum continues to be our favourite.  Cabanas de Ana y Jose running a very close second.  Las Ranitas was Peter's favourite stop. 

Back to Merida for Peter for his stay at Hacienda Misne, Hacienda Xcanatun and of course our home from home Casa del Balam.  I could write pages and pages about Hacienda Misne and Hacienda Xcanatun but I would rather you came through and asked us for information because words cannot describe how beautiful and totally Yucatecan these original old homes are.  When we put itineraries together at Mexican Tours we concentrate on distances, atmosphere and what people really want to see thereby the placing of a hotel in Merida has to fit in with the touring and the distances covered by the client.  Campeche for example is a whole different journey and has to be set into a programme keeping the travelling distance in mind, the venue therefore chosen for the one or two overnights in Merida beforehand is very important.

Peter travelled on Continental Airlines using their fabulous connection via Houston directly to Merida.

We have his very detailed report if anyone would like a copy.

Mallorca

I am in the process of designing a portfolio to be called "My Private Mallorca".  I lived on this lovely island prior to marrying Joanne's father and returned to it after my divorce from Joanne's father!  I visit regularly and love being here.  During my last visit I spent time on the new wine tours that are currently available.  These consist of visiting beautiful bodegas in Binissalem, eating at wonderful local and very old established restaurants with typical Mallorcan cuisine.  You pass through Sineu, you can even go as far as Petra.  How many people know that Fray Juniperos Sierra founded the first mission in Carmel California and where did he originate from?  Petra.  I also visited an exquisite Bodega situated just 10 mins from Lluc Monastery.  I have been visiting this monastery for years and have actually completed the annual pilgrimage walk four times.  This involves covering 38 kms from the centre of Palma up the mountains to Lluc.  There is so much to see on this beautiful island and so much very, very "secret" stuff.  Look out for my new brochure.

Hope to be back with you in September.  Have a lovely summer.  Cathy