With new dolphin experiences, new hotels, authentic cuisine, and some great vacation packages for families, your clients can live it up in Mexico.
A new marine attraction by Dolphin Discovery—Tulum Akumal—opened in June next to the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa. “Swimming with dolphins is an unforgettable one-of-a-kind vacation experience for resort guests and represents a bonus to any guest staying at our hotel,” says Don Abel Matutes, Sirenis Hotels & Resorts’ president.
The dolphinarium, a saltwater lagoon home to four Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, offers guests the chance to learn about, view, and play with these intelligent marine mammals. Guests can interact with the dolphins while floating in the lagoon, standing on an underwater platform, or from the observation deck that surrounds it. Dolphin Discovery offers three unique programs—the Dolphin Encounter experience is great for guests of all ages, and even kids as young as 1 year old can receive a kiss, hug, and handshake from the dolphins; the Swim Adventure and Royal Swim experiences give guests the opportunity for up-close encounters, and are available for guests ages 6 years old and up. Rates start at $39 for infants, $89 for minors, and $119 for adults. Guests staying on property should ask about exclusive Dolphin Discovery promotions. For more information about Dolphin Discovery, visit dolphindiscovery.com, and for information on Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa, call (786) 230-1059 or visit sirenishotels.com.
Travelers looking for authentic Mexican food can find it at the food vendor carts and stands on Mexico’s streets, but the Viceroy Zihuatanejo is making the search easy for its guests by bringing the street food experience to them every Friday night.
The Mexican Street Food Menu, served 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the beachside La Villa restaurant, features some of the most popular foods typically sold by street vendors, such as buttery esquire de elote, which is a Mexican corn-on-the-cob (minus the kernels that are sliced off the cob), guacamole prepared fresh at the table, and a favorite Mexican street snack—fruits or vegetables seasoned with lime or lemon juice, with chile, onions, and other spices. The Taquiza, or taco bar, gives guests an experience of different regions of Mexico with handmade white and blue corn tortillas that are filled with Al Pastor en el “Trompo,“ which is marinated pork cooked on a spit; carne asada, classic beef barbecue; or fish “Zarandeado Style”; shrimp “Baja California Style”; pork carnitas “Michoacan Style”; or tuna carnitas “Zihua Style.” A harpist plays Mexican tunes while guests dine on the all-you-can-eat feast. The Mexican Street Food Menu is $40 for adults and $20 for children under 12. For more information, call (866) 905-9560 or visit viceroyzihuatanejo.com.
There’s a new hotel opening in Playa de Carmen this fall—Hotel Cacao, the first in the Hotel Matlida Lifestyle Collection by Cornerstone; a second property will open in Mexico City in 2015. Hotel Cacao, located on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, will offer guests laid-back, “hippie chic”-style accommodations with modern dining and mixology experiences. The 60-room property will showcase art donated by Tommy Hilfiger and bathroom amenities by Italian fashion designer, Missoni.
The hotel’s restaurant, Nibs, will offer menu choices that include ingredients from the region while reinventing favorite Mexican seafood and meat dishes. There will also be an after-hours-style bar downstairs with a bordello look. Rates start at $196, including continental breakfast. For more information, visit hotelmatilda.com.
The Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort is offering two packages this summer and winter. The Fresh Start package features accommodations in a deluxe ocean view room, daily breakfast buffet of traditional Mexican and American cuisine at El Meson, $50 resort credit per day, and a hotel certificate for a free 1-night stay. Rates start at $239 per night through Dec. 20.
Perfect for a graduation celebration, the Graduation package includes a fifth night free, and for the graduate, an in-room chocolate-molded graduation cap as a sweet treat. Rates start at $159 per night through Aug. 31.
This 375-room property features five dining venues and off-site excisions with Cabo Adventures, such as ziplining, an Outback & Camel Safari tour, and Dolphin Swim programs. Guests can also take in a bit of pampering at Spa Oasis, or play a round of golf at the Cabo Del Sol or Palmilla golf courses. For more information, visit hiltonloscabos.com.
