“Mexico has had a difficult year,” says Sylvie Laitre, Director of Mexico Boutique Hotels, “but there’s no doubt in our minds the sophisticated traveler will know exactly how to separate the panic-stricken headlines from reality. The truth is–barring some troubled border cities–travel to Mexico continues to be safe, and any precautions that need to be taken are exactly the same as those you would take to any foreign country.” That includes health hazards: as of May 15, 2009, the U.S. Department of State called off its travel alert relating to the 2009-H1N1 influenza outbreak. “We should also note that, by virtue of their extraordinarily high standards in every respect, our member hotels are and always have been secure havens for their guests,” continues Laitre. Because Mexico Boutique Hotels caters to those in the know, savvier travelers will be able to take advantage of some great package specials offered by a select group of member hotels offering everything from barefoot elegance by the beach to a marvelous glimpse of elegant colonial living. Multi-course dinners with a view, signature spa treatments and guided tours to gorgeously restored archaeological sites are just part of the many wonders awaiting guests of some of Mexico’s most unique properties.
Hacienda Sepúlveda (Lagos de Moreno – Closest gateways: Leon or Guadalajara)
Once one of the most prosperous haciendas in the Lagos de Moreno area, Hacienda Sepúlveda has evolved into one of the area’s finest accommodations. Experience Mexico through its traditional regional cuisine or a horseback ride around the vast property. Don’t forget to follow it up with a visit to the spa–try the temazcal, a three-hour ancient Toltec steam ritual performed by a local shaman.
Hacienda Life Experience
4 days | 3 nights
Package rates for two: $1,380 USD. Four days and three nights in a Master Suite.
-Breakfast served daily in varying areas throughout the property
-A carriage ride and picnic for two Lunch with “El Patrón” at the Hacienda La Labor (arriving on horseback)
-A traditional Hacienda lunch at Sepulveda
-A selection of regional snacks served by a bonfire late in the evening Dinner for two at “La Rinconada” restaurant located in Lagos de Moreno´s historic city center
-One candlelit dinner for two on the Hacienda grounds
-One signature Spa treatment per guest One tour of Lagos de Moreno
Tax and services not included Valid through July 31, 2009
La Quinta Luna (Cholula – Closest gateways: Puebla or Mexico City)
Enjoy a stay in a beautiful 17th-century mansion that originally belonged to pre-Hispanic indigenous nobility. Today, the thick adobe walls and high-beamed ceilings serve as a backdrop for modern furnishings and colorful artwork.
Culture + Cuisine 5 days | 4 nights Package rates for two starts at $679 USD for a Standard Room 4 nights’ accommodation with upgrade (subject to availability on arrival)
-Daily a la carte breakfast
-Welcome cocktail Guided tour to the ethnobotanical garden of Cholula
-A 3-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine
-A Mexican cooking class for two
-Two guided tours to choose from: Puebla, Tlaxcala or Cholula
Rates subject to changes without prior notice 17% taxes included Valid through August 31, 2009
Hotel des Artistes (Punta Mita – Closest gateway: Puerto Vallarta)
Less than an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, this sleek all-suite beachfront luxury apartment-hotel delivers a lavish vacation lifestyle. The restaurant offers diners the opportunity to sample the artistry of Chef Thierry Blouet, recognized for his touch of genius in the kitchen.
Romance in Punta Mita 8 days | 7 nights Package rate for two: $2,800 USD Beach Club Suite accommodation with magnificent ocean views
-Round-trip airport transfers Suite montage with rose petals upon arrival
-A bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne in your Suite upon arrival “In Lobby”
-continental breakfast
-A romantic 3 course dinner (Bistro Menu) at the beach in the 5-star Café des Artistes del Mar restaurant including a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne (Dinner valid Tuesday to Sunday) –2:30 hrs. private boat tour to Lover’s Beach on Marietas Island (departure from hotel beach)
-Three 50-minute massages per person per stay to choose from: Therapeutic, Relaxing or Deep tissue Extra night: $295
USD Tax and service not included Valid through November 14, 2009
Casasandra (Isla Holbox – Closest gateway: Cancun)
Owned by Sandra Pérez, Cuban singer-songwriter and guitar player Pablo Milanes’ muse and co-author, CasaSandra is a reflection of her passion for the arts. By infusing the hotel with her unique sensibilities and an artistic touch, she has created a getaway that is both refreshing and exquisite. Return of the
Whale Shark 5 days | 4 nights Package rate for two: $2,509 USD, includes taxes Five days and four nights in deluxe ocean view accommodations
-Daily continental breakfast
-Roundtrip airport transfers A bottle of wine in your room
– A six-hour whale shark tour
-Your choice of lunch or dinner daily at the best gourmet restaurant of the island (special menu, beverages not included) Valid from June 1 through September 30, 2009
The Tides Zihuatanejo (Zihuatanejo)
Included on Travel + Leisure 500 List and named “Most Outstanding Hotel” by Condé Nast Johansens, The Tides Zihuatanejo hotel blends the casual romance of beachfront lifestyle with the coveted seclusion of a lush garden retreat.
Seaside Seclusion 5 days | 4 nights Package rates for two begin at $2,200 USD Four nights’ accommodations
-Full American Breakfast for two each morning
-Dinner for two each evening (Sundays include a “Sense of the Night” gourmet tasting)
-One tequila tasting for two
-Private margarita-making lesson with a take-home recipe and keepsake glasses
-One 60-minute “Couples Massage” Round trip airport transfers Valid from June 1 through October 31, 2009 23% tax and service charge not included.
www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com