Christmas is Christmas is Christmas, right? Not in Mexico, where Santa Claus is a relative newcomer and the revelry surrounds the posadas and the rosca de Reyes.

First and foremost, in this most Catholic of countries, Christmas is a religious occasion. In order to prepare for the birth of the Christ Child, families begin the posadas nine days before Christmas Eve. These posadas are literally an enactment of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay—you know, from the Bible. Nowadays, the pilgrimage has been replaced by nine parties celebrated in different friends' homes before Christmas. On December 24th, everyone goes to Mass, followed by a grand dinner with family and friends—and then they all gather to place the Baby Jesus in the manger. In the pre-Santa Claus days, no gifts were exchanged on the 25th, but now that pine trees seem to have sprung up in every living room, the man in red delivers before the Three Kings show up on January 6th. Still, though, on the evening of January 5th, kids place their shoes by the window and, in the morning, the Magi have filled them with gifts (usually overflowing everywhere!) A very special day, El día de Reyes is celebrated with a merienda consisting of hot chocolate and rosca de Reyes, a special, oval shaped bread, decorated with dried fruit and sprinkled with sugar. Inside, a tiny ceramic doll representing Baby Jesus is hidden—the person who gets the piece with the doll plays godparent to the Baby Jesus in the celebration of La Candelaria in February 2nd. On that day, the Nativity scene is officially put away with a party given by the person who got the Baby Jesus in his/her piece of bread during the rosca de Reyes celebration. He or she will be responsible for making a ropón, or christening gown, for Baby Jesus. Traditional? Most certainly! And it is precisely all this tradition that makes a Mexican Christmas a wonderfully new celebration for our visitors.

La Casona (Mexico City)
A beautiful example of the turn of the century architecture that graces Mexico City's finest neighborhoods, La Casona has quite rightfully earned the title of artistic monument as listed by the National Institute of Fine Arts. Exquisitely furnished and with all the amenities of the 21st century, La Casona is proud to announce the opening of Piaf, their new French restaurant. Following the best of European tradition but remaining true to its Mexican origins, Piaf presents an international selection on its menu, which guests enjoy to the sounds of Mexican boleros and Francis Cabrel.

Hacienda de los Santos (Alamos)
Congratulations to the recipients of the highest accolades handed out by The Sybarites Journal! Identified as a "luxurious and indulgent experience", the entire April 2006 was focused on Hacienda de los Santos. Not only that, but the hotel was one of the prestigious Fodor's Choice 2006.

Guests will be happy to know that two new suites are near completion, a Master and a Mini Suite, with the master having a private elevator to the rooftop terrace—the latter has a 360-degree view of the Sierra, plus covered seating for up to 30 guests for special dining.

New charter flights are in service from both Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona, using a late model Grand Caravan jet prop. Luxury seating is available for a total of eight passengers instead of the usual fourteen, upping the ante on flight service.

Looking for a wedding angle? They're a big deal at Los Alamos, where Jamie Swickard can plan a sit down dinner for anywhere from two to 800 guests (at the new convention facility at the airport).

Pilots take note: on the horizon is the declaration of international status for the local airport. Private planes are always welcome, of course.

Las Alamandas (Costalegre)
This December marks the opening of the Gallery. A stunning two-story architectural marvel, the Gallery is surrounded by flowing fountains and painted in Las Alamandas' signature bright colors. Inside the lower level, high ceilings complement walls adorned with a rotating exhibit of artwork from various local artists.

In addition to offering a fresh display of local flavor and flair, the new Gallery will also serve as a spacious new media room complete with oversized sofas for comfortable gatherings in front of a large-screen TV. Here, guests may view International Satellite programming, choose from an extensive collection of classic and current movie hits, or conduct small business meetings, briefings and/or presentations in great comfort and style. The upper-level is home to Las Alamandas' sexy new "Estrella Azul" bar lounge and observation deck. Plush seating spaced luxuriously against an open-air window to the stars creates the mood at this latest new attraction, offering stunning ocean views by day and seductive stargazing at night—complete with international music and exotic cocktails mixed to perfection.

For families and the young visitor to paradise, Las Alamandas is pleased to announce the December opening of its new Kid's Club. Located directly beside the ocean, Las Alamandas has created an environment in which children, too, will find activities tailored to their specific needs and desires. There is playground equipment offering a sliding board, swings, mini-mountain climbing, and more. Our new kid's pergola will offer staff-attended arts, crafts, and coloring classes with an introduction for the little ones to experience true Mexican culture. In the Spring of 2007, the Kid's club will expand to include a shallow-watered pool in the shape of the Alamandas logo just for kids.

El Careyes (Costalegre)
Looking to shed some of that holiday poundage? Get ready to drop them in paradise with El Careyes' new complimentary fitness classes, which include three daily yoga, stretching and aqua-aerobics classes Monday through Friday.

"Boutique" is a word that unfortunately has been thrown around quite a bit by those that aren't exactly, well, a boutique. At MBH, we abide by a definition where "boutique" means small size and a high level of service, but also an experience brought about by the sum of all the parts: accommodations, guest service, destination, personality, and details, details, details. Rigorous quality assurance standards? Check. But guests of our member properties take away much more than the image of pristine white sheets or a beautifully cooked dish. "I think the word 'experience' nicely sums it all up," says Sylvie Laitre, Director of MBH. "Whether it's under a palapa at the rustic Xaloc Resort in Holbox or lounging on the gorgeous terrace of Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta where they're surrounded by restored antiques, our guests leave with the feeling of having truly experienced their vacation, refreshed, renewed and, hopefully, ready to come back again and again. In fact, many return to the same hotel every year, where the staff and the owners welcome them back more as family than as paying customers. That's quite hard to find in a regular chain hotel and it's become a kind of calling card with us."

Another definition of boutique hotel states that it's "a small property, typically offering an enhanced level of service and marketed to the affluent". Then there's the "boutique operation: any business venture that seeks to provide an enhanced level of service, at a premium price, to a select clientele." We beg to differ—at least where the "premium price" is tied in with the "enhanced level of service". What we mean is: guests of member hotels enjoy an enhanced level of service whether they pay $75 per night (check out Posada de las Minas) or nearly $2,500 (for the presidential villa at Las Alamandas—in high season, of course).

Browse around our website, and don't forget to check out the guest book

According to recent a WORLDHOTELS global survey, 75 percent of travelers making Christmas holiday bookings do so via the Internet—and 46 percent of those will make culture and sightseeing their top priorities when deciding where to go for Christmas break! One look at our website and you'll see that we combine the best of those two worlds: real time booking engine, at-your-fingertips destination information and a wonderful collection of cultural experiences set against fantastic backdrops of colonial cities, spectacular natural scenery and man-made wonders.

Lucky for everyone, the airlines continue their love affair with Mexico.

Aeromexico, Mexico's largest airline, recently announced it will begin the only international non-stop service from Austin with flights to Mexico City starting December 15, providing Central Texas access to all of Mexico's great destinations. From Austin, the flight will depart Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday at 2:45 p.m. and the return flight from Mexico City will depart there at 11:15 a.m.

Earlier this month, the airline had announced an expansion in service from Houston with a third daily non-stop flight to Mexico City. The new flight to Mexico City will depart Houston daily at 7:00 a.m., arriving at 9:20 a.m. The return flight from Mexico City will depart there at 6:50 p.m. and arrive in Houston at 9:00 p.m.

Mexicana is kicking off seasona travel with a Zacatecas/Denver round trip flight starting December 1st through January 31, 2007. This new route operates Zacatecas-Denver on Fridays and Sundays, returning from Denver Mondays and Saturdays.

Alaska Airlines as significantly expanded service to Mexico, adding five nonstop routes, inaugurating service to La Paz and boosting capacity on existing routes. With the new flights, Alaska increased its overall Mexico capacity by 22% for the fall. On Oct. 27, Alaska launched nonstop service between Seattle and Cancun. The flights initially will operate seasonally through April four days a week. On Oct. 28, Alaska began service between Portland, Ore., and Los Cabos, the airline's first international destination from that city. Flights will operate seasonally four days a week. On Oct. 29, Alaska launched flights between San Francisco and Cancun and between Portland and Puerto Vallarta. Both flights will operate seasonally three days a week. On Oct. 30, Alaska inaugurated service between Los Angeles and La Paz, making La Paz the 10th city in its Mexico route network. Alaska last month also added six more weekly flights on several existing Mexico routes.

Casa del Mar Beach, Golf & Spa Resort
Fourth Night Free

Located on the shores of one of Mexico’s hottest destinations, the Casa del Mar Beach Golf & Spa resort is ready to welcome you to its newly renovated facilities with a fantastic Fourth Night Free promotion. Valid December 1st through 20th, 2006 and January 6th through 15th, 2007, guests can revel in the resort’s gorgeous new rooms and suites, indulge in their brand new Spa Chakra—the only one of its kind in Mexico—and enjoy the distinctive service of this elegant, upscale resort.

With only 56 exceptionally large rooms, this hacienda-style getaway is an intimate retreat that boasts a graceful architecture of arches, cobblestone courtyards, tiled fountains and ample views. Lush tropical gardens and a beautifully designed pool area have been the setting for many a professional photo shoot—now you can come see for yourself what the A-list has been enjoying. Take a look and fall in love.

Villa Ganz
Shopping Wonderland

The heart of Mexico is known for its gorgeous craftsmanship and wonderful antiques. In Guadalajara, a tradition of beautiful homes puts these attributes on display—one of these homes is Villa Ganz. A lovingly restored mansion on one of the city’s main boulevards, this intimate 10-room retreat will become your pied à terre in the Republic’s second largest city.

Shopping in Guadalajara is definitely not a spectator sport: if you’re looking for exquisite crafts and truly unique gifts that Santa’s elves wouldn’t have a chance of finding, you’re in the right place. Shopping malls, bazaars, mercados, galleries and more feature arts and crafts, fine objet’s d’art, clothing, shoes… Interior designers the world over flock to Tlaquepaque, just a few miles outside of the Guadalajara proper… Save some shoe leather for the historic center, though, where you’ll give both your wallet and camera a good workout.

After a long day of happy hunting, settle down in front of the roaring fire and a complimentary glass of Chardonnay. At this time of the year, Guadalajara lights up, and Villa Ganz wants you to join in the festivities with this great special rate when you book through Mexico Boutique Hotels. Stay in your home away from home for only US$184 per room, per night (includes all taxes and service charges) for three nights, and receive a fourth night free. (Valid December 15, 2006 through January 8, 2007).

Mesones Sacristía
The Best of Puebla

In the heart of Puebla stand two small inns, both in beautifully preserved buildings, both lovingly decorated with rustic furniture and hand-chosen pieces, a testimony to the Espinosa family’s four generations as antique dealers. The charming Mesones Sacristia hotels invite you to discover the many wonderful facets of the culturally enticing city of Puebla. Great food, beautiful handcrafts and museum exhibitions are all part of this fabulous three-night package.

Your package for two includes:

• A welcome cocktail
• An assortment of regional candies presented on a beautiful Talavera dish
• Full breakfast daily
• One delicious Pueblan cuisine dinner at the Meson Sacristia de la Compañías' El Sanctuario restaurant with a bottle of Rosé
• Two tickets to the Amparo Museums' Nativity Scenes exhibition
• A visit to a Talavera workshop
• First-class bus transportation to the hotel from Mexico city airport or local transportation if you arrive in Puebla
• Room upgrade (subject to availability)

Junior suite accommodations are only US$850 per couple, per package (includes taxes). Additional nights are available at rack rate.

Valid for both Meson Sacristia de la Compañía and Meson Sacristia de Capuchinas until January 1, 2007. Please note that dinner will not be available on the nights of December 24-25. Other dinner arrangements must be made for these dates but the hotel will gladly help coordinate dining in the city's finest restaurants.

Quinta Las Acacias
Two-Night Escapes

A tiny colonial gem, once brimming with the bounty of its silver mines, Guanajuato retains its air of prosperity in its well-restored buildings, flowering gardens and charming personality. Culturally fascinating, this is the home of the yearly festivals, including the world-famous Cervantino Festival, a handful of gorgeous theaters and museums, and lovely camera-ready churches. Quinta Las Acacias is a French-style antique residence built in the 19th century, a lovely balance of European luxury and Mexican style. With only nine elegant rooms—each uniquely decorated—it’s the epitome of Guanajuato’s eclectic style.

Celebrate the close of 2006 with its Year End Fiesta package, which includes two nights’ accommodation and a four-course dinner for two. Rates start at US$430 per room, double, all the way to US$710 per room, double for the presidential suite. Valid for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, 2007.

Looking to inaugurate 2007 in style? Why not do it with the New Year, New Beginnings package, which includes two nights’ accommodation, a two-course dinner for two, and two body treatments at the AZUL spa (transportation included). Rates start at US$465 per room, double, to $760 per room, double for the presidential suite. Valid for the months of January and February.

Mexico Boutique Hotels is a collection of upscale member properties categorized by their intimacy, high level of service and outstanding attributes. A group of small, independent hotels within Mexico that offer a unique vacation experience for guests, Mexico Boutique Hotels are typically less than 50 rooms and often serve as destinations unto themselves.

Each offers a unique theme that sets it apart from other accommodations and provides top service and cuisine through a personalized experience. Mexico Boutique Hotels are chosen by a team of travel and hospitality professionals with many years of experience in Mexico. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com or call 1-800-728-9098 (US and Canada).

* All prices in USD unless otherwise specified.
** For hi-res images or more information, contact Lydia Gregory at Lydia@andriamitsakospr.com or (480) 767-7902.