Recent unrest might have dissuaded some from visiting this fascinating country, but don’t let that be a deterrent to you. Mexico City has cleared up and cleaned up, and has been ready and waiting to welcome visitors back to its many wonders. As for the rest of the country, we think the best indicator of good tidings is the increase in services and routes into Mexico from major airlines in the U.S. and Canada.

Among the airlines increasing flights is Frontier Airlines with new roundtrip service between Denver and Guadalajara, plus increased frequencies to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. It will also initiate weekly nonstop service between its hub and Cancun in December. In recent months, Delta Air Lines began new nonstop service to Acapulco, Merida and Ixtapa from Atlanta; Mazatlan from Salt Lake City; and both Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, among other news. United joined the bandwagon by adding three new routes to Mexico this year, and American Airlines is adding seasonal flights to San José del Cabo from JFK plus six new weekly flight departing from Los Angeles and San Francisco, not counting new nonstop services to destinations such as Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, Manzanillo and Cozumel.

Mexico Boutique Hotels has unique hotels in many of these destinations. In magical Mexico City, Condesadf and Habita offer sleek state-of-the-art amenities in hip surroundings, while La Casona takes you back to the turn of the century. In Guadalajara, Villa Ganz welcomes guests to their home away from home, where the personalized service is only surpassed by the lovely surroundings. Puerto Vallarta is home to Hacienda San Angel, once home to Richard Burton and his wife Susan and today a refuge of exquisite taste and fine dining. Take a tour of www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com and click on Destinations for a city-by-city tour of properties that will make your readers want to hop on a plane and head down south. Never stayed at a Mexico Boutique Property? Contact our public relations office and let’s chat.

There’s been a lot of news going around regarding the need for passports to travel to Mexico and the Caribbean. We want your readers to be able to visit us (and come home!) as much as you want to give them the most recent information. As of print time, there was pending legislation from the Western Hemisphere Transport Initiative (WHTI) that was expected to change the requirements once again.

Until then, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada are required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States by January 1, 2008.  In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future.

The proposed timeline will be as follows:

• January 8, 2007 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
• January 1, 2008 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

Stay up to date by visiting: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

Considered by many to be the most important colonial city in Mexico, Puebla is a breathtaking example of that era’s architecture, with beautifully tiled walls and a distinctive Mexican baroque style. It is strategically located in the center of the country, making it an easy drive from many other cultural destinations, such as Cuernavaca, Tepoztlán, Taxco, Veracruz and Oaxaca.

Imagine spending your days under sunny skies while the rest of the world is wrapped in the grip of a cold, gray winter. Warming your heart with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate while learning a second language, or learning to cook succulent dishes while others back home have the same old same old. The Mesones Sacristia Hotels, members of Mexico Boutique hotels, have launched a special 40-night Winter Package that allows visitors to truly experience Mexico at its best, showcasing its cuisine, its language and its craft.
For US$5,800 per couple, they can indulge themselves in the following:

1. Airport transfers (Puebla or Mexico City)
2. Welcome cocktail and discovery presentation
3. Access to the "Culinary Magic" gastronomic program (15 hrs per season).
4. Access to the "Talavera" art program (15 hrs per season)
5. Guided visit to the main sites of interest in the city of Puebla with an expert lead in English or Spanish (3 hrs.)
6. Guided visit to the ancient city of Cholula for a complete day (lead in English or Spanish)
7. Three day passes for the City Tour Bus
8. One free visit at each of Puebla’s three main museums (Palafoxiana, Amparo and San Pedro.
9. One complimentary one-hour relaxation massage per person in the hotel.
10. Daily a la carte breakfast and specially designed menus for lunch and dinner during the entire stay (typical Mexican homemade cuisine). Spirits available at a preferential rate
11. 6 a la carte dinners in Puebla’s finest restaurants (beverages are not included).
12. Daily access to a 21 court tennis club that also has a pool, a track and a full-equipped gym. (Located only 15 minutes from the hotel.)
13. A complete guide on the city of Puebla that includes a walking map and wonderful images of the city.
14. All applicable taxes

Activities available at an extra cost:

• Special discounted green fee at the best golf courses
• Spanish classes
• Art classes provided in Puebla’s traditional art district
• Preferential rates for Spa treatments and massages at Puebla’s leading Spa
• Dance Classes of all types at Puebla’s foremost academy
• Various cultural programs in Puebla and surrounding areas (concerts, theater, film, festivals etc)
• Discovery tours with driver and car to the following destinations:
  
  
  • Tepoztlán – “Pueblo Magico”  Magical Town as recognized by the Department of Tourism (2 hour distance)
  • Cuetzalan  - Ancient & Traditional (3:30 hrs)
  • Cuernavaca - Historical (2:30 hrs)
  • Veracruz - Gastronomic & Traditional (3:30 hrs)
  • Oaxaca - Archeological & Cultural & Gastonomic (3:30 hrs)
  • Tecali - Onix Handcrafts (1 hr)
  • Cacaxtla - Archeological (at 1 hr)
  • Malinalco - Magical & Archeological Town (at 3 hrs)
  • Taxco - Silver Handcrafts (at 3 hrs)

Described by Architectural Digest as ”...An enclave of Spanish Colonial architecture set in a lush landscape of pools, fountains, Moorish gateways and wildly decadent foliage…” the Hacienda de los Santos Resort and Spa in Alamos, Mexico, welcomes you to escape from the madding crowd.

Owners Nancy and Jim Swickard have created an escape like no other, and welcome you to enjoy it with them with three new charter packages departing directly from Tucson:

Mexican Getaway Package
Includes three nights’ accommodations in a Hacienda Guest room, a welcome margarita in Alamos, full breakfast each day and all taxes and resort fees for $1,250 per person, double (there is a $450 charge added to total package rate for single occupancy). The direct two-hour charter flight aboard a Grand Caravan aircraft departs Mondays at 11 AM; transfers from Alamos Airport to the resort are included. Departure from Alamos is at 9 AM on Thursdays.

Romantic Weekend Escape
Includes three night’s accommodations in an Estate King Suites, a welcome margarita in Alamos, full breakfast each day and all taxes and resort fees for $2,850 per couple, inclusive. The direct two-hour charter flight aboard a Grand Caravan aircraft departs Thursdays at 1 PM; transfers from Alamos Airport to the resort are included. Departure from Alamos is at 12 Noon on Sundays.

Packages begin in October, and special events such as the Day of the Dead Alamos Festivities and the Hacienda Culinary school are always highlighted.

Ever dreamed of owning a villa? We’re sure your readers have, too! Now they can make that dream a reality—at least for the duration of their vacation. Mexico Boutique Hotels has capitalized on its good reputation and its excellent service by establishing Costa Vallarta Boutique Villas, a collection of beautiful, decidedly private properties in and around Puerto Vallarta. What sets them apart is not only the stunning backdrop of verdant jungle, sandy beaches and deep blue water, but also the combination of fine architectural details, exquisite décor and the kind of service that has become renowned among those in the know. Fully staffed and catering to guest’s every desire, these villas become the gathering places for families, the stage for intimate wedding celebration or simply an unforgettable getaway from the cares of the world.

Costa Vallarta Boutique Villas will be run using the reservations team for Mexico Boutique Hotels, who’s staff will be personally familiar with each property. Concierge services will be added on as well, so the each property has services similar to those expected at any luxury or boutique hotel. For more information or to reserve one of these exquisite villas, call 1-800-728-9098 or visit them online at www.costavallartaboutiquevillas.com.

• Las Alamandas Resort (Costalegre) – Owner Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño announced that the Turtle Season is in full swing, continuing on until the first week of December. Every year, thousands of sea turtles visit the shores of the Pacific Ocean to lay their eggs. Aided by local biologists, Las Alamandas Resort harvests the eggs and places them in a natural incubator, safe from predators—including fishermen—that usually kill and consume up to 80 percent of them. Guests participate in an unforgettable treat on liberation day, when the tiny turtles are released back in to the sea. This year, Las Alamandas is looking forward to helping some 4,000 infants!
  
  
• Quinta Las Acacias (Guanajuato) – This 19th century mansion underwent a recent expansion and now boasts 17 rooms and suites, some with Jacuzzis and balconies, and all with views of the manicured gardens, the park or the nearby mountain. Each of the ample and comfortable accommodations has been decorated in a different manner, employing local arts and crafts from the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán and Oaxaca.

Every month we’ll include several great deals for different hotels. Looking for immediate satisfaction? Check out www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com, pick a great property and click on its “Packages” link.

Hacienda Los Laureles
Located in the quiet, upscale residential area of San Felipe del Agua on the outskirts of one of Mexico's most fascinating cities, the breathtaking 200-year-old Hacienda Los Laureles is a peaceful haven boasting beautiful gardens and candlelit gourmet dinners.

Days begin with organic oaxaquan hot chocolate or coffee, home baked pastries and freshly squeezed juice delivered discreetly at your door step or served on the open terrace; the rest is up to you. Remain inside the comforting and pampering walls of the Hacienda or head out to explore the many intriguing sites in the surrounding areas.

Choose from four- or seven-night stays that include: welcome cocktails, a fresh fruit basket and beautiful floral arrangement on arrival, full American breakfast for two daily, one candlelight dinner for two with champagne or a bottle of domestic wine, a $30.00 food credit each day per room, a one hour massage per room, your choice of a Oaxaca-style cooking class in our garden with a visit to the traditional food market or a tour to Montalban/ or Mitla and the 2000-year-old Tule Tree. Roundtrip airport transfers, taxes and gratuities are included.

Deluxe accommodations: (four nights) $975.00; (seven nights) $1,619.00.
Rate per package per couple; upgrade to next best room, based on availability.
Valid to December 20, 2006

Third night free in Playa del Carmen
Book two nights and get the third night free when staying at either Básico or Deseo until December 14th, 2006. Offer applies for stays Monday to Thursday and cannot be used with any other promotion.

Romance and Bliss on Isla Mujeres
Casa de los Sueños Resort and Spa offers three nights in luxurious accommodations, round-trip boat transportation from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres, daily continental breakfast, mini-bar, two Caribbean avocado and aloe vera facials, one Mexican-Caribbean romantic dinner at sunset. 12% tax included.

Package rates based on double occupancy.
Valid to Dec. 20, 2006:
Standard: $1,000 USD
Standard Plus: $1,000 USD
Master Suite: $1,250 USD

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.