Author Archive
Breathtaking Scenery Found In The Yucatan
October 10, 2010
Far from the flamboyant, all-inclusive beach accommodations of Cancun and the exclusive hotels along Playa del Carmen, virgin white sands cascade into the shallows within the emerald-blue sea; rustic “eco-chic” cabanas sit furtively in the mangroves, serenaded by the melodies of the roving fruit distributors plus pelicans glide the temparate and breezy Caribbean tradewinds. This really is the majestic and picturesque beach of Tulum and other Caribbean beach communities like it. I visualize that even some of the most much-admired artists who holiday at its seductive coastline are intimidated by such perfection.
Approximately a 2 hour drive from Cancun airport roughly depending on traffic within Playa del Carmen, the community of Tulum can be reached by way of the 307 highway, which runs more or less parallel to the Riviera Maya. The shore is an additional four kilometres from the municipality, connected via the tail-end of the Coba street, recognized locally as the “road to the beach.” Despite its relative proximity, Tulum has barely a fraction of the vacationers flooding into Cancun and Playa del Carmen each year. Places like Tulum have plenty of opportunity to uncover a secluded spot.
The greater selection of deluxe cabanas and resorts sparsely dominating the beachfront are alongside the south side. In comparison to the exceptionality and grandeur eclipsing a great deal of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Tulum is one of those places that is discerningly “chic”. I would suggest staying at places like La Zebra and others like it because of their roomy and comfy cabanas and ambient beach club, which serves some of the best margaritas in Tulum and hosts Sunday night salsa. If, however, a spa retreat is what you have in mind, Maya Tulum Resort and others like it offer a variety of Mayan specialities spa treatments as well as the “Sobada Maya” – a purifying, deep belly massage.
Further south lies Sian Ka’an: a 1.3 million hectare biosphere reserve bestowed with a diverse ecology. The very first of its type founded in Mexico, now an UNESCO World Heritage location, Sian Ka’an delivers a hospitable glance into the endemic varieties of fauna and flora that abounds the peninsula’s limestone jungle. Sailing the big lagoon on a boat excursion is an opportunity to look at an array of bird species inhabiting the mangroves. null Magnificent is really the only way to explain the full-spectrum vistas of the slumbering lagoon contrary to the gigantic jungle.
If you do nothing else on vacation in Tulum, you need to snorkel. Better yet: scuba dive. This peninsular is bejeweled with the 2nd largest coral reef in the world – the Mesoamerican coral reef, that is easily reached from the coast. If you are trying to find something more captivated, the area is additionally exclusive for its “cenotes”: limestone caverns and caves filled with fresh water and adorned with fantastic stalactite formations. Honored by the Mayan people, cenotes are believed to be the entrance into the underworld.
Guarding the open ocean, on a cliff towards the north stand the splendid Tulum ruins, from which the city inherits its name. A staggering insignia of Mexico’s splendid indigenous heritage, this ancient walled city was christened Tulum by explorers John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in 1843 (Tulum meaning “wall” in Mayan). The initial name is thought to be “Zama”: city of dawn. An ideal name for a city primed to hail the rising sun. The buildings inside the wall are dated from the post-classic era (around 1200-1500AD). Although the days of the Maya as master astrologists, theologians and scientists have long since dissipated, current Mayan culture remains vivid in Tulum and its surroundings. As you begin to wonder around, your eyes will be delighted by the brightly embroidered, customary gowns worn by Mayan women, referred to as the huipiles. There are also countless Playa del Carmen hotels and other Yucatan hotels that can provide you with each of the things you’re searching for. Yet, you may find you’ll get a more individualised and affordable experience with a Tulum hotel.
Of course, these are just a few ideas. You can actually equally spend your whole holiday idling between the uninterrupted dunes, analyzing the pink flecks of coral in the unblemished, white sands. Not a soul would blame you.
Ron Williams is an experienced excursion author staying year round within Tulum, Mexico focusing in details about akumal hotels as well as life on the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to make contact with Ron directly if you would like area suggestions as well as information for experiencing a tremendous excursion inside Yucatan.
The Yucatan Is Full Of Fun
June 18, 2010
Part 1 in a series of 4 articles
People that holiday the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexican Caribbean have come to demand a range of leisure interest and entertainment options meant for maximum fun on holiday. The Yucatan produces in a large way by the luminosity of the sunlight as well as moon.
We’ll cover a few day-night scenarios and see if you agree. We will focus on the areas around Playa del Carmen and Tulum since they are more central to most of these activities though we may reserve the right to a night out in Cancun or a day trip to Chichen Itza!
Lazy Seaside Days and Romantic Tulum Nights
If you are researching for the supreme beaches discovered on the Yucatan then look no further than Tulum. The seashores south of the world prominent Tulum Ruins are a few of the unsurpassed discovered in the world. Once you go there you will see why.
Take a trip south on the seashore road as you pass the rows of classic beachfront and more Tulum hotels and eco-chic resorts, choose one that feels pleasurable or has a restaurant or bar; almost all the accommodations all along the beach will welcome you to their chairs, beach beds and powder white beaches if you are open to have a taste to eat or a bit to imbibe.
If you are looking to really get away and find that ultimate secluded piece of paradise, continue south into the Sian Kaan Biosphere and take your pick of wide open rarely occupied untouched beaches! There is a nice intermediate option here at Cesiak, which is a lovely spot overlooking both the lagoon and Caribbean Sea with very little beach traffic-also a great spot for sunset dinners. Don’t forget your cooler, camera and something to eat if you head further south; there are few services when you get out in it!
Tulum by after dark offers a quantity of romantic selections starting with moonlit walks on the beach. If you journey to the neighborhood in the months of May all the way through August you have a good prospect of seeing nesting Sea Turtles on your walk, this is truly an awe inspiring scene and surely qualifies as a once in a lifetime experience. This is a wonderful choice following dinner at one of a number of great beachfront eateries or other excellent eateries found in Tulum Town.
A few of our favorites on the beach include Posada Margarita (Italian), Cesiak (Mayan and Mexican), OM Tulum (wood fired pizza and continental) and in high season December through April, Hechizo (continental) at Rancho San Eric is a must. In town, try Le Bistro (French)in the back garden, La Nave (Italian) or The Oasis for great local seafood.
In our next episode we will get into Playa del Carmen hotels along with some of the great possibilities they offer. Playa del Carmen is a far cry from the tranquil peaceful town of Tulum, but it’s the variety and range of options in this area that brand it such a varied and appealing vacation vacation spot!
Ron Williams is a freelance travel writer living year round in Tulum, Mexico specializing in information about Playa del Carmen hotels and life on the Yucatan Peninsula. If you are planning a trip to the Yucatan or the Tulum area feel free to contact Ron directly if you need local tips or information.
There’s Something Amazing Regarding Tulum
May 2, 2010
If you have never visited Tulum Mexico and you adore wide white powder sand beaches and the azure gin clear waters of the Western Caribbean, then for no other reason you should come. Visiting a number of of the finest beaches in the world is only one of the draws to this magical region. There is genuinely something magical available here. The Mayans felt the magnetic pull from this majestic part of the world and created an observatory on the cliffs above the sapphire waters of this Yucatan paradise as a major harbor and viewpoint for the inland Mayan city of Coba. The locations along the beaches of Tulum are currently home to many Tulum resorts which present an eco-friendly yet luxurious retreat option.
The name Tulum originates from the Mayan word for wall, although this early Mayan city was also referred to as Zama which means “city of dawn”. Possibly they called it that because of the extraordinary sunrises you can observe from the cliffs and beaches around these well preserved and sublime ruins containing the most prevalent ruins of any in Mexico to visit.
Tulum is a long way removed from the mega resorts and hotels of Cancun and even outside the thriving Playa del Carmen hotels and resorts. The Tulum lodges you find in this vicinity are primarily the eco friendly variety and the area is known for coining the phrase ‘eco-chic’. These are not your typical eco friendly hotels with several offering full service spas and facilities you would not be expecting in such a unaffected and unspoiled environment.
Yucatan Peninsula travel gives you a wide variety of options as far as style and substance. If you are traveling to the inland locations, you can explore the new 7th Wonder of the World at the ruins of Chichen Itza or stop at historical Merida hotels where colonial elegance meets Mayan history and culture. Playa Del Carmen hotels offer a more characteristic Caribbean holiday experience. The streets are bustling with world class shopping and nightclubs as well as an enthusiastic daily beach setting ideal for people watching and sun worship. Of course Cancun has long been recognized as a major tourist getaway since the late 1970?s and now represents a more modern and conventional large luxury resort experience.
Yucatan hotels vary in both size and style and there’s genuinely something for everyone. For me it’s the less significant Tulum resorts, Holbox Island hotels and the more subdued places that are still comparatively undiscovered. Beyond the evident draw of the white sand and mixed shades of turquoise waters there’s something about being in a pristine part of paradise that does make it feel all your own, a magical location to rest and envision what life was like for the Mayans that ruled this region for so many years.
There is a great deal more to this area that we can look at beyond what I’ve written, so we’ll without doubt be talking more regarding the Yucatan as we go. One of the things we will touch on soon is the best times of the year to visit. You could be surprised to find that some of the best Yucatan travel deals can be found within peak seasons and what you may think is off season can sometimes be the top time of the year for great Playa del Carmen deals or Holbox deals where you can swim with the largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark! Stay tuned for additional updates from the homeland of the Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula!
Ron Williams is a freelance travel writer living year round in Tulum, Mexico specializing in information about Merida hotels and life on the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to contact Ron directly if you need local tips or information.
Eastern Tennessee Has A Lot To See
May 1, 2010
From one of many Tennessee vacation rentals in the eastern part of the Volunteer State, you will be able to visit many of the attractions of the region, including state and national parks, historic museums and even musical events. Eastern Tennessee and the I-75 corridor that runs between Chattanooga and Knoxville has much to offer in terms of a memorable family vacation and backpacking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just one of them.
Eastern Tennessee is a region thriving in urban areas, ecological beauty and sights. Leisurely walk through the Smoky Mountains or hike a part of the Appalachian Trail. Urban areas in eastern Tennessee include Knoxville, Chattanooga, Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City. East Tennessee is home to the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Dollywood, Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Lost Sea, the International Storytelling Center, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Knoxville Zoo, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the American Museum of Science & Energy, the birthplace of country music and NASCAR’s home.
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, residing in Knoxville Tennessee, has stellar guest artists and celebrity entertainers with the KSO musicians for masterworks, chamber classics and pop concerts September through May of 2010. For more information concerning this year’s venue, call (865) 291-3310. They are able to send you a schedule of entertainers as well as suggest vacation rentals near by.
Eastern Tennessee vacation rental options range from vacation homes, Tennessee bed and breakfasts, RV camping, to hotels and motels. Pigeon Forge is the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, and Twin Cabins offers a number of very reasonable cabin rentals in this community, with rates starting as low as $85 a night. For those with their own RV, there are a number of clean, up-to-date campgrounds and RV parks available at low off-season rates. Of course, there are also many hotels and motels ranging from full-service luxury resorts to low-priced economy lodgings. Currently, there are 10,000 rooms available in the community.
One of the major surprises in Pigeon Forge is scheduled to open in mid-2010. Since James Cameron’s blockbuster 1999 film, people have been fascinated by the story of the doomed ship RMS Titanic. Visitors this spring will be among the earliest to encounter the new Titanic Museum. In attendance are lots of Pigeon Forge vacation rentals to reserve rooms at as well.
If you missed Graceland in Memphis, you can enjoy an exhibit of The King’s personal items at the Elvis Presley Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Started by Mike Moon, Mike has collected what is considered to be the largest personal collection of Elvis memorabilia outside of Graceland. Elvis himself personally donated items to Mike, as did Elvis’s entourage throughout the years. The museum is currently run and operated by Mike’s daughter, her husband and their children. For more information about this museum, please call 865-428-2001.
Eastern Tennessee has abundant activities for the entire family ranging from outdoor hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to entertaining musical artists, to historical sites and fine dining and dancing. For information about this wonderful state, please visit the Tennessee Vacation web site.
James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on Tennessee beach rentals and things to do.
Lake Tahoe Has Vacation Rentals All Year
April 30, 2010
Lake Tahoe is undoubtedly one of the distinguished natural treasures of the United States. With consistently delightful conditions in both the summer and winter months, it deserves the portrayal given to it by Mark Twain upon originally setting eyes on the lake in 1861, “the fairest picture the whole earth affords.” The region is a paradise for hikers, skiers, and anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the unaffected splendor of America’s largest alpine lake. Lake Tahoe is situated on the border between California and Nevada, about a hundred miles east of Sacramento, California and 45 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada.
In the summer months, Lake Tahoe is a paradise for visitors interested in boating and water sports, as well as those who simply want to respite in the sun on the miles of sandy beaches. More energetic visitors can find countless possibilities for outdoor activities, including bicycling, golf, tennis, camping, horseback riding, rock climbing, parasailing, even hot air ballooning. Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are also widely obtainable during the summer months.
In the summer, when the sun shines 80% of the time, hikers find Tahoe to be heaven on Earth. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the area, traversing the mountains and valleys. There are a range of difficulties for all skill degrees, and a variety of trail lengths for quick day hikes or extended multi day backcountry excursions. If you are recent to hiking, guided backcountry hikes are offered with supplied meals, transportation, and abundant information about the lake and its natural environs.
A few of the most popular hiking spots include Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake, a comparatively undemanding trail of beginner difficulty which leads to a stunning view of Eagle Falls. Emerald Bay Trail is a quick but steep trail leading up from the north region of Emerald Bay and ending at Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle. The Nevada Shoreline Trail and the Shirley Lake hiking trail are also popular hikes in the area.
In the winter months, Lake Tahoe devotes itself to the ski season. Thousands of visitors from California, Nevada, the United States and the world descend upon Lake Tahoe in the snowy months to contribute in some of the most scenic skiing to be had in the United States. The snow is dry and powdery, and the runs are breathtakingly beautiful.
Lake Tahoe has the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America and a fantastically long season from November to May, commonly lasting into the summer. Lift tickets are reasonably priced between $44 and $75 per day for adults and much less for children. There are in addition numerous Lake Tahoe ski lodges available for rent throughout the winter months as well.
The area has many ski resorts, including Heavenly Mountain, Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Northstar, Kirkwood Mountain, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Boreal Mountain, Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, Homewood, Mount Rose, and Squaw Valley, most famed for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Whatever your desired outdoor sport or pastime, or if you love the snow or the sunshine, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone, every month of the year.
James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on Nevada golf rentals and things to do.
Holbox Island, Mexico Offers Whale Shark Adventure
April 18, 2010
Whale Shark season is from mid May to mid September off the Coast of Holbox Island near Cancun Mexico. The largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark reaches lengths of over 40 feet (13 meters) with a weight in excess of 21 tons. Whale Sharks return to the waters around Holbox year after year due to the unique environment and timing of available food which occurs each spring and continues through most of the summer.
The Whale Shark is a filter feeding fish with a primary food regimen of plankton and other microscopic plants and animals and has been observed on occasion feeding on incredibly miniature schooling fish. The conditions around Isla Holbox are perfect during the summer months as it is uniquely situated near the union points of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This union of three oceans creates a prosperous recurrent explosion of life.
The Whale Shark poses no threat to humans on a snorkel or diving expedition. In truth, it is an amazing chance to change the incorrect perception that Whale Sharks are man eaters. The Whale Sharks around the Island of Holbox actually appear to enjoy and accept the human interaction and are very gentle and leisurely moving. The experience of swimming with these magnificent fish is awe inspiring.
Isla Holbox provides the ideal and closest land location in the world to experience an encounter with these very large majestic and peaceful creatures with access only 20-60 minutes from the island by boat. Tours and expeditions from this Mexican island location have been featured by National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, Shark Diver Magazine and many others.
The average Whale Shark swimming experience necessitates merely a snorkel, fins and mask although most tour operators also call for and supply a life vest. After a briefing on suggestions and safety, you will catch an early morning boat ride from Holbox Island to the feeding areas of the Whale Sharks where they lazily graze on plankton near the surface. You are then escorted in small groups or pairs with your biologist director into the water where you swim along side one of natures oldest and largest creatures, it genuinely is a Jurassic experience!
The calm and slow swimming pace of the Whale Shark makes access to these great fish easy for most people, kids as young as 5 years of age and as old as 90 have swam with the Whale Sharks. The direct interaction with these incredible animals is a once in a lifetime experience. Getting to the sharks is an adventure in itself with schools of dolphin common and a variety of tropical birds including; Flamingos, Pelicans, Cranes and a wealth of others indigenous to the area.
If you are interested in this amazing experience, there are a number of wonderful Holbox Island hotels ranging from luxury boutique hotels to cabanas on the beach. Isla Holbox is a friendly fishing village hosting a population of around 1500 permanent residents, mostly fishermen, hoteliers and tour operators. Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation on this sleepy tropical island and natural playground.
Ron Williams is a freelance travel writer living year round in Tulum, Mexico specializing in information about Holbox Island hotels and life on the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to contact Ron directly if you need local tips or information.
Merida’s Rich History is Worth the Trip
April 9, 2010
Merida is an ancient colonial city and the capital of the Yucatan state located to the west of Quintana Roo, abundant with historical churches, architecturally unique buildings, delicious flavors, music, night life, shopping and more. Each night, the Historic Center hosts traditional folk dancers, right in front of City Hall, dancing to live music, in traditional dress. On Sunday nights, salsa and cumbia dance liven up the streets. Restaurants and street vendors are plentiful, as is the shopping. Staying near the Main Square is recommended.
My wife and I had the joy of staying at Casa Mexilio, a great Merida hotel, over the first weekend in August, 2009, and it was one of the most distinctive places we have ever stayed. Located near the town center, nearly 4 blocks from the main square, you will locate Casa Mexilio hidden amongst residences and businesses along one of the commonly urban sections of Merida. All of the buildings in this segment of town have no spaces between them and the only way to quickly differentiate where one ends and the next one begins is the distinction in paint. Each block is consequently rich in unique colors and personal discernible window boxes, signs, benches, and the like.
The main entrance to Casa Mexilio is relatively non-descript, with a few iron gates fronting wooden doors right on the street. Don’t be fooled by the lack of ordainment outside this fine small hotel. Once inside, the hotel is more museum than hotel with antique furnishings, artifacts, books and photos throughout. It really is like stepping back in time. The hotel is a converted home dating back to the late 19th century and is full of its own colorful history as are the buildings and city of Merida that surround it.
The focal point of the hotel is situated directly behind the front desk and service locale where you will find a lush garden and “grotto” like pool with a Jacuzzi. This area always stays pleasant and cool due to the shade of the gardens and secluded location, a splendid place to cool off anytime and very romantic. We went for a swim to cool off before bed one night and the burning scent of copal was a nice affect (this is a indigenous herb and incense well known for its cleansing properties). This area with the trees and plants almost reminds you of being in a jungle cenote except there are stairs and balconies just about everywhere you look. There is even an elevated walkway that connects one of the top sections of the inn. Here are patios, landings and secret garden nooks everywhere; the place begs to be explored.
Our room was wonderful with very high ceilings and quite clean with a comfortable king sized bed, extra pillows, ceiling fan and AC, though we only used the AC for a few hours at night, the ceiling fan was great for air circulation. The furnishings, like everything else we saw while we were there were classic, antique couches, chairs, dressers, bed and wardrobes, really nice touches. Our room also had eclectic tiled floors. I honestly don’t know the actual name of our room, but each one has its own unique appeal with similar furnishings from what we could see.
Our only disappointment was missing a great breakfast! We got up very early…too early for breakfast apparently as we looked around and didn’t see anyone (this was around 7am) so we walked a few blocks to one of the local cafes. Upon our return to the hotel one of the waiters stopped by our room asking if we wanted breakfast. We’ll definitely catch that on our next visit! We will be back to Merida in search of more interesting sites, sounds and flavors and recommend this hotel to anyone, as it is truly a magical place.
Ron Williams is a freelance travel writer living year round in Tulum, Mexico specializing in information about merida hotels, Merida hotel accomodations and life on the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to contact Ron directly if you need local tips or information.