The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) launched its new promotional campaign and tourism route “Cancun and the Treasures of the Caribbean” during events held from February 28th to March 6th, 2010, which highlighted great fashion and innovative designers. LA’s The Place was graciously invited to come along for this amazing week, to share it all it with our readers.
The campaign featured world renown-international designers such as Spain’s Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Mexico’s Pineda Covalin, David Salomon, Daniel Espinosa, and Erika Flores. Together they presented the best of their spring-summer collections, using Cancun and its nearby treasures as a backdrop.
Spain’s own Agatha Ruiz de la Prada showcases some of her spring and summer collections in La Amada Hotel, in Playa Mujeres, Cancun.
State and local officials attended the launch and after the show, renowned chefs were invited to showcase all the gastronomic richness Cancun and the Treasures of the Caribbean has to offer. Dishes such as traditional tikinxic style fish or the lobster pizza, to the elaborate international gourmet dishes were served. Cancun chefs John Gray, Federico Lopez, Alain Grimond, Heriberto Gomez, Cristian Morales, and Juan Garcia showcased some of their most recognized culinary creations in a sampling dinner during the launch of this tourism route.
Pineda Covalin presented the best of its collection at La Amada Hotel, in Playa Mujeres, Cancun
Increasing Tourism
Director of the Cancun CVB, Jesus Almaguer, said that approximately $500,000 will be invested this year in promoting tourism routes throughout international tourism tradeshows, to attract premier class of tourism and increase the average stay in the Mexican Caribbean from five to seven nights.
Cancun has created a unique five-day route that offers visitors a chance to experience adventure and interaction with nature. This new attraction adds to the destination spot known as the most popular tourism destination in Mexico and Latin America. The campaign is aimed at inviting everyone to discover the vast natural, cultural, and gastronomical cultures of Puerto Morelos, and the four islands of the Mexican Caribbean. In Holbox, you can swim with the sharks. At Isla Mujeres, ancient pirate history can be relived. In Contoy, there is a colorful sanctuary of birds for you to enjoy. Cozumel offers an exploration of the world’s extensive underground river system.
Along with the tourism industry and the Tourism Promotion Funds of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, Cancun CVB prepared a special program. The program celebrated the launch of Cancun and the Treasures of the Caribbean with the presence of national and international members of the press specializing in fashion, adventure, and gastronomy who received the chance to experience the potential of the route.
The Cancun CVB highlighted that the main companies specialized in adventure tourism also participated in the program. They showed the journalists the assorted range of activities that can be done in the destinations that make up this route.
LA’s The Place sent Jennifer Murphy as correspondant. Here, in her own words is her week-long experience in Cancun:
My trip to Cancun began with the smilings faces of the locals…happy hearted people who instantly made me feel warm and welcome. As I walked into the stunning lobby of Le Meridien Hotel I was greeted by a woman from the spa who offered me a frozen mango drink in a small glass. She asked me in well spoken English how my flight had been and wished me a wonderful stay. She suggested I take a tour of the resort and spa to become familiar with all of the amenities and grounds.
Le Meridien
I was shown through the main lobby and down the beautifully decorated hallway and into their world-class Four-Diamond restaurant. The hostess gave me a brief overview of the menu, which features an exquisite international dishes made with special ingredients, spices, and regional delicacies prepared with a Latin flair.
I was then led outside and down the curved stone walkway toward the stunning white-sand beach and turquoise water, passing by a huge pool, hot tub, outdoor restaurant and comfortable looking lounge chairs. The weather was perfect, the sun shining brightly with a slight breeze adding just a slight coolness to the air. Right then I decided that the first item on my agenda was to put on my swimsuit and claim one of the lounge chairs on the sandy beach closest to point where the waves gently hit the sand.
After a tour of the huge, state-of-the-art fitness center, I was brought downstairs to the internationally acclaimed luxury spa. I was immediately impressed with the tranquil aura that combine old world décor with a modern style and feel. I glanced at the menu of services to discover that they combined ancient techniques with indigenous traditional services. The lengthy list of massage and treatment options sent a series of chills through my body as I imagined myself receiving a relaxing Swedish massage followed by an invigorating citrus body scrub. I noticed the designer salon attached to the spa and made a mental note to set an appointment for the next afternoon.
When I entered my room I was delighted to see the bright and crisp look that helped retain the lightness of mood I had been developing from the moment I stepped foot in Cancun. Beautiful, modern furniture, marble surfaces, designer fixtures and a captivating modern painting on the wall near the bed had me feeling like a princess. As I unpacked and threw on my swimsuit I went on to notice that in addition to the over-sized marble shower there was also a jacuzzi tub!
Although I was still soaking in the room, the urge to soak up some rays on the beach was calling me. I grabbed my sunglasses, room key, beach bag and camera and headed back out to paradise.
I had heard about the hurricane that had destroyed the beaches of Cancun for a time, leaving some spots along the strip reduced to nothing, just rocks and water crashing against the barrier walls. Now, after an $8.5 million dollar recovery project, the stretch of sand is huge, perfect for football, lazing in the sun, flying kites or romping in the surf. For me, they were the perfect canvass on which to lay my eyes and clear my mind as I bathed in the sun and sipped a Corona with lime. Ahh, paradise at last.
The next morning I awoke feeling completely rested and in an adventurous mood. I decided to pay a visit to the activities center and look into the excursion options. The friendly man behind the counter gladly went through a wide variety of outings and activities, describing each one and highlighting the most popular choices. Within minutes, I decided on the snorkeling and boat ride excursion at Aquaworld, just a short distance down the road from Le Meridien.
View of the boats
Later that morning as I boarded the mid-sized boat that was docked at Aquaworld, I glanced around at the couples, individuals and one small family of four, including two adorable and well-behaved children. We pulled away from the dock and quickly picked up speed. The scenery was breathtaking and the air was slightly salty with just a hint of moisture that kept me at just the right temperature. I knew to apply sunscreen several times during the day, aware that the rays from the sun were stronger than they felt.
The boat ride was fun and easy. I was offered beer, soda or fresh orange juice from one of the company employees. Although we were moving along at a decent speed, I could easily walk from one side of the boat to the other, or even climb the ladder up to the top deck of the boat where about a third of the other passengers had congregated. Everyone was laughing and having a great time, especially the two children. After about thirty minutes we pulled up to the side of another larger boat that was anchored in place about half a mile off the shore. We suited up in our life jackets and were given simple instructions and tips on how to use the snorkel. As I walked onto the step on the back of the boat that was partially submerged in the turquoise water I felt the cool but inviting water around my feet. As my body adjusted to the temperature I jumped and was ready to go explore with my tour guide in the lead.
We swam as a group, in a chain that followed the guide. He took us to the places nearby where we could see in detail the coral and rock formations just beneath the surface. There were schools of fish that swam along as if we were not there, and the sun shone through the water and lit up even the smallest shells on the sandy floor below.
View in the water
When I returned to the boat I again applied sunscreen, and stretched out on my towel on the large upper deck. I dozed off for just a few minutes before it was time to re-board the other boat and head back to Aquaworld. By the time we returned I was growing very hungry and was thrilled when a staff member asked me if I would like to order a hamburger or sandwich. They served me a delicious cheeseburger that I loaded up with toppings from the salad bar, along with a colorful side of fruit salad. After devouring my lunch I returned to Le Meridien with a little time to spare before my scheduled spa and salon services.
Lying out on the deck, taking in the sun
Over the next five days the only struggle I would have would be deciding whether I wanted to lay out on the beach or go explore another treasure of Cancun.
Zip lining through the trees - Extreme Canopy Adventure: Imagine yourself experiencing their 12 station world-class zip line circuit.
I ended up striking the perfect balance of fun and relaxation during my stay in Cancun. From zip lining through the beautiful Yucatan Mayan Jungle to shopping at an authentic Mexican flea market, I saw why Cancun draws visitors from all over the globe. The high class resorts really roll out the red carpet treatment for every their guests and make you feel like royalty. The locals warm your heart with their genuine hospitality and desire to make you feel welcome. Cancun is truly full of incredible treasures that should be experienced by everyone.
One of my favorite adventures during my trip was an afternoon spent at The Me Cancun, an incredible 10,000 square foot hotel that is decked out with the latest tech toys, lavish amenities and contemporary furnishings and provides an endless panoramic view of the Caribbean. I attended a cooking class with the master chef of the five -star restaurant inside who demonstrated how to make three of the most popular dishes on the menu. He gave a very personal and detailed cooking lesson to our small group of five, and then served us each of the dishes we had helped prepare. We learned some of his Spain infused traditions that he incorporates into his cooking style, and enjoyed a fruity and light version of Sangria along with our meal.
Guests enjoying the fashion show
Another trip highlight was the fashion show I attending on the beach at La Amada Hotel and Marina, showcasing some of the top Mexican designers and their upcoming lines. A blue sky with lightly feathered white clouds provided a picture perfect canopy for the high fashion show that took place on a white runway that had been constructed about one hundred feet from the shoreline. I have been to many fashion shows in Los Angeles and New York, but this was special. The designers featured included Pined –Covalin, Erika Flores, Daniel Espinosa, David Salomon, and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. The Governor of Cancun attended the event which also served as a celebration of the newly restored beaches and shoreline.
Preparing dinner for the night
Following the show was a dinner at La Amada’s outdoor/indoor restaurant featuring a five-course meal prepared by five of the top chefs in Cancun including Heriberto Gomez, Alain Grimmond, Federico Lopez, Juan Garcia & Christian Morales. The food and dining experience was out-of-this-world and it will be an evening that I will never forget. The staff and surroundings were impeccable and I was intrigued when I realized that La Amada also includes a large number of condos and residences for lease or sale.
Although I was spoiled after dining at the Me and La Amada, I did venture to other restaurants and night spots during my stay. The Crab House was one restaurant that I plan to visit again on future trips, offering an assortment of fresh fish and seafood that are as inviting to the senses as is the décor. The manager paid a special visit to my table and surprised me with a dessert that was on-the-house. It is the little things like that combined with the treasures that I discovered each and every day in Cancun that spurred me to start contemplating my return trip before I had even left.
The beautiful pool at La Amada.
The reassurances of Cancun truly are some of the most relaxing, awe-inspiring and fun-filled memories I have taken from a vacation. I cannot wait to return. In the meantime, I carry inside the smile and warmth that I received from the people I met each day of my trip.
About Cancun
Cancun is located in the northern part of the southeastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The island of Cancun is in the shape of a “7” and is bordered to the north by the Bahia de Mujeres; to the east by the Caribbean Sea; and to the west by the Nichupte Lagoon. Cancun is Mexico’s largest tourist destination and boasts 146 hotels with a total of 28,808 rooms. Opportunities for new experiences abound in Cancun, which offers visitors an ideal setting for interacting with nature and discovering Mayan culture.
Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.cancun.travel
