Mexico Insider Tips

Mexico | Salsa, a traditional condiment made with tomatoes, onions and chilies, dates back to the ancient Aztecs, Maya and Incas who used the freshest ingredients available. Mole is generally a dark red or brown sauce primarily used over meats or poultry and offered in various flavors with chili peppers and chocolate as the common ingredient. For homemade tortillas, use ground masa mixed with water and a little limestone, flatten the patty with a tortilla press and cook on a hot griddle. The pre-historic molcajete, a classic stone version of the mortar and pestle, is still used today to grind various ingredients for traditional Mexican cooking.

Mexico | Velas Resorts offers a variety of exciting options for kids of all ages. Velas Resorts offer a Teens Club with a Disco and pulsating popular music and private pods where you can play video games, including Xbox Kinect which is projected onto the walls. And, you can confirm guaranteed connecting suites in select categories, adding peace of mind when traveling with children. Click here to view a short video on Family Services at Grand Velas Resorts just in time for spring and summer family vacations.

Mexico | When it comes to romance, one in four couples from around the globe choose Mexico as their desired destination. The country captures 23% of the world market in the romance tourism industry. From weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries to vow renewals and bachelor/bachelorette parties, guests choose Mexico for its beaches, luxurious resorts, replenishing spa and golf options and its colonial cities.

Mexico | Love the fine dining options when you dine at an exquisite resort like Grand Velas Rivera Maya, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, or Grand Velas Los Cabos? Now, learn to cook like a professional with two exquisite recipes, compliments of our partners. Click for recipe cards for these two delicious appetizer recipes: Breaded Mussels or Tuna Cubes.

Mexico | Dog lovers are in for a treat at AMResorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. Small dogs are now welcome at all Dreams Resorts, Secrets Resorts and Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts. Dog-friendly guestrooms will include special amenities including a dog bed, food and water bowls with floor mats, rope toy, plastic bone and in-room door hanger.

Mexico | Uncover these postcard-perfect places to steal a kiss in Mexico. In Riviera Nayarit, the town of Bucerias is home to Paseo del Beso, literally walk of the kiss, a narrow pedestrian passage with a name that invites couples to pose for a kiss. Mexico City's Chapultepec Park sits at the top of a hill with spectacular views and its beautifully manicured gardens provide an elegant backdrop for puckering up. Or sneak a kiss at sunset at a variety of adults-only resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya, many offering swim-up suites, private couples massages and romantic dinners on the beach for toasting to your loved one.

Cancun & Riviera Maya | Chefs in floating canoes prepare fresh sushi for guests while pop-up carts offer refreshing coconut drinks for parched sun-worshipers at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun.

Cancun & Riviera Maya | If you are visiting Cancun or Riviera Maya, don't miss the Equinox at Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Twice a year, in September and March, the sun aligns equally with the earth at the equator creating the same length of day and night. During this exact time, when the sun crosses the celestial equator, a phenomenal shadow is formed in the shape of a serpent (Kukulcan) and descends the corner steps of Chichen Itza's El Castillo pyramid, until reaching the head of the serpent.

Cancun & Riviera Maya | A team of divers in eastern Mexico have discovered what's believed to be the longest underwater cave in the world, just three miles west of the white sand beaches of Tulum. Spanning 216 miles long, more than the combined height of 24 Mount Everests stacked on top of one another, the caves stretch downward to more then 332 feel, making parts of it deeper than London's Big Ben is tall. More exciting news of possibly deciphering the secrets of Maya civilization, as these Cenotes were often holy sites in Mayan culture, thought to be portals to the gods. Divers have unearthed religious artifacts, skeletons and more believed to be used for sacrifices.

Cancun & Riviera Maya | Six miles of freshwater lagoons that lead to a white sand beach with turquoise waters on the Caribbean Sea connect all of the hotels in Mayakoba: Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba and Rosewood Mayakoba. Guests are transported in boats via canals made exclusively for the resorts, which have led to Mayakoba being called the Venice of the Yucatan.

Cancun & Riviera Maya | Consider upgrading your clients to a Presidential Suite at Zoetry Wellness Resorts & Spas. In addition to Endless Privileges, enjoy unrivaled luxury and holistic wellness, and VIP treatment with additional experiences. At Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, Riviera Maya, delight in a private cooking lesson, sunset dinner on the yacht, private boat excursion and a complimentary massage treatment.

Cancun & Riviera Maya | I enjoyed a wonderful Cancun FAM where I was excited to learn that guests at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya enjoy complimentary access to the refreshing hydro-therapy part of the spa when staying in Club Level guestrooms. ~ Katie Thingstand, Destination Specialist

Cancun & Riviera Maya | Paradisus Cancun has incredible Service ... Royal Service delivers! Our Butler, Cesar, would surprise us with a special amenity each night when we returned to our room, from a bubble bath with floating roses to a good night note, each night was unique and special. He even offered unpacking and ironing services, a relief after a day of traveling. In addition, every restaurant is themed with international flavors, but our favorite was one of the best Mexican dinners ever at Mole Restaurant. ~ Yolanda Ramirez, Product Director

Cancun & Riviera Maya | Rosewood Mayakoba has an incredible Mayan cooking classes at La Ceiba Garden & Kitchen, a 20,000-square-foot outdoor-dining concept. Enjoy a two-hour class followed by a family-style meal for up to eight guests. Guests receive a welcome cocktail, recipe book and the opportunity to learn to create some of Yucatan's classics, including moles from Oaxaca, ceviches and fruits of the sea, and asado, which is the art of grilling and smoking.

Cozumel | Cozumel's original Maya name was Ah-Cuzamil-Peten, meaning land of the swallows. Castillo Real - a 1,200-year old Maya castle featuring a lookout tower, pyramid and surrounded by several shipwrecks - is a prime snorkel and SCUBA location.

Cozumel | Snorkel at your leisure in your own secluded bay at Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa where calm turquoise waters and sealife abound.

Los Cabos | Guests can enjoy Baja California's Candy of the Sea chocolate clams freshly shucked poolside at Grand Velas Los Cabos. Stocked daily from local waters, a large aquarium at the resort's poolside cevicheria, Cabrilla, features freshly-caught Chocolate Clams for guests to pluck from. To prepare the clams, the chef shucks the clam then serves the sliced meat in the shell, accompanied by lemons and finely diced tomato, onion, and cilantro. These ceviche-esque elements bring out the sweet flavor of the meaty clam, named for the uniform brown color of its shell. At Cabrilla, guests can also enjoy other favorites like the Ceviche Los Cabos made with freshly caught fish, octopus, cocktail sauce, avocado, cilantro, and crispy corn; Octopus Tostada; Shrimp Aguachile; Tuna Tiradito; and more.

Los Cabos | A shipwreck was recently discovered right in front of Land's End and Cabo's famous Arch. Local fishermen believe the ship dates from 1954 and was believed to set course from San Marcos Island. This piece of history has attracted considerable attention and has become Cabo's newest attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

Los Cabos | Los Cabos celebrates Sabores de Baja each year in April, This organic food festival showcases Baja Sur flavors, local products and seasonal ingredients. Guests will enjoy music and dances along with the incredible cuisine at Dona Pame Restaurant. Plus, charitable donations are used to support the rural regions of the area.

Los Cabos | Los Cabos International Film Festival, usually held every November, celebrates the collaboration between Mexican cinema and its North American cultural commercial partners with special screenings, VIP parties, forums and red carpet events.

Los Cabos | Experience the holidays on a beautiful beach under Mexico's warm sun. Here is just a sample of some experiences resorts host during the festive season. One&Only Palmilla has truly magical events including Santa at the Beach, specialty dinners prepared with seasonal touches, a horses of Cuadra San Francisco Show and a New Year's Party. Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa has Santa arriving by parachute or paddle boat, a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and unique brunch and dinner menus.

Los Cabos | One&Only Palmilla has an amazing spa set in a serene zen-like garden. Pure relaxation. In addition to the spa and salon services for women, though, the resort also features Barber and Blade - a barbershop dedicated specifically to male guests. What a great way to treat your loved one to some pampering as well with a straight razor shave and more! ~ Amy Comparato, Brand Director

Los Cabos | There are seven sea turtle species in the world and Baja California Sur is home to five of them - the hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback, black turtle and olive ridley - all of which are endangered. These amazing creatures can hold their breath up to seven hours at a time, slow their heart beat to once every nine minutes and dive to depths up to 960 feet. You'll find these remarkable sea creatures on the beaches of Los Cabos, where many navigate back to where they were born.

Los Cabos | The Resort at Pedregal in Los Cabos offers a variety of events and activities over the festive season including circus night, movie night and live music every night. In addition, enjoy a visit from Papa Noel (AKA Santa Claus), Mexican hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies, plus and each restaurant offers festive specialties.

Los Cabos | For a premier dining experience in Los Cabos, indulge at SEARED at One&Only Palmilla, opened in collaboration with Jean-Georges Vongerichten. I had the opportunity to dine there on a recent FAM and in addition to the spectacular views, we all could not stop raving about the amazing food. From the fresh fish to the amazing selection of steak and indulgent desserts, this is definitely a must-do. Hint: in addition to the main courses, a bit unexpected, but the mac n cheese is a must try, as is the mushroom truffle oil pizza. ~ Amy Comparato, Journese Brand Director

Los Cabos | Los Cabos is the golf capital of Mexico with 15 golf courses and counting. Hit the greens on Tiger Woods' first completed course in the world, El Cardonal at Diamante, or play one of many celebrity-designed courses from Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman and more.

Los Cabos | For a casual snack when relaxing by the pool at Hyatt Zvia Los Cabos, be sure to enjoy a handmade quesadilla made to order at one of the quesadilla carts, complete with freshly prepared guacamole. Or stop by Coco Loco Snack Bar, located right by the main pool. I personally like the mini-burritos - cheese and chicken or veggie. Once ordered, one of the waiters can bring your food and drinks to you so you can keep working on your tan! ~ Amy Comparato, Brand Director

Los Cabos | Nick-san opened its doors in the heart of Cabo San Lucas in 1994 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This unique concept of Japanese cuisine attracts celebrities, tourists and locals alike. Now with its second location within The Shoppes at Palmilla, travelers will enjoy a Champagne Lounge with live jazz, the not-to-be-missed Ostiones Ponzu (fresh Pacific Ocean oysters in ponzu-sauce) and its signature Sashimi and Sushi platters.

Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit | While in Puerto Vallarta, enjoy a fantastic meal at El Palomar de los Gonzales. The restaurant sits on the top of the hill offering breathtaking views of old town Vallarta and Banderas Bay. I recommend arriving just before sunset. And the food is amazing - the shrimp in garlic and wine sauce was delicious and the fillet mignon was absolute perfection. However, the highlight of our evening was the Palomar Coffee dessert - a spectacular flambe exhibition tableside with coffee, Brandy, Kahlua and vanilla ice cream. After the elaborate display, they place the glass in front of you and they light it on fire once more. It was awesome! ~ Chenoa Hopkins, Marketing Project Manager

Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta have taken weddings to the next level with their new Instagram Wedding Consultant included. The consultant provides tips on getting the most out of your wedding 'gram including jazzing up the walk way with sweet and clever signs, a photo booth with fun backdrops and blush-inducing props and utilizing air plants, succulents and fresh flora to highlight your big day.

Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit | Riviera Nayarit hosts a variety of events in April, from The Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic to The Salsa and Mambo Festival and The Open Water Tournament (swimming event), the destination has a number of options for your clients.

Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit | Be sure to visit the Malecon Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta - one-side showcases a picturesque beach with fantastic sand sculptures, while the shops side is ideal for finding the perfect souvenir or enjoying a delicious meal. ~ Maria Brito, Customer Care