“Down Mexico Way!”

I’ve been checking my Bucket List recently, and was concerned to see there are so many places on it that I’ve yet to see! Macchu Pichu – Great Wall – New York – Vegas!  The list is literally endless!!

I had a bit of a panic but then looked at the places I have been lucky enough to visit and I felt a little better.  Some of my best memories are when I ran my own little travel company called Viva Mexico! As the title suggests, I specialised in creating tailor-made bespoke itineraries for my clients who were interested in the history, culture, and splendour that is Mexico.  I absolutely loved discussing and planning their individual holiday experiences with them.

Of course another upside of this, besides creating some fantastic itineraries for my clients was that I was able to explore the different aspects of the country myself, and was lucky enough to stay in some quite outstanding hotels, and see some of the magnificent ruins of the Ancient Mayans, Aztecs, and Spanish Conquistadors.  I am such a culture vulture!

The first place I visited was Mexico City. Staying in the famous Zona Rosa (Pink Zone) this is where you’ll find some of the best hotels, restaurants and shops.  It is also very near to Garibaldi Square, where the famous Mariachi Bands perform each night.  I can remember sitting in the square on a warm sultry night, with the smell of jasmine and the sweet music of the Mariachi’s playing..            Oh how the memories come flooding back!

I loved Mexico City as it brings 3 very different cultures together.  The peace loving star gazing Mayans, the bloodthirsty Aztec Warriors and then later in the 15^th Century the Spanish Conquistadors.  You can see evidence of each of their civilisations in the Templo Mayor just off the Zocalo which is the huge main square in the centre.

Templo Mayor

Teotihuacan – Pyramids of The Sun & The Moon  – comfy shoes, water and plenty of stamina needed!

Another must-see place is of course Chichen Itza, situated in the Yucatan Peninsula.  It’s a huge UNESCO Heritage archaeological site built by the Mayans, where stands one of the most incredible pyramids, as well as probably the steepest steps in history!  It is also home to the God Chac Mool, to whom they would sacrifice the unfortunate ‘chosen’ by cutting out their hearts!  (Think Apocalypto!)

Chac Mool! & The Castillo Chichen Itza

We arrived in Chichen Itza with the challenge of climbing to the top of the pyramid, which although exhausting, was a doddle compared to climbing down again.  Of course it didn’t help that the heavens opened and a tropical storm descended upon us which made the steps very wet and very slippery.  We only had a rope to keep us from falling to the bottom, which we clung to for our lives! Unfortunately you’re not able to climb the steps anymore for preservation reasons. (Not sure if thats human or archaeological…..)  So I consider myself very lucky to have had that opportunity.

To make a change to the flood of culture I had been immersed in, I was extremely lucky to visit Acapulco staying in the beautiful Las Brisas Villas.  The one we stayed in had its own indoor/outdoor pool – very decadent!  Breakfast would be served by the staff who drove pink jeeps to each individual Casita every morning, and who replenished the pool with fresh Bouganvillea.

The indoor/outdoor Casita                   Breakfast’s on its way!            Replenishing the pool

Then on to Manzanillo, where the beautiful hotel Las Hadas is situated.  Now those of you of a certain age will remember the film ‘10’ with Bo Derek & the late Dudley Moore.  Well!  We stayed in the Bolero Suite, made famous in the film, and also stretched out on the beach Tented Cabanas and were served cool drinks by our own waiter while we admired the views and relaxed.  We really did feel like film stars!

The Tented Sun Loungers            Film that put Las Hadas on the map       The Famous Bolero Suite

I’ve also visited Cancun, Cozumel, Uxmal, Ixtapa, Merida, Guatemala, each with a story to tell!

I found Mexico to be an ideal holiday destination and if this beautiful, diverse country appeals, why not consider a cruise?  Princess or Holland America & Seabourn have some great itineraries for 2015.  Or why not take a look at our Tailor Made Collection?  There’s some great bespoke itineraries worldwide to choose from!

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-guides/tailor-made-cruise-holidays/

Give me a call or email me your details.

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0330 303 8206