By Judy Newell
Mexico News
AMR Collection announced the signing of Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres as the first Secrets® branded property in Isla Mujeres an island located about eight miles off the coast of Cancun in Mexico.
The adults-only Secrets® Impression Isla Mujeres will feature breathtaking modern architecture, exclusive experiences tailored to guest preferences, service dedicated to their specific desires, and curated gastronomy designed to rise above all expectations along with Endless Privileges® amenities including:
- 125 luxurious suites with double rain showers and terrace whirlpools with unobstructed views overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea
- Five gourmet à la carte dining choices and three casual venues
- Nine bars and lounges
- Unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits
- Four-tiered infinity pools
- Private boat or catamaran transfer from mainland Cancun to the resort’s private pier
- 24-hour room and concierge services
- World-class Secrets Spa by Pevonia® and fitness center
- Golf carts and bikes for island-touring
International News
Super Tuscan Biking
Scheduled trips on expertly curated itineraries with pre-selected dates that anyone can join capped at 16 people for an intimate experience.
The Super Tuscan has been finely crafted for the traveler who delights in truly exquisite accommodation, exceptional wine, and wants to suss out the idyllic countryside through a well-structured blend of activities.
Pedal past hilltop hamlets, amble among vines tended by generations of winemakers, and (optionally) rise to salute the famous Tuscan sun on a yoga mat. In between, you’ll savor traditional cuisine made from the freshest ingredients.
You will cover hilly terrain, but the average daily distance is kept to a moderate 40 km (25 miles). As much as possible, the recommended routes avoid the steepest climbs but please be aware that Tuscany is hilly!
Price per person from US$8,495. Single supplement: $3,000. Prices vary based on departure season.
Six days/five nights, Florence to Florence. Departures in April, May, June, and September.
Airbnb Prices Shot up 36% in Three Years
It seems like every week there is a new story about how Airbnb prices are getting out of control. The proof sprouted in a recent investor call when Airbnb’s chief financial officer revealed that the average price to rent an Airbnb has jumped by 36% since 2019.
The company defended the rising prices and claims that Airbnbs offer more value to travelers than traditional hotel stays. While that could be true, it’s a way bigger jump than hotel brands are seeing. In comparison, Marriott’s rates were 12.8% higher since 2019 and Hilton’s jumped by only 7.8% for the same period.
Hidden fees and sticker shock at checkout even prompted the rental giant to change how its pricing is displayed. Despite all this, Airbnb is still a giant in the vacation rental industry and nothing seems to deter them nor is it causing a seismic shift in the hotel space. People are seemingly still opting for Airbnbs over hotels.
Cruise News
Tarragona to be Spain’s Newest Cruise Destination
With lots of real estate along the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea, Spain is a destination that cruisers return to again and again. While cities like Barcelona and Valencia are the top draws another port is eyeing a chance to be one of Spain’s most popular cruise ports.
Tarragona is just South of Barcelona, only about an hour by car, and a new cruise development is in the works that will bring a state-of-the-art pier and cruise terminal to Tarragona port.
Deal of the Week
Dive the Treasures in The Islands of Tahiti
Have you experienced the thrill of an underwater dive with wild dolphins at your side? Observed a dazzling array of brilliantly colored corals laid out like a jeweled carpet on the seabed or explored a sunken shipwreck with wonders around every turn?
You can do this and more when you dive the treasures of The Islands of Tahiti. All packages include roundtrip international airfare from Los Angeles to Tahiti.
Rangiroa Diving
One of the world’s best spots for diving, Rangiroa offers the serene calm of a sleepy atoll on the land while being a hot spot for marine wonders just below the surface. From US$2,566 per person.
Vacation package includes:
- Roundtrip inter-island air with hotel transfers
- Five nights at the Maitai Rangiroa in a Garden Bungalow
- Daily breakfast
- One six-dive package per person
Dive into Moorea with 30% Off
Moorea is an island paradise with lush mountain summits, perfect for hiking and ATV tours, as well as a sparkling blue lagoon for every type of water adventure! From US$2,758 per person.
Vacation package includes:
- Roundtrip ferry and roundtrip hotel transfers
- Six nights Garden View Room at 30% off at the Manava Beach Resort and Spa
- Daily American buffet breakfast
- 20 boat dives shared between two divers, free Nitrox, includes dive gear rental with NEMOZ Dive Center
Dive and Unwind Bora Bora
From US$6,549 per person
Vacation package includes:
- Roundtrip inter-island air with hotel transfers
- Six nights at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso and Spa in a king-size bed Junior Suite Bora Bora Island View
- Breakfast daily
- Five two-tank dives per person for two adults with Top Dive
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for over 50 years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities, and budgets. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico, and international travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email at judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: AMR Collection, Butterfield & Robinson, The Navigator, Carnival Corporation, Porthole Cruise & Travel, and Tahiti Tourisme.
