By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana: 18th-Century Heritage Suites near downtown Mérida
Hidden within four acres of lush garden is the five-star Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana a carefully restored 18th-century hacienda just outside Mérida. This is the perfect tropical Mexican hideaway that fuses contemporary details with local design.
For a tasty meal, head to the signature Casa de Piedra restaurant for traditional Yucatán dishes fused with innovative Mexican flavors. At Angsana Spa, find serenity with a full-body massage, invigorating body polish, or glowing facial.
Mérida has been coined as the cultural capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, with its plethora of grand plazas, museums, restaurants, and buzzing markets. The hotel is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Mérida, home to top-notch architectural monuments and historic churches.
Secure with 20% deposit. Three nights from US$518 per suite; taxes and fees apply.
From Texas to the Mexican Caribbean
This December, a new ship will arrive in the port of Galveston in the Lone Star state of Texas. Carnival Jubilee, a 5,374-guest, liquid natural gas-powered ship, will homeport there and set off on year-round, seven-day, round-trip voyages to the Western Caribbean.
The itinerary will take in Roatán Island (Honduras), Costa Maya, and Cozumel. On the ship, expect extreme thrills on Bolt, the first rollercoaster at sea. There’s also a whole zone on board inspired by the ways people enjoy the seaside including piers, beaches, and boardwalks.
International News
Inti Raymi
The most important festival of the Inca Empire takes place every June 24. The Sun God is the protagonist of one of the most traditional festivals celebrated in Peru: The Inti Raymi or «Sun Festival.»
Around 750 to 800 actors perform the staging of Inti Raymi, where the festival has three scenarios for its development: the Qorikancha or temple of the Sun, the Main Square of Cusco, and the impotent fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Cruise News
Autumn in Canada and New England
Enjoy the magnificent changing colors of autumn on a cruise north from New York City to New England and Canada. Sailing on Oceania Cruises’ Insignia, you’ll enjoy an 11-day New York to Montreal itinerary.
Visit Newport and Boston before experiencing the full beauty of the foliage in Canada’s Irving Nature Park (New Brunswick), Kejimkujik National Park (Nova Scotia), and Saguenay Fjord National Park (Quebec).
The cruise, departing September 27 this year, also visits Quebec City and Montreal. On board, enjoy an array of culinary experiences, including specialty restaurants Polo Grill and Toscana.
Miles of Hawaiian Isles
Only have limited time but keen to see as many of the Hawaiian Islands as possible? A seven-day inter-island sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America takes in Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai.
And it’s getting even better—NCL just announced a change for sailings in 2024 with more time in the “Garden Island” of Kauai.
The 2,186-guest ship, sailing from Honolulu roundtrip, spends nights in destinations meaning more time to explore. And there’s no need to pay for expensive resorts or inter-island airfares. Pride of America sails year round, departing every Saturday.
Deal of the Week
Austral Islands: Journey to Remote Communities Far from Civilization
A unique cruise to discover the southernmost archipelago of French Polynesia.
Three departures: September 9, 2023; and March 30 and November 2, 2024.
Discovered by Europeans in the 18th century, the Austral islands are located 600 km south of Tahiti. Off the beaten track, the Australs are an untouched and mysterious land where white sand clashes with the intense blue of the lagoons.
Aranui Cruises has been introducing the enchanting islands to adventurers for more than 30 years. Aranui 5, a custom-built passenger-freighter, is unique in every way. Combining the comforts and modern conveniences of a cruise ship, while providing cargo service to remote areas, the ship acts as a lifeline for tiny communities far removed from civilization.
This boutique vessel accommodates just 230 passengers offering an intimate and casual setting for guests to explore French Polynesia.
Special off 20% these three cruises to the Austral Islands:
2023
From September 9-20, 2023
12 days/11 nights
2024
From March 30, 2024, to April 9, 2024
11 days/10 nights
2024
From November 2-12, 2024
11 days/10 nights
Double stateroom from US$6,876 per person
Deluxe stateroom with balcony from US$8,004 per person
Superior deluxe with balcony from US$8,633 per person
Prices have an additional US$140 fuel surcharge
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for 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 judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: Luxury Escapes, Carnival Cruise Lines, PromPeru, Escape, and Aranui Cruises
