Wine Tourism in Mexico

Ruta de Vino

If you thought you had to travel to Europe to sample some unique foreign wines you're in for a treat just across the border.  Mexico has produced wine since 1521, making it one of the oldest producers in the world.  The Guadaloupe Valley in Baja has been called the Napa Valley of Mexico. Although Tequila is by far the favorite spirit, consumption is on the rise among the younger generation.  Since imports of Mexican wine are more expensive visiting the boutique wineries along the wine route will give you an opportunity to taste wine you may not have access to at home.   The state of Baja California is home to world famous golfing in Los Cabos, whale watching and eco adventure tours from Loreto.  The area is also a short bus trip from San Diego making it possible to take a day tour if you prefer to stay stateside.  

The Fiesta de la Vendimia is currently celebrating it's 23rd year with events throughout the Valle de Guadaloupe, Tijuana and Mexicali.  The 17 day harvest festival happens each year in the first weeks of August and attracts wine lovers, musicians and chefs preparing fine cuisine for pairings and the paella contest.  For more information on Mexico's wine production and other good news check Mexico Today's website.  

Safety on Cruise Ships and Abroad

Every once in a while there is sensational interest in crime aboard cruise ships and in vacation spots.  Now that three major cruise lines have agreed to post crime data on their website there is renewed interest in safety while cruising.  While the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) asserts serious incidents are rare, there are simple tips to keep you safe at sea and while vacationing abroad.
Ships and large resorts are the size of some small towns so there are bound to be some unsavory characters around whether they be guests or employees.  While it may be paradise, it is important to remember your basic safety measures still apply.

1.  Trust your instincts - If it feels wrong, trust your gut.
2.  Have a buddy when drinking.
3.  Stay in well lit areas.
4.  Use the safe - Better yet leave anything you can't afford to lose at home.

Caribbean Music Festivals

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival - While they may not be jazz, Earth Wind & Fire are the big draw this year. November 28 - 30 will  see Jim Beard, Ed Motta, Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers and more will grace the seaside stage in Playa Del Carmen.  The best part?  The festival is free! St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival - This long running festival is returning in 2014 with a broadened artistic direction.   Set for April 30 - May 11, 2014 the music extravaganza will feature 50 performers all over the island.    Previous headliners included Air Supply, The Jacksons, John Legend,  Akon, Tito Puente Jr., R. Kelly, Amy Winehouse, Micheal Bolton, Rihanna, Kenny G and The O'Jays. Let me know if you want to be notified of next year's line up. Palace Resorts  -  The Beach Boys will be performing at Moon Palace. August 6 (next week).  If last minute travel is not your thing wait for Ricky Martin December 28.  Guests who stay 5 nights or more receive 2 free tickets. Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival - Last January, Mary J. Blige, Micheal Bolton, Arturo Tappin and more graced the stage. Performers for 2014 should be out soon.

Best Golf Resorts in Mexico and the Caribean

Great golf courses are a staple in most vacation destinations these days.  Whether you need to get away from the family for a few hours, or bring the gang along there's an exciting array of choices. 

Grand Lucayan

The Bahamas
Grand Lucayan Beach and Golf Resort
This resort is just 45 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Florida, so an  easy weekend retreat.  2 courses available with plenty of water features.  (13 out of 18 holes on the Reef Course)

Sandals Emerald Bay

Sandals Emerald Bay

This former Four Seasons occupies a quiet out island in The Bahamas.  The Greg Norman designed par 72 championship course was named one of the Caribbean's best golf courses by Travel + Leisure Golf.  Book a butler suite and you'll enjoy unlimited golf with your luxury accommodations.





Jamaica
The Ritz-Carlton Resort, Rose Hall
The White Witch Golf Course spans 600 acres of the Rose Hall Plantation (close to Montego Bay).  Mountainous terrain with scenic views of the sea might take the edge off the wind challenging your shot.

Weekly Junior Golf Clinic

Sandals- All of the Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica offer access to the Sandals Golf and Country Club.  What sets this course apart is the fantastic offerings for the family.  Kids can get their own clinics with a golf pro (included with the stay!).

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Fairmont Mayakoba

Fairmont Mayakoba is one of the top golf resorts according to Conde Nast Traveler.  This is Mexico's only PGA tour stop.  If you want executive luxury this is the place.  The resort spans 47 acres of lush mangroves and tropical forests.  Covered boats and golf carts transport guests through the winding canals   connecting the two-story casitas.  Though most people don't think of a AA Five Diamond resort as being kid friendly, they do offer a kids's club for up to three hours a day and a free children's menu at select restaurants. 

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort

Moon Palace Golf View Suite

The 27 holes here span scenic dunes and lakes at the interior of this expansive property.  There is so much to do here, the family won't notice how long you stay at the course, neither will your wallet.  Stay 3 nights and get free unlimited golf or make everyone happy by splitting the resort credits for golf, spa services, tours or room upgrades at this mega resort.  With onsite dolphin discovery, flow rider, tons of activities and a kid's club this resort is perfect for large groups and meetings.  Why not take your next tournament on the road?

Los Cabos, Mexico
The One & Only Palmilla features a Jack Nicklaus 27 hole course divided into 3 sets of challenging holes.  The Sea of Cortez is your backdrop for 12 of them.  Cabo is a golfer's paradise and a nature lover's dream with plenty of eco-activities available in the Baja region.  The resort has one of few swimmable beaches.

The One & Only Palmilla

Great Scott Getaways

3 Reasons to Avoid Timeshare Pitches

If you've come through the Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Airports you have probably been swarmed with timeshare sales people like bees to honey.  I always advise people to just put your sunglasses on and keep moving till you get to your transfer company.  They love to pose as helpful guides, trying to assist you in finding your way to the hotel.  Sometimes people are lured into listening to the pitches by promises of free tours, hotel upgrades and credits.

1.  That 'free' breakfast or tour of the property could very easily end up sucking up an entire day of your vacation.
Consider what you spent for that day and ask yourself it it really saved you anything.  Wasting the $400 dollars you spent for that day at the fabulous all inclusive resort is not worth $200 in free tickets to swim with the dolphins.

2.  The value of your timeshare may not be worth what you pay for it.  Check out this report from ABC.  If you must you can probably buy a resale for much less than the rep is pitching you now.

3. You may end up finding your own way back to the right hotel once they are done with you. 
Scroll through reviews and you'll find quite a few people who ended up stranded and stuck with a hefty taxi fare once they decided not to buy.

Your experience may vary, but why not enjoy your vacation and save the sales pitch for a rainy day on the road back home?

The Passion of Mexico- Tequila

What comes to mind when you think of a vacation in Mexico?  Usually the three things that top the list are the beach, Mariachi music and Tequila.  In the state of Jalisco you get all three in their purest form.   In Puerto Vallarta you have a classic sun and beach destination with dozens of luxury resorts.
Guadalajara brings you colonial sites where mariachi originated only an hour away from the town Tequila.  No explanation needed there.  If you're looking to crystallize the country in one trip, make it to Guadalajara.  Jalisco is Mexico.
I've wanted to go here for quite some time and finally made it recently during a conference.  I've been a fan of Tequila since before I could legally drink.  A stint in college working at a Mexican restaurant with an extensive spirits list taught me so much!  Knowledge of what sets a silver apart from reposado and anejo was required before we could even hit the floor.  (See kids, you really do learn something useful at every job, no matter how menial it seems at the time.)
While many Americans think of Tequila as a drink best slurped down in one grimaced gulp, the spirit is so much more than that.  After seeing the arduous hand crafting that goes into the process you'll never look at it the same...and you'll quit drinking  Patron believing you're having the good stuff.  After my trip to La Rojena, the Jose Cuervo distillery,  I had a new appreciation for the deep cultural significance of the drink to Mexico's identity. (The jimador at left is the 4th generation to harvest the agave.)

Pruning an agave plant

Cuervo is the oldest of several manufacturers that have plowed the fertile grounds of the area for over 250 years.  For non-drinkers the story behind the process is fascinating.  Listening to the tour guide I got a real sense of pride rather than a canned speech.  Of course there is plenty of Tequila to go around afterwards whether you like yours straight up or in a a margarita.  Tequila can be reached by a tour from Guadalajara or the express train that operates each weekend.    If your're thirsting for an excursion here contact Great Scott Getaways for more information.

Mexico's Unique Museums

Today is International Museum Day, when lots of institutions are offering free or reduced admission.  The theme this year is Museums(Memory +Creativity) = Social Change. Visiting foreign museums is a great way to learn about other cultures, bringing back a little empathy with your memories.  So...what a great day to highlight museums you can easily visit during your vacation or make a special trip to see.  About.com's Mexico guide has some great info on the offerings in Mexico City here.  Art fans, if you missed (or loved!) the Frida & Diego exhibit at the High Museum I'm Atlanta, Mexico City is a must.  There is also a sizable anthropology museum.

Water lovers don't need to take off the flippers to take in some culture in Cancun.  The underwater sculpture museum is unique in it's attempt to attract tourists and marine life.  Over 400 sculptures were made with special concrete to encourage the growth of coral.


In Atlixco, Puebla you'll find one of only two art collections in the world detailing the life of San Juan de Dios (St. John of God).  The paintings are housed in a 16th century hospital with so much original talavera tiles that it is worth seeing on it's own.

 In Morelia, there's a candy museum.  The second largest Anthropology museum in Xalapa (Jalapa), Veracruz houses Olmec heads dating back 3,000 years.  You won't have to stray far from the beach to see sculptures along the malecon in Puerto Vallarta.  Guanajuato has a mummy museum that inspired Ray Bradubury to write 'The Next in Line'.
These are just a few of the most unique Mexican museums in my opinion.  Get out and enjoy some of your local museums today!

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