Buenos Dias!

At this moment, my ageless mind is struggling to balance my aging body atop a standup paddleboard (SUP) on my maiden voyage.   Roberto, my sculpted Latin instructor is trailing behind me, shouting instructions in a thick accent. He might be just the incentive I need to prevent me from taking an awkward tumble into the sea. But I remind myself that falling into the sapphire feathered welcoming water isn’t such a travesty.

Have you guessed where I might be?  I’m in the Caribbean, of course, and enjoying every pinch-yourself moment at the Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen. I’m staying in oceanfront Room 130 just steps from the pristine 920 feet of palm tree lined Fuego Beach and the Vida Aquatica Dive Center, home of my SUP as well as kayaks, snorkeling and scuba gear.

The 5-star friendly staff describe the Mahekal as an oasis because it is tucked into the tropical jungle of the Riviera Maya, far away from the din of Cancun and adjacent to Playa Del Carmen’s bustling 5th Avenue/Quinta Avenida – a quaint pedestrian mall of restaurants and shops.  If you decide to forgo taxi rides this trip you can stroll or peddle your way through town using any of the free bicycles, compliments of Mahekal.  Boy I wish I had discovered this place when my kids were even younger but they would love it just as much today.

The bohemian enclave vibe here is right up my alley! Apparently, Grupo Diarq’s architect, Hilda Espino, received her inspiration from Julia Chaplin’s ‘GypSet Style’.  Thanks to her, I think I could live happily on my terrace, captivated by the gentle roar of the swells from my comfy rattan lounge chairs or reading the latest New York Times bestseller peacefully in my Mayan hammock while taking an occasional dip in my private plunge pool.  When hunger strikes, I can call room service for a steaming organic chicken molcahete with grilled spring onions, chiles, cactus, cheese, guacamole, refried beans, and an arctic bottle of Mahekal’s own signature beer straight from microbrewery Allende in Monterrey.

If watching the Caribbean becomes too exhausting, I can slip into my cozy den adjacent to my bedroom, awash in bright Mexican orange and fuschia tones on warm textures and draw my oversized wooden louvers for a nap.  I’m finding it hard to envision check-out day and saying adios to my sensual outdoor moon shower with room for ten.  I’m sure you have an idea why this is a great wedding and honeymoon destination!

Speaking of hedonism, let me share my experience of the Revive Spa.  As the staff ushers me in like little fairies, the intoxicating scent of copal (tree resin thought to provide purification by the Mayans) permeates the air.  (If you fall in love with copal too, I found the incense on Quinta Avenida.) The first stop after I slip into my bathing suit is the Mayan inspired circular spa.  While soaking in its soothing water,  I nestle my head on the edge and glance upward, lavished by dozens of glowing stars (fiber optic lights) descending from the dramatic thatched roof.  It’s inconceivable that this is only the beginning of my spa experience.  Mahekal’s signature crystal massage is next and I can only tell you that I fell asleep on the elixir of absolute pampering.

I know I sound a bit spoiled, but it has been so difficult to decide on which body of water to spend my time!  Shall I grab a chaise at the Itzi Pool to take advantage of a Mahekal handcrafted cocktail like a Jalapeno Cactus Margarita at the swim up bar? Or perhaps I want the privacy of my own white linen cabana at the Fuego Pool?  I certainly don’t want to miss Las Olas’ oceanfront infinity pool to watch the sunset alongside other guests who return here year after year like the Monarchs to Capistrano.  But at this exact moment I have chosen the sea…

Before I go, I need to share my newfound passion for cenotes/swimming holes.  Did you know that there are more than 10,000 of these natural wonders in the Yucatan Peninsula?   I had no idea that here is where fresh water meets seawater meets glacial water from the Ice Age!  The cool waters of Gran Cenote are the perfect sequel to visiting the ruins of Tulum under the hot Mexican sun.  Snorkelers might see catfish and cavern and cave divers venture into the stalagmite and stalactite filled tunnels. I am happy doing a careful backstroke to avoiding disturbing the turtles.

“You will fall at least 10 times before you stand”, Roberto attempts to encourage me, as I pull myself onto my board for the third time, looking like a drowned rat. 10 times? That is too much water to swallow! I won’t accept these conditions and soon enough I have shirked my rat persona and stand proudly, paddling out to sea like the adventurous woman I am.

I forgot to tell you, Mahekal is a play on the Spanish word for magical.  Magical things are known to happen here!

Ciao,

Robin

It’s all about the water on the island of Madeira

Reed’s Palace

Lavadas

Island life

Boat rides

Inescapable and truly so when the clouds roll in, the flights cannot. There are worse places to spend an extra day or two.

Madeira is a mix of colors, feelings, climates and sounds, surrounded by water and effusing it as well. This Portuguese archipelago of 4 islands is off the northwest coast of Africa and a short flight from Lisbon. The microclimates on the main island are fascinating. Without hyperbole—experiencing the four seasons in one day is always a possibility. The fertile volcanic soil coupled with the diverse weather systems allows the island to produce a varied rotation of crops from grapes and bananas, often on the same face of a hill, to avocados, papaya, tomatoes, mangos, and over a dozen varieties of passion fruit. We spent days in awe of the flora and experiencing the climate shifts along the way. We came here anticipating the one thing we know the island is famous for but left with a richer comprehension of everything Madeira has to offer.

The island is known for its wines. Say the name and see what response comes up.  Madeira wine is not only synonymous with the destination, it is the destination. The sweet sultry sipping wine found in the hands of many after a great dinner is from this Portuguese island. Dating back to the 15^th century, this fortified wine is a staple known around the world. Six centuries later, the island is branching out to produce table wines in red and white. Talk about rebranding yourself. If anyone can do it, this dynamo of an island can. I think it is in its nature. Everything flourishes here and a can-do attitude is no exception. We say let the wine flow as freely as the water does. It’s everywhere. Of course water laps at the rocky coastline, this is an island. I briefly chatted about the microclimates, so there’s rain, mist, and dense clouds at higher elevations, but I mean to say that this land gushes with water.

Driving up (or down) to its highest point, Pico Ruivo, you’ll pass fern and moss growing out of the rocks on the side of the road, fed by waterfalls that crop up out of the unlikeliest of places. Water springs eternal here. It is cool, fresh, potable and delicious. I like to think it is filled with nutrients and minerals that will help me flourish as I see all the foliage doing with grace and elegance. At one point, I asked our guide to stop simply to sip from a gently cascading flow from the rock-face. It was worth the pause. You may be wondering where all this water goes, how it flows so freely yet I am not mentioning any sort of puddles, pooling or mayhem on the streets. That’s because there is a system of aqueducts, known here as levadas. These narrow concrete channels, specific to the island of Madeira, guide the naturally flowing water to where it needs to go. Ingenious, I say. Our guide was quick to tell us, when we stopped for a fresh sip from the wall, that water on the floor (in the levadas) is not for drinking, but water from the walls is perfectly fine. It makes sense! The aqueducts are used to fuel the homes and farms of the people of the island. Their practicality is often lost on visitors who fly here specifically to hike alongside these levadas. There are guides and maps, routes and trails where you can follow the flow to your heart’s content, 2,000 km worth. These hikes are worth the journey. Imagine following the flow of water as you meander through lush foliage and varying climates to peaks that offer unparalleled views…this is the place to do it. Surrounded by water in every sense of the word, you’ll never experience a hike like this elsewhere.

Après hike also doesn’t disappoint. You’’ll feel as though you’ve earned a good bottle of wine and perhaps a round of their local bread, bolsa de coca. I won’t go into too much detail here, but grab yourself a seat and indulge. It’s warm, garlicy, moist on the inside, crispy on the outside bread. Enjoyed with a good wine while you  pre-plan your next visit and you’re all set. Check back with us in the fall issue to hear about the rest of our journey around the island an onward to Porto. You’ll be glad you did. We chat about wine pressing activities, the island-wide flower festival, and the not-to-be-missed cable car set against the volcanic cliff all the way to the black rock and sand beach for some limpets. Enjoy your summer in Madeira.

http://www.visitmadeira.pt

By the water in Puerto Vallarta

By Peta Phipps

West coast time in Mexico is always charming. I know that the term “old school” is a bit overused and played out, but it is what comes to mind when I think of some of the coastal towns on this side of the country. The traditional clothing and too many colors of Mexico all collide n the Pacific Ocean’s coast, in my opinion. As the ocean breeze blows the ever-present papel picado (pecked paper) hung high above narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. Those colorful flags were normally found draped from building to building during Easter, Christmas, the Day of the Dead, weddings, quinceñeras, baptisms, and christenings. This signal of celebration for both religious and secular occasions, strikes a note of happiness within me. I tend to find them more on the west coast of Mexico than I do in places like the Yucatan Peninsula. To boil it all down, I think that means I like lively festivities and having fun. Who doesn’t?

Making my way to Puerto Vallarta was an easy connection through Mexico City from my Florida base. Excited to see the Pacific and experience a mix of on and off-property activities from my home base of the Marriott Puerto Vallarta, I hopped on the jet with my heart set on pure enjoyment. I knew that some of the resort highlights include a tequila tasting led by the resort’s own tequilera (tequila sommelier) and featuring their own proprietary brand of tequila. They also host these beautiful herb garden dinners — their version of a chefs table — featuring a “Dine Around” menu of authentic dishes from different regions in Mexico, so there was the culinary aspect of things. Then I had heard about them having a brand new Tequila & Ceviche Bar, fixing my insatiable appetite for all things yummy. Then, to rub it all in and make sure I was in total vacation mode, I was told that they had “the most amazing spa” — the largest in Puerto Vallarta, if I’m not mistaken. I was sold on this resort before ever getting there. All of this and my room would overlook the ocean? Yes please…and thank you very mucho. Everyone back home was advised that if they needed me, they could find me on a sandy strip between the Sierra Madre

Mountains and Banderas Bay, only moments away from the heart of the city.

Puerto Vallarta is a charming, friendly town with an authentic Mexican vibe, offering a vibrant culinary and arts scene, local festivals and soft adventure opportunities. When was not out exploring the coast, I filled my time at the resort taking part in a tequila tasting or unwinding at the Ohtli Spa between cooling dips at the swim-up bar in the infinity pool. Spa Treatments at Ohtli Spa are sublime. My recommendation is that in order to enjoy the full experience, arrive a little early to warm up (or cool off) in the Roman tub, cold plunge pool and foot bath, and take full advantage of the sauna and steam rooms. They’ve put water to good use here and you’ll be fully relaxed by the time you get to your treatment room. My treatment of choice is the Jantzu Rebirth Therapy – performed in a pool of warm water, this therapy

is focused on meditation and relaxation and for me, it was just what my body was calling for at the end of a day full of fun in the sun.

My evening routine often consisted of winding down at the resort’s beachside restaurant, Las Casitas, with the creamiest table-side guacamole, being enjoyed as the sun set over the Pacific. As the sun slipped into the sea, I made a habit of alternating my dining options every time I ate at this breezy, beachfront restaurant. I chose between fresh seafood and regional specialties, as one can do here.

Lobster tacos and Red Snapper are favorites, so don’t forget to try those when you come. Life was far from rough on this trip. As far as the destination goes, the city itself is a dream come true, and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! When you’re out on the town, take in a sunset walk on the Malecón. The lively Malecón area along the water downtown where stunning sunset. For dinner, off-property, I enjoyed eating at Iguana. Casa Kimberly’s open air restaurant, The Iguana, overlooks the city of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. This place serves contemporary Mexican cuisine in an elegant but informal ambience, and seems to be the one and only spot to celebrate birthdays. I think we noted them singing the song on more than 12 occasions while we enjoyed an amazing five course meal.

Having my fill of the land, on one of my final days in Puerto Vallarta, there was an edict that we will sail on a catamaran to a hidden cove called Las Caletas – once the private home of film director John Huston. There was nothing more that I would have rather done than exactly this, so off we went to spend the day on the water, in the water and around the water. I love prepositioning water! We had a chance to swim, snorkel, kayak and relax on the beach. Let’s also add drink, drink, drink, drink and drink. This is Mexico so tequila was never too far away. I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed this  side of the country, and staying at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta made it exactly the trip we wanted it to be. Location, location, location.

www.puertovallartamarriott.com