The Insider's Club: August

The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE

The Insider’s Club Hot Spot of the Month

August 2016

Riviera Maya, Mexico + Things to Know About Where to Go

Featured Experience

Sense of Romance

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences Tech News

Travel Technology

Choose Your News Explore: Riviera Maya, Mexico 4-5 What To Do While You Are There 6-11 Where To Stay 12-15 Featured Experience: Sense of Romance 16-17 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 18-29 Tech News: Travel Technology 30-31

A WORD FROM YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

Dear Fellow Travelers & Adventurers, In this month’s newsletter we are featuring Riviera Maya, Mexico as well as our monthly tech news, travel tips, things and places to see in our hot spot, and exclusive travel deals from around the world. As always we welcome any suggestions you may have for this newsletter.

Please let us know if there is a specific location, hotel, restaurant, excursion, etc. you would like us to feature.

Thank you for your business and the opportunity to collaborate on your travel dreams.

I look forward to arranging your next great adventure.

-M

Explore: Riviera Maya, Mexico

Explore: Riviera Maya, Mexico Written by the Mexico Tourism Board The Riviera Maya extends along the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Morelos to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Once home to small fishing villages, the Riviera Maya coastline has since been developed into a modern tourist corridor offering the very best of high-end luxury resorts, fine dining, nightlife, spa retreats, shopping and golf in Mexico. An ideal vacation destination, the Riviera Maya is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful beaches in all of Mexico with expansive stretches of powdery white sand lapped by the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Spend the day at a luxury beach club where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, aquatic sports, spa services and a variety of modern amenities. You’ll find some of the best in the resort destination of Playa del Carmen, a friendly tourist town where you’ll also discover the Riviera Maya’s best shopping, dining and nightlife.

The Riviera Maya is one of the world’s top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling.

An expansive coral reef system extending just off the coast is home to a dizzying array of marine life including colorful tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins and whale sharks. Scuba diving and snorkeling in the Riviera Maya are not limited to the ocean. You can also go snorkeling and cave diving in the many cenotes (underground sink holes) that are unique to this Yucatan Peninsula.

The Riviera Maya is a top ecotourism destination in Mexico and throughout the region the natural environment is protected and preserved. Outside of the major tourist destinations, much of the land remains relatively undeveloped so the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya and the creatures that inhabit it are left to flourish. Local eco-parks offer a taste of all that the area has to offer in controlled, family-friendly environments.

Riviera Maya

What to do while your there

Embrace the History Mexico is a country rich in history, culture and tradition, all of which you will experience when you visit the Riviera Maya. Participate in a traditional temazcal (Mayan sweat lodge) ceremony at one of the many resorts and spas. Explore the magical underground world with a dip in an underground sink hole. Visit ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum, Coba and El Rey.

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Meet the Locals: Adventurous travelers should venture off the beaten path to visit traditional Maya villages where you will witness the traditions and culture of this fascinating region and sample the local cuisine. A few hours inland, the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza are arguably the best restored and most impressive of the Yucatรกn Maya archaeological sites.

Take a Day Trip Consider a day trip via ferry from Playa del Carmen to the Caribbean island of Cozumel where you will enjoy world-class scuba diving, snorkeling and aquatic sports, or, simply spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Check out the Cenotes After you’ve spent some time exploring the coral reef, grab your mask and head for the cenotes, fresh water sinkholes created by a vast underground river system. They’re some of the most unique geological features in Mexico and there are thousands of them located throughout in the Riviera Maya. The ancient Maya believed that these sites were sacred.

The surface of the cenotes is formed by fossilized coral and limestone. Natural sunlight filters into the sinkholes through small openings in the roof and reflects off the clear turquoise water and natural mineral formations giving the cenotes a magical, otherworldly feel.

Visit the Spas and Sweat Lodges The Riviera Maya is a world-class luxury resort and spa destination. Mayan traditions influence the region’s spas and treatments by incorporating ancient techniques and preHispanic rituals such as the use of indigenous herbs, healing therapies and the temazcal, or traditional Mayan sweat lodge.

More of a cultural experience than a spa treatment, the temazcal ceremony is offered at numerous Riviera Maya resorts. Dating back to pre-Hispanic times, the temazcal is believed to have been used widely among the ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures in Mexico. The name temazcal translates to “house of steam� in Nahuatl, the ancient language of the Aztecs.

The temazcal experience is believed to relax and cleanse the nervous system, help to eliminate fat and toxins and stimulate the digestive and respiratory systems. Before entering the temazcal, you may be asked to cover your body in mud, which helps with the purification process. The ceremony, led by a healer or shaman, takes place in a small brick and cement dwelling shaped like an igloo in complete darkness. The shaman places red-hot lava rocks in the center and douses them with water infused with local aromatic herbs and spices to create the steam. Once participants are seated inside, the shaman seals the entrance to keep in the heat and steam. He or she then leads guests through this fascinating and ancient ceremony that involves chanting and drinking herbal tea.

Connect with Nature Xcaret, the largest and most impressive theme park in the Riviera Maya, offers a wide variety of activities and diversions in a spectacular natural setting. Here you can snorkel in an underground river, learn about marine life in a living aquarium, walk through a butterfly pavilion, see jaguars and pumas, swim with dolphins or manatees, and learn about sea turtles.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to do at Xel-Ha, a natural aquarium park where fresh water from underground rivers meets the salt water of the ocean forming a particularly diverse environment for snorkeling. Admire the impressive variety of brightly colored tropical fish, or enjoy tubing, biking or walking around the park. It’s a wonderland of cenotes, mangroves and lagoons.

Get up close and personal with crocodiles, monkeys, turtles, deer, peccaries and snakes at Croco Cun Zoo. This park got its start as a crocodile farm; now it’s a zoo and interactive learning center where you can touch and feed some of the animals that are native to the area. Take a walk down a winding path through the lush jungle with a knowledgeable guide who will tell you all about the many protected species that live here.

Riviera Maya

Where you should stay

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Set along the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast, this high-end, allinclusive resort is less than a minute’s walk from the closest beach and 33 km from Cancún.

The luxury 1- or 2-bedroom suites have living rooms, terraces and marble bathrooms with sunken tubs, as well as flat-screen TVs, DVD players and free Wi-Fi. All also offer ocean views. Upgraded suites add private plunge pools. There’s also a private villa with a kitchen. Room service is available.

Amenities include free breakfast, along with 2 upscale restaurants, a beachfront grill, a sushi and ceviche bar, and 2 lounge/bars. There’s also a pool, a spa and a gym.

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Viceroy Riviera Maya When describing Viceroy Riviera Maya, three words come to mind: sexy, secluded and sea. Nestled within the dense Yucatán foliage near Playa del Carmen, this eco-chic refuge comprises just 41 thatched-roof villas with plunge pools, outdoor showers, hammocks and enough space to get lost in (the smallest villa is 1,000 square feet). Accommodations are sprinkled throughout the grounds for the ultimate privacy, and range from jungle view to oceanfront — although you’re never far from the sand and the resort’s private pier.

The spa draws upon ancient rituals, while the cuisine fuses Mayan and Mediterranean traditions.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya From enchanted surroundings to unique dining atmospheres, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has ushered in a unique vacation experience where passion, luxury and exceptional service merge to create lasting memories. The resort has more than 1,600 feet of white-sand beach, 539 ocean view, jungle view and oceanfront suites; award-winning chefs overseeing five fine dining venues and a luxurious Spa.

Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya welcomes chic, creative minds and boutique-hotel travelers to Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

The hotel’s main attraction will be savoring the tradition of the Riviera Maya region, focusing on serving local culture to guests with cheerful Mexican hospitality. The resort’s inspired design, creative cuisine and uniquely-crafted hotel experiences are all sourced from the neighboring area, aptly satisfying visitors’ thirst for exploration. Construction of the Mayakoba Resort complex began with an ecological investigation from a team of biologists, who have contributed to each aspect of the development and improved the eco-system’s health.

Featured Experience: Sense of Romance

Sense of Romance: Banyan Tree Mayakoba Available through Dec. 21, 2016 The Riviera Maya meets the Orient at Banyan Tree Mayakoba. Here, attentive staff members remove their shoes upon entering the 118 spacious villas, each of which is decorated with handcrafted Mayan furnishings and features both a private pool and outdoor soaking tub.

Expert therapists utilize traditional Asian healing techniques in the renowned spa, while the Thai-infused restaurant, Saffron, is overseen by chefs from Bangkok. Golfers navigate over a cenote on the Greg Normandesigned El Camaleón, a PGA championship course; guests can also take a boat tour around the mangrove-lined canals. Spectacular ruins at Tulum and Coba lie nearby.

Package includes: • Daily breakfast buffet at Oriente Restaurant for two • Two 90 minutes spa session (60-minute massage & 30-minute refreshments and relaxation) per villa, per stay • One Royal Thai menu dinner for two at Saffron (does not include beverages) • One “Intimate moment” romantic villa arrangement and a bottle of wine • Upgrade upon arrival, if available • Complimentary International buffet breakfast • $100 resort credit • Early check-in and late check out, if available • Preferential green fees at El Camaleon, a PGA championship golf course • 10% discount at our Banyan Tree SPA

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Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa Scottsdale, AZ United States

Valid for travel now through December 29th, 2016

Experience Includes: Complimentary 3rd night based on a minimum of 3 consecutive nights Offer can be repeated for a 6 night stay All taxes and resort fees are waived for the complimentary night Upgrade to Mountain Vista Suites at time of reservation - based on availability Upgrade to Spa Suites at time of check in - based on availability Continental Breakfast for 2 people (up to $20 per person - $40 max) 1 Complimentary 30 minute Spa Treatment VIP Status

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World Travel Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun Cancun, Mexico

Valid for travel now through October 31st, 2016

Experience Includes: • • Book a three night stay and receive a complimentary third night on Suites & Club Level • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability • $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, (no cash value if not redeemed in full, not valid on alcohol, taxes, service charges.)

• Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

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World Travel Experiences

Half Moon, Jamaica Montego Bay, Jamaica

Valid for travel now through October 31st 2016

Experience Includes: Receive up to 40% off our Rack Rates for all room, suite and villa categories Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (applicable on rooms and suites only) Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests $100 USD equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

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World Travel Experiences

Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach Miami Beach, FL

Valid for travel now through September 30th, 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary Daily buffet breakfast for two by Il Mulino New York served in AQ $100 ESPA Spa Credit (only applicable for body or facial treatments) Early check-in subject to availability Late check-out subject to availability A welcome fruit amenity One category upgrade upon arrival subject to availability Complimentary Internet access

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World Travel Experiences

Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali, Indonesia

Valid for travel now through October 31st 2016

Experience Includes: Pay for six nights, stay for nine!

Daily continental breakfast for two $100 food and beverage credit per stay Early check-in and late checkout, if available

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Belmond La Samanna Baie Longue, Saint Martin

Valid for travel now through December 22nd, 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary Automatic upgrade on arriva Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests A complimentary lunch for up to two people once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities Fruit basket in the room Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Tech News: Travel Tech

AMPL SmartBag Equipped with this stylish, water-resistant backpack, you’ll never need to fight for an airport power outlet again: it contains a discreetly hidden charger that connects to up to seven devices simultaneously via USB. In other words, if you plug your device into the wall, you can charge seven at the same time. Away from the wall, however, it’ll charge, say, a smartphone three times before it needs to refilled.

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Outdoor Tech Buckshot Pro Multifunction devices can be gimmicky, but the 3-in-1 functionality of the Buckshot Pro truly helps travelers lighten their load. As a portable speaker, it plays tunes wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer. Meanwhile, the top section serves as a flashlight with three settings (torch, lamp, and strobe), making it equally useful for increasing visibility at a campsite and reading discreetly while your partner sleeps. Snapping off the light reveals a USB port, into which you can plug and recharge your smartphone since the Buckshot Pro is also a portable battery.

Bragi Dash On-ear and over-the-ear headphones have passed the wireless barrier, but so far earbuds have required a pesky cable that usually lies on the back of your neck.

That is, until now. The Dash is a pair of wireless Bluetooth earbuds that don’t have wires. And yet, these earbuds sound great and provide natural, passive noise isolation that can be shut off with a swipe of your hand.