Mareazul at Grand Coral, Playa del Carmen Real Estate

For the fifth straight year, "Travel Weekly" magazine has selected the Riviera Maya as "The Best Tourist Destination in Mexico" in their sixth annual edition of the "Readers Chioce Awards."

 "The Riviera Maya continues to be their favorate destination acccording to tourists. Satisfaction transmitted to travel agents who have recommended visiting the area, which offers excellence in service and wide tourist density" as these are the words of Javier Aranda Pedrero, Riviera Maya Fideicomiso Tourist Promoting Director and after recieving this distingushing award representing all the people involved in the tourist industry in the Riviera Maya.

"Travel Weekly" magazine readers voted in fifty-five catagories from airlines, hotels, tour oporators and cruise ship travelers through a online voting process.  In each category, candidates were chosen as the finalists because they represented the highest standards of excelence and service. The travel agents identified the leaders of the industry which were shown to have the best produts and service throughout the year.

"Readers Choice Awards 2008" winners were presented at the annual "Gala Awards", which ws hosted at the waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

The Riviera Maya has been nominated by the Travel Weekly Magazine as a top destination in Mexico fro six years in a row, being selected as the " Destination of the Year" in the "Readers Choice Award" catagory in years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. 

In September, the Riviera Maya was also selected by Apple Vacations as "destination of the year 2008" receiving the Crystal Apple Award.

Always aware of its natural environment, the Riviera Maya has a hotel infrastructure that answers the needs of all visitors. This destination currently has 338 hotels with 35,960 hotle rooms available in diverse room caegories.

By: IN Riviera Maya

http://inrivieramaya.com

Yucatán - A safe and friendly place to vacation this year!

There has been a lot of media coverage recently about violence in México. It is difficult for us in Yucatán, as the negative image can be very powerful. Most of the violence you hear about is related to drug cartels. The irony is that the increased violence is because the Mexican government is actually making headway on the drug problem. The drug cartels feel less secure and are fighting more between themselves for drug traffic territory control.

What we always tell nervous travelers is that the violence is very limited to the people directly involved in the distribution of drugs or controlling the drug traffic. So as a visitor you would be totally outside the realm of violence. Our president, Felipe Calderón, is asking the US government for assistance, and is hopeful that the new administration will be responsive. By the way, if you pass through military checkpoints on the highway, they are a good thing, don't worry, they are there for your safety. They are very polite and really trying to prevent the traffic of drugs and arms.

The U.S. State Department's most recent Travel Alert emphasizes the U.S.-Mexican border areas as the highest risk. Yucatán is far from those cities.  Use the same common sense you would use at home or anywhere else: don't wander empty streets late at night, and avoid isolated areas.

Take advantage of the strong US and Canadian dollars, and the Euro, and come visit Yucatán! You'll be glad you did.

Juanita Stein, Editor

Azul Hotels by Karisma and Fisher-Price(R) Launch Azulitos Kid's Program at Gourmet Inclusive Properties

Exclusively Designed Play Space, Toy Library and Kid's Check-In 
Enhance Vacation Experience for Families Traveling with Young Children 
Azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of Gourmet Inclusive(R) properties located throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, today announced a relationship with Fisher-Price(R), a worldwide leader in infant and pre-school toys and subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT) headquartered in East Aurora, N.Y. Azul Hotels and Fisher-Price will create the Azulitos Kid's Program, a play program dedicated to children under five years old. Azulitos will open in conjunction with Azul Hotels' new family-friendly properties - Azul Sensatori Hotel, by Karisma (October 1, 2008) and Azul Fives Hotel, by Karisma (December 1, 2008) in the Riviera Maya. Azulitos Kid's Program will also be featured at Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma, a hip boutique property for families located on a nine-mile stretch of secluded white sand beach, Bahia Petempich. 

"We are thrilled to be working with Fisher-Price to enhance the guest experience at Azul Hotels by Karisma for young children and their families" said Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Worldwide Marketing, exclusive representatives for Azul Hotels by Karisma. "Fisher-Price is one of the most recognized and trusted names for parents everywhere. We are excited to team up with such a respected and valued company" 

"Fisher-Price looks for partner brands that are committed to enriching experiences for families, and Azul Hotels are designed especially to bring family members together" said Kevin Curran, general manager and senior vice president at Fisher-Price. "They have a number of unique family playtime offerings that resonated with us, such as s'mores parties and sandcastle building contests. Our goal is to help create even more memorable family bonding moments at their properties with experiences like our fun, themed playgroups and an exercise program for mom and baby" 

The Azulitos Kid's Program, designed exclusively for Azul Hotels by Fisher-Price, begins at check-in, when parents receive a colorful brochure detailing services and fun-filled adventures available during their stay. Children are given their own scrapbook-like activity booklet filled with games and areas to chronicle their favorite moments throughout the vacation. Azulitos Kids will also be directed to the Jugueteca, a Toy Lending Library where they can check out the coolest Fisher-Price toys for complete entertainment. 

All kids love down-on-the-floor playtime, and they will not be disappointed when they enter the Azulitos Kid's Club Room, a play space designed exclusively for Azul Hotels by Fisher-Price. The colorfully decorated Azulitos Kid's Club Room will be a favorite haven for children under five to have fun and interact together without older kids around. The room will also be used for Fisher-Price playgroup sessions where parents or grandparents can enjoy themed events with the kids like Ritmo de la Manana (active beat) with Fisher-Price musically oriented toys for babies 6 to 18 months; Mundos Maravillosos (marvelous worlds) with Little People(R) toys for toddlers 18 to 36 months, and Planet Heroes(TM) Aventuras Azulares (solar adventures) for kids three to five years old. 

There are more surprises outdoors. Exercise-minded moms can borrow a jogging stroller and join Mom's Morning, a jogging/yoga program designed especially for mothers and their babies. Mom's Morning will start the day with a refreshing exercise program and healthy breakfast spread of granola, fruit, yogurt and other good-for-you treats. 

In addition to its Azulitos Kid's Program, Azul Hotels by Karisma feature a variety of Gourmet Inclusive offerings catering specifically to families such as kid's clubs, teens clubs, kid's splash park, face painting, pinata parties, DVD library with free popcorn, and a playground, among others. At Azul Sensatori Hotel, families will enjoy suites that comfortably sleep two adults and three children, or three adults and one child. Groups traveling together can take advantage of guaranteed connecting suites. Azul Fives Hotel offers families one-, two- and three-bedroom suites accommodating up to eight people. Azul Beach Hotel boasts three pools, beach butler service with ample beach beds, and a fresh fish market where families can choose their catch to be prepared by a chef during a beach barbecue. Azul Hotels by Karisma also provides parents with strollers, cribs, monitors, bottle warmers, baby bathrobes, Gourmet Gerber for babies and toddlers, and free childcare one night a week so parents can drop off their kids at the Kid's Club and enjoy a romantic evening. 

To become an owner at Azul Five please contact us at 1-800-961-7808 or visit www.FivesMexico.com

Reservations at Azul Hotels by Karisma can be booked through a Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant or by calling 1-888-280-8810 or visiting www.azulhotel.com. Guests can call to learn more about a special 20 percent discount off their stay at Azul Sensatori and Azul Five Hotels by Karisma.

Karisma Unveils Mexico Resort

AZUL FIVES HOTEL BY KARISMA, DEBUTS DECEMBER 2008 N PLAYA DEL CARMEN , RIVIERA MAYA , MEXICO

All-Suite, Gourmet Inclusive Property Features Private Rooftop Deck Lounges and Unique Dining Options

Azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of Gourmet Inclusive® properties located throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, today announced the new Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma – scheduled to open in December 2008 in Playa del Carmen. Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma will be the third Azul Hotels by Karisma; Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma opened in December 2005, and Azul View Hotel by Karisma will open in October 2008. A Gourmet Inclusive all-suite property, whereby guests savor every detail of their environment, Azul Fives will offer a variety of gourmet cuisines and meal plan alternatives, private rooftop deck lounges, a luxurious spa and fitness center, high-tech meeting spaces and more.

“Azul Fives’ ultra-chic design, opulent ambiance, and decadent amenities were tailored with a wide variety of guests in mind,” said Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing for Karisma, the exclusive worldwide representatives for Azul Hotels, by Karisma. “In addition to our signature Gourmet Inclusive indulgences, a European Package will also be offered, ensuring the individual tastes and needs of each Azul guest are met with the utmost level of service.”

Located in Playa del Carmen, guests of Azul Fives will experience convenience first-hand with charming restaurants, shops and notable attractions just 10 minutes away including a selection of world-class championship 18-hole golf courses.

Tastefully designed in contemporary architectural style, Azul Fives will offer 360 luxuriously designed one-, two- and three-bedroom Suites (1,125 - 1,900 sq. feet) each with air conditioning, LCD flat-screen TVs and DVD players, mini-bars stocked daily, private marble bathrooms with rain forest showers, deluxe bathrobes, and oversized balconies or terraces. As an all-suite property, Azul Fives is ideal for extended stays.

For those looking to truly indulge, Azul Fives’ Penthouse Suites and Presidential Penthouse Suites will boast private rooftop lounge decks. The rooftop lounge decks will feature a deluxe double Jacuzzi, large lounging area with a sectional sofa and coffee table, chaise lounges ideal for sun bathing, pergola, charcoal barbeque grill, outdoor shower, half marble bathroom with sink and a patio dining table with an umbrella. Guests will enjoy daily gourmet breakfasts on their decks, where they can also host personal gatherings with family, friends and/or colleagues. Private weddings and professional get-togethers can also be organized on Azul Fives’ rooftop lounge decks.

Glamorous two- and three-bedroom Penthouse Suites (1,300 - 1,500 sq. feet) will accommodate up to eight people, separate living rooms, fully equipped kitchens with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, powder room, and master bathroom with rainforest shower, and more. Designed to exceed guests’ expectations, Azul Fives will also provide elegant, two-bedroom Presidential Penthouse Suites (2,500 sq. feet), featuring all the luxuries of a Penthouse Suite in addition to a full bar, wine cellar, iPod dock, Infinity Jacuzzi, and a living room Internet station.

In addition to elegant accommodations, guests will savor a variety of gourmet dining and lounging options at Azul Fives including “Sea Olive,” a seaside restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine; “Tsuki,” where guests will enjoy Pacific Rim cuisine; “Flavors,” a non-pretentious, family-style World eatery overlooking a winding river; and “Senses,” a tailor-made private dining experience offering a unique culinary journey. Multiple bars, lounges and “light food” terraces will also be located throughout Azul Fives including “Zky,” a stylish sky bar and lounge serving spectacular Caribbean views alongside the latest cocktail trends; and “Breeze,” “Lizards,” “Palmas” and “Rainbow,” beachfront and poolside swim-up bars boasting premium spirits, easy-going snacks, and iced coffees or teas.

Azul Fives is one of the Riviera Maya’s few properties with meal plan options – either Gourmet Inclusive or a European Plan – provides guests the freedom to choose the best alternative based on their vacation desires and lengths of stay.

The signature Gourmet Inclusive plan includes accommodations as selected, all meals at any of Azul Fives’ gourmet restaurants, all local and international alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and juices, 24 hour room service, Kids Club (4 years – 12 years), fitness center, sauna and steam room, DVD rental menu, kids menu available, snorkeling and kayaking, concierge, all taxes and gratuities, and daily and special nightly entertainment and live music. With the European Plan at Azul Fives guests select accommodations and the following are included: daily activities program, nightly entertainments, tennis court, table games, shuffleboard, volleyball, Spanish and Mayan lessons, stretching, aqua aerobics, dance and cooking classes, scuba diving clinics, three swimming pools plus one for children, and concierge service.

Additional amenities at Azul Fives include Zen-inspired spa, fitness center, VIP couple’s massage suites, hydrotherapy areas, weight training systems, cardio equipment, on-site bridal and kids suites, wedding packages, a relaxation lounge, high-tech meeting space for up to 250 people and more.

Including the Gourmet Inclusive experience, rooms at Azul Fives range from $360 for a Deluxe Suite to $2,183 for a three bedroom Penthouse Suite accommodating up to eight people, including the Gourmet Inclusive experience. The property will begin accepting reservations in February 2008 for stays starting in December 2008.

About Karisma
Karisma Hotels and Resorts is a premier hotel collection operating properties throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico , where guests savor a Gourmet Inclusive experience that fosters togetherness. Karisma’s portfolio is comprised of Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma; Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma; Azul View Hotel by Karisma; El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma; El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma; and El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma. Properties have been honored with the industry’s top accolades including, Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 100 Hotels in the World,” Conde Nast Traveler’s “Gold List,” Forbes’ “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels,” TUI Travel PLC’s “Hotel of the Year,” and AAA’s “Four Diamond Award.” Karisma has received worldwide recognition for its creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations including resorts with swim-up suites, Infinity balcony pools, beach butlers and cash-free transactions.

Nestled against the cool blue sea of Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula is a place of rare beauty. Where history meets luxury. Where rich culture is surrounded by pristine wilderness. Where you can step out of your door on to pearl white sands that stretch on forever. This is the fabled Mayan Riviera.

Serenity and adventure
This enchanting coastline reaches from Cancun to Tulum and contains destinations, activities and natural wonders to enrich and inspire. Explore the underwater coral kingdom of the Great Maya Reef. Indulge in the fabulous cuisine and nightlife of cosmopolitan Playa del Carmen. Uncover the ancient splendor of the Mayan pyramids. Descend into the hidden subterranean rivers through a cenote.

What is your heart’s desire?
What vibrant new memories will you create here?

Scuba diving the turquoise waters of an ecologic paradise?
Horseback riding through lush, tropical jungle?
Testing your will deep-sea fishing for marlin?
Witnessing the fiery hues of a brilliant Caribbean sunset?

The rich treasures of the Mayan Riviera await you.

 -Rosewood Residences at Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen, where Riviera chic meets Caribbean cool, is the ultimate landscape of pleasure. Once a tranquil village known by the Mayan people as Xaman Ha, it has grown into a truly cosmopolitan and international destination. Days are long and leisurely, spent people watching at sidewalk cafés or lingering in world-class shops. At night the city comes to life, until the party’s end is signaled by the light of the next morning’s sun as it crests over the horizon.

Learn to love life in another language
Cosmopolitan, diverse, bustling, 5th Avenue is a pedestrian-friendly avenue that lives up to its namesake. Visitors from around the globe shop the endless upscale boutiques or for the more traditional huipils and huaraches. Restaurants, cafes and lounges provide a range of cuisine from Caribbean spicy to Continental gourmet. After the sun sets, the sounds of traditional jazz or Mexican music invite some in for an intimate evening, while salsa and merengue rhythms convince others to indulge in a night of carefree abandon. Playa del Carmen is a true garden of earthly delights.

-Rosewood Residences at Mayakoba