Monday 14 July 2014

April / May

Since I have received various “comments” from some of my close associates that my blogs are too “wordy”!! I am going to keep this one simple!! I think therefore that it will be somewhat boring!!
Our trip to Tianguis (The Annual Travel Market of Mexico!)

We flew to Cancun on Thomas Cook. Good standard basic service. Arrived at Grand Residences
www.grandresidencesbyroyalresorts.com words do not come easily! This place is absolutely stunning I have never seen anything like it in my time working with Mexico!! Carlos Bicacci is the best Hotel Director in Mexico (if not the world!). Puerto Morelos just as Cancun was 30 years ago before it became “Cancun”. The hotel has a super restaurant, plus it is possible to cook in your Suite (or have a Chef come and cook for you) there are also many small, tiny village type bars and cafes in Puerto Morelos. We actually walked from Grand Residences into the port. It takes about 45 minutes.

Attended a grand celebration at Dreams Tulum www.dreamsresorts.com/tulum the food was to die for. My adored Daniel Mellado in total control as always! One of my special favourites of AM Resorts! Dreams is an all Inclusive, I think everyone knows I am not a great “FAN” of the all Inclusive programme but the sheer beauty of the actual resort and the breath-taking beach takes the feeling of this away. Dreams is located within 15 minutes of the famous Mayan Archaeological Seaport site of Tulum. There are lots of things to do in and around the hotel and of course the actual town of Tulum itself. There are some quaint things to see here but there are also things to avoid. I suggest that anyone wanting more information to call Cathy Matos Mexican Tours 0203 5926917 or e mail sales@mextours.co.uk

 Le Reve, a gorgeous perfect gem. Arriving here after the “buzzy atmosphere of Tulum” was just like arriving on a desert Island!! Simple, romantic, up market and with only 20 room’s, boutique at its best. This is under new ownership and has again one of the best Sales Directors in Mexico, her name is Tatiana. I love everything about this property. Situated 3 minutes’ walk on the beach from Viceroy. There is a “GOURMET PLAN” which is simply excellent. We at Cathy Matos have available not only special rates for this property but also many other extra “goodies”.
www.hotellereve.com

Kin Sol Soleil, this idyllic 10 room paradise, situated next door to famous Maroma (Orient Express), incredibly beautiful. The property has been designed and created by the famous architect Jose Luis Moreno, who was the original creator of Maroma. He and his wife Sally have made a small paradise here. We stayed at Villa Angela with a private pool, opening up literally onto the beach, fabulous cuisine, private pool, spa services, gardens down to the sea. I have come home! www.kinsolsoleil.com

Grand Velas Riviera Maya
This has to be the “Creme de la Creme” of the all Inclusive properties. Considering my comments above this is the place for the upmarket client profile. I will write more on this later. www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com

Cozumel
Of course I could not be on Riviera Maya without visiting “MY ISLAND”. My adored Cozumel and beautiful PLAYA AZUL. www.playa-azul.com

Guerrero
I spent a lot of time during the Travel Fair on the Guerrero Stand. This state incorporates Acapulco, Taxco, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo and many more.

News of the Day….
Tiangus (Mexican Travel Market) next year will return to its original home Acapulco!! Where it has been for over 30 years. I cannot tell you how happy I am that this has happened. A “forgotten destination” Acapulco once the playground of the stars, Las Brisas Hotel www.lasbrisascollection.com/hotels/acapulco has always been one of my very, very favourite places. This pink palace with a private pool to every room!
PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE FOR SO MUCH MORE INFORMATION ON THE STATE OF GUERRERO!! 
Four Seasons
We at Mexican Tours are invited to attend many travel receptions. This was simply the best! Hosted at Four Season in London, just superb! www.fourseasons.com Met up again with my dear friend Liliana Diaz de Leon, once again one of the best Sales Directors in Mexico!! She is based at Four Seasons Punta Mita. One cannot mention Punta Mita without including my adored friend Norma from Viajes Tukari. Norma provides wonderful excursions and fabulous things to do and to see around Puerto Vallarta. www.tukari.com

KLM
It is no secret that everyone I know is aware that I love KLM. Their flight London/Amsterdam /Mexico City has the most comfortable and enjoyable service. Streamlined, efficient with a very short turnaround in Amsterdam (it could of course be longer for me because I do most of my shopping in Amsterdam’s Duty Free) one of the worlds best. www.klm.com

Mallorca
I am now in Mallorca on vacation staying at my favourite Melia property, Melia del Mar where I am actually working on a new brochure to be called “MY PRIVATE MALLORCA” (watch this space!!)

Hotel Melia London
A new fabulous bar has been created on the open air Terrace with screening of the World Football Cup with BBQ and bar. I can thoroughly recommend this hotel because as part of the F.A.A Committee I attend the monthly lunch meeting at this hotel.
www.melia.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/london
www.foreignairlines.co.uk/committee

Mayair
We flew from Cancun to Cozumel on Mayair. www.mayair.com.mx
 
 
 
Wishing everyone a fabulous summer!





Tuesday 18 March 2014

I was off to MY ADORED Mexico City, and who did I fly on? KLM of course. I know I have a habit of repeating myself so here I go again!

Fabulous check in at terminal 4! It is a completely separate Business section, so quick, painless and seamless. Great flight and as always terrific service with friendly efficient Cabin Crew. I sat next to a Dane! A regular passenger on KLM and a real “Foodie” we had the most wonderful time, matching our wines to the menu, finishing off with liquors, coffee and Ice cream. Just like a long lengthy enjoyable luncheon somewhere glamorous we were actually on upper deck KLM! The journey past very quickly, I watched three movies and enjoyed every one. I never work on an aircraft I just like to relax and enjoy. I cannot emphasise enough just how easy it is to transfer over Amsterdam. Only yesterday I received an email from a client of mine in Mexico City which read as follows

 “Regarding airlines, I always use KLM as there is a good connection into LBA which is near York. Armida my wife found it very convenient and satisfactory during her visits over to see me. She now has a Gold Flying Blue card whereas I´m only Ivory. So you will just have to do many more reservations for me”

Another favourite route for our West Country clients, here is an example

Depart: Exeter 11:20
Arrive: Amsterdam 14:00
Depart: Amsterdam 14:35
Arrive: Mexico City 19:25

Continuing with my own recent journey

Arrival in Mexico City ahead of schedule. In and out of immigration and customs and luggage pick up in half an hour!! Unbelievable and I should know in all the years I have been travelling. Streamlined that’s the word, always such a joy to arrive, busy, buzzy, happy Mexican faces.
Met by our ground handlers “First Class” and off to the HOTEL DE CORTES. 
www.boutiquehoteldecortes.com

One of the reasons I favour this Hotel is because of the Director Martin Morales, however since returning from this visit I have learned he has left. So this could have serious implications for me and I may not use the property again. I will revert to my other special favourite which is LAS ALCOBAS www.lasalcobas.com

I always make a visit to the jeweller in Mexico City, this is a very old friend of mine. I have been buying Silver from Rafael for year. Many of his pieces are unique, his designs are beautifully crafted. I try to persuade our clients to visit but I think people assume it is a “Souvenir Trail” Which of course it is not, you find true Mexican solid silver here. Have one of our drivers take you.

Plateria Rafael
Tamagno No. 102 Local 7 Col. Peralvillo C.P 06220 Mexico D.F
5759 0275

One of the reasons I made this impromptu trip was to attend a wedding. So the first order of the day was a visit to the Hairdresser. I took the City Red Tourist Bus from outside the Hotel De Cortes to Zona Rosa.

The very glamorous reception was held at the Galeria Plaza (A Brisas Hotel!) on the terrace. Some super clothes and handbags! There is nothing more elegant than a Mexican Women out on the Town, designer labels are everywhere, even on me!

Sunday has always been my favourite day! No mowing the lawn or fixing the fence here in Mexico. A visit to the supermarket where the fresh vegetables are displayed in ice. Fresh fish which can be delivered to your door. Shellfish, ingredients to make a paella, fabulous cheese, glorious wines. Pozole a national dish always served on a Sunday in Mexico City, can be purchased ready prepared, no roast beef, Yorkshire puddings here!

PUEBLA
I had to take an emotional visit to this lovely town. My dear friend Linda Shramm of Amigo Yucatan (Our ground handler in Merida) is here to treat her son at a famous clinic specialising in Bone Marrow transplants. For all you out there who speak Spanish please read the following.

Estimados Amigos:

Por este medio les saludo y al mismo tiempo les comunico que el pasado 23 de noviembre Álvaro Cámara Schramm, hijo de nuestra amiga, gran luchadora de por Premium Yucatán y Ejecutiva de Amigoyucatán, Linda Schramm, fue diagnosticado con una Leucemia muy avanzada y agresiva.

A partir de ese momento, Linda y su familia, han emprendido un largo caminar que supera por mucho todo esfuerzo y previsión material y económica y representa además una enorme tristeza y desgaste moral.

Les mando una carta donde expone sus razones y les invito a que en forma anónima, los que gusten, los puedan apoyar con sus oraciones y su ayuda económica.

No hace falta recordar, que todas esas acciones, quedan escritas en la eternidad y que la vida, al ser una rueda de la fortuna, siempre nos devolverá el bien hecho al ciento por uno.

Si son dirigentes de otras Cámaras o Asociaciones, les ruego que si pueden y quieren, circulen la petición.

Muchas gracias y fuerte abrazo.

Jorge Escalante Bolio.
DEPÓSITOS.
Banamex.
Cuenta. 7007-3280336
A nombre de Ashley Beatriz Cámara Schramm
Tarjeta de débito de Banamex
No. 5204164831547192
A nombre de: Ashley Beatriz Cámara Schramm

If there is anyone who can help please do, Alvaro Linda’s son is only 21 and has all his life ahead of him.

I went by road to Puebla it is an incredibly scenic journey even though it is a main highway. You pass the snow-capped Volcano, farmland and small villages we had no traffic so arrived in an hour and a half. From Puebla the tourist can travel onwards to Oaxaca and to Acapulco, plus of course spend some joyful days in this gorgeous City. Of course I visited my one and only favoured property.
www.mesones-sacristia.com

A special treat for me off to Acapulco for 2 very special days at Las Brisas.
www.lasbrisascollection.com/hotels/acapulco. Room 508, I never want to stay anywhere else, my own suite, private pool, canapés and wine delivered at 6pm, breakfast delivered every morning in the “magic box” with fresh pastries and lovely mangos. Now at Brisas Acapulco I feel I should also mention the Brisas property in Cancun. NIZUC www.nizuc.com

I managed to tear myself away from all this wonderful luxury to meet with my friend REYNA LUNA (who heads up the great value for money RITZ hotel) www.ritzacapulco.com

We set off for our traditional lunch at LOS FLAMINGOES. www.hotellosflamingos.com Thursday is POZOLE DAY.at this wonderful old property situated just around the corner from the famous CLIFF DIVERS. You can have a room here for as little as $60 the food is sensational, Built in the 50`s by John Wayne. Johnnie Weismulller (Tarzan, Alan Ladd and Frank Sinatra, a true delight. My Beautiful resort of Acapulco what treasures it has and what stories. Once the playground of film stars and celebrities. Still a favourite with our current day Movies Stars.

Joan Collins recently mentioned Acapulco in her article for the Saturday Mail "Fantasy Day"!! I thank Ms Collins so very much for this. I do so hope that I can do more and more promotion for Acapulco in the following months. Just to tell you two little stories from Acapulco, believe me there are many, many more like this. A few years ago Bob Spiers of Absolutely Fabulous, Faulty Towers T.V. series fame checked himself out of hospital in U.K. and checked in to LOS FLAMINGOES. He spent his last year here, what a super setting for such a super guy. The hotel now has his room on show to view at any time.
FRANK BRANDSETTER - One of the great war heroes of the second World War, Considered to be the most decorated. He spent his last years at Las Brisas. There were many last years! He died 18 months ago at 99. His fantastic home sits atop of the Brisas property, looking out over the famous bay. Huge vaulted ceiling rooms, great terraces, what memories came flooding back of this true and amazing gentleman and he was truly this A " Gentle man.

This enormous house is now for sale; If anyone seeks details please ask me.

Sadly, I had to leave my paradise and return to U.K. We drove directly from Acapulco to the Airport, stopping for a brief visit to TAXCO. How I love this Silver City. The journey to the capital and the airport is 4 hours. Safely on board KLM, this time in Comfort Class and it is just that comfort! Situated at the front of the aircraft it is quiet and cosy. Also giving the facility of a speedy de-board
Please do ask us for a complete breakdown of fares for KLM you will be very surprised.

My next visit will be to TIANGUIS to be held in Cancun.





Tuesday 4 February 2014

It may be February already but this blog is dedicated to events in past November!

We took an impromptu trip to Mexico. I had an appointment to see my adored Nassim Joaquin in Cozumel. A man I have known for 30 years who has been a true friend. The man who pioneered Aero Cozumel later to become Aero Caribe a giant of man in the aviation world also king of his island. At 98 he is still going strong.

We decided to visit Cancun with a stop-over at the CASA TURQUESA. http://www.casaturquesa.com/hotel-overview.html Whilst we at Mexican Tours work with this property on a regular basis it has been some years since I had visited. I make it a policy never to sell accommodation without having stayed personally at the property even if it is just for one night.

The flight to Cancun was a revelation, I do truly mean this. THOMSON were fantastic. The marvellous Dream Liner, the service, the comfort level, the complete experience. We flew economy but I did get a chance to spend some time having a look at premium. I have to say this product is faultless.

I have no hesitation in continuing to recommend and reserve these services for our discerning client. I only want the very best of “My” Mexico for our traveller and Thomson is very much part of this programme.

So back to our trip….

We departed LGW in the morning arriving fresh as a daisy early afternoon into Cancun. Met by our ground operators in a very comfortable limousine with 6 pink roses to boot, but then all our clients receive this fabulous treatment. A very personal touch, and I would be so bold as to say “The Cathy Matos Mexican Tours touch”!
15 minutes and we were in the hotel greeted by beautiful sunlight rooms. This is a small boutique property which has a style all its own, it has the elegance and atmosphere of the luxury of a bygone Cancun era, long before the arrival of the All Inclusive.

The added advantage of Casa Turquesa is that the Director Tracey Davies is the ex-manager of Thomson in Cancun…so what can possibly go wrong…nothing! We often place clients here when they have to overnight before moving onto Chichen Itza and Merida. Great pity people do not choose to stay for longer periods. Whilst the property is situated bang smack inside the Cancun resort it does have a certain air all its own and is very unique. The owner is a great Art Collector, his fabulous array of paintings are distributed around the hotel. He also has his own Art Gallery which is integrated in to the hotel. After settling in we immediately took off for long walk along the huge expanse of very quiet beach. Returning for my favourite occupation which I exercise all over Mexico…….Ordering room service, which turned out to be a superb dinner served on our private terrace. Talking of food…breakfast was simply divine, we then had to sadly depart for the rest of our journey.

MAROMA RESORT AND SPA
http://www.maromahotel.com/web/ocan/maroma.jsp
Our next stop MAROMA! How many reams of paper have I dedicated to my adored hotel. It remains as beautiful as ever. We had the top suite with gym, private pool, private frontage….Just gorgeous. I had the best facial I have ever had in my life delivered by Karen. The spa here is a place of peace and tranquillity, somewhere to escape to. We will be including a spa service with every future booking we make. All my favourite people were still there and all seemed pleased to see me. It really is “coming home” for me.

VICEROY
http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/rivieramaya
No matter how long I have worked with this beautiful place I will always know it as IKAL DEL MAR a Mayan title and the property is Mayan in every sense of the word. In fact it is so incredibly unique, stylish and exquisite. The Director Pedro Lara has to be one of the most wonderful people in the world and such a dear friend. We were greeted with such warmth and love. The Chef here JETZABEL ROJAS is simply top of her profession. Young, passionate with huge energy. We had the “Tasting Menu” which is a feast like no other, the food matches the wines (not the other way around). Again we intend to offer an extra service at Mexican Tours in including this menu and almost ethereal evening to our clients.

KIN SOL SOLEIL
This is a new luxury product called KIN SOL SOLEIL managed by Jose Luis Moreno and his wife Sally. They were the pioneers of Maroma and are continuing the tradition. Three sensational Villas split into suites. Food is outstanding; I so wish them well to succeed. Please ask us for information.

Before leaving Riviera Maya we visited OMNI
http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/PuertoAventuras.aspx
I am so fond of this property. Such incredible value for money, only 30 rooms situated far from the madding crowd. Sol, my dear friend and Sales Manager greeted us as always with her ready smile. I love this little area of Puerto Adventures. There is a Pharmacy, a Mini Market stocking good wines, a Cafe and a Beach Shop all adjacent….what more could anyone want!

NIZUC
www.nizuc.com
This is part of the BRISAS collection (remember wonderful Las Brisas in Acapulco) so as such it is elegant, streamlined and very different.

EL DORADO ROYALE
http://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/hotels/El-Dorado-Royale
El Dorado Royale, a Karisma property. It has to be seen to be believed, great value for money.

GRAND RESIDENCES BY REAL RESORTS
The Great Carlo Bicaci who headed up Intercontinental for many years is now The Director of this amazing place. I did not stay there during our visit but I will be doing so very soon so I will then give a full report.www.grandresidencesrivieracancun.com/puerto-morelos.asp

FIESTA COZUMEL HOLIDAYS 
www.fiestaholidays.com

We then set off on the ferry from Playa Del Caram to my private paradise COZUMEL. I only have to step off the boat and all the memories come flooding back. So many and all so wonderful, some with sadness, some with much love but always I am back to “My” Island. I can walk along the beach and hear the voices of people I have loved, I can hear Joanne calling to me from the beach when she was a little girl, always up to her neck in tropical fish and sandcastles made from the pure white sand. How well I remember her here.

We stayed at the PLAYA AZUL http://www.playa-azul.com/ My dear friends Fernando and Martha still own and run this small intimate hotel. I ALWAYS visit the fabulous Golf Club when I am here, not because I play Golf simply because I just love being here amongst the wildlife and nature and sheer beauty of the place. It must be one of the most attractive golf courses in the world.

We at Mexican Tours rely very heavily on the services of Fiesta Cozumel and the wonderful Afredo. They can organise fabulous excursions, diving, and of course this trip to the golf course.

INTERCONTINENTAL COZUMEL
 http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/cozumel/czmha/hoteldetail/
What joy arriving at lunchtime to find that we were in the same suite we enjoyed for our honeymoon (17 years ago). Huge windows opening onto the beach, two beautiful bathrooms, sitting room, huge glorious bed, I could go on and on. We immediately headed for the beach restaurant, fresh local fish, loads of Margaritas…. Heaven. Martha Paredes a fabulous Sales Director, makes sure everything runs smoothly.

Evening into town to seek out my adored Nassim!!

MAYAIR
This is a superb local Airline which hops between the above listed gateways. So useful, especially for the CANCUN/MERIDA route. Whilst it is glorious to travel by road via the Mayan sites it is super convenient to take the 40 minute flight back to Cancun Airport on Mayair ready for your next destination. Carlos Martinez is our "Mayair Man"! He takes very special care of our clients/passengers.

CAMPECHE
I intend to give lots of support and promotion to this area... Often overlooked but such an incredible place to visit, this is Merida 60 years ago! With the wonderful history of the Pirates...Francis Drake being of course the worst of all...I often visit his old home in Devon he made millions from the waters of Campeche.....Look for report to follow

WE HAVE MOVED ADDRESS……

Cathy Matos Mexican Tours
LA CASITA
Totteridge Village
Totteridge
London N20 8AG
sales@mextours.co.uk
Telephone: 0208 492 0000

I am off to Mexico City with KLM on a “Mission of Mercy”(Visiting the famous clinic in Puebla).My Dear Friend Linda Shramm with whom I have worked for over 25 years has a very sick 21 year old son. Linda of Amigo Yucatan has been a huge element within Cathy Matos Mexican Tours. I could not work without her. With other friends and working colleagues all over Mexico we are trying to setup a fund to help pay for the Bone Marrow Operation. I would like to share this with you all. If anyone out there knows Linda please can you help!

Estimados Amigos:
Por este medio les saludo y al mismo tiempo les comunico que el pasado 23 de noviembre Álvaro Cámara Schramm, hijo de nuestra amiga, gran luchadora de por Premium Yucatán y Ejecutiva de Amigoyucatán, Linda Schramm, fue diagnosticado con una Leucemia muy avanzada y agresiva.
A partir de ese momento, Linda y su familia, han emprendido un largo caminar que supera por mucho todo esfuerzo y previsión material y económica y representa además una enorme tristeza y desgaste moral.
Les mando una carta donde expone sus razones y les invito a que en forma anónima, los que gusten, los puedan apoyar con sus oraciones y su ayuda económica.
No hace falta recordar, que todas esas acciones, quedan escritas en la eternidad y que la vida, al ser una rueda de la fortuna, siempre nos devolverá el bien hecho al ciento por uno.
Si son dirigentes de otras Cámaras o Asociaciones, les ruego que si pueden y quieren, circulen la petición.
Muchas gracias y fuerte abrazo.
Cathy Matos

DEPÓSITOS.
Banamex.
Cuenta. 7007-3280336
A nombre de Ashley Beatriz Cámara Schramm

Tarjeta de débito de Banamex
No. 5204164831547192
A nombre de: Ashley Beatriz Cámara Schramm