Rocky Point - learn from experience

After many visits to RP, I've learned a few things along the way that I thought I'd share with you. First off, if you drive...stop by Vazquez (a large store on your left on your way through town). You can stock up on supplies such as tequila, mixers, snacks, etc. Plus, there is a GREAT little taco stand - emphasis on little - that is located in a parking space right in front of Vazquez and is always busy with both locals and those in the know. Additionally, there is a family-run shop next door (actually 2 doors down) that makes the best homemade tortillas in...well, probably the entire country of Mexico - I'm telling you, they are delicious. You will undoubtedly will see the little old lady that runs it and she doesn't speak a lick of English.

I will assume that at some point you will be in a car and if not, it's still useful advice for any time you are traveling through Mexico. Beware of the Policia - they really do pull you over for anything (especially if you look like a tourist) and they really will haul you to jail. If that is the case, do EVERYTHING you can to avoid it and yes, they really do take bribes. I pray that you don't ever have to find out but it's always good to know...just in case.

My last little tidbit is a reminder that due to the stricter policies that are being enforced - you now need a passport to fly there and starting at the beginning of 2008, you'll need a passport to drive across the border. So be sure you have one and it's not expired! :)

Rocky Point - sun and sand

First off - Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you have a wonderful day and I'm thrilled that I'm able to spend it with you.



So, while in RP there are many activities that are available if you are seeking more than just sunbathing and lounging. I usually do just that but I have done most of the activities below on one trip down there or another and they are always very fun.

The activities won't come as a huge surprise - there's parasailing and like every vacation spot on the water, they have banana boats...just be careful to pay attention, my friend Kirsten got caught in the rope last year and she isn't too anxious to get back on the banana any time soon. :)

Land activities include sand volleyball which is always a fun way to meet other visitors. You can also rent ATVs and roll out onto the dunes - but if you've never done it, just be prepared that your hands will be very sore the next day from holding on! And pulled straight out of a romance novel - you can horseback ride on the beach. And even though I have no idea what the name of this activity is...they have a flying dune buggy looking contraption that seems a bit like a death wish but it's always fascinated me - so if you happen to be down there and are feeling lucky, let me know how it goes! :)

The last activity that I would highly recommend is to head into town and do a little haggling shopping. You can find pretty much any chotchke you can think of and some really fun souvenirs. The last time I went, I brought back a beer holster for my boyfriend...yes, you read that correctly - beer holster. It's made of leather and has the emblem of the beer of your choice and it attaches to any belt. My point is, they have everything! Brush up on your negotiation skills and never take the first price! PS - you can always find fresh shrimp and I highly recommend buying some to bring home...yum!

Rocky Point - siesta time

Now that you're craving some authentic Mexican cuisine...it's only fair that I tell you where to stay so you can book your trip ASAP. :) There are many options as Rocky Point is becoming more known but I always go back to the tried and true. Usually I stay on the Sandy Beach side in a condo - it offers the perks of a kitchen, pool, hot tub and it's right on the beach.

There's a grouping of condo rentals that I can personally recommend - Sonoran Sea, Sonoran Spa, Sonoran Sun and Princessa. They are all located next to one another and are similar in what they offer. Each condo (you can choose from 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms) is independently owned but the complex takes care of renting them out. They are all decorated very well and have all of the comforts of home - and by comforts I'm referring to a blender and wine opener. :) But seriously, they are fully equipped with everything you'll need for your trip, so much so that you'll never want to leave. Each complex has its own benefits.

For example, Sonoran Sea has 3 pools to choose from with one offering a swim-up bar. Additionally, the bartenders are friendly and love their jobs and will play any music you want which blasts to the entire pool...talk about party!

On the other hand, Princessa has a large beach area with palapas for sun worshipers and they are located within steps of the water.

If you recall from my food posting, I also mentioned Playa Bonita. If you are looking for a hotel option in the area, then this would be my recommendation. I, personally would go with a condo but this hotel is a great option for those not wanting/needing a condo. If you have a larger group - then definitely look into renting a house...the best ones are on the Las Conchas side...although there are a few on the Sandy Beach side. Just be sure to really research it to make sure you know exactly what you are getting! :)

Rocky Point - tacos, shrimp and margaritas

One of the best parts about going to Mexico is the fantastic and authentic food options!! I know many people get leery of "little taco stands" but I can tell you that if you know where to go, you'll never find food that can compare. Here are my choices of where to go - there are actually quite a few options but after exploring many, I have narrowed it down...it was tough research! :)

The Point - by far one of the coolest places in Rocky Point because it's built over the water and on, well...stilts. It's at the point of the beach separating Sandy Beach from Las Conchas and can be seen from pretty much anywhere along the water. One of my favorite things is to go there, order a margarita (they are the size of your head) and an American shrimp cocktail - if you don't say "American" it will be the Mexican version which is more like a ceviche - then sit, relax and look out at the water.

Playa Bonita - my favorite happy hour spot. It's right on the beach and is the perfect location to watch the sunset while enjoying delicious food and festive music. Technically there is a restaurant and hotel - both are great but the restaurant is where I typically go and the patio is vast with plenty of room for everyone to enjoy a little fiesta!

La Curva - this is a fairly new one for me that I came across on this trip, thanks to my friend Ali. She and her family have been going down to RP for years and she's definitely someone I trust when it comes to finding the right places to eat! La Curva is ideal for breakfast - it's traditional, the menu is broken English and varied Spanish and the food is excellent! They serve warm tortillas alongside your meal and they are buttery and delicious. As you can see on the sign, they cater to Americans - I laughed when I saw "Mexican USA food."

Manny's - now this one I would recommend for daytime only unless you are looking for a dance party. After the sun goes down, Manny's is the hottest ticket in town, blasting The Humpty Dance every obnoxious American song known to man. Now...don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I haven't partaken in the past but most people enjoy the more relaxing moments in Rocky Point so I wanted to at least spell out what to expect.

Casa del Capitan - I wanted to include one spot for the lovebirds. This is the most expensive on my list and if you are looking for a romantic locale, this place should definitely be on your list. It's located at the top of the highest hill in town and overlooks the water - sunsets are gorgeous. They offer both seafood and Mexican fare and typically there is live music.


PS - Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful Moms out there :)

Rocky Point - weekend with the girls

First off - Happy Cinco de Mayo! Although it's more of an American holiday than Mexican, I thought it was a fun coincidence that this post falls in line. Most people believe it's the Mexican Independence Day but it's actually the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla against the French. The real Independence Day is September 16...just a little random fact for ya. :)

So anyway...On to Rocky Point! Typically my trip to Rocky Point is with my best girlfriends and is an annual event in November...but this year three (out of the regular four) of us decided to make another trip in May - we needed a quick getaway! For those who aren't familiar - Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) is located in Mexico along the Gulf of California (specifically the Sea of Cortez) - about a 4 hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona.

Primarily Rocky Point is known as a spring break spot for people in the Southwest but it's also an incredibly beautiful vacation spot that is surprisingly not super touristy for most of the year. If you avoid holiday weekends (I should take my own advice!) and spring break, you can get some incredible deals and enjoy some quality beach time.

It's a Deal!

Mexico on Sale! You can enjoy seven nights at the resort of your choice in the city of your choice starting at just $735 with hotel and air packages or from $529 with non-inclusive...so if you have a buddy pass or airline miles to redeem - now is a great time!

The deal: Liberty Travel has come out with its annual "Mexico Extravaganza," offering reduced prices on air-inclusive packages to more than 145 three-, four- and five-star resorts and hotels all over Mexico. The sale rates are good for trips taken from April 25 through December 20, but they must be booked no later than May 7. For example, a seven-night package from Miami to the NH Krystal Resort in Cancun starts at $529 per person, double from Miami, $625 from New York or $659 from Chicago for June departures—and as a bonus, kids stay and eat free at the hotel. Prefer an all-inclusive property? Package rates for the Grand Oasis in Cancun start at $735 from Miami, $825 from New York or $865 form Chicago—and again, kids stay and eat free.

Need more info? Click HERE.

Holbox Island - in the know

Here are some tips for your next trip to this fantastic little paradise.





Low season
-May and June
-October and November

Mid season
-Mid-January-March
-December
-September

High season
-Holidays (end of December/beginning of January)
-April
-July and August

Also important to point out, there are no rocks on the island (no wonder everyone is barefoot!). Shells are in abundance and if you are a shell collector or admirer, there are many unusual finds on the beach.

If you rent a golf cart to get around on the island, don't be surprised if you come across a Bassett Hound. His name is "Maclovio" and he's very friendly - he may even hop in the cart for a ride. :)

PS-There aren't any banks or ATMs on the island so bring dollars or pesos

Holbox Island - cerveza

Since the island is not overrun with tourists, the food options are minimal but offer a truly authentic island dining experience that you won't find anywhere else. In addition to your hotel, here's a rundown of your options:

• Viva Zapata - the most popular Mexican restaurant on the island, located about a half block from the main plaza and open for dinner. They offer grilled seafood, steaks, pasta - and of course, margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas. They also have live music every night!
  
• Edelin Pizza - located in the main plaza in downtown Holbox, open for lunch and dinner and famous for serving a wide variety of pizzas, pastas and Mexican dishes. Be sure to try one of their special house pizzas: lobster, shrimp or tuna.
  
• Maresa Ice Cream - for 20 years, the Escalante family has made the most delicious and famous ice cream on Holbox Island. Located 2 blocks from the main plaza and all made with natural fruits in a variety of flavors including peanut, coconut, chocolate, pineapple, mango, elote, mamey, guanabana, tamarind, zarzamora, nut, strawberry and the list goes on.
  
• Restaurant Villamar - situated on the main avenue and close to the beach offering seafood, as well as a selection of house specialties.
  
• Zarabanda Restaurant - one of the oldest restaurants on Holbox Island, located one block from the main plaza and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This rustic family restaurant specializes in fresh seafood including ceviche, shrimp, conch, lobster and a variety of fish based on the catches of the day.
  
• Restaurant Cariocas - located on the town's beach, serving mainly seafood and regional dishes. The restaurant also serves as the local dance spot during high season.

Holbox Island - out and about

Since this island is fairly undiscovered, don't expect TONS of things to do. But there are enough options to keep you busy especially if you take time to enjoy the beautiful beaches!

If you are looking for a little adventure to spice up your relaxing trip, a whale shark tour is the best way to go. Whale sharks are the largest living fish species and feed primarily on plankton, algae and krill. Despite the word "shark" in their name, they pose little to no threat to humans and are historically welcoming to divers and have been known to be playful. This opportunity is available from June to September while the whale sharks enjoy the warm waters near Holbox. Most tours last approximately 5 hours and cost around $75-$85 per person.

Isla Pajaros "Bird Island" is another popular attraction for visitors to Holbox. The island is located about 30 minutes from Holbox by boat and is home to over 150 different bird species (PS - the island is only 200 feet wide!). To protect the fragile ecosystem, no humans are allowed to walk on the island but you can observe these birds in their natural habitat from viewing terraces and walkways that protect the birds and keep them safe. With the abundant amount of species that visit and live on the island, you can see birds nesting and mothers feeding their young at almost any time of the year. If you are a flamingo fan (I happen to know one), you'll want to mark your trip to fall between April and October. While flamingos typically feed on brine shrimp (which is how they achieve that beautiful pink/red color), when they are on Isla Pajaros, they enjoy little red crabs which continue to enhance their colorful feathers. The island is also home to iguanas, snakes and crabs (that have been living on this planet since the time of dinosaurs), in addition to a variety of plant life including cacti, mangroves and wild orchids. If you have the chance, sunset is the best time of the day to visit when all of the species in residence flock back to the island to roost. :)

Another great option, for those who want to see Isla Pajaros but not spend a full trip just there - check out a Holbox Island tour. It sounds straight-forward enough but really, you get to enjoy a variety of what the island has to offer - all in one trip. This boat tour will take you to Isla Pajaros for some time with our feathered friends and then you will be brought to the Yalahao Lagoon, where you can swim in the crystal waters of the natural spring (you can also snorkel if you bring your own equipment). The tour will conclude at Isla Pasion, where you can enjoy the virgin sandy beaches, tranquil water and listen to the rustle of the palm trees in the wind. What better way to end the day? :) By the way, when the boat takes you back to Holbox, you will pass through an ocean channel - it's not uncommon for you to see large pods of dolphins swimming in the channel and the island's fishermen at work. These tours run around $20-$25 per person.

Addiitonal activities include:

• Deep sea fishing tours
  
• Crocodile tours
  
• Chichen Itza ruins
  
• Snorkeling tours
  
• Horseback riding

Holbox Island - give it a rest

Since this location is (luckily) still relatively unknown to tourists, the accommodations are pretty reasonable. The best places on the island run between $100 to $275 for the nicest rooms (depending on the time year). I happened to also come across a nice, little find where rooms range from $50 to $180 so it's a considerable savings.


The hotel I'm referring to, or I should say "hotelito" is Casa Las Tortugas. It was originally run by a mother (Greta) and daughter (Francesca) who moved to the island from Italy but is now run by the daughter and her fiance. My descriptions will never do it justice but I can say that it's definitely worth consideration for a reasonable price and great location! They offer rooms ranging from doubles all the way up to bungalows in ancient Mayan tradition featuring wooden supports and woven thatch roofs. One of the best parts - upon request, they offer A/C (which is rare among the island hotels, usually it's just ceiling fans). Especially with this being a low-priced location, it's a definite perk! I really urge you to check out the site, it's the most charming little place and I can't imagine anyone having an experience that's anything but wonderful.

Additional accommodations are included on the list below, and if you are looking for more feedback, visit Trip Advisor.

• Hotel Posada Mawimbi
  
• Villa Los Mapaches
  
• Villas Paraiso del Mar
  
• Villas Delfines
  
• Hotel Faro Viejo
  

Holbox Island - hola

Ok...don't tell too many people but I have found a little island paradise - in Mexico of all places. This small island NW of Cancun is perfect for a getaway from it all. It has yet to be discovered by the masses and I encourage you to keep it our little secret if you have the chance to visit! :)

Holbox Island (pron. hole-bosh) is 26 miles long and accessible (by flying) through the main areas of Playa del Carmen and Cancun. You can also take a ferry or rent a boat from Chiquila (about 2.5 hours from Cancun). There are no cars on the island but you are able to rent golf carts, bikes and scooters once you arrive.

Locals make their living primarily on fishing and it's not unusual to witness the catch of the day making its way through the village. The streets are made of white sand and it's a nice separation from the bustle of everyday life. It truly is an island retreat!