Cancun Hurricane Rina Advisory

For guests scheduled to travel to, from and through Cancun Oct. 26-29, 2011:

• Those whose travel has already begun may make one itinerary change. Rules and restrictions regarding standard change fees, advance purchase, day or time applications, blackouts, and minimum or maximum stay requirements have been waived. Origin and destination cities must remain the same. Changes must be made by midnight, Oct. 29, 2011, and travel completed by Nov. 12, 2011.
• Those who have not begun travel may make one change to their travel plans without a change fee or difference in fare if changed by Oct. 29, 2011 and travel occurs by Nov. 12, 2011. All travel rescheduled after Nov. 12, 2011 may be subject to higher fares if it does not meet original rule or booking class.

For more information regarding Frontier’s weather policy or to check the status of a flight, visit the travel advisory page on FrontierAirlines.com.

An aerial view of La Vía Laktea, Luxury Beach Cabañas, Tulum, Riviera Maya. Click for full-size image.

Bambú Kessler reports from Tulum: “Here’s an offer so great, you’ll think we’re April Foolin’. We have a few nights open during Easter Week at La Vía Laktea Luxury Beach Cabañas in Tulum on the Riviera Maya, so we are starting our low season discount a little early this year. Effective immediately, all reservations — including Easter  — are being taken at the SPECIAL low season rate until July 15. Ocean-front upper $153. Ocean-front lower $135. Jungle-view $85.

About La Vía Laktea

La Vía Laktea consist of ten large, solid, comfortable cabañas with concrete construction and traditional Mayan thatched “palapa” roofs located on one of Mexico’s most remote and beautiful beaches. Most of our furnishings are made by local artisans. The rooms are much larger than any others in this area — 36 sq. m. by 118 sq. ft with a 16 m2/52 sq. ft or larger balcony or terrace. It is one of the last hotels before the Sian Ka’an Biosphere begins.

Installations are designed to reduce environmental footprint. The electrical plant is limited to to seven hours a day for environmental reasons. The cabañas take maximum advantage of natural ventilation. The beach in front of the hotel is cleaned frequently. Laundry is done off-site in Tulum to avoid polluting the lagoon on the jungle side of the hotel.

Co-owner Bambú Kessler says, “Robert and I live at La Vía Laktea. When you stay with us, you are, in effect, staying in our home. We try our best to treat you as friends, not customers.”

The hotel is located on hidden Punta Piedras beach, at the edge of the Sian Ka’an Biological Reserve in the municipality of Tulum, about two hours south of Cancun by car. A very discreet driveway leads through the palm trees and green shaded light that surround the site.

La Vía Laktea (The Milky Way)
Luxury Beach Cabañas, Tulum, Riviera Maya

http://www.vialaktea.info

Hosts: Bambú Kessler & Roberto Alvarenga
Carretera Tulum–Boca Paila Km 9.5, Tulum, Q. Roo, México
Tel: [521-984] 807-4341 & 113-6050 § [521-555] 105-5551

DAILY RATES

* Holiday Season
Dec. 20 – Jan. 5

Ocean-front upper $220.
Ocean-front lower $190.
Jungle-view $135.

* High Season
Jan. 6 — March 31

Ocean-front upper $170.
Ocean-front lower $153.
Jungle-view $105.

* SPECIAL Low Season April 1 — July 15

Ocean-front upper $153.
Ocean-front lower $135.
Jungle-view $85.

* Summer Season
July 16 — Sept. 15

Ocean-front upper $135.
Ocean-front lower $120.
Jungle-view $85.

* Low Season
Sept. 16 — Dec. 15

Ocean-front upper $135.
Ocean-front lower $120.
Jungle-view $85.

Researchers attribute early colonial land-use practices, such as deforestation, plowing and damming with influencing present-day hydrological systems across eastern North America. Previous studies suggest that Native Americans’ land use in eastern North America initially caused the change in hydrological systems, however, little direct evidence has been provided until now.

The Baylor study found that pre-European so-called “natural” floodplains have a history of prehistoric indigenous land use, and thus colonial-era Europeans were not the first people to have an impact on the hydrologic systems of eastern North America. The study also found that prehistoric small-scale agricultural societies caused widespread ecological change and increased sedimentation in hydrologic systems during the Medieval Climate Anomaly-Little Ice Age, which occurred about 700 to 1,000 years ago.

“These are two very important findings,” said Gary Stinchcomb, a Baylor doctoral candidate who conducted the study. “The findings conclusively demonstrate that Native Americans in eastern North America impacted their environment well before the arrival of Europeans. Through their agricultural practices, Native Americans increased soil erosion and sediment yields to the Delaware River basin.”

The Baylor researchers found that prehistoric people decreased forest cover to reorient their settlements and intensify corn production. They also contributed to increased sedimentation in valley bottoms about 700 to 1,000 years ago, much earlier than previously thought. The findings suggest that prehistoric land use was the initial cause of increased sedimentation in the valley bottoms, and sedimentation was later amplified by wetter and stormier conditions.

To conduct the study, the Baylor researchers took samples along the Delaware River Valley. Landforms were mapped based on relative elevations to Delaware River base flow and archaeological excavations assessed the presence of human habitation. The Baylor researchers then used a site-specific geoarchaeological approach and a regional synthesis of previous research to test the hypothesis that the indigenous population had a widespread impact on terrestrial sedimentation in eastern North America.

“This study provides some of the most significant evidence yet that Native Americans impacted the land to a much greater degree than previously thought,” said Dr. Steve Driese, professor and chair of Baylor’s department of geology, College of Arts and Sciences, who co-authored the study. “It confirms that Native American populations had widespread effects on sedimentation.”

Scientists from the Smithsonian and Temple University also collaborated on the project.

Media contact: Matt Pene, Assistant Director of Media Communications, 254-710-4656.
Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMediaCom

Siegel (author of the Cancun User’s Guide, first published in 1995 and now in its fifth edition) has no problems speaking out honestly on some touchy subjects. His latest story is “The straight poop on using drugs in Cancun, Mexico”. He reports, “A concerned reader, who understandably wishes to remain anonymous, writes: “I know about the new drug law in DF. But I’ve received conflicting information about its effect on tourists in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. I don’t know if I would get in trouble smoking a joint on the beach, on my patio at the Royal Resorts, or any hotel in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, or while having a beer at Calypso’s (good cantina at Plaza Parilla). So, what’s the story, both de jure, and de facto?”

Siegel replies with his usual sardonic bite, “The question of using drugs in Cancun is such a touchy subject that I am inclined to tell this person to just go try it and report back. This may result in incarceration and other inconveniences, but at least we will have a definitive answer. Except we won’t, even if we send individuals to each of those locales and have them fire up their doobies. The results will depend on the time of day, the position of the moon and irrational factors such as whether or not the chambermaid is a religious fanatic suffering from severe PMS, or the security agent had an intractable fight with some very significant other or authority figure this morning.”

Then he follows with detailed factual information about the new Mexican drug laws (not very encouraging, he says) and very prudent advice based on interviews with people in the position to know (basically, don’t take any chances, but if you have to smoke grass, be cool and don’t call attention to yourself).

Siegel also answers the often asked question, “Is Cancun safe for travelers?” (“Short answer: yes. Long answer: definitely yes! It is one of the safest places on the North American continent, with an overall murder rate of about 4.5%, and a tourist murder rate almost too small to measure. We get around three million visitors a year in Cancun itself, but less than 500 crimes are reported annually in the Hotel Zone police station. Not all of them involve tourists.”) Unlike some sensationalist writers on this topic, Siegel relies on detailed statistics and opinions from reliable sources.

In other stories, he covers “Shopping for basic foods in Cancun,” “Cancun Supermarkets, “Finding an affordable meal in the Cancun Hotel Zone,” Selecting Wine in Cancun and “Five must-see places in Cancun Mexico.

Site publisher Tim Sissel comments, “Jules Siegel’s work is yet another reason why Cancun.MX.com and CancunAndRivieraMaya.com are your best windows to the Mexican world of Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, Tulum, Puerto Morelos and the complete Mayan Riviera. We know Cancun and the Riviera Maya better than many locals because these sites are mainly developed by long time vacationers to the area. So sit back and let us share what we have found about this Mexican paradise!”

Hotels in Cancun have dropped prices anywhere from 18-25% in the last two months

(PRWEB) Miami, FL  July 14, 2010 — “Hotels in Cancun have dropped prices anywhere from 18-25% in the last two months” According to Juan Palacio –CancunHotels.com C.E.O. ”You can find a great 4 stars hotel with free Wi-Fi internet and breakfast for $180 (per night) when a few months ago that same room can easily cost $275 (night)” says Palacio.

For example The Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa is offering a one deluxe room for $183 per night

• ($263 regular price) for this summer, The Grand Melia Cancun is offering rates as low as $150 per night ($192 regular price) also available all summer long, and all inclusive resorts like the Royal Solaris Cancun Resort, Marina and Spa are offering special rates as low as $152 per night for the summer months.

Hotels aren’t the only travel component that got cheaper when traveling to Cancun, AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. announced yesterday a huge sale for travel to the airline’s Caribbean destinations including Cancun with special low fares. Some Sample Fares:

• Atlanta – Cancun                 $70
• Baltimore/Washington-Cancun        $85
• Bloomington, IL – Cancun         $95
• Milwaukee – Cancun                 $95
• Rochester, NY – Cancun             $95

These special fares are available for purchase until July 15, 2010, and are good for travel from August 25, 2010, through October 21, 2010. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay .

Cancun has been in the news these days with celebrities like Angelina Jolie that recently was in the Riviera Maya promoting her latest movie “Salt” or with Mexico’s top broadcaster Televisa announcing on Monday it is interested in providing telecommunication services at an airport the government plans to build in the area.

• For full prices and details please visit www.cancunhotels.com, prices subject to change without prior notice.
• For details on Airtran prices visit Airtran(dot) com

Officials hope to convince tourists that travel there is now safe

TULUM, Mexico – The last time Bud Olson visited Mexico, he ended up in a hospital with kidney stones and missed the ancient Mayan ruins in the seaside town of Tulum. So when he heard that swine flu was sweeping through Mexico just weeks before he was to return this year, the 43-year-old Seattle resident and his friends threw all caution to the warm Caribbean breezes and went anyway.

His reward? No lines, great service, empty beaches –- and lower prices.

“There was no one at our resort,” said Olson’s friend, Penny Moeller, 44. “The service was spectacular. But it’s a shame for the economy.”

Some of the promotions being advertised:

Flu-free guarantee: Several hotel chains in Cancun are offering a free vacation a year for three consecutive years if guests come down with swine flu within 14 days of their departure and can produce the blood tests to prove it.

Free insurance: Mexico City is offering tourists free health insurance.

Package deals: Expedia Inc. says average price of vacation packages to Cancun in which a flight and hotel are booked together has dropped 26 percent compared to last summer.

Continue reading.

With 2000 stores distributed in twelve shopping centers located in the Hotel Zone and downtown, tourists will find irresistible bargains from famous designer brands to local merchandise.

For visitors interested in luxury shopping in an exclusive environment, Luxury Avenue is home to some of the most glamorous, world fashion signature names such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Ferragamo. Also, it offers the “Personal Shopper,” a custom-made service that helps customers make decisions as to how to spend their money wisely through packages like the “color analyzer,” “shopping counseling,” and the “style & personality Identification.”

La Isla Shopping Village, a complex located at the banks of the Nichupte Lagoon and whose small bridges and canals give the building a Venetian look, is the perfect spot for shoppers looking for variety in brands and style offering more than 150 shops. There is a movie theatre, an aquarium and restaurants, ideal options for the whole family.

Visitors that prefer large department stores can go to Plaza Las Americas located in downtown Cancun while their kids can play at Recorcholis or you can test your fortune at the Yak & Sports Book. For those staying at the Hotel Zone there are two options, Plaza Caracol and Flamingo Plaza featuring fine apparel, cosmetics souvenirs, silver craft, dining and cafes.

Cancun is famous for its diverse offer of handicrafts and original jewelry available at Mercado 28 in downtown Cancun; this flea market is famous for its souvenirs engraved with Mayan motives and Mexican art craft available for the most clever who knows the art of bargaining. Next door is Plaza Bonita, with a colorful architecture that resembles a small Mexican village offering local merchandise.

In Cancun there are places for all preferences such as Plaza Hong Kong, a “little China” within Mexico offering all kinds of imported products from Asia. For those who want to combine shopping with fine dining and spirits, Forum by the Sea offers a great variety of boutiques, bars and restaurants such as today’s favorite Hard Rock Cafe.

Contacts

Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau
Gina Salazar, 786-709-2681
gina.salazar@newlink-group.com

Whether you want to “green” your home or business in the Riviera Maya or anyplace else in the world, you’ll gain invaluable insights from two exceptional green building and renewable energy professionals.

And you can also enjoy a vacation at one of the most beautiful bays along the Mexican Caribbean.

You can register for all three days or any combination of days. See more details and link to registration here: http://greenrivieramaya.blogspot.com

November 6 – Green building and remodeling techniques and tools, including water and waste management
Presenter: Sherrie Gruder, Sustainable Design Specialist, LEED Accredited Professional

November 7 – Using the sun to make electricity and hot water
Presenter: John Hippensteel, Lake Michigan Wind and Sun

November 8 – Using wind to generate electricity
Presenter: John Hippensteel, Lake Michigan Wind and Sun

Sponsored by Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA). Co-sponsored by Yucatan Environmental Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3); RENEW Wisconsin, a non-profit promoting renewable energy; and Just Imagine, Inc. Website services.

The new restaurant, with a sleek, modern design, is centrally located in Cancun’s hotel zone in the “Plaza Forum By The Sea” on Kukulcan Blvd., the hottest nightlife area in town. It offers unbeatable views of the beach and ocean, as well as the great food and happy hour all Bennigan’s are known for.

“Cancun is an ideal location to increase our global presence,” said Shawn Finn, Director, International Franchise Operations for Bennigan’s Franchising Company. “We’ve had tremendous success with the Bennigan’s brand in Mexico and look forward to serving our loyal customers at this new restaurant.”

The Cancun location features an extensive bar, an outdoor patio overlooking the white sandy beach, flat-screen TVs and seats up to 184 customers.

The restaurant is owned by franchisee Consorcio Restaurantero Athene and is their seventh Bennigan’s in Mexico, with another location planned for Acapulco in the near future.

“We’re thrilled to be opening this Bennigan’s location in Cancun,” said Valentin Ruiz Ortiz, the owner of Consorcio Restaurantero Athene. “The Bennigan’s brand is a special one for our customers and we’re happy to be associated with it.”

About Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern

Since 1976, Bennigan’s has been offering customers a diverse food and drink menu with an Irish influence in a classic grill & tavern setting. Bennigan’s menu is loaded with salads, burgers, steak and chicken entrees, sandwiches and desserts. Menu favorites include the Monte Cristo sandwich, Kilkenny Country Chicken Salad, Burger Bites, boneless buffalo wings, and “oh baby” back ribs. At Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern you are always welcome for lunch, dinner and happy hour.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Doug Benham
DNB Advisors, LLC
(678) 637-5801

Daniel Billings
Rubenstein Associates
(212) 843-8394
dbillings@rubenstein.com

Only in Cancun can a ceremony be filled with true magic and mysticism along the world’s most spectacular seashores. The ancient Mayan wedding rituals have become a unique attraction for newlyweds when proclaiming eternal love to one another in front of a shaman. During the ceremony, the couple exchanges symbolic gifts such as cacao seeds, corn and tortillas at the rhythm of Mayan music played with pre-Hispanic instruments in a ritual where all guests dress all in white or cream colors.

Cancun offers all the elegance that couples seek for the most important day of their lives. Imagine a ceremony aboard a luxury yacht or at the exclusive King Polo Country Club in Puerto Morelos, famous for its glamorous settings. Newlyweds can also start their new life with a special ceremony in which dolphins present them with flower wreaths and take them on a fantastic ride, turning their wedding into an underwater adventure.

For those seeking a more intimate occasion, they can exchange vows at a romantic private beach or among tropical gardens at the most exquisite boutique hotels. Those who are more classic in taste can choose one of our 5 star hotels.

Hotels in Cancun offer a variety of wedding packages that adapt to different needs and budgets offering a variety of packages that include: minister service, preparation of wedding gowns, brides’ bouquet, catering for guests and discounts in spa treatments, among other services. Those who want to spend more money can choose upgraded packages to enjoy royal treats.

Cancun and Puerto Morelos offer everything to have a perfect wedding: bilingual judges, priests, professional wedding coordinators, the best musical groups, banquet service, florists, photographers, clothing designers, and most importantly, facilities that can accommodate from 3 to 6,000 guests. That is why Cancun has become a favorite destination to celebrate the most impressive weddings. Last year, 5,000 couples got married in Cancun.

Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau www.cancun.travel