Experience Travel

Spotlight on the Caribbean & Mexico | Water Sports

The Caribbean and Mexico - it's hard to find a better region for a beach getaway! They're easy to get to and ready to welcome you with all the facilities you need for the perfect sun drenched getaway. This month's articles show you the best beaches and the water sports that are available at your resort and beyond. You'll find Caribbean cruising is an excellent way to enjoy a different beautiful beach at every port of call. Don't miss this month's recipe and our wonderful cruise promos as well as other great offers from our partners. Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions and ideas. We're here to help with the planning of your memorable sun vacation to the Caribbean or Mexico.

• Spotlight
• Insider's View
• Cruising Feature
• Travel Style
• Chef's Recipe

Spotlight on Beach Vacations in the Caribbean & Mexico There's nothing like hitting the beach for some sun, fun and relaxation. For a revitalizing getaway it's hard to beat and what better place for it than Mexico and the Caribbean? They're easy to get to and ready to welcome you with all the facilities you need for the perfect sun drenched getaway! World's Best Beaches You'll find excellent beaches throughout the Caribbean and along Mexico's Pacific and Caribbean coasts. There's a wide range from surfing and wind surfing beaches to vast stretches of white sand and tranquil secluded spots ideal for sunbathing. Credit: WestJet Vacations Mexico and the Caribbean have several beaches which are recognized amongst the best in the world including: Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba Tulum, Mexico Negril, Jamaica Cancun, Mexico Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Varadero Beach, Cuba Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Seven Mile beach, Grand Cayman Half Moon Bay, Antigua Trunk Bay, St John Cane Garden Bay, Tortola This list gives you a range of destinations to choose from for the ideal beach getaway! For beach activities, be sure to use the water sports facilities available at resorts and beaches around the islands. From parasailing to windsurfing to snorkelling, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy on the water. See the Travel Style page on Water Sports for more. Where to Stay? Cancun, Mexico. Photo: Wikipedia.org So what type of accommodation will be your home away from home? Our partners provide a wide range of options for you to consider from luxury hotels and villas to all inclusive resorts for every budget: Totally private villas with from one to eight air-conditioned bedrooms, tropical gardens, breezy pavilions and most with their own swimming pool and deck. Hilltop locations have exquisite views while waterside locales are just steps from the beach. There's a range of luxury amenities while some even have a chef available to prepare meals. These gracious homes are certainly your ultimate private tropical paradise. Couples only resorts with lavish suites, top rate sports facilities, spa, haute cuisine and premium wine and spirits. Daily activities and nightly entertainment keep you busy while excursions let you explore your destination. All-inclusive family oriented, beachside resorts are packaged to include air, transfers, all meals, snacks, wine, drinks and tips. The resort facilities offer everything you could want for active family fun; glass bottom boats, water sports, golf, supervised kids activities, water parks with waterslides, fitness centres and more. Distinctive hotels and resorts in premiere locations are a part of our hotel collection. We offer these special amenities at our member hotels: Upgraded room at time of check-in, if available Early check-in, late check-out, if available Ensemble Exclusive Amenity, such as breakfast daily, resort credit, afternoon tea, etc. Mexico - All Inclusive Paradise - Mexico has perfected the all-inclusive concept with the development of tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula (Riviera Maya), Pacific Coast and Baja Peninsula. Mexico's all-inclusives are inviting properties where you enjoy a carefree getaway with a range of entertainment, recreation and dining options. Packages with air add to the ease of your vacation and it's all paid for before you leave home! Paradise has never been so easy to acquire, or so affordable. Beaches and More Here are some intriguing beach destinations with something more to offer: Punta Cana Beach, Dominican Republic. Photo: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Cozumel, Mexico The Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park is one of the best diving destinations in the world. Discover a spectacular underwater world. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico This sport fishing capital is also home to water sports, sea life viewing opportunities and beautiful Pacific beaches. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico North of Puerto Vallarta is the newer vacation playground of Riviera Nayarit, a destination focused on ecological awareness and adventure. Here you can hike, swim with dolphins, surf and go zip lining as well as enjoy the benefits of luxury tourism. Barbados With its endless beaches, natural beauty, many attractions and fine dining, Barbados has long been a popular tourist island. Highlights include exploring Harrison's Cave, 4x4 island safaris, and snorkelling. Enjoy an English Afternoon Tea at a sugar plantation and learn about the island's British colonial heritage. Barbados is also recognized for its world class golf courses. Acapulco, Mexico. Photo: Wikipedia.org Acapulco, Mexico Internationally famous, Acapulco is the "Pacific Jewel" of Mexico noted for its range of activities, varied nightlife and beautiful harbour. This city and surrounding area are a good place for the active adventurer. Extreme sports include bungee jumping, river rafting, parasailing and surfing. Don't miss the world-famous cliff divers at La Quebrada. These professional high divers perform daily shows for the public. Bonaire The tiny island of Bonaire sits just off the coast of Venezuela. It is the Caribbean's best kept secret. Noted for its excellent diving and sailing opportunities, it is a charming island, part of the Dutch Caribbean. The pink flamingos which flock around the salt flats are just one bird species to be seen in this island famous for its nature conservation efforts. Dominica Unspoiled Dominica is a must for eco and adventure travellers; excellent for families wanting to enjoy nature and some outdoor adventure on their Caribbean vacation. On this mountainous island you can hike through the lush rainforest, see exotic wildlife, enjoy spectacular ocean views, swim and relax at a secluded cove. Trunk Bay, St. John. Photo: Wikipedia.org St. John, US Virgin Islands Two thirds of the island is a National Park. Here you'll find panoramic views, hiking trails, fabulous beaches, and a wide range of water activities making it the perfect spot for active travellers. St. John is also a treat for history buffs who will enjoy visiting the archaeological digs, seeing Pre-Columbian petroglyphs and the ruins of sugar plantations from a bygone era. St. Lucia The towering Piton Peaks make St. Lucia one of the most dramatically beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Enjoy rainforest ziplining, swimming in waterfalls, turtle viewing and a range of land and water sports. The island has an excellent selection of resorts to choose from, many geared to families. There are so many wonderful options in the Caribbean and Mexico it can be difficult to decide on a destination and resort. We're happy to advise you and take care of the arrangements for a memorable vacation. You'll arrive home relaxed and revitalized from a fabulous getaway in the Caribbean or Mexico. By Susan Milne

Insider's View Living the Mayan World with Angelica Espinosa Sometimes you need to get beyond the beach for an enriching cultural experience. There's no better place for this than Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula where exquisite beaches are never far from ancient Mayan civilization. Our On Location partner in the Yucatan, Angelica Espinosa, invites you to "Live the Mayan World" with authentic experiences that are sure to inspire you. There are many options available which Angelica brings to life below. Get in touch with us so we can work with Angelica and her team to create an authentic experience for you in the land of the Maya. "Culturally fascinating: That's the best description of Mexico. The colonial cities, the archaeological richness, the beaches and the incredibly diverse landscapes; you are instantly in touch with culture the minute you arrive to Mexico. It's the people, proud of their traditions; it's the cuisine with ancient roots; it's the music narrating history - Mexico is all about culture. Mix with the locals, go to the town markets, experience a Mayan ceremony; you'll find culture everywhere. Don't miss the festivities and celebrations taking place in the little towns and the opportunity to learn and share with the Maya people. You might end up in their homes learning an artisan's technique or being the guest of honour at a family meal." The Hacienda Experience Angelica Espinoza with staff member Luisa Huchim at Hacienda Tekik de Regil. Photo: Angelica Espinoza "Staying at a hacienda adds to your cultural experience. Located in the Yucatan and Campeche states in the Yucatan Peninsula they have been restored and re-opened as hotels or private rentals. To me, the experience of staying in a hacienda means enjoying the finest accommodation in the region and at same time, supporting and making a difference to the way of life for the Maya communities." "Imagine these properties from the 16th to 18th centuries surrounded by the Mayan jungle, lovingly restored to their former glory after decades of abandonment. Imagine the exclusive intimacy of these very large buildings with extensive gardens and no more than 28 bedrooms. You can escape and connect with life by swimming next to the old hacienda walls or indulging in a spa inside a cenote (a sinkhole where the ceiling of a cave has fallen in, considered sacred to the Maya as the entrance to the underworld). More than 90% of the hacienda staff are from the surrounding Maya communities and the amenities such as soaps and shampoos are locally hand-made. Your waiter might teach you a few Mayan words or your children might have the opportunity to live the traditions." Sustainability Archaeologist at work. Photo: Dzibichaltun archaeological site "The Haciendas del Mundo Maya Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works with Maya communities in the states of Yucatan and Campeche to conserve and develop the Maya identity through educational, health and economic programs within the communities themselves." "The Foundation also opens doors to modern-day indigenous life, bringing travellers into direct contact with the Yucatan Peninsula's communities, workshops, schools and homes." "As a result, the Foundation and the haciendas have received several awards and certifications such as Earth Check, World Fair Trade Organization and Tourism for Tomorrow." Special Events A colourful cenote sinkhole. Photo: Mexico Tourism "Special events take place throughout the year. We recently hosted a historical event for the world of art and culture. Glass + Turrell took place on November 14th for the inauguration of the amphitheatre at Hacienda Ochil - designed by renowned American light artist James Turrell - which featured a Philip Glass composition. Glass is one of the most influential composers of the late 20th century." "This was a fund raising event to conserve the identity of Mayan Culture in Yucatan, Mexico." Discovering the Yucatan Peninsula "Bespoke travel, retreats, events, family gatherings, celebrations, any occasion is ideal to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and the Maya World." "You can rent a car and do a road trip or let us take care of all the organization. The most important thing is to get into direct contact with people and places only the luckiest travellers reach." "Our experts are the top guides anywhere in the region and include archaeologists, historians and specialists who go further than anyone and enrich your experience". "Private tours are an excellent way to discover the region. Expeditions lead by archaeologists, relaxation at the haciendas and luxury villas, private cenotes, superb cuisine, philanthropy experiences at the Maya communities: the choice is yours." Examples of customized tours and learning experiences which can be arranged are: Visiting the Maya cities with an archaeologist Diving in cenotes Exploring private haciendas Swimming and dining in a private cenote Cooking classes Language classes Photography safaris Yoga retreats Study tours Horse-back riding Bike tours, kayaking "These experiences appeal to those who enjoy premier bespoke and experiential travel and want to learn about the vibrant Maya culture as well as try something different." Voluntourism "There are several ways visitors can participate in local projects as volunteers. Travel itineraries can be combined with sustainable activities. Options range from donating a book to the community to fully participating in a summer camp." Thanks to Angelica for providing these excellent options for an authentic and revitalizing experience in Mexico's fascinating Yucatan Peninsula. By Susan Milne

Cruising Feature Caribbean Beaches Imagine enjoying a different spectacular beach in every port of call - you can do this while on a Caribbean cruise. The Caribbean is the number one cruising destination in the world and whether you are on a southern, eastern or western itinerary, there are fabulous beaches to enjoy along the route! Beaches on Your Caribbean Cruise Megan's Bay, St. Thomas. Photo: Wikipedia.org Dock in Grand Cayman within sight of Seven Mile Beach; in St. Thomas it's a short drive from the cruise piers to spectacular Magen's Bay; don't miss the black sand beaches of St. Lucia on a port day in Castries. Cruising the Caribbean gives you some wonderful beach experiences and you can find great beaches everywhere you go in the Caribbean. Tours can take you out for a day at the beach or you can make your own arrangements. It's easy to take a taxi to the beach from your ship. Many resorts in the Caribbean offer a day pass to use their private beach and its facilities for a splendid beach day in style! The selection of itineraries and ports is quite mesmerizing with so many cruise lines and ships in the Caribbean. We can help you narrow down the choices to find the right ship to give you the experience you want in the Caribbean and to visit some great beach locations. Cruise Line Private Islands & Beaches Some of the most magical beach locales in the Caribbean have been created by cruise lines on their private islands. Here you can enjoy a private beach day, just for you and your ship mates, with all the relaxation, activities, water sports, food and fun you could wish for. No wonder cruise line private islands and beaches are rated as the favourite port of call by many guests! Tenders whisk you from your ship to your private, tropical paradise where you can find a quiet corner or hammock to relax in, or enjoy a wide range of water sports, activities and excursions. Lunch is provided usually as a beach barbecue with lots of extras and live Caribbean music. Try a tropical cocktail at one of the beach bars. Support the local economy by shopping for handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs. Kids and teens can enjoy fun activities in their own supervised area. There's something for everyone! Sounds great, doesn't it? This is what you will enjoy on a private beach day during your Caribbean cruise. Private Islands and Coastlines Our preferred cruise lines are leaders in this area. Take a look at what they offer in the way of "a day at the beach" cruise line style. Great Stirrup Cay beach. Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line Great Stirrip Cay, Berry Island Chain, The Bahamas Norwegian Cruise Line This paradise is waiting just for you! NCL has owned this island since 1977 when it became the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. Here you'll spend a day enjoying a range of facilities and activities. There's a welcome area, beachfront for swimming and snorkelling, dining and bar facilities, kids area, floats, hippo slide, a straw market and an area with private cabanas. Enjoy parasailing, kayaking, a WaveRunner® Tour, beach volleyball, water sports and a stingray encounter. Half Moon Cay, Little San Salvador Island, The Bahamas Holland America Line While Holland America Line is committed to keeping 98 percent of its pristine private island wild, Half Moon Cay offers everything you need for a day of play on your Caribbean cruise. Part of the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay lies Southeast of Nassau and is visited on nearly every Caribbean itinerary. Facilities and activities include a two mile crescent shaped white sand beach, nature trails and birding walks, windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, bicycle tours, horseback riding, stingray adventure, Aqua Park, Club HAL children's playground and supervised swimming area, private beachside cabanas, beachside massage, Bahamian Chapel for destination weddings, three water sports centres, bar and dining facilities plus additional shore excursions. Princess Cays, Eleuthera Island, The Bahamas Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas You're invited to a private beach party at this idyllic location. It's a great retreat for snorkelling with its beautiful coral reef and schools of fish. Also enjoy seaboards, aqua bikes, Hobie Cat sailboats, Sunfish sailboats, paddle wheelers, banana boats or transparent hull kayaks at the water sports pier. Climb the Crow's Nest Tower for panoramic views, or shop for local handicrafts. Enjoy an authentic Bahamian barbecue for lunch. Supervised youth and teen programs have their own area with a replica of a pirate's galleon. Labadee, north shore, Hispaniola Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises Not an island but a secluded coastline, separated from the rest of the island by a ridge of mountains, Labadee has the most breathtaking setting with the spectacular mountain backdrop, exotic foliage and a series of beaches and coral reefs. In addition to swimming and snorkelling, enjoy kayaking, parasailing, floating beach mats, WaveRunners®, an aqua park, hiking trails, guided excursions, shops, outdoor dining and beach bars. Become a pirate for a day at Luc's Splash Bash where you battle other buccaneers with water cannons aboard a pirate ship and explore the treasure map trail. Coco Cay, Bahamas Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises This spectacular setting with its white-sand beaches fits the bill for an exceptional day at the beach. Activities include parasailing, riding a WaveRunner®, enjoying the aqua park, relaxing in a hammock and enjoying a beach barbecue. Of course there's swimming and snorkelling to see coral reefs and colourful tropical fish. Beach days arranged by your cruise line are certainly one of the best ways to experience the magnificent beaches of the region. Why not consider a Caribbean cruise for your next revitalizing, beach focused vacation? By Susan Milne

Travel Style Water Sports – The Caribbean and Mexico Participating in water sports while in the Caribbean and Mexico is the perfect way to stay active and keep fit during your vacation. The region is a water sports playground so why not try something new? There's no shortage of thrilling opportunities! Water Sports at Your Resort You'll find a range of entertainment and activities at your hotel including water sports. Facilities will vary depending on which resort you are at of course but kayaks, wake boards, sailing catamarans, water skis, stand up paddle boards, snorkelling equipment and even glass bottom boats are the type of options. Lessons are frequently offered too so you can learn a new sport while you're on vacation. Underwater Beauty. Photo: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Best Places to Snorkel The Caribbean and Mexico are home to some of the best snorkelling in the world. Clear water, shallow coves and healthy coral reefs help create some excellent places to dawn your gear and discover the underwater splendour. These are some of the best places to do it: The Baths, Virgin Gorda The Caves and The Bight, Norman Island Trunk Bay, St. John Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix St. Martin Provo, Turks & Caicos Cozumel, Mexico Grand Cayman Scuba Diving Deep sea kayak adventure. Photo: Mexico Tourism The clear Caribbean waters, exquisite coral reefs and spectacular vertical terrains make this a perfect region for diving enthusiasts. These are some of the many options to choose from for novice to experienced divers: Swim with big game fish at a shallow dive, Victory Reef, South Bimini, Bahamas Airplane Wreck is just one site for divers to investigate amongst Curacao's 60 dive and snorkelling locations. Drift dives off Cozumel's Santa Rosa Wall are known for the spectacular abundance of sea life you will view. The Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize, is the largest in the world at 305 meters in diameter and 134 meters deep. Guided dives are available. Many hotels and resorts offer a dive program so you can get certified while staying there and many private operators provide this service along with guided dives. It's the perfect opportunity to experience a remarkable underwater world. Windsurfing & Kitesurfing From the ABC islands in the south - Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - to Mexico's Mayan Riviera in the north, there are many great spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing in the Caribbean. Equipment rentals and lessons are available or why not attend an international competition? Barbados - Many of the world's top windsurfers are in Barbados every February when the island hosts the Professional Windsurfing Association's Silk Cut Purple Wave Grand Prix. Dominican Republic - Every June, Cabarete Race Week, an international windsurfing competition, takes place in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. This beach has excellent conditions for every level of windsurfing. Parasailing For a breathtaking birds' eye view of your destination, you can't beat a parasailing adventure. Available at beaches across the Caribbean and Mexico parasailing offers a thrilling ride as you take off and soar high above the water. Be sure to take advantage of the excellent opportunity to enjoy water sports while in Mexico and the Caribbean. It's a natural addition to your revitalizing vacation experience. By Susan Milne

Chef's Recipe

Roast Pork With Cheddar Cheese Recipe from Queen Mary 2: Ocean Liner Cuisine, Jean-Marie Zimmerman with Jean-Sebastien Petitdemange & Jean-Francois Mallet (Glenat, 2009) This dish, served in British-themed The Carvery restaurant on the Queen Mary 2 is easy to make and very delicious. Chef Jean-Marie Zimmerman suggests using fresh herbs, fresh bread crumbs and unsalted butter. Serves 8 to 10 Ingredients 15 grams parsley 5 grams thyme 5 grams rosemary 4 garlic cloves 1.2 kilogram pork sirloin, boned and rolled (or pork loin) 250 grams butter 200 grams breadcrumbs 500 grams white cheddar cheese 50 grams Dijon mustard 2 egg yolks 5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce Salt and freshly ground pepper Chop parsley, thyme and rosemary. Mix well. Saute the chopped garlic in a frying pan. Season the meat with salt and pepper, then brown it all over in a very hot frying pan. Mix butter, herbs, garlic, breadcrumbs, cheddar, mustard, egg yolks and Worcestershire sauce. Coat the meat with a layer of this mixture roughly 1 centimeter thick. Roast the pork in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 35 minutes. Leave to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Photo credit: Bob Batz Jr. / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette