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Christmas traditions are tried, true and unchanging. There’s no Christmas without delicious special dishes, drinks, decorations and songs that only emerge during this season. Family gets together around a chimney, the sitting room or the dinner table and normally a toast full of good cheer and good wishes is the norm. Sparkling wine, champagne or eggnog are the beverages of choice during these celebration and in Mexico the famous sweet and tangy Ponche, perfect to warm up in cold nights. If you want to know the recipe, here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:
4 quarts of water
12 whole tejocotes (you can get them in Mexican stores or substitute with apricot or crab apple)
1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers
3 sticks of cinnamon
1 peeled and chopped sugar cane
1 cone of piloncillo (jaggery)
1 sliced orange
2 cubed tart apples
12 sliced guavas
8 de-shelled tamarind pods
15 deseeded prunes
1 cup of toasted walnuts
Rum, if you want

1) Bring half a quart of water to a boil and poach the tejocotes (or substitute) for 8 minutes. Peel skin, set apart.
2) Bring half a quart of water to a boil and poach the hibiscus. Let it rest for 20 minutes
3) Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a deep pot and slowly add the rest of the ingredients in the following order: cinnamon, sugar cane, piloncillo, tejocotes, the strained hibiscus flower water, orange, apples and guavas. At the end add tamarind, prunes and walnuts
4) Simmer at least 15 minutes
5) Add rum to taste
6) Serve and Cheers!

Christmas is the perfect moment to spend time with the family, normally this would mean doing sports or some sort of activity together. For some, it is the moment to volunteer your time and money, for others it means going shopping, preparing and eating a great big banquet and gathering around a table, a chimney or a common area to give and receive gifts, sing carols, tell stories etc.; it is a moment to share nostalgia and joy.

If you will be spending your Christmas Holiday at Sunset World, your home away from home, here are our tips to Tropicalize your Christmas:

1) Outdoor sports and activities. Maybe this year you won´t be able to go ski or make snow angels or snowmen but you can definitely enjoy the non-motorized or water activities in all our hotels and do it in a group which makes it much more fun. What about beach volleyball or a water aerobics class?
2) If you get homesick for snow you can build a sand castle or make a sand angel, it`s as much fun.
3) If you miss the kitchen at Christmas, our cooking and cocktail classes can help you forget that feeling of nostalgia. At Christmas we offer activities and delicious banquets for you and your family to enjoy.
4) If you are looking for a place to give, be a part of the toy donation drive at Sunset World. Bring a toy or more to Sunset Boat Parade on December 21st to Jardín del Arte, where there will be a stand to receive your donation.
5) In Cancún there is no lack of places to do shopping; malls and craft markets abound. They are the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done.
6) Make new friends. You might miss neighbors and family during this holiday season but Cancún is the perfect place to build new friendships that can last a lifetime.

Enjoy a very Caribbean Christmas and Cheers!

The slogan of our travel agency Sunrise Travel is “getting you there”… and we certainly do! We connect you with the best experiences in the area, the must do’s during your stay. We know that the main goal is to lounge around the pool, eat delicious food and be entertained, but if you want to tread in the same jungle paths where warriors and wise men lived, and get to know a bit of the area, here are our top 5 must-do’s where you get a 2x1 just for being Sunset World members.

1) Xcaret- A deliciously Mexican Park in the Riviera Maya where in a day you get to know a little bit of this land’s natural and cultural treasures surrounded by jungle, water, music, fauna, culinary delights and colors. Bring lots of energy and light clothes to enjoy a day full of activities and excitement.

2) Xel-Há- A Park built by the ocean and a river and surrounded by jungle where you feel nature speaks to you. Relaxing is the word and extreme ease is what you will feel. Throw your worries to the wind in Xel-Há, an All Inclusive park for the whole family.

3) Chichén Itzá- One of the 7 wonders of the Modern World. Yes its large, yes there are many buildings to see but if you are history buff or want to check Mayan Culture on your to-do list... This is it!

4) Jungle Tour- Nichupté lagoon, speedboats, snorkeling, Cancún Hotel Zone. Said it all… it’s near, it’s fun, it’s action-packed and velocity-filled… Come get wet and enjoy the water in a different way.

5) Isla Mujeres- This beautiful quaint, charming and scenic Island of the Caribbean is here for you to explore. Get there on board a catamaran, snorkel a colorful tropical reef, enjoy a beach club and a relaxing moment on the sand, don’t miss a full day of fun with a seal of quality by Sunset World.

Who doesn’t remember those days of old when one could travel with a full shampoo bottle so it could spill all over your luggage, Oh those were the good ole days! You traveled with a gallon of perfume, your nail kit and did not need to take off your shoes to pass through airport security. Those days have passed but also the times to travel with huge bags, in fact a growing amount of people are traveling with only carry on to save themselves the luggage carousel.

If you are traveling to Mexico and more specifically Cancún or the Riviera Maya… and yet even more particularly to Sunset World, your bag could be tiny, travel light, your carbon print would be less and you would save on extra costs and back pains. Here are some tips.

1) Don’t bring a towel, We provide them at our resorts; facials, bath and pool.
2) We have hair dryers here but who needs them when you can dry your hair with the breeze and under the Caribbean sun in a few minutes.
3) Leave your sweater at home, in this Paradise you will have no need for it, even when it rains the climate remains warm. During November to April you might only need a light windbreaker.
4) Only bring the truly necessary as far as technology is concerned, remember you are on vacation, a time to truly disconnect. If you bring your laptop, cell phone or any other electronic device, remember they must be 110 volts. For electronics that work with 220 volts we have power adaptors on sale.
5) Bring floaties if you have small children, remember that our resorts offer activity programs for children so you can enjoy a few relaxing hours with the guarantee that your children are well taken care of and having fun.
6) Pack light clothes, your bathing suit, sandals and an outfit for night activities , it’s really all you need, forget about winter clothes.
7) Pack a get up and go attitude to do many things, try new experiences and to get to know a millenary culture that will surprise you over and over again.

Dear member:

We want to remind you that Sunset World is a hotel chain, and as part of the family you have the possibility of sharing and visiting the other resorts depending on your particular mood that day. Sunset World offers you beach and sand, a golf course view and a lagoon to enjoy, each resort boasts its own particular style and characteristics that make each one unique but all of them with that special Sunset World touch and quality. Visit Sunset World’s hotels with the complete guarantee that you will always find a staff waiting for you with open arms, gastronomical delights and All Inclusive fun as only your home away from home can offer you.

1) Between Sunset Marina, Sunset Royal and Ocean Spa there’s boat transportation. Between Sunset Marina, Sunset Royal, Ocean Spa and Laguna Suites there’s land transportation. Transportation between Sunset Fishermen and Hacienda Tres Ríos must be reserved one day before. For schedule and more information ask the concierge or at the front desk in your hotel. Transportation between Cancún and Playa del Carmen is at the member’s expense.
2) If you are looking for unlimited sun and sand, fun and entertainment, visit Sunset Royal.
3) If what you are looking for is a relaxed day with a view of the golf course green, Laguna Suites is an oasis of serenity, and escape from the crowds and the opportunity to enjoy a sunset unlike any other you might have seen. Laguna Suites only has special services by boat that must be requested in advance but it can be reached by land from any hotel.
4) At Ocean Spa you can enjoy a magnificent, spacious and relaxed spa to find the feeling of wellbeing you are looking for. You will also find delicious world-class food and beverages. You can take your Tour to Isla Mujeres from this hotel, an island that is only 5 miles long and the perfect get-away from the “hustle and bustle” of Cancun, with warm crystal clear waters and plentiful marine life and reefs.
5) Sunset Marina is located by the Lagoon and offers water activities, beautiful Mediterranean style décor and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
6) Sunset Fishermen is small hotel with a beautiful beach and just a few-minutes-walk from the shops and restaurants on 5th Avenue, Playa del Carmen’s main street.
7) If you are stopping at any other hotel of the hotel chain and you want to spend a day at Hacienda Tres Ríos you could pay an up-grade and enjoy its own nature park: Sinkholes, a virgin and rustic beach, kayaks and the jungle, an ideal opportunity to have contact with nature.

*Transfers by boat and by land are subject to changes without previous notice.

In the Mexican Caribbean hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th. A hurricane is part of the reality of living in this region just as earthquakes may be in other areas but we know that for a visitor it may be a cause of doubts when planning a trip to the destination. Fact: in the past 50 years only 4 large hurricanes have come inland in Cancun or its surroundings and even though there is a very limited chance of knowing when, how and where a hurricane may strike, as with any other natural phenomenon, there is not a reason convincing enough as to miss coming and enjoying this region with hundreds of attractions during a time of the year where there are less crowds, prices are lower and promotions abound. Here are some tips to follow if you are planning a vacation during this time of the year:

• Being well informed is always important, in the era of communication there are many ways of knowing way ahead of time all about the weather in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Examples: www.noaa.com and www.AccuWeather.com.
• Buy travel insurance. You may buy one that gives you the possibility of cancelling a trip if there is a chance of a hurricane in the destination. The insurance can also protect you if your airline cancels its operations, if the destination is declared an emergency area before or a disaster area during or after the storm.
• It is very important to be direct and ask all the questions you deem necessary to fully know your travel insurance, tour agency, flights or hotel policies before you book.
• Policies vary greatly between airlines. Research your options as many airlines give you the opportunity to change your travel plans in case there is a storm or hurricane warning.
• Make sure your hotel has policies that protect their guests in case of a contingency or in case your travel plans change due to hurricane warnings.
• Once in the destination, always follow the instructions of the hotel staff. In Cancún and the Riviera Maya we have ample expertise in prevention during hurricanes and hotels have well established contingency plans that will keep you safe at all times.
• If there is a possibility of a hurricane during your stay and, undeniably during the hurricane season in this tropical paradise there are always possibilities, remember there may be blackouts and electricity shortage so you may not have access to an ATM thus you should always keep a stash of cash or travelers checks in case of an emergency. Also pack extra meds if a family member needs them just in case you end up taking longer going back home than what you originally planned.

To travel entirely green is utopic unless we camp on our backyard and, even then, we will come up with a way to leave a carbon print. What we can definitely do, though, is do everything in our power to travel responsibly, trying to act in our hotel as we would at home or even better, respecting the place we travel to. Here you will find some Tips to make it a trip full of great memories but which will leave the smallest carbon print possible in our planet:

• Before you travel, unplug. Even when not in use, your TV, microwave oven and chargers use up a great amount of energy.
• If you travel by plane, travel director with the least amount of stop overs and pack light because it decreases the amount of pollutants given off by the plane, besides the fact that you avoid having to pay for extra luggage or excess weight and will have less to carry and to worry about.
• Pack Green! Travel with a reusable bottle or flask, fill containers with all bath products you will need, don’t go out and buy extras, bring rechargeable batteries, chemical-free lotions, your shampoo and soap so you create the least amount of trash and waste during your trip, don’t forget to leave some space in your bag for the souvenirs you buy which will contribute to the local economy.
• Once at your destination, try to use public vs. private transportation, walk or ride a bike, that way you reduce the use of fuel and these are very effective ways to interact with the locals.
• Social and environmental impacts are tightly linked, respect the way local people do things, spend time with them, learn from them and, whenever possible also become useful to them, this all makes you a good guest.
• Whenever you go out hiking or walking stay on the marked paths that way you help preserve the local natural legacy, also respect the areas in the beach that are fenced off as you may be walking into a turtle nest or may become an obstruction to them.
• Never buy endangered plants or animal products such as turtle eggs.
• Offset your carbon footprint, there are ways to measure the print you leave when travelling by plane etc. and depending on the total you can donate that amount to projects that help reduce greenhouse effect gas emissions such as reforesting.
• Wherever you go don’t leave anything behind but also avoid taking anything with you; don’t leave trash on the beach and don’t take shells, coral or rocks with you as it affects the ecosystem.

While on vacation we like to shut everything out, escape; we bring books, our best music selection, a painting kit or travel games. We look for sun and sand, forget about home, bills and work for some days, however, dear member, we cannot become disconnected from the planet. That is why we suggest that even on vacation you take care of your home away from home and, doing so, you will be taking care of our planet, our only home. Here are some tips:

• To save water, if you wish to get your towel washed leave it on the floor, if you wish to use it one or a couple days more, leave it hanging.
• We have saver showers in our rooms, however it is important to be aware of saving water in all your daily activities whether on vacation or not.
• In some of our hotels we have movement detectors that turn on the light when someone is in the room and turn them off if they detect there is no one there. If this is not the case in your hotel, please make sure you turn off the lights and AC when you leave the room.
• When you open your balcony, please make sure your main door is closed and the air conditioning is off.
• You have an electric stove in your room however it can still be a fire hazard as any hot surface or source of heat can be if left on, for this reason and to save electricity, please make sure you turn off your stove when not in use.

Thank you for helping us to save energy and to take care of the environment!

We all know that whenever we travel, due to changes in time zones, climate and eating habits there’s a risk of jet lag, sunburn and a very well-known illness affecting 10 million people each year according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): travelers’ diarrhea also known as Montezuma`s Revenge, the Aztec two-step or Turista in Mexico, Delhi Belly in India, the Hong Kong Dog in the far east, etc. So it is not limited to Mexico, it’s all about being careful and keeping healthy. Twenty to fifty percent of travelers may develop abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating and other symptoms for many reasons: More drinking than usual, spicy food unless you are used to it at home, binging on new and exciting dishes, not enough hydration, drastic change in temps, more sun exposure...

Here are our tips to enjoy a healthy vacation:

• Start eating yogurt and probiotics weeks before your trip.
• Go easy on the chili, junk food and hours of sun.
• Don’t forget to wash your hands before eating even if you are on the beach or poolside.
• Drink bottled water and beverages without ice at least for the first few days of your vacation.
• Enjoy the fresh fruit and vegetables; just avoid the ones outdoors as they could have been exposed for too long.
• Get hydrated; drink plenty of fluids (water and juices is best).
• Basically, if something makes you sick at home it will on vacation. Just use common sense.

It has happened to all of us: we have all forgotten some important document at home when we go on vacation. Maybe if you are travelling in your own country, this might not be a major problem, however if you are travelling abroad, forgetting a document might mean going through a negative experience right at the start of your vacation, especially if the country you are travelling to requires a visa and your passport. We suggest you make a checklist of the documents you need and put them all together in a binder two weeks before you leave home in order to avoid any unpleasantness.

1.- Two months before you travel, check if the country you are travelling to requires a visa and a passport. If that is the case and you don`t have them, contact the consulate or embassy of that country at home to find out about costs and the paper work needed to get them.
2.- If you are planning to rent a car abroad, it is necessary to bring a valid driver´s license and a credit card.
3.- In order to travel to certain countries, an international health insurance is required, bringing a copy of your insurance with you is highly recommended.
4.- Even if you have and electronic boarding pass in your smart electronic device, it is always good to travel with a printed back-up.
5.- It is also convenient to have a printed version of your hotel reservation with the hotel`s address and phone number.

With these simple tips in mind, we are sure that you will have a smooth journey and a worry-free vacation. Bon voyage!

Nowadays social media has revolutionized the way we share. Do you remember coming home from a family vacation and visiting with friends and family to share your vacation photos and videos? How about waiting the full hour to get your pictures developed?

Today, sharing is instant and automatic. Our photos and videos have also come a long way allowing us to catch the perfect moment by just reaching for our cell phone, digital camera or tablet.

The generations of yesterday have immediately embraced this trend because sharing is fun, helpful to others and effortless. Why not share with the world? Using a hashtag allows more people to see your fun vacation pics, so let the fun and sharing begi!. Here is a list of some of the hashtags in English and Spanish you can use when uploading your summer pictures to your favorite social media site:

#vacation #ocean #Caribbean #Cancun #summer #beach #sunset #nature #family #mothernature #sunny #beachball #beachday #travel #visiting #travelgram #summertime #resort #beachselfie #Iheartmexico #clouds #sun #beauty #happy #goodmoments #qualitytime #sunnyfunday #beachbag #adventure #oceanview #memories #beautifulworld #getaway #ilovetravel

#vacaciones #oceano #Caribe #verano #playa #sunset #naturaleza #familia #madrenaturaleza #soleado #pelotadeplaya #diadeplaya #viaje #visita #fotosdeviaje #vacacionesdeverano #resort #selfieenlaplaya #yoamomexico #nubes #sol #belleza #feliz #buenosmomentos #tiempodecalidad #diversionbajoelsol #bolsadeplaya #aventura #vistaalmar #recuerdos #unmundohermoso #escapealaplaya #amoviajar

July is here and the summer comes along. In order to enjoy this season at its best here you have a list of 10 things you can’t miss this summer at the beach with your family:

1. 1.- Staying in a hotel? Don’t mind if you do: Take your time to enjoy a summer blockbuster at ease on your hotel bed.
2. 2.- Don’t forget to put together a summer playlist that lifts you up.
3. 3.- Relax and enjoy a sunrise or a sunset (a Sunset is better).
4. 4.- Take a nap rocking in a hammock the closer you can to the sea, there’s no best way to relax.
5. 5.- Go out shopping. This activity is a very pleasing, just like the sound of the waves.
6. 6.- You can’t miss the night fun. One of those nights, go find the trendy spot with family or friends.
7. 7.- When at the beach a good head-to-toe suntan is a must. Take a good suntan lotion as well as a sunblock to avoid any hell-in-paradise vacation day.
8. 8.- Any beach destination offers many options to spend a day out of the hotel. Take a tour to an interesting location nearby, It’s worth it.
9. 9.- If you have an adventurous spirit, you can even rent a car, get a good map and hit the road. Getting to know the local culture and beauty is fascinating.
10. 10.- Give yourself the opportunity to meet new people, whether inside the hotel or outside. It is always good to make new friends.

Being a member of Club Sunset / Club Hacienda Tres Ríos gives you access to over 7,000 resorts in over a 100 countries. We know that deciding where to go and actually making your exchange can be a bit of an overwhelming process, so please let us help you! Our vacation specialists can tell you how to make your exchange an easy and fast experience.

When traveling for business, family reunions or just for a weekend getaway close to home, we’ve got you covered as well. Some of our exchange programs boast up to approximately 90,000 hotels worldwide, so your only concern will be deciding where to go. Pack your bags and let the exploring begin! Call Club Sunset Reservations today.

The Mexican Caribbean is filled with activities for every taste and age, and when it comes to organize an obligatory and long-lasting shopping tour, the Riviera Maya and Cancun have exactly what you’re looking for:

• 1. Located in the km 12.5 in Cancun Hotel Zone, La Isla Shopping Village is an incredible option for children and adults mixing attractions such as the Interactive Aquarium and a Swim with Dolphins, as well as many boutiques with the best brands and restaurants offering all sorts of cuisines.
• 2. Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen offers many restaurant options and renowned brand stores. Its tranquil streets and laid back atmosphere are perfect to take long walks, refresh in one of the open air bars and visit the most beautiful beaches along its 4 km.
• 3. Located in the km 13 in Cancun Hotel Zone, Kukulcan Plaza is an expansive mall with an exclusive designers area called Luxury Avenue where you can purchase fine jewelry and world-renowned brands.

Packing can be a real shore and a scary thing specially if you give in to that inner voice that tells you: "you're forgetting something". First take a deep breath and remember you are on your way to a fabulous week-long vacation at your favorite sunny destination. Let’s pack!

Essential:

• - Travel documents
• - Cash / Credit Cards
• - Music Player
• - Pen
• - Books
• - Medication
• - Bathing suits and sandals

The commonly forgotten:

• - Biodegradable Sunblock
• - Mosquito Repellant
• - Hat
• - Beach Bag or Backpack
• - Chargers to all of your devices
• - More Sunblock!

The over-packed:

• - Towels
• - Blow Dryer
• - Water bottles
• - Laptops (unless it’s a business trip)

Now remember: No liquids in your carry-on, leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs and keep all valuables and breakables in your carry on. Anything you forgot will be available for you at airports, shops and more than likely at the resort.

The basics of your Membership

How to book ground transportation in a fast and easy way

Booking your ground transportation in advance will not only save you money, but also time and effort.
After a long flight, to have the tranquility of knowing that someone from our staff will be waiting for you is something that can really make the difference. And, even more so, if the booking process is fast and easy! Booking ground transportation is as easy as 1, 2 and 3. Here is a step-by-step description on how to achieve this:
After making your reservation, request your reservations consultant a “Transportation Request Form”. Fill it our and send it to our reservations central at least one working day before your arrival and that’s it!
Before your check out at the hotel, you can go by the transportation desk to pay for the reduced member’s fee and to program your transportation back to the airport.

To get additional information on this process, please contact us at reservations@sunset.com.mx

Booking your transportation is that easy!