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5 very Mexican ways to celebrate

At the core of the celebration of Mexican Independence is the main event called “El Grito”. A ritual that reminds us that on the night of September 15th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, rang the bells of his Parish urging people to fight against the Spanish authorities. The celebration revolves around this moment when every Mexican shouts Viva Mexico with all his heart and soul, a unique opportunity to get to know the most delicious, colorful and loud traditions of this country. Here you can find out 5 very Mexican ways to celebrate.

1) In any central square, in every corner of the country, there´s a huge celebration that must include typical dishes like corn on a cup, quesadillas, pambazos and fresh fruit flavored drinks. And, if that were not enough; Firework; green, white and red flags and the joy of the people which make the celebration truly special. The celebration usually begins around 8:00 pm, and the bell rings at 11:00 pm after which the party continues with music, dancing and Mexican cheer.
2) There can be no Mexican fiesta without a Mariachi, part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity. A Mariachi is a musical group of more than three musicians that includes guitar, guitarrón, violin and trumpet (one or more of each) besides a flute, harp and accordion in some cases. This kind of band has become widely known throughout the world as part of the Mexican cultural identity and an essential presence in the night of September 15th.
3) Typical attire is key and customary, although in real life usually no one wears a poncho or a shawl, they are musts during a very Mexican celebration as well as a colorful skirt, braided hair with bright ribbons, black Mexican hats with gold or silver embroidery, charro boots, sequins and the bright colors that the world identifies with Mexico.
4) Cardboard trumpets, rattles, paper blowouts, firecrackers… a Mexican celebration is not complete without these noisy elements that accompany shouts, songs and cheers. In the case of the Independence celebration in particular Viva México! is shouted out with great zeal and very loudly as there is no other way to do it.
5) Hanging from lamposts, windows, doors and car antennas, painted on faces and arms and simulated in clothing, the green, white and red flags are pervasive. They wave in the air during the ringing of the bell and during the entire night that reminds everyone why Mexico is the way it is: because of its people that love it so much.

Go out and enjoy the fun! In almost any place you go, there will be a Mexican Night, a celebration that no one can brush aside.

Publication By Sunset World
Take the time to explore all the nooks and crannies of the Riviera Maya

There’s nothing better to do in the Mayan region than go exploring, every corner and every nook exudes nature and culture. Taking the time to poke around, to be an explorer for a day is definitely worth it because under every stone there is magic. As you have already the article above, we give you tips of nearby places to the Parks that you can enjoy on the way.

1) In order to reach Sian Ka'an from Cancun, take highway 307 to Tulum until you reach the junction to Chumpón, there you can take a dirt road and continue on to the reserve. The recommendation is to take off early with a visit to the Tulum archaeological site which was once called Zamá (sunrise), and then head to Sian Ka’an.

2) In order to reach Ría Lagartos you must take the Cancun-Merida toll road, make a detour to Valladolid going into the town in order to take the toll free road to Tizimín and then continue onward to the estuary. As you have already gone into town and if there is time and a will, go into Valladolid on your way back. Valladolid is a magical village in the Yucatan, colonial par excellence, worth the visit to its downtown and neighboring streets, full of colorful mansions and majestic buildings, its convent and churches, the Calzada de los Frailes roadway with its gardens and fountains, the craft market and the Zací cenote (sinkhole).

3) To reach Selvática from Cancun, you can take a tour with pick up at your hotel or go at your own pace by car taking the highway that goes from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. The closest town from Cancun is Puerto Morelos considered the entryway to the Riviera Maya, 30 km south of Cancun. You can visit Puerto Morelos, if you have the time, to visit Selvática. Puerto Morelos is a fishing town in full development that still maintains its small town charm and peace, ideal for windsurfing and snorkeling. It has a botanical garden and a great variety of restaurants.

4) To visit Río Secreto you can take a tour with pick up at your hotel or go by car taking Federal highway 307 that goes from Cancun – Tulum. The entrance can be found around 10 km past Playa del Carmen. After you visit Río Secreto you can stop in Playa del Carmen, once a fishing village and now a lively, exciting city with a great variety of activities, shopping and world-class cuisine.

5) Xel-Há, which in Mayan means where the water is born, gets its name from its brackish water inlet famous due to the great amount of marine life that lives there, perfect for snorkeling or swimming, besides great restaurants and rest areas. The archaeological site of the same name, which was at its height between 1200 and 1550 as a trading port, is located on the other side of the highway and is separate from the park. Both park and archaeological site are 113 kilometers south of Cancun.

Publication By Sunset World
Previous Articles
Follow the basic steps to prepare a popular and tasty Mexican dish

Tacos are a Mexican food staple. They are a delicious fast food impossible to resist. You can make a taco in many ways and with many flavors and here are some of the basic steps to create this popular and tasty Mexican dish:

1) Start with a tortilla. If you want to make them from scratch, you can find many tutorials online but you can find them packaged at any supermarket. Wheat flour or corn tortillas... Which to choose? Flour tortillas are most commonly found in the north of Mexico due to the abundance of wheat there and they have a softer flavor. What is truly important is what flavor you like most so it is better to experiment with both and make a choice.
2) Crunchy or soft? In Mexico, a fried or crunchy taco is called a flauta (flute) or golden taco. Making a taco fried in oil is simple, but the majority of recipes require a soft tortilla.
3) Season the onion, coriander and lime juice. It is an incredibly simple topping but a taco would not be the same without it.
4) Another option is a “Pico de Gallo” or “Mexican” salsa. A mixture of tomato, onion, peppers, garlic, coriander and lime juice. Many people associate it as the perfect partnership with tacos and is quite easy to make.
5) Make salsa! It can be either red or green. The basic idea is to grill the red or green tomatoes, onion, garlic and the pepper variety of your choice and then blend with a bit of lime juice. A delight that can make the difference in any taco.
6) Add the filling. This is definitely the most important decision. A taco can be made of meat, chicken, fish and even vegetarian. Nothing can beat a good cactus or mushroom taco. Your favorite flavor goes inside a tortilla and that makes it the best taco of your life.
7) A taco is complete with the first six steps but if you want to make it more interesting, you may also add the following for it to be even tastier: beans, avocado or guacamole and cheese. Now you are ready to devour your tacos and delight your family and friends with the delicious flavors of Mexico.

Publication By Sunset World
Bird-watching, a pastime that is gaining popularity in Cancún

Bird watching has been a very popular activity in the United States and Canada for many years in Mexico it has gained popularity and specifically in Cancún it has become a favorite pastime for locals and visitors looking for a unique activity without ecological impact. In Mexico there are 1,100 bird species, half of those can be found in the Yucatan Peninsula while in Cancun and surrounding areas watchers can find approximately 120. Some of the best areas to do this activity are El Meco archaeological zone, Malecón Américas (a walkway in front of the Lagoon) and some points in the Hotel Zone such as Nichupté Lagoon. Here we offer you a brief guide of birds you can look for in Cancun, just keep in mind that birds have wings so you will not always find them in the same place.

1) Great-tailed grackle: By far the bird you will certainly see the most in Cancun. Although sometimes mistaken for crows, they are not even in the crow family. The males measure up to 16 inches with a tail almost as long as their body, weigh 8 ounces and are black with an iridescent gloss. The females are smaller; they measure up to 13 inches, weigh 5 ounces and are brown. They have greatly spread mainly due to their great flexibility and tolerance to urban conditions. They can feed from vertebrates, invertebrates, small crustaceans, marine animals, waste material, seeds and fruits. Their call is a mixture of raucous loud noises.
2) Yucatan Jay: They belong to the crow family and are endemic to the Yucatan. When they are young, they have white feathers and, as they mature, they acquire their characteristic blue and black hues.
3) Black Catbird: They are a species of the Mimidae family and the only representative of their genus. Their feathers are black and shiny. They can be found from the Yucatan Peninsula to Belize and Guatemala and are endangered due to the loss of habitats mainly as a result of the construction of tourist centers.
4) Yucatan Woodpecker: They can be found in the Yucatan Peninsula and some nearby islands. They measure between 6 and 7 inches and have a very colorful orange head. They are quite a common species classified as a minor concern for the International Union for Nature Conservation.
5) Orange Oriol: They are a species that can be found from Belize to Mexico. Their natural habitats are dry forests and run down areas. Males have mainly black feathers with frequently contrasting yellow, orange or red patches.
6) Ruddy Crake: Their habitat are marshes and semi-aquatic areas. They have very strong legs and long fingers that adapt well to soft and uneven surfaces. They tend to have short rounded wings and don´t soar high, although when they fly they are capable of doing it long distances.
7) Black Neck Stilt: A long legged bird with a very straight posture and a well-proportioned beak. While in flight, they completely open up their long pointy black wings to show off to the world. Their diet consists of water insects and small invertebrate animals. They can be found in the edge of the water and swamps.
8) Bare Throated Tiger Heron: Their name is due to a beautifully embellished neck with stripes. They measure 31 inches and weigh 3.3 pounds. They have a yellow-green head and an orange iris. This species from other species in the genus due to its featherless white neck. These species tend to remain motionless for long periods of time on the edge of the water with their neck extended diagonally waiting for their prey that includes fish, frogs, crabs and insects.
9) Green Kingfisher: They measure from 7.5 inches and weighs less than a pound. They typically have a long tail and beak. They are usually olive green on top with white spots on their wings and tail and their throat is yellow and tan. The males are white on top and have a brown chest. The females are the ones with white on top and a green chest.
10) Green Jay: They measure from 10 to 12 inches. Their feathers are predominantly green on top and yellow below. The patch on their throat is black; the top of their head blue-violet and the sides of the tail are yellow. They generally live in couple or numerous groups. They feed on insects, fruits, eggs and, in some cases, on chicks. They make nests on trees and bushes and sometimes on holes. They have strong and short flight episodes.

For more information contact Green Jay Mayan Birding and enjoy a morning of coffee and birds.

Publication By Sunset World
A colorful neighbor

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful must-do if you want to escape from the urban hustle and bustle of Cancun and enjoy a day of shopping, restaurants, bright colors, exceptional coasts, and spectacular sunsets. Isla Mujeres is located only 6 kilometers from Cancun and is an island 5 miles long and less than half a mile wide, easy to visit and ideal for those who love colorful, relaxed locations and snorkeling. Here are some tips for you to visit Cancun’s beautiful neighbor:

1) Sunset World offers you a one-day tour to Isla Mujeres in Catamaran where visitors can enjoy the waters of the Caribbean, snorkel, visit a beach club and taste a delicious buffet, explore the island or relax in the warm sand to later make your way back to Cancun. The Tour leaves from Ocean Spa Hotel. Contact your concierge for further information.
2) If you want to get there on your own, you can take the ferry to Isla Mujeres from the Ultramar ferry in Playa Tortugas (km 6.5 of the Hotel Zone), the Embarcadero (km 4 of the Hotel Zone) or from Puerto Juárez, a few steps away from crafts shops and delicious restaurants.
3) If you want to relax, the west side of the Island offers you Playa Paraíso, Lancheros and Indios, with great service, crystal-clear water and true serenity.
4) If you are looking for a bit more activity, head to Garrafon Park, the perfect place to snorkel with a myriad of fish, turquoise waters and a great variety of activities.
5) The new great attraction in the Island is the MUSA (Underwater Museum) with pieces created by Jason DeCaries, designed to be artificial reefs and to attract marine life lovers away from the natural coral reef that has been quite weakened.
6) You can also find a federally protected Turtle Farm in the Island. Turtles come and nest in the beaches of the region from May to September. Their eggs are kept safe from predators and, later on, the baby turtles are taken care of in tanks until they have the necessary size to be set free. Hundreds of turtles survive thanks to the care they are given.
7) Something that is easy and fun to do is to rent a golf cart, buy a map of the island and go explore. There is lots to do in the Island; restaurants, bars, shops, colorful constructions, sailing, fishing, but if what you want is to get to know a colorful and beautiful neighbor of Cancun from tip to tip, this is a good way to do it.

Publication By Sunset World
Cancun, a safe and beautiful part of Mexico

Rumors run rampant, horror stories are told… in México, a beautiful country of contrasts, great civilizations, culture and folklore, natural beauties and big problems; no one denies that, as in every corner of the world, there are areas of turmoil, but it is also a fact that it is a huge country. The three states that make up the Yucatán Peninsula are known for being safe as they are far from the main problem areas.

In any place of the world you can run risks if you ignore your common sense thus we recommend that: If you don´t do it back home, don´t do it on vacation:

1) Some people are attracted to other´s property like bees to honey thus flaunting large jewelry or lots of money turns you into an easy prey. Take care and walk about modestly.
2) Don´t walk around on your own at night in dark or solitary places. The city is peaceful but don´t go out of your way looking for trouble.
3) If you drink don´t drive. Anywhere in the world this is a basic rule of civility for your safety and the safety of others … on vacation this still applies.
4) Look after your belongings: on the beach, in the city, in parking lots, wherever you carry valuables and things that you care for and are useful to you, keep your eye on them!
5) Keep your eyes open. Don´t walk down the street texting or using headphones. Life is out there, the sounds of the city are important warnings so you can go about safely (zebra crossings, ambulances, a call out saying “careful!” etc.) that you might not hear or see if you are lost in cyber-space.
6) Try to always take taxis at your hotel but if you stop one in the street don´t get on if you see another passenger already there.

Publication By Sunset World
Tips by Sunset

Hacienda Tres Ríos is proud to be the host of the 5th edition of the Triathlon bearing its name which will take place on May 17th 2015; 500 courageous men and women will accept the challenge of swimming, running and pedaling at the Tres Ríos Nature Park in the Riviera Maya.

The list of motives not to miss this grand event are endless, but here are the top 5:

1.- Nature at its best
The views and landscapes at Tres Ríos Nature Park are the surprising stage for this challenge. The route takes competitors through the Caribbean Sea, Pájaros River and the lush paths of mangrove forests. Here you can enjoy the magic of nature always.

2.- Official validity
This is an event endorsed and approved by the Mexicana Triathlon Federation, which means it has been given official validity which gives participants a guarantee and reassures guests about it being an event that is trustworthy and serious.

3.- A Sprint Triathlon with a massage included
After a race against time in a 750 meter swim, a 20 kilometer bike ride and a 5 kilometer race through the jungle, triathletes take their muscles through their maximum effort and will have the ideal motive to visit our experts at Ya’ax Ché Spa and soothe any ache and pain. Whether you are a triathlete there are always more than enough reasons to visit our Spa and enjoy all the treatments it offers.

4.- Individual or team challenge
All the triathletes, marathon runners or swimmers are welcome to sign up whether as individuals or as a relay team. It is a personal challenge that creates discipline, a goal to achieve, a team effort with work mates, family members or good friends. All activities in Tres Ríos take place in harmony with nature and leave visitors wanting more.

5.- Family unity!
The Hacienda Tres Ríos Triathlon is a unique event that creates family unity and unforgettable moments worth sharing. At Hacienda Tres Ríos, the host hotel located in the Riviera Maya, you can enjoy great moments and an experience of absolute comfort in harmony with nature.

Publication By Sunset World
Tips by Sunset

Cancun is known worldwide for the color of its sand and turquoise waters; as the number one destination in Mexico for beach and sun tourism also growing as an adventure and eco-tourism haven, however Cancun also has points of interest in the city and surroundings that appear in very few tourist guides and could interest those adventurers that want to go off the beaten path. Here are some of our suggestions:

1) El Rey. Located in kilometer 18 of the hotel zone, El Rey is one of the only archaeological sites found in the Island of Cancun. Historians say that, together with San Miguelito, it was the heart of a fishing and trade community, which scattered at the time of the Spanish Conquest.

2) Mayan Museum and San Miguelito archaeological site. Located at km 16.5 of the hotel zone, this museum houses important and unique pieces from the north of Quintana Roo and even from some other sites like Chichén Itzá, Palenque and Comalcalco. It is the most important museum created by the National Institute of Anthropology and History since the construction of the National Museum of Anthropology (1964) and the Templo Mayor Museum (1987).

3) El Ceviche. This fountain located in the intersection of Tulum and Cobá avenues has turned into a point of reference for celebrations and parades in Cancun. Its original name is “Fantasía Caribeña” (Caribbean Fantasy) but Cancun locals have lovingly christened it “El Ceviche”. It was created in 1994 by Lorraine Pinto, a sculptor from New York, after the former fountain was left in a poor state by the passing of hurricane Gilbert (1988).

4) First building constructed in downtown Cancun. In Tulum avenue, one of the main arteries of the city, specifically in Tulipanes walkway lot 15, in front of city hall, there’s a building constructed in 1973 which has the distinction of being the first construction of Cancun´s downtown. Today you can find a well-known franchise there (with the name that rhymes with ring). You can get there on a Route 1 bus.

5) The lost children's fountain. This fountain, which is found in City Hall square, shows two groups of children standing on two giant leaves cooling off inside the water. For several years, those children were lost, no one knows if they were stolen or a hurricane scattered them. They were found and placed back on the fountain in 2012.

6) First homes in Cancun. In 1970, when the construction of this destination began, the creators of Cancun set up camp in an area where later Fonatur (National Fund for Tourism Development) created Nader avenue and constructed the first 15 stonework houses, between the streets of Huachinango and Mero. Today there are many cafés and restaurants in that area that make the stroll worthwhile.

7) Parque de las Palapas. If you want to get to know another place where the flavors, colors, music and folklore of Cancun are noticeably present visit Parque de las Palapas, in the downtown area of the city. It is the quintessential meeting and recreation place of Cancun, the location of cultural and artistic events. The best days to visit are Saturdays and Sundays.

8) Market 28. Some of the great tourist attractions in our country are its folklore, colors, flavors and history. All of these things together can be found in market places. One of the most typical locations of this young city is its Artículo 115 marketplace, best known as Market 28. You can get there on a Route 2 bus all the way from the hotel zone or, if you are driving there, look for Xel-Há Avenue.

9) First Airport. Cancun began its air operations in a rudimentary runway with a control tower made of wood and palm leaves which was in use until 1973 and later became Kabah avenue. An interesting anecdote is that, once the new airport had been constructed, in 1976 a commercial jet landed by mistake on Kabah Avenue causing confusion and surprise among locals as the avenue was already in use as part of the city. In remembrance of this historical location in Cancun’s history, a replica of the old control tower can be found in the corner of Tulum and Kabah avenues, close to its original location. This area of the city can be reached on a Route 2 bus.

10) Casa Maya / Kabah Park. If you are already nearby Kabah avenue, you can also visit Kabah Park, a protected nature area since 1991. Outstanding among the many attractions of the park is Casa Maya, which was originally found in Marlín Beach and was designed to house important personalities in politics and finance who visited Cancun in its beginning stages. Later on, this house was transferred to the park stone by stone and turned into a historical museum. Furthermore, along the pathways of the park, several different mammal, reptile and bird species can be found such as coatis, crocodiles and spider monkeys. The park is a recreation area surrounded by vegetation and peace amidst the urban hubbub of Cancun. We recommend you take your time to visit and have a stroll there.

11) Puerto Juárez. Today, the port is a suburb of Cancun, 2 km north of downtown. Besides being the place that ferries depart from to Isla Mujeres; it is worth mentioning that the original population before the foundation of Cancun as such inhabited this area and it existed as an independent town until 1990.

Publication By Sunset World
Tips by Sunset

Doing our bit to take care of our planet is necessary even on vacation.

Vacations are the perfect moment to leave behind our routine at home: no bed making, no dishwashing and no loads in the washing machine, however one thing we cannot forget anywhere we are is to care for our surroundings as doing our bit to take care of our planet is necessary even on vacation. Here are our suggestions of what to do, what not to do and why:

1) Use sunscreens that are free of free agents such as titanium dioxide, parabens, alcohol and perfumes. When they interact with water, some sunscreens produce hydrogen peroxide which damage the phytoplankton which many marine species feed on, while other residues stay on the surface of the water which is harmful for fish and marine animals.

2) Throw trash in the right place. Be especially careful with cigarette butts and chewing gum in the beach or near the sea. A butt can take up to two years to break down, a chewing gum, 5 years. In the sea, the fish can mistake it for food...a deadly blunder.

3) In the pools at Sunset World you will find no glass bottles or cups but neither will you find disposables as they are pollutants. Try not to use straws, If you do so, please don´t let them blow away.

4) If you need to dispose of your batteries while on vacation, please call the Front Desk, we have a program to discard that kind of waste ecologically. The components of the batteries are highly pollutant, the majority has mercury, zinc, chromium, arsenic, lead and cadmium, which are toxic.

Publication By Sunset World
Tips by Sunset

Earth Hour has come to Sunset World and to the entire planet as a reminder of how we must care for our surroundings. It is also the perfect excuse to spend a dimly lit moment together, do activities that we don’t normally do in the face of overwhelming noise and technological pollutants. Here are some ideas of what can be done at home or in your home away from home on such an important date.

1) In all our hotels lights will be turned off in honor of our planet, joining the rest of the world at 8:30 pm.
2) Take an hour or all night to enjoy the stars that under the lights of the city can rarely be seen in their full glory.
3) Plan a picnic at the beach or on your rooftop, wherever you are enjoy this moment without electricity.
4) At all our resorts, enjoy a special dinner and candle light.
5) At Sunset Royal you will be delighted with by a delicious BBQ dinner, a video to celebrate this special date and a fire show. Let’s go back to the time when electricity was not a bare necessity and life was simpler.
6) In Sunset Marina you cannot miss the Italian buffet, perfect for this romantic occasion, a pastry tasting and a Mayan Show.
7) At Sunset Fishermen there will be a grill dinner with candle light...
8) In Laguna Suites there will be a Caribbean Buffet Dinner and later snacks at the Nicte’ Há restaurant, as in all the sister hotels, candles will be lit to remind everyone all that can be done without electric light.
9) At Ocean Spa there will be a buffet dinner and a fire show that takes us back to the cult to the most noble of elements that gives us light and warmth without the need of a light switch.
10) In Hacienda Tres Ríos enjoy an International buffet and also a fire show.

At every hotel, all the events will be end by turning the lights back on and with everyone feeling inspired to take care of our legacy for the generations that come after us.

Publication By Sunset World
Tips by Sunset

Every road takes you to Chichén Itzá. The distance from Cancun is 116 miles.

1) From Playa del Carmen, if you have no time to spare, you can reach the site in approximately 40 minutes. You will get there early (9:00 am). A bilingual guide takes only a small group so your tour will be very personalized, and you will be back at your hotel by 2:30 pm so you can enjoy the afternoon in the beach.

2) By bus from the ADO bus terminal. The bus leaves at 9:00 am and it will take 3 ½ hours to get there. Access is by the Federal Highway 180 (Mérida-Puerto Juárez), which is in great conditions.

3) By car, leaving from Cancún or Riviera Maya, follow the signs to Valladolid, afterwards from Kaua toward Pisté and later taking the road that leads to Chichén Itzá. Travel time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs.

4) Tours are also offered with various programs and itineraries that will comfortably take you from your hotel to the archaeological site and Valladolid or nearby sinkholes, whichever you chose it is sure to be an unforgettable day.

5) Chichén Itzá is a place to be seen on foot so comfortable shoes are highly recommended as well as light clothes, a hat, insect repellent and sun block.

6) It’s important for you to know that it is no longer possible to go up the Castle due to the wear and tear of time and due to misuse. Let us take care of this legacy before the entire historical site can no longer be visited.

7) To enjoy the Spring Equinox it is not necessary to go exactly on the 21st; that day is when most visitors go, because it is traditionally ceremonial and the most popular for the light and shadow phenomenon, but it can be seen 2 days before and 2 days after the 21st before sunset.

Publication By Sunset World
Tips by Sunset

Vacations are by definition “a temporary break from a daily activity”. The definition might sound boring but reality is far from that. Whatever your plans, we suggest taking some time off just for you, trying something new, relaxing and perfect during your next vacations: allow yourself to be pampered with Spa massages or treatments. Here are our hotel-by-hotel recommendations for a treatment that will make your vacations even more relaxing:

• Sunset Royal
Ocean front 80-minute couples massage "Signature Ya'ax Ché Spa" at a special price of $154 USD. This a very complete and relaxing deep massage that uses 4 different techniques: digital pressure, reflexology, lymphatic drainage and stretches. Falling asleep is allowed.

• Ocean Spa
An excellent promotion for our guests: Day Spa. This service lasts 2 and a half hours and it includes: Body Exfoliation, Relaxing massage, Hydrating facial and a basic Manicure or Pedicure. This service has a regular price of $303 USD. Now, as a special promotion, the price is $150 USD per person. The 2½ best spent hours in your vacation time.

• Sunset Marina
Thursday promotion: Hydrating facial and relaxing massage. Duration: 50 min. Cost: $138 USD. The facial is ideal for dry skin and helps nourish and improve the appearance of any skin type. The relaxing massage considerably reduces stress levels and muscle tension and stimulates blood flow thus helping to obtain complete well-being. There’s no ifs or but about it, leave stress outside the door and let us pamper you.

• Laguna Suites
Signature Ya’ax Ché Massage. 80 minutes and $154USD. A deep massage that employs four techniques: digital pressure, reflexology, lymphatic drainage and stretching. Enjoy this wonderful massage at the spa terrace with jacuzzi. You will not need to count sheep to fall asleep that night.

* Prices in US dollars valid until May 31st, 2015.

Publication By Sunset World
So many things to say and do!...good tips by Sunset

February has arrived with Valentine’s Day! There will be flowers, chocolates and romantic cards for friends and lovers… There is no certainty about the origin of this festivity although some say it is due to the fact that it is the season when birds find a mate; another explanation is that in ancient Rome this was the time to worship the god of love, Cupid, who was given gifts and offerings hoping he would help to find the ideal lover. What’s sure is that is a celebration that originated in Europe and is truly popular in this continent. Thus, if you are spending these days in one of our resorts, here are some ideas to celebrate love with your significant other.

1.- Yacht dinner (2 hour tour): A dinner sailing the Nichupté Lagoon enjoying the view of Cancun at night. It departs from Admiral Yacht Club.

2.- Special Valentine’s Day Dinner: Ask for the special Valentine’s dinner. Depending on the hotel where you are staying it will be either à la carte or buffet with dishes highly inspired in the romanticism of the season. Whether they admit it or not, our Chefs are true romantics at heart.

3.- Luna Maya Dinner: Contact your Concierge to find out about this dinner under the moonlight accompanied by the breeze of the sea, in your room, by the pool or, merely at Hacienda Tres Ríos, surrounded by the jungle and the mysticism of the sinkholes. It’s an exclusive dinner created for those in love.

4.- Participate in the “Love Race”, a rally that will take place in your hotel. The winners of each rally will be invited to a Kayak race at Hacienda Tres Ríos. It is a very active and fun way to celebrate that day and to win romantic prizes to share.

Publication By Sunset World
Hacienda Tres Rios Nature Park: a world of adventure to discover

Our Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort was constructed inside the Tres Ríos Natural Park with complete respect to the natural treasures of the place. The park has 132 hectares of tropical jungle where 90 animal species have made their home and around 120 plant species can be admired. Here our love for our planet and its beauties and our ecological awareness grow exponentially. Sense Adventure is an important part of the Natural Park as it trains our senses and makes us more responsive and appreciative to nature at its best. Explore, discover and let yourself be charmed. Here are our tips for the must-do experiences of this magical site:

1) Ten sinkholes. In the Yucatan Peninsula the soil is like a sponge, its absorbs all the humidity when it rains. The water sips through the limestone flooding caves either partially or completely. When the roof collapses in these caves due to erosion, sinkholes are formed. The creation of this natural pools can last hundreds to thousands of years. Tres Ríos Natural Park has 10 of them which you can explore.
2) Bicycle Tour.- This tour takes visitors to explore the jungle, discover the flora and fauna in their original habitat and enjoy nature as a family. Don`t miss the opportunity to exercise and have fun on board a mountain bike or a Segway.
3) Snorkel Tour.- This tour departs from Cenote Águila and visitors swim 2,625 feet along the Selva River. Here you will be enchanted by the variety of colorful fish and practice your skills in the water.
4) Kayak .- Of Eskimo origin, it used to be a boat for only one person to row and utilized for hunting and fishing. Today it is used mainly for sport and in Tres Ríos to explore the mangrove and the Selva River in all its beauty. The Tour reaches the sea and, if energy allows, rowers can go back to the starting point.
5) Plant nursery tour.- A nice walk to discover the 120 species of flora that were rescued since the construction of Hacienda Tres Ríos and the organic produce used at the resort restaurants. Walk in the fresh air, feel the breeze and enjoy the jungle and its bright colors.

Publication By Sunset World
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New Year's Resolutions...good tips by Sunset

If your New Year’s resolution list is as long as your Christmas shopping list, STOP. Not being able to keep your resolutions by late January, February or March may cause you anxiety and frustration. Remember a New Year does not mean you will sweep your personality, habits, tastes and cravings away in a day...it is however a great excuse to reflect and promise to make positive life changes. Here are a few tips to make keeping your New Year’s resolution easier:

1) Think small. This does not mean not making important plans and projects it means that rather than taking on an intimidating huge goal, create a series of smaller steps to reach it. Or limit your list to a number you can handle.
2) Connected to number one, make resolutions you think you can keep, if you would like to eat healthier try replacing desserts with something else you enjoy like fruit and once you have mastered this, go on to the next challenge.
3) Be specific. This is also related to 1 and 2 because in order to be effective, you need to be very straight forward instead of saying “exercise more” plan for specific days and times and places like: “jogging from 6 to 7 am in my neighborhood baseball field on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays”.
4) Change one behavior at a time. Unhealthy behaviors take a lifetime to develop thus replacing them takes time too. No sweeping movements, don’t walk before you crawl, work toward making one change at a time.
5) Don’t fall off the wagon after one misstep. No one is perfect; remember everyone has ups and downs thus resolve to get up, dust yourself off and get back on track after a skipped gym day or after you eat a brownie for dessert...
6) Share your goals with friends and family. A strong support system is usually the best way to sticking to a plan. Having someone to share your struggles and your successes with makes a resolution much easier to handle.
7) Monitor yourself and record your progress, according to experts this greatly increases your possibilities of keeping your resolutions till you reach the finish line.

Publication By Sunset World