Tandem dive of humpbacks in Banderas Bay As I cruised out into the stunningly beautiful and vast Banderas Bay aboard the Ecotours whale observation vessel, it became quickly evident that Covid-19 not only disturbed our lives, it also affected marine life. For the thousands of humpbacks that come down here for winter every year far… Continue reading Crisis as an opportunity – part 3

Iberostar Punta Mita pool are The first two days hours in Puerto Vallarta were overcast with a marine layer that finally burned off just in time for a break by the pool today. This mid-market beachfront property features 452 rooms with varying views (garden to pool to ocean) and tops out with its Presidential Suite… Continue reading When crisis becomes an Opportunity – continued

American Airlines view of a majestic wing above Baja What a year it has been since my last “normal” travel experience aboard Regent Seven Seas sailing from Miami last February. Back then, the virus that would eventually disrupt our lives globally had just made its presence known in northern Italy. The word ‘lockdown’ was still… Continue reading When Crisis becomes Opportunity

Breathless at Cabo San Lucas Marina My blissful time in the corridor has ended and I am now at my last of three resorts. This one is part of the Apple Leisure Group owned AM Resorts chain called Breatless. This lifestyle branded hotel hugs the public harbor in Downtown Cabo San Lucas. With its cosmopolitan… Continue reading 2021 Calls for Adventure – Breathless in Cabo San Lucas

Aboard the expedition yacht in Cabo San Lucas It is the season for one of nature’s most amazing spectacles. Thousands of Gray Whales 🐋, humpback and blue whales convene for their winter feeding and mating rituals in the Sea of Cortez. In fact, 70+ percent of all whales in the world are of Mexican origin.… Continue reading 2021 Calls for Adventure – Whale watching in the Sea of Cortez

Time for the airport transfer My week south of the border is ending today. I grabbed an early morning transfer back to the airport to assure plenty of time for the new CDC required process to check in for flights to the US. It turned out that it was a snap - 15 minutes later… Continue reading 2021 Calls for adventure – Final thoughts & question to ponder

Main pool view of Le Blanc Los Cabos Two days into my visit to Los Cabos I am changing gears to a new resort. Called Le Blanc, this SPA focused luxury adults only all-inclusive opened last July to the public. Over the past few years, the resorts game stakes have been raised significantly with modern… Continue reading 2021 Calls for Adventure – Le Blanc by Palace Resorts

American Airlines now out of Tom Bradley With COVID-19 still dramatically impacting travel, my adventure south of the border takes on a sense of experiment to see how all the new protocols are working. As you can see from the below 5am picture at the new Harvey Milk terminal at SFO on a Thursday morning,… Continue reading 2021 Calls for adventure – on my way to Cabo

Who could have predicted that 2021 would kick off with two crazy weeks? That is why I decided to pack my bags and fly south for a week next Thursday. It so happens that I will be returning two days after the new CDC rules for entering the USA go into effect. I am excited… Continue reading 2021 Calls for adventure

Christmas tree in the lobby at Hilton Playa del Carmen There is no doubt that the holidays are upon us. Everywhere in Playa del Carmen the decorations have gone up during our 3-Day stay. Some are tasteful and others kitschy - as always judgement on such matters lies in the eye of the beholder. Pool… Continue reading Yucatán-Final Reflections

Chichen Itza Temple Our four lovely and relaxing nights at Belmond Maroma ended and a new chapter began in time for my birthday at the Hilton All-Inclusive adults only resort in downtown Playa del Carmen. To some readers it may sound a bit crazy to trade locations but for me it is about maximizing experiences… Continue reading Yucatán-Playa del Carmen & Mayan Ruins

Not unexpectedly the sky turned gray and rainy for the most part of Days 3 and 4 here on the Riviera Maya. Not a problem though as the SPA is the place to go for some pampering. No matter the choice of treatment, you’ll walk away with restored energy and a renewed bounce. Once the… Continue reading Yucatán-Belmond Maroma continued

Windy but sunny was day two’s forecast which was perfect for a first day of relaxing at the pool. This peaceful 60 room property is only running 35% occupancy these days. It is a truly peaceful oasis of white sandy beach conducive to just chilling out. Freshly made tortillas- yum Two breakfast tacos with chorizo… Continue reading Yucatán-Belmond Maroma part 2

An early morning ride to SFO and two legs on Delta behind us, our driver pulled in to the Belmond Maroma on the Mexican Atlantic coast for relaxing days in the sun. A first - flight on Delta’s Airbus 220 The geek in me was super excited for the first leg from SFO to Salt… Continue reading Yucatán-Belmond Maroma

Sunset over the Golden Gate Dear readers What can I say, it’s been a year like no other I have ever lived through. Even with encouraging signs for vaccines in sight, there seems no clear end to the pandemic that continues to disrupt our lives every day. Who could have imagined just a few months… Continue reading A Season for Thanks