Mexico turns to tourism in midst of crisis

It's got sun, white-sand beaches and better yet - a battered peso.

Mexico is counting on its weakened currency against the dollar and its proximity to the U.S. to attract recession-shocked Americans and fuel its tourism industry - a major source of foreign income.

Tourism officials say Mexico saw 3 percent more visitors who spent an estimated 4 percent more in 2008, with tourists flocking to its beaches and cobble-stoned streets even during the global economic crisis. And, unlike most tourist destinations around the world, there is no sign that this year will be any different.

a group of spring breakers from Alberta, Canada, soak up the sun in Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun, Mexico's top beach destination, had an occupancy rate of more than 90 percent during the holiday season and officials expect at least 85 percent of the Caribbean resort's 31,000 rooms to be occupied during the winter months.

Cancun remains the preferred beach spot in Mexico for spring-breakers, with some 30,000 revelers expected to visit this year. The same amount came to Cancun last year, according to Quintana Roo state's Tourism Department.

Erin Erwin, a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said she and five of her friends booked their spring-break trip to Cancun because it offered a good deal.

"The prices get so expensive, so I wanted to book my trip early, and my friends chose Cancun because it was really cheap out of all the destinations," Erwin, 21, said.

The group is paying about $1,000 each for five nights at an all-inclusive hotel.

"It's basically the environment for college kids. There is drinking, and having fun and there's sun and is warm and you lay out and not worry about anything," she said.

Jackie Lewis, managing director of studentcity.com, a Web site devoted to spring-break travel, said reservations for spring break in Cancun and Acapulco remain strong, mostly because they can find good deals.

"We've seen students who are asking for packages that are cheaper, so they may not be staying at the five-star hotels and looking for seven-nights all inclusive. They may be doing four or five nights at a four-star or three-star," Lewis said.

Mexico attributes the positive tourism trend to a tumbling peso, which lost 30 percent of its value in 2008. In August, it was trading at 10 to the dollar. Now it is 14 to the dollar.

Another advantage is the drop in jet fuel prices, which have made flying cheaper and Mexico more attractive to North Americans looking to save some money.

Brian Hoyt, a spokesman for Orbitz Worldwide Inc., which owns Cheaptickets.com and Orbitz.com, said the company's hotel bookings in Mexico were up 25 percent in the first 11 months of 2008, compared to the same period the prior year.

"There's never been a better time to travel (to Mexico) from a value standpoint than right now," Hoyt said.

The Tourism Department says more than 18 million tourists, about 80 percent from the U.S., visited Mexico between January and October 2008 and spent about $14 billion.

Mexico is counting on tourism to drive it through the global economic crisis, with more aggressive ad campaigns on the Internet, the construction of a $7.5 billion resort in the Pacific Coast state of Sinaloa, and increased promotion in places like China, Russia and India, where the number of people with disposable income is rapidly growing.

Tourists walk toward the Pyramid of the Moon which is lined with new rows of lights in Teotihuacan, Mexico.

That will likely pay off. With endless beaches, quaint colonial mountain towns, ruins, and booming cities filled with restaurants and museums, the industry employs some 2.25 million people.

The Caribbean, meanwhile, has seen a sharp drop in tourism prompting resorts to lay off workers. Cheaper rooms can still be found in the region's islands but experts say they are often offset by expensive airfare.

Jesus Almaguer, president of Cancun's Hotels Association, said Mexico is already drawing more North American tourists who would normally go to other Caribbean spots.

"We compete a lot for Canadian tourists with Jamaica and the Dominican Republic and I would dare to say that we're winning the battle this year," Almaguer said.

---

If You Go...

MEXICO: The country's official tourism Web site is at http://www.visitmexico.com . There you can find many city guides, including activities, maps, accommodations, transportation and weather information.

CURRENCY: Exchange rates are usually better at airports, but be sure to check the rate first. Some exchange houses, especially in resort cities, have unfavorable rates. It might be better to use your ATM card and withdraw pesos.

HOTELS: Several travel Web sites, including http://orbitz.com , http://tripadvisor.com and http://expedia.com , offer good deals on hotels in Mexico.

BEACHES: Among Mexico's top beach destinations are Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Cancun is about a five-hour direct flight from Seattle and four hours away by plane from New York City. The Riviera Maya is another hour south by car. Both offer pristine beaches with turquoise waters and are close to Mayan ruins. On Mexico's Pacific Coast you will find the resort city of Acapulco, the granddaddy of Mexican tourist resorts, and Puerto Vallarta, made famous by Elizabeth Taylor when she starred in "The Night of the Iguana."

COLONIAL CITIES: Most colonial cities are in central Mexico. Zacatecas, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende and farther south, Queretaro, are some of the most beautiful ones. A good option for those looking for a taste of Old Mexico but without hordes of tourists is the town of Real de Catorce in northern Mexico. The former mining town of 1,000 people is tucked on top of a 9,000-foot mountain and offers some great gourmet food from Italian, German and Swiss expats.

A globetrotter uber lifestyle in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey, has been acknowledged for centuries as one of the most important cities in the world, dating back to the Roman and Ottoman Empires.

Known in the history books as Constantinople, it is truly a melting pot between the cultures of the east and the west, resulting in today’s Istanbul being a city rich with cultural heritage.

These days Istanbul’s beautiful landscape is no longer dotted with just historical heritage, as new and modern establishments have appeared and have become a part of Istanbul.

Some establishments have renovated their historical buildings and given them a new facade and some have decided to build entirely new buildings. If you are one of the world’s globetrotters and are eager to enjoy the luxury of an ubër lifestyle, then you will find Istanbul your new playground haven.

Sumahan on the Water is the jewel of Bosporus. An establishment that dates back to 1875, Sumahan began as a liquor factory —that is until four years ago when architects transformed this site into a beautiful boutique hotel. But Sumahan owes its true beauty to its spectacular location— on the banks of the great Bosporus strait.

It is a priceless experience to wake up in the morning and be welcomed by this incredibly beautiful view. Every room is like a little villa with its own living room and fireplace. No matter which room you stay in, the morning will greet you with that glorious view.

Staying in Sumahan is like staying in a friend’s villa —one that is equipped with personalized services. Start your perfect day by having a delicious homemade breakfast with its delicacies— Turkish style. Don’t forget to try Turkish traditional bread simit (sesame bread) with butter —you are guaranteed to have a great start to your day.

One way to enjoy Istanbul is by cruising around the Bosporus strait by boat. You can cross to Istanbul’s European side by boat provided by Sumahan and visit majestic sites such as Aya Sophia Mosque and The Topkapi Palace. Or you can forget all the tourist attractions and instead enjoy a traditional bath and massage in Sumahan’s hammam. It is the perfect way to release all your stress and feel rejuvenated.

After a long day adventuring in Istanbul, there is only one perfect way to end it and that is by sipping a glass of Turkish red wine while relaxing in your room, gazing out through its wide window, You can hear the Bosporus’ flowing water while enjoying the lights on Ortakoy’s bridge which change color every few minutes. It is just the way Istanbul was meant to be seen.

The Sunset restaurant on Ulus Hill is one of the most renowned spots for Istanbul’s crème de la crème to be seen —as well as the world’s jetsetter. They have all the required elements to be at the top of the competition. With its breath-taking views, The Sunset has a modern yet sophisticated ambiance and décor that is perfected with top-notch cuisine guaranteed to please everyone —even hard-core gastronomes.

In addition to fine, authentic local selections you will also find Japanese cuisine. To prepare the Japanese menu The Sunset has brought a highly experienced Japanese chef from London, Hiroki Takemura. Chef Hiroki’s talent can be enjoyed through his custom-made menu or fusion.

During our last visit we enjoyed his creation of steamed sea bass with black bean sauce with a touch of truffle oil.

As for the Turkish cuisine, selections such as the Mediterranean plate and lamb shank guarantee total satisfaction. Add a bottle of Veuve Cliquot and you will surely have an unforgettable memory. Without a doubt, The Sunset is a must-visit restaurant when you are in Istanbul!

To increase the well-being between your body and soul in a holistic manner is what The LifeCo offers. Located in Akatlar district where most of Istanbul’s high society reside, The LifeCo is simply one of the city’s hottest institutions when it comes to treating your entire being.

With its wide selection, The LifeCo offers options from a detoxification program —which includes a custom-made program for your body and even a mind detox program —to self-pampering such as through massage and its traditional hammam. They have created a concept that enables you to experience this entire program without disturbing your daily routine.

It is The LifeCo’s goal to balance and achieve harmony among body, mind and soul for every client. This is achieved through various means, such as colon cleansing, yoga ashtangi, a custom-made organic menu and dietary supplements. They balance this with pampering through a solar sauna, mint steam bath and of course the traditional hammam treatment for exfoliation.

If this is your first time at The LifeCo, their friendly attendants will assist and give you all the required information. In a city such as Istanbul, where English is not its major language, it’s a delight to visit an establishment where English is spoken fluently.

If you are planning to visit Istanbul, then we highly recommend that you increase your well-being by obtaining a healthier lifestyle through The LifeCo. It is an experience that ensures you will feel rejuvenated with complete satisfaction.

The LifeCO

Abdi Ipekci Cad 26/8
Nisantasi 34367
Istanbul, Turkiye
Tel: +902122196826
Website: www.thelifeco.com

The Sunset Restaurant

Adnan Saygun Cad. Yol Sok.
Ulus Parki No. 2
Ulus, Turkiye
Tel: +902122870357
Email: info@sunsetgrillbar.com

Sumahan on the Water

Kuleli Caddesi No. 51
Cengelkoy
34684 Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 216 422 8000
Email: info@sumahan.com
Website: www.epoquehotels.com

Refreshing the body and mind in Bintan

Quiet and calm alcoves on Bintan Island, Riau Islands province, are pleasant places for leisurely swims in the sea.

Bintan is relatively unknown, but perhaps this is why it is a place of such great surprises.

"This is just like being in Bali, only much quieter," said a visitor, referring to the picturesque beaches he's spot on.

But in some important ways, Bintan is quite different.

For one thing, Bintan -- a resort island in Riau Islands province -- is a relative unknown next to its internationally acclaimed counterpart.

But Bintan certainly is an international locale. It may be an island in Indonesia but many of its visitors come from or via Singapore.

This is reflected in the fact that most things are priced in Singaporean dollars, which in turn makes the island relatively expensive compared to others in Indonesia.

Bintan sits between Borneo and the Malaysian peninsular, just two islands or 40 minutes east of Singapore.

But Bintan is much larger than its city-state neighbor, however less developed. Save the string of resorts, which has sprung up on its northern shores, the island remains largely untouched.

Most visitors arrive in Bintan on high speed ferries from nearby islands.

Many visitors to Bintan arrive by boat, as "island hoppers", effectively served by a port that brings a procession of ferries from the surrounding islands daily. At this port, a veritable convoy of buses awaits to whisk visitors away to their respective resorts.

The road to the resorts is surrounded by thick greenery; there is little or no sign of human habitation here and at times it feels as though the forests' undergrowth is about to engulf the roadway.

It is only as the buses turn on up the long driveways leading to the resorts that some signs of life begin to show.

Reaching the northern shore, the dense greenery parts to reveal the manicured environs of not one, but four golf courses.

Getting of the bus, the first sounds one hears is the whir of lawn mowers, tending to the greens. Drivers busily buzz around and over the greens and fairways as attendants carefully rake the white sands of the bunkers.

Golf then, is perhaps the most prominent pastime at the resorts of Bintan, but there are plenty of other options for those not fond of the fairway.

Archery facilities, all terrain vehicles for a slog through the jungle, go carts, a paintball arena and "laser quest" zones can all be found along the shore.

In addition to these land-based activities there is, not surprisingly, a range of water activities to be enjoyed.

From windsurfing, jet skis and banana boats to kayaks diving and fishing from a traditional sampan, the waters surrounding Bintan offer something for everyone.

It is possible, therefore, to be highly active in Bintan. But those looking to take it easy also have many options.

Bintan's north shore has long and mostly empty beaches that allow for peaceful walks on simply lying on the sand next to the tranquil water, absorbing some warm rays.

The surf here is gentle and limited, the waters are calm and practically lagoon-like. Dotted along the shore are pleasant little coves offering seclusion in which to take a dip.

This is perhaps the best thing about Bintan -- it is quiet and restful. Thanks to the fact that it does not have the prominence and notoriety of a place like Bali, it is possible to be free of crowds here.

The resort hotels that have been developed here are really quite large and can accommodate very large numbers of tourists.

From the usual centralized hotel with swimming pool and restaurant to beach front villas, the range of accommodation offered is quite diverse.

All of this accommodation spreads out over a large area, so there is no feeling of congestion and/or over-development as there can be in places like Bali.

Many of the resorts exist as entities unto themselves. They are in effect bases for holiday-makers for which there is no need to stray.

Should you, however, crave a taste of the island beyond the resort compound, there are a few locations, worth checking out.

A nearby elephant park allows visitors the chance to ride a real-life Sumatran elephant.

For a peek of the local culture visit the village of Sri Bintan Kampung, where age old crafts and traditions may be observed. The more adventurous and physical fit can trek up Gunung Bintan, the highest point on the island.

Shopping is also on the agenda, at Pasar Oleh-Oleh, where dozens of shops huddled together cater to the tourist market. Perhaps disappointingly though, much of what is on sale here could be found in Jakarta or Bali -- in other words, it is very touristy.

But souvenirs are secondary and hardly necessary. What the visitor will take away from Bintan and its resorts is a relaxing and refreshing experience.

Bintan may not be so famous as Bali but it is well worth a visit, the body and mind will thank you.

The best areas to stay on Lombok

Lombok geographically is almost the same size as Bali and, just as there are popular tourist areas on Bali, so Lombok offers a variety of destinations to suit different holidaymakers' tastes. Following is an overview of the most popular areas to stay in Lombok.

Senggigi is the main tourist area on the mainland, with the town stretching along several fantastic bays on the west coast, and is only 20 minutes from the island's Selaparang airport. It is the ideal base from which to explore the island, and all major tourist attractions can be reached by day trips from Senggigi, including boat trips from Senggigi Bay out to the Gilis. There is a wide range of accommodations ranging from the five-star Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort to elegant private villas to comfortable small hotels and home stays. The main street in town runs parallel to the beach and is lined with restaurants, shops, banks, moneychangers and other tourist facilities. Nowhere near as developed as Kuta in Bali, Senggigi is a delightful place to stay while relaxing, dining and exploring.

Senggigi Bay is a large clean beach around which Senggigi has developed, with resorts running from the beach to the main road. The beach is a great place to hang out, sunbath and enjoy a massage, or swim and snorkel in the clear waters. The Pasar Seni (Art Market) faces onto the beach, with restaurants and bars overlooking the bay and small shops selling souvenirs, clothes and handicrafts in the market behind. The beachfront hotels and restaurants are good places to watch the magical Lombok sunsets, when the sun sinks into the ocean behind Bali, silhouetting the volcanoes against the sky.

Slightly farther north, the resort areas of Kerandangan and Mangsit offer a variety of good accommodations, including the stylish Qunci Villas, Puri Mas Boutique Resorts, Windy Beach Resort and Holiday Resort. The beaches here have white sand and clear turquoise waters and are largely deserted.

At night, there is a great range of entertainment on offer, as well as fabulous dining in some of the Senggigi restaurants. There's international fine dining, cuisines ranging from Thai, Japanese, Mexican and Korean (to name a few), or spicy local Lombok fare all on offer. A number of restaurants and bars have live entertainment with talented local bands playing popular music at night; and there are several nightclubs and discos featuring top bands, DJs and guest stars from around the nation. Senggigi caters to all types of holidaymakers - there are budget options for travelers, romantic options for couples and honeymooners, and wonderful places for families with children of all ages.

The Gili Islands are one of the most popular destinations on Lombok; every year thousands of people flock to these three small islands just off the northwest coast of Lombok. With many fast boat options such as Gili Cat and Blue Water Express providing easy transfers between the Gilis and Bali, the islands have become a popular getaway not just for overseas travelers but for those living on Bali too.

Each of the islands has a distinctively different "feel", which makes them an ideal destination for any type of traveler looking for the tropical island idyll. Gili Air is the island closest to the mainland and has a good range of accommodations, ranging from comfortable hotels to small budget home stays. The pace is very laidback, with days spent sunbathing on the clean beaches, diving in the great locations around the island and snorkeling the reefs just off shore. At night, the mood is relaxed with small warung and restaurants offering fresh seafood barbecues and local cuisine, and live music at some of the bars. Gili Meno is the middle island of the three Gilis and the quietest of the three - perfect for couples and families. The beaches are beautiful and safe for swimming, with good snorkeling just off the beach. This is the best place to see turtles in their natural environment and the dive operators on the island can help you discover the fine dive sites nearby. There are some small upmarket hotels, as well as bungalows on the beach and budget places from which to choose. If walking along a deserted beach under the stars is what you are looking for, Gili Meno has loads of atmosphere. Gili Trawangan is the most famous of the Gilis and the farthest from the mainland, although still only 10 minutes away by speedboat. Here the feel is "tropical island meets Seminyak", due to the number of upmarket eateries and villa developments that have sprung up on the island over the past couple of years. There is such a wide range of accommodation now available on Gili T (as it's known) that you can choose anything from a simple thatched bungalow on the beach to a luxury villa with private swimming pool. Dive companies abound on the island and many people come to Gili T to learn scuba diving, although the snorkeling is good and there are a number of other water activities available, including sunset cruises and glass bottom boat trips. Originally the domain of backpackers, Gili T is definitely now a place for all people - from budget travelers, to honeymooners to families. Something for everyone!

Kuta, the main tourist area on the south coast of Lombok, is not to be confused with its famous namesake in Bali. Kuta, Lombok, is a peaceful beach destination that has found fame due to the great surf locations that surround the small town. The beaches of the south coast are sublime, with sparkling white sand and clear blue oceans stretching to the horizon. Many people come to the area just to view some of the most stunning landscapes in Indonesia. Many more come to challenge the waves that roll off the peninsulas of nearby Gerupuk and Tanjung A'an.

Most of the accommodations in the area cater for the surf crowd, with lots of budget places, although there are a couple of mid-range hotels and some nice small hotels dotted along the beach toward Mandalika. The Novotel Lombok (Mandalika Resort) is located on the pristine beachfront here, and features luxurious accommodation in traditionally designed bungalows and villas.

In town are a number of good restaurants with cuisine ranging from simple local dishes to international fare, while on the hilltop overlooking the stunning coastline is the popular Ashtari Restaurant, serving delicious organic cuisine in a truly delightful setting. If you are looking for a laidback holiday location with lots of sunshine, uncrowded beaches, awe-inspiring views and plenty of accessible local culture, Kuta is the place for you!

Buleleng to develop Lake Buyan

Pristine view: A view of Lake Tamblingan, one of three lakes in central Bali being sought after by developers and investors as the island’s next potential tourism hotspot. Lake Tamblingan is part of a three-lake system within a massive caldera in Buleleng regency. The two others are the Buyan and Beratan lakes.

The regency of Buleleng may be getting another fancy tourism spot as the regent plans to invest money to develop Lake Buyan into an “ecotourism heaven”.

Buleleng Regent Putu Bagiada and investors from PT Anantara said both parties were ready to invest money into developing Lake Buyan into a “Buyan Ecotourism Heaven,” the area’s new name if the plan gets approved.

“We want to restore this area to its original grandeur, with its original culture and its original look,” Bagiada said at the Bali governor’s office Friday.

“This is the concept behind our plan to turn Lake Buyan into ‘Buyan Ecotourism Heaven.’”
Located in the Sukasada district, Lake Buyan is one of the triplet lakes situated within a massive caldera. A vast wild forest separates Lake Buyan from Lake Tamblingan on its west, while on its east lies Lake Beratan.

So far only the area around Lake Beratan has been developed into a tourist destination. Its close proximity with Eka Karya, the island’s largest botanical garden, has made Lake Beratan a favorite weekend getaway for the residents of Bali’s southern urban cities.

Lake Beratan also hosts Ulun Danu, one of the most important water temples on the island.
The three lakes have been getting shallower over the years due to sedimentation and were declared a priority for environmental damage mitigation by the State Ministry for the Environment last year.

Much of the blame for the sedimentation has been aimed at the construction of villas in the areas. Environmental groups say the villas take away water absorption space, causing mud to be carried along into the lakes.

The local agricultural practices, which use chemical fertilizers, have also been blamed for ruining the quality of the lake water.

When asked about what would change if Anantara were to be given the mandate to develop Lake Buyan, Anantara commissioner Liliah Sukoco said the company’s main concern was to maintain the area’s natural beauty.

“I understand the concern over further environmental degradation when a private company manages an environmental spot, but you have to understand that in order to maintain this lake, the local economy has to be improved,” she said.

She said Anantara’s plans to develop the 60-hectare area in and around Lake Buyan, which could absorb up to 1,000 workers, and that one of the company’s plans was to dredge the land under the lake bed to allow it to absorb more water and soil.

“But these are just plans, we are still waiting for the governor’s recommendation before we decide how we want to proceed,” she said.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika did not make any statement on Friday’s presentation, saying only he would consider the proposal.

“We will look into the possible benefits of PT Anantara’s plans,” he said.