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how to sell
Mexican beaches With the Caribbean Sea on one side and Pacific on the other, Mexico has enough whitesanded shores to satisfy sun worshipers and watersports fans alike, says Jessica Pook Why sell it From the powder soft sands of the Riviera Maya to the rocky dive hotspot of Los Cabos and back to Playa del Amore's totally surreal 'hidden beach' on the Marieta Islands, Mexican beaches are diverse and dramatic. Visitors can opt for secluded spots such as Tulum, surrounded by jungle and ancient ruins, or the Vegas-style entertainment and high-end resorts of Cancun. Mexico is a hub for aquatic life and home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, attracting turtles and whale sharks that bask in the warm waters year-round.
Who to sell to Adventurers will love Troncones, a threemile-long beach by the quiet fishing village of Guerrero. Hikers are drawn from the nearby Sierra Madre mountains while surfers can enjoy the swell and there's also horse riding on the sand. For families, the safe and shallow waters of Playa La Boquilla are perfect for snorkelling, or head to Xpu Ha Beach for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and a volleyball match with the locals. Couples will love the romantic setting of Cabo San Lucas or 'Lover's Beach', famous for its Land's End-style rock arch, or Yelapa, Puerto Vallarta, an off-the-radar beach only accessible by boat. For dive enthusiasts it's worth noting that Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, is home to a huge concentration of whale sharks.
CABO SAN LUCAS
What's new TUI will offer the only direct flight between the UK and Los Cabos from November 4, 2019 departing from Gatwick. A Hard Rock Hotel is due to open May 2019 in Los Cabos. With 639 rooms, the extravagant hotel will keep guests entertained with eight restaurants, six pools with water slides, live entertainment, a Rock Spa, fitness centre and access to three nearby golf courses, along with its signature music memorabilia of course.
When to sell
SURFING IS A TOP DRAW
The prime time to visit Mexico is between December and February. Winter sun seekers should aim for January when beaches are less busy and sometimes empty. The wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October, while hurricane season runs from June until December. January to March are the best months to spot humpbacks and blue and grey whales as they migrate to Mexico's coast, and the hugely popular Day of the Dead celebration takes place on November 2 each year.
What do the experts say? Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, Rodrigo Esponda, reports a 7% increase in 2018 arrivals during the January to September period. Both tourists and locals regularly vote Los Cabos as the ‘safest destination in Mexico'. He says. "We take security very seriously and have a five point strategy in place which includes a surveillance system and a new marine base. We also have a a hotel security committee. "Even if you're not a sunbather, there's still plenty of appeal surrounding our beaches. The Los Cabos area is home to great diving, caves and the Cabo Pulmo Natural Reserve. And best of all there are no mosquitos!"
BOOK IT WITH THOMAS COOK Thomas Cook offers a 14-night all inclusive stay at AM Resorts' Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya property from £2,424pp. Flights will depart from Manchester and airport transfers are included. The adult-only hotel is situated on the beachfront with the barrier reef just off-shore. thomascook.com
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HTS Mexican Caribbean.indd 54
11/26/18 02:17 PM