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The Art of Doing Mexico City

11.01.10

By Greer Wylder

If you are looking for a vacation that mixes in arts, culture, food and history, then Mexico City will exceed the expectations of even the most seasoned traveler. It boasts more museums than any other city in the world, shopping at famed designer boutiques, incredible restaurants, handicraft stores and art galleries.

And it’s no surprise that in one of the world’s greatest cities, there’s a new elegant St. Regis Mexico City in an architecturally spectacular building designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli, who coincidentally also designed the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert.

On a recent trip to St. Regis Mexico City, I was fortunate enough to experience the hotel’s unsurpassed luxury that made me feel like home ... but even better. You’ll have a personalized butler who will unpack your suitcase, iron your clothes, bring you chocolate dipped strawberries at night, a newspaper and fresh roasted coffee or tea in the morning. They’re literally there for you during your entire stay.

The St Regis Mexico City is in a prime location overlooking the historic Paseo de la Reforma, a magnificent boulevard of architectural wonder. The hotels boasts spectacular views of the city and Chapultepec Park, twice the size of Central Park in New York City, from almost every room (including its exercise studio, indoor swimming pool and salon).

Hotel is home to Remède Spa, the resort’s signature spa that offers world-class beauty and massage treatments.

And if you’re purely on a trip of culinary indulgences, you came to the right place. In a city that should be a contender for being the world’s greatest food city (whether you’re eating street food or dining at a five-star restaurant you will be in for a treat), the St. Regis Mexico City offers a heightened selection of what the city has to offer: Exceptional dining at the intimate fine-dining Decanter Room with wine tasting menus, and all-day contemporary Mexican cuisine at Diana as well as the King Cole Bar where you can’t leave until you’ve tried their signature Bloody Mary, this one is called the Sangrita Maria—an enticing blend of Mezcal, sangrita and a dash of pasilla chile puree. Relax on the terrace with small plates and refreshing drinks anytime of the day with enjoy perfect views of the famous Fountain of Diana the Huntress, the golden Angel of Independence statue and Chapultepec Castle.

It’s going to be challenging to narrow it down to things to see and do in Mexico City. It’s like trying to see the Smithsonian in one-day, simply impossible. Here are some excellent choices that could make the top of your vacation list:

Museo Frida Kahlo: The Casa Azul or Blue House in Coyoacan was the family home of famous artist and wife of painter Diego Rivera. They lived here during the last 14 years of her life. Their home, decorated with Mexican arts and crafts, allows visitors a glimpse into the private life of these eccentric artists.

Chapultepec: A centuries-old forest encircles a castle, zoo, amusement parks and lakes; and it’s less than 1 kilometer away from the hotel.

Centro Historico: You can explore the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the old Aztec capital. Must-see sites include the Templo Mayor, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and fine 19th and 20th-century public buildings such as the Palacio de las Bellas Artes.

Xochimilco: The chinampas, or “floating gardens,” courtesy of the Aztecs, were an ingenious agricultural technique that created land to grow crops on the lake. Take a ride in a boat along the canals to get a glimpse of artificial islands built since the 16th century and during the colonial period.

Teotihuacan: Home to the temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. It’s about 25 miles outside of Mexico City, this archaeological site is worth a day trip. The “city of the gods” was once a major urban center from 200 BC to 800 AD.

For toll-free reservations, call 866.675.4029.

An Uncrowded Slice of Paradise

10.26.10

By Greer Wylder

Not to take anything away from the tranquility and beauty of Hawaii, but on a recent trip to the St. Regis, Punta Mita, an exclusive resort destination just 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, I had to wonder why Hawaii is still the No. 1 vacation spot for Orange County travelers seeking romance, beaches, and luxury.

Or maybe that’s a good thing. The crowds have not overtaken Punta Mita. The St. Regis, Punta Mita is a one-stop oceanfront resort that satisfies all types of travelers seeking the finer things in life. You’ll find spectacular grounds, infinity pools, villas with terraces or balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean complete with private outdoor showers, signature butler service, white sand beaches and three dining choices with world-class executive chefs preparing premium cuisine from fresh regional ingredients and local seafood.

What golfer could resist not one but two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses? The 19-hole Pacifico course with a famous three-par hole on a small island (at low tide, you can even ride a golf cart across the rocks and finish the hole) and the equally beautiful 18-hole Bahia course.

Spa enthusiasts will leave peaceful and serene after experiencing a world-class treatment at the Remède Spa, a 10,000-square-foot spa indoor/outdoor spa with tropical grounds. Relaxing white billowing curtains surrounding lounge chairs will put your mind at ease before or after treatments.

Wildlife and adventurists can enjoy nearby exhilarating diving, scuba, snorkeling, hump-back whale watching, and even fishing. Whether you indulge in homemade banana bread for breakfast, traditional Mexican dishes or California-style cuisine at lunch poolside, or enjoy international cuisine in the evening at Carolina, the fine dining room restaurant, (don’t pass up on the signature Caribbean Lobster). Even the most seasoned gourmand will be impressed with the cuisine served at the St. Regis dining options created by imaginative chefs working with an abundant amount of fresh local seafood, fresh organic produce and top-of-the-line Black Angus beef.

If you’re seeking a nearby excursion: here are some top choices in Punta Mita and Riviera Nyarit.

1. Order up a seafood feast at Tino’s while enjoying captivating views of the Pacific Ocean. Indulge in platters of barbecued shrimp, fresh lobster tail, crab legs, green mussels, grilled sea bass, and much more. Enjoy some fresh tortillas, salsa and a chilled cerveza and relax.

2. Sip on fresh margaritas at the Marina Riviera Nayarit which is destined to be one of the top marinas in Mexico welcoming travelers to the quaint fishing village.

3. Shop in Sayulita. With an abundance of shops, galleries, beach vendors, and local artisans, Sayulita can satisfy your need for furnishings, artwork, souvenirs, and gifts. Beach vendors carry a wide array of silver jewelry, hats and Mexican blankets while smaller stores offer plenty of traditional artwork and replicas.

4. Take an excursion to the Marietas Islands at the northern end of Banderas Bay, which provides a sanctuary for diverse marine and bird life. Whales, dolphins, giant manta ray, tropical fish, and indigenous birds such as blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropic birds form a unique and complex ecosystem in the shelter of these islands.

For toll-free reservations, call (877) 250-8871.

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