• Cancun – Isla Mujeres: hopping the ferry for the 15 minute ride to Isla Mujeres http://twitpic.com/1w9axg #
• Cancun ferry to Isla Mujeres reminds of an intl flight- same seats, beverage service, & "in case of emergency" video… But with commercials #
• Cancun islas mujeres attractions: we've rented a golf course & r touring the island. Pic Floating bottle island http://twitpic.com/1w9udj #
• Cancun Restaurant in Isla Mujeres: dining on the beach at Sunset Grill with this view: http://twitpic.com/1wam55 #
• Chichen itza roadtrip from Cancun: stopping for tamale lunch – only 30 minutes from the pyramids http://twitpic.com/1wj3iv #
• Itza chichen in chichen itza – driving 2.5 hours from Cancun to Chichen Itza to see Mayaland http://twitpic.com/1wj5i9 #
• Standing @ foot of Chichen itza pyramid http://twitpic.com/1wl632 #
• Cancun vacation extended… Heading to Cozumel and Playa del Carmen for another week http://twitpic.com/1wux80 #
• A Renoir in Cancun's Le Meridian hotel http://twitpic.com/1x2hhj #
• Donde esta mi pantalones? See, those Spanish lessons are really paying off! Peacock @ Mayaland hotel Chichen Itza http://twitpic.com/1x2x0z #
• Taking a luxury tour to Playa del Carmen and then Cozumel – booked through MyCancunTours.com http://twitpic.com/1x9d1t #
• In playa del Carmen http://twitpic.com/1xa9ct #
• On a boat off the coast of Cozumel – have never seen water this color http://twitpic.com/1xbeb1 #
• Sitting in the Islander spa at Aura Wyndham resort- booking mud baths n stuff w @brillianpamela http://twitpic.com/1xdz9r #
• Aura Wyndham Cozumel is beautiful- for the view alone, I'll forgive them for serving toasted hamburger buns & calling them English Muffins #
• In playa del Carmen http://twitpic.com/1xa9ct #
• Having the Mayan Spa Treatment with @brilliantpamela in Cozumel & laughing our a$$es off the entire time http://twitpic.com/1xv0q8 #
• Sunset in Cozumel… Makes up for the horrible food at our resort http://twitpic.com/1y7mnd #

Donde esta mi pantalones? See, those Spanish lessons are really paying off! Peacock @ Mayaland hotel Chichen Itza http://twitpic.com/1x2x0z

A Renoir in Cancun’s Le Meridian hotel http://twitpic.com/1x2hhj

Itza Chichen in Chichen Itza – or maybe Itza Chicken…. driving 2.5 hours from Cancun to Chichen Itza to see Mayaland http://twitpic.com/1wj5i9 was a great idea!

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to see the pyramids at Chichen Itza.  When I moved to Mexico, I remember being disappointed that the Yucatan was so far away.  A day is possibly enough time to see the entire park, but I would say it is well worth it to book a room, or private villa at Mayaland hotel.   A guide can be hired for a private tour of the ruins at the front desk.  $60 an hour, and the tour runs around 2.5 to 3 hours.

The history of the ruins is complex and a guide can explain far more than the booklets for sale in the souvenir shop. I would definitely recommend taking advantage of a private guide, even if you decide to tour the grounds on your own again afterward.  The most famous structure in the park is of course the larger than life pyramid, but as we learned from our guide, there are more than 350 ruin “mounds” in the area, and a number of well preserved temples, wells, shrines, houses, and even an observatory which can be seen from the grandeur foyer of the hotel at just about any angle.

There are several exotic hotels at Chichen Itza, but Mayaland is located directly on the ruins.  Nonstop bird calls, majestic trees and palms, and impressive gardens surround the hotel and their many private bungalows and villas.  Peacocks roam freely around the hotel grounds, and even IN the hotel, just adding to the exotic feel of Mayaland. The food, is absolutely fabulous and the service is even better.  Our waiter was a charming gentleman, Francisco, who spoke 5 languages including his mother tongue, Mayan – which he patiently gave us a lesson in.

Recommendations for visiting Chichen Itza:

Bring a good camera, wear light clothes that can handle the humidity and heat, and don’t forget the sunblock.  Insects were not a problem until the evening but definitely bring bug spray or purchase some in the souvenir shop located on the grounds.

Shopping is available in the hotel, in the park itself on the walk from the pyramid to the well, and in the Mayan marketplace.  Bring small change for shopping and remember when purchasing, that certain souvenirs made with live plants and or seeds, will not be allowed through customs.  There are plenty of masks, a pyramid statues for purchase but a popular item are custom necklaces which take an hour to be made.  If you intend to purchase one of these, do so well before the stores close.

If you can, bring a change of clothes if you come on a day trip this time of year.  Heavy humidity, heat, and rainstorms can be an issue- but still worth the visit!

My Chichen Itza road trip from Cancun took less than 3 hours, including a quick lunch break.   After speaking with the concierge at Le Meridian resort and spa where I’m staying, I decided to skip on the tour bus option and rent a car for the trip.  I was told it would take 2 to 3 hours to drive from Cancun’s hotel zone to Chichen Itza and that it was a perfectly safe drive.  They were right, and I would even classify the drive as “scenic.”

There are not a lot of gas stations on this drive, but one well over 100 kilometers from Cancun, that also has a number of convenience stores, and a cafe that had really great tamales.

Tolls on the highway from Cancun to Chichen Itza: There were 2 toll stops on the trip to Chichen Itza.  One was about $22 USD and the other was about $5 USD.  We stopped at the tourist information center located at the first toll stop where we talked to a helpful man working for a tour company.  After answering our questions, giving us free maps and information about Chichen Itza, we inquired about pricing and tours they offered.  We happily purchased a package from them for $30 usd each that included tickets to the archeological park at Chichen Itza, parking, lunch for 2 at the Mayaland hotel, and a 10% shopping discount.  A significant discount, but also a time saver- we drove the last 30 minutes to Chichen Itza and went right to the park.

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life, I see why Chichen Itza has been declared one of the New 7 Wonder of the World.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing more on my trip to the Yucatan and photos of the Chichen Itza ruins.

• Sweet! Totally hidden market just inland of old town puerto vallarta http://twitpic.com/1q7lal #
• Having carpaccio and cocktails in the Mexicana VIP lounge. Nice way to relax before our flight #
• Inquired about an upgrade at mexicana in Mexico city upgrade- super cheap @ 695 pesos. Glad I asked #
• Just landed in cancun. Waiting on some bus or el shuttle to take us to our luggage #
• Raining in cancun & supposed to cont for 2days. Tomorrow will have to b a spa day #
• Having lunch at cuisine du soleil Italian restaurant in le meridian hotel, cancun Mexico http://twitpic.com/1vbobm #
• First time trying bacon bread http://twitpic.com/1vbrad #
• Just landed in cancun. Waiting on some bus or el shuttle to take us to our luggage #
• Raining in cancun & supposed to cont for 2days. Tomorrow will have to b a spa day #
• Lorenzillo's in cancun- amaziing lobster across the menu, gr8 wine list & service. All that & this amazing view http://twitpic.com/1vfb3s #
• V #
• This is the life… Swinging in a cabana overlooking the turquoise water of cancun http://twitpic.com/1vmi1u #
• Leaving the safety of my cabana to go hit the ocean via big bad yellow jet ski. Wish me luck http://twitpic.com/1vn3vo #
• Amused boosh for sure- French Mediterranean cuisine at Le Meridian gets my approval! http://twitpic.com/1vpah0 #
• I may have overdone it w the jetskiing yesterday… But it was worth it http://twitpic.com/1vx6gr #
• RT @CancunCVB @SpoiledTraveler In #Cancun Pyramids- http://bit.ly/dc17VP, Aquarium- http://bit.ly/d4evu7, Tours- http://bit.ly/dsMAiE. #
• After a Long day chilling in the le meridian spa, i'm hoping for gr8 weather tomorrow- the chichen itza pyramids are calling #

Cancun – Isla Mujeres:  Today we headed off to the infamous Isla Mujeres.

Getting to Isla Mujeres was pretty simple.  A taxi from Le Meridian in the hotel zone  to the ferry port was about $22 USD and a round trip ferry ride ran about $20 USD and took only 15 minutes.   The ride was rather easy, although if the winds were up, I would advise dramamine for those who suffer from sea sickness.

I have to admit,  I was not expecting the island to be so… incredible.  Just a few miles from Cancun, I suppose I expected Isla Mujeres to be more Cancun-ish.  Instead, the grassy cliffs and dark tide pools reminded me of photos from the northeast coast of the states.  The beaches of Isla Mujeres were what set it apart- tranquil, crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

Immediately after docking, there is a long strip of restaurants on the beach.  We were starving and tempted to stop, but that’ll teach us to leave the hotel so late.  We didn’t have much daylight left and decided to see as much of the islands as we could.  We tossed a coin and decided to rent a golf cart as our mode of transportation around the island.  Just over $60 USD for a few hours, we were off and racing.  Well, I may be using the word “racing” a little lightly- I’m pretty sure the max speed of our golf cart was around 5 mph and even slow walking grandmas were passing us on the sidewalk.  We laughed hysterically for 2 solid hours… drove to the ruins at one end of the island, past the yachts and the turtle farm, and to the other side where we crossed over a rickety bridge surrounded by locals swimming in a postcard setting.  When we finally, and regretfully, returned our golf cart, we took a taxi to Sunset restaurant to catch the sunset.  It was $200 pesos for the beachfront table, but I’m pretty sure the unobstructed view of a firey red sunset was worth it.

Recommendations for visiting Isla Mujeres:

Arrive earlier than we did. Surprisingly, there’s a lot to see and the golf cart and scooter rentals, are not fast enough to see the island in 2 hours!

Bring swimwear if you want to swim, but definitely bring sun protection; hats, sunblock, or a full fledged umbrella with fringes- whatever works for you.

Bring small change for tipping and shopping.  Souvenirs are for sale along the beach and in shops around the island but change is not always easy to come by.

Come hungry.  The food is fantastic and the service is friendly.  I would definitely recommend the Sunset restaurant we went to, but food options are in abundance on the island.

Such a disappointment… that I didn’t stay at the Bellagio in Las Vegas instead of the Venetian that is!  The Bellagio is a class act, from their professional and courteous staff to their immaculately decorated hotel and casino. The minute you walk into the hotel entrance, you are surrounded by the scents of hyacinths, lilies, and more.  The famous Bellagio Conservatory is a magnificent atrium; probably one of the most amazing garden exhibits I have ever seen.  Who would have expected to find this on the Las Vegas strip?  Changing seasonally, the Conservatory is open to all, and by midday, it’s filled with tourists taking advantage of easy photo ops.   Cute shops nearby include the Giardini Garden Store, where I picked up the happiest Buddha statue I’ve ever seen.  There’s also the Jean Philippe Patisserie, featuring the Guinness record holding “largest chocolate fountain in the world.”  This fountain is quite a show-stopper, but I was even more impressed with the absolutely divine chocolate they make.  I’m actually eating their “chocolate caviar” while writing this post.  Move over Swiss chocolate- Jean Philippe is in a league of their own!

Bellagio Fine Art Gallery

I almost cried when I discovered the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery was closed while I was there.  I’m certain I’ll catch it in the next few months, but in the meantime, I had fun talking with some of the staff.  The current collection is planned to continue through January of 2011 and includes works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas and Fernand Leger.  Admission is $15, which I heard people complaining about, but come on- it’s a once in a lifetime experience!

Bellagio Restaurants

I was told the Bellagio BUFFET was the best on the strip and had to be checked out. Now, I haven’t been to a buffet in years, possibly since I was a kid, but I’d have to say this one was pretty impressive. Less than $25 per person, young child eat free, and so many choices, they’re sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater (points at self.) We also had a great waiter- a busy waiter, but on top of his game considering the crowd he was serving. I would definitely recommend choosing off-peak dining times to avoid a crowd.

Noodles was another restaurant I had a chance to hit. The last time I was here, I met up with my Uncle who insisted we go to his favorite, The Noodle Shop in Mandalay Bay. I’m not sure which I liked better, but I’d say the service was a bit slow in both. Good thing the food more than made up for it!

THE SPA & SALON at the Bellagio.

I’ve saved the best for last…. While I was strolling in awe of the incredible gardens in the Bellagio Conservatory, I noticed a woman coming out of the Bellagio Spa & Salon with perfect hair.  I all but ran inside asking, “who did that woman’s hair?”  A few minutes later, the very nice receptionist had me lined up for a Saturday appointment with Julie, a talented colorist, and Hillary; my new favorite  stylist and colorist of all time.  I was so pleased with the final results of my hair, I made yet another appointment, coming back for a Brazilian Blowout.

I spent around $1,000 on my hair that weekend, but walked out of the Bellagio salon with model hair that didn’t frizz even after returning to my home in extremely humid Puerto Vallarta.  If you have curly hair like I do, you know this is worth every penny.  Great hair, and such professional service, they’re actually shipping my hair products internationally.  I’ve already let Hillary know I’ll be back for my next hair treatment and for another of Micheal’s fabulous lattes!

The Grand Venetian and Palazzo Hotel- possibly the most impressive hotel I’ve seen in Las Vegas. That’s saying a lot, when you consider the impressive structures lining the Las Vegas Strip.

My overall impression and recommendations: Shop here, enjoy the charming gondola rides, marvel at the talented opera singers amidst the Canal Shop Square… then stay elsewhere. I checked out of the hotel nearly a week ago and I’m still spending a few hours a day trying to get out of $5400+ in duplicate charges for my $1600 hotel bill. No, I’m not joking. My billing was not only screwed up multiple times, but Rudy in their billing department has little concern for the matter. Honestly, I’m not bitter. It’s been so ridiculous, I’ve resorted to actually laughing about it! In the meantime, I’m thankful for Chase Bank, and their amazing ability to match the numbers on hotel statements with bank charges, which the Venetian can’t seem to do.

If you do plan on staying at the Venetian, here’s my advice- use only ONE credit card and make sure they offer super spectacular consumer protection. When you check out, opt out of express check out and get a statement you can triple check for duplicate billing (or triplicate billing in my case.) And finally, be sure and check your bank activity over the next few days- I was charged again for another $1,280+ 2 days after checking out of the hotel.

The Venetian Hotel and Casino:
Billing disasters aside, the Venetian was beautiful, with an unbeatable atmosphere starting with an elaborate foyer and grand hallway. I’m a sucker for musicians and beautiful fountains in the entry you know. Be sure and watch your step coming from the front desk, you don’t want to trip over the line of tourists taking photos along the way to their rooms.

The Venetian Hotel Rooms
The Venetian is a true all-suite, luxury Las Vegas hotel. Their rooms are anything but ordinary with sunken living areas, luxury linens, multiple flat screens and huge bathrooms complete with over sized marble tubs. Everything you could possibly need, including a weight-censored minibar to alert staff for quick refills. If you need an extra bed in your room, come early- these are first come, first serve with limited availability. They’re also only available up to the 12th floor- just an fyi for those of you who like to high views of the strip. Humidifiers are available, and just about any toiletry you left behind. Quick note though, bring your own blow dryer; they’ve stocked bottom of the line, frizz-causing conair hair dryers with no cool button. So close to being the perfect accommodations! 2 large flat screens with disappointing channels but plenty of movies to rent (coincidence? I think not! I like movies anyway.) I really appreciated the in room multitask printers; trips to the business center weren’t even necessary. My favorite amenity at this hotel- FREE WIFI – only at the Las Vegas Venetian!

As impressive as your room may be, you won’t want to waste time seeing more of this hotel. A quick stroll brings you to the Canal Shops. Expect to gawk- the Venetian has one of the most incredible shopping areas I’ve ever seen, anywhere. Upscale shops in Venetian style facades around the indoor canals, complete with gondoliers passing by. Gondolier rides are available for $15 per person and it seemed the average appointment was an hour’s wait. Venetian hotel guests are given “buy one, get one half off” gondola ride coupons. If you want a cute keepsake, the gondola rides have photographers on hand and plenty of framing options. I’ll admit, I left with a few 5 x 8′s in a silly Venetian paper frame, a keychain photo, and a few in magnets. Hey, my grandmother loved them! The shopping… oh the shopping… I hit Burberry, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Anne Taylor, Brighten and several others. There’s even a Barneys New York tucked between the Venetian and the Palazzo. If you’re a shopper, go nuts! Just remember almost all of these shops are at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet Mall offering significant discounts.

The Venetian Staff:
Professional doormen, courteous front desk, and helpful concierge staff. The gentlemen working the transportation area always have a smile on their face and are happy to offer advice and directions. The Venetian offers great customer service in their hotel. Their billing department… well, maybe they’re overworked.

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