With the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games coming to a close this weekend, why not throw your own closing ceremonies party with a Gold Cocktail?

Gold Cocktail recipe:

-2  1/2 oz Vodka
-1 1/2 oz Malibu Coconut Rum
-1 tsp shredded coconut
- Coconut flakes (for garnish)
-Edible gold powder (available at bakery/cake decorating outlets)

First, coat the bottom of a martini glass with the edible gold powder. Combine the remaining ingredients into an ice filled martini shaker, shake well and strain. If you like, add a little more gold powder to deepen the color and sprinkle with coconut flakes.

Since the first Summer Olympics in Athens in 1896, countries around the world have hosted the games and cheered the athletes on. And if you are a real Olympic fan, check out some of these great host cities of the past along with some amazing hotels where you can get your own Gold Cocktail:

Tokyo, Japan: Summer Olympics 1964
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo:
Consistently rated as one of the finest hotels in all of Asia, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is a exquisitely designed luxury hotel located in the rich historical district of Nihonbashi in one of the most vibrant cities on earth. Each suite has amazing views of the city across Tokyo Bay or towards the Imperial Palace. And if you love great cuisine, choose from one of nine great restaurants and bars right on the property.

Stockholm, Sweden: Summer Olympics 1912
Hotel Diplomat:
If you have never been to Stockholm, Hotel Diplomat is the perfect hotel to book your stay for the magnificent waterfront views that showcases the pristine beauty of the city. The hotel is a classic art nouveau building located right downtown in the fashionable Strandvagen. This is a great starting point to explore Stockholm and all it has to offer.

London, United Kingdom: Summer Olympics 1908, 1948 and soon for 2012
High Road House:
The High Road House is a luxury hotel and private members’ club located in the heart of Chiswick, West London. Chic and intimate, this 14 room hotel has a comfy, homely feel complete with a luxury game room, large sofa bar and playground lounge area perfect for screenings, presentations and meetings.

Mexico City, Mexico: Summer Olympics 1968
Distrito Capital:
Occupying five floors of a building in the Santa Fe area of Mexico City, Distrito Capital offers amazing views of the city from every side. And if you love all things unique, soak in the design by Joseph Dirand and get inspired by the art of Thomas Glassford “Asteroid”. Like the great city of Mexico City, Distrito Capital has a style all its own.

Los Angeles, United States: Summer Olympics 1984
THE HUNTLEY Hotel:
THE HUNTLEY Hotel is where modern beach side glamor meets urban chic. This hotel exudes a sense of luxury the minute you step into the lobby with its eclectic furniture, sleek lines and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Come here and indulge in the ultimate Southern California Hotel experience.

Paris, France: Summer Olympics 1900 & 1924
Hotel Keppler:
If you love design and trendy boutique hotels, the Hotel Keppler is where you’ll want to stay when visiting Paris. Located right in the heart of the city, this attractive hotel  is perfect for enjoying your morning espresso on your private terrace looking out to the city below.

Athens, Greece: Summer Olympics 1896, 1906 & 2004
Hotel Grande Bretagne:
Athens is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and there couldn’t be a better place to soak in the city then the Hotel Grand Bretagne. You can view the original Olympic Stadium as you lounge by the pool, see the famous Acropolis from their bar or soak in the Parthenon while you dine on their fabulous Mediterranean cuisine.

And if you didn’t get a chance to make it out to this year’s Vancouver Olympics, check out our other Refreshing Fridays post with some great Vancouver hotels: Have a Canadian in Vancouver

It appears that Jennifer Aniston and Conde Nast Traveler readers have something in common…they’re both fans of the One & Only Palmilla Resort in Los Cabos.

Spotted enjoying a luxurious getaway at One & Only Palmilla Resort just this month, the lovely Jennifer Aniston retreated once again to one of her favorite spots in the Baja California Peninsula. Was the trip’s purpose to contemplate lingering feelings for Brad Pitt? Who cares! She’s in paradise. Let’s leave her alone for once.

But there is a reason Condé Nast Traveler readers selected this property as one of the best places to stay in the world, for the past five years. (And why Jen has returned to one of her and Brad’s favorite destinations from the past.) Having experienced a lavish $90 million rebuilding and expansion in 2004, this incredible property is the ultimate private retreat complete with intuitive butler service and other countless thoughtful details scattered throughout the resort.

Attracted by the privacy of this gorgeous resort in Mexico, and the deep-sea fishing location, some of the One & Only Palmilla’s earliest guests includes celebrities like John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball and United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Book a vacation here and who knows…maybe you could be lounging by the pool, enjoying a margarita ice pop with one of Hollywood’s most talented!

I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived in  Zihuatanejo, as the town was small and there was not a hotel in sight.

Then, as we traveled up the road and around a few curves, it all started to unfold.

When you arrive at the driveway of The Tides Zihuatanejo, you’re greeted by a friendly Bellman who is ready to introduce himself by name and with a smile. You are greeted by one of the many fountains at the hotel and the smooth look of the water falling over the edge.

A tour of the property teases us with fountains and fun walkways leading to the suites. And, looking up, there are private plunge pools in each lagoon suite and beach suite. I secretly hope one is mine.

Private tennis courts, ping pong, bars, beach side restaurants and white lounge chairs and beds are spread out around the resort. It was a perfect heaven after hectically driving from San Miguel de Allende to Mexico City, then flying to Zihuatanejo.

We arrive in our room and at the door we are greeted with Jamaica water, made from the Jamaica flower in Mexico. This, of course, is a healthy alternative to water. A wild flower added to your water adds just a touch of sweetness. On ice, it’s quite a treat and I would recommend it to anyone.

My little one loved the Mango smoothie made fresh with none of that powder stuff. I opened the door and there was our private plunge pool, with a beautiful open space with wooden shutters and inviting, fresh white furniture. Pillows add a comfy and modern touch to the room.

I looked beyond the plunge pool and I could see the ocean. What a breath of fresh air!

I forgot my bathing suite so a visited the boutique just next door and found a gem of a bikini to get me through the next five days. This resort really has everything you need in order to enjoy your holiday.

Dinner on the beach at La Villa Restaurant is a must. Elegant chairs and tables in white dressings, waiting for you to enjoy your romantic night as you listen to the waves crash only 20 feet away.

Breakfast is a treat as well, again, dressed in white cloths and iron chairs, fresh coffee, fresh jams, Juevos mexicano and any special order you might have.

I’m greeted as “Senorita Monica” everywhere I go! Everyone knows me, and that makes me feel special.

Kiwi Collections luxury online magazine Wow Travel has just put together a new photo feature. This is just a small sampling of some of the hotels beautiful evening settings.

Be sure to take a look at Wow Travel’s full photo feature titled Lantern Love.

The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong in Hong Kong, China.

The One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico.

The beautiful W New Orleans French Quarter in New Orleans, USA.

The Tanjong Jara Resort in Dungun, Malaysia.

The Singita Boulders Lodge in Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa.

Le Touessrok in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

The Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh National Park, India.

Capella Ixtapa is by far one of the best hotels in Guerrero, Mexico. With endless amenities, cool air-conditioned rooms, and unsurpassed views that can be enjoyed from the exclusivity of an adjoining terrace, this luxury hotel in Mexico serves as a perfect retreat year-round.

Upon entering the welcome coolness of my room, I was showered with gifts ranging from straw sunhats, beautiful white scarves, fruit, and flip flops. Fruit is also personally served poolside; pineapple juice is brought just in the nick of time; and, after a day spent overlooking the nature preserved islands across the water, comes a platter of Mexican chips with fresh salsa and guacamole—Yum! Oh…did I forget to mention the two refreshing Corona’s served in a tin bucket full of ice? What a perfect beginning of the end of the night!

Sink into the plunge pool overlooking the ocean, islands, and watch the eagles flying above coasting along the cliff. With the evening sun caressing your skin and the waves crashing on the shore, slurping an evening margarita in this sublime location is a must.

Take a walk down the stairs of the hotel and spend some time on the so natural rocky beach. The hotel provides chairs for you to comfortably enjoy the shore or the natural beauty of black rocks jutting out alongside the surrounding cliffs—a picture perfect environment.

When it’s dark, saunter down to the restaurant where the fresh fish caught by the fishermen in plain view from Capella Ixtapa are served with an array of local herbs and spices. How much more organic can you get? Definitely my kind of place.

The restaurant displays a small canoe filled with ice topped with a variety of fish, octopus, lobster and shrimp from the ocean for you to chose from.  It’s like a real seafood market but with the high quality service of the staff and luxury of the restaurant.  Guests are facing the ocean as they eat, no matter where you sit with the waves crashing and the candles lit.  I personally recommend this to anyone who can appreciate this natural beauty.  Romance and tranquility at it’s finest.

Tequila is probably one of the best know liquors in the world and is the perfect accompaniment to any good time. Made from the fermented and distilled sap of the blue agave plant this fiery liquor is North America’s first indigenous distilled spirit.

This beautiful liquor is only produced in certain regions in Mexico and harvesting the agave plant remains a manual effort, unchanged by modern farming technologies….oh taste the love!

The best way to enjoy tequila is not the common party trick of lick the salt, take the shot, and suck the lime but to drink it like a fine scotch or whisky; straight up or over a few cubes of ice. But if your not quite the hard liquor fan and need a little sweetness for it to go down, a margarita is right up your alley.

Classically made with Mexican limes (key limes), there are many stories about who first invented the margarita, either way they are all made the same. Other fruits can also be added into the mix like raspberries, mango or whatever your heart desires.

How to Make a Classic Margarita:

-1 ½ ounces Tequila
-1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
-1/2 ounce Conitreau

Moisten the rim of a rocks glass and dip in salt. Fill the glass with crushed ice and the Tequila, lime juice and Conitreau; stir until chilled and serve immediately. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

The best places in Mexico to get a great shot of tequila or a delicious margarita:

One&Only Palmilla:
Experience the gracious style of old Mexico at the One&Only Palmilla in Los Cobos. This tropical hideaway is sure to cure your winter blues with every room’s private balcony offering expansive views of the Sea of Cortez or the Pacific ocean.

Distrito Capital:
This is the perfect place for a tequila straight up. Distrito Capital is a modern space right in the heart of Mexico City’s largest shopping areas. Causally luxurious this hotel is a gastronomic hot spot with amazing panoramic view of the city and the best starting point for a great night on the town.

Condesa DF:
Tucked away in one of Mexico City’s cool Condesa neighborhood along a tree lined avenue is the Condesa DF . Featuring custom made furniture and stone tile flooring this hotel is a designers dream. Sip your tequila and relax on their roof top patio or keep it cool in their basement bar.

Hotel Basico:
Throw some fruit in your margarita and check in at the Hotel Basico in Playa del Carmen. This is the place for the young and the young at heart taking trendy to a whole new level. This minimalist, uncluttered hotel is all about life and laughter. And when the sun sets good times always get started on their rooftop terrace and bar.

Las Brisas Acapulco:
While sipping your tequila and working on your tan, lose yourself in this hillside paradise in Acapulco. The Las Brisas Acapulco is one of the most exclusive and extraordinary vacation destinations in the world when you feel like you just want to get away from it all.

Habita Monterrey:
Exceptionally beautiful, exuding a slightly Parisian ambiance, the Habita Monterrey is a modern hotel with captivating architecture details including with a rooftop pool bar that offers a 360-degree view of San Pedro Garza Garcia. Margarita anyone?

El Careyes Beach Resort:
Surrounded by a lavish sub-tropical rainforest on a secluded cove on the Pacific Ocean in Costa Careyes, El Careyes Beach Resort exudes a spirit of tranquility and easy elegance. Sit back, relax and bath in the beauty of Mexico.

La Purificadora:
Housed in a former 19th century water-purifier center between Mexico City and Oaxaca in Puebla is the minimalist yet edgy La Purificadora. With spectacular view of the city, which has been names a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a great place to take in the history while sipping slowly on tequila over ice.

Capella Pedregal:
Encompassed in 24 mountainside and oceanfront acre in Cabos San Lucas, the Capella Pedregal is the perfect spot to experience “Cabo Culture”. This treasured waterfront haven offers intuitive world renowned service and will always make sure your margarita glass is always full.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba:
Considered the Venice of Mexico, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba in the Maya Riviera you are sure to experience uncompromised luxury. Perfect for a romantic getaway with intimate villas, you can take in the sun with your own private pool or outdoor terrace.

Make a Booking Request

The weather is getting cooler and we’re all starting to plan our fall and winter escapes. Mexico was off the radar for much of the spring and summer due to swine flu, but now that the flu has passed, it’s time to revisit this sunny country!

For a real escape, consider Casa Limon. This tiny boutique inn is in Malinalco , Estado de Mexico, which is in central Mexico. The best part about Casa Limon, of course, is that it’s for adults only. This makes it the perfect retreat for a romantic getaway or a quiet, relaxing holiday.

Malinalco is known for its natural wonders and for the archeological site on top of Cerro de los Idolos. You’ll want to spend some time checking out House of the Tiger and Jaguar Warriors (the main temple, one of only five in the world where warriors were initiated into warrior classes).

Other attractions in this historical town include the Dr. Luis Mario Schneider Museum and the Monastery of the Divino Salvador de Malinalco.

Casa Limon is 10 rooms of complete bliss, with a modern and stylish design that will please pretty much anyone. Think cool and simplistic.

Suites are spacious and feature terraces where guests can enjoy the garden, pool and view of Mexico’s peaceful countryside.

The chef at Casa Limon produces wonderful international cuisine using local produce. You’ll love the local, healthy dining experience you get here. Be sure to enjoy the terrace, shaded by a slatted room and a couple of mature plume trees.

After a long day of site seeing in the historic areas of town, golfing and horseback riding, be sure to book an appointment at the spa. There’s no better way to wind down than through a relaxing massage!

Modeled on a similar event in Spain that was made famous by Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel ‘The Sun Also Rises’, the town of San Miguel de Allende hosts this fun fiesta and bull run that attracts visitors from all over the world each year. And after the main event of the bull, which takes place on Wednesday, September 26, visitors can experience a traditional Mexican fiesta full of flavor and sound!

The City of San Miguel de Allende is right in the heart of Mexico near the city of Guanajuato which is the home of Cristo Rey del Cubilete (Christ the King Shrine), Mexico’s most important religious monument. In 2008, San Miguel de Allende was designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site, deeming it a place of cultural and physical significance. And over time this area has become a popular tourist destination.

When visiting this city you are going to need a great place to rest up and relax after a long day festivities and luckily San Miguel de Allenede has some of the best places to stay in Mexico!

Dos Casas:

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Located only three blocks from the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Dos Casas was one of Travel + Leisure’s best pick for hotels in 2006. This luxury boutique hotel tastefully blends Spanish Colonial architecture with sophisticated, contemporary design for a truly relaxing experience …..which you will need after getting chased by bulls!

Each suite at the hotel is one of a kind each having their own balcony complete with beautiful picturesque views.

Each morning a tasty complimentary breakfast is served either in the dining room, terrace or in your room. And in the evenings, their wine bar features a fine selection of international wines and full bar complete with a bistro menu that changes daily.

If you book your stay during the running of the bulls make sure to take advantage of their One Week Special: Book seven days and only pay for five nights. Make sure to use the promotion code 5NIGHTS.

Casa de Sierra Nevada:

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Casa de Sierra Nevada is a luxury boutique hotel and cooking school right in the heart of the city and caters to the most discriminating world traveler. The hotel has 31 deluxe rooms and suites, distributed among four mansions, all designed to celebrate the spirit of San Miguel.

Food lovers will sure to appreciate the very best in hotel dining at the Casa de Sierra Nevada. With two restaurants featured, guests will be treated to indulge in traditional Mexican cuisine in either a casual or refined atmosphere.

Guests can also take advantage of the many courses the hotel offers, be it at their cooking school, Sazon, where you can cook with the masters of Mexican cuisine, or their art courses and dancing classes that will expand your creative side.

If you are coming to the city during the Running of the Bulls make sure to take advantage of their special Mexican Siesta package. During August 30 – October 1st 2009 guests can enjoy a five night stay and only pay for four nights! The offer is subject to availability.

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Zona Maco Mexico is Mexico’s most important art fair. After its huge success in April 2009, the show is now heading to Monterrey from September 3 to September 6, 2009, where it will be hosted by one of the best hotels in Mexico: Habita Hecho en Monterrey.

More than 4,000 art enthusiasts are expected to flock to Habita Monterrey including Collectors and VIPs.

With defined spaces, neutral colors and a modern atmosphere, Habia Monterrey is the perfect host for this fabulous contemporary art festival in Mexico. Our favorite features of this hotel include its stunning architectural details, rooftop pool bar (with a 360 degree view of Monterrey) and huge glass windows.

At only 39 rooms, Habita Monterrey is a tiny boutique hotel – a little bit rare in the bustling city of Monterrey! Guests here can expect to receive a truly intimate and personalized experience. And, if you’re planning on visiting Monterrey for the fair, we highly recommend staying at the venue itself! (How convenient is that?).

We’ve written a hotel review of Habita Monterrey right here on the blog, so be sure to check it out.

The art exhibition features proposals by Luis Adelantado, Proyectos Monclova, and includes both national and international work from the following galleries:

• OMR
• Proyectos Monclava
• Galería Enrique Guerrero
• GAM
• Galería Luis Adelantado
• Toca Galería
• La Estación Arte Contemporáneo
• Arróniz Berrueta
• EDS | Galería
• Galería 13
• Pristine Gallery
• Ginocchio Galería
• Alternativa Once
• KBK
• Curro y Poncho.

Located along beautiful white sand beaches and crystal–clear waters in the Mayan Riviera, Esencia is the place to retreat to and experience the fusion of ancient traditions and simple elegance that the Caribbean has to offer.

If this sounds like the perfect place for you to soak up the sun and rejuvenate your senses, Esencia has not one, nor two, but THREE special packages on offer from now throughout the rest of 2009.

For those of you who are looking to delve deeper into Mexico’s ancient mysteries why not check out this luxury hotel’s Salon Summer Gatherings.  These gatherings are inspired to simulate increasing cultural knowledge through inspirational activities: readings, Mayan classes, cooking classes, and wine tastings are hosted in the main house Duchess Salon during the 2009 summer.

Spend two nights in a beautiful Garden Suite with exclusive plunge pool, enjoy daily breakfast while soaking in the sights of lush forests and aquamarine watered beaches, indulge in lunch, and dine a la cart at your leisure all while exploring the traditions and ancient practices of the rich Mayan culture.

Looking for more of a family getaway? Well, this luxury resort in Mexico has also crafted a special deal for you. Esencia’s Family Fun in the Sun package offers five nights stay and daily breakfast with kids under 12 staying for free.  For those romantic moments you choose to share with your spouse, this special package also provides a complimentary nanny on call for two hours daily.  Offer is valid now through December 15th, 2009.

But wait, there’s more! The Duchess of Ferrari, Rosa, will be celebrating her birthday on August 24th. To mark this occasion and to invite everyone to join in the celebration, Rosa is inviting all guests staying a minimum of two nights to enjoy the 3rd night for free. This once a year celebration is valid now through December 20th, 2009. Book now because space is limited and reservations will be taken on a first come first serve basis.

To find out more about Esencia and other luxury hotels in the Mayan Riviera check out our article:  The Safest Places to Stay in Mexico.

We all need a little ocean side getaway every now and then, don’t we? From now until October 15, 2009, let the warm breezes of the Pacific Ocean soothe you. The Capella Ixtapa Resort and Spa in Mexico has a number of special packages to suite any vacationer; from weekend getaways, spa credits or family escapes, everyone gets a great deal!

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Set inside a rock cliff, overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, lays a secluded, exclusive resort unlike any other. Designed to protect the natural beauty of the environment the Capella Ixtapa Resort and Spa is a perfect Mexican destination. There are only a limited number of suites at the resort each facing the ocean and the powder white sand beach. It’s a private world of splendor paired with luxury where the crowds are left miles away.

And, during the low season, you can take advantage of some spectacular special promotions at this hotel.

If you book your stay from now until October 15, 2009 you can choose from a variety of special packages. For a Capella Classic Weekend enjoy three nights’ accommodation including a daily breakfast and a $150 Resort Credit per day.

If you’re visiting this exotic hotel in Ixtapa during the week, you can get the same great deal as well as a complementary lunch during your stay, creating a true Capella escape.

Or, if you are vacationing with your family, enjoy five nights’ accommodations for the price of four in any of the hotel’s great rooms. This package also includes a full breakfast for two each day and 50% off all food and beverages for children 12 and under.

So why would you want to stay here?

Activities are in abundance at the Capella Ixtapa, which makes it one of the best resorts in Mexico. Spa lovers can indulge in special locally inspired therapies using native herbs to sooth and relax you. For the more adventurous, Capella Ixtapa can design a program for you and your family to swim and interact with the remarkable denizens of the Ixtapa Dolphinarium. Or perhaps go deep sea fishing and allow the resorts culinary team to prepare your catch according to your taste.

Nearby to Capella Ixtapa is the Mexican town of Zihuatanejo. Unlike so much of Latin America, Zihuatanejo retains much of the culture of Mexico, as well as the practices and traditions dating back to the Aztec age.

Capella Ixtapa takes the idea of private, romantic resort dining in Ixtapa to the next level of sophistication, with Mexico restaurants that feature inventive cuisine for every palate. Experience contemporary Mexican dishes, gourmet snacks pool side or have a guided tasting in their tequila room from the most famous Tequila houses in Mexico.

The Capella Ixtapa Resort and Spa reveals a bounty of beauty and is the perfect place to get away from it all.

Tucked into a glorious private beach in the Riviera Maya, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita is an intimate, elegant destination in a serene area. This Mexican Riviera resort features 90 ocean front luxury suites nestled in 14 acres of landscaped, lush native vegetation (and includes a 450 meter private beach).

Handpicked antiques, stunning marble, and luxurious fabrics – each of the suites at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita is personally decorated with unusual fabrics and treasures gathered by the resort’s owners during their travels around the globe.

The architecture of the resort captures the essence of Mayan culture with open courtyards, fountain-adorned pathways and reflecting pools. All of this and more are available for guests to explore – making a stay at this resort in Mexico totally unforgettable.

At Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, guests automatically receive the benefits of Endless Privileges, which give guests limitless access to almost all of the pleasures this intimate jewel has to offer.

This program focuses on wellness, romance and enrichment of the guest experience. Part of this amazing guest experience (when booking through Kiwi Collection, of course) will include a private dinner for two set on the resort’s very own private pier. This is perfect for any special occasion, anniversary or just to enjoy with that special someone.
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It’s the dream of many a bride-to-be to have the wedding in a gorgeous tropical paradise. Well, that dream can turn into reality with a little help from some of the Ritz-Carlton’s top hotels. The Ritz-Carlton’s “Reconnect package” offers complimentary wedding ceremonies and a complimentary three-night stay for your first anniversary! Be sure to book this offer before it expires on June 30, 2009.

Are you as excited as we are?

We just learned that some of the Ritz-Carlton’s finest luxury hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico are offering a special package this year for couples who want to have their ceremony in a tropical paradise.

Couples will get a free wedding ceremony in addition to a complimentary three-night stay during their first anniversary when booking a wedding on the “Reconnect” package. (Reconnect Rates start at $439 per night).

Participating hotels in our collection are:

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in Rose Hall Jamaica
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa and Casino

The Complimentary Wedding Offer includes:

Ceremony Location
Wedding Specialist
Wedding Concierge
Minister
Signature Bouquet
Signature Boutonniere
Signature Location Décor
Complimentary three-night first anniversary stay, redeemable at any Ritz Carlton hotel or resort in the Caribbean or Mexico

So what do you have to do?

If you want to take advantage of this offer, book your wedding before the offer expires on June 30, 2009. Your wedding can take place any time between May 1 and December 20, 2009.

You and your guests will need to stay for a minimum of three nights, and you’ll need to book a minimum of 25 rooms or more to be eligible for the offer.

Perfect for guests who are seeking a great boutique hotel in Mexico, or a wonderful romantic vacation, Villa Maria Cristina is the jewel of Guanajuato, Mexico. Stay here if you want to experience one of Mexico’s best hotels.

“Intimate” is a perfect word to describe Villa Maria Cristina. With only 13 rooms, this luxury hotel in Mexico is one of the smallest in the area. It may be small, but this hotel is big on personality.

Guests will love the spacious suites throughout the house. With high ceilings, large windows, wooden floors and beautiful dark wood furniture, the sophisticated and romantic atmosphere is to die for! In addition, you can kick back and relax in a whirlpool or steam bath in your suite’s washroom. You’ll feel like you’re in a private mansion.

And, if the rooms sound nice, wait to see some of the public spaces at the hotel. You’ll notice that no detail has been left unattended. The hotel has quite a bit of aristocratic charm, with terracotta colored walls, floors with inlaid mosaics and plant-filled corridors. Especially romantic are the wrought-iron lamps and water features.
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Despite the negative press about traveling to Mexico lately on the swine flu, it’s is still a very safe and enjoyable place to travel. This is why Kiwi Collection is running a series about the safest places to stay in Mexico. Part two of the series will focus on beach hotels along Mexico’s Pacific Coast: in the Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa and Cabos areas.

Puerto Vallarta is found on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Jalisco. It’s a famous resort destination, known for its old-Mexico charm, pristine beaches, marine life, the Sierra Madre Mountains, fabulous restaurants and culture. This area is home to two luxury resorts in the Kiwi Collection: El Careyes Beach Resort and Las Alamandas.

El Careyes is nestled in a secluded cove on the Pacific Ocean. With only 51 suites, the atmosphere at this boutique hotel is calm and tranquil. The bold palette of terracotta tones blends well with the blues and greens of the natural ocean-side setting of this beach resort. Take in a swim at the resort’s freeform swimming pool, or enjoy a meal (or a pre-evening drink) outside in the warm sunshine at the Lantana bar. Be sure to go to the Spa at El Careyes (right off of the resort’s private beach area) for a relaxing spa treatment during your stay!

Las Alamandas Resort is similarly tranquil, but is much smaller (only 14 rooms). This boutique hotel is located on a secluded beach surrounded by lush gardens and plants. This is the best resort if you’re looking for peace, tranquility and relaxation. The rooms are decorated in jewel-like colours with fabrics and crafts from all over Mexico. You will definitely love the restaurant, which serves fresh, healthy cuisine, and fine wines and liquors. We profiled Las Alamandas last year on the Jetsetter.

Ixtapa is a coconut plantation turned tourist resort! On a stretch of Mexico’s most beautiful coastline, it’s a  major stop for many cruise lines and is known for is excellent beaches. Capella Ixtapa is a fabulous luxury resort in our collection, located in Ixtapa.

Capella Ixtapa is perfect for honeymoons or if you’re in the mood for a spa vacation. Set inside a rock cliff, this Mexico hotel overlooks the gorgeous blue Pacific Ocean. There are 59 rooms at Capella Ixtapa, and each are sophisticated and modern with polished hardwood floors, marble and handmade clay ornaments. All rooms face the Ocean so you can enjoy the view from your own private terrace. We suggest that you take in a perfect margarita at the tequila bar!

Los Cabos is found at the very southernmost point in the Baja California peninsula. Well known for his clean, beautiful beaches, it’s the second largest community in the state of Baja California Sur. It’s famous for its high-end holiday accommodations as many resorts and timeshare clubs call this area home.

Casa Dorada Los Cabos has 185 suites. All one, two and three bedrooms (as well as magnificent penthouses) are well designed and feature private terraces with stunning ocean views. You’ll love the spacious marble bathrooms that are equipped with Jacuzzi tubs. All of the resort’s restaurants offer a unique atmosphere, while sharing great views of the water.

Casa del Mar Suites, Golf & Spa Resort’s graceful arches, cobbled courtyards, tiled fountains and tropical gardens make for a stunningly romantic atmosphere. This 31-suite boutique hotel is a true sancturary, feeling like a traditional hacienda. Rooms feature spacious suite with Jacuzzi tubs, Mexican artwork, teak furniture and private terraces with amazing ocean views. Be sure to spend time at the resort’s Spa, Suenos del Mar, to get a Mexican Hot Stone Massage.

Read part one of the series, profiling  hotels in the Mayan Riviera.