by Provincial Tourist Board Cadiz, Spain

The Feast of Corpus Christi also known as Corpus Domini, is a Latin Rite liturgical solemnity celebrating the tradition and belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ and his Real Presence in the Eucharist. It emphasizes the joy of the institution of the Eucharist, which was observed on Holy Thursday in the somber atmosphere of the nearness of Good Friday.

The date for celebration is not fixed. It varies according to the date of Easter. In 2013 Corpus Christi will be celebrated on the 30th of May. The most common way of celebrating Corpus Christi is a procession through cities and towns. But each place has some other traditions that accompany the procession.

Everywhere you turn you can't miss the aromatic smell the heather or eucalyptus. The cities and towns at the the Sierra de Cádiz mountains in the southern part of Spain are preparing to host the Corpus Christi festivities. These festivities have been celebrated  since the 15th century as a national holiday. In the city Zahara de la Sierra every building façade, alleys and corners, are decorated with ton of flowers and sedge, and a gilded repository studded with emeralds is processed through the streets. This year the Sunday of Corpus Christi will take place on June 2, 2013.

The festivities in Zahara are know for their decoration, especially for their decorated streets.  On Friday, a large group of volunteers set out to look for sedge that is used to cover the floor of the main street,  and on Saturady people use eucalyptus branches, heather, oleander and different aromatic plants to cover the façades of the buildings. 

On Sunday, the day of Corpus Christi, locals start showing off their decorating skills at 7 am in the morning. They decorate the building façades and the balconies with all the plants they have collected. Everyone is helping the the residents who live on the main street, while they all enjoying the flavor of the festivities. 

The religious side of the day culminates with the Mass and the procession of the Repository made out of gilded silver and emeralds, but the spotlight is on the children who celebrate their First Holy Communion.  

Under the open-air, on Saturday the festival features a local band performing under the marquee which is set up by the Town Council.  The music continues until the early hours of that Monday morning. On the second day of the celebrations a traditional contest is taken place. The contest is all about making the best "cachiporras" a unique instrument made out of sedge that will have the best aesthetics and loudest sound, which will receives a cash prize.  

With only 17 kilometers away from Zahara de la Sierra in the small village of El Gastor, locals use music as the main feature to celebrate these festivities which go back in time to the days of the pagan to the era of Al-Andalus. 

In El Gastor, the activities begin on Friday May 3rd, when a group of over 200 people are sent to the city of El Cuervo (Seville) to  look for sedge. People start decorating the streets at 7pm on Saturday evening, until the early hours of the morning.  The oleander and branches of eucalyptus, poplars and black poplars are collected by the town’s inhabitants, even though the Council is entrusted with distributing the greenery to those local residents who didn't help. 

As the city transform into a true green forest for the weekend the city of El Gastor is ready for the celebrations which end with a contest of Gastor bagpipe a native instrument on Sunday evening. This contest has attracted the attention of the bagpipe players of Galicia, a different region of Spain. Although it is a requirement to be a local, in previous years few Galician bagpipe players took part in the contest and were able to play the famous bagpipe instrument. 

Travelers weigh-in on common air travel dilemmas such as: rude recliners, armrest hogs, nonstop talkers, screaming children and personal space invaders.

Plymouth, MN (May 13, 2013) – For most, traveling by air is a very casual affair – long gone are the days of dressing up; also often absent are clear rules of etiquette, particularly when airplanes are flying full. So, in a nationwide survey, Travel Leaders Group asked Americans across the country how they would handle uncomfortable – yet fairly common – air travel situations. Nearly 70% of flyers would say something directly to the passenger in front of them if their personal space was “invaded” with an article of clothing and/or someone’s hair, but almost half (48.9%) would sit quietly and say nothing if they were stuck in a middle seat and had no access to either armrest. The series of “What would you do?” travel dilemma questions were part of a survey conducted by Travel Leaders Group – an $18 billion powerhouse in the travel industry – from March 15 to April 8, 2013, which includes responses from 1,788 consumers throughout the United States.

“As their travel agent experts, we hear directly from our clients who share similar complaints regarding their experiences.  In our survey, we wanted to know how many travelers proactively take some sort of action to resolve those situations,” stated Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben.  “Based on the response to our ‘What would you do?’ questions last year, we knew there was more we needed to examine at this year.  So it’s particularly telling that over 77% of those polled would take some sort of action, if the person in front of them reclined so much that the survey participants were unable to lower their tray table or perhaps unable to open up a laptop. Based on the limited space available to each passenger, we are all trying to navigate the best approach.  This information also allows our travel agent professionals to assist their clients in setting expectations and offering solutions that will help all travelers when faced with these common dilemmas.”

Key Statistics and Findings
Q;  If you are seated in the middle seat on an airplane and the people on either side of you staked out the armrests, what would you do? 
Say something directly to your seat mates.  27.9%
Call a flight attendant and let him/her handle the situation.  2.6%
Sit quietly and say nothing.  48.9%
Not sure.  20.6%

Q; If the person in the airline seat in front of you invaded your personal space with an article of clothing and/or their hair so it was directly in front of you, what would you do? 
Call a flight attendant and let him/her handle the situation.  9.3%
Sit quietly and say nothing.  13.0%
Not sure.  8.8%

Q: If the person in the airline seat in front of you reclined their seat so much that you were unable to lower you tray table or perhaps unable to open up a laptop, what would you do? 
Say something directly to the person.  55.4%
Call a flight attendant and let him/her handle the situation.  21.8%
Sit quietly and say nothing.  15.1%
Not sure. 7.7%

Q; If the person in the airline seat in front of you ignored crew member instructions to have  their seat back upright for takeoff and/or landing, what would you do? 
Say something directly to the person.   13.4%
Call a flight attendant and let him/her handle the situation.   28.1%
Sit quietly and say nothing.  50.1%
Not sure.   8.4%

Q; If you were on a flight next to a person who insisted on trying to talk to you the entire flight, what would you do?
Use a book or other reading materials to try to limit the conversation.  38.1%
Put on headphones and use a book or other reading materials to limit conversation.  18.9%
Engage them in conversation for the whole flight.  12.2%
Specifically let that person know that you would prefer not to talk.  10.4%
Put on headphones to try to limit the conversation.  8.7%
Pretend to sleep try to limit the conversation.  7.4%
Put on headphones and pretend to sleep.  4.3%

O: If you were on a flight with someone who talked so loudly that half the plane could hear them, what would you do?
Say something directly to the person.  14.4%
Call a flight attendant and let him/her handle the situation.  27.9%
Sit quietly and say nothing.  36.0%
Not sure.  21.7%

O: What would you do if it appeared parents of a screaming child aboard a plane were not making any attempt to comfort/control their child? 
Say something directly to the person.  7.9%
Call a flight attendant and let him/her handle the situation.  46.7%
Sit quietly and say nothing.  30.6%
Not sure.  14.8%

Source: Press Release Travel Leaders Group

photos L to R: Chef Enrique Olvera, dish at Azul, Azul restaurant, Mexican dish. Paxia and chef Daniel Ovadía. bottom: Chapultepec Park, University Museum of Contemporary Art, Plaza de la República, Catedral Metropolitana, W Mexico City Hotel, Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo.

by David Cohen

There’s nothing like dining at  the best restaurants in the world and seeing some of the most important pieces of art ever created. A visit to Mexico City will reveal some of these treasures, and will give any traveler the opportunity to indulge in epicureium culinary delights.

As one of the world’s most well-rounded destinations for both leisure and business travelers, Mexico City has it all. The capital city of Mexico offers amazing history, cultivating culture, award-winning cuisine, and some of the best facilities and amenities in accommodations, including luxurious spa services. Mexico City boasts more than 3,500 restaurants featuring both traditional Mexican fare as well as a variety of international cuisines, edgy art exhibits, notable museums, colorful bazaars, and fun-filled entertainment, all giving even the most seasoned traveler inspiration.

Visited by 12 million people who spend about 700 million dollars each year cause for city officials to ensure that Mexico City is the safest place to visit in all of Mexico. Police in the city maintain a peaceful atmosphere to ensure the safety of tourists.  It is no wonder that both The Mexican Tourism Board and Aeromexico airlines partnered to deliver a convincing message about the wide range of opportunities available in this large and dynamic city.  

Diego Rivera  is one of the most important and prominent Mexican artists of all time. His large wall murals (A) in fresco––a technique of mural painting––helped establish the Mexican Mural Movement (the promotion of mural painting starting in the 1920s, generally with social and political messages) in Mexican art. Rivera painted numerous murals including those in Chapingo, Cuernavaca, San Francisco, Detroit, and New York City. However, Diego Rivera's most famous murals and most unusual projects are found in Mexico City.

Between 1950 and 1952, Rivera  created the Tlaloc Fountain, a large and intricate mosaic of Tlaloc, the Aztec rain god. Located in Chapultepec Park, this monument was created during the overhaul of Mexico City's municipal water system. The fountain was built with the intention to merge practical functionality with cultural expression via a single work of art. For more than a decade, the fountain and some of Rivera’s murals have fallen into despair. However, following a long restoration process which kept Rivera’s creative style intact, the park re-opened to the public about a year ago.  

The mosaic stone fountain contains a shallow pool measuring approx. 100 feet long by 100 hundred feet wide. Originally, the fountain served as the ceremonial entry point for water from the Lerma River into the city's main reservoirs. Although the main flow of water has now been diverted into a pipe, Rivera's sculpture of the Aztec rain god Tlaloc is still in the pool.  

The Carcamo House is a giant tank inside a rotunda that is part of the same complex. This was one of Rivera’s most important works entitled Water: Origin of Life. Rivera painted the entire cement tank, including the floor, in elaborate colorful scenes. Until the 1990s, municipal water flowed into the tank, and from here, technicians were able to control the levels in several large reservoirs. The bright and elaborate mural covers the entire cistern and is an allegory of water as the indispensable giver of life, and without it the human existence is impossible. 

Another must see is the large Plaza de la República and its mammoth Art Deco monument commemorating the Mexican Revolution that began in 1910. It was intended to be the chamber of Mexican president Porfirio Díaz, but the Mexican Revolution put an end to Diaz’s plans and his dictatorship. In the 1930s, after the revolutionary turmoil had died down, the dome was finished as a monument and was dedicated to the Mexican Revolution.

The Museo Nacional de la Revolución was built under the monument. The museum describes the tumultuous years from 1867 to 1917 in exhibits of documents, newspaper stories, photographs, drawings, clothing, costumes, uniforms, weapons, and furnishings.  The museum has plans to open a rotating exhibit space in the monument in the future.

The Plaza de la Constitución, also known as the Zócalo, is the center of Mexico City in every respect. It features three not-to-be-missed landmark sights, which together constitute one of the largest and most important public plazas in the world. Museo del Templo Mayor is the remains of the 14th- and 15th-century Aztec empire’s capital called Tenochtitlán. There are over 8,000 objects found here, with the most famous being the basalt Coyolxauhqui Disk representing the goddess of the Moon in a very human way, and the majestic Eagle Warriors.  The Catedral Metropolitana, is the oldest and largest cathedral in all of Latin America. The cathedral was begun in 1567 and finished in 1788 and is a blend of baroque, neoclassic and Mexican churrigueresque architecture. Finally, Diego Rivera's murals at the Palacio Nacional (the federal government building) are not to be missed.

Mexico City's University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC), is well worth a visit.  Opened to the public in November 2008, MUAC is located in the middle of the University of Mexico’s campus.  This unique and minimalistic glass building offers a unique experience to all visitors.  Designed by Mexican architect Teodoro González de León, who was influenced by both the New York Metropolitan Museum, with an immense, sloping window out front, and London’s Tate Modern with its minimalist presentation style. This style of architecture sets a new paradigm for artistic creation and construction by providing a framework for discussion and experimentation. The museum’s mission is the displaying, preservation and study of current art (from 1952 on), and its main goal is to make art available to all students and people in general. MUAC promotes interdisciplinary works with dynamic, cutting-edge exhibits composed of both national and international artists. MUAC has built a first-class space for the enjoyment of a wide variety of art forms.

As one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Mexico City, San Ángel has retained its colonial architecture and charm, reminiscent of its esteemed culture and history. Narrow cobble stone streets, tree-lined plazas, and sprawling haciendas still make up the center of San Ángel. This wonderful neighborhood is well  known for being the summer residence to many of Mexico’s aristocracy in the late 1800 and early 1900’s, including Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s residence which is now a museum. Today, the haciendas of San Ángel play host to the Saturday Art Show and Bazaar with many craft vendors, restaurants and coffee shops. 

Mexico City stands out for its varied cuisine and fine restaurants that offer something for everyone. The numerous restaurants offer a range of prices to fit any budget, thus offering no reason not to enjoy the many international cuisines and flavors. 

Named as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world by Restaurant Magazine, Pujol offers gourmet traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Executive Chef and owner Enrique Olvera offers his personal touch to deliver scrumptious Mexican delights from fresh ingredients that are always purchased at the local market. The traditional dishes are turned into contemporary delights by providing unique flavors and beautiful presentation, making dinning at Pujol a memorable experience. www.pujol.com.mx.

Azul Histórico should be on any foodie’s ‘must try’ list. Centro Historico district in downtown Mexico City, renowned chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita’s food is any food enthusiast’s dream come true. In line with the delicious food, Azul Histórico also delivers excellent service and a relaxing atmosphere on their colonial patio for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to try the classic huevos motuleños­­––two fried eggs on tortillas with black beans, ham, and peas, all bathed in Mexican mole sauce. Another must-try dish is the chilaquiles rojos con arrachera––a fried tortilla tenderly cooked with delicious grilled slices of steak. Don’t hesitate to recommend this high-level Mexican dining option to any traveler. It is a great stop for a relaxing lunch. www.azulhistorico.com.

Located in Polanco, one of the most chic and trendy neighborhood in Mexico City, Solea, is the signature restaurant of the W Mexico City Hotel. Under the direction of executive chef Mauricio León, Solea offers an innovative steak & seafood menu that will satisfy every hungry soul. Each dish is prepared with a contemporary design and served on modern textured surfaces such as compact discs, marble, or glass to emphasizing a clever interpretation of traditional Mexican flavors and dishes.

Set in the traditional colonial neighborhood of San Ángel, Paxia is a multi-award winning restaurant and my favorite place to dine in Mexico City. Meaning peace in Nahuatl,  the language of the Aztecs that is still spoken by about 1.5 million people in Mexico, this sophisticated restaurant offered  offered the most innovative dining experience I had while visiting Mexico City. With impeccable service and a casual but elegant atmosphere, the young executive chef Daniel Ovadía delivers perfect Mexican dishes cooked to perfection. All of this combined makes Paxia one of the most popular restaurants in San  Ángel. Every dish I tried held an explosion of flavor centered around a beautiful presentation. Every course was matched with a fine spirit, making my lunch at Paxia one of the best experiences I have ever had. The food, decor and excellent service should be an inspiration to any aspiring chef.  Some of Paxia’s specialties include the chicharron lasagna––a ground pork dish, and the Aztec Budin––a masterful dish of foie gras with truffles which won the Top Main Dish Award in Mexico City in 2008. Paxia offers an extensive menu of local boutique beers, Mexican wines, and fine cocktails www.danielovadia.com.mx.

With vibrant gay culture clubs and booming nightlife, Mexico City was the first city in Latin America to legalize gay civil unions.  Mexico City has dedicated resources to make sure it remains one of the most gay-friendly destinations in the world, making your trip to the city of ”lights” and to “the city that never sleeps” the one you will forever remember. 

by  the National Crime Prevention Council

Tips for holiday travelers,  how to protect yourself, family and your home  this holiday season. 

Follow these safety tips to avoid problems during your travels!

Personal Travel Plan: Think Before You Go

• File a “travel plan.” Let someone know where you are going, the route you plan to take, when you plan to arrive and how to contact you. If you deviate from that plan, let someone know.
• Travel with friends. There is safety in numbers.
• Make sure your house appears “lived-in”.  Lock all doors and windows, set household lights (inside and out) on timers.
• Trim your hedges and bushes so thieves cannot have a place to hide out.
• Have a neighbor park a car in your driveway to make it appear as if someone is home.
• Have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers while you are away or have them held at the post office.
• An alarm system controls access points to your home and lets you know if someone has invaded your space.

Driving: On the Road Again

• Always lock your car doors.  Keep valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk of your car. 
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Park in well-lighted areas and close to the building.
• Do not stop alongside the road if possible. If your car is bumped from behind or if someone indicates there is something wrong with your car, go to a service station or a well-lighted, populated area and call for help.
• Fill the gas tank before dark; lock your car doors and roll up your windows if you step away from the car for any reason.

Travel Destination: Checking In

• Use all hotel locks and other security devices, even when you’re in your room.
• Store valuables in the room safe or in the facility’s main safe.
• Don’t tell strangers the name of your hotel, your room number, or other personal information.
• Guard your room keys. Don’t leave them unattended or visible at restaurants, the pool, or clubs. 
• Don’t prop open your door or open your door to strangers. Use the peep hole before opening the door.
• Don’t leave your purse or bags unattended at hotel buffets or lounges.

Personal Safety: On the Town

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Take only the cash you need in your purse or wallet.
• Limit the number of credit cards you carry.  Bring only the necessary credit card(s) with you and carry money separately from credit cards.
• Women should keep purses closed and snuggled tightly against the body.
• Men should keep wallets in a front pants pocket or coat pocket.
• Know your route and stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets.
• If you feel threatened, get away and call for help, or try to go to a crowded place. 
• Always let someone know where you are going, who you are with, and when you will return.
• Avoid going off with strangers, and always use the buddy system.
• Avoid using alcohol and other drugs.  Impaired judgment can put you in potentially dangerous situations.
• Select ATM machines in visible, well-lighted locations.

For more information visit www.ncpc.org.

by David Cohen

Since it was installed in the terminals of Paris-Orly Airport on November 8, 2011, the Automated Baggage Drop-off System, developed by a special team at the airports of Paris has been a huge success.
 
At the Future Travel Experience Forum held in Vancouver, Canada, on September 5-7, 2012, the Best Baggage Initiative award for 2012 was given to Aéroports de Paris in front of an audience composed of around 400 professionals from the air travel industry, from over 160 organisations.
 
Future Travel Experience is the only independent world-wide forum dedicated to transport industry stakeholders. It focuses on the end-to-end travel process from the passenger's point of view, from booking to the collection of baggage at the arrival destination.
 
This new system allows passengers to check-in their baggage in less than just 30 seconds. This service will at the continue with this service at the Paris-Orly Airport and the West terminal will have the new system installed by the end of this year, while  Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport will have the system installed by the beginning of 2013.
 
"Passengers have adopted this technological innovation very quickly. Apart from obviously saving time, this free service also means the baggage drop-off stage runs smoothly. It is positive for the passengers and for the airlines as well," pointed out François Rubichon, Deputy CEO of Aéroports de Paris.
 
So how does the automated baggage drop-off system work?...  in only two steps.
 
Checking-in: passengers will have to print their boarding-pass at the self-service machine, or check in online at home. Passengers will be getting their baggage ticket that will need to be attached  to their Luggage.
 
Dropping Luggage off: After checking in passengers will scan their boarding ticket at the drop-of area and put their luggage into the machine. The Machine will check the name and the weight and then sent your luggage to the airline. Passengers will receive a  automated "baggage receipt".
 
It takes only thirty seconds for the luggage to be is checked in, and automatically directed onto the usual route where it is screened and inspected again before arriving at the final destination––the aircraft. This system is safe and quick.

by Kraig Smith

Company examines nearly 1,000 keyword search terms to spot consumer travel trends

The summer travel season is almost here and digital marketing intelligence provider AdGooroo  knows where Americans will be going. Namely, Las Vegas and Disney. In an analysis of nearly 1,000 travel-related keywords searched an estimated 2.4 billion times on Google during January and February 2012, AdGooroo found Disney accounted for 7.3 percent of all travel-related searches followed by Las Vegas at 6.3 percent, placing these two vacation destinations ahead of all others explored by online searchers, followed by Florida (5.7 percent), the Caribbean (3.2 percent), Mexico (2.1 percent) and Hawaii (1.1 percent).

The study was conducted using AdGooroo’s Industry Insight search marketing dashboard, which measures search data for more than 160 industries as well as virtually any advertiser.

The overall most popular travel topic searched was not destinations, however, but transportation (airlines, trains, auto rentals) at 33.6 percent of all searches, and lodging/hotels at 21.3 percent, suggesting Americans may already have a good idea where they are going this summer but need to find out how they will get there and where they will stay. The next most popular travel topics were destinations (17.7 percent), ticketed attractions (10.8 percent), cruises (9.1 percent), booking sites (3.6 percent) and travel packages (3.1 percent).

Among all travel topics, keywords focused on travel packages recorded the highest clickthrough rate, 9.8 percent. Keyword searches related to booking sites such as Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity generated the lowest clickthrough rate at 2.7 percent.

As evidence of a still-sluggish economy, the study found significant bargain-hunting activity, with 13.3 percent of total travel-related searches containing words such as coupon, discount, cheap, low-price and deal.

“Travel is one of the most keyword-competitive industries,” said Richard Stokes, founder and CEO of AdGooroo. “So it represents fertile ground for search marketers in the travel category to apply Industry Insight and deepen their understanding both of their marketplace and the competitive landscape.”

For additional insight into the study, read an in-depth analysis by AdGooroo’s senior vice president of research and analytics, Gregg Hamilton.

For more information, visit AdGooroo.com.

Have you ever wonder where you might find a little piece of Versailles in the USA?  The answer will consistently be the Belvedere Inn in Saugatuck, Michigan. 

Tucked far off the main street of downtown, situated at the end of the road on the northern edge of Saugatuck, Michigan, sits an elegant 98-year-old mansion. Here, former Chicago couple Shaun Glynn and Pete Ta have reinvented the meaning of what a Bed & Breakfast is. 

Shaun and Pete met in the late ’90s at Big Chicks, a gay bar on Chicago’s north side. In 2003, the couple decided to give up their comfortable and successful corporate careers and sell their home in Bucktown. The couple borrowed money from the bank, and with the help of the former owner of the B&B, began to peruse their dream as the new owners of the Belvedere Inn.
   
As an accomplished European Executive Chef, Shaun left Galway, Ireland and immigrated to the United States in 1998.  He earned top positions at some of the most prestigious companies in the hospitality and catering field. 

In 1975, Pete immigrated to the United States from Saigon, Vietnam and has since earned an excellent reputation in the world of finance and investment.  In 1999, he began working in the Information Technology (IT) field, becoming one of the top specialist in the field. 

"We are both very different individuals with different skills and experiences, but with one common goal," Pete said during my interview in March at the Inn. 

Together, Shaun and Pete combined their skills and started implementing their ideas to transform the old 10 guest room B&B into a comfortable and casually elegant mini boutique hotel. Their combined experiences and efforts paid off.  In 2004, The Belvedere Inn was named the top B&B in Western Michigan; and in Saugatuck it was named the best gay travel destination in the Midwest.

As one of the best restaurant in Michigan, the Belvedere Restaurant offers a wonderful gourmet dining experience. The four-course ­­­­­­ is a great value and provides delicious selections for each course. The restaurant is open to both guests and the public. 

Whether your visit is a romantic getaway, a mini vacation with friends, a celebration, or a gay wedding destination, The Belvedere Inn is always the perfect choice for your travel needs or event. It’s no wonder The Belvedere Inn is referred to as "A Little Piece of Versailles."

For more information or reservations go to www.thebelvedereinn.com.
   
Chef Shaun was delighted to offer PINK readers one of the guests’ favorite  recipes Crispy Garlic Sippets (Garlic Bread), along with the house specialty, Mussels in Pernod Cream (see above). Enjoy!

by David Cohen

Located in the scenic hills of Amapas/Conchas Chinas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Villa Encantada provides a vacation setting where paradise is found all year ‘round. Within a few minutes of downtown, the Amapas/Conchas Chinas area is considered by many to be the Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta.

Designed by one of the most well-known and respected architect in Puerto Vallarta,  Arturo Ramos grew up in a small town called Mascota just 15 miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta. As a young boy, he already was interested in studying the architectural features of buildings. “As I grew older, I saw architecture as means to be involved in a highly creative profession for my life’s work” says Ramos. The clean lines and dramatic open spaces of the Villa are strong evidence of his work and follow the wishes of his clients who wanted a high quality Villa that reflected native architecture. To that end, Ramos chose a Spanish Colonial approach to offer guests the opportunity to experience an environment or culture different than their own. It was Ramos’s reputation that convinced his clients to contract him to design the Villa.

Ramos chose to use primary elements for the design, like cantera stone for the floors, columns and balustrades; for the windows, doors and cabinets he used rich parota hardwood that is native to Mexico. It is evident that there was a concerted effort to repeat colors and materials throughout the grand interiors to increase the feeling of visual spaciousness.

In Spanish, Villa Encantada means enchanted and it lives up to its name in providing so many luxurious amenities. With spacious 5,000-square feet of luxury, 5 bedrooms with private bathrooms, many terraces, a solar-heated swimming pool, spa tub, spectacular décor, beautiful original art works ... the list never ends. The art displayed in the Villa was chosen not only for its design and color, but for sentiment as well. The many blown art glass bowls, plates and vases are from Tonala, an artisan community outside of Guadalajara.

A stay at the Villa is designed to ensure a totally relaxed atmosphere. On-site service includes a maid, a chef and a houseboy. You won’t need to do a thing. No cooking, no grocery shopping, nothing. Simply just sit by the pool, relax and enjoy the sun and the air. I couldn’t resist doing watercolors by the pool. By painting, I not only relaxed but I had fun doing it.

In the evening you must dine outside on one of the terraces or by the pool, feel the soft ocean breeze and enjoy the lush tropical jungle landscaping. The breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta’s famous Banderas Bay are magnificent, especially with a margarita or tropical drink in your hand--one made by a member of the staff. This enchanted house truly offers vacationers the life style of the rich and famous.

If you decide to go into town (and believe me it will be difficult to leave the Villa), Puerto Vallarta has a lot to offer. There are many great restaurants, lots of shopping and fun gay nightlife. Romantic walks on the beach are good idea for couples, but whale watching is the ultimate experience as you watch the great beasts migrate to the Sea of Cortez. No wonder why Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular resort destinations in the world. 

Villa Encantada is available for rental year ‘round: for reservation visit www.villaencantada.com. To find out more about gay life go to: www.discoveryvallarta.com, www.gayguidevallarta.com/Daylife or www.discoveryvallarta.com. For Information on traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, visit www.visitmexico.com.