On Monday, February 22^nd a Travel Alert was issued by the U.S. Department of State regarding travel to Mexico.

For the many tourists who have been loyal to visiting Mexico over the years, this news wasn’t cause for concern. However, Mexico attracts new visitors every day and this Travel Alert could have potential tourists feel a little worried about traveling to Mexico.

To begin, this is not a new Travel Alert, but an update from a Travel Alert dated August 20, 2009 and is reviewed every six months. The main revisions on this version have to do with a few additional border areas where extra caution is recommended.

If you read the document, you will see the U.S. Department of State mainly refers to cities like Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and Nogales, where there has been an increase in violence along the U.S. – Mexico border.

Clearly, the Travel Alert has put an emphasis on the border area. But Mexico is a big country and fortunately the top touristic destinations are far from those border cities.

So what does it mean to travelers and how should we respond to this alert?

One of the things that we need to understand is that there is a big difference between a Travel Alert and a Travel Warning.

Basically a Travel Alert informs the public about short-term conditions, meaning U.S. citizens should take common-sense precautions (we hope you always use your common sense, regardless!).

On the other hand, Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable.

So, it is very important U.S. citizens understand that this alert is not to discourage Americans from traveling to Mexico’s tourist destinations.

As I mentioned before, the top tourist destinations in Mexico are far from the areas included in the alert. For example, the distance from Cancun to Ciudad Juarez is 1,312 miles – approximately the same distance between New York and Miami (1,290 miles).

Other tourist spots like Los Cabos, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco, are about a two-hour flight away from the areas identified in the alert. In other words: no need to get up from your hammock, so relax and ask your waiter for another Margarita!

Putting things in perspective

Big fact: U.S. and international travelers continue to visit Mexico because they feel safe; they know the violence in the northern border cities is unrelated to Mexico’s main tourist areas.

Tourists who visit Mexico find the friendliness, warmth, and hospitality like no other place. Because of this, Mexico welcomed almost 22 million international tourists in 2009. In addition, over one million Americans choose to reside in Mexico.

Always remember: As with any other place in the world, you should always be a smart traveler, use your common-sense, be informed about the place you will visit, respect the local customs, and take any necessary precautions.

If you have any questions about what places to visit in Mexico, contact the Mexico Tourism Board or go to www.VisitMexico.com

Ah, Cancun! Just thinking about this place I can already hear the serene ocean breeze and imagine those joyful palm trees dancing to the rhythm of the Caribbean winds.

Does this sound like a Corona Beer commercial? Almost!

Thanks to the gorgeous Mexican sun, Cancun’s temperature remains at an average of 78 degrees Fahrenheit year round.  ¡Qué vida!

In order to enjoy Cancun at its absolute best, you should stay somewhere that truly honors paradise. Le Blanc Spa Resort is that place!

Le Blanc Spa Resort is one of the most luxurious all-inclusive adults-only resorts in Cancun.

In fact, the hotel claims they have transformed the “all-inclusive” into the “all-incredible”.

Maybe it doesn’t sound that humble on their part, but after staying there a week, I completely agree with the “all-incredible” statement.

Le Blanc is so impeccably white and superbly elegant; the hotel easily lives up to its name. The color blends perfectly with the minimalist architectural style to enhance the beautiful tropical surroundings.

When “Pedro” welcomed us with fruit juices as we entered the hotel lobby, I knew he wasn’t actually Saint Peter, but I really felt like we were entering Heaven.

What to expect at Le Blanc Spa Resort?

Since the romantic Le Blanc is for adults only and each one of their luxurious rooms has a double Jacuzzi, you know there won’t be any rowdy “Spring Break-type” crowds staying there.

On the contrary, this is the ideal place for couples on their honeymoon, those celebrating an anniversary, or simply looking to chill the jet-set way.

With a personalized service of almost one staff member per guest, their friendly and extremely professional staff will treat you like royalty. Seriously.

Le Blanc Spa Resort Amenities

Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, the amenities are endless. From butler services to boutique shops, plus all the facilities that a beach resort offers, Le Blanc Spa Resort has it all covered in the most stylish way.

Workout at their fitness center or attend Yoga or Pilates classes. After your workout, relax in the sauna or steam bath, or indulge yourself in their world-class spa: a true sanctuary of tranquility and peace.

Le Blanc has three outdoor pools and two swim-up bars. However, their central infinity pool is where most guests hangout and relax. And you can’t blame them; as you lie at the edge of the pool, surrounded by palm trees and a spectacular view of the ocean in front of you, you too will be enchanted.

You can also rest on a lounge chair and enjoy the Caribbean Sea at their private beach front area.

Lay down and let all your senses absorb the pleasure of a real vacation.

As you contemplate the majestic turquoise sea through your sunglasses, the smell of coconut oils emanating from tanning bodies on the beach will remind you once again that yes, you are in paradise.

Now is the best moment to call the beach waiter and ask for another piña colada!

Back inside

Le Blanc Spa Resort has a total of 260 rooms. These are upscale in every sense of the word with spectacular views of the ocean or the lagoon.

Believe it or not, they even have a pillow menu! I had never seen anything this fancy before, but you can choose from different aromatherapy pillows; lavender is perhaps the most popular.

All this luxury raises a big philosophical question: what do you dream when you are already living a dream?

When it’s time to eat, there are six international restaurants offering world-class cuisine, elegant pastries, and a generous wine list.

If you need some advice, their sommelier will assist you in selecting the perfect wines for your meals.

Each of the restaurants has its own ambiance and the gastronomical variety covers Asian, Italian, Steakhouse, and Mexican gourmet dishes. For an all-inclusive, the dining options will really blow your expensive socks off.

You can also enjoy an afternoon listening to music performances at their bar/lounges. Just sit back, sip your favorite cocktail and let the classical ensembles or jazz trios entertain you.

Other Services

For a relaxing vacation there is really no need to leave the hotel. But if you want to visit places, you can book tours right from Le Blanc Spa Resort concierge.

Some of the tours they offer include visits to parks like Isla Mujeres and Wet ’N Wild, or excursions to Mayan archeological sites like Chichen-Itza or Tulum (see photo).

These archeological sites are really worth a visit, but here’s my opinion:

You should know that you will spend almost the entire day getting there, touring the site, and returning back to the hotel.

If you don’t mind using this elegant hotel just to sleep for the night, fine. But I would rather take full advantage of all the fun at Le Blanc Spa Resort and save the Mayan ruins for another trip. I’m sure the Mayan Gods will understand.

In Conclusion

Le Blanc Spa Resort is a place that you should visit at least once in your life. The memories will last a life time and your significant other will thank you forever.

So for now, cheers from Le Blanc and see you next time!

Have you been to Le Blanc Spa Resort? Please comment and share your experiences.