The Mexico Tourism Board Office in Los Angeles announced the creation of “Boomer Fest Days” during a press conference last Friday, September 14 in Los Angeles.

“Boomer Fest Days” is a Music, Food & Wine Festival that will take place in the coastal town of Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico on May 1-5, 2013.

This five-day event will be a first of its kind and will include 24 top music bands and comedians from the 60s, 70’s, and 80’s. The organizers will be revealing some of the band names in the next few weeks.

The Managing Partner of the event, Henry Altman, is bringing together a world-class production team who has been involved in some of the most famous and spectacular events in the world.

Altman also mentioned the importance of “Boomer Fest Days” has to do with the fact that there are millions of baby boomers out there who have disposable income and who are at a time where they want to have fun and enjoy life.

With that in mind, some of the activities prepared for the visitors of “Boomer Fest Days” include:

• Celebrity & Sponsors Golf Tournament
• Celebrity & Sponsors Sport Fishing Tournament
• Food & Wine Festival
• Arts & Crafts Sales and Exhibitions
• Motor Sports Exhibit, featuring Vintage Cars & Motorcycles
• On-Stage Performances
• Laser Light Show & Mega Fireworks
• Carnival Games and Ferris Wheel
• And many more…

The organizers expect a crowd of about 50,000 people attending the five-day event and encourage visitors to make their reservations on time. Tickets for “Boomer Fest Days” will officially go on sale in mid-November through their website.

Why Rocky Point, Sonora? Because this area is not only a booming touristic attraction enjoying a beautiful coast line on the Sea of Cortes, but also because there are over 31 million Americans living within 400 miles of the Festival site.

“Boomer Fest Days” has the support of the Mexico Tourism Board, the Sonora Tourism Board, and Puerto Peñasco Visitors Bureau.

For more information please visit www.boomerfestdays.com

We recently had the chance to visit Loreto and discover the magic, the beauty, and the real paradise that this destination has to offer.

Located on the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) in the State of Baja California Sur in Mexico, Loreto is an ideal place for the perfect escape.

Whether you are looking for a quiet place to relax from it all or a more adventurous vacation full of fun and exciting things to do, Loreto will not disappoint you.

And the best place to stay just happens to be the only Five-Star resort in Loreto: Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto.

Villa del Palmar is a fantastic resort with 180 luxury rooms with a Jacuzzi tub in each suite and well equipped with full kitchens. It is located on 1,800 hectares of property surrounded by nature and its own beach cove at Ensenada Blanca Beach.

The resort also has 5 pools, a world-class spa, a mini market, a kids’ area, and three restaurants.

The entertainment at Villa del Palmar is endless. Every day there are fun activities scheduled all day long. Start early with a morning hike on one of the trails that overlook the beautiful islands of Loreto.

Throughout your hike, you will see the diversity of vegetation in the area, the amazing water colors of the Sea of Cortez, and if you are lucky, you could spot Baja condors flying around the coast. Just make sure you are wearing enough sunblock.

If you wish to enjoy the resort’s activities, you can join the aqua-aerobics classes at the main pool every day. On different nights, they have a variety of great shows. Don’t miss Mexican Night on Saturdays; it is a fun, colorful display of all the important traditional dances of Mexico.

As far as water activities, Loreto is a true paradise. Not only is Loreto one of the best whale-watching spots during the winter months, but all year round you can enjoy great kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddle boarding.

The late Sea Explorer Jacques Cousteau actually dubbed the Sea of Cortez “the aquarium of the world” due to the hundreds of species unique to the region.

Wild Loreto is a company with friendly staff and many years of experience who have an office in Villa del Palmar’s lobby.

Their staff can help you choose among all the fun activities and tours you can do during your stay in Loreto. They also have kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment for rent.

If you wish to ride on a catamaran boat around the islands, they can help you as well.

We took a boat to Danzante Island and it was an incredible experience. We saw many dolphins on the way there and we snorkeled at Honeymoon Beach, where we saw starfish and other types of sea life.

Historic Downtown

Not many know that Loreto is of great importance in the history of California. Actually, of both Californias: the Alta California and the Baja California.

The first mission was established in 1697 in Loreto, which also became the capital of the Californias.

And it is from here that the Spanish went on to build missions and presidios that went all the way up north ending at the Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma following El Camino Real.

Furthermore, the famous “Camino Real” actually starts in Loreto. Despite this importance, the town of Loreto has remained small, with a population of about 10,000 people.

If you want to be closer to the historic downtown, Hotel Santa Fe Loreto is a great place to stay. The spacious rooms are equipped with full kitchens and the hotel offers a pool, hot tub, and plenty of parking. It’s only a short walk to visit the historical Mission of Loreto.

How to get there

Loreto is such an easy destination to get to. From LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) there are several airlines that fly there. You can get great specials on a charter flight with CalJet Airlines.

They have a fantastic schedule leaving and returning on Saturdays. And best of all, the flight only takes 1 hour 40 minutes. It’s that fast!

If you love adventure and beautiful scenic road trips, you can go by car. Driving from San Diego is about 13 hours.

Most people drive to the town of Guerrero Negro on the Pacific side and spend the night, arriving in Loreto the next day.

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway paired with authentic Mexican charm, Loreto is a destination you won’t want to miss. But hurry before it’s discovered!

There’s something magical about Greek island hopping in the summer.

The weather is warm, the people are friendly, and the food heavenly. Combine this with the fact that Greece welcomes tourists with open arms, making transportation to and from the major islands, relatively easy.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, and one you can’t miss, is Santorini. The Santorini caldera, the result of a volcanic explosion that happened 3500 years ago, has resulted in a picturesque harbor and steep, rocky cliffs offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

It’s fun to explore among the winding streets of the famous white washed villages. The reality is you can’t actually get lost in Santorini island towns as signs, shopkeepers, and other tourists are more than happy to point you in the right direction. And if you do, so what? You’re on vacation!

If you don’t feel like making the trek up a steep village hill or just want a fun experience, rent a donkey to haul you to the top! Be sure to take a few pictures, your photo album and relatives will thank you later!

At the end of the day, pick a restaurant overlooking the dazzling rooftops and sparkling sea. Unwind with a bottle of the local wine and indulge with stuffed grape leaves, local olives, feta cheese, and juicy sun-ripened tomatoes.

Pack your bags and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Have you been island hopping in Greece? What’s your favorite destination?

(Photos via Greeka.com)

If you’re thinking about making a trip to French Polynesia, you’ll be rewarded with lots of island sunshine, crystal clear lagoons, and the laid-back atmosphere you’ll only find in the islands.

Located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, the island of Tahiti acts as an international welcome center, greeting visitors hopping off long-haul flights from all corners of the world.

However, when beauty is plentiful, yet time is limited, narrowing down your island destination(s) can be a tough call. Here are the TravelPlusWine top destinations in French Polynesia:

Bora Bora

‘Heaven on earth’ seems to be a common description from returning Bora Bora vacationers! Luxury and relaxation go hand-in-hand as honeymooners enjoy champagne and fresh fruit from their over-the-water bungalows.

Tourism in Bora Bora is well-developed, offering tourists the opportunity to either join an organized group or do things on their own. Check out World War II relics, join a 4×4 tour, sail, dive, or enjoy a breakfast by canoe.

Moorea

Often closely compared to Bora Bora from travelers who are lucky enough to experience both islands, Moorea is another top choice if you’re visiting French Polynesia. Authur Frommer once declared this island the most beautiful in the world.

In close proximity to Tahiti, there are several ferries running daily that link the two islands. This helps makes Moorea an easier and somewhat more affordable alternative to Bora Bora.

Visitors who want a break from the beach and feel like a nice challenge, enjoy hiking Mouaputa, a rugged mountain peak.

Huahine

If you want to escape the hoards of tourists in Bora Bora or Moorea, Huahine could be a good option. Actually comprised of two islands connected by a bridge, you can easily explore both islands in a couple of days.

Like Bora Bora, both Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti are protected by a fringe coral reef, helping to make your lagoon swim a memorable one!  Think of Huahine as yet another opportunity to unleash your inner beach bum in paradise.

Photo Credits: Bora Bora via Boncherry.com, Moorea via Morpheus, Huahine via Destination-Surf.

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.