What's New

The news out of Mexico isn't so bad these days. The economy is chugging along at a decent clip, inflation remains at historic lows, and the government continues to invest substantial amounts in the nation's infrastructure. The Yucatán continues to receive its share of this investment with several road improvements along the coast and in the interior. The regional economy is booming with lots of new construction and a proposed new airport for Tulum, though this remains a couple of years away.

For the American traveler, Mexico remains a budget destination, as the dollar continues steady against the peso even while it falls against other currencies. For Brits and Canadians, Mexico is an outright bargain. The Caribbean coast is more expensive than the rest of Mexico, but you can still find lodging and food bargains.

Public safety remains a challenge, with the government locked in combat against strong drug syndicates. But most of this conflict is occurring far from the Yucatán and shouldn't keep anyone from vacationing here.

Mexico is now home to one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World." The most famous Maya temple city, Chichén Itzá, received the designation in July 2007.

Planning a Trip to Mexico

New passport requirements are in effect for all travelers to and from the United States, which includes visitors who only have a layover in the U.S. Those traveling by air to the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. This goes for all U.S. citizens, as well. For travel by land and sea: U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo I.D., such as a driver's license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Beginning June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.

The Passport Card -- U.S. citizens living in the border region can apply for a new, limited-use, wallet-size passport card. It will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda. For more information, log on to http://travel.state.gov.

Tax Refund -- International tourists to Mexico can now make tax-free purchases while vacationing, thanks to a law passed by Mexico's Congress. The law grants international visitors a full refund of the tax added to purchases if the buyer adheres to certain criteria. The merchandise must be purchased in Mexico and verified by airport or seaport Customs, and be verified with a receipt presented at time of departure to be worth at least 1,200 Mexican pesos (approximately US$110/£61 at current exchange rates). Reimbursement to tourists will be contingent upon any added costs that a possible return may generate.

Cancun

Cancún has been fully rehabilitated following the devastating Hurricane Wilma of 2005 and in many ways is better than before. But this region has not escaped continued run-ins with Mother Nature: 2007 was another busy hurricane season. Thankfully, the dangerous category 5 Hurricane Dean that people so feared passed south of Cancún and the Riviera Maya, avoiding a direct hit on the tourist resorts and leaving the region's infrastructure intact. However, there was some beach erosion to the south of Cancun, including in Playa del Carmen.

In light of Cancún's post-Hurricane Wilma face-lift, tourism officials continue working to make the resort more attractive to upscale travelers and soften its reputation as a wild spring break destination. Regulations -- such as prohibiting more than four people sharing a room -- have been put in place to restrict spring break and student tour groups. The majority of hotels damaged by the hurricane took the opportunity to upgrade their facilities and redecorate their rooms, helping to create a new and improved Cancún.

Aqua Cancún (tel. 800/343-7821; www.fiestamericana.com) re-opened in time for the 2008 tourist season after it was completely destroyed by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Water is the ever-present theme of this beautiful oceanfront resort, which offers eight extraordinary pools with chill-out music in the background and watersports activities at the beach. Located across from La Isla shopping center, the stylish resort also features an unforgettable spa, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious rooms and suites.

Isla Mujeres

This small island remains a laid-back resort of small hotels, despite the recent construction of multi-story condo towers on the north side of town. Palace Resorts (www.palaceresorts.com) has opened up a small all-inclusive on the landward side about in the middle of the island. I wasn't able to visit because it hadn't opened yet, but I'm not sure about the reasoning behind putting an all-inclusive on this island. With inexpensive hotels and restaurants in town, within easy reach of the beach, what need is there for an all-inclusive?

Cozumel

The town of San Miguel is busy at work doing some urban beautification projects, which had a couple of streets closed when I was last there. Word is that the town will continue to do this off and on during low seasons, repaving streets and adding trees and shrubs in the areas that see the most visitors.

The Reef Club all-inclusive resort is going to be converted into a Wyndham (www.wyndhamcozumel.com) property, though the ownership will remain local.

The Riviera Maya

Mayakoba (www.mayakoba.com), the new golf course resort development between Playa and Puerto Morelos, continues with recent openings. The developers attracted a stellar lineup of resorts including The Fairmount, Rosewood, and Banyan Tree -- all have spas and border a grand golf course designed by Greg Norman. The Fairmount has been open for a while. The Rosewood opened in 2008, and the other resorts are to open later in the year.

Playa del Carmen

I'm sorry to say that the continued growth of condos in town has meant the demise of a few more hotels. One of my favorites, the Shangri-la Caribe, has closed, and so has the budget hotel Treetops. With all this new development, Playa has been having a hard time controlling growth and keeping the feel of an alternative resort.

Akumal

The project of widening the coastal highway (Hwy. 307) to four lanes all the way to Tulum continues making progress. The highway is now four lanes all the way to Akumal. Several of the turn-offs have been improved as well.

Tulum

Land ownership problems continue to plague the coast along Tulum. All the hotels I have listed in the book have secure property titles, but some hotels operating on this coast do not and might be closed in the future.

Chichén Itzá

The small chain of hotels Villas Arqueológicas, which was operated by Club Med and has properties at Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and Cobá, was sold to a Mexican chain of resorts called Islander Collection. Some of the contact information changed. Check the website www.islandercollection.com for full details.

Villa Hermosa

This low-lying capital city of the state of Tabasco, situated on the Gulf coast between Oaxaca and Chiapas, had horrendous flooding in 2007 and, at the time of this writing, hasn't yet fully recovered. The Museo Regional de Antropología will most likely be closed until early 2009, but the Parque Museo La Venta -- the park with the megalithic Olmec sculptures -- has reopened.