Recommend September 2011 - (Page 84)

MAZATlAN reinvigorated mexico The family-friendly RIU Emerald Bay is ideal for budget-conscious families. T sarah muñoz onsite around town review The dedicated silver-haired Canadian who rollerblades up and down Mazatlan’s beachfront boardwalk every day is never alone. The 4.5mile malecon is always busy, but even more so in the late afternoons as strollers enjoy the Pacific breezes. Some form part of the almost 9,000 full-time residents from Canada and the U.S. Many don’t personally know their fellow passersby but still say hello, since they see each other every single day. Mazatlan is buzzing in every respect. Indeed, this past summer brought a new daily nonstop flight from Dallas via American Airlines, the international Quiksilver Surf Classic—so successful that the multinational company has already signed up for next year—and much foreign investment, including state-of-theart high-rises in Emerald Bay and lots of meetings business for the beautiful Mazatlan International Center. And as if that’s not enough for naysayers, more than two million visitors in 2010 says it all, says Julio Birrueta, director of marketing for the Mazatlan Hotel Association. “This is a tourism destination, a place to have fun,” he states. This is, after all, the birthplace of Señor Frog’s, Pacifico beer and possibly the good life. Of course, fishing aficionados know that this is one of Mexico’s top angling destinations; foodies are aware of this as well, especially since Mazatlan is world-famous for its fat, juicy shrimp. Golfers know that it’s the site of great courses, including La Marina Golf Course in the burgeoning area of Marina Mazatlan. But that’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. june 2011 All three sections of Mazatlan—the Golden Zone, Old Mazatlan and New Mazatlan—are growing. The Golden Zone is known for its hotels, nightlife and swimmable beaches, and those traveling with kids might want to stop by the Mazatlan Aquarium, which offers sea lion shows and the chance—for adults—to swim with nurse sharks. Not far off is Diego’s Beach House, a great spot for “salsipuedes”—shrimp tacos— and perhaps a ToniCol, a local and very yummy vanilla cola. The bus marked Sabalo Centro is a good way to see the Golden Zone and the boardwalk and reach the center of Mazatlan for less than $1. In the Golden Zone, there’s Emporio Mazatlan, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts, with ocean views from all 133 rooms and suites. A big plus to this hotel—besides the beautiful pool area, hammocks and day beds overlooking the beach—is its proximity to the aquarium, the baseball stadium and Fiestaland, the city’s club-and-disco complex. From here, and from much of the Golden Zone and Old Mazatlan, it’s easy to spot three small islands sitting side by side. Emporio Mazatlan and other hotels can help arrange snorkeling and other excursions. Rates at the hotel start at about $127 per night. Old Mazatlan and its Historic Center are also enjoying renewed popularity with new galleries and shops, plus hundreds of 19th century buildings protected as national landmarks. Those who spend some time continued on page 86 recommend.com 84 september 2011 http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend September 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Abercrombie & Kent
Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West
Can't Get Enough of Jupiter Beach, Florida
Hanging Out in the Outer Banks
Aloha to Families in Hawaii's Resorts
Cruise Stockholm
Galapagos Islands- Cruising 101: Back to Basics
The Ultimate Family Adventure in Costa Rica
Flanders Travel Planner
Fabulous Family Voyages
China: A Wonderland for Kids
India: Pure Wonderment
An African Adventure
Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa, D.R.
The Bahamas: Islands of Adventure
Cayman Islands: A Home Away from Home
Mazatlan Reinvigorated
CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort

Recommend September 2011