INDEPENDANCE DAY
Mexican Independance Day festivities start on September 15th with the “Grito” (yell). Traditionally the grito ceremony is held at mid-night, but nowadays, Merida’s ceremony is held in the Main Plaza at 10:30 PM, but do get there earlier – 8:30ish. This is when the governor steps out onto a balcony of the Governor’s Palace, takes the rope of the huge brass bell and rings it three times while yelling “Viva Mexico” three times. After the grito, there are fireworks and a public party on the Plaza. While the crowds will be tight and there could be pick pockets, it is a fun, safe time.
INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY
Looking for something to do for Independence Day? Come celebrate this important Mexican holiday like the Mexicans do with a traditional Mexican buffet dinner and “el grito” – the victory yell – all at Hotel Los Aluxes in the Historical Center. Call 924-2199 ext. 271 or 278 to make your reservations for Sept. 15th. If you want to spend the night at the hotel, ask about the hotel and dinner party package. Call 923. 21 99 ext. 281 or 253. www.aluxes.com.mx
RAPPEL TOUR
Enjoy a fantastic tour in amongst the stagaltites and stalagmite when using a harness you descend 17 meters ( ft.) into a cavern. Then get cool swimming in the crystalline waters of the underground cenote. After the swim, using a hard hat, lantern and knee pads, check out the caves with our expert guides. Mayan Ecotours is the company to call for this grea adventure. $870 pesos per person. See article on page 20. www.mayanecotours.com
COZY GUEST HOUSE
Mi Esquina (My Corner) is a charming old landmark, majestically occupying the corners of Calle 62 and 53 just four blocks from the main square of the old city of Merida and minutes away from all the main attractions. Three luxurious rooms, plenty of privacy, a pool, welcome gift basket, and complimentary continental breakfast make for a home-away-from-home experience. Spoil yourself with a therapeutic massage by Britta. 10% discount off regular prices to anyone who presents this offer. www.mi-esquina.com
MERCER CIGARS
Mercer Cigars, an American-style Cigar Bar serves the finest selection of Single Malt Scotch, European beers, delicious entrées and desserts. The best original Habanos (Partagas, Cohiba, Romeo & Julieta) and humidors are available. Relaxed ambience, personalized customer service, satellite TV, WiFi, art exhibit and much more. Paseo de Montejo No. 85, between La Parrilla restaurant and El Cielo club. Tel. 944 3647 www.mercercigars.com
TAI SPA
MEN’S SALON
On July 1st, Tai Spa oponed their beauty salon exclusively for gentleman offering manicure, pedicure with hyromassage, haircuts, and beard trimming and coloring. They are offering a 15% discount on their Spa Manicure & Pedicure to Yucatan Today readers. And, there is a 20% discount on the Tai Sport masaje.
Tel. 944 7063
Email: tai.spamerida@hotmail.com
MAYALAND RESORT DISCOUNT
Get a special 20% discount on reservations for the Mayan Suites or Royal Mayan Bungalows at the properties located at Chichen Itzá or Uxmal. Valid when you travel between August 1st and September 30th 2008. Extra night discount. Get a 25% discount on your second night at any Mayaland Resort! (A minimum stay of 2 nights required in the same property) www.mayaland.com
ZEN BALANCE CLINIC & SPA
Weekend special
Zen Balance Spa & Clinic has a fantastic weekend package. Get a capillary treatment, acrylic nails or a manicure, a spa pedicure, hair straightening or a back masaje, and either an eyebrow or mustache waxing for just $80 US.
Tel: (999) 944 9508
Web: www.zenbalance.com.mx
PROGRESO SEASIDE HOTEL
The Condotel on the malecon in Progreso has some special prices this August. They have single and double rooms and suites and apartments. Prices range from $480 pesos for a single or double to $1,200 for an apartment with living and dining rooms and kitchenette. The hotel has a pool, parking, restaurant and bar. All the rooms have AC, cable TV and hot and cold water.www.condhotelprogreso.com
HACIENDA SAN ANTONIO MILLET
There is a new hacienda option in the Yucatan offering overnight stays, weddings, special lunches, dinners, conventions, etc. The whole hacienda can be rented by a family or group, or like a hotel by the room. An English speaking hostess is always present. Meals are serviced served butler style in the main dining room, on your veranda or in the gardens. All of the staff are born and raised on the hacienda.
Contact: amigoyucatan@prodigy.net.mx
HACIENDA PETAC NEWS
Hacienda Petac is nearing completion of their new spa complex that will be open in November. Plus, they are running summer weekend special of $250 US per night per couple per room. For more info call them at 911-2600 www.haciendapetac.com
Buddy's Restaurant free Internet
BUDDY’S NEWS PROGRESO
Starting this week, Buddy’s, on the malecon, has high speed internet for its customers. The computers utilize the latest in security measures to protect your privacy. When you leave the computer, any traces of information you may have left are erased automatically. The staff are highly qualified American trained. $10 pesos per half hour. On the Malecon between Calle 76 & 78 Read restaurant review.
Buddy's Restaurant Happy Hour
Buddy’s now has Happy Hour from 5–6 PM everyday. 2 draft beers x $30 pesos or 2 glasses of wine x $50 pesos. As always, there is customer parking in the rear. Join the other English speaking visitors and residents of Progreso and see what Buddy’s hospitality is all about. On the Malecon between Calle 76 & 78 Read restaurant review.
Whale Shark Watching
Huge, gentle, up to 60 foot long mammals, whale sharks visit the waters between Holbox and Cabo Catoche (eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula) between mid-May and early September. They come to eat the rich plankton that accumulates in the area. Trip prices ave-rage $80 dollars per person. www.holboxtravel.com
NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Hotel Casa de las Columnas (House of the Columns) has just opened with 10 exclusive rooms and one elegant suite all furnished with antique furnishings. Names of the rooms include: Frida Kahlo, Maria Antonieta, Pedro Infante, Country, English, Napoleon to name a few. With personalized attention by our professional staff, you will feel at home. www.casadelascolumnas.com
Tel: (999) 924 9301
Hotel MedioMundo’s gift shop
Is debuting a new line of fine quality functional ceramics by an internationally acclaimed master craftsman. Each piece is handmade and uniquely decorated with ceramic glazes and free of harmful metals. They also have new selections of black Oaxacan pottery, Guatemalan bedspreads, and exclusive earrings made with exotic beads and sterling silver. Open to the public daily from 9AM to 9PM. Calle 55 #533 between 64 and 66 centro. www.hotelmediomundo.com
House & Garden Tours begins on October 1st
Every Wednesday
Meet at Merida English Library
Calle 53 x66 y 68
9:45am
No reservations necessary
200 MXP
3 historic houses on walking tour of Centro Historico
Done by 12:30pm in time for lunch!
HACIENDA X-CANATUN
Hotel Hacienda X-Canatun wants all the resi-dents on the Yucatan Peninsula (Campeche, Quintana Roo & Yucatan) to have a special summer getaway. With this in mind, they have a special deal of $1,999 pesos plus taxes per night in a Superior Room, double occupancy which includes breakfast and one massage per person. Valid through September 30. Subject to availability, non-commissionable. www.xcanatun.com
WHAT YUCATECANS EAT
Hacienda Ochil, just 20 minutes from Merida on the Merida to Uxmal road is still offering their special Eat What the Yucatecans Eat buffet. During this hot summer weather, don’t forget your bathing suit so that you can take a swim in the hacienda tank type pool that is filled with cenote water and uses no chlorine.
www.haciendaochil.com
BEACHFRONT VILLAS ITELCHAC
Beachfront 3 and 4 BR villas and 2 BR bungalows for sale in Telchac Puerto. Located on a paradisiacal quiet beach surrounded by coconuts. The villas include Jacuzzi, pool, living room, dining room, kitchen, 4 or 5 bathrooms, and maid and laundry rooms. The Clubhouse boasts a spa, gym, pools, restaurant, fishing pier, concierge services, and rental pool. www.realstateyuc.com
Tel. (999) 944 6591
Mobile (999) 5753765
FREE BOTTLE OF WINE WITH DINNER
During August and September all couples that have dinner at the Hotel Piedra de Agua restaurant will receive a complimentary bottle of wine. www.piedradeagua.com
CAFE ORGANICO FRESH TOFU
Café Organico now has fresh tofu in various flavors – fine herbs with chipolte, tofubur-ger, tofuneza with olives, nut with chipolte, garlic and natural. They also have powdered algarrobo and rice syrup that can be used by diabetics. Calle 33D shop 1 by Reforma Ave. between Cupules and Colon Aves. Tel. 925 2831. Open 9 a 7:30 Monday – Friday and 9 to 2:30 Saturday.
Yaxkin Spa
Located in the Hacienda Chichen at Chichen Itza, they have created a truly special Summer Beauty Day special for Yucatan Today readers wishing to spend a day pampering their soul, mind and body. The package includes a special Mayan Spa Purification Ritual, a lovely lunch at Hacienda Chichen and a birdwatching experience at sunset with one of our certified local Mayan Bird Guides. A great way to spend a day amidst Maya Temples at one of North America’s top wellness destinations. Small private groups have additional discounts and courtesies. For further details and prices
contact: info@chichenservices.com
HOTEL GIFT SHOP SPECIALS
Hotel MedioMundo offers quality Mexican artisan crafts including ceramics, copperware, and carved wood. They also carry rich Guatemalan textiles including bedspreads, pillow covers, purses and bags. Browse through their exclusive line of earrings made with exotic beads, stones, crystals, and sterling silver. You are bound to find a special memento of your visit to the Yucatan. Open to the public daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Calle 55 #533 between 64 and 66 Centro.
www.hotelmediomundo.com
MERLE GREENE ART GALLERY
Hacienda Chichen Resort in Chichen Itza held a cocktail party on Aug. 7th, 2008 at 5 PM in honor of Dr. Greene’s intense dedication to studying and recording ancient Mayan stone reliefs. Her vast collection of rubbings is part of the Tulane University Maya Studies treasures. Your donations to the Maya Foundation In Laakeech Maya Children Nutrition Program will be highly appreciated. To learn more about this wonderful Maya scholar visit:
www.yucatanadventure.com.mx/merle
MAYAN TEXTILES & JEWERLY
Featuring handmade purses made from recycled huipil blouses, back strap loom, table runners, pottery and wood carved masks, they also offer jewelry in shell, red coral, silver, amber, turquoise and other stones. Thru the sale of their Mayan products they have purchased school books and supplies for 4,000 children over the last three years. They are presently working toward the purchase of books, supplies and back packs for 71 poverty-stricken children in Chicxulub Puerto at the Benito Juarez and Andres Quintana Roo schools. Anyone wanting to help stop by Balam-Bolom Store in Progreso Calle 80 #122 shop 4 between 21 and 23 or call David Balam cel. 9992-59-27-83.
HACIENDA CHICHEN RESORT
Check out the special 2-day package deal this summer with great discounts for couples wishing to enjoy a relaxing time together while visiting Chichen Itza. Take advantage of the special 30% discount off this offer by booking your stay online at info@haciendachichen.com
GALLERY EXHIBITION
The In la’kech Gallery continues with Otto Baurle’s show. In la’kech Gallery (The Other Me) is located on Calle 60 just 5 blocks south of Merida’s Main Plaza. This small gallery can show 10 – 15 large works at a time, is elegant and will lit. www.galeriainlakech.com
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