READY, SET,
GOL: Low-fare Brazilian airline Gol hopes to launch a new
low-cost carrier in Mexico in the second quarter of 2006. The move
would give Mexico two such airlines, following on the heels of
Click Mexicana, Mexicanas low-cost unit, which began flying July 5.
Gol officials said the domestic Mexican and Brazilian markets are
very similar, having long distances, large cities and high airfare
in common.
GO WEST: The all-inclusive luxury chain Palace
Resorts opened Vallarta Palace, its first property on Mexicos
Pacific coast. Formerly the Sierra Nuevo Vallarta, the 348-room
resort overlooks Bahia de Banderas in Nuevo Vallarta, 15 minutes
from Puerto Vallarta airport. Features include a 7-hole
pitch-and-putt golf course, a fitness center, four international
restaurants (Mexican, Italian, Oriental, and Brazilian), a car
rental outlet and more. All-inclusive vacation packages range from
$264 to $354 a room per night. In June, Palace Resorts debuted the
Cozumel Palace; it will also open Playacar Palace in Playa del
Carmen and Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun by year-end. Call (800)
635-1836 or go to www.palaceresorts.com.
BON APPETIT: The 56-room boutique hotel Casa del
Mar in Cabo San Lucas in Baja California welcomed new executive
chef Jennifer Michelle OToole to its renowned El Tapanco
restaurant. A New York native, OToole trained at the Institute of
Culinary Education, then worked with renowned Gotham-based chefs
Marcus Samuelsson, at Aquavit; Jean-Georges Vongerichten, at Mercer
Kitchen; and John Delucie, at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. For more
information, visit www.casadelmarmexico.com or call (888)
227-9621.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Paraiso de la Bonita, a 90-suite,
14-acre resort on the Riviera Maya, is celebrating its third
anniversary with two special packages/rates. Both include daily
breakfast and dinner; three spa treatments per person, per stay;
daily yoga and Pilates fitness program; daily tea time; and free
roundtrip airport transfers via Lincoln Navigator. The three-night
Spa Getaway is priced at $1,095 per person, 30% off regular rates,
through Aug. 31. The Summer Suite Dream deal is a special nightly
rate of $455 for a standard suite or $555 for a suite with plunge
pool a savings of 20% until Oct. 31. Visit www.paraisodelabonita.com or call (866) 751-9175. Or
call direct at (011) 52-998-872-8330 or e-mail to [email protected].
WINDOW SEAT: The DOT gave Frontier Airlines (www.frontierairlines.com) approval to fly non-stop
from Kansas City (MCI) to Puerto Vallarta three times a week
(Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday) starting Dec. 17; introductory
fares start from $139 each way.