Acapulco on the Rise

The "birthplace" of jet-set tourism is undergoing a re-birth. Yes, I know you've been hearing for the past 20 years about Acapulco's "comeback". Why should you pay attention this time, when in the past the "comeback" was fairly cosmetic. Acapulco is and will aways be THE Mexican beach resort experience. Its position of "Mexico for Mexicans" was solidified by way of the "Autopista del Sol" that lures Mexico City residents to their favorite beach getaway -- only a three-hour drive from the capital. But there's truly some "new" in the news about this world class resort. Beyond the hype Acapulco is getting hip. It's building new resorts (W and Banyan Tree), a new world class shopping complex ("La Isla" like the one in Cancun), and Mexico's most ambitious event center/hotel (the "Mundo Imperial"). The strip between the airport and Puerto Marques is booming with these and other projects, while Acapulco Bay and its famoso "Costera" remain the star attraction. Stay tuned...

9% Más

Been to Pacific Mexico lately? If you're known to tip back an icy "cerveza" from time to time, you'll have noticed that independent Pacífico has inflated its bottle size. Yes. It's now "9% más" in every bottle. After just a couple you're already 18% ahead of the competition. Pacífico froths forth from sunny, friendly, colonial-esque Mazatlán. The brewery is right downtown. On a recent visit to this booming and very self-assured Mexican community, there were discoveries around every corner. During the warm days and sarape evenings of post-carnaval, Jane and I were amazed by the rebirth of historic downtown. This nostalgic 19th century grid of Spanish influenced facades, plazas and churches is punctuated with hump-like hills affording sweeping Pacific views. A wave of lovely restorations has bestowed the area with new B & B's, cafes "al aire libre" and an aire of civic pride. Take a table at the Plaza Machado and enjoy 9% más. Felicidades Mazatlán, amigo viejo.