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The Weather in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

If you live in colder climes, the rain and chill can really get you down, and so the summer vacation becomes more important for your physical and mental health; a little sunshine goes a long way in both departments. As such we’d like to recommend that you consider the Sian Ka’an Biosphere in Mexico due to its stunning natural beauty, cutting-edge amenities and attractions, and year-round great weather. Here’s the low-down on the kind of weather you can expect when you vacation in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.

Sunny Days and Weather in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico for many reasons: wonderful attractions, history, and stunning natural beauty are just some of the reasons, but the great weather in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere trumps them all. Sunshine is not in short supply here; a rough estimate of sunny days per year comes up with around 240 (on average) which means that unless you’re exceptionally unlucky and come during hurricane season the chance of a rainy vacation are tiny. The days are also longer at 13 hours long in summer and 11 hours long in winter. All that sun is great news for you both physically and mentally as the sunshine will give you your daily dose of vitamin D and help to combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder in suffers. That’s not to say those not affected by SAD will fail to benefit, though!

How hot does it get in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere?

The climate in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is temperate and consistent with the temperatures generally falling between 66 and 91 Fahrenheit (19 and 33 Celsius). The water temperature generally never falls below 80 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius).

Rainy Days in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

As mentioned, rainy days are a serious minority here in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere with only 60 days per year on average. Plus, even when it does rain the tropical rains are warmer than you might be used to, and they blow over quickly. So you can see, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a truly top notch vacation destination for sun lovers of all ages and persuasions.

Romantic Ideas for your Honeymoon Night

The first day of your honeymoon is one of those milestones that is almost as exciting as the wedding day itself. This is the first step into your new lives as a married couple. Sometimes, however, the stress of the wedding (the planning, the organization, the sheer force of will required to make it come together) can lead to you overlooking the important details of your honeymoon night. It is important that you put some effort into making sure that your first night as husband and wife is full of romance and fun so that you make lasting memories. Here are our top tips:

Create a Romantic Scene

No matter what you end up doing you should make sure that there is an ambience of romance in the area; candle-light goes a long way to doing this. Whether you’re eating a romantic meal, sipping champagne on the balcony as the sun goes down, or simply talking about the ceremony and your relationship so far, we recommend a few candles to make it special. If it’s possible you could arrange for the room to be set up in advance so that when you arrive the room is bathes in flickering candlelight. We recommend that you stick to a light neutral color like cream or white so that they add to the atmosphere rather than drawing attention, but a mix of shapes and sizes can make for a relaxed, comfortable feel. If you are celebrating your honeymoon while staying at the Sian Ka’an Village, let us know so we can help you with these details.

Romantic music

“If music be the food of love…” we all know this quote, and we definitely believe that it is! You can really set the mood with some music, and if you want to earn extra credit you could always take the time to create a custom playlist filled with songs that are meaningful to you and your lover. You could also keep it simple, though, with an album or artist that you both love. The right music might even get you on your feet and dancing on your honeymoon.

Sensual honeymoon games

Every couple that stays together long enough has a few unique ways to steam things up, but a new and pretty much fail proof way to get something started is to enjoy some sexy guessing games. Pack a blindfold (a scarf or bandana will do) and let the fun begin; blindfold your spouse and get them to guess what they’re tasting as you feed them treats. Fruits covered in chocolate are always popular! A variation on this honeymoon game is to gather things with different textures (feathers, silk, cotton etc) and see if they can guess what is touching them.

Declare Your Love

One of the most genuine and special gifts you can give your spouse is something which is inexpensive, but thoughtful; tell them what you love most about them and what it is that makes them so special to you. You could even type out this list, or write it on gorgeous paper to be framed as a reminder of the very first night you spent together as husband and wife. Whether this is a surprise, or you each make a list as a reciprocal gesture this is the perfect way to show how truly in love with each other you are.

These are merely suggestions, of course, because all that matters is that the two of you are totally happy with your honeymoon night. So whatever it is that you both love, go for that!

Mayan Liqueur – Xtabentun

If you’re a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to food and drink then you’ll want to hear about xtabentun; this sweet Mexican liqueur is really delicious, and is quickly gaining popularity around the world. Lesser known that the big hitters tequila and mescal, and even less well known that raicilla, xtabentun is produced only in the Yucatan Peninsula and has a limited distribution area. As such it won’t be too much of a surprise to hear that most parts of the country do not stock it and know very little about it; it can be found mostly in Yucatan and Quintana Roo.

Xtabentun made from aniseed

Xtabentun is made from anise seeds and fermented honey which is extracted by bees from the nectar of the flower of a same name, and it is known to go back to Mayan times, especially to a ceremonial liquor called Balché. The plant from which this drink comes is knowns as Turbina corymbosa, scientifically, but its common name means “vines growing on stone” in Yucatec Mayan. It can be recognised by the beautiful white blooms it produced.

There are very few sources which distribute this wonderful liqueur; “Vallisoletano Xtabentun”,and “D’Aristi Xtabentun Crema” are two. In spite of this lack of widespread marketing, however, xtabentun is slowly gaining a foothold in the world market, and is being drunk in many different ways. Generally it is preferred straight, but some drink it with honey or ice, and it’s even paired with tequila and a half lemon to make something called a Mayan Margarita! You can generally find xtabentum in big cities like Cancun where it is often found in meals and desserts.

The origin of Xtabentun

There are local traditions which explain the origin of this drink in a more mythical way. One goes as such; there was a beautiful woman who lived in a small town. Over the years she had become sick of love and gave herself to whoever she fancied when they asked, and because of this she came to be known as Xkeban. Xkeba could mean “Bad Woman,” and yet she was not; she was good and kind. She helped the sick, the homeless and was kind to animals, often taking in those abandoned. She never spoke ill of anyone and was humble despite all the insults and humiliations levelled at her as a result of her actions.

One day she failed to appear around town and a sweet smell was everywhere around. They followed the smell to its source and found her dead in her home. Later she was buried by the townspeople, mostly out of pity and a sense of civic duty, and her tomb was found to be covered with xtabentun flowers the next day.

This is a sweet and fragrant liqueur which has been produced in Mexico for hundreds of years, and you can find it in places like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere and the Riviera Maya. Be sure you don’t miss out on experiencing Xtabentun when you are next in Mexico.

How to Protect your Skin this Summer

The summer vacations very often bring visions of sun-kissed skin, beach hair and bikinis to mind, but this is peak season for sun damage and it is very important for your health that you take care while enjoying the sun. Time in the great outdoors is good for you, obviously, but sun-exposure also leads to skin damage which ranges all the way from wrinkles to skin cancer and so you need to protect yourself.

How to protect your skin this summer

Most of us know that too much sun can bring out freckles, cause moles, and burn your skin, but did you know that sun exposure is also to blame for 90% of wrinkles? It’s true! Most of the damage is also incidental; while excessive sun-bed use and tanning is bad for your skin, it’s the little things like driving and walking the dog on sunny days that add up over time. This is why it’s so key to work SPF, UVA and UVB protection into your everyday skincare regime. This can mean hand, body and face moisturisers which have SPF protection in-built, or even foundations and BB creams which offer such perks.

Here’s all you’ll need to know if you’re to have a great summer in the sun, but still take great care of your skin on vacation and throughout the year;

Throughout the summer season, apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you leave the house (minimum) and reapply through the day as needed (or every few hours). Alternatively there are once a day sunscreens, too.
Apply your sun protection nude where possible as some clothing, and most swimwear, provides only minimal protection. This will also help to cover weird areas that might otherwise be forgotten.
Get sun-creams that protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
Avoid the sun between 10am and 2pm when the sun is strongest. This is particularly important during the summer months and while on vacation in hotter climates than you are used to.
Don’t forget to protect your eyes, lips, scalp, hands and feet with the right creams, sprays and apparel.
Rely on self-tanning kits and fake tan if you really must have that glow. The home-use kits are easier to use than ever before so take advantage of this.
Depending upon your skin type you should exfoliate between one and three times per week as this will wash away sun damage and dead cells to revive your skin.
When it’s really, really sunny, wear a hat to protect your scalp and face, and lightweight, cotton clothing.

Recovery Tricks for Summer

So you’ve managed to get burned (literally) and you want to help your skin recover! Well, we have a few tricks which will help your skin to heal as well as providing some rapid relief for sunburn. What’s key, though, is that you identify how you managed to get burned and ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Here are our top recovery tips:

Make sure that you cool the burned areas down ASAP just as you would with any burn. This can mean jumping into the pool, taking a cool bath or a cold shower. Pat your skin dry and be sure to stay out of the sun after this.
Moisturise the affected areas thoroughly to trap in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. The best choices are soy or aloe vera products.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are a good course of action for more severe sunburns; ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen can all reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort in the short-term.
Slathering on some plain, natural yogurt can be a great source of relief for minor to medium burns, too, as it contains soothing lactic acid. Let this sit for 30 minutes and then take a cool shower, pat the skin dry.
Up your intake of water to compensate for the dehydrating effect that burns can have. You could also try sports drinks as these will replenish electrolytes too.
NEVER pick, pop or scratch blisters as this can cause infection. If you become dizzy, nauseous or feverish, or have severe blistering see a doctor.

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Sian Ka’an

With summer here in full swing, the Mexican Caribbean is thrilled to be hosting the exciting migration of schools of whale sharks who seek out the area’s warm tropical waters and its abundant supply of food. You can encounter these magnificent creatures while visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Although they are the largest known fish species found in the ocean, weighing more than 20 tons, they are calm and docile which makes them a delight to encounter.

Giant Fish

They are named for their similarity in body size to whales, with whale sharks growing to gigantic proportions, normally anywhere from 18 feet to 32 feet long, although there have been recorded sightings of some larger than 40 feet! Despite their potentially intimidating size, whale sharks have shown they pose no threat to humans and are indifferent around divers. Because they swim at a relaxed pace of 3mph or less and favor a diet of small fish and plankton, they are easy to observe while diving or snorkeling for a captivating experience you will treasure forever. Whale sharks typically swim near the ocean’s surface while they eat, allowing you to see these gentle giants up close. As one of three shark species that filter-feed, whale sharks filter their food through their gills which means they are harmless to larger species like humans.

Whale shark season in Sian Ka’an

The season to encounter whale sharks in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is from May through mid-September, when any daring or nature-loving traveler can experience this exhilarating activity sure to create unforgettable vacation memories. Not surprisingly, swimming with whale sharks, which will amaze and delight anyone adventurous enough to try it, has become one of the top activities in the Mexican Caribbean. You can board a boat which will take you out into the ocean to look for popular feeding spots for whale sharks. After they have been located within the Sian Ka’an biosphere, all you need to do is take a deep breath and dive in for a unique experience you will never forget.

Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime!

Tequila – Mexico’s Nectar

While everyone seems to have an opinion about tequila, whether resulting from sampling the sophisticated side of the liquor or perhaps a rough night of too much Cuervo, this quintessential Mexican delicacy is deeply rooted in tradition. One of the most recognized exports from Mexico, this spirit which is derived from the agave plant has a rich and fascinating history. While tequila seems to ignite passionate opinions for and against it when brought up in conversation, it continues to endure as Mexico’s most famous distilled beverage.

Rich in History

The earliest form of tequila, then called pulque, was recorded as far back as 1,000 B.C. It was made from the fermented sap of agave plants and used by the Aztecs, becoming so important to them that they worshipped Patecatl, the god of pulque. Agave distillation was not well recorded in the beginning but is believed to have started in the 1400s during the Spanish conquest, resulting in a Spanish trade route between Manila and Mexico.

By the early 1600s, the Marquis of Altamira founded the first large-scale distillery in the now-famous town of Tequila. The Cuervo family opened the first commercial distillery in 1758 and built an empire. Tequila as we now know it can be traced to Don Cenobio of the Sauza family (who opened their distillery in 1873) who discovered that blue agave was the preferred choice for creating the beverage. The Mexican government declared tequila as intellectual property in 1974, which requires that it only be made and aged in certain regions within Mexico, therefore making it illegal for other countries to manufacture or sell their own form of the spirit and call it “tequila”.

How Tequila is Made

In order to make tequila, a specific process is followed, starting with harvesting a fully mature blue agave plant, usually 8-10 years old. The Jimador (harvester) removes the heart of the agave plant called the “piña” (Spanish for pineapple), which can weigh anywhere from 65 to 135 pounds when mature. Afterwards, the piña hearts are cut open, they are steamed inside of large pressure cookers.

In order to produce just one liter of 100% pure agave tequila, 17 pounds of agave is needed. The resulting liquid is placed in steel vats to ferment anywhere from 12 hours to several days. Following that, the liquid is double distilled to produce incredibly powerful tequila. The process from here is different depending on which type of tequila is being made, including silver, gold and aged varieties.

Tequila Types

Silver (Blanco) tequila is diluted down to 80 proof alcohol content with distilled water. While it is the truest form of tequila, allowing the consumer to detect the intensity of the agave, its bold flavor is often eschewed for more balanced-tasting tequilas. Gold tequila is perhaps the most well-known style in countries besides Mexico, which is diluted with colorings and flavors, making it an affordable choice commonly used in mixed drinks including margaritas. Reposado tequila has been aged 2-11 months in wooden barrels, which adds immense depth to the flavor, with the characteristics of each wood type lending a unique essence. If tequila is aged in this style for more than a year, the pleasant, mellow drink can be labeled Añejo and over three years is known as Extra-Añejo.
Tequila continues to improve as it ages, so the finest versions are incredibly smooth and dark.

Tulum in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

The popular tourist destination of Tulum, which is the stunning coastal site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city, is a must-see when visiting the Sian Ka’an area of Mexico. Located just 128 km (80 mi) from the hustle and bustle of the resort-filled town of Cancun, Tulum feels as though it is a delightfully slow-paced world away. Taking a day trip to explore this well-preserved archaeological site will prove to be a fascinating experience you won’t soon forget. Get out of your lounge chair and get lost in the mysteries of this remarkable former home of a sophisticated ancient society.

Tulum Ruins

The Tulum ruins are positioned on breathtaking 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs overlooking the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on the Yucatan Peninsula. It was one of the final cities designed and occupied by the Maya and reached its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries. Every Mayan city served a particular purpose, and as the only Mayan city built along the coast, Tulum was a busy seaport which traded primarily in jade and turquoise. Tulum held on for roughly 70 years into Spain’s occupation in Mexico, but eventually succumbed to Old World diseases spread by the Spanish settlers, causing a wave of high fatalities which led to the abandonment of the city.

A rare example of Mayan architecture

Aside from being the only coastal Mayan city, Tulum was also rare because it was protected by a limestone wall. Enclosing the site on three sides, the 784-meter long wall is seven meters thick and between three and five meters tall depending on location and undoubtedly helped shield the city. While it is unknown why Tulum is surrounded by a wall, there are plenty of theories including the obvious protection from invaders as well as a possibility that just priests and nobility were living within the walls which kept commoners out.

Highlights

Visitors may enter the ruins through one of five doorways in the wall, upon which they will see a field of rolling hills sprinkled with the remnants of gray and black stone buildings. The most notable structure still standing is the Castillo (castle) with breathtaking views of the Caribbean from its location along the edge of a 12 meter limestone cliff, creating a perfect moment to capture some unbelievable photos. The Temple of the Frescoes is one of the buildings in better condition, where you can glimpse a gorgeous mural. There is plenty to explore at Tulum, but if the heat or the crowds start getting to you, head to the unspoiled beach where you can take a refreshing dip in the ocean or hike around as you imagine what life might have been like here centuries ago.

Tulum ruins are located about an hour and a half drive from the Sian Ka’an Village and well worth a day trip.

Jet Lag Solutions

Jet lag is the king of all travel ailments, and anyone who has ever suffered its effects will agree that it is less than agreeable. When you add to it the myriad of other travel related issues that can arise, cancelled or delayed flights, lost luggage, and lengthy immigration check to name a few, it can become a veritable nightmare. Never fear, however, as we are on-hand with a few top tips and hints that could help you circumvent the worst of the effects (if not all of them). Here’s how you can lift that dreaded fog and make the most of your vacation from day one!

Adjust your sleep patterns before you travel

You can get ahead of jet lag by naturally adjusting your sleeping pattern bit by bit for a few days before you go on vacation. If you’re heading eastwards from your home then you should go to bed a few hours earlier than usual for three or four days before you head off. If you are going west, you should stay up a few hours later each night. This will be most efficient and useful if you are staying longer than two days in your vacation destination.

Use nature’s remedies

Once you arrive at your destination you could make use of a holistic therapy items like lavender oil, pouches or sprays to relieve the effects of jet lag. Lavender is a natural sleep aid which can help you to get a more restful sleep while on vacation. Pop some on or under your pillow when you arrive!

Expose yourself to the sun

The sun is your best bet for lessening the effects of jet lag if you can’t avoid it all-together. When flying west to east it is very common to feel drowsy during the day, so your best bet is to, first of all, get a good night’s sleep when you first arrive, and, secondly, embrace the sun. Waking up bright and early and getting in a nice walk on the beach will help to blow away the cobwebs. If the sun is not up yet then turn on a bright lamp. If you’re flying east to west you should rely on the late afternoon sun to tell your body it’s time to wind down – just be sure to stay awake to your usual bedtime.

Melatonin

Melatonin is produced inside your body and helps to balance your natural sleep cycle, but it can be bought in supplement form and has been proven to help combat the effects of jet lag when taken correctly. Experts suggest taking it after dark when you first arrive at your destination and then for a few days after to help your body reset, but do be sure to talk to your doctor first. If taken incorrectly it can mess with your body clock and clash with other medications you may be taking.

Doc’s Recommendations

If all else fails you, you can turn to mediation to help your body get over the worst of the hump. Sleeping pills, whether prescribed by the doctor or bought over the counter, should be taken with care, however, so be sure to consult your doctor before you do anything.

The Best Prices for Mexico Vacations

When planning the family vacation finding a good deal is pretty high on everyone’s list of priorities, and few places will help you to stretch your budget farther than Mexico. Not only is Mexico a place of extraordinary beauty, but the exchange rate means your dollars work really hard here. So the main cost will be getting there, and we have some hints and tips which will enable you to get the very best deals on flights and accommodations for your Mexico vacations.

Lowest Prices Guaranteed

First and foremost, you need look no further than this website for the very best deals on accommodations for your Mexico vacations; we offer special packages and deals at low prices that suit every need. If you want to be ahead of the game at all times you could even subscribe to our newsletter or follow our Facebook page for all the most up-to-date information.

Search Engines

Comparison sites and search engines like Expedia, Kayak, and Orbitz are popular for a reason when booking your Mexico vacations; they make the legwork involved in getting the best deals much less time-consuming. You see, if you didn’t know already, they search multiple airlines, hotels, and car rental companies to find the best price. Some even let you set up alerts.

Last Minute or advance reservations?

There are two main ways in which you can get good deals reliably for your Mexico vacations, and they really depend on who you are as a person. If you like to go wherever the wind takes you then you could simply head into the travel agents and book a late deal. These last minute deals are less than reliable, you might end up somewhere unexpected, but can be really good value. On the other hand, the consummate planner can bag good prices by booking upwards of a year in advance.

Avoid the Holidays

It’s not impossible to get a good deal for Mexico vacations at such times, but the demand is so high that it’s unlikely at best that you’ll find anything spectacular. So where possible, avoid school breaks, and national holidays like Christmas and New Year. You should also keep your eye on national holidays in Mexico, too; it might be more expensive to go there, for example, during Cinco de Mayo.

Hit the Holiday Sales

Funnily enough, however, despite it being much more expensive to travel it can be cheaper to book future Mexico vacations during the holiday season. Many travel agencies will have special deal on at times like Presidents Week and Black Friday, so you should definitely have a look to see if you can bag yourself a good deal for your next summer vacation.

If you’ve got any more tips or hints that will help your fellow readers to get a good deal then please let us know in the comments section or leave a comment on Facebook.

Luxury Events at our Sian Ka’an Property

The Sian Ka’an Village is a unique, yet special location for any luxury event. The Sian Ka’an Village offers a stunning luxurious beachfront location that is wonderful for a wedding, family reunions, meditation retreat, yoga retreat, and any kind of event. The event experts at the Sian Ka’an Village specialize in luxury event planning, and can assist you in creating an amazing experience for up to thirty people staying at the luxury property in the Sian Ka’an Village.

Sian Ka’an Luxury Beachfront Property

The Sian Ka’an Village is located in the middle of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Mexico. The beachfront property has luxury, privacy, and provides amazing, unique experiences for all guests. For a luxury event, guests will stay at the exclusive seven bedroom, six bathroom luxury beachfront property that is located on the stunning Caribbean, and if you need more suites, then the neighboring property can accommodate larger groups of up to thirty people in total across the two properties. During your stay at the Sian Ka’an luxury beachfront property you will be served the finest cuisine and be treated with world-class services in paradise.

Luxury Event Planning

If you are looking for a perfectly secluded venue, then look no further as the Sian Ka’an Village is the place. It can host a variety of luxury events for individuals that are looking for a location that is highly exclusive and can provide professional event planning assistance. The expert event planners at Sian Ka’an Village will make sure that every little detail is done, so you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself. We can guarantee an unforgettable event that is specially tailored for you.

Intimate Weddings and Vow Renewals

We can accommodate up to 28 wedding guests at the Sian Ka’an Village plus the Bride and Groom. Whether seeking to create an intimate wedding or if you are renewing your vows, you can be sure of a unique experience. The beachfront property offers luxury and is perfect for those wanting to elope, so you and your spouse want to have a private wedding with only you two being present, Sian Ka’an Village can accommodate that too.

Family and Friends Reunions

The Sian Ka’an Village isn’t just perfect for weddings, it is a great place to hold your family reunion or class reunion, and even a reunion for you and your friends. Our event planners can organize and create fun activities, gourmet cuisine, and exciting things to see and do while you are staying with us.

Team Building and Incentives

Our luxurious beachfront property in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a great choice when you want to celebrate with top executives, coming up with ideas for your business, and so much more. You will not be interrupted, so you and your coworkers and team can be inspired.

Yoga and Meditation Retreats

The Sian Ka’an Village provides tranquility, nature, and beauty, which makes it an ideal location for meditation and yoga retreats. Our team can personalize all of our services to meet the needs of you and your group, which could include a vegetarian cuisine, raw foods, and much more. Just remember we need to have advance information, so we can fully plan and meet your needs.

No matter what kind of luxury event you are seeking, contact us at Sian Ka’an Village so we can advise you on the best ways to enjoy our property.