Winter Escape: Yucatán’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Cenote, Yucatan, Mexico. In addition to some of the most beautiful beaches, this magical destination also offers 18 archaeological zones open to the public, around 100 cenotes, four historical “Magical Towns” and a cosmopolitan capital city that stands out as the cultural and gastronomic hub of the country’s entire southeast © Laini Miranda

Mérida, Yucatán –  Looking to escape extreme weather this winter? With an average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the state of Yucatán offers the ideal climate for a winter seaside vacation. Yucatán’s pristine beaches have been awarded “Platinum Beach” by the Mexican Institute for Standardization and Certification, joining the select list of the best strands in the country.

The state’s almost 250 miles of beaches are not only ideal getaways but also stunning gateways to unique settings like jungle environments, picturesque towns, natural reserves, and colorful bodies of water in shades of emerald green and turquoise blue that envelop visitors in a mystical ambiance.

The beaches of Yucatán have become the vacation spot of choice for all of those who value the natural beauty of semi-virgin stretches of sand and the tranquility of spending a vacation free of stress. In addition to being the safest state in Mexico, this magical destination offers 18 archaeological zones open to the public, around 100 cenotes, four historical “Magical Towns” and a cosmopolitan capital city that stands out as the cultural and gastronomic hub of the country’s entire southeast.

Here’s a list of some of the most beautiful beaches in Yucatán:

Celestún: Without a doubt, a natural and eco-tourism paradise, Celestún is home to exceptional landscapes where extensive beaches rife with abundant coconut palms and mangroves are an ideal setting for lovers of outdoor activities. This area is part of the World Heritage Special Reserve of the Ría Celestún biosphere, which is home to approximately 400 species of migratory birds that arrive in the entity from December to March, making for an incomparable natural spectacle of flora and fauna.

Telchac: One hour away from the capital city Mérida lies the port of Telchac, an ideal option for all those who seek peace and quiet during their vacations. Its peaceful waters are perfect for swimming in complete tranquility. Here, you can also visit the Museum of the Sea, the only such attraction in the area, which maintains an exhibition of various species of marine fossils, snails, shells and more.

Xtampú & X’Cambó: Not far from Telchac is the beautiful Laguna Rosada, with its singular pink color. It comprises part of Xtampú’s lagoon, where — in addition to taking spectacular photos — you can learn about the process of salt extraction. While in the area, you can also learn more about the ancient Mayan culture by visiting the archaeological zone of X’Cambó, one of the few ruins close to the coast, which is believed to have been an ancient fishing port that supplied the main Mayan cities with food.

Cancunito: Located in Río Lagartos — just three hours’ drive from the capital and very close to Las Coloradas, famous for its large pink pools — Cancunito stands out as one of Yucatán’s most spectacular virgin beaches. Tantalizing those who visit with a fantastic natural setting, this tropical paradise has abundant mangroves as well as coastal dunes that, thanks to vegetation, form an extraordinary ecosystem where species such as Hawksbill, White, and Loggerhead sea turtles arrive to spawn.

San Felipe: Half an hour away from Cancunito lies the small fishing and tourist port of San Felipe, where you’ll find rustic wooden houses in a mix of cheerful colors. Enjoy a day at the town beach, where white sands, turquoise waters and peaceful tranquility are just part of a normal day. Today, San Felipe has become one of the most popular spots in Yucatán for nature lovers, thanks to the unique beauty of its surroundings.

Río Lagartos: A small traditional fishing port that today is one of the best kept “secrets” in the Yucatán Peninsula, the town lies right at the entrance to the well-known Ría Lagartos Reserve Natural Park, where you can explore a fascinating environment that’s home to crocodiles, sea turtles and hundreds of species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans.

El Cuyo: At the northeastern tip of Yucatán, El Cuyo is just three hours from the state capital. This little Eden is one of the most unique corners of the state, lying right at the end of the Costa Esmeralda. Its main claim to fame is being the place where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet; the mix of currents and winds make the area ideal for sports such as sailing and kitesurfing.

The beaches of Yucatán have become the vacation spot of choice for all of those who value the natural beauty of semi-virgin stretches of sand and the tranquility of spending a vacation free of stress. In addition to being the safest state in Mexico, this magical destination offers 18 archaeological zones open to the public, around 100 cenotes, four historical “Magical Towns” and a cosmopolitan capital city that stands out as the cultural and gastronomic hub of the country’s entire southeast.

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The Wildwoods Named #1 Boardwalk in the USA for 2014

The Wildwoods’ world-famous boardwalk in New Jersey was named the #1 Beach Boardwalk for Families in the nation by FamilyVacationCritic.com for the third year in a row.

The Wildwoods’ world-famous boardwalk was once again named the #1 Beach Boardwalk for Families in the nation by FamilyVacationCritic.com.

This is the third year in a row that the Wildwoods have appeared in the #1 spot on this list, having been named #1 Beach Boardwalk in 2012 and 2013 as well.

The website, in reference to the Wildwoods Boardwalk, said, “We keep (the) Wildwoods on our list of favorite boardwalks because it’s just so family-friendly and our kids love it!” They went on to say that with “more than 100 rides and attractions available, as well as shopping and dining along the 2-mile boardwalk – what’s not to love?”

“It’s a great honor to be recognized year after year as the #1 Beach Boardwalk for Families in the nation,” said John Siciliano, executive director for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA). “We owe this recognition to the hard work and determination of the hundreds of small business owners who bring their vision and innovation to the myriad of shops, attractions, arcades, games and eateries that together make the Wildwoods’ Boardwalk second to none. And we also owe our gratitude to the millions of families that come to enjoy all we have to offer—from the boardwalk and beach, to the great events, shopping, eateries and dining. Everyone at this destination works tirelessly in making the Wildwoods one of the country’s most popular family vacation destinations, and we are grateful that our work is paying off for our visitors.”

The Wildwoods’ Morey’s Amusement Piers were named in 2014 among the Top 10 Piers by Coastal Living Magazine. In 2013 the Wildwoods were also recognized as one of the Most Awesome Boardwalks in America by BudgetTravel.com; as the Favorite Shore Town by Delaware County Daily Times readers; as the Favorite Beach and Boardwalk by NJ.com readers; the Top Family-Friendly Beach Town by NerdWallet.com; and as One of America’s Top 10 U.S. Tourist Towns by families voting in FamilyFun magazine.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.

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Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach is Perfect Getaway

Picture postcard perfect place: the Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

If ever you wanted a place to get away from it all, to an oasis of simple pleasures, visually pleasing, perfectly relaxing, laid-back, the Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast is the place.

It’s 1950s retro done with a hip flare. Kitschy and clever, and aesthetically marvelous – it’s amazing what design can do to create an atmosphere. Shapes, lights, colors – a chandelier is made from rope and sailors’ knots; painted skateboards and buggie boards provide the decoration, vintage lamps, 1950s photos of beach, a giant photo of waves breaking on the surf covers the entire wall..There is whimsy and humor which makes you smile a lot.

The Postcard Inn on St Pete Beach is 1950s retro combined with modern flare with a feel-good result © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Postcard Inn occupies prime beachfront in St. Pete Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast – you can walk for miles along the beach, or float in the warm, green waters of the Gulf, very likely a dolphin or two not too far away.

In addition to the Olympic-sized swimming pool (heated if necessary), there is a kiddie pool, two well-outfitted fitness rooms, a pool table and a ping-pong table, arcade room, beach volleyball court, and central garden areas where you can lounge in Adirondack-style chairs under the trees as music emanates from speakers.

The Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach is designed for relaxation © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

There is WiFi throughout; the rooms have flat-screen TVs; the rooms have views of pool, or Gulf, or garden.

You can go for a swim in the Olympic-size pool in the morning or take a walk or a dip in the Gulf, before hopping on a trolley-style bus, to ride into downtown St. Petersburg in air-conditioned comfort, to enjoy the plethora of cultural and heritage attractions, including the Dali Museum, the newly opened Chihuly Collection, the Holocaust Museum, the Fine Arts Museum to list but a few (all linked with a charming system of trolley buses, the downtown ones offer a narrated commentary), then return to the Inn in time to linger on the sand beach, float in the warm Gulf waters (perhaps to see a pod of dolphins swim by, or pelicans diving for fish).

The trolley also goes to south to Passe-a-Grille, an absolutely charming beach village with the prettiest parcel of beach on the island, and north into Clearwater, hitting all the other beaches along the way.

For more ambitious exploring, you can visit Fort DeSoto or go kayaking at Weedon Preserve (rent from Sweetwaters Kayaks, 727-570-4844; www.sweetwaterkayaks.com).

In the evening, you might cross the street to the Cockney Rebel Pub where there is karaoke Friday-Sunday.

The Postcard Inn (the former Travelodge that was the first motel here in 1958)  is as casual as a motel, as swank as a boutique hotel, with the charm and personal attention of an inn – including a marvelous continental breakfast.

It also offers the Wildwood BBQ – a casual restaurant that brings BBQ to new culinary heights, specializing in multiple regional variations including Memphis-style, Carolina-style, St. Louis-style spare and baby-back ribs, dry-rubbed or wet, plus the most sensational nachos and skillet cornbread, as well as fish-of-the-day, burgers, sandwiches and salads, presided over by NYC’s Executive Pitmaster “Big” Lou DElrose. The bar is known for its Pina Coladas, Rum Runners and selection of Bourbon.

There is also a Beach Bar where there is live music, a snack shack, and a banquet room accommodating up to 150 people, as well as catered beach functions for as many as 750.

The restaurants and the inn, itself, is managed by BR Guest, which has more than a dozen restaurants in New York City (Blue Fin, Ruby Foos), plus two in Las Vegas, but this is its first in Florida.

The Postcard Inn is a partnership between BR Guest and Starwood Capital Group (we hear they are talking about another Postcard Inn in Key West, Las Vegas or California).

Rates are affordable: $99 in the summer, $189 at the height of tourist season.

For all the right reasons – charm, services, amenities, affordability/value, location – the Postcard Inn on the Beach is  becoming a wedding destination, and is superb family reunion place (they even accommodate pets, 50 lbs. or less, for a $50 pet fee per stay).

Locals can take advantage of its “staycation” deals – special discounts for Florida residents, and a day rate (half the regular rate), enabling you to rent a room up until 5 pm., to use while you are at the beach and enjoying the hotel’s amenities.

In another nice touch, there are vintage-looking postcards which they are happy to post for you.

Here’s mine:

Dear Family: The Postcard Inn is picture-postcard perfect. Wish you were here.

Postcard Inn on the Beach, 6300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, 727-367-2711 main line, 800-237-8918 reservations, 727-369-4950 Wildwood, www.postcardinn.com.

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–Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate