InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

There’s never a bad time to visit paradise, but Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s fall festival list makes it that much more seductive. Here are two of our favourites:

Festival Gourmet International
Chefs and foodies from the world round converge at the Festival Gourmet International. Going strong in its 14th year, this festival brings is a showing of delicious and innovative cuisine, not to mention interesting seminars and classes.

International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament
Whether participant or spectator, everyone will find this competition riveting. The schedule is jam packed with activities, from the welcoming ceremonies of the crews in the harbour, to daily weigh-ins to award dinners.

Whatever style of beach you’re looking for from stylish Miami to off-beat Los Cabos you’ll find an InterContinental Hotel nearby. Here are a few of our favourite beaches, just in time for summer holiday:

Los Cabos, Mexico
Definitely farther from beaten tourism path, Los Cabos is both charming town and a sun-bather’s haven. You’ll find delicious restaurants, fun local shopping options and some daily aquatic adventures, such as snorkeling and diving with sharks.

South Beach, Miami
See and be seen at the world’s most fashionable beach scene, placed against the backdrop of pastel Art Deco architecture. In addition to sand and surf, the colourful Miami residents enjoy fantastic shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic
Strategically located in downtown Santo Domingo, The InterContinental V Centenario gives you the option of enjoying not only the stunning nearby beaches, but the thriving city as well. Don’t forget to visit Puerto Plata, where you’ll find copious local shopping options including inexpensive silver and turquoise jewelry.

Sydney, Australia
Surfing is king in Sydney. Whatever experience level you’re at, you’ll find the perfect way to ride the waves. Your concierge can help set up lessons, if you so desire. Also, pack a few evening outfits and head to the famous Sydney Opera House for a show.

The restaurants of Guadalajara show an amazing amount of variety when it comes to traditional Mexican cooking. Here are a few of our favourite stops:

Adobe
Set in the quaint Tlaquepaque area of Guadalajara, Adobe features exceptionaly good Mexican cuisine prepared by a well-known chef. Our favourite menu item is the mole: a cross between salsa and gravy made from chocolate, various peppers and spices, then poured over chicken. In addition to the restaurant itself, the surrounding neighbourhood is extremely pedestrian friendly and showcases a number of wonderful boutiques and galleries.

Fonda San Miguel
This colonial-style restaurant is located in a beautifully renovated former Carmelite convent. In addition to delicious eats like warm, homemade bread, the building houses shops and boutiques selling fine handicrafts. Be sure to bring a camera and to ask the manager for a tour. The architectural sights are not to be missed.

Karne Garibaldi
Karne Garibaldi is not only recommended but awarded they are the Guinness World Record winners for the fastest service of Mexican food. Put them to the test, but be prepared to be served immediately, if not sooner.

Of course there’s the beach, but Cabo San Lucas is also an incredibly charming town to explore. Here are a few of the activities you’ll only find in this Southern Baja town:

Arch of Cabo San Lucas
To visit Los Cabos and not see the Arch of Cabo San Lucas is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. More than just an old rock formation, it is a window between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortes at the very end of the Baja Peninsula. The only way to see it up close is by boat. However, the Sunset da Mona Lisa restaurant has views of the Arch from its terrace.

CactiMundo
This cactus museum and botanical garden holds about 850 different species from the Baja Peninsula, including a few varieties that are extinct in the wild. It’s also very close to the hotel and if you’re crunched for time.

Whale Watching
Now is the perfect time to catch these wondrous sea animals as they make their yearly migration back to Canada. The perfect place to see them is, you guessed it, Los Cabos. Various local companies offer day trips; your concierge can help you set one up.

Believe it or not, there is more in Cancun than just beaches and spring break revelers. Just outside the city’s perimeter is an archaeological site, named Tulum, that overlooks the ocean and was first written about in the fourteenth century.

Although there are many sites in the Yucatán Peninsula, Tulum is the closest to Cancun and one of the most complete archaeological ruins in the area. You’ll find ancient inscriptions describing ceremonies, artwork, and some of the best views in Cancun, even by modern-day standards.

Just a warning, though: the trip there is pretty bumpy and it will most likely be a bit muggy during the day. If you plan on visiting, pack plenty of water and a light sweater for the evening. And don’t forget some comfy shoes!