Our goal at Solsierra Destinations is to offer travelers a chance to experience the uniqueness of Mexico by staying at selected special places or by traveling to lesser-known areas -- or by combining both for a great vacation experience. By traveling this way, we hope our customers will have a chance to enjoy the world-renowned Mexican hospitality in settings that range from casually elegant to friendly rustic.

The experience of Solsierraís founders, Patti Kilpatrick and Darrell Petrie, covers the last 30 years of Mexican tourism development. Through direct involvement in Mexicoís tourism industry over the years, they observed Mexicoís evolving tourism infrastructure. In the late 60ís, there were roughly 10 tourist quality hotels in each of about 8 Mexican resort and inland cities. Patti recalls walking Cancunís beaches when the first hotel opened in 1973 -- quite different than the 100 plus hotels totaling 25,000 rooms of today. Government-planned Ixtapa began construction in 1976, then Huatulco in 1983. All the while, more and larger hotels were being built in existing resort towns, and large business-style hotels in the major cities. In the early 1990ís, it became evident that, while large tour companies were doing a good job offering package tours in Mexicoís growing number of 200-400 room hotels in major resort cities, the smaller, more intimate hotels were difficult to find and be assured of comfort, link together for a vacation, and finally reserve. A growing number of travelers had already stayed in a large hotel and were looking for a smaller romantic beach hideaway; or for a villa, home or condo for a multiple family vacation; or even for a comfortable cabana to use as a base while exploring ruins or natural areas. Active travelers began to seek experiences exploring archaeological sites via small groups or by rental car versus large tour buses. They wanted to raft Mexicoís warm tropical rivers and kayak amongst the whales during seasonal migrations. Those interested in holistic health and fitness had heard about Mexicoís laid back retreat centers, spas, and thermal waters. In other words, travelers began looking for more specialized travel arrangements and experiences in Mexico.

Solsierra was created for those people who want to visit Mexico in a different way, as a participating traveler versus passive tourist. That is not to say we donít highly recommend a hammock-based perspective on things -- we do! Itís just that we attempt to offer places with a natural view, historic ambiance, or laid back charm -- places with personalized service and the sounds of nature in the background. These places range from elegant and luxurious to comfortable and economic. Among some of the personable Mexicans that our customers meet are marine biologists, historians, archaeologists, athletes, and natives with a unique sense of time and tradition, just to name a few. In our boutique hotels, homes and villas, the staff make our guests feel welcome with genuine friendliness. That is some of what we offer with our specialty travel and accommodations in Mexico -- on the beaches, in the jungles, in the mountains and canyons, and in some of Mexicoís historic colonial towns. We hope you give us the opportunity to create a Mexico experience tailored for you -- more than just a vacation at another beach! We would like to pass on our depth of experience, and that of our staff, to you for your vacation enjoyment.

Patti Kilpatrick (B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies, graduate school-Business) also studied at the University of Guanajuato in central Mexico in the first year of an exchange program with Southern Oregon University (the program is now in its 25th year). She worked for Mexicana Airlines in the U.S. for 18 years including management positions in Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, where from 1980-1990 she was the regional manager in charge of sales, marketing and flight operations for the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. In 1990, she started a Seattle-based Mexico charter flight and tour operation for a major Canadian charter tour company. In 1993, Patti teamed up with Darrell to start Solsierra Destinations with the purpose of offering travelers an alternative type of travel experience in Mexico. Patti suggests, ìWhile staying at our special places or on our trips, converse with the Mexican people -- many are multi-lingual -- even learn how to say coffee in Mayan (ëblack waterí). Their humor and friendliness will be your reward and make your visit a special memory in your lifetime.î

Darrell Petrie (B.S. in Finance) held financial management positions at General Electric and Honeywell before becoming a financial consultant and vice president for 12 years in the securities business. Prior to co-founding Solsierra Destinations, his personal and business interests had taken him to most parts of Mexico for diving, snorkeling, hiking, exploring Mayan ruins, incentive award trips, and family vacations with his children. In 1993, with an appreciation for the needs and desires of our future customers through his personal experiences from the travelerís standpoint, Darrell teamed up with Patti to start Solsierra Destinations. Darrell sums up his viewpoint, ìI found that during different stages of my life, I sometimes searched out an active adventure or exploration experience. Other times, I simply wanted to get away and vegetate for a week on a Mexican beach, as my passion was to find that Perfect Beach. What I found was not the perfect beach, but tantalizing different beaches and different experiences -- each just right for that particular occasion. There is a Mexico vacation that is best for you, whatever stage of mind youíre in today. What if...IF are the central letters of the word LIFE. Ask yourself, would it make a difference IF I did it now?î