NA BALAM, Isla Mujeres - With its unique "south sea island charm", this 33 unit beachfront property located on Playa Norte (popular Playa Cocos), offers large rooms with King beds or two queens. Each room has a private balcony or terrace, air conditioning and ceiling fans. Dining is either in the large palapa-roofed open air restaurant or under small thatched umbrellas set in the sand among the palms. Healthy vegetarian food, as well as local dishes, fresh seafood, and home made breads draw local diners. The beachfront bar, with its chair-swings is THE place for sunset watchers. A 30 person open air meeting area and a smaller palapa can be used for yoga sessions or activities. The hotel offers Mayan Medicine seminars in July and September. Holistic health therapies including yoga and massage are offered throughout the year. Rating: 4 star-holistic, native medicine.

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CASA DE LOS SUENOS, Isla Mujeres - An exclusive luxury bed & breakfast villa-resort with only 9 suites, exquisitely designed and decorated, Casa de los Suenos appeals to couples interested in a romantic retreat and idyllic relaxation. (No children under 16.) The villaís infinity pool merges with the sea and the sky. Bar and snack service are catered to the pool-lounge area. Full American breakfast is included and lunch menus are available (extra charge. The turquoise Caribbean views from each air conditioned suite (King or 2 doubles) are outstanding because of the architectural design and hot tropical colors. Marble baths have hair dryers, coffee and juice are delivered to each room in the morning, and there is Satellite TV. Bicycles, snorkeling equipment, and kayaks are included. Diving and snorkeling excursions are available from the private pier. Thereís a no smoking policy and meals and juices offered are geared to provide a health-restoring, stress-free vacation environment. Rating: Special category - Deluxe/ active, holistic.

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VILLA DEL PALMAR, Cabo San Lucas - On Caboís best swimming beach, Playa Medano, with spectacular views of El Arco, this 326 unit condo-hotel offers 205 studio units (queen and queen sofabed), and a limited number of one bedroom (King, queen sofabed), two bedroom (2 Kings, queen sofabed), and 3 bedroom condos (3 Kings, queen sofabed). Two 7 story buildings, with another to be completed in 1999, are constructed in a modern Mediterranean style. The hotel is 1 mile from San Lucasí night life, shops, and restaurants -- far enough for quiet evenings, but close enough to walk to the action. All units have fully equipped kitchens with purified water, private terraces, TV, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and daily maid service. Guests enjoy 2 pools, a Jacuzzi, waterfall, water slide, 2 lighted tennis courts, daily aerobics program, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, plus the following rentals: sailboats, kayaks, scuba and snorkeling gear, para-sailing, water-skiing, and wave runners. The European spa, at 10,000 square feet, is state-of-the-art and includes: a full service fitness center with cardio-vascular exercise, Paramount workout equipment, free weights, sauna, steam, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, acupressure, reflexology, body treatments, massage, facials, juice bar, and beauty salon. Rating: 5 star - resort spa.

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HOTELITO DESCONOCIDO, Cruz de Loreto - On 60 kms. of completely virgin beach about 1.5 hours south of Puerto Vallarta, staying at this "unknown little hotel" is an experience for active travelers who appreciate nature. The incongruities of staying in an elegantly rustic cabana suite, on stilts with thatched roof and ceiling fans, and sleeping in an exotic canopied king bed surrounded by antiques and candles, stretches the imagination. Each of 30 guest rooms (King or 2 queens) has a private bath with exhilarating open air showers. The resort operates on solar and wind energy, with candles and torches lighting the paths, suites and dining room at night. A beachfront pool and bar with snacks as well as a separate bar and main dining room offer appetizing meals prepared with produce from the resortís organic garden. Outdoor activities include: windsurfing, kayaking, small sailboats, mountain bikes, explorations of the lagoon by boat, bird-watching, and horse back riding. A native steam bath (Temazcal), gym and yoga instruction are available as well as nature excursions and herbal spa treatments. Rating: Special Category - Eco Lodge/ active, holistic.

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PUNTA SERENA, Tenacatita - Perched on a jungle covered cliff offering magnificent bay views, this 24 unit holistic retreat type resort also offers a quiet escape for those just wanting relaxation. Guests must be age 16 or older. The large rooms in bright white and cool blue have either a King bed or 2 queens, air conditioning , balconies, hammocks, and some have common living rooms. Included are: healthy meals (with vegetarian also available), snacks, fruit juices, taxes, tips and many holistic health services. These included services are: yoga, a temazcal (native sweat lodge), gym, sauna, tai chi, chi kung, chakra work, fitness programs, aroma therapy, tennis and horseback riding. Other (fee) services are: massage reflexology, acupressure and more. The views are outstanding from the open air palapa-roofed restaurant, the round " infinity" pool, and from 2 Jacuzzis built dramatically on the edge of a rock ridge by the sea. Two beaches await for sunbathing and exploring. Championship golf is nearby. Rating: Special Category - holistic, native medicine.

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MISION DEL SOL, Morelos State - A luxury full service spa resort, with a holistic focus, this 50 unit property (40 rooms and 10 villas) is slightly over 1 hour south of the Mexico City airport. Solsierra includes transfers to the resort. On 7 acres of garden and ponds, the architectural style blends with nature using natural materials. Children over 13 are welcome. The resort offers many activities and programs designed to enhance good physical health and body-mind-spirit balance. Top professionals offer workshops on science, health, nutrition, arts, ecology, self-awareness, English and Spanish, tai chi, and chi kung. Yoga and meditation are practiced. Spa services are complete including massage, facials, the native Temazcal steam bath, and much more. Sports include tennis, jogging, a gym, sports court, yoga, and 3 nearby golf courses. A large pool, restaurant with vegetarian and well-balanced cuisine, library, and many lounge areas complete the facilities. The area, including nearby artist colony Tepoztlan as well as Cuernavaca, offers concerts, theater and art exhibitions. Rating: Special Category - Deluxe/ holistic spa

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HOSTERIA LAS QUINTAS, Cuernavaca - With an average year-round temperature of 75 degrees, this spa resort just 1.5 hours south of Mexico City, offers full spa services in tropical European-Latin American style. Solsierra includes transfers from Mexico City and offers combination spa packages, as well as unique spa-golf and spa-active exploration packages. The colonial style resort, set in lush tropical gardens, offers 60 rooms with private terraces, some with fireplaces and Jacuzzis. The restaurant-bar serves international, spa, and vegetarian cuisine. The European style spa provides an extensive number of services; there are 2 pools; outdoor Jacuzzi; gym; sauna; steam; massage; and beauty salon. There are activities and conference rooms for seminars and yoga. Packages include many spa services and unique hikes or day trips. Rating: Special Category - Deluxe/ resort spa

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