Meet ELENA – Fleewinter’s Mexico specialist
By Elena Sandford-Hawken on 12th July, 2023
Hello… I’m Elena, Fleewinter’s Mexico specialist!
I was back at home in Bristol, England for the summer and this week I have moved back to the Caribbean Coast of Mexico.
I first fell in love with Mexico 7 years ago when it was my first stop on my trip around Latin America and it was love at first sight. Since then I have spent lots of time exploring the lengths and breadths of this magical country. I have travelled to 50 countries but Mexico is the one that keeps calling me back. I am also in the process of setting up Jamaica and The Bahamas – so this is a great jump off point from which to also explore these beautiful countries. Keep your eyes peeled for these launches….
Laguna Bacalar
I am writing this from Laguna Bacalar (A pueblo magico – more on this later), known as “the lagoon of 7 colours”. Whilst talking to the staff at Casa Bakal (pictured above) yesterday about what travel has been like post-pandemic and they said “there’s no off- season” people are here all year. It’s currently the rainy season, this simply means occasional refreshing rain showers, then swiftly replaced by sunshine. Tours are taken by catamarans so as not to impact the ecosystem, which is very fragile and breathtakingly beautiful. One thing is for sure: Laguna Bacalar is growing in popularity so if you want to get ahead of the trend and come here, I’m on location to book the perfect trip for you. accommodation options can be found here (https://www.fleewinter.com/mexico/caribbean-beaches-islands-and-lakes)
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is famous for food, its stunning pacific coastline and, in our opinion, is the best place to celebrate: Day of the dead, or “Día de Muertos” which occurs on the 2nd November is a celebration that takes place all over Mexico. Oaxaca is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in this joyful celebration where family and friends gather to pay respects to those who aren’t with us anymore. Pre-Hispanic traditions and Catholic feasts occur over several days and even weeks.
The Yucatán Peninsula is where you find the Caribbean coast.
We suggest you skip Cancún with its high-rise hotels and fast developing Tulum. I’ve taken the time to go off the beaten track and find beaches, lakes and islands that the average holiday goer might not get to experience. We’ll also make sure you visit the highlights such as Chichen Itza – but in true Fleewinter style this will be early in the morning and before the crowds have arrived.
I love keeping fit and watersports and yoga are great ways to do this in Mexico
And Mexico has a plethora of possibilities: paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, snorkelling and diving (in the sea or a cenote!) Or simply bathing in the crystal clear waters.
Being close to cenotes and water is a spiritual experience and combining my passion for yoga (I recently completed my yoga teacher training in India) in a shala overlooking the sea or deep within the verdant jungle is one of my favourite things to do in my spare time, ideally at sunset or sunrise.
Isla Holbox, is hands down Fleewinter’s favourite little Caribbean island.
Here you can relax, soak up the sun and enjoy all of the beach activities this stunning little island has to offer.
Located north of the peninsula of Yucatan, Holbox island is the perfect place for nature lovers to enjoy tranquillity whilst being immersed in an authentic tropical paradise.
Rent kayaks, enjoy boat trips and explore the mangroves and delight in the wildlife. The evenings can be spent in the little central square of the island. This is a beautiful island and one of my favourite places to experience an unforgettable sunset. Check out some of the hotels we work with.
Magical Mayan Ruins in stunning settings…
THe caribbean coast is a place where you can soak up the magical heritage of the Maya ruins (such as deep in the verdant jungle of Coba or overlooking the azure sea of Tulum beach). Visit cenotes (which feel like something out of a movie!) and are swimming holes formed naturally by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock, this creates underground water pools.
The Mayans revered cenotes because they were a source of water in dry time and cenotes means ‘sacred well’. One of my favourite days was spent cycling a short distance from Ek Balam ruins to cool off in the cenote the Mayans used to use and jumping in for a swim! If your interested why not have a look at our Mayan Magic holiday (https://www.fleewinter.com/mexico/mayan-magic/)
Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns)….
Mexico has over 100 magic towns (and villages) recognised for having unique charms such as: gastronomy, culture, festivals, and history. A chance to get off the beaten track to stunning pueblos with culture and heritage.
It’s hard to choose but one of my favourites is San Cristobal de las Casas ,for a slower pace, you can pass by canyons, in search of colourful cobbled street mountain towns to immerse yourself in arts and local culture.
It is a magical experience exploring its beautiful cobbled streets nestled in the mountains, visiting churches and local markets and listening to live music being played in the streets. From here you can discover the Native Community of Zinacatan and San Juan Chamula, learn about the native people of Chiapas and their traditions and watch women produce magnificent textile pieces. if this interests you I think you’d like this holiday in Chiapas and the Caribbean
If the Pacific coast and Oaxaca is more your style…
Then you can visit petrified waterfalls then eat your body weight in mole washed down with mezcal in Oaxaca. Then continue to the Pueblo Magico of Mazunte.
Mazunte (close to the well known surf town of Puerto Escondido) is known for the magic for tortugas ‘sea turtles’. This laid back little beach town is one of my favourite places for yoga, untouched natural beauty and relaxation. With no resorts you can enjoy the stunning coastline, golden beaches and coconut palms. If this has spiked your interest, perhaps this holiday might interest you in Oaxaca and the Caribbean
My favourite food is….
Ceviche, ideally eaten, sat on the beach watching the waves lap at the shore. There’s nothing like eating this fresh seafood. I also love fresh prawn or tempura fish tacos. Stopping halfway through exploring local markets or stopping after a long day of exploring by visiting a Taqueria is a pastime that never gets old. Mexico is a mouth watering destination with no shortage of activities to work up and appetite.
Temazcal Ceremony
This is a really cool experience and definitely something to try when you visit Mexico. These ancient rituals which have been part of Mexican culture for around 1,000 years are really powerful experiences. Once inside the sweat lodge, water is poured over hot volcanic rocks and herbs (typically sage or copal) which cleanse you with their healing qualities. If this interests you you might like this Eco-Chic Caribbean holiday.
One thing I am determined to do more of in Mexico is Salsa!
I love to indulge in the sauce variety (one of my main pulls to move back to Mexico!) However, I usually feel quite shy about salsa dancing when everyone around me just seems so accomplished at it. So I really want to put my dancing shoes on and up my skills. One thing is for sure, I can’t wait to get back and immerse myself in this country’s magnetising culture and way of life.
I’ll leave you with some lovely pictures I took in Puerto Escondido on the Pacific Coast.
These guys were such characters and these pictures remind me of my last visit there. Sometimes when travelling, along with ticking the must see sites of the bucket list, I appreciate the micro interactions of meeting new people and hearing music you haven’t heard before.
Feeling inspired? I hope so. Click here to contact me – I can’t wait to start planning with you.
