Going Under
Walking outside early in the morning at the Cozumel resort Iberostar is like entering a kind of outdoor cathedral — a place where people come to quietly contemplate nature in some of its most glorious manifestations. Swallows dive (the name Cozumel comes from the Mayan word cuzamil, “land of the swallows”), butterflies flutter among tropical flowers, iguanas occasionally rustle the leaves of trees, and peacocks and flamingoes seek out their breakfast. It’s nearly silent, but far from deserted; guests are up early, speaking quietly, some already in their wetsuits for the first dive of the day, whether it be a lesson in the pool or an open-water dive.
Shortly after dark it’s just as quiet. Over steaks and seafood at El Cedral, Iberostar’s open-air steakhouse, diners speak in awed tones about the marine life they’ve seen underwater that day. Out on the dock, boats are still coming in, carrying divers back from night dives or perhaps an all-day excursion to Holbox Island where they swam with whale sharks.
It’s not that visitors to Cozumel don’t party, or relax on the beach with cool drinks in hand, or shop. But more than anything, people from all over the world come to the 28-mile-long island to dive. Cozumel sits 12 miles off of the Yucatán Peninsula, at the northern tip of the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
The sense of spirituality that pervades Cozumel was felt by the ancient Mayans, who considered the island the sacred home of Ixchel, goddess of, among other things, fertility. Mayan women were once expected to make the 12-mile trip from the mainland by canoe at least once in their lives. Although many of the Mayan temples on Cozumel were destroyed by the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes in the 16th century, you can tour some ruins at Chankanaab National Park — which is also a wonderful snorkel site — and San Gervasio.
Fortunately, unlike the Mayan civilization of centuries ago, the glorious manifestations of nature found under the waters around Cozumel are strictly protected by environmental laws. Most of the visitors who have come to know and love Cozumel are protective of the island’s natural attractions too. The message is clear, and wise: worship Cozumel’s treasures with care, so they’ll still be there when you return.
— Nancy Bevilaqua
(Unheard Of)
Ahoy Mateys
Highlighted by the Official End of America’s Hurricane Season party, the Pirates in Paradise Festival makes for four days of good, clean pillaging in Key West, Fla. From November 29 through December 2, interested landlubbers can set sail with pirate crews aboard the schooner Wols for mock pirate battles and reenacted sea skirmishes between opposing armadas. Visitors can wander the pirate stronghold set in Fort Zachary Taylor, where actors roam the streets to recount famous pirate lore and, occasionally, raid a docking ship. Activities are scheduled for the kids, and the Pirate Pub and Tavern will have all the pints of grog and mead you need after a day of snorkeling for sunken treasure. If you miss the boat, fear not. There are 87 acres and a couple hundred years of history for you to investigate year-round. piratesinparadise.com — Andrew Eitelbach
Washington, D.C.
The New Newseum
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, engraved in foot-high lettering, greets visitors to the recently opened Newseum in Washington, D.C. Located adjacent to the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, the Newseum presents the history of news, journalism, and the First Amendment through fun, inspiring exhibits. With its 15 theaters, 14 galleries, two broadcast studios, and the Interactive Newsroom, the Newseum claims to be the world’s most interactive museum. Seven levels of exhibits include the Internet, TV, and Radio gallery, where visitors can learn about news media past and present. Artifacts on display include a telephone from Rupert Murdoch and a shrapnel-riddled truck used by journalists in Bosnia. Short “immersion” films re-create pivotal moments from the pre-video era of news coverage and feature actors portraying the storied journalists Nellie Bly, Isaiah Thomas, and Edward R. Murrow. newseum.org — Jessica d’Arbonne
San José
Hot Springs Eternal
At the foot of the Arenal Volcano, three hours from San José, Costa Rica, the Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort seems like a peaceful rain forest hideaway, complete with natural hot springs, breathtaking waterfalls, tropical gardens, and talented massage therapists. But don’t be fooled by its relaxing exterior. There’s adventure to be found at Tabacón, from rain forest canopy tours and whitewater rafting to horseback rides and even trips up the volcano itself. The hanging bridges and rides on the Arenal sky tram are also favorites of Tabacón’s guests. If you can tear yourself away from the view long enough for a bite to eat, stop in at one of the resort’s six restaurants and bars. Awarded four-leaf Certification for Sustainable Tourism by the Costa Rican Tourism Board, Tabacón is an Earth-friendly resort in an eco-oriented paradise. tabacon.com — J.D.
Philadelphia
Water, Water Everywhere
The Frederick Graff–designed Fairmont Water Works was the first municipal water system in the United States. Built in 1812 to provide Philadelphia with clean water, it was admired for both its engineering and architectural accomplishments. Lately, however, the structure has been getting quite a different reputation. During the past year, the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge has quickly become one of the city’s favorite family-owned watering holes. With dishes that hark back to America’s melting pot heritage, such as the black pepper–encrusted breast of duck, diners can enjoy a bit of history with their meal by eating in the Engine Room or the Solarium or on the outside terrace overlooking the Schuylkill River. If after one of pastry chef Chad Durkin’s warm truffle cakes you still don’t feel like you’ve gotten your fill of this National Historic Landmark, then you may want to check out the free museum in the basement or try one of the 38 types of bottled water that the Water Works keeps on hand. thewaterworksrestaurant.com — Lauren Knisely
Cancún
Fun, Sun, and Film
One hundred and twenty-five feature films are on tap for the first annual Cancún International Film Festival, November 14–18, presented by the El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Seaside Suites. The festival will feature international filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors while promoting in particular Latin America’s emerging film talent. Films ranging from documentaries and features to animated shorts will be screened throughout the week, and other special events will include free evening beach screenings of classic movies, VIP parties and receptions, panel discussions, and director forums. An Awards Gala on the final night will honor the Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best International Documentary, as chosen by the festival jury. cancuninternationalfilmfestival.com — Kristina Wong
Lafayette
Salt ’n’ Peppers
On the tip of an underground salt mountain near Lafayette, La., sits Avery Island, and a whole lot of peppers. Avery Island is, after all, the home of Tabasco sauce, and the bayous and rich ecosystem that surround the island provide the perfect setting for the production of the world’s best-known pepper sauce. In the 1860s, Edmund McIlhenny combined peppers and salt found on the island to make the first bottle of the now-famous sauce, and it’s been made on Avery Island ever since. Visitors can tour the Tabasco factory and see the different recipes aging in white oak barrels before purchasing a few choice bottles in the Country Store. Afterward, they can stroll out into the island’s Jungle Gardens, which cover nearly 250 acres. The gardens were created by E.A. McIlhenny (Edmund’s son) in the 1890s, and a walk through will reveal hundreds of exotic plant species from all over the world, an 800-year-old Buddha statue, and Bird City, a sanctuary for egrets, which congregate here by the thousands. tabasco.com — Laura Almozara
Geneva
The Chocolate Touch
You may already know about the Swiss’ world-renowned expertise in chocolate, but you might not realize just how intimate that knowledge gets. In the heart of Geneva lies the day spa After the Rain, where a full variety of luxury relaxation treatments offers up alternatives to the overwrought vanilla bean. A dreamy bath of milk, grated chocolate, and cocoa bean oil promises to relax the muscles, arouse the senses, and lift the soul. While soaking in chocolate may seem like the height of decadence, it’s only one of four divine experiences available. Other choices include the bath of flower petals and essential oils, the Cleopatra bath of milk and essential oils, and the mysterious Indian Ocean bath with ylang-ylang. spa-aftertherain.ch — Megan Robershotte
Puerto Plata
Voluntourism
If you are trying to choose between building a new school and taking a Caribbean vacation, it’s worth noting that the PONA Foundation has a convenient solution. Located an hour from Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, the Flor de Cabrera provides its guests with a truly guilt-free vacation. Every cent of the villa’s profits goes to the PONA Foundation. Established by an anonymous couple as a way to teach moral obligation to their children, PONA became involved in the Dominican Republic when the founders vacationed there and rebuilt an orphanage. Since then, PONA funds have built a community center and provided 30 full college scholarships to motivated young people, and the group continues to work directly with locals to find and create jobs. Flor de Cabrera, built in the gated community of Orchid Bay Estates in 2006, offers 10 bedrooms on two acres of beachfront property, a staff ready to help guests 24 hours a day, a beachside pool, five dining options, a gymnasium, and a full menu of spa treatments. Now you can lie by the pool and walk the beaches of the Caribbean knowing it’s doing you (and some others) a world of good. flordecabrera.com — L.K.
Getting There: All the destinations covered in “Go Explore” can be reached by flying Continental Airlines. To book your vacation, contact Continental Airlines Vacations at covacations.com.
