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Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Lover Lips Yachts Celebrates 3 Years of Luxury, Leadership & Legacy: A Mexican Woman-Owned Company Making Waves in La Paz, MX
La Paz, Mexico June 08, 2025 --( )-- Lover Lips Yachts Celebrates 3 Years of Affordable Luxury in La Paz From One Yacht to a 40-Vessel Fleet, the Mexican Woman-Owned Company is Redefining VIP Experiences in Baja California Sur Three years ago, Lover Lips Yachts set sail with just one yacht, a bold vision, and a mission to redefine the luxury charter experience in La Paz. Today, the company boasts nearly 40 yachts in its fleet — from sleek motor cruisers to the largest superyacht in the region — becoming a top-rated provider of affordable, luxury yacht charters in the Sea of Cortez. Founded by Fabiola Martínez Alonso, a proud Mexican entrepreneur, Lover Lips Yachts is making waves in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. 'The vision was to create something more than just luxury,' said Martínez Alonso. 'It had to be personal, warm, and inclusive. Every guest should feel like they are part of something special.' A Rising Star in Global Yacht Tourism With a dedication to hospitality, seamless service, and memorable onboard experiences, Lover Lips Yachts has earned more verified five-star reviews than any other yacht charter in La Paz, according to Guests praise the exceptional crew, immaculate vessels, and customized itineraries that reveal the magic of the Sea of Cortez. A Mexican Woman-Owned Company Breaking Barriers Martínez Alonso founded the company after recognizing a gap in the market for luxury experiences that were accessible, inclusive, and community-driven. Since then, Lover Lips Yachts has become a trailblazer — proving that you can deliver world-class VIP service without sky-high price tags. 'This company was built on passion,' added Martínez Alonso, 'but it thrives because of our team, our guests, and the community of La Paz that continues to inspire us every day.' VIP Guests, Local Love From Hollywood executives and Michelin-star chefs to local families celebrating milestones, Lover Lips Yachts treats every guest like a celebrity. 'Whether it's your first yacht experience or your tenth, we believe in delivering unforgettable moments,' said Lester Keizer, Co-Owner. 'You don't have to be famous to feel like royalty aboard Lover Lips.' Giving Back to Baja Rooted in the La Paz community, Lover Lips Yachts partners with local fishermen, chefs, and artisans to showcase authentic Baja experiences. The company also supports charitable initiatives such as food basket programs and mentorships for youth in hospitality. Looking Ahead As the company celebrates its third anniversary, plans are already underway to expand the fleet and introduce new ultra-luxury offerings. 'We're just getting started,' said Martínez Alonso. 'Our dream is to elevate the yacht experience — not just in La Paz, but across Mexico.' Media Contact: Lester Keizer PR Team – Lover Lips Yachts La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico +52 612-000-0000 | +1 702-204-8894 Contact Information: Lover Lips Yachts Lester Keizer 702-204-8894 Contact via Email Read the full story here: Lover Lips Yachts Celebrates 3 Years of Luxury, Leadership & Legacy: A Mexican Woman-Owned Company Making Waves in La Paz, MX Press Release Distributed by
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Inside Look: Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos Review
The family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos has long been one of Los Cabos' all-inclusive crown jewels thanks to the many activities, expansive ocean views and attentive service it offers. With few improvements since opening its doors in 2015, however, the property was due for a refresh; this spring, the resort completed a $50 million renovation that coincides with its 10-year anniversary. The renovation project—which includes 248 refreshed rooms in Tower B, an upgraded lobby bar, an enhanced fitness center, revamped kids and teens clubs, a new Indian dining outlet and rebrands of two of its most popular restaurants—is welcome news for fans of the hotel, which I named one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos. I checked in to experience it myself and was impressed by the new look. Here's my full review. Aerial shot of Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The first thing guests notice when walking into Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is its new open-air lobby. Completely redone, guests are now greeted by soaring ceilings and pops of golds and creams, with the luxurious Lobby Bar 23°N— featuring a propeller centerpiece and vintage navigation tools—being the most eye-catching element of the space. Given all-inclusive resorts' reputation for stale design, the reimagining immediately elevates incoming guests' first impression of the hotel. Those staying in a Club Level are taken to a newly designed and private VIP area to check in right off the main lobby. Lobby Bar 23°N at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos. As part of the recent renovations, the property's kids and teens clubs were completely redone, and the kids waterpark was refreshed; its spacious fitness center, which was quite busy during my stay, also has a fresh look and new equipment. I spent most of my time at the pool area: The hotel features four pools, including a main pool, a kids pool, an adults-only pool and an infinity pool right near the beach. The infinity pool was the most popular of them all, with music and entertainment (think: Hula-Hooping contests and music trivia) on tap all day long. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos offers 591 rooms in a variety of different categories, but only 248 of these rooms have been renovated as part of the hotel's recent transformation: If you're booking this hotel, you'll want to make sure that you're booked into Tower B, where the renovations are complete. (Renovations to Tower C are also expected, but no firm dates are in place.) I stayed in a Deluxe Ocean View Double, a 611-square-foot space that featured two double beds, a walk-in shower and a private terrace overlooking the infinity pool, with views of the coast and mountain range. Deluxe Ocean View Double Room at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos. I was impressed by the transformation; in comparison to the non-renovated rooms in Tower C, which feature darker woods and smoky tones of chocolate and eggplant, my room felt fresh and modern, with bright pops of orange and cerulean blue. The hanging blue and wicker lamps were a nice touch that seemed aligned with many of the hotel's newly designed spaces, and the room's artwork—including a painting that evokes waves and a sculpture of a whale's tail—gave it an established sense of place. As expected, my room's minibar was stocked with water, juices, beer and wine, and service was friendly, prompt and unobtrusive. There are 16 restaurants, bars and lounges at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, and several of them are new: Casa Cortez, once just known as Cortez, has been overhauled with a new, boho-chic look and revamped menu. Serving seafood-forward Mexican cuisine, the excellent ceviches, fish tacos, shrimp burrito and margaritas I had here made it hands down my favorite dining outlet at the hotel. The hotel also revamped its Mediterranean restaurant Zaffiro, now called Farina e Olio, though it was not yet fully open during my visit, and opened a new Indian dining outlet named Mahika, which guests enter through an immersive ticket booth. Casa Cortez at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos During my stay, I enjoyed daily breakfasts at El Molino, which serves up Mexican favorites and a global buffet breakfast. I'm not the biggest fan of buffet-style dining, but I was impressed by the quality and variety here—the chilaquiles were particularly great—and looked forward to returning each day. I was also pleased by the strong coffee at the on-site Coffee House (with just about every milk substitute available), the delicious poke bowls at the juice bar by the main pool and the fact that I was able to order a perfectly made dirty Grey Goose martini (no extra charge) at Lobby Bar 23°N. As someone who has been to many all-inclusive resorts, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos certainly punches above its weight when it comes to food and drinks. One of my favorite midday snacks were the tacos served at the bar near the adults-only pool. If you're staying at the resort, look for the small kitchen door at the end of the bar, where you can place your order. The tacos are truly authentic; it feels almost unbelievable that these can be found at an all-inclusive resort. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is located about a 20-minute drive from the San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD).
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- The Guardian
‘Swimming with orcas is out of control': can new rules keep tourists and Mexico's whales safe?
Just after sunrise in the small village of La Ventana in Baja California Sur, the beach is bustling with wetsuit-clad tourists. They climb into Mexican fishing boats and race out into the windy blue bay, cameras at the ready. The fishers turned tour guides follow a couple of ocean safari yachts, which follow directions from pilots sent up in spotter planes. The goal of this 40-boat cavalcade? To enable swimming with orcas in the wild. Swimming with orcas in Mexico falls into a legal grey area as it exploits loopholes in two Mexican laws that protect endangered marine wildlife. This has become particularly problematic in the past five years since selfies with the whales on social media have led to an increase in the number of people wanting to try the activity. 'We thought it was a great thing at the beginning but it has become kind of a nightmare,' says Evans Baudin, the owner of Cabo Shark Experience who estimates he has taken 1,500 people to swim with orcas over the past nine years. 'It's completely out of control. Since there are no authorities or rules, anyone can do whatever they want.' Local fishing boats, some without insurance or the proper licences, are competing with the bigger foreign-owned companies based in the nearby cities of Cabo San Lucas or La Paz. Some of these companies are guaranteeing tourists the chance to swim with orcas and are pulling out all the stops to keep that promise. Whoever tourists book with, the result is the same: increasing numbers of people are swimming or freediving with the whales, meaning dozens of boats are zooming around the animals. This is especially problematic in May and June, the busiest months for orca swimming trips. Georgina Saad, a marine biologist with the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, is worried about where all this may lead. Although no wild orca has ever killed or attacked a human, she says: 'They are wild animals. If we don't give them distance and space, they may, like any animal, defend themselves.' The constant influx of boats and swimmers may also affect the orcas' wellbeing. The pods in Baja are usually females with babies and are often feeding on mobula rays, sharks, dolphins, turtles or whales while people are in the water with them. They hunt using sonar to find their prey, and the noise from the motors can disrupt the whales' ability to capture food. 'Eventually, these animals may not want to come back,' says Juan Vasquez, owner of a La Paz-based sailing tour company and a captain for more than 20 years. 'They have good memories and they will remember being harassed.' Erick Higuera, a marine biologist and documentary film-maker based in La Paz, says that no one is regulating the sudden increase in swimming with orcas, which took off in 2019 after a few Instagram posts went viral. 'It brings in a lot of money for communities and no one wants to stop.' Now, however, a proposed plan aims to change all that. A group of experts, including Saad, Higuera and Baudin, have put forward recommendations for a species management plan for orcas in La Ventana Bay, where most of the swimming happens. To do that, they incorporated information from 44 people interviewed locally. Saad expects the plan to be approved by the Mexican government this summer. The proposed plan for orcas would be the first species management plan in Mexico based partly on the animals' behaviour – if they exhibit distress they must be left alone – not just a quota on the number of people or boats in an area. Tourists have flocked to Baja for decades to swim with whale sharks and to watch grey and humpback whales. The difference is that these activities are strictly regulated with government-issued permits and firm guidelines – but the activity of swimming with orcas has slipped through the regulatory net. This is partly because existing laws do not specifically ban swimming with toothed whales and partly because they rely on having species management plans. Sign up to Global Dispatch Get a different world view with a roundup of the best news, features and pictures, curated by our global development team after newsletter promotion The scientists' proposed plan for orcas would also require permits for any tourism boats interacting with the animals, and would limit the number of boats that can surround an individual or family to no more than three at a time, with a cap of nine boats on any given day. Since each orca has a unique dorsal fin, captains or guides should be able to keep track of their interactions. Revenue from the permit fees would go towards training people from La Ventana and funding patrol boats to enforce the plan, Saad says. 'The goal is to teach captains and guides how to read the whales' behaviour so they know when to interact with the animals, how to do so safely, and when to give the orcas space.' Not everyone is confident that this orca management plan will succeed and some feel as if they were left out of the planning process. 'Arbitrary, one-sided decisions could affect the future of so many families,' says Cristóbal Pérez, the owner of a tour company based in La Paz. 'The community needs a voice.' Jorge Armando Lucero González, a tour boat captain who lives in nearby Agua Amarga, says that no one asked his opinion about the plan, nor any of his cousins or brothers who hope to continue to earn a living from wildlife tourism. Many local captains are worried that permits for swimming with orcas will mainly go to established tour companies in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. They also believe it is unfair that the proposed plan only targets La Ventana when orcas – and the tourists who want to see them – roam throughout the Baja peninsula. Saad believes that ensuring tourists are allowed to swim with orcas only in La Ventana is the most important part of the management plan. 'We can send the message that this is the only place to do it, and this is how it is going to be done, and the rest is illegal.' Regardless of when and how the management plan unfolds, most captains say they will keep taking tourists on trips to swim with orcas, and do their best to keep the people and animals safe. 'I love these animals more than anything. I want to be able to protect them, and I still want to be able to offer people who are respectful the opportunity to see them,' Baudin says. 'Doing it the right way is the most important thing.'
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Forbes
‘A Different Kind Of Fun Than Cabo': Check Out This Baja California City On The Sea Of Cortez
La Paz is a seaside city with a lot to offer visitors, including a seaside Malecon that offers scenic walking and dining in a relaxed setting. While tourism in Baja California Sur has traditionally been all about Los Cabos (better known colloquially as Cabo), other coastal towns in Baja have begun to attract their own attention, perhaps none greater than the seaside city of La Paz. In January 2025, La Paz had 194% more international arrivals in comparison to the same month last year, and domestic arrivals were also up 9.2% compared to the previous year. Located on the Sea of Cortez, La Paz is a university town with a lot to offer visitors, especially in the way of ocean activities, wildlife viewing, desert hiking, and affordability. Cabo has long been the most popular destination in Baja California thanks to its unrivaled infrastructure (i.e. variety of hotels, resorts, restaurants, etc.), accessibility (direct flights from many places), sandy beaches, rocky, scenic coastline, and fiesta-filled atmosphere. That last attribute is usually make-or-break for most visitors. Spring breakers delight in this aspect of its personality, while families and beach bums may find it a little overdone. This is one of the reasons La Paz is experiencing such growth, said Mike Madlock of Go Baja Charters, a Southern California native who has lived in La Paz for 19 years. A whale shark feeds on plankton and krill near the surface of the bay of La Paz, Mexico. During winter, visitors can snorkel with these gentle giants. 'La Paz is more popular now and is being discovered because people are realizing that La Paz offers a different kind of fun than Cabo,' he said. 'We don't have that fast Las Vegas-style pace, that spring break style, that's in Cabo. La Paz is more for families and people who love the water and like things just a little bit more low key.' Madlock said there isn't the quantity of offerings found in Cabo, but that there are plenty of solid bars and restaurants in La Paz. Take a stroll along the malecon and grab dinner and drinks during the sunset, then have an after-dinner nightcap at the La Miserable Mezcaleria, a neighborhood mezcal bar. La Paz has a large student population, who come from all over the country to study at the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, considered to be a prime choice for students studying marine biology. 'La Paz is not just a vacation destination,' said Karla Baledon, local resident and travel concierge. 'We have the best marine biology university in the whole country, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. It's a natural laboratory for students.' That university vibe translates over to tourism. La Paz is home to Go Baja Sailing, an American Sailing Association School also run by Madlock. Folks come for daily or weekly courses between November and May to become a captain or instructor. Sailing is particularly good in La Paz thanks to favorable wind conditions and protected, calm seas. 'Last season was the largest in our history in terms of the number of students,' Madlock said. He said La Paz is growing as a sailing university destination because of its excellent wind, relatively calm conditions on the Sea of Cortez, and beautiful, offshore island destinations, like Espiritu Santo. 'Sailing out of La Paz is more like lake sailing,' Madlock said. 'We don't get those big pacific rollers, so when it gets rough, it's more like wind chop.' La Paz is a haven for spotting or swimming with sea life, with a rotating selection of visitors throughout the year. You can snorkel with sea lions in areas such as San Rafaelito from September through May, and with massive whale sharks between November and April; Humpback whales are around between November and April; In August and September, orcas pass through La Paz. Sea lions are native in the waters of La Paz and can be seen while snorkeling. All of these animals, and more (like dolphins), can be spotted on a 'seafari' experience, said Baledon. Snorkeling and other types of boat tours are also widely available. Destinations for boat tours include the island of Espiritu Santo (a national park) and the infamous Balandra Bay. It's easy to find a hotel for an average of $100 per night in La Paz, and comfortable Airbnbs—including 'guest favorites'—can be found in the center of La Paz, within walking distance to the malecon, for less than $50 per night. More luxurious accommodations can be had at a nice value. Boat rentals are also relatively affordable as compared to other destinations. Madlock considers his $1,200 per day (8 hours) offer—which includes a licensed captain—to be amongst the most competitive. Balandra in the Baja California Peninsula, one of Mexico's most extraordinary bays. These pristine white sand beaches and the adjacent mangroves are protected from the Sea of Cortez by arid, cactus-strewn cliffs. At low tide during the day, the sandbanks are exposed and the ankle-deep water creates different shades of blue and turquoise. The bay is a protected area and only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day. For some time, the La Paz Airport received direct flights only from cities in Mexico, requiring American travelers to make a connection through an out of the way airport, like Mexico City or Guadalajara, if they wanted to fly into La Paz. But some recent good news: Direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX) have returned on Alaska Airlines. 'That's a real game changer,' Madlock said. 'We haven't had direct flights from Los Angeles for about 10 years.' Perhaps more direct flights will appear in the next few years. Otherwise, flying into Los Cabos is an option, so long as you don't mind a little road trip. La Paz is two hours north by car from Cabo, and the drive is very scenic.
Fox News
19-05-2025
- Fox News
Americans planning Mexico vacations face new safety concerns as US raises travel advisory
As Americans begin to finalize their summer vacation plans, a travel advisor is offering safety tips for those heading to Mexico's pristine shores that are often frequented by Hollywood stars. Fox News Digital spoke with Sandra Awodele, the creator behind COI Traveler, a growing travel blog and platform, about what Americans should be wary of ahead of their summer travels to Mexico. "People love Mexico because it's a good time, it's affordable, and it's driveable," she said. "But they should be cautious of theft, scams and cartel violence." The travel expert's tips come as the U.S. State Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, has issued an urgent travel warning for Baja California Sur, La Paz, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas due to escalating security concerns in these popular tourist destinations. The travel alert reported that cartels have made threats against officials. It added that Americans in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz should "expect to see increased security presence [and] public transportation restrictions." The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for each of Mexico's 32 states based on varying safety conditions. The advisory for Baja California Sur has been raised to "exercise increased caution." Other popular tourist destinations in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Quintana Roo and Nayarit, are also under similar advisories. For travelers planning to visit Mexico in the near future, especially those heading to Baja California Sur, it is crucial to heed the advice provided by the embassy and local officials, Awodele said. If driving, Awodele suggested travelers plan their route by using designated safety corridors in Mexico. The country has highway systems that are monitored more closely and has frequent security checkpoints that may provide tourists an extra set of eyes during their trip. When packing, bring at least one credit card and two debit cards to prevent being stranded if one is lost or stolen, she said. For Awodele, the issue is personal after she was robbed and scammed out of $250 while traveling in Tulum, Mexico. She explained that she arrived at the port well ahead of her flight to take a water taxi to the airport, but missed one that had just left. A man approached her and claimed that, due to COVID-related changes, the next water taxi wouldn't arrive on time, and she would miss her flight. The man, she said, insisted that she needed to take a small private aircraft—and that it required $250 in cash. Despite her suspicions, Awodele complied, because she was panicked about missing her flight. She withdrew the money from an ATM and was rushed onto a small aircraft. Notably, she was the only passenger, which added to her discomfort. Upon arriving at the airport, with plenty of time left, she realized that the urgency may have been fabricated. After looking into it, Awodele found out this type of scam, where fear and urgency are used to trick tourists into overpaying for transportation, is not uncommon. Since the payment was in cash, she had no recourse to get the money back. She suggests that, along with multiple credit cards and debit cards, travelers carry some U.S. dollars and invest in an anti-theft bag to secure valuables. "Don't travel with one card. If you're going somewhere, you need a credit card and at least two debit cards. The credit card gets locked, or the debit card gets stolen," she said. "You need a third card to make sure that you're good." She also suggested bringing a power bank and downloading offline maps that include your hotel, the nearest police station and other key locations in case of emergency or poor cell signals. While in Mexico, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid looking lost, as this can mark you as a target. Women travelers should consider using drink covers like scrunchie lids, carrying a whistle or personal alarm and storing valuables in different places. If something goes wrong—like being scammed or robbed—contact the U.S. embassy immediately, cancel compromised cards, and get to a safe, populated area, Awodele said. Celebrities have long flocked to Mexico for its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and private retreats. Tulum, located on the Caribbean coast, has been frequented by stars like Jennifer Aniston and Paris Hilton. Celebrities like the Kardashians, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé have been known to frequent Punta Mita, a private peninsula on the Pacific coast. Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for comment.
