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Globe and Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Puerto Vallarta Shines as a Top Summer Destination for American Travelers
From sea turtle releases and jungle excursions to award-winning dining without the crowds, this is the season to experience Mexico's Pacific paradise for less NEW YORK, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As American travelers plan their summer getaways, Puerto Vallarta continues to secure its status as a must-visit international hotspot. According to the latest Allianz Partners USA report, nearly a third, or 29%, of U.S. flights are bound for international locales this summer, with Mexico claiming three of the top 10 destinations. Among these, Puerto Vallarta stands out for its seamless blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and abundance of outdoor adventures. This vibrant city, tucked between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific coast, is a premier beach vacation destination supported by 27 direct air routes from the U.S. Summer visitors are rewarded with lush green landscapes, fewer crowds and valuable savings on both accommodations and activities, making it a perfect time to experience the city's signature mix of adventure, relaxation and charm. WHAT TO DO Sea Turtle Releases: From July through December, the city's beaches become the setting for one of nature's most moving events: the release of sea turtle hatchlings. Guided by marine biologists and conservation experts, these sunset events invite visitors to witness hatchlings make their way to the ocean, while learning about the species' biology and the importance of protecting their fragile ecosystems. Guests can take part in releases at participating hotels including Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, both recognized for their longstanding conservation efforts. Boca de Tomates Turtle Camp offers a hands-on experience that includes adopting nests and assisting with releases, while tour operators such as Wildlife Connection and Ecotours Vallarta lead small-group excursions that help fund critical preservation work. Explore Lush Landscapes: Summer rains transform Puerto Vallarta into a lush, green escape, creating perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. Canopy River leads adrenaline-filled adventures through the Sierra Madre Mountains, including ziplining, ATV rides and suspension bridge treks. For a quieter experience, scenic hikes like the coastal trail from Las Ánimas to Quimixto offer sweeping ocean views and the chance to spot local wildlife. South of the city, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens span 46 acres of native flora, riverside swimming spots and peaceful walking paths, making it a favorite for nature lovers. Dining Without the Crowds: With fewer travelers in town, summer is the ideal time to explore the city's celebrated culinary scene. Acclaimed restaurants such as ICÚ, known for contemporary tasting menus that reimagine traditional Mexican dishes with regional influences; Tintoque, a chic destination for modern Mexican cuisine; and MAKAL, in the heart of the Romantic Zone and praised for its creative, ingredient-driven approach, serve innovative dishes in refined yet relaxed settings. The quieter pace allows guests to savor world-class cuisine without the usual wait. WHERE TO STAY As Puerto Vallarta enters its low season, travelers can take advantage of summer deals on accommodations across the city. For Families: Velas Vallarta This beachfront all-inclusive resort in the heart of Marina Vallarta offers serene views of the Sierra Madre Mountains and is a favorite for multigenerational vacations. Families enjoy spacious suites, three pools, a kids' club and daily entertainment. The Summer Presale 2025 package, available to book through June 3 for travel from June 1 to August 31, includes complimentary stays for children ages 4 to 12, 50% off for teens, a suite upgrade, $300 in resort credit, discounts on golf, early check-in or late check-out and the signature Kawitu Experience. For Couples: Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway An adults-only property in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, just steps from the iconic Malecon esplanade, Villa Premiere blends oceanfront luxury with personalized service. As part of the Flowers & Sea special, guests receive 20% off bookings made through June 20, valid for travel through January 3, 2026. The experience includes butler service, rejuvenating spa treatments, themed dinners with live entertainment on select nights and a serene beachfront setting designed for a stylish and relaxing escape. For LGBTQ+ Travelers: ALMAR Resort Located in the heart of the Romantic Zone (often referred to as the 'Gayborhood'), ALMAR Resort is the city's only luxury LGBTQ+ beachfront property, known for its Oceanview suites, lively pool scene and inclusive atmosphere. From July 25 to 28, it will host the inaugural POSH PVR Escape, a three-day celebration of music, themed parties and curated experiences. POSH is internationally known for its high-energy events at Art Basel, Fashion Weeks in New York and Paris, and Pride celebrations in Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York. For Luxury Seekers: Casa Kimberly Once the former residence of Elizabeth Taylor, this intimate nine-suite boutique hotel captures the charm of old Hollywood glamour paired with modern indulgence. The Hot Nights, Cool Savings promotion adds value to luxury stays from July 1 through October 31, with a third night free when booking two. The package also includes a deluxe continental breakfast delivered each morning and welcome margaritas upon arrival. About Puerto Vallarta Nestled between the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay on Mexico's balmy Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is the quintessential Mexican beach destination. Puerto Vallarta's year-round warm climate, easy direct access from major markets in the United States and Canada, and a range of accommodation options have made it a top choice for a stress-free tropical escape. Authentic culture can be discovered around every corner in Puerto Vallarta, from the charming cobblestone streets downtown to the art-filled Malecon, and the lively Romantic Zone – a favorite enclave amongst LGBTQ+ travelers. Puerto Vallarta's picturesque beaches and aquatic activities lure travelers, and its welcoming hospitality, top-notch gastronomy, and outdoor adventures keep them coming back time and time again.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Huntington Beach enforces ban on illegal street vending at city hotspots
City officials in Huntington Beach are enforcing a crackdown on street vending, particularly in popular areas such as the beach, the pier, Pacific Coast Highway and the downtown district. While sidewalk vending is permitted with a valid city-issued license, vendors are strictly prohibited from setting up shop on the sand, the pier, in nearby parking lots, or along certain high-traffic corridors. The city's sidewalk vending ordinance, which has been in place since 2019, requires anyone selling food, merchandise, or services in public spaces to first obtain a permit, or else violators could face steep consequences. Vending in prohibited areas like the beach comes with a penalty of up to $1,000 per day, city officials confirmed. A city spokesperson told KTLA's Rachel Menitoff that the street vending ordinance is intended to prevent foodborne illness and address safety concerns associated with unpermitted food sales. Leno Moreno, a local restaurant owner, supports the enforcement, saying it helps create a fair environment for businesses that comply with health and safety regulations. 'Now there's a lot of those catering trucks. Some of them are legally operating, some of them are not legally operating, so it hurts a small business,' Moreno said. Despite the rules, some residents and visitors believe the city's approach may be too harsh. Barbara Swanson, a Huntington Beach resident, said she's bought fruit from street vendors and never experienced any issues. 'I have stopped on the corner to get fruit, and I've never gotten sick because it's in ice. So, I'm all for it,' Swanson said. 'I don't have anything against it.' Others said restricting vending on the beach hurts both vendors and beachgoers. 'For some people, that's their livelihood,' said James Vanpelt, another Huntington Beach resident. 'I mean, the beaches are so long. It would be convenient to go up and get a hot dog or slushy.' Although California decriminalized sidewalk vending in 2018 through the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, the law allows cities to regulate when, where and how vendors operate. The Huntington Beach Police Department said enforcement will include education and warnings. Officers will first explain the rules and ask for voluntary compliance before issuing citations. The increased enforcement is already noticeable to some. 'I don't see anything wrong with that,' one local said. 'It's more competitive and now everybody is playing by the same rules.' The city said its efforts are part of a broader push to manage public spaces while balancing health, safety and economic fairness. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Truth behind Hannah Spearritt's 'off-grid', prepper life in Costa Rica, her VERY environmentally unfriendly car and her unlikely shopping habits
Former S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt has recently delighted her Instagram followers with posts from her idyllic new tropical home in Costa Rica, where she and her partner Adam Thomas are determined to 'live off the land'. Hannah, 44, changed her bio to: 'Prepper, survivalist and creator now living the uninhibited jungle life.' But as these exclusive photos show, even an eco-warrior needs the occasional visit to the supermarket in their gas-guzzling 4x4. Last week, Adam, 45, loaded up the couple's 3.0 litre diesel Hi Lux pick-up with the weekly shop at the huge BM supermarket in Dominical, about half an hour down the mountain from where the couple and their two young daughters have based themselves. Hannah and Adam's hillside estate with its own waterfalls and stunning views of lush green valleys is a far cry from their life in Britain, which they waved goodbye to in January. Hannah announced to her 348k Instagram followers that the couple now plan to 'learn permaculture' so they can 'live off the land' growing fruit and vegetables. But locals and other expats in the hills above Dominical on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, told MailOnline that the challenges of self-sufficiency can be 'immense'. 'Of course it depends on several factors such as how much dough you have, how much land and above all, how much experience,' said an American member of the local ex-pat Facebook group, Domi Crew. 'It can be done, of course, but there are a lot of people who've tried and underestimated how difficult it is, then been forced to look for some other kind of paid work instead to get by.' If that should happen to Hannah and Adam, there would be plenty of opportunities in the thriving tourist and surfing resort of Dominical, should the couple decide to work. The town is less than half an hour's drive down the mountain in their huge gas-guzzling 3.0 litre diesel Toyota Hi Lux pick-up which Hannah showed off on Instagram recently. There is a wide range of luxury hotels, yoga retreats, craft breweries, high-end restaurants, natural food stores, fast food restaurants and a huge BM supermarket, where the couple have both been seen. Though some Instagram followers have assumed the couple's wooden house with glorious views of the sunrise from the terrace would be 'off grid', it almost certainly is not. More than 99 per cent of the many villas and farms dotted in the forest are on mains electriicty and most boast air conditioning and high-speed internet as well, delivered either by fibre optic cable or satellite. Judging by photos posted by Adam on Facebook in their airy kitchen with a high vaulted ceiling, the family won't lack any mod cons in the home. At the supermarket this week, MailOnline spotted Adam loading a trolley high with goods including loo paper and bread to take home. Before heading back to their apartment, he emptied the truck of some rubbish including a soft drink cup from McDonald's. One real estate agent in Dominical told MailOnline: 'There is a very healthy property market around here and it's driven by foreigners. Many of them are digital nomads running their business from here because it's beautiful, with the jungle, the beaches and the quality of life. 'But actually making a living from the land is a tough job, unless you have significant resources and know-how, or have enough property to rent it out to paying guests.' It's not known how much capital Hannah and Adam have between them, but their plans to open a holistic food store in Twickenham had to be shelved last year, reportedly because of spiralling costs. The commercial property in the heart of Twickenham village, bought in Hannah's name in November 2018 for £520,000 with a mortgage, was sold in March, having been on the market for £900,000. Adam announced the couple's move to Central America back in January with a foul-mouthed attack on Britain, declaring 'F*** the UK and f*** the f***ing lot of them. We GOOONE!!!'. His intemperate Facebook post was accompanied by a sweet photo of his two daughters, Taya, five and four-year-old Tora, in a hammock at their stunning rain forest house. But the bitter tone of his invective against politicians of all hues, and 'nosey jobsworth c***s in every government department and the NHS' raised another question. Could an ugly incident which saw the couple clash with police and social workers three years ago over an injury to their baby daughter have been a factor in their decision to quit Britain? The move to Costa Rica brought to an end a well-publicised nightmare few years for Hannah, which included the death of her ex-boyfriend and band member Paul Cattermole in 2023, her awkward departure from S Club 7, a disastrous breast implant surgery resulting in years of ill health and a spell in rehab to wean her off powerful pain killers. But less well known is one of the darkest chapters in her 2023 autobiography, Facing the Music, billed as a 'searingly candid memoir', concerning a clash between the couple and social services. In December 2022, while house-sitting for friends in Virginia Water, Surrey, press reports branded the couple 'homeless' while they were between rental flats. When then toddler Tora suffered an injury, believed to be caused by a dog jumping up and scratching her eyelid, Hannah wrote: 'We found ourselves on the radar of social services, an absolutely ridiculous situation to be in, totally unjustified.' She recalled the horrific incident when she ran toward the sound of Tora's screams: 'The scene that I came upon in the living room will stay with me forever. Tora was standing on the couch, eyelids horrifically lacerated and the worst facial injury I've ever seen.' At the hospital, she wrote: 'One of the nurses came in, and asked Adam if she could have a word with him outside. What I didn't know was that as soon as he left the room, the police were waiting for him and arrested him, taking him off in handcuffs. 'What was already a terrible situation had ramped up to something indescribable'. Hannah claimed that media reports about their temporary homelessness had somehow convinced the authorities that it was likely that one or other of them had inflicted their daughter's injuries. She said: 'It's truly frightening to think that someone with absolutely zero evidence can paint a picture like that which influences someone being arrested and locked up while their daughter lies in a hospital bed, waiting for major surgery.' She added: 'It felt like persecution, one of those police states that people talk about. 'Honestly, I don't think I can ever forgive the people responsible, although we've made every effort to forget about it, and them, as quickly as possible.' Nevertheless, while the social services conducted their investigation, she said, the family had to live in accommodation where other responsible adults were present. She added: 'This was adding insult to serious injury and bearing in mind my gradual decline in health generally, I was really beginning to despair.' It wasn't the first time Adam Thomas had been investigated for alleged violence. In 2016, he was charged with attacking Hannah in a domestic argument, and intimidating a witness. But when the case came to trial, it collapsed, and he was found not guilty of common assault and witness intimidation during a hearing at Kingston Crown Court. The court heard that three prosecution witnesses were not available and that the case could not proceed. Adam Thomas was found not guilty and discharged. Hannah and Adam are believed to have chosen Costa Rica to settle after enjoying a trip to the stunning location in 2018. The visit originally inspired them to set up the café, Fire and Earth, in Twickenham in 2022. However, it was never ready to open fully and they sold up earlier this year. A source said: 'It's the latest in a sequence of setbacks. The new plan is selling up and moving to Costa Rica to live off the land.' Meanwhile Hannah, who has suffered from an autoimmune condition since 2013, had been set to join her former band on their comeback tour in 2023 but pulled out following a feud over contracts. Following the row, the other members - Rachel Stevens, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh and Tina Barrett – announced that they would continue as a five-piece. All the mod cons are available to the family with 99 per cent of the many villas and farms dotted in the forest are on mains electricity and most boast air conditioning and high-speed internet Hannah was said to have been blindsided by the S Club announcement, with her being left on bad terms with the band in which she rose to fame in the early 2000s. She then reportedly drafted in lawyers and made the bold move to release her autobiography on the same day the band would have taken to the stage. Before Paul's death, all seven members of the chart-topping band initially confirmed they were reuniting for a landmark 25th anniversary tour. Hannah initially refused to join the line-up, citing a lack of childcare and only agreed to join when music manager Simon Fuller offered to pay for nannies to come along. Two months later, band member Paul died, and Hannah then accepted a five-figure sum to tell her story, which left a bitter taste in the remaining band member's mouths. The Dancing On Ice star apologised to S Club's fans for deciding to leave but said she had to do what was best for herself and her family.
Japan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Government blames rice price surges on procurement route changes
Rice price surges in Japan since last summer were caused by wholesalers procuring rice through different routes than in previous years, a government white paper on agriculture said Friday. The paper, presented at the day's Cabinet meeting, described the situation since last summer's rice shortage. After the government issued in August last year information warning of a possible major earthquake in the Nankai Trough off Japan's Pacific coast, people's purchases of rice at supermarkets increased about 1.5 times from a year before. This coincided with the time of year when distributors' rice stocks often decrease ahead of the release of newly harvested rice, causing rice scarcity at retailers and others. The amount of rice cropped in 2024 increased by 180,000 metric tons from the previous year, but the volume handled by major buyers was significantly lower, due in part to some rice producers boosting direct sales to consumers and sales to nonconventional buyers. The white paper concluded that rice prices at retailers soared because wholesalers had to buy rice at relatively high prices via different procurement routes to supplement shortfalls. It explained that the government has worked to ease the stagnation of the rice supply, including by holding multiple auctions for government-stockpiled rice since March this year. The government later switched the method of releasing its stockpiled rice from competitive bidding to no-bid contracts.
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Climate
- Bloomberg
Tropical Depression in Pacific Is Heading Toward Baja, California
A tropical depression has formed off Mexico's Pacific Coast and will likely become Tropical Storm Alvin later Thursday as it churns north toward Baja California, the US National Hurricane Center said. The depression, the weakest type of storm that also includes hurricanes, had winds of 35 miles (56 kilometers) per hour and was about 835 miles south of the tip of Mexico's Baja California, the center said in a 5 p.m. New York time advisory. Its winds are forecast to peak about 65 mph, shy of hurricane strength, Saturday.
