Mexican security forces struck a major blow against international drug traffickers when they killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes over the weekend. Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and one of Mexico’s most ruthless drug kingpins. But while his death leaves a power gap in the cartel, there could be even greater effects domestically and internationally.

What did the commentators say?

The most immediate effect of Cervantes’ death was a surge in violence, as “almost immediately, Guadalajara, Mexico’s third-largest city and the capital of Jalisco State, was plunged into chaos as the cartel retaliated,” said The New York Times. The carnage began “spreading to cities and beach resorts across Mexico as gunmen torched stores and banks and blockaded highways.” The U.S. Embassy ordered Americans to “take immediate shelter in their homes or lodgings” amid the “wave of high-intensity violence,” said The Arizona Republic. The blockades set up by the cartel became particularly troublesome as they “paralyzed different points of the state” of Jalisco.

Despite this violence, some across Mexico celebrated Cervantes’ death, as he had “built the Jalisco cartel into one of Mexico’s most feared criminal organizations,” said the Times. The cartel’s violence and brutality are notable “even among the country’s landscape of beheadings, dismemberments and bodies hanging off bridges.” Cervantes’ demise is the “most important blow that has been dealt to drug trafficking in Mexico since drug trafficking existed in Mexico,” said Eduardo Guerrero, a former Mexican security official, to the Times.

There is also likely to be an effect on Mexico’s drug trade, as the Jalisco cartel is “one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations, with significant cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine distribution networks,” said Al Jazeera. There is additional evidence that the cartel played a “major role” in recent fentanyl trafficking into the United States. Many who follow the cartel’s doings say the group’s “growth has been driven as much by strategy as by brutality.”

What next?

Most experts say it is unlikely the Jalisco cartel will simply go away. U.S. officials “consider the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, with a presence in all 50 U.S. states,” said The Guardian, referencing the infamous trafficking organization led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Given that the Jalisco cartel “earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines,” production appears primed to continue.

The long-term effect in Mexico will largely “depend on what succession plans Jalisco New Generation had in the event of Oseguera Cervantes’ capture or killing,” said The Independent. Beyond the current carnage, there is usually “longer-term violence associated with any succession.” How bad things will get depends on the cartel itself, but typically, operations where a “cartel boss is removed lead to more violence and fragmentation of criminal groups.”

There could also be ongoing political ramifications, as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s move to target Cervantes “represented a hard policy turn following a year of intense pressure” from President Donald Trump, said CNN. But a “permanent cartel crackdown would create new dilemmas and political risks.” And while Sheinbaum has said she is focused on restoring peace and coordinating with security forces, historical killings of drug lords “don’t stop drugs flowing to Americans or temper cartels, which seed corruption throughout Mexican business, law enforcement and politics.”

“At your service” really means something when you hear it at these hotels. Each one is known for offering exquisite hospitality, with talented teams that go above and beyond to impress grateful guests.

Capella Bangkok, Thailand

This “hush-hush hideaway” offers a “sleek and ultra-private” escape on the edge of the Chao Phraya River, said Condé Nast Traveler. Rooms have “heaps of space” and “fabulous” views, with select accommodations that include a private plunge pool. Each room is also assigned a Capella Culturist dedicated to ensuring guests fill their days with special experiences. That might mean booking a “meditation session with a monk from a nearby temple” or arranging a “chef-led street-food tour.”

Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Offering “unparalleled” service is a hallmark of the all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya, said Travel and Leisure. Every guest has a personal concierge they can “text at any time,” either with questions or to set up activities, dinner reservations, housekeeping and taxis. There are also “specialized” staffers to assist parents and guests at the pool and spa, “actively” helping by delivering drinks and snacks and moving umbrellas. Grand Velas Riviera Maya blends “old-world elegance” with “first-class luxury,” and the spacious rooms and hotel common spaces feel “upscale and chic without being stuffy.”

La Maison Favart, Paris

As one of the “prettiest — and wittiest — hotels around,” La Maison Favart in the 2nd Arrondissement “might be as close as you’ll get to heaven on Earth,” said Time Out. The “endlessly photographable” rooms are “sophisticated” with an “unapologetically feminine touch,” and many have views of the Opéra Comique. The 24-hour concierge team provides tailored hospitality, working with guests before they arrive at the property to ensure a perfect stay, and once a month posts a blog on the hotel’s website with restaurant, activity and experience recommendations.

The Leela Palace Jaipur, India

You can’t help but feel like royalty at The Leela Palace Jaipur, and that’s not just because of its grand nature. From arrival to departure, guests receive spectacular service that is “seamless and professional,” said The Independent. It starts by being greeted with “drinks and flowers,” and throughout your stay staff will continue to surprise you with special, personalized treats left in the room (once they find out what precisely you enjoy, expect to find it waiting for you). This is part of the regal hotel’s “classic Indian charm” and why so many guests are return visitors.

The Mark, New York City

At the glamorous Mark on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the service is “razor-sharp and friendly,” said The Times of London, and “small, innovative touches” like the “posh” Haute Dog Stand and express shoeshine from John Lobb “propel the Mark to the top of its game.” The concierge team is led by Maria Wittorp, who often tells guests, “our only limitation is your imagination.” They can set up just about anything, including a private Gilded Age Mansion Tour and Champagne-soaked after-hours shopping trips on Madison Avenue.

San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito, California

Ask, and you shall receive. Guests at the historic San Ysidro Ranch are encouraged to make the most out of their stay and let staff know their needs, whether that means a private boat charter or a special dinner inside the stunning wine cellar. The “five-star service” is one highlight of this “top-tier” retreat, where the beautiful gardens are “impeccably groomed” and visitors stay in “thoughtfully decorated” cottages, said Sunset. The attention to detail, right down to the customized letterhead waiting for guests in their bungalows, makes San Ysidro Ranch a “legendary” spot.

Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco

Every riad at this Marrakech “icon” comes with round-the-clock access to a personal butler happy to secure reservations, arrange tours and fetch necessities, said Condé Nast Traveler. In an “interesting” twist, staff move through the property through a network of “hidden tunnels and elevators,” which lets them respond to requests in a “magically discreet fashion.” This is exactly what you’d expect at such an “opulent” hotel, where “no detail was overlooked, from the sumptuous stucco work to manicured walled gardens.”

If you are going to set one New Year’s resolution, make it this: Try new things. If you are down for a second resolution, why not go with spending more time in the great outdoors? Combine both intentions by visiting one of these brand-new hotels opening in 2026 where being in nature is one of the built-in amenities.

Alila Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Nature surrounds Alila Mayakoba, a secluded hotel situated on 60 acres of mangroves and freshwater canals in Riviera Maya. Guests will be able to choose between 182 rooms, suites and villas, including several that have interior gardens and private plunge pools. Expect a focus on wellness and outdoor experiences rooted in local traditions, like sunrise cacao rituals on the beach, temazcal ceremonies led by healers and lagoon-side paddle meditations. (opening in February)

andBeyond Sandibe Under Canvas, Okavango Delta, Botswana

At this intimate and immersive safari camp, guests will be in the middle of the action. Three solar-powered luxury tents, complete with super king beds and showers, sit in the Okavango Delta, where wildlife like lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs roam year-round. Activities will include going on game drives and walking safaris, and with a maximum of six guests at any time, it will feel like you have the whole place to yourself. A nearby sister property, andBeyond Nxabega Under Canvas, is also debuting in early 2026. (opening in March)

Chesa Marchetta, Sils Maria, Switzerland

Chesa Marchetta fits right in with the splendor of the Alps. This 13-room hotel is a renovated 16th-century guesthouse from Artfarm, filled with antiques and decor made from Swiss stone pine, a “fragrant high-altitude wood known for its calming properties,” said The New York Times. Rounding out the property is the restaurant, where “Northern Italian and Swiss specialties” shine, and a “weathered barn turned lounge” offers “elaborate cocktails.” (now open)

Eha, Hiiumaa Island, Estonia

Eha is a wellness retreat like no other. It sits on unspoiled Hiiumaa Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, right where “pine forests meet the Baltic Sea,” said Forbes. Eha’s retreats will be guided by the “energy and rituals” of each season and include Estonian healing traditions and activities like nature immersion, breath-led movement and foraging. The kitchen will “follow the seasons,” with meals showcasing fresh ingredients from the chef’s garden and local growers. (opening in summer)

The Lake Como Edition, Cadenabbia, Italy

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lombardy at The Lake Como Edition, owned and developed by Omnam Group. The building is a “light-filled” 19th-century palazzo featuring “floor-to-ceiling glass walls” offering “sweeping views of the water,” said Travel and Leisure. Outside, guests will enjoy a floating pool and lake activities (ask the concierge team to set up a sunrise sail), while inside they can experience the Longevity Spa, a “high-tech retreat” with plunge pools, an herbal sauna, Turkish bath and thermal pool with Lake Como views. (opening in March)

Mailena, Loreto, Mexico

Mailena is ready to change the game in Loreto. This adults-only, luxury wellness resort is set inside Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Galápagos of Mexico. Guests will have the chance to explore gorgeous beaches, canyons and cliffs outside, then relax by Mailena’s pool or in the Wellness and Longevity Center, featuring saunas, sensory deprivation tanks and biohacking suites. (opening in late fall)

Nihi Hospitality Academy Rote, Rote Island, Indonesia

The art of hospitality can be learned and practiced at this one-of-a-kind resort. A training school will be the heart of the property, with students learning the ropes from Nihi Hotels employees and getting hands-on experience with guests. Initially, 21 villas will open on Bo’a Beach, giving guests gorgeous views and easy water access. They will also be able to take advantage of a Beach Club and a selection of ocean-connected adventures curated by staff. (opening in April)

Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort, Thailand

You can only get to Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort by boat, and the destination is well worth the journey. Guests will appreciate the elegant suites and villas, decorated in soothing greens, blues and purples to evoke feelings of calm. The property sits on Laem Tong Beach on the Andaman Sea, and adventure awaits for those who want to spend all day in the clear water kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and paddleboarding. (opening in spring)

The Sunny, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Find both vitamin D and sea at The Sunny. This 339-room oceanside resort has a private beach for guests and offers easy access to the Newport Fishing Pier, where diners can enjoy a meal above the Atlantic at the Sandbar. The hotel’s concierge will also be happy to set up outdoor excursions, including visits to Everglades National Park, bike rides and picnics in the park. (opening Feb. 4)

Under Canvas Yosemite, California

Experience Yosemite National Park the Under Canvas way. This is the company’s first camp in California and will be set on 80 acres of “pine-dotted forest” near the park’s west entrance, said Afar. Each tent includes West Elm furnishings, a king bed and en suite bathroom, with a select few also having stargazing windows. An Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) stop is across from the camp, giving guests easy access to Yosemite and its “giant sequoias, waterfalls, two remaining glaciers and dizzying granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.” (opening in April)

White Elephant Aspen, Colorado

White Elephant Aspen will be a hotel for all seasons. The boutique property, the third White Elephant in the U.S., is sure to draw skiers and snowshoers during the winter, cyclists in the spring, white water rafters and fly fishers in the summer, and hikers in the fall. Amenities will include private shuttles to and from the slopes and use of bikes to cycle around town. The 54-room property brings the outside in, with leather, wood and stone details and large windows showcasing mountain views. (opening in 2026)

A new year means new trips and new places to explore. That might be heading to Egypt to wander a museum thousands of years in the making, visiting Guadalajara for tortas, tequila and a World Cup match, or diving along the Sardinian coast. A trip to any of these increasingly hot spots is certain to be a highlight of the year.

Botswana

Considering a safari in 2026? Book it in Botswana. The country’s landscapes span from “delta to desert,” and because light pollution isn’t an issue here, each “star and comet blazes in the dark sky,” said Lonely Planet. On your journey, you could spot elephant herds, “majestic” lions, cheetah and meerkats. Botswana is also known for the quality craftsmanship of its artisans, which is “most apparent” when you see its “functional and stylish” woven baskets.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Visitors have long been captivated by the “distinctive” landscape of Cappadocia, best viewed from one of the “region’s famous hot air balloons,” said The Independent. The “rose-tinted valleys” and craggy ancient rock formations are beautiful, and the wine culture, vibrant dining scene and “wealth of outdoor activities” make it a “destination of a lifetime.” Add to the experience by staying at Argos, a monastery turned luxe hotel with rooms carved into the cliffs. Its heated pool overlooks Pigeon Valley and offers a stunning new perspective of Cappadocia and the hot air balloons.

Egypt

The brand new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is a “gift to Egypt and the world,” said Vogue Arabia. The 5,400,000-square-foot space is filled with 100,000 artifacts from across eras, including Tutankhamun’s gold death mask and an 83-ton statue of Ramses II. Make this your first stop, then continue the adventure on a luxe tour with Inside Egypt. Expeditions are led by local Egyptologists, taking travelers to iconic spots like the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and monuments rarely open to the public. Tours run from 7 to 17 days and include sailings down the Nile.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Over the last few decades, Gothenburg has emerged as “one of Europe’s greenest destinations” and a “cultural hot spot with an eco-friendly spirit,” said Lonely Planet. The city was recently named a U.N. Global Hub for Sustainable Lifestyles, and its vast public transportation system runs on renewable energy. Visitors are drawn to modern attractions like Karlatornet, the tallest building in Sweden, but also appreciate Gothenburg’s many historic areas, like the boutique- and cafe-filled Haga district. To get an even fuller picture of the city, head to the World of Volvo museum to learn about Gothenburg’s industrial past and find a “splash of seaside history” at the Sjofartsmuseet maritime museum.

Guadalajara, Mexico

The third-largest city in Mexico is the “epicenter” of such cultural traditions as mariachi and torta ahogada, said Condé Nast Traveler. In 2026, it will also host an array of “world-class events,” like the Guadalajara International Film Festival, four FIFA World Cup matches and the 40th edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair. Leave plenty of time in your schedule to sip on tequila at El Gallo Altanero and paint ceramics at the Cerámica Suro factory.

Mongolia

This East Asian country, filled with remote, untouched landscapes and one of the world’s last nomadic cultures, stands apart. Mongolia is a “rare example” of how a country can “embrace tourism without compromising its identity,” Nomadic Expeditions CEO and Founder Jalsa Urubshurow told Travel and Leisure. That means offering visitors authentic experiences like riding reindeer with the Tsaatan community, witnessing the speed and agility of Kazakh hunters and their golden eagles, and crossing the Gobi on a camel.

Sardinia

A “wild island escape” can be found on Sardinia, where “pristine beaches” and “cultural riches” are plentiful, said Lonely Planet. Active travelers will jump at the chance to go diving, swimming, caving and snorkeling along the coast or hiking on the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara long-distance trail, while “archeology enthusiasts” focus on sights like the massive nuraghi stone structures built during the Bronze Age.

Uluru, Australia

In 2026, there will be a new way to experience Uluru, the sandstone monolith sacred to the Anangu people. They are the traditional owners of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and spent the last decade working with the Tasmanian Walking Company to develop the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk.

Over five days, visitors trek from the “soaring domes” of Kata Tjuta to the base of Uluru, going through “desert oak forest, spinifex plains and red-dune country normally closed to the public,” said the BBC. This is also the only way to sleep inside the national park. Top off the adventure by checking out the Field of Light installation and Wintjiri Wiru, a “storytelling experience above the desert” featuring lights and drones.

“Please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino before the last men’s World Cup in Qatar. That didn’t stop Qatar being accused of using the tournament to sportswash its poor human rights record.

Next up is Donald Trump, who is showing every intention of exploiting the 2026 World Cup – to be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico – to push his Maga agenda. Ever the showman, “Trump will make sure he is front and centre at this tournament”, said Alexander Abnos in The Guardian – even “in spots where he has no business or where his involvement may be seen as uncouth or inappropriate”.

Host cities threat

Having claimed credit for securing the tournament for North America back in his first term, the US president has repeatedly sought to insert himself into the World Cup narrative since returning to the White House.

He has recently used “safety concerns” to suggest he may ask Fifa to relocate matches away from Democratic-run US host cities, including Boston, Seattle and Los Angeles. “The governors are going to have to behave. The mayors are going to have to behave,” he warned.

Moving World Cup games away from a selected host city would be an “extraordinary decision that has little, if any, precedent”, said CNN. All the host cities were announced in 2022 and they have already lavished “time and money” on “infrastructure improvements, security planning and extensive plans to host an influx of millions of visitors”. Trump’s suggested alternative, against the background of his sending federal law enforcement agencies into Democratic-controlled areas “to crack down on illegal immigration and crime”, is for the host cities to “invite the National Guard” in now.

At a conference with Infantino in the White House, to discuss World Cup plans, Trump also told reporters he would be “OK” about ordering strikes against co-hosts Mexico as part of his ongoing war on drug trafficking. “They know how I stand,” he said.

Peace prize

Trump has struck up a bromance with Infantino – and critics say they share the same megalomaniac traits. This week’s visit to the White House was Infantino’s sixth this year, and he surprised many by accompanying the US president to Egypt for the signing of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Infantino will use next month’s World Cup draw in Washington D.C. to award the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize, conceived to reward “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and, by doing so, have united people across the world”. Fifa have disclosed no details about the process for choosing the winner and, if Trump receives the award, as expected, “it’s likely to add to the perception that it’s been created in response to the US president not winning the Nobel Peace Prize”, said The Associated Press.

The timing of the award and Infantino’s “proximity to the president” have “raised questions about whether FIFA is adhering to its own rules on political neutrality”, said The New York Times.

“Indelible, sublime moments will still happen” at next year’s World Cup, said Abnos in The Guardian. “But those moments will be punctuated by Trump – eternally encroaching on even the most elevated of emotional experiences.”

Cancun is renowned for its vibrant party scene. Often described as Las Vegas on sea, the Mexican resort city on the Yucatan Peninsula has big-name hotels, all-night clubs and golden Caribbean sands for snoozing off hangovers. Yet it also has plenty of appeal beyond the dance floor.

You can now fly direct to Cancun from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. From there, the Riviera Maya stretches 80 miles south along the coastline to Tulum, past sprawling all-inclusive resorts, palm-shaded beaches, extraordinary archaeological sites and the wildlife-thronged Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, with its mangroves, tropical jungle and coral reef.

Where to stay

All the big-name hotels are here, and most have vast grounds with private beaches, luxurious spas and infinity pools galore. If you’re travelling with family or a group of friends, opt for the all-inclusive The Fives Hotels and Residences, which is ten minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen and has enormous one-, two- or three-bedroom suites. All have separate living areas, fully-fitted kitchens where you can stash snacks and sundowners, and balconies overlooking the garden or pool. Elsewhere, there are eight pools, tennis and basketball courts, a kids’ club, a white sandy beach and a mind-boggling choice of places to eat, from a pizzeria with sea views to an opulent Thai restaurant. Rooms are built around the hotel’s very own mangroves, where a wooden boardwalk weaves through the trees for spotting coatis (similar to raccoons), lizards and spider monkeys.

The adults-only all-inclusive TRS Yucatan Hotel is a better choice for couples, and boasts six pools, including a show-stopping three-tiered infinity pool overlooking the sea. Sleek suites have a modern feel with plunge pools in private gardens, outdoor Jacuzzis, freestanding in-room tubs and hammocks overlooking the lagoon. Extras have been thought of, too, from the much-needed tray of ice lollies offered round each afternoon to the poolside cart stocked with sun cream and novels.

Things to do

Many visitors barely stray from the nearest swim-up bar but, if you can resist the lure of tequila on tap, Cancun is a dream for thrill-seekers. Xplor Park is a vast outdoor adventure playground surrounded by dense jungle and featuring the world’s only five-in-one water slide, two seven-zip-line circuits high above the treetops, an underground river for rafting and swimming, and the chance to drive an amphibious vehicle through flooded caverns and over narrow bridges in the rainforest.

The region’s Mayan ruins are a must-do. There are several to choose from, including the El Rey Archaeological Area in Cancun itself, but the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza is well worth the two-hour drive. An Unesco World Heritage Site and one of its New Seven Wonders of the World, the city dates back over 1,000 years. It is astonishingly well preserved, with a circular observatory, several temples, a marketplace and the famous four-sided Pyramid of Kukulkan.

Most people combine their visit with a dip in one of the area’s many cenotes, freshwater sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone and connected by the world’s largest underground river. The Mayans considered these spots to be sacred gateways to the underworld; today, they are eerily tranquil swimming spots draped in vegetation and studded with stalactites, home to fish, iguanas and turtles. Il Kil is the closest cenote to Chichen Itza and one of the prettiest, but it can get busy. Instead, head to Cenote Zaci in the centre of Valladolid, an hour’s drive away and in strolling distance of the town’s pastel-coloured buildings, street food vendors and 18^th century colonial-style cathedral.

Some organised day trips include access to smaller cenotes, which you’re likely, and unforgettably, to have all to yourself. My half-day tour with Ocean Tours included a visit to Cenote Yaxmuul, an entirely underground cenote, where jagged rocks form narrow passageways and hidden caves shimmer with vivid turquoise water. It’s considerably cooler than the calm, bath-warm water of Akumal Bay, part of the world’s second-largest barrier reef system after Australia, where we stopped to snorkel, with stingrays, squid and several green sea turtles gliding elegantly beneath us.

Eating and drinking

There are tacos and freshly-made guacamole at every turn, including for breakfast. Cochinita Pibil is the traditional Mayan take on a taco filling: melt-in-the-mouth pork, slow-roasted in banana leaves, served with soft tortillas and pickled red onions. In Valladolid, the best ones come from the no-frills family-run (cash-only) Tigrillo taco stand one block from the main square. For a more leisurely lunch, try El Atrio del Mayab, which has a pretty courtyard next to the cathedral.

Learn to spot the best tequila with an organised tasting. The Fives Hotels and Residences hosts its own in a colourfully tiled cantina, where Mexican folk bands play live music as you sample different varieties. At the Hacienda Tequila in Playa del Carmen, you can try before you buy, so you can bring the perfect bottle home.

Siobhan Grogan was a guest of Virgin Holidays. Seven nights all-inclusive at The Fives Hotels and Residences starts from £1,405pp, including flights from Heathrow. Seven nights all-inclusive at TRS Yucatan Htoel starts from £1,703pp, including flights from Heathrow.

The public groping of its first female president has placed Mexico’s epidemic of violence against women into sharp focus.

Claudia Sheinbaum was speaking to a group of supporters in Mexico City on Tuesday when a man approached her from behind and tried to kiss her on the neck and touch her chest. The president moved his hands away before a member of her staff stepped between them, and the man was later arrested. Video of the incident “quickly ricocheted across the internet”, said Reuters, “underscoring for many in Mexico the insecurity women face” there.

Sheinbaum said that although it was something she had experienced in the past, when she was 12, she had decided to press charges because the suspect had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd. “My view is, if I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women?” Sheinbaum said at a news conference on Wednesday. “If this happens to the president, where does that leave all the young women in our country? No man has the right to abuse women’s personal space.”

The femicide capital

Rights groups say the incident shows the “extent of ingrained machismo in Mexican society, where a man believes he has the right to accost even the president if she is a woman”, said the BBC. Femicide is a “huge problem” – a “staggering 98% of gender-based murders” are estimated to go unpunished.

Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, pledged as a candidate to tackle the problem, but since she was elected last October there has been “no discernible improvement in that area of violent crime”.

Mexico has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world. In the first seven months of this year, more than 500 women have been killed because of their gender. That’s almost 40% fewer compared with the same period in 2024, according to figures from the Federal Security Secretariat cited by Sky News.

And from a policy standpoint, Sheinbaum “has made clear progress” on women’s rights, said The New York Times. But “non-lethal violence against women has hardly budged”.

A personal affront

The incident has “sparked outrage” among Mexican women, who “saw their own fears and experiences reflected in her plight”, said The Guardian. For some, watching the country’s first female president being groped in public was a “personal affront”.

“If the president suffered assault with that level of protection and those guards it means that all of us women can be assaulted at any moment,” said Patricia Reyes, a 20-year-old student.

“It was really humiliating,” said María Antonieta de la Rosa, a feminist activist and artist. “I felt angry, enraged and impotent.”

“The issue of assault is like the base level on the violence thermometer and it culminates in femicide,” she added. “So living in a femicidal country, the issue of assault is always there.”

The situation has also turned a spotlight on the country’s anti-sexual harassment laws. Out of Mexico’s 32 federal entities – Mexico City and 31 states – “only 16 criminalise sexual harassment”, said Al Jazeera.

On Thursday, Sheinbaum unveiled a new national initiative against sexual abuse, including a push to make harassment punishable in every state, education for prosecutors and judges on crimes against women, and a new public campaign to encourage women to report crimes. She called for all states to come together “beyond politics…defending the integrity of Mexican women”.

If you are a chocolate fan, eating delicious truffles, fudge and bonbons should be part of any vacation. But why stop there? Take a tour of a factory to learn how bars are made, indulge in a chocolate-based spa treatment and attend a sacred cacao ceremony. Here are seven ways to incorporate confections into your getaway.

Attend a cacao ceremony at W Punta de Mita, Mexico

At the blissful W Punta de Mita in Riviera Nayarit, guests can take part in a cacao ceremony, an ancient ritual “honoring the Mayan ancestors of the region,” said Forbes. Cacao beans were sacred to the Maya, with chocolate considered food for the gods, and this ritual is meant to stir “self-reflection and spiritual awakenings.”

Led by a shaman, the ceremony takes place outside the hotel on the white sand beach, with participants drinking the cacao before relaxing with a sound bath meditation. The experience leaves guests energized and renewed.

Chocolate Laboratory at Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia

Chocolate is part of St. Lucia’s culture, and has been since the first cocoa trees were planted here during the early 1700s. At the luxe Jade Mountain Resort, guests can learn more about the island’s sweet side while visiting the Chocolate Laboratory. There are over 2,000 cocoa trees at the property and its sister estate, and at the lab, guests can taste the “incredible” chocolates made from those beans, said Food & Wine.

Other interactive activities include truffle making and tempering chocolate. Book the Chocolate Alchemy package for extras like a chocolate-infused spa treatment and excursion to the resort’s Emerald Cocoa Estate.

Cacao-centered spa day at Rancho La Puerta, Mexico

Rancho La Puerta, a wellness resort spanning 4,000 acres only an hour’s drive from San Diego, is a “special place,” said Travel and Leisure, and the magazine’s readers have named it “one of the best destination spas in the world” for 10 consecutive years. The legendary spa offers a native-inspired Xocolatl Skin Replenishment treatment that uses nourishing, antioxidant-rich cacao butter and sugar to soften the skin, followed by a body mask and massage using cacao-infused products. This treatment is reason enough to grab your passport and book a stay.

Lindt Home of Chocolate, Switzerland

This “shrine to sweets” also happens to be one of Zurich’s “most impressive contemporary buildings,” said The Sydney Morning Herald. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of chocolate, from its global origins to how it became a vital part of Swiss culture. Visitors can also make their own chocolate during workshops led by Lindt master chocolatiers, pick up souvenirs in the world’s largest Lindt shop and see a 30-foot chocolate fountain.

Hot chocolate from Park Terrace Hotel, New York City

Walking around New York City, seeing the sights with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, is one of the best ways to spend a winter trip in the Big Apple. At the inviting Park Terrace Hotel, the Cocoa + Go perk lets guests grab an insulated mug of hot chocolate from local favorite Chocolat Moderne, so they can have a nice, warm beverage at all times.

Park Terrace is right by Bryant Park, so you’ll be “right in the midst of all the typical NYC action,” said Time Out. The hot cocoa will fuel your walk to Rockefeller Center to see the giant Christmas tree and the sparkling storefronts of Fifth Avenue.

Hershey’s Chocolate World, Pennsylvania

The candy epicenter of the U.S. is Hershey, Pennsylvania, home of the Hershey Company and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Here, visitors can take a ride through the chocolate factory to learn about the manufacturing process; create their own candy bar; go on a chocolate tasting journey during the interactive Hershey’s Unwrapped show; and take a trolley ride around town. Taking a stroll around the nearby Hershey Gardens is a sweet way to end the day.

Since Donald Trump began his second term, he has put increasing pressure on multiple Latin American nations – including US allies. And the seemingly haphazard nature of his attacks is raising questions about his motives.

The US president has imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico, the US’s largest trade partner. He has threatened to seize the Panama Canal and has carried out mass – allegedly unlawful – deportations of Latin Americans. He has tried to use punitive 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, in an attempt to influence the outcome of the trial of Brazil’s former president and Trump ally, Jair Bolsonaro.

The US military has sharply increased its presence in the southern Caribbean, deploying 10,000 troops and multiple warships and aircraft. It has struck at least seven Venezuelan vessels that Trump claimed were trafficking drugs – without offering evidence. At least 32 people have been killed as of Friday. Trump has slammed Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and admitted to authorising covert CIA operations against him.

And on Sunday, Trump escalated his feud with Colombia, one of America’s closest allies, slashing aid and increasing tariffs on its exports because it “does nothing to stop” cocaine production. Trump called Colombian president Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader”, after Petro accused the US of committing “murder” in the Caribbean. He warned that Petro “better close up” drug operations or the US would “close them up for him”.

What did the commentators say?

One “lament often heard from Latin America” is that the US has “paid insufficient attention to the region”, said the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But now Trump has given it “more attention in nine months than many past administrations of either party have since the Cold War” and those countries may well “regret getting what they wished for”.

The US pivot stems from a fear that, for too long, it has “prioritised power projection and policing global hotspots over attending to its ‘shared neighbourhood’”. This has led China to “expand its influence” in the region, and allowed organised crime, drug trafficking and migration to “threaten US security”. In response, Trump “seems to be adopting a ‘Monroe Doctrine 2.0’”: abandon soft-power initiatives in favour of threatening (or deploying) military force, while “relying on economic coercion” in the form of tariffs.

The problem is that the tariffs and the cutting of “already-slashed levels” of US development and aid to Colombia will “make it harder” for Bogotá to combat the cocaine trade, said Keith Johnson on Foreign Policy. Colombia is, by far, the primary source of cocaine in the US, and, historically, “the biggest chunk” of US aid “has come in the form of counternarcotics and law-enforcement support”.

“If the US were truly interested in countering drug trafficking, the last thing you would do is to alienate the one military in the region” capable of fighting drug traffickers, Elizabeth Dickinson, senior Colombia analyst at the International Crisis Group, told Johnson.

US military assets in the Caribbean “are not much use” in fighting the drug trade, said The Guardian’s foreign affairs commentator Simon Tisdall – especially if their focus is on Venezuela, through which only small quantities of cocaine are trafficked to America. So what is Trump up to here?

President Maduro claims the White House is attempting to “forcibly impose regime change” on his country and is waging “undeclared war”. Analysts suggest Trump “covets Venezuela’s abundant oil, gas and mineral resources”. And there’s a personal aspect: Marco Rubio is “a long-time critic of left-wing rulers in Cuba and Nicaragua” – for him, Maduro is “unfinished business”. But, given Trump’s “hapless blundering on other key foreign issues”, the most likely explanation is that “he hasn’t got a clue what he’s doing – in Venezuela or Latin America as whole”. There is no plan.

What next?

America is Colombia’s biggest trading partner, so Trump’s threats of further tariffs have “some potential leverage”, said Johnson on Foreign Policy. But “the pain will be felt as much by US consumers as by Colombian exporters”.

In Venezuela, the Trump administration thinks “its campaign against Maduro is working”, and that increased US military pressure will convince the Venezuelan leader “he can’t remain in power”, said The Wall Street Journal. “The idea is to make him miserable enough to go away,” a senior administration official said. But, far from weakening Maduro, it might “achieve the exact opposite”, said Tisdall in The Guardian. Maduro is using the crisis to increase his grip on power.

More broadly, Trump’s “bullying of other left-leaning Latin American countries”, including Colombia and Brazil, and his “presumptuous cheerleading for right-wing populists in Argentina and El Salvador”, is “spurring a regional backlash”. Trump’s efforts to “reprise the role of Latin American neighbourhood policeman” are ultimately “self-defeating”. Long-term, the “big winner” will be China.

Mexican music is facing a crackdown. Local authorities are banning public performances of narcocorridos, popular ballads that romanticise drug cartels.

As the country wrestles with the “effects of organized crime” and “pressure from the Trump administration to crack down on cartels”, politicians are keen to show they don’t condone songs that glorify criminal activities, said The New York Times.

Corridos about local bandits have been popular since the “early 20th century”, said the Financial Times but, since the 1970s, a hugely successful subgenre – narcocorridos – has celebrated drug runners and ”become a key element of propaganda for cartels”.

Heavy fines, even prison time

At a time when they are “more popular than ever” in Mexico, narcocorridos are “increasingly under attack”, said the Los Angeles Times. “A new generation that came of age during the ongoing drug war has embraced songs that recount and often glamorize both the spoils and perils of organized crime.”

Although there is, as yet, no nationwide law prohibiting narcocorridos, around “a third of Mexico’s states and many of its cities have enacted some kind of ban” on their performance. These mostly take the form of heavy fines, but can also trigger a prison sentence.

When Aguascalientes state “banned songs inciting violence” earlier this year, the well-known band Grupo Firme announced that they would not play narcocorridos any more, said The New York Times.

But fan reactions to artists abiding by state rules have, ironically, led to violence. When Luis R Conriquez – who has over 23 million monthly listeners on Spotify – said on stage that he was joining the “cause of zero corridos”, he was “booed” by the audience, who then “threw punches” at each other and “caused significant damage to the venue”, said Billboard.

Upsetting US authorities

Ignoring the crackdown has already had consequences, said The Times. When the band Los Alegres del Barranco sang a song “dedicated to El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco cartel”, and projected his face “onto a giant screen behind them”, they were not only charged with “promoting crime” by the local attorney general, they also found their American visas revoked, forcing them to “cancel dozens of shows in the US”.

There are increasing signs that, even where there are no local narcocorrido bans in place, bands are starting to “self-censor”, fearing that “upsetting US authorities” could affect their ability to tour”, said CNN.

“The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists,” said US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on X. “I’m a firm believer in freedom of expression but that doesn’t mean that expression should be free of consequences.”

The bans and the visa-revoking may be having the opposite effect to the one intended, however: figures show that Los Alegres del Barranco have “gained over 2 million new listens on streaming services”, said CNN. It seems a genre “that has long romanticised outlaws, outcasts and underdogs” still has an “enduring modern appeal”.

They are known as the victims of Mexico’s long-running “invisible war”.

Since the then president Felipe Calderón launched his "war on drugs" in 2006, more than 130,000 people have gone missing.

“In many cases, those disappeared have been forcibly recruited into the drug cartels – or murdered for resisting,” said the BBC. But “while drug cartels and organised crime groups are the main perpetrators, security forces are also blamed for deaths and disappearances”.

‘Delirium of necrophilia’

Cases of people reported missing or snatched from the street at gunpoint never to be seen again “were once rare in Mexico”, said The Washington Post. This began to change 15 years ago when huge numbers of disappearances “began to flare into global news, with the discovery of mass graves filled with putrefying bodies”.

By 2023 more than 5,600 mass graves had been recorded in Mexico, said A Dónde van los Desaparecidos. In March this year, a cartel training and extermination camp was discovered on a ranch in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, complete with burned human remains and 200 pairs of shoes.

Strikingly, the discovery – labelled “a human tragedy of enormous proportions” by the UN – was not made by state authorities but by informal search teams of family members known as “buscadores”.

These groups “scour the countryside and the deserts of northern Mexico, following tip-offs, often from the cartels themselves, as to the whereabouts of mass graves”, said the BBC. They carry out searches and campaigning for justice “at great personal risk”, with several themselves disappearing in the aftermath of the Jalisco find.

The “official narrative” is that Mexico’s violence is “entirely the fault of drug cartels, period”, said author Belén Fernández on Al Jazeera. “This rationalisation conveniently excises from the equation the Mexican state’s established track record of killing and disappearing – not to mention the lengthy history of collaboration between Mexican police and military personnel and cartel operatives.”

This is perhaps why the authorities have been hesitant to acknowledge the scope and scale of the crisis, with former Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador even going as far as to accuse Mexicans involved in the search for the missing of a “delirium of necrophilia”. According to Mexico’s National Register of Missing and Disappeared Persons, for a year while Obrador was in office, between May 2022 and May 2023, an average of 27.6 people went missing per day, or more than one person per hour.

Amnesty International now estimates the rate of disappearances stands at 30 per day.

‘Systematic and widespread’

Last month, thousands of people took to the streets across Mexico in protest at the lack of action on the issue by officials.

“The wide spread of cities, states and municipalities where demonstrations were held illustrated the extent to which the problem of forced disappearances affects communities and families across Mexico,” said the BBC.

For the first time, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances has opened a procedure for the case of Mexico. For the committee’s experts, who have been studying the case for a decade, there are indications of a “systematic and widespread” practice, said openDemocracy.

“As has pretty much been par for the course with all ostensible global anti-narcotic endeavours orchestrated by the US, the Mexican drug war did nothing to curb international drug traffic but much to render the country’s landscape ever more blood-soaked,” said Fernández.

That has not stopped the US government from adopting ever more extreme measures. It has already labelled six Mexican cartels terrorist groups and now the Trump administration is weighing possible military action against them.

“But Mexican cartels aren’t dependent on a handful of high-profile extremists,” said The Washington Post. “They’re among the country’s top employers and often have relationships with local politicians and police. Disappearances are a sign of their hidden control. Killing or capturing a few leaders is unlikely to destroy their structures.”

“As Mexico’s invisible war rages on, disappearance may have already become normalised,” said Fernández.

One of the deadliest chemicals on Earth is being smuggled across Latin America – and is poisoning the environment along the way.

Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin and its use is banned or heavily restricted throughout the world. But it's "essential" to illegal gold mining, one of the Amazon's "most destructive criminal economies", said The Associated Press,

Once extracted from the Earth's crust, mercury "persists in the environment indefinitely", said The Guardian. Those who drink water and consume food contaminated by it are gradually poisoned. But, with the current record-high gold prices, the mercury trade has become "so lucrative that one of Mexico's deadliest cartels has entered the business".

The 'gold-mercury-drug trifecta'

Last month, Peruvian authorities seized about four tonnes of mercury hidden inside gravel sacks in a Mexican container on a cargo ship bound for Bolivia. It was the largest mercury seizure made in South America. Mercury mining in Mexico is "spinning out of control", according to a recent report by the non-profit Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA). More than 180 tonnes were trafficked from Mexico to Colombia, Bolivia and Peru between April 2019 and June 2025, as part of what the Washington-based organisation calls a "gold-mercury-drug trifecta".

Miners mix mercury with sediment and heat it until it vaporises, leaving the pure gold ore – and releasing toxic vapour into the air, water and soil. Leftover mercury washes into rivers, where it transforms into methylmercury: its most dangerous form. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining releases 800 tonnes of mercury into the rainforest every year.

In 2013, 128 countries signed up to the Minamata Convention and committed to restrict the production and export of mercury, before phasing it out by 2032. But "legal loopholes" in the UN-based treaty "benefit traffickers and illegal gold miners", said the EIA, warning that the trade is "fuelling violence, forest destruction", human rights abuses and "environmental devastation".

In Latin America, governments and law enforcement agencies have struggled to stem the flow. Peru and Brazil banned mercury imports in 2016 but, "in Bolivia, it is easier to import mercury than to import books or medicines", said Oscar Campanini, director of the non-profit Centro de Documentación e Información Bolivia.

'Profound impact'

The surge in mercury trafficking has been driven by soaring gold prices. According to World Gold Council estimates, 30% of gold mined around the world comes from "untraceable" sources – a $12 billion (£9 million) black market that has "created a toxic web of environmental degradation and public health risks", said AI Invest.

It's having a "particularly profound impact" on the health of Indigenous people, said Mongabay, a non-profit environmental media organisation. Communities that live near mining sites in the Amazon have been exposed to high concentrations of mercury. In Peru's Madre de Dios region, an "epicentre of illegal mining", mercury contamination has been detected in drinking water and even breast milk, said AP. Long-term exposure can cause "irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system, particularly in children and pregnant women".

There are equipment and methods that can replace mercury in the gold mining process, and reduce the risk of contamination – but there is currently little market incentive to adopt them.

The issue is "expected to take centre stage" at the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention in November, where advocates "hope to eliminate legal loopholes" and enforce phase-out timelines. Authorities say last month's bust "marks a turning point in efforts to dismantle the supply chains".

A sunny beach getaway, a quiet lakeside escape and camping off the beaten path are all great ways to spend the summer. Sometimes, though, you crave all the action and want to be surrounded by things to do, places to go and people to see. When that urban urge strikes, head into the hustle and stay at one of these big-city hotels.

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

This colorful hotel in Mexico City's "hip" La Condesa neighborhood retains many of the building's original touches, including mosaic murals and "eye-catching" tile floors, alongside new installations like Andaz's "signature pink escalators," Travel and Leisure said. The rooms are "sleek and modern," and the heated rooftop pool boasts "one of the best views of the city and the mountains." Still, the hotel's "biggest strength" might be its location within walking distance of "countless" restaurants, "trendy" boutiques and art galleries and "bustling" bars.

Gansevoort Meatpacking, New York City

Neighborhoods change. It's an inevitability of any city — but especially the behemoths. The smartest and best hotels know to shift alongside those metamorphoses. The Gansevoort in New York City's Meatpacking District began its life in 2004, when popular culture bestowed the area with "'Sex and the City'-anointed 'it' neighborhood status," said Condé Nast Traveler. In the ensuing decades, the Meatpacking District shifted into a high-end shopping hub, with an Apple flagship and endless boutiques.

Beginning in 2021 and finished for the hotel's twentieth anniversary in 2024, the Gansevoort debuted a complete overhaul "gutted down to the studs" and the 186 rooms given new life with "blue and grey ombré wallpaper" and "subway-tiled bathrooms," plus Lululemon full-length exercise mirror panels. Feast on lively French-inspired dishes at the hotel's anchor restaurant, Le Coin. The patio is the place to be when the weather cooperates.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin

A "Berlin institution," Hotel Adlon Kempinski is "arguably" the best five-star property in the city, said Condé Nast Traveler. Its "light-filled" signature suites offer "iconic" views of the Brandenburg Gate, along with "total soundproofing" for a good night's sleep. The Adlon is in the "nerve-center" of Berlin and within walking distance of museums, monuments and parks. Or you can opt for borrowing a bicycle or reserving the hotel's limo service to get around.

L7 Chicago by Lotte

L7 Chicago By Lotte, right by the Magnificent Mile, caters to the "creative class," said Afar. The bold space is filled with curated works from local artists, and guests that book the Artist's Suite receive tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago and a signed limited edition print by artist David Heo, among other perks. Rooms and suites come equipped with luxuries like Frette linens, but there is also a "subtle industrial aesthetic that feels just right in this busy part of town."

Malmaison Edinburgh City

The vibrant Malmaison Edinburgh City is in the heart of St. Andrew Square, where the capital's "shopping, social life and sightseeing intersection," The Telegraph said. It is easy to get to and from the boutique property — the tram and bus stops and Waverley train station are all within a five-minute walk — and once inside you instantly feel welcome, thanks to the "jolly staff" ready to answer questions and point you in the direction you seek. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring "entertaining, eye-slapping examples of graphic art."

The Middle House, Shanghai

In the heart of Shanghai's Jing'an District is The Middle House, a "hushed private space that's upped the city's design game," Condé Nast Traveler said. Windows stretching from the floor to ceiling "make even the smallest rooms feel larger," and guests appreciate the "gorgeous works of photography." For a slice of history, the famed French Concession is a few minutes away, offering a "glimpse at what's left of Shanghai's legendary libertine epoch of the 1920s and 1930s."

1 Hotel Toronto

With its "cutting-edge sustainability measures" and "ultra-stylish interiors," 1 Hotel Toronto is perfect for travelers seeking an elevated eco-friendly stay, said the Michelin Guide. Stepping inside, you feel at one with nature. The furniture is made of local and reclaimed timber and driftwood, and the "surprisingly sunny" rooms are "warmed by plenty of organic textures and living houseplants." 1 Hotel Toronto is in the King West neighborhood, once an industrial part of town that today is home to flourishing bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

New York is not the only city that never sleeps. In Berlin, Rio, Seoul and Accra, the night never has to end. Clubs, bars and restaurants are open until the wee hours — if they even close at all. For entertainment from sunset to sunrise, these seven destinations are tops.

Accra, Ghana

The parties start outside in this coastal city, with revelers flocking to "rooftop bars, open-air concerts, live DJ sets and art festivals," Accra expert Kofi Dotse said to Time Out. Every night of the week, Accra's "vibrant" streets are "buzzing with food vendors and music," and those wanting to dance under the moonlight know to visit Labadi Beach for its all-night bashes. For "high-energy clubbing," visit "iconic venues" like South Village for its warehouse parties and Alley Bar.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is where "anything goes," the BBC said, with clubbers bouncing from "techno temples" to "hedonistic hideouts" to "multi-day raves in former Cold War bunkers." There are often rules in place to protect the sanctity of partying, like no phones allowed inside, and brace yourself for bouncers who strictly control who enters. There is no official closing time for venues in Berlin and buses are always running, making a night of revelry easy.

Budapest, Hungary

For an only-in-Budapest experience, head to a "ruin bar" — an old, dilapidated building transformed into an establishment offering "drinking, dancing and socializing in a slightly shabby but always charming setting," Lonely Planet said. In the Jewish Quarter, these bars, each one with its own character, can primarily be found behind the Great Synagogue. The "granddaddy of them all" is Szimpla Kert, the first to open and "arguably the best and bawdiest of the bunch," with multiple rooms offering different vibes.

Guadalajara, Mexico

In Guadalajara, you can do just about anything once the sun goes down. A night out may include "world-class cuisine or bacon-wrapped hot dogs, a symphony concert or a raucous lucha libre (wrestling) match," Lonely Planet said. Find a traditional cantina like Cantina La Fuente, the oldest watering hole in the city, order a beer or tequila and then see where the evening takes you. Guadalajara is also "one of the most accepting and inclusive" spots in Mexico for LGBTQ+ people, with an annual Pride festival and many gay bars.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal is "unapologetically modern," Condé Nast Traveler said, for an "incredibly historic" city. Nightlife can be found most everywhere, from Quartier des Spectacles, the "beating heart of arts and culture," to Gay Village and its famed Cabaret Mado drag bar, both of which are "a little gritty, a little sparkly and utterly fabulous." Sports fans can also get in on the action, attending a Montreal Canadiens hockey game at Bell Center before dinner and a bar crawl. Night owls, take note: Plans are in the works for the city to have an all-night district where venues can stay open and serve alcohol 24/7.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Of course the home of the world's biggest Carnival celebration is going to be a nightlife hotspot. Rio de Janeiro has a well-earned reputation as "one of the most epic party cities on the planet," Travel and Leisure said, with the "beats of samba de rodas, the country's best-known musical form," echoing across neighborhoods.

Lapa's bohemian bars "still enchant locals and visitors alike," and travelers who like to be ahead of the curve should check out the trendy Morro do Pinto. The Botafogo district melds food and entertainment at "up-and-coming gastronomic hotspots like Alba and Vian Cocktail Bar" that turn into "dance floors on the weekend," said Time Out Rio de Janeiro editor Renata Magalhaes, who noted the city's street scenes are "livelier" than ever.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul "truly comes alive at night," Cosmopolitan UK said, with bars, karaoke spots, restaurants and shops open "well into the early hours." The city has "distinct pockets boasting a different vibe," with Hongdae featuring "themed photo booths on basically every corner" and Seongsu-dong "packed with edgy cocktail bars." Go to any section of Seoul and you will find "throwback dive bars and strobe-lit nightclubs," Lonely Planet said. It is not unusual for partiers to stay out until morning, "rallying outside convenience stores at 7 a.m."

During your travels, you don't have to go to the Louvre or The Met to see a masterpiece. At these 9 hotels, art is everywhere and in all forms, including original sculptures that greet guests in the lobby, hands-on photography workshops and full-on museums that are open to the public.

Almanac Barcelona, Spain

Almanac Barcelona gives you the chance to play the ultimate game of hide-and-seek. Through the Hidden Art package, guests stay in one of the hotel's Art Suites, which feature works by emerging Spanish creatives. In every suite, artist Catherine Parra conceals an original abstract piece of art, and if you find it, you can take it home.

Hotel Ranga, Iceland

Nearly every wall tells a story at Hotel Ranga. Murals by local artists depict scenes from Icelandic sagas, like the Story of Burnt-Njal, but the focus is not just regional. Several suites are also "designed with themes inspired by the world's continents," Travel and Leisure said, "adding a fun, unique flair."

One Aldwych, UK

Art is an "integral" part of One Aldwych in London, Condé Nast Traveler said, the common thread that ties together the suites, the grounds and even the Lobby Bar's Gallery Cocktails menu. The hotel's impressive modern art collection includes 400 pieces, with an original work in every room. As part of One Aldwych's Curator program, guests can tour Covent Garden with royal silhouette portraitist Charles Burns and walk away with their own paper silhouette as a keepsake.

Quintessence Hotel, Anguilla

The Haitian art collection at Quintessence Hotel rivals any you could find in a gallery. Carefully curated by owner Geoffrey Fieger, this colorful assembly of more than 600 artifacts and works is spread across the manor and on-site art gallery. The view of Long Bay Beach's "white sands and sparkling blue waters" also wows guests, Forbes said.

Solaz Los Cabos, Mexico

The art at Solaz Los Cabos is not confined to Gabinete del Barco, its museum and gallery filled with Indigenous artifacts, tool replicas and a suspended grey whale skeleton.

Mexican visual artist César López-Negrete created more than 400 pieces that dot the property, including massive marble forms and gold sculptures. They take inspiration from Baja California's natural beauty and history.

The Memphian, US

The Memphian Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, was a blank canvas for artist Mary Loeb. With her team, she selected its playful art and decor, amplifying the work of 15 local creatives (with some of her pieces sprinkled in). The result is a "one-of-a-kind lodging experience," National Geographic said, with "nods to the city's heritage." Example: The chandelier in the lobby made of bobbins acknowledges the Mississippi River and Memphis' "love for fishing."

The Siam, Thailand

All of The Siam in Bangkok is infused with art. Every suite is "furnished around one specific theme and outfitted with artwork, antiques and other decorative pieces," Forbes said, and guests can even get a traditional Sak Yant tattoo at the on-site tattoo studio. For a different type of permanent memory, sign up for the collodion wet plate photography experience. This process dates to the 1850s and results in a photo that lasts forever.

21c Museum Hotel Lexington, US

Come here to live out your "Night at the Museum" dreams. Housed in a former bank building, 21c Museum Hotel Lexington has 88 rooms and a contemporary art museum with more than 2,000 works. Accommodations in the Lexington, Kentucky, hotel are "adorned with original artwork that's well-lit with natural sunlight," Condé Nast Traveler said, and guests can take free guided tours of the museum or do a yoga session in the main gallery.

Villa Bokeh, Guatemala

Villa Bokeh looks like a work of art. The "palatial" villa is in the middle of a six-acre garden, Elle said, with a "glittering pond" in the backyard. The owners' art collection is on display throughout the property, with paintings, photographs and sculptures in every room. Guests can unleash their own inner artist during Paint and Sip events held outside, with French wine serving as a conduit.

What happened

Mexico Thursday flew 29 accused drug cartel leaders and operatives to eight U.S. cities to face criminal charges. The unprecedented mass extradition was carried out as Mexican officials were in Washington to try to fend off President Donald Trump's threat to hit Mexico and Canada with 25% tariffs next week, purportedly over drug smuggling.

Who said what

The extradited cartel suspects included "two leaders of the hyper-violent Zetas cartel" and Rafael Caro Quintero, a "prized target long sought in the killing of a U.S. narcotics agent," Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, in 1985, The Washington Post said. Caro Quintero, 72, was considered "one the founders of Mexico's international drug smuggling industry," The Wall Street Journal said. Getting ahold of him has long been "all but an obsession" for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, The New York Times said.

The dramatic handover of alleged drug kingpins and killers was "all part and parcel of the package the Mexican government is putting on the table to avoid the 25% tariffs," Brookings Institution drug policy analyst Vanda Felbab-Brown told the Post.

What next?

Trump said Mexico and Canada would get hit with 25% tariffs March 4, telling reporters that fentanyl and other drugs "continue to pour into our country, killing hundreds of thousands of people." U.S. federal data show "Canada plays almost no role in the smuggling of fentanyl or other deadly street drugs," and fentanyl trafficking from Mexico has "plunged," with a 50% year-over-year drop in January, NPR said. U.S. overdose deaths have "also fallen at an unprecedented pace," with a 30% decline in fentanyl deaths alone.

In Mexico, there are an array of beachfront experiences. Oaxaca has its Pacific coastline of secluded coves and queer destinations. Cancún and Puerto Vallarta have their raucous party-tastic sands on the Caribbean and Pacific coast, respectively.

Just south of Puerto Vallarta, stretching for some hundred-odd miles to the port city Manzanillo, is Costalegre. Its name is a Spanish portmanteau of "coast" and "happy." It is not that Costalegre is undiscovered, its thousands of residents would beg to differ. Still, Costalegre remains somewhat undeveloped. As Puerto Vallarta resident Meagan Drillinger said at Travel and Leisure, whenever "I need some peace from paradise, I find myself turning to the rugged, rawly beautiful Costalegre."

Over the last few years, more development has been transpiring. New properties have debuted, and the new Chalacatepec airport is due to open by the end of 2025, "designed to tie in with a host of new projects and act as a detonator for further tourism investment," said The Guadalajara Reporter. "What makes the Costalegre different is that the developer families who own the land have tremendous heart," said Drillinger. The focus is on protecting this section of Mexico from overdevelopment. "For all the tens of thousands of acres that each family owns, only a small portion will ever be developed. The rest is protected in preserves, allegedly, forever."

What to do

Nature plays a vital role here, as you might expect. The luxury travel company Journey Mexico can shape your ideal trip, based on insider intel. "Hike to the petroglyphs and waterfalls of Cajón de Peñas, learn to surf, go deep-sea fishing or relax on a yacht cruise," said Afar.

If turtles make you squeak with joy, a visit to Campamento Tortuguero Chalacatepec, a sanctuary just off the coast, is worth a wander. This stretch of sand is one of Mexico's important migratory zones for some of the six species of turtles that migrate and hatch in different parts of the country. "As sunset reddened the horizon, we all rode golf carts to the Chalacatepec turtle sanctuary a few minutes away," said Ingrid Rojas Contreras in Travel and Leisure Asia. "In Costalegre, nests have to be protected from both animals and humans," and "hundreds of hatchlings in large crates were climbing all over one another, ready to brave the waves, which I noticed were breaking with force. In the crate, there were loggerhead, green and leatherback hatchlings — all endangered species."

Where to stay

Careyes staked its presence at Costalegre decades ago, during the 1960s. Its luxury approach features "more than eight miles of private shoreline," casitas in the style of Positano, guided tours of nearby hiking trails and the "largest polo fields in Mexico," said Travel and Leisure.

A "hand-built stone road leads" to the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, said Contreras in Travel and Leisure Asia. The property opened in 2022 and was built to "exist in harmony with its surroundings." Mexican architects, including Victor Legorreta and Mauricio Rocha, "created an open, inviting spectacle of nature" with a resort that covers 3,000 acres but "only 2% of the land has been developed." The remaining acres will be "left as nature intended." Dine at Coyul, from the celebrated chef Elena Reygadas of Rosetta in Mexico City fame, when a craving for chilmole and octopus tagliolini or plantain enmoladas strikes. Alternatively, eat fresh fish at Sal or pop by Nacho, a taquería that features an array of snacks made with masa, including thin oval tlacoyos and, of course, tacos.

Ready to take your night to the next level? Ascend to one of these seven rooftop bars, where you can enjoy fresh air and exquisite views along with your favorite drink and snacks.

Aer, Mumbai

This "luxurious" rooftop restaurant at the top of the Four Seasons provides an "immaculate view of Mumbai," Travel and Leisure India said. With its white lattice, yellow couches and brass lighting, Aer has a "unique charm," and that extends to its Gimlet Garden menu. Pick your botanical poison: There are cocktails like the aromatic Saunth Bloom, made with dark rum, maracuja, guava, milky oolong, angling ginger and sparkling wine, and mocktails, including A Floral Delight with elderflower, rosemary, thyme, jasmine and non-alcoholic bubbles.

The Court, Rome

The Court offers unmatched views of the Colosseum, giving visitors "front row seats" to the "world's most amazing arena," Afar said. Nestled in a courtyard at the Palazzo Manfredi, the bar overlooks the "archaeological ruins of the Ludus Magnus," where gladiators once trained, and is the "perfect place to wind down in Rome." For a true night to remember, order a drink based on one of the city's classic dishes: the Cacio e Pepe Vesper with Roman Pecorino gin, vodka and mancino secco.

Penthouse Bar + Grill, Bangkok

Bangkok hotels have "upped their rooftop bar game," the Michelin Guide said, and the Park Hyatt proves the statement. Here, you can choose between five bars and restaurants spread across three levels, but to "feel the breeze," head outside to the garden lounge on the 36th floor. This chill space is "ideal for sundowners" who want to take in the views while listening to jazz and imbibing "classic and refreshing cocktails" like mojitos and palomas.

Rooftop 360, Cabo San Lucas

Rooftop 360 is the "tallest terrace in town," the Observer said, "serving up craft cocktails alongside sweeping ocean views." This "trendy bohemian" retreat is the hub of the Corazón Cabo hotel, and guests spend their days hopping between the infinity pool, the bar and the restaurant (try the fresh ceviche or spicy tuna roll). Once the sun sets, the twinkle lights turn on and DJs start spinning.

Sugar High Rooftop Lounge, Palm Springs, California

When Golden Hour hits, the best place to be in Palm Springs is at Sugar High, the rooftop lounge at Azúcar. Look in any direction and you're in for a treat. On one side, the towering San Jacinto Mountains; on the other, vast city views, and down below the La Serena Villas boutique hotel.

Grab a seat in front of the fireplace, order a cocktail (the blood orange margarita is a favorite) and pair it with the patatas brava-stuffed poblano or Brandt beef tenderloin. The kitchen and bar "consistently serve delicious food and drinks" that utilize the "freshest seasonal and local ingredients," SFGate said.

The Vick, Cincinnati, Ohio

Getting from the ground floor up to The Vick is an art-filled adventure, with guests passing colorful murals, handpainted wallpaper, iridescent chandeliers and neon lights before making it up to the open air terrace. This brand new lounge on the seventh floor of Hotel Celare has panoramic views and "boasts a colorful, retro vibe," the Cincinnati Enquirer said. Its menu is split between savory options like beef carpaccio and chilled noodles and sweets, plus fun "sharing is caring" cocktails for parties of two and four.

Vintage Green, New York City

At the tip top of the Shelburne Sonesta Hotel is Vintage Green, a rooftop bar and restaurant with striking views of the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, East River and One World Trade Center. The "chic" space is filled with plants and other greenery, a lovely "homage to the beauty of New York" and its many parks, Forbes said. Once the temperatures start to drop, Vintage Green does not shutter. Instead, it has a retractable glass atrium for year-round festivities.

Catherine Garcia was a guest of Azúcar

With 13 Oscar nominations this year, "Emilia Pérez" is easily one of the most talked-about films of awards season, boasting major Hollywood star power in lead actors Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez and earning an 11-minute standing ovation at its 2024 Cannes Film Festival premiere. The story of a Mexican narco-kingpin who undergoes gender-reassignment surgery and escapes cartel life, this Spanish-language musical has earned accolades from cinephiles and garnered its share of controversy — not least due to incendiary and offensive past social media posts by star Karla Sofía Gascón, who plays the titular protagonist. Beyond Gascón's online polemics, however, "Emilia Pérez" has become a cultural flashpoint thanks to its subject material and the broader political climate into which the film has been released.

'Profoundly retrograde' or 'realistic and relatable'?

Much of the substantive controversy surrounding "Emilia Pérez" has centered on the film's portrayal of trans-ness. It seemed as if writer-director Jacques Audiard was "painting trans women as liars" and people who "can't tell the truth" and "don't know who they are," said critic Reanna Cruz on NPR's "Pop Culture Happy Hour" podcast. Citing lines from one of the film's musical numbers, the notion that "what individual people choose to do with their bodies redounds to 'societies' and 'souls'" is the "driving logic behind nearly every brand of bigotry under the sun, and transphobia especially," Jack Hamilton said at Slate. "What are we really doing here?" The movie is a "profoundly retrograde portrayal of a trans woman" and a "step backward for trans representation," said GLAAD.

Criticism over the film's trans subject matter has not been universal within the trans community. "Emilia Pérez" offers the sort of "complex, flawed trans characters and narratives" that "trans film lovers and critics have been begging to see," said Mey Rude at Out. As a "Mexican-American trans lesbian, I find Emilia is one of the most realistic and relatable trans characters I've ever seen in a movie." The film is a "compelling depiction of a morally complex character" that "puts trans issues at front and center," said Julie River at Out Front Magazine.

Gascón is the "first out trans actor to be nominated for an Oscar," said Clarisse Loughrey at Independent — a milestone that makes it "important that any critique of 'Emilia Pérez' recognizes her work and her contribution." At the same time, "what is the point of rallying around a representation that doesn't serve those it's representing?"

A 'trivialization' of Mexico?

The other main vector of criticism against "Emilia Pérez" is the film's portrayal of Mexico, depicted as an "inescapably violent and miserable place," said Kyndall Cunningham at Vox. Despite being a "supposedly unconventional tale," the movie fails to "challenge any of the stereotypical narratives about the drug trade that are already rampant in popular Western media and politics." The film instead turns Mexico's "biggest security crisis into a musical where the protagonist is one of the perpetrators," María Meléndez said at Mexico News Daily. It's a "trivialization" that's "deeply painful."

The film succeeds in creating a "sensationalist and deeply retrograde depiction" of Mexico as a "violence-ridden failed state," made particularly awkward by "Audiard's seeming disinterest in anything resembling cultural authenticity," said Hamilton at Slate. Moreover, Mexico has for years been the "second most deadly place in the world for transgender women," said Berenice Bautista at The Associated Press — a "reality not reflected in the film."

"I don't know if 'Emilia Pérez' is a good reflection of Mexican culture," said director Audiard at a recent screening of the film. "Because we shot the whole thing in Paris in a studio." But Mexico City native Adriana Paz, who costars in the film, has come to its defense. "I have heard people saying it's offensive to Mexico," Paz said at IndieWire. "I really want to know why, because I didn't feel that way."

What happened

President Donald Trump paused his 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada Monday after speaking with their respective leaders, but his additional 10% import tax on Chinese goods took effect at midnight. China said it will retaliate with 10-15% tariffs on U.S. energy products, agricultural machinery and large passenger vehicles, plus restrictions on exports of critical minerals. Beijing also announced an antimonopoly investigation into Google.

Who said what

Trump backed off taxing imports from America's two closest neighbors for 30 days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced measures to beef up security on their U.S. borders to curb immigration and fentanyl trafficking. But it doesn't appear "any of those measures were major concessions," The New York Times said. Mexican National Guard troops have been patrolling the U.S. border for a year and Sheinbaum was already cracking down on fentanyl. And while Trudeau promised a new "fentanyl czar" and cross-border task force, the biggest part of Canada's border plan was announced in December.

This wasn't "some genius power play" by Trump, The Wall Street Journal said in an editorial. But "if the North American leaders need to cheer about a minor deal so they all claim victory, that's better for everyone."

What next?

Trump called the China tariffs an "opening salvo" and said he "would be speaking to China, probably in the next 24 hours." He also said he planned to levy import taxes on the European Union "very soon."

"With 13 Oscar nominations and at least three probable wins, Jacques Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez' hardly needs additional praise at this point," said Tim Robey in The Telegraph. "That's lucky, since most people would rather be caught dead than bestow any."

The French director's musical crime drama tells the story of Mexican cartel boss Emilia (played by Karla Sofía Gascón) who fakes death, then undergoes gender-transition surgery and campaigns for victims of the drug war. The film, set mostly in Mexico, is the most nominated foreign-language film in Oscars history, and Gascón is the first openly transgender actor to win an Oscar nomination. But the film has also been "roundly discredited from every angle you could imagine".

'Tour de force of disaster'

If it wins Best Picture, it would be "the lowest critic-scored movie to do so since 'Crash'", said Paul Tassi in Forbes. The film has become "nothing short of a meme". And rightly so, said Jack Hamilton in Slate. Its 132 minutes "unfold like a glittering and garish tour de force of disaster, a relentless procession of terrible ideas, terribly executed". In both content and form, the film is an "abomination".

It's also been deemed "wildly offensive". Queer critics are "concerned if not completely baffled", said Kyndall Cunningham in Vox. Even LGBTQ advocacy organisation GLAAD called the film "a step backward for trans representation". Mexicans have denounced the "regressive and lazy" depiction of their country, and the film's inauthenticity. None of the stars were born in Mexico while the film was shot mostly in Paris. Mexican screenwriter Héctor Guillén called it a "racist Eurocentric mockery".

'Ostensibly inclusive credentials'

This film is "objectively poor", said The Economist. So why is Hollywood "besotted"? Firstly, money: Netflix has spent "tens of millions of dollars" on its awards campaign. Secondly, the Academy's "liberal self-image": the film's "ostensibly inclusive credentials" no doubt contributed to its nominations.

With Donald Trump's administration "resuming the demonisation of Mexican and LGBTQ+ people", perhaps the Academy intended to "hit back with its 'Emilia Pérez' love", said Peter Bradshaw in The Guardian. All the criticism also risks "downplaying" Gascón's hard work to "shape her character", said Clarisse Loughrey in The Independent. "But in the end, what is the point of rallying around a representation that doesn't serve those it's representing?" Hollywood "wants to be seen as a liberal haven" but "only money really talks".

A public showdown between the leaders of the US and Colombia has rippled across Latin America, increasing the anxiety many nations felt about the return of Donald Trump.

On Sunday, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on trade with Colombia after President Gustavo Petro turned back US military flights carrying deported Colombian migrants. The "dramatic clash" unsettled a region already reeling from Trump's threatened tariffs on Mexico, his anti-immigration policies, and his threat to take control of the Panama Canal, said the Financial Times. China will likely view Trump's unpredictability as "an ideal opportunity".

What did the commentators say?

The "dust-up" showed yet again that Latin America will "bear the brunt" of Trump's policies, said CNN's Patrick Oppmann. The rift "immediately galvanised" the region, with some leaders "quick to cheer Petro on".

Latin America accounts for 21.3% of the US's foreign trade, according to the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean: more than $1 trillion. By treating Latin American nations as if they were "still banana republics that would bend over backward to fulfil the US government's wishes", wrote Cruz Bonlarron Martínez in The Hill, Trump "gravely underestimates their power as a united bloc".

But it's not a united bloc, said Flavia Bellieni Zimmermann in the Australian Institute of International Affairs. Trump can call on two "key strategic allies", including Argentina's Maga-adjacent Javier Milei and Brazil's former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who is seeking a comeback.

So far, Brazil's centre-left President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has taken a "cautious approach" towards Trump, said Andre Pagliarini in The New Republic. There is currently "no clear coordinated strategy among Latin American leaders" for dealing with Trump.

Perhaps, but most "do not like how the US government is behaving", said Quico Toro in The Atlantic. "Trump's hyper-aggressive approach to Latin America risks tying up the region with a bow and leaving it on Beijing's doorstep."

What next?

Xiomara Castro, the president of Honduras and head of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac), called an emergency summit of the region's leaders following a request from Petro, which takes place tomorrow. The summit of the "leftist" regional body could "revive a unified anti-Trump block", said CNN's Oppmann.

Regardless of Trump's threats, Latin American leaders are unlikely to defer to Trump, said Michael Shifter, a fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue think-tank in Washington.

"Celac is the platform for China in Latin America," he told the FT. The summit is "a kind of proxy for showing [Washington] that if [it is] really going to punish us, then China's willing to fill the gap".

It is easy to get lost in daydreams about a romantic getaway with your partner, being that Valentine's Day is around the corner. Make those pinings a reality by booking a stay at one of these five stunning hotels that are perfect for a joint escape.

Bliss at the beach: Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Most staff members at Round Hill Hotel and Villas have worked at the property for 30 years or more, and this "delightfully friendly" crew treats guests like they are at their own vacation retreat, Condé Nast Traveler said. There is an "undeniable chic" feel to the hotel, with its Pineapple House rooms designed by Ralph Lauren and spacious villas featuring delightful extras like "bookshelves crammed with novels and almanacs." Enjoy the private beach and all the activities that go along with it, like paddleboarding and jumping on the water trampoline. Break for the "fabulous" Caribbean breakfasts, lunches and dinners made with ingredients grown on property.

Centuries of history on display: Abbaye de la Bussière, Burgundy, France

Once a monastery, today Abbaye de la Bussière looks like "something from a fairy tale," the Michelin Guide said, and is surrounded by vineyards, parkland and a lake. The estate was originally built during the 12th-century as a Cistercian Abbey, and its 20 rooms and suites are "lavishly decorated in antique woodwork and rich fabrics." There are reminders everywhere of the property's past, like the sharp Gothic arches and beautiful stained glass windows. Guests are encouraged to check out the vineyards of Burgundy and take advantage of an only-at-the-Abbaye experience: a visit to the nearby home of British sculptor Paul Day, who regales callers with stories of his art and how he created sculptures of Queen Elizabeth and Fred Rogers.

A charmer near the city: The Inn Above Tide, Sausalito, California

Right across San Francisco Bay sits The Inn Above Tide, a boutique hotel in Sausalito with "jaw-dropping views" from its patios and "giant picture windows," Forbes said. The seven suites and 26 rooms all look out over the water, but the penthouse "stands apart" with a double shower for two and freestanding spa bathtub "positioned strategically" so you can see the San Francisco skyline and "whatever adorable sea lion or dolphin happens to splash into view." The Inn Above Tide walks the perfect line of offering "thoughtful" touches of romance, like flowers and sparkling wine in the rooms, without becoming saccharine.

Over-the-top in all the best ways: Royal Mansour Marrakech

Opulence is the name of the game at Royal Mansour Marrakech. This hotel is an "icon," Condé Nast Traveler said, with guests staying in their own three-story riads with plunge pools and 24/7 access to a personal butler. Ensure at least one dinner takes place at La Grande Table Marocaine, known for its "legendary" lamb shoulder tagine and "regularly hailed as one of the best restaurants in the world." Guests also have access to "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunities like visiting the lavish nearby home of perfumer Serge Lutens, normally off limits to the public.

Embracing tranquility: Naviva, Punta Mita, Mexico 

Bird calls and ocean waves are the soundtrack to every stay at Naviva, an all-inclusive, adults only resort in Mexico spread out across 48 acres of jungle. In this "secluded setting," there are 15 bungalow-style luxury tents, Afar said, so there are never more than 30 guests on site. It is an ideal place for a "true relaxation retreat," where you and your partner can connect while sitting on the white-sand beach or taking a yoga class. Rates include all food and drinks, plus one 90-minute spa experience and activities like a snorkeling safari, distillery trip and sunset gratitude meditation.

The warmth of the desert is exactly what you need to ease into the new year. Check into any one of these properties, like Tucson's sunny Arizona Inn or the secluded Nayara Alto Atacama in Chile, and you will leave feeling rested, rejuvenated and ready to take on 2025.

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia

Deep in the beautiful, barren Namib Desert sits andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, a stunning resort surrounded by "craggy canyons" and "khaki desert," Condé Nast Traveler said. The 10 air-conditioned stone and glass suites offer private plunge pools and verandas, floor-to-ceiling windows with "unfettered views of the passing wildlife and sparse flora," and "subdued" decor to "match the exterior environs." Because of its remote location, the stargazing is unrivaled, and an in-room retractable skylight provides a "view of the Milky Way from bed."

The Arizona Inn, Tucson, Arizona

Owned and operated by the same family since 1930, the "charming" Arizona Inn in Tucson is known across the state for its "ambiance that feels truly and authentically Southwestern," Travel and Leisure said. The comfortable casita-style rooms and suites are filled with antique furnishings for a historic feel, along with modern comforts like iPads. Stop by the heated pool for a swim and afternoon tea service (a sundae bar is swapped in during the spring and summer) and while away the rest of your day playing ping pong and croquet, visiting the sauna or borrowing a bike to tool around town.

Kimpton Mas Olas Resort and Spa, Todos Santos, Mexico

This boutique, adults-only resort an hour north of Cabo San Lucas is where the desert meets the sea. All rooms come with private terraces, which offer spectacular views of cacti, sand dunes and the "dramatic silhouette" of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, the Michelin Guide said. Inside, the decor is "modern but down-to-earth," with locally-sourced "ceramic tiles, native wood and colorful textiles." Soak up the natural beauty at one of the four pools or the outdoor wellness center featuring a massive 25,000 square foot spa and hydrotherapy, yoga, pilates and meditation spaces.

Nayara Alto Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Situated in a desert valley and surrounded by the rugged Salt Mountains, Nayara Alto Atacama provides pure seclusion. The "inspired" rooms take their cues from nature, Forbes said, with thoughtful details like locally handwoven throws in earth tones. Private patios in each room have views of the Salt Mountains and the Andes, which are also visible when receiving a service in one of the spa's outdoor treatment rooms. Guests can pick from a wide selection of "curated activities" ranging from "stargazing and desert sundowner cocktails to guided hikes of the Valley of the Moon and sunrise excursions to the Tatio Geysers."

The Parker Palm Springs, Palm Springs, California

The mid-century modern Parker Palm Springs puts its own cheeky spin on desert luxury. Designed by Jonathan Adler, the 13-acre property is both "posh" and "kitschy," Condé Nast Traveler said, with rooms featuring red lacquer front doors, colorful glass sculptures and "fun '70s-style fabric wall art." There are plenty of pools to dip your toes in, including the Gene Autry Residence, named after the Singing Cowboy and former property owner, with a private one. Four red clay tennis courts guarantee a rousing afternoon match or two.

The world is the solo traveler's own special oyster. With no one else on the journey, you can stop and see whatever you want, eat when you want and spend the night where you want. Take full advantage of this freedom in 2025 by planning a trip that is all about your interests. Consider one — or all — of these four paths. They lead to the same ending: a fulfilling solo experience.

Focus on wellness

Staying at a wellness retreat ensures the quiet necessary to "reflect and connect" with yourself, Essence said. Rancho La Puerta, an immersive wellness resort and spa in Mexico's Baja California, gives guests exactly that. This "serene" sanctuary has been "rejuvenating body and soul for over 80 years," Locale Magazine said, with workshops, activities, evening entertainment and dining included in the rate. Situated at the base of Mount Kuchumaa, Rancho La Puerta's "vast property" is a "playground" for visitors, who can hike along the trails and meadows, practice yoga and swim in one of the resort's four pools.

The Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai in Thailand offers the best of both worlds. It is within Chiang Mai's city limits but located in the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain. The location achieves a "rural-resort atmosphere," the Michelin Guide said. This resort is perfect for yogi, with guests able to attend mindfulness yoga and Vipassana meditation sessions, and the luxurious poolside spa pavilion is "key to the Aleenta's appeal." Thai healing treatments, like the traditional lanna massage, are among the spa's comprehensive offerings, alongside ayuravada therapies and body wraps and scrubs.

Experience the great outdoors

Exploring the wilderness as a solo traveler can be an incredible experience — being alone in a vast space is humbling. There are a few safety tips to keep in mind when going off the beaten path, and the first is to let family and friends know where you are going and when you expect to be back (and when you get to your destination, drop them a location pin). Read up on how to stay safe in the area you are visiting and the exact items you need to pack, based on the weather, time of year and the area's security needs. Once you arrive, "listen to your intuition," travel writer Lauren Gay said to National Geographic. "If something doesn't feel right or doesn't feel safe, pack up and go."

Being a solo traveler does not mean you have to do everything alone. If you want to witness nature's grandeur in a more remote place, like the colorful Vermillion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona, but have concerns, join a small tour group. If the sea is calling your name, even smaller beaches have visitors year-round, so you will always see other people. Because of cooler temperatures, the Point Reyes National Seashore near San Francisco is not for those seeking days of sunshine but still offers a "perfect, mellow escape," Afar said. Hike along the coast, stop at the Point Reyes Lighthouse and cap off the day with bivalves and sparkling wine at the Hog Island Oyster Company on Tomales Bay.

Escape to the big city

Bring on the bright lights. The beauty of spending time in a major metropolitan area like London, Tokyo or Mexico City is there is something to do at all times, and you can easily fill your days and nights with concerts, theater, parks and all types of cuisines. No place does this better than New York City, which "might be full of crowds," Travel and Leisure said, but is also a "welcoming hub for parties of one." Solo travelers can explore at their own pace "some of the best art and shopping in the world, and more food and drink options than you can fit into a month-long trip."

Paris is another city where a companion is unnecessary. Here, you can "binge on some of the world's best museums" and indulge in a "long meditative sit in front of centuries-old paintings," Thrillist said. Book a hotel "somewhere central and walkable" so you can see the sights by foot, especially the "architecture that makes Paris, well, Paris." It is one beauty after another, like the Museum of the Army, an impressive palace built by Louis XIV for injured veterans that is across from the Rodin Museum, which sits on the grounds of a "grand, 18th-century mansion that the artist himself took over in 1911."

See history come alive

Every city, town and village has a story, and if you dig deep enough you can find it. Prefer to go where the history is already front and center? Head to Washington, D.C., where it is "impossible to get bored," Good Housekeeping said.

Stroll by the White House, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument and take your time wandering the halls of the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the International Spy Museum. After all, you are flying solo and can take your time soaking it all in. D.C.'s pull extends beyond monuments and museums; there are countless culinary institutions, like Union Market, Eastern Market and Ben's Chili Bowl, where diners line up for the legendary half-smokes: half-beef and half-pork smoked sausage covered in chili.

Offering a "veritable feast of museums and historical hotspots," Berlin is an "excellent city for entry-level solo travel," Thrillist said. A guided walking tour will take you past landmarks like Brandenburg Gate and such sobering sites as the Topography of Terror Museum. Be sure to visit East Side Gallery, the "spectacularly painted remains of the Berlin Wall," and visit Bauhaus-Archiv to view items from the "iconic design school." Between stops, grab a doner kebab and enjoy it while people watching.

Whales seek warmer weather in the winter, just like snowbirds. After spending their summers in Alaska, humpbacks trek down to Mexico and Hawaii to give birth in subtropical waters, passing by gray whales who frolic off the California coast. The winter whale-watching season typically runs from December to April, and for your best chance of spotting the majestic creatures, head to these locales — or travel even further, to Costa Rica, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

In Cabo San Lucas, the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet, resulting in a biodiverse area that "transforms into a spectacular theater during the whale migration season," Fodor's Travel said. Gray, blue, humpback, sperm and fin whales take over, and those eager to see them book tours in fast-moving zodiac boats and catamarans. These excursions often double as sightseeing tours, so get your cameras ready to snap photos of Cabo landmarks like the Land's End arch.

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Thanks to the Earth's tilted axis, when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. That means starting in December, whale watching in gorgeous Kaikoura, on the South Island of New Zealand, is a warmer affair. Right off the coast is the 37-mile long Kaikoura Canyon, which attracts blue whales, humpbacks and hundreds of resident sperm whales. Several tours are given by Maori guides, who view whales as magnificent creatures and ancestors. "In Maori mythology, we see ourselves as the younger brother of the whale, so the connection is very special," Whale Watch Kaikoura Chairman Thomas Kahu said to CNN.

Marino Ballena National Park, Costa Rica

Lush and vibrant, Marino Ballena National Park is a "small but important marine park," Lonely Planet said, protecting coral and rock reefs. It is also one of the best spots for whale (and dolphin) watching in Costa Rica, with humpbacks and their babies settling in the area for the winter. Book a whale watching tour, or see what you can spot from the Whale Tail, a stretch of sand that looks like its namesake during low tide.

Maui, Hawaii

There are no bad ocean views in Maui, and that goes double during the winter, when thousands of humpback whales call the island home. One of the most relaxing ways to see them is by staying in Kaanapali Beach and booking a hotel room with a balcony. That way you can sit outside with a drink of choice and watch the whales go by (the truly lucky will see them breach). This is "one of the best beaches in Hawaii," Travel and Leisure said, and a "favorite spot for swimming in clear water, sunbathing on soft white sand, snorkeling and kayaking."

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Migrating blue whales flock to the warm and calm waters of Mirissa, where in recent years boat tour operators have stepped up to ensure they "respect welfare guidelines about cetaceans," Lonely Planet said. An ethical tour will have a small group on board and stay a good distance from the whales, putting the boats' engines in neutral when near the animals and avoiding "groups of mothers and young completely." When your tour is over, Mirissa Beach, a "vision of tropical bliss," awaits.

Monterey Bay, California

A "uniquely cold and very deep submarine canyon" in Monterey Bay makes the area a "hotbed" of whale activity, Travel and Leisure said. You could take a boat tour — be sure to book one with a marine biologist who can field your questions — but whale watching is also possible from land. Head to a high clifftop for the best vantage point, and prepare to sit a spell, as "spotting whales from the shore takes patience." If you happen to run out of patience, move on to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where you are guaranteed to see adorable sea otters, African penguins and jellyfishes.

San Juan Islands, Washington

Gray and humpback whales may migrate, but not every marine mammal is on the move during the winter. Pods of killer whales, or orcas, stay around the San Juan Islands year-round. Orcas are actually dolphins, but these beloved black-and-white creatures typically top the list of wildlife people want to see while on a whale-watching tour. On San Juan Island, the second-largest island in the archipelago, Lime Kiln State Park is a "notable spot in the inner Salish Sea for whale watching," AARP said, and "easily accessible via car and ferry from Seattle." The islands may be close to the bustling city, but during the winter they get about half of the city's rainfall.

What's on the to-do list for Mexico's first female president? Is the menopause an economic issue? And why did Francis Ford Coppola's pet project bomb at the box office? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.

A podcast for curious, open-minded people, The Week Unwrapped delivers fresh perspectives on politics, culture, technology and business.

It makes for a lively, enlightening discussion, ranging from the serious to the offbeat. Previous topics have included whether solar engineering could refreeze the Arctic, why funerals are going out of fashion and what kind of art you can use to pay your tax bill.

Note: this episode includes references to suicide. The Samaritans offer support to people having suicidal thoughts. You can call them free on 116 123.

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Mexico has shattered its glass ceiling, as Claudia Sheinbaum was inaugurated on Oct. 1 as the country's first woman president. As president, Sheinbaum is expected to largely follow the mandates of her predecessor, former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Both are members of the left-wing Morena political party, and López Obrador was considered one of the most progressive Mexican leaders in decades.

Sheinbaum will have one major difference from López Obrador, though, as Mexico's new president will have a nearly unprecedented level of power at her disposal. This comes as the result of several factors, including the weakening of Mexico's judiciary and sweeping congressional control by the Morena party. Despite this, Sheinbaum may still be facing an uphill battle to fix the many problems facing her country.

Why will Sheinbaum be such a powerful president?

It is partly because she is taking over a "government utterly dominated by the ruling Morena party," said The Conversation. The party has existed for just over 10 years, but "has exploited pervasive public disillusionment with the more established parties." As a result, the party has solid majorities in both chambers of Mexico's Congress; Three-quarters of the country's 32 state governors are also from the Morena party.

This gubernatorial and congressional consolidation, completed by the still-popular López Obrador's coalition, means Sheinbaum "begins her term in an extremely powerful position," said The Conversation. The Morena party is "now so dominant that Mexicans are likening the new government to the one-party system that ruled for most of the 20th century," said The Washington Post.

Sheinbaum's power will also be boosted by López Obrador's "judicial overhaul that will over the next three years replace all of the country's judges with new jurists elected by popular vote," said Reuters. This could lead to a highly politicized judiciary that works in Sheinbaum's favor. Mexico "will be transformed, for all practical purposes, into a one-party autocracy," former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo said at The Economist.

Can Sheinbaum address Mexico's challenges?

Sheinbaum campaigned on a continuation of López Obrador's progressivism. But she takes office at a "time when the nation faces pressing problems, including spiraling organized violence, a slowing economy, and tensions with the United States" because of the judicial overhaul, said Time.

The new president "won't face the kinds of checks and balances that her predecessors did," but she "faces a national security threat in the growing political and economic clout of organized crime groups," said the Post. The country is also seeing an epidemic of femicides that will undoubtedly be at the top of Sheinbaum's to-do list.

But despite her seemingly large swath of power, Sheinbaum "will take office with empty coffers" and growing uncertainty because of the judicial reforms, pro-democracy advocate Carlos Heredia said to The Wall Street Journal. Beyond this, one of her most pressing issues — securing the U.S.-Mexico border — could "be upended if Trump wins the election," said the Journal, as Trump "has vowed to deport millions of migrants and threatened military strikes against drug gangs in Mexico."

And while power has been consolidated, Mexicans remain split along ideological lines regarding their new president. As Sheinbaum took office, hundreds of people in Mexico City "marched against a controversial overhaul of the judiciary," while thousands of Morena supporters "filled the main square, waving flags and chanting for the outgoing leader," said the Financial Times. Sheinbaum's election is "history in the making," and "we're counting on her to give us all her support," Sheinbaum supporter Graciela Hernández said to the Financial Times.

What happened

Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, took office Tuesday, becoming the first woman and first Jewish person to lead the country. The a 62-year-old environmental engineer and former Mexico City mayor was sworn in for her six-year term at a ceremony in Mexico's Congress.

Who said what

"It's time for transformation, it's time for women," Sheinbaum said, flanked by women soldiers. "I'm a mother, a grandmother, a scientist and a woman of faith, and from today, by the will of the Mexican people, the president." Hundreds of people changed "Presidenta!" — the feminine form of her new title — as she was handed the red, white and green presidential sash by Ifigenia Martinez, president of the Chamber of Deputies.

Sheinbaum, who "grew up in a Jewish intellectual family" and holds a PhD in energy engineering, is "more cerebral and less folksy than her charismatic predecessor" and mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, The Washington Post said. She won in June elections with the "largest margin of victory since Mexico transitioned to democracy" and an "effective supermajority" in Congress, The New York Times said, but she isn't a "transcendent political talent" like López Obrador, and there are "questions over how much influence" he will "exert over his protégé."

What next?

Sheinbaum offered 100 pledges at a celebration yesterday afternoon at Mexico's Zócalo plaza, including expanding health care and enacting reforms to battle violence against women, Reuters said. But she takes office with "the largest budget deficit since the 1980s and lagging economic growth," as well as growing cartel violence.

Mexico has just lost its democracy, said Pablo Hiriart in El Financiero (Mexico City). In what must be a world first, it has decided that all of Mexico's 7,000 judges should be elected. It was all done constitutionally: thanks to the landslide victory of his Left-populist Morena party in the June elections, outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (a.k.a. AMLO) was able to secure the required two-thirds majority in the senate for this overhaul, though the senators had to hold the final vote in a different building to escape the rage of protesters who'd stormed into the chamber shouting, "The judiciary will not fall!"

Their rage was justified. AMLO has swept aside the objections of the opposition, legal scholars, and the US government, who all maintain that this authoritarian move will eliminate judicial independence and destroy the system of checks and balances our democracy depends on. This isn't the "will of the people". It's a "coup d'état" that puts all three branches of government in the hands of the ruling party.

The right-wing opposition is actually "attacking the democracy it claims to defend", said Juan Becerra Acosta in La Jornada (Mexico City). This overhaul is the only way to eliminate the corruption in our courts and confront a supreme court that has blocked AMLO's security and energy agenda. There's no denying our courts are run by a "clique of corrupt judges" who do the bidding of Mexico's rich, said Antonio Salgado Borge in Proceso (Mexico City). But to claim this reform will "cleanse the judicial system of corruption" is nonsense. Electing judges takes control of the judiciary out of the hands of the economic elites who've dominated Mexico for decades only to deliver it to the political elites in the Morena party. Still, at least we'll now "have a state capable of limiting the influence of big capital".

But it's not just the rich who'll suffer from this, the rest of us will suffer, too, said Marco A. Mares in El Economista (Mexico City). It will destroy confidence in our political and financial stability, we'll see a plummeting peso, less investment, and credit downgrades for the government and state oil company. And it will hurt trade relations with the US and Canada, just as we were poised to reap the benefits of deeper regional trade.

Choosing judges based not on their qualifications but on their political patrons is always a bad idea, said El Mundo (Madrid), but it's especially disturbing in a country "so penetrated by corruption and drug trafficking". Mexico may turn into a "dangerous bastion of instability in America's backyard"

What happened

Mexico has amended its constitution to make all judgeships elected positions, a controversial judicial overhaul pushed by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The Senate approved the amendment early Wednesday, after an opposition lawmaker defected and protesters stormed the Senate chamber, and a majority of Mexico's 32 states then ratified it over the next 36 hours. "With now 18 approving it, well, now it’s legal," Lopéz Obrador said yesterday morning.

Who said what

The constitutional amendment is the "most far-reaching judicial overhaul ever attempted by a large democracy," The New York Times said, and it puts Mexico on an "untested course whose consequences for the courts and the country are nearly impossible to predict."

Supporters of the amendment — including López Obrador, a "populist long averse to independent regulatory bodies who has ignored courts and attacked judges" — argue it will make judges accountable to the people and "crack down on corruption" and nepotism in a judicial system "most Mexicans agree is broken," The Associated Press said. Critics say it will "deal a blow to checks and balances and make it easier for cartels and criminals to influence the courts."

What next?

López Obrador said he will sign and publish the constitutional amendment on Sunday, the eve of Mexico's Independence Day. His successor and protégé, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, takes office Oct. 1. The plan is for Mexicans to elect all nine Supreme Court justices and about half of the country's 7,000 judges next June.

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Full-fledged dishes are a swell way to learn to cook. Sometimes, though, making boeuf bourguignon when you can hardly brown beef is a bit like putting the cart before the cow, er, horse. Yet many cookbooks are devoted to unabridged endgames.

A less-common approach is to shape a cookbook around the DNA of a cooking style or culture. Starting at the baseline, with building blocks rather than a neoclassical mansion, is a sublime way to learn to master — or even dabble in — a cuisine. Such is the import and impact of Roberto Santibañez's 2011 cookbook "Truly Mexican."

Four chapters, four keystones

There are 31 states and one federal district, Ciudad de México, in Mexico. The country's cooking is heterogenous, but there are filaments that connect the different regions' ways of feeding themselves. Santibañez, a native of Mexico City, is the chef of the Fonda restaurants in New York City and of the Mi Vida restaurants in Washington, D.C. In "Truly Mexican" he pares the essence of Mexican cuisine to four requisite categories: salsas; guacamoles; adobos; and moles and pipianes.

Each section, in its comprehensiveness and loyalty to regional authenticity, dispatches any clichéd notions of Mexican cuisine's sameness. The salsa chapter, of course, opens with pico de gallo. Santibañez interrogates our understanding of the border-crossing staple: "the key to this salsa is adding plenty of lime juice and salt, and not skimping on the chiles. Because without a burst of acidity and hear, you're just eating chopped tomatoes." Preach, Roberto. 

He tours a collection of salsas, both fresh and cooked. Fruits such as peaches, papayas and pineapples appear in both salsas and guacamoles. Fusion frippery, this is not. Each salsa and guacamole has a point of regional origin or a personal genesis tale. 

Where salsas and guacamoles are condiments, the adobos, moles and pipianes Santibañez extols are the Spanx that shape and accentuate all manner of protein. Shell-on shrimp, for example, are blanketed in a choice of three kinds of adobo, each fortified with a lone chile or a mix of them: guajillo adobo; ancho adobo; or three-chile adobo. He shows you not only how to cook a range of adobos but demonstrates how versatile they can be. A kinetic wardrobe of mix-and-match essentials. 

Adobos are simple compared to the complexities of moles and pipianes. "Most likely derived form the ancient Nahuatl word molli — which means, essentially, 'a bunch of ingredients ground up' — mole is simply a mixture of ingredients that typically includes some combination of chiles, spices or herbs, tomatoes or tomatillos, and sometimes seeds or nuts," Santibañez writes. Pipanes are the seed-centric siblings of moles. 

The notion of assembling a mole can be daunting to the uninitiated, so the book divides the moles by texture: recipe for thins come first, followed by thicks. Pipianes are splintered by main component: a handful of recipes for pumpkin seed pipianes before mini-sections on encacahuatados (peanut-sauced), almendrados (almond-sauced) and then other nuts and seeds. Cumin-spiked pumpkin seed and cascabel chile dip, anyone?

Two bonus chapters

Santibañez is a chef, after all, which means he wants to feed you. So the final eighth of the book includes two mini chapters, "More Ideas for Using Mexican Sauces" and "Sides." In the first, you put those shrimp in adobo sauce to handheld use in a recipe sketch for shrimp tacos, topped with one of three salsas from the book: mango and pineapple salsa; peach salsa; or fried serrano salsa. Or you can make enchiladas. Or tamales. You get the idea. 

The "Sides" chapter demands your meal go holistic, with four bean recipes and vegetable dishes like zucchini and corn with cream. You blinked, and you can now assemble not only a mean tomatillo salsa and black mole, but also a rounded Mexican meal. 

August is when the end of summer sharpens into view. This is the time to enjoy a sunny escape, before the leaves start to change and warm weather retreats to a distant memory. From an island getaway in Moorea to a nature retreat in Southern California, there are myriad hotels where you can bask before summer sets.

Almanac X Alcron, Prague

The stylish Almanac X Alcron Prague, equal parts modern and traditional, is close to the action, being located mere steps away from Old Town and Wenceslas Square. Filled with onyx fireplaces, marble pillars and paintings by local artists, the heart of the hotel are the Alcron Restaurant, where the chef puts a new spin on classic Czech dishes, and the Art Deco-inspired Alcron Bar. All of the rooms and suites are comfortable, but for something special, book the Almanac X Castle View Suite, where you need only look out your window to gawk at Prague Castle.

Fare Tiaia Beach, Moorea, French Polynesia

This hotel provides a new tier of privacy. Fare Tiaia Beach sits on its own white sandy beach, the glassy water so clear you can view fish and coral from shore. With only seven bungalows, there is a spacious, air-conditioned accommodation for all types, with couples drawn to the more intimate Faré Suki and families opting for the two-story, thatched-roof Faré Kautinaki. Breakfast is included in each stay, and all guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen, terrace with covered dining table and two beach cabanas. 

Huttopia Paradise Springs, Valyermo, California 

Get that camping fix without having to rough it. Up in the Angeles National Forest, this hideaway is tucked back in a canyon, with a creek running through it. Guests at Huttopia Paradise Springs can stay in solar-powered tents with decks and kitchenettes or the historic one-bedroom Chaplin Cabin. This newly restored accommodation is surrounded by trout ponds and has a private patio and hot tub and stairs that were constructed by — you guessed it — Charlie Chaplin. On site, there is also a spring water swimming pool dating back to the 1920s and a bistro serving homemade pizzas, burgers and salads.

Las Alcobas, Mexico City

The energy of Mexico City is palpable, especially when staying at a boutique hotel in the Polanco neighborhood. Once a private residence, this property is now Las Alcobas, home to 35 luxe suites, the lively Anatol restaurant and Aurora Spa. Because of the hotel's smaller size, the concierge is able to work with guests on personalized itineraries, guiding them to sights and restaurants based on their preferences. Experiences could include a private tour through the Teotihuacán pyramid complex or a trek to the best taco and tequila spots in Mexico City. 

Romazzino, Sardinia

If you live by the motto "treat yourself," consider booking a suite at Romazzino. This jewel overlooks the Costa Smeralda coastline and offers precisely what you want from an Italian summer escapade: gorgeous seaside views; access to a private beach; grilled seafood, pasta and Aperol spritzes at the ready. Guests can also take advantage of activities like private tennis lessons with the in-house coach or a mixology class, or hit the road in a Fiat 500 and cruise around, seeing the sights and stopping for gelato and coffee.

Sand Valley Resort, Nekoosa, Wisconsin 

Plan on spending most of your time here outdoors. Guests at Sand Valley Resort can do just about anything on this 12,000-acre property, from playing matches on one of the 16 grass tennis courts to sledding down the sand dunes to angling with the resident fisher. Golf is the main attraction, with five great courses on-site, including the brand new Sedge Valley inspired by classic links courses on the English coast. The resort is pet-friendly, and accommodations run the gamut from comfortable lodge rooms to eight-bedroom estate homes with private putting greens. 

Mexico is a diverse country, in both culture and geography. It has an abundance of distinctive areas to explore, from the jungles of Veracruz to the mountains of Puebla to the beaches along the Pacific coast. The Indigenous and Spanish influences on art, architecture and monuments are always present. In every corner, there are thriving cities that preserve and highlight Mexico's spirited cultural and historical heritage, with many officially named as Pueblos Mágicos, or magical towns.

Guanajuato 

The houses here are painted in bold and brilliant colors, but it was silver that put this central Mexican city on the map. Founded in 1559, Guanajuato was the largest silver-extraction center in the world during the 18th century, and there are reminders everywhere, like at the Boca del Inferno mineshaft. On the cultural side, visitors who time their travels well can experience the International Cervantino Festival in the fall, a massive celebration of cinema, literature and performing and visual arts featuring thousands of participants from around the world. If a performance is scheduled at the palatial Teatro Juárez theater, grab a seat, or sign up for a tour of the opulent space.

Izamal

This colorful town (one of its nicknames is the Yellow City) on the Yucatán Peninsula  is home to ancient Mayan structures and pyramids, including one honoring the sun god Kinich Kak Moo, and Spanish Colonial buildings like the golden-hued Convento de San Antonio de Padua, built in 1561. This mix of Mayan, Spanish and contemporary architectural styles and influences are behind another one of Izamal's nicknames: the City of Three Cultures. It is one of the "most picturesque pueblos" on the peninsula, Condé Nast Traveler said, and visitors enjoy strolling down the cobblestone streets and taking in the sights from a horse-drawn carriage. 

San Cristóbal de las Casas

In San Cristóbal de las Casas, there is a "comfortable blend of city and countryside," Lonely Planet said, "with restored century-old houses giving way to grazing animals and fields of corn." Up in the central highlands of Chiapas, this "dreamy" city is filled with opportunities to "visit weavers, ceramists and markets," Travel + Leisure said, and travelers can also "witness ceremonies in the Indigenous municipalities of Zinacantán, Chamula and Tenejapa." San Cristóbal de las Casas stays lively throughout the year with concerts, processions and festivals in its main plazas, like the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Día de los Muertos and Festival de la Primavera y la Paz.

San Pablo Villa de Mitla

Tucked away in the mountains near Oaxaca City, San Pablo Villa de Mitla is home to archeological wonders. The Zapotecs settled in the area in about 1500 B.C., and there are five major ruin sites in Mitla, including what was once this culture's most important religious site and ancient structures filled with famed geometric mosaics that "have no peers in ancient Mexico," Lonely Planet said. "The 14 different designs are thought to symbolize the sky and earth, a feathered serpent and other important beings, in sophisticated stylized forms." Local artisans sell their wares near the ruins, including hand-woven and embroidered rugs, clothing and tablecloths. 

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende "may just be the most charming small town in Mexico," Travel + Leisure said, with "one of the most impressive gastronomic scenes" to boot. Its baroque architecture gives the city a romantic feel, and the town's centerpiece is the 19th century Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a pink parish church with elaborate towers. Not too far away is Santuario de Atotonilco, known as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico due to its elaborate ceiling murals. Following a lunch of tacos, enchiladas or tortas (be sure to grab a churro from a churrería for dessert), walk it off at the La Esquina Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano toy museum or Mercado de Artesanías, a market filled with handmade crafts from local artisans.

Getting from your hotel room to the links in a matter of minutes is everything a golfer on vacation could ask for, especially when the courses offer views so incredible they might distract you from the game itself. Here are 10 beautiful hotels with golf courses on property — or a few steps away — that will thrill any player. 

The Bushmills Inn, Northern Ireland 

The area around The Bushmills Inn is a golfer's dream. Historic clubs are abundant, from the Royal Portrush and its two majestic championship courses to the Portstewart with three emerald courses boasting views of the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal hills and River Bann. The inn offers transportation to the courses, among other amenities like a boutique cinema and traditional Irish breakfast served in the morning. The rooms and suites are charming, with features like four-poster beds and heated towel racks. After a day on the green, unwind at the legendary Bushmills Distillery for a tour and whiskey tasting.

Cabot Cape Breton, Inverness, Nova Scotia 

High on the cliffs above the Gulf of St. Lawrence stands Cabot Cape Breton and its three exceptional golf courses. Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs both made Golf Digest's World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses list, thanks in part to their stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling fairways. The newer Nest is a 10-hole, par 3 course designed for a quicker game. Stay in one of the comfortable rooms at the Cabot Links Lodge — each one has an ocean view — or upgrade to a plush golf villa overlooking the greens. 

Coeur d'Alene Resort, Idaho

This is a golf course with a twist. At the Coeur d'Alene Resort, the 14th hole is a floating green, with a tee that changes positions every day. You get two opportunities to land the ball on the island (if you miss, it gets dropped down) and then hop on an electric-powered boat to finish the hole. The views as you play are just as memorable, with Lake Coeur d'Alene in the background and geraniums, petunias, wildflowers and junipers dotting the landscape. The resort has five different kinds of accommodations; the 2,500-square-foot Hagadone Penthouse, complete with two private terraces and a glass-bottom swimming pool, is the most impressive. 

Half Moon Montego Bay, Jamaica

Golf carts are available to rent, but you are going to want to walk this one. The 18-hole championship Half Moon Golf Course stretches across the grounds of a former sugarcane estate, surrounded by native trees that almost always seem to be swaying in the breeze. Guests also have access to the nearby Cinnamon Hill and White Witch courses and can book private lessons with visiting pro instructors. All of Half Moon's rooms, suites and villas come with private balconies or patios, and there is an option to book a dining plan that lets you explore the hotel's 11 restaurants and bars.

Kawana Hotel and Golf Course, Shizuoka, Japan

You have two courses to choose from at the Kawana Hotel: Fuji and Oshima. The challenging Fuji Course is legendary, with 18 holes surrounded by deep bunkers. It is in a picturesque setting above the Pacific Ocean and in sight of Mount Fuji and must be walked with a caddie. Oshima, one of the oldest golf courses in Japan, is just as gorgeous, but golfers are allowed to use carts, do not need caddies and can play at their own speed. The hotel's spacious rooms make it easy to unwind after a day of golf, as does the Main Bar, where guests can enjoy a drink in a moody space filled with leather and wood.

The Lodge at Sea Island, Georgia

Sea Island entices golfers not only with three championship courses but also enchanting accommodations. Serious players can hone their skills with expert help at the state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center, while those looking to spend quality time with their kids will find it at the 18-hole Speedway putting course. A boutique experience awaits at The Lodge, with its 43 elegant rooms and suites that come with 24-hour butler service and nightly turndowns. The highlight of every evening occurs at sunset, when a bagpiper serenades guests from the Lodge's veranda, heralding the transition from day to night. 

Marine Troon, Scotland 

Put your golf skills to the test in Troon, Scotland, where the rugged Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club awaits. A striking spot to play, with 18 holes that get more and more challenging, this is one of several courses near Marine & Lawn's Marine Troon. The property makes golfing easy, offering club storage and rentals, an expansive putting green for practicing and a concierge team ready to assist with scheduling tee times. Rooms here are warm and inviting, with colorful wallpaper, traditional artwork and velvet touches.  

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, New Hampshire

Make Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa your family's summer playground. Covering 1,700 acres, this immense property in the White Mountains offers a little bit of everything. The lovely nine-hole Mountain View Golf Course, originally built in 1900 and redesigned in 1938, can be played by novices and pros alike. To switch approaches, hang up your clubs and try your hand at disc golf. Afterward, visit the Mountain View Farm and its goats and llamas, play a round of tennis on one of four clay courts with views of the Presidential Mountain Range or jump in the outdoor pool. To ensure there is room for all your guests, book the Presidential Suite with a sleeper sofa and two bathrooms.

The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California

When designing the Ocean North and Ocean South Golf Courses at The Resort at Pelican Hill, architect Tom Fazio wanted every round to feel like "once in a lifetime, every time." He succeeded, as all 36 holes perfectly complement the majestic scenery, with the Pacific Ocean or lush greenery viewed from every tee. For a memorable experience, book a time early in the morning and another at sunset, to see the courses through fresh eyes and at golden hour. Accommodations at the resort include bungalows outfitted with limestone fireplaces and terraces and fully furnished villas featuring gourmet kitchens and marble bathrooms.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, Mexico

Perched above the largest marine preserve in Mexico, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto seems unreal. Dazzling views of the Sea of Cortez and Sierra de la Giganta mountain range are two perks of staying at this all-inclusive resort, with another being able to play on the 18-hole TPC Danzante Bay Golf Course. It is a remarkable spot, with valleys, dunes, foothills, cliffs and arroyos. Choose one of the resort's premium suites to get a view of the course plus amenities like a mini-bar stocked daily and access to the spa's hydrotherapy circuit.

The avocado's wholesome image is being tarnished by the arson, threats and killings involved in its production in Michoacán, Mexico.

The country supplies around 80% of the avocados eaten in the US, and most come from the western state, which also provides nearly a third of global supply, so if you eat an avocado there's a good chance it's from "one of the most violent and complex" places in Mexico, said Forbes.

'Blood diamonds'

Avocados have been consumed for thousands of years in the region, where the "temperate hillsides of porous volcanic soil offer optimal growing conditions", said the New York Times, but producing the berry "on an industrial scale" for export only began in the 1990s when the US opened up to the market.

Internal US government reports warned that the approval of the Mexican state as a producer "would likely increase deforestation" in the area. This has proved correct, as a "combination of interests", including "criminal gangs, landowners, corrupt local officials and community leaders", started clearing forests for avocado orchards, said the New York Times, in some cases "illegally seizing privately owned land".

Using environmental geographers, satellite images and Mexican government estimates, the NGO Climate Rights International estimates that the area deforested for these plantations is between 16,000 and 28,000 hectares.

Meanwhile, illegal wells transport water to the new orchards through a "labyrinthine system" of plastic pipes that often "pilfer" the water supplies of farmers growing traditional crops like tomatoes or corn.

Attempts to stop these crimes have been met with some brutality. The NYT spoke to farmers, government officials and Indigenous leaders and discovered that local people fighting deforestation and water theft have become targets of "intimidation, abductions and shootings".

Five years ago, 19 people were found "hanging from an overpass, piled beneath a pedestrian bridge, or dumped on the roadside" in "various states of undress and dismemberment", said The Guardian. Experts believe the incident emerged from cartel clashes over the multibillion-dollar trade.

Then, in February 2023, the Indigenous leader and defender of the Purépecha forests of Michoacán, Alfredo Cisneros, was "shot and killed after reporting illegal logging", said El Pais.

This has led one Michelin star chef to describe avocados as "the blood diamonds" of Mexico. There are "a lot of issues with cartel involvement in the ownership" and also the "pressure placed on avocado farmers", JP McMahon told the BBC.

Highway thefts

Meanwhile, avocado shipments are being stolen in ever growing quantities. Last month, highway thieves stole 40 tonnes of avocados in Mexico, according to the attorney general's office.

Armed men stopped freight trucks in two separate robberies in Michoacan and around 20 tonnes of avocados were taken in each incident, as the robbers "transferred crates containing the fruit into a van and fled the scene", said Sky News.

Although avocado farmers have "long been targeted by drug cartel extortion demands" in the western state, and thefts of fruit straight from trees in avocado orchards are also known, hijackings of entire shipments had previously been "rare", said the broadcaster.

There is no end in sight for these problems because amid all this theft and violence, the avocado trade is expected to continue booming. A study last year predicted that the amount of land in Michoacán used for avocado crops could increase by more than 80% by 2050.

What happened

The remains of 64 Mayans believed to have been ritually sacrificed in the ancient Mexican city Chichén Itzá between 500 and 1000 A.D. were local boys, mostly age 3 to 6 and many of them closely related, researchers reported Wednesday in the journal Nature. There were two sets of twins.

Who said what

The remains were accidentally discovered in a chultún, or cistern, near Chichén Itzá in 1967. DNA analysis began in 2015, and "we kept rerunning the tests because we couldn't believe that all of them were male," said the study lead author Rodrigo Barquera at Germany's Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.

The findings "obviously flew in the face of the argument that it was mostly young virgin women being thrown into the cenote," an idea first popularized by early archeologists, Northern Arizona University archaeologist Jaime Awe said to The New York Times. But while "only male children were selected for sacrifice" here, rituals varied.

What next?

Ancient DNA degrades faster in tropical areas, but "we're getting better and better at retrieving even very small amounts of DNA" and analyzing it to understand "this incredibly rich history" in Mesoamerica, said Harvard's Christina Warinner, a study coauthor.

What happened

Mexicans on Sunday elected Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist, former Mexico City mayor and protégé of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, as president. Sheinbaum, 61, will be the first woman to lead Mexico and the country's first Jewish president.

Mexico's National Electoral Institute projected that Sheinbaum will win between 58% and 61% of the vote, while main challenger Xóchitl Gálvez will take 27% to 29% and the only male contender, Jorge Álvarez Máynez, will get 10% to 11%. Gálvez conceded defeat, saying the results "aren't in my favor."

Who said what

"We women have landed in the presidency," Sheinbaum said in an early Monday victory speech. "We are going to govern for everyone," and preserve Lopéz Obrador's "legacy" by continuing his popular policies.

Despite Sheinbaum's assertion that her victory shows "Mexico is a democratic country with peaceful elections," cartel violence "continues to torment the country," fueling "one of the deadliest campaign cycles in recent Mexican history," The New York Times said. At least 36 local candidates were killed since last summer. 

What next?

Sheinbaum's sole six-year term will start Oct. 1. Her leftist Moreno party is projected to win majorities in both chambers of Congress, allowing Sheinbaum to "push through her agenda with ease," The Associated Press said. But if turnout at her victory party was a sign, she is "unlikely to enjoy the kind of unquestioning devotion that López Obrador has enjoyed."

You made it to June. Now it is time to celebrate the start of summer somewhere sunny. Maybe a private haven in Indonesia or a charming beach inn on Nantucket Harbor?

Amanwana, Moyo Island, Indonesia 

For a true escape-from-it-all experience, head to Amanwana. This luxury retreat is on pristine Moyo Island in the Flores Sea, and it takes a few flights and a boat ride to get here. What awaits is a stunning resort with 17 air-conditioned guest tents surrounded by wilderness, wildlife and the sea. The snorkeling and scuba is phenomenal, and guests can sign up for experiences like the Whale Shark Excursion, which includes a sunrise cruise to Saleh Bay and the opportunity to swim with sharks. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner, mini-bars with snacks and sodas and use of non-motorized watersports equipment.

Casa Prana Resort Hotel, Atitlán, Guatemala

Wake up every morning at Casa Prana to the sounds of birds chirping and the promise of a good day. The serene eight-suite resort is on 10 acres of lush gardens, with expansive views of Lake Atitlán and three volcanoes. To get here, guests have to take either a boat or helicopter, but do not let the relative remoteness fool you. There is a lot to do, from horseback riding to paragliding to hiking up the Volcán San Pedro. For a more relaxing experience, book a massage in the spa, take a yoga class, sit in the herbal steam sauna, play croquet or swim in the heated lap pool.

Grand Hotel Victoria, Menaggio, Italy

At the Grand Hotel Victoria, you can soak in the splendor of Lake Como from your room, the verandas, the gardens, Lago restaurant — just about every corner of the property has a gorgeous view. The hotel recently enhanced the lavish Erre Spa and underwent a careful renovation that modernized the rooms and suites without compromising any of the historic building's charm. The friendly staff is happy to make recommendations on things to do and see in the area, and while out exploring the grounds, take a sneak peak at the new Victoria Beach Club, opening July 1. This is bound to become a Lake Como hot spot, with several pools all just steps from shady gazebos and multiple bars serving cocktails and mocktails.

Our Habitas, Tulum, Mexico

What first stands out about Our Habitas in Tulum is its exquisite location, on the beach between the Caribbean Sea and vibrant jungle. The accommodations are the next draw. Designed to "coexist with nature," each palapa-roofed room was built with "materials that leave no impact on the environment" and include canvas walls, outdoor rain showers and, in some cases, private plunge pools. Our Habitas also takes wellness seriously, and guests can participate in workshops on mindfulness and holistic healing practices, sign up for IV therapy drips and book acupuncture, facials and body treatments in the spa. Our Habitas is an adults-only property.

Roomers Baden-Baden, Germany

For a blissful experience, head to the Black Forest and Baden-Baden, a town known for its restorative thermal waters. The contemporary Roomers Baden-Baden offers 139 comfortable rooms with king-sized beds and Nespresso machines, and if you have environmental allergies, let the hotel know — there are special rooms free of allergens, and air purifiers are also available upon request. The spa is operated in partnership with Dr. Barbara Sturm and has a broad menu, from the Signature Sturmglow facial to the Black Forest Signature package with spruce needle body treatment and full body massage.

White Elephant Nantucket, Massachusetts

The White Elephant Nantucket offers a classic coastal getaway. A Nantucket landmark dating back to the 1920s, it recently underwent a restoration and renovation of its hotel and cottages, with all materials and finishes replaced. The rooms are light and airy, with harbor or garden views, and the larger three-bedroom residences and cottages are great for families (bonus: the hotel gives gifts to kids at check-in). Children's Beach, the Nantucket Whaling Museum and Brant Point Lighthouse are all within walking distance, but you can stay put on the property and still get the Nantucket experience while reading a book on the harborside lawn or enjoying a meal at Brant Point Grill.

Posing pups

Dogs donned canine couture in New York City this week to attend the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog's "Pet Gala". 

The annual fashion soiree sees pups dress up in outfits inspired by looks worn by high-profile stars at the better-known Met Gala, which takes place on the first Monday in May. Designer Anthony Rubio dressed 18 dogs for the event, which cost $300 a ticket to attend.

Fiery dispute

An unlikely showdown between a mariachi band and a fire-breather in the Mexican city of Morelia took place last Sunday. Wearing traditional dress and carrying guitars, the musicians chased after the fire-breather, who threw flames their way in retaliation. The brawl quickly unfolded in front of a taco restaurant called "El Inferno". 

The spat was reportedly over competition for sought-after performing space in the city as entertainers seek to earn lucrative tips from the public.

Purr-fessor

Vermont State University has bestowed an honorary degree on an unlikely recipient: a cat named Max Dow. The "campus-dwelling tabby" has earned a doctorate "in recognition of his friendliness", said The Guardian. Over the years Max has "proved himself to be a skilled napper" and mouse hunter. 

"With a resounding purr of approval from the faculty, the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Cat-leges has bestowed upon Max Dow the prestigious title of Doctor of Litter-ature, complete with all the catnip perks, scratching post privileges and litter box responsibilities that come with it," the university wrote on Facebook. "Congratulations Dr Max Dow."

Mexico City is on "the brink of a profound water crisis," said The New York Times. North America's most populous city is facing the possibility of a so-called "Day Zero" this summer — perhaps as soon as June 26 — when many taps connected to the main water system will simply run dry. The looming disaster is the product of "years of poor water management compounded by scarce rains" brought on by extended drought. Some neighborhoods are already rationing water, while others are relying on water trucks to fill local cisterns. "It's scary," said one resident, "that we're running out of resources."

"The region's complicated relationship with water is as old as the city itself," NBC News said. Mexico City was built on top of a former lake bed drained by the Spanish after they conquered the region in the 16th century. In recent decades, the city's water infrastructure hasn't kept pace with its population growth — while warmer temperatures and infrequent rains have offered fewer opportunities to replenish the aquifers and reservoirs that supply the city. "We are not ready to respond as quickly as the drought is producing problems," said one expert.

What did the commentators say?

"This isn't going away," Caroline Houck said at Vox. And it's not just Mexico City. One study of 15 cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America found that many residents already live with a sort of "Day Zero" — the water supply simply isn't available around the clock. Climate change and continuing urbanization mean we'll see more of these kinds of problems. "Higher temperatures drive higher water use" after all. The challenge? "We need to stop taking water for granted and manage it better." That's a tall order: Any solutions will "require political will and money."

"Mexico should be spending billions on water, not oil," Juan Pablo Spinetto said at Bloomberg. Under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the federal office in charge of improving water availability "suffers budget cuts despite growing shortages." Meanwhile, reports show that his government gave oil company Penmex $80.5 billion in subsidies and tax breaks between 2019 and 2023. Investing in Mexico City's water infrastructure, including replacing leaking pipes, would cost a fraction of that. This means shifting the government's bad priorities is "critical for the country's public health and economic viability."

What next?

A "water war" is brewing between the U.S. and Mexico, The Washington Post said. A longstanding treaty between the two countries requires Mexico to send water — about enough for 1 million households — from Rio Grande reservoirs to the north. Mexico has fallen behind, creating problems for Texas border communities that rely on the water. Some U.S. politicians are demanding an end to aid for Mexico until the water starts flowing. "It's an example of how climate change can complicate international cooperation."

Meanwhile, Mexico City faces the pressing problem of what to do when "Day Zero" arrives. (Some experts are skeptical it will, even as they acknowledge increasing shortages.)  Wealthy Mexicans can buy from private water suppliers, the Los Angeles Times said, but "that's not an option for most residents." Many already rely mostly on bottled water for drinking, washing and even flushing toilets. "What we are going through now," said a hydraulic engineer, "is as bad as we have seen."

It took Cristina Rivera Garza, 2024's newly minted Pulitzer Prize winner for memoir, 30 years to write the story of her sister's murder. 

The book, "El Invencible Verano de Liliana," was first published in Mexico in 2022 before its debut in the U.S. in 2023 as "Liliana's Invincible Summer: A Sister's Search for Justice." The toggling between — and now accolades in — two different countries is routine for Rivera Garza, a professor and author, poet and critic who has written more than 20 books.

Who is Cristina Rivera Garza?

Rivera Garza was born in the bordertown of Matamoros in eastern Mexico. Her teaching career has taken her to both sides of the Mexico-United States border, with posts that have included UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) and her current position at the University of Houston.

Her writing has won nearly every major literary award in Mexico, including the José Donoso award for a writer's body of work and the Xavier Villaurrutia award for a single work, for the original Spanish-language edition of "Liliana's Invincible Summer." Rivera Garza's writings grapple with the concept of fluidity. "To read Cristina Rivera Garza’s work is to be immersed in a kind of borderlessness," said Sohini Basak in Wasafiri. "Her writing moves seamlessly between fiction, memoir, literary criticism, poetry, archival work.… Working in both Spanish and English, between Mexico and the United States, her deeply interconnected books engage with all kinds of boundaries: of the body and gender, of the ecological and human world, of the limitations of communication and language, of histories both personal and collective." 

One of Rivera Garza's most celebrated books in Mexico is "Nadie Me Verá Llorar (No One Will See Me Cry)," a tale of two institutionalized patients, a morphine-addicted photographer and a prostitute, during the era of the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century. The book "offers a new vision of Mexican history and of the future of literature in the region" with its "blending of historical documents with fictionalized accounts of lives," said Cheyla Rose Samuelson in an interview with Rivera Garza in the journal Confluencia. In the novel, as with much of her work, Rivera Garza, ever the interrogator of boundaries, ruptures the line between documentation and fiction.

What is her Pulitzer-winning memoir about?

The memoir "Liliana's Invincible Summer" fractures genres too, and here in the U.S., Rivera Garza is finally getting her flowers with a Pulitzer win. The book is, in part, a strict recreation of both her sister Liliana and the aftereffects of Liliana's murder in 1990. But the book is also a call to action related to Mexico's ongoing femicides. When Liliana's boyfriend murdered her, the government did not find nor prosecute the perpetrator. During the time period Liliana was murdered, such violations were called crimes of passion. Cultural and political change over the three ensuing decades empowered Rivera Garza to finally tell Liliana's tale. "I had to wait for us as a community and a society to produce a language through which I could tell this story from my sister’s point of view," Rivera Garza said to The New York Times.

The book's release in 2022 sparked further activism and political movement around femicide in Mexico. It gave voice and presence not just to Liliana but endless other Mexican women who have been murdered over the years. "There is a larger concept of justice that involves the preservation of memory and the truth, as well," Rivera Garza said about the memoir. "I realized little by little that the book in fact was trying to do that work."

This April, escape from the ordinary. Now is the time to go big and try something new on your vacation. That could mean spending the night at a zoo, booking a suite at a resort where you can swim straight to your room or staying at a hotel with a pet psychic on stand by. Here are six options that promise a fresh way to hotel.

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga in Sydney, Australia

When you look out your window at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, expect to see a koala gazing back. This boutique hotel is at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, and gives guests who book Animal View Rooms an incredible, immersive wildlife experience. Those who want to be at the zoo but prefer some distance from the animals can stay in rooms with bushland or Sydney Harbor views. Rates include two-day access to Taronga Zoo, a special guided tour of the wildlife sanctuary, sustainable amenities and daily breakfast. 

Romeo Napoli in Naples, Italy

April is a great time to visit Italy. You can enjoy the sights before the large crowds and sweltering temperatures arrive in the summer. For a taste of contemporary luxury, book Romeo Napoli. The hotel's 79 rooms and suites feature warm tones and original photography and have fantastic views of the city of Naples, Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Wellness is a focus, with some rooms including infrared saunas, sensorial showers and private Zen gardens. Keep the pampering going downstairs at La Spa by Sisley Paris, where guests can relax in the Finnish sauna, frigidarium with snowfall, steam bath and cold immersion bath.

Sky Rock Sedona in Sedona, Arizona

Sky Rock Sedona makes a stunning first impression. Walking into the lobby, guests are greeted by a sparkling amethyst-encrusted wall, and the titillations only increase from there. The rooms feel like sanctuaries, with cozy neutral tones and leather accents, and some have fireplaces perfect for cooler nights. Up on the rooftop, there are fire pits and couches so guests can take in the 360-degree views of Sedona's red rocks, including the iconic Snoopy Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and Thunder Mountain. Sedona pulls in many New Age seekers, and Sky Rock guests can take advantage of offerings like on-call pet psychics and vortex hunters.

Generations Riviera Maya on Riviera Maya, Mexico

As long as you pack a bathing suit, you will do just fine at Generations Riviera Maya. This family-friendly resort on Mexico's Caribbean coast is known for its massive pool with a swim-up bar. All of the suites have ocean views, and several have direct access to the pool from their private balconies, making it easy to go swimming whenever you please. Rates are all-inclusive and cover meals, butler service and access to a private beach.

Akara Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand

The Akara Hotel is in the middle of everything in Bangkok's Ratchathewi district. Museums, shops, night markets and restaurants are all a short walk away — for those willing to leave the hotel, that is. Akara offers a lot of amenities, from a rooftop swimming pool to a culinary school and library, and some guests might want to stay put and take good advantage. The sizable rooms feature wood and marble decor, separate living and work areas and mini-bars with local delicacies. For even more space, book the large Akara Suite, which comes with a rain shower, jacuzzi tub and television in the bathroom.

Legado Mitico in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Learn all about Argentine history and culture without having to leave your hotel. At the elegant Legado Mitico in Buenos Aires, the 11 rooms are themed, honoring the people, arts and sports that shaped Argentina. The Liberator, for example, recognizes José de San Martín, a general who fought for independence and earned the nickname the Father of the Country. Paintings of the national hero hang on the walls, and books are stacked on a desk for guests wanting to read more about him. Legado Mitico is in the Palermo Viejo neighborhood, close to restaurants, bars and shops.

Multigenerational trips are special. Grandparents and grandchildren connecting over card games on the beach, cousins bonding while horseback riding and adult siblings reminiscing during a late night on the town: These simple activities turn into lasting memories. Here are seven ideas for vacations where hanging out with your family is at the top of the itinerary. 

Have the ultimate dude ranch experience at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado 

Giddy up! The all-inclusive C Lazy U lets everyone in the family live out their ranch dreams. Activities change with the seasons. Come in the summer to try cattle pushing and fly fishing, visit during the winter for snow tubing and snowmobiling — with horseback riding offered year-round. Kids and teens have their own special program, with ranch counselors leading them on adventures from sunrise to sunset. This is a luxury dude ranch with fine dining, plush cabins and the group-friendly Midnight Trail Lodge, a 3,600-square-foot space fit for the entire family.

Go on an unforgettable African safari with Cottar's Safaris in Maasai Mara, Kenya

Few experiences can beat an African safari. What is better than being in the heart of the wild, knowing that any moment you might see a giraffe or hear the roar of a distant lion? Cottar's Safaris in Kenya offers educational and authentic adventures for families, with two luxe properties on the private Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy in the Maasai Mara. The 1920s Camp has 11 canvas tents, including four designed for families, plus the private Bush Villa with five bedrooms, a pool and a dedicated chef and guide. Most activities are included, like wildlife drives, wilderness runs with Maasai warriors, stargazing, a foraging and medicinal walk and educational talks. Cottar's Safaris works with the local Maasai community on sustainability and conservation efforts, and families can get involved by planting seeds and joining rangers on their daily patrols.

Hit the beach at Grand Velas in Los Cabos, Mexico

At the all-inclusive Grand Velas, you never hear the dreaded words "I'm bored." Something is always going on. A typical day starts with morning yoga sessions, followed by Spanish lessons, cooking classes, poolside bingo, soccer games, ping pong tournaments and tequila tastings. Kids and teens can hang out in their own spaces for karaoke, gaming and arts and crafts (piñatas are great souvenirs). Families looking for a less structured vacation can hit the beach, lounge by one of the resort's infinity pools or relax in their suite — every suite boasts an ocean view and outdoor terrace.

Explore the rugged White Mountains in Lincoln, New Hampshire

Tucked in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is Lincoln, a town filled with natural wonders like the 800-foot-long Flume Gorge and peaceful Franconia Falls. This area attracts outdoorsy families that like to start and end a day with a hike and skiing in between. The boutique Launchpoint Lodge is a good home base. Designed for guests 12 and older, this six-suite hotel is for families with older kids. There are several common spaces, including the fully-stocked coffee lounge, sitting room and sunroom. If you have a big enough group, rent out the entire property and make yourself fully at home.

Take a cruise to Alaska with Princess

On a multigenerational trip, not everyone will have the same endurance levels or mobility. An Alaskan cruise levels the playing field, allowing families to gather together on one ship for the same experience, but with itineraries that work with individual needs. That might mean the whole crew gathers in the grandparents' room when the ship glides by Glacier Bay National Park, but only the parents and grandkids get off the boat to explore Ketchikan, with everyone regrouping at dinner. Princess cruise ships offer a good balance of family-friendly onboard activities and entertainment and experiences solely for adults, like the Sanctuary retreat.

Enjoy a wild west adventure at Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort in Borrego Springs, California

The spirit of the Old West is alive and well at the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort. The resort resembles a frontier town, with colorful buildings, a general store and a saloon slinging burgers, shakes and spirits. Guests can reserve a comfortable, pet-friendly room, stay in a vintage Airstream trailer or hook up their RV in a pull-through or back in-site close to shower and laundry facilities. Families looking for an adventure can explore the nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or walk by more than 130 massive metal sculptures scattered across Galleta Meadows. At night, look up. Borrego Springs is an International Dark Sky community, making stargazing a must.

Have an immersive experience at Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Take a trip back in time with the whole family. Colonial Williamsburg is a living museum with dozens of original 18th-century buildings, from a courthouse to the Wythe House where Thomas Jefferson studied law. Visitors can stay in the Colonial Houses, accommodations where Williamsburg residents once lived. There are modern amenities too, like indoor and outdoor pools and daily fitness classes. Walking around Williamsburg, you might come across a carpenter using an old tool to show a traditional woodworking technique or a milliner working on her latest hat. Changes are afoot, with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation announcing it will introduce or expand on the stories told about Black, Indigenous and LGBTQ history. 

An offshoot of the #MeToo movement has sprung up in France, paving the way for a new reckoning for the nation's cinema industry.

Actor Aurélien Wiik launched the hashtag #MeTooGarçons (#MeTooBoys) last month and claimed that he was a victim of sexual violence by his agent and members of his entourage from the age of 11 to 15. "The boys of the cinema are waking up," he said.

Within "a matter of days", said Euronews, a new movement "liberating the male voice was born", with "hundreds of accounts of sexual assault and rape published online.

Coined by US activist Tarana Burke in 2006, the term #MeToo became a viral hashtag in 2017. Allegations of rape and sexual assault against film producer Harvey Weinstein, and his subsequent conviction, "shook Hollywood to its core", said the news site, and "sparked worldwide conversations" about harassment and misogyny.

Here is how the movement has taken hold in different countries.

China

In the "land of censorship", feminists have had to contend with "headwinds in a political environment where the ruling Communist Party’s control over the internet, media and independent activism is tighter than it has been in 30 years", wrote Yaqiu Wang in The Washington Post in 2020.

As the movement grew around the world, an article in the state-run China Daily newspaper insisted that sexual misconduct was rare there, because "Chinese men are taught to be protective of their women".

But Chinese sportswomen, academics and women from the film industry have since shared their experiences, under the hashtag #WoYeShi.

Middle East

Mona Eltahawy launched the hashtag #MosqueMeToo in 2018. "I was called a liar when I first spoke out about my sexual assault at hajj," she wrote in The Washington Post, but "now, we are too many to be dismissed as liars".

In 2020, as the #MeToo movement gained momentum in Iran, 13 Iranian women told The New York Times that they had been subjected to sexual assault and abuse by Aydin Aghdashloo, an internationally renowned Iranian artist with ties to the Tehran regime.

"I am not a perfect man," said Aghdashloo, dubbed the "Harvey Weinstein of Iran" by his accusers. But he told the paper that the allegations were "full of significant inaccuracies, mischaracterizations and fabrications".

In Israel, a Hebrew hashtag meaning #UsToo made front-page headlines, with some men responding by using a hashtag, #HowIWillChange, discussing how to prevent future abuse. In Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinian women used #AnaKaman (#MeToo).

United States

Since 2017, employers in Hollywood have been required to provide more intensive training to prevent workplace harassment, immediately investigate claims of harassment, and implement a "zero tolerance" policy towards offenders.

But the movement has "seemingly fallen short" in maintaining its success in the US "beyond the glamorous celebrity sphere", said The McGill International Review. Nevertheless, the National Women's Law Center found last year that 24 US states and the District of Columbia have passed more than 80 workplace anti-harassment bills since #MeToo began, said Forbes.

In 2022, five years after the hashtag went viral, around half of Americans who had heard of the #MeToo movement expressed support for it, while 21% were opposed, according to Pew Research Center. The think tank reported "wide partisan gaps", with Democrats "roughly three times as likely" as Republicans to be supportive.

Mexico

When the #MeToo movement started in 2017, it "felt distant, like a Hollywood production", wrote Tamara De Anda in The Washington Post. But two years later it "exploded" and Mexican women have "lost their fear forever".

Ana G. Gonzalez, a political communications consultant, used Twitter to accuse a writer of abusing 10 women. "By speaking up, she would go on to inspire hundreds of women to share their personal stories of harassment and abuse," said Do Something.

Last year, the nation's "worst alleged #MeToo offender", writer and diplomat Andrés Roemer, was arrested in Israel, "two-and-a-half years after sexual misconduct allegations against him from dozens of young women surfaced", said Vice.

France

 Judith Godrèche, an actor who has accused two high-profile directors of raping her as a teenager, last month called for an end of the "omerta" surrounding the abuse of women and girls in the film industry, said The Guardian.

Both men deny the claims, but after the story went public, several other actors came forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment, and Godrèche's speech at the 49th Césars ceremony was "something of a landmark moment", said Euronews.

The French film industry has been "shaken" by numerous allegations against actor Gérard Depardieu, said The Guardian, the most recent of which emerged last month when a film assistant accused him of sexual assault in 2014.

With the #MeTooGarcons hashtag gathering online traction, there could be a new wave of allegations against other figures in France.

Ready to put the drudgery of winter behind you? Step into warmer weather at one of these six hotels. Their locales are the perfect places to celebrate spring, from dry and mild Hanoi, Vietnam, to Dublin, Ireland, where the crowds are low but the temperature is rising. 

The Cove in Eleuthera, Bahamas

Eleuthera is an island you will want to get stranded on. Just one mile wide and 110 miles long, this little getaway has pristine pink and white sand beaches and coral reefs. The Cove Eleuthera is situated between two white sand coves and feels like a private paradise, with accommodations ranging from bungalows tucked away among the Kamalame trees to oceanfront rooms, suites and villas. All are just a few steps away from the on-site restaurants, bars and spa. The Cove also has two private beaches with attendants and ample opportunities to connect with other guests at sunset yoga and art workshops. 

Riad Dar Anika in Marrakech, Morocco

In the heart of the Medina of Marrakech is Riad Dar Anika. This boutique hotel is known for its impeccable service, with staff greeting guests to offer tea and sweets upon arrival and keeping them stocked with other goodies throughout their stay. The 12 rooms each have special touches like stained glass windows and lamps, ornate murals and four-poster beds, plus guests have access to a pool, hammam, rooftop terrace and restaurant that serves Moroccan delicacies. From the riad, it's a quick walk to palaces, monuments and Marrakech's main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa.

The Leinster Hotel in Dublin, Ireland

The Leinster Hotel is a stone's throw from Merrion Square, which boasts gardens, two museums and Georgian townhouses. A brand new property opening on March 7, the Leinster has 55 rooms and suites, each one with its own distinctive design. The rooms are all about pattern and texture play, with velvet couches and toile wallpaper, plus fun extra touches like retro-style telephones. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is opening his first-ever restaurant in Ireland at the Leinster, where guests will be able to dine on an outdoor terrace with lovely views of Dublin.

Capella Hanoi in Hanoi, Vietnam

Described as an "eternal celebration of opera in the Roaring '20s," the Capella Hanoi is enveloped in musical elements. The Art Deco hotel has swinging lounges and 47 rooms decorated with memorabilia paying homage to beloved opera singers, composers, designers and performances. The four Opera Suites are especially stunning, with gilded wall panels, rich fabrics and terraces. Guests tend to gather in the Living Room lounge, open 24 hours a day, where you can enjoy cocktails made from locally-distilled gin and rum, listen to live jazz or curl up with a book. Every day, a different cultural activity is held in the Living Room, like learning bamboo weaving from a master artisan.

Mvngata Beach Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

After a cold winter, guests are probably more than ready to enjoy some sun at the modern Mvngata Beach Hotel in Playa del Carmen. Consider springing for a premium deluxe oceanfront room, which comes with a terrace and hot tub that overlook the water. For a real treat, book an outdoor massage at the Sand & Sea Spa, where you will face the ocean during your session. The main hub of the resort is its rooftop, where guests can swim in the heated infinity pool, relax in the Balinese beds, eat breakfast, lunch and dinner and watch the sunset.

Almanac Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain

There is a room for everyone at Almanac Barcelona. Traveling with extended family? Book one of the hotel's multiple-bedroom suites so you can all be together in one place. Planning a romantic trip for two? Go with the stylish Terrace Suite, featuring a waterfall shower and private terrace with a fire pit and city views. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air — just head up to the rooftop, where there is a plunge pool and the Azimuth bar. Downstairs is restaurant Virens, specializing in "green cuisine" with a plant-forward menu. The Almanac Barcelona is off the Passeig de Gràcia, which means some of the city's finest shops and restaurants are only a few steps away. 

Being in Mexico City feels, I imagine, like being in Paris in the 1920s, or London in the 1960s: at the epicentre of a new world. 

Art, design, music, fashion, food… Mexico's thriving capital wasn't named Time Out's 2023 top cultural destination in the world for nothing. A high-altitude valley ringed by mountains is an appropriately dramatic setting for a megalopolis built on ancient ruins: the famed Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Even for this lifelong Londoner, the sheer scale of Mexico City is dizzying. I was grateful for the 17th-floor rooftop restaurant of my hotel, the Andaz Mexico City Condesa: its 360-degree views of the city, with the high rises of the bohemian La Condesa neighbourhood reflected in the infinity pool, offer a way to get your bearings. 

There's so much to do in a city of over 20 million people that it's best to narrow your focus. With its 170 museums, innumerable galleries, a world-famous annual art fair, architectural history and punchy street murals, the home of Frida Kahlo sits deservedly alongside Rome or Barcelona as an art capital of the world. If you know your avant-garde from your art deco, this is the city for you. 

What to see and do

The newly opened hotel, Andaz's second in Mexico and 25th globally, is inspired by the work of famed Mexican architect Luis Barragán, so it would be spurious not to begin with Casa Estudio Luis Barragán, the studio-turned-museum of the 20th-century titan, 10 minutes' walk away.

The nearly intact 1948 building is considered one of the most important 20th-century homes. It blends modern landscaping with light, colour and clever use of corners to bring the outdoors inside, emblematic of Barragán's style. This stylish-but-soothing Unesco World Heritage Site, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, will give you the worst kind of interior design envy – and that's to say nothing of its art collection, with works by Picasso and homegrown Diego Rivera. The warm, glowing pink walls make Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon look like… well, dead salmon. 

Head around the corner to the tiny Kurimanzutto, a large warehouse room that's one of Mexico City's trendiest galleries and contemporary art spaces, showcasing 33 international artists.

Next, walk via the artificial 19th-century lake to another of the many artistic offerings in the bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec forest): the National Museum of Anthropology. It's an ode to the country's rich pre-Hispanic history, and one of the world's foremost archaeological museums. Contemporary art lovers also shouldn't miss the Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM) or nearby Rufino Tamayo Museum.

If street art is preferred, the tree-lined nextdoor neighbourhood of La Roma is home to a corner of delight: La Romita. A little plaza and its adjoining tiny cobbled streets are plastered in the type of spontaneous murals most cities would commission at great cost. The brightness of the colours, and the ambition of the murals, contrast with the shabby, pre-gentrified village vibe. 

Walking around the shaded avenues of Roma Norte and La Condesa gives design fans something to look at. There seems to be some sort of local competition for the most attractive, art nouveau-style security bars on the windows, usually ringed by bright colours beloved of Mexicans or a dramatic flourish of flowers. 

It's a fair way south from artistic La Condesa, but a must-see is the Frida Kahlo Museum. Her Casa Azul (Blue House) was home to arguably the most famous female artist of all time – and certainly, the international face of Mexico – as well as tempestuous Diego Rivera, who she married twice, or one of their many lovers. 

It's hard to describe the sensation of seeing her familiar work in the context of her cobalt home. Looking out from her bedroom window to her lush jungle of a garden, or standing by her painting table to see your own face in the mirror, surrounded by her pre-Columbian artefacts, European antiques and Mexican folk art, as well as her crutches and carefully adapted indigenous costumes that hid her broken body is like a glimpse inside her mind. 

A word of warning: you have to buy your tickets (270 Mexican pesos, or about £12.50) via the official website, at least a week in advance. If you do not have the right ticket for the correct time slot, you won't get in, even if you are a reincarnation of Kahlo herself. 

Where to stay: Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Andaz, a luxury boutique brand, is a Hindi word for "personal style". Andaz Mexico City Condesa can attest to that. 

The neon-lit mirrored staircase that goes up to the lobby is outrageously flamboyant, while the lobby itself is understated elegance in soothing earthy colours, neatly encapsulating the two faces of this hotel. 

Downstairs there are little touches like QR codes with information about the contemporary artwork and a discreetly tucked away Pasa Spa & Wellness centre, where you can have one of the most effective massages I've ever experienced. 

The relaxed Derba Matcha Café is a popular spot for young professionals for a smoothie or latte. The warm pastel velvets, plentiful plants and pastries are an influencer's paradise. The chef claims his concoctions are better than any you can get in Paris, which I put to the test.

The compact, ultra-modern rooms are also everything you'd expect from five-star boutique luxury: off-the-charts thread counts, sophisticated lighting systems and gleaming marble bathrooms. But the designers evidently had fun, with the bright pink obelisk and the vinyl records that seemed to have been chosen for their tantalising covers. 

The Tulum beach-style 17th-floor Cabuya Rooftop, a boho bar and restaurant, is accessible via a bright pink geometric-patterned lift. The walls are covered with vibrant murals by artist Edoardo Aldama: whales, turtles, octopuses and seabirds in primary colours, lit by lanterns dangling from the foliage ceiling. 

This is a destination: a place to be seen. The seafood-dominated menu, inspired by the flavours of the Baja and Yucatán regions, make it too compelling to leave. I particularly adored the sweet and sour octopus and fresh ceviche. 

The hotel goes on an unexpected tangent with its 'Wooftop' Beer Garden & Canine Club, a dog-friendly restaurant with a terrace. You can sip a beer and enjoy some nachos or a blackened fish taco, made in a street-food truck, while your pampered pooch sits on a bean bag next to you. There's also a doggy exercise area and – you'd have to see it to believe it – a special dog menu serving "vegan barkcini", non-alcoholic "beer for dogs" and the "woof slider" of ground beef, rice and beet. 

It's the kind of place a certain type of influencer would come to celebrate their dog's birthday – out-of-place kitsch, but very fun.

While this hotel might not be right for honeymooners or families with young kids, it's ideal for trendy professionals, fashion designers or bohemian art lovers.

How to get there

There are direct flights from London to Benito Juárez International Airport, with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, but at nearly 12 hours it's a big ask. Stop off en route on Mexico's east coast – direct flights from all over the UK will get you to Cancún in just over 10 hours – and fend off the jet lag on the beach. 

Then it's just a 2.5-hour flight west to Mexico City, and a short cab or subway ride into the city. 

Harriet Marsden was a guest of Andaz Mexico City Condesa, and luxury tour operator, Untold Story Travel, which offers bespoke travel experiences to Mexico and destinations around the world. 

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Along Mexico's northeast Yucatán Peninsula, about half an hour south of brash tourist haven Cancún, lies the well-loved strip of Caribbean coastline, Riviera Maya. Halfway between the party central Playa del Carmen and bohemian beachtown Tulum you'll find Mayakoba: a 600-acre oasis of lagoons and canals that wind through dappled mangrove forests, and slip out over flour-like sand into the bright turquoise sea and the world's second largest barrier reef. 

The private complex is one of Mexico's foremost areas of sustainability and conservation, home to more than 200 species of wildlife – and four hotel groups: Rosewood, Fairmont, Banyan Tree and Andaz Mayakoba, each connected by a dream-like lagoon but staking out its own quiet stretch of sand. 

Playa del Carmen is just a few miles north, for all your shopping and nightlife needs, while Tulum offers world-class archaeological ruins, but Mayakoba is a place to switch off and reconnect with nature. Guests of one hotel are welcome to visit and eat at any other – but after five days with every meal at Andaz I can't imagine why you'd want to. It's a hotel that is as close to perfect as you can imagine, and one I would definitely choose for a honeymoon.

In most luxury resorts there appears to be a compromise. Perhaps high-quality service comes with a haughty vibe, maybe authenticity is sacrificed for gimmicks or sustainability for overwhelming choice on the menu, or it could simply be packed and hectic. Not so at Andaz Mayakoba.

The hotel

The Hyatt concept hotel is so integrated with the landscape that it seems to have sprouted from roots in it, and has none of the inauthentic, in-your-face consumerism you might expect from an all-inclusive resort. Instead, the entire ethos is to arrive as a visitor, depart as a local – one who cares deeply about the region, its flora and fauna and the future of its indigenous communities.

This is the holy grail of resorts: luxury comfort and fine dining that's perfectly at home barefoot on the beach, and staff members who make you feel welcome: attentive but not annoying; informal but not inappropriate. After five days I was on first-name terms with several. 

The hotel boasts its own private stretch of beach, dotted with stone-coloured beds (not sun loungers; actual beds with pillows) and dozy, swaying palms. There's also the 18-hole golf course, the Naum wellness spa for traditional Mayan rituals and 214 rooms, including 41 suites, with plunge pool terraces either overlooking the beach or lagoon. 

Guests can stay on the north side of the lagoon, next to the signature open-air lobby, two out of five restaurants and the spa, or on the ocean side, with the remaining three restaurants and beach access (each side has its own freshwater pool). Thanks to the eastern outlook, the ocean-side rooms offer access to the most spectacular sunrises, which take the edge off any jet lag.

A golf buggy ride between the two sides, via a twisted path that scythes through the mangroves, can take up to 10 minutes. It seemed inconvenient at first, but I grew to enjoy this miniature safari (multiple times a day; I wasn't taking any chances on one of the resort's free-to-hire bikes after a tequila or two), and spotted some of the complex's extravagant birds or lazy iguanas. 

Although the hotel has a peaceful, adults-only vibe, the complex offers an array of activities for children and adolescents, including a Mayan treasure hunt, arts and crafts and a "choco lottery".

Rooms

The soothing rooms have cool-toned floors and open layouts, sand and stone colour schemes with pops of bright, Mexican pink and traditional Mayan accents. The terraces of the ocean-view rooms leads down onto the beach, with a view marred only by water filters, which protect the beach from unsightly seaweed.

The Hyatt Grand Bed™ is as enormous and high-tech as the name suggests, and you might need a degree in advanced physics to operate all the switches and plugs. But it's impossible to find fault with the walk-in rain shower.

The rooms offer some thoughtful touches: a beautifully painted book of Mayakoba's bird species, and a guide to the region's cenotes: underground water-filled caves. Plus, the supply of Gummy Bears (replenished daily) went down a treat. 

Eating and drinking

Some might be put off by all-inclusive, for fear of being bored of the same food day after day. But this is where Andaz stands apart from its competitors. Executive chef Miguel Gomez unifies five restaurants under a farm-to-table concept: bright Mexican flavours with an international twist. You quickly learn that each restaurant has a totally different vibe. 

The lagoon-side pavilion Cocina Milagro boasts the most comprehensive (and whimsical, thanks to the doughnut tower) breakfast buffet I've ever seen, complete with stewed nopales (Mexican cactus), the perfect accompaniment to a fresh omelette. Tinta del Pulpo, looking out across the pool towards the ocean, serves down-to-earth but elevated Mexican street food: fresh ceviche, artisan beers and addictive prawn tacos. The vegan restaurant VB offered a dizzying range of juices and fresh salads, and surprisingly good cocktails.

The remaining two have been rated among the top 250 restaurants in Mexico, by Guía México Gastronómico: Sotavento, a romantic feet-in-the-sand beach hut, serves fresh Mediterranean-style seafood under a canopy of fairy lights. The fine dining Casa Amate is decorated like a high-class library room, offering a gastronomic tour of Latin America: pork belly with achiote sauce, Venezuelan arepas, roasted plátanos in coconut milk, or Uruguayan chupin (fish soup).

The Andaz ethos is clear: the ingredients are almost exclusively local, and the seafood is sourced via a growing sustainability movement called pesca con futuro, or "fish with future". This is food that loves where it comes from, and wants you to love it, too.

Activities and excursions

Andaz offers an extraordinary selection of cultural experiences, including Mayan meditation with the Naum Spa's resident shaman, cacao wellness workshops, cooking classes, mezcal tasting and a guided tour of the local cenotes. 

Two stand out in particular. Firstly, a small eco-cruise tour of the lagoon, through the Mayakoba mangroves. Accompanied by an impossibly fresh breakfast, you wind through the dappled green light and try to spot as many animals as possible: caimans, giant iguanas, terrapins, and an endless assortment of flashy birds.

The hotel also organises an excursion to a remote Mayan village in the forest, about two hours' drive away, near the Melipona bee reserve. This is the world's oldest and smallest bee species, whose honey is said to have healing properties. The community harvest the honey from the critically endangered species in the traditional way, while offering tourists the chance to support the work by buying their handmade crafts. 

After trekking through the forest to see the buzzy hives, the village abuela – grandmother – invited us to eat with her family. For all the luxury fine dining, those handmade tacos were a culinary highlight.  

Harriet Marsden was a guest of Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya and luxury tour operator, Untold Story Travel, which offers bespoke travel experiences to Mexico and destinations around the world. Rates at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya start from £310 per night (andazmayakoba.com). 

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An international battle over firearms is being renewed, as a U.S. federal appeals court ruled on Jan. 22 that Mexico can sue a group of American gun manufacturers. The $10 billion lawsuit claims that these manufacturers are contributing to an epidemic of cartel violence in Mexico by helping arm drug kingpins with American-made guns. 

The lawsuit was initially brought against the United States in August 2021. At the time, many described it as a long shot bid to tamp down the flow of guns, and it was dismissed by a U.S. district court the next year on a legal technicality. The Mexican government appealed, and Boston's 1st Circuit Court of Appeals revived the lawsuit, claiming the suit was exempt from this technicality.

Now that the lawsuit has risen from the dead, how much of a case does Mexico have, and how far will the legal proceedings go? And if Mexico were to win the case, what would the ripple effects be on both sides of the border?

What are the facts of the case?

The lawsuit pits the Mexican government against six manufacturers of firearms in the U.S., including major brands such as Glock, Ruger and Smith & Wesson. Attorneys for Mexico argue that these companies "aided and abetted the knowingly unlawful downstream trafficking" of their products into Mexican territory and that the companies should be liable for crimes committed by Mexican gangs using those guns. 

The case was dismissed in 2022 due to a law known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This federal law prevents gun manufacturers and distributors from being held liable for the "misuse of their products by others." It was ruled that, as a result of this law, Mexico had no legal standing to sue American gun companies. 

Mexico appealed, arguing that the law only shielded gun manufacturers from incidents that happen in the United States. The 1st Circuit Court agreed, writing that Mexico's lawsuit is "statutorily exempt" from the PLCAA. An appeal from the gun manufacturers is expected. 

How does the U.S. gun industry contribute to gun violence in Mexico?

Around 70% to 90% of guns recovered by the Mexican government originated in the United States, according to data cited by The New York Times. Mexico also claimed in its lawsuit that the gunmakers it is suing generate around $170 million annually from the illegal sales of these guns to Mexico. 

Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense has documented a look at the manufacturers of these weapons and how they are embedded in Mexican cartels. This data "[tells] a damning story of iconic American gunmakers' involvement in a decade of Mexican bloodshed," The Trace said. Between 2010 and 2020, the Mexican government recovered nearly 125,000 weapons from the cartels, including "machine guns, grenade launchers and tens of thousands of pistols and rifles," The Trace also said.

Of the 10 gunmakers whose firearms are most seized by the Mexican government, according to the Secretariat of National Defense's data, U.S. companies comprise seven of them. Topping the list was Colt, which had more than 8,500 firearms seized by Mexican authorities. According to the lawsuit, Colt even specifically manufactures a trio of specialty pistols, the El Jefe, El Grito and the Emiliano Zapata 1911, which are gold-plated and coveted by cartel bosses as status symbols. Winchester, Smith & Wesson and Remington rounded out the top four. 

"There is a lot of cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in terms of trying to identify and track this arms trafficking," NPR said. Any incident of gun violence, whether it be a small crime or cartel shoot-out, is monitored by the government. 

What happens next?

Gunmakers and the firearms industry have decried the revival of Mexico's lawsuit. "We respectfully and profoundly disagree with today's decision and are reviewing our legal options," Larry Keane, an official with the National Shooting Sports Foundation trade group, said to the Times. He added that Mexico was "scapegoating the firearm industry for their inability and unwillingness to protect Mexican citizens from the cartels." It is unclear, though, when any appeal from the gunmakers would be heard in court.

In 2022, the attorneys general of 13 states expressed support for Mexico's lawsuit. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the gunmakers needed to be held "accountable for their contributions to gun violence in Mexico." Belize and the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda also filed amicus briefs supporting Mexico's lawsuit. 

Scientists believe they have discovered why dogs wag their tails. The "mystery" of why dogs wag their tail so much has "long fascinated humans," said The Telegraph. Now, a team of animal experts, including from the Max Planck Institute for psycholinguistics and the University of Rome, has concluded that humans have "deliberately bred dogs that wag their tails because we find the rhythm of it soothing and enjoyable".

Man breaks coffee record

Many people have necked a morning coffee quickly but a German man took it to a new level when he downed a steaming cup of coffee in 3.12 seconds. Guinness World Records has announced that Felix von Meibom earned the title for fastest time to drink a cup of coffee. His time of 3.12 seconds "shaved" .05 seconds off the previous record, which was set by fellow German and "serial record-breaker" Andre Ortolf in 2021, said UPI.

Bride arrested in wedding dress

A Mexican bride appeared for a police mugshot in her wedding dress after being arrested for alleged extortion of chicken farmers. The bride was detained during her nuptials and accused of taking part in an extortion racket targeting poultry producers in the state of México, which borders Mexico City. The woman "didn't even make it into the church as officers ambushed the ceremony", said Sky News.