Mark Chesnut Travel Writing + Branded Content

TravelAge West • 17th April 2024

Review: Grand Velas Boutique Hotel Los Cabos

Velas Resorts has long enjoyed a reputation as one of Mexico’s most prominent upscale all-inclusive hoteliers. And the company’s newest property, Grand Velas Boutique Hotel Los Cabos, expands its offerings in one of Mexico’s top beach destinations, with a new format designed to appeal to a distinct demographic.

Opened earlier this year, Grand Velas Boutique Hotel Los Cabos is the company’s third in Los Cabos, as well as the sole adults-only all-inclusive property in its portfolio in the destina

Passport Magazine • 3rd April 2024

LGBTQ+ Los Cabos, México

Los Cabos, Mexico is quickly establishing itself as a welcoming hotspot for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking luxury, outdoor experiences, sophisticated cuisine.

Long gone are the days when vacation destinations based their LGBTQ+ appeal solely on nightlife. Our community is diverse, after all, and a widening recognition of our varied interests means that more cities and countries around the world are aiming to entice us with experiences that go way beyond disco balls and go-go boys. Such is the case wi

TravelAge West • 3rd April 2024

Review: Hotel Volga in Mexico City

I’ve stayed in countless hotels in Mexico City that are stylish and well-designed, but I’ve never experienced a property quite like Hotel Volga.

The 49-room boutique property, which opened in 2023, just one block from the grand Paseo de la Reforma avenue, recently joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts as an L.V.X. property. Volga — named after the street on which it’s located — also belongs to the Hamak Hotels collection, which operates properties in Mexico and Colombia.

I realized Volga was diffe

TravelAge West • 21st March 2024

Where to Vacation in Western Puerto Rico

San Juan may be Puerto Rico’s highest-profile vacation destination, but the “island of enchantment” offers lots to see and do outside the metropolitan area — especially on the island’s western side.

Puerto Rico measures just 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, and it’s divided into six distinct tourism regions — North, South, East, West, Metro and Central Mountains — each with its own unique allure. The West is one of my favorite parts to visit.

Located less than three hours by car from San Juan

TravelAge West • 21st March 2024

Jamaica Travel Inspired By ‘Bob Marley: One Love’

Jamaican musical artist Bob Marley has been revered for decades, and the recent release of the movie “Bob Marley: One Love” has once again cast the spotlight on his life and talent. And travelers considering a trip to Jamaica can learn about Marley by visiting sites related to his life.

Here’s what we’ve discovered in our search for Bob Marley’s Jamaica.

Several hotels in Jamaica have developed packages and experiences inspired by Marley. For example, S Hotels Jamaica (which owns the Spanish C

TravelAge West • 20th March 2024

Exploring Pachuca's Surprising English Ties in Hidalgo, Mexico

If you ever happen to be wandering in downtown Pachuca, Mexico, don’t be surprised when the usual urban cacophony is interrupted by something a bit foreign: the resounding chimes of a 132-foot clock tower that looks and sounds like it was transplanted from England.

The Reloj Monumental de Pachuca (Monumental Clock of Pachuca), in a way, is just that: an architectural and cultural transplant, as well as a unique symbol of the long-standing ties between England and this part of Mexico. Starting i

TravelAge West • 7th March 2024

Review: The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club

From gourmet cuisine and lively local festivals to luxurious accommodations and nature-focused excursions, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is especially well-positioned for upscale travelers looking to enjoy a variety of experiences while minimizing travel times. And recent upgrades have made this hotel even more enticing.

I’ve traveled to Punta Cana — the Dominican Republic’s bestselling beach destination — several times, but this was the first time I had stayed inside the 15,000-acre Punta

TravelAge West • 21st February 2024

A Travel Advisor Guide to DMCs in Mexico

Whether it’s sun-soaked beach resorts, historic towns or sophisticated cities, Mexico abounds with options for creating vacation memories. Travel advisors who specialize in Mexico are well-versed in qualifying clients and matching them with the ideal experiences that fit their personality, style and budget.

But where do travel agents turn when they need even more insight for their Mexico-bound clients?

The answer, in many cases, is a destination management company (DMC). As travel businesses w

TravelAge West • 20th February 2024

These Travel Advisor-Owned Businesses Provide Education, Community and Other Resources

To be successful, travel advisors must master a variety of skills and negotiate an ever-more-complex industry. To stay on top, many turn to educational resources offered by suppliers and industry organizations. But an increasing number of advisors have also created their own ways to help others, by devising side gigs focused on industry education and empowerment.

The mantra for these entrepreneurial individuals is clear: Agencies and advisors will find more success when they focus on working to

Passport Magazine • 16th February 2024

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

New Orleans is a city where sophistication and creativity come to life, so it’s no wonder that the Virgin Hotels New Orleans is such a prefect fit!

New Orleans is a city steeped in history and traditions, but it’s also a place where 21st century sophistication and creativity come to life. So it’s no wonder that the Virgin Hotels New Orleans (550 Baronne St. Tel: 504-603-8000. virginhotels.com/new-orleans) is such a good fit for the Big Easy.

The Virgin Hotels brand first launched in 2010, exte

TravelAge West • 7th February 2024

The Best Spots in Mexico for Spring Break

For some, the concept of spring break may evoke images of rowdy college students partying all night. But the idea of a spring escape to a beautiful, sun-soaked destination appeals to a much wider variety of travelers — especially in Mexico, where hoteliers are adept at creating environments to please diverse tastes.

This year will likely be a strong year for spring vacation bookings, according to multiple sources. Spring break bookings are already up 7% from last year, according to Tim Hentsche

TravelAge West • 1st February 2024

How to Celebrate Independence Days in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is home to 13 sovereign countries, so it’s no surprise that there are many ways to celebrate independence in the region.

February is an important month in several Caribbean destinations; the Dominican Republic, Grenada and Saint Lucia all commemorate their independence this month. But there are also Caribbean independence days in the summer and fall, so regardless of the season, travelers may find a way to plan a vacation around the festivities.

In addition, travel companies such

TravelAge West • 18th January 2024

The Best Places to Run and Hike in the Caribbean

When many travelers plan of a Caribbean vacation, they’re dreaming of activities such as relaxing at the pool or catching some rays on the beach. But for running and hiking enthusiasts, an island getaway can be filled with exciting action as well as gorgeous scenery.

Here are some of the best running and hiking locations and events around the Caribbean.

Where to Hike in the Caribbean

Destinations large and small offer an array of possibilities for exploring by foot. Dominica, for example, is

TravelAge West • 17th January 2024

What's Hot in Mexico Travel for 2024, According to Travel Agents

Mexico is likely to be a high-demand destination in 2024, according to multiple travel advisors. In fact, some predict that sales in the new year will likely outpace previous years.

“I expect sales for Mexico to be stronger in 2024 — and likely to grow for the foreseeable future,” said Justin Smith, president of The Evolved Traveler, a member of Ensemble Travel in Beverly Hills, Calif.. “There are multitude factors contributing to this: turmoil in other parts of the world, economic factors, geo

TravelAge West • 5th January 2024

How to Plan a Perfect Taiwan Vacation by Train

With its fascinating blend of centuries-old traditions and 21st century technology, Taiwan is a unique destination that fascinates visitors on many levels. It’s also a country that’s especially easy to navigate, thanks to its compact size and efficient and comfortable transportation systems. And creating itineraries that include multiple cities and towns are a snap, too.

I spent two wonderful weeks exploring Taiwan recently, and I relied almost exclusively on mass transit to get around the majo

TravelAge West • 4th January 2024

11 Places in the Caribbean for an LGBTQ Destination Wedding, and Event Planners to Help

The Caribbean’s warm waters and beautiful scenery provide an ideal backdrop for destination weddings. In fact, in 2022, 18% of destination weddings took place in the Caribbean, according to a recent The Knot Real Weddings Study. But for LGBTQ couples, planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean requires being careful about the choice of location, since some islands have restrictive laws and not all hotels are welcoming.

The good news is that there are several islands where diverse couples c

TravelAge West • 3rd January 2024

Mexico's Latest Aviation Developments Could Mean More Choices for Travelers

The winds of change are sweeping through the skies over Mexico, as three new airports, a relaunched airline and revised FAA safety ratings promise to bring new options for travelers and travel advisors.

In some cases, increased competition could be especially good news for travelers, according to some observers.

Here are some of the biggest changes in Mexico’s air travel landscape.

In September 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) upgraded Mexico’s air safety rating, which opens th

TravelAge West • 21st December 2023

Caribbean Hotels With Professional Photo Services

Cellphone selfies have become a common way to document vacation travel. But why settle for a bunch of photos at arm’s length when you can work with a pro?

Vacationers who crave higher-quality visual souvenirs to show off to friends and family may want to consider the professional photography services available at a number of hotels around the Caribbean.

The benefits of collaborating with a photographer are many. Working with a pro allows travelers to focus more on relaxing and having fun. A pr

TravelAge West • 20th December 2023

Los Cabos Tourism Is Promoting Fitness and Wellness Travel

Los Cabos has long been admired for its natural beauty, upscale hotels and outdoor activities. And now, the Los Cabos Tourism Board hopes to also bring awareness to the Pacific coast destination as a hotspot for wellness and fitness travel — evidenced by several initiatives the organization recently put into place.

In September, for example, the tourism board named the destination’s first-ever brand ambassador: Diana Flores, the captain and quarterback of Mexico’s world-champion women’s nationa

TravelAge West • 7th December 2023

Top Things to Do in 2024 in St. Thomas

St. Thomas may measure just 32 square miles, but the island offers a host of diversions for travelers looking to enjoy some time in the sun — especially those who love nature, culture and great beaches.

As the best-connected destination in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), St. Thomas offers the region’s largest number of flights to and from the mainland U.S., and it has no passport requirements (a great selling point of the USVI).

There are several great reasons to visit this sun-soaked island i

TravelAge West • 6th December 2023

Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2024 in Mexico

Some of the year’s biggest holidays may have yet to wind down, but attentive couples will want to begin planning for yet another important celebration: Valentine’s Day. In Mexico, lovebirds will find many opportunities to commemorate romantic bonds in a variety of picturesque settings.

Here is some inspiration for romantic Valentine’s Day vacations around Mexico.

Romance-oriented packages make it especially easy for twosomes to create Valentine’s Day memories without having to worry much about

TravelAge West • 26th November 2023

Community Voices: How to Support Diversity and Inclusion Within Nashville’s Tourism Scene

As I sampled mouthwatering dishes from various Nashville restaurants at Taste, an annual food festival and fundraiser powered by the Tennessee Pride Chamber (an LGBTQ+ workplace equality organization) and Amazon, it was clear that many businesses in Music City support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

The sheer number of businesses participating in Taste was a rather striking contrast to some of the more controversial political news to come from the state of Tennessee in recent months, spe

TravelAge West • 16th November 2023

Hotel Review: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

On Dec. 1, 1958, American businessman Laurance S. Rockefeller opened the doors of Dorado Beach Resort on Puerto Rico’s north coast. Celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Joe DiMaggio, Joan Crawford and Mickey Mantle — as well as several U.S. presidents — soon found their way to this glamorous, sun-soaked property.

Today, big names continue to visit Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, although they tend to keep a lower profile. But the hotel, which has belonged to the Ritz-Carlton portfolio si

TravelAge West • 15th November 2023

Where to Play Pickleball in Mexico

Pickleball fever has arrived in Mexico. And it continues to spread, as more hotels install courts and offer classes and events designed to attract players from around the world.

The surging popularity of pickleball in Mexico is underscored by the launch of the Pickleball Federation of the Americas in April, the result of a partnership of the national governing bodies for the sport in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

The new organization is staging the Americas Championship Nov. 26 to Dec. 2 at the