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The Beach is Back!

We are sure that you followed our beach restoration coverage on www.royalresorts.com and www.royalresortsnews.com and probably cannot wait to sink your toes into the soft white sand once more! As the Cancun project has now been completed, we wanted to share one last photo gallery with you.
You will be delighted to know that the “playas” at The Royal Sands, & Spa, The Royal Mayan, The Royal Caribbean and The Royal Islander have been completely restored and palapas and sun loungers have been reinstalled, ready and waiting for your next trip.
The interest in this huge project worldwide has been immense and the Mexican Tourist Board has been proudly showing off Cancun’s pearly white beaches at international travel shows.
Royal Resorts received queries about the beaches from as far afield as Sweden, from people who were due to stay at Royal Resorts and other Cancun hotels and we also registered 18,000 additional visits to the Royal Resorts blog www.royalresortsnews.com in December and thousands more in January!

To recap, here’s a summary of the beach project.
* 12 kilometers of beach restored from Punta Cancun to Punta Nizuc
* 4.5 kilometers of beach in Playa del Carmen
* Approximately 6.3 million cubic meters of sand were dredged from two sand banks – La Ollita near Isla Mujeres and Punta Norte off the coast of Cozumel and pumped onto the Cancun shoreline.
* The Cancun portion of the project cost $650 million Mexican pesos
* Restoration was carried out by Mexicana de Dragados S.A. de C.V., an affiliate of Belgian company Jan de Nul, and coordinated by the Mexican Electricity Board (CFE).
* Two dredgers worked round the clock to restore Cancun’s beaches
* Work advanced at a pace of 100 meters a day
* A concrete barrier was erected between Punta Cancun and the Golondrinas Islet. Over 300 meters long and comprised of over 13,830 concrete blocks weighing approximately 16,245 tons, the sea wall will reduce coastal erosion and sand loss.
* A 10-year monitoring and maintenance project is planned.
* Sand pumping began in Cancun on November 1 and by December 16, beach project engineers had already reached The Royal Sands.
* Work started at The Royal Mayan on January 6 and was completed at The Royal Islander on January 14. Once the 12-meter-long pipes and heavy equipment were moved further south, resort staff reopened all the beach entrances.

The project has now been completed in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Mexican President Felipe Calderon visited Cancún on March 2 to inspect the beaches.

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Los Murales, A Masterpiece in the Making

“The food presentation and the flavor are out of this world.”
“An excellent addition to The Royal Haciendas.”
“It was absolutely wonderful.”
“The best sea bass I have ever had”
“Excelente! The tuna tartar was the best we’ve ever had.”
“The staff made me feel like a princess.”
“Superb, what a wonderful dinner to celebrate our 45th anniversary.”

These are some of the rave reviews we have been receiving from diners after an evening at Los Murales, the latest Royal Resorts restaurant. Located at The Royal Haciendas, it has been wooing members and guests with its innovative seafood menu, the magnificent presentation of the dishes and the attention of the staff. In fact, it has been so popular that the decision was made to open it to the public.
Why not book a table for your next vacation? Take a look at the tempting menu and photos of the signature dishes on www.losmurales.com and start making your meal choices.

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Grand Residences

If you are thinking about spending more time in Mexico with family and friends, why not attend a Grand Residences Private Offering during your next vacation? These informative events are held every Wednesday and give you the opportunity to visit our Riviera Morelos location, learn all about the project, the whole ownership and fractional ownership programs available and to meet the Developer. If you would like to make a reservation click here
or call: +52 998 881-0161
E-mail: grandresidences@royalresorts.com
www.grandresidencesbyroyalresorts.com

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The Royal Sands, 10 Years Old

The largest resort in the Royal Resorts family, The Royal Sands, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. How time flies, it doesn’t seem that long ago that we welcomed our first members and guests to their new home in paradise. We are proud to serve you and do whatever we can to make your vacation something to treasure. We look forward to seeing you and your families for many years to come.

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Week 0, 2011

How about spending an additional week in Cancun with family and friends in 2011.
Take advantage of Week 0 rates (January 1 - 8, 2011)
and extend your New Year’s celebration!

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Cancun & Riviera Maya
Weekly rate Ocean-view Beachfront
Villa $1,099 $1,399
Suite $769 $1,069
Jr. Suite $550 $850

The Royal Cancun-Club Internacional de Cancun
Weekly rate Ocean-view Beachfront
“B” Villa $999 $1,299
“C” Villa $1,099 $1,399

Call Toll Free in US & Canada 1-888-838-7875; in Mexico 01-800-463-6237 or email:weekzero@royalresorts.com
Offer valid for Royal Resorts members for weeks 2 to 51 and their referrals. Limited availability.
Offer is subject to change without prior notice. Villas assigned on a call-by-call basis.
Offer expires: March 15, 2010

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Villa Refurbishment at The Royal Cancun

As part of the villa refurbishment program at The Royal Cancun-Club Internacional de Cancun, furniture was replaced in 65 units in 2009. Between 30 and 40 additional villas will be renovated this year and a similar number will be processed in subsequent years until all the resort’s units have been completed. This is what the refurbished villas at The Royal Cancun-Club Internacional de Cancun will look like. The new furniture was selected with the comfort and pleasure of members in mind and we think that they will like the contemporary style.

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Resort Wi-Fi Update

In the December issue of this e-bulletin, we reported that Wi-Fi would soon be available throughout the five Cancun resorts and in the villas. The completion date given was the end of January 2010, however we regret to inform you that the project is taking longer than was previously anticipated. More time is required for installation and testing and the latest word from the IT department is that it should be ready by the end of April.
We apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause members and guests, and would like to remind you that there are Wi-Fi hot spots at the resorts.
Please ask at the Front Desk of your resort for the complete list.

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Share your Royal Experience

Tell your friends about the benefits of a Royal Resorts vacation. For a limited time only, a special promotional rate is available so that they can visit the resorts and discover the magic for themselves.
For as little as $399 US for four nights based on two people sharing, your referrals can enjoy the Royal Experience. If they decide to visit, they can call 888-387-4703 to book their vacation package (reservations are made on a space available basis and some restrictions apply, please contact us for details), just remind them to quote your Royal Resorts Personal Identification Number so that you receive credit for making the referral. The sales and marketing department is able to offer this subsidized rate for referrals due to inventory availability as a result of the reopening of The Royal Cancun-Club Internacional de Cancun and the opening of the fourth and final phase of The Royal Haciendas.

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Royal Romance

Love is always in the air at Royal Resorts, and did you know that you can organize a romantic dinner on the beach any time of the year? This is truly an unforgettable evening for any special occasion, be it a birthday, anniversary, engagement, or just because.
Let the moonlight and the sound of the waves weave their magic as you dine on a tempting three-course menu with a fine wine or a bottle of bubbly from the wine list to complement the cuisine. With your toes in the soft white sand, stars above you and the sigh of the breeze, you may feel that it is the moment to seal your engagement and pop the question and in fact this is just what Frank & Krystal Ellis did in 2009. This is what they had to say about their Romantic Beach Dinner.

“We had the Romantic Dinner as a Valentine’s Day celebration
that turned out to be the most beautiful engagement.
It is such a unique way to have dinner.
With the wind in your hair, the sound of the Spanish love music
as well as the ocean in the background,
how could you go wrong?
Not only that, you are the only ones on the beach.
The food is wonderful as well as the service.
We recommend this to any couple in love and anyone looking to “pop the question.”
This proposal will definitely be a treasured moment IN our lives.”

Romantic Dinners can be organized on request at all Royal Resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Contact the Special Events department for more information, specialevents@royalresorts.com
Of course, you may already be engaged and are looking for a venue for your wedding or perhaps someone in your family is thinking about getting married. Why not make the most important day in your lives a Royal Day and choose Royal Resorts as the setting for your wedding? We would love to be your hosts and will plan your event to perfection.
Just look at the romantic settings you can choose from, how about the beach at sunset, the waterfront deck at Captain’s Cove, a quiet flower-filled corner at The Royal Cancun or The Royal Haciendas or the Mexican ambiance of Hacienda Sisal? A variety of wedding packages are available on request from the Special Events department and of course if you have something different in mind, the Wedding Coordinator will work with you to make your dream a reality. She and her professional team will take care of all the details from cocktails and a cake to wedding dinner menus, flowers and music.
To start planning your Royal wedding please contact the Special Events Coordinator at weddings@royalresorts.com
Vow Renewal ceremonies, anniversary, engagement, birthday and graduation parties, reunions and other events can also be organized on request.

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Sporting Life

What with March Madness, major golf and tennis tournaments, football, baseball, basketball and then the Soccer World Cup in South Africa, 2010 is a bumper year for sports fans. Don’t miss out on all the action, keep tracks of your favorite team and the best sporting moments at the Royal Resorts bars: Sidelines at The Royal Sands, La Cabaña at The Royal Caribbean, Pancho & Willy’s and La Rotonda at The Royal Haciendas. Information on major sporting events and schedules will be posted on guest notice boards.

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El Conquistador, a Cancun Treasure

The Royal Mayan’s best-kept secret is now open to the public so that visitors and local people may also enjoy the mouthwatering fare, attentive service and live guitar music that has made El Conquistador such a favorite with Royal Resorts members and guests over the years. Do plan an El Conquistador evening during your next vacation, you will love the menu - it features all your old favorites and some delicious new dishes.

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St Pat’s Party 2010

Are you planning to be in Cancun or the Riviera Maya on March 17? Help us paint the town green with a St. Patrick’s Day Party. Check guest notice boards for details of parties at the Royal Resorts Bars and Pancho & Willy’s when we will be celebrating all things Irish.

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Enjoy the Beach in Style

We have our beach back! Do you have all that you need to enjoy Cancun’s new shoreline? If you don’t, get it at La Paloma Gift Shops at The Royal Sands and The Royal Caribbean during your vacation.
Here are some must-have products for your next stay with us. Stay protected with Banana Boat® sun products; we carry the complete range of spray on and tanning lotions with SPF up to 80, kids sun block, and after-sun lotions.
With spring just around the corner, purchase a new bathing suit from Bari Swimwear® and get a stylish wrap free. Check our ad located at the resort information centers for dates or enquire with our boutique staff.
If you are looking for something sporty, we have wet shirts for men and women that already come with UV protection factor SPF 30. To finish your new look, try on our fashion sandals by WBA®. They look great and are so comfortable that you can wear them everywhere you want to go.
Get ready for some fun and sun and we look forward to seeing you soon!

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New at La Paloma Gift Shop

If you are looking for a piece of Mexico to take back home with you as a souvenir for family and friends, call in at La Paloma Gift Shop to see colorful ceramics, hammocks and embroidered dresses from the Yucatan, glassware, pewter, masks, leather, vanilla and more.
The selection of Mexican handicrafts now also includes amate bark paintings depicting scenes from village life, birds and flowers, and popotillo or straw paintings. The latter are pictures crafted from the dried stems of a variety of grass grown in the state of Mexico, Morelos, Hidalgo and Puebla.
Straw is hand-dyed, cut to size according to the artist’s requirements and then laid out in the design. The stems are pressed into a layer of special beeswax known as Campeche wax, which is used as an adhesive. Once the design is finished, a fixing solution is applied to keep the straw in place and the painting is framed.

The finest popotillo paintings are extremely detailed, featuring fragments of straw measuring only a few millimeters. They often depict pre-Hispanic warriors, Mexican fiestas such as the Day of the Dead, and sometimes even the art of Diego Rivera.
Mexican craftsmen have been using straw, rushes, reeds and vines for art and household goods since time immemorial and art historians speculate that popotillo paintings may have originated during the Aztec period. They believe that straw designs were a substitute for feather art, when the feathers of exotic birds such as the quetzal and macaw became scarce and too costly for all but the wealthiest nobles and rulers to use.

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Tell us what you Think

Is there something that you would like to see us stock at the Gift Shops? Let us know by sending your comments to the website and be sure to read about the upcoming promotions and special events hosted by La Paloma Gift Shop.

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Keeping in Shape at The Royal Cancun

Due to a construction delay, the new gym at The Royal Cancun will now open at the beginning of May. We apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause members who had already included it in their vacation planning. Located where El Castillo restaurant used to be, the facility will feature Techno Gym exercise and weight machines. The rates for use will be $8 US daily and $38 US weekly per person and it will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed on Saturdays.
During your next stay, ask about the Multiple Gym Pass available at all the Royal Resorts gyms. This weekly pass costs $50 US and entitles you to use the Fitness Centers at The Royal Sands, The Royal Cancun, The Royal Caribbean and The Royal Haciendas.

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The Sands Spa Collection

Be sure to pencil in some Spa time during your next vacation. The Royal Sands Spa is proud to unveil a tempting new menu of luxury facial and body treatments to nourish your body inside and out. Spa Organic® harnesses the healing power of a variety of herbs, marine salts and fruits to captivate your senses with fragrances and silky smooth textures. And at The Royal Haciendas, the exclusive collection of Thalgo®, Eminence® and Murad® facials and body wraps will restore your skin to health and radiance.
Start selecting the treatments and massages you would like to enjoy during your next Spa visit by browsing through the Spa collections on www.royalresorts.com

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Spa Specials

Both Spas offer a variety of Spa packages featuring treatment and massage combos and check guest notice boards during your stay to keep up to date with monthly or seasonal specials.

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Make it a Yacht Day

Add a little nautical magic to your vacation. Ask your Personal Concierge about the Performance Yacht Club® and find out how you and your family can enjoy a day out on the waves during your stay.

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Beach & Pool Chair Policy

Now that beach restoration has been completed and additional palapas and sun loungers have been installed at The Royal Sands, The Royal Mayan, The Royal Caribbean and The Royal Islander, we would like to remind you about the Beach and Pool Chair policy in effect at Royal Resorts.
Please do not stake out your territory by putting your personal belongings and towels on the chairs and sun beds in the pool areas or under the palapas on the beach and then leaving for hours. Likewise, do not separate chairs for your friends and family if they are not going to be with you all the time. Both actions prevent other guests from enjoying sun beds and palapas and are a constant source of complaint. The security staff will be watching and are authorized to remove things that are left unattended for more than an hour.

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Order Online

If someone you know is celebrating a special day while in Cancun, why not order a gift for them online? You may select as many gifts as you like, choosing from a large selection of fresh flowers, fruit baskets, champagne, wines and other special gifts. You can even gift them a resort stay. Placing an order couldn’t be easier and charges are made to your credit card. Visa and Master Card are welcome.
Click here to order.

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The Royal Market Drugstore

The Royal Market stocks a variety of generic medicines at the drugstore counters in the stores at The Royal Cancun, The Royal Sands, The Royal Caribbean and The Royal Haciendas.

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Interval Servicing Company offers New Membership Services

Interval Servicing Company, L.L.C. is pleased to announce two new services for its clients:

Owner Loans
As of December 2009 Owner Loans can now be conveniently processed online. Share your vacation experiences with family and friends by using this new functionality available through your resort website. Try it! It is fast and easy. Click any of the following links to be directed to your resort’s website, once there you will need to log in to the member’s area:
Royal Resorts
Pelican Resort Club
Pelican Marina Residences
Royal Sea Aquarium

ACH Direct Debit
A new Club Service Fee direct debit service is also available for US members. Payments will be deducted from your checking or savings account and are processed through a U S Bank. Contact the Interval Servicing Company customer service representatives by dialing 800-930-5050 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, or you may process your own payment online. Royal Resorts Members can do this through www.royalresorts.com or www.intervalservicing.com and Pelican Resort Club, Pelican Marina Residences and Royal Sea Aquarium Members through www.intervalservicing.com

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Hope for Haiti

The millions of Haitians who lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods in the devastating January 12 earthquake desperately need our continued support to rebuild their shattered lives in the months and years to come. Please keep helping; every little makes a difference and will give hope to the Haitian people.
We launched an appeal at Royal Resorts and all donations received from guests and staff will be sent to the Red Cross to support reconstruction work. Click here to find links to the websites for Unicef, Red Cross, Save the Children, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, C.A.R.E. and World Vision.

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Travels with Thomas More

Something Different for your Next Trip

Have you thought about what you would like to do during your next vacation? How about a spot of sightseeing and visits to places you have never seen before? The Yucatan Peninsula has countless natural wonders and historical sites awaiting discovery. Here are three of our favorites for starters.

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The Call of Coba

The whisper of the wind in the trees, the call of a bird in the distance and a vision of ancient temples, the Mayan city of Coba has an air of mystery that appeals to the adventurer in all of us.
One of the largest Mayan cities discovered to date, Coba is at the same time one of the least studied. A regional capital and trade center, it reached its peak during the Mayan Classic period, A.D. 250-900 and was still inhabited at the time of the Spanish Conquest. After its decline, the jungle engulfed the abandoned temples and palaces and archaeologists estimate that only around 10 per cent of the buildings have been released from its grip.
The most famous building at Coba is Nohoch Mul, a 42-meter-high pyramid that is the tallest in the northern Yucatán. The site is also noteworthy for the sacbes or Mayan causeways that radiate from the heart of the city. To date, 45 of these roads have been detected, including the longest sacbe in the Maya World, which links the city with Yaxuna, near Chichen Itza, a distance of 101 kilometers.
As you stroll or cycle along the jungle paths between the clusters of buildings at Coba, keep a look out for wildlife such as parrots, agouti, coatimundi and shimmering blue butterflies.
Thomas More offers two Coba trips: an all-day excursion also calling in one of the many cenotes in the Riviera Maya, and Coba at Sunset, which features an afternoon visit to the site and the representation of the Mayan Ball Game in the evening.

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Sian Ka’an: “Where the sky is born”

A visit to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a must for nature lovers. The ancient Maya baptized this place of vast open skies and unruffled waters stretching to the horizon, Siyan Caan, which means “the place where the sky is born,” and it is a name that certainly pays homage to the quiet beauty of the landscape.
Created in 1986, Sian Ka’an is the largest Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatán Peninsula and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Straddling a 1.3 million-acre area of northern and central Quintana Roo, this ecological wonderland of jungle, wetlands, beaches and coral reefs is home to a host of rare mammals, birds, reptiles and marine species. Jaguars, monkeys, crocodiles, manatees and sea turtles make their home here and over 350 resident and migratory species of bird have been registered, including 16 species of heron and a tiny colony of rare jabiru stork, the largest bird in the Americas.
Thomas More Travel offers an unforgettable day trip to Sian Ka’an for small groups. During your visit you’ll get an overview of the reserve’s jungle and wetland ecosystems, take a boat ride through the lagoons to see the birds, swim in the canals or a cenote and much more.
Founded in 1986 to protect the Sian Ka’an Reserve, Cancun-based NGO Amigos de Sian Ka’an is a tireless campaigner for conservation and the implementation of better environmental policies and practices. Its multidisciplinary team conducts scientific studies, assists Mayan communities with sustainable development projects and works closely with the private and public sector.
Over the years, Amigos also has been instrumental in the creation of new reserves in Quintana Roo and is spearheading the drive to protect the area’s underground river network, the only source of fresh water in the Yucatan Peninsula. Other important Amigos de Sian Ka’an initiatives include the “Trash for Cash” Recycling program and the MARTI or Mesoamerican Tourism Initiative, an alliance with resorts to protect the environment, adopt green policies and work towards sustainability. Royal Resorts is involved in both programs and has been a longtime supporter of Amigos de Sian Ka’an. Visit www.amigosdesiankaan.org or read the brochure in your villa during your next trip to see how you can join their conservation campaign.

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All Roads Lead to Merida

Founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo in 1542, on the site of a much earlier Mayan city, Merida, capital of the Yucatan, is a treasure trove of history and traditions. Its attractions include a stately Cathedral and other colonial churches, late 19th-century mansions that are the legacy of the henequen boom, quiet squares lined with open-air cafes, bustling craft markets and a number of museums.
Whether it’s a piano recital or a ballet, an art exhibition or a festival, there is always something going on somewhere in Merida, and with its theaters, galleries and universities, the city enjoys quite a reputation as a cultural center. It even has its own symphony orchestra and there are free concerts and folk dance displays staged during the week in a variety of locations, including the main square, Santa Lucia square, Calle 60 and Paseo de Montejo.
Merida events to look out for during March are the Salvador Dali exhibition at the Central Cultural Olimpo and the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra spring season concerts at the Peon Contreras Theater (February to June).
Thomas More Travel offers one-day and two-day trips to Merida; the overnight excursion also includes a side trip to the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For information on these trips and many more Yucatan adventures, please contact tourdesk@royalresorts.com or ask at the tour desk in your resort for recommendations, and wherever you go, don’t forget your camera!.

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Snorkeling with Sailfish

Available only this March, Thomas More Travel is offering an incredible snorkeling trip to see schools of migrating sailfish. These magnificent creatures – some of the ocean’s fastest predators – herd tuna and other fish into a bait ball and then hunt them in an incredible display that resembles an aquatic ballet. Cost: $165 per person. Don’t miss it!

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Breathtaking Butterflies

For those of you searching for unforgettable travel experiences, this is your last chance this season to see one of Mexico’s most incredible natural spectacles: millions of monarch butterflies that migrate south every winter from Canada and the United States to their pine forest refuges in the mountains of Michoacán and the State of Mexico.
Available until March 25, 2010, the three-day guided excursion will take you to Toluca, your base for exploring El Rosario and Sierra Chincua butterfly reserves. For more details, rates and departure dates, please contact tourdesk@royalresorts.com

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Equinox at Chichen Itza

Finally, don’t miss the Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza and the appearance of the light and shadow serpent slithering down the El Castillo Pyramid, heralding the return of an ancient god, Kukulcan. March 21 and usually visible the day before and after (cloud cover permitting).

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Booking your Airport Transfer

Why waste time in Cancun Airport when you could be heading for the beach? Use the convenient and reasonably priced Thomas More Travel Airport Transfer service to the Royal Resorts or The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya and start enjoying your vacation right away.
Airport regulations stipulate that you must book your transport before you travel to Cancun and bring the printed confirmation and service coupon with you in order for Thomas More to provide the service. You may receive a call from one of the Royal Resorts Concierges to assist you with your reservation or you can book online at www.royalresorts.com or www.thomasmoretravel.com
Alternatively, call Thomas More Travel toll-free from the US & Canada 1-800-791-4496;
Rest of the World: 52-998 885-1741 or 885-0254
E-mail airportservice@royalresorts.com at least 24 hours prior to departure.

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Thomas More Travel Weekly Raffle

Purchase your round trip Airport Transfer with Thomas More Travel and as a token of appreciation you will automatically be entered in a Weekly Raffle. You could win a ticket for the tour of the week or get your airport transfer for free!
The lucky winners will be called in their villas and asked to choose between a day trip and their airport transfer. Thomas More Travel will reimburse them accordingly by cancelling the corresponding charge on their Royal Resorts bill.
Offer valid from February 13 to June 30, 2010.

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Join the Royal Resorts Online Community

Come and visit us on Facebook, stay in touch with your friends, share your Mexican Caribbean vacation memories and keep track of life at Royal Resorts. We have also posted a fun selection of Royal Channel videos on YouTube, take a look and send them to your friends. Start following us on Twitter where we look forward to tweeting with you!
Finally be sure to visit our blog www.royalresortsnews.com where you will find articles on Royal Resorts, places to visit, local news and much more. If you have questions about Royal Resorts and the area why not visit the Ask Joanna section and post your query. We will get back to you.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

It Pays to Name Drop at Royal Resorts Caribbean

For a limited time you may now earn FREE rental nights when you refer your Friends and Family. Special discount rates are available so your friends and family can enjoy your Caribbean home with a savings only available with your invitation.
Here’s what to do. Tell your friends, family, acquaintances, neighbors, workout buddy, the FedEx guy….you get the picture, about the limited time Special Friends and Family Rate and start earning free nights! It’s that simple, refer your friends and spend extra time relaxing on the beach – on us! Call 1-888-721-4482 for details to participate in this limited time offer.

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General News…Royal Resorts Caribbean

It has been wonderful to already see so many members and their families this year. Caribbean occupancy rates have been very high in 2010. Our days in the Caribbean have already begun getting an extra hour of sunshine. Leave the cold behind and enjoy life with us the island way.
Visit us often at www.royalresortscaribbean.com for promotional packages and special savings. Whether you are looking to experience Caribbean culture, nightlife, shopping and entertainment or simply to do nothing at all, find your perfect vacation with Royal Resorts Caribbean…
your island paradise is waiting.

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Health News: Dr. Dzugan

In keeping with our philosophy of the value of quality of life and vacations, we are pleased to provide members with a complimentary copy of a powerful new book “Your Blood Doesn’t Lie.” Renowned specialist, Dr. Sergey Dzugan was Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery and the Senior Heart Surgeon at the Donetsk District Regional Hospital, Ukraine. Now residing in the United States, he is the former President of Life Extension Scientific Information Inc., where he supervised a staff of advisors who assisted individuals in search of ways to improve health, extend life, slow aging, prevent disease, and find the most effective therapies and remedies for their needs. On January 8, 2010, the International Academy of Creative Endeavors (Moscow, Russia), an academy of world-renowned thought leaders in the sciences and various other fields, awarded Dr. Dzugan with the prestigious honorary title of “Academician” for outstanding achievement in the field of science. The title of “Academician” given by the academy is the highest ranked scientific title in Russia and many other international communities. This highly coveted award is bestowed upon very few individuals and acknowledges the brilliance and pioneering vision of Dr. Dzugan, the “Dzugan Principle” and his method of treatment of hormone deficiencies.
In Dr. Dzugan’s first book, The Migraine Cure, he outlines his approach to personalized, natural, and non-invasive treatment options that have provided successful relief to hundreds of patients. The Dr.’s newest book, “Your Blood Doesn’t Lie!”, focuses on the principle that many diseases are merely different manifestations of errors of hormones and body chemistry. The future of wellness will be the identification and reversal of these errors. To receive your complimentary copy, please stop by the Membership Offices in either St. Maarten or Curacao beginning in February 2010. Supplies are limited so please stop by soon to receive your free copy of this valuable book.

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CURACAO

Stay Connected to your Caribbean Home

Estela Villanueva Obersi, General Manager, has launched the new interactive site www.royalseaquariumnews.com to keep you updated on the latest news and information about the Royal Sea Aquarium Resort as well as local and island wide events. This interactive site has an area for owners and guests to ask questions and stay connected. New information, photos and video will be continually updated along with the addition of more web cams so visit often to stay connected to your Caribbean Home!

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Week “Zero” 2011 Specials at Royal Sea Aquarium Resort

It is time again when Royal Sea Aquarium Resort members enjoy that warm Caribbean experience when they need it most …and with the biggest members-only discounts. Week “Zero” runs from January 1 – 8, 2011 and Royal Sea Aquarium Resort members and guests are provided with the opportunity to rent these nights as low as the Club Service Fee. Hurry! This beautiful boutique resort has only 30 two-bedroom villas so don’t delay. Invite your friends and family and take advantage of special rates.
Contact 1-877-736-4568 for information and reservations.

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Curaçao a Top 10 Destination for 2010 by Microsoft’s Bing

Curacao was the only Caribbean location that achieved this “Top 10” honor among unique, global destinations such as South Africa, Malaysia and Morocco. Bing writes, “The Dutch island of Curaçao is our top pick for the Caribbean this year, thanks to its gorgeous natural features, a rich history and a unique culture. This is not the prototypical, frat-boy destination for spring breakers.” Curaçao’s convenient location (just 2.5 hours from Miami), consistently balmy weather and European look and feel, has always put it at the top of everyone’s list of out-of-the-ordinary, Caribbean destinations. Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, is the only Caribbean capital city apart from Havana, Cuba and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to be ranked a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Willemstad also boasts distinctive Dutch colonial architecture with colorful, gingerbread-trimmed buildings that are always photo-ready.
Visit www.royalseaquariumresort.com for more information or call 1-877-736-4568 to visit this unique island paradise.

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ST. MAARTEN

Upgrade Program Extended in 2010

The hugely popular Upgrade Program has been extended into 2010. Owners, renters and exchangers at Pelican Resort Club are invited to experience the new 5-Star villas of Pelican Marina Residences. The program provides the largest savings for first-time upgrades. Please contact 1-888-721-4407 for details and reservations

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Pelican Expands Scuba & Snorkeling Experiences

Whether you are a certified diver, or looking to make your first splash, Dive Adventures provides daily departures to 23 fascinating wreck and reef sites, including the famous HMS Proselyte. Conveniently located at Pelican Marina, enjoy shallow and deep water dives, night and nitrox diving, and be sure to check out the day trip to Saba. First time divers enjoy a shallow afternoon dive at a pristine reef on the French side of St Maarten. Stop by the complimentary Sunday poolside demonstration at the Pelican Marina Residences for a scuba and snorkel demo with the friendly, professional instructors. Sign up at Aqua Mania Booking Office upon arrival, or email aquamania@sintmaarten.net for more information.

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Heineken Regatta

For 30 years, March fills St. Maarten’s waters as the ultimate Caribbean playground for sailors and ‘landlubbers’ alike! A year-round magnet for the nautical scene, it’s the Annual Heineken Regatta that captures the attention of the sailing world on this little island. This grand sailing celebration brings sailors from Europe and North America to challenge their Caribbean brothers in a friendly, high-level competition. The highlight of the regatta is the Big Boat Class with its amazing beauties and high-tech racers. It’s not only the race that makes the event so notorious. Keeping to its motto “Serious Fun”, the regatta includes nightly feasts in Philipsburg, on the Marigot Waterfront and Simpson Bay. After the races, spectators are invited to join the crews for a whirlwind of music, food, festivities, and of course, plenty of ice cold Heineken! Join Aqua Mania’s spectator boats for great excitement and fun - up close to the action! Seats go fast so contact Aqua Mania at www.stmaarten-activities.com.

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Don’t Stop the Carnival

Costumes and dancers jam and jump their way along the streets of St. Maarten’s capitol -Philipsburg- to the beat of calypso, soca and other island rhythms. If you are watching this 4 mile long parade of color and glitz, it’s impossible not to get into the party spirit that we all call Carnival.
Two carnivals are held on the island each year -the one on the French side takes place during Lent, keeping the tradition of the French Creole Mas, while the other, the largest of the two, is celebrated on the Dutch side over a period of 17 days and nights with its main parade scheduled to coincide with the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands, Beatrix.

Preparations for Carnival usually begin to warm up just after Christmas with the calypsonians releasing sneak previews of the songs for the event. Many of these songs, as is a tradition in local Caribbean music, have a double meaning and poke fun at some aspect of life or government. Some are more daring that others and even include sensual double -meanings. No matter which, these songs fill the airwaves of the local radio stations, and within a short time are being hummed, sung, and talked about around the island.
A large open area is converted to a Mecca of sights, sounds, shows, and local culinary treats -we call it ‘The Carnival Village’. This is where all the fun starts and ends during the 17 day party period known as Carnival. In the ‘village’ more than 100 booths are erected and patrons keep themselves busy preparing mouthwatering dishes like conch and dumplings, Johnny cakes, barbequed chicken, and a host of spicy soups which are said to all have aphrodisiac qualities.

In the village, calypsonians from all over the Caribbean compete for the title of King and Queen. There are also other shows and performances by local, regional and international performers. After the crowning of the Calypso King and Queen, the revelers hit the streets for the Jouvert Jam -this is a parade of music and dancing through the streets which starts at 4 a.m. and goes until sunrise. -but it doesn’t end there, more parades, parties and pulsating tropical rhythms fill the day.
The finale for carnival is the burning of King Momo, a straw figure who is the manifested spirit of carnival. Legend has it that by burning King Momo, the villages sins and bad luck are burned away, leaving the island pure and filled with hope for good things to come.

Carnival brings the whole island together -residents and visitors alike- there is no such thing as a bystander. Anyone can join in the celebration and feel the carnival spirit move through them… we invite you to join us for Carnival.

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ARUBA

New Resort Joins Royal Resorts Caribbean Collection

Looking for a great opportunity to experience the beautiful island of Aruba at incredible savings? Immediate availability in all high
season weeks and huge savings up to 40% off for Royal Resorts Members!
On February 9, 2010, Royal Resorts Caribbean took over management of The Aruba Resort. Located in the heart of the hotel zone, this family friendly resort offers one and two-bedroom villas, two large free form
pools (one with a water slide), and one of the islands top beaches.
Come see why Aruba is consistently on the top of the list for American and Canadian travelers. Enjoy world-class beaches, dining, casinos, nightlife, and duty free shopping in this Dutch paradise.
This introductory offer won’t last long. Exclusive rates starting at US$99 per night for Royal Resorts members and guests. Please call 1-800-791-4491 for information and reservations. Aruba…90,000 friends you haven’t met yet!

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Costa Linda Beach Resort Celebrates 2nd Anniversary in Royal Resorts Caribbean Collection

In February 2008, Costa Linda Beach Resort became the newest member of the Royal Resorts Caribbean Collection. In a recent owner’s meeting Resort General Manager, Luis Cabrera, said “We are very proud to be working with Costa Linda. The owners and staff are wonderful, and there is no better beach in all of the Caribbean.” The Costa Linda Beach Resort is located on Eagle Beach and boasts one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in the world. Shopping, dining, casinos and nightlife are also in grand supply.
Internal Exchanges and Royal Resorts members-only discounts are available at
www.costalinda-aruba.com or call 1-888-858-0845 for information and reservations.

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Aruba Music Festival

A spectacular, star studded, two day international concert. The internationally renowned Aruba Music Festival celebrates its eighth year on October 8th and 9th, 2010. Held annually at the Aruba Entertainment Center in Oranjestad, Aruba, the Festival presents some of the biggest names in entertainment as they turn Aruba into a music lover’s paradise. Make your reservations today to visit our magical island where you can enjoy our crystal clear water and beautiful beaches by day, and the sounds of world famous entertainers by night. Line-up will be announced soon. Past performances have included Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, the Doobie Brothers, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Chicago, Jackson Browne, John Mayer, Reo Speedwagon, Gloria Estefan, Earth Wind and Fire, Paulina Rubio and Fonseca.

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Beach Tennis

A fun and unique international tennis tournament to be held on Eagle beach on May 29 and May 30, June 6 - 8, July 1, October 24 - 26 and October 31. Beach tennis joins the worlds of tennis and beach volleyball into one exhilarating sport. It is so simple to play and draws the attention of athletes and non-athletes alike. In the late 90’s beach tennis was first played in Brazil & Holland. Aruba started in 2000 and it caught on so swiftly that in 2001 the Aruba Beach Tennis Foundation was formed and since then this foundation began organizing events to support the sport. Now, 200 plus participants are competing day and night in this event, which brings beginning players and aficionados from various countries together in fun competition.

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CANCUN & AREA NEWS

Cancun Most Popular Destination

Orbitz has revealed that Cancun was the most requested international destination among its United States customers in 2009. This follows other recent travel industry accolades for Cancun and the Riviera Maya and shows that despite last year’s flu scare and the global recession, the popularity of the Mexican Caribbean is not only enduring, it is growing.

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Cancun Airport Wins Awards

The International Airport Council rated Cancun Airport as the best in Latin America in terms of quality and services it offers and honored it with the Best Improvement Award for 2009. In the annual ACI survey, Cancun also ranked number three in the world in the category for Airports handling between five to 15 million passengers. With two runways, additional terminal facilities and a new control tower, Cancun Airport now has the capacity to handle up to 28 million passengers (the annual record to date is 12.5 million passengers).

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New Anthropology Museum for Cancun

Adriana Velazquez Morlet, Director of the INAH (National Institute of Anthropology & History) Regional Center in Quintana Roo announced that work is slated to begin on a new Anthropology Museum in the Cancun Hotel Zone this summer. The project is expected to cost 50 million pesos and the museum will be one of the largest in Mexico.
In other news, archaeologists will be carrying out excavation and restoration work at the Mayan sites of Coba, Xel-Ha and Tankah this year. Other experts are currently studying a pre-Classic archaeological site in Cancun, thought to date from 100 B.C. The ruins were found during construction work on a new housing development on the outskirts of the city, near the Cancun-Merida highway.

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Underwater Sculpture Museum

The Cancun Marina Association announced the inauguration of a Visitors Center for the Cancun Underwater Sculpture Museum and the immersion of additional sculptures in the Reef Park. When the Underwater Museum is finished it will have 400 sculptures.

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More Options for Three Cancun Shopping Centers

A branch of Liverpool, the Mexican department store, will open at Kukulcan Plaza later this year and work is already underway at La Isla in the area of the mall designated as the new location for a rival chain store Palacio de Hierro. Flamingo Plaza is also expected to unveil a renovation project in the coming months.

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PGA Golf at MayaKoba

Some of the world’s leading players took to the fairway for the Fourth Mayakoba PGA Golf Tournament, February 18- 21. The winner was Cameron Beckman with a 4-under 67 for a two-stroke victory over third-round leader Joe Durant and Brian Stuard.

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Elton John in Chichen Itza

World-famous British singer Elton John is set to perform in Chichen Itza on Saturday April 3, 2010. Concert tickets range in price from 10,000 to 1,000 pesos and are already on sale in the area.

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Discover the Secrets of the Mexican Kitchen

In the last edition of Royal Resorts E-News we mentioned that a new cooking school had opened in Puerto Morelos. The owners of the Little Mexican Cooking School have informed us that they also offer Tuesday and Thursday classes, and sometimes add a Friday class should the demand arise. Celebrity Chef classes are also planned during the year.
Visit www.thelittlemexicancookingschool.com for more information.

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Isla Mujeres News

Isla Mujeres will soon be taking delivery of a new car ferry for the Punta Sam-Isla Mujeres route. The modern cargo vessel cost three million dollars and is expected to cut the sailing time to the island from 40 to 25 minutes.
Isla Mujeres Mayor Alicia Ricalde also recently announced the opening of two new attractions for visitors to the island: a Visitors Center on Punta Sur and Hacienda Mundaca, the 19th-century estate belonging to the pirate Fermin Mundaca. Legend has it that Mundaca dedicated the hacienda to an island girl called “La Trigueña,” in an unsuccessful attempt to win her love.

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EcoGlamour in Tulum

Tulum archaeological site will be the setting for the EcoGlamour fashion event slated to take place April 7 to 10, 2010.

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More Attractions for Cozumel’s Chankanaab Park

One of Cozumel’s most popular spots for snorkeling, Chankanaab Park recently inaugurated several new attractions for visitors. They include a pre-Hispanic dance show, a sea lion display, a new dolphin program and an exhibition on manatees. If you are interested in visiting Cozumel, why not contact Thomas More Travel for details of the trips they offer, or board the passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen and explore the historic island at your own pace.

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Energy from Renewable Sources

The Quintana Roo State Government is studying the potential of several renewable energy projects to supply electricity to the area in the future; they include using sugar cane waste in the south, a wind farm on the island of Cozumel and wave energy in Cancun.
In a separate international aid project, solar panels are being installed in some of the poorest rural communities in the Yucatan.

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Mayan Cemetery Discovered in Riviera Maya Cenote

INAH/CONACULTA underwater archaeologist Carmen Rojas Sandoval announced the discovery of a huge Mayan cemetery in Cenote Calaveras in the Tulum area. She explained that 130 skeletons dating from the Early Classic period of Mayan history (A.D. 125 -236) had been located in the sinkhole, making this the largest discovery to date, exceeding the number found in the Sacred Cenote at Chichén Itzá.
The Maya believed that cenotes and caves were the entrance to Xibalba, the Underworld, and held them sacred, making offerings and sacrifices to the gods and burying their dead in the mysterious depths.
This is not the first major discovery that Carmen Rojas and her team have made in the Riviera Maya and they are currently studying an underground river system in Tres Reyes, 23 kilometers to the east of Coba. Archaeologists exploring caves and cenotes in the neighboring state of Yucatan are also making incredible finds.

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More Flights to Cancun

Taca announced that it will be adding more flights to Cancun from San Jose, Costa Rica and San Salvador, El Salvador at Easter. Air Europe is also boosting the number of weekly flights from Madrid to six and there are plans to inaugurate a direct service from Moscow. In other news, regional airline Mayair will be inaugurating two daily flights on the Cozumel-Cancun-Merida route in March.

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Dali in Merida

Central Olimpo Cultural Center in Merida is currently hosting a Salvador Dali exhibition. The 93 paintings are on loan from the La Coruña Art Museum and will be on display until March 23.

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Mayan Tomb Discovered at Bonampak

Archaeologists working at the Mayan site of Bonampak in the Lacandon rainforest of Chiapas recently discovered a 1,300-year-old tomb beneath the famous Temple of the Paintings. Surrounded by offerings of jade, alabaster, ceramics and a flint knife, and wearing a shell breastplate and jade jewelry, the headless skeleton was that of a man who appeared to have been ritually sacrificed.
The bones and artifacts have been moved to the INAH Regional Center in Tuxtla Gutierrez for further testing. There is speculation that the skeleton could be that of one of the captive warriors depicted in the murals, perhaps from the dynasty overthrown by Chaan Muan II who reigned from A.D. 776 to 792, or that he may have been related to the ruler.

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