Unwind in Mexico

The Verana
A one-night stay in a guesthouse at the Verana, set on a lush hillside 30 miles south of Puerto Vallarta; yoga classes with a professional instructor; three meals daily; and one spa treatment per guesthouse daily (choose from a bevy of facials, body washes, massages, and scrubs). You'll arrive at Puerto Vallarta airport and hop in a taxi to Boca de Tomatlan beach, where Verana staff will meet you to escort you on the 30-minute coastal boat ride to Yelapa. There, mules will transport you and your luggage up to the Verana. Rates are $350 per guesthouse. When: Nov. 28-Dec. 15, 2006. Details: Hotel taxes are included. Based on single or double occupancy. Taxi ride is about $25 each way. Contact: 800/530-7176, verana.com.

Presidente InterContinental Puerto Vallarta Resort
A three-night stay in an ocean-view suite with a private balcony, daily buffet breakfast, and a half-day boat tour of  Banderas Bay led by a professional biologist. Rates start at $624 per room. When: Dec. 15, 2006-Mar. 31, 2007. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 17 percent. Based on double or single occupancy. A taxi ride from Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Airport (PVR) costs about $25. Contact: 800/000-66-33, intercontinental.com/puertovallarta.

Presidente InterContinental Villa Mercedes Mérida
A one-night stay at the 127-room hotel in Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán region, and a choice of two of three activities: a guided 45-minute bus tour of Mérida's colonial buildings; breakfast daily; or an upgrade to a hotel suite. Rates start at $102 per room per night. Note that the hotel's concierge can arrange activities, such as a tour of ancient Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá and Uxmal or a trip to the flamingo preserve at Celestun. When: Through Dec. 31, 2006. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 15 percent. Based on double or single occupancy. Children under 13 stay free with parent; those ages 13 and over are charged $25, plus 17 percent in taxes. A taxi ride from Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID) costs about $10. Contact: 800/327-0200, intercontinental.com/merida.

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