It has been quite a year since the inaugural issue of
MexicoTRAVELER™ hit the newsstands last January 2008. Since the debut, I have received numerous congratulatory comments about how stunning our magazine is – with the beautiful Jennifer Lopez gracing our cover. On our 2009 cover, we feature Sofia Milos at the sensuous MayaKoba resort on the Mayan Riviera. We also celebrate the dynamic designing team of Pineda Covalin with my dear friend Alex Meneses modeling some of their latest fashions.

Since the debut of MexicoTRAVELER™, we have witnessed history being made on several fronts. First, with the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States, we see the first black politician rise to the highest office in the country. Only months prior to the election, the U.S. economy takes a dive and Wall Street is tarnished by the unprecedented greed and Ponzi scheme of financial tycoons like Bernie Madoff. Because the economies of Mexico and the United States are so interdependent; Mexico, too, has been greatly impacted by the financial downturn – a downturn that seems to have hit the middle class the hardest.

Times have been tough, nevertheless there are tremendous bargains for travelers who want to explore the depths and breadth of Mexico. Experiences of a lifetime can be had at the luxury resorts in Los Cabos, to royal pampering at the MayaKoba, to the Guelaguetza celebration in Oaxaca or the magical colonial town of San Cristobal, featured in our article, “The Curious Case of San Cristobal de las Casas.” Now is the time for incredible travel deals that mix luxury, exotic, culture, adventure and sports in convenient packages that are most affordable.

There are unbelievable deals in the real estate market as well. For those looking for an affordable retirement home, Mexico has lots to offer, including locales where the purchasing power of your dollar buys more than ever before. Since many “baby boomers” have watched their retirement savings shrink because of the stock market, “value” is the new mantra for those seeking a quality lifestyle. Be sure to check out Mexican value.

One thing is for certain: golf is going stronger than ever. In this issue we celebrate the greats in golf – Gary Player known as the Black Night, Jack Nicklaus as “The Golden Bear,” and Greg Norman as “The Great White Shark.” From the first Gary Player Signature Course in Mexico at CostaBaja to a roundup of Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman golf courses throughout Mexico, you will find it here in the pages of MexicoTRAVELER™.

Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful staff, writers, photographers, designers and assistants. You know who you are and this magazine would not be possible without your truly top-notch talents.

And a special thanks to you – the reader and advertiser of MexicoTRAVELER™ - your endorsements and support through these challenging times are heart-warming and comforting. See you in Mexico!

Mayté Rodríguez Cedillo

CEO/ Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief