A D V E N T U R E B O O KAugust 6 to 10, 2012

Mayan ecret

A Little Background A little background on the Mayan Riviera and the Yucatan peninsula on which she sits. I don't think anyone will ever improve on Kate Simon's so sage observation:

"Yucatan is to Mexico what Sicily is to Italy - without the bitterness; what Brittany is to France - without the tight-lipped shrewdness."

For Mexico is Aztec, but the Yucatan is Mayan. The Aztec is to the Mayan what in-laws are to the groom - they may be related, but not by blood. Their homelands are different: Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) vs. Guatemala and Honduras. Their character is different; The Aztecs were warriors - the Mayans, farmers, yet . . . the Mayans were never really conquered. Mexico freed herself from Spain after a bloody revolution that ended in 1811. Thirty-six years later, in 1847, the Mexicans finally ended the Mayan "rebellion". All of the above is not to say that the Mexicans were wrong and Mayans right - it is merely to emphasize the difference in cultures.

You'll stay at the luxurious Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun. Your Ocean View Junior Suite is elegantly appointed; marble floors, four poster bed, Jacuzzi for two, and a private balcony or patio with a grand view of the Caribbean.

Secrets Maroma Beach is more than simply luxurious; she is luxuriously all-inclusive with eight gourmet á la carte restaurants where whatever you order for breakfast, or lunch or dinner or even snacks is all-

1

included. Not only the meals but the beverages, too. From bottled water to a pre-dinner scotch (Dewar's or Glenfidich) or vodka & tonic (Absolut or Stolichnaya). And seven bubbling bars where everything you order is already included. No billing to your room as in ordinary hotels.

The things you can do at Secrets are Golden (as you would expect). Activities available: non-motorized water sports equipment - Kayaks, Hobie Cats, Pool Volley Ball and snorkeling gear. While on land you can play tennis, Euro-Bungee, Archery, or Bocce ball, and a host of other land based events. You may choose from one of the tours graciously offered to you by Copystar: Golf at El Chameleon - the only golf course outside of the USA to host a PGA Tour event, tour the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, relax and indulge in a massage....

Day 12345 Monday August 6, 2012 You fly on your southbound jet. You gaze down at the shimmering Caribbean and the endless golden shoreline of the Yucatan Peninsula. You have arrived. When you land in the Cancun International Airport, your Copystar journeymasters will be waiting. Unfortunately, we can not get inside of Mexican Customs but we will be waiting right outside the doors. You were given a Mexican Immigration & Customs card to fill out on the plane. Have that card ready to give to the Mexican immigration officer. He will take three quarters of the card and give you back the last quarter. And please: Don’t lose that last section because you’ll need it to get out of Mexico! After Passport Control you’ll go through Customs…grab a free luggage cart in Customs if you need it (a nice touch), pick up your bags, and then wait in line to go through a first screening of bags. Everyone must push the button for “green” or “red”. Red means an additional bag screening by a human is required. Green means you are free to go on. Once you go through the glass doors you will see uniformed Mexicans trying to get your attention.

2

Though they are official looking, ignore them, they are just trying to sell you a time share. Now you may proceed outside where Copystar journeymasters holding Copystar signs will meet you … They will take your luggage and you and your very important significant other directly to the luxurious all-inclusive Secrets Maroma Beach Rivera Cancun. Two important things to remember: (1) You will need a passport to go to Mexico (and return to the USA), if you don't have one we urge you to apply today, because it often can take a long time to get it. About the only thing certain in this world is that the airline will not let you board without a valid US Passport. If you are not a US citizen contact your country’s consulate. And (2) please check in at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. One last point, be at the gate 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. For the remainder of the afternoon Your home for the next four nights and five days is the luxurious AAA Four Diamond Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula … located on one of the most pristine and famous beaches in all of Mexico … recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the World’s Best Beaches. Now is the time to make the acquaintance of your four Diamond jewel. Copystar guests have private check-in where you’ll be greeted with a cool towel and a refreshing drink. Check-in time is 3:00 PM. Every effort will be made to accommodate early arrivals. If rooms are not ready, we’ll have changing rooms for you so you can get into your bathing suits and hit the pool or the beach without missing a beat. Please pack your bathing suits in your carry-on luggage and the Bell Captain will hold your checked luggage and place it in your rooms as soon as the room is ready.

3

On the Beach Tonight the culinary masters at Secrets are setting up one of the prettiest buffets it will ever be your pleasure to attend. A delightful evening of specialties: beef and pork ribs on the barbie, grilled flank steak, grilled chicken, Cajun grilled corn, vegetables, potatoes, and a Seven Salad bar; field greens with quesadilla croutons, ... and more. The evening starts and ends with a cocktail hour, since the premium bar is open throughout the trip! A four piece Marimba Band sets the Mexican mood.The highlight of the evening will be a Copystar hunt for buried treasure (bottles of tequila) in the sand. See page 4 of the Copystar Mayan Secret Answer book for important dress code details.

Day 12345 Tuesday August 7, 2012 Breakfast World Café serves a sumptuous buffet breakfast from 7:00 am to 11:00 am this morning, and every morning on the trip. Or get your morning started with Premium coffee at the CoCo Café brewed and ready for you at 7:00 am. Or order your full American Breakfast – eggs as you like ‘em – with bacon, ham or sausage, hash browns or beans, and juice, toast, coffee or tea from Room Service and enjoy breakfast on your private balcony. Important if you have not submitted your Choice Form please do it now. Go to the Choice Form on www.copystartrips.com Copystar offers you your choice of three Mexican adventures today.

Golf at Grand Coral Riviera Maya This course was designed by the legendary Nick Price and completed in 2011. Surrounded by the natural jungle of the Riviera Maya, the course is Par 71 with over 6,990 yards of intense green paspalum grass. Its 8 lagoons and 71 traps make it unique and challenging. We include round trip transfers, greens fees, cart, and drinks from the roving bar cart. Rental clubs or golf equipment not included. There is a limit of 16 golfers.

4

Fishing – Half Day Deep Sea Fishing The waters off the Riviera Maya are teeming with fish, game species are plentiful. You may find mahi-mahi, sailfish, marlin, pompano, or grouper. Enjoy beer, sodas, and bottled water on board. Depart hotel at 7:00 am. 40 minute ride to Puerto Aventuras, a lovely little seaside port. May be a longer than normal transfer but the good news is the fish abound right off the coast. Just long enough to get comfortable onboard and crack open a Corona. Tackle, bait, licenses, and safety equipment are all included. Beer and soft drinks, too. Duration: 5 ½ hours. You are back at the hotel in time for lunch. Important if you have not sent in your Choice Form please do it now. Go to www.copystartrips.com Click on “Choice Form” – make your selections – click on “Submit”.

Xel Ha Eco Park Xel Ha is a natural aquarium park, an idyllic place considered one of Mexico’s Natural Wonders. Snorkel in the inlet, home to 400 species of fish. Meander down the river in an inner tube built for two. Ride bikes thru the jungle. Guests may enjoy breakfast buffet and lunch with Mexican and international specialties. All drinks, including a bar of domestic hard stuff, included for the day. Duration: 7 ½ hours. Depart at 8:30 am, return to hotel at 4:00 pm.

Lunch If you are staying at Secrets today, Oceana, offers fresh seafood with seaside views; World Café specializes in international cuisine, Seaside Grill for tropical cocktails, snacks & seafood specialties on an informal beach terrace, Barefoot Grill for hot dogs and hamburger, or the CoCo Café for premium coffee & sandwiches.

Dinner Dining Choices this evening are Himitsu for Japanese Pan-Asian & Teppanyaki tables (6:00 pm – 11:00 pm), Bordeaux for French, El Patio for Mexican, and Portofino is Italian. All open from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm for your dining pleasure. All drinks and wine included. 5

Mexican Fiesta Come join the party under the stars at the Seaside Terrace from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Feast on Mexican specialties and take in the Mexican Traditions Show at 8:30 pm. Come learn and taste and see a bit of Mexico. Note: The restaurants at Secrets are reservation free. You may go to any restaurant and ask for a table. If one is not available, a beeper will be dispensed and you can go have a cocktail at one of the nearby bars to wait for your table to be ready. Important: The resort does keep to a strict dress code in the evenings at Himitsu, Bordeaux, El Patio, and Portofino. Note: Long plants and shirts with sleeves for men are required. See page 4 of the Copystar Mayan Secret Answer Book for details. Also, the restaurants are small in size and large parties (more than 6 guests) can’t be accommodated.

Day 12345 Wednesday August 8, 2012 Golf at El Camaleón Designed by Greg Norman, and home to PGA Mayakoba Golf Classic, FedExCup. The course winds through tropical jungles, dense mangroves, and oceanfront stretches of sand. The 15th hole is the most dramatic, playing directly off the vibrant waters of the Caribbean. Space is limited to 16 golfers. Please fill out your choice form today at www.copystartrips.com.

Fishing – Half Day Deep Sea Fishing Depart 7:00 am. Return about 1:00 pm.

Massage or Facial at Secrets Spa by Pevonia Enjoy a 50 minute Swedish massage or a 50 minute “Secrets Exclusive” facial. Relax and rejuvenate at the world-class 13,000 sq ft Secrets Spa by Pevonia. Before or after your treatment, take advantage of the outdoor hydrotherapy and plunge pools including cascading jets, high pressure spouts, bubble massage bed, as well as the sauna, steam room, and Sensations path.

6

We are limited to 40 spots, so if you’d like a spa treatment, we urge you to go to www.copystartrips.com and fill out the choice form. Spa service times are reserved at 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am and 12:00 noon, and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tulum Is the only Mayan settlement ever discovered to be surrounded by walls and constructed along the sea. It offers wonderful insight into the life of the Maya. The main structure is the Castle, a pyramid-like building crowned by a temple which commands magnificent views of the Caribbean Sea. After touring the Ruins, enjoy the rest of your time swimming (accessed down a stairway from the ruins) or shopping. Duration: 4 ½ hours. Depart 8:00 am. Return around 12:30 pm.

Lunch Oceana, offering fresh seafood with seaside views; World Café specializing in international cuisine, Seaside Grill for tropical cocktails, snacks & seafood specialties on an informal beach terrace, Barefoot Grill for hot dogs and hamburger, or the CoCo Café for premium coffee & sandwiches.

Dinner You have your choice of the Seaside Grill for steak or Oceana for the sea’s bounty from 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm. Or Himitsu, El Patio, and Portofino from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. See page 4 of the Copystar Mayan Secret Answer book for important dress code details.

Day 12345 Thursday August 9, 2012 Today is free to do as you wish. Spend an afternoon on the water with a variety of beach activities offered, including sailing on Hobie Cats, kayaking, and snorkeling. Hop in an outdoor Jacuzzi. Now’s a good time to visit us at the Copystar’s Hospitality Desk, we’ll be there all day until dinner time to offer suggestions of what to do today. Our Cancun journeymasters will be there to help guests book a tour (at your own expense) to visit many of area’s wonders: the famous Chitchen-

7

Itza, the stunning beach at Akumal, zip lining at Hidden Worlds, the eco-park at Xcaret and much more.

Cooking Class The chefs at Secrets will demonstrate how to make authentic guacamole and other delicious morsels. Duration: 2 hours including lunch. We’ll get to eat what we cook! Note: This class is limited to 20 cooks. Copystar Says Farewell to Mexico Gather under the stars at the Seaside Grill Terrace for Copystar’s private farewell to the Riviera Maya. We begin with passed cold hors d’oeuvres - and open bar all evening long. The menu will feature delicious specialties from the Secrets kitchen. With two types of wine and a hot dance band to dance the night away to. See page 4 of the Copystar Mayan Secret Answer book for important dress code details.

Day 12345 Friday August 10, 2012 Your last breakfast at Secrets. There is still a little time left for one last swim in the stunning Maroma Beach or Secrets’ gorgeous pool. We delivered your Copystar Departure Notice to your room yesterday. So you know what time to have your bags inside your room, and the time your transportation departs for Cancun International Airport. Your Copystar journeymasters will be at the hotel to help you depart the hotel and at the airport to help you check in for your flight home. It was a wonderful time here in the Mayan Riviera we are sure you will agree. And one, we hope, you will remember always. Let’s do it again sometime. Until then for all of Copystar we wish you a wonderful trip home! Amazing Grace Brown & Christine Guerriero Your Copystar journeymasters

8