Bringing Home the Art, Craft, and Culture of Mexico

Travel experiences aren't always captured in photographs. Some of them may be in the texture of handmade crafts, the weight of a handmade ceramic, or the glint of silver formed by an artisan's hand. Members shopping in Mexico don't think of shopping as buying souvenirs. They see shopping as finding a way to understand the culture of their destination. When TAFER Residence Club members go on a shopping adventure in the spring, they are surrounded by comfortable weather, fewer people to compete with, and ample time to wander, ask questions of the artists, and select products that tell a story.

The best time to shop is during the spring months. The warmer weather makes walking around outdoor markets easier and less tiring. With smaller crowds and lower temperatures than the summer months, you're able to walk around and enjoy yourself without feeling rushed. You're able to find shopping that feels like part of the overall experience of being in a new location, and the shopping fits nicely into the flow of a spring day, perhaps after a morning breakfast, before an evening dinner, or as part of an afternoon of exploring the surrounding area.

Year after year, shopping at local shops allows our members to find something different each time they visit. Each trip finds different items available from the artisans, and there are seasonal changes in the shops as well as the markets.

Cabo Desert Landscapes, Silver Craftsmanship, and Baja Elegance

Shopping in Cabo, much like the destination itself, has desert land and water, and modern and traditional design. Markets and boutiques show off the high-quality craftsmanship of the local artisans, all done in the colors of Baja California.

Members visiting Diamante Cabo and Garza Blanca Cabo have access to beautiful silver jewelry, hand-tooled leather goods, and ceramics that reflect the desert colors of the area. Silver jewelry is particularly unique in this area, from large statement jewelry to jewelry for everyday wear.

Many of the leather goods (bags, belts, etc.) are crafted using traditional techniques that focus on durability and classic design. These leather goods are designed to be worn and enjoyed for years to come.

Look for the following when shopping in Cabo:

• Beautiful handmade silver jewelry
• Leather goods (bags, belts) with tooled leather designs
• Ceramics and home decor reflecting the desert landscape of Baja California

All of these items represent the elegant simplicity of Cabo and easily fit into your everyday life.

Puerto Vallarta Vibrant Colors and Lively Traditions

Vibrancy and creativity are woven throughout the daily lives of the people of Puerto Vallarta. The vibrant energy of the city's art scene comes alive in the city's many markets, studios, and artisan streets. Color, texture, and craftsmanship come together beautifully in this city.

Members visiting Garza Blanca Puerto Vallarta and Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta are close to the local markets which feature the works of many talented artisans, including:  Talavera pottery, hand-painted tiles, embroidered textiles, and folk art. Many of the pieces are made using traditional techniques and passed down from generation to generation. You will often have the opportunity to talk with the artisans who made the piece. TIP: Stopping by the lovely Tierra Luna Boutiques right at Garza Blanca Puerto Vallarta is a great place to start!

With the pleasant temperature of the spring, strolling along the streets of the artisan district is even more enjoyable. Take your time, pop into some of the many galleries, and get the stories behind each piece. Where did the artist find the materials? What technique was used to create it? And what does the piece represent?

Some of the things to look for while shopping in Puerto Vallarta include:

• Tierra Luna Boutiques
• Talavera pottery and decorative tiles
• Embroidered table runners and wall hangings
• Handmade jewelry using silver, glass, and natural stones

Each of the above items captures the warmth, creativity, and vibrant spirit of Puerto Vallarta.

Cancun Mayan Heritage and Caribbean Craftsmanship

Shopping in Cancun combines two of the most interesting aspects of Mexican culture: the Mayan heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean influences of the coastal region. While most visitors to Cancun spend their time at the beach, several local markets offer authentic examples of the craftsmanship of the region. TIP: On-site members have access to Tierra Luna Boutiques right on the resort grounds and should certainly check them out.

Members and guests of Villa del Palmar Cancun, Garza Blanca Cancun, and Hotel Mousai Cancun can visit markets that sell handmade items such as hand-embroidered huipiles, woven hammocks, carved wood decorations, and natural fiber accessories.

Most of the items sold in these markets are made using traditional techniques and materials, so the end product is something that is truly organic, useful, and connected to a specific place. Woven hammocks are a great example of this type of craftsmanship. Handmade using traditional techniques and designed to provide both comfort and beauty, these hammocks evoke feelings of relaxation and tranquility.

When shopping in Cancun, look for:

• Tierra Luna Boutiques
• Hand-embroidered textiles
• Woven hammocks
• Carved wood decorations and natural fiber accessories

These items will add a sense of peace and cultural richness to your home long after your vacation has ended.

Supporting local artisans and preserving cultural traditions that would otherwise disappear are among the reasons TAFER Residence Club members choose to shop. It also gives our members a deeper understanding of the travel experience and turns a simple transaction into a connection to the destination.

Each item you bring home serves as a reminder of where you went, what you saw, and how it made you feel. A ceramic bowl reminds you of the quiet afternoons spent in Cabo. A woven textile transports you back to the warm spring days spent in Puerto Vallarta. A hammock reminds you of the relaxing days spent in Cancun.

As spring arrives at TAFER destinations, local markets welcome you to slow down and explore with purpose. Whatever you bring home from your shopping experience, whether it's a piece of art, a handcrafted accessory, or a decorative item, you'll be bringing home a story.

Long after the trip is over, the stories of your adventures continue to grow and evolve.