A few years back, my sister and I enjoyed an idyllic respite at Rio Caliente Hot Springs Spa Resort near Guadalajara. You can read about it here. Having lived in Mexico on-and-of for the past decade, I adore the place. So, my heart ached today when I read this newsletter (see below) from Rio Caliente owner, Caroline Durston. I hope you’ll read it with an open mind and share it with a generous heart.

Vaya con Diós,

Ellen

Reflection of Different Times

Our longstanding friends and guests will recognise that this newsletter is a bit different than the ones we usually send you - a reflection of how different and challenging things are these days.

We all have been affected in some way by the economic downturn. Then in early April there was widespread media coverage of drug wars at the US/Mexico border. And since April 23, you’ve all been hearing the swine flu stories.

Like the drug war coverage, it is now being reported that there was an overreaction to the swine flu which may be no more severe than seasonal influenza. The Economist reported on May 4 that “the overreaction extends to an unfair vilification of Mexico, which in fact has handled this outbreak in a laudably transparent and competent manner.” The impact of this overreaction may cost the Mexican economy something like $5 billion.

We know there certainly has been an impact on Rio Caliente. We’ve experienced unprecedented numbers of cancellations and the lowest occupancy levels we’ve ever had at this time of year, creating uncertainty and stress for our Mexican staff. The guests who are here, however, have been enjoying absolute peace and tranquility and a research biologist from California told us in early May that she couldn’t think of a safer place to be at this time.