An Ancient Mayan City Recently Discovered in Mexico

In Partnership With

Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, an influential figure in music for over seven decades, died Sunday in Bel Air, California, at age 91. He collaborated with iconic artists like Frank Sinatra, Lesley Gore, and Michael Jackson.

Quincy Jones was among the most awarded figures in music history, with 28 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, an honorary Oscar, and a Tony. He produced Michael Jackson's album "Thriller," one of the bestselling albums, and "We Are the World," one of the bestselling singles of all time.

So, in tribute to Quincy Jones, this issue of the Expert’s Guild Journal is better enjoyed while listening to:

Luxury Travel News

Luxury Train

Orient Express Plans Luxury Train Revival: The iconic Orient Express is set to return, catering to ultra-wealthy travelers seeking exclusive experiences. This move reflects a shift from luxury goods to luxury travel.

The Orient Express is preparing for its first launch in decades, a luxury sleeper train in Italy.

Dubbed La Dolce Vita, the new Orient Express trains will start operating in Spring 2025.

Caribbean Resort

Hermitage Bay in Antigua Reopens: The acclaimed luxury resort Hermitage Bay has reopened, providing guests with its signature blend of comfort and exclusivity.

Situated on 140 acres of verdant tropical gardens with a view of the Caribbean Sea's azure waters, it has kept all of the traditional features that draw visitors in while also improving the overall hospitality experience.

Wine Travel

World’s Best Vineyards has revealed this year’s top 50 wine destinations for 2024, showcasing wineries that provide unforgettable wine experiences and promote wine culture.

This year, the top spot was Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal, Rioja. Marqués de Riscal was established in 1858 and is still known for its outstanding wines and iconic architecture.

Visitors can stay in the opulent hotel that Frank Gehry designed overlooking the vines and savor a sublime wine-paired dinner at the highly regarded restaurant that serves exquisite regional cuisine.

Luxury Villa

The Mexican Pacific coast for your holidays?

A luxurious beachfront villa with six bedrooms lies within the upscale Punta Mita Estates complex on the Riviera Nayarit.

Its extensive reflection pools and network of pathways connect each distinctive structure, giving the impression that Casa Majani is suspended over the mighty Pacific.

The Ranch Life

Experience unparalleled luxury at The Inn at Newport Ranch, where each of their unique suites offers a one-of-a-kind escape.

Perched on cliffs with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the exclusive private ranch delivers unmatched luxury and elegance.

Ancient Mayan City Discovered in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula

(Adapted from the article by Suzie Dundas in the Matador Network Newsletter)

A newly discovered ancient Mayan city, dubbed "Valeriana," has been unearthed in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, rivaling Washington DC's National Mall in size.

The finding, reported in the Journal of Antiquity, reveals a sprawling urban center dating back to the Mayan Classic Period (250-1000 CE).

Using LiDAR technology, researchers from Tulane University and Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia identified more than 6,600 structures across 50 square miles.

“Valeriana” spans 120 acres and features impressive architectural elements, including plazas, pyramids reaching 50 feet in height, ball courts, and intricate stone column complexes.

The site's layout suggests it served as a hub for social, ceremonial, and commercial activities within a more extensive network of Mayan settlements.

While there are no immediate plans for excavation due to challenging jungle conditions and logistical complexities, researchers continue to analyze the site through computer modeling.

This discovery demonstrates that despite modern scanning technologies, remarkable archaeological finds are still waiting to be uncovered.

They offer new insights into the sophisticated ancient Mayan civilization that flourished until its collapse around 1000 CE.

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