Dave Simmonds, publisher and creator of The Mexico File, has been traveling Mexico for over 35 years, covering every state over tens of thousands of miles, from the smallest back-road villages to the glitzy resorts (he prefers the villages). After years of writing about the country for fellow travelers to Mexico, he started Essence of Mexico in 2003, at first specializing in golf packages and “culture and fun” tours, with the goal of teaching others the special aspects of Mexico that he has long known. When Melissa Chiaro joined him in business, they added a more diverse selection of Mexico services and experiences.  A 1972 graduate of San Diego State University, he lives in San Diego with his wife, Felice, and their two kids, Tanner, age 13 and Nicolette, age 8. 
dave@essenceofmexico.com

Simmonds, having known Melissa Chiaro from an elite boutique villa in historic Palm Springs, California, and sharing time with her recently in Mexico while hotel consulting, realized she would be an asset in completing this idea of experiencing Mexico.  With Chiaro’s many years of promoting a destination resort and researching its individual interests, to coordinating celebrity and cultural events, Chiaro and Simmonds have combined their past and mutual visions to create a unique pathway to travel Mexico.
melissa@essenceofmexico.com