Every Week Peg writes an article about a destination
or property. By popular demand, here is a list of all her articles. Please
click on a date or a topic to go right to that article
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Name |
Area |
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Anywhere |
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England |
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Jamaica |
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Jamaica |
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Jamaica |
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Las
Vegas |
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Cruises |
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Cancun |
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Riviera
Maya |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Mexico |
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Now
Resorts |
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Cancun |
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New
Orleans |
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Italy |
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Ireland |
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Puerto
Rico |
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New
Orleans |
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Happy
New Year |
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All
over the world |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Israel |
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Riviera
Maya |
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Punta
Cana |
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New
Orleans |
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Jamaica |
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New
York City |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Ocho
Rios |
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Caribbean |
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Carnival
Cruise |
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Royal
Caribbean |
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Cruises |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Cancun |
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Cancun |
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Iberostar |
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Europe |
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Mexico |
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Ixtapa |
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Las
Vegas |
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Jamaica |
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Hawaii |
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Mexico |
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Florida |
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Hawaii |
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Jamaica |
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Hawaii,
Main Island |
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Hawaii |
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Las
Vegas |
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Cancun |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Reno |
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Caribbean |
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Caribbean |
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Panama |
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St
Lucia |
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Israel |
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Cancun |
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Punta
Cana |
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Las
Vegas |
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Hawaii |
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New
Orleans |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Jamaica |
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Punta
Cana |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Jamaica |
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Jamaica |
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Reno |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Las
Vegas |
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Cancun |
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St
Lucia |
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Punta
Cana |
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Destination
Weddings |
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Karisma
Properties |
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Harrah's
Properties |
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Dominican
Republic |
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Train
Travel |
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Cancun/Riviera
Maya |
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Mexican
Riviera Maya |
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Mexican
Riviera Maya |
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Punta
Cana |
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Ireland |
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Costa
Rica |
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Punta
Cana |
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Nassau
/ Paradise Island |
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Mexican
Riviera Maya |
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Mexican
Riviera Maya |
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Mexican
Riviera Maya |
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Mexican
Riviera Maya |
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Mexican
Riviera Maya |
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Las
Vegas |
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Train
Travel |
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Train
Travel |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Cancun/Riviera
Maya |
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Cancun/Riviera
Maya |
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Cancun/Riviera
Maya |
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Destination
Weddings |
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Destination
Weddings |
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Palace
Properties |
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Palace
Properties |
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Palace
Properties |
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Palace
Properties |
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All
over |
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Cancun |
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Jamaica |
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Romance |
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Jamaica |
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New
Orleans |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Cancun |
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Las
Vegas |
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Los
Cabos |
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New
York City |
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Jamaica |
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Jamaica |
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Jamaica |
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Jamaica |
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Jamaica |
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Jamaica |
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Cancun |
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Cancun |
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New
Orleans |
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New
Orleans |
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New
Orleans |
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New
Orleans |
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Louisiana |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Weddings |
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Honeymoons |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Louisiana |
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Louisiana |
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Louisiana |
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Tampa
Florida |
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Tampa
Florida |
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Florida |
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Florida |
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Cancun |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Lanai |
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Maui |
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Lanai |
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Lanai |
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Lanai |
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Molokai |
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Molokai |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Hawaii |
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Aruba |
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Aruba |
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Aruba |
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Aruba |
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Aruba |
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Aruba |
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Aruba |
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Aruba |
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Aruba |
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Aruba |
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Puerto
Vallarta |
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Puerto
Vallarta |
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Puerto
Vallarta |
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Puerto
Vallarta |
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Puerto
Vallarta |
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Puerto
Vallarta |
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Puerto
Vallarta |
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Puerto
Vallarta |
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Puerto
Rico |
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Karisma
Resorts |
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Puerto
Rico |
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Puerto
Rico |
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Puerto
Rico |
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Puerto
Rico |
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Puerto
Rico |
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Puerto
Rico |
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St
Thomas |
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St
Thomas |
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St
Thomas |
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St
Thomas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Ireland |
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Ireland |
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Ireland |
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Ireland |
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Ireland |
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Ireland |
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Ireland |
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Ireland |
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Ireland |
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Las
Vegas |
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Cancun |
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Cancun |
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Cancun |
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Las
Vegas |
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Cancun |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Mexico |
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Worldwide |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Caribbean |
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Nassau |
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Nassau |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Florida |
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Florida |
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Florida |
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Florida |
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Florida |
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Florida |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Punta
Cana |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Las
Vegas |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
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Mexico |
WHY TRAVEL TO MEXICO
As
you know,
But if that weren’t enough all on its own,
there are tropical jungles, Mayan ruins, golfing, snorkeling(unparalleled
anywhere in the Americas as it is located on the second largest reef in the
world, shopping, cultural dances and events, diving, fishing spas, fantastic
dining, spas and Jacuzzis.
And it not only appeals to the adults, there
are also many properties that have kids clubs with fun and exciting
activities----there are a few that offered such great programs I WANTED to be a
kid again.
There are tours offered to many of the
Mayan ruins. One of my favorites,
If you prefer jungles there is a phenomenal
jungle tour that offers a zip line thru the trees, platform to platform. They offer ATV or Jeep rides also.
There are World Class Golf Courses offered in
You can just relax at the beach or pools
(many of which have Jacuzzis and swim up bars) or there is snorkeling, diving
and for the less athletic---glass bottom boats----- to view a vast array of
stunning, brightly colored tropical fish.
They
also offered a two person boat ride through the mangroves to the second largest
reef in the world for incomparable snorkeling.
There
are many Mexican handcrafts including ceramics, artwork, jewelry
and clothing items. Most hotels also
have on- site shopping and some offer special nights of Mexican handicrafts.
This is just a small overview. There is fantastic night life both on and off
properties. The dining is exceptional
and varied. Many hotels have Brazilian,
Japanese and Steak houses besides the usual Mexican fare. And needless to say, being right on the ocean
waters the seafood is sumptuous and always fresh.
There is so much more that can be said about
We will try to cover different properties and
different travel destinations in the weeks and months to come.
Perhaps it is unfair for me to start with
what I consider to be one of the BEST properties in the Riviera Maya, but I was
so impressed with this property it is foremost in my mind.
The
It boasts more than 1 km of soft white
sandy beach giving a whole new definition to what
The lobby of this hotel has a complete
full-size replica of the famous pyramid at Chichen Itzal. As you pass through
the lobby to find your room you will view the Spanish colonial style buildings.
They are decorated with arcs, columns and fountains, surrounded by lush
vegetation so typical of Iberostar
properties and are completed each with a relaxing full length courtyard. Each and every room is a spacious Junior
Suite roomy and beautifully furnished with a full bathroom, sofa bed, air
conditioning, complimentary mini-bar, coffee machines,
There are 6 restaurants with an absolutely
outstanding selection of gourmet dining.
The Japanese cuisine was my favorite.
The also have a Mexican cuisine La Hacienda and a Mediterranean style
restaurant with a menu of fish and seafood so fresh and luscious that you will
think you are in heaven, a poolside diner with international delicacies, a
continental restaurant offering breakfast and snacks with an ocean view and
last but certainly not least a Brazilian style grilled meat specialties
restaurant where the main fare is served en brochette. As always the all inclusive meals plan
includes all buffet style and a la carte meals, scheduled room service, all
alcoholic beverages, all daytime activities and use of nonmotorized water
sports equipment, the kids club, in house evening shows, disco and round trip
transportation to Playa del Carmen.
There is an 18 hole par 72 golf course
designed by Peter Dye, Lucy’s Miniclub-a children’s program, wedding on site
coordinators and 6,500 square meters of
meeting rooms besides a spa, tennis, sailing, kayaking, wind surfing and
water polo.
It is paradise unequaled in amenities plus
the employees are very friendly and eager to please. I HIGHLY recommend this
property.
Next week we will discuss an in town
Palace Properties in
What are some of the advantages to staying
in downtown
This area of
You will find a wide array of dining. Not only can you enjoy all of the
all-inclusive meals at your hotel, but if you are out for the day there are
many inexpensive fast-food eateries along with world class dining to please
everyone’s tastes.
Clubbing is a favorite pastime for many
visitors and
As far as the Palace Properties are
concerned, you never even have to leave
the property if you are there to just relax and enjoy. If you have all-inclusive you have all of
your drinking, dining and entertainment taken care of. Not only that but they are
INTERCHANGEABLE. You can eat, party and
see all of the shows at ANY of their properties in
They also offer
If that alone is not the best deal you have
ever heard of……they also have a Passport to Savings special when you stay at
select Palace Resorts. This is a $400.00
value and includes unlimited tours, a $15 spa voucher and $50 golf voucher per
adult valid at the Playacar or Moon Palace Golf Course.
All of the Palace properties are either 4 or
5 star properties---excellent in accommodations and services. Any one of them would definitely offer a
vacation made of fantastic memories enticing you to return once again.
Palace resorts in the downtown
FOR THE ROMANTIC IN US
Seaside Suites was named as one of Forbes Most Romantic Hotels and for good reason. It is an adults-only, all inclusive resort of 196 Jr. Suites. They are available in 5 different categories; Garden View, Ocean View, Ocean Front, Jacuzzi Jr., Suites and Swim-up Jacuzzi Jr. Suites.
Can you even imagine waking up in a beautiful four poster bed and later stepping outside to be just a few steps from the beach. All of the rooms in this property are parallel to the beach so there are no long strolls to the ocean. Wooden benches and beach beds canopied in white fabric create a romantic atmosphere on the palm fringed beachfront. Beach beds line the shore so you can take full advantage of the breeze and view during the day. They have gauze curtains for a feeling of privacy. You can walk a mile of resort beach in relative privacy. Elegant relaxation is the order of the day. At El Dorado Seaside Suites you get to enjoy the atmosphere of a boutique hotel and still have the convenience of an all-inclusive resort. All of the Junior suites are decorated in a blend of contemporary and authentic Mexican style, complete with marble or Mexican title floors and furniture made of local tropical hardwood, giving a warm, rich, visually appealing atmosphere to the accommodations.
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Gourmet Cuisine & Superb Facilities |
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Guests
can take advantage of spa and fitness facilities, a variety of non-motorized
water sports, extraordinary junior suite accommodations, and the signature
"Gourmet Inclusive" cuisine where every meal is a gastronomic
experience. |
From the beautiful stretch of white-sand beach to the selection of restaurants, this is the perfect retreat for guests looking to have fun. Take relaxing strolls through landscaped grounds, enjoy a swim in the turquoise ocean and pools, relax with a frosty drink from one of the bars and then catch a bus to the exciting entertainment of nearby downtown.
The beautiful beach and infinite gardens pass through the balconies to adorn the rooms, distributed in four buildings of truncated pyramid form. Become familiar with their nine restaurants, each one with different international specialties. Refresh the spirit in one of their nine bars…one is easily accessible anywhere you are. Entertainment is available day and night through their Animation Staff. Almost a half mile of pristine beach scattered with palapas and lounge chairs for total relaxation and sun worship. An executive, Par 3 Golf course, full service Spa, a marina offering non-motorized water sports, two tennis courts, an all-purpose field, gymnasium and various shops are just a glimpse of what awaits you at Oasis Cancun.
This gorgeous
hotel is shaped like a pyramid. The
additional buildings are also pyramid shaped.
They have two large swimming pools, one of which is the largest swimming
pools in
This property also has many special added values:
* Free for Children ---maximum of 2 children through the age of 6 stay free in existing bedding with at
least 2 adults. Children 7-12 are surcharged.
* Honeymooners will receive priority check-in through the Oasis Plus desk with a tropical, welcome
cocktail, a complimentary upgrade to best available accommodation at time of check-in, a fruit basket,
bottle of sparkling wine, special reservation for a honeymoon dinner with a bottle of house wine and a
souvenir of your stay. This program is available with a 5 night stay. The reservation must be marked
honeymoon. Marriage certificate dated within the past 60 days must be presented at check-in.
*Oasis Runaway
Program - All-Inclusive guests staying at an Oasis property in
Coast will be able to visit and enjoy the facilities of the other Oasis properties, including food and
beverages. Guests must consult with the Guest Services Desk upon arrival for details and restrictions.
Transportation is not included and the Grand Oasis hotel is not part of this program.
*Guests 60 and above receive an upgrade to the next available category or best available room in house
upon check in. Priority reservations and table at a la carte restaurant. Valid for Run of House category
only. The reservation must be commented: 'SENIOR PROGRAM' at the time of booking, and proof of
age may be required at check in.
*Complimentary wedding packages for parties of 5 db rooms with a minimum of 4 nights or more.
Wedding package includes, wedding coordinator, including document preparation, priority room
assignments,
appointed suite for bride and groom, honeymoon welcome basket in room, bottle of sparkling wine in
couples room at arrival, matching robes in couples room for use during stay, turn down service nightly,
civil ceremony with judge, choice of beachfront gazebo or arbor, bouquet for the bride and boutonniere
for the groom, decoration of the area for the ceremony with white linens and draped chairs with ribbon
accents, wedding cake for 10 people, glass of sparkling wine for people, priority reservations for bridal
party at specialty restaurant (limited to 10 guests), 10 percent discount at Oasis Spa on select services,
late check
out for bride and groom until
with minimum five night stay.
So whether you have children, if you are a senior, if you are an engaged couple or just looking for a multiple
Property vacation---this is one of the best places in
Vallarta Nayarit is
a newer resort town located in-between
the
There are many
activities and tours that can be taken advantage of in these areas. You can visit local villages and enjoy
tequila presentations. Admire some of
the most beautiful churches in
You can wander into the tropical jungle. They have a thing called the Canopy Adventure in which you are harnessed up and fly through the trees from platform to platform over rivers, streams and lush tropical jungle.
Vallarta has also
become a Golfer’s
In the coming weeks I will highlight some of the properties that are offered in this area. This is a very good vacation not only because it has so much to offer but it is also by direct charter. No stops on the way to paradise and as you know charters also keep the prices down. Look into this and see what a great offer it actually is.
Again and as I said before,
Palace Resorts are one of the best properties anywhere. They have amazing hotel and service. Here are some highlights of
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They have expansive pools and entertaining activities for both old and younger guests. The kids can participate in the children’s club. The polished guestrooms have a private balcony and inviting marble bath Jacuzzi to provide a relaxing sanctuary. It is perfect for a romantic escape, a honeymoon vacation, a family vacations and a fun-filled getaway, this breezy retreat has something for everyone. Do you want a FREE wedding or Marriage Renewal
Ceremony---THIS is the place. Their Free Wedding Package includes the following:
A wedding gazebo, all document arrangements, marriage certificates (in Spanish),
tables and chairs, domestic champagne, Special breakfast in bed the morning
after the wedding, candle lit dinner for the Bride and Groom, CD player or
tape player available in wedding gazebo for your special songs, red carpeting
walkway, wedding coordinator and witnesses if required. What could be more romantic than being
married by the ocean as the sun starts to set, surrounded by fresh air, beautiful flowers,
fantastic music and some friends. A
memory to last a lifetime. It does not have to be a wedding--- or a wedding that you are attending. This property will provide for you memories of a lifetime and don’t forget all that Palace Properties have to offer. They have fantastic food and dining options. The service is remarkable and the ambience is to die for. And as always all Palace Properties include optional tours. |
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As often as
you might have seen it on TV or in a movie, there is nothing that prepares you
for that first sight of
Once you get
to Vegas, you'll want to come back again, if only to make sure you didn't dream
it all. It's not just the casinos with their nonstop action and sound, the
almost-blinding lights, or the buildings that seek to replicate some other
reality (
One of the MAJOR reasons I opted to
introduce
Next
week I will include a list of the 10 FREE -must not miss -things to do
in Vegas
The
cold weather is here. It's time to make sure you don't let the frostbite get
the best of you. While in
Spa Bellagio's cranberry and pumpkin spice treatments will warm any traveler.
From hydrotherapy baths to sugar polish and
WET, The Spa at Treasure Island (TI) wraps the body in a warm apple pie
treatment that concludes with a massage with vanilla ice cream body lotion.
Beginning in December, the spiked egg nog body wrap will capture the holiday
spirit with a warm, creamy caramel wrap accompanied by a soothing vanilla scalp
massage.
One of the reasons I started on
Then there is a mall at Aladdin’s that is both high price and
bargains mixed. The Fashion Mall always has very unique and well priced
items. Then for those you want to really
impress or for those that have everything there are the Caesars shops. They have an FAO Schwartz that brings out the
child in everyone. It is amazing. And
anything that you could possible envision in most of your wildest dreams. Your presents will also be unique and not the
same as everyone else buying from the same pod.
The other wonderful thing
about this time of the year is the decorations---stunning and
breathtaking. The Bellagio’s is
absolutely unbelievable. Wynn does a
beautiful presentation also. We were
able to go last year in the middle of December and it was fantastic. The town was done up well for the
holidays. Don’t miss this unique
opportunity. You won’t be sorry!! Oh by the way---Happy Holidays to you and
yours!!!
Well,
come. To Azul Hotels. If you are bored with the average vacation and eager for
a little style, this is the place for you. Not pretentious. Not ostentatious.
Just upscale, stylish, understated boutique hotels that happen to be located in
fabulous locations. These are no mega resorts, quite the opposite. The small
size affords and intimate atmosphere and proximity so that each room is just a
quick stroll from the beach, the pools, the restaurants, the bars, and
basically any other facility on the premises. Which is a good thing, because
their creatively epicurean Gourmet Inclusive program will make you want to
explore the different restaurants rather often. Besides the design, the
identity of the property is defined by the many special details and services that
are part of your vacation. The Gourmet-Inclusive also defines the beverages,
which are quite special, as well. The bars have swinging beds, for guest to
lounge and relax. Then, unlike the other properties in the Karisma portfolio,
which cater exclusively to adult guests, Azul welcomes families. And, finally,
there are several really cool services to create a truly unique vacation
experience, such as Beach Butlers. They are dedicated staff members who are
stationed at the beach, affording the ultimate in service and sun bathing
convenience, including a soft towel service, refreshment deliveries, tanning
products and water vaporizers. Like it so far? So, all in all, Azul Hotels are
a total chill out experience.
Why Azul Beach Hotel?
First,
this is no mega-sized resort. With just 98 rooms, it offers an intimate
atmosphere and affords proximity so that each room is under a minute from the
beach, the pool, the restaurants, the bars, and basically any other facility on
the premises.
Second,
this is a truly beachfront beach resort and the beach is just fantastic. Third,
they designed a unique food selection that includes a restaurant with five
different menus, for example, the all lobster menu and the low carb menu. Then,
they have 24-hour room service, which is part of the all-inclusive program.
And, the beverages they serve are quite special, as well (make sure to try the
Tequila martini). Fourth, unlike other properties, which cater exclusively to
adult guests, Azul welcomes families. And, fifth, they've added some cool
services to create a truly unique vacation experience. Which, you wonder? Well,
for parents, they have baby and children essentials such as strollers, cribs,
baby milk heaters, beach games, coloring books, refrigerators for milk and
medicines.
For
all you beach buffs, they have the Beach Butlers, affording the ultimate in
service and sun bathing convenience, including a soft towel service,
refreshment deliveries, tanning products and water vaporizers. Like it so far?
Good. You'll find Azul Beach Hotel on the beautiful Bahia Petempich in Puerto
Morelos, just 15 Minutes south of
Next week I will cover the sister property
and its amenities—Azul Blue Hotel and Spa
The reason I have
chosen this hotel to feature this week is because it just might be the ideal
holiday gift. Whether is be for yourself
or someone else, the price is right!
This is a 4 star (out of 5) property right on the beach. It is absolutely gorgeous and it is at an
unbelievable price from Dec 21st through the 23rd. You would still be HOME for the Christmas
holidays but completely rested and tanned and well fed and UNSTRESSED. It could be a wonderful Hanukkah present for
someone also. It is only $899.98 per
person and that is including taxes, transfers, insurance, all the food you can
eat and all the drink you can drink and all the sunshine that you can endure.
Here are some of the details>
Fronting a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach, this romantic resort is an adults-only haven for relaxation and fun. Whether you are relaxing with a pampering treatment at the full-service spa, enjoying a drink at one of the casual bars or unwinding with a delicious meal at the alluring restaurants your cares will melt away during stays at this picturesque gem.
The restaurants that are
available are:
The Shangri-La – This is an a la carte
restaurant featuring International gourmet cuisine. They have a dance floor and live music. There is a dress code though--pants, collar
shirt and closed toe shoes for gentlemen and no beach wear. It is a non-smoking restaurant
The Old Barn – It is a western style
steakhouse featuring a unique western atmosphere for dinner and the dress code
is casual.
The Pier 12 – This restaurant features
numerous specialty seafood and Italian creations. It has an ocean view terrace
and is open daily.
The Sumo is a Japanese a la Carte
Restaurant and is open for dinner with a casual dress code.
The
This really is one NOT to miss for all the
adults out there that would just love some peace and relaxation. I most HIGHLY recommend taking advantage of
this.
Azul
Blue Resort and Spa
Welcome to the art of
stresslessness.
Created
for total tranquility, AZUL Blue is the world’s first stress free hotel. Why
stress free? Because they realized that with today’s hectic lives, people
around the world have a growing need for inner peace. So they created a
vacation sanctuary designed especially for rest, relaxation and tranquility.
Everything at AZUL Blue was developed with this thought in mind. The property
overlooks the Mexican Caribbean, affording calming views of the ocean. With
just 96 luxurious suites, the size and layout of the property are not
overwhelming. Everything is reachable within a few steps. The oversized suites
have been crafted from fine materials and have top of the line equipment, such
as iPods, and plasma televisions. The bedding is first class, of course, and
the bed linens are premium Italian cotton. As a special touch and to ensure
perfect repose, guests may even select the firmness of their pillows from a
pillow menu.
Each
villa has a dedicated butler service, which is there to ensure every aspect of
your stay is taken care of. Let them assist you by having them unpack your
luggage while you concentrate on yourself and the beginning of your journey to
complete relaxation. They will also offer to draw a bath for you and help you
select a soothing aroma for your stay. Any request or need you may have, your
butler is here to ensure it is fulfilled.
Extending
the same stress free experience when it comes to dining, AZUL Blue offers
unique culinary experiences at three gourmet restaurants. The food has been
created by expert chefs and is presented in a variety of creative dishes,
including dishes specifically designed to soothe the palate and relax the
senses.
The
hotel offers a selection of soothing and invigorating optional activities. From
local exploration tours, scuba diving, deep sea fishing to soothing spa
treatments, Temazcal, and meditation classes you will find a rewarding
experience for the mind, spirit and body. Nurturing the same feeling of
tranquility, the only objective here is absolute relaxation. This should not be
difficult, as they built the most complete spa on the Riviera Maya. The
treatments may be taken at the spa, beach or suite.
Finally,
for a truly stress free vacation experience, the services of the Pool and Beach
Butlers are there to provide you with complete lounging and sun bathing
convenience. From towel service, and refreshment deliveries, to tanning
products and cooling vaporizers. In perfect complement are the Cabanas which
are king size four-post beds with privacy curtains, and oversized pillows,
perfect for lounging. For those in need of some stylish R & R, come see why
at the AZUL Blue there is absolutely no stresspassing.
Seeing as how we just got
back from
Needless to say----------The Wynn is
phenomenal. We were given a room there
from Funjet Vacations and Las Vegas Convention Bureau. The rooms are unbelievable. They are huge and of course brand new. The bathroom is bigger than our family room
at home. Of course there is a shower and
a tub and twin seats with sinks, a vanity with reversible mirror, hair dryer,
fantastic amenities, a separate room with the toilet
adjoining the bathroom. There is a TV
with remote in the bathroom and a phone also.
So you can literally get everything done at once!!!!!
The room has a sweet sleeper bed and they
give you about 5 extra large and fluffy pillows. Next to the bed they have a remote control
for the curtains so there is no need to get up to worry about it and of course
a remote control for the flat screen multiple angle TV.
And one of the absolute best parts is the
view. They have a 3 section panoramic
floor to ceiling window that is
They have a sofa and table and chairs for
dining if you wish in the room also.
Wynn provides you with terry cloth robes and slippers for your
convenience to use while you are their guests.
We never wanted to leave the room!!!!!!!!!
We only had one drawback. The prices in the restaurant and bars were
very, very high. Coffee at lunch was
$4.00 for an example. Needless to say
other than a fantastic breakfast buffet we ate elsewhere.
Decorations for the holidays were
throughout, but of course the Bellagio conservatory and Wynn lobby were
breathtaking and truly a Kodak moment.
There was a spectacular and free
We
had Lobster Tail and Steak at Tony Roma’s downtown with vegetable and a potato
and soft drink for $9.95. YES—there are
still values to be had!!
Next week I will once again go over the
best to be had in Vegas at anytime for anyone.
Happy
Holidays to all.
EVERYONE!!
Features
shows in Vegas at this time include Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Danny Gans and
Carrot Top. For Comedy you have Jay
Leno, Dana Carvey, David Spade and Ray Romanoon a limited engagement. For musicals you have Mamma Mia, The Phantom
, The Blue Man Group and The Beatles Love.
You can experience Broadway while in
Vegas---a very nice touch. As usual
there are the fantastic Productions. You
have Jubilee and Folies Bergere which is the true
Want to see more of
Aren’t exhausted yet???
Then Club it at night. There is a
free Dueling Piano Bar at Harrahs, most places have free lounge shows day and
night. There is Mardi Gras in the Sky at
the
We
also have
Not your scene? They have shopping, shopping and more
shopping. They even have Special
Shopping Passes. The best deal you can
find is at the Premium Outlet Shops. It
could literally take you all day if you need to go through every single
shop. They also have a food court and
places for the spouses to rest right outside the door of each shop.
And the best deal on the planet---a $5.00
bill will get you a double decker bus pass for a full 24 hours. Good for downtown, the outlets and the strip
and much more. Of course, there are
always the trolleys and/or cabs.
Vegas and soo very much more!!! Enjoy
For those of you that do not know—this is
considered the NEW
Some of them, particularly the Meliá Caribe
Tropical Resort and the Barcelo Bávaro complex , boast some of the most lavish beach
and pool facilities in the Caribbean, spectacular gardens, and relatively new
concepts in architecture (focusing on postmodern interplays between indoor and
outdoor spaces).
If you choose to vacation in
Punta Cana, you won't be alone, as increasing numbers of Latino celebrities are
making inroads, usually renting private villas within private compounds. Julio
Iglesias has been a fixture here for a while. And one of the most widely
publicized feuds in the
Above all, don't expect a
particularly North American vacation. The Europeans were here first, and many
of them still have a sense of possessiveness about their secret hideaway. For
the most part, the ambience is
The beaches offer every
imaginable watersport, including scuba, snorkeling and deep sea sport
fishing. You can visit memorable palapa
bars under tens of thousands of beautiful palm trees. Just off the beach, you will find casino
action and new world-class golf at top-notch championship courses. Punta Cana offers something for everyone from
beach lovers to even the most active vacationer. It is rated in the World’s Top 25 best
beaches.
Next week we will explore some of the
activities offered in Punta Cana…
As
promised, I will cover some of the outside activities available in Punta
Cana. These are besides all of the free
amenities offered at the all-inclusive properties.
Spend a leisure day with a visit to the town
of
Be an Indiana Jones or Crocodile Dundee for
the day in the real
Discover the real
Catamaran/ speed boat. Travel by bus to the fishing
Golf is available at three 18 hole Golf
Courses. The two most popular are the
Cocotal Golf Club and Punta Cana Golf Club.
Roundtrip transportation, 18 holes and a golf cart are included. Club rental is available at both courses and
range from $105.00 to $115.00 per bag.
In
addition at the Cocotal Golf Course is the driving range with a bucket of balls
and one bottle of water.
And of course you can always just relax and
enjoy at one of the beautiful all-inclusive properties of Punta Cana.
Hidden among lush palms, white sands
and turquoise waters, Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana is at the top of all
inclusive resort for family vacations in the
Take to the clear
Enjoy the pleasures of Sunscape The
Beach Punta Cana while the kids have a blast at the supervised Explorer’s Club.
Exciting journeys of science and nature will both educate and entertain your
little ones. The Explorer’s Club staff is certified in Infant First Aid and
CPR. And for added piece of mind, complimentary pagers are issued should you
need to be contacted.
Redefine family dining with a handful
of excellent, all inclusive restaurants from Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana.
Distinct atmospheres ranging from fun-filled jubilees to intimate ocean fronts
will cater to any mood or manor. And every taste is satisfied with a colorful
presentation of global cuisine such as Mexican, Japanese and seafood
specialties.
Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana
delivers an all inclusive entertainment experience found nowhere else.
Performers such as Fernando Keops- international magician, and Chris Blizzard-
winner of the BET International Jazz Discovery contest, make this one of the
most exclusive nightspots in the
Providing a new level of indulgence
is the deluxe guestrooms at Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana. All inclusive
amenities such as a private balcony, king size bed, satellite t.v., mini-bar,
safety deposit box and 24-hour room service deliver unrestricted comfort. Every
room guarantees a breathtaking view of the mountains, gardens or
Many wonderful letters have been
written by travelers who have visited this property and plan to return once
again. You will never be disappointed
here.
Nothing better than traveling south toward bright
sunny skies, with a vast array of things to do!! While millions of visitors flock here to escape the
bleakness of winter and landlocked locations, they don't all come down for sun,
fun, and Mickey Mouse. Granted, the promise of (mostly) clear skies and 800
miles of sparkling, sandy beaches is alluring, as are the animatronics and
roller coasters in
Here you can choose from a colorful, often kitschy assortment of
accommodations, from deluxe resorts to mom-and-pop motels. You can visit remote
little towns like
Choosing the "best" of all of this is a big task, and the selections numerous. Whether you want to be a kid again, enjoy a romantic getaway, travel with family and or friends, enjoy your retirement free time or just visit with someone already residing in the state –there is an amazing array of things to do and see. I will try in the next couple of weeks to cover a taste of the many things to do and see in this marvelous state
In
Besides Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and Sea World of Florida, there are top-notch golf courses, relaxing spas, fine dining and trendy shops and boutiques providing a great escape for children and adults alike.
You
may think that Disney is just for kids---but it is so much more than that. Art and I had the best time ever when just
the two of us went. We could appreciate
all the other little kids and their excitement and walk away when the crabbies
or tantrums overtook their otherwise angelic demeanor.
There
are many parts to Disney. Best known of
all is the castle so we will start with the
There is actually any kind of ride that you
could imagine in this area, from dancing teacups to blasts through
Besides all of the rides there are amazing
shows to be seen. The latest is the
‘Monster of Ceremonies’. It is an
interactive show inspired by Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. They have Disney animated musicals and a 3-D
musical misadventure in Mickey’s Philhar Magic.
They have fantastic parades in the day and a
MOST spectacular light show parade at night that is not to be missed. Then to end out a spectacular day at
A truly magical experience for the both the
old and young at heart. Capture and hold
on to youth and to the wonder of fantasy
land right here at Disney!
Hold onto your hats and your children and prepare
for the adventure of a lifetime. You can
start off in the Kilimanjaro Safari expedition, where you comfortably ride as
you explore 110 acres of African-style savannah to encounter freely roaming
wildlife.
Then you can dodge and scream your way through
the thrill packed Dinosaur attraction, complete with flaming meteors and
ferocious beasts.
Of course you cannot ignore big or small-so
your next stop may very well be a 3-D adventure of It’s a Bug’s Life. You can view the world through bug colored
glasses.
Then on to Festival of the Lion King with
Timon, Pumba and Simba in a musical
extravaganza.
The very latest is a high speed thrill ride
on the Expedition Everest-Legend of the
Every path and trail invites you to discover
one exciting adventure after another for a day you will never forget. I know the images from years ago when we took
out kids to Animal Kingdom still are with me to this day. It is a truly memorable adventure that you
will not want to miss in your lifetime.
They also have a new park Hopper Option in
which you can come and go as you please through all four Walt Disney World
Theme Parks on the same day for each day of your ticket. Also the best part of the Magic Your Way
ticket at Disney is that the unused days never expire. We even have a day that we will be able to
use whenever we decide to return and once again enjoy the sights and sounds of
Disney.
One
of the reasons I started on
We
had never stayed at anything other than a hotel or bed and breakfast and really
did not know what to expect. We were
most pleasantly surprised.
The Regal Palms Resort is situated just
outside
The Townhomes
are either 3 bed and 2 bath or 4 bed and 3 bath . They have a
fully equipped kitchen with all
appliances and utensils. Each homes has
a living/dining area with spacious bedrooms and private baths (roman tub in
master).
There
is a balcony or patio area. Each has a
dining and a living room area. The
tables are preset and gorgeous and the kitchen comes with almost anything that
you could ever need. There is a
dishwasher, coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator and dishes and pots and
pans. You can use them or not. Our
guests made coffee every
morning. What a great way to wake
up. You can put your leftovers in the
fridge for late night snacks. Because of
the living room we could spend time there with the other couple that we went
with and then retire to our individual rooms whenever. It is truly a great way to vacation. Especially if you have family members that
want to get together for any holiday and stay in the same place. You get quality time together with all the
amenities of a great hotel.
They also have Pool Homes available that are
fully equipped and come with their own swimming pools. What a dream come true.
This resort had a pool area that had a
lazy river. The pool area met the needs
of sun seekers and swimmers alike. There
were plenty of chairs and a separate pool area and a hot tub and a huge slide
emptying into the lazy river. We were
there in January so the air temp was a little on the cooler side but the pool
is constantly maintained at 82 degrees.
We took advantage of it every day.
They have a Spa and Health Club that we
visited but did not take advantage of.
The fitness facility is open everyday from
They have a club house, indoor and/or outdoor restaurant with an ala carte menu and
a fully stocked bar. The size of the
entrees were unbelievable-just HUGE_ and well worth the moderate prices. The food was very good also.
As I said this is something that we had
never done before but would easily do again anytime we wanted to travel with
someone else. For pictures you can see
them on the web----but please remember to book it through us. Regal Palms Resorts. Next week I will go over some of the things
we found to do right in this area that makes it well worth the trip even if you
are not going to Disney!!!
I
know that I have talked about the El Dorado Resorts before but having just
stayed at this property, I would like to re-iterate just what a fantastic
property it is.
At first glance you may think it is a little
on the pricey side, but I am here to tell you every single cent is well worth it.
This
deluxe, adults-only resort specializes in laid-back luxury and personalized
service. Built on more than a mile of secluded beach, it boasts spacious
suites, a superb offering of gourmet restaurants, stylish lounges complete with
iced-topped bars designed to keep drinks frosty cold and a full-service spa
that provides complete pampering after fun-filled days in the sun.
Upon arrival you are brought into the main lobby and offered champagne while you
comfortable wait sitting on comfortable chairs or couches that are positioned
around an indoor fountain/pool with one of the most gorgeous chandeliers I have
ever seen in my life hanging from the ceiling.
The room is filled with huge windows that overlook the property. It is a wonderful way to start a
vacation. No long waits standing in line
in the heat and humidity. The staff is
warm and very friendly and you are made to feel at home as soon as you step
onto the property.
We were taken to our room on a golf
cart. There are many on the property and
will take you where ever you want to go on property. At the restaurants they actually come by
regularly to deliver and pick up anyone that is interested in a ride. Most of the time we chose to walk around the
gorgeous property and just drink in the beauty, both day and night.
We were lucky enough to be in a swim-out
Jacuzzi room. This room first of all was
unbelievable. It was a huge with a soft
king canopied bed. The sheer drapery was
hung at four corners of the bed, to be opened or closed at your
preference. All of the furniture was a
beautiful deep cherry. The flat screen
television was placed in a huge armoire just opposite the bed. This also held the minibar and many drawers
for clothing. There is a sitting area
with a mirror. There is a dining table
with two chairs. There is a gorgeous
Jacuzzi in a deep tub also surrounded by sheer gauze banded drapery. You can actually look right outside your room
while relaxing in this jetted tub. They
have fantastic amenities for the Jacuzzi so there is not need to worry about
anything in the least. They even provide
champagne in a bucket and glasses for you to enjoy as you soak away all that
tension from back home.
The bathroom is a double sink that they
actually decorate with flower petals, a stand up pressure shower with a
flexible hose for getting to those hard to reach areas. And a closed door toilet area.
There is a huge walk in closet. There are hanging fresh bathrobes to be used
in house for each of you in the closet.
And an iron and ironing board if you so desire.
Right outside our sliding door is a walk out
pool. The porch has a hammock and two
adjustable cushioned chairs with a table for food or cocktail. Then there are lounge chairs sitting in the
water the is about ankle deep and clear crystalline blue. About 6 feet forward the water drops to about
4 feet and is connected by waterway to one of the many big pools on property.
Next week we will go to some of the wonderful
things available on property.
OF
LEO
NITTSKOFF
One of the greatest
men I will ever have to opportunity of knowing.
We love you and
miss you
And will always
carry you in our hearts
This property has so many
wonderful attributes it is hard to know where to start. Mornings have a buffet in two different areas
of the
Lunch at Jo Jo Caribbean Seaside Grill was
unbeatable. First you have a front row
seat on the beach. You can eat indoors
or out all accompanied with the sound of the surf and the fresh island
breezes. The food is all gourmet and so
artistically served that we took many pictures of the food when it was
served. Even the Salmon salad came as
fresh greens wrapped in Salmon and surrounded by squiggles of dressing. The carmelized pineapple desert was so
luscious that I even attempted to serve it at a dinner party that we had at
home. It was amazing.
Dinner was available at a variety of
restaurants. The Fondue Restaurant is situated on the second story of a huge
tree. It is romantically, softly lit and
you can choose between steak or seafood for your main entrée. The appetizer we chose was Gruyere cheese fondue. We had steak and chicken and pork in hot oil
for dinner and dessert was chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and
marshmallows. It was a gourmet delight.
Dinner at El Cocotal was phenomenal. The food was exceptional and you could see
flashes from cameras as the dinner arrived at almost every table. Dinner is accompanied by a strolling
violinist. The setting, food and
ambiance is incredibly romantic and inspires lasting memories.
The food here is so amazing that they even
have classes if you so desire. It truly
is a gourmet delight.
Besides the restaurants they have 10
lounges. They have a few bars with 2 person swings, a healthy bar with fresh
fruit, a swim-up bar and even a martini bar.
The choices seem endless.
Entertainment at night is beachside with
tropical music, Mexican folkloric ballet or a
There is a quaint chapel on property for
weddings, very romantic and memorable.
There were many weddings going on when we were there. The word must have got around that there
really is nothing quite comparable to this property in
Obviously I HIGHLY recommend this all adult
property. I, myself would love to return
as soon as possible.
Having just completed an in-service on this
property that has just opened this week, I thought it might be interesting to
know something about it. This property
is in the
The
difference is that The Cove is all suite and adult oriented. It is only 22 floors and absolutely breathtaking.
Upon arrival there is a walkway that opens to
the ocean and the lighting changes according to the time of day. There are also seating areas that surround
large glass blocks that contain ocean water.
Every room has a step up part of the bedroom that contains a huge bed
that faces the window. If you sit up in
the bed you can see the ocean. Each room
has a small dining area, a sofa bed and a balcony. There are two flat screen TV’s, one is
located in the bedroom and the other is in the bathroom. Wireless access is available in the rooms for
$10.00 a day.
There are 4 multi level pool areas.
They have a live DJ throughout the day.
There is also Table Gaming available at the pool. Each area has shaded day beds, chaises in
water for lounging, floating day beds in the pool and cabanas both poolside and
beachside.
There is a 63 acre waterscape called Aqua Venture. It has 4 water slides with a 1 mile rapid
river experience. The Atlantis Property
as a whole contains 20 swimming pools, 14 marine exhibits and an 11 acre
Dolphin Cay.
They
have a wellness studio, an exercise club, saunas and spas.
The
Aura nightclub will be opening in Mid April and is fashioned after Pure in
You
can see more about this property under Funjet Destinations for the
Absolutely breathtaking and without rival. It is on the pricey side but well worth the
money.
Catering to families, couples or singles, this
spectacular beachfront retreat provides an endless supply of relaxation and
fun. The accommodations are spacious,
the restaurants are unique, they have a selection of
grandiose bars, as well as a full-service spa and nightly entertainment.
This is an ALL-INCLUSIVE hotel on
Inter-connecting
rooms are available.
There
are 4 restaurants on site. The Atlantic
restaurant offers buffet style dining and show cooking stations. Theme dinners are served twice a week. Tengoku is the Japanese restaurant open for
dinner and reservations are required. Sir Alexander is a gourmet restaurant
open for dinner only. The Bahamas Grill
Steak house is also open for dinner only and reservations are required.
There are 4 lounges on site. The Colony lobby bar, the Soca pool bar, the
Calypso bar salon and lounge and the Swim up bar at the pool.
There is entertainment on site nightly with
diverse musical and theatrical presentations including live music and Riu theme
shows.
The Renova Spa has massages and treatments
and a beauty salon. There is a
complimentary gym, sauna and Jacuzzi.
The pool is 300 square feet with an adjoining
Jacuzzi. Complimentary sun loungers,
towels and parasols are offered at the pool.
If you want the ambiance of the
Please remember that you will need a
passport. Also be sure to check your
expiration date on your passport as there have been a few problems as of late
and it is taking much longer to renew because of high demand.
What good is sitting alone in this
rain???? Come to the Cabaret in sunny
It is just so great to be arriving in
There is a brand new kid in town, THE ROYAL
CANCUN. I am hoping to attend a
familiarization trip to this new all adult hotel in the middle of
In addition, beach butlers provide the
guests lounging around the pool and on the beach such things as cold towel
service, ice water, suntan lotion, newspapers, magazines and more. There are chaise lounges around the pool for
the ultimate in relaxation and comfort.
The newest thing in these beautiful
properties, are actual visual accounts of the food that is prepared gourmet for
your offering. You can not only enjoy
the food while vacationing---but you can learn how to prepare some of your
favorite’s back home if you so desire.
There is a twin Jacuzzi in every room and brand new soft comfortable
beds and the stocked mini bars. What
more could one ask for?
If this were not enough to entice you,
then how about the fact that if you stay at this brand new totally seductive
property, you also have use of all facilities at the other Real Resorts in
Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.
Unbelievable! So enjoy this rainy
spring by traveling to
THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THERE HILLS
The Golden
Nugget has been totally redone. It has received a $100 million body lift with
new room designs, a new face on the spa, new top-tier dining options and a
200,000 gallon aquarium centerpiece that puts man-eating sharks in the middle
of the swimming pool.
The
Tank, as it is called, has over 300 species of marine animals. There are five species of sharks alone. Guests can swim under the aquarium for a
beneath the sea view or slide down a 3 story tube slide surrounded by fish.
The
36,000-square-foot casino floor is newly remodeled and accommodates every kind
of gambler, from the neophyte to the seasoned high roller. For those with no
limits, there is a high limit slot salon offering VIP services including a
lavish lounge and a private cashier. The semi-enclosed poker room, featured on
film and in a number of television series, such as "Poker Superstars III," is accented
by warm, wood features and has 10 smoke-free tables, plush seating and buy-ins
to daily Texas Hold 'Em tournaments.
Need a break
from the high-energy casino action? Settle down with a signature cocktail in
the intimate atmosphere of the swank RUSH Lounge or rejuvenate with a
therapeutic massage or body treatment at the Spa at the Golden Nugget. The 600-seat Showroom provides premier
entertainment, and the dazzling light show of the Fremont Street Experience is
mere steps away.
The
Golden Nugget puts the shine in "Glitter Gulch," and it's no mistake
that such travel authorities as AAA and Mobil have given the hotel their highest
ratings year after year. Downtown
If you think
you know
Sometime
in mid to late June, 2007, the $4 billion, multi-use
===========================================================================
June??, 2007= RED ROCK RESORT will open a $65 million, 72-lane bowling center
on the west side of
the property near the movie theaters and additional parking. The bowling center
will also include a
lounge, dining area, full service pro shop and a self-contained VIP bowling
area with 12 lanes to host
private banquets, meetings and special events. This is the last and Phase 3 of
their expansion plans.
===========================================================================
Sometime during late summer or early fall of 2007,FIESTA HENDERSON will open a
===========================================================================
Sometime in the fall of 2007,
offices. This $750 million project on 1.9 million square feet, is located at
Sunset Road.
===========================================================================
Oct.??= PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO (formerly the Aladdin) completes
$1 billion
in major renovations and remodeling.
===========================================================================
Oct.??= $2 billion TROPICANA expansion starts by the new owners. The company
has filed plans
with
hotel towers will stand as will the showroom while the rest of the property is
demolished for the
redevelopment. The current two towers, which total fewer than 2,000 rooms, will
be reworked and
merged into new towers. Hotel will remain open during the construction period.
===========================================================================
Oct.??= The VENETIAN will open their third tower called "Palazzo Resort
Hotel Casino" on the south
-east corner of The Strip and
located. The 53-stories tower will have 3,025 suites, cost $1.8 billion, with
casino (1,900 slot machines
and 80 table games), meeting space, shopping mall (with Barneys of New York),
restaurants,
underground parking and 1,500-seat theater. There will be a 60-foot glass domed
entry lobby with a two
-story fountain. When completed, it will be part of the largest hotel complex
in the world with 7,052 hotel
rooms. Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z will open a 40/40 club. Also opening is a
20,000-square-foot casual
entertainment facility called ROCKET, a seafood-focused outlet, as well as an
Italian steakhouse AND
A Wolfgang Puck eatery. "Jersey Boys" is set to open in the
for a long run in a new theater. The biography of Frankie Valli and the Four
Seasons won four Tony
awards, including best musical. It opened on Broadway in November,2005 and
grosses more than
$1.1 million per week. As in the first two towers, there will not be a buffet.
===========================================================================
Sometime in 2007, the Hard Rock Hotel will start A $750 million expansion with
the addition of
approximately 950 guest rooms, including an all-suite 15-story tower with
upgraded amenities,
approximately 60,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, and
approximately 35,000 square
feet of casino space. In addition, the project includes the expansion of the
Hard Rock's award-winning
pool, several prominent new food and beverage outlets, a new and larger
"JOINT", live entertainment
venue, 30,000 square feet of new retail space, as well as a new spa and health
club. The project,
is expected to be fully completed by mid-2009.
And this is just a small sample of the new
Ouside of the USA.
If you are traveling abroad here are the top 10 tips you need to make your trip easier:
- Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
- Read the Consular Information
Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for
the countries you plan to visit. Usually not necessary for the
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. You cannot bring firearms into any country but then again they are forbidden on the plane. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. This again mostly refers to overseas travel abroad.
- Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. This is ALWAYS a good idea no matter where you travel.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
- Prior to your departure, you
should register with the nearest
- To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. This is more for traveling outside of the hotel ---other than on tours provided by the hotel or your travel company.
- In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
- If you get into trouble,
contact the nearest
Stuff you need to visit
What are the requirements to
visit
Beginning 2007, all
Mexican law also requires that any child under the age of 18 traveling
into or out of
What's the weather like?
- The weather on
- Nuevo Vallarta boasts warm,
sunny days, cool, comfortable nights and up to 322 days of sunshine each
year. Daytime temperatures range from the mid 80's in winter to the low
90s in summer.
What should I pack?
With the exception of one or two restaurants at each property that require a
dress code (collared shirt and pants for men; resort wear for women), it is
nearly always appropriate to dress casually at Palace Resorts. That being said,
there are certain items that will add comfort and convenience to your clients'
Palace Resorts' stay. Of course, whatever items they might forget can easily be
purchased at their resort boutiques or gift shop.
Suggest they bring:
- beach flip flops
- aqua socks for playing on the
beach
- good sturdy sandals for hiking
and excursions
- sneakers for active pursuits
- swimsuit(s)
- beach cover up
- rain gear
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- light sweater for evening
- wide-brimmed hat
- camera/underwater camera for
snorkeling and diving
Is it necessary to travel with pesos?
All
Updates
on Punta Cana and the Paradisus Palma Real
The town of
When choosing where to stay in Punta Cana,
Paradisus Resorts has become a mainstay for travelers. And now, the new
Paradisus Palma Real, a luxury all-inclusive located on famous
The resort also offers an array of water sports
as usual but including snorkeling, horseback riding, four tennis courts, three
pools, Kid’s club, six gourmet restaurants, meetings facilities and a
championship golf at nearby Cocotal Golf and Country Club. Other Paradisus Resorts include Paradisus Riviera
Cancun, Paradisus Puerto Rico, Paradisus Playa Conchal in
The Paradisus Palma Real is owned and
managed by Sol Melia Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s most successful
hotel companies.
Family
Concierge
Paradisus
Riviera Cancun, Paradisus Punta Cana, Paradisus Playa Conchal in
Families will enjoy a private check-in
area, a specially appointed suite area and an all-day assistant the will be
coordinating needs and entertainment for the family’s vacation. The Family Concierge will be reachable via a
radio that will be offered to the parents upon check-in.
When has vacation with children EVER been
easier?
Most of these properties offer a Paradise
Kidz Beach-kit upon check-in with a hat and t-shirt. Some of the family suites offer a Play
Station (on request), a Children’s mini bathrobe and slippers, also an amenties
child’s kit and smaller towels for each individual child.
They have special pillows for the
kids. The minibar is stocked with the
usual but also contains children’s drink.
There is a personalized turn down service with milk and cookies.
They have not forgotten the parents. They also get bathrobes and slippers, luxury
bathroom amenities and a pillow menu.
The Master suites for the family also
include children floaties and mini tanning lotion. Family activities including massages,
horseback riding, swimming classes, catamaran classes and golf classes. Preferential reservations for specialty
restaurants, the spa and other activities is also an excellent benefit, There
is access to a private pool with a pool concierge and bar service.
Things are changing rapidly as each
property vies for your vacation business and it seems it is all for the
better. I wish they had this kind of
service when my children were little.
They would have loved it and so would have I.
The Grand Hotel Paraiso is the first in a
series of Grand Hotel branded properties to be opened by Iberostar to lure
clientele who would normally opt for a Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton or other
luxury resort brand hotels. This is a
high-end property that also offers unparalleled values. There are concierges on each floor, personal
butlers and many more dining and beverage outlets than a typical hotel. This hotel is for the traveler who wants a
comfortable, uncomplicated, full service luxury get away.
There are 3 pools, six restaurants, Internet and billiards rooms, a
theater, a small gym and a small spa.
Iberostar provides free golf cart shuttles to neighboring resorts,
central shopping centers, with restaurants and night clubs, a medical center,
the Main El Spa salon and spa and a golf clubhouse. There is also a free shuttle to Playa Del
Carmen nine times daily.
This is an adult only property comprised of 300 suites each with its own
whirlpool tub and separate shower and 12 separate honeymoon villas that are set
apart from the others and are just south of the saltwater infinity pool.
Grand Hotel guests are also entitled to one free round of golf at the
Playa Paraiso Golf Club with each four night stay and two free rounds with each
stay of five or more nights. Guests
normally pay $125.00 per round.
Anyone staying at this property can use any of the facilities and
amenities at the four neighboring Playa Paraiso resorts. Only Grand Hotel guests can use Grand Hotel
facilities.
This is well worth a visit.
The
classic Flamingo Hotel in
The new experience begins at check-in,
with guests being given a CD with a down-tempo rock assortment designed just
for the resort.
Halls are painted with stripes in flamingo
pink. Rooms are splashed with pink color
throughout. A frosted glass wall and
door surrounds the bathroom which is bathed in pink light. They have new all glass shower stalls with
jet showerheads.
White vinyl headboards back the
pillow-topped mattresses, which are fitted with triple sheets and flanked with
chrome LED reading lights.
All rooms feature a full Denon sound
system with iPod docking station, a CD/DVD player, electronically controlled
window treatments and WiFi internet connections.
There is a 42 inch flat panel TV and a
smaller flat panel TV installed behind the glass of the bathroom mirror.
By November, a third of the room
renovations will be completed.
Toni Braxton is booked through the end of
2007. X Burlesque is the late night
topless adult revue. George Wallace
appears at
Everything changes in this city on a
regular basis. Miss a whole year and you
miss a lot.
A CITY RENEWED
Many people associate
Getting to
Added to all of this, Grupo Aeroprtuario del
Sureste has proposed a $500 million light-rail system to connect destinations
along
In following additions to this update I will
touch on some of the hotel updates in
One of them is the ME, formerly the Melia
Turquesa. It has 448 rooms all including
new décor, mood lighting and guest rooms that include iPod docks, plasma TV’s,
300 thread-count linens and Aveda amenities.
The hotel’s club floor has 52 rooms and
four suites that have Jacuzzis, aromatherapy amenities, complimentary wireless
Internet access and complimentary cocktails and snacks.
The
outdoor area comes complete with DJs and Balinese style day beds. The spa is a 11,000 square foot Yhi Spa. The entire area outdoors is bathed in a
purple light to enhance your romantic mood as you stroll the grounds.
There a 5 restaurants on site including a
Mediterranean restaurant and an Asian bistro.
All and all, quite an upgrade from previous
times
A CITY RENEWED
Part Two
The
There is a swim up bar now and a new open air
Oriental lounge, which serves drinks and snacks and features a 20 person
Jacuzzi.
Every room has a two seat Jacuzzi perfect
for couples. Guests can order room
service 24 hours and it is included in the price.
Guests at any of the Palace Resorts
properties can exchange privileges at the other resorts in the Palace Resorts
portfolio. In addition you have
unlimited selected tours when staying at any of the Palace properties. And in ADDITION to that:
Valid
Booking Dates: Jun 22, 2005-Dec 23, 2008
Valid Travel Dates: Jun 22, 2005-Dec 23, 2008
Palace Passport Program - Guests staying at all Palace Resorts receive
unlimited tours from a special tour selection (please contact hotel for tours
and specific information regarding the tours), (1) $50 golf voucher per adult,
valid at the Playacar Spa and Golf Club or the Moon Spa and Golf Club Moon
Palace, (1) $15 voucher per adult towards the purchase of a treatment or
massage at Aventura Spa Palace, Playacar Spa and Golf Club, or the Moon Spa and
Golf Club, and (1) $25 voucher per room for a car rental through Travesias
Turisticas.
* Minimum 3 night stay required.
* The Passport Promotion vouchers will be issued at time of check in.
* This promotion may not be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot
be exchanged for cash, products or merchandise.
A CITY RENEWED
Part Three
7/06/07
In April, Dreams Cancun opened an on-site
dolphin swim and show program.
The company operates a dolphin swim program
in various locations in
Guests can choose a new room category: Deluxe
Dolphin view, with a private balcony to watch the show. The show is open to the public but hotel
guests get first crack at the tickets.
Dreams
The unique location of this luxurious
381-room beachfront resort provides the ultimate in convenience and comfort.
With a spectacular view of the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean and
three white sand beaches, the resort is located in Punta Cancun, the heart of
the hotel zone and home to the finest entertainment centers and world-class
shops.
The rooms are decorated in contemporary
Mexican style and feature a delightful blend of marble and colonial mosaics.
Recreational opportunities abound with a salt water lagoon teeming with
tropical fish and sea turtles. Choose from a variety of water sports including:
fishing, jet skiing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and
windsurfing. Take time out for tours to Tulum, glass bottom boat rides, or a
round of golf nearby.
A
Beatle’s Tribute
The
Mirage-
7/13/07
What’s new and exciting in
Also don’t forget to visit the brand new
lounge nearby---The Beatles Revolution Lounge.
There are interactive tabletops where you can create artwork and project
it onto a column in the center of the lounge for all to see.
And don’t forget Danny Gans. He is a truly remarkable and spell binding
entertainer whose show is filled with singing, incredible impressions (you
actually can see the person in your mind that he is creating with his voice)
and comedy.
While in Las Vegas try not to miss these
shows. They are well worth the price.
The music serves as a soundscape for this
multi-sensory performance. It is focused
more on dance then the usual acrobatics of most Cirque productions.
7/20/07
It's said that
Ask anyone who has
visited
I, at first, was a
little apprehensive about doing Bed and Breakfasts. The thought of being in someone else’s home
and eating at their table was a little intimidating. We had always preferred hotels or
motels. But I am here to tell you it was
amazing! The people are so friendly and
accommodating. You can choose from a huge
array of lodging in many, many different cities. You are given a book to choose your lodging
from once you have booked your trip. It
ranges from country homes, to seaside vistas, to castle-like lodgings and even
the more traditional apartment-like buildings.
The owners of the B&B’s are the absolute best travel agents
you will ever find because over breakfast they sit and can tell you about their
country if you like. They can tell you
where to visit and the best times to do it to avoid the crowds. They know all the shortcuts and all of the
best places to eat and drink. They know
prices and the best ways to get from one city to the next. We got lost once and a local said that it was
easier for her to go with us and show us.
She said that she would have no trouble getting back. Tell me one other place on earth that that
would ever happen.
In the following
weeks I will try to cover some of the amazing highlights of this beautiful
green lush island. Maybe you will catch
sight of a leprechaun or two!!!
CLIFFS OF MOHER
7/27/07
Just
north of Lahinch, on the coast of West Clare, on the west coast of Ireland are
the famous Cliffs of Moher, defiantly standing as giant natural ramparts
against the aggressive might of the Atlantic Ocean. These Cliffs are majestic
in stature. The Cliffs of Moher the (Great Wall of Thomond) and O'Brien's
Tower, which stands out on a headland shows, the extent of the O'Brien
influence on the history of the Celtic Tribes. The Cliffs are 8km long and 214m
high, it is there that one can most easily get a feel for the wildness of the
terrain over which the Celts wandered, for although they built imposing
fortress castle, very often they preferred the outdoor nomadic life and enjoyed
the hunt. It is a long hike up to the top but very well worth it. At the time we visited, there were musicians
playing the flute on the hillside that easily filled the air with sweet music. The view from the top is breathtaking. There
is a tower that was built in 1835 by Cornelius O'Brien a descendent of Brian
Boru, the High King of Ireland, and the O’Brien’s of Bunratty Castle, Kings of
Thomond, as an observation point for the hundreds of tourists who even then
visited the Cliffs. Cornelius was a man ahead of his time, believing that the
development of tourism would benefit the local economy and bring the people out
of poverty. O'Brien's Tower was not his only project - in fact it was said of
him that 'He built everything around here except the Cliffs'.
At
the bottom of the Cliffs there are refreshment stands with both hot coffee or
lemonade and other beverages depending on your needs of the day. It was a little chilly and windy for us on
our visit so we chose hot beverages.
There are also many stands set up with local handiworks. There were many woolen handmade scarves and
blankets. You could purchase local
music. There were many handmade articles
of clothing and jewelry. It was a great
starting point for us. And a most
memorable day.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
8/3/07
Bunratty Castle
was built in 1425 by the MacNamaras and then passed to the O'Briens who were
Earl of Thomond. The Castle is furnished with mainly 15th and 16th century
furnishings. Medieval Banquets are held
in the Castle year round, subject to demand.
Bunratty Castle Ireland Bunratty
Folk Park Folk Park Folk
Park
After a full day at Bunratty’s head down
to Durty Nellie’s. It is a Pub and
restaurant, but be aware that after 9 pm the only food to be had are cheese and
onion sandwiches (quite tasty but not very filling). On the night that we were there two different
rooms had two different kinds of entertainment.
The locals are extremely friendly and we had met many people before we
left for the night. It is definitely a
place not to be missed.
The Stone of
Eloquence
8/10/07
For over 200
years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have
joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone
and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still
creates debate.
When
traveling to
The
surrounding gardens are breathtaking and the sight from the top of the castle
memorable.
Don’t
forget to stop in the local pub for late night dinner and drinks. There is also a Woolen Mill nearby that gives
tours. Be sure to check their hours and
coordinate your day.
8/17/07
Yes, as in Waterford Crystal.
There is a huge factory in
It is well worth the time to see how this world renowned crystal
is made. Just for the record, O.S.H.A
would have a field day here. You are
able to view first hand the delicate glass blowing, the cooling systems and the
packaging systems. They have many
displays of their most famous pieces.
It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old, the tour is enjoyable
for everyone.
Besides Waterford Crystal, with its Viking
origins, Waterford
is the oldest city in
Its superb position on
Many of
8/24/07
The Irish Guinness Brewery dates all the way back to
1756, the year it was founded by Arthur Guinness. This dark porter beer is famous
all over the world today. It is known as stout beer, but this term appeared in
the 19th century. It is made with yeast, water, hops and barley. It is the
roasted barley that gives it its unique taste and color. The brewery uses
nothing but Irish-grown grain for its products.
Benjamin Guinness,
grandson of the founder, passed the brewery on to his oldest son, who sold it
to one of his younger brothers. Gradually the family's shares in the company
diminished. The brewery merged with United Distillers in the 1980s. Today
Guinness is controlled by Diageo PLC, and nobody from the Guinness family is on
the Directors' board.
Guinness contains fewer
calories than most beers and even less than most milks and fruit juices - yet
another reason to drink it. It generally tastes best if served cool. Beer
experts claim that it must be poured at an angle of 45 degrees so that it
doesn't foam. Of course, this is valid for all beers. Most importantly, it must
be poured slowly. There are several varieties of Guinness - draught stout and
extra cold draught stout, both sold in kegs, canned beer, bitter, extra smooth,
the alcohol-free Malta Guinness, foreign stout and original stout. The last is
very close to the authentic Guinness beer of the 18th century. These beers are sold
in a variety of countries, but they are not universal. For example, foreign
extra stout beer is available only in Nigeria and the UK. To make this beer
sorghum is used instead of barley, because it is hard to grow barley in
Nigeria. This country is among the biggest Guinness markets in the world. 19
beer types are produced in Dublin, based on 5-6 main types. 40% of the
production is exported.
Guinness has withdrawn many of its beer varieties from the market,
among which Guinness XXX Extra Strong Stout, Wildcat Wheat Beer, Guinness's
Brite Lager, Guinness Cream Stout, Guinness Special Light and Wicked Red Ale.
The brewery produces other liquor brands as well, such as Harp and
Kilkenny.
The brewery launched its Brewhouse Series in late 2005. The beers of
this special limited edition will be available for just six months each.
Guinness is also famous
for its ad campaigns and marketing strategies. Some of its TV commercials have
won prizes. The symbol of Guinness is a 14th century harp, which you can observe
at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. The beer has had many catchy slogans in
the past, such as "My Goodness My Guinness" and "Guinness Makes
You Strong”. These and many similar ones were created in the 1940s. The slogans
were put up on posters, which also featured lions, seals or ostriches. Clothing
items with the Guinness logo are available worldwide, but Irish pubs are
practically flooded by them on St. Patrick's Day. Clients are encouraged to
drink as much Guinness as possible, and are given merchandise if they manage to
consume an impressive amount of beer. Then again, impressive is a relative
term.
There is a Guinness store
in Dublin, which is to beer what Disneyland is to amusement parks. The store
features interactive multimedia among other things, and walks visitors through
the history of Guinness.
The Guinness family has
not only given us one of the best beers in the world, but the Guinness book of
records as well. The first edition was printed in 1955.
8/31/07
Temple Bar is THE place to be in
Of course, for those of you who really really want to hit
the Bar, the area is loaded with pubs. Singing, swinging, or just commingling -
Temple Bar is the center of
Temple Bar merchants hand out a nifty little guide that lists
22 pubs, cafe's and night clubs clustered along the 4 main streets of the
Quarter. There are more, mind you, but they just aren't in the book.
Irish Music
Irish music is a huge draw and many pubs feature traditional Irish music
every night of the week. While the mix of bands and styles is eclectic - a
fancy word for "anything goes" - Irish music heads the list. Just
walk down any street in the Quarter and you'll hear the sounds of traditional
Irish music wafting into the night.
Luckily,
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SITES
& CITIES |
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The best
priced European escorted tour is back again with various departure dates
throughout the year. Find out why this has been one of the most talked about
tours for the last five years. This fully escorted tour includes
roundtrip airfare, four nights accommodation at first-class hotels (two
nights in You will be
traveling in style in a luxury motorcoach with your own personal
driver/guide. You will have the chance to visit the Burren region, |
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The Sites and Cities Tour Includes: ·
Roundtrip airfare from · 4 nights First Class Hotels o
2 nights Galway Days Hotel, o
2 nights · Private Luxury motorcoach with Professional Driver/Guide · One Hotel Dinner · Sightseeing Included: o The Cliffs of Moher o The Burren o
o
A Panoramic o The Old Jameson Distillery To view the Sites and Cities Itinerary please click here
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Gamble *Terms/Conditions: The above package prices
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Tourist Attractions
9/14/07
Trinity College
Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland. Founded
in 1592 by Queen
Elizabeth I, the College is in an enviable position in the very heart of
Ireland’s capital and in 1992 celebrated 400 years. The campus contains a
unique collection of buildings dating from the 17th to the 20th century.
The College is famed for the great treasures it has the honor to be guardian
off. These include the BOOK OF KELLS, a 9th century illuminated manuscript, the
books of Durrow and Armagh and an early Irish harp. These are displayed in The
Colonnades exhibition Gallery and the Long Room which is the most impressive
library in the College housing over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books
Bull Island
Bull Island is 5km long and 800m wide. It contains a wide
range of natural habitats which include inter tidal mudflats, salt marsh,
freshwater marsh, dunes, and beach area. The mudflats support a large
population of birds, at any time up to 27,000 birds are present, which gives
the area the highest bird density in Ireland.
The Island also provides the only Irish example of an undisturbed sequence of
plant communities, from salt marsh to dune vegetation.
A trip along the Liffey
As Eddie Rabbit said in the Commitments there are two
Dublin's, North & South. The Liffey is the border. The river rises in the
Wicklow mountains near Poulaphuca , south of Dublin it
enters the Irish Sea at Dublin Bay. It
is over 120Kms long. It is spanned by
many bridges in the city.
The first one is Sean Heuston bridge, located near the entrance to the Phoenix
Park, the last bridge is the East link bridge, not far east of the Customs
House.
The sights along the Liffey include the National Museum, Customs House and
Guinness Brewery.
O’Connell Street
The sights along O’Connell Street include :
General Post Office (GPO). Scene of intense fighting during
the 1916 Rising. The building was reconstructed after the Rising. A statue of Cuchulainn is on display in
the main area.
Anna Livia, a monument in
celebration of Dublin's life blood, The Liffey. Dubliners are well known for
their subtle sense of humor have named it "The
Floozy in the Jacuzzi"
At the top of O'Connell St in Parnell St and just beyond the Rotunda Hospital
you will find the Garden of Remembrance, a tribute to those who died in the War
for Independence.
Stephens Green
A favorite meeting place for the people of Dublin. It is a
meeting place for students from nearby Trinity College, workers from the
offices and shops that surround the park, tourists and shoppers from nearby
Grafton St. It was originally a walled area with walks surrounding it.
The area was levelled and walled in 1678 and a ditch dug round it.
Moore Street Market
A wonderful open market selling fruit, vegetables and
meat. The Moore Street traders have fought vigorously to maintain their market.
It is a great opportunity to meet some really remarkable Dublin characters.
Grafton Street
"Grafton Street is heaven with coffee at 11 and a
stroll round Stephens Green" or so the song goes. Surrounding Grafton
Street are many pubs and hotels made famous by Dublin's literary greats. McDaid's
in Harry St, boasted Brendan Behan,
Patrick Kavanagh and Flann O'Brien as regulars. Davy Byrne's Lounge, visited in
James Joyce's "Ulysses" Duke St, Peter's Pub Johnson place,
frequented by Brendan Behan's family. At
the bottom of Grafton St, the Trinity end, you will find a monument to one of
Dublin's best known characters "Molly Malone"
NIGHTCLUB
SCENE
9/21/07
You just might want to print this
one out and take it with you when you get to Las Vegas. If you are looking to go club hopping or out
for a night on the town, it is best to know the right place for the right
experience. And by the way we do offer
Club Packages for VIP entrance----just ask if interested. It saves you money and time.
COYOTE UGLY
This is located at New York New York Hotel. It is a place where ladies dance on the bar
and if you are a lady and wish to join them on the bar it is welcomed and
encouraged. The crowd is sprayed with
water and music is pumped continuously all night long. This is not considered a dance club, but more
of a place where ladies can dance and men are left to watch. There is some limited dancing done on the
main floor if you feel up to it, but it is mainly used for socializing. This is not a glitzy, classy place but more
of a well worn hang out place. Let it be
known that no matter your age------you WILL be carded so remember to bring an
ID. It is open from
JET
The hottest night for this club is
Monday. It is located in the Mirage and
it has 3 separate rooms each playing a different type of music (hip hop, rock
and house).
JET
rockets into a class of its own, perhaps most breathtakingly with the dozens of
video screens embedded into the ceiling of the main room that allow for the
display of one composite or multiple images above partygoers. The club also
features a unique light and laser grid, state-of-the-art cryogenic effects and
unparalleled sound design, whose effects can truly be felt in all areas of the
club's main dance floor. You can dance
to your hearts content but the music is loud so it is not a good place to meet
and greet. This club is also opened
Friday and Saturday nights from
TAO
This is the largest club in
STUDIO
54
Remember the infamous Studio 54 in
TABU
This place is gorgeous and located
in the MGM Grand. It is a more casual
atmosphere and more of an intimate lounge than a dance club. Although there isn't a lot of floor space for
dancing, house and visiting guest DJs spin music that gets people moving, often
on top of the tables, where the in-house models also occasionally strut their
stuff. Still, the tunes are kept at a refreshingly comfortable volume -- you
can actually carry on a conversation. The cocktails are some of the best that I
have ever had---although a little pricey (but what is not in
This is just one of the features
we can offer through Funjet Vacations.
With Vegas-Passport's Ultimate
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Package, you get VIP Line and Cover to some of
Vegas' Hottest Nightclubs, plus receive a Vegas Club Music CD Mix!
"Remember your Trip with Drops from Local Vegas DJ" and many other
discounts and offers from other local businesses.
Clubs
may include: RAIN- Palms (Thurs-Sat), Tangerine- Treasure Island (Wed-Sat),
House of Blues- Mandalay Bay (Thurs-Sun), Club Rio- Rio (Thurs-Sat), Empire
Ballroom After-Hours- 3765 Las Vegas Blvd (Sat-Sun), ICE-200 E. Harmon (Wed,
Fri, Sat), Studio 54- MGM (Tues-Sat), Risqué- Paris (Thurs-Sun), and VooDoo
Lounge- Rio (Mon-Sat).
PART
TWO
9/28/07
GHOST BAR—This nightclub is 55 floors high and located in
the Palms Hotel. Not only does Ghostbar
offer a sweeping 180-degree vantage point from its sheer windows, but you can
head outside onto the spacious patio to enjoy an even wider view and the Vegas
night air. The patio area extends straight out the front of the club and there
are two bars on either side. There are a few spots to sit outside, but the
crowd mostly comes to stand, mix and mingle.
Ghostbar is a small, intimate club and it's immensely popular with the
20- and 30-something crowds. Get there early or buy a nightclub line pass if
you don't want to wait for your chance to chill.
RISQUE--If you're looking for a chic nightspot where you
can find fine wines, elegant décor, dancing, and more, try Risqué, the
"ultra lounge" at
Seven exclusive balconies allow guests to stand
outside and enjoy a beautiful view of the Strip and Bellagio's fountains.
By all means, don't miss out on one of the most
unique touches at Risqué -- the restrooms. Ladies and gentlemen are separated
by a translucent glass wall. The restrooms are decorated with floating mirrors,
stainless steel fixtures and a vaulted red ceiling with light boxes that cast a
lavender glow.
TANGERINE--Tangerine Lounge &
Nightclub brings little twist of burlesque to the fabulous Vegas Strip. This
funky club, located at
Tangerine's decor and ambiance matches the cool
retro vibe created by the burlesque shows. The club is decked out in white and
shades of orange. Fabrics draping the walls glow with a deep orange aura at
night.
Although Tangerine is somewhat small --
accommodating 500 people -- there is still room to dance to tunes spun by the
DJ and watch go-go dancers perform on platforms.
PART
THREE
10-5-07
RUM JUNGLE—It is voted "Las Vegas' hottest night
club", boasting state of the art décor from fire walls and waterfall walls
to volcanic mountains of rum and go-go dancers who perform above the huge bar
area. The music generally includes Latin,
BLUSH--The
entire nightclub is done in colors gold, brown, and green. There is an onyx
dance floor and other unique features like ceiling sculptures and contemporary
paintings. Blush Boutique
night club is open nightly at 5 pm, seven days a week, Delectable Asian
appetizers from Red 8 Restaurant will be served nightly from 5PM - 10PM. Blush
Las Vegas will transform into an energetic, sensual club on Tuesday, Thursday,
Friday and Saturday nights from 10PM to 4AM with renowned resident DJ Mighty Mi
spinning as eclectic mix of music rock'n roll, hip hop and house.
10/12/07
No passport?---No problem.
Because of
Next week, I will highlight some of the hotels available on St. Thomas
10-19-07
Bolongo Bay is a place you choose
if you are looking to get away from large impersonal hotels, or the corporate atmosphere,
and rather stay in a small place where people know your names, and care about
your vacation, and where you will really feel that you are in the Caribbean by
ocean views, flora, people, cuisine, and culture.
They have no elevators, no marble or
chandeliers, it is not a deluxe property, but their rooms are good size, nice
and comfortable and have every amenity you need. Every room is just steps away
from the beach, and all have a balcony with a beautiful view of the
hair dryer, iron & ironing boards and room safe; and all rooms have
balconies with a view of the Caribbean Sea with a queen bed or 2 doubles. They
also have 10 Value Rooms with a garden view located near the beach & pool,
just behind our Lobster Grille restaurant offered year round at value rates.
At Bolongo, family members and
managers are always around, but to make sure they meet all of their guests and
they have a Manager's cocktail party around the pool once a week.
The restaurants are both open air,
the Lobster Grille you can dine around the pool by candle
light and Tiki torches, or in one of the gazebos overlooking the pool &
ocean and Iggies
Beach Bar & Grill, is one of the islands most popular meeting spots.
If you are looking for a True Caribbean
experience,
If you want to do business with a family that really cares and/or if you would
like to enjoy a
St. Thomas
10/26/07
The newly renovated Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa is
a beach- and water-sport lover's paradise. With breathtaking mountain and ocean
views - this St. Thomas resort is the perfect Caribbean island destination.
Guests arriving at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa are greeted
by 31 lush acres, a panoramic view of neighboring St. John and the extensive
recreational facilities offered at this indulgent all-inclusive resort. Active
vacationers are invited to participate in a comprehensive variety of water
sports, including sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and water aerobics. Play a
few sets (with or without our resident pro) on the six lighted tennis courts,
or play 18-holes at Mahogany Run.
Kids Klub offers a variety of
stimulating educational activities and also embraces the importance of
nurturing environmental awareness. Children will have the opportunity to learn
about the environment, feed iguanas and fish, and walk through our nature park
and lagoon. For those wishing to unwind, quiet time on an ocean-front private
balcony (each room has one) or a visit to the beach or the unique water park's
interconnecting pools, waterfalls, and hot tub will create lasting memories of
a peaceful paradise. Visitors will enjoy outstanding Continental, Caribbean,
and Italian dining and premium tropical cocktails and treats offered poolside.
Whether the perfect vacation includes playing hard or quietly relaxing, all
indulgences are included at Wyndham Sugar Bay!
Carved into a mountainside, Sugar
Bay is the most spectacular resort on St. Thomas. Relax in a guest room full of
delightful touches including colonial furniture, ceiling fans and
refrigerators. Private balconies overlook lush mountains, white beaches and
sparkling waters. Outside, enjoy a host of pleasures including golf, tennis,
scuba, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking or windsurfing. Or take a swim in the
ocean or our three fresh-water pools.
As the sun goes down, lounge on the
deck of a catamaran or dine at one of our fine restaurants. After dark, revel
in the nightlife of our art deco nightclub, The Ocean Club or nearby Charlotte
Amalie.
Come to Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort
& Spa and find the perfect medley of St. Thomas sun and Caribbean fun.
MARRIOTT FRENCHMANS
REEF—ST.
THOMAS
11-2-07
Cradled
on the edge of St. Thomas’ prized harbor, the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning
Star Resort offers an optional all inclusive plan or
the standard European Plan for Caribbean travelers. More than 400
guestrooms tower over the bustling bay of Charlotte Amalie and provide striking
views from private balconies. Exciting water sports and in-house recreations
are never more than a few footsteps away. And 11 dining venues present a range
of Caribbean and international cuisine. Indulge in the blissful body treatments
at the Reef Health Club or find your spot on the soft sands of Morning Star
beach. The pleasures at the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Resort are
nearly endless and delightfully indulgent.
Explore the adventures of St. Thomas
with an impressive list of water and land sports at the Frenchman’s Reef &
Morning Star Resort. The gracious sands of Morning Star Beach serve as a launch
to snorkeling excursions, sailing voyages and ocean kayaking. Non-motorized
water sports are part of your all inclusive package, and other attractions such
as jet skiing and scuba diving are also found nearby. Waiting on shore are
exciting recreations such as tennis and volleyball. And the nearby Mahogany Run
golf course promises 18 holes of breathtaking, championship golf.
Delicious fare is found in the
Frenchman’s blend of restaurants. Savor wonderful presentations of island
cuisine, Latin dishes and Italian entrees within the resort’s numerous dining
venues. Casual grills and elegant beachfront tables create the perfect blend of
charm and flavor. Finishing the culinary pleasures of Frenchman’s Reef &
Morning Star Resort is a handful of bars and cafes. Sip Caribbean coffee or enjoy
your favorite tropical concoction on the open-aired terrace.
Evenings conclude in the comfortable
accommodations at the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Resort. Spacious
living areas are complemented by amenities such as satellite tv, jet bathtubs,
in-room safes and rich down comforters. Exceptional suites with extended living
spaces and luxurious furnishings are also available for supreme indulgence.
The Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star
Resort is a fabulous, optionally all inclusive, retreat set on the beautiful
harbor of Charlotte Amalie. St. Thomas’ lush coastline is hosted by spacious
guestrooms, numerous dining venues and a nearly endless lineup of water and
land sports. Whether it’s a family getaway or a romantic escape, the pleasures
of Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Resort provide a surreal Caribbean
vacation in St. Thomas.
Although a little
on the pricey side, it is well worth the money.
11/09/07
Puerto Rico is 100 long by 35 miles wide and as a
result of its geographical position in the center of the arc of the Antilles,
Puerto Rico is essentially a crossroads of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. Despite
its very diverse influx of cultures, Puerto Rico has been a part of the United
States since 1898 and Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917.
The North of Puerto Rico is considered the
hub of the Island. It is here that you
will find the heart of San Juan. San
Juan has three main parts; the old San Juan, the beach and the resort area.
A leisurely walk through Old
San Juan is one of the most pleasant experiences anyone could have in Puerto
Rico. The colonial architecture of hanging balconies and cobble stone streets
make you feel like you have gone back in time. Here are some of the nice places
to visit in Old San Juan.
La Casita – Here at the
Tourist Information Center you can pick up free literature and maps of Puerto
Rico for your tour of Old San Juan and all of Puerto Rico. La Casita is located
next to Plaza de la Dársena, overlooking San Juan Bay, near Pier 1.
Paseo de la Princesa – A
great place to spend weekend afternoons. Local artisans display and sell their
work. Also there is live music early Sunday evenings and on many other
occasions.
Massive City Wall – Construction
of this 42-foot-high wall that surrounded the city began in the 1630s. It is
made of solid sandstone blocks and held together with mortar, limestone, sand
and water. La Puerta de San Juan – The San Juan Gate was constructed in 1520.
This strong, heavy wooden door was the official entrance for those who came to
Puerto Rico on wooden sailing ships during the colonization. Up the block is La
Catedral de San Juan where Mass would be held to thank God for allowing them to
make the journey.
La Fortaleza – Originally
built as a defense fort, this small castle has been utilized as the governor's
mansion for centuries. Guided tours Monday through Friday.
La Catedral de San Juan –
This beautiful Cathedral, built in 1540 is a good example of Gothic architecture
in the New World. Here in a marble tomb lie the remains of Juan Ponce de Leon.
El Morro – Six level castle
140 ft above the sea, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and San Juan Bay. Because of
its location as a stronghold against attack by water this has breathtaking
vistas providing many great photo ops.
San Cristobal Fort –
Completed in 1771, this castle was designed to protect the city from land
invasions.
Teatro Tapia – This is one of
the oldest theaters in the Western Hemisphere. Performances of plays, ballets
and concerts are held regularly.
Museums – Old San Juan is
full of museums. Art exhibits and collections of historic items can easily be
found throughout this historic neighborhood.
La Princesa – This restored
building was formerly a jail. Today it is the headquarters for the Puerto Rico
Tourism Department. On exhibit is Puerto Rican Art.
Puerto Rico's largest city is
Isla Verde with Blue Flag beaches attracting many. Enjoy various beach and
water sports on the white sands and pristine clear waters. Its other major
attractions and entertainment include historic plazas and sights, a diverse
music venue, elite museums, a very modern shopping center known as Plaza Las
Americas with over 300 stores and many world-class hotels and restaurants.
Both Spanish and English are
the official languages, the local currency is the U.S. dollar, and no visas or
passports are required to enter Puerto Rico from the United States. Mail is
sent through the US Postal Service at the same rates as on the mainland.
Next week I will highlight some of the great
hotels that are excellent values and so fantastic that your memories will last
a lifetime and inspire return visits.
11/16/07
El Yunque
National Forest, formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest is located in
the rugged Sierra de Luquillo, 40 km southeast of San Juan (latitude 18ş 19’ N,
longitude 65ş 45’W).. It gets its name from an Indian spirit Yuquiye, which
means "Forest of Clouds". It is the only tropical forest in the
United States National Forest System. Originally set aside in 1876 by the
Spanish Crown, the Forest represents one of the oldest reserves in the Western
Hemisphere with over 240 species (26 species are found nowhere else) of trees
and plants,
El Yunque is the rainiest of all the National
Forests with up to 240 inches per year. More than 100 billion gallons of
rainwater fall on the Forest per year. The climate is frost-free and ranges in
moisture from semi-desert to rain forest conditions within very short
distances. There are strong easterly trade-winds and cool weather is normal at
the higher elevations.
This United States National Forest is a rain
forest, so do expect some precipitation and come prepared with rain gear.
However, the showers are short and there are plenty of shelters, located
throughout the park. Among crags, waterfalls, ferns and wild flowers are many
marked trails to enjoy on foot or horseback. Hiking, picnicking and camping
(permit required) is allowed. El Portal Visitors Center, which recently opened
a third new pavilion, features multimedia displays, movies and maps that you
can obtain. Picnicking is a popular activity in El Yunque, picnic shelters are
provided with parking and restroom facilities, and drinking water. Facilities
are available on a first come first serve basis. El Yunque is less than an
hour's drive from San Juan, and there's road access to the reserve.
Gran Melia Puerto Rico
11/23/07
Nestled on Puerto Rico's
northeastern coast, this all-suite retreat boasts beautifully-appointed junior
suites with a private balcony or verandah and access to elegant amenities. Try
your luck at the casino, indulge at themed restaurants, sample frosty beverages
and then let your cares melt away with a pampering treatment at the
full-service spa.
With an idyllic location on Puerto
Rico's northeastern coast in Coco Beach, Río Grande, Gran Meliá Puerto Rico
brings the privacy and exclusivity you deserve and allows you the opportunity
to escape from the rest of the world.
From the moment you step inside this tropical oasis, you will be
enveloped by the beauty and grandeur of Gran Meliá Puerto Rico. Boasting a world-class YHI spa, the nearby
Coco Beach Golf and Country Club, the best pool on the island with four
integrated whirlpools, Gran Meliá Puerto Rico is the place to live the true
resort experience in Puerto Rico
. 
Gran Meliá Puerto Rico is unlike any
other resort in Puerto Rico. Spacious accommodations are set against the ultimate
beauty of the Caribbean tropics with all the details that you would expect of
world-class beachfront resort.
The resort's signature suites are
divided among 20 elegant two-story bungalows situated throughout the beautiful
and vibrant property. Decorated in contemporary style with rich mahogany
furniture, elegant drapery and bedding and a variety of tasteful details, all
of our guestrooms offer beautiful views of our gardens or the ocean. Designed
to be spacious and open with separate sitting areas, our suites also feature
terraces or balconies and bathrooms with full-sized marble baths.
And if you decide to participate in
all the amenities that the YHI Spa have to offer, here is one of their best. Rainforest
Signature™ Treatment
PURE INDULGENCE is an 80 minute ritual that offers three steps to rejuvenation.
It re-hydrates, soothes and cleanses the skin. You will be scrub with a
granulated brown sugar poultice dip in warm cocoa-mint oil. After the scrub
your body will be painted with honey and citric juices, blended in shea-aloe
cream and wrapped with thermal blankets. Finish with a lukewarm hydrotherapy
and a relaxing massage with our signature Rainforest lotion.
|
11/30/07 There is plenty to do and
see in San Juan at night. There is
street level salsa, performing arts scenes, casinos, discos and bars. As in a Spanish
city, nightlife begins very late, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Hang out until the late, late afternoon on the beach, have dinner around 8
o'clock (nine would be even more fashionable), and then the night is yours.
The true party animal will rock until the broad daylight. Qué Pasa?, the official visitor's
guide to Puerto Rico, lists cultural events, including music, dance, theater,
film, and art exhibits. It's distributed free by the tourist office. La Rumba Party Cruise--The trouble with most
nightlife venues in San Juan is that the real parties in conventional night
clubs begin at hours so impossibly late that the average visitor will tend to
be deep asleep by the time the first dancers begin to rock 'n' roll. So if
you love to salsa and merengue, but if you maintain relatively conservative
ideas about your bedtime, consider the La Rumba Party Cruise as
a viable option. It all takes place aboard a neon-lit two-level mini-cruiser
that's moored most of the time to a point near Old San Juan's cruise pier no.
1 (Plaza Darsenas) and the Wyndham Old San Juan Hotel. There's a sightseeing benefit
to the experience as well: en route, as it chugs out to sea, participants
garner sea-fronting views of both of San Juan's 18th-century forts and the
coastline of Isla Verde CASINOS The casino generating all the excitement today is the
18,500-square-foot (1,719 sq. m) Ritz-Carlton Casino, Avenue of
Governors, Isla Verde the largest casino in Puerto Rico. It combines the
elegant decor of the 1940s with tropical fabrics and patterns. This is one of
the plushest and most exclusive entertainment complexes in the Caribbean. One of the splashiest of
San Juan's casinos is at the Wyndham Old San Juan Hotel & Casino where
five-card stud competes with some 240 slot machines and roulette tables. You
can also try your luck at the Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino
(one of the most grand) or the Wyndham Condado Plaza Hotel &
Casino. You do not have to flash
passports or pay any admission fees. Cockfights--A brutal sport not to
everyone's taste, cockfights are legal in Puerto Rico. The most authentic are
in Salinas, a town on the southern coast with a southwestern ethos, which has
galleras, or rings, for cockfighting. But you don't have to go all the
way there to see a match. About three fights per week take place at the Coliseo
Gallistico, Barhopping--More than any other place
in the Caribbean, San Juan has a nightlife that successfully combines New
York hip with Latino zest and the music of the Spanish tropics. For a
no-holds-barred insight into what this means, try the recommendations here. First, head for a pair of
holes in the wall across the street from the El Convento Hotel. El Batey and
Don Pablo are battered side-by-side hangouts with a clientele of
locals, expatriates, and occasional visitors. Whereas El Batey's music
remains firmly grounded in the rock 'n' roll classics of the 1970s, with a
scattering of Elvis Presley hits, Don Pablo prides itself on cutting-edge
music. These bars, along with the
dark and smoky Café Bohemia, just across the street, in the cellar of
the El Convento Hotel are hip hangouts for late-night dialogues. At this
hideaway you can often hear live jazz while enjoying fruity cocktails,
drinks, and light meals. Older locals mingle with hotel guests, the patronage
mainly in the post-35 age group. |
WYNDHAM EL SAN JUAN HOTEL AND CASINO
12/7/07
Conveniently located in the
fashionable Isla Verde area, this elegant resort is the heart and soul of
Puerto Rico. Blending the glamorous nightlife of Monte Carlo with the relaxing
atmosphere of an elegant Caribbean Resort, this inspired hideaway is know the
world over for its tasteful elegance, superlative friendly hospitality and
spectacular white-sand beach.
Opened in 1997, this dignified, nine-story,
waterfront hotel was part of a $100 million renovation of
Although the pastel building is modern, iron
railings and exterior detailing convey a sense of colonial
The elegant, El San Juan hotel is a
world of pleasure and luxury. Here, your comfort is our first priority. Ease
into a padded lounge chair, and relax among swaying palms, fragrant flowers,
and a cascading grotto waterfall. Hit the beach for an afternoon of thrilling
water sports.
Savor an extraordinary dinner in one of our eight award-winning restaurants.
Enter their world class casino for an exciting evening of blackjack, baccarat,
slots, and
RESORT AND GOLDEN DOOR SPA
12/14/07
Perched on a 300-foot cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean
Sea, El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa is an ideal location for a vacation
that you will never forget. With
impressive architecture blending Moorish and Spanish Colonial influences, this
luxurious beach resort has cobblestone streets, white stucco and terra cotta
buildings, open-air plazas, and sparkling fountains. This luxurious Puerto Rico
resort is divided into five villages, providing a soothing getaway from the
stress of the world. Enjoy spectacular, panoramic ocean views at The Grand
Hotel in the villages of Las Brisas and La Vista. Pure indulgence awaits you in
Las Casitas Villages - the distinctive four-diamond resort that shares our
grounds, where a personal butler is at your service 24 hours a day. Let sea
breezes caress you in Las Olas Village, built into the side of a cliff and
wrapped around its own swimming pool. Or just relax on your private balcony in
La Marina Village, which overlooks the sea and is home to the resort's Private
Marina and the new Sea-Side Water Park. Experience this resort for yourself,
complete with outstanding accommodations, attentive service, and a magnificent
setting.
El Conquistador is located on the
northeastern tip of Puerto Rico near the El Yunque Rain Forest. It is a mere four miles from downtown Fajardo
and Las Croabas where you will find many stores and attractions. There are also over 20 shops on the premises.
You can spend the day shopping, receive pampering at the spa or enjoy a round
of championship golf. From its own private island beach to the exciting casino,
this exceptional retreat has something for everyone.
You can visit Palomino Island for the
ultimate in seclusion at El
Conquistador. It's their 100-acre private island and is an unspoiled
tropical oasis. Spend your days swimming, wave running, windsurfing, and
horseback riding. Enjoy scuba diving and fishing excursions from the private
marina. One of their brand
new catamarans
will sweep you away to a paradise in 8 minutes where hammocks are strung
between palm trees, lounge chairs line the beach, and waiters come around to
take your pińa colada order. Spend the day snorkeling among rainbows of coral.
Then relax at Iguana's Cafe or have a tropical drink at Mino's Bar
If you are not spending your days on the
private island don’t worry, this resort has 12 restaurants and 7 lounges. There are six swimming pools plus a wading
pool and 7 tennis courts. No need to
travel to golf or gamble as they are right on property.
They have done amazing upgrades here. When Art and I visited we were told many of
the presidents of our country had vacationed here. While we were on property they were filming
for General Hospital’s Daytime Soap Opera and I had my picture taken with (not
very well known then as he was only playing the part of Miguel at the time)
Ricky Martin.
So case in point, not only will you be
swept away by breathtaking beauty and ambiance,
there is no telling who you just might “run into”. This property is a definite plus.
12/21/07
You
have heard me talk many times of the fantastic vacations we have had the
opportunity to enjoy at Karisma properties.
We personally have stayed at the El Dorado Royale and the El Dorado
Seaside Suites. We have been all over
the
The reason I am bringing this up today is
that if you know of ANYONE that is planning to marry in the coming year between
August 15th and December 28th of next year and would love
to have something above and beyond anything they imagined---this is the place.
They have swim up rooms, individual
Jacuzzis in the room, your very own casita if you choose with indoor and
outdoor showers, pillow menus and aromatherapy.
The food is excellent, the service is excellent and the rooms are
phenomenal.
Now for the deal of the century just
announced.
If you book a wedding date before February
1st for a wedding between 8/15 and 12/28, you get to pick one of
three fantastic offers.
A $900 spa credit
A FREE return trip for your anniversary
Or a guaranteed room upgrade for the
couple and 2 other room choices.
These properties are on the top of the
BEST well known travel magazines as being the best and the most romantic. It is not just an award for one year but is
given again and again.
You
actually will feel like king and queen staying at your royal palace. The food is gourmet and so well presented
that we have actually taken pictures of the presentations.
There is entertainment and fun every night
for those in the wedding party and other guests (if the couple is busy enjoying
the very best that these properties have to offer). This is a deal NOT to be missed. I am still amazed that it is being offered so
I just HAD to share it with all of you.
An excerpt from the Karisma website as to
why a person would want to marry at their property—
·
Because
we have local wedding coordinators on property who will take care of every
single detail of your wedding: the location, decoration, documents and
witnesses, flower arrangements, wedding cake, reception, photography and much
more, all according to your needs and desires
·
Because
we offer attractive wedding packages as well as individual wedding service
options
·
Because
we even have a Chapel on property at the EL DORADO Royale which will allow you
to have a religious ceremony if you so desire
·
Because
getting married at one of our resorts includes honeymooning at one of our
resorts
Picture
yourself saying “I do” to the soothing sounds of the ocean breeze and a sunset
backdrop. Picture yourself and your loved one starting a new chapter together,
here on the shore of the Mexican Caribbean. So take a look at the different
resorts, wedding packages, and choose your perfect wedding location because the
moments that define a person’s life are few and this is one which you can
create and define.
HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND
A WONDERFUL LOVE FILLED HOLIDAY
WISH TO ALL…
RESORT AND SPA
12/28/07
The Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa, a Wyndham Grand
Resort, nestled in a lush hideaway on the "Isle of Enchantment," was created
to pamper and impress. This
Eleven superb restaurants and lounges satisfy
every appetite for great food and relaxation in this beautiful
Other recreational activities at this
Guests can walk through history in Old San
Juan or explore natural wonders on the shore or below the sea on one of the
island tours and excursions. The Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa provides the
youngest visitors with Club Iguana, Wyndham's Kids Club, featuring
daily supervised activities for children ages 4-12.
A bustling town of 200,000 and some
residents, Puerto Vallarta attracts more
than 3 million visitors annually.
Downtown is graced with “Old Mexico” charm with its architecture,
cobblestone streets, seafront boardwalk and white stucco buildings.
The area contains over 22,000 lodging units
from exclusive private villas and grand class resorts to beachfront inns.
The Marina Vallarta complex is again
reinventing itself with deluxe hotels, championship golf courses and a world
class marina. Because of the ever
developing Riu Nyarit to its north side much has been done recently to enhance
the
Outdoor recreation is limitless, every
water sport is available along miles of sandy shore. Dining and nightlife are some of
There are many, many
ecotours available in
Several journeys venture
into the nearby and fast developing state of Nayarit and into the heart of the
surrounding jungle mountains.
Some other adventure
tours include whale watching, turtle camps, sea
kayaking, hiking and bird watching trips.
The Sea Turtle Release
Program is an educational experience for the entire family and it allows you to
release newborn tiny sea turtles into the ocean. From May to September of every year,
thousands of sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches of
In the winter months,
humpback whales migrate to
The Dolphin Adventure is a
two part program that begins with a taped education program on dolphins and
follows with a chance to touch the dolphins or actually swim with them. There are now three dolphin swim programs in
the Nuevo Vallarta area.
Jungle Canopy tours is a
great way to see and learn about flora and fauna of the rainforest. These are located within ecological reserves
and can include a zip lines that takes you from tree top to tree top high above
the jungle floor.
There are horseback tours,
hot air balloon rides, a zoo sporting 250 animals from 70 different species
including jaguars, pumas, coyotes, ocelots, crocodiles and iguanas. There is mountain biking tours, catamaran
tours and open air expeditions of hiking and kayaking with trained guides and
marine biologists.
So it is true. You can do it all in
1/18/08
Melia Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful
destination for families and couples.
All Melia properties have a very good reputation and deservedly so. The Melia offers a wide variety of snacks and
meals, domestic and imported drinks and recreational activities for all
ages. It is also home to the LARGEST
pool in all of Vallarta. The pool has a
children’s section and two whirlpools.
Every room has a balcony either overlooking the Pacific Ocean or the
beautiful hotel gardens.
This property boasts four wonderful
restaurants. The Quetzal offers daily
buffet breakfast and dinners with a different theme every night. The La Palapa is a restaurant beside the
beach that offers buffet lunch or a la carte dinner. The Vitrales offers a la carte gourmet
dining, unfortunately children under 12 years old are only allowed on
Wednesday, but if you want an all adult venue this would be a good choice. Azulejos is on a la carte international
dining restaurant and reservations are required with one dinner per stay
allowed.
There are 3 bars including a pool bar. You will find nightly entertainment with a
different show every night.
The Marina Vallarta is within 5 miles if you
want to take a look around and there is an 18-hole Championship Golf Course
within walking distance.
There is a fabulous kids program. The Flintstones Land Baby Rock Club is for
children up to 4 yrs old with an indoor play area, cartoon, cribs, games, baby
food and certified nannies. The Bamm
Bamm Club is for kids from 5-8 years old.
They have camping, trampoline, arts and crafts, games and fun. The Cool Club is for kids up to 14 and offers
a climbing wall, batting cage, video arcade, basketball court, disco and more.
Everyone can be happy and satisfied and
enjoy a memorable vacation.
1/25/08
Barcelo La Jolla De Mismaloya is an often requested
and revisited resort in Puerto Vallarta and there are many, many reason why.
This resort is an all-suite, all inclusive
resort located on a 1600 yard long magnificent stretch of beach. There is also a secluded bay ideal for
snorkeling on property. It is located
15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta and about 25 minutes from the
airport. This is the beach where the
Night of the Iguana was filmed, starring Liz Taylor and Richard Burton.
The property features four swimming pools
with waterfalls, Jacuzzis, children’s slides, fitness center, water sports,
pool volleyball, tennis courts, a spa and ample activities for both adults and
children such as scuba diving, mountain biking and horseback riding. Amenities include concierge, kids club,
medical service, nannies, internet, car rental and a shopping area. Dining options include 5 restaurants and 3
bars offering international, continental and Mexican cuisine.
The all inclusive plan includes breakfast,
lunch and dinner at El Patio Restaurant,
a la carte dinners at Los Arcos steak and seafood restaurant and Don Quijote
Spanish restaurant, lunch and snacks at the Snack Bar, domestic beverages,
twice weekly buffet dinner shows, mini barn, nightly entertainment, gym, kids
club, activities and all taxes and tips.
A total of 303 suites with private terraces
are divided in two towers facing the beach.
There is a gold course within 5 miles of the property. It is a gorgeous newly renovated property
that is quite memorable and as I said before very often revisited.
2/1/08
Not only is the property well laid out and
absolutely gorgeous, there is an amazing amount of things to do on
property. As you can see this is a beachfront
resort on sunny shores and among lush tropical gardens. They have two, four, five and six story
buildings and not to worry---there are elevators. On this property you will find rock climbing
walls, a fantastic water park and plenty of kids and teens activity programs
including camping and mini-golf. The
adults are not left out. There are six
amazing restaurants, an upscale spa, yoga, tennis, a disco and even golf lessons
at a local golf course.
As far as a variety of rooms, all rooms have
one bedroom with 2 bathrooms as well as a spacious living area. All rooms have a balcony or patio off of the
living room. There are refrigerators in
every room that are stocked daily with bottled water, beer and soft
drinks. The suites can hold anywhere
from 2 to 6 people depending on the category.
There are four swimming pools and a wading
pool and all of the outdoor pools are heated in the winter months. This may sound crazy but I can tell you that
at some of the resorts in Mexico the water is soooo cold that you cannot even
swim in them. I am certain that by
heated they do not mean HOT- just comfortable to swim in. The pools include a
swim up bar, and adults only pool, a grand pool with swim up bar and Jacuzzi
for adults and a pool dedicated for the kids activities. Kayaks, boogie boards,
windsurfing, sailing and snorkeling equipment are all available free of
charge. There are 4 tennis courts, bike
rental (free of charge), a fitness center and an indoor Jacuzzi.
For the adults there are seven lounges and
bars on property. The lobby bar features
evening live music and a dance floor.
The M&M bar features margaritas and martinis and has an outdoor
piano bar.
The newly renovated theater features
nightly shows including a Tropical evening, a night out on Broadway, a show
featuring the 70’s and 80’s and a night of Magic Dreams.
This is a fantastic property and as you
can see from Art’s email, it is on sale.
Don’t miss out on this. I am sure
you will be pleasantly surprised.
02-08-08
This is an
ideal property in Puerto Vallarta for both children and adults. Starting with lush tropical vegetation, an
activities pool, a water park with pirate’s ship, a castle and 9 water slides,
a playground area, an outdoor family game area, many fine dining restaurants
and bars, fun programmed activities and much, much more.
Quietly nestled on one of Puerto Vallarta’s most beautiful beaches, this
colonial-style hotel provides lovely accommodations. There are 130 palapas
along an 840 feet beachfront property and they are located only a few feet from
the marina. The hotel has 3 fine
restaurants and 3 bars, plus dining poolside with special events and
banquets. The La Palapa food court
buffet serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with 4 different stations, Mexican,
Italian, Oriental and International and is open daily. The Fujiyama is Japanese cuisine and also has
a sushi bar and is open six days a week and serving dinner. Savor the best of Italy in the a la carte La
Piazza offering a wonderful view of the ocean.
And last but not least is the Sans Soucis offering intimate and
unforgettable dining.
At night there is a spectacular night show from 9:30 to 10:30 pm at Club
Nitro. Shows vary from Broadway nights,
Mexican, Hollywood, Tropical and karaoke.
After 11 pm this becomes an ADULT ONLY disco that is open until 2 am. If you still have energy they will be there
for you.
The kid’s activity program includes painting, beach activities, hand
crafts, mini disco, lottery, hunting crabs and aqua park. There is on outdoor playground area with a
giant chess and a Chinese checkers game, a bowling line and a shuffleboard.
If you find this to your liking it is actually on sale right now through
Funjet Vacations and Gamble America.
Enjoy
& SPA RESORT
2/15/08
Best Luxury
Hotel in the World –TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award
Most
Excellent Spa Hotel Award—Conde Nast
Several
AAA’s---- 5 Diamond Awards
This hotel is a member of the prestigious
“Leading Hotels of the World”. Relax
with a treatment at the world class spa, indulge yourself with delicious
international cuisine and unwind in spacious, first class suites. Whatever your vacation style is you will find
paradise at this enchanting retreat.
Discover a world of lavish beauty and luxury at Grand Velas located on
magnificent
There are 3 swimming pools and one wading
pool and some of the pools are heated.
The oceanfront infinity pool is 23,600 square feet. It is a breathtaking vista that seems to be
flowing right into the ocean.
As a member of The Leading Hotels of the
World, this hotel redefines the philosophy of an all inclusive luxury
experience, Relax and rejuvenate in one
of the 267 luxurious one, two and/or three bedroom suites. Each feature a private terrace, a stunning
ocean view and beautiful teak wood furniture imported from
You will find FOUR award winning
restaurants. The Azul is an all day
casual restaurant located in the pool area under a wonderful Palapa and
offering a panoramic front ocean view.
There are five open kitchens with Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and Italian
specialties as well as grill menu items of fine cuts and seafood.
The Frida Restaurant is a mix of Mexican
flavors, from Pork Roasted File with Eucalyptus honey on green applesauce and
Volcano Mouse to Salmon Roll served on lobster tail and chili cascabel
sauce. This also offers on oceanfront
view.
Piaf
is the French Restaurant with Foi Gras Terrine with carmelized pears and port
wine glass to Snails Bourguignon style.
If you are just looking for something
light there are snacks at the pool and beach area. There is also a swim up bar and a lobby
bar. The Lobby Bar comes to a new life
at night with live band and jazz music nightly.
There is entertainment nightly as wall as
a huge activities program equal to any I have seen on a cruise. So you can be as busy or as relaxed as you
would like to be.
Do not forget the children’s activities
programs and the fantastic spa offering a wide array of services.
If you are looking for top notch quality in
both the property and the employees this is the place to stay.
2/22/08
The Samba Vallarta is
situated alongside a secluded 12 MILE stretch of one of the most picturesque beaches
of the Bahia de Banderas. This hacienda
style property is nestled among coconut trees, palms and bougainvilleas making
it a true tropical oasis. This alone
would make an excellent calling card for
Children under the age of 12 stay and eat
FREE if they are accompanied by at least 2 adults. There is a surcharge for children ages
13-17. This makes for the perfect family
vacation. There is a Kids Club for ages 5-12
from
There are 3 restaurants and 3 bars on
site. There is theme night entertainment
including weekly Mexican Fiestas, International celebrations and nightly stage
entertainment with local talent, staff shows and dances.
Activities include disco dancing in El
Mexicano restaurant, Spanish lessons, dance lessons, cooking and cocktail
lesson, bicycle tours, bingo, pool aerobics, pool and beach volleyball, ping
pong tournaments and lawn bowling. Samba
Vallarta supplies boogie boards and kayaks, for surcharges, independent
operators offer horseback riding and personal watercraft.
So brings the kids and enjoy a trip of a
lifetime both on and off property.
2/29/08
Why
decide to go to Aruba? Well, there’s
the reliably near perfect weather. If
you have only a week away from work to truly enjoy yourself, why not guarantee
7 days of perfect conditions, sunny skies, warm temps and cool breezes. Because the island is actually more of a
desert than a rainforest, the humidity is low and there is little rain. There are virtually no hurricanes here either
because of their position south of the tropical storm belt.
There are miles and miles of sugary sand,
turquoise water and gentle surfs. When
you tire of the beach (if ever), there’s scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing,
golf, horseback riding, and all terrain vehicles. The island has quite an interesting landscape
within its borders, a desert full of cacti, desert flora and fauns and iguanas
to craggy limestone cliffs, sand dunes
and of course the famous divi divi trees.
The people are made up of a broad
international mixture of well educated people with a pleasant nature and a zest
for hospitality.
If you love food (and who doesn’t), you
will find that availability of eats is diverse, inventive and very good. We have been told that they are the Gourmet
Capital of the
After sunset, there are dozens of casinos,
shows, bars, clubs and booze cruises.
There are plenty of things to do to top off the night before enjoying
another beautiful day on this gorgeous island.
3/7/08
Holiday Inn Sunspree will
entice you from the moment you arrive.
It has an arched entrance, lush landscaping, a brick paved driveway, an
open air lobby with chandeliers, soft island music, elegant
wood beamed ceiling and impressive tiled floors.
Guests can expect
attentive service and fine accommodations.
All 600 modern guest rooms feature richly detailed furnishing and
private balconies or patios. As for one
of the 200 guest rooms that have been completely refurbished and renovated with
an amazing marine theme.
Laze by the unique
swimming pool or nap away the days in the shade of a plem. For tennis courts, beach volleyball courts
and a fully equipped fitness center provide a physical challenge. For the shoppers there is a 10 store shopping
arcade carrying everything from forgotten items to all the souvenirs you could
want to take home.
Public buses and taxis
are readily available directly in front of the hotel and are of reasonable
prices. As in most hotels, in the lobby
you will find a Tour Desk to help you with the full range of land and sea tours
available as well as car and jeep rentals.
Pelican Water Sports
is a 5 star PADI Dive Operations staffed with professional dive instructors and
is on site. Sign up for parasailing,
snorkeling, windsurfing, boating or scuba diving, Floating sea mats are also available
although please be aware, fees apply and deposits are required on rented items.
There are 3 restaurants
and four bars on property along with a casino.
The is also a Pizza Del Mar that serves fresh pizza made to order, Theme night have themed buffets with live
entertainment and music.
Pool wise there is a
zero entry designed pool with a jet stream massage area and a section where
bathers can relax on a lounge chair while partially submerged in water. Two heated oversized Jacuzzis are on an
elevated level of the deck with a view of the famous beach.
There is a Golden Spree
Program for those over 60 years of age and include discounts at shops and on
tours. Trivia games, Golden Oldies
sing-alongs and dance classes. Come join
in on the fun.
I can tell you without a doubt that the pictures
on the Funjet Website for this Riu property does not do it justice. This Riu is breathtaking. Starting at the spectacular dark engraved
wood lobby adorned with chandeliers to stepping out onto a staircase that
overlooks two fountains and one of the most beautiful pools that I have ever
seen. The building is an ornamental
carved stark white and the pool and fountains are an unbelievably shocking
turquoise blue. On your way to your room
you will pass by an outdoor bar adorned with black iron scrollwork and it is
all open air with plenty of seating. The
rooms are large with a step down sitting area with a sofa and seating area and
all rooms have a step out balcony with chairs and a table lending to a fantastic
view of the ocean or of the pool. All
rooms come with a minibar that is restocked daily and a bottle of
champagne. As in all Riu properties
there is a mounted four liquor bottle dispenser that is also kept full. The bathroom is large and the towels are
oversized and plush. The shower is invigorating
but unfortunately the tub is a Jacuzzi built for one.
There are many restaurants on this
property, not that they need them as the
buffet was amazing. The food was tasty
and plentiful. The steakhouse offers
both a HUGE plate of different kinds of seafood and a Caesar salad with chicken
for all tables as a starter. We had the
steak and lobster that was amazing. The
gourmet restaurant offered a ravioli appetizer that was sumptuous and many
others loved the pumpkin soup. Steak or
lamb dinners were amazing as well as the 3 desserts you had to choose
from. The Japanese restaurant started
off with a good portion of sushi and offered steak, chicken and seafood.
There
also have an Italian restaurant that we did not try.
The employees were always smiling and very
friendly. They definitely made you feel
welcome and were always there to help.
The beach was powder white and huge.
Although dotted with many, many palappas- they were in big demand and
unless you were up before
The only thing we found a little wanting was
the night entertainment as it was the tired daily employees and most of it was
dancing or just music. But as recourse
there was always the casino. Amazingly
so---we did not partake of the gambling option.
Next week I want to tell you of some of the
tours that we took that we would highly recommend. It was hard to come back—the weather was
ALWAYS perfect although it is also ALWAYS windy. So ladies forget the hairdos and bring hats
or hairbands.
03-28-08
We
were lucky enough to experience three of the tours offered by De Palma in
Aruba. They have an office in most
hotels in Aruba and the employees are knowledgeable and friendly. The pick up buses were clean and
air-conditioned and on time.
Our first tour was the Jeep Tour and I
would highly recommend it. You are
either placed in a four person Jeep Wrangler or in a 6-8 person Land
Rover. All of them are open so that your
views are not obscured but the convertible tops are attached in the back if you
feel that you have had too much sun. At
the get go you are told to not wear white or black colored clothing. White clothing comes back dusty brown from
the desert and the dirt roads and black would be uncomfortably hot. The trade winds are so strong here that you
are constantly cooled even though you are so close to the equator. When you stop in the center of Aruba and the
wind is very light, you can definitely feel the difference.
The trip starts up along the leeward coast,
past the high rise hotel and along many high end residential areas. Your first stop is the California
lighthouse. It is light yellow and
breathtaking. It was first built because
of all the shipwrecks on the reefs surrounding the island. The wind here is strong and the sea is
white-capped. One can only imagine what
the sea would be like in a storm. There
is a wonderful Italian restaurant at this spot that you might want to revisit
after the tour.
One of the customs here on this island is
to stop along the way and build a little stone tower with the rocks by the
beach. It is said to insure a return
visit and it must be true because many years ago, on a cruise stop, I had built
one myself. There are miles of these
little rock towers and it is pretty interesting to see.
The next stop was an old smelting plant that
looks more like a fort. Gold was once
discovered hear among the rocks and dirt and this plant was used to sort it all
out. The stop also offers a great view
of the ocean.
From there it is inland to a church built by
the Arawak Indians. It is amazing to
even imagine how they got to this church on foot as the surrounding area is all
brush and cactus. It is cool and very peaceful
once inside. You can actually feel a
sense of awe and reverence.
By now you have truly experienced the most
fun part of this trip as it is off road for a lot of the tour and the road is
bumpy and dusty but quite a lot of fun.
One of your stops will be to the Natural
Bridge that no longer exists but many many people still remember the pictures
and the stop itself. You are able to
view what they call the Son of a Bridge.
It is a little smaller needless to say.
The surf along this area is wonderful and there is a great walkway along
the ocean. Bring you change though---as
it will cost you fifty cents if you need to use the bathroom.
The rest of the trip will bring you along
the residential areas. The landscaping
is green and flower abundant. I hope
that I have not let out anything. Every
one on this trip really, really enjoyed themselves.
From here some of us sent to De Palma
Island. It is a private island and you
need to take a small boat over to enjoy snorkeling, lunch, a beautiful beach and
a fantastic water park. Even from the restaurant window you could see many big
beautiful tropical fish and also could watch many different size crabs walking
along the breakwall.
In the evening we took a Sunset Sail that
was stellar. It is on a huge catamaran
and the sailing covers the ocean from one end of the island to the other. There
is food and drink included and if you can break your way away from the sights
around you everything was tasty and refreshing.
The sunsets are world renown, unbelievably romantic and could never
disappoint even the most discerning person.
Watching the lights come on as you return to your port of call was
relaxing and dazzling. The changes in
the sky just after sunset captured on my digital will be long remembered as
will the crew and the sail.
Many thanks to De Palma Tours for a trip
that will be long remembered.
4/4/08
Aruba's
capital, Oranjestad, is the first stop for most visitors. Its small harbor,
once reserved for schooners and fishing boats, now attracts cruise ships from
all over the world. Despite the
thousands of tourists that pour into the town it has managed to retain its
traditional charm. Oranjestad's downtown
streets are lined with pastel-colored Dutch colonial houses adorned with ornate
gable roofs, and the average tourist will be unaware that many are recent
imitations. The presence of many an orange colored façade, too, not only points
to the capital's name, but to the island's connection to the Netherlands and
William of Orange, a Dutch monarch instrumental in the gaining of Dutch
independence. A highlight in Oranjestad is the Archaeological Museum, with
exhibits on Aruba's original Arawak inhabitants and, in the restored 18th-century
Fort Zoutman, the Museo Arubano displays Aruba's pre-European and colonial
eras. The Numismatic Museum has a large collection of coins from over 400
countries, many salvaged from shipwrecks in the surrounding area. The fort
itself is one of Oranjestad's most popular attractions, and built in 1796, it
played a pivotal role in battles between Curacao and British troops in 1803. In
the late 1800s, the Willem III tower (named after the Dutch king at the time)
was added to act as a lighthouse. Although shoppers will find central
Oranjestad packed with boutiques, shopping complexes and glitzy 24-hour
casinos, it is possible to escape this tourist zone and discover the more
authentic town with its lively, if slightly run-down bars where one can enjoy a
quiet beer and meet the locals. But you
can also find a Senor Frog’s and a Carlos and Charlies in town besides many
colorful downtown restaurants and bars with outside seating to view the
downtown activities. Don’t forget to
wander down by the water and check out the sights. There are bargains galore to be found in
shopping in the downtown area and right along the shore there are many stalls
set up along the way.
4/11/08
The Occidental Grand is a 5 star
property located on the famed beautiful white sand Palm Beach of Aruba. There are 341 guestrooms amid lush palms on
this tropical island. You can feel the
caress of the trade winds from your private terrace. Bask in the comfort of one of the splendid
rooms complete with elegant tile and marble floors and deep dark wood
furniture. There is a stocked
mini-fridge, full bath with tub and shower, satellite TV and wireless internet.
Parents will appreciate supervised kids
activities and detoxifying massages. And
romantics will be pleased with charming restaurants, nightly entertainment and
exclusive inclusions for weddings and honeymooners.
There are free wedding packages when 10
Royal Club rooms are booked at least for 4 nights. Complimentary decorations, flowers, marriage
documentation, wedding cake, champagne and ceremony with a minister are
included in the Grand Wedding package.
Honeymooners will enjoy in room floral arrangements, the best available
room in the category, a bottle of champagne and a 10% massage discount.
The kids are well taken care of at the
Kids Club, while the adults enjoy the all inclusive adventures such as
snorkeling, kayaking and sailing. There
is also tennis, beach volleyball and a full service fitness center. When it’s time to unwind, relax in the
elaborate free form pool that holds two Jacuzzis and a gentle waterfall.
Most restaurants are poolside or
oceanfront. They range from
International, Mexican, Pan Asian and Caribbean. You can enjoy wines from around the world, to
authentic Mexican dishes, sushi bar to Caribbean fusion with dishes like Garlic
Octopus with Grilled Mushrooms to Rosemary Shrimp Kebabs.
At night watch some of the most gorgeous
sunsets in the world as you sip a delightfully refreshing cocktail or take a
romantic stroll on the beach under the moonlight. Try your luck at the casino later or enjoy
one of their nightly shows. Wind down
with wonderful memories floating in your thoughts as you sleep on some of the
most comfortable beds available and then wake to start all over again. With beautiful weather and friendly staff
it’s almost like heaven.
4/18/08
The Westin Aruba is the perfect island destination,
offering the charm of the Dutch Caribbean, a fantastic white sand beach, a
glittering casino and many other outdoor pleasures, This is located on the luxurious strip of
Palm Beach offering crystal clear turquoise water and powdery soft white sand
beaches. Enjoy swimming in the ocean,
drifting in the seaside pool, sailing, windsurfing, scuba, deep sea fishing and
golf. Relax at the spa while enjoying a
refreshing massage, body wrap or facial at the spa. At night enjoy
There are many room categories including
Island View, partial ocean view, ocean view, junior suites, Ocean or Island
view suites and even a presidential suite measuring a full 1229 square feet
with private balcony, Jacuzzi bathroom, full size dining room and even more.
This is a four and half star resort and it
is well deserving of it. The beds are
all Westin’s Heavenly beds, the sheet count is 250 thread, 10
layers of heaven make the bed along with the pillow top mattress and down
blankets. All rooms have a balcony.
At the Azull restaurant, you will enjoy
tiki torches, cool breezes and intimate beachfront tables. With the beautiful beach and the golden glow
of a sunset as a backdrop you are in for a most memorable experience. Master Chef’s prepare a four course dinner
that is beyond compare. There are a
total of 6 restaurants on site. A
seafood and steak Pago Pago, a Chinese and Japanese with sushi Blossom”s, Baci
the Italian Ristorante featuring risotto, thin crust pizza and grilled fish and
meat, and the Terrace also offers seaside dining.
You can journey into the hot night of
For the children’s activity program they
offer sandcastle building, arts and crafts, pool time, local food tasting,
movies, iguana feeding and photography.
For the ultimate in relaxation there is a
spa on sight and sauna, spa and steam rooms are available. Keep your eyes open as the Westin offers
discounts on a fairly frequent basis.
4/25/08
This
resort is without a doubt the best deal for the money in Aruba. Children ages up to 17 years of ages stay and
eat for FREE!!! This is a resort that is
revisited by many of our clients. It is
more quaint as it is only 2 stories high and all of the rooms are right on the
beach.
The kid’s club is for ages 5 to 12 and
includes Papiamento lessons (their local language in Aruba), T-shirt painting,
arts and crafts, basketball, movies, pool games, beach games, bingo, scavenger
hunts, snorkel clinics, tennis clinics, soccer tournaments and more.
For the adults there are snorkeling
clinics and tours, beginners windsurfing equipment and a “Learn to ‘Windsurf”
beach clinic, floats, canoes and bikes.
When staying at this property you also
have full use of the Divi Aruba. Between
the two there are a total of 9 restaurants many with oceanview settings and
some with open air settings. These are
always fantastic places to view the phenomenal sunsets that are signature to
As stated in my revues of this island,
you will remember that the water is a startling turquoise blue, the skies are a
beautiful azure blue, the beaches are fine white sand and the sunsets are
breathtaking.
To work off some of the sumptuous food
that you will be eating, besides the water sports there are tennis courts,
beach volleyball and Olympics, bike and bike tours, casino games, dance
lessons, billiards, board games, darts and basketball. Don’t’ miss out on the 30 foot outdoor rock
climbing wall and the state of the art cardiovascular equipment and oceanfront
air-conditioned fitness center.
At night they have theme parties, theme
nights and the Alahambra casino. There
is a weekly market place that offers a wide variety of local arts and crafts.
If you are thinking of
5-2-08
Are you looking for something
intimate and romantic? The Bucuti in
Aruba is calling your name. This
property has been named as one of the Best Honeymoon Hotels by Brides Magazine. It has also won the Best Hotels for Romance
in the Caribbean and Latin America by Trip Advisor. This is an owner managed hotel with wonderful
personal touches, exceptional services, spacious and elegant guestrooms, gourmet
dining, pampering spa services and seventeen acres of beautiful, natural
landscape. You will find a freshwater
swimming pool, an open air restaurant and bar, a mini market on property, an
open air fitness center, a complimentary business center, a guest laundry room
and don’t forget the European style spa offering face and body treatments and
massages in an intimate environment.
The Pirate’s Nest restaurant has a
romantic outdoor patio located right on the beach and the restaurant is also
open air. This is a full size replica of
a 17th century shipwrecked Dutch Galleon. Guests find an extensive American champagne
breakfast buffet and soup, salads and sandwiches on the a la carte lunch
menu. The dinner menu features a wide
variety of fresh seafood, and local and international dishes. The Pirate’s Nest bar offers refreshing
beverages, live steel band entertainment nightly and the Alhambra Casino and
shopping complex are just a short distance away.
For that extra special occasion, you can reserve the romantic dining
cabana on the beach with a private steward and the chef’s special menu.
There are 71 widely spaced thatched roof
shades and loungers for basking in the sun and enjoying the relaxing turquoise
blue Caribbean waters. Motorized water
sports are barred in front of the resort to keep everything idyllic but they
are available north from independent vendors.
What better way to experience peace and
harmony. Be in love, experience or fall
in love again, here is the place to do it!
Hawaii
5/16/08
Born of earth, wind and fire millions of years ago, the
islands that make up the state of Hawaii full of natural splendor and wonders
found nowhere else on earth. Spectacular
sites like the active volcano on this main island will leave you in awe of
nature’s power. This island is ringed
with 750 miles of shoreline,
I have often told anyone that will listen,
that if you do not have time to travel the
The
Five volcanoes are responsible for forming
this island. One is active and still
erupting presently and
If you are into water sports, this is
paradise. The two tall volcanoes mean
that the water on the leeward side is calm 350 days a year. The underwater landscape of caves, cliffs,
and tunnels attract a stunning array of colorful marine life. The west coast is one of the best
destinations for big game fishing. The
miles of remote coastline are a kayaker’s dream of caves, secluded coves and
crescent shaped beaches reachable only by sea.
On land, hikers, bikers and horseback
riders can head up or down a volcano, across beaches, into remote valleys and
through rainforests. For the less
actively involved, there are phenomenal helicopter tours that bring you in
close to waterfalls, rainforests, volcanoes and back
along the ocean.
There are 266 miles of spectacular
coastline, black, white and even green sand beaches. When in season you can even view visiting
humpbacks in the ocean.
Hawaii
5/16/08
The best way to see this
island is in small pieces. The capital
city of Hilo is a combination of its plantation past and its bustling
present. There are many museums and
galleries in this area.
The Hamakua Coast starts north of
Hilo. Vertical cliffs adorned with wispy
waterfalls are broken by a series of deep valleys. The good earth is so unbelievable lush and
green is literally takes your breath away.
At the end of this coast is Waipio.
There are unbelievably beautiful waterfalls in this area. There are easily accessible by foot but you
can also explore the area by four wheel drive or by hiking.
Driving upland you can go into Waimea
where you will find Parker Ranch, one of the largest cattle ranches in the
country.
From here you can travel UP 13,796 feet to
the top of the world, Mauna Kea. Mauna
Kea means “white mountain” for the snow that often paints the summit in winter
months. Be sure to bring very warm
winter type clothing as it can be very cold on the summit, but you really don’t
want to miss this spectacular view, or an unforgettable sunrise at this peak of
the world. There is a powerful
observatory on this horizon also. I
remember taking pictures of the signs along the roadway up to the peak that
reminded you to turn your headlights on when “going through the clouds”. One of the many things that you might choose
to do is take the tour bus up but then bike down. It is truly non aerobic biking unless you
find it hard to put on the brakes when coasting. The views on the way down are spectacular
and I am certain you will want to stop many times on your way down for picture
taking or just trying to save the view in your memory forever.
Traveling onward to Kailua-Kona you will
find a labyrinth of shops, restaurants, hotels and condos. It was so much fun and this area that when we
were visiting we made this a daily stop.
Bubba Gump’s hovers over the ocean here and you can actually watch the
surfers sail past the open air deck as you sit and eat. They are close enough to almost reach out and
five you a high five. There are many
luau’s available in this area also.
There are so many choices as to types of food that you are looking for
that it is truly amazing. Many of the
small shops and restaurants are ocean front and there is also a walkway right
along the ocean.
Driving south from here you will find many
coffee plantations where the world’s best coffee beans are grown. Many growers have centers for sampling their
brew. You will definitely want to take
some of this home with you. They can
even ship at a later date if you prefer.
Looking around you will notice flowers everywhere. There a bouganvilla, amaryllis, mango,
coconut, pineapple, nightshade and orchid plants just to name a few. It seems that this island is covered in a
warm lush blanket of the world’s best flowers and scents. This is paradise!
The Puma district borders the Kilauea
Volcano. This active volcano is not to
be missed and there is a myriad of ways to do that, hiking, walking, tours and helicopter. The actual opening to the volcano is very far
from the parking so be prepared to do a lot of walking but it is definitely
worth it.
5/23/08
If you truly want to do something different than
the usual hotel stay in Hawaii and really get a feel for the big island and
everything it has to offer---this is the place to be.
This cabin is located at 1200 ft.
elevation on the west side of Haulalai Mountain. It is half way up the mountain and is in a
residential sub-division with a wonderful ocean costal view. There are no streetlights here which provides
for dark nights and excellent star gazing.
This cabin is on the upper back half of a half acre of a very lush
vegetated lot that includes macadamia nut, papaya, mango, lemon, lychee and
coconut trees, besides an enormous amount of flowering trees and bushes in
every color and fragrance that you can imagine.
Guests are welcome to any fruit that is ripe for the picking. This cabin has its own drive and parking
area.
This is a 900 square feet cabin with a 500
square foot wrap around lanai. There is
a complete kitchen, bath with tub and shower, a washer and dryer, a
living/dining room, and a cable TV with VCR.
You can use the hot tub 23 hours a day.
There is also a big gas barbecue and birds for a morning alarm
clock. The cabin is backed by an herb
farm and a macadamia nut orchard.
As you tour the island and along the
Hualalai
5/30/08
Four
Seasons resorts are known the world over for being a ‘step-up’ in the hotels
available world wide. This hotel located
in Hualalai and overlooking the ocean and is exactly what you would expect in a
luxurious hideaway. It is comprised of
intimate bungalows, seaside pools, and aquarium for snorkeling, a Jack Nicklaus
championship golf course and a spa. So whether you are a honeymooner, a spa
enthusiast, a golf lover or just wanting a fabulous get away with family, this
is truly a place to consider.
The Four Seasons is one of only three AAA Five Diamond Award winning
Hawaiian resorts. It is on the Big
Island of Hawaii, which is the sunniest, driest and warmest of the
islands. This hotel was designed to
reflect the nature around it. The resort
makes use of natural materials indigenous to
Oceanfront dining is excellent for ocean front views and brilliant
island sunsets. Pahu i’a restaurant is
here guests are caressed by tradewinds, waves are illuminated by the stars and
the gentle surf endlessly soothes. While
the restaurant’s centerpiece is a large aquarium, its focal point is the vast
cobalt blue ocean. Signature menu items
include Keahole Lobster, Dungeness Crab and Fire-Roasted Kona Kampachi.
There are a total of four restaurants on site. There are 5 pools each with a whirlpool and
some of the pools are heated for those cooler morning dips. There is a wading pool for the kids and also
a children’s club available for those looking to have some romantic time alone
to themselves. As the sun goes down and
the moon rises, you will find nightly entertainment available on a nightly
basis to complete your evenings in
The
6/6/08
As you may or may not know, I was fortunate enough to be asked to attend
the Maui Nui Specialist course given on the islands themselves!!! I now possess a wealth of knowledge and a
true feel of these 3 islands---Maui, Molokai and Lanai. I will attempt to do them justice in my
weekly travel articles. I only wish that
I were more eloquent in speech so that I could truly do them justice!
Let me first begin on the island of Maui! Maui was recently honored as the “Best
Pacific Island” by Conde Naste Traveler Magazine for the 16th
straight year. It is also deemed the
“Top Pacific Rim Island”, #2 for the Best Island in the World” and as the #2
“Overall Destination in the World”, and this Island has definitely earned these
prestigious awards.
From the summit of Haleakala Crater to the shore of Big Beach in Makena,
Maui is a breadth of exhilarating outdoor sights, activities and entertainment
for every visitor.
You can drive ABOVE the clouds, watch humpback whales breach the ocean,
tee off at championship golf courses, relax and rejuvenate in award-winning
spas, see amazing waterfalls, visit numerous museums, taste a wide variety of
wines offered at vineyards, experience lavender farms, go through ranchlands,
experience world-class restaurants and luaus, stroll more than 80 beaches and
shop until you drop, to say the very least!!!
There is so much to do and see here on this island that I will need to
divide it up into 5 areas and then try to cover the hotel accommodations in
those areas. I hope that the Maui
Visitors Bureau will not mind, but I am paraphrasing much of our material--
that is and was so generously supplied by them.
They are also a vast center for knowledge and are accessible on-line at www.visitmaui.com. Please visit this website. You will be amazed.
I will start with West Maui. This
area is abundant with sunshine and water.
It was once a major Hawaiian population center and a favorite playground
for royalty. The people at that time grew
sweet potato, taro, paper mulberry, ti, gourds, banana and coconut and gathered
lumber, firewood and cordage from the mountains. Today, Maui West includes the resort areas of
Kapalua and Ka’anapali, Napili, kahana and Honokowai and the historic Lahaina
town.
The Kaanapali coast offers great water sports and beach activities,
while nearby Lahaina offers excellent shopping venues, restaurants, bars and
entertainment. You can snorkel at
Kapalua Beach and look for humuhumunukumukuapuaa—the state fish. Lahaina town offers ferries to other islands,
fishing charters, snorkeling and scuba tours, sunset cruises and much
more. It also has the United States
largest Banyan tree. This tree is bigger
than some city blocks. The town itself
has many interesting shops and boutiques and bars—some right on the water---and
is also home to the wonderful Ulalena
Theatre. I HIGHLY recommend that you see
this show. But ONLY if you first attend
the breakfast luau offered at the Old Lahaian Luau which I will cover later. This show at the Ulalena Theatre covers
Hawaiian history is a “Circe de Solei” format.
It is hard to follow unless you have some strong sense of Hawaiian
history. The sights and sounds of this
performance are EXTRAORDINARY and well worth the stop. They also offer dinner and theatre if you
prefer. The dinner by the way was
delicious and highly recommended.
Back to the Old Lahaian Luau---I have been to many Hawaiian luaus but
NONE like this. If you attend the
breakfast luau---which I HIGHLY recommend—you will not only sample some of the
best food available for a luau but you will also walk away with a wealth of
knowledge and hands on experience. You
will learn of ancient warfare and learn to throw a long hunting spear, you can get a temporary tattoo, you will
learn of Hawaiian dance and music and then you personally learn to hula and
play the instruments. You will also
learn of how they made cloth from trees and taste poi----freshly made and fresh
raw fish. It was an AMAZING
experience. If you wish to attend a
luau on any of the islands I found this one to be THE VERY BEST. This is called the Ho’oman’o Cultural
Breakfast at the Old Lahaian luau. Try
to book in advance as it is VERY popular.
In the following weeks I will cover a vast amount in information on
Maui---so stayed tuned!
6/13/08
The closest Hotel in this area to
the Old Lahaina Luau is the Royal Lahaina Resort. They have just spent 35 million dollars on room
renovations and 330 million in revitalization and it is breathtaking. They have 195 regular rooms, 295 oceanview
rooms and one and two bedroom connecting rooms in the tower.
As of the present they have cottages on
property that are amazing. Dotting the
landscape of the resorts lush 27 acres, these are quaint low-rise garden and
beachside cottage accommodations reminiscent of Hawaii’s Plantation era. They
have wooden shuttered windows, teakwood throughout the unit, a small kitchen
area, and a living room area. These
units are fantastic but are soon to be torn down to make way for upscale
condo-type units. Regardless of the
demolition, they have put 2 million into these cottages until then. Guests can
select from Garden and Oceanfront cottage rooms and one or two bedroom cottages
which feature complete kitchenettes. The
cottage rooms offer 350 square feet, one bedroom offer 1,135 square feet and
two bedroom cottages offer 1,250 square feet of living space. You will not feel cramped in any way—they are
very airy and comfortable. The grounds
alone are spectacular in this area.
There are 3 swimming pools with complimentary snuba lessons available
and a phenomenal beach front area also (good for snorkeling and swimming). This hotel and the cottages are situated
right on the lush championship Royal Kaanapali Golf Course. There are three
fantastic restaurants available. We had
huge broiled scallops for lunch that were mouthwatering and delicious. There is an open air bar right on the ocean
and a nightly torch lighting ceremony along with nightly entertainment. Although there is a $10 a day parking fee you
can upgrade to a value package that is $16.00 a day but gives you a daily
newspaper and two complimentary Mai Tai’s.
It is a better deal.
The Lahaina Kai Tower Rooms feature rich, teak custom furnishings. Each room celebrates Hawaiian Custom local
artwork on the wall and hand crafted wall-mounted canoe paddles to accentuate
the sports theme present throughout each room.
In addition to the guestrooms, there are seventeen one-bedroom
suites. Each suite offers a living area
and separate bedroom and has the capability of converting into a two-bedroom
family suite when connected with an ocean view guestroom. Each guestroom offers 330 square feet, each
one bedroom suite offers 790 square feet and each two bedroom suite offer 1,120
square feet of living space.
These rooms were spectacular and all have feather top beds. There is free wifi and hard wire in the
hotel. The cottages offer free dial up
internet only. This property also has a
very popular Luau right at the hotel but get in line early. They really book up. If you are planning to wed on the island, you
can contact Theresa as she is the wedding co-ordinator at the Royal Lahaina and
can answer all of your questions.
6/20/08
As a Maui Nui specialist I was lucky enough
to experience this hotel as my base hotel for three fantastic nights. This Beautiful property was the winner of
the Starwood Hotels and Resorts, “Hotel of the Year”. The winner of this award must excel in areas
of guest satisfaction and associate engagements and financial performance. They are well deserving of such an
award. The grounds are breathtaking, the
rooms are beautiful and roomy and the hotel personnel exceed expectations.
This is actually the sight of the very
FIRST hotel in
As you can see there is an expansive beach, absolutely
gorgeous. In the L shape of this area
there is very good walk out or swim out snorkeling. Along the beach is a fantastic walkway that
can take you all the way to the Whalers shopping area. If you are more
interested in fresh water there is 142 yards of a lagoon and whirlpool
The “Seamless Check-in” at the Sheraton will allow you to bypass the
front desk. You are whisked away to your
room as soon as you arrive. There is
towel and water services compliments of the beach butlers. And don’t miss the complimentary scuba
lessons that are offered daily.
There are four fantastic restaurants here—some of them oceanfront, as
well as lounges butting right up to the beach.
Perpetuating the cultural richness of the islands, the Ka’anapali Sunset
Luau is beachfront on the Ocean Lawn.
Here you can enjoy a traditional luau feast, Hawaiian arts and crafts,
traditional Kalua pork Imu from a underground oven, a Pareo fashion show and a
Polynesian Revue.
They offer a variety of family activities including scavenger hunts,
hula dancing lessons, coconut husking and weaving, lei making and Ukulele
lessons. They have just recently
launched their exciting Love Your Family program featuring stargazing, fireside
storytelling, poolside movies and Parent’s Night Off.
This is an excellent property for one and all. And don’t forget the moonlight strolls on the
beach. Phenomenal!!!
6/27/08
Nestled between the shimmering Pacific Ocean and
the lush West Maui Mountains, The Westin Maui Resort and Spa is located in the
exquisite heart of paradise. Stroll
through tropical gardens and a dramatic aquatic playground with meandering
streams, five swimming lagoons and two dramatic water slides. Treat your senses to unparalleled luxury in
the lavish spa while you take in the extraordinary surroundings. This is truly the place where “Heaven and
Aloha Meet.”
Upon entering the lobby at your stay here,
you are greeted by a waterfall in a beautiful lagoon that houses koi fish, long
legged pink flamingoes and some amazing, graceful swans. We took many photos here as the area is also
surrounded by fragrant blooming flowers.
This is just a touch of the heaven that awaits you at this property.
The
Westin is situated along a spectacular stretch of the famed Ka’anapali
Beach. This hotel blends an endless
array of activities and amenities with a gracious aloha spirit, perfect for any
Hawaiian vacation. It is located
beachfront with spectacular views of Lana’i and Moloka’i. At the heart of this
property there is an 87,000 sq. ft. aquatic playground. Relax in one of the five free-form swimming
pools, unwind in a secluded Jacuzzi, go through a swim-through grotto with twin
waterfalls, seek solace in the adult-only pool or take a thrilling trip down a
waterslide with 270 degree turns and a dramatic 23 ft. drop. Besides the beach and pool area there are two
championship golf courses and an 11 court tennis center just a short walk away.
You really must try out the Heavenly
Spa. Just walking through the door, the
scents and feeling of the atmosphere instantly relaxes you. There are complete massage and facial
services, skincare, salon and body therapies and also rejuvenating full body
treatments. The spa is spacious and
softly lit. You can completely unwind in the effervescent waters of their
hydrotherapy tub and whirlpools. If you decide not to treat yourself to this
amazing spa, at least take a walk through and stimulate all of your senses with
its extraordinary surroundings. It is
well worth your time.
As with all Westins your rooms come with
“The Heavenly Beds” and “Heavenly Baths”.
Sumptuous and stylish, the all-white Heavenly Bed is made up of a custom
designed pillow-top mattress set, a cozy down blanket, three crisp sheets
ranging in thread count from 200 to 25-, a comforter, duvet and five plush
pillows. Its name says it all. All rooms come with binoculars for viewing
whales and anything else that might interest you. There are fantastic spa amenities in the
bathroom and double shower heads in all stalls.
There a three fantastic restaurants
including one with oceanfront settings perfect for catching a brilliant Maui
sunset. I can personally vouch for the
breakfast buffet. It was a wide variety
of food, including many different freshly squeezed fruit juices and an omelet
station to prepare omelets just the way you like them.
At the sound of the conch shells at
sunset, UNWIND begins. Celebrate the
end of the day and the beginning of the evening at the panoramic Beach Bar and
unwind with an hour of tempting appetizers, cocktails and enjoy live Hula
dancing. There is also the Wailele
Polynesian Luau available at a fee.
Situated at the Aloha pavilion on site, the lush tropical greenery and
the soothing sounds of waterfalls and the breathtaking sunsets form a perfect
backdrop for an evening of entertainment complemented by a delicious Hawaiian
meal in an elegant setting. There are crafters
with interactive arts and culture for guests to participate and learn the
Polynesian way of life from.
Don’t forget the children as there is a
Kids Club which provides special amenities and activities in a fully supervised
action packed daily program for kids from 5-12 years of age.
If you are looking for a great place to
get married they have an excellent wedding and honeymoon package also.
Resort Villas
7/4/08
Not so long ago Art and I tried a new
experience. We did a condo in Florida
with another couple. We were not sure if
we would like it as we always have done hotels only. Let me tell you it was fantastic. The reason I am bringing this up is because
this property reminds me of our trip only it is in Maui.
The Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas actually are two u-shaped buildings
with different lobbies. These villas are
phenomenal. Everything you could
possibly need to feel at home is in these villas. The kitchen has a glass cooktop stove, full
size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, dishes, detergent, glasses, blender
and silverware. There is a built in
washer and dryer, a pull out couch, color TV, DVD player, cordless phones and a
private lanai. The beds are all sweet sleepers and ultra-comfortable. All units have a whirlpool tub with separate
shower. The amenities include a heated
pool, children’s pool, Jacuzzi, lighted tennis courts, BBQ’s gas grills for out
door cooking, business center, meeting/banquet rooms, concierge, game room,
fitness center, beauty salon, gift/sundry shop, pool bar and grill and even two
general market stores right on property.
These markets offer many pre-made food options also.
They make it so easy for you to be here, that you can even preorder your
food to be there when you arrive. There
are daily housekeeping services so you still feel like you are on vacation but
better because you feel at home. There
is a dining room and a living room with couches. In some units you can actually
sleep 5 comfortably.
If you want time alone there is also a Keki camp for kids to
attend. It also offers them things to do
on the occasional rainy day.
The hotel has direct beach access, as well as an intricate pool area
with tropical landscaping, palm trees and plenty of lounge chairs.
There are three restaurants on property also. The Ke’kaa Terrace is unbelievable. We were fortunate enough to have dinner there
one evening. The food was
exceptional. The presentation alone was
breathtaking. Everything was so good that
we all asked to taste each others meals.
I have been to many exceptional restaurants and this was right on the
top. If you do not stay on property, at
least make a reservation for a dinner here while in Maui. You will not regret it.
7/11/08
Graced with several long stretches of white
sand beaches, the south side of Maui shimmers with beauty. From world-class golf to sophisticated shopping,
the spectacular southern coastline offers tropical living at its finest.
Wailea, named after a goddess, is a 1,500
acre planned community so celebrated that many destinations have tried to liken
themselves to it. But the real thing
resides only on
Kihei was home to a string of sleepy
Hawaiian villages in times gone by. It
is said that Kamehameha the Great had an ancient fishpond built at Kalepolepo
that took 10,000 men to complete the job.
Today, the 3 acre fishpond is listed on the National and State Register
of Historical Places. Kihea is also a
large vibrant beach town community.
There are many restaurants and stores, parks and businesses, night
clubs, sports bars and movies. During
the day the biggest attractions are the spacious beach parks. The coastline is
a six mile long stretch of sandy beach.
Ma’alaea Bay is a hub of ocean activity
with boats bearing whale watchers, snorkelers, divers, fishers, sailors and
swimmers.
Don’t forget to visit the
The have an aquarium that is many stories
high and houses every kind of fish, eel, manta ray and shark indigenous to the
area. You can stand in front of the
glass and actually have them swim past right behind you. What a wonderful photo op. They also have hands on areas with all types
of coral. They jellyfish display is
awesome. There is a black light that
illuminates the thousands of white jellyfish swimming in a cylindrical
aquarium. It is so unusual and enticing
to watch that they have seating surrounding the tank so that you can just sit
and watch to your hearts content.
And for the golfers there is the Wailea
Gold, Wailea Blue and Wailea Emerald.
The Wailea Golf Club has been ranked one of the finest resort golf
facilities in the country and includes three full length courses. Each winter they host the Champions Skins
Game and the LPGA Skins Games here.
7-18-08
You can experience fragrant
tropical blooms, pink sunsets and a breathtaking moonlit beach during visits to
this superior oceanfront resort. It is adjacent
to excellent shopping. You can spend
lazy days lounging on the beach, enjoy rich offering of fun-filled activities,
play exciting games of tennis or golf and then learn the hula or how to make a
lei. It is the perfect spot for
honeymooners, golfers and families.
I was lucky enough to
stay at this property on the Maui Specialist program. It is very well manicured with loads of
fragrant blooms. It is good for a budget
property, but please keep that word in mind.
It is for the budget minded guest.
The main pool and the hot tub were very nice with a great view of the
ocean and plenty of area to sit and relax.
There is an outdoor bar that is easily accessible. Because we were never on property during the
day, I am not sure if they have anything else other than self service at this
pool. There is an area that if fantastic
for the adults. It is almost like
individual pools with seating area. But
there are not very many of them and I rather imagine you must get there very
early to have one of these. There is
also a beautiful infinity pool and a children’s area pool. They have just undergone a $60 million
renovation to ultimate luxury.
The rooms were large and
very comfortable. You have a shower and
a bathtub, mini-refrigerator and a private balcony. The property is huge and I am certain you
will find an area perfect for you. We
had a farewell dinner sponsored here and the food was good.
We especially liked
taking lounge chairs and sitting on the lawn at night by the ocean cliff and
enjoying the sound of the surf and the amazing star show in the sky. It was totally relaxing and soothing.
We did see many
different types of vacationers here---from honeymooners, to families, to older
retirees. As I said, there is something
for everyone.
Be careful when asking
directions here because twice we asked for directions to an area for a meeting
and got the wrong directions. Once from
the valet and once from the front desk, as the area is VERY large we spent an
enormous amount of walking just to find out that the directions were wrong.
There is an excellent
shopping area right next door to the property.
It is the Wailea Mall and there were many, many shops and quite a few
restaurants and bars. The best value you
will find anywhere on the island is always in the ABC stores. You can literally find just about anything
there and the prices are always low.
So if you are looking
for a good deal with a great atmosphere, this is the place for you.
7/25/08
The Maui Prince Hotel is located slightly
south of Kihei. Secluded at Makena
Resort on a perfect crescent beach at the foot of Haleakala, this is your retreat
for rejuvenation. This property is good for honeymooners, golfers and families
seeking fun. The entire Maui Prince
Hotel is built around an Asian meditation garden with stone paths, quiet
corners for contemplation, waterfalls and streams swimming with brilliant
multi-colored carp. This creates a
spectacular open air atrium that leads to every room, while every window and
private lanai looks out to the blue Pacific.
There are 310 quest rooms including 19
luxury suites. You will find a quarter
mile of white sand beach, a fitness facility, tennis courts, spa services,
Hawaiian music, art and crafts and endless resort activities.
There are 4 restaurants on site, Prince
Court has contemporary Island cuisine and Sunday brunch. The Hakone boasts authentic Japanese cuisine
and also a steakhouse. Makena Clubhouse
Restaurant is available for appetizers, lunches and cocktails. The Café Kiowai has a casual breakfast and lunch. For those interested there is also a
Cappuccino Corner with coffee service and grab to go meals.
Nightly entertainment includes Hawaiian
music in the Molikini Lounge and on Tuesdays and Thursdays they have a Sunset
Hawaiian Luau.
Play the extraordinary layout of the
renowned Makena Golf Courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.. These two unique courses boast 36 spectacular
holes of the most pristine golf imaginable.
Located on 1,800 acres of unspoiled coastline, both North and South courses
will satisfy any golfer in pursuit of the ultimate game.
The children’s activity program includes
sand castle building, Hawaiian arts and crafts, beach treasure/scavenger hunts,
fishing, hula dancing and pool swims.
And there are 6 tennis courts on site also for the athletically inclined.
This is a four star (out of 5) resort and
is absolutely gorgeous. You can’t go
wrong here.
ON
8/1/08
ResortQuest is a well known name on the
Islands for many reasons but mostly as an excellent value for the money. There are nine condominium properties on Maui
alone. We are going to focus on just one
at this present time.
ResortQuest
at the
Most
of the ResortQuests feature sparkling pools, relaxed barbecue areas and tennis
courts with pleasant amenities and comfortable accommodations that are great
for the whole family. This hotel is
located in Kihei directly across from Kamaole Beach Park II, it is a
condominium resort with easy access to many of Maui’s most popular attractions.
Whether you eat in or out is completely up
to you. One, two and three bedroom
suites come with fully equipped kitchens and the hotel rooms offer
refrigerators and microwaves. Washer and
dryers are available in all suites.
Kids stay, play
and eat free! The experience at a
ResortQuest makes all the difference between a great family vacation and the
kind of experience that gets you thinking about taking your next vacation
alone. Children 17 and younger stay free
with their parents at all ResortQuest Hawaii hotels or condominium resorts when
using existing bedding.
Children
12 and younger receive free admission at top island attractions when
accompanied by a paying adult.
Children
12 and younger receive free meals at popular family friendly restaurants when
accompanied by a paying adult.
Upon
arrival all families with children 12 and younger receive a ResortQuest Kids
Stay, Play and Eat FREE identification card for each child at check-in. The child will present the identification
card at the participating attractions, retail outlets and restaurants to
receive the free promotional offers.
This is an excellent value for the
family. Keep it in mind that there are
26 resort properties spread throughout the major Hawaiian Islands and this
offer is good at any of the ResorQuests located there.
8/8/08
Quiet
and mysterious, the east side of the island is home tone of Maui’s biggest
scenic attractions. The road to Hana is a
one way narrow, windy road with some of the most spectacular scenic view of
ocean and mountains known to man.
Waianapanapa is the place to stop to see black sand beaches and
underground pools and past Hana is the Oheo Gulch with beautiful waterfall fed pools.
Hana is as close to Old Hawaii as one can
get. Green and voluptuously beautiful,
Hana has changed little with the passing of time and is the place the Hawaiians
say is closest to heaven. The
In Hana town, the pastures roll right up
to the main street. Be sure to stop at
Hasegawa General Store, a 4th generation family-owned business that
carries everything from pareaus, Hawaiian music, gourmet island coffee,
macadamia nuts, organic dried fruits, souvenirs, books and more. It is well worth the stop.
Near Hana is the Kipahulu section of the
Haleakala National Park, where visitors frequent the famous Pools of Oheo. Rangers conduct nature walks and advise about
hiking trails in the area.
8/15/08
At
the end of the Hana Highway, on the lush eastern coast of Maui, is the
legendary Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa, where tranquility is a way of
life. This is a AAA Four Diamond luxury
resort that has long been known as a favorite Hawaiian vacation retreat for
generations of travelers seeking a serene and enchanting escape. This hotel reflects a wonderful blend of
Hawaiian heritage and the unspoiled natural beauty that makes Hana such a
special place.
It is located on an acre of landscaped
grounds that take advantage of the spectacular views of Hana Bay. Here guests can enjoy the ultimate in
nurturing with massage, facials and body treatments.
There is a choice of luxury accommodations
with a variety of views here, Located
on the seaside bluff are the plantation style Sea Ranch Cottages offering
spectacular ocean and mountain views.
Many feature a private lanai hot tub.
The bungalow style By Cottages have either
Hana Bay or garden views and are located closer to the main building.
The Plantation House is a turn of the
century private home located on four acres accented with rich Hawaiian Koa Wood
throughout. A full kitchen and full bar
with 2 bedrooms including a master and guest bedroom, two and half baths,
formal dining room and a large wrap around lanai overlooking beautiful lush
landscaped grounds.
Be advised all room as television and
radio free. There is a club room with a
television and internet service available.
If you are looking for a beach adventure
this is not the place for you. There is
a shuttle service to the beach but it ends at 4 pm. There are strong undertows here and high
waves so check with the beach attendant on existing conditions before venturing
out into the water.
Hotel Hana Maui does offer two swimming
pools. Both the heated Wellness Pool
with outdoor whirlpool and the Garden Pool are open from 8 am to 8 pm. Children under 15 years must be accompanied
by a parent of guardian at all times.
Hula lessons, Ukulele lesson and Lei
Making lessons are available throughout the week.
All guests receive a fresh flower lei
greeting and tropical fruit drink upon arrival, Hawaiian cultural and
historical activities, weekly entertainment and a manager’s reception are all
here.
Welcome baskets with fresh fruit and
snacks are in all rooms along with large bathrooms, most with a soaking bathtub
and a separate walk-in shower. There are
robes, a hair dryer, organic cotton sheets and towels, feather top beds and
private lanais. Custom blended coffee,
herbal teas, water and soft drinks are stocked daily and there is a
complimentary turn down service.
This seems a perfect place for older couples
looking for peace and quiet but everyone is welcomed with open arms.
8/22/08
Molokai
is not for everyone, and that is precisely why it is so perfect for visitors
looking for authentic experiences and not the typical tourist attractions. Undeveloped and laid-back, lacking in tall buildings
and urban noise, it is a place of nature and peacefulness making Molokai a
place of sublime escape.
Molokai begs to be experienced on two
feet, two wheels or four hooves, as well as by land, by sea and by air. Walking paths and hiking trails are
specialties here and meander among hills, valleys, woods, wildlife sanctuaries
and cultural sites. Sprawling ranchlands
offer plenty of room for horseback excursions across spacious pastures, through
forests, and near the shoreline.
Molokai is the only island in which native
Hawaiians constitute the majority of the population. Many continue to practice traditional
livelihoods, such as farming, fishing and hunting. The Hawaiian way permeates all aspects of the
island’s daily rhythm and way of life.
Visitors are welcome to participate in
such Hawaiian activities as the Ka Hula Piko Festival, an annual week long
event that celebrates the birth of the hula.
Complete with traditional Hawaiian rituals, classes and lectures that
culminate in a day of celebration. This
festival is a free of charge renewal gathering by Hawaiians, for Hawaiians but
anyone is invited to join.
Molokai is also rich with historical
treasures, including ancient fishponds that collectively constitute one of the
most amazing archeological sites in Hawaii, archaeological sites and nature
preserves, museum exhibits that tell the story of the island’s plantation
history and contemporary efforts to repair and restore the island’s historical
sites. A guided tour of Kaluapapa
National Historical Park, where Father Damien once ministered to Hansen’s
disease (leprosy) patients, is both fascinating and inspiring.
When it comes to sight-seeing, Molokai is
a natural wonderland. Largely untouched,
the island offers breathtaking views from virtually anywhere. The island also offers coffee plantation
visits, rodeo lessons from island cowboys, quaint shops, historical exhibits,
cultural and archaeological sites, rainforest sanctuaries, gorgeous beaches and
amazing eateries from casual to elegant.
8/29/08
Before
you decide that you would like to visit Molokai, make sure that it is what you
are looking for. If you want a quiet,
peaceful vacation and like hiking, breathtaking vistas and serene settings than
this is the place for you. It is truly
an outdoor paradise for campers and nature lovers alike. It is quite different from the touristy areas
of the other islands.
The Hotel Molokai is located on Kamiloloa
Beach. It is approximately one and a
half miles from Molokai’s largest city.
The hotel rests beside Hawaii’s only barrier reef. This nostalgic Old Hawaiian resort offers
Polynesian accommodations, a beautiful beach with plenty of ocean activities
and nightly Hawaiian entertainment. The
resort offers a swimming pool, sun deck, surfing, snorkeling, sail boarding,
scuba diving, deep sea fishing, bikes, ocean kayaks and other equipment rentals
are available.
The Oceanfront Dining Room serves three
meals daily. The Oceanfront Lounge
serves cocktails and tropical regular of virgin style drinks. They also offer an entertainment schedule.
For a guest’s convenience, there is a
wake-up service, activity desk, guest laundry facilities, ice and vending
machines and complimentary parking.
There are only 45 rooms here and two
floors so be sure to make reservations well in advance.
Having a car is ideal as you may want to
visit the place that Father Damien made famous.
It is a hike down a 4 mile trail with 26 switchbacks. They also offer a mule ride or a vintage all
metal school bus to ride to the property.
You must be at least sixteen years old
and must
register in advance if you want the mule ride,
Plan on devoting one full day on this excursion.
If you would like to take a day trip to
Molokai from neighboring Maui it can easily be arranged with the Lahaina Cruise
Company. The Ali’i tour includes a ferry
transfer, ground tour with Molokai Outdoors, lunch and visits to most of the
attractions on Molokai.
9/5/08
If you want
to feel like the truly rich and famous and are looking for the unspoiled Hawaii
of days long past, then you definitely want the island of Lanai. With only 17 miles of paved roads this is one
of the best kept secrets of Hawaii. Here
you have a rare undeveloped Hawaiian Island with world class hotels and award
winning golf courses. Lanai is rated
among the top ten diving locations in the world. From the peak of Lanaihale, Lanai’s highest
point at 3,370 feet, you not only have a panoramic view of the whole island but
can also see Maui, Oahu, Kahoolawe and the Big Island.
Lanai is only 18 miles long and 13 miles
wide. It is eight miles west of Maui
and none miles south of Molokai. Less
than 3,000 Hawaiians live here and most in Lanai City. James Dole bought Lanai in 1922 and turned it
into the world’s largest pineapple plantation.
This island at one time supplies 90% of the world’s pineapples. Castle and Cooke Inc are now the corporate
successors and less than 100 acres of the island are still used for growing
fruit.
Not to be missed on Lanai are Shipwreck
Beach (a great place to comb for treasures with a backdrop of a reefed World
War II Liberty ship), ancient Kaunolu Village (the ruins of King Kamehameha’s
fishing getaway), Hulopoe Bay (the best snorkeling spot in the Hawaiian
Islands), a round of golf at The Experience at Koele and dining at the highest
rated restaurants in Hawaii.
Lanai has a wide variety of plant, marine
and animal life including Axis deer, Mouflon sheep, pheasant, quail, chukar
partridge and wild turkey. There are
endangered giant Pacific Green Sea Turtles that can grow to 400 pounds,
humpback whales and spinner dolphin.
If you like small boutiques, fantastic
whimsical small shops and breathtaking art galleries, Lanai City is definitely
for you. The shops border a large square
park with wonderful tall trees perfect for picnicking and relaxing. It is more of a laid back city but absolutely
wonderful. We spent an afternoon there
and thought it might not have been enough time.
It will touch on the Hotel Lanai that I would definitely visit again, it
not for the unbelievable meal we had there one night. It was a 5 Golden Star meal, sumptuous and
filling. Not wonder the place was
busy. It is becoming Lanai’s premiere
dining experience even over the Lodge at Koele and The Lanai at Manele
Bay. More on those later…..
9/12/08
Such a wonderful break from all of the pomp
and circumstance of modern day hotels
this was definitely a wonderful step back to
when times were simpler and sometimes much better. This historic landmark built in the early 1920’s
(but with excellent upkeep) you will find all guests are treated to the
personal and family-like ambiance one might expect from a country inn.
Hotel Lanai was built in 1923, by James
Dole as lodging for Dole Plantation executives and was the first and only hotel
on Lanai until 1990. Today the
owner-operated Hotel Lanai houses 11 charming guest rooms and a wonderful
restaurant. If you want the unique
experience of staying at this hotel you MUST book early. Hotel Lanai is truly Hawaii’s Best Little
Inn.
Guest rooms feature a charming plantation
style décor, preserving the hotel’s original design. Each room has flair of its own with unique
Hawaiian quilts, distinct furnishings, and artwork from Lanai’s artists. All rooms have a ceiling fan, hardwood
flooring, and a private bathroom with a shower and pedestal sink. Complimentary continental breakfast is self
served in our lobby from 6:30 am to 9:30 am. Just four rooms have lanais
(porches) and are on a first come, first serve basis.
From the moment your bare feet touch the
honey colored floor, you know you’re in for something good. E Komo Mai, Aloha and Welcome.
9/19/08
From simplicity (Hotel Lanai) to opulence (the
Four Seasons) all in one lovely island, we will now talk about the two Four
Seasons’ Properties on the island of Lanai.
The first of these properties that I wish to
address is nestled high on the island and surrounded by beautiful Cook PINE
trees. It is the Four Seasons Resort
Lanai, The Lodge at Koele. This property
is located on the outskirts of Lanai City and would remind a person of a
grandious hunting lodge. There are 102
rooms on this property. It was once the
center of the Lanai Ranch Company. The
Lodge is reminiscent of a fine country estate in an upcountry Hawaiian setting
with a Japanese hillside garden and Hawaiian fruit gardens. The grounds are breathtaking and you can
easily imagine a wedding of most memorable measure on these grounds. In the midst of perfectly manicured lawns
there sites a beautiful gazebo surrounded on the outskirts by towering Norfolk
pines and nearby by flowering plants of unbelievable colors and scents. It is truly right out of a fairy book tale.
The luxurious rooms and suites, some with
fireplaces, offer comfort uncompromised with hand carved four poster beds,
ceiling fans, oil paintings by local artists and spectacular views.
Balancing
peaceful tranquility with a wealth of exciting activities, this property embraces
both the highlands and the ocean.
There is hiking, horseback riding, tennis
and golf on two world-ranked courses.
Stepping into this Lodge is like stepping
back in time. There is a library with
all the makings of a movie set with its highly polished wood shelving and deep
lush chairs and couches. There is a game
room, putting course and a fine French restaurant. It is well designed and decorated and
reminiscent of a hunting lodge, so much so that you expect to see hunters
returning from the hunt (English style fox hunting that is) complete in garb
and carrying shotguns.
There is pickup to all airlines and ferries
on the island and it comes complete with a mini-tour of the Island of Lanai.
9/26/08
Where did I take the most pictures of anywhere
on my Maui Specialist trip, it was actually right here at the Four
Seasons. Beyond your wildest dream, the
opulence and comfort and location of this hotel is without comparison.
This
is a spacious 215 room with 21 suite resort hotel that sits high above the
gorgeous white sand of Hulope Bay, along the southern coastline of Lanai. Upon entering this unbelievably, absolutely
perfect, picturesque hotel, you are greeted with a huge open lobby with many
plush couches and armchairs for resting or waiting for your friends and family
to meet you. There are three, huge,
two-story open doorways in addition to another story of glass decorative windows
above these doorways overlooking the ocean.
Between the couches and doorways there is a large area with seating for
snacking. The snacks, coffee, tea and
fresh water are available most of the day.
This is a great place to enjoy a light breakfast or a quick snack, with
a phenomenal view. The check-in is
slightly to the right of this relaxing area and is well staffed with friendly
and efficient staff. The service here is
impeccable throughout.
This hotel is a fusion of Asian,
Mediterranean, Polynesian and European architecture and décor and includes five
themed gardens located throughout the property: Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese,
Bromeliad and Kamaaina. I highly suggest
you visit each of these gardens as they are each unique in their own right. They are breathtaking, both in structure and
fragrance.
This hotel is ranked the #2 golf resort in
the United States and #4 in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. The Challenge at Manele was designed by Jack
Nicklaus and is an 18 hole target style of golf course. Three of its holes are built on the
spectacular cliffs overlooking Hulopoe Bay.
The Experience at Koele was created by Greg Norman and Ted Robinson and
is a mountain style golf course. It’s
fairways play through wooded ravines and past lakes, streams and waterfalls and
overlooks the islands of Molokai and Maui.
The rooms are huge with a private lanai,
huge wall closets, a shower and a whirlpool tub and one of the most comfortable
beds I’ve ever had the opportunity to sleep in.
Chocolate covered pieces of pineapple, fresh pieces of pineapple and the
remaining portion of pineapple was delivered to our rooms. There is nothing better in this world than
truly fresh fruit, not the kind that we find in our supermarkets. It was almost addictive it was so
unbelievably good.
The swimming pool overlooks the ocean and is
huge with butlers to deliver drinks, offer wet towels and offer you a facial
spritz with mineral water if you so desire.
It must be heaven, or as near to what you can find here on earth!!!
SPORTING
CLAYS AND
10/03/08
We
were lucky enough to be able to visit the Lanai Pine Sporting Clays. This was Hawaii’s finest sporting clays
course, archery range and air rifle gallery.
This rustic solar powered sporting clay course meanders through a valley
of ironwood and eucalyptus groves. We
traveled from activity to activity via golf carts and a tarred roadway with
many turns and little hills. That alone
was a lot of fun. We were separated into
groups and given instructions prior to departure to the three areas and a group
instructor to help us with positioning and shooting. Clay targets mimic traditional game such as
flushed pheasant and rabbit. They
release the targets into woods and valleys and instruct you when to shoot and
what to look for. It was quite an
experience for those who have never been.
Next door is a 12 target archery range.
The two-station air rifle gallery is the newest addition and is great
for the whole family. It reminded me of
the shooting galleries you see at some of the amusement parks. Professional instructors are available to all
and for all skill levels, including children. This was a fantastic stop for us.
Hulopoe Bay is accessible by a walkway
from Four Season Manele Bay and part of it is actually part of the Four Seasons
Hotel. We know this because of the
unbelievable service including beach butlers for wet towels and spritzing. The beach is smooth and wide with amazing
sparkling white sand. It is a gentle
slope into the ocean and there are also some tide pools for exploring on the
far left hand side of this beach.
This beach has been rated the best beach in
the country and is a good spot for swimming, boogie-boarding, snorkeling and
surfing. It is also part of the Marine
Life Conservation District and is a preferred habitat for the Hawaiian spinner
dolphin. Our group was surprised by a
pod of spinner dolphins that surrounded some of us and played in the area,
swimming among us and jumping into the air around us. It was an amazing and truly memorable
experience. This is also a great place
for whale watching from mid-November to mid-May where approximately 3,000
humpback whales travel from Alaska to Maui Nui.
This is Paradise on Earth!!!
10/10/08
You may or may not be aware that Art and I are Certified Gourmet
Inclusive Vacation Specialist with the Karisma Resorts. What is Gourmet
Inclusive? “Gourmet Inclusive is a complete
vacation experience, whereby guests savor every detail of their
environment. From gourmet cuisine to the
variety of resort services, fine décor and amenities, every aspect of Gourmet
Inclusive is designed to create a unique experience that foster togetherness
for couples and families.” I consider their properties to be top of the line,
not only in guest rooms but the properties themselves, the employees, the
attention given to you as a guest and most of the all the gourmet food! As you know by now Art and I eat out almost
every night so we know good food when we experience it.
I have taken many pictures of the
presentation of the food at most of the El Dorado Hotels. The food is top of the line and has been
featured in many magazine and they have won many prestigious awards. The Conde Nast Traveler rate both the Royale
and the Casitas Royale to be the Best Hotels for Romance and also two of their
top 100 hotels in the world. The El
Dorado Royale is the ONLY AAA 4 Diamond Gourmet Inclusive hotel in the WORLD.
One of the reasons that I am choosing NOW
to address this earned achievement is that there is also a great offer being
given by the Karisma resorts.
It is called $40 for more. In addition to a fantastic vacation, they are
offering additional amenities for only $40.00.
These include an upgrade in as many categories as you would like within
the Casita category with an estimated value of $660, a 50 minute Spa Massage
estimated at $110, a candlelit Beachfront Dinner for Two estimated at $140
and/or a Romantic Strawberry Night including aromatherapy Jacuzzi, champagne
and delicious chocolate covered strawberries at an estimated value of $139.
These are fantastic bargains to take
advantage of.
There are also two NEW properties that I
will be covering shortly within this group by Karisma. They are the Azul Sensatori and The Azul
Five. These are both family friendly and
the Azul Sensatori has an adult only section.
10/17/08
The El Dorado Maroma is a
beachfront resort and is located on one of the Travel Channel’s Top Ten Beaches
in the world. This resort is deemed as
one of the most romantic boutique resorts, the upscale and intimate 72 room
luxury property features all Jacuzzi Jr. Suites with breathtaking ocean views
and nightly turndown service. There is
also the exclusive Infinity Pool Jacuzzi Suite, which features an expansive
terrace with a personal plunge pool for the utmost privacy. They are offered on many levels of the hotel
resort and give a spectacular view of the ocean while you are sharing intimate
moments within your own private Jacuzzi.
The Infinity Pool Jacuzzi Suite also offers a private solarium for
sunbathing, Aquas del Amor a roofless shower for stargazing, elevated ceilings,
a DVD library and aromatherapy plus a pillow menu.
This is one of the Gourmet
Inclusive Resorts that we offer, so you can be assured that the food is beyond
compare. It can compete easily and
probably exceed any 5 star restaurant that you have ever eaten at. With a restaurant per every 24 suites, you
can rest assured that you will have a seat at a table without the hassle of
making reservations. The gourmet
restaurant Sabores offers daily changing menus and panoramic views of the
Caribbean. While Kiyoko restaurant
provides table side interaction with chefs who are as flexible as they are
creative. There is also a fantastic
Italian restaurant called Mia Cuccina Italiana.
The gourmet food is
matched by three gourmet bars which serve premium cocktails as well as
refreshing classics alongside the wine from selected private vineyards. You can also enjoy a cocktail from the
swimming pool with the convenience of two unique swim-up bars.
If you are looking for a
quiet, private boutique hotel this one is one of the ultimate best.
10/24/08
The city of
Tampa operates over 165 parks and beaches covering 2,286 acres within city
limits and 42 more in surrounding suburbs covering 70,000 acres. Tampa is also home to a number of attractions
and theme parks, including Busch Gardens, Africa, Adventure Island Lowry Park
Zoo, Florida Aquarium and The Museum of Science and Industry.
Tampa was ranked as the 8th
cleanest city in America by Yahoo and the 5th best outdoor city by
Forbes. The NYU newspaper ranked it as a
top city for the 20 somethings. The
average temperature ranges from 72 in December to 90 in the summer months.
Current popular nightlife districts
include Channelside, Ybor City, Soho, International Plaza and Bay Street and
Seminole Hard Rock. Tampa is ranked 6th
in the ENTIRE nation for its party scene.
A typical day might include breakfast at a
waterside café, a visit to Busch Gardens Africa, The Florida Aquarium, a streetcar ride to Channelside Bay Plaza for shopping, a
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays or Lightning game, topped off with a stay
in one of their luxurious hotels or resorts.
Then on to historic Ybor City where the Cuban sandwiches are hot and
crisp, the cigars are hand-rolled and the colorful streets are lined with fun.
What next? White, sugar sand beaches,
sport fishing, jet skiing, parasailing and join the party in January as rowdy
swashbucklers invade Tampa for the Annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival.
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is held
yearly since 1904. Gasparilla is often
referred to as the Mardi Gras of Tampa.
The festival is help on the last Saturday of January. The invasion-themed event has an attendance
of over 400,000 people. The theme is an
invasion of Gasparilla and his men as they arrive on a 165’ long pirate ship
and land near downtown Tampa. They mayor
of Tampa lends the key of the city to the pirate captain and a parade ensues
down Tampa’s major streets. The krewes
throw beads, coins and other items while shooting blank pistols from floats
during the parade.
A week before the invasion there is a
family oriented parade and a Piratechnic Extravaganza with fireworks launched
over Tampa Bay and acrobatic maneuvers performed on the pirate ship.
A few weeks after the invasion there is a
more adult oriented Santl’Yago Knight Parade in Ybor City held in the evening
and running to early morning. Another
good reason for going to Tampa in the winter time also.
10/31/08
This St.
Pete beachfront resort is nestled on 5 lush acres overlooking the magnificent
gulf. It is located right on a sugary
sandy white beach. This resort is a
perfect combination of comfort, value and recreation. It is ideal for those traveling with a
family.
The Bermuda Suite is located in the
Courtyard area of the hotel. It is an
efficiency suite and is approximately 410 square feet of interior living space that
consists of an open floor plan bedroom area with one king size bed, a
living/dining room with a pull out sleeper sofa and a kitchenette. It has about 55 square feet of patio area.
There are 140 beach accommodations all
decorate with Florida flair. Top this
off with a fun family barbecue on the elevated cookout deck featuring gas
grills or if you prefer each room comes with microwave and refrigerator for
making inexpensive meals during your stay.
There are two heated pools on site, as
well as two tennis courts, a shuffleboard court, a volleyball area, a
basketball court and a playground. And
you are located right on the Gulf of Mexico.
For the adults there are also two outdoor Jacuzzis. Children from babies to 17 years old are also
free in a room with a parent and existing bedding.
This is a great price for families traveling
on a budget and heaven knows we can all use a break these days. Art has it on sale now for 3 nights for most
of November. I am sure we will see great
values on this property throughout the year.
HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE
11/7/08
This
waterfront hotel is located directly on Tampa Bay at the southern tip of St.
Petersburg, Florida and is located 5 minutes from Fort Desoto Beach. It is also in close proximity of downtown St.
Pete’s and The Pier, Salvador Dali Museum, Mahaffery, Jannus Landing and
Tropicana Field (home of the Tampa Bay Rays).
This hotel is also a preferred hotel for Busch Gardens.
This hotel offers full service and all the
amenities. They have 2 swimming pools
and a wading pool. Hot tub, volleyball court, bicycle rentals, tennis courts,
shuffleboard courts, fitness center, marina offering the International Sailing
School which is available for lessons and charters and their very own private
beach.
You can relax at the Nepa Hut Beach Bar
overlooking Tampa Bay the world famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge, unwind in Nemo’s
Lounge, dine in Periscopes waterfront restaurant with views of the marina or
have a relaxing lunch poolside at the Banyan Tree Deli.
Amid a wide selection of nightlife,
shopping, restaurants and museums, this charming getaway provides comfortable
accommodations, delicious cuisine and spectacular views in the restaurant
overlooking the bay.
Come for The Gasparilla Pirate Festival held
in January and have a ball!!
SHERATON
TAMPA RIVERWALK HOTEL
11/14/08
You
can expect the very best when staying at this hotel located right in the business
district and overlooking the Hillsborough River. What a wonderful experience strolling along
the riverfront or just lounging by the pool.
The pool has a 500 foot deck riverfront.
There are furnished private balconies in all rooms overlooking the
river. Each room comes with a Sweet
Sleeper Sheraton Bed and feather down and hypoallergenic pillows. There is Wireless High-Speed Internet in all
public spaces and on the concierge level.
You can exercise in their complimentary fitness center.
There are 16 suites and Jr. Suites with
private living areas and separate bedrooms and balconies, so not only can you
travel with family you can also enjoy your stay with your mate.
You are in the midst of attractions,
dining and shopping of Tampa’s downtown district. From the riverfront splash pool and bar to
the award-winning restaurants and complimentary fitness center, this hotel
provides all the elements for an unforgettably relaxing stay.
And don’t forget all you pirates!!!! The Gaspirilla Invasion and Parade with its
tall pirate ship and massive parade to equal those of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
complete with beads and coin given from the floats in the parade is February 7th. This is an event not to be missed and one you
will long remember. Avast ye
mates---hurry and book!
11/21/08
Having been to New Orleans, many years ago,
for a Photo Convention, I was certain I had seen and experienced New Orleans in
its entirety and never needed to return.
Thank goodness for great friends that taught me quite differently!!
As you know from Art’s emails, we have
recently returned from Halloween in
We learned on a Garden district tour that
we took, that
I was so impressed with the food that we
tasted that I have many pictures that I brought back home with me. I am so used to city life and the same
old—same old choices---this was a real treat!!
Jambalaya, gumbo, beignets, pralines and hurricanes! We walked from
What a bad rap this area has gotten
between the arrests at Mardi Gras to the unbelievable destruction of Hurricane
Katrina. This is a beautiful city with
so much to offer. Art districts,
shopping districts, The French Quarter, riverboat tours, plantation tours,
trolley car rides, outdoor cafes---I could go on and on---but why not
experience it on your own---or give me a call---I have plenty of ideas and
experiences. And I have only tasted the
tip of the iceberg so to speak.
We were present for the first ever
Halloween Parade that will now be an annual event. The weather was perfect and I highly suggest
this time of year. But anytime is good!
11/28/08
In 1817, opened what would become the famed
Orleans Ballroom, where for the next 20 years, the city’s love affair with
dancing played out. Shortly after, he
established the French Opera in America with the Orleans Theater on an adjacent
plot of land.
The
war destroyed much of the night life in
Staying here you can discover a place
where old world charm meets new world luxury.
Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, this hotel features a rich
history and opulent French styling reminiscent of the early 1800’s.
Its central
With 28 spacious suites, you can indulge
yourself with one of the bi-level townhouse suites or the Presidential
Suite. You can enjoy the sights and
sounds of New Orleans’ own Bourbon Street from one of the Balcony Suites. We had a suite that was right next to the
pool. It was fantastic. No noise bleed
through and no chlorine smell. The pool
is actually in a gorgeous courtyard with lounge chairs and tables and
chairs. This was a fantastic place to
stay and the employees were very friendly and helpful.
There is a restaurant on site that offers
a range of dishes, from regional Southern cooking to New Orleans Cajun/Creole
cuisine. It is called Paillard’s and we
were surprised to find very reasonable prices for a hotel restaurant. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
and we can attest that the breakfast was scrumptious. We even got a little brave and tried an omelet
with crayfish tails that was mouthwatering and a definite do again. I highly recommend this hotel!
12/05/08
Depending
when you are available to travel, the winter holidays are breathtaking in New
Orleans. Experience the magic of the season in a
city steeped in traditions of the past but with the food, music, and good times
of today. More than 100 festivities are
planned during the month-long event, showcasing the cultural diversity that
adds spice to the gumbo of New Orleans’ heritage.
The Omni is located in the French Quarter,
the historic heart of this fabled city, this charming hotel continues to serve
the casual voyager in style, grace and comfort.
Every room boasts charming views of courtyards, Jackson Square, the
Mississippi River or the rooftops of the Vieux Carre. This hotel has received the four-diamond
luxury award for the past 27 years and has earned the Pinnacle Award for
meeting services.
The Rib Room was originally offered as a
place for the British to enjoy food that they were more familiar with than
French or seafood cuisine. It opened
onto the street with broad arched windows that offered an intimate feeling and
you could watch French Quarter street life through the now famous Saint Louis
arches. It was so famous in New Orleans
that identical restaurants started to appear in many other hotels in
America. The Rib Room is currently the
sinner of the prestigious Zagat Award.
The Rib Room serves prime rib, beef specialties, fowl and seafood
prepared on French rotisseries and mesquite grills.
There is a special menu for Sunday
Champagne Jazz Brunches, featuring “Sugar Bear and the Jazz Cats”. There is also a low cholesterol and a
vegetarian dining option.
Of the 346 rooms all are tastefully
decorated in 19th century New Orleans décor and are fit with your
absolute comfort in mind. All rooms
showcase marble bathrooms and executive writing desks, while some offer private
balconies overlooking the famed streets of Royal and St. Louis in the heart of
the French Quarter.
12/12/08
Art
and I are currently setting up a new website for Weddings and Honeymooners. We have recently returned from a phenomenal
trip that gave us a wealth of information on free weddings and fantastic
honeymoons. In the coming weeks I will
be highlighting these places and for a little sneak peek---I can tell you that
they just happen to be the properties that our most favorite.
We have also learned of some unbelievable
places for families to stay where the kids clubs are almost better than the
adult rooms. I wanted to check in
myself. I guess they don’t consider a
kid in adult’s clothing.
So in any event stay tuned----much more to
come.
12/19/08
Looking
for a fantastic place to honeymoon?
That’s the Riviera Maya. The
landscape, the sounds, the flavors, the colors all gently opens your senses to
splendor. This is a place where nature
seems to have been thinking of romance at every turn. There are intimate and hidden spots perfect
for stealing a kiss or a sweet embrace.
It is no wonder that in such a unique environment these resorts cater to
honeymooners and couples.
El Dorado Royale Resorts which I have
talked about over and over is a flagship property of Karisma resorts with its
casita suites, swim up suites and in-room double Jacuzzis love abounds. The property is gorgeous with many, many
picture taking venues. The restaurants
are held to the highest quality and the food is sumptuous and endless. I have
fallen in love a thousand times here with the property and with my
husband. It is like honeymooning all
over again and rediscovering the one you love.
For those just married it seals the contract with love and splendor.
As stated in previous articles, you can be
as active or as inactive as you wish.
You have the swim up bars, the ocean-front and pool-front king size
loungers, there are hammocks on your balcony, or you can choose to have a
couples dinner or a couples massage under the palm trees and on the beach. You can explore the thrilling Yucatan
peninsula, jump into a fresh water cenote, and see the ruins in Chichen Itza or
Tulum. There is snorkeling, scuba
diving, Horseback riding, ATV riding, or just hanging out at the pool or
bar. You can dance the night away in Cancun,
Play Del Carmen or right on property at the Guacamaya Bar that also has double
swings to sit on or loungers to relax on.
It is all here and all for you to enjoy.
So begin a life of pure romance or renew
the one that you have with unforgettable memories. This IS definitely the place to be.
In the following weeks I will also
highlight the astounding family of hotels in the Karisma group. Each one fantastic in its own right. We can always email you any pictures of any
of these hotels and properties. Just
send us an email and we would be happy to oblige.
If you have any friends or family members
getting married please be kind enough to let them know that this place
exists. They won’t be disappointed and
may even invite you back as a thank you on their return visit.
Here It's All About
The Bride!
12/26/08
Get up to $2,500 USD
Resort credit by booking
your destination wedding at
El Dorado Resorts & Azul Hotels!
(Special
limited time offer)
Whether your dream is to tie the knot in the sand, at a beachfront chapel,
or have a wedding in the sky we will help coordinate every detail of your
special celebration. Each of our Gourmet Inclusive® resorts on the
Riviera Maya offer breathtaking views of the
As I talked about last week,
the Karisma resorts are phenomenal for weddings and honeymoons. They cannot be topped in the romance
department. We will cover El Dorado
Royale, El Dorado Seaside Suites and the Azul Sensatori in the coming weeks.
Happy
holidays and Best Wishes to All!
1/2/09
If you have ever dreamed of a big church
wedding with a hundred guests and a reception at a country club but with this
tight economy weren’t sure if it was affordable, we may have a solution.
Destination weddings, in exotic locales,
can be the answer if you go against tradition and shop for good deals.
The big savings comes from trimming the
guest list. The average number of guests
attending a destination wedding is 47 compared to 165 for a traditional
wedding. Most couples only pay for
themselves for a destination wedding.
Most couples spend less then $10,000 for a destination wedding with a
reception at home. Average wedding costs
for an average wedding in the U.S. is $27,852 according to Brides Magazine.
The top destination wedding spot is Mexico
and rightfully so as we have shown you and will continue to highlight fantastic
hotels that offer not only the wedding but a free ceremony and
consultation. Next are Jamaica, the
Dominican Republic, Hawaii and the Bahamas in the destination wedding category
with Las Vegas still holding its own.
Cameron Bradley said in an interview with
Angie Wagner of the Associated Press, “Instead of a rehearsal dinner, she and
her sister got massages instead of a rehearsal dinner. There was no way I could have afforded the
kind of wedding that I dreamed of having.
This was so much more.”
I could not agree more! If a wedding at home is still your dream than
don’t forget that honeymooning here is just as rewarding and romantic. Next week---Azul Sensatori…
KARISMA
RESORTS
1/9/09
To be honest, I do not know how to even
begin to tell you about the amazing amenities at this property. It is absolutely breathtaking. It is located on the “Bahia Petempich” in
Riviera Maya, Mexico, located just 20 minutes south of Cancun. This beach is
one of the finest in the area where you can walk for miles along the water’s
edge. There are double canopy beds on
the beach served by dedicated waiters so you can really relax oceanside with
your favorite cocktail and listen to the sound of the sea. One of the many unique selling points of
this property is there are three different sections all WITHIN the property. There is an adults only section with an
adults only pool and restaurant, a family sections with an unbelievable Fisher
Price kids club and a separate teens club, also with an unbelievable water
playground with many fun structures spouting water fountains and sprays and a
miniature basketball water court AND a Premium section with added amenities and
services.
The 438 spacious and luxurious suites are
tastefully designed in contemporary Caribbean style with dark wood accents,
canopy beds and located in four story buildings each with an elevator. Views are of pool, garden, ocean or ocean
front. All accommodations have air
conditioning, 32”plasma TV’s, DVD player, I-Pod docking station, king size bed,
two queen or one queen and one sofa bed, in quite hydro jet Jacuzzi, safety
deposit box, amenity kit, daily stocked minibar, oversized balcony or terrace,
deluxe bathrobes for use during your stay, private rain forest showerhead
marble bathrooms and even more.
The Premium Jacuzzi Suite not only has
upgraded amenities but there is a pre-arrival concierge service that takes care
of placing champagne, flowers and a fruit basket in the room on your
arrival. There is a pillow menu, a
private area concierge and an Aromatherapy Menu. This area can accommodate up to 3 adults and
1 child or 2 adults and 2 children.
A Premium
Jacuzzi Swim Up Suite has the above amenities plus a private outdoor heated
Jacuzzi connected to a lazy river in front of the terrace.
There is so much to cover that it will probably
take me a couple of weeks to give you all the info for this property so just to
wet your appetite a little, here are some of our own personal pictures of this
property. Enjoy.
PART TWO
1/16/09
Signature
Memories is a venue for providing guests, families and romantic couples with a
special treat while on vacation at the Azul Sensatori Hotel. You will not see these offered at ANY other
hotel in the world. These are amazing
and make for a special moment that will always be remembered long after the
vacation is over.
Private Barbecue
for Families and Friends- Knowing
how great it is to get together and have your own private barbecue with the
wedding group, your family or all your friends Azul Sensatori has made it
possible to do so either right on the beach or in the garden near the Family
Section. If you want to do the grilling
yourself, they will light your grill and provide the meat, wood chips, rubs,
dipping sauces, vegetables and all the fixings for the savory meal. If you would rather sit back and relax and
have everything taken care of for you, they would be more than happy to do that
also. I have been to one of these and it
was phenomenal!!!!
Beach S’Mores Party
for Families and Groups- What
is the number one all time favorite for camping and campfires? S’mores of course! Toasted marshmallows sandwiched between
chocolate bars and graham crackers are an absolute winner! Sensatori will light a beach bonfire for your
family or group of friends and provide the toasting sticks and ingredients for
campfire fun. Nothing like roasting
marshmallows on the beach to the sound of the ocean, with a bright moon
overhead. Priceless!
Jacuzzi Delight-Imagine rose petals scattered on the
bed and at the Jacuzzi, incense burning and heart-shaped candles flickering to
set the mood. Pop open the Moet et
Chandon Champagne to sip with food like sushi and chocolate dipped
strawberries. Then draw a bath for two
in the Jacuzzi with their special bath salts and indulge even more of your
senses in ultimate luxury.
Chocolate Fondue or
Candlelight dinner on the Beach-Whether
you are looking for a multi-course meal by candlelight served by beach waiters while
being serenaded with music right at an elegant table on the sand with the ocean
as your background or just looking for dessert this IS the ticket. For the Fondue there is glowing luminaries
set at your table with a tropical flower arrangement and a red scented candle
for romantic effect. You will have a
chilled bottle of Californian White Zinfandel wine and a selection of fruit and
sweets to dip into a warm chocolate fondue.
Yum!!!!
Romantic Breakfast
on your Balcony-what
better way to wake up than a romantic breakfast set at a lovely table and
served by attentive waiters. Champagne
mimosas and gourmet specialties such as aphrodisiac fruits, smoked salmon
omelets, pastries and romantic coffee with a touch of Amaretto set the mood for
the day.
Strawberry
Surprise-
a touch of exotic is
set in your room with a white flower arrangement, a scattering of rose petals
and incense. Tuxedo strawberries dressed
in white and dark chocolate are served on a white chocolate heart with a bottle
of white wine. It is a great way to
start or end an evening and an even better afternoon delight!
I cannot
tell you how pleased I am with this property and we are still just getting
started! More next week---stay tuned!
KIDS SECTION
01-23-09
Not only does the Azul Sensatori have an
amazing adult section, there family section is phenomenal for both kids and
teens. We will talk about the teen
section next week.
Travel is tough on children so they
welcome these weary travelers with a fruit smoothie in a fun kid’s cup and give
them their very own vacation book. It
contains puzzles, stickers, slots for snapshots and areas to personalize it as
a trip memento they can show their friends.
You and your child or children can select
a variety of the latest Fisher=Price toys from an in-room menu and let the
Family Concierge deliver them to your suite or to your family at the
beach. You won’t have to bring toys on
your vacation because when your child tires of one toy, you can simply order
something else!
Even MORE good news-Don’t bother to pack
bulky baby gear on vacation. Order a
monitor, stroller, bottle warmer, baby bathtub, gourmet Gerber baby food and so
much more from their family concierge for in-room delivery.
The Kid’s Club is designed for children
ages 6 months to 12 years old. It is
open daily and is absolutely free to guests.
Since Azul is all about strengthening family bonds, parents and
grandparents can stay and play with their children if they choose. The Azulitos Kid’s Club Room is a signature
play space that is huge and all outfitted with Fisher Price’s latest toys
designed to enhance early childhood development. There a themed playground sessions, music
activities, games and classes in photography, arts and crafts. There is also a playgroup for mothers and
their babies for up to two years.
My Gym Center is designed for ages 6 to
12. It features a fitness superstructure
with built-in climbing, swinging and bouncing equipment, plus padded mats on
the floor. There are ropes, a magic
carpet swing, trapeze, trampoline and a springboard. Positive reinforcement programs include
gymnastics, sports, games, music and dance.
The games include mini-air hockey, mini-pingpong and foosball.
They also have a special room for resting if
the kids need a nap where the lights are dimmed and the huge mattress is very
comfortable. We almost wanted to lie
down and rest ourselves.
Evening entertainment for the kids include
a theater with singing and talent shows for kids from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. There is also a DVD library with free popcorn
service
The Splash Park is state of the art complete
with fountains, splash buckets, sprayers and even a miniature basketball court
in the water. And the outdoor playground
is right next door to the pool. Don’t forget the ocean trampoline and boogie
boards and tennis courts and lessons.
Want to enjoy a quiet, romantic dinner
alone? I really doubt you would have any
objections from the kids to be dropped off here. In my mind the hardest part would be getting
them to come back with you when you are done!!!
01-31-09
Breeze Teen Club is the hot hang
out by day and night for teenagers ages 13 to 17. There are interactive games like PlayStation
3, classes in cutting music CD’s, tennis clinics and beach volleyball
tournaments. Teens can take the DJ
Mixing Clinic, cut their own CD and take it home with a custom label. They can play air-hockey, shoot a game of
pool or check out the interactive games like PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and
Wii. Classes include chess, cooking and
environmental issues. There’s a lounge
with deep couches and a dance floor that transforms into a nightclub at
night. The rock climbing tower is an
ultimate challenge. At night, there is
their very own nightclub, White Carpet Event and beach party just for teens.
Breeze Teen Club and the Kid’s Club close
during lunchtime. The Azul Sensatori is
very much about family bonding and feels that it is good for families to
reconnect.
Don’t forget the Azul Sensatori has Family
Suites that sleep up to 2 adults and three children and they also have
guaranteed connecting suites.
For a family together time, enjoy a
s’mores party at the beach or a private beach barbecue. Challenge each other
to top the rock climbing tower or the
ancient Mayan pyramid at Coba. Enjoy
time snorkeling on a reef or swimming in a cool cenote.
MEN
/WOMEN/CHILDREN/COUPLES
Believe it or not we are still touting aspects of the Azul
Sensatori. Did I not tell you it was
truly amazing?!? The Azul Sensatori Spa is
10,000 square feet and encompasses just about anything you could dream of
relating to spas and relaxation.
You enter a Zen-inspired space that calms your soul. Take in the soothing scents, the sound of
trickling water fountains, the beautiful handcrafted tile mosaics and the
shafts of heavenly light that filter down through the domed skylight in the
middle of the spa atrium. I know that
when we passed through the doors of the spa we were overcome by a sense of
peace and tranquility. There were no overpowering
smells and garish lights that I have found to be in many other spas. They definitely did their homework when it
came to sensory stimulation of the gentlest kind. I had not even had a treatment and I wanted
to stay.
At the Vassa Spa you can get your body coated in chocolate or wrapped in
a tropical mask of kiwi and mango, soak in a bath of crystals and flower
petals, get your skin scrubbed with diamond dust or crystallized honey and even
have a massage in a gazebo on the beach or in the garden. The 11 treatment rooms are designed to
incorporate the natural elements of sun and sea. There are spa suites for romantic couples,
kids, brides and wedding parties. There
are also spa treatments designed for men and expectant mothers and you can even
have your massage right in your own room if you prefer.
The Vassa Spa also invites you to experience their COMPLIMENTARY Water
Ritual. It is a sensory experience
designed to enhance your spa visit and is given whenever you book a treatment
60 minutes or longer.
Plan an hour to sample the hydrotherapy offerings alternating hot and
cool, water jets and swirling currents.
The Spa Butlers will guide you through each area so that you get the
maximum benefits from the ritual. You
start with a revitalizing shower, detox in the color therapy steam sauna,
follow with a cool experience vitamin and mineral water shower, float in the
garden-view whirlpool, alternate with the cool plunge pool, walk through the
shallow, pebble-lined creek for natural reflexology and end with a sensations
shower and fresh fruit. And this is just
the beginning. Then you will start your
chosen treatment!
In the following weeks we will cover Signature Spa Experiences, Kid’s
Spa and Suite Fun Days, Sensory Awakenings, men’s and expectant women’s
offerings, couples, bridal and bridal party packages. Mmmmmmm, I feel so relaxed just talking about
it. I can’t wait to go back myself.
SIGNATURE
SPA EXPERIENCE
2/13/09
Signature
treatments at Vassa Spa include the luxurious pampering that you will smile
about for a long time after.
One of the offerings is an Ultimate
Massage. This is a Beachfront Gazebo
Massage! Your massage is in a white
gazebo right on the sand to the sound of lapping waves. Or you can have the massage in a secluded
garden gazebo surrounded by the sight and the smell of colorful tropical
flowers and the sound of chirping birds.
It can be done at dawn, sunset or even by moonlight for a special
experience. And for all you true
romantics and honeymooners or wedding couples you can have it done as a
couple. Exceptional!!!
Some of the signature massages include an
aroma drizzle to elevate the senses and can include a massage inspired by ancient
traditions and rituals of the Orient, the Mediterranean, the American Indian or
the Arabian culture.
Signature Body Pleasures include a honey
crystal scrub, a warm citrus soufflé body wrap and an orange essential oil
massage. The Olive Slimming and Toning
starts with a crystallized honey scrub, followed by an olive purification clay
application with heating and cooling wraps.
There is a neuro-aroma bath soak and massage with melted mango body
butter. MMMMMMM.
The Diamond Magnetic Massage starts with
lavender aromatherapy for relaxation before brilliant-cut diamonds are placed
on the seven chakras for energy balancing.
Real diamond dust with micronized iron is applies as a body exfoliant, The iron particles are lifted by
electromagnetic current, leaving the sparkling diamond dust on the skin. A diamond massage finishes the
experience. Who needs the Victoria
Secret Encrusted Bra when your whole body can glisten and gleam?!?
The Signature Facial called the New Era
Inhibit Facial is an anti-aging treatment minimizing and erasing expression
lines by filling wrinkles, you could actually call it a natural Botox.
These are just a few of their
offering, but truly amazing isn’t it????
AZUL
SENSATORI
KID’S SPA
SUITE AND FUN DAYS
2/20/09
Vassa Spa has designed a suite
specifically for kids, tweens and teens, ages 5 t0 16 that is separate from the
main spa. Treatments here last 30 to 60
minutes and are designed for fun and relaxation. There is also a combination package for a
full spa day. Juice, fruit and cookies
are served.
The Kid’s Spa Suite is designed for the
parent’s comfort as well, Parents are
welcome to be present during their child’s spa treatment, either in the
treatment room or looking through the window into the treatment room. To schedule a mother-daughter massage or
other dual spa treatment, you can schedule the Couple’s Spa Suite.
A small sampling of the kid’s massages
available includes Sweet Berries Body Wrap, Chocolate Body Wrap, Sweet Honey
Scrub, My First Facial, Sparkle Make-Over, Warm Pebble Pedicure and a Balancing
Massage.
Spa Fun Days are fantastic. The Kid’s Fun Day includes aromatherapy
massages, mini facials and /or hand and foot treatments.
Magic Day is with Flavor Scrubs, flavor
wraps, balancing massage, my First Facial and hand and foot treatments.
The Teen Girl’s Spa Day is flow
aromatherapy, My first Facial, hand and foot massages, nail polish application
and Sparkle Make-Over.
The Teen Boy’s Spa Day is a balancing
massage, cleansing facial and a foot soak, scrub and massage treatment.
In a Note to the Parents----Parents must
sign a release form prior to spa treatments for their children. They must inform staff of any medical issues such
as allergies or prescription medication.
In case of younger children a parent/guardian must show identification
when picking up the child from the spa treatment.
BRIDAL SUITE
IN THE VASSA SPA
2/27/09
You can ensure total bliss for your ENTIRE
wedding party with this spa package ensured to make them relaxed and prepared
for the big event. You can reserve the
private Bridal Suite in Vasa Spa where you can be pampered and polished to look
your very best when all eyes are on you.
The Bridal Suite has a Jacuzzi, massage chair
for manicures and pedicures, massage table and hair and make-up stations. There is a mannequin to stage your gown after
it is pressed, a pedestal for dressing and long mirrors to check out your
appearance before your grand entrance.
Plus, there is additional seating so you can invite your bridal party
and your mom to join you while you dress and they are even served champagne or
cocktails so that they can toast you once you are ready to walk the aisle.
The
packages for the bride can include the Bride Essential, a head-to-toe package
that includes a body scrub with organic honey to soften the skin, a flower
petal bath, lemongrass body wrap, a hydrating facial, a manicure and a
pedicure. The Bridal Ritual which is a full body honey exfoliation,
aromatherapy massage and a facial or the Beautiful Bride which is a refreshing
eye and facial treatment with a manicure and a make-up application.
The package for the groom is called the Max
Tune-up for the Groom and includes a therapeutic massage with a gentleman’s
facial and a male hand and nail treatment guaranteed to make the groom relax
and also to remind him that he is also special.
The package for the mother of the bride to
relieve her stress and ease emotions includes a therapeutic massage, a facial
and a paraffin treatment for hands and feet.
Additional services for the bride and wedding
party can include make-up application with advance trial application for
approval, hair style with advance trial, manicures, pedicures and waxing.
The entire
party will feel relaxed and stellar as the ceremony begins---it looks like the
Azul has thought of everything!!!
3/6/09
Initially,
I had planned on telling you about the fantastic offerings for breakfast, lunch
and dinner at the Azul Sensatori. Since
we will be going there for 4 days in about 2 weeks, I will wait until we return
and give you a first hand account. In
the meantime I will highlight the features that are included in your Gourmet
Inclusive Package and also list the optional services available for a slight
fee.
Included is a champagne welcome drink with a
personalized check-in and then an accompanied stroll to your selected
accommodations. As per usual all of your
international premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and juices are
included along with all of your meals and specialty snacks.
There are three swimming pools including
one for children and The Kids Club and Teens Club with disco bar (non-alcoholic
drinks only) is also included.
Speaking of water and pools, all of your
non-motorized water sports, kayaks, snorkeling gear
and boogie boards are available at no extra charge. You can also take advantage of the free Scuba
diving clinics in the pool. That alone
would cost you a fortune if you have ever looked into it. There are beach parties and a water
trampoline in the ocean to take advantage of.
They have Spanish classes, stretching
classes, aqua aerobics, dance and even cooking classes
all at no charge.
Two tennis courts with rackets and balls are
provided free along with beach volleyball, soccer, shuffleboard and ping-pong.
If
that is not enough your mini bar is restocked daily with soft drinks, water and
beer. Don’t forget to take some water
with you if you are doing excursions as it really does come in handy.
As far as optional services that there is a
fee attached to-Scuba diving trips, certification, rental equipment and deep
sea fishing. You can do romantic or
family dinners on the beach.
You can shuttle to Cancun or Playa del
Carmen for shopping, sightseeing or night clubbing.
There is an
international wine selection from there very own cellar.
When it comes to kids you will find that the
mini-air hockey, mini ping-pong and mini-soccer has a price attached but mostly
do discourage teens and kids from gluing themselves to these things and not
enjoying so many other things that are at their disposal. Along with this same venue is gaming,
billiards and air hockey in the teen’s lounge.
It looks as if there is just not enough
time in the day to enjoy everything, but if you find you have not experienced
everything it will give you an excellent excuse for coming back.
March 13, 2009
At first glance you may think it is a little
on the pricey side, but I am here to tell you every single cent is well worth
it. This deluxe,
adults-only resort specializes in laid-back luxury and personalized service.
Built on more than a mile of secluded beach, it boasts spacious suites, a
superb offering of gourmet restaurants, stylish lounges complete with
iced-topped bars designed to keep drinks frosty cold and a full-service spa
that provides complete pampering after fun-filled days in the sun.
Upon arrival you are brought into the main lobby and offered champagne while
you comfortable wait sitting on comfortable chairs or couches that are
positioned around an indoor fountain/pool with one of the most gorgeous
chandeliers I have ever seen in my life hanging from the ceiling. The room is filled with huge windows that
overlook the property. It is a wonderful
way to start a vacation. No long waits
standing in line in the heat and humidity.
The staff is warm and very friendly and you are made to feel at home as
soon as you step onto the property.
We were taken to our room on a golf
cart. There are many on the property and
will take you where ever you want to go on property. At the restaurants they actually come by
regularly to deliver and pick up anyone that is interested in a ride. Most of the time we chose to walk around the
gorgeous property and just drink in the beauty, both day and night.
We were lucky enough to be in a swim-out
Jacuzzi room. This room first of all was
unbelievable. It was a huge with a soft
king canopied bed. The sheer drapery was
hung at four corners of the bed, to be opened or closed at your
preference. All of the furniture was a
beautiful deep cherry. The flat screen
television was placed in a huge armoire just opposite the bed. This also held the minibar and many drawers
for clothing. There is a sitting area
with a mirror. There is a dining table
with two chairs. There is a gorgeous
Jacuzzi in a deep tub also surrounded by sheer gauze banded drapery. You can actually look right outside your room
while relaxing in this jetted tub. They
have fantastic amenities for the Jacuzzi so there is not need to worry about
anything in the least. They even provide
champagne in a bucket and glasses for you to enjoy as you soak away all that
tension from back home.
The bathroom is a double sink that they
actually decorate with flower petals, a stand up pressure shower with a
flexible hose for getting to those hard to reach areas. And a closed door toilet area.
There is a huge walk in closet. There are hanging fresh bathrobes to be used
in house for each of you in the closet.
And an iron and ironing board if you so desire.
Right outside our sliding door is a walk out
pool. The porch has a hammock and two
adjustable cushioned chairs with a table for food or cocktail. Then there are lounge chairs sitting in the
water the is about ankle deep and clear crystalline blue. About 6 feet forward the water drops to about
4 feet and is connected by waterway to one of the many big pools on property.
Next week we will go to some of the wonderful
things available on property.
KARISMA RESORTS
This property has so many wonderful
attributes it is hard to know where to start.
Mornings have a buffet in two different areas of the El Dorado. The quantity and quality of what is available
is amazing. Everything is artistically
displayed, even the hard boiled eggs were set out on tablespoons in a
semicircle around a fresh chili pepper display all on crushed ice. They have 2 cooking stations for omelets
and/or eggs made to order, pancakes and waffles. The other station was for tortillas if you
wanted them freshly warmed for any type of filling.
Lunch at Jo Jo Caribbean Seaside Grill was
unbeatable. First you have a front row
seat on the beach. You can eat indoors
or out all accompanied with the sound of the surf and the fresh island breezes. The food is all gourmet and so artistically
served that we took many pictures of the food when it was served. Even the Salmon salad came as fresh greens
wrapped in Salmon and surrounded by squiggles of dressing. The caramelized pineapple desert was so
luscious that I even attempted to serve it at a dinner party that we had at
home. It was amazing.
Dinner was available at a variety of
restaurants. The Fondue Restaurant is situated on the second story of a huge
tree. It is romantically, softly lit and
you can choose between steak or seafood for your main entrée. The appetizer we chose was Gruyere cheese
fondue. We had steak and chicken and
pork in hot oil for dinner and dessert was chocolate fondue with fresh fruit
and marshmallows. It was a gourmet
delight.
Dinner at El Cocotal was phenomenal. The food was exceptional and you could see
flashes from cameras as the dinner arrived at almost every table. Dinner is accompanied by a strolling
violinist. The setting, food and
ambiance is incredibly romantic and inspires lasting memories.
The food here is so amazing that they even have
classes if you so desire. It truly is a
gourmet delight.
Besides the restaurants they have 10
lounges. They have a few bars with 2 person swings, a healthy bar with fresh
fruit, a swim-up bar and even a martini bar.
The choices seem endless.
Entertainment at night is beachside with
tropical music, Mexican folkloric ballet or a Caribbean show 3 nights each
week. They also have fun game shows and
a disco for late night dancing.
There is a quaint chapel on property for
weddings, very romantic and memorable.
There were many weddings going on when we were there. The word must have got around that there
really is nothing quite comparable to this property in Cancun. The have romance down to an art. Even to the point of 24 hr room service if you
cannot bear to break yourself away from you loved one even for a moment.
Obviously I HIGHLY recommend this all adult
property. I, myself would love to return
as soon as possible.
“LE CHIQUE”
3/27/09
In order to better explain the concept of
the restaurant “Le Chique”, I should first start with a definition from the
dictionary about foamed foods.
Foam (culinary)
From
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Foam is a culinary technique invented by Spanish chef Ferran
Adriŕ and consist of natural flavors (like fruit juices, savory essences)
mixed with a gelling agent such as agar, and extruded through a whipped cream canister equipped
with N2O cartridges. Foams have been described as "airy,"
with the flavor taking precedence over the substance it is suspended in.
The most famous food-foams are foamed
espresso (Čspesso), foamed mushroom and foamed beet. An espuma or thermo
whip is commonly used to make these foams.
These foods are unique in texture and
taste and visually different also. We
had foamed carrots and coconut as one or our appetizers at this restaurant.
At “Le Chique” everything is eclectic from
the outside design, to the doors, the dining areas and the food itself. Upon entering this restaurant you will see
room divisions made by hanging string tapestries, allowing a feeling of
separation but at the same time allowing a full view. There is a separate glass enclosed wine room
in which you are surrounded by temperature controlled walls of bottles of
wine. There are color changing discs
emanating colors upward to change the coloring of the room continually. This is considered a private room and you
will need reservations and the cost is not included in the all-inclusive deal
but well worth it in ambiance and unique quality.
As you are greeted at the door for a seven
course meal, you are led to the actual kitchen to meet the chefs, admire the
cleanliness of the area and experience an unusual cocktail that is a Sparkling
Melon Martini. It is shot from a kind of
atomizer into your champagne glass as more bubbles form and flow. This becomes a foamy, almost weightless liquid
with a truly amazing taste.
You are then led to your table and introduced
to your waiter and at that time may purchase a ‘wine pairing delight ‘with your
meal consisting of 4 wines and costing an additional $35.00 per person. These wines are said to make the most of the
courses you will be having for dinner.
How about a liquid olive? This looked just like an olive but was
completely gel like in consistency. We
also had the opportunity to try Cromotherapy cuisine. The best way that I can convey this change in
the consistency and quality of food that you are used to is to tell you that it
reminded me of a fruit roll-up texture with a definite beet flavor. The beets had yogurt folded into the
curls. It was amazing.
In order to experience the rest, you will
just have to go and experience it yourself.
I have given you hints but I do not want to spoil all of the special
effects.
I would definitely recommend that you at
least try this once. If it is something
that you cannot adjust to—remember that you are staying at an all-inclusive and
you can always go somewhere afterwards and get a pizza. It is a unique experience and one that you
will long remember.
Sorry kids, it is adults only here!!!
RESTAURANTS
4/3/09
I am sure I have covered all of the great
things that the Azul Sensatori has to offer so this will be my last article on
this amazing property. This will be a
short piece on the remaining restaurants.
Tapaz Restaurant is a castle-like ambience
with subdued lighting and a true ‘homey’ feeling. There are many large tables to accommodate
family groups up to 12 people. We had a
small intimate 2 person table. It was very
romantic.
This is a chef-interactive restaurant where
you can view where your food is being prepared upon entering the
restaurant. The portions are small tapas
starter courses with many different type foods.
Because of the smaller portions you are able to experience many
different offerings from the chefs.
After a few offerings of 2-3 different foods at a time, the main course
is served family-style on large platters and in large bowls. This entrée is served to the center of the
table so diners can help themselves.
Tapaz is only open for dinner.
The food was plentiful and very tasteful. Every night is a different venue so you can
dine here a few nights and never have the same menu. This is definitely one to check out.
Spoon Restaurant is an a la carte
service. This is also amid an open
kitchen where you can view the cusines as they are prepared fresh to
order. We noticed that most of the
younger children gravitated to the pizza ovens in which they could chose their
toppings before the pizza was cooked to order.
Steaks are grilled to perfection and there are also authentic Mexican
dishes, refreshing cocktails, and a vast array of foods and salads.
Sienna Restaurant is the Italian
restaurant. We were sat in a private
room holding about eight tables and exceptionally good for small diner parties,
whether it is the bridal party or a family reunion. The chef here is from Italy and the food
reflects his amazing talent. We had a
seafood risotto that was the best risotto that I have ever had in my life. Dinner is served Italian style, salad or soup
followed by a pasta course, then the main course and of course a mouth watering
dessert. The tiramisu was amazing and
many of the guests would mention it throughout our trip. I must mention that there is also a wine
tasting area for seating and a huge room with many tables in the main portion
of this restaurant.
Unfortunately for us there was not enough
time to experience all of the restaurants for dinner. We were unable to eat at Zavas which is a
Caribbean bistro and lounge with tropical concoctions and casual meals infused
with island flavors.
Last but not least is the Zocalo
Restaurant. Authentic Mexican cuisine is
served in this seaside restaurant. We
did eat here for lunch and there was a very good variety of foods and fresh
guacamole and chips. You could also sit
outside the restaurant and truly enjoy the lush gardens and ocean waves and the
gently blowing trade winds. Heaven!
4/10/09
I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that
Funjet Vacations is offering deals on properties in
We were invited for the first ever
Halloween Mardi Gras and I have to tell you that it was absolutely
amazing. Unbelievable floats and music
and costumes combined with very few over imbibed rambunctious visitors. The sights, the sounds, the drifting aromas
of sumptuous foods and baked goods and the wonderful people all made our trip
unbelievably memorable and one we look forward to taking again.
I must admit we were spoiled as having
some of the best and most knowledgeable
Things to see and do are almost
innumerable. From history and heritage,
famous chefs and unbelievable cuisine, jazz, zydeco, blues and just about any
other music venue that you can think of 365 days a year, festivals of all kinds,
museums and the Arts, theater, plantations and parks, the breathtaking garden
area, tours of everything from voodoo to historic homes and swamps, shopping
including antiques, vintage and nouvelle and even an outside flea market for
the bargain hunters. Excellent nightlife
and of course Harrah’s casino, unbelievable architecture of which I must have a
zillion pictures, sports and recreation, the most famous French Quarter are
just a few of the fantastic things there are to see and do. Want to do some good in the world, how about
voluntourism and Habitat for Humanity?
And
And in the next month or so there are some
fantastic festivals. The French Quarter
Festival runs from April 17th to the 19th. This neighborhood party began as a festival
for locals and has grown to attract visitors from all over the world. It is now the largest free music festival in
the South. Kid’s activities, home tours
and other festivities fill the weekend with fun!
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
runs from April 24th thru May 3rd. Every year since 1970, music lovers have made
the pilgrimage to the Fair Ground Race Course for 2 weekends of song, sun, food
and fun. Past music legends include Fats
Domino, Miles Davis, James Brown, Jimmy Buffet, Wynton Marsalis, Bob Dylan,
Willie Nelson, Duke Ellington, Van Morrison and Harry Connick Jr. If you love music take advantage of our new
reduced fares and enjoy life for awhile.
Spend your stimulus money in this country
and help bring us back around!!!
CHATEAU
LEMOYNE
4/17/09
Feel like you stepped back in time when you
arrive at the historic Chateau LeMoyne hotel located in the French Quarter steps
from Bourbon Street. This elegant,
boutique hotel features historic architecture in a beautiful, secluded
setting. Originally it was built in the
1800’s by
The focal point is the courtyard tucked
away amidst a collection of amazing artwork, flowers and plants like no other
hotel in the French Quarter. The
courtyard is the perfect place to unwind after a day of shopping in antique
shops,
Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of a
bygone era, just steps from
Centrally located, this hotel is minutes
from all attractions, the Central Business District and the Lousiana Superdome
where you can cheer on the New Orleans Saints.
There
are only 171 rooms in the hotel so you may want to book early. And right now the price is right through
Funjet Vacations.
4/24/09
The New Orleans Riverside is virtually a
“city within itself” with a redesigned front desk and guest services area that
includes a computer that can print boarding passes prior to your return
flight. This
The rooms have undergone a complete
redesign and include features such as walk-in showers, 37 inch LCD flat screen
TV’s, in-room safes and Hilton Sweet Dreams bedding. Work desks, phones with two lines, voice
messaging, data port, WIFI access, speaker phone, automated wake-up call,
LodgeNet pay movies, internet browsing and video games, iron and ironing board,
etc. are all included within your rooms.
Rooms features limited views of both the city and the river along with
many numerous courtyards
The lobby includes the River Bend Café
featuring Starbucks coffee and pastries, espresso and lattes or deli
sandwiches. In the evening it offers bar
service, serving your favorite wine, beer and cocktails. The Croissant Express
which features the Hilton breakfast. You
can enjoy “Original Charbroiled Oysters” at the Drago Seafood Restaurant and
there is also Spirits Bar for a refreshing cocktail, mouth watering
Within walking distance is the French
Quarter, the Aquarium of the Americas, the 100 shops of the Riverwalk
Marketplace, Harrah’s Casino and the streetcar access is right at the hotel’s
front entrance.
This may be prices a little higher but it
also carries a 3 Diamond AAA Hotel Rating and is a 4 out of 5 star rating with
Funjet Vacations.
5/1/09
This is one of New Orleans’ best hidden
secrets. It is located on the corner of
Toulouse and Burgundy and a mere 10 minute walk from Jackson Square and the
Mississippi River. The even better news
is that is it far enough away from the center that it is not crazy with
noise. It actually feels like you are
coming back home as you stroll to your room after a night on the town.
The Maison Dupuy was created by putting
together five adjoining townhouses.
Opening in 1973, it is the last hotel to be built in the Vieux Carre
before the city banned the development of any new hotels in the district. This hotel boasts the elegance and style of a
bygone era.
The rooms are very comfortable although
the bathrooms are a little on the small side. The rooms that surround the
courtyard have wrought-iron walk-out balconies perfect for that morning cup of
chicory coffee or a late night glass of wine.
The beds are all dressed in high thread-count linens and you can feel
the difference. There are imported
draperies, signature local art on the walls and marble bathroom tiles to add to
the elegance.
As you know, we are starting to specialize
in weddings and honeymoons also and this hotel is ideal for these events in
many ways because of its huge courtyard.
There is a fantastic huge white fountain that can be used as a
phenomenal backdrop for pictures or even for your ceremony. The courtyard trees are romantically lit with
tiny white lights. This area also has a quaint French Quarter Cottage, soothing
waterfalls and a rustic Cajun Cabin. It
can accommodate 2 to 50 people for an intimate ceremony. The fragrant blossoms and beautiful tropical
foliage private a picturesque backdrop for bridal photos. The staff of the Maison Dupuy Hotel can
fully-coordinate your special day, from hiring an officiate, selecting a
photographer, ceremony coordination to include music selections and
flowers. The courtyard is actually
called Le Court de L’Amour (The Courtyard of Love) and is listed as New
Orleans’ Only Outdoor Wedding Chapel.
The Hotel Maison DuPuy is a fantastic place
to stay for any age and especially for those looking for a little romantic
background.
PERE
MARQUETTE HOTEL
5/8/09
This 19 story hotel is an early 20th
century building once owned by a Jesuit order that also founded the neighboring
church. It is very conveniently located
two blocks from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street.
Guests enter off Baronne Street or the
porte cochere on Common Street into a spacious lobby bathed in natural light
from the wall of windows. The lobby is
white marble with a vaulted maple ceiling and wall paneling. There is a large sitting area on the opposite
side of the room. A marble staircase
rises to the mezzanine occupied by meeting rooms and offices.
You will be delighted with average size
rooms with large windows, light wood furniture and jazz will be playing on the
radio to get you into the mood of New Orleans.
Each floor celebrates a legendary jazz musician and features unique
snapshots by popular local photographer Romney. King or double beds, armchairs,
large desks with Herman Miller work chairs, armoires, 27 inch TV’s, CD players,
coffeemakers, minibus, laptop-size safes, wireless internet access and dual
line phones are standard features. The
corner rooms are larger and lighter.
Premium rooms add a lounge with the expected extras.
Locals flock to the award winning Milo
restaurant offering large dishes of contemporary Creole cuisine at all meals
that is located on site.
The third floor has a nicely landscaped
and furnished sundeck with an outdoor pool and great views of the surrounding
area.
This is a beautiful hotel and you may be
surprised to find it’s pricing to be quite reasonable, if not downright
inexpensive considering its location and amenities.
5/15/09
I am certain that by now you have heard us
tell you many times that Cancun is safe from all the horrendous things our
government has been labeling them with.
And unfortunately once it has become a known fact, they have NEVER
retracted their statements, explained themselves or apologized. It is truly a SAD state of affairs.
When asked about the dreaded swine flu, we
are living proof that it was over-rated since we had just been in Cancun twice
in three weeks during the supposed devastating outbreak. Many of our friends and/or fellow travel
professionals were there also and many of them for a longer time than we
were. Granted I would not have visited
Mexico City at this time but that is like saying that Chicago is in the midst
of a flu outbreak so I best not go to Los Angeles just in case. Now---that
having been said…..
We had the opportunity to stay at The
Royal in Cancun. It has changed our view
of Cancun as we had not chosen Cancun over the Riviera Maya for very many
years.
The Royal is opulent, relaxing, open,
gorgeous and quite memorable not only for its ambience but also the staff and
the food. We loved every minute of our
stay.
This property is in the heart of the hotel
zone and is an Adults Only, all-suite, all-inclusive resort, combining
outstanding facilities with exceptional amentias where guests will experience a
truly extraordinary escape. There are
285 suites with ocean view and most are actually oceanfront!
If that were not enough, The Royal offers
Cancun’s only Beachfront Swim-up Master Suites, the ultimate in romantic
accommodations and the perfect honeymoon choice. ALL of the suites offer magnificent Royal
Beds, in suite double Jacuzzi, a “magic box” for discreet 24 hour room service
delivery, ocean view showers with body massage jets, twin shower heads and a
hand held shower with bench and outside a private terrace or balcony with
hammock. You just have to check this
out!! You can also decide your own time
for suite make-up and evening turndown service, which includes a choice of 3
aroma scents, (romantic, relaxing and invigorating). We were worried about the scents because my
husband has a very sensitive nose but these were very light and unoffending.
(CONTINUED)
5/22/09
At the Royal, you can decide your own time
for daily suite make-up and special, comprehensive evening turndown service
including your choice of aromatherapy scents (relaxing, romantic, or
invigorating). There is a pillow menu
that includes extra soft, hypo-allergenic, orthopedic, memory aromatic and
“Sweet Dreams”. Royal Concierge and
Romance concierge are ready to anticipate, assist, advise and take care of your
every need.
Royal beds are pillow-top mattresses with
high thread count linens, plush duvet covers and multiple pillows. The 32” LCD satellite TV is adjustable to be
viewed from your bed, Jacuzzi and terrace and includes a CD/DVD player with a
library to choose from if you have not brought your own. Art really appreciated the laptop-size safety
deposit box in the room, dispersing his need to chain the laptop to a desk leg.
The Royal has a magnificent spa.
Guests
here are treated to exceptional facilities including signature eco-holistic
SPAzul offering a full range of traditional and Mayan-inspired massage and body
treatments. The Spa is a spectacular
hydro facility equipped with whirlpools, cold plunge pools, outdoor and rain
showers, steam and dry sauna, a temazcal steam hut and an all new menu of Mayan
influence treatments and rituals. The steam hut reminded me of the American
Indian Sweat Lodges with the mental relaxation but combined with wonderful
massage.
Dining includes a la carte breakfast,
lunch and dinner, show cooking and international buffet, all natural, low
calorie vegetarian and delicatessen-style menus. There are seven restaurants including a
sushi-bar and European style café. The
choices are endless and the food is fabulous.
This is a fantastic property with a great
location. They also have a lobby bar
with four different corners offering four different kinds of liquors as well as
an area where they offer hors d’oeuvres and premium snacks. This huge lobby is also where you can enjoy
the evening entertainment.
At the beach you will find beach butlers
catering to your every need. There are
also many cocktail servers around the pool and a cart with cool towels,
sunglasses, lotions for your comfort and all included. There are many canopied king bed cushions for
resting and relaxing around the pool as well as many in the water and out of
the water loungers.
5/29/09
“Which One's For You: Negril or
For the serious golfer,
What, then, does Negril offer? There is no
more laid-back place in the
Ironically, despite a well-deserved
reputation for libertine behavior among otherwise conservative adults, for some
reason, Negril has become increasingly popular in recent years as a destination
for families with young children.”
(Taken from Frommer’s Travel)
In
the following weeks I will cover some of the new and exciting changes that have
occurred on the
06/05/09
Effective
November 1, 2009, the Breezes brand will be elevated and expanded to include
the Grand Lido Negril Resort. This is an
upscale all-suite resort on Negril’s magnificent Bloody Bay on Jamaica’s
western shore located on the breathtaking Seven Mile Beach.
This multi-award winning resort is an AAA
4 Diamond Award and Conde Nast Travellers Award recipient for the “Best Resort”
in the Caribbean and Latin America. From
a host of complimentary water sports, including instruction from the friendly
staff pros. To unparalleled gourmet restaurants and 24 hour in-room dining,
Breezes Grand Negril is all about service and understated elegance.
The all-inclusive plan at the Breezes
includes room accommodations. Unlimited meals and snacks, unlimited
beverages,24 hour room service, complimentary laundry and dry cleaning
services, clothing optional beach, fully equipped fitness center, non-motorized
water sports including kayaks, sailing, water-skiing, glass bottom boats,
sunfish sail boats, windsurfing, resort entertainment and activities including
tennis, bicycles, volleyball, arts and crafts, indoor game room and entrance to
the disco.
This is a full-service beachfront
all-inclusive adults-only property for 16 years old or over. There are two pools (one on the clothing
optional beach side of the resort), seven restaurants, nine bars, a full
service spa and fitness center and four tennis courts to set the tone for a
luxurious and relaxing tropical getaway.
Special activities include afternoon tea,
bicycle tours, Karaoke, Monday night Caribbean Beach Carnival, Friday night
General Manager’s Grand Gala. Live shows
are presented nightly and special theme nights are presented twice weekly.
This property is unbelievably gorgeous and
one of the first we ever experienced on our 500 Club trips with Funjet. It was quite memorable and now probably even
better since Breezes has acquired and upgraded the property.
Keep in mind weddings are free here and
their wedding coordinator will take care of all of the details for you. Weddings take place in a lush garden, on the
beach or in a gazebo atop the rock cliffs and include, marriage license,
minister, witnesses, bouquet of tropical flowers and boutonniere, champagne and
traditional Jamaican wedding cake, photography can be arranged at an additional
cost.
The Breezes Grand Negril allows you to
immerse yourself in a whirlwind of activity or just relax and mellow out on the
silver sands of Negril’s most enchanting bay.
Resort activities include body sculpting, kick boxing, aquasize, toning,
yoga and circuit training classes, reggae and soca lessons, pool games and
tennis.
6/12/09
Situated on 14 acres of lush tropical
gardens, Point Village’s name refers to the Jamaican village-like atmosphere as
well as the geographical location of picturesque Rutland Point situated between
Negril’s famous seven mile beach and spectacular Blood Bay Beach.
This property is beautiful in its
diversity. It features two white sand beaches and spectacular cliffs complete
with grottos, perfect for snorkeling and exploring. Swim in the fresh water swimming pool, relax
in the Jacuzzi or spend the day in the unique refreshing Rock Pools (pools that
are carved from the ironshore that are filled with the lapping waves from the
Caribbean Sea).
Point Village caters to singles, couples,
families and groups. 120 air-conditioned rooms, include cable TV, kitchenette,
phone, private balcony/patio and view of either the captivating Caribbean Sea
or gorgeous gardens.
The Kiddies’ Center caters to children up
to 13 years of age. Activities are
tailored for your children and features indoor/outdoor games and activities
including nature walks, sandcastle building, beach sports tournaments, face
painting, arts & crafts, reggae dance classes and much more.
Catering to families, couples and budget
minded travelers, this charming retreat is spectacular. Enjoy fun filled adventures,
nightly entertainment and white sand beaches.
There is something for everyone at this traditional Caribbean hotel. And
it is a good budget property that will not hurt the pocketbook for a great and
memorable vacation. Check out the prices
on our website or give us a call!
6/19/09
Here time stands still and serenity
reigns. Amidst gardens of trees and flowering
plants at the edge of Negril and steps from the five acre beachfront sits the
Sunset at the Palms Resort. Just 65
“treehouse-style” guestrooms stand in a tenacre tropical garden, a design
praised by Architectural Digest. At the
western tip of the island, Negril is a favorite resort area known for its
natural beauty with a 7 mile ribbon of whitesand beach and perfect conditions
for swimming and snorkeling.
Experience relaxation and tranquility in
charming tree house-style cabins that sit atop stilts, allowing lovely views of
the surrounding gardens, while the unique restaurants, nightly entertainment,
swim-up pool bar and sparkling swimming pool create the perfect setting for fun
in the sun.
Skate the surface of the sea in a kayak,
bobble on a water beetle, skim over the sea on a windsurfer, snorkel among
Negril’s famous arches, caverns, coral gardens and offshore reefs. Discover Jamaica’s flora and fauna on a
nature walk with “Shorty”, the resident gardener. Enjoy daytime activities and evening
entertainment including reggae music several evenings each week. Enjoy classic films, complete with popcorn
under the stars.
All meals include fresh fruit grown on the
resort’s ten acre tropical garden. Tone
your body in the all new, air-conditioned gym with Cybex equipment. Hoist a glass at the weekly cocktail party
hosted by the resort managers and staff.
Intimate and unique, Sunset At The Palms
Resort and Spa appeals to couples and spa-lovers alike with dynamic facilities
and personalized services in a tranquil, island setting. Sparkling pool and a swim-up bar, unique
restaurants, tennis and spa services, a fitness center and an eclectic offering
of nature walks and cooking classes will complete a wonderful stay here.
STARFISH
TRELAWNY OCHO RIOS JAMAICA
6/26/09
Do you want something totally different
from anything usually offered at all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica? How about a rock climbing wall and a circus workshop featuring lessons on the flying
trapeze, trampoline clinics and juggling with professional instruction at no
additional cost. You can learn in one
week a professional act and you become the star of the circus show on Friday
Night at 9:00 pm. One of our favorite
reps did the trapeze act for us when we were viewing this property. She had no former experience and did a
phenomenal job. This could be you so be
sure your camera is charged and ready to go!
Starfish Trelawny is located in beautiful
gardens on a long stretch of white sand beach, nestled against lush green
mountains and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
This resort is ideal for families seeking comfortable, well-equipped
accommodations with a wide range of amenities.
They have tennis, beach volleyball, nature walks, aerobics classes,
basketball, mini golf, sumo wrestling, board games, bingo, shuffleboard, darts,
table tennis, pool, an ice-skating rink, slot machines, billiards, a rock
climbing wall, circus workshop, gym, spa, sunfish sailing, windsurfing,
kayaking, scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing, hot tubs, disco, karaoke,
calypso and reggae classes and internet café.
Starfish Trelawny is a 7 story high rise
with ground level cottages surrounded by 8 acres of lush tropical gardens and
1400 feet of white sand. Six fantastic
restaurants are included in the price of the all-inclusive and range from
buffets to a four course gourmet dinner with a semi formal dress code. Eat Italian, Japanese, American or local
Jamaican cuisine including fiery Jerk Chicken.
There are 6 lounges and/or bars including
swim-up in the pool and piano bars at night.
Bubbles Disco features Reggae Rain and is open every night with special
times for kids and teens. A lively piano
bar features sing along music five nights a week, Karaoke two night a week,
Calypso and Reggae dancing classes once a week.
Theme nights include a Monday Jamaican Celebration, Tuesday and Friday
night Circus Show, Wednesday guest and staff talent show, Thursday night Vegas
in Jamaica and Saturday night sizzling 70’s and 80’s night.
You will find 4 swimming pools here. The
adult-only Seashell Pool has a swim up bar, and houses an 83’ long adult water
slide. There is a Sports Pool for sporting events like water aerobics and
volleyball. The Family Pool is the
largest of the four and is great for the entire family. But the Kid’s Pool is the best with a 124’
long waterslide, an aqueduct shooting water into the pool and a fountain that
sprays streams of water into the air. Pool fun for everyone!
Starfish offers wedding for $350.00 that
includes wedding cake, champagne, marriage license, manicure and pedicure for
the bride, massage for the groom non-denominational marriage officer and
flowers. Witnesses are provided on
request. Paperwork is handled by the resort.
7/3/09
Since
we are on the topic of hotels in Jamaica I thought this article most important
and exciting for this week. This property
is at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios and is considered the hottest attraction in
Jamaica. The area is more than 100
acres. Custom-designed bobsleds travel
over stainless-steel rail on a 1,000 meter gravity driven ride through the
forest. It is absolutely terrifying and
100 percent safe all at the same time.
The bobsleds race at about 100 miles per hour. The handlebars allow you to control the
bobsled’s speed. If you push them
forward, you fly. If you pull them back,
you glide. You can ride alone or if your
child is with you, you can have two bobsleds attached to each other. The front sled rider controls the speed while
the passenger on the rear sled merely enjoys the ride. Mystic Mountain also offers zip lining and/or
a sky lift that provides beautiful views from high above the trees. We can prebook these for you so that all you
have to do is arrive and enjoy. Remember
to bring your camera. I want to thank
Joe Pike for writing about this in Travel Agent Magazine and bringing it to my
attention.
The Rainforest Sky Explorer is a
state-of-the-art chairlift that carries you up to 700 feet to the top of Mystic
Mountain. The descent carries you
through the heart of the canopy, giving you a firsthand glimpse of the tropical
seaside rainforest.
STAYCATION!
7/8/09
We can book
your hotel inclusive vacation package to New York City and it will include all
taxes, free admission to the Empire State Building Observatory, Museum of the
City of New York or the NY Water Taxi Statue of Liberty Express cruise, free
entry to the Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art or Top of
the Rock Observation Deck, a VIP invitation to the CBS Early show, shopping
discounts at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and South St. Seaport and a free gift at
Bloomingdale’s.
It’s the first year for brand new Yankee
Stadium and we have hard-to-get Yankees tickets to many games, including
transportation to and from Yankee Stadium.
A licensed New York City tour guide and Yankee Insider will accompany
you from Midtown Manhattan and during the motorcoach ride he will let you in on
all the hidden secrets of the NY Yankees and their home, making your trip both
memorable and unique.
We also have prices for Thanksgiving 2009
and Macy’s Parade and some great deals for right now. It’s vacation time so bring the family to New
York City! There’s so much to see and do
for everyone. Take the kids to the top
of the Empire State Building, see the Statue of Liberty up close and now the
crown is open, take in a Yankees game, enjoy a hit musical, explore fabulous
New York Harbor and walk along Broadway.
All vacations include accommodations for 2
nights or longer at a midtown Manhattan hotel and all local and state taxes. You can add optional Broadway tickets,
sightseeing tours, museum admissions, Yankees tickets or dining.
We also can offer US Open Tennis Tournament
tickets with reserved seat at Arthur Ashe Stadium over Labor Day Weekend. Give us a call for a great staycation!
7/17/09
Los
Cabos refers to 2 towns, San Jose del Cabo twenty miles to the northeast and
Cabo San Lucas, punctuated by “El Arco”. The perfect arch at the southernmost tip
of the magnificent Baja Peninsula.
Blessed with a perfect climate with an average year-round temperature of
78 degrees, Los Cabos has become a world-class destination resort offering
elegant accommodations, renowned championship golf courses, spectacular sport
fishing, diving, a full-service marina with great restaurants and a legendary
nightlife.
Between the towns lies the Resort
Corridor, awarding the traveler with dramatic views and many activities to suit
any taste. Los Cabos used to be a remote
playground for private yacht owner. Sport fishermen flocked here to be near
“Marlin Alley, “as it became a recognized undisputed billfish capital of the
world.
Today, Los Cabos has something for
everyone to enjoy, a vast playground encompassing the jagged peaks of the
Sierra La Laguna and the Pacific Ocean where it meets the war, azure waters of
the Sea of Cortez.
Check out our phenomenal prices and
experience something new and exciting, a memorable vacation awaits you and can
be had with just a call to us!!
7/24/09
The best
bet is that you probably NEVER heard of a hotel that gives its customers free
bottles of liquor—at least not in Las Vegas.
Well, Planet Hollywood gives every guest one complimentary bottle of
their choice every night they stay. You
must be 21 or older and this unique extra includes Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Rum,
Whiskey, Wine or Champagne from their “Drinks Are On Us” Menu.
Be seen at the hottest new resort and
casino in Las Vegas, at the best location on the strip. Offering the glamour of
Hollywood, guests are treated to the star treatment which ensures everyone
feels both welcome and comfortable.
Whether you are seeking upscale shopping or first class spa services
this is the place to be.
All rooms feature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper
beds, all marble and granite bathrooms with an oversized soaking tub and a
separate glass-enclosed shower.
Hungry?
Not here! There are 15
restaurants, even a 24 hour eclectic café’.
When the sun goes down there are 9 bars to choose from. The casino is 100,000 square feet and houses
2093 slot machines and 72 table games.
Not a gambler? No worries.
The Miracle Mile of shops has just undergone a $50 million makeover and
contains 170 specialty stores, 15 restaurants and is located right in the
middle of the Strip.
So experience the best new hotel on the
strip and enjoy!
7/31/09
Riu is a
consistently fabulous and well cared for property, regardless of where you
decide to stay. The Riu Caribe is an all
inclusive resort with an unmatched location right in the heart of Cancun’s
hotel zone. Located on a stunning
beachfront property with unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea, this Mexico
vacation offers the perfect combination of beauty, convenience and luxury.
Guests here are treated to splendid,
tropically decorated guestrooms, a modern fitness facility, a popular kid’s
club, 24 hours of upscale dining options and a selection of bars and lounges.
With impressive Mayan-inspired
architecture and a great location, the Riu Caribe offers the perfect setting
for family getaways and action packed vacations.
All rooms offer a private balcony or
terrace, a mini bar and private liquor dispenser, a convenient mini-fridge, 24
hour all-inclusive food and beverages, and daily and nightly entertainment.
Besides having 4 restaurants and 4 lounges,
they include an outdoor theater and a poolside swim-up bar. There are two large swimming pools and a
wading pool for the kids. The Mini Club
is complimentary and has a playground and many activities including drawing,
movies games and theater plays.
This is an excellent location with an
excellent price. You will not be
disappointed here!
8/7/09
Just
got back from a fantastic familiarization tour with Funjet and Las Vegas
Convention Bureau and can't wait to share!
It started with the very first moment and lasted to our very last
event! What a fantastic learning
adventure!
Our welcoming reception was at the brand
new Palazzo at the Venetian! What a
fantastic property. We had a brief walk
through The Palazzo to the pools area and the lobby is absolutely
breathtaking. Here is an excerpt from
Vegas Today and Tomorrow:
The new resort includes
all-suites, 50-floor luxury hotel tower with 3,068-rooms, including 375
concierge-level suites and six villas with up to 11,000 square feet each. The
105,000-square foot casino has 1,900 slot machines and 80 table games. The
250,000-square foot pool deck will connect seamlessly with the Venetian's pool
deck. Palazzo's pool deck will have an outdoor restaurant and two private
villas. There will also be a 450,000-square foot enclosed
shopping, dining and entertainment complex, which is expected to include 80
high- and mid-end retailers (connecting with the existing Canal Shops at the
Venetian), and 450,000 square feet of added meeting and conference space (which
will connect to the Sands Convention Center).
The pool area has Gothic
white columns, a bar area that overlooks the strip, a fantastic pool and many
cabanas with the misters for those extremely hot days. I believe you can rent the area for parties
and meetings. Our welcoming party was
set up with tables, hors de’ houvres and drinks. It was phenomenal and quite memorable. This would also be a great venue for a bridal
party. Check it out! You will not be disappointed!
LAS VEGAS
8/14/09
I was lucky enough to be staying at New
York New York for my learning experience with Funjet Vacations and the Las
Vegas Convention Bureau and came away with a great appreciation of how nice
this hotel really is.
Anyone who has visited Las Vegas recently
has seen the magnificent replica of the Statue of Liberty in front of the hotel
and on one of the busiest intersections of The Strip. There is a life-like
tugboat in the harbor that fronts this 150 foot statue. To the right of this harbor is a 300 foot
Brooklyn Bridge that fronts the replicas of 12 New York-style skyscrapers (all
one-third scale, including a 47-story Empire State Building). This is awesome both day or night as the
lights come on when the sun goes down.
You can hear the screams from the brave
riders of the Coney Island-style roller coaster that hovers close to the top of
the hotel and actually goes inside of the hotel. It twists, loops and dives around the
property including the pool area and this end of The Strip.
On the inside you will find a replica of
Grand Central Station and Ellis Island complete with apartment buildings
housing hanging laundry, New York
restaurants (from delis to outside cafes). Interiors mimic Manhattan’s Park
Avenue complete with retail shops inside famous NYC storefronts. Central Park is the casino area and includes
twinkling fall trees and a pond and a stream.
Times Square and the Financial District are also included. It is all
very realistic and a perfect venue for picture taking.
The tower has over 2,000 guest rooms and
190 suites. The rooms are beautifully
accented and the beds are unbelievably comfortable.
Many different venues for dining are
available including Il Fornaio with authentic Italian regional recipes,
Gallagher’s Steakhouse with prime, dry-aged beef and fresh seafood. The two-story Nine Fine Irishmen pub offers
authentic Irish food, drink and music.
For those so inclined don’t forget to visit Coyote Ugly-a place with
great music and they literally with let ANY female dance on the bar (believe me
I know!)
Don’t forget the Cirque du Soleil,
“Zumanity” which is an adult-oriented, erotic, cabaret-style show.
For the kids there is Coney Island
Emporium which houses midway-style carnival games, bumper cars and shooting
galleries.
The pool is large with lots of loungers
and misters. For those looking for more
privacy and comfort they rent the cabanas at quite a reasonable price (at least
for Vegas).
If you cannot get a chance to stay here
than I at least highly recommend that you stroll the property and take in the
sights. You will not be disappointed!!
8/21/09
Right from the start you’ll know you
have found something special as you are whisked away from the airport in a
limo. When you arrive through the grand porte cochere at Monte Carlo, a Suite
Assistant will be waiting to personally escort you to HOTEL32 via a private,
express elevator, accessible by key card only. No check-in desk here; you
proceed directly to your retreat and check in privately within the comfort of
your room, leaving those registration lines behind. The Suite Assistant will
provide a tour of your room’s features, amenities and services, ensuring you
won’t miss out on even a moment of indulgence, from the 12 pillow offerings to
the popular Nintendo Wii.
A collection of five
room types, ranging from studios to 2-bedroom penthouses, will allow choices to
fit every occasion and budget. Whether you want a romantic getaway or a
fun-filled girls’ or guys’ weekend, the suites have been carefully designed to
provide entertainment spaces suitable for everything from intimate gatherings
to social events.
Each room’s sleek, uncluttered
architecture will be paired with contemporary furnishings and luxurious
amenities. The rich colors of chocolate and cream will be accented with
citrine, turquoise, amethyst, ruby and orange, to set a tone of warmth and
sophistication. Comfy, oversized custom furnishings along with a variety of
hand-selected stone surfaces, including marble, onyx and granite, will create a
place where you can hang out and feel like the ultimate VIP.
The comfort will
continue within the spacious bathrooms, rich in detail and design. Providing a
serene, spa-like sanctuary, each suite will feature soothing hydrotherapy
soaking tubs. A shower with modish overhead panels which produce a gentle
rainfall throughout the enclosure — and chromatherapy, the use of colored
lights for added relaxation, will be another highlight in many of the suites.
If you like gadgets,
unexpected high-tech amenities won’t disappoint. Available in several suite
types, a Crestron remote system will make for an easy, one-stop control of the
room’s drapes, lights and electronics; a BluRay player and a TV integrated into
the bathroom mirror also will increase the “fun” factor. HDTV flat-screen
plasma television, use of an iPod touch with mobile concierge application and
iHome clock radio with an iPod docking station will be standard in all HOTEL32
accommodations.
For business travelers
and people who want to stay connected, laptop computers will be available upon
request, and a tech-savvy workstation will feature complimentary high-speed
wireless Internet access and dual phone lines. Other complimentary amenities
will include fax services, local and toll-free calls as well as daily fitness
center passes, newspaper and water. All are provided to help ease the strain of
having to work while in such a glamorous setting.
What would a
celebrity-like experience be without someone at your beck and call? All HOTEL32
guests will have exclusive access to a dedicated Suite Assistant, who will provide
butler and concierge services throughout the stay. From the curbside greeting
and a custom itinerary to fit individual interests to bath services and
complimentary clothes pressing, Suite Assistants will make it hard to go back
to “everyday” life. At HOTEL32, where everyone is a VIP, touches such as a
welcome amenity, a signature turndown gift and a pre-stocked refrigerator based
on the guest’s preferences will make every guest feel special.
Pairing stunning views
of the Las Vegas skyline with a delectable assortment of refreshments and
evening cocktails, lounge32 will enhance the pampering a step further. Located
on the 32nd floor and available to all HOTEL32 guests, lounge32 will be a great
spot for grabbing a cup of coffee before the spa or sipping a martini before an
evening out on the town.
This is a press release
from the MGM Mirage Public Relations but it was SOOOO new and exciting I wanted
all of our customers to be aware of it!
Rates start at $250.00 per night excluding taxes.
8/28/09
Studio
54 is located in the MGM Grand Hotel and a great dance venue. Studio 54’s dance floor is a good enough size
that it doesn't seem like an afterthought. Plus, beyond being just a floor
people dance on, Studio 54's dance floor is also the site of some pretty cool
things – confetti drops, aerialists and go-go dancers all surround and interact
with the dance floor, which takes the pressure off of you and your questionable
dancing.
Then
the bars – there are many. This might seem like a ridiculous thing to mention,
but after you've stood nine-deep in line to get your Bud Light at some other
club, Studio 54 and their many bars will seem like a blessing. Plus, they're on
both the first and the second floor, so there's not the hassle of navigating a
staircase every time your martini glass runs dry.
Because
it's Vegas and people come to Vegas to party, most clubs have at least a little
bit of a crowd, but Studio 54's is unique in that it's diverse. Older folks,
younger folks, folks somewhere in the middle, you'll find a little bit of
everything inside Studio 54, which is why it gets recommended a lot when people
ask around about where they should go to have a good time, but not feel
completely out of place.
The
way the club's laid out – two stories and nowhere near as labyrinthine as
others – it's pretty easy to carve out an area to set up camp, but if you're
not comfortable just hoping you'll be able to find a space, there's always a
table, bottle service and the VIP route. Tables and booths are in just about
every corner of the club, so if you like being near the dance floor (or hate
being near the dance floor), that could probably be arranged.
Be
aware that if you have the bottle service it will run about $100.00 per person
but you are supplied with a bottle of top-shelf vodka, a huge ice bucket filled
to the rim with ice and also an ice scoop, carafes of orange juice, soda and
cranberry juice and glasses and a great booth for sitting in. We experienced this on the fam and it was
fantastic! A great way to go for a
bachelorette or bachelor party!
9/4/09
The
best place to party during the day is at the Rehab Pool Party at the Hard Rock
Hotel. Every Sunday from noon till
eight, the Hard Rock pool is transformed into the wildest pool party of all
time. Rehab features world famous DJ’s
including Paul Oakenfold and Bad Boy Bill.
The party at the pool is completely enclosed by mountains etched with
cabanas and restaurants. Sandy beaches,
lazy rivers, hot tubs complete with your own blackjack dealer are just a few of
the amenities.
Last year the Cabanas were sold out almost
every weekend which left many beach goers to sit in the grueling sun sweating
out their buzz before getting a chance to hit the luke warm waters.
This pool party is the standard for Sunday
afternoons and all the cool trendy locals and aspiring visitors try to ‘fit in’
for the weekend and the occasional movie star and/or Vegas dancers. There are two pools with a submerged center
bar with the gambling tables. There are
14 poolside cabanas available on a weekend basis but they do not come cheap and
some are very high on holiday weekends or for a major concert venue. This is a phenomenal party with plenty of fun
and games.
The Hard Rock Vegas Rehab entry is free
for guests. Line passes for the Pool Party vary in price weekend to weekend but
you can make pre-arrangements with the staff members or Rehab promoters.
It is best
to book far in advance in order to make sure that you have a ticket in. Good Luck.
Ps. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ART!!! My much younger husband!
RE-INVENTED
9/11/09
You
have seen many of the once stellar hotels on the strip become old, dusty
remnants of their once glamorous self.
Crypts on the Strip! But
definitely not the Hard Rock Hotel.
Not only do they keep up with the times—they
re-invent themselves. I had the opportunity
to preview their brand new tower and it is awe inspiring.
The trendsetting Paradise Tower is brand new
and recently opened. All rooms include
high speed internet access wireless or data points at the desks, Sony Brevia 40
inch LCD TV with first run movies on demand, Sony iPod Clock Radio, minibar,
top of the line exclusive bath amenities and ultra luxurious top of the line
bedding. It is a fresh, clean look both
sleek and sophisticated. The beds look
so inviting you want to jump right in and snuggle down.
Clean modern
lines meet warm colors, premium beds, feather pillows all spell sexy
sophistication. Some of the upgraded rooms open with French doors that give a
spectacular view of the unique pool or a mountain view. You really have to see it to totally
experience and envelope yourself in this sexy decadence. They have done a phenomenal job that mere
words do not totally convey.
While you are
there, don’t forget last week’s blog on the fantastic pool and make sure you
check out the Pink Taco Restaurant.
Pink
Taco
After 12 years of offering a dining experience beyond the ordinary, Pink
Taco celebrated its grand re-opening with an expanded bar and the launch of its
monthly party “Cinco de Taco” in February 2008. Pink Taco is popular for
putting a California spin on traditional Mexican dishes. The menu includes the
trademark Pink Taco (Panuchos)
with homemade corn tortillas and black beans, topped with chicken, salsa roja,
pickled onions and avocado. For something lighter, there's the Chicken
(or vegetable) Tostada Salad--a shredded salad with chipotle dressing that is a Pink
Taco favorite. For a sweet finale to a spicy meal, Pink Taco offers the Tres
Leches Cake – fried ice cream and flan with Mexican caramel.
A mega-hip Mexican cantina, Pink Taco is a folk-art
bedecked hotspot adorned with classic low-rider bicycles, unique tables that
leave guests’ feet dangling and an assortment of authentic Mexican craftwork
that decorate the dining room. The atmosphere includes music that’s pumped up loud
where nobody is expected to keep their voices down. Dining out on the patio is
an alternative for those looking for a more quiet setting.
Happy Hour
Pink Taco kicks it up a notch with its weekday Happy Hour (Monday thru
Friday at the bar from 4pm to 7pm) with specials that include 2-for-1 beers and
house margaritas as well as half-priced appetizers. And Sunday thru Thursday
from 9pm to 11pm enjoy $2 tacos as our featured late night special.
9/18/09
For
those that remember The Luxor having an Egyptian artifact museum in the lower
level of the hotel, that area has completely changed. The new City Centre will house the artifacts
and many others in an expanded area of the City Centre.
What you will find at the Luxor now is the
BODIES...The
Exhibition, which showcases real full-bodies and organs, provides a detailed,
three-dimensional vision of the human form rarely seen outside of an anatomy
lab or a morgue.
The Exhibition showcases 13 whole-body
specimens and more than 260 organs and partial body specimens. These real human
bodies have been meticulously dissected, preserved through an innovative
process and respectfully presented, giving visitors the opportunity to view the
beauty and complexity of their own organs and systems.
In addition to providing an up-close look
inside our skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and circulatory systems the
Exhibition encourages healthy lifestyle choices by serving as a wake-up call.
Authentic human specimens illustrate the damage caused to organs by over-eating
and lack of exercise. A healthy lung is featured next to a black lung ravaged
by smoking in a vivid comparison more powerful than any textbook image.
If this makes you a little squeamish you
can also see the Titanic Exhibition, Criss Angel Believe by Cirque du Soleil,
Fantasy- an adult revue with stunning women, live singing, comedy and fantastic
choreography, Carrot Top-named entertainer of the year with twisted humor and
wacky props and Menopause The Musical.
Phenomenal dining options and fantastic
lounges and bars and fast paced gambling, what more could you ask for. The prices are great, the location is
fantastic and the beds are soft and enticing, what more could you ask for?
9/25/09
It’s not too late to book a trip for the
second annual Halloween in New Orleans.
If you remember Art and I went last year with a bunch of our best
friends and it was phenomenal. Here are
some excerpts from a previous blog.
. What a spectacular city when it is viewed
from the eyes of veteran New Orleaners.
I cannot remember a friendlier city, with unbeatable food and
exceptional sights. It was not the city
we knew of Mardi Gras madness but a genteel city of phenomenal origins.
I was so impressed with the food that we
tasted that I have many pictures that I brought back home with me. I am so used to city life and the same
old—same old choices---this was a real treat!!
Jambalaya, gumbo, beignets, pralines and hurricanes! We walked from 9am until 11pm for 3 entire
days and still could not get enough. I
am anxious to go back and experience even more.
What a bad rap this area has gotten
between the arrests at Mardi Gras to the unbelievable destruction of Hurricane
Katrina. This is a beautiful city with
so much to offer. Art districts,
shopping districts, The French Quarter, riverboat tours, plantation tours,
trolley car rides, outdoor cafes---I could go on and on---but why not
experience it on your own---or give me a call---I have plenty of ideas and
experiences. And I have only tasted the
tip of the iceberg so to speak.
We were present for the first ever
Halloween Parade that will now be an annual event. The weather was perfect and I highly suggest
this time of year. But anytime is good!
The annual parade is also great for little
kids to view and the beads that are thrown from the floats must have added 20
lbs to our luggage! For those looking
for more outrageous fun just roam Bourbon Street after the parade. I promise that it will not disappoint
you. Many of the galleries are decorated
in phenomenal themes and most have residents that throw beads of all
kinds. You camera will literally be worn
out by the end of the evening. If you
are looking for a lot of fun with amazing food this is the time and place to
be!
10/2/09
Sandals Resorts are offering amazing
deals right now. Their prices are up to
65% off with up to 3 days free and at some of the resorts a $250 spa
credit. Sandal is known for its high
level of excellence in all venues. The
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island is in a class by itself, and
is renowned throughout the Caribbean for its refinements and British traditions
of a bygone era such as high tea and continental breakfast in bed. You will be treated to legendary “Royal Touch
Service” at 4 gourmet restaurants and 5 bars while enjoying full exchange
privileges at the neighboring Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Inn expanding
your dining option to 11 world class restaurants.
Just offshore lies a gorgeous private
island that is clothing optional. So if
you ever wanted to experience an option of this sort but were not sure if you
would like it, I would suggest this venue.
In essence you are receiving two resorts for the price of one. This exotic Eden has something to enrapture
even the most demanding tastes.
Ultra-secluded sunbathing areas, a pool with a swim-up bar plus an
authentic Thai restaurant with delectable dishes, some of which are said to be
aphrodisiacs make this island unforgettable.
Perhaps it’s the beautiful aquamarine waters of the Caribbean, or the
softly warmed winds or the private areas in which to sunbathe that are the true
aphrodisiacs here.
Imagine swimming to your room with the new
Beachfront Swim-up Crystal Lagoon Suites.
These suites feature a secluded patio surrounded by lush vegetation that
opens onto a free-form pool. The patio
features an outdoor dining area for ultimate relaxation and soothing romantic
views. Indoors you will find suites with
four poster mahogany beds. The bathrooms
are marble and hand cut mosaic tiles and each room has a Jacuzzi tub and his
and her vanities. This sounds like the
ultimate in a romantic escape with your lover!
And don’t forget the sale that lasts until October 29th. Take advantage of the savings that will most
likely be very short-lived.
10/09/09
Who said romance is dead? Certainly not me and not any of the hotels we
offer to you. There are so many places
to go and to experience and to rekindle those feelings that we have taken for
granted as basic life got into the way.
Wouldn’t it be great to take a stroll down a powder white beach, with
your toes in the ocean, hand in hand?
How about slipping into a two person Jacuzzi with a bottle of wine or
champagne, a candlelit room, warm caressing water, with no kids and no phones
and no doorbells? You can even find an
open air shower for two where you can lather each other with silky,
top-of-the-line spa inspired soaps and gels.
Remember those intense feelings that got you to where you are now and
how all encompassing they were; well they can all be reignited. How about a candlelit dinner for two on the
beach or a couple’s massage as you gaze into each other’s eyes or a private
plunge pool on your balcony under a starlit sky with the sound of the ocean as
a backdrop?
There are so many places that you can go
to relive those wondrous moments and so many places that want to help you to do
just that. Cancun, The Riviera Maya,
Aruba, Jamaica, Punta Cana, a cruise to romantic destinations, Italy, Greece and
even Las Vegas can respark that light in the eyes and renew the senses. Even a 3-4 day weekend can recharge you
connection and get it humming again. And right now the prices have never been
better. Please take the time to consider
what I am saying and at least check it out and maybe go from I don’t know to
Yes I can and I really want to and Oh Yes!!
One of my favorite sayings was found on
the postscript of an email that I had recieved.
It stated, “Whether you say you can or say you cannot, you are right!”
10/16/09
Couples Resorts proudly owns and operates four
luxury all-inclusive couples-only resorts on the beautiful island of
Jamaica. The properties include the
first-ever Couples Tower Isle along with Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away
and Couples Negril. A dedicated and
loyal group of employees are inspired to provide a truly memorable vacation
experience for adult couples.
Each Couples property is an
unsurpassed model of the all-inclusive concept. Bold design elements and local
inspiration create a laid-back natural setting infused with an authentic
Caribbean spirit. For over 30 years, Couples has delighted guests with
outstanding service, exceptional dining and unparalleled value-added
experiences.
As we
are so close to Sweetest Day, I thought it a good idea to suggest this romantic
getaway. Offering an idyllic
setting amidst lush tropical palm trees, fragrant gardens and the pristine
Seven Mile Beach, the adults-only, Couples Swept Away provides an island hideaway
catering exclusively to couples in love. Fronting the bright blue waters of the
Caribbean, guests are treated to upscale verandah suites, a premier, 10-acre
sports and fitness complex, an array of water sports, a selection of open-air
restaurants and dynamic bars, nightly entertainment, unlimited golf and much
more. In an idyllic setting tucked amidst fragrant tropical gardens, breezy
palm trees and the white-sand beaches of Negril, Couples Swept away is a dream
world of romance, surf and spectacular sunshine.
We currently have great rates for Jamaica
for November and December so check it out.
You won’t be disappointed!
Back to top
THE HISTORY
10/23/09
As you may or may not remember, Art and I have stayed at this
property and reported on it in the past.
We will, in the very near future, be staying at this property
again. Just last night I was telling
some friends about this property and its past history and thought that it might
be interesting to talk about that today and to share its present status
soon. The last time we stayed at The
Excellence we were on a 500 Funjet Club Award trip. The property is breathtaking and they gave us
the best of the best. This time we will
be able to experience it on our own and check out all of the restaurants and
bars and entertainment. We are looking
forward to that.
And as for the past
history before the Excellence Playa Mujeres was even conceived as a notion it
was actually a house, (more like a mansion) that they rented out. We know for certain that Bon Jovi and Donald
Trump were guests of this property. The
house was breathtaking. They had an open
air shower that could hold 20 people.
They had a huge bedroom that faced the ocean. There was a huge sauna and steam room, etc
etc etc. The property was just as
awesome. Beautiful in ground pool,
leather couches and bean bags on the beach and the beach was sand white and
went on for miles. I was heartbroken that
they were going to demolish this beautiful, amazing property-----until I saw
the finished product.
The Excellence Mujeres
has to be one of the nicest properties we have ever stayed in. We had a Jacuzzi that opened not only into
our room, but onto the balcony. The
balcony has a waterproof two person bed with pillows. The showers are large enough for a party with
a granite seating area with a handheld shower (great for shaving those legs)
and on the other end a rainshower with glass enclosures so that you can watch
TV or gaze at your loved one as they lounge on the couch or on the bed. They also have a magic box that allows room
service to pick up or deliver without coming into the room itself. Yeah—no more hiding under the covers because
you are not dressed for company.
Soon I will also be posting pictures on
Facebook if you are interested in seeing the property, under Gamble
America. Check it out!
What is an
adult all-inclusive vacation?
10/30/09
For those of you who do not know what we
mean or what is included in an all-inclusive adult vacation, I thought I should
take this time to clarify the term.
An all adult vacation does not mean that it is x-rated; it just means
that there are no children allowed on property.
For those that want to relax and enjoy their quiet time away from the
children to reconnect with their spouses or for those that just HATE hearing
Mommy, Look at this, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy or for those that just don’t want to
be around children, this is the type of vacation that you should look for. I never really noticed the difference until
one time we were at a property during the school year and the first part of the
week was quiet and blissful and then the weekend snuck in with what seemed like
2 million children. What a difference it made!
Although, this is usually not an issue at properties that have adult
areas in which you can enjoy the pool and/or dining.
Why do we always choose all-inclusive?
Art’s favorite saying is, “Unless you are a vegetarian that thinks
alcohol is evil, this is the only way to vacation!” If you take into consideration just how much
you spend on meals and drinks while on vacation, you begin to realize just how
much this can add to the cost of your vacation.
Also, most all-inclusive properties have at least 2 and up to 12
restaurants or more, each with a different venue. Some of the best Japanese cuisine I have ever
had has been at an all-inclusive Mexican property. Some of the choices are unbelievable, from
hibachi, to Brazilian, to French, to Italian and/or Mexican the choices are
surprisingly endless.
View yourself sitting poolside and sipping on your favorite cocktail and
you get engrossed in a good book or a great conversation with new friends as
your cocktail cooks in the hot sun. If
this drink is not included in your price that you paid, then you either chug it
down warm or lose the money that you paid for it. At an all-inclusive you just order another
one and/or you now have the opportunity to try new things and see if you like
them. Art likes to order his pool drinks
by color, as in I’d like to try that blue colored drink that that person over
there has.
The same thing goes for dining; this gives you a great opportunity to
try new things. Or if you are not
accustomed to smaller portions or you find that you do not care for your meal,
you can order another entrée or try another restaurant. Most properties have 24hr room service. Either an early morning breakfast or an
afterhours snack or strawberries and chocolate as you lounge with your partner
can be available to you depending on what property you are staying at.
They now even have a thing called a ‘Magic Box’. It is a box with 2 separate doors built into
the wall of your room in which your room service order can be put into. Thus,
there is no need to answer your door to receive your order while your mate
hides under the covers because you are not dressed for visitors. This is a great improvement.
Any
other questions, just give Art or I a jingle and we can fill you in!!!
11/06/09
Yes, you read it right. Did you know that if you choose a Palace
Property in Cancun or the Riviera Maya that they will include free tours with
your trip? Here is the deal.
If you are staying in Cancun or the
Riviera Maya, there are six Palace resorts to choose from. You can stay at one and play at all in that
area. In Cancun you have Cancun Palace
which is lively, active and fun. The Sun
Palace caters more to couples and the Beach Palace is a family resort. In the Riviera Maya area which is 40 minutes
south of the Cancun Airport you can choose from four more resorts. The Moon Palace is the largest resort with an
18 hole golf course and ten restaurants.
The Aventura Spa Palace is an adults-only retreat and the spa is
unbelievable! If you are looking for an
ecological resort with huts scattered everywhere you would choose the Xpu-Ha
Palace and if you just were looking to relax and be low-key you would choose
the Playacar Palace.
All of the properties are amazing and
top-notch. There are six tours that they
offer for free at each of the properties.
Chichen Itza is an all day tour and if you want to really understand the
Mayan culture this is an excellent tour to take. Deep within the jungles of
Mexico and Guatemala and extending into the limestone shelf of the Yucatan
peninsula lay the mysterious temples and pyramids of the Maya. While Europe was
still in the midst of the Dark Ages, these amazing people had mapped the
heavens, evolved the only true writing system native to the Americas and were
masters of mathematics. They invented the calendars we use today. Without metal
tools, beasts of burden or even the wheel they were able to construct vast
cities across a huge jungle landscape with an amazing degree of architectural
perfection and variety. Their legacy in stone, which has survived in a
spectacular fashion, is here in Mexico in all its glory. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of
walking to be done!
Ek-Balam Discover the unique archaeological site of
Ek-Balam, known as the City of the "Black Jaguar". It’s completely
new architecture style and design makes it a site unlike any other. Visit the
most relevant structure on the site, "The Acropolis" which has been
explored and restored since 1997. After a one-hour tour to Ek-Balam, we will
head for the city of Valladolid. Founded on the site of an ancient Mayan City,
this attractive city boasts a glorious colonial past that can still be seen in
its beautiful architecture. Be ready for a visit to the Museum and the San
Gervasio Cathedral. Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet at a typical restaurant in
Valladolid and get some of the beautiful handcrafts that can be found on the
streets surrounding the main square.
Tulum-Discover one of the most beautiful
archeological sites of the Riviera Maya, the only one overlooking the Caribbean
Sea and its turquoise waters as a walled fortress. It is believed that Tulum was
once, one of the main ports of the Maya civilization.
Three more tours will be highlighted next
week… Coba, Isla Mujeres and Wet n Wild & Paradise snorkeling.
(CONTINUED)
11/13/09
This
is a continuation of the tours given for free at Palace Resorts in Cancun and
the Riviera Maya.
Coba - Enjoy the breath
taking view at the top of a towering pyramid in Coba where the jungle still
covers most of the area. A professional tour guide will take you in a hunt for
new and not yet discovered Mayan temples and artifacts.
Isla
Mujeres- What a better
location for this small haven than at a small island once a sanctuary to
Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of childbirth and medicine. Isla Mujeres (Island of
Women) with its scenic views, tranquil beaches, marine parks, and sculptured
cliffs, is nature at its best. Come to discover the charm of Isla Mujeres
Palace with its modern facilities and high-end amenities.
Paradise snorkeling- Snorkel along the Mayan Riviera in a luxurious catamaran.
You will snorkel along the Palancar barrier, the world's second largest coral
reef which stretches from north of Cancun to southern Belize. You will see
colorful underwater life including tropical fish, turtles, coral and man-made
underwater statues. After snorkeling, relax and enjoy the day at a private
beach.
These are fantastic tours and if you are traveling for an entire week, I
would try to take advantage of as many of them as you could. These really help you to experience not only
Mexican history, but some of the beauty and excitement that can be found in
this beautiful country.
VALLARTA
PALACE RESORT
NUEVO
VALLARTA
11/20/09
The Vallarta Palace is a beautiful beachside
all-inclusive resort in the heart of Nuevo Vallarta, near Puerto Vallarta, The
romantic rooms are spacious and feature a double Jacuzzi and a private terrace
with a panoramic view of Banderas Bay.
There are two large outdoor pools with Jacuzzis and a children’s wading
pool as well as the beach with excellent swimming, beach volleyball, boogie
boards and more.
This is a 5 star all-inclusive resort that
is just 15 minutes from the airport. AND now for the free tours that are
included with the price of your trip.
The
Nuevo Vallarta Channel Tour—Enjoy a boat ride through the marina, exploring the
mangroves, the exotic variety of birds, plants and animals as well as the
spectacular ships and resort homes of the rich and famous.
The
Vallarta City Tour—A fascinating scenic tour through the states of Nayarit and
Jalisco as you visit beautiful historic attractions. You’ll see Vallarta’s marina, the Los Arcos
National Water Park, the Puerto Vallarta hotel zone, Vallarta’s old town, the
main square, Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon and
sightseeing shopping downtown. The tour
last about 7 hours.
The
Sunset Cruise—The romantic and exciting 3 hour sailboat sunset cruise is along Banderas
Bay and includes an open bar with domestic drinks and snacks. This does NOT include dinner.
COZUMEL
PALACE RESORT PALACE RESORTS
FREE TOURS
11/27/09
The
Cozumel Palace Resort is a stunning resort on the romantic island of Cozumel
Mexico, surrounded by the second largest coral reef in the world. The All-inclusive Cozumel Palace Resort
offers on-site snorkeling, three restaurants and 24-hour room service serving a
variety of cuisine. There are two
infinity pools, a swim-up bar, a kid’s club, water sports and entertaining
theme parties.
The free tours include:
Aqua
World Tour-if you enjoy being on, under or around the water this tour is
perfect. Snorkeling is included.
Dolphin
Discovery-You can get up close and personal with dolphins through interactive
activities and exercises. You can meet,
touch kiss, hug and play with them in your encounter here. Have you ever heard the song of a
dolphin? Dolphins send a high frequency
sound wave that bounces back from objects, identifying their surroundings and
objects in size, shape, density and even color.
Cancun
Are Tours—there are select tours to archaeological sites, colonial cities and
sightseeing cruises.
Palace
resorts is an upscale property and my seem pricey but they are well worth it.
12/04/09
Did you know that average weddings now run
between $35,000 to $50,000 and are a real pain when you try to co-ordinate
everything just perfectly? Most of the
time you cannot afford to do the things you really dreamed of when you thought
of that special day. You have to invite
people that you have not seen in years and sometimes may not even remember. Half of your evening is spent going from
table to table to say thank you and make sure everyone knows that they are
welcome and are recognized. At our
wedding we never even got a chance to eat and had to go out afterwards because
we were starving. People that are
attending the wedding would rather be spending their time with you than at a
table with whomever you have decided to sit them with.
Wouldn’t it be better to take the select
few people that mean the most to you and whisk them away to a tropical
destination for a few days? You can
spend the time together and actually ENJOY each other’s company. Your wedding can be planned by a wedding
coordinator at NO additional cost to you, most are included in the price of the
trip. You might even be able to pay for
your parent’s trips and still only be at about $5,000.00. This would include ALL of your food, your
drinks, your taxes, your lodging, your airfare and the wedding could be
free. The only catch is that you would
need to get married in the states by a judge so that you have a licensed
marriage certificate from the United States.
You can also be married in Mexico legally but:
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in
Mexico
In order to get married in Mexico, there are
some legal guidelines you must follow. You must present your tourist card when you
apply for your marriage license, and you must be married in a civil ceremony at
a Civil Register Office (or other location, but there will be an additional
fee). If you want, you may have a religious or other ceremony later on, but the
only legal wedding ceremony is one performed as a civil marriage. In some
cases, you'll also need Spanish translations of your birth certificates. Mexico
also requires blood tests for HIV and RPR (syphilis) and chest x-rays to be
completed in the country – in all, the process from applying for your marriage
license to getting married will take about three business days. The cost for a
marriage in Mexico is about $200 US dollars.
All of your attendees have a wedding to remember
forever and your wedding photos will be phenomenal. You can choose a beach venue, a gazebo venue,
a garden venue and some properties even have an enclosed air-conditioned, all
window venue. There are beautiful
chapels available also. Everything is
decorated in beautiful tropical flowers and colors of your choice. I will be expounding on all of the things
available in future blogs. Much, much
more to come!!!
Then
come home and throw a small party or brunch for the rest of the family to
announce your wedding and celebrate your love for each other. Now you have saved a ton of money and you
have had the wedding of the century!!
12/11/09
This is an excerpt from a letter written by an actual
couple. I have heard the same response
many, many times from many couples.
“Our wedding took place on January 31, 2009, and was
hosted at the Excellence Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. I would
recommend this resort and any of its affiliates to any bride and groom. We
don’t have one single complaint from our wedding. It was absolutely perfect.
From the choices in ceremony, reception, location, decorations, and even hair
and makeup – everything was better than I could have planned in the States. The
Photography – speaks for itself. We were a bit leery at first, but the
photographer blew us away with his talent. And we returned home with memories
that are timeless and classic. The resort itself was immaculate, food amazing,
and spa a must on your travel plans. Our guests and ourselves are already ready
to return.
All of this at a fraction of the cost to what it would have cost to have a
traditional wedding. So, if you are a bride or groom reading our words, don’t
even think about leaving this site without asking for help with your wedding
plans. It is a must for any engaged couple looking to travel and say I do!”
We are currently in Mexico at the GI
Vacations Awards. We will be researching
all of the wonderful experiences that are available for weddings and
honeymoons. We have an extensive knowledge
of what is available already but there are always new and exciting things to be
offered. I hope to come home with some
amazing photos to share with you. I will
also be armed with answers for ANY questions you may have about weddings and/or
honeymoons in any of the Karisma properties.
In my opinion, there is NO greater destination than those offered through Karisma. When given the opportunity to choose where we would like to travel or stay in the Caribbean or in Mexico, we personally choose these properties for many varied reasons. Just ask and you would be surprised at all that we have to tell you.
12/18/09
Ah, remember last week when I said I would be bringing
something new and exciting back from our trip to the El Dorado Royale and the
GI Vacation Awards Ceremony? Well,
little did I know that it would be something as unbelievable as this! No, we did not actually bring back a camel
but the El Dorado Royale has a brand new venture and it is amazing! You can take a harnessed camel ride for
approximately two miles. The first mile
is through the jungle and the second mile is to the ocean. You can hear monkeys in the trees and see
some of the most beautiful butterflies on the face of this earth. We also were lucky enough to go past the El
Dorado’s brand new greenhouse that I will discuss later on.
These animals are well cared for in this
environment and you can tell by their gently nature. We took head photos with them, fed them,
petted them and then rode them. It is
very unlike a horse ride as you gently sway from side to side with their soft
gait. It is an amazing gentle ride and
the height is unbelievable both for the animal and for the rider!
The
trainers that they have for these camels are very knowledgeable and will easily
share their facts with you and answer all of your questions. You can also visibly see the care and love
that they have for these animals. We
learned that as of now, each trainer is in care of only two animals and you can
actually see the bonding between them.
These animals love their trainers and respond easily to their
commands. The ride was unbelievable and
I HIGHLY recommend this tour for everyone.
And I have a brand new friend and her name is CLARABELL.
Here is a little info on camels for
you. A
mature camel (6-7 years old) weighs between 551 lbs. to 1500 lbs. and stands
from 6 ft. to 6 1/2 ft. tall at the shoulders. A camel's thick wool can make it
appear larger, especially during the winter. Their head and body length is 10
ft. not including a rope like tail which is over 20 in. long. Camels have two
toes on each foot, each with a hoof on the front that looks like a toenail.
They walk on their toes much like a woman wearing a pair of high heels. But,
instead of a heel, a camel has a ball of fat that helps form the soft pad on
the bottom of its foot. This pad supports the animal on the sand like a pair of
snowshoes, and makes the camel almost completely silent when it walks and runs.
The rest you will have to learn on your
tour, I don’t want to spoil all of your fun.
12/25/09
Merry Christmas to all that are
celebrating on the 25th! Hope
your holiday season has been phenomenal and thanks for all of your support over
the year! You are a blessing!
And now to the reason for the title—I am
very pleased to announce that our favorite destination in all of Mexico is also
going and has been green and trying their best to better the environment that
we all share. The El Dorado Royale and
their sister resorts have built their own hydroponic greenhouse and now grow
many of their own vegetables. So not
only do you know the origin of your vegetables, they are all fresh picked when
ripe with NO preservatives. We were very
impressed with the size of this facility and they are expanding and adding to
their menu everyday!!
We were just informed while visiting with
the president of the El Dorado Resorts, that all of the air-conditioning units
are being redone to be more ecologically compatible. All of their trash bins on property are
labeled for recycling and I know for certain that the daily leftover fruit is
given to the animals on property. They
have a special area designated for the feeding to discourage the animals from
roaming the property looking for handouts.
Some of these leftover fruits and vegetables go out to the Bonanza Ranch
that houses the horses, goats, burros and camels.
Everything that can be done to go green
is being done and I applaud the owners for keeping abreast of all of the new
technology out there to help make our world a better environment, not only for
us but future generations. Not only are
the owner’s phenomenal people, they love and take care of their employees on an
unprecedented level. Whether they have a
high or low capacity they make sure their employees are taken care of not only
financially but physically with food and shelter and mentally by also having
classes in English and many other languages.
These are life-learning skills that will not only help the employees on
property with the guests but also throughout life.
As usual I applaud these phenomenal owners
for their love and caring in all aspects of life. If only more people were like them the world
would most definitely be a better place to live. “God Bless you Joe and Deloris and your
beautiful family. May you have a blessed
Christmas and may God give back to you all that you have given to others.”
EL DORADO
RESORTS
1/1/10
So
have you ever had your very own house-(mini-style)-in Cancun Mexico?? You
can!! On your next vacation you should
definitely check out the casitas!
The Casita Suites at El Dorado are all
about romance. Try out the in-room ocean view
Jacuzzi accompanied by chilled champagne and aromatherapy chosen by
you. Or head outdoors to your own,
private outdoor shower. It's even roofless! Imagine moonlit nights with some of
the brightest and most plentiful stars I have ever seen and showering together
with your loved one to the sound of the breaking surf. Unbelievable!
Then snuggle into a huge, soft, canopied bed with remote control
temperature adjustment, a pillow menu and aromatherapy chosen by you!
You
have 24 hour room service, a butler to take care of your every need, an ocean
view and during the day your own swim-up bar for each room block. This is
romantic luxury.
Perfect
for a honeymoon or destination wedding, the inclusive El Dorado Casitas Royale
features beachfront palapas for daytime at the beach or even a private,
candlelit dinner for two on the beach at night.
Choose
from 7 a la carte dining options, 13 pools and numerous bars throughout the El
Dorado Resort complex. At the El Dorado Casitas Royale, luxury is king. Sip on
deluxe Martinis at the main lounge or head to Guacamayas for some evening
entertainment. Check out www.karismahotels.com for more information or just email
us or give us a call with all of your questions! www.gamble-america.com, art@gamble-america.com, peg@gamble-america.com. Also check out our website for an entry for a
free stay at the Karisma resorts!!
Hope your New Year’s Eve was a lot of fun
and wishing you and yours a fantastic New Year ---with LOTS of travel!!!
1/8/10
Aria is finally open and it is breathtaking!! Located in the heart of the brand new City
Center, it is a silver crystal looking 61 story building. It is the first ever Las Vegas building to
receive a green certification. Not only
is it green but it is an art lover’s delight.
Guests of the Aria will see a number of special art features including
Maya Lin’s silver sculpture of the Colorado River, which hangs over the
reception area of the Aria. Aria has an extensive involvement in the City
Center’s Fine Art Program.
The
rooms are as beautiful as the hotel and City Center itself. They feature
floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking panoramic views of Las Vegas
and incredible room amenities that feature one touch control of all guestroom
settings. The natural, warm materials that decorate the room will be a welcome
oasis from the hustle and bustle at the City Center. The ARIA features an
80,000 square foot spa, ten bars, and a lounge to provide you with all sorts of
entertainment, whether it is dancing the night away or relaxing inside a great
sauna.
Once hunger strikes, you can
enjoy delectable Spanish, Thai, Japanese, Italian, contemporary American and
even bistro cuisine. With 16 restaurants to choose from at the Aria, you will
never have to eat the same thing twice. The Aria also has world class golf
nearby, outdoor pools and an incredible casino…but the shining star of this new
hotel is Cirque du Soleil’s newest show Viva ELVIS! Housed in the Aria
Theatre, Cirque du Soleil’s Viva ELVIS! celebrates the life and legacy
of The King, Elvis Presley, through remastered Elvis hits, dancing and, for the
first time, acting. It’s a must see for any Elvis fan and a guaranteed hit at
this beautiful hotel. For the ultimate in modern and luxurious hotel life, make
sure you book your room at the Aria and at least for right now the prices are
good!
1/15/10
The Vdara is 57 stories tall, the hotel offers amazing 1,495 boutique-style suites that are non-smoking and non-gaming. The Vdara prides itself on being an oasis on the Strip, and thus has NO casino on the premises. The Vdara Health & Beauty spa makes up for it with 16,000 square feet of space dedicated to the salon, spa and fitness center. For business travelers eyeing the Vdara as a potential conference destination, there is also a 10,000 square foot ground-level conference space. Entertainment wise you can enjoy a cocktail at the Bar Vdara lobby lounge and bar, have some fun in the sun at the Sky Pool & Lounge or enjoy a high quality meal at Martin Heierling’s Silk Road.
If you would rather have a casual bite to eat you can enjoy the Gourmet Grocer which features a coffee bar, sundry items and fresh packaged meals. Of course, room service is always a hotel perk, and at the Vdara you can order it 24-7. Housekeeping services, daily laundry and dry cleaning also help you keep your room and your clothes clean—perfect to make sure you look great on a dinner date or a business trip. Like other hotels at City Center, the Vdara is also considered a “green” building and it is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification to make it all official.
Your room will feature open floor plans with
floor to ceiling windows that provide plenty of natural light. The expansive
ceilings make every type of suite at the Vdara feel spacious and luxurious. For
the techies in your group, they will love the wireless internet access in every
room along with 42 inch flat screen televisions, Mp3 player docks, cameras, DVD
players and game consoles. There are electronic Roman shades and every kitchen
is almost fully equipped if you want to make your own meal at the last minute.
The bathrooms are stocked with AVEDA amenities and there are backlit vanity
mirrors, a spa-style soaking tub and a glass-enclosed walk-in shower with seat.
If you want a true place to relax after you’re done being wild in the city,
stay at the Vdara Hotel & Spa.
Thanks to Best of Vegas for this article. Check out their website also!!
1/22/10
If anyone would have told me that I would be
blogging about luxury trains in the near future, I would’ve thought they had
totally lost it!!! We sell travel to
some of the best and most wonderful places on earth. We enjoy comfort and luxury and look for it
in all that we recommend. We want our
travelers to know that they are well taken care of and well informed and that
we have actually experienced many of their trips, stays and adventures
ourselves and that we know what we are talking about.
The last time I took a train was a long
time ago. It was an Amtrak to Chicago
for a photo convention. Other than it
being an ungodly time in the morning to board, we actually had a very nice
time. It was quick and (once we got
started) efficient and the food was good.
We went with a good friend of ours and we had an enjoyable time BUT—I
would never be telling anyone in the travel industry what a great time I had
and that they should try it.
UNTIL NOW---We took an unbelievable train
trip with Uncommon Journeys from Chicago to St. Louis just to check it
out. I have GOT to tell you that it was
AMAZING. Not only were the seats roomy
and comfortable and reclining, there was plenty of room to get up and cross in
front of your fellow passenger without even disturbing them. The food and drink-including alcohol-is all
included in the price and the food was very good and very fresh. With my breakfast I had a mimosa!!
They have a parlor car in the back that
you can gather in if you want to socialize a little more and it was spacious
with a lot of seating and very comfy.
Although we did not get a chance to use the sleepers---it was only a day
trip---we did get to see the rooms that hold them.
We were also given rooms at THE DRAKE in
Chicago and The Drury in St. Louis for pre and post night stays. This company is really top of the top. What they have given us to offer to our
clients is better than some of the best.
We will soon be able to offer you NO-FLY Hawaii also----can you even
imagine??? It is luxury all the way
through, and with no long airport security lines to deal with and no delayed
flights. The cruise line for Hawaii is
Holland America which is also a definite luxury. We will have much more to share in days to
come as we set up to offer you this great way to travel!!!
COLORADO ROCKIES, ZION NATIONAL PARK
&
LAS VEGAS and 9 DAYS
1/29/10
What
do these things have in common? A
fantastic no-fly trip of a lifetime is the answer. This is a train trip out of Chicago. You can get to Chicago by driving or by
hooking up with a train trip on Amtrak out of Cleveland (which is included in
your price).
The train travel for this trip out of Chicago is ALL LUXURY with food
and drink included. They even serve you
your drinks to your seat and clean up your dishes afterwards.
The train travel starts in the Midwest and is an overnight trip continuing
through the Colorado Rockies in daylight and is aboard the famed California
Zephyr. You then have an overnight stay
at the Provo Marriott with transfers, taxes and luggage handling included.
You
have a full day tour of spectacular Zion National Park with an overnight stay
at the St. George Utah with a welcome dinner and breakfast included.
Four nights at the beautiful Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas tops off this
trip with a dinner at Lawry’s Prime Rib included.
You then have a scenic short drive to Flagstaff, Arizona with a stop at
Hoover Dam and an overnight stay in Flagstaff as well as a farewell dinner.
Travel from Flagstaff aboard the Southwest Chief train to the Midwest is
an overnight journey with remarkable vistas including the Mesas and pueblos of
Arizona and New Mexico.
A
professional tour manager is with you from start to finish. All of this is for the small amount of
$1,999.00 for double occupancy and $2,449.00 for single. This is an unbelievable deal and I would be on
it tomorrow if I could. No driving, no
traffic, no hassles, no exhaustion and just being pampered to death---now THAT
is my dream and I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and Zion.
2/5/10
Prices right now are soooo good to travel to Vegas, I thought
that it would be perfect timing to go over some of the things that are
ABSOLUTELY FREE to do and see!
1.
Bellagio Light and Water Fountain Show -----Sitting out on the patio of some of
Las Vegas’ finest restaurants you would be mistaken to think you were in the
heart of Lake Como in Italy. A manmade lake sitting on the strip hosts a not
too subtle reminder that you are in fact still in Las Vegas. A fanfare of
lights, powerful sound and gushing jets of water fly up into the sky casting a
spray of excitement in the air. I've not been able to ascertain the timings of
the show, but it certainly is frequent enough to catch your eye most any time
in the evening. Best viewing from the Paris hotel or Circo restaurant at the
Bellagio. (Weather permitting). When: Monday to Friday 3:00 p.m. to midnight /Saturday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. to
midnight / Every 30 minutes until 7:00
p.m., Every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight
/ Shows are subject to cancellation due to high winds.
2. Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and
Casino -----Past the hotel lobby and casino you will find a collection of birds
and other animals living on an island surrounded by streams and waterfalls.
Over 300 birds are featured including, of course, a flock of pink flamingos.
You'll also see penguins, swans and ducks. Living in the stream are koi and
turtles. When: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3.
Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino -----An indoor garden with a spectacular
floral display. The 50 foot high glass roof provides a sunny place for great
photo opportunities. The displays are changed each season and for major
holidays. The setting is a wonderful, peaceful break from the bright lights of
the strip and the bustle of the casino. The garden has over 13,500 square feet
and has 1,200 bins of exotic plants.
When: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week
4. The
Volcano at the Mirage Hotel and Casino------A man made volcano erupts every
night right on the strip. Flames and smoke shoot from the top of this 54 foot
volcano while molten lava flows down its sides. You can feel the heat from the
flames on your face as you stand on the sidewalk. This is the original free
attraction along the Vegas Strip, first opened in 1989. Although it has stood
in place for fifteen years it never fails to awe spectators every night. When:
Every 15 minutes from 7:00 p.m. to midnight .
5. Fremont
Street Experience----- A mega million dollar canopy and light show shrouds the
original Downtown Las Vegas Fremont Street and the FREE Show is really a sight
to behold. It presently starts at 8pm with shows every hour on the hour
finishing at midnight. The show is approx 12 minutes long. A particularly good
show overhead during the Christmas Holiday period. The #301 CAT bus goes from
the Las Vegas Strip to Downtown Fremont Street every 10 minutes, 24 hours a
day. Check with your hotel to confirm timings are current. When: Nightly at dusk
6. Sirens of TI at Treasure Island Hotel and
Casino----- The Treasure Island Hotel and Casino describes its Sirens of TI
show as a "modern musical-meets-action-movie spectacular". The shows
features music, dancing, swordplay, acrobatics, pyrotechnics and even a full
size ship sinking. The show is about 15 minutes long and features a group of
scantily clad women fighting a band of pirates. What used to be the Treasure
Islands Pirates Battle was replaced by the Sirens of TI show as they try to get
a sexier image for the hotel and casino. You might want to arrive early to get
a good spot close to the action so there are no problems seeing over the
crowd’s heads. When: Every night at
7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
7. Rock and
Roll Memorabilia at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino -----The Hard Rock Hotel and
Casino has collectible from all of your favorite rock and roll stars. They have
many displays featuring lots for rock and roll fans from Beatles collectibles
to Madonna's underwear, motorcycles from Guns N Roses' Matt Sorum and Motley
Crue's Nikki Six, autographed guitars and drum sets from many bands and leather
jackets from the Ramones and Aerosmith.
When:24 hours and day, seven days a week
8. Masquerade Village Show in the Sky at the
Rio Hotel and Casino----- This Carnival-themed show features fantastic floats
that ride on tracks above the casino floor. Energetic dancers in exotic masks
and costumes throw beads into the crowd. Clowns and acrobats help boost the
energy. There is also a multi-level main stage on the casino floor with a live
band to provide the music for the show. On Monday to Wednesday there is no Show
in the Sky, but a Latin band performs on the Masquerade Village Stage. When: Hourly from 7pm to Midnight,
Thursday – Sunday
9. Lion
Habitat at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino----- Sea lions playing, sleeping,
lounging and interacting with the handlers. This 5,000 square foot glass
enclosed habitat has a simulated jungle with a waterfall. The lions are not trained
to perform tricks, but do like playing with bowling balls thrown to them, and
are directed only by voice and hand commands from the handlers. This very
popular attraction can be found inside of the MGM Grand's main casino. When: Daily 11 am to 10 p.m.
10. Circus
Acts at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino----- The largest permanent circus in the
world. One of the oldest and most loved free shows in Las Vegas, this show
features aerialists, jugglers, trapeze artists and clowns. The show is
performed in the big-top at the midway, which is one level up from the casino.
Each show last about 10 minutes. There are a limited number of seats available,
and people typically start filling them about 15 minutes before the show, but
if you can't get a seat, there is plenty of standing room as well.When:Daily 11
a.m. to midnight, every half hour
& BEACH RESORT
2/12/10
The El Cid in the Riviera Maya is a warm and welcoming
destination nestled among swaying palms and overlooking the pristine Puerto
Morelos National Reef Park. It is
situated near the charming bohemian fishing village of Puerto Morelos, halfway
between the Cancun/Riviera Mayan and Playa del Carmen.
This
All-Inclusive resort boasts spacious, luxury Junior Suites to three Bedroom
Suites with a dining and living area that can accommodate up to eight people,
all with expansive private terraces and a full range of amenities.
The pool is
22,000 square feet with cascading waterfalls, slide and diving pool, swim-up
bar, in-water lounge chairs, sun deck and children’s area with slides. There is also an adults-only whirlpool and
silent zone for those quiet moments.
Nearby is a full service 120 slip marina for fishing and scuba diving or
you can just take a bicycle tour to the charming port of Puerto Morelos.
Four restaurants
are available for your dining pleasure.
The El Alcazar is a chic restaurant ideal for romantic dinners and
celebration with an Asian-Mediterranean fare and diverse wine list. The Alhambra features sumptuous buffets and
theme specials. There is the poolside
Hacienda Arrecife for gourmet Mexican favorites with more than 100 tequilas and
spectacular ocean views. For the
freshest seafood you can take a short stroll down the block to La Marina with a
view of the world’s most luxurious yachts and it is also available through the
All-Inclusive Plan.
But BEST of all,
right now you can get a 35% discount thru our website with Funjet Vacations for
all of 2010 stays. This special is good
for all of the El Cid Resorts, even those in Mazatlan. PHENOMENAL!
2/19/10
El Dorado Maroma,
a Beachfront Resort by Karisma is located on the spectacular Maroma Beach in
the Riviera Maya of Mexico. Experience a luxurious All Inclusive Adults-Only
luxurious resort specially designed to explore all the adventure and fun of the
Mexican Caribbean in the most wonderful natural surroundings.
Intimate and beachfront, active and
relaxed, rustic and luxurious at the same time. Luxurious, since it is small,
intimate and provides outstanding services, delicious cuisine, a personalized
butler, concierge services and a fabulous Champagne Check-in. Rustic, because
it is not pretentious and was built using traditional materials and with the
philosophy of embracing the bounty of the nature and the local environment. It
lies directly on the famous Maroma Beach considered to be one of the top
beaches of the world.
With 72 beautiful Suites set perfectly in
two buildings, the resort is located right next to Marina Maroma Paradise by
the turquoise waters of Maroma Beach, an excellent site for land, water, day
and evening activities, romantic sunset trips and family excursions all just
steps away from your Suite.
Snorkel with beautiful species of fish in
colorful coral reefs, take a Deep Fishing tour and encounter the marine action;
drive your own speed boat or beat the dune terrain with your ATV. Live a
magical sunset lobster dinner or plan your dreamlike wedding celebration in its
gorgeous beach site. Have it all in one place!
El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort
provides an active, authentic and luxurious Mexican vacation experience. It caters
to couples and families looking for an active vacation, personalized service
and unforgettable adventures.
If you are searching for a relaxing
getaway El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort also offers a fabulous body and
mind tranquil ambience. Feel the peacefulness of the Mexican Caribbean with our
unique refreshing Spa treatments and ocean view massages; rest by the crystal
clear pool and take a romantic walk in turquoise shallow waters of Maroma
Beach.
Explore all the fun of the Mexican
Caribbean and let your spirit free at El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort
GRAND
HOTEL PARAISO
2/26/10
Iberostar
Grand Hotel is a 5 star all-inclusive resort that sits directly on Playa
Paraiso beach and is just a 5 minute ride from Playa del Carmen. All-suite guestrooms boast convenient butler
service, a breezy balcony or terrace, a deluxe mini-bar with full sized bottles
of your preferred spirits, mixers, wine and champagne, European bedding with
your choice of pillows, a bathroom with an oversized Jacuzzi tub or soothing
rain shower and a splendid view of the Caribbean. Today, it is the most happening tourist spot
with lots of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, shops and tons of charm.
This is where adults come to experience a
whole new level of luxury. From the
elaborate staircases and extraordinary gardens with every plant and flower
imaginable, to exclusive a la carte restaurants, a cigar bar, concierges, beach
and room butlers it is an opulent experience to say the least.
Guests also enjoy dine around privileges
throughout the entire Iberostar Playa Paraiso Resort. Although you may choose not to venture to
other parts of the resort as The Grand Hotel has a surf and turf, an Italian,
Japanese and an international restaurant right where you are staying. With everything that is offered you will have
over 20 options for dining alone.
For entertainment there is an 18 hole P.
B. Dye course right on the Gulf with a free complimentary round of golf (if
guests stay more than 5 nights they receive 2 free rounds of golf), a Private
world class, state of the art Spa offering Couples Treatments and massages,
water sports including catamaran, snorkeling, kayaks and windsurfing and daily
and nightly entertainments, shows and activities and a shopping plaza.
Also if you are on your honeymoon, they have
Honeymoon Villa Suites with a private plunge pool. Oooo, so romantic!! I cannot
think of anything else you could possibly want in a vacation!! This is definitely a winner!!!!
RIVIERA MAYA
CANCUN MEXICO
3/5/10
|
Iberostar
Paraíso Maya is
located to the front of the magnificent Playa Paraiso, halfway between Puerto
Morelos and Playa del Carmen and is part of Iberostar Playa Paraiso Resort,
a unique holiday complex. Each of the
432 elegant suites and two presidential suites offer cable TV, air
conditioning, ceiling fan, in-room safe, complimentary mini-bar,
coffee-machines, DVD player, iron, alarm clock and a balcony or terrace.
Rooms are available with either two double beds or one king size bed. Each
room at Iberostar Paraíso Maya also features a private bathroom complete
with bathtub, hairdryer, lighted cosmetic mirror and telephone. The spacious main building at Iberostar
Paraíso Maya houses an extensive lobby, complete with Mayan figures, a
pyramid with lobby bar, Internet corner, cigar lounge, various stores, games
and billiards, buffet restaurant for breakfast and five specialty
restaurants. There are three private
swimming pools with hammocks, and the swimming pools including a wave pool,
lazy river, activities pool and adults pool.
Guests can also enjoy the extensive white sandy beach, complete with
hammocks and parasols. Specialty restaurants include Gourmet,
Japanese/Tepanyaki, Steakhouse, Mexican, Seafood and an International Buffet
restaurant. The dress code requires that gentlemen wear long trousers, so
bring them for dinner and you can change afterwards. The main restaurant serves breakfast and
lunch only, but there is a grill, snack bar and casual poolside restaurant
serving lunch, snacks and grilled items anytime during the day. bar and grill. In addition, there are the common areas
with access to a Shopping Center, a modern Spa with humid areas, Temazcal,
hairdressing salon and 28 cabins for treatments, the two discotheques Galaxy
for adults and Underground for adolescents, a Convention Center, and a Golf
course. |
|
Other amenities include a fully-equipped conference center, 18-hole
golf course, various shops, a wedding chapel, seven bars/lounges, children´s
pool, health club and spa, ice cream parlor, Internet corner, five-star PADI
dive center, 24-hour doctor on call, laundry service, beauty salon and a free
bus to Playa del Carmen. Babysitting services are also available upon
request. We have stayed at this Iberostar Complex
and it is phenomenal. Great service,
great food, great rooms, great pools all contribute to make this property a
WINNER! |
|
|
CANCUN OR PLAYA DEL CARMEN
3/12/10
We
are looking
forward to
going to CocoBongo in Mexico in the near future ourselves. It is a wonderful experience that should not
be missed. It is NOT your typical disco
and has a venue enjoyable to all. There
is sooo much going on at any one time it is almost like going to the circus,
ice-skating show, rodeo or any other major event that you have attended for
your entertainment. It is a thrill a
minute and in addition to all that is listed below, they have confetti and
balloons falling periodically from the ceiling and waitresses and waiters
supplying you with a constant supply of drinks for one price. There is no need to even leave your seat but
if you wish there is a huge dance floor, dancing in the aisles and even dancing
on the bar. It is an event that will be
very much enjoyed and long remembered.
You will not find another club like COCOBONGO in Cancun or the Riviera
Maya that offers such variety. Acrobats equal as those seen in Cirque du Solei
both on stage and overhead, impersonators bringing to life pops stars such as
Madonna, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears etc. Not to mention the best DJ’s.
All of this excitement and energy brought to you with the help of mega
screens of the highest resolution. You will find people dancing everywhere
making their visit to COCOBONGO an unforgettable experience!!! Get out there and enjoy yourself. After all it is YOUR vacation!!
3/19/10
Jamaica, Bahamas, come on pretty
mama. The Bahamas have long been a
favored getaway for many. When thinking
of exotic warm resorts in the Caribbean it is usually one of the top vacation
destinations that come to mind.
Now, I am sure many of you do not realize
that there is an all-inclusive resort on Paradise Island and better than that
it is a Riu PALACE Property—the best of the best.
Situated on a 3 mile long, white, sandy
beach, the Riu Palace Paradise Island has a prime location next to the Atlantis
Casino. It is elegantly decorated with
stunning sea views and fine amenities including a fully-stocked mini bar and
liquor dispensers holding a variety of 3 full bottles of liquor with spigots in
each room. Spacious, all-suite rooms
featuring private balconies are the norm here—exceptional!
You can choose from a succulent selection
of dining options as they have five great restaurants. They have three bars, one of which is a
swim-up and poolside bar. You can eat
and drink to your hearts’ content.
The swimming pool is 300 square meters and
has an adjoining Jacuzzi and sport complimentary sun loungers, towels and
parasols. The Renova Spa offers
massages, treatments and has a beauty salon, sauna and jacuzzi.
As this is a Palace Property you can
expect and receive excellent service and friendly staff. The ground will be impeccable and the food
sumptuous. There is also daytime
entertainment by the pools and daily nighttime entertainment including live
music and Riu theme shows. This is a property
not to be missed when planning your Bahamas vacation.
PUNTA
CANA RESORTS
3/26/10
We have heard from many of our
clients that Punta Cana has some of the best golf courses in the world. With everything that is available out there,
this statement is pretty amazing.
In Punta Cana you will find a rare combination of natural beauty and
privacy surrounded by tree-shaded villas and a gorgeous turquoise
oceanfront. Punta Cana Resort and Club
is a new seaside golf course designed by the talented P. B. Dye and has 14
holes offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and 4 of the holes play
along the ocean itself. There are 9
dining options and 6 bars and lounges at this resort. They also have tennis, horseback riding and
water sports. You will find fantastic
options in rooms, anything from deluxe rooms to suites to beach casitas to 2 or
3 bedroom villas.
A four night deluxe package would include 3 round of golf on site, a
shared golf cart, pre-booked tee times and round trip VIP transfers from the
Punta Cana Airport. In low season we are
talking about $599 per person and during high season it runs about $659.00 per
person.
Casa de Campo is situated on the southeastern coast of the Dominican
Republic. Casa de Campo is a tropical
paradise renowned for its world-class accommodations, dining, activities and
sports, including the #1 ranked golf course in the Caribbean, called the Teeth
of the Dog. It also has the challenging
Dye Fore course with 7 cliff-hugging holes.
It is one of the hottest courses in the Caribbean.
You will find many of the same amenities as the Punta Cana Resort plus
13 tennis courts and 3 swimming pools.
The four night packages start at $749 per person here in low season and
$1069 in high season.
COSTA RICA
4/2/10
Costa
Rica is unbelievably beautiful with its rainforests, volcanoes and
savannahs. It is one of the most ‘green’
vacations that I have ever been on.
Riu Guanacaste is located seafront in the
beautiful region of Guanacaste on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Because it is a Riu property you can be
assured that it is unmatched in its services, amenities and luxury. Breathtaking, expansive and unique this hotel
provides guests the opportunity to experience the wonder of Playa de
Matapalo. You can enjoy all of the
recreational possibilities offered by such privileged surroundings, sunbathing
on the beautiful beaches, diving or fishing in the clear waters of the Pacific,
as well as ecotourism in the volcanic areas and natural parks.
There are buffets with spot cooking
stations daily and special evening themed buffets offered three times a week.
The Liberia is the main restaurant with a terrace and in addition you will find
an Asian restaurant, an Italian restaurant and a poolside steakhouse and grill.
During the day there is a huge meandering
pool with a swim-up bar and also a children’s pool. You will find complimentary sun loungers,
towels and parasols by the pool. For the
kids there is a playground and a mini-club.
An endless ocean with a perfect beach is right on property and there for
the relaxation and enjoyment.
The gym, Jacuzzi and steam bath is
restricted to guests over 18 and sport shoes are compulsory when using the gym.
At night you can enjoy the casino or wander
over to the Night Club “Pacha” but be aware that although the entrance is
complimentary here the drinks are NOT.
All rooms come equipped with a mini-bar
and liquor dispenser, satellite TV and a balcony or terrace and interconnecting
rooms are available.
Because this is a BRAND NEW PROPERTY, you
can enjoy great savings at this time until the end of the year. This is definitely and A++++++++.
4/9/10
Ireland by car was one of our most
favorite vacations. From the Giant’s
Causeway to the Ring of Kerry, the FRIENDLIEST of islands begins to work its
special magic the moment you start your holiday. Unspoiled countryside, spectacular coastal
scenery, a rich and diverse culture, amusing light-hearted people: add to the
attractions with the easy rhythms of daily life and you soon discover all the
clichés about Ireland are absolutely true.
We personally flew into Shannon and drove the southern coast of the
island and finished eventually in Dublin.
Each city we stopped in was unique and different. There are so many breathtaking sights they
are almost too numerous to count. While
most of you are familiar with the Blarney Stone there is so much more history
to discover in your journey.
We found the Bed and Breakfasts the best way to travel for many
reasons. You could nightly pick your
next stay as you travel about Ireland on your own whim. You can also pick the location and type of
stay, everything from coastal houses to castles to city hotels.
The choices are endless and yet I can guarantee you that no matter what
you choose you will find the owners of the homes will be some of the most
friendly and memorable people you will ever have the opportunity to know. They are filled with endless information
about the area and where to go and the best time to go there to avoid the
droves of tourists. You will feel like
you are visiting family and leaving friends as you depart on to your next
venture.
From the Cliffs of Mohr, the Ring of Kerry, Shannon, Cork, Waterford,
the castles, the seafront towns, the museums, the amazing green landscapes,
Dublin, Trinity College, Temple Bar, Killarney and I’ve only just barely
touched on some of the highlights.
Consider Ireland for your next vacation and you will not be
disappointed. The best travel is late
April to June and September to late October to avoid bad weather and heavy
tourist traffic.
Formerly
Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort
4/16/10
This beautiful getaway located on the eastern coast of La
Espanola Island, in the Dominican Republic, is just 5 miles from the Punta Cana
airport. It is about 162,000 square
miles of lush tropical gardens and vegetation and is bathed by the crystal
clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
This resort has 48,000 square feet of
gaming space with a high-limit poker room, a VIP lounge and a race and sports
book, along with 457 slot machines and 40 tables. Games include baccarat, blackjack, craps and
roulette. This is a true gambling
Mecca!!!!!
Also there is the brand new Cana Bay Golf
Club with a challenging, par-72 Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, surrounded
by tropical foliage, the beautiful Caribbean landscape and a Golf Club facility
that is the perfect place to unwind after a long day on the greens.
The signature “Rock Spa” is an incredible
60,000 square-foot facility with 48 spa suites and one of the world’s most
complete hydrotherapy circuits.
Relax in one of the 11 swimming pools,
drink at one of the 4 swim-up bars and enjoy water slides and mini-golf. There is a ton of rock memorabilia on the
walls and 11 fine restaurants and 12 bars.
There is even an ice cream stand.
The rooms are luxurious and have in-room
double Jacuzzis, mini-bar with a liquor dispenser, wireless internet and long
distance calls to the continental U.S. and nightly entertainment in the lounge.
This sounds like a perfect haven for
everyone!!!!
4/23/10
Enjoy paradise and first-class
personalized service at this latest addition to the Riu family in Playa del
Carmen, Mexico. The Hotel Riu Palace is
located on a dazzling stretch of white sandy beach framed by tropical trees and
crystal clear turquoise waters.
In the heart of the Mexican jungle lies
the Mayan Riviera with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Don’t forget to visit the wonderful Mayan
legacy by visiting the pyramids, cenotes and places settled by the early
Mayans. There is so much to see and do
you may just need to come back many times as we have!!!
This spectacular hotel boasts 400 elegant
junior suites with hydro-massage bathtubs and mini-bars and liquor dispensers
in every room.
Six amazing restaurants from grill to
gourmet and five thirst quenching bars one of which is a swim up.
The swimming pool is 1257 square
meters!!! There is also a children’s
swimming pool and both are complete with sun loungers, towels and parasols.
Don’t forget the gym, Jacuzzi, sauna,
Renova Spa, tennis courts, table tennis, volleyball, billiards, windsurfing,
catamaran, kayaking, body board and snorkeling!
During the day there is an entertainment
program for children ages 4 to 12 and in the evening you can enjoy live music,
shows and evening programs. Don’t forget
the “La Pinata” night club.
Wedding dreams do come true here. You can choose from a civil wedding,
religious wedding or a vow renewal. The
couple and 80% of the guests must stay at the hotel in order to take advantage
of the great options that are available through their Free Wedding
Packages. Just ask us about them.
4/30/10
This is actually an update on the
article from 03/05/2010 that I had written.
Just having returned from this fabulous property, I wanted to add my own
personal viewpoint. From start to finish
at this resort, I doubt that you would be able to find friendlier, helpful
personnel than what we encountered here.
We were greeted at the front door by a bellman and luggage handlers,
then directed to the front desk that was relaxing and informal and individually
attended, we were on the receiving end of refreshing tropical drinks as we went
over our rooms and the hotel property.
The front desk was most accommodating and
they also helped us with the best places to eat on property. We rode as passengers in a golf cart to our
room and were soon greeted by the bellman with our luggage. The rooms were very big with a seating area
and a balcony. The beds were very
comfortable and large.
We were able to satisfy everyone’s
preference as to swimming and sunny as they have a wave pool, a lazy river, an
activities pool, a huge regular pool, some fountains and a huge beach. We actually tried them all and it was
fantastic.
We ate at the seafood, gourmet and Japanese
hibachi restaurants as well as the breakfast and lunch buffets. The food was plentiful and was easily equal
to any 5 star restaurant here in Ohio.
Overall our favorite appetizer was a seafood appetizer in the gourmet
room that sent us all to heaven. It was
amazing and if we had the time would certainly have done this one again!!!
From bar staff, to pool attendants, spa
attendants, housekeeping, everyone was super friendly and accommodating, we
could not ask for better.
There were only two drawbacks as far as we
could see, the fact that you do need an arm bracelet to discern you from
clients staying on the other properties and the fact that the two-person
Jacuzzi in the room was on the small side.
The property is tropical, breathtaking and
scattered with Mayan art. We have many
pictures to remember everything by. This
property is a winner!!!!!
Cancun and Playa
Del Carmen
5/7/10
The
comment from our friends on this trip to Coco Bongos was, “How could you ever
describe this?” There is just so much to
see and experience.
We had given our friends some teasers as
to what Coco Bongos was about and we barely touched the surface of what they
would experience. They DID know it was a
nightclub and it did not start until 10:30 pm.
Seeing the hordes of young people outside and knowing the lateness of
the day, I am certain that pure dread entered their hearts as to what we had
talked them into. We had told them that
the first time we had been here we felt the same and thought we would be
leaving in about ˝ an hour. We left at 4
am and could have easily stayed longer as is what happened with them.
The owners of Coco Bongos were nice enough
to help us with our visit this time and we had expedited check-in and a private
table. At the beginning of your night
there is music playing and people dancing everywhere and your personal
bartender asks what you would like your drink specialty to be for the
night. The glass was never empty as he
was constantly in motion making certain that our needs were met. I at one point asked for water and he brought
us a bucket of bottled waters on ice.
As the show starts, the stage dance floor
empties and becomes a secondary stage with the fast acting hands of the
crew. The primary stage is huge and
becomes a Las Vegas Venue with singers like Madonna, Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra
all accompanied with professional dancers in costume and a huge screen in back
with a display of the actual singer in action.
The production in huge and a great tribute to any rock show you have
ever seen or experienced.
If you have ever been to any Circe de
Solei shows or seen them on TV, they also have muscular dancers dropping and
climbing to the ceilings on cloth drapes and swinging from the stage over the
crowds. There is even a Spiderman and
his arch nemesis fight in the air and finishing on the smaller stage after the
soar above the crowds. In between there
is comedy with Beetle juice comics and waiters sliding down banisters.
You will be refreshed with huge blast of
cool air and showered with huge strips of confetti periodically throughout the
evening. The show is never ending and
amazing. Time passes so quickly that it
is astonishing.
If you are EVER in Cancun or Playa Del
Carmen or in the Riviera Maya area, we HIGHLY recommend that you attend this
show. You must be 18 and over to enter. Be prepared for an evening beyond imagination
and worth much, much more than its cover charge!!!!!
Erie Canal Boat and Train Trip
5/14/10
Enjoy a two
nation vacation on this 10 day adventure through American and Canadian
waterways in the fashion that only a small ship can deliver. You will cruise where big ships cannot,
traveling the Hudson River, through the Erie Canal and into the St. Lawrence
Seaway then to Lake Ontario. A historian
will detail the history along the Hudson and the legends of the locks of the Erie
Canal. Ontario has more than 250,000
lakes, 60,000 miles of rivers and 2,400 miles of coastline forming the shores
of four Great Lakes. Combine that with
cosmopolitan cities and charming small towns, scenic beauty, history and
culture and you have purchased an amazing trip.
Some of the features of this trip include
an overnight stay in New York City in midtown aboard the mini-liner, a port of
call in Waterloo, Ontario that includes a winery visit and charming Niagara on
the Lake and a trip on the Maid of the Mist.
An overnight in Toronto at the King Edward Hotel in the heart of the
theatre district with a Toronto sightseeing tour and transfers to the train
station and business class train travel from Toronto to Albany and New York
City aboard the Maple Leaf train.
This fantastic trip has two departures
only!! The departures are August 14-24
of 2010 and August 24-Sept 3 of 2010.
Please be advised that space aboard this program is very limited due to the
small ship experience. Early and prompt
reservations will guarantee your space on these sailings.
If this is on your Bucket List to travel
the Erie Canal by boat, please give us a call so that we can book this for
you. We will have more train trips
available in the near future. Keep an
eye on the blogs or give us a call!!!!
Punta Cana,
La Romana, Santo Domingo
5/21/10
The spirit and charm of the Dominican
Republic is captured in its music, food, beaches and national pastimes that are
widely celebrated as being among the world’s best. This destination like no other – a sensual
feast of dazzling landscapes, exotic cuisine, and a remarkable variety of arts
and entertainment options. The pulse-pounding thrill of the meringue,
intriguing relics from centuries past, premium cigars and even world-class golf
which has become one of the hottest spots to tee-off in the Caribbean, if not
the world.
The Dominican Republic offers something for everyone and can fulfill the
vacation dreams of those seeking sophisticated luxury, eco-adventure, arts and
culture of simple lazy days on white sandy beaches. Year-round sports, effervescent nightlife,
distinctive shopping, relaxing resorts, designer golf courses, magnificent
national parks and world-class gambling make for a fun-filled vacation to-do
list.
Among the Dominican Republic’s breathtaking surroundings are an
extraordinary variety of the hottest and newest hotels ranging from luxury
resorts to family-friendly hotels to boutique properties. The Dominican Republic offers an abundance of
accommodations to satisfy every style and budget. And with eight international airports as well
as numerous seaports and marinas, paradise has never been easier to explore.
Check out our prices! They are
fantastic and enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world along
with world class golf courses!
5/28/10
Usually I
tell you about a destination or a new property but this is such a terrific
deal, I could not pass it up.
You can enjoy TWO all-day, unlimited access buffets from seven different
hotel buffets for just $29.99. You can
purchase this only at the cashier stands at any of the participating buffets,
but it has to be with a three night minimum stay at any Vegas resort that we
carry and must be purchased before May 31st, 2010. It is good for now through August 31st.
Your all-day buffet is valid at Rio’s acclaimed Carnival World Buffet,
Planet Hollywood’s Spice Market Buffet, Flamingo’s Paradise Garden Buffet,
Flavors Buffet at Harrah’s, Emperor’s Buffet at Imperial Palace, the Le Village
Buffet at Paris and Lago’s Buffet at Caesars.
Just charge your buffet to your room and you are on your way to the
once-in-a-lifetime Las Vegas experience.
This pass is good for 24 hours from the time of purchase and does not
include the tax or gratuities. It is not
good for alcohol but if you want to purchase some with your food simply let the
cashier know.
So enjoy Vegas and eat to your heart’s content!! And don’t forget to take advantage of all of
the free things there are to do in Vegas!
So
much more than I thought!!!
6/4/10
Wow, I just finished a webinar (one of about
a thousand that I check out as a good travel agent should) and I am thoroughly
impressed with this new program, so much so that it is my blog this week!!
This is a wellness program with El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casita Suites and
El Dorado Maroma in the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico.
This is a fully customizable program that
balances, exercise, healthy food and a relaxing beach experience. It is designed by David Pritchard, a leader
in the fitness and health industry for 20 years who has trained professional,
college and amateur athletes from around the world. David has a degree in
Exercise Science and has certifications from the American Council of Exercise and The
National Academy of Sports Medicine.
It is designed for guests who want to
change their lifestyles, start exercising, lose weight and eat healthy, for
guests who want to keep focused on their workout also on vacation and guests
looking for a challenge to enhance their workout program. You
can purchase it anywhere from one day, three days or six days and here is how
it works.
By purchasing this program during your stay
they will give you your own personal trainer, your own personal diet and your
own personal concierge. The concierge
will contact you prior to your arrival to set up your program and get the
specifics for your preferred diet.
When you arrive on property (and your time
has come for your training) you will then experience a myriad of classes, an
hour with your own personal trainer, a nutrition
consultant for your meals on property and once you return home, an additional
consultation time or a 45 minute massage and a gift basket. The classes include yoga, stretching, kick
boxing, spinning, core pump, zumba, biking, circuit training and more. Your personal trainer will assist you with
the proper way to do your exercises not only with the proper body positioning
but with the breathing techniques also. You would pay an absolute FORTUNE for
this back home but not here and the workout is outside next to the beautiful
azure waters of the Caribbean Ocean!!!
As I stated previously, this can be
purchased as a one day, three day or a six day plan and if you are unsure as to
the length of time that you want, you can purchase the one day plan before you
travel and upgrade on property once you see what the program entails.
To be honest, I am not an exerciser but
this program really enticed me and I would love to try it myself, if nothing
else but to experience it all and learn how to do things correctly and blend it
into my lifestyle at home.
Included in this wellness program are also
an exclusive membership to the online my destination wellness community,
updates on the most current fitness and nutrition information, new exercise
videos and plans on a regular basis, new tips, food plans and recipes. Any questions??? Give us a call.
6/11/10
1)
DESTINATION WEDDINGS USUALLY COST LESS THAN TRADITIONAL WEDDINGS.
Formerly the exclusive domain of celebrities and the ultra-rich, Destination
Weddings have in recent years become accessible to more and more couples
looking to add an "exotic twist" to their special ceremony. Properly
planned, a destination wedding can not only save you upwards of $20,000
off the cost of a traditional wedding, it can also turn your wedding
day into an unforgettable "mini-vacation" for you and your guests.
2) YOU NEED TO PURCHASE AIR & HOTEL AS A "PACKAGE" - OR YOU COULD
BE IN FOR AN EXPENSIVE SURPRISE.
Although it is sometimes possible to negotiate with the hotel and airlines
separately, you will generally be able to save more money by negotiating the
two as a package. Unfortunately, we've talked with quite a few brides over the
years that have negotiated a seemingly good rate directly with the hotel - only
to find out they were unable to find affordable airfare.
3) DESTINATION WEDDINGS CAN BE A FUN AND RELAXING EXPERIENCE FOR YOU AND YOUR
GUESTS - BUT ONLY IF YOU PLAN TOGETHER.
For most of the couples we've worked with over the years, making sure their
guests are properly taken care of - and are able to find suitable
accommodations, has been just as important as taking care of their own plans.
Unfortunately, when guests are left to "fend for themselves" it is
difficult to make sure guests get plans that are convenient, affordable, and
close to "where the action is."
Even worse, without the expertise of a travel professional with an appropriate
level of buying power on their side, couples and their guests are often talked
into accepting "group rates" when the individual rates would have
been better, or stuck with individual rates when group rates may have been
available.
4) "NEGOTIATE" DIRECTLY WITH HOTELS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Although hotels will often give some form of discount for groups of 10 or more
if you book directly, it is important to keep in mind that hotels, by
necessity, are in the business of maximizing the amount of revenue they bring
in on the rooms they book. By working with an experienced travel coordinator with
appropriate negotiating power, you will not only generally receive a
better deal for you and your guests - you will also avoid the costly mistake
mentioned in #2 above.
5) YOU CAN DO IT ALL YOURSELF - BUT IS IT REALLY WORTH THE RISK?
Planned right, a destination wedding is truly the most unique way to
commemorate your special union. Unfortunately, we've heard quite a few horror
stories over the years from brides and grooms who chose to plan their wedding
entirely on their own, missed flights with no emergency number for support.
Hidden clauses in hotel contracts leaving couples with an enormous financial
liability on their hands. Reservations being dropped by the hotel - forcing
couples and their guests into a "2 star hotel in paradise". You name
it - and sadly - we've heard it.
6/18/10
Besides
the fact that right now the prices are unbelievably low, Punta Cana in the Dominican
Republic is true paradise with the most amazing soft white sand beaches in the
entire world.
Punta Cana is located in the east of the
Dominican Republic. It is home to the
most famous and beautiful beaches of the island with endless white sandy shores
and millions of coconut trees along the coast.
Miles of coral reefs in tranquil crystal clear water are perfect for
snorkeling and scuba diving.
Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492
during his first voyage to the New World, It was called the island of
Hispaniola. It was inhabited by the
Taino Indians who were peaceful and hospitable to Columbus and his crew. In Christopher’s journal he describes it as a
beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys.
The spirit and charm of the Dominican
Republic is captured in its music, food and national pastimes. Known for its professional winter baseball,
handcrafted cigars and annual music festivals, the culture of the Dominican
Republic is never stodgy or boring.
Up until
October 2009, Punta Cana has 12 professional golf courses, from designers such
as Jack Nicklaus, P.B. Dye, Tom Fazio, Nick Faldo and Nick Price Punta Espada,
along with Teeth of the Dog in Casa de Campo figure among the very first 50
best golf courses in the world. The
Punta Cana-Bavaro area now has a unique blend of top-quality golf courses -with
several more in the planning stages- looking to become the golf mecca of the
Caribbean.
The
nightlife inside the resorts is very lively with Las Vegas-style shows mostly
from native artists. Outside of the hotels, half a dozen of high-quality
discothčques allow tourists to interact with local residents. Besides, 80+
restaurants and bars, with exotic international cuisine from China, India or
Thailand complete the Punta Cana-Bavaro's gastronomic offer.
Other
tourist attractions have also been installed in the area, among them, Manatí
Park (a water park built in the 90s), Puntacana Shopping Village, the Cap Cana
500+ slip marina, Palma Real Shopping Village (one mile long) close to Los
Corales, Bávaro, with well-known retailers such as Hard Rock Cafe-Punta Cana,
Tony Roma's, Tommy Hilfiger stores, Puma...plus theatre, local discos like
Montecristo, MovieMax's store and others.
Other
tourist attraction are the ATV/UTB/buggies all-terrain tours (the La Altagracia
Province has 3,000 square kilometers with 50 kilometers of sandy beaches, lakes
and ponds, natural reserves, canopy/zip line adventure services and two
Paintball/Speedball facilities)and some equestrian ranches for horseback
riding. Also, it has a Motocross/Enduro/Trail Riding Club and Mountain Bike
Club. For water sports Stand up Paddle Boarding is now also available.
Along
the coast, Punta Cana-Bavaro has 22 diving sites, with year-long rent services
plus catamaran party boats, fishing yachts, snorkeling trips, speed boats...
One of the most popular tours is to Saona Island (real Taino name Adamanai)
located about 100 Kilometers west, which is popular for scuba diving.
Visitors
to the Punta Cana-Bavaro County will love to visit the Basilica Catholic
Monument, built in 1962 designed by two French Architects, in Higuey, the
500-year-old capital of the Province.
ST. LUCIA
6/24/10
Step off the plane at St. Lucia’s
Hewanorra Airport and it is just a short ride to one of the best kept secrets
in the Caribbean. Spanning 85 lush acres
fringed with coconut palms (thus the name), the 254-room resort and spa is set
along exotic Savannes Bay on the island’s undiscovered south coast. Here, you can experience the authentic side
of St. Lucia with all its genuine charm and hospitality, as well as
adventure. And whether you dream of a
romantic getaway or a blissful family vacation, this incredible all-inclusive
resort is a world unto itself where each and every moment is simply more
beautiful. Wouldn’t you love to tell
your friends that you will be honeymooning in St. Lucia, the name itself is
romantic!!
The all-inclusive Coconut Bay Resort and Spa offers a wide range of
amenities and outstanding value for family getaways, singles or couples,
wedding and honeymoons. The resort’s
rooms are all at least a partial ocean view from the balcony and the fourth floor
offers a completely unobstructed view.
Each room has either a king-size bed or two queen-size beds that sleep
up to four and you will also have a comfortable, separate sitting area and your
own private balcony. Rooms are located
toward the north and south in two, four-story guest wings and connecting rooms
are available by request.
Just beyond the open-air lobby is the free-form activities pool for
volleyball, water aerobics and more.
Overlooking the ocean is an additional free-form pool with beach entry,
cascading waterfalls and a swim-up bar.
Sit around in submerged tables and chairs or push up to the bar for
tropical drinks. An intimate adults-only
pool is located near the spa, overlooking the ocean.
For children there is Cocoland, an educational, interactive and fun
place for kids 3-14 yrs. of age. This
kid friendly sanctuary has a complete curriculum conceptualized by education
professionals in the US, giving children not only an active vacation but a
memorable learning experience as well.
Participants will receive a t-shirt, bag, hat, mini-scrapbook and a
water bottle.
For activities off-property, there is a drive-in volcano, waterfalls,
rainforest reserves, gardens, a picture perfect lighthouse and the usual
snorkeling, museums and gardens. Please consider this beautiful property
located on a beautiful island!
07/02/10
Crown Paradise Club in Cancun, Mexico is the perfect vacation place for singles, couples, honeymooners and families with activities for all ages. Not only is it a breathtakingly beautiful resort located right on the beach, it has the ability to sleep a family of SEVEN. They have 23 family suites that have one king-size bed and two double beds and one trundle bed. They have nine Honeymoon Suites and 372 standard rooms. Even their standard rooms are anything but standard!
If you are arriving early or departing late they can accommodate you in the most unusual manner with an air-conditioned area with comfortable sofas, television, coffee, cookies, showers and lockers so that you don’t have to stop enjoying your vacation while on property. Additionally, food and beverage are always available to you with no restrictions.
Crown Paradise Club Resort offers an
inclusive package without limits that you may not know where to start and that
you will never want to end. Water park for the kids with a Pirate ship and 8
water slides, an excellent a la carte and buffet dining, adult-only areas, mini
golf, disco and nightly entertainment.
Speaking of water activities, you
can enjoy four distinctly different pools while here. The Las Brisas is an infinity pool with
activities and fun for all. The La
Concha is ideal for family fun with an incredible view of the Caribbean. Club Caribe is an Adult only pool for those
quiet moments with a serene surrounding.
And last but not least, the Coco Loco is an unheard of covered pool so
that you can swim no matter if there happens to be sprinkles from the
skies. Do not forget about the fabulous
water park that sports a pirate ship with slides.
Almost too good to be true is the complimentary round of golf at Pok-ta-Pok. This course is nestled between Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. It is an 18 hole par 72 gold course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and is 7,010 yards long with hundreds of meters of dramatic shoreline and a wealth of archeological treasures. It includes two practice putting greens, tennis courts, driving range, a pro-shop and a restaurant/bar with a breathtaking view. Reservations must be made at least 24 hrs prior to tee of time for individuals and 14 days in advance for groups.
Family areas include a collage bar, movie theater, mini-golf, pools and nightly family-friendly shows. The kids have Club Nitro, baby and kid’s paradise, the water park and mini-golf. For adults we have the Trafalgar’s Crown Club rooms and Lounge Sans Souci, Club Caribe and the gym. There is nightly entertainment for all and movies, disco and live music! This place is definitely on the top shelf and right now-----IT’S ON SALE!!!! Call us!
7/9/10
What is one of
the best deals in my opinion in Las Vegas right now? The Tropicana because it has been completely
revamped and they have an introductory price that is fantastic! They spent $165 million in a major
transformation. The South Beach inspired
changes include new, best-in-class hotel rooms and suites, a new casino,
100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit hall space, a tropical pool
area, several new restaurants, bars, a new poker room and a state-of-the-art
race and sports book.
The pool area features a newly transformed
pool surrounded with 4.2 acres of tropically landscaped areas with multiple
water lagoon features and tranquil garden retreats. There are 2 large heated Jacuzzis where you
can relax, let loose and completely retreat.
They even have a swim-up blackjack available and an island that is
shaded to retreat to in the middle of the pool.
The rooms have 42 inch plasma TV’s,
king-size plush, comfortable beds, a chaise for lounging and large
windows. Right now the price is right because they want more guests to experience the
facilities and have bragging rights when they return back home to inspire more
people to want to experience this great hotel.
As far as entertainment on property, they
have the Emmy award-winning actor and comedian Brad Garrett at the new Comedy
Club. The Club will showcase a
never-ending line-up of the finest comedians around-from established stand-up
stars to the hottest young comics in the business.
This just
in---coupon books at the Trop!!!!!!!!!
Experience Book valued at over $900
- $50 Bonus Royal Flush on video poker
- Lucky $20 - $30 In Free Slot Play (Win a Jackpot up to $500)
- $5 Match Play on Any Table Game
- 2-For-1 Drinks All Casino Bars (House Wine, Beer, Well Drinks Only)
- Legends The Steakhouse at Tropicana - Free Appetizer with Purchase of Two
Entrees at Legends
- Legends The Steakhouse at Tropicana - Four Course Dinner & Wine Pairing
$34.99
- Legends The Steakhouse at Tropicana - 30% off a Bottle of Wine with Purchase
of Two Entrees at Legends
- Bacio Pasta & Vino - $15.99 Bottomless Pasta Bowl
- Bacio Pasta & Vino - Free Chianti or Cannoli with Purchase of Entree at
Bacio
- Havana Go Go Free Coffee with Purchase of a Sandwich
- Hypnosis Unleashed 2-For-1 VIP Ticket
- 10% off Barber Shop
- 10% off Any Service over $50 at Alexandra Beauty Shop
Guests will receive
coupon book upon hotel check-in.
Coupons Expire
8/31/2010
PUNTA
CANA
7/16/2010
Right now we have unbelievable prices to Punta Cana, it is
a buy one get one but ALSO includes the air portion in this offer!!! One of the properties available is the
Iberostar Dominica.
The Iberostar
Domincana is brimming over with fun and life, just like the people of the
Dominican Republic and Punta Cana has the most amazingly soft, white beaches
that you will ever encounter.
The swaying
palms and Caribbean music surrounding you will have you feeling tropical before
you even realize it. The magic of this
jewel is captivating and addictive. And
the atmosphere heats up as the night descends.
From the mouth-watering delights to be savored in the buffet such as
yucca and banana, to the sound of Perico Ripaio playing meringue and salsa as
well as other Dominican rhythms, in a show that tells the history of the people
of this country through music, dance and live performances.
This five-star
hotel stands on the beachfront of Playa Bavaro and has a Spanish, French,
Haitian influence and offers superb shopping, discos, bars, restaurants and
coffee shops, golf and stunning sunsets.
There are five a la carte restaurants plus an international buffet and a
grill and snack bar. You have a range of
culinary delights from Italian dishes and pizzas to beef chop suey and
sushi! So many choices, so little time!
Nighttime
brings entertaining themed shows, a disco and the casino. The day brings you a phenomenal never-ending
beach and a huge pool. For more
activity, there are aerobics, archery, table tennis, water polo, a fitness
room, a spa with Jacuzzi and sauna, tennis courts, and windsurfing and sailing
all without setting foot outside the hotel!!
What in the
world are you waiting for?? You CANNOT
beat this deal!
7/23/10
From out of the vivid turquoise-blue hues
of the Atlantic, a powdered-sugar beach stretches the length of the Dominican
Republic's Eastern shore. This seemingly endless path of stunning white sand is
a fitting welcome mat to the all-inclusive Occidental Grand Punta Cana.
This Spanish-style mega
resort amazes guests with its impressive amenities: over 700 yards of
spectacular beachfront on the most celebrated beach in the country; hundreds of
picturesque coconut palms dotting the shoreline and swaying over thatched-roof
palapas providing beachgoers with shade; 865 luxuriously-appointed rooms in 17
three-story, white buildings; nine themed restaurants and seven bars, all
included in the nightly room rate; Three dazzling, lagoon-style swimming pools -
one dedicated to children only as part of the Kids Club; A never-ending
schedule of daily activities, water sports and live nightly shows; And one
surprisingly quick 20-minute ride delivers guests here straightaway from the
airport.
This awe-inspiring resort
caters to an international clientele and includes bliss-inducing accommodations
for couples, honeymooners and families alike. Enjoy the virtual tour to see how
it adds up to the beach vacation of a lifetime!
Right now prices are amazing
for Punta Cana with a two-for one including air special! Plan ahead and don’t miss out!
7/30/2010
A drum roll and a few strums of a Hawaiian steel guitar, please:
Honolulu is the winner of USA TODAY's "Best American
Destinations" sweepstakes.
So,
ho'omaika'i (congratulations) to Honolulu. While it's probably the least
favorite part of my favorite state - that iconic view
of Diamond Head and the mai tais at the Halekulani Hotel notwithstanding - I
can see why it's a winner.
That said here are
some excellent ideas::
Discover why the six Islands of Aloha are
home to treasures unlike any other on earth: The dramatic cliffs of the Napali Coast on Kauai. The
vibrant shores of Waikiki Beach on Oahu. The miles
of white sands of Papohaku Beach on Molokai. The
dolphin friendly waters of Hulopoe Bay on Lanai. The summit
of Haleakala on Maui. The primal
energy of Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park on Hawaii's Big Island. It won’t
be easy choosing which island to visit on your first trip to Hawaii, but you’ll
find there are no wrong answers.
You’ll likely begin your adventure at
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu. This is Hawaii's major airport, serving as
the entry point for most of Hawaii's visitors. All major domestic carriers and
many international carriers serve Oahu, so you can get here from just about
anywhere. There are also direct flights from the U.S. mainland to Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii's Big Island, but for
the most part, you may need to connect through Oahu to get to the neighbor
islands including Lanai and Molokai.
Then breathe deep. Smell the fresh
plumeria in the air. Visit the historic landmarks of Hawaii
and learn about the rich culture of the islands. Explore off-the-beaten-path
destinations, from hidden beaches to small
towns that you won’t find on a postcard. Learn to surf, snorkel or
kayak and earn your Hawaii suntan. And don’t forget to go to an authentic luau where you
can get a taste of Hawaiian culture and watch the art of the hula. You’ll
find the itineraries on Hawaii are endless. From romantic escapades to family
fun; from whale watching to walking
on a volcano; you can do
it all or you can simply sit back and do nothing. Explore Hawaii’s six unique
islands and you’re sure to find your first trip to Hawaii won’t be your last.
8/6/10
The thought of lying on sun soaked beaches
regularly named “the best” by travel magazines is enough to make any of your
friends jealous. But once you arrive on Maui, you’ll see there’s so much more
for them to envy.
Most flights arrive at Maui’s main
airport, Kahului Airport (OGG). Many airlines fly direct to Maui while others
include Maui as a stopover. You’ll find resorts and hotels of every size and budget in Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Kihei, Makena and Wailea on the sunny western coast as well as one
resort in Hana in East Maui. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Kahului
Airport to Lahaina.
Once you’ve settled in you’ll want
to explore Maui’s sweeping canvas of attractions. The western, or leeward side,
is the drier side of the island and features Maui’s world-famous beaches including the beautiful Kaanapali Beach, home to a nightly sunset cliff diving
ceremony. West Maui is also home to historic Lahaina, where you can find great shopping, dining and
entertainment.
The
eastern, or windward side, of the island is the wetter side of the island, home
to the lush Iao Valley and the scenic road to Hana. The cool, elevated slopes of Haleakala are
where you can find the farms and gardens of Upcountry Maui and the soaring summit of Haleakala National Park. There is so much to see and do on Maui it’s
best to plan ahead. Just don’t forget to send your friends a postcard.
8/13/10
La Tomatina en Reno Club Cal Neva August 28, 2010 - August 29, 2010
It was, at the very least, one of the most
interesting events on Reno’s 2009 event calendar. And this August, the Club Cal
Neva, in association with the American Cancer Society, will produce La Tomatina
en Reno 2010; The Nation’s Biggest Tomato Fight for the second consecutive
year.
The tomato fight will take place Sunday,
August 29, 2010 at 10 North Virginia Street (City Plaza) at 3:00 p.m.
Festivities will commence with a street faire and live entertainment on Saturday,
August 28, 2010 on Virginia Street between First and Second Streets
starting at noon and ending at 7:00 p.m. The street faire will continue on
Sunday from noon until the start of the tomato fight.
This year's event
looks to surpass last year’s event with twice as many participants, the Club
Cal Neva has sought twice as many tomatoes. Through a generous donation from
Del Mar Farms in Stockton, Calif., this year’s tomato fight will use more than
150,000 pounds of tomatoes. That translates to roughly one million Roma
Tomatoes.
Virginia City Camel Races Virginia City September 10, 2010 - September 12, 2010
In true Virginia City spirit,
the Camel Races began as a hoax. Camels were introduced to the American
frontier as pack animals, and were brought to the Comstock to carry salt and
general supplies. In 1962, Ostrich Races
were added to the event, and in 1987 Virginia City took the competition to its
sister city, Alice Springs, Australia, and added "International" to
the title.
There’s always something going on different
and new in Reno. Give us a call and head
on out for a lot of fun besides all the excitement to be found in the
casinos!!!
8/20/10
With its
unparalleled beauty and year-round vacation opportunities, Jamaica is an ideal
tourist destination. Each year over one million visitors flock to this island
to experience the delights of our exciting resort centers -- Kingston, Montego
Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Port Antonio and the South Coast. Jamaica is the
largest English-speaking Island in the Caribbean and the third largest in the
region. With a total land area of 4442 square miles (10991 sq. km.), the island
is 146 miles long with widths varying between 22 and 51 miles (35 and 82 km).
It is just a bit smaller than the state of Connecticut.
Truly a nation “out of many,
one people” Jamaica is a multifaceted mosaic of international customs and
traditions. Jamaica’s ancestors, from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East,
have helped to shape the culture, creating one that is uniquely Jamaican.
Experiencing the culture of Jamaica is what sets them apart from other
Caribbean destinations. Jamaicans define enthusiasm. Whether the topic is ackee
or dominoes, politics or carnival, the spirit of the island comes out in every
interaction. Although Jamaica is well-known for its tropical beauty, reggae
music, and cuisine, you may find that your interactions with local residents
are what you truly remember.
Discover the Caribbean’s most inclusive and
most romantic all-inclusive resorts, from fine dining and beach beverage
service to off-site excursions. All couples and all included, in a
natural setting designed to stimulate your senses. The four unique
boutique-style Jamaican resorts, create the perfect paradise for the two of you
to rediscover the passion that first brought you together.
Each
Couples property is an unsurpassed model of the all-inclusive concept. Bold
design elements and local inspiration create a laid-back natural setting
infused with an authentic Caribbean spirit. For over 32 years, Couples has
delighted guests with outstanding service, exceptional dining and
entertainment.
They are different from other
all-inclusive resort companies. Couples Resorts are Artisanal, not Mass Market;
more of a Boutique-style collection of unique resorts within the all-inclusive
category. They are driven to provide the highest quality product with the most
inclusions, all at a competitive price.
Rediscover the passion and
connection that first brought you together. Rediscover one another at Couples
Resorts and right now we have unbelievable prices booking four nights or more
from 08/15 to 12/11/11 to any select Adult-only resorts in Jamaica.
We not
only have the Couples resorts at this great price but Iberostar Grand Hotel
Rose Hall, Secrets St. James Montego Bay and Secrets and Wild Orchid Montego
Bay. The resorts are breathtakingly
beautiful and unbelievably friendly.
Reconnect on that original level of love. Call us!
08/27/10
Tucked away on a ˝ mile stretch of paradise,
where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean lap against sugar-white sand, there
is a romantic resort that exudes true Jamaican enchantment — Secrets St. James
Montego Bay. Along this private beach — 20 minutes from Montego Bay
International Airport and a world away from life’s demands — you’ll discover
350 sumptuous suites.
Sunrise to sundown, this adults-only
playground comes with exclusive Unlimited-Luxury® privileges and becomes
your bit of heaven on the Montego Bay peninsula. At any time of the day, Secrets St. James has
exciting and fun activities waiting for you. Whether it is land or water sports
you prefer, if it isn’t enough to just lay by the pool, they have the perfect
activity for you.
If you like to dance and party be sure to
check out the Desires Nightclub and Sports Bar. You can enjoy the music of the
DJ with an ice cold tropical drink in your hand or of course one of our
domestic or international specialties. Take a spin on the dance floor or watch
the game on one of their flat screen televisions.
The air-conditioned Gaming Lounge,
located in the Promenade, offers guests the chance to try their luck at a
variety of games that include video slots, poker, keno and blackjack. Open 24
hours a day, there's always a time for guests to spin and win.
At Secrets St. James, there are so
many activities and games’ occurring during the day it is impossible to have
your interests unsatisfied. Whether you enjoy sports, relaxing in a hot tub, or
dance classes they have the perfect selection for you.
9/3/10
A
short stroll from Puerto Morelos, Mexico — a quaint fishing town — your
baptism into the world of Now begins with Unlimited-Luxury®; sublime
lifestyle comforts that satisfy your appetite for pleasure. A sampling: daily
refreshed premium mini bars, in-suite Jacuzzi, plush robes and slippers,
flat-screen surround sound TVs, private terraces, 24-hour room and concierge
service, and jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean Sea.
Located
along a sun-drenched private beach, steps from the sparkle of clear blue sea
and just 1/3rd of a mile swim from the world’s second largest coral reef, your
island hideaway beckons. Don’t keep it waiting.
Now Sapphire Riviera Maya
Go
ahead, pinch yourself. Welcome to Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, a sumptuous
resort of Mayan-inspired architecture, with amenities that will have the word
“wow” (or something similar) falling from your lips. Don’t be shy. Explore. The
oversized junior suites, gourmet restaurants, oh so cool activities and
entertainment, and one heavenly spa are yours. Question: Are you ready for all
of this pleasure? That was easy. Good thing, because there’s more where that
came from.
Now
Sapphire. Never A Wristband.
The
moment you enter Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, you’ll experience Unlimited-Luxury®.
Carte Blanche to limitless victuals at reservation-free, gourmet restaurants,
premium cocktails in some very hip bars and lounges; plus serious pampering in
the positively indulgent Spa. Add these to your list as well: daily refreshed
mini bar, plush robes and slippers, Jacuzzi for two; private, furnished balcony
or terrace, pool and beach wait service, endless activities (with some
incredible archeological sites and the world’s 2nd largest coral reef, nearby),
nightly parties, no taxes or gratuities, and more.
09/10/10
This is an
excerpt from an article written by Linda Ellerbee. I cannot stress enough how much I agree with
all that she has to say and then some.
Just for your knowledge Wikipedia has this to say about Linda Ellerbee--
Linda Ellerbee (born August 15, 1944) is an American
journalist
who is most known for several jobs at NBC News,
including Washington (DC) correspondent, host of the Nickelodeon network's Nick News,
and reporter and co-anchor of NBC News Overnight, which was
recognized by the jurors of the duPont Columbia Awards
as "possibly the best written and most intelligent news program
ever."[
Needless to say you can trust her every word!
“Too much of the noise you’re hearing about how
dangerous it is to come to Mexico is just that — noise. But the media love
noise, and too many journalists currently making it don’t live here. Some have
never even been here. They just like to be photographed at night, standing near
a spotlighted border crossing, pointing across the line to some imaginary
country from hell. It looks good on TV.
Another thing. The U.S. media tend to lump all of
Mexico into one big bad bowl. Talking about drug violence in Mexico without
naming a state or city where this is taking place is rather like looking at the
horror of Katrina and saying, “Damn. Did you know the U.S. is under water?” or
reporting on the shootings at Columbine or the bombing of the Federal building
in Oklahoma City by saying that kids all over the U.S. are shooting their
classmates and all the grownups are blowing up buildings. The recent rise in
violence in Mexico has mostly occurred in a few states, and especially along
the border. It is real, but it does not describe an entire country.
It would be nice if we could put what’s going on in
Mexico in perspective, geographically and emotionally. It would be nice if we
could remember that, as has been noted more than once, these drug wars wouldn’t
be going on if people in the United States didn’t want the drugs, or if other
people in the United States weren’t selling Mexican drug lords the guns. Most
of all, it would be nice if more people in the United States actually came to
this part of America – Mexico is also North America– , you will recall) to see
for themselves what a fine place Mexico really is, and how good a vacation –or
a life– here can be.
So come on down and get to know your southern
neighbors. I think you’ll like it here.
Especially the people.”
9/17/10
Barcelo Punta Cana
welcomes guests from all over the world to the elegant Mediterranean-inspired
all inclusive beachfront resort boasting a long stretch of dazzling powder-soft
beach on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. White washed buildings blanketed by red-tiled
roofs exude Spanish charm at this resort on Playa Arena Gordo, offering 798
elegantly appointed guestrooms with breathtaking views of brilliant blue-green
ocean, verdant tropical gardens or the lagoon-style swimming pool meandering
through the property.
Check
in to your comfortable accommodations at the Barcelo Punta Cana and prepare
yourself for an exquisite vacation filled with endless days of absolute
relaxations paired with exhilarating adventures, Couples will discover endless opportunities
for romantic encounters while families delight in a host of kid-friendly
amenities including a Kid’s Club, mini disco, playground and pool. This
property works well for destination events and meetings from intimate seaside
weddings to large-scale corporate retreats.
Experience the tranquility of island life, Step onto your balcony or
terrace and breathe in the refreshing scent of ocean air. Feel your stress and worries float away on
the cool Caribbean breezes rustling through coconut palm groves.
There
are eight restaurants to choose from including French, Italian and Japanese
cuisine. If you prefer to have a huge
variety of all of the restaurant venues you can dine at the buffet. There are
eight bars including a swim up, a theatre and a disco bar. If that is not enough to entice you, there is
a casino, a spa, two swimming pools and a fitness center.
The
disco night is suited for everyone as there is a disco for children 4-12 years
old. There is a teen disco for 13-17
year olds and an adult disco. There is
also a playroom with table games, billiard, darts and much more and is open 24
hours.
Looking
for adventure? How about 3 tennis
courts, beach volleyball, Bocce ball, a climbing wall, kayaking, a circus
trapeze, an ice skating rink, sailing course, water polo and golf is just a few
minutes away. Right now there are
amazing deals at this hotel until the end of this year. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE check this out and
save a bundle of vacation money!
9/24/10
Looking for that perfect couple
get-a-way? Well, we have it for
you! Couples Resorts in Jamaica have
vowed to make it that way for you. There
is no better place to spend quality time and make lasting memories with your
husband or wife than at Couples Resorts because they are in the business of
making ultimate relaxation an unbelievable reality.
Located in Jamaica, there are many properties to choose from-Couples
Negril, Couples Tower Isle, Couples San Souci and Couples Swept Away. They are all inclusive properties with many
extras depending upon where you are staying.
They also have a fantastic honeymoon deal. If you bring proof of marriage and your
arrival is within 30 days of your wedding date they will have a complimentary
bottle of sparkling wine awaiting for you in your exquisite room. You can also partake in a half hour massage
compliments of Couples Resorts.
In addition to all of their marvelous inclusions when you stay at
Couples Tower Isle, you will also be given a Dunn’s River Falls Excursion, a
sunset Catamaran boat tour, a horseback riding excursion and a private balcony
or patio in all rooms. They have 6
restaurants to choose from and 4 bars including a swim-up and a piano bar. And for those more daring they have an au
natural private island for sunbathing.
At Couples Negril the extras include a sunset Catamaran cocktail party,
a chocolate sunset cocktail party and a beach bonfire party. They have 5 restaurants to choose from and 4
bars to choose from besides your stocked mini-bar in all rooms. They also provide the au natural private
island for sunbathing.
What a beautiful, relaxing way to spend time with your loved one and if
you book by September 30th, 2010 for travel all the way through
December 25th of 2011, you can save up to 55% with Gamble America
and Funjet Vacations. This is an
unbelievable deal so if you know of anyone getting married soon or just wanting
to get away and possessing passports have them give us a call for a trip of a
lifetime.
Comparisons
from Vegas Today and Tomorrow
10/01/10
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The Eiffel / Eiffel / Stratosphere Comparison This is another obvious comparison in which Vegas loses by 49%. The real Eiffel Tower is 1,069 feet and the one in Vegas is only 540'. I threw the Stratosphere in here as well since it's roof is only 58' below the Eiffel Towers roof (antennas and rides not included). The original Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and is made of wrought iron pieces which are fastened together with 2,500,000 rivets. The one in Vegas is made from welded steel and is stronger structurally, and has "false rivets" to duplicate the look of the original. This image was a bear to work with, due to the open lattice of the tower. |
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The Luxor / Giza Comparison I thought I'd do this one as it was destined to be an obvious request and it makes a pretty picture. The Great Pyramid is 482' and the Luxor is 350'. Aw shucks! Giza wins. |
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The Bellagio / Mount Rushmore comparison Keep in mind that each window in the Bellagio is really two floors high and covers four rooms. It's an architecture trick to minimize the look of the building. The Bellagio is 515' tall and Rushmore is 530'. |
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The Hilton Sign / Statue of Liberty Comparison I couldn't resist this size comparison. That's the real Statue of Liberty next to the scaled down one in Vegas. The real statue (from the top of the base to the flame) is 151' the Hilton sign is 279'. It's no wonder Al Qaeda hates us. I had to beef up the base to compensate for the width of the sign. |
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The Wynn Las Vegas / Washington Monument Comparison Wynn Washington? Ok, so this is not a real dream, it's actually just a size comparison study (monument 555' Wynn 614') and an excuse to show off my Photoshop prowess. Notice the concave reflection of the Lincoln Memorial in the building. Also in the buildings reflection, the sunset is painted in and the Vegas buildings and mountains were painted out. The Washington sky behind the building was darkened in a gradient to better emulate the false twilight. The Steve might get a kick out of this one. |
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The Titanic / Bellagio Lake Comparison The lake in front of the
Bellagio is 985 feet long (.19 miles for you walkers). The Titanic was 882.7
feet long and would fit nicely (if it had a flat bottom) into the shallow
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10/08/10
Bellalgio,
for those that don’t know, is a luxury, AAA Five Diamond award winning hotel
and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in the Paradise area of Clark County,
Nevada and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. It is owned by MGM Resorts International and
was built on the site of the demolished Dunes hotel and casino.
Inspired
by the Lake Como resort of Bellagio in Italy, it is known for its
elegance. One of the most notable
features is the 8 acre lake between the building and the Strip, which houses
the Fountains of Bellagio, a large dancing water fountain synchronized to
music.
Inside
Bellagio is Dale Chihuly’s Fiori di Como, composed of over 2,000 hand-blown
glass flowers and covers 2,000 square feet of the lobby ceiling. Bellagio is also home to Cirque du Soleil’s
aquatic production “O”.
The
Fountains of Bellagio is a vast, choreographed water feature with performances
set to light and music. The show takes
place every 30 minutes in the afternoon and early evening, and every 15 minutes
from 8pm to midnight. Contrary to urban
myth, the lake is not filled with treated greywater from the hotel. The lake is actually serviced by a freshwater
well that was drilled decades prior to irrigate a golf course the previously
existed on the site.
The
hotel also contains a Conservatory and Botanical Gardens not to be missed. The displays are changed out five times and
year and reflect the current season: winter, Chinese New Year, spring, summer
and fall. The area is located just off
the lobby of the hotel and has 140 horticulturists working on its displays of
flowers, plants, water features, bridges and gazebos. Not only are the displays breathtaking, the
fragrance is amazing!! This is one of
the most photographed areas all seasons of the year. They have floor to ceiling
creations all containing thousands and thousands of fresh flowers. How about a 15 foot pink flamingo or a
penguin constructed out of fresh flowers?
While
you are at the Bellagio, be sure to check out the largest flowing chocolate
waterfall in the world and taste some amazing chocolate at the shop just around
the corner from the Conservatory. This
is a chocolate lover’s paradise!
As
always we have excellent prices for Las Vegas and especially if you are able to
leave Cleveland on a Monday or Tuesday for a 3 night trip!!!
New Orleans paranormal,
occult, voodoo, and witchcraft legends.
10/15/10
Fall makes us think of Fall Harvests, October Fest, and
such, but October seems to take on the role of an overture to Halloween. New
Orleans certainly is the place to be at it has its share of ghosts and ghost
stories. One that attracts a lot of attention is The Naked Ghost, the spirit of
a young slave girl who went out naked on the roof of her master's home in
December, and stayed there all night, in an effort to have him marry her. She
froze to death.
Adrian Nicholas McGrath also writes
of The Ghost of the French Opera House. The female apparition on St. Ann
Street, known as the "Witch of the French Opera House", supposedly
was first spotted as she emerged from the French Opera House, took a walk, and
then disappeared. Then, there are The Lalaurie Ghosts of the French Quarter and
The Ghosts in the Old Carrollton Jail. There are many, many more, including the
most famous of them all, Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen.
New Orleans has a number of spooky
tours that take you through cemeteries, haunted buildings, and such places,
usually at night, and by candlelight, for effect. For Supernatural, Vampire,
Halloween, Haunted Tours, visit New Orleans Tours. The offer a Ghost &
Vampire Tour and a Cemetery & Voodoo Tour.
If you do not fit into either of the
above categories, there are museums. New Orleans has several dedicated to
Voodoo, ghosts, and the paranormal. One is the New Orleans Historic Voodoo
Museum. It is a fun site to visit, although some of the graphic links are not,
at first, apparent. It even has audio. Then, there is Voodoo in New Orleans at
the Wax Museum on Conti Street, in the French Quarter.
Of course, you might want to visit
some New Orleans cemeteries which are especially eerie, because the above
ground tombs and crypts, like silent little mausoleums, completely obstruct
one's view. The overwhelming loneliness that comes upon you, even during the
day, sends shivers up and down your spine. If you look at Cities of the Dead,
you will understand why they conjure up images of ghosts, goblins, witches,
demons, Voodoo, and such.
There is also Krewe of Halloween, a phenomenal parade complete with bead throwing and huge floats, through the streets of New Orleans on October 30th. And don’t forget, Now in its 12th consecutive year, The Voodoo Music Experience (October 29-31) attracts fans from around the world that come together for a celebration midst acres of shady live oaks, bayous and lagoons with some of the most celebrated artists in the music world today.
Call us quick for those last minute deals
to really experience Halloween in a perfect way!
10/22/10
The USS
Arizona Memorial Visitor Center opens December 7th, the 69th
anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Visitor Center was sinking slowly into the waters of Oahu’s Pearl
Harbor. It was not the actual USS
Arizona Memorial, which since its dedication in 1962 rests solemnly in the
middle of the harbor above the sunken hull of the famed World War II
battleship, but the 30 year old visitor center on the shore which annually
prepared for 1.5 million visitors.
The center was built on filled-in
waterfront land, which engineers hoped would eventually settle just 18
inches. Instead, over the years, areas
of the center’s foundation had dropped up to 30 inches, bringing it perilously
close to water level. In 2003, engineers
gave the visitor center a life expectancy of five to ten years.
There were two choices: commit the
existing structure-already lifted four times in its history-to major
renovations, or construct a brand-new visitor center that wouldn’t sink.
On December 7th-the 69th
anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the National Park Service will open
the doors on its completely rebuilt and expanded $58 million USS Arizona
Memorial Visitor Center. The morning
ceremony will honor Pearl Harbor attack survivors and World War II veterans,
then welcome them for the first tours of the center’s exhibits and
displays. Both the visitor center and
memorial will also be open to the public that day.
The new facility will also serve as a
one-stop shuttle hub for other historic Pearl Harbor sites that either weren’t
open or weren’t accessible to the public when the visitor center was first built. Among these: the National Park Service’s
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument sites at Pearl Harbor-which
include the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials-and the U.S.
Navy’s Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, which include the Battleship Missouri
Memorial, the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and
Park.
The centerpieces of the new visitor
center, however, are two modern exhibit pavilions, designed to offer a more
comprehensive history of the Dec. 7 attack-from the events leading up to it, to
the salvage efforts and Pacific War that followed. Eileen Martinez, the monument chief of
interpretation says that, “The great challenge for the future is making sure
visitors leave understanding why this place is important, because as we move
further away from the moment in time, we understand less and less.
Th
10/29/10
High
above the Colorado River & just a short drive from Las Vegas!
Southern Nevada architecture evolves in grand fashion, and the Hoover
Dam Bypass Bridge is the NEWEST example of “awe-inspiring” attractions.
It not only creates a shorter drive from Arizona, but offers a spectacular view
of the Colorado River and Hoover Dam!
Dedicated in 1935, the Hoover Dam has been a national
tourist spot for travelers entering Southern Nevada from Arizona.
The dramatic Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge offers a
spectacular view 900 feet over the Colorado River. Spanning 2000 feet in
length, the bridge can be seen from the tourist center at Hoover Dam, and beginning
in November, it offers easy access to Valley of Fire, Lake Mead, and the charming town of
Boulder City.
That may be the most spectacular of
the bridges in Las Vegas, but others take us on a journey from New York to Rio,
Paris and Venice. Take a stroll on a replica of the famed Brooklyn Bridge at
the New York New York Resort, between the
Statue of Liberty and Radio City. Then head inside for dinner in
Greenwich Village and a show at Zumanity, the sexy side of Cirque du Soleil.
Romance abounds at the Venetian, as waterways are filled
with gondolas and singing Italian guides. Grab your camera for a Vegas
landmark bridge, Ponte al di Piazza, connecting the stores at
the Grand Canal Shops to the legendary St.
Mark’s Square. After dinner in the square, enjoy a fun evening with Blue Man Group or Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular.
Treasure Island is home to the sexy Sirens of Ti, a nightly battle between
pirate ships in the lagoon. Cross the wooden plank bridge for a
spectacular view of the fiery show, and make your way to the resort for dinner
at Khotan, the only Thai food on
the Strip with a view of Sirens Cove. Paris Las Vegas is for lovers and a
stroll across the Alexander III Bridge provides a panoramic view of the
resort’s casino and passage to the Eiffel Tower Experience!
If you’re not scared of heights, enjoy nighttime dancing on the roof of the Rio Hotel at Voodoo Lounge, where a bridge connects
the lower roof to the upper roof. It’s a view you’ll remember for a
lifetime! City Center’s bridge crosses over the
grand entrance and is a perfect photo spot for the modern towers of Aria Resort!
Book your Vegas vacation online today, and
cross the bridge to your favorite hotel,
show, restaurant,
or spa!
11/05/10
Located
on the eastern most tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, a resort town
and one of the Caribbean's top destinations, is home to the regions second Hard
Rock Cafe and the seventh in the Caribbean. Ideally situated in the
Palma Real Shopping Village, a new high-end mall in Bavaro, Hard Rock Cafe
Punta Cana offers its guests the authentic rock atmosphere and great
American fare that has made the Hard Rock brand world-famous.
The 10,760-square-foot cafe features
Hard Rock’s outstanding menu, collectible merchandise and world-renowned
memorabilia collection. Key pieces of memorabilia on display include items from
contemporary stars, such as a shirt worn by Gwen Stefani during a performance
on “Saturday Night Live,” a guitar donated by Dominican music legend Juan
Luis Guerra, and a shirt worn by Latin icon Juanes during his 2006 tour, as
well as items from rock legends Billy Joel and all three members of The Police.
You know where to go – the Hard Rock Cafe Punta Cana! And right now it is an unbelievable
deal!! For two people you can get up to
$700.00 in airfare based on a week-long trip.
If you book by 12/01/10 for travel from Nov 1st until
December 15th of this year not only will you be able to experience
the BRAND NEW Hard Rock Punta Cana, you will be given up to $350.00 per person
for your airfare! Check it out!!
The
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana opened its doors Monday under its new
name. The 1,800-room resort is a joint venture between Hard Rock International
and Palace Resorts, and is a rebranding of the Moon Palace Casino, Golf &
Spa Resort.
Moon
Palace, which opened in spring 2009, was Palace's first resort in the
Caribbean and its first all-inclusive. The rebranding announcement came a year
later. "Palace Resorts is known in Mexico. We’ve been there 25 years, but
we are new to the Dominican Republic, and we realized we needed Hard Rock’s
strong, edgy brand to set us apart as a high-end, luxury all-inclusive,"
said Augustin Cortes, the resort’s director of operations.
The
resort features a 48,000-square-foot casino with 40 gaming tables, 457 slot
machines, a high-limit poker room, a VIP lounge and a race and sports book.
Other facilities include an 18-hole golf course, 11 pools, four swim-up bars, a
kids’ pool, a lazy river water ride, 11 restaurants and two lobbies connected
by a half-mile-long marble corridor ringed by shops
Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark
11/11/10
Cancun’s most welcoming all-inclusive hotel,
Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark will surround you with true Mexican
hospitality as soon as you enter the grand lobby where you will be greeted with
smiles of the resort’s friendly staff.
Every room at Sea Adventure Resort &
Waterpark is spacious and bright. In two categories -Superior and Junior Suite,
all of them are decorated in a contemporary style, with a traditional Mexican
flare, and appointed with balcony or terrace for a lovely ocean or garden view.
Throughout the day complimentary beer,
wine, cocktails, tropical drinks, juices, sodas and fruit smoothies can be
enjoyed.
You can always find a sumptuous snack or
mouthwatering meal to feast on in one of the resort’s themed restaurants and
bars.
Besides the newest water park of Cancun,
Sea Adventure Resort boasts more than 800 feet of powdery, white-sand
beachfront. In addition, this all inclusive hotel offers a large pool with a
children’s swimming area, shaded palapas and lounges. As the sun sets, the pool
area bursts with activities for you to socialize at the expansive deck. Sip
cocktails, listen to music and admire the magnificent backdrop of Cancun’s
largest marina.
For those wishing to take a twilight
plunge, they can swim into the giant pool or relax in one of its three inset
Jacuzzis.
Enjoy an oasis of family fun
on your Cancun vacation, only at Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark.
Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and Cairo
11/19/10
With the religious holidays approaching, I
thought this would be an excellent time to tell you of an escorted tour in the
Holy Lands. This is a wonderful holiday through some fascinating biblical and
ancient sights! Your tour includes overnights in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat,
Petra, the Dead Sea, and Cairo. Highlights include visits to the Church of the
Nativity, which stands on the site where Jesus was born; the Garden of
Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed his last prayers before his arrest; the Church
of the Holy Sepulchre, erected over the site of Jesus’ crucifixion; the Wailing
Wall, the most holy shrine in Jewish religion; the tomb of King David; the
house of Caiaphas, where Jesus was kept the night after he was arrested; Mount
Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land; and more. Also experience the Dead
Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the earth.
In Egypt, see the 40-foot statue of
Ramses II, a 3,200-year-old figure. Then travel back in time as you admire the
Great Sphinx and pyramids. Stand in awe as you marvel at these amazing
structures built thousands of years ago without the convenience of modern
machinery and technology. This trip—from Israel to Jordan to Egypt—is a
thrilling once-in-a-lifetime holiday opportunity!
If
you have a religious bucket list this is an excellent trip to take as it covers
a lot of area and entails a huge amount of information. Call us!
Lighthouse Wedding at Coconut Bay,
St. Lucia
11/26/10
Wow! A fairytale wedding in a lighthouse, the
second largest in the world, overlooking the ocean and bay in St. Lucia!! How can you compete with that!! This will help make your dream wedding unique
and unbelievable!
Begin your love journey on the legendary
island of St. Lucia, recently featured on ABC’s The Bachelor, where you too can
take advantage of its many romantic offerings. Located on the exotic southern
coast, Coconut Bay’s ideal location nearest the international airport allows
couples to start their romantic adventure within minutes of landing.
Opportunities for intimate moments abound
in Coconut Bay’s tranquil Harmony oasis. With an adults-only quiet pool and
bar, intimate daybeds and premier suites complete with private balconies
overlooking the ocean, couples are sure to renew their love. Whether you are on
a first couples’ vacation or an anniversary celebration, this resort provides
the perfect Caribbean to make your escape memorable: from private dinners or
picnics to couples massages or signature champagne turndown service, the
options are unlimited for adoring pairs seeking the ultimate retreat.
Coconut Bay provides
the ideal backdrop for glorious celebrations of any size. With nuptials offered
on the beach, in the elegant ocean-front gazebo or lush tropical gardens, this
resort provides enchanting settings for every wedding style. But what is most
exciting and new are the sunset weddings at the Cap Moule á Chique Lighthouse,
the second tallest lighthouse in the world, granting expansive views of the
island and the ocean beyond.
Brides who book with Coconut Bay can
select from multiple stress-free wedding packages in the resort’s new
offerings, making it simple for lovebirds to create magical memories, no matter
the budget. From bridal spa treatments or our signature champagne turndown
service to sailing on a catamaran at sunset or even private island tours,
Coconut Bay’s wedding packages and professional wedding planning team offer all
the elegant options to make your ceremony an affair to remember.
Couples looking for the perfect
combination of action, romance and relaxation are sure to be enticed by Coconut
Bay’s location on the island’s exotic southern coast. In addition to its
perfect proximity to the most visited attractions, the resort is a gem hidden
away from the majority of the island’s traffic- just a short drive from the
international airport.
Honeymooners will enjoy an oasis of
romantic tranquility in Harmony, Coconut Bay’s secluded adults-only wing
featuring a coconut palm-fringed quiet pool and bar, oceanfront spa, intimate
cabana beds and private hammocks. Couples can relax to the sound of the waves
during an oceanfront massage or pick their own aloe prior to a therapeutic
treatment for two.
Adventure seekers will be thrilled by the
variety of off-site activities also available. From eco-tours and biking trails
to sunset sails on a pirate ship, diving, snorkeling, zip lining and more, our
Adventure St. Lucia desk will arrange the best tours for you and your loved one
including private excursions.
Whatever you choose: spa, adventure or
cocktails by the pool, Coconut Bay is the perfect place for the start of your
fairy tale.
Panama—the
Upcoming Destination!!
12/03/10
Panama is the newest place to be
seen!! The hotels are updated, everyone
speaks English, and there are casinos and unbelievable side trips. You can take a week and stay at both the
Atlantic side and the Pacific side of Panama as they are only about one mile
apart!!
Panama is an amazing tropical country,
boasting plenty of pristine beaches and soaring mountains. The range of natural
landscapes in Panama is impressive, to say the least, and you will surely not
find a lack of tourist attractions for Panama. It's hard to get bored here. All
the major tourist spots in Panama are fairly easy to access, save for the
Darien Gap, and this culturally-rich land is full of interesting and friendly
people.
The Panama Canal is without question the
king of tourist attractions for Panama. Stretching from the Atlantic coast near
the city of Colon on down to the Pacific coast near Panama City, this famed
waterway is quite an engineering feat. There is a Panama Canal Visitors Center
at the Miraflores Locks and you can find a nice museum here. Many cruises to
Panama feature a trip down the canal, and you can always schedule a mini-cruise
on the Panama Canal if you are looking for interesting day trip ideas. Taking a
tour of the Panama Canal should make it to the top of your list of things to do
in Panama.
Panama City is one of Latin America's most
dynamic cities. Drawing comparisons to Rio de Janero and Miami, Panama's
capital is surely growing up. When you are in Panama City, you might take the
chance to add an interesting tour of the Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo
districts. Panama Viejo was where the Spanish originally founded the city, and
the ruins here are all that remains from battles fought with the English
buccaneer, Henry Morgan in 1671. The Casco Viejo district is one of the
country's best examples of Spanish colonial architecture. The historical
buildings here were built by the Spanish once they relocated the city.
You can escape the urban drone by simply
heading to the city's Metropolitan Park, which is among the more intriguing
tourist attractions for Panama. It's the worlds only rainforest found within
the limits of a major city, and you can take guided tours of it to learn all
about the native flora and fauna. You'll be amazed at the fact that you are
still in the city when hiking the trails found here. The adjacent Camino de
Cruces National Park also has some great hiking trails that are suited for both
beginners and advanced hikers.
Panama and adventure travel go hand in
hand. Whether you are trekking about in the Darien Gap or in the San Bias
Islands, Panama's natural beauty is hard to deny. Visitors to the pristine and
highly underdeveloped Bocas del Toro Islands will be treated to great scuba
diving and snorkeling, while those heading to the Chiriqui Highlands will find
a list of great adventure travel tours to take advantage of. The Chiriqui
Province city of Boquete is a major Panama adventure travel hub. You can go
horseback riding, ATV exploring, white water rafting and volcano hiking in
Boquete, and the nearby town of Volcan is also full of agencies offering
regional adventure travel pursuits. Treks in the dangerous Darien Gap region
are reserved for the most adventurous souls. Birdwatching in Panama is
excellent, and you can always arrange a fun birding tour.
Panama might not be the next Las Vegas,
but you can enjoy some time at a casino here if you enjoy a bit of gambling now
and again and are looking for fun things to do in Panama. You will find a
handful of casinos at some of the Panama City hotels, such as the Sheraton and
the Marriot Continental. The Panama Canal Melia Hotel in Colon has a casino,
and in the Chiriqui Province capital of David, you can enjoy some gaming at the
Gran Nacional Hotel.
12/10/10
Few of us ever imagine Latin America when
we think of Breezes Resorts & Spas.
Breezes Resorts provide an almost endless list of dining, activities and
amenities all in one upfront price.
Today little has changed other than new locations. It’s easy to conjure up images of the
Caribbean waters and warm sands along Jamaica’s coastline and the beaches of
the Bahamas. Over the last few years,
Breezes has expanded its collection of all-inclusive resorts into some of the
spiciest spots in Latin America, both in Panama and Brazil!!
Poised to become Central America’s hot spot, Panama enjoys it envied
location between the Caribbean Sean and the Pacific Ocean, with rugged
mountains and dense forests to miles of unspoiled coastline. It is hard to believe that Panama is only
just beginning to capture the world’s attention as a vacation destination.
Brazil is full of exotic sounds, flavors and colors. The new Breezes are located in the legendary
resort of Buzios in the famous state of Rio de Janeiro. Buzios is on a spectacular stretch of sand
along the Atlantic and just 105 miles northeast of Rio de Janiero, and welcomes
singles, couples and families of all ages.
The island of Curacao is the third new Breezes location. Located just off the coast of Venezuela in
the Southern Caribbean this charming Dutch influenced island still maintains
charming, neat little candy striped houses.
The gentle trade winds, crystal waters and endless sunshine belie a
Caribbean paradise.
These three new resorts offer tropically elegant accommodations, a
variety of dining options, unlimited drinks and seemingly endless list of land
and water sports with no tipping allowed.
Give us a call and experience a vacation of a lifetime with true
bragging rights!!
Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take ya Bermuda,
Bahama come
on pretty mama!!
Riu’s are
Excellent properties always and everywhere!
12/17/10
More vacationers come to Cancun than
any other part of Mexico for the white-sand beaches, crystalline turquoise
waters, sizzling nightlife, and the proximity of Maya ruins throughout the
Yucatán peninsula. RIU Hotels & Resorts in Cancun represent the ideal
location for family vacations and romantic getaways for two, combining
exceptional hospitality with distinctive amenities.
All of the RIU Hotels & Resorts
in Cancun strive to anticipate your every desire and make sure your stay is
unforgettable. Their greatest satisfaction is serving you and fulfilling your
every wish. Riu’s all inclusive concept means enjoying your vacation your way,
without a worry in the world. All RIU Hotels & Resorts in Cancun are
ideally located on dazzling stretches of white sandy beach framed by tropical
trees and crystal clear turquoise waters, right in the heart of Cancun’s hotel
zone. Outstanding service is a hallmark of the RIU brand: we are all about you.
Retreat To The Soothing Haven Of
RIU's Jamaica All-Inclusive Hotels
Surround yourself with the postcard beaches, tropical jungles and
interesting social climate that envelop RIU's extraordinarily popular Jamaica
all-inclusive hotels, situated in Ocho Rios,
Negril,
and Montego Bay.
The emerald waters of the Caribbean that frame our Jamaica beach hotels provide a compelling invitation to relax and to enjoy
numerous watersports. Venture into the interior of the
island - mountainous and green - dotted with picturesque towns that offer a
remarkable contrast to the bustling coast. Experience some of the best golf
courses in the Caribbean and exceptionally lively nightlife culture.
Seeing
is believing. And our all-inclusive Punta Cana hotels boast an awe-inspiring
range of sights. Punta Cana is located at the south-eastern tip of the
Dominican Republic. Some of the best beaches in the world can be found
here, with dazzlingly white sand, turquoise waters and
coconut palms growing right down to the sea's edge. No postcard does justice to
the beauty of this place.
The palm trees that grow down as far
as the sea's edge, and the transparency and intense turquoise color of its
waters make this beach one of the most beautiful and photographed in the world.
The absence of waves means it is ideal for young children to play in safety.
AND
NOW until Dec 23rd (for booking) you can save a whopping $425.00
with our promotion so call us and get away to some of the places that you have
always dreamed of!! Travel Dates:
02/01/11 - 04/30/11!!
Reno, Nevada
12/24/10
How about a vacation with a FREE stay, you know that I am always on the lookout for a good deal and here is a great one!
Book a flight +
hotel package at Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, and receive the First 2
nights FREE!
Book: 12/10/10 - 1/13/11 by 6:00 p.m. CT
Travel: 1/1/11 - 2/28/11
Blackout dates apply.
Seven-day advance purchase is required.
Customized vacation packages include:
•
Roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines® to Reno
• Hotel accommodations (including taxes)
• Rapid Rewards® credit on flight portion
• 24-hour traveler assistance
• First and second checked bags fly FREE (weight and size limits apply). Even
skis and snowboards fly FREE.1
This hotel is located three miles east of
downtown Reno. The hotel has 2,000 rooms
and suites, 10 restaurants, including three by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer
and a casino with 80,000 sq. ft. of space.
The hotel has a shopping center, a wedding chapel, a pool, a convention
center. But WAIT-they also have a 50
lane bowling alley, Lucky’s Race and Sports Book and golfing. This is the largest hotel in Northern Nevada.
A world-class casino and resort just wouldn't be complete without world-class activities, featuring something for everyone in the family. From golf packages (including mini golf), skiing and snowboarding, to go-kart, motorcycle or bicycle rentals, they've got a great selection of activities for the great outdoors.
Inside, you'll find a 50-lane bowling alley, cinema multiplex and a 40,000-square foot video game/parlor, game/simulator, rides and laser tag arcade that every kid (and the kid in you) can enjoy. There's also plenty of shopping, including some of Nevada's most unique boutiques, sprinkled throughout the resort.
Finally, if there's something you always wanted to do – anything at all, you can always ask the Adventure Desk, who will do their best to make it happen.
With your first two nights free, how can you go wrong??
Sandos Caracol
Eco-Resort & Spa
12/31/10
Located within the Grand Coral Complex, Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort &
Spa inhabits the edge of a natural jungle; guestrooms are spread throughout 62
three-story buildings set into the forest. This unique environmental friendly
beach resort features forty-two 3-story buildings with a total of 781 rooms and
lies in an extensive natural area at the edge of an exotic jungle surrounded by
mangroves and natural lagoons.
The property is all-inclusive and
includes 7 restaurants. A business service is onsite. The property also offers
audio-visual equipment, currency exchange, concierge services, tour assistance,
and dry cleaning. Computer rental is also available. One of the outdoor pools
includes a swim-up bar. The kids' club offers supervised activities for the
hotel's younger guests and a teen's club offers activities for teenagers.
Kids can cool off under the Riviera
Maya sun at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa and Sandos Select Club at the
resort's brand new Sandos Aqua Park which features a variety of water play
areas including 17 water slides. Families can kick back and relax poolside at
the Aqua Park while children can enjoy splash-filled fun under lifeguard
supervision. The Aqua Park features a pool bar as well as the convenience of showers
and bathrooms. A variety of water play areas include a "raining" palm
tree, a large water bucket area and water spouts throughout the park. As a
daily activity, all children that are enrolled in the complimentary Kids Club
will enjoy a trip to the Aqua Park under the supervision of the Sandos
Animation staff. The best fun filled family vacation is waiting at our brand
new SANDOS AQUA PARK at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa and Sandos Select
Club!
There are 8 restaurants on
property and 10 bars including the swim up pool bar. Guests are allowed
reservations to the A la Carte Specialty restaurants based on the number of
days stay. For a 1-3 night stay, guests are allowed 1 confirmed reservation.
For a 4-6 night stay, guests are allowed 2 confirmed reservations. For a 7 or
more night stay, guests are allowed 3 confirmed reservations. Sandos has late
night entertainment and a disco.
The
Primo Award. This prize was awarded to Sandos
Caracol Eco Resort & Spa by the Thomas Cook travel company as a
result of the high levels of satisfaction from their clients with the hotel’s
facilities, services, employees and cuisine and Hotel Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa was recognized as the “Leading
Hotel in Mexico” by Hotels4u.com at the World Travel Mart in London.
A great place to stay for the budget
minded a great value for the money!
Xcaret-Riviera Maya Adventure!
1/11/11
Known as ''nature's sacred paradise'', Xcaret
is one of the world's most famous eco-archaeological parks. Here, you will find
archaeological ruins, a dolphin show, horses, a farm with tropical birds,
butterflies, bat caves and a stunning beach. You can go also snorkeling in the
famous caves and the well known underground river.
With its 53 activities to enjoy,
Xcaret is an experience for all your senses. This ecological park was once one
of the most important Mayan ports.
Xcaret Plus is a new experience that
provides an array of services with one ticket. One major benefit is the
preferential access to the exclusive Plus Area, created only for those visitors
who purchase the Xcaret Plus ticket. There you’ll find all the facilities you
need including towels, snorkel gear, life vests and lockers available at any
time of the day. You will also have access to our lockable bags to store your
things while you travel down the river. Your Plus Admission will allow you to
enjoy the park attractions and the main advantages it has over the Basic
admission is that you'll also get a buffet lunch included with juice and
coffee, as well as a 10% discount on all water activities! Without a doubt,
this is your opportunity to spend a perfect day just having lots of fun.
The amazing Xcaret Show is the most
renowned attraction in this park, featuring 300 artists on stage that will
fascinate you with the best selection of music, regional dances and Mexican
folklore. When the sun sets the sound of pre-Hispanic drums starts and a line
of Mayan warriors and priests guard the way to the theater, this will let you
know it is show time. Get ready to experience an extraordinary feast of color
and learn about the different episodes of Mexico's rich history, including a
stunning recreation of the famous Ball Game.
Come to the beautiful ecological
park of Xcaret, located in the Riviera Maya and spend an unforgettable day with
your family and friends.
1/14/11
If you’re
looking for a place to indulge your wildest dreams of a vacation fantasy,
Cancun is your destination and this resort promises to be your resort of
choice. The only limits on this vacation
are the ones that you set. This Me Cancun
luxury resort actually encourages you to over indulge with its exclusive YHI
Spa or the first of its kind MAXIM Beach Club.
And if ever there was a place to cast off those pesky inhibitions, those
who have experienced the Cancun strip at midnight know that nothing compares.
Like its name suggests, this is one hotel that is definitely about
YOU. Rooms and suites lead straight to
Cancun’s finest stretch of white sand beach.
Some of the city’s most sought-after dining experiences are located on
ME Cancun soil and NOW they offer all-inclusive dining and drinking vacations.
ME is a sensory paradise of
art, design, music and cuisine.
Individualized service is the living, breathing soul of the culture of
ME. The Pool Concierge can help you
discover a pool to suit your mood or to change it. Balinese daybeds for an additional charge and
the “Water Rituals” are part of a scene that includes Caribbean views and one
of the largest infinity-edge pools found at any of the resorts in Cancun.
This is the place to be seen and to give you bragging rights to your
friends and family!!
FREE!!!
1/21/11
When you consider
that Cirque du Soleil was founded by two past street performers, it only makes
perfect sense. Part mimes, part gymnasts, part magicians and 100% entertainers,
the Cirque du Soleil performers, and the spectacles that they put on around the
world, are visually stunning. Go to see a Cirque du Soleil show and it is
something that you will not soon forget, if ever. Cirque du Soleil, meaning
"Circus of the Sun" in French, was hatched from the minds of
Montreal, Quebec performers, Guy Laliberté and Daniel Gauthier, and since its
conception in the 1980's, it has seen growing success, either visiting or
setting up shop in some of the biggest cities and vacation destinations around
the world. As Las Vegas is often hailed as, "The Entertainment Capital of
the World", it only seems fitting that Cirque du Soleil would have a
presence in Sin City. Well, there are currently six different Cirque du Soleil
Las Vegas shows that you can catch on a Las Vegas vacation.
The Cirque du Soleil shows are among the best rated Vegas shows, and they are presented in some of the most exclusive Las Vegas Casinos. If it's "classic Cirque du Soleil" you're after, then "Mystčre
" at Treasure Island is one of the
first shows you should consider. Mystčre was the first installment of Cirque du
Soleil Las Vegas shows, debuting in 1993. In this show, it’s all about the
soaring acrobatics and the dazzling imaginative effects that Cirque du Soleil
is known for. The basic idea of the show is that life is inherently mysterious,
and characters include a misguided clown and a list of weird and curious
creatures. Over 70 performers make up the cast for Mystčre, and it has received
the honor of "Best Production Show in Las Vegas" eight times. Often
considered as one of the pioneering influences in the development of Las Vegas
entertainment as we know it now, Mystčre will impress guests of all ages.
Another of the Cirque du Soleil shows to
be awarded the title of "Best Production Show in Las Vegas", is
"O", which has garnered the distinction two years in a row.
"O", is performed at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino,
and it's unique employment of water makes it like no other show you'll find
anywhere else. A tribute to the theater and theatrical magic, "O"
honors the beauty of the theater, be it a simple street performance, or an
extravagant opera. Performing both in and out of the water is a cast of 81
performers, including swimmers, divers and acrobats. The fire act and Mongolian
contortionists should be enough to peak your interest.
Why am I mentioning these?!?! Because if you stay at an MGM resort and book
thru Southwest Vacations and us, you can get two tickets per room per stay for
FREE!!!!!!
YES
ABSOLUTELY FREE---DON’T DELAY!!
1/28/11
You’ve seen the
show, especially the opening introduction!
Now imagine yourself there! You
can be on the beaches of Waikiki, stand below that wonderful statue of King
Kamehameha and enjoy the sites and the sounds of a beautiful island in the
Pacific.
The waters of the ocean are as colorful,
the foliage is just as lush and the area is just as breathtaking as you see on
the show, with the exception being that now you can experience this with ALL of
your senses. You can learn to surf at
the beach, see the traditional torch lighting in the evening, experience a
luau, learn about the culture and history of the Hawaiians or just relax and
enjoy.
Call us and let us tell you how much there
is to experience in this lush tropical island that you do not even need a
passport to enjoy!! The prices and the
times are right for you to check into this now.
Or you can just watch tv and imagine!!
Personally, I would rather be there and come back and reminisce by
watching Hawaii 5 0….
Granma’s Cabin
2/4/11
Thinking of going to see
the active volcanoes, the rainforests and waterfalls, the black sand beaches
and the authentic luaus on the mainland of Hawaii, either for your bucket list
or for a vacation to long cherish and remember? I have just the place for you to stay. It is listed as a cabin but is actually a
comfortable home with a wrap around lanai (porch). Are you tired of hotels and noisy guests and
no personal ambiance? You can spend your
Hawaiian vacation in this beautiful, quiet, and centrally located cabin which
has just about everything. There is a complete kitchen, a bath with tub and
shower, a washer/dryer, a living/dining room, a phone for local calls, and a
cable TV with DVD player. There is also a big gas barbecue, and birds for a
morning alarm clock. There are even little knick knacks in place to make this
is truly a 'home-away-from-home'. The home is backed by a herb farm and
macadamia nut orchard. It is surrounded by macadamia nuts, lychee, and mango,
avocado, and citrus trees. If anything is in season during your stay, you are welcome
to enjoy it. The big island of Hawaii is almost 200 miles around.
Granma’s Cabin is
located at 1100 ft. elevation on the west side of Hualalai mountain. The
Coastview sub-division is all residential. There are no streetlights which
provides for dark nights and good stargazing. The cabin is on the upper back
half of a half acre lushly vegetated lot that includes macadamia nut, papaya,
mangoes, lemon, lychee, coconut trees. Guests are welcome to any fruit that is
ripe for the picking. Other vegetation was planted with fragrant and or pretty
in mind. The cabin also has its own drive and parking area.
So rent a car and be
prepared to see everything there is to see on the phenomenal island in the
Pacific. Also be prepared to be greeted
with wonderful hosts who will be able to answer all of your questions about the
island plus the best times to visit any of the sites to avoid the crowds and
the best routes to take both for scenic and less traveled purposes.
Call us about
this—you will not be disappointed!!
The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa
2/11/11
The Grand
Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa is located beachfront on the
breathtaking blue waters of the Jamaican north coast. Only 40 minutes from the
Montego Bay airport, this brand new resort features modern design and luxurious
facilities that are in perfect harmony with the spectacular, natural
surroundings of this remarkable country. The resort shares facilities and
services with the neighboring Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa.
This unbelievable breathtaking resort is
truly remarkable. Picture a huge
palatial estate with stoic white columns and huge pórticos throughout. The main pool is one of a kind and beyond
belief. There is an island of
restaurants in the middle of this huge pool and each of the restaurants juts
out into the pool area. Yet the pool is
so huge that these are barely noticeable, in fact it is the largest pool in
Jamaica. There is also a quieter adult
pool and a kids pool for a different venue.
You will find a natural and large cove
area for calm swimming at the beach.
There are two beach areas both with palm trees and comfortable lounge
chairs, free umbrellas, showers and towel service.
The facilities and services will
make your stay an unforgettable experience: 24hour reception, express check-out, ATM
machine, wake up service, handicap facilities, currency exchange, laundry
service*, WiFi internet access in lobby area, ice machines, beauty salon*,
boutique*, non smoking lounge and doctor on call 24hrs all make this resort
unforgettable and step above and beyond the normal. There is also 540 Rooms, Pools, Jacuzzis, Swim-Up Bar,
Restaurants (10), Bars (10), Casino, Sauna, Spa*, Beauty Salon*, Fitness
Center, Tour Desk, Water Sports (Motorized and Non-Motorized)*, Arcade, Tennis
Courts, Waterpolo, Minigolf, Archery, Beach Volleyball, Basketball Nets, Soccer
& Football Field, Golf (Nearby)*, Children’s Activity Program, Children’s
Play Area, Wedding Facilities, Car Rental*, Internet Café, Gift Shop, and a Boutique.
For Entertainment
enjoy a complete, daily program of sports
activities and entertainment on the beach and at the pool. For the children’s there is entertainment
throughout the day and show for children at night at the Mini-disco. For adults there are shows and games every
night at the theatre and Disco Bar Bobsled, air conditioned from 11:00pm –
2:00am.
And why did I choose this property at this time? Because a little bird told me that it will be
on an introductory sale for a short time only.
Check out the pictures on the web and give us a call on this remarkable
property.
1/28/11
You’ve seen the show, especially the opening introduction! Now imagine yourself there! You can be on the beaches of Waikiki, stand
below that wonderful statue of King Kamehameha and enjoy the sites and the
sounds of a beautiful island in the Pacific.
The waters of the ocean are as
colorful, the foliage is just as lush and the area is just as breathtaking as
you see on the show, with the exception being that now you can experience this
with ALL of your senses. You can learn
to surf at the beach, see the traditional torch lighting in the evening,
experience a luau, learn about the culture and history of the Hawaiians or just
relax and enjoy.
Call us and let us tell you how much there is to experience in this lush
tropical island that you do not even need a passport to enjoy!! The prices and the times are right for you to
check into this now. Or you can just
watch tv and imagine!! Personally, I
would rather be there and come back and reminisce by watching Hawaii 5 0….
2/25/11
No
need to travel out of the country for a great vacation if you have not gotten a
passport. There is a beautiful world
right here in the states.
Welcome
to St. Pete/Clearwater, it is home to 35 miles of diverse beaches with
unlimited opportunities to relax, unwind and enjoy the possibilities. From
sunbathing and swimming to collecting shells along the pristine seashore, open
air cafes, the beach bars and resorts blend food, drinks and live music for a
casual relaxed atmosphere.
Lined with white soft sand
and blue-green water, you'll find something to match your unique beach style --
from action packed, to laid back, serene and natural shorelines. Water lovers
can also cast their cares away with boating, sailing and fishing trips on the
beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
Cap off your day with one of
St. Pete/Clearwater's spectacular sunsets. Catch the signature end of day
celebration at Pier 60 in Clearwater or join the locals at one of the many
sublime sunset spots along the coast.
St. Pete/Clearwater's
Award-Winning Beaches
In both 2008 and 2009,
TripAdvisor, the world's largest online travel community, voted the St.
Pete/Clearwater area's Fort
De Soto Park the No. 1 beach in North America. With its remote location,
historic forts, shaded picnic areas and miles of cycling and kayaking trails,
this gorgeous 1,100-acre beach playground spread over five islands is simply
not to be missed.
It's certainly not the first
time St. Petersburg/Clearwater area beaches have earned accolades. In 2008, Dr.
Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach,” named Caladesi Island State Park
No. 1 in the United States out of a possible 650 public swimming beaches.
Nearby, Honeymoon
Island State Park beaches were also ranked in the nation’s top 10 by
TripAdvisor.
Fodor's brought attention to
Clearwater Beach in
2009 by naming it among the East Coast's "Best Family Beaches" of
2009 - which is the same year it was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel as one
of the "Top Five Singles Beaches in Florida." Just goes to show that
when a beach is this good, everyone likes it!
If you’re looking
for a lively, fun-packed beach community, you’ve come to the right place. Clearwater
Beach, on three miles of white sandy shores along the Gulf of
Mexico, is overflowing with water sports, beach fun, shopping, dining and
people watching.
Get out on the
water in a powerful speedboat, pirate ship or deep-sea fishing boat. Swim in
the gentle waves, enjoy a rousing game of beach volleyball or just read a book
under a beach umbrella. Grab a grouper sandwich right on the beach, or treat
yourself to a fine meal. Stretch your legs along the new Beach Walk, a winding
beachside promenade with lush landscaping that connects hotels, shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Wrap up your day
with Sunsets
at Pier 60, family-friendly festivities that begin two hours before
sunset and include street performers, artisans and live music. Watch the kids
work off dessert by bouncing on a bungee trampoline. Enjoy the cool Gulf
breezes and pick up a souvenir to take home.
A harbor community, Clearwater
is nestled between Tampa Bay to the east and Clearwater Harbor to the west.
Oak-lined avenues and streets run along gently sloping terrain throughout this
third-largest metro area in the Tampa Bay region. Take a short hop across the
architecturally unique Memorial Causeway Bridge to reach lively Clearwater
Beach, one of the best-known resort towns on the Gulf of Mexico.
If you’re curious about
Florida history, come visit Largo.
Here you’ll find Pinewood Cultural Park, home to Heritage
Village and the Florida
Botanical Gardens. Heritage Village is a perennial favorite with visitors
and residents – this 21-acre, open-air museum features 28 historical
structures, including a restored school, church, railroad depot, store and log
cabin.
Largo has reclaimed its Old
Florida character in the redevelopment of its downtown district. Take a stroll
in the West Bay Drive district and visit new Old Florida-style shops and
restaurants. This charming district is just a short walk from Largo
Central Park, known for its frequent festivals and other events.
To find your way around the
city, take a free trolley ride. It runs Saturday and Sunday afternoons, departing
from Largo Central Park, making nine stops along the way and returning to the
park.
Popular with picnickers,
Taylor Park spans 156 acres, including a 53-acre freshwater lake with excellent
fishing. Small boats can be launched from a concrete boat ramp.
XCARET PARK. AN EXPERIENCE FOR ALL YOUR SENSES
3/4/11
Once
upon a time, about 25 years ago, there was no Riviera Maya and there were no
"tourist attractions" south of Cancun, with the exception of Tulum
archaeological zone. Then a group of Mexican entrepreneurs with a very clear
vision of the future trajectory of tourism in the State of Quintana Roo,
purchased the land surrounding Xcaret. In 1984, Architect Miguel Quintana Pali,
captivated by the spot's natural beauty, purchased 5 hectares of this wonderful
parcel from his associates, with the idea of building his dream home. When he
began to clear the land he started uncovering cenotes formed by collapsed cave ceilings
weakened by 3 million years of erosion from underground rivers running through
them, then flowing into the sea. He felt that so much beauty should not be
accessible to only a privileged few. So, Quintana began to formulate the idea
of a Natural Park, open to the public. He soon joined forces with Oscar, Marcos
and Carlos Constandse to turn this great dream into a reality, and Xcaret was
born.
As
you enter the Xcaret park you will be handed a map that shows where all the
exhibits and attractions within the park are located. This is a tremendous help
because Xcaret is a "green zone" with virtually all its features
hidden down manicured paths through the green. The jungle ambiance is
wonderful. Xcaret also maintains its own nursery where they raise native plant
species to supplement the natural landscape.
It is unusual to see these magnificent tropical birds
under any circumstances, but at Xcaret you can get up close and even interact
with them because these birds are NOT in cages. Parrots and macaws mate for
life and at Xcaret they have plenty of company. Parrots and macaws are
naturally inquisitive and despite their powerful beaks, these birds were quite
gentle. The most we got was a squeeze and a gentle pinch, just enough for a
lasting memory of how special these rare birds are. For many visitors this is
the closest they will ever get to these beautiful tropical birds. We recommend
all visitors follow Xcaret's rules when interacting with the birds.
The orchid greenhouse has an amazing
variety of orchids with 89 species endemic to the region and a variety of
bromeliads and other beautiful flowering species. The greenhouse is right next
to the mushroom farm and Xcaret's nursery of indigenous plants. A "nature
walk" with plaques identifying a wide variety of plant species leads from
the nursery area through the jungle, and back to the main park exhibits.
There are several small Maya temples
within Xcaret's 80+ hectares (200 acres). Xcaret is a Mayan word meaning
"small inlet". This location was at its peak from 1400 to 1517 A.D.
when it was known as Polé. It is believed that the Mayas bathed in the inlet to
purify their bodies before traveling to Cozumel by canoe to worship Ixchel, the
Goddess of Fertility.
The beaches of Quintana Roo are an
important nesting habitat for marine sea turtles, especially loggerhead
turtles, green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. At Xcaret you will have the
opportunity to see these graceful swimmers up close, and learn about their
nesting habits and ocean environment, and the challenges they face as they
adapt and survive on planet earth.
This exhibit is located right next to the
sea turtles area and is a fantastic opportunity to see colorful fish, hard and
soft coral, anemones, sponges, star fish, crustaceans and many other reef
dwellers that inhabit Quintana Roo's offshore reefs and marine estuaries. You
will see creatures that live at various depths and learn how they contribute to
the biologically diverse ecosystem of the ocean and the lagoon estuaries that
can be visited along the Riviera Maya coastline.
Xcaret is a cultural experience night or
day. Evening shows take place in Xcaret's amphitheater, the Grand Tlachco,
which has a seating capacity of 6,000. Shows range from Maya ceremonies to internationally
famous entertainment acts.
One of the most popular areas in the
Xcaret Eco Park is its protected beach area. This is where many visitors enjoy
a little sunbathing and dawn their bathing suits for a refreshing swim in calm
water. Nearby are sea view restaurants and the popular swim-with-dolphins
experience. Also available at the beach are sea excursions like the sea trek,
snuba tour and snorkeling tour.
This is your opportunity to spend some
time with the dolphins, swim with them and pet them. Then, into the water you
go, to join them in their interactive "mime" games. You will also
learn how dolphins breathe, eat and sleep. The grand finale is the thrilling
experience of dolphins leaping over your head!
Jaguars and pumas are among the most
powerful cats in the world and are indigenous species to the Yucatan peninsula.
The odds that you would see one of these cats in the wild, while on your
Riviera Maya vacation, are about 1,000,000 to 1; however, at Xcaret you will be
able to see both the black jaguar and the spotted jaguar from across the moat
encircling jaguar island. Jaguars are the 3rd largest cat in the world after
lions and tigers, and seeing them at at Xcaret is an unforgettable experience.
And the best is yet to come, if you stay
at the Occidental Grand Xcaret you a right next door to the park and this hotel
is discounted almost 50% for spring and summer travel if you book by 04/30/11
for travel 03/01/11 - 08/31/11. Call us!
3/10/11
Hawaii’s Big Island isn’t just big, it’s still growing. The Island
of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and is also by far the
biggest, providing a vast canvas of environments to discover a variety of
unrivaled natural wonders. This is the home of one of the world’s most active
volcanoes (Kilauea), the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000
feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the
largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from
lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful
black sand beaches. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a journey
off the beaten path, you’ll discover it all on Hawaii’s Island of Adventure.
To avoid confusion with the name of
the entire state, the Island of Hawaii is often called the “Big Island,” and
what an appropriate name it is. Nearly twice as big as all of the other
Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be intimidating. You’ll find all
but two of the world's climatic zones within this island’s shores.
The dramatic size and scope of the
largest Hawaiian Island create a microcosm of environments and activities. On
this island’s vast tableau, you’ll find everything from extravagant resorts and
incredible golf courses to modest
local towns and sacred Hawaiian historical sites,
from the birthplace of King Kamehameha I to
Hawaii’s first missionary church in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona). With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small
pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii’s Big Island for your return.
Why
did I choose this for my blog this week??
A new vent
has opened at Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, sending lava
shooting up to 20 meters into the air.
The fissure eruption was spotted shortly after the floor at the Pu'u O'o
crater collapsed around 5pm local time on Saturday, the Hawaiian Volcano
Observatory said. It ran along the
middle of Kilauea's east rift zone, about two miles west of Pu'u O'o. The fissure has expanded and is now almost a
third of a mile long. All of the locals are quite excited about this and the
photography is amazing.
Call us
for great rates and get in on this new development!!
3/18/11
Dunns
River Falls Tour
Experience the beauty of the world famous Dunns River Falls located in
Ocho Rios. Climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides.
Pause at the massage parlor and experience the soothing effects of the water as
it cascades to the sea. View the activities of the more daring from the vantage
point of the terrace or deck. Most tours include transfers and admission.
Horseback
Riding
Feel the wind in your face while riding down the sandy beach and enjoy
the beauty of the mountain while riding along the trails. Horseback riding is
available in different locations on the island.
Rick’s
Café
Watch the sun set at this popular Negril cliff side restaurant and bar.
See the local brave divers dive from the high cliffs.
Deep
Sea Fishing
Want to catch some exotic Caribbean fish? Let an experienced Captain
take you out on his boat and show you the wonders of the sea. Most tours
require a minimum of 24-hour notification.
Dolphin
Cove
Located outside Ocho Rios, this magnificent property has a natural cove
which is surrounded by 4 acres of lush tropical rain forest and is the
Caribbean’s newest and Jamaica’s only dolphin attraction. Visitors can swim
with the dolphins, have a dolphin encounter, touch the dolphins or relax on
glistening white sand, enjoy the setting or browse for souvenirs at the Gift
Shop.
ATV
Safari At
the Rose Hall Estate, located on the north coast, your adventure begins with a
short safety and tour briefing, followed by a demonstration on the use of the
bikes. Once everyone has been given their helmets and are comfortable having
ridden in a practice ring, you start on your fully guided journey to the 700
feet above sea level to the beautiful Mount Zion.
Canopy
Tour
This unique tour consists of a series of decks and platforms mounted in
the trees of the forest. Your Canopy Tour Guide will assist you in using the
high-angle equipment and techniques to move from platform to platform.
Port
Antonio Rafting and Blue Lagoon Arriving at the river you will be given a
brief orientation and safety tips. The guests will be assigned tubes at the
water’s edge. Attentive Tour Guides are available to show guests how to paddle
and where to go while on the river. The rapids speed up just enough to increase
the excitement. There is interesting commentary along the river highlighting a
great deal of the River’s natural beauty, which usually remains unseen.
Catamaran
Cruise
Take a sail along the coast on a catamaran. Stop along the way to
snorkel and soak up the sun. Catamaran Cruises are also available for sun set
cruises.
Shopping Shopping tours can be arranged to Negril,
Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Stroll down the local market and find local crafts
and souvenirs.
Parasailing Want to explore Jamaica by air? Why not be
brave and try parasailing.
Water
Rafting
Feel like an adventure? Enjoy exciting white water rafting down the
Great River, which winds through an ancient rain forest in high-performance,
inflatable boats.
Appleton
Estates See
how Jamaica’s famous rum is made from sugar cane to final product. A tasting
concludes the tour sample all the many rums and rum creams produced at Appleton
Estates. Appleton Estate is the oldest and most famous of all of Jamaica’s
sugar estates. It is nestled in the fertile Nassau Valley on either side of the
Black River in the Southwest of Jamaica.
Mountain
Biking
Experience a downhill bicycle tour through villages and meadows to a
privet beach cove for swimming and snorkeling.
Mobay
Undersea Tours
Explore the underwater world of the Montego Bay Marine Park on board the
semi-submarine the Coral See. This is Jamaica’s first marine sanctuary and from
the submarine one can enjoy panoramic views of the underwater world.
Mayfield
Falls
Located in the Dolphin Head Mountains in Glenbrook (Southwest of Montego
Bay), Mayfield Falls offers mini-waterfalls and numerous pools, for swimming,
diving, Jacuzzi type massages, and more. It is very much a wet and active tour.
Blue
Mountain Bicycle Adventur Experience
breathtaking vistas starting from 5,600 feet up in the misty Jamaican Blue
Mountains, the Caribbean’s highest mountain range. Your scenic descent will
take you through lush mountain flora, over bridges and vestal waterfalls,
through the region, which is home to the renowned Jamaican Blue Mountain
Coffee.
Bob
Marley Museum
Located outside Kingston, the Bob Marley Museum reveals the life and
achievements of this legendary Rastaman through artifacts, writings and
photographs.
And
right now Breezes is 35% off. Give us a
call, you won’t be disappointed!
3/25/11
It’s showtime for the first of 2011′s
two Sin City organized crime museums: The Las Vegas Mob Experience at the Tropicana
Hotel. Built at a reported cost of $25 million, it beat out the
better-publicized Mob Museum, which is slated to open in the old
downtown Las Vegas federal courthouse later this year.
Anchored by the largest
collection of authentic artifacts, memorabilia, photos and videos of organized
crime ever assembled, The Las Vegas Mob Experience is an attraction
unlike any other. The Las Vegas Mob Experience will use the latest in
"interactive entertainment technology" to immerse guests in a
presentation of the rise and fall of organized crime. The fall is a direct
result of the successful efforts of Nevada State Gaming and law enforcement
officials. Through first person accountings, offered by apparitions of famed
gangsters themselves, visitors will be able to experience the world of
organized crime and learn about the role its major players had on the building
of Las Vegas, and their ultimate eradication from the casinos.
At The Las Vegas Mob Experience, visitors
pay $40 to become mobsters,
walking through series of full-room dioramas that take them through the history
of U.S. organized crime. Each visitor wears a custom-encoded RFID badge and
chooses their own life-size hologram guide, played by some of Hollywood’s
better-known gangster actors — James Caan, Mickey Rourke, Frank Vincent — who
address them by name, and speak in their native language. Each stop on the tour
requires a decision: should you deliver the cash or steal it; whack or be
whacked? Live, un-famous actors, sprinkled throughout, help with the dirty work
and add the appropriate level of fear and chaos that you’d find in other funhouse-style attractions.
Unlike the Mob Museum, The Las Vegas Mob
Experience reached out to the families of former gangsters (their real
families, not mob families) and received hundreds of personal items to display.
These include baby shoes, love letters, gangster Meyer Lansky’s Medal of
Freedom, an ashtray stolen by a mobster
from Elvis Presley’s Las Vegas hotel suite, and the ignition keys of a
car blown up in a mob hit.
The multiple options available at The Las
Vegas Mob Experience ensures that each trip through is different (and
encourages return visits). For the price of admission, however, you’ll want to
go for the gore: tell the actor-enforcer to beat the casino cheat with the
baseball bat, and get yourself caught in a gun battle at the end.
Sunscape
Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa
4/1/11
On November 1, 2011, AMResorts, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa
Resorts, and Secrets, Dreams and Now Resorts & Spas, will reintroduce the
Sunscape Resorts & Spas brand with the opening of Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa
(formerly Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa). Following a $10 million USD
renovation, the resort will become AMResorts first property in the popular
Mexico destination. The Sunscape brand also reintroduces the Unlimited-Fun® vacation
concept – a new way to have it all for families, friends and singles.
AMResorts will build on Dorado
Pacifico Ixtapa's existing reputation; strong repeat guest records high service
standards, quality food and beverage offerings and the best location in the
destination. Ixtapa will be the seventh Mexico destination to have an AMResorts
property, demonstrating the company's success and confidence in this market.
Located in the heart of the
beautiful beach town of Ixtapa on Mexico's popular Pacific coast, the
oceanfront Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa, set on Playa del Palmar which has
received the Mexican government's distinction for its clean beaches, will treat
guests to 285 spacious rooms, including 20 ocean front family style suites, all
with private terraces and remarkable views of Palmar Bay. Six international
restaurants and three bars will delight guests with regional and international
cuisine and unlimited premium beverages, while two pools, including a main pool
with two waterslides and a swim-up bar, two-lighted tennis courts, and a vast
array of day and evening activities will provide many options to
entertain. All these, along with an array of specialty themed dining
options and bars serving premium domestic and international beverages and
endless day and evening activities, is included in the Unlimited-Fun® vacation
concept.
Families with children will
appreciate the resort's Explorers' Club for Kids, which offers fully-supervised
activities for younger guests (ages 3-12). Exciting program activities include
sandcastle competitions, arts & crafts, big screen movies on the beach,
daily campout adventures, and more. A brand new Core Zone Teen's Club also will
debut to provide dedicated activities and facilities for teens.
The resort's new spa will offer the
perfect atmosphere for those seeking relaxation with a variety hydrotherapy
rooms and features, and soothing signature treatments. Couples treatment
rooms, and oceanfront massage options will complete the stimulating and
peaceful experience. The spa also will feature a full service beauty salon
offering hair treatments, waxing, and manicure and pedicure services.
Additionally, the property's newly
renovated meeting space will have a business center with computer stations, and
over 9,000 square feet of dedicated meeting and function space with capacity
for up to 550 people in a theater set-up. Four smaller breakout rooms are
perfect for group meetings and incentive travelers.
Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa also
provides the perfect romantic setting for a destination wedding with many
special amenities and a new wedding gazebo available exclusively for the bride
and groom.
The resort's multi-million dollar
renovation calls for a complete upgrade to all its rooms – from decor to
amenities like LED TVs, mini bars and more. A new wedding gazebo, as well as
restaurants and bars, including – but not limited to – the company's signature
Coco Cafe, Barefoot Grill for pool-side snacks and Desires nightclub, also will
be added. Brand new spa and Core Zone Teen's Club, as well as revamped
Explorer's Club and meetings facilities complete the project.
4/8/11
For years we have known the famous all-inclusive program
that many hotels on the Riviera Maya offer, a service which includes all meals
and drinks during the stay. In some hotels we see buffets where guests make
long lines to choose their food, and being a service for large number of
people, sometimes the quality is not the best.
But recently the El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma
launched a new category of hotel services:
the Gourmet-Inclusive, which goes beyond offering meals and
beverages. It is a service
designed to pamper guests while providing the best quality and luxury during
their vacation days.
The service as its name implies, gourmet
meals are prepared by talented chefs that have a simple rule: use the best
ingredients and strive to offer a great dish to the guests.
The Gourmet-Inclusive
program is not limited to providing the best meals and
ŕ la carte drinks, but to offer a personalized service for its guests, from a
welcome glass of champagne upon arrival at the hotel, to a complete Concierge
service, 24 hr. room service, live music and nightly shows, shopping tours to
Cancun and Playa del Carmen and much more.
The hotels that currently provide Gourmet-Inclusive service are located along the coast
of the Riviera Maya:
El Dorado Casitas Royale
is an exclusive adults-only hotel
especially designed for romance. Here you will spend an
unforgettable honeymoon, a great anniversary or simply a very romantic holiday.
You can enjoy a wonderful dinner in one of its ŕ la carte restaurants, or take
a delicious glass of wine by the ocean.
El Dorado Maroma is located in
one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It provides an excellent
culinary experience in its Italian, Oriental and Mexican cuisine restaurants,
and serves refreshing drinks of great quality in its three different bars. In
this hotel you will discover lots of fun activities like: casino nights, cocktail lessons, Spanish lessons
and much more.
El Dorado Royale,
recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 100 best hotels of the world,
is an adults-only property that features seven á la carte specialties
restaurants, ten bars, thirteen swimming pools, spa and the best entertainment
activities like: archery, cooking lessons, darts tournament and beach volleyball.
El Dorado Seaside Suites
is located in the heart of
the Riviera Maya in Kantenah Bay. You can enjoy
delicious dishes in its six restaurants and try original cocktails in its bars.
Hidden Beach Resort Au Naturel Club
is the only nudist Gourmet-Inclusive hotel in the
Mexican Caribbean. Experience the natural freedom in
an intimate and paradisiacal destination. In the restaurant you pamper your
palate with exclusive dishes accompanied by exotic cocktails. This hotel
features a wide range of entertainment activities such as body painting, aqua
gym, meringue lessons and limbo contests.
In
addition to offering luxury services, these hotels are classified as “Green companies“. They promote
an awareness-raising program on the best activities in favor of the ecology, as
well as facilities for conserving
energy and reducing waste. Some of these include: a
greenhouse, which provides various vegetables for guest consumption, 200 solar
panels, gray-water recovery plant and an ozone generator for the laundry
facilities. We can see that these hotel chains provide a high
level of service and at the same time care about their environment.
So
if you are looking for days full of luxury, do not hesitate to visit one of
these magnificent hotels, where you can
experience an incredible atmosphere of total relaxation.
Europe
River Cruising with Scenic Tours
4/15/11
Scenic Tours is proud to have their fleet of luxurious River Cruise ships, on which they can
deliver the ultimate river cruising
experience to guests. Every aspect of these magnificent vessels,
from the elegant interiors to
the faultless service, will
surpass your expectations.
As you glide effortlessly through the very
heart of Europe's iconic cities and majestic countryside, it's easy to lose
yourself in the moment. There's no packing and unpacking every
day and life on board Scenic 'Space-Ships' is akin to travelling in a five-star
floating hotel.
Scenic 'Space-Ships' are a new generation
of river cruise ships. At 135 meters (443 feet) long, they offer 22% more
space than standard vessels and have two entire decks of balcony cabins.
That's 82% of all cabins. As a result, our Private Balcony Suites are 24%
larger than normal, and offer exceptional comfort. Each has its own
private full size outdoor balcony, while our Royal and Junior Suites, and
suites on the superior Danube Deck, enjoy the services of a private butler.
Relax in the spacious Panorama Lounge and
Bar and enjoy breathtaking views through floor to ceiling windows. At 31
meters (102 feet) long it is 20% larger than those on a standard river cruise
ships. Three outdoor viewing areas provide generous vantage points from
which to admire the fairytale landscape of the Rhine. The 5 meter (16
foot) Observation Lounge, a teak deck at the bow of the ship, is a
favorite.
Three separate dining areas provide added
variety and choice for guests. The main restaurant, Crystal Dining, is
30% larger than normal so it can provide single-sitting dining and the choice
of a cozy table for two, or dining with friends at tables of four or six.
With Scenic, everything is included except
your personal spending. You don't have to pay for "optional"
tours, as you'll enjoy guided city tours and fascinating sightseeing with
expert local guides. For those who want a little extra exercise,
complimentary bicycles are even available for your enjoyment to cycle between
selected points. As well as superb meals, they provide special onboard
evening entertainment and other highlight events. Even gratuities for
staff and crew are included so you don't need to be concerned about tipping on
board. Everything about your cruise sets Scenic apart from the rest.
In addition to the diverse River Cruising options, they also
offer the best of Europe by Land. There are
extensive multi-day tours,
as well as special visits to the great
cities of Europe - London, Paris and Prague, that you can add
on to your River Cruise
experience. All are fully escorted by the best Tour Directors in the business.
The Scenic Tours European holiday collection is a fantastic mix of
people, culture and history wrapped in a five star package. When you sail Europe’s waterways, you’ll feel like you’re the center of attention.
Before or after your cruise you’ll stay in five star centrally located
hotels,
just a short stroll from major highlights.
Friendly cruise ship captains, local
guides and coach drivers go out of their way to ensure you’re entirely pleased
with every sightseeing excursion and exclusive activity.
They’ll take you to special places
where tourists are a rarity and the locals are genuinely glad to meet you. Discover the real Europe with Scenic Tours –
it’s the ultimate in luxury touring.
And for a limited time they have free
flights from JFK, you just pay the taxes.
Check this out!! It is a
wonderful and relaxing way to see Europe.
HERE
IS A FANTASTIC OFFER!
Save Up to $550 NOW AND Get 2 Nights Free LATER at
Iberostar Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean!
4/22/10
Book vacation to any all-inclusive Iberostar Resort
and receive exclusive savings NOW plus 2
free nights towards a return stay at the same or another Iberostar Resort in
any room category!* It’s a great way for you to enjoy more of
the hotel chain you love, with the option to experience other Iberostar
Resorts!
The Iberostar Properties are amazing. I chose to stay at the Iberostar Riviera Maya
with friends for my 60th birthday!
It is a fantastic property with five different types of pools, including
a wave pool and a lazy river. The food
was good and the employees were friendly and caring.
Iberostar properties are well run and well
taken care of. They also have many
different countries to choose from with many different categories; Jamaica,
Mexico, Punta Cana, Brazil and many more in Europe. This is a fantastic offer and if we had the
time I would even definitely take advantage of it!
So while you are enjoying these times with
family and friends, why not talk about a destination vacation so you can get
together again in a warm and sunny destination?
Or if the holidays were just awful for you, here is the perfect chance
to get away all by yourself(s).
Enjoy!
Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun
4/29/11
Fiesta Americana Condesa
Cancun is an award-winning beachfront property that embodies the warmth of
Mexican hospitality. Your family and friends can enjoy a wide range of
experiences together, creating memories you'll always cherish. By day, have
some outdoor fun with sand castle competitions, volleyball and mini-Olympics,
or even learn a bit of the Mayan language. When night falls, dance to live
music while the kids and teens enjoy clubs of their own. Best of all: the new all-inclusive program
lets you enjoy world-class cuisine, endless activities and more for one set price
. From building your
own boat to taking yoga lessons, or even just spending hours in the two-level
pool, there’s something for everyone at Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All
Inclusive. You can learn how to make local treats like guacamole, explore the
local flora and fauna and go stargazing with one of the hotel’s astronomy
experts. Even the young ones will have unforgettable moments at the Fiesta Kids
Club and Teens Club, which offer video games, pool tables, movies and more. And
of course you can please your palate any time of day with some of the area
finest culinary traditions, served up with a smile at the hotel’s 10
restaurants and bars.
You can rejuvenate in
the Miiluma Spa or the outdoor Jacuzzis.
The bi-level swimming pool also has a swim-up bar and there are tropical
gardens and waterfalls to wander through and enjoy. As per usual they have theme shows nightly
but also an open-air movie theater.
There are clubs for both the children and the teens to enjoy.
This is a gorgeous property
and it is now on special with us and Funjet Vacations. Just give us a call, we would be glad to help
you book and enjoy this property.
Traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya
5/6/11
Mexico is the United States #1 foreign tourist destination and
more people
will visit Mexico before noon today than visit London in a
year. The growth in visitors from other
countries is even greater. Arrivals from Canada are up almost 22% over 2009,
and 32% over 2008, with 1 million air arrivals this year. Italy is up 22%;
Germany, 18%; and Brazil up 94% and the Japanese, who are very cautious
travelers are up 27%.
You have a 1.3%
chance of being victim of a crime in Mexico vs
8% chance in US. Mexico Ranks 39th in total crime in the
world where as the US ranks 8th.
As for the fatalities due to drug-gang
activity, not one American tourist
or tourist of any
nationality, has been killed as a result of drug-related
violence in any Mexican tourism destination. (22.6 million people have
visited Mexico in the past 12 months).
This is a map so that you can easily
understand the distances we are talking about.
In America you would not be afraid to visit Chicago if they were having
trouble in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, the news media are
typically sensationalists that blow-up any small piece of information to make
it bigger than life so that people will read what they have to say and take in
the information without questioning where or why or how. I hope this helps to clarify some
misinformation about traveling to Mexico.
Our whole family travels to Cancun and
the Riviera Maya both as a family and as individuals. You are truly missing a fantastic country
with a lot of history. The resorts are
some of the finest in the world and the beaches are even better. Snorkeling and skin diving is over the second
largest coral reef in the world. The
ambiance of the properties and kindness of the staff is without
comparison. I HIGHLY recommend a trip to
this area of Mexico and would go there tomorrow if I had enough free time. Thanks for listening and understanding. Pass on the good word!!
5/13/11
Encore
Las Vegas or Encore at Wynn Las Vegas (often just called Encore) is a luxury resort, casino and hotel located on the Las Vegas
Strip in Paradise, Nevada. The resort is connected to
its sister resort, Wynn Las Vegas; both are owned by Wynn Resorts Limited, headed by casino developer Steve Wynn.
Appealing to couples, luxury travelers,
spa-enthusiasts and golf-lovers alike, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is a refuge of
sophisticated elegance. Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is a distinct destination with
lavish accommodations, culinary offerings and unforgettable leisure activities.
Here spacious guest suites offer the ultimate luxury of space with floor to
ceiling windows, dramatic views, thoughtful detailing, advanced technologies
and timeless design all in a comfortable, residential setting. Central to
Encore’s fanciful and intimate atmosphere, the resort features sunlit corridors
and sprawling pools while natural light floods the resort to reveal vibrant
butterflies, signature mosaics, textured environments and elegant detailing.
Designed to fill your stay with moments of discovery and to evoke your sense of
wonder, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas will delight and amaze you.
Whether you are playing to win at the
latest slot machines and table games, spending the day indulging with signature
massages and treatments at the full-service spa and salon or simply hanging by
the pools, Encore brings first-class luxury to the Las Vegas Strip. New at
Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, legendary nightlife entrepreneur Victor Drai expands
upon the resort’s chic social scene with the premiere of an original club
concept, aptly titled “XS.” Decadent and engaging, the poolside ambiance and
nightclub vibe of “XS” ensure Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is the Strip’s most
exclusive address.
Encore has been awarded the AAA five diamond award. The Towers Suites at
Encore and The Spa have received the Forbes
five-star award in 2011. Encore Las Vegas and its sister property, Wynn Las
Vegas collectively hold more Forbes
five-star awards than any other casino-resort in the world and it is considered
to be one of the finest hotels in the world.
We very recently were awarded a stay at
the Encore and it was truly amazing.
Every little detail was taken care of from the very smallest to the
grandest. I wanted to stay and just
enjoy the opulence and comfort of the amazing room and its amenities. Anyone wanting to view pictures of our room
and stay just email me and I can send them to you. What a truly unbelievable experience! Encore truly deserves its five diamond award
and so much more. And of course there is
a special for this property through us for a short period of time, just give us
a call or email me or Art.
Come To the Hottest Club in
Las Vegas - Nikki Beach
5/20/11
In the same spirit of European
sophistication and tropical élan as its venues in such locations as Miami, St.
Tropez, Marbella and Cabo San Lucas, Nikki Beach Las Vegas will open at
Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel Resort & Casino this Memorial Day Weekend. Set on
over four acres of lush natural pool landscape, the beach club will offer sleek
loungers, opium beds, furniture made of natural woods from Vietnam,
organic textiles, free flowing white linen curtains, plush champagne beds and
Nikki Beach’s signature tepee cabanas, complete with premium bottle service and
hors d'oeuvres. Voted “The Sexiest Place on Earth” by the London
Observer, Nikki Beach will bring the globe's most exclusive beach club
experience to the Las Vegas Strip.
Nikki Beach at Tropicana will feature a
restaurant, outdoor cafe and bar, swim up blackjack, sand volleyball courts and
a private island in the center of the tropical pool. The beach club will also
include an outdoor concert space where Tropicana will provide world-class Las
Vegas nightlife entertainment, including some of the hottest musicians from
around the globe. It’s slated to be the hottest new Las Vegas nightlife scene
on The Strip, and you’ll only find it here at Tropicana. At night, the new,
16,500-square-foot Club Nikki will provide Las Vegas club-goers with a
nightlife experience including a glamorous ultra-lounge and dance floor.
At Tropicana Las Vegas there is
extraordinary Las Vegas entertainment that appeals to every preference.
Starting April 5, Tropicana is proud to welcome Gladys Knight, The Empress of Soul, for her NEW Show "A Mic and a Light!"
The newly-opened Brad Garrett's Comedy
Club features the Emmy-award winning comedian, Brad
Garrett and his hand-selected guests, both on stage and among the crowd. The Las Vegas Mob Experience is the
first and only interactive exhibit of its kind: a history of the mafia in Las
Vegas as told by first-hand accounts, holographic display and original
artifacts. The Las Vegas bars and lounges feature some of the hottest musical acts today, across every genre. Whether it's Comedy you're craving or
non-stop action, these Las Vegas Shows have you covered.
Each all new, Best-in-Class Deluxe Room with a
Strip View is styled in a sunset palette of warm shades and promises a dazzling
vista of the famed Las Vegas Strip. Take in the neon night view or close the
romantic white plantation shutters; your room offers both show stopping scenery
and serene sanctuary. With premium features and amenities, it's your personal
Paradise. Welcome to your escape.
Having
just returned from a visit to this property, we can certainly vouch for it! The
pool picture here is actually the old pool, you can see the divider in the
background that will come down and change the whole look and feel of this area! And these are the new rooms with the sweet
sleeper beds!!
The
Aria
5/27/11
We were fortunate
enough to be able to spend a night at the Aria on our last trip to Las Vegas
just a short week ago. Although it was
only for a night, I can assure you it was a most memorable experience. Upon arrival, to be surrounded by gleaming
high rising structures, so bright, new and breathtaking is the perfect way to
begin such a delightful experience. If
you have never been able to experience any of the high tech new technology that
is available now-a-days, a stay here will absolutely thrill and astound you.
I must admit that at first it is a little
overwhelming when you cannot figure how to turn on the lights or open the
drapes, but then even I became a professional on the keypad. In the room there
is a tablet that looks like an i-pad (maybe it even is but then what do I know-lol) and the exact duplicate appears on your
television screen. On the pad you are
able to control everything in your room other than your husband. There are controls for the sheers, the
drapes, the lights, the television and not just on and
off controls, these all had slow or fast or dim or instant adjustments. You could program the room literally to wake
you up slowly in the morning by slowly raising the lights and then slowly
opening the drapes and then perhaps turning on the television to a music only
channel. Personally I never wanted to
get up and out of bed in the morning as the mattresses were divine and so
unbelievable comfortable.
We had a phenomenal brunch with the most
luscious crab legs that I have had in a very long time. They were already split for you and done to
perfection (no soggy, salty legs in the whole bunch) with melted butter on the
side, we were in heaven. They also had
good size shrimp along with the usual breakfast buffet food but on a higher
scale than most. The turkey they were
carving there was so moist and tender I had two helpings. They have breakfast pizzas even.
If you get a chance to experience this
property, do not hesitate for a moment.
We have not experienced the other properties in this complex but in our
next trip we will do so that we can report to you our findings.
Aria is a winner, but just brings your own
toilet paper as they have definitely gone green in that area—lol.
6/3/11
There's
good news for couples who want to get married in a beautiful location without the
hassle of planning a formal, sit-down dinner for 300 of their closest friends.
Many cruise lines now offer a variety of services to help you plan a shipboard
or shore side ceremony, which, of course, is combined with a romantic cruise
honeymoon.
Planning a cruise wedding can be as easy
as making one call. Just dial and, poof! In-house wedding coordinators will
begin arranging the ceremony, menu, cake, flowers and music. Some will even
help you to obtain wedding licenses or provide invitations and thank-you notes.
And it's easy to let them handle all the extras — from tuxedo rental to hair
and spa appointments.
An onboard wedding can be a great value,
as well. Prices start at about $795 (the sky's the limit) on top of the cost of
the cruise. Typically, onboard weddings are held in a ship's chapel (if one
exists), a lounge, the library or a boardroom. But the larger ships can offer
offbeat ceremony locales aboard a carousel or on a rock-climbing wall. While
the members of the wedding couple must be passengers on the cruise, most lines
with full-service packages include an option for landside guests to come
onboard for a couple of hours for the event.
Married folks can also get in on the fun
with onboard vow-renewal ceremonies — a perfect way to celebrate on your
anniversary trip.
Things
to consider
Weddings and vow renewals at sea can, indeed, be the ultimate in romance. But,
before you book your cabin, remember these tips:
1.
If you want to get married at sea by the captain, you're limited to only a
handful of cruise lines, due to legal limitations that are based on ships'
countries of registry. On the "can officiate" list are Celebrity
Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, whose ships are now registered in Malta.
Princess Cruises' captains are also able to marry couples at sea; its ships are
registered to Bermuda.
2.
Several cruises lines have private islands for wedding or vow renewals. Disney
Cruise Line captains can lead wedding ceremonies onboard or at Castaway Cay.
However, because senior officers cannot perform legal ceremonies, the actual
"legal" marriage (and paperwork signing) must occur in the cruise
terminal before the ship leaves Port Canaveral — not terribly romantic. Holland
America conducts weddings and vow renewals at its private island, Half Moon
Cay, during its Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises.
3.
For the most part, it's the big-ship, mass-market cruise lines that have
embraced full-service weddings. Some, Crystal Cruises and Cunard, don't allow
onboard weddings (though Cunard does conduct vow renewal ceremonies). Others —
mostly in the high-priced luxury category — like Seabourn don't have a problem
with wedding or vow renewal plans, but they eschew packages, opting to provide
customized amenities to these guests.
4.
Weddings have become so popular on some ships that Carnival, Celebrity,
Azamara, Holland America and Royal Caribbean levy surcharges for certain times
of the year.
5.
Cruise-ship weddings may not be for everyone. If you've always dreamed of
picking out each flower yourself or getting married in your hometown in front
of 300 people, you may not be happy with this simple approach. And, getting
married legally while at sea is complicated, so plan to have your ceremony on
the ship while it is in port, or plan well in advance.
6.
Weddings in ports of call can be fabulous, but what happens if the ship has to
cancel the call? Consider very carefully ports that require ships to tender;
Grand Cayman, for instance, can be a highly unpredictable site, as winds often
hamper tender operations, causing cruise ships to skip stops at the island. For
the same reason, we do not recommend planning a shore side wedding at a
Caribbean locale during hurricane season (June through November).
7.
And, while many brides start planning their dream nuptials a year to a year and
a half in advance, don't jump the gun by planning land-based, post-cruise
celebrations too early. Couples have been bumped from their wedding cruises — due
to full-ship charters after they booked — forcing them to reschedule
everything.
Vow Renewals: A renewal of vows package is
available for $2,500 per couple for an onboard ceremony or $3,500 for one on
Castaway Cay. It includes all the amenities of the wedding package for up to
eight guests, except the marriage license.
On Board Weddings
6/10/11
Why? Royal Caribbean's program rivals
NCL's in terms of variety, with one extra: Its coordinators will arrange
shoreside ceremonies at various ports of call. Royal Caribbean is also the
first line to offer adventurous shipboard and destination weddings through a
subprogram, Explorer Weddings. And, with Royal Caribbean's newest ships, there
are cooler onboard sites for ceremonies.
Package Details: There are three avenues to Royal romance. The
"Shipboard Duet Package," starting at about $1,995, is the most basic
and includes a wedding coordinator, onboard ceremony with officiant, one hour
of photography, recorded music, a bouquet and boutonniere, chocolate-covered
strawberries and sparkling wine. The "Shipboard Harmony Package,"
from $2,295, allows for a few more extras, including a Champagne breakfast in
bed and nicer flowers in the bride's bouquet. The third option is a shoreside
wedding that includes transportation to the ceremony site and all the options
of the Duet package. (Prices start at $2,395 but vary more widely, based on the
shoreside wedding site.)
Receptions are not included in the price of the ceremonies, but several
options are available. They include a formal wedding lunch at $48 per person, a
buffet with bar service for $48 or hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and bar service
for $32. There's a 25-person minimum for the lunch or buffet and a minimum of
16 and maximum of 50 guests for hors d'oeuvres. Other add-ons include
entertainment, cake and ice carvings.
Booking an Explorer Wedding adds an adventure component by combining
exotic-destination cruises with themed weddings or vow renewals. Swap nuptials,
for example, on the FlowRider onboard surf simulator (onFreedom of the Seas,
Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of
the Seas), in the grand "Central Park" area or on the carousel aboard
Allure and Oasis of the Seas, or on top of an Alaskan glacier, in a rainforest,
midair in a hot-air balloon or in a medieval castle in port. Packages include
the wedding ceremony and officiant, wedding coordinator, ceremony music, a
bouquet and boutonniere, sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, a
keepsake Explorer Weddings marriage certificate and use of a photographer.
Onboard Explorer Weddings start at $300, plus the cost of one of the traditional
onboard wedding packages. Shoreside Explorer Wedding packages start at $2,595.
Coolest Quirk: The aforementioned shoreside ceremonies, which run the
gamut from simply scenic (a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico) and funky (a winery
in Santorini, Greece) to exotic (a ceremony atop a glacier in Juneau, Alaska).
Plus, it offers the ability to arrange a ceremony in a memorable onboard
location on the line's largest mega-ships.
Caveats: Watch out for a la carte charges that can add up. For instance,
couples who want to plan a Royal Romance wedding less than 45 days from sailing
pay an extra $250 late fee. You'll pay $150 for a wedding coordinator if you
have an onboard reception, and wedding parties of more than 25 guests require
an additional wedding coordinator for another $150. Weddings on Voyager-class,
Freedom-class and Oasis-class ships (which have chapels) have become so popular
that there is also a $100 surcharge for shipboard wedding ceremonies on those
vessels. Beyond that, an additional $100 surcharge applies to weddings and vow
renewals scheduled in May, June, September or October. Holidays — such as New
Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve — are subject to a $200 surcharge.
Vow Renewals: The "Royal Encore Shipboard Vow Renewal"
package, at $595, includes a shipboard ceremony performed by your ship's Cruise
Program Administrator, recorded ceremony music, bouquet and boutonniere,
keepsake certificate, chocolate-covered strawberries, sparkling wine and use of
a photographer. The "Labadee Shoreside Vow Renewal" package, for
$695, includes a ceremony on secluded Dragon's Point Beach within Royal
Caribbean's private playground on Haiti (cordoned off from the rest of the
island), as well as the aforementioned sparkling wine, strawberries, flowers
and certificate. Couples can also arrange a shoreside vow renewal ceremony on
CocoCay, Bahamas — Royal Caribbean's actual private island.
Carnival Cruise Lines Weddings
6/17/11
Why? Carnival
appeals to younger couples with its spirited ships and more affordable wedding
package prices. Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend and Carnival
Miracle have onboard chapels, though you can buy Carnival's wedding packages on
any of the ships in the fleet.
Package
Details: Carnival offers three wedding packages. The "Just for the Bride
& Groom" package starts at $1,195 and includes an official civil ceremony
with a bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom, a Champagne toast
with keepsake flutes, a wedding cake with cake topper, prerecorded wedding
music, a decorated bridal aisle and a photographer. (Prints are extra.) The
"Welcome Aboard" package costs $1,635 and includes all the
aforementioned amenities, plus a cocktail hour with an open bar and hot and
cold hors d'oeuvres, a traditional two-tiered wedding cake and coffee service.
The "Deluxe Romance" package starts at $1,795 and includes all of the
above, plus a 90-minute reception and an ice carving. Prices for packages and
marriage licenses, which are extra, vary based on the port in which the
ceremonies are performed. Videography services, live music and tuxedo rental
are also additional. Shore side packages are available in certain ports, such
as Key West, San Juan, Grand Cayman and Barbados.
Coolest Quirk:
We like the easy-to-use, free online gift registry that makes it easy for
guests to contribute to a couple's destination wedding. It provides couples
with a wedding Web site, blog, e-mail wizard, photo album and Facebook/Twitter
uploaders.
Caveats: Plan
ahead, if possible; weddings are available only when in port (including
embarkation ports), and there's a maximum of three allowed per day. Additional
surcharges apply for certain months — May and June, in particular — as well as
holidays.
Vow Renewals:
Carnival offers vow renewals, starting from $385, including a shipboard
ceremony performed by the captain, a Champagne toast, flowers, wedding cake,
photography services and recorded music; up to eight guests are permitted. A
deluxe package, starting at $735, adds a one-hour reception with an open bar
and hot and cold canapés; it allows up to 20 guests.
Mexico
6/24/11
No matter which
Dreams Resort & Spa location you choose, you will always be assured of
having a pristine beach front location that includes large shimmering pools,
activities for sport, leisure or pure relaxation. Plus live evening
entertainment, parties and surprises. Most importantly, you will appreciate the
superior service of our friendly professional staff who understands the
importance of your vacation time and how to make you happy.
Cancun is a friendly and bustling city voted as the #9 Best
Destination in the Caribbean and Mexico for the TripAdvisor Traveler's
Choice Awards. Yet within the lush 7.1 oceanfront acres, you will be serenely
tucked away. One reason is the one-of-a-kind location. Here at the most eastern
tip of Mexico, you are surrounded on three sides by the beauty of the azure
Caribbean Sea — the only resort in Cancun with this remarkable location
The sophisticated readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Dreams
Cancun one of the Top Ten Resorts in Mexico. Travel industry publication
TravelAge West also honored Dreams Cancun with its prestigious Wave Award,
naming it Best All-Inclusive Resort, Mexico.
Dreams Cancun has been recognized by Preferred Hotels
& Resorts as distinguished among full-service
luxury hotels and spas for our rigorous standards of excellence. Outside, the
all-day, all-night vibrancy of the city invites you to party, dance, shop,
explore — just be yourself.
And why did I choose Dreams Resorts in
Mexico for my blog this week?
SPECIAL----Details:
Unlimited-Luxury®. A new and better way to have it all.
Dreams Resorts & Spas provide a high level of luxury and ambiance for
couples and couples with children in unparalleled tropical settings. Surround
yourself with Unlimited-Luxury® where everything is included: sumptuous suites
with stunning views, 24-hour room service and daily refreshed mini-bars. Plus
enjoy daytime activities and nighttime entertainment, gourmet dining and
exquisite bars that serve premium brands.
Save up to 50% + get up to $400 in resort coupons.
·
Book June - July 3, 2011
·
Travel June - December 23,
2011
And,
kids stay free when you book now and travel August 27 - December 23, 2011
7/1/11
The Ocho Rios
Jamaica tour begins when you are picked up and transported to the Mystic
Mountain Rainforest. Embark the chairlift for a picturesque 15-minute ride
through Jamaica’s tropical canopy where several electrifying adventures await
those hunting for the latest in excitement. Drive your very own bobsled down
the mountain on the Jamaica Bobsled ride, Traverse the rainforest on the zip
line adventure, glide down the waterslide to the infinity pool and dine to
spectacular views at the R2 restaurant. Mystic Mountain offers a medley of
different ways to experience the jungle.
The most thrilling part of the visit,
however, starts at the Railway Station, a picturesque replica of an early 1900s
Jamaican railway station. Here, daredevils can climb into a custom designed
Jamaican bobsled and try their hands at the tropical version of the Olympic sport
of bobsledding. The track features a gravity-driven plunge of 3,280 feet with
twists and turns. You control the speed of your descent with an in-sled
handbrake, allowing for either a leisurely ride or a pulse quickening dive to
the bottom (speeds up to 40 miles per hour). Once you come to a controlled
stop, you and the bobsled are slowly raised back to the Railway Station through
the forest on an elevated tramway, where you can opt to bobsled again, traverse
the rainforest on the zip line adventure, visit the gift shop or glide down the
water slide into the blue waters of an infinity pool.
Other Mystic Mountain escapades include
the Rainforest Zip line Canopy Tour, another exploit definitely worth trying.
This amazing combination of five zip lines allows ‘zippers’ to glide 170 meters
through the jungle at a near vertical descent of 10 meters before landing on a
wooden platform which doubles as the mid-station of the Rainforest Sky Explorer
which features breathtaking view.
And
you can stay at the Sunset
Beach Resort amidst swaying palms, shimmering water and beautiful beaches, the
casual, all-inclusive Sunset Beach Resort & Spa offers something for
everyone including a fresh new look following a host of recent renovations.
Sparkling restaurants and bars with sleek, contemporary designs await guests
with an array of new, all-inclusive dining options. Playful and exciting,
you'll splash your way through the magnificent, Pirates Paradise waterpark-
with twist, turns, rides and slides for all ages or stroll through the tropical
gardens. Spend a day pampering yourself with a treatment in the spa or partake
in one of many land and water sports. You can even opt to get married here –
island style. And you'll love the ideal location just 15 minutes from the
airport.
See the sensational new look of
Sunset Beach Resort and Spa for yourself and experience Jamaica's best value
all-inclusive for single, couple and families.
7/8/11
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is a
significant presence on Mexico's Caribbean coast, accounting for five
all-inclusive properties within one complex at Playa Paraiso, two more near
Playa del Carmen and one on Cozumel.
On June 10, the hotel firm purchased
the Hilton Cancun Hotel, to be reflagged the Iberostar Cancun in December.
The 86-mile-long Riviera Maya
corridor, south of Cancun to Tulum, offers 379 hotels with 38,498 rooms.
Although 75% of the properties are 100 rooms or less, the remaining 25% are big
resorts accounting for 75% of all room stock. Iberostar offers 3,010 of those
rooms.
The Grand, the newest of the five resorts
within the Paraiso complex, opened in March 2007, following Iberostar's
family-oriented Paraiso Mayo, Paraiso Lindo, Paraiso del Mar and Paraiso Beach
resorts, which opened three years earlier.
Guests at the family resorts have
use of the facilities and restaurants at the four properties, excluding the
Grand, while Grand guests can use all the resorts. That is just one of the
perks at the Grand
Guests at this adults-only, high-end
resort have use of the facilities at the four neighboring Iberostar resorts on
property, including lots of restaurants. Oceanfront rooms are spacious. The
terrace is a nice place for breakfast but watch out for the birds: They like
the toast and jam. Free Internet, speedy room service and helpful concierge in
the lobby. Guests can rely on golf carts with drivers to get around the vast
complex. Check-in and checkout are in another building.
Some of the rooms offered at the Iberostar
properties are oceanfront guestrooms, junior suites and honeymoon villas with
private pools.
7/15/11
We have said many times that this is our
favorite place in the world. If you want
to experience top of the line hotel accommodations plus service and food that
is beyond your greatest expectations, this is definitely where you want to be.
A Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Top 100 Hotels
in the World and an AAA Four Diamond Resort, El Dorado Royale is an adults-only
destination that provides the ultimate in service in the ultimate setting.
El Dorado Royale offers an escape
like no other. All the luxuries you can imagine, combined with personal
attention to your every need, make this an ideal location for especial
getaways, romantic weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries.
Reveal the pleasures of the Gourmet
all Inclusive experience. Relax on your own elegant suite that includes 24-hour
room service and a private in-room Jacuzzi. Enjoy gourmet dining at seven
exceptional restaurants. Bathe on 13 swimming pools and get pampered with spa
services, including our popular couples massage lessons. After that, get ready
to enjoy the exciting nightlife. It's all here and it's especially for you in a
place in paradise.
I will be placing pictures of this amazing
property on my Facebook Gamble America page or http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2032160855577.231158.1590825746&l=e21d14c68f
Please check them out. And why am I bringing up this amazing
property you ask? Because right now for
the next two weeks of travel you can save 55% off the normal rates!!! Call us quickly to take advantage of these
great prices. If you cannot travel
within this time frame just check out the rates with us for when you are able
to travel. You will never find anything
else to compare with this property!!
7/22/11
Palm
trees dot the landscape, and Punta Cana is one of the most beautiful areas of
the Dominican Republic. The many resorts located in Punta Cana include large
number of new resorts that include spas, casinos, and an amazing selection of
dining options, on-site weddings, kids' clubs and swimming pools.
The Dominican Republic lies
about 800 miles/1,280 kilometers southeast of Miami and is bordered in the
Greater Antilles chain by Cuba to the West, and Puerto Rico to the East. The
island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti, totals
some 48,482 square miles/126,053 square kilometers, making it the
second-largest island in the Caribbean.
The Dominican Republic was
discovered on December 5, 1492, by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage
to the New World. At that time, the island of Hispaniola (as Columbus named it)
was called "Quisqueya" by the Taino Indians who occupied the land.
With a population estimated around 600,000, the Tainos (meaning "the
good") were peaceful and hospitable to Columbus and his crew. Columbus had
a particular fondness for Hispaniola, describing it in his journal as "a
beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river
valleys."
Columbus' admiration for
Hispaniola coupled with his crew's discovery of gold deposits in the island's
rivers led to the establishment of European settlements, the first of which was
founded in 1493 in La Isabela. With the presence of new settlements, the Taino
Indians were enslaved and over the next 25 year were wiped out. At the same
time, the settlers began bringing African slaves to the island to ensure
adequate labor for their plantations.
Bartholomew, Columbus' brother,
was appointed governor of Hispaniola and in 1496 and founded the city of Santo
Domingo. The capital city quickly became the representative seat of the Spanish royal court and a city of
power and influence.
When, by 1515, the gold deposits
of Hispaniola have been virtually mined out, most of the Spanish residents left
Santo Domingo for the newly discovered silver deposits on Mexico. Only a few
thousand settlers stayed behind and these sustained themselves and their
families by providing food and leather to Spanish ships passing Hispaniola on
their way to the richer colonies on the American mainland. It is during this
period, that the pirates of the Caribbean became part of the maritime history
of this region.
The island of Hispaniola
remained under Spanish control until 1697 when the western third of the island
became a French possession. The French called this area Saint Domingue and it
became the richest colony in the world due to the large sugar plantations,
mainly worked by thousands of slaves imported from Africa. In 1791 a slave
revolt broke out in Saint Domingue and because the French feared they may lose
their colony to the slaves, they decided to abolish slavery in 1794. In 1809
the eastern side of the island returned to Spanish rule and on February 27,
1844, the eastern side of the island declared independence and gave their land
the name "Dominican Republic."
The reason my blog is on Punta
Cana this weekend is because I will be traveling there to view properties and
report to all of my friends and readers about the wonderful properties in this
area. Stay tuned……….
7/29/11
Time spent at Dreams Palm Beach on the sun
drenched east coast of the Dominican Republic is an idyllic haven for singles,
couples and families. It’s a friendly, utterly relaxing world comprised of
gorgeous beaches, a majestic turquoise sea and most importantly, the special
feeling of being welcomed as an honored guest with all the privileges of
Unlimited-Luxury where everything is included.
As gentle breezes blow through the palms,
time and worldly concerns seem to evaporate. Take a nap by the lovely pools.
Wander among the tropical gardens. This is the vacation your body has been
seeking for so long. From the moment that you are greeted upon your arrival,
you will be delighted by all you see... and all you can do.
Luxurious rooms and suites offer stunning
ocean views, shimmering pools or manicured gardens. There is a
spectacular array of day and evening activities for every age and
interest. You can bask in three
beautiful pools, including a children’s pool and dine in one of eight
international restaurants or drink in five very friendly bars and lounges
carrying premium brand liquors.
You won’t have to
think about anything except fully enjoying yourself. Their extremely high
standards have earned Dreams Palm Beach premier recognition from the
prestigious Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. And now, my photos from a recent trip! Call us to book!
8/5/11
The
Riu Bambu Punta Cana is a family oriented resort within the six resort Riu
complex in Punta Cana. The Riu is a much cheaper option than either of the Riu
Palaces and you get what you pay for – you will not be pampered at this resort
to the extent that guests are taken care of at the Palaces.
On first inspection, you’ll notice that
this is a big resort with a lot of things going on. The kid-friendly atmosphere
of the resort results in a lot of kids running around and having fun. If you
are going to Punta Cana for a romantic getaway – try the Palace.
The rooms are quite small at the Riu Bambu
Punta Cana, but are laid out well and the cleaning staff does a great job of
keeping them tidy. All the rooms have air conditioning, complementary room
safes and a mini-bar. Many of the rooms
at the Riu Bambu do have a kind of musty smell when you first arrive. I have
long since stopped blaming this Punta Cana dilemma on the hotels. Punta Cana is
a humid tropical climate – couple that with air conditioners constantly being
turned on and off and presto – a musty room. Bring a cheap room deodorizer with
you and the problem will disappear.
At the Riu Bambu Punta Cana, a table is
assigned to you in the main restaurant for the length of your stay. There is a
nice outside seating area at this restaurant, so pick your table wisely. There
was a decent array of dining options available and we were always able to find
something we enjoyed. The food here is a step down from other 5 star resorts in
Punta Cana.
There are a couple a la carte
restaurants (Steakhouse and Mediterranean) on the resort. The food is quite
good and it’s refreshing to order something off a menu after several days at
the buffet. Reservations for the restaurants are taken at the front desk at 7
in the morning.
I
don’t know why Riu builds such small pools when the mega-pool is the norm in
Punta Cana nowadays. The pool is well laid out and has a really cool set of
stairs going down into it. The pool bar is set up very well and always had a
lively crowd around it. You will have trouble finding seating around the pool
though. I think it’s because this is a family-oriented resort that a lot of
vacationers tend to hang out around the pool – I guess some kids don’t like the
beach.
Punta
Cana is the most beautiful beach in the world and the Riu complex is on one of
the nicest stretches of it. There are lots of palm trees and palapas to provide
shade – beautiful white sand and turquoise waters. You do have to play the
chair game at the Riu Bambu Punta Cana as most of the chairs will be reserved
by around 8 AM. Go down to the beach before breakfast, reserve your chairs then
go have your breakfast.
There
are a lot of things to do here and the resort’s animation staff does a good job
of getting people involved. You’ll find all the water sports here, so enjoy
them. There is a kids’ club that runs supervised activities every day. The
ladies do the best they can with what they have, but the equipment looks very
dated and we weren’t always crazy about the supervisor to kid ratio.
Keep
in mind that Riu markets predominantly to a European clientele, an aspect of
the resort that we like as you get to meet people from other cultures. However,
when people refer to “Punta Cana topless” – this is it. Topless tanning is the
norm in Europe and it is at the Riu Bambu Punta Cana as well. Believe me; you
won’t even notice it after the first day. Another thing to keep in mind is that
smoking seems to be much more prevalent in Europe. There will be a lot of people
smoking at this resort.
8/12/11
The Riu Palace Punta Cana is part of the outstanding Riu Resort
complex and welcomes friends, couples and families with a host of top-rated
amenities and facilities. Located on a spectacular stretch of white sandy
beach, this magnificent property boasts all junior suites, all with
hydromassage bathtubs, and Riu's distinctive amenities, such as a fully stocked
mini-bar and the signature liquor dispensers. The wide array of facilities,
activities, gourmet restaurants and bars are complemented by 24-hour food and
beverage service and a continental breakfast room service. Generous exchange
privileges allow guests to access all five of the Riu sister properties in the resort,
which offers an astounding variety of choices for dining, recreation and
leisure pursuits. One king bed or two double beds; split level sitting area
w/sofa or sofa bed; balcony or terrace, courtyard view. Experience truly fine dining at the Riu Palace
Punta Cana. The choices for delicious gourmet foods are endless and every taste
will be satisfied by the wide array of dining options. Featuring five
restaurants where professional chefs artfully prepare dishes from around the
world. The main restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet style and
on the spot cooking stations allow guests to watch as their meal is freshly
prepared according to their individual taste. Four a la carte restaurants serve
a wonderful selection of specialty cuisines including Japanese, Italian,
Brazilian and International. The Caribbean Street's Pizzeria serves tasty
snacks around the clock and continental breakfast and room service is available
24 hours.
Exchange privileges
with five Riu sister properties in the complex add even more restaurants to the
list of choices for sampling authentic local, seafood, steak and international
delights. For refreshing beverages 24-hours a day, the resort offers four bars,
including a sports bar and swim-up bar, serving tropical favorites, soda,
juice, beer, wine and cocktails. At night the party continues with exciting
shows, live music, a hot resort disco and casino.
The all-inclusive plan at the Riu Palace
Punta Cana includes room accommodations as selected; unlimited meals and
snacks; unlimited beverages including domestic alcoholic drinks; in-room
mini-bar restocked regularly and in-room liquor dispensers; supervised kids
club for ages 4-12; fully equipped fitness center, 4 tennis courts; resort
entertainment and activities; exchange privileges with five Riu sister
properties in the complex; "Pacha" night club (open every night;
drinks are not included); entrance to the Riu Palace Macao Casino. All hotel
taxes and gratuities are include
The Riu Palace Punta Cana is the perfect
resort for the ideal vacation, and families, couples, and singles will find an
endless selection of recreation and leisure activities. At the pool or on the
beach, the Riu Palace hosts sports and organized activities for adults and
children while towel and drink service is provided. At the pool, guests can
lounge or join the activities staff for fun and recreation such as volleyball,
aerobics and an introductory scuba lesson. At the beach, sunbathe or have fun with
kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing and aqua trikes. On land, play an
invigorating game of tennis, join an exercise class or workout at the gym; then
soothe tired muscles in the Jacuzzi, sauna or at the luxurious Venus Spa.
Fun for ALL!
The kids will have fun all their own
at the resort's Mini Club for ages 4-12. Organized activities will delight
youngsters and fill their days with adventure while they make new friends from
around the world.
Check out my pictures on Facebook at
Gamble America! And as usual we will
tell you all of the Riu PALACE properties are always the best!
8/19/11
The Riu Palace Macao Punta Cana is a small
upscale hotel (364 rooms) that’s part of a 5 hotel Riu complex in Punta Cana.
If you are staying at one of the Riu hotels you can use most of the facilities
at the other adjacent ones. The Riu Palace Macao does offer some additional
services that are only offered to their guests – for this reason you do have to
wear an identifying wrist-band during your stay.
The orientation of the
Riu Palace Macao Punta Cana is definitely geared towards couples. While they do
have a kids’ pool and a babysitting service, you’ll definitely notice that
there are not many kids there and there are not a lot of activities for them.
This is a laid-back romantic relaxing kind of resort – not a lot of crazy
nightlife and activities going on. However, if you do want to party it up one night
you can mingle with the crowd at the Riu Bambu next door.
The Riu Palace Macao aggressively markets
to a European clientele – you’ll notice that well over half the guest will be
European (mainly German, Spanish & French). We love to meet people from
different cultures and have always had a good time at this resort. The one
thing you have to keep in mind is that smoking is a little more prevalent in
Europe – there will be a lot of people smoking at this resort.
Remember that topless
sunbathing is the norm in Europe and that's what you'll find at this resort.
When people refer to "Punta Cana topless" - this is it. To some North
Americans it may appear shocking at first, but the culture shock fades quickly.
Punta Cana topless will seem common-place within a few days.
The service is where
this resort sets itself apart – every staff member at the Palace greets you
with a smile and will accommodate you in any way they can. There is not as much
of a language barrier here as there is at other resorts; most of the staff
speaks English quite well. You’ll also notice that the grounds are immaculate,
nothing is left lying around – it’s definitely a palace.
The rooms at the Riu
Palace are a decent size, very clean and well laid out. There are complementary
room safes and stocked mini-bars in every room which is a nice touch.
The food at the Riu
Palace Macao is very good, the buffet restaurant (El Patio) offers a great
variety – you’ll always be able to find something you’ll like. The resort has
tried to tackle the problem of line-ups by having two seatings for dinner
(6:30-8:00 or 8:30-10:00). You choose a seating when you check in, a table is
assigned to you and it’s yours for the length of your stay. While this does
seem to work quite well – I like the flexibility to eat at different times. Not
a biggie though!
There are three a la
carte restaurants: Japanese, the Caribe Grill and a Steakhouse. We definitely
enjoyed the Japanese the most, but all three were quite good. Remember, when
you see “steakhouse” in the Caribbean – don’t expect a Chicago style dry aged
steak. Dominicans export most of their really good beef, commercial cuts are
served at resorts which are a little tougher than what you’re used to back
home. In Dominican culture, meats are usually very well cooked – so don’t
expect a rare steak.
The pool is the one
disappointing aspect of the Riu Palace Macao Punta Cana – it’s beautiful and
has a nice pool bar, but is very small by Punta Cana standards. We’ve become
used to huge pools with islands and different levels in them that seem to be
the norm in Punta Cana these days.
The
beach in front of the Riu complex is beautiful, definitely one of the nicest in
Punta Cana. There is white powdery sand and shallow turquoise waters for as far
as the eye can see. There are a lot of palapas and lounge chairs available, but
you will have to play the reserving game as they tend to disappear by around
8:00. This is a relaxing resort – not a
lot of activities here.
You can check out my
photos on Facebook at Gamble America.
For any additional questions on this property just contact Art or I and
we will be happy to talk to you!
8/26/11
Here on the striking northeast coast of the
Dominican Republic, you are welcomed to an all-suite oasis of cane-thatched
sanctuaries. Limited to just 51 exclusive suites, their hardwood floors and
natural stone accents harmonize with the lush, secluded oceanfront setting.
Located just an hour away from the Punta Cana International Airport, the spirit
here is far, far removed from the hectic tempo of everyday living. Your
lifestyle is made even more extraordinary by the bounty of an Endless Privileges® stay. Punta Cana,
named one of the Top Destinations in Mexico & the Caribbean by the 2011
Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, is a tropical getaway featuring miles of
palm-studded white sand beach and crystal-clear waters.
This property has to be one of the most romantic
properties I have ever had the opportunity to view. That being said it was also one of the most
boring properties as far as entertainment and people mingling. You will be pampered and treated royally as a
guest here. If you want to truly just
spend time with your new partner and bask in each other’s company this is truly
the place for you. The grounds are
immaculate and lush, the beach is beautiful, and the rooms are exceptionally
well serviced both with amenities and room services.
At Zoëtry Agua, you
automatically receive an Endless Privileges® experience which gives you
limitless access to almost all of the pleasures offered.
These include your
in-suite accommodations and amenities such as twice daily refreshed mini-bar,
day and evening meals at our gourmet restaurants — with additional snacks whenever you wish
throughout the day — unlimited premium brand beverages and many other activities and services — all without having
to think about charges or gratuities.
Your automatic Endless
Privileges® stay includes:
- Welcome bottle of Rum
- Fresh fruit basket daily
- Bvlgari® bath amenities, aromatherapy
pillows and linen scents, high quality bed linens and bathrobes,
electronic security safe, and more
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
gourmet dining options with an assortment of organic food and beverage
selections
- Unlimited worldwide calling
- Complimentary horseback riding
- Luxurious oceanfront suites with
terraces, most providing direct access to the private beach
- No check-in or check-out time
- Unlimited cocktails and specialty
beverages from a variety of domestic and international premium brands
- 24-hour private, in-room dining
- A relaxing 20 minute spa treatment per
stay
- Access to sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi
and sensation shower
- Daily afternoon tea time featuring
real live plants for tea infusions
- Maid service three times each day
- Complimentary 24-hour laundry service
- Complimentary 20 minute wellness
consultation
Dine Around Program
As part of the privileges of Unlimited-Luxury®, guests of Secrets Sanctuary Cap
Cana, Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana and Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana can enjoy
reciprocal dine-around privileges. The Dine Around Program includes dinner and
live entertainment at these participating resorts plus Dreams Punta Cana,
Dreams Palm Beach, Dreams La Romana and Now Larimar as well - complete with:
-Complimentary dinner at restaurant of your choice (subject to reservation
availability) at participating resort of your choice
-The opportunity to take part in that resort's evening entertainment
The Dine Around program is only good for dinner for one evening during your
stay. This is not a day pass. Guests must make arrangements through your resort
concierge by 3pm, who will make all of the necessary arrangements, including
arrival and return times as well as restaurant selection. Guests may choose to
dine at any of the restaurants that are serving dinner. While dinner and
entertainment are complimentary, guests are responsible for cost of round-trip
taxi fare and all gratuities. Applicable for guests of: Secrets Sanctuary Cap
Cana, Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana and Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana.
Anyone interested in pictures from this property, please let me
know. I can email them to you and once
again the property is absolutely gorgeous!
If you purchase the top of the line room stay for a week here, they will
pick you up at the airport by helicopter and transfer you to the property. The Zoetry is true luxury in every aspect!
9/2/11
The Sirenis
Tropical Suites Casino & Spa and Sirenis
Cocotal Beach Resort Casino & Spa form a
five star hotel complex, situated on the eastern side of the Dominican
Republic, approximately an hour driving distance from Punta Cana International
Airport on the Uvero Alto-Macao beach in the
Higüey region, and set amongst one of the most beautiful coconut groves in the
Caribbean, bordering a totally virgin beach extending some 400 meters.
The Sirenis Tropical Suites is an
all-inclusive resort located on Macao Beach, approximately an hour driving
distance from Punta Cana International Airport. The property's amenities
include the two buffet restaurants, five a la carte restaurants, five bars, two
kids' clubs, two outdoor pools, four tennis courts, Jacuzzi, fitness facilities,
exercise classes, dive shop, a range of watersports, beauty salon, and 400
meters of beachfront. The all-inclusive plan covers all meals, drinks, and use
of facilities. For an additional charge, guests can enjoy scuba diving and
entrance to the disco. Babysitting is also available for an additional fee. All
rooms feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, living areas, sofa beds, cable
TV, safes, balconies or terraces, hairdryers, and minibars
Sirenis Hotels has created the Sirenis Family,
designed to ensure that the whole family right, down to the youngest member,
enjoys every moment of their holiday in the Caribbean. The children’s clubs
cater for all ages, so everyone has a good time.
With 9 restaurants and 11 bars there is much to experience with your
stay at the property. For $50.00
additional on Tuesdays you can imbibe in an all you can eat lobster dinner on
the beach.
They offer 14 different shows at night, so during your stay there will
always be something new to see. This was
a very nice budget property for families.
Punta Cana
9/9/11
At the Iberostar
Grand Bavaro everything is geared towards making you feel at home. From the lively traditional atmosphere to the
highly professional and friendly staff, everything about this hotel will make
you feel welcome.
The proximity of the beach and the hotel’s
extensive facilities make this the ideal choice for those that enjoy water
sports. For those that just want to
chill out, head to the spa and wellness center with its superbly equipped
facilities, ideal for relaxing and toning body and mind. For those looking for some action you will
love the evening entertainment offers.
Situated on the beachfront of Playa
Bavaro, a fabulous stretch of fine white sand, the new Iberostar Grand Bavaro
is the perfect choice for a truly unforgettable holiday. Its prime location is just 30 minutes from
the Punta Cana Airport.
The hotel’s double rooms have been
tastefully decorated and designed to make you feel as comfortable as
possible. You will love the top quality
European bed linens and the pillow menu.
The rooms boast a wide range of luxury facilities including a marble
bath, hydro massage bath tubs, fully stocked mini-bar, and 24 hour deluxe room
service, LCD screen with digital cable TV, DVD, personalized dining reservation
service and two rooms are adapted for wheelchair users.
Every culinary whim can be satisfied
here. There are four a la carte
restaurants at this five star resort besides the international buffet and a
beachfront restaurant that serves meals all day long. Linger over a menu of mouthwatering dishes,
ranging from Japanese cuisine and teppanyaki, to classic American feasts such
as beef ribs and pork chops, accompanied by a selection of the very finest
wines.
The hotel offers a host of activities-from
diving and kayaking, to tennis and yoga, or even archery and shooting
tournaments. You will find a fully
equipped fitness room that is ideal for working out while listening to your
favorite sounds. The Iberostar Grand
Bavaro Golf and Club was created by leading designer P. B. Dye. Players will enjoy the unique design of this
course, characterized by its sharp undulations and holes featuring cross
winds. It is a round that is guaranteed
to surprise and delight all golf lovers and you receive one free round of golf
per stay. Stay at least 7 nights and you
will receive two rounds free.
There is a huge pirate ship in the complex
that serves as an adult only disco and rocks until the wee hours of the
morning. Don’t forget the nightly themed
theater and the casino to make your stay complete.
The wedding packages are amazing here with a
free offering if you have 15 rooms booked.
The wedding couple will receive a fruit backed and a bottle of champagne
upon arrival, a romantic dinner, the complete wedding coordinator’s service,
floral decorations, decorated cake for fifteen guests and two bottles of
champagne, live music, fourteen 5 x 7 photos, breakfast in bed after the
wedding for the couple and late check out on your departure date, plus massages
for the bride and groom. Sounds like a
dream come true to me!! Just give us a
call and we can make it all happen.
9/16/11
The
hotel Gran
Bahia Principe Ambar
is located in Playa Bavaro Higuey, Dominican Republic is just 30 minutes from
Punta Cana Airport and 90 minutes from La Romana Airport.
This adult-only resort (no one under 18 years of
age) is set on a secluded mile long beach. It is a self-contained village,
complete with its own shopping center, casino, Internet cafe, restaurants, bars
and special shows in the evening. Other amenities include a watersport center,
three tennis courts and a golf course nearby. This is a Caribbean style hotel with a hint of
Colonial decoration. It is on a white sand beach which stretches for over 700
meters surrounded by tropical vegetation. The resort is located next to the new
Golf Club Punta Blanca and close to the Palma Real Golf Club- Cocotal.
|
Pueblo Príncipe is a Caribbean style shopping and entertainment center
located at the main entrance to the hotel area. Here you can enjoy daily
entertainment, a disco, a piano bar, karaoke, a sports bar, a casino and a
snack bar along with many shops. |
|
Enjoy the most luxurious stay in the lap
of luxury with every comfort imaginable. Rest and relax in one of the 528
Junior Suites with hydro massage bath tub and separated jet shower with
hydro massage, set in 3 story villas. There are three a la carte restaurants
here, Italian, International and a fish and seafood restaurant. There is also an international buffet with
a sea view that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. During your stay only 3 a
la carte dinners are allowed per a week and as usual men will need collared
shirts and long pants but all restaurants are air conditioned. This is an adult only complex but you
have share privileges with the rest of the complex. That gives you 7 specialty restaurants to
visit. There is a swim up bar and also three bars on the beach along with a
lobby bar and a sports bar. Bottom Line
The quiet, adults-only (18+), 400-room
Ambar is a self-sufficient enclave within an enormous, three-resort complex.
With its own superior-quality restaurants, quiet pool, white-sand beach, sparkling gym, quality spa, and huge, romantic suites, it's an elegant alternative to wilder, kid-filled resorts. Still, fun
at the disco is a 15-minute hike away. |
09/23/11
Have you wanted to have it all in New York City?
Well, we have a great deal for you. Check this out!
• Accommodations for 2 nights or longer at your choice
of over 25 hotels in the heart of Broadway’s famed
Theater District, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center
• All hotel taxes
• Reserved seats at a hit Broadway show like
Disney’s
The Lion King—or choose from over 20 great Broadway
musicals,
plays, comedies, and dramas.
• Lunch at Sardi’s- appetizer, entrée, dessert, coffee or
tea, tax & gratuity included—and we’ll even make the
reservation for you!
• Dinner at Langan’s– an original Broadway-themed
restaurant
in the heart of the Theater District.
• Admission to Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Considered
to be
the best view of New York City from the
newly renovated 70-story summit of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
• Ground Zero & Statue of Liberty Walking Tour
• Horse-drawn Carriage Ride through Central Park
• Free bonus admission to your choice of the Empire
State Building Observatory, Museum of the City of New
York or NY Water Taxi Statue of Liberty Flex Pass
• Free bonus admission to your choice of the
American Museum of Natural History,
Metropolitan Museum of Art or Top of the Rock Observation
Deck
• Shopping
discounts and more!
We
can get you there in style and give you more of what you would like to see when
you are there.
It can be
quite a chore to plan a New
York City vacation. There are so many hotels and NYC
sightseeing options; Broadway
shows are sometimes sold out months in advance; Manhattan dining reservations can be difficult; and there are so
many unique sightseeing tours and attractions that you might not even be aware of.
The basics of this trip start at around $1,000.00 per person and is well worth it. If interested give us a call!
Couples
Swept Away
Jamaica
09/30/2011
Offering an idyllic setting amidst lush
tropical palm trees, fragrant gardens and the pristine Seven Mile Beach, the
adults-only, Couples Swept Away provides a polished island hideaway catering
exclusively to couples in love. Fronting the bright blue waters of the
Caribbean, guests are treated to upscale verandah suites, a premier, 10-acre
sports and fitness complex, an array of water sports, a selection of open-air
restaurants and dynamic bars, nightly entertainment, unlimited golf and much
more. In an idyllic setting tucked amidst fragrant tropical gardens, breezy
palm trees and the white-sand beaches of Negril, Couples Swept away is a dream
world of romance, surf and spectacular sunshine.
Where
the romance of the Caribbean is evident in the tropical watercolors of every spectacular
sunrise and sunset, Couples Swept Away creates an atmosphere of quiet
relaxation and intimate, sun-swept vistas. Here, all-suite accommodations
feature a plush king-size bed, nightly turndown service, the option of
breakfast in bed, all-inclusive access to the resort’s upscale dining and
entertainment options and a spacious balcony or terrace where comfortable
seating provides the perfect place to unwind after unforgettable days in the
sun and surf of Jamaica. In an idyllic setting tucked amidst fragrant tropical
gardens, breezy palm trees and white-sand beaches, the exotic verandah suites
at Couples Swept Away provide a dream world of complete comfort and
convenience.
The
gourmet restaurants at Couples Swept Away serve delicious a la carte dining
options including made-to-order breakfasts and ocean views at The Palms or
Patios Patio; fresh fruits, vegetables and healthy options at the Sea Grape
Café; mouthwatering sandwiches, salads, jerk chicken and casual favorites at
the beachfront Cabana Grill; authentic Thai cuisine at Lemon Grass and
continental cuisine with a distinctly-Caribbean flair at Feathers, one of
Negril’s finest gourmet restaurants. A dynamic selection of bars, including a
Sports Bar and Piano Bar serve up refreshing cocktails, while a nightclub and
nightly entertainment ensure there is always something to do and see at Couples
Swept Away.
Couples, honeymooners and guests looking to tie the knot
experience an all-inclusive wonderland of options including unique daily
activities like a shuttle to Margaritaville, a catamaran cruise and a
glass-bottom boat tour; unlimited golf; enjoyable watersports and scuba diving;
an impressive 10-acre sports and fitness complex where guests can enjoy a yoga
class, work out in the open-air gym or swim in the 25-meter lap pool; and a
splendid spa where guests can indulge in relaxing treatments like Swedish and
Deep Tissue massages and Aromatherapy. Where the cares of everyday melt away
with the setting sun, Couples Swept Away redefines your idea of paradise.
New Orleans paranormal,
occult, voodoo, and witchcraft legends.
10/07/11
Fall makes us think of Fall Harvests, October Fest, and such,
but October seems to take on the role of an overture to Halloween. New Orleans
certainly is the place to be at it has its share of ghosts and ghost stories.
One that attracts a lot of attention is The Naked Ghost, the spirit of a young
slave girl who went out naked on the roof of her master's home in December, and
stayed there all night, in an effort to have him marry her. She froze to death.
Adrian Nicholas McGrath also writes
of The Ghost of the French Opera House. The female apparition on St. Ann
Street, known as the "Witch of the French Opera House", supposedly
was first spotted as she emerged from the French Opera House, took a walk, and
then disappeared. Then, there are The Lalaurie Ghosts of the French Quarter and
The Ghosts in the Old Carrollton Jail. There are many, many more, including the
most famous of them all, Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen.
New Orleans has a number of spooky
tours that take you through cemeteries, haunted buildings, and such places,
usually at night, and by candlelight, for effect. For Supernatural, Vampire,
Halloween, Haunted Tours, visit New Orleans Tours. The offer a Ghost &
Vampire Tour and a Cemetery & Voodoo Tour.
If you do not fit into either of the
above categories, there are museums. New Orleans has several dedicated to
Voodoo, ghosts, and the paranormal. One is the New Orleans Historic Voodoo
Museum. It is a fun site to visit, although some of the graphic links are not,
at first, apparent. It even has audio. Then, there is Voodoo in New Orleans at the
Wax Museum on Conti Street, in the French Quarter.
Of course, you might want to visit
some New Orleans cemeteries which are especially eerie, because the above
ground tombs and crypts, like silent little mausoleums, completely obstruct
one's view. The overwhelming loneliness that comes upon you, even during the
day, sends shivers up and down your spine. If you look at Cities of the Dead,
you will understand why they conjure up images of ghosts, goblins, witches,
demons, Voodoo, and such.
There is also
Krewe of Halloween, a phenomenal parade complete with bead throwing and huge
floats, through the streets of New
Orleans on October 30th. And
don’t forget, Now in its
12th consecutive year, The Voodoo Music Experience (October 29-31) attracts fans
from around the world that come together for a celebration midst acres of shady
live oaks, bayous and lagoons with some of the most celebrated artists in the
music world today.
Call us quick for those last minute deals to really experience Halloween
in a perfect way!
Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa
10/14/11
Gently kissing the palm fringed beach of Dreams
Punta Cana Resort & Spa is the surreal turquoise sea, a gift for your
senses and your heart. The warm smiles of our staff make you feel like both an
old friend and an honored guest. This is truly a place of fantasy — Dreams
Punta Cana is a magical experience for families, couples, singles and
friends. Perfectly located on the
magnificent east coast of the Dominican Republic, the natural beauty of the
island and nearby coral reef nurtures an incredible number of flora and fauna —
and it will nourish your spirit as well. Every detail has been selected for
your complete pleasure and total relaxation. Uncrowded. Unrushed. Unequaled.
Punta Cana is a choice
area for resorts in the DR, with long beaches that stretch for miles, and a
convenient airport.
The resort also has a very long
meandering pool. Another pool is located at the kids' Explorers Club, which has
activities for kid’s age 3 to 12, and on-site fun such as a pirate ship,
castle, theater, snack area, and waterslide. Meanwhile, teens can head to the
Core Zone teen center.
From the moment we greet your
arrival, you will be delighted by your surroundings and service. The majority
of our amenity-filled luxury rooms and suites offer stunning ocean views. The tropical jungle views are equally
mesmerizing
There
are six
international restaurants serving gourmet fare
where guests don't need to reserve in advance to have
dinner and 10 wonderful lounges pouring unlimited premium brand beverages.
The beauty of the Unlimited-Luxury®
service is that virtually everything is already included. You won't have to
think about anything except fully enjoying yourself. Dreams was recently named
the Best Family Friendly Resort and the Best Pool in the Caribbean
for the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards. The Punta Cana location stands
out as it was voted #8 Best Destination in the Caribbean and Mexico for
the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards. Those same high standards have also
earned them the premier recognition from the prestigious Preferred Hotels and
Resorts.
And why have a chosen Dreams Punta Cana,
well we have some great promo codes to save you money. These codes are good until the end of the
year so hurry and book and enjoy wonderful white sand beaches in the dead of
winter!!!! You
can save up to 45% PLUS enjoy up to $200 in resort coupons for use towards spa
treatments, fine wine and romantic dining.
You can enter for a chance to win a complimentary room upgrade during
your stay and best of all you get a chance to win the grand prize---A 7 NIGHT
STAY FOR TWO!
10/21/11
Beautiful sugar-white sands are lightly lapped by gentle waves, and the
stunning turquoise waters are an aquatic playground for swimming, snorkeling,
and kayaking. Within the resort, you’ll receive the highest standard of service
and authentic Mexican hospitality from the courteous, friendly, and
well-trained staff. Aventura Cove Palace offers a vacation full of adventure,
where you’ll never run out of resort
activities and entertainment. Full-service
restaurants, snack bars, and buffets entice you with an impressive variety of
International cuisine, and top shelf cocktails are poured in the bars. The
supervised Kids Club and Teen Lounge offer abundant activities for younger
guests, making Aventura Cove Palace a popular family destination.
Aventura Cove Palace is aptly named as the inlet coves are ideal for snorkeling,
swimming, and kayaking, or just wading in the turquoise Caribbean waters. An
enormous outdoor pool invites you to take a refreshing swim or lounge in the
sun with a cocktail from our swim-up bar. The pool is also the center for many
of the active family activities, including interactive games, water volleyball,
water aerobics, water polo, rock climbing, sand volleyball, tennis, basketball,
soccer, kayaking, pool tables, giant chess, bicycles, and many more.
Nightly entertainment is a favorite at Aventura Cove, with a lineup that
includes a Circus Show, Magic Show, Welcome Party, Kingdom of Fire Show, Samba
& Capoeira, Mexican Fiesta, and Breakdance Show. The Andromeda disco opens
in the evening just for teens, while the Kids’ Club keeps younger children entertained
with crafts, games, and activities.
Use your $1500 Resort Credit to book a Snorkel Tour or Monkey Tour for
the family, or if you are looking for an adults-only experience, spa services are
available at Aventura Spa Palace.
You can also use your $1500 Resort Credit for most of the activities
that require an additional fee – such as the spa, golf, and tours. For a Riviera
Maya resort vacation like no
other, experience the extraordinary Aventura Cove Palace
10/28/11
I
chose this for the knowledge it invokes and because we can handle every detail
of the travel. If you are interested in doing an event, let us know!
Every 13 years old Jewish boy celebrates his Bar Mitzvah. The occasion is a
reason for the entire boy's family to get together and have a big party.
As expected, such a big important event should be planned out to the tiniest
detail. In Israel, celebrating Bar Mitzvah is a big deal to
produce. You have to know the main products that this event should contain. The
next few lines will give you some points to start with.
The Bar Mitzvah is a point when the 13 years old boy is becoming an adult, by
the Jewish religion point of view and is when he can stand on his own and take
responsibility for his actions in God's eyes. The formal religious
event is performed in a synagogue, with a ceremony that includes a special
prayer, which is called the haftorah. The boy must practice the haftorah, with
the guidance of a special Rabbi, before reading it in front of his excited
family members.
It
is desirable to visit the specific synagogue you want to perform the ceremony
in, in order to get to know the place. Most of the families aren’t
satisfied with just the formal ceremony and plan a big party in an event hall
or garden. Celebrating in an event garden has become very popular among Israeli
celebrators in the last decade. In general, the events scene in Israel is
huge in terms of supply and includes an endless variety of places and service
providers of all kinds. You just have to decide on the budget, the date, and
the characteristics of the event and then get going.
After
traveling from one hall to another garden checking out the internal decoration,
you choose the place and update your calendar on the date. In the last
few years it is very trendy to celebrate outdoors close to nature or in a
special place with historical importance: an open park, Masada fortress,
Caesarea's antiques national park, a mysterious forest etc.
Of
course you must put into consideration the length of your guests list.
The main event of the whole celebration is without any doubt, being happy.
But there is also the hard core of it: the food. The leading
trends are developing on a daily basis, but you can keep up just by searching
on the web for catering. You'll be surprised by the options you
have for choosing the menu, the plates, cutlery etc. After going on a tasting
marathon, let your tummy decide with which catering company you'd like to wrap
it up.
Another very important component is the music. You must find the right option
connected with your general style, making everybody want to move their body and
stir things up. You can do it with a D.J, with a band or with an unusual
singer. Take references; go to see their performance on one or two events and
close the special requests issue.
There is another important service provider, you must have on this special day
and is required in order to capture every moment and it is the photographer.
The events photography and video person is doubtlessly one of the most
important service providers, which you must choose carefully. The photos
and the movie(s) are the souvenirs you'll have from this day for many years to
come.
There is a never ending list of attractions you can feature during the party.
You can choose by the boy's wishes whether you want to surprise with
clowns, a laser show, fireworks, special
activities, stand up show, dancers etc. To conclude, the main idea
of planning a Bar Mitzvah in Israel is to remember to enjoy the whole
progress, keep it cool and don't forget to have fun.
We can help you plan every detail of this
trip, just give us a call.
11/4/11
Right
on the beach of Arena Gorda, Bavaro Hotel Riu Palace is the new Riu hotel in
Punta Cana, you can enjoy this resort and Riu service quality, the comfort of a
Palace, beaches and sun of this wonderful Caribbean destination.
Punta Cana is situated on the
southeastern of the Dominican Republic. There are some of the best beaches in
the world with dazzling white sand, turquoise water and palm trees that reach
the sea. The postcards do not show the beauty of this place.
RIU Hotels & Resorts will open this December 2011 the Riu Palace
Bavaro, an elegant resort in the RIU Punta Cana complex. The opening of this
new hotel coincides with the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the
international presence of RIU Hotels & Resorts. In November 1991, RIU
opened its first resort outside of Spain, the hotel Riu Taino. Two decades
later, on the same site where this historic hotel was located, the hotel chain
opens the new hotel from the luxurious line Riu Palace, which will become the
34th RIU resort in Latin America & the Caribbean.
The Riu Palace Bavaro
located on the Playa Arena Gorda, considered one of the most gorgeous beaches
in the world, will be the fifth hotel in Punta Cana and the third of the
luxurious range Riu Palace, as the hotel chain already has the Riu Palace Macao
and Riu Palace Punta Cana in this destination. This modern hotel offers the
renowned 24 Hours All-Inclusive program and will feature 610 fashion rooms
distributed between the main building and twelve luxury villas that include
wireless internet in their Suites and Jr. Suites.
You can choose from 5
restaurants, including "Krystal", 6 bars, including a 24 hr. Sports
Bar, a Pâtisserie & ice cream parlor, 4 swimming pools with two integrated
Jacuzzi, 24 hr. room service and a Spa with sauna, Jacuzzi and gym.
Located within the RIU
Punta Cana complex, the Caribbean Street offers guests various services such as
souvenir shops, the nightclub Pacha, which has free entrance for RIU guests and
the Casino located in the Riu Palace Macao.
11/11/11
Be careful in the sun! Make sure that you wear sun block at all times;
UV radiation is considered “extreme” between 11 am and 3 pm, it’s important to
remember to protect yourself even if you are not going to be at the beach or
the swimming pool, your skin can be severely damage by the sun in a flea market
or a tour.
What
an enticing idea with the all you can drink offer. Even though this sounds very appealing, make
sure that you know about the service before jumping into it; some of the offers
are only offered at certain hours or at a certain site of the restaurant or
bar, or with a few types of beverages, sometimes the liquor is not the best
quality.
Tourists are generally very scared about
the drinking water. Getting sick is
usually blamed on the water and the truth is no one has been drinking the water
from the tap. What makes people sick in
Mexico is the combination of all of the excesses in a short period of
time. Eating a lot of spicy foods,
drinking a lot of alcohol and drinking it all day long, exposure to the heat
and sun, staying awake late at night and not hydrating break the balance of the
body and cause you to get sick. There is nothing worse than getting sick during
a vacation, by the time you are recovering it is time to go back home. Make sure that you combine activities or fun
in a way that follows your usual routines, habits or health limits.
The official currency is the Mexican Peso.
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere but you will lose some money in the
exchange rate. Nobody takes US/American coins. Banks are open from Monday through
Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, some of them like HSBC are open until 7 pm, the best
exchange rate is usually at the banks but you have to stand in line. You will
be able to find exchange booths all over the city with the legend “Casa de
Cambio” they are open from 9 am to 8 pm, the rate is not as good as the banks
but sometimes is better that the one you have at the front desk of your
hotel. Money can be wired from the
United States through any Wal-mart.
The international area code for Mexico is
(52), the Cancun area code is (998), to dial in to a local cellular phone the
code is (044). If you need to buy calling cards make sure that they are
“Ladatel” they have good rates and work fine in most public phones. Internet is
available at most of the hotels, if you bring your laptop you will find
wireless access in most of the five stars hotel rooms or by the main lobby, in
“Plaza Kukulkan” a shopping mall at the hotel zone there is a free wireless
internet access station inside the mall.
Taxis are a good option, however make sure
to ask or negotiate the price before getting into the cab. If you don’t want to
spend a lot of money the public buses go up and down the hotel zone and they
cost 6.50 pesos (around 65 cents of a dollar), those with air conditioning are
11 pesos (1.00 dollar), they have a big sign at the front that reads “Hoteles”.
(Please do not use US/American coins).
Aside from car break-ins, there is very
little crime in Cancun. People are generally safe late at night in tourist
areas; just use ordinary common sense. As at any other beach resort, don’t take
money or valuables to the beach.
11/18/11
As part of the Sandals Family, a Beaches Luxury
Included Vacation means more quality inclusions and more exciting choices than
any other vacation in the world. In
fact, Beaches gives everyone far more than they ever dreamed of in a 5-star
luxury and service and it’s all included.
Kids love our Kid’s Camp with Martha Stewart Crafts Studio and Sesame
Street Caribbean Adventure. Your child
can go bird watching with Big Bird and meet up with Elmo and Zoe for stage
shows, parades, character breakfasts and nighttime tuck-ins. Only Beaches
offers Pirates Island, an action filled adventure waterpark. It is a huge pirate ship filled with
adventures from a 50’s style family diner with burgers and shakes to a pizzeria
and a swim-up soda fountain bar. There
are nine thrilling waterslides including fast-action body and tube slides,
water cannons, whirlpools and the lazy river journeys. Teens do their own thing
at the Xbox 360 Game Garage, Scratch DJ Academy, TrenchTown Arcade Lounge, Liquid at the Beaches nightclub and more.
There are multi-story slides, lazy rivers
and surf simulators. The adults can do
everything from motorized watersports such as waterskiing and wakeboarding to
unlimited scuba diving with a comprehensive scuba program.
You can dine anytime at up to 16 true
specialty restaurants per resort.
Beaches includes four varietals of Beringer Wines. Premium brand liquors are also included on
the house at up to 14 bars per resort.
There are kid grills and diners, along with pizzerias, family style
eateries and adults-only restaurants offering exclusive white-glove
service. At Beaches you have the freedom
to eat when and where you want, while enjoying authentic cuisine from across
the glove and finish off your meal with Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.
Beaches offers everyone from families,
couples and singles far more choices with up to 30 different categories per
resort and 40% of these are suites. In
the suites you will find in-room bars, lavish bathrooms with whirlpool baths
and plasma TV’s. All the beds are
Signature Sleep Experience beds with pillow menus and Egyptian cotton linens.
These resorts cannot be beat so check them
out and give us a call or shoot us an email!
11/25/11
I just read a blog about someone that decided that all of the work and effort put into Thanksgiving Dinner just was not worth it. She was tired of all of the cleaning and cooking and after cleaning. It turns out her parents are Irish and never really understood the whole hoopla anyway. She decided to take her family of four and go to a nice hotel with a fireplace. They sat together and played games and watched football and had someone serve them Thanksgiving dinner and absolutely loved it.
That being said don’t forget that we can send you many places in the United States also for a quick getaway with the family to just reconnect with each other. Let someone else do the work and spend the time enjoying each other’s company.
The holidays have become so stressful with all of the Black Friday power shopping, the crowds, the parking, the irate people, how about spending the money on a trip somewhere and enjoying warm weather and sunshine. We can do that also!!
Wishing you and
yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!
12/2/2011
So you've never been to Vegas. What's kept
you? Never mind - no use wasting any more time trying to
explain. The important thing is that you are ready for the time of your
life, and there's no better place to celebrate than here. First
up - people watching. It may sound mundane, but with the cross-section
of visitors and celebrities who come to Vegas, it's usually primetime
entertainment. And there's no better spot to partake than Mon Ami Gabi at Paris
Las Vegas, a French bistro right on the Strip with the bonus of being directly
across the street from the famous Bellagio fountains. A word to
the wise - don't feed the street performers. Another great spot to just grab a
bite and observe your surroundings is PBR Rock Bar & Grill at Planet Hollywood, where you
can scan CityCenter, the Bellagio and the Strip all at once.
Cruising the Strip is required for any
first-timer, by car or by foot, and since we're on the Strip, now's a good time
to start. As you cruise, check out the signs for the Cirque du Soleil shows.
There are seven permanent shows on the Strip, including the heralded "O" at Bellagio and KŔ at MGM Grand, and the
people back home will expect you to see at least one of them.
There's so much to do in Vegas besides
gaming, but if this is your first time in town, you almost have to play a
little. Many hotels offer free lessons for novices - the Golden Nugget among
them.
Hungry yet? Used
to be Las Vegas was famous for buffets. Nowadays, it's more about celebrity
chefs; but as a first-timer, a buffet is in order. The Buffet at the Bellagio will
satisfy your palate with international selections, while Cravings Buffet at the Mirage offers 11 live cooking stations. But don't
eat too much! Part of any first trip to Vegas should include staying out all
night and eating breakfast before you head back to the room.
Looking for adventure? We've got you covered, whether you like thrills by air, land of sea. Start with the SkyJump at the Stratosphere. At 108 stories, it's the longest controlled free fall of its kind. Then, experience Fremont Street Flightlinez, where you get hooked to a harness and zip line right over the crowds on Fremont Street and under the giant video canopy. Not daring enough? How about swimming with the sharks at the Shark Reef Aquarium<