We just got back from the Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa in Jamaica. At Sandals we were upgraded to butler category which was wonderful!!!! It’s nice to be spoiled and not have to think while on vacation. Service in the whole place was outstanding!!! Sandals Dunn’s River is just the right size. The rooms and views of the pool and beach were gorgeous. The pools were outstanding and the beach was nice; not small but not crowded. (more…)

The Excellence Playa Mujeres resort in Cancun is a beautiful property. Well thought out and designed, it’s not too large that it takes a half an hour to walk to the beach, but not too small that it doesn’t have enough choices in dining and activities. The property is laid out with many clusters of gathering opportunities. You can choose from secluded palapas, hammocks hanging over the pool, pool side terrace lounges or beach chairs. There is the meandering “river” pool which flows under two of the beach side restaurants and is complete with a pool bar. There is also a spa pool which is not to be missed. (more…)

I recently visited Dream Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. This Puerto Vallarta property is located very close to town, but far enough away to still have a secluded feeling. The resort sits up against the mountains which gives you a great, spectacular view of the ocean and part of the town. All of the rooms are oceanfront and offer great views of the surrounding area. (more…)

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Grand Hyatt New York in New York City. The Grand Hyatt New York is such a beautiful property and is situated in a perfect location! It is right next to Grand Central Station (which is great if you are arriving into New York City by train- no need for private transfers or hailing a cab). The Grand Hyatt New York is also very convenient to the glamorous shopping of Fifth Avenue and it is also conveniently located near Times Square. In fact, from this location, we walked all the way down to SoHo! (more…)

The renowned Napa/Sonoma wine region in California evokes Tuscany: hills of lush vineyards and award-winning wines, tiled rooftops, culinary flair, luxurious resorts and villas in which to relax and savor the unique ambience of the landscape and its people. Sonoma is the quieter, less touristy half of the Napa/Sonoma duo, still in the midst of wine country and still proximate to anything you might want to explore in this region. And for those visiting the San Francisco area, the Napa/Sonoma area is a scant one-and-a-half hour car ride away. (more…)

I stayed at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas back on October 25-27th. After landing in Las Vegas, I checked in at the registration desk at the airport at 8:30am, booked the round-trip airport shuttle from them and was on my way. Upon arrival at the hotel I went straight up to my room. There was no need for me to stand in that line in the lobby since I already checked in at the airport. (more…)

Love Love Loved It!!!!!! My husband and I have visited Jamaica many times, and were so very excited to stay at the Sandals Montego Bay. An easy breeze through immigration and customs, and then on to the Sandals welcome center just outside of customs. We were refreshed with a cold Red Stripe while checking in and awaiting our bus. While waiting for the bus, we met a gentleman who asked us to follow him. We were brought out to the (more…)

I just recently returned from a 4-night stay at one of my favorite hotels, The Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda.  The Fairmont Southampton is a bit of old Bermuda with all the up-to-date amenities.  I loved what they have done with regards to up-dating their rooms…the harbor-view rooms with balcony is fabulous (above the fourth floor).  The Concierge Gold category rooms are worth every (more…)

I had the pleasure of staying at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Riviera Maya for four nights. Staying at the Iberostar Grand made it possible for me to say that I have stayed now in all of the Iberostar properties in the Riviera Maya. We were staying at the Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar when the IBerostar Grand was going up. The concierge arranged for my husband and I to do a walk thru before it was completed. So when the opportunity to stay here came up, I jumped on it. (more…)

When you think of all-inclusive resorts, what is your first impression? Cafeteria food and watered down drinks? Expensive spa treatments? El Dorado Royale in the Riviera Maya certainly breaks away from those impressions of an all-inclusive resort. (more…)

I recently spent 5 nights at the Beaches Negril Resort & Spa in Jamaica. The resort is a large complex with beautiful pools including many swim-up bars. There is a large tubular slide and Lazy River swim with life jacket required. The water sports are great and the employees are very nice to every person. (more…)

Upon arrival at the Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio, we were greeted by our own private butler (Israel) who catered to us 24/7 for our entire 8-day stay in Jamaica, which included a personal cell phone for “on-demand” service. Some of the services that the butler provides are unpacking of luggage; beach chairs, towels and cooler reserved on the beach daily; dinner reservations every evening with no wait, flowers and candles were always on the dinner table. Following each day’s adventure, (more…)

I recently returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic. All I can say is WOW! One resort that really sticks out in my mind and seems to be above par on every angle is the Excellence Punta Cana. They have some of the best food I have ever put in my mouth. They went way out of the way to make me feel welcome and be able to eat at their resort (as I have food allergies). They fixed me a mouth watering steak and the dessert was to die for, it’s as if they read my mind, not too heavy, not too light… (more…)

Fairmont Kea Lani-all-suite luxury accommodations in Wailea, Maui. This Resort is a world-class, 5 star resort that sits on a beautiful, white sand Polo Beach in the upscale Wailea area of Maui, which is a little more secluded than the busier West Maui resort area. Its neighbors are two other high-end resorts and a trendy array of shops at the Shops at Wailea which are connected by a lovely oceanside walk. (more…)

The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is probably the only resort I would recommend for an authentic Surf City, USA experience. This oceanfront resort gives you miles of sandy beach whether surfing, sunning, or swimming is your pleasure. Breezy, casually elegant, and quirkily fun (I love the vibrant colors of Pete’s Grill), this resort exemplifies the famous California lifestyle of dreams and songs. (more…)

I recently had an opportunity to visit the Royal Plantation Resort in Ocho Rios. Upon entering this intimate all suite property, we were greeted with cold towels and champagne. We were seated in comfy sofas and chairs to complete the 3 minute check-in process and then we were whisked away to our beautiful Jr suite - all rooms overlook the ocean. (more…)

We own and manage two travel agencies and we would like to encourage you to do what we did, visit Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort. The taxi transfer from Hewanorra to Sandals Grande St. Lucian, north of Castries took another hour and a half. For a much faster, spectacular arrival, you might consider using the St. Lucia Helicopter service (more…)

My husband and I took our two boys, ages 11 & 9, for a 4 night getaway to Iberostar Paraiso Lindo in Riviera Maya. We wished we could have stayed longer! The resort was beyond our expectations! Everything is granite, travertine or tile and impeccably clean… even the public restrooms! The room was of standard size, we were lucky to get an oversized balcony too. Each day we came back to another new ” (more…)

It was a sad day when we had to leave the adults only resort, Excellence Punta Cana. Upon arrival we were greeted with a glass of champagne and escorted to the Excellence Club private lounge with a brief tour of the resort along the way. After a quick check-in, we were taken upstairs for food and drink. Then we were escorted to our Excellence Club Junior Suite. A wonderful aroma greeted us as we stepped into our suite. The king canopy bed had (more…)