The Riu Palace Aruba is a wonderful all-inclusive (water sports are not included) resort in Aruba. After your flight you will be greeted by a GOGO Tours rep and friendly hotel staff with refreshing drinks and your luggage will be taken care of efficiently while you check-in. (more…)

I just came back from the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia. This resort is a nice all-inclusive family resort. The best feature is the close proximity to the airport. Your children will not get the chance to say are we there yet. This Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is on the southern Atlantic side of the island (more…)

While on vacation in Aruba in November, I did a site inspection of some hotels with a member of the Aruba Tourism Board. One of the hotels, I visited was the Bucuti Beach Resort, primarily an adults-only resort, although it does have limited accommodations for children. (more…)

Earlier this month, we visited Kauai, Hawaii and it has quickly become one of our favorite islands. Kauai is one of the most stunning places on Earth. Its astounding beauty creates a perfect backdrop for the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club. We visited this property on one of our site inspections and came to appreciate it much more than I anticipated. (more…)

I just returned from the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I found the hotel to be a good value for the money you pay. The hotel is a little older, but most of the rooms have been updated. The bathrooms were on the small side, but they were clean and stocked with shampoo and lotion. There is a balcony or terrace for each room. I was in the middle category- (more…)

The ride to the Gran Melia Puerto Rico was about 30 minutes. The property is located in the Coco Beach area, east of the airport. The entire Coco Beach area is beautiful and still under development. Next door is the Trump Resort and golf course and soon to be built is a Marriott. The complex that is the Gran Melia covers many acres. The main buildings are to the west and consist of large ballrooms, reception areas, 3 restaurants, (more…)

My recent trip to Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun resort was for a short 2 night stay while working in the Riviera Maya area just south of Cancun. I upgraded to the private black car transfer and would highly recommend this to all clients. This new luxury hotel (7 buildings/3 stories high) is practically in a secluded area, located on a nice quiet beach, about 20 minutes from both the Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen. (more…)

My Lady (as they say in Jamaica). I just got back from staying at the Rose Hall Resort & Spa, A Hilton Resort with 36 lady golfers. The hotel which is located just 15 minutes outside of Montego Bay, just recently went through renovations which were very nice. The staff and service at the Rose Hall Resort & Spa was excellent as well. (more…)

As a travel professional, I am typically more critical of resorts than the average guest. There was little to be critical of at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. After staying at this property for 6 days in November 2009, I now know why my clients all love this resort in Kauai. (more…)

The El Dorado Royale continues to be my favorite adults-only, gourmet, all-inclusive properties in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Suffice it to say the ‘gourmet’ concept permeates beyond the cuisine to every aspect of the vacation experience from check-in to check-out and everything in between. (more…)

I have just returned from the luxurious beachfront Royal Plantation resort in Jamaica. Lush tropical garden pathways and Almond trees surround this fabulous resort. This boutique hotel is made up of all suites. All rooms come with oceanviews, divine furnishings, pillow menu, walk-in closets and spacious bathrooms. (more…)

As a Vacation, Cruise and Honeymoon Specialist, I am always more critical of hotels and resorts than your average traveler. I am always on the look out for properties that will fit the needs of my clients and to know which property to recommend to which client. I also make a point of not reading reviews of the resorts I am visiting so I can give an honest opinion of the property. (more…)

The Hilton Moorea Lagoon hotel in Tahiti was not quite visible from the street, its down a small hill and what a delight when we arrived at the hotel. Such a beautiful area. The hotel encompasses large and beautiful grounds with 106 rooms including 54 bungalows. There are regular bungalows and over the water bungalows, the most expensive being all the way out in the water. When you are in the Bungalows you can (more…)

As a Master Specialist I had the pleasure of staying 4 nights at Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun resort in Riviera Maya. This resort has 433 suites that include queen or king-size beds, Jacuzzi bath tubs, bathrobes and slippers, lots of cabinet/closet space, TV, mini-bars with sodas, bottled water and beer that are replenished daily. In the room is a sofa and chairs the sliding glass-door leads to a terrace with a Jacuzzi, lounge bed, table and chairs. My room had an (more…)

I recently spent a wonderful week at the Galley Bay Resort & Spa in Antigua. The resort was very well kept with the gardens being cared for each and every day. The resort had a beautiful white sand beach and was located right in a secluded bay which was peaceful and quiet. The rooms at the Galley Bay Resort & Spa were a nice size and were (more…)

The Iberostar Tucan & Quetzal Hotel in Riviera Maya is a great resort for destination weddings. The resort is in a great location and the beach is one of the best on the Playacar strip. The wedding department at this hotel is very easy to work with once you have the wedding date established. For those who are planning to invite families with children, the Iberostar Tucan & Quetzal hotel is (more…)

The Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is a special resort full of history. It’s tranquil, service oriented, friendly with great food. All the rooms have ocean views or at least a sliver of an ocean view. I would encourage taking out the meal plan which can be done once you arrive. One of the good things about the meal plan at the Royal Plantation is that you do not need to take out a meal plan for your entire stay at the resort. (more…)

Back in July I stayed at the Secret Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun and it was a pleasant surprise. The Resort is large and has all of the pluses. Secrets Maroma Beach has several restaurants to choose from, all with very good food and excellent service. There are also several bars located on the property and many evening entertainment choices to choose from. (more…)