Archive for July, 2010
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Two weeks ago I spent a weekend at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. I thought the resort was terrific. My room was large and beautiful, the bathroom spacious with two sinks, separate commode, separate tub, separate shower, and large walk-in closet. Each room also has a golf cart included to get you around the resort. (more…)
Tags: all inclusive, Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic, family friendly, golf, La Romana, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Friday, July 30th, 2010
I returned home from Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun in April and plan to return again in November. I have been going to this property in the Riviera Maya twice a year since it opened in August 2008. I have yet to find a more suitable place for adults. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive escape with a beautiful beach, the ability to have steak & shrimp for lunch in your suite or by the pool, then this is the place for you. (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, Destination Wedding, honeymoon, Luxury, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, Romance, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Secrets Resorts
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
The entrance at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso is grand in everyway and includes an indoor garden that reminds me of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. All the marble and carpeted hallways leading to the rooms are located inside…something that is unique to most if not all the Riviera Maya resorts. All the rooms are Junior Suites and are very nicely done with good quality furnishings and the bathrooms have a separate toilet room, shower and upgraded amenities. (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, all suites, Destination Wedding, golf, honemoon, Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso, Luxury, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
It is well worth your while to upgrade to the Royal Service at the Occidental Grand Punta Cana. The Royal Service area is a little oasis within a huge resort. The lovely rooms surround a small swimming pool with fusion music piped in at a low decibel. It is not a pool for laps, but for a refreshing dip when you want to get off the lounge chair. There is a special section (more…)
Tags: all inclusive, caribbean, Destination Wedding, Dominocan Republic, family friendly, honeymoon, Occidental Grand Punta Cana, punta cana, Royal service
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa is located on perhaps the best beach in Jamaica. This adults-only, ultra luxury resort is on a multi-acre nature preserve with an amazing, beautiful beach. Each room has an ocean view with either a balcony or patio. (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, caribbean, Destination Wedding, honeymoon, jamaica, Luxury, Romance, SANDALS RESORTS, Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Riu Palace Riviera Maya is your typical Riu hotel with the dark Spanish accents and traditional Spanish décor. It is a little nicer than the Riu Palace Mexico, since it is newer and a little more updated. The rooms are the typical junior suites with nice bathrooms with double sinks and nicely tiled baths with a shower in the bathtub. They do have rooms that can be locked off at the entrance for families (more…)
Tags: all inclusive, Destination Wedding, family friendly, honeymoon, MEXICO, Riu Palace Riviera Maya, RIVIERA MAYA, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Riu Montego Bay, opened in August 2008, a quick two mile transfer from the vastly improved Sangster International Airport and just three miles from Jamaica’s “hip strip” downtown nightlife. (more…)
Tags: all inclusive, caribbean, Destination Wedding, family friendly, honeymoon, jamaica, Montego Bay, Riu Montego Bay
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
I stayed at the Valentin Imperial Maya Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya, Mexico from November 27 through December 4, 2009 and was extremely impressed with this all-inclusive resort. The Valentin Imperial Maya is less than a forty minute ride from the Cancun Airport and the best ease of travel is by using the private car transfers. This resort has an impressive (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, honeymoon, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, Romance, spa, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort & Spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
If you love beautiful white beaches this place has the best! While staying at the Hilton Barbados, I had the opportunity to see a nest of turtles hatching and marching in single file to the Caribbean Sea! The staff, rooms and food are great at the Hilton Barbados and you won’t be disappointed! (more…)
Tags: Barbados, caribbean, family friendly, Hilton Barbados
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
I recently visited the new Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana and was blown away by this resort. The various room options, the secluded feeling, the level of luxury were all top notch. I guarantee that any honeymoon couple or couple wanting a romantic get away will love this resort in the Dominican Republic. This resort is a one of a kind experience. (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, caribbean, Domincan Republic, honeymoon, punta cana, Romance, Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Monday, July 19th, 2010
The entire Barceló complex located south of town but north of Tulum, is a very large complex that is made up of several Barceló properties. I guess the nice part is there is a lot of variety available. The Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe gives you many a la carte choices to choose from without a limit. The beach at the Barceló Maya Palace (more…)
Tags: all inclusive, Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe, Barcelo Resorts, Destination Wedding, family friendly, honeymoon, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Friday, July 16th, 2010
I just returned from Las Vegas and where I was able to tour a wonderful, brand-new hotel. Aria Resort & Casino at CityCenter has to be the most breath taking hotel and shopping center I’ve ever seen. It is absolutely beautiful. There is so much to see, and so much to do here. The service at the hotel is out of this world. This hotel has to be a (more…)
Tags: Aria Resort & Casino at CityCenter, casino, las vegas, Nevada, Shopping, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Friday, July 16th, 2010
If you love to golf or just want a serene getaway, the JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a wonderful place to go! There are so many things to do in Arizona to keep you busy while on vacation or if you just wish to relax in the large lazy river pool by day and dine at one of the many restaurants on site the (more…)
Tags: Arizona, family friendly, golf, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
The beach at the Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is really, really nice. It has a super kids club, very similar to that of the Dream Puerto Vallarta and the Dreams Cancun. Plus it has the same format with no reservation required at any of their restaurants. The hotel is divided into the Dreams section, (more…)
Tags: all inclusive, Dreams Resorts, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, family friendly, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
I stayed at the Aria Resort & Casino at CityCenter in Las Vegas about two months after it opened and I was amazed at how “green” the hotel is with its fresh air system that pumps the smoke out of the casinos. Sections of the hotel were built with the remains of the Boardwalk Hotel that was leveled on the property where the Aria Resort now sits. (more…)
Tags: Aria Resort & Casino at CityCenter, casino, las vegas, Nevada
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
The Occidental Grand Punta Cana Resort is a well maintained and very nice family friendly resort. This is a very clean resort with well kept grounds. The staff is friendly and always willing to help. A friendly “Hola” greeting is offered from the gardener to the manager every time you meet someone. (more…)
Tags: all inclusive, caribbean, couples, Destination Wedding, Dominican Republic, family friendly, honeymoon, Occidental Grand Punta Cana, punta cana, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
One of our favorite spots in the world is the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel on the Pacific Coastline, high on a bluff overlooking the beach and the waves breaking below. The hotel enjoyed a multi-million dollar renovation two years ago as it went from a very traditional feel to a happier, cosmopolitan look and feel. The hotel is gorgeous and has the best service in the industry. (more…)
Tags: California, Dana Point, Luxury, Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Romance, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
If you’re looking for a quaint, adult-only, all-inclusive escape, Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun is your calling! I’ve stayed at the Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico several times over the past few years and love it! The property is just a short distance north of the Cancun Airport so you can be at the beach in no time after landing. (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, Destination Wedding, honeymoon, Luxury, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, Romance, Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Monday, July 12th, 2010
The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta is a little piece of heaven on earth. The resort is located in the Marina area of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This area is alive with great restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping, both high end and souvenirs. There are art galleries and unique jewelry to shop for. (more…)
Tags: MEXICO, Puerto Vallarta, spa, The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Monday, July 12th, 2010
I stayed for 4 nights in April with my husband at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro in the Dominican Republic. This resort is top notch! The grounds are really pretty with a water theme. They even have an area with flamingos. (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, caribbean, Destination Wedding, Dominican Republic, honeymoon, Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro, Luxury, punta cana, Romance
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Friday, July 9th, 2010
The ROYAL in Playa del Carmen in Mexico is hopping busy, a real scene. The hotel is smack dab in the middle of town, on a great beach. It is adults only and is the most upscale of the Real Resorts. The rooms are spacious and very ornately decorated (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, Destination Wedding, honeymoon, Luxury, MEXICO, Real Resorts, RIVIERA MAYA, Romance, The Royal in Playa del Carmen
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Friday, July 9th, 2010
I just returned from an amazing, long weekend at the Atlantis. Four days is not enough to do everything and relax. This is an incredible hotel with rooms to fit any budget and taste. Think of this property as 6 resorts in one: Beach Tower, Coral Towers, Royal Towers, The Reef, The Cove, and the Harborside Resort at Atlantis. No matter which section you choose everyone has (more…)
Tags: Atlantis Resorts, Bahamas, caribbean, family friendly, Harborside Resort at Atlantis, Paradise Island, spa, The Beach Tower Atlantis, The Coral Towers Atlantis, The Cove Atlantis, The Reef Atlantis, The Royal Towers Atlantis
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
The Valentin Imperial Maya is an adult’s only property (18 and older) located in Riviera Maya, Mexico. It is situated on a very nice stretch of soft sand beach. It is approximately 20 to 25 min. from the Cancun airport. Check-in went very smoothly. Each building had its own concierge. (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, Destination Wedding, honeymoon, Luxury, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, Romance, spa, Valentin Imperial Maya
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
I recently stayed at Circus Circus in Las Vegas for 6 nights in May 2010. Circus Circus is still the budget level hotel although they have made some upgrades. The bedding in the rooms is newer and they have a small refrigerator available in the room at a cost of $15 per day, but we were never charged. (more…)
Tags: budget friendly, casino, Circus Circus, family friendly, las vegas
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
If you’re the couple who likes to stay active on an island escape, this is the place for you! I’ve stayed at several Couples Resorts and have to say that the Couples Tower Isle in Jamaica is one of my favorites! The property was recently renovated and they did a wonderful job. I was amazed that after being on the property just a few hours the staff called us by name! (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, caribbean, Couples Resorts, Couples Tower Isle, jamaica, Ocho Rios, Romance
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
We stayed at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island in the Bahamas for 3 nights and it could not have been better. The room was lovely, and the property is conveniently located near Atlantis if you wish to go there for the day. Breakfast was good and plentiful. (more…)
Tags: Bahamas, Comfort Suites Paradise Island, family friendly, kid's club, Paradise Island, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
All I can say about the Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is WOW! This is an adult’s only resort with huge character. The grounds are extremely lavish with vegetation everywhere. Here you are amidst vibrant flowers and numerous tropical plants. You will see native wildlife here on this resort property (more…)
Tags: adults only, all inclusive, Destination Wedding, honeymoon, Luxury, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, Romance, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »
Monday, July 5th, 2010
The Maroma Resort & Spa is a lovely little hotel! It is part of the Orient Express brand and it is like a mini Royal Hideaway on a much nicer beach and not all inclusive. The resort is small and romantic, and is adults only. The rooms are really like junior suites and have pretty romantic bedding with netting and floral displays on the bed. (more…)
Tags: adults only, honeymoon, Maroma Resort & Spa, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, Romance, spa
Posted in Hotel Review | No Comments »