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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

Do you desire a romantic vacation to rekindle the fire in your relationship? Then try any Sandals All-Inclusive Resort. This year we stayed at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. While there we stayed in one of the villas. We had the one bed room suite with private pool. (more…)

Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott property in Phoenix, Arizona was named after Camelback Mountain which stares you in the face from any one of the Casita accommodations! I have stayed at this resort many times and if you love to golf or just want a serene getaway this is the place for you!

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The Iberostar Paraiso Lindo in Riviera Maya is a moderate plus choice for families. The rooms at the resort are adequate. There is a refrigerator stocked with water bottles, cokes and beer in the room as well as a coffee maker with a gallon of bottled water to use in it. (more…)

I have always loved the Royal Hideaway Playacar resort in Riviera Maya and still do. They have made it even better with new restaurants and a really nice dinner/theater. The atmosphere is beautiful and elegant. When you walk in you are greeted with cool towels, champagne, fresh flowers and violin music with sit down private check-in. (more…)

I stayed at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas about two months after it opened and I was amazed at how “green” the hotel is with it’s 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 sits. (more…)

I recently took a trip to Cozumel to do some diving and vacationing. Our group, mixed couples and singles, stayed at the all inclusive Cozumel Palace and had a wonderful time. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted at the front door with a cool beverage; our experience at the resort was close to flawless! The food, service and (more…)

The Riu Palace Riviera Maya is like staying at a Spanish palace on a gorgeous beach! Most of the rooms have a beautiful view of the stunning landscaped grounds, with Spanish style fountains! The rooms closest to the beach offer ocean views. (more…)

My husband and I recently stayed at the Westin Excelsior Hotel in Rome, Italy. The guest rooms have recently been remodeled and were very spacious. The marble bathroom was enormous and the Westin heavenly bed was totally luxurious. (more…)

The Mandarin Oriental in Riviera Maya is uber-deluxe in every way. The property is built with the clean lines of a Mandarin Hotel and was made to blend in with the surroundings really well. It is a serene and lovely property. (more…)

I recently visited the two Secrets properties in Jamaica, the Secrets St James Montego Bay and the Secrets Wild Orchid. The two properties are all on one property and share restaurants, public areas, bars, beaches, spa, and fitness center. (more…)

I stayed at the Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos on May 24 - 27, 2010. It was a very relaxing stay. The rooms were beautiful and the service was excellent. The food is very healthy and tastes great. The resort also has yoga, walks, and other fitness programs and the spa was everything and more. After your stay at this resort you can really come back home ready to (more…)

The Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya was one of my favorites. Every room is a suite with a living room, huge bathroom with large round tiled tub for 2, and a glass walled shower with a back door leading to an outdoor shower. There is also a patio with a private plunge pool, in every room category. Some of the suites, called lagoon suites, are located directly (more…)

Grand Velas All Suites & SPA Resort in Riviera Maya is truly for those discerning travelers that love the all inclusive resort option but are never happy with the selection of food. Gran Velas has it all…3 to 1 ratio in service and all Gourmet Food. Not only was the food the most fantastic that I have ever had at an (more…)

If you are looking for a stress free vacation, stay at the Riu Ocho Rios in Jamaica. Everything is no problem, mon. The rooms offer fabulous ocean views. Their in-room mini bar is a really great touch. The beach on Mammee Bay is perfect and the sand is white and soft. The water is beautiful shades of turquoise. (more…)

The Fairmont Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya is a large sprawling complex that meanders through the jungle of Mayakoba. The rooms are very lovely; done in earth tones with great bedding and very modern fixtures, like flat screen TV’s, large baths with separate showers, and 2 sinks. There is a nice health club, a lovely spa and kids club. (more…)

I spent a wonderful 5 nights at the Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. This resort is one of the most modern resorts I have ever stayed at. This is a great resort for the younger couples who love more pools than you can count. (more…)

I just recently returned from a week in Las Vegas. We stayed at the Paris, Las Vegas hotel and loved it! The hotel is located right on the strip. This is a great location as it is walking distance to all the big hotels and shopping on the strip. The ride up the Eiffel Tower is spectacular at night, plus you can watch the water fountain show at the Bellagio (across the street) from the tower. (more…)

My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting Excellence Riviera Cancun in January–and had to stay an additional 2 nights due to a snowstorm in Philadelphia. This hotel is fabulous and runs like a well-oiled machine. (more…)

If you want to stay at a fabulous resort in St Lucia, Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort is the one! I just returned from vacationing in St. Lucia and this resort is truly a beautiful property. The Sandals Grande St. Lucian has excellent service, great food, and is a must place to stay for all couples looking for upscale luxury. (more…)

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a beautiful resort on a magnificent beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico. For those beach lovers wanting the cornstarch white sand and the blue water experience along with an upscale, adults-only resort, this is the place! (more…)

I recently stayed at the adults-only El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya, Mexico for 3 nights. I had previously toured the property during a travel agent familiarization trip and knew that I would have to return soon to get the full experience. In fact, I was so impressed with the (more…)

WOW!!! Was my first impression when I was greeted in the open air lobby of the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui, with a beautiful fresh orchid lei. The stunning open air lobby, filled with colorful flowers and amazing sculptures overlooking the deep blue Pacific was an awesome sight. An ice cold glass of passion fruit juice quenched our thirst as we were swiftly checked in. (more…)

I traveled with my husband and my 5 yr. old son to Turks & Caicos. The Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa has it all. If you can’t have fun here, you can’t have fun anywhere. We had room 603 in the Caribbean Village, ground floor, perfect if you have a stroller. This resort caters to (more…)

Having just returned from a week-long cruise, where Puerto Vallarta was an important port, due to the fact that we didn’t have to be back to the ship until 9:30 p.m., seven of us spent the whole day and part of the evening at Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa in Riviera Nayarit. It was (more…)

I just returned from a trip to Beaches Negril Resort & Spa in Jamaica. If you have children, then this is the place to go. The resort is about an 1 hr & 20 minutes from the airport, which is really not that bad. When checking in we received cool towels & a drink, which is always nice. If you have a concierge room, you’ll have a (more…)

Each time I visit Cabo San Lucas, I bask in the glorious surroundings of the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa - an Adults only, Zen-inspired resort which offers the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience for its guests. This jewel of a property sits amidst the hills overlooking exquisite beaches and breathtaking vistas of the ocean. It’s the perfect place for a (more…)

I recently have had the pleasure of escorting a “Girlfriend’s Getaway” to the Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Negril, Jamaica. This was our 7th “girlfriends getaway” and each year we choose a new destination. The (more…)

We just returned from our vacation in Montego Bay, Jamaica where we stayed nine wonderful days at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall. Everything was perfect during our stay in Jamaica. Our room (more…)

Dreams Riviera Cancun in Riviera Maya is a brand new all-inclusive resort for families. It is a large resort that it is spread out so that you do not feel crowded. The decor is more South Pacific than Mexican, but it is done in a very upscale manner. (more…)

The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa is a stunningly beautiful resort located a fast 20 minute drive from the airport in Tucson, Arizona. Sip your Starbucks on the expansive patio or enjoy the complimentary Tequila Toast at (more…)

The weekend of Feb 20th, we stayed at the Grand Hyatt Washington D.C. on Capitol Hill. When we arrived at the hotel, we took the escalator down to the lobby to check-in. It has a five story atrium; elegant appearance. The clerks at the front desk were very friendly and (more…)

Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita in Riviera Maya is the ultimate destination for a laid-back, romantic vacation. The service is unbelievable; they even set up your chair at the pool area or on the beach - lining the beach chair with a fresh towel, relocating umbrellas as needed to provide shade for guests, and then find out what your drink of choice is. They remember your (more…)