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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

I visited the Rose Hall Resort & Spa in April 2009 and was impressed with its family friendly atmosphere which was at 97% occupancy. The Rose Hall Resort is located in Montego Bay, which is a good location. Montego Bay isn’t a long bus ride from the airport and there are a lot of activities and sightseeing close by. (more…)

My husband and I stayed at the RIU Palace Tropical Bay in Jamaica on January 12-16th, 2010 for our 10 year anniversary. We absolutely loved the property and the people. The RIU Palace Tropical Bay property is the one place I have no problems sending anyone to. (more…)

I had the opportunity to stay at the Valentin Imperial Maya in Riviera Maya, twice in the last two years. It is a beautiful resort offering excellent gourmet dining in all of the restaurants. You don’t need a reservation for dinner, but if the resort is busy, so you may have to wait to be seated. (more…)

The Honorable Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman of Sandals & Beaches all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, does it again! His transformation of the Four Seasons Resort in Great Exuma, Bahamas into the new Sandals Emerald Bay is nothing short of spectacular! After investing 17.5 million into this Caribbean gem, it truly deserves the Sandals name. (more…)

I just returned from escorting a group to the Riu Cancun which is centrally located along the hotel strip in Cancun. The hotel is also conveniently located across the street from a major shopping mall, Plaza Caracol. This group has been traveling to this resort for the last 6 years.  The staff as the Riu Cancun resort is (more…)

I vacationed at Breezes Runaway Bay back in 1998 and then recently revisited the resort again in April 2009, which is now the Breezes Resort, Spa & Golf Club Runaway Bay. This resort offers activities for people of all ages (14 and older). The resort located in a great location called Runaway Bay which is halfway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Jamaica. (more…)

While visiting Playa del Carmen I stayed at the Valentin Imperial Maya. This beautiful resort is adults only and located just 25 minutes from the Cancun airport. The hotel’s beach is located on amazingly blue waters and is kept in pristine condition. The food and themed restaurants (more…)

When you first arrive at the Majestic Elegance Punta Cana, you are greeted with a glass of champagne and escorted to a very impressive lobby. There are stairs and 2 elevators to take you to the lower level of the lobby where there is a beautiful bar, surrounded by several of the a la carte restaurants. This area is the hub of the resort during the evening hours. (more…)

After being the hugest fan of Couples Ocho Rios in Jamaica, I wasn’t sure what it would be like after the remodel. Well, after a recent stay I must admit Couples Tower Isle is grander than ever! It is an understated elegance, not stuffy, just what you imagine for a romantic Caribbean getaway. (more…)

I stayed at the Barcelo Maya Tropical & Colonial Beach in January 2010 for 7 nights. This resort is approximately 1 hour on a non stop transfer from the airport. I found the resort to be quite large, with 3 basic sections comprising of the Barcelo Maya Beach and Caribe section, Barcelo Maya Tropical & Colonial Beach section and the Barcelo Maya Palace section. (more…)

I recently visited Zoetry Agua Punta Cana on January 16-19th, 2010. Starting with the ride from the airport (50 minutes), we could not have asked for a nicer vehicle or better Amstar staff to travel with. We were especially impressed that Jose could pour champagne without spilling a drop! He was a joy to ride and chat with on our way to paradise. (more…)

We escorted a large group of 130 people to the Riu Palace Pacifico in Riviera Nayarit on January 3-10, 2010 and the group said this was the best trip ever. The staff could not have been more attentive to everyone at the resort. I watched in amazement every day as the servers at the restaurants, the activities staff by the pool and in the theatre, the front desk personnel and of course the housekeeping staff keeps the resort looking immaculate. (more…)

While visiting the Dominican Republic I stayed at the Paradisus Punta Cana. The Paradisus Punta Cana has two different sides to this resort, the less expensive, slightly older side which is closer to the beach and more restaurants. And then there is the Reserve side which is where I stay while vacationing in Punta Cana. The Reserve contains their brand new luxury suites that just (more…)

I stayed at the Excellence Playa Mujeres in August 2009 and loved this property. As a honeymoon and romance travel specialist, I found that this is a fantastic adults-only property for my clients! (more…)

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa has three separate villages that you can stay at, all connecting to each other. The new Italian Village is by far the best as it is the newest, (I believe it just opened in January 2009). This is the part of the resort where we stayed. However we were able to get a look at the other two villages as well (rooms and all). (more…)

One of the joys of the El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya is the proximity of the accommodations to the ocean line. Outstandingly close and beautiful with fantastic views of the blue Caribbean ocean. Fun nightly towel arrangements that would make any guest “fly” to their room to see their well anticipated surprise. (more…)

This past November I spent three wonderful days at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in Jamaica. This hotel is set on a long stretch of beach in Montego Bay surrounded by the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach hotel on one side and the Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall on the other side. The Iberostar Grand truly is what its name implies. (more…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)