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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

I recently spent a wonderful weekend at Cap Juluca in Anguilla. Upon arrival I was met by Maurice who took care of my baggage and escorted me to the comfortable guest reception area where I was offered a cool towel and a refreshing drink. Claudette got me acquainted with this beautiful resort, reviewing (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…)

The Reef Resort is a beautiful and clean property in Grand Cayman.  The concierge staff at the resort was out-of-this world.  They were friendly, honest, helpful, and (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…)

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 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…)

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 just returned from a sailing on Star Clipper and wanted to stay in Barbados for a couple of days before boarding. I had a group of 5 with me, and found hotel prices for the accommodations we needed to be very expensive. We ended by staying at the Bougainvillea Beach Resort, on Maxwell Coast Road in Christ Church. (more…)

My Husband and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary at the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rosehall in Jamaica. This property was well maintained and the staff was wonderful. They treated us as if we were on our honeymoon! Our 1 bedroom oceanfront suite was fantastic. The suite had two full bathrooms, two flat screen TV’s and a huge balcony that over looked the Caribbean Sea. (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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

I just returned from my third trip to Curacao. I focused on visiting and staying at hotels that are family or Dutch owned. The Avila Hotel is a true gem on this island. This hotel has magnificent views and 3 small soft sandy beaches. The hotel was built so all rooms have great views.I loved the Blues wing. This was the original hotel. For those who like to hear the ocean against the rocks the first floor oceanfront room is for you. You can leave your balcony door open to (more…)

They don’t call it the Last of the True Exotics for nothing! I was lucky enough to be one of the invited guests for the grand opening of the new Italian Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos and it’s absolutely incredible! The new addition of the Italian Village flows very well with the two existing villages - the French & the Caribbean. The addition of the new (more…)

I stayed for 7 days in a Grand Luxe Ocean View room, on the bluff, close to the millionaire suites. The Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa property is nice and is located on a ½ mile sand beach in St. Lucia. The property has 19 room categories and is built on the beach level and hill side. (more…)

I just returned from a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica. I spent some time at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay. While there I spent some time at the beach, where many people ventured onto Sunset Beach for a tan and used the swim up bar and pool for their swimming pleasures. Every Thursday and Saturday native vendors come onto the property to sell their wares. (more…)

We were greeted with a cold towel and a flute of champagne upon our arrival in the beautiful lobby of the Excellence Punta Cana. Because our reservations were in the Excellence Club we were escorted to the Club where we completed our private registration quickly. Following the registration procedure we were escorted upstairs where a buffet and bar service were available. (more…)

I recently returned from Barbados on September 21st. I visited 9 hotels while there. I would say my favorite was The Crane Resort with its beautiful landscaped grounds, a variety of shops, hot tub and Jacuzzi with an amazing view and its beautiful pink beach. The staff at The Crane was so friendly and very (more…)

Grand Lobby, luxurious room with fully stocked bar, in-room Jacuzzi and a great view are only the start of your vacation at the Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort.  It keeps getting better as you take the tram to the white sand beach (the property is huge and spread out - a plus for some people could be negative for other people.) I loved the spa. As soon as you enter the spa, you get a key to the locker and an attendant is assigned to you. The attendant takes you to the (more…)

My husband and I took our honeymoon to Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa in December. It is a very romantic and luxurious resort as well as fun and exciting. Antigua was the perfect spot for our honeymoon. (more…)

Anytime a resort is already great, and someone decides to change it, I am always leery of the outcome. Not so with Couples Tower Isle. I had the opportunity to tour the brand new Couples Tower Isle, and I must say I was (more…)

With a few airlines flying nonstop every day, you can be in Punta Cana and on the beach by 2 pm. We arrived in Punta Cana and were on our way by taxi within an hour. We arrived at The Majestic Colonial and checked in at the front lobby. The lobby was as large as I have seen for any hotel. Our room (one of 658 rooms on property) was not ready as we were early… (more…)

I highly recommend visiting St. Lucia where they have some wonderful resorts such as Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort, Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Sandals Halcyon Beach. These resorts are all wonderful and have their own special qualities (more…)

We just returned from our vacation of “Fun & Sun” at the Sunset Beach Resort in Montego Bay. We arrived around 1pm and Natasha greeted us with a warm welcome, a cold Caribbean Punch was offered and advised our room was ready. (more…)

Royal Plantation, Jamaica is a slice of heaven. Just returned from an incredible stay at this very up-scale, yet affordable resort in Jamaica for adults only. Royal Plantation takes the all-inclusive concept (more…)