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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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 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…)

CuisinArt Resort and Spa is located on the island of Anguilla (rhymes with vanilla), a small island located in the Caribbean, six miles from St Maarten. Anguilla is a lovely, very quiet island, with a disproportionate number of high end resorts and five star restaurants. CuisinArt is situated on a two mile stretch of (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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

I recently visited Dream Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. This Puerto Vallarta property is located very close to town, but far enough away to still have a secluded feeling. The resort sits up against the mountains which gives you a great, spectacular view of the ocean and part of the town. All of the rooms are oceanfront and offer great views of the surrounding area. (more…)

When you think of all-inclusive resorts, what is your first impression? Cafeteria food and watered down drinks? Expensive spa treatments? El Dorado Royale in the Riviera Maya certainly breaks away from those impressions of an all-inclusive resort. (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…)

My husband and I took our two boys, ages 11 & 9, for a 4 night getaway to Iberostar Paraiso Lindo in Riviera Maya. We wished we could have stayed longer! The resort was beyond our expectations! Everything is granite, travertine or tile and impeccably clean… even the public restrooms! The room was of standard size, we were lucky to get an oversized balcony too. Each day we came back to another new ” (more…)

It was a sad day when we had to leave the adults only resort, Excellence Punta Cana. Upon arrival we were greeted with a glass of champagne and escorted to the Excellence Club private lounge with a brief tour of the resort along the way. After a quick check-in, we were taken upstairs for food and drink. Then we were escorted to our Excellence Club Junior Suite. A wonderful aroma greeted us as we stepped into our suite. The king canopy bed had (more…)

Although it is technically across Kalakaua Avenue from Waikiki Beach, the main drag in Waikiki, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa sports an unobstructed view of Waikiki Beach. No hotels, no high-rises between you and the famous blue waters of Waikiki. For those unfamiliar with the island of Oahu, the stretch known as Waikiki is really only about 10 blocks long, with the Hyatt (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…)

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…)

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…)

First I have to say that I love the Riviera Maya area and this resort is one of the reasons. I have been fortunate to have stayed at the El Dorado Royale several times. And I will be returning to the area again soon. (more…)

I loved EVERYTHING about the Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa, it has a very Italian romance feel in the Caribbean. I have stayed there three times, and I am ready to go back. When you turn off the main road, it’s pure paradise. The palm trees are bordering the driveway and then come the water fountains. You will be greeted by the hotel managers (more…)

The Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen and THE ROYAL in Playa del Carmen are all inclusive resorts that are owned and operated by the Real group in Mexico. They are across the street from each (more…)

My clients just recently got back from their vacation at the Majestic Elegance Punta Cuna and loved it! They were supposed to stay at the sister property (more…)

After attending a GOGO presentation of the “Valentin Imperial Maya Resort & Spa“, I decided to take my vacation with my spouse to this adults-only, all-inclusive property. (more…)

The Royal in Playa del Carmen is in my opinion the most well rounded, adults-only resort I have been to.  That is a pretty bold statement considering as I write this I have been to 20.  What makes it well rounded is its class and location. (more…)

When you enter the road to “Secrets Capri” you feel as if you are entering a special place. The atmosphere is that you are entering a Mexican Hacienda
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