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…)

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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

As a travel professional, I am typically more critical of resorts than the average guest. There was little to be critical of at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. After staying at this property for 6 days in November 2009, I now know why my clients all love this resort in Kauai. (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…)

As a Vacation, Cruise and Honeymoon Specialist, I am always more critical of hotels and resorts than your average traveler. I am always on the look out for properties that will fit the needs of my clients and to know which property to recommend to which client. I also make a point of not reading reviews of the resorts I am visiting so I can give an honest opinion of the property. (more…)

As a Master Specialist I had the pleasure of staying 4 nights at Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun resort in Riviera Maya. This resort has 433 suites that include queen or king-size beds, Jacuzzi bath tubs, bathrobes and slippers, lots of cabinet/closet space, TV, mini-bars with sodas, bottled water and beer that are replenished daily. In the room is a sofa and chairs the sliding glass-door leads to a terrace with a Jacuzzi, lounge bed, table and chairs. My room had an (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…)

Back in July I stayed at the Secret Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun and it was a pleasant surprise. The Resort is large and has all of the pluses. Secrets Maroma Beach has several restaurants to choose from, all with very good food and excellent service. There are also several bars located on the property and many evening entertainment choices to choose from. (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…)

The Excellence Playa Mujeres resort in Cancun is a beautiful property. Well thought out and designed, it’s not too large that it takes a half an hour to walk to the beach, but not too small that it doesn’t have enough choices in dining and activities. The property is laid out with many clusters of gathering opportunities. You can choose from secluded palapas, hammocks hanging over the pool, pool side terrace lounges or beach chairs. There is the meandering “river” pool which flows under two of the beach side restaurants and is complete with a pool bar. There is also a spa pool which is not to be missed. (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…)

Fairmont Kea Lani-all-suite luxury accommodations in Wailea, Maui. This Resort is a world-class, 5 star resort that sits on a beautiful, white sand Polo Beach in the upscale Wailea area of Maui, which is a little more secluded than the busier West Maui resort area. Its neighbors are two other high-end resorts and a trendy array of shops at the Shops at Wailea which are connected by a lovely oceanside walk. (more…)

I recently had an opportunity to visit the Royal Plantation Resort in Ocho Rios. Upon entering this intimate all suite property, we were greeted with cold towels and champagne. We were seated in comfy sofas and chairs to complete the 3 minute check-in process and then we were whisked away to our beautiful Jr suite - all rooms overlook the ocean. (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…)

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…)

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…)

When clients consult with me on suitable accommodations for their stay on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is one of a handful of favorite resorts that I can recommend. Despite its luxury status as a 5-star high-end resort, the Fairmont Orchid is unpretentious and surprisingly affordable with its numerous aggressively-priced promotions. The quality of the service (more…)

Starwood Hotels recently opened the luxurious SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. This upscale hotel which is part of the luxury collection bridges the gap between a W Hotel and the Four Seasons. The décor is ultra modern and hip. They have a fabulous scene going on at the night club on site and at the rooftop pool- which are currently the places to be and be seen. (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…)

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is not to be outdone by its sister resort on Maui. This vision of loveliness sits on the ‘sunny south shore’ of Kauai, next to famed Poipu Beach, recently ranked the #1 beach in the country. After an extensive, multimillion dollar renovation within the last couple of years-which saw a doubled expansion of its sumptuous Spa Anara and complete (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…)

The “grand dame” of Toronto, the Fairmont Royal York stands a block square with 1300 rooms. The lobby has great staircases, plenty of marble and brass, mixed with modern updates, all displaying its 1920’s “birth”. (more…)

I spent a couple of days in May in Riviera Maya at the Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun and the Royal Hideaway. Here is a brief description of my experience: (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…)

 Not all resorts are created equally! I just returned from a wonderful 4 night stay at Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa. This elegant, luxury all adult, all inclusive resort, just minutes from the Cancun Airport is a little slice of heaven. (more…)

A recent visit to family-owned five star nature resort, Thala Beach Lodge, situated about 45 minutes north of the city of Cairns and just south of the village of Port Douglas, Australia, was a memorable (more…)

Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa is located on a separate island - Motu Toopua. You arrive at the resort by yacht - the lobby and front desk sit on a dock over the water. (more…)

I just stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui and can say that it is a wonderful hotel. (more…)

41 Hotel is particularly special as it is private; when you stay here, you share the bar and other public areas with just a few other guests in residence. (more…)

The Goring Hotel is one of my favorites as it embodies the spirit of London with its ornate rooms, public spaces and dining room. The Managing Director, David Morgan-Hewitt, has entertained the Queen at numerous private events as it is her favorite hotel in the city. (more…)

We’ve been to Excellence Playa Mujeres; this resort is amazing! It is a “10″ on the WOW-factor meter! (more…)

What celebrity has not been to Dubai and appeared in People Magazine or USA Today? Whether you follow The View, Tiger Woods, Michael Jackson or Architectural Digest, you are seeing and reading that Dubai is THE place to see. (more…)

Loews Miami Beach Hotel is in the middle of the diverse and very hip Art Deco district of South Beach. (more…)

My husband and I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui for 6 nights. As a travel agent I try to see resorts from my clients’ perspective - evaluating the service, value for the money, food, rooms, etc. After staying at the Hyatt, I have often recommended the resort to my clients and will continue to do so. (more…)

Royal Plantation is a sophisticated hideaway for the discerning traveler! (more…)

After sending clients to THE ROYAL in Cancun on a regular basis; I took the time to visit and see for myself what they’ve been raving about. (more…)

How can I explain Jamaica Inn, where time has stood still and yet moves on…. ? (more…)

What a wonderful place! The smiling concierge greets you the moment you walk in, and leads you to a beautiful loveseat in a parlour in the entry hall. (more…)

I have continuously found Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach delights all my clients, whether they are couples or families. (more…)

I’m back from gorgeous Maui and I am anxious to share my experiences with you!

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La Samanna is better than ever, but still surrounded by peace. The staff is gentle and service-oriented; they make you feel you are the only person they are there to serve. (more…)

My husband and I, my son and his wife went to the Gran Meliá Puerto Rico last year to celebrate a BIG birthday of mine. We all agreed that the resort is probably the nicest one that any of us have ever stayed in. (more…)

Excellence Playa Mujeres opened in November 2007, and is ideal for honeymooners and couples. If you are looking to experience natural beauty in the setting of all inclusive luxury, then Excellence Playa Mujeres is perfect for you. (more…)