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…)

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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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…)

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 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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)