Secrets Capri in Riviera Maya

Categories: Mexico, Riviera Maya

May 27th

 The Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun sits on beautiful white sand beaches that blend into the crystal clear Caribbean Sea, and it is where you will find sophisticated, but relaxed luxury.

 While you will be staying in a luxurious room, relaxing in a four-poster canopy bed, taking advantage of their spacious Italian marble bath area, and relaxing in their whirlpool Jacuzzi, you can also ask for any assistance you need from your personal concierge (there is one on each floor).  Each room comes with furnished balconies as well, which give you ocean or garden views and you can also take advantage of the daily stocked mini bar in your room.

Their swimming pool sits as the centerpiece of the Secrets Capri property, surrounded by lush gardens and warm weather.  Available at the pool is the swim-up bar, the outdoor Jacuzzis and wait service.  For those looking for activities on the ocean, wind-surfing, sailboats, kayaks and snorkeling gear are available beachside.  And for those looking to stay on land, there are endless activities such as golf, tennis, beach volleyball, dance lessons and more.

The Spa at Secrets Capri offers more tat 30 services, treatments and therapies that use the healing power of water, alongside expert hands.  Their exclusive spa garden is situated outdoors within a tropical setting, and their mineral water whirlpools are warm and relaxing.  Also available for use are their private Vichy and Swiss showers, steam rooms, saunas and a relaxation lounge.

The culinary staff at the Secrets Capri uses only the finest local and imported ingredients integrated into their menus of their five different restaurants.  First of which, the Portofino, serves flavors of the Mediterranean, also is:  Oceana, which serves fresh seafood in a quiet, romantic setting; Himitsu, which specializes in a fusion of Pan-Asian and Hibachi; La Riviera serves casual continental breakfasts, lunches and dinners; and The Seaside Grill serves light snacks and dinners beachside.  You can also be served intimately on a private balcony, or take advantage of their 24-hour room service.  Not only can you enjoy the nightlife here with their theme and casino nights or musical and stage shows, but you can visit one of the resorts five bars or lounges as well.  Their bars serve premium brands, and you can choose from their vast selection in their wine cellar.  Also, you can visit the Desires Night Club for dancing, or the La Habana piano lounge and cigar bar for a smoke.

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Grand Opening of Secrets Maroma Beach

Categories: Mexico, Riviera Maya

May 27th

 With a grand opening in May of this year, Secrets Maroma Beach is all anyone can talk about.  This all-suite, unlimited-luxury, adults-only resort is located only 30 miles south of Cancun, in Riviera Maya, and offers a more private stay in this beautiful area.  Located on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, on 500 acres of white sand beach, surrounded by rich tropical foliage, you are able to walk out of your lavish suite, right into paradise.

 All 410 suites offer luxury amenities such as a king or queen four-poster bed , an armoire with his and her closets, double Jacuzzis, a plush sofa, a 30 inch satellite TV with DVD player, a furnished terrace or patio, and a daily refreshed mini bar.  They also offer special swim-out suites that give you direct pool access.  You can also enhance your personal luxury by splurging a bit, and being part of the Preferred Club, and you won’t regret it.  As part of the Preferred Club you get VIP status, upgraded toiletries, concierge service, complimentary newspapers, pillow menu, free, in-suite internet access, and afternoon snacks.

 On the grounds they have twelve personal plunge pools and two expansive swimming pools, which feature the Manatees swim-up bar, which is surrounded by water on all sides.  They also offer many daily land and water activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, beach volleyball and tennis.  They also have a game lounge, full of pool tables, ping-pong tables and more.

 Their world-class spa and spa garden stretches for more that 21,000 square feet and combines hydrotherapy and indigenous treatments to create peaceful and relaxing indulgences.  Their state of the art fitness center houses a range of exercise equipment, such as treadmills, lifecycles, step machines and free weights.  For those on their honeymoon, the resort gives you extra perks, such as private concierge check-in, fresh flowers, an exotic fruit basket upon arrival, and a champagne breakfast in bed.  They also have more that 8,000 square feet of dedicated meeting and event space, separated into storage for service and set-up equipment, a breakout and foyer area, a private boardroom, and three individual meeting rooms.

 When it comes to dining, you will have many choices, such as El Patio (open for dinner only, serving Mexican cuisine), Himitsu (which fuses Pan-Asian and Oriental specialties together), Portofino (serving Italian), Bordeaux (which serves fine French cuisine), Oceana (where you can have a romantic dinner under the palapa), World Café (which serves casual international cuisine, and the Seaside Grill (which serves grilled favorites by the pool with an ocean view).

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Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

Categories: Mexico, Riviera Maya

May 19th

 In Mexico, on the white sand beaches of Tulum, lays Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa.  Right on the beach, bordered by brilliant waters and tropical landscape is where you will find this luxury resort, a sanctuary where you can relax, worry-free.

 The luxury features are fit to accommodate anyone, from singles, to couples, to families.  And they let you know you appreciated, with perks and activities available all throughout the resort, and even meeting you with welcome drinks and cool towels at check-in.

 Their 431 luxury suites and guest rooms are decorated in authentic Mexican style, featuring accents such as Mexican handicrafts, original paintings and handmade wood furnishings.  Almost all of the rooms provide full views of the Caribbean Sea alongside views of your lush surroundings of the Yucatan Peninsula.  The rooms integrate contemporary accommodations into the rooms, such as:  a private balcony or terrace, unlimited mini bar, DVD/CD system, marble bath with personal amenities, and a concierge desk on hand, where you can request whatever desires you are left without.

 Within the resort you will find features such as the Internet café with wireless Internet access, watersports gear (such as kayaks, paddleboats, sailboats, boogie boards and snorkeling equipment), an on-site dive center (where you can get PADI certification with scuba lessons in the pool), an on-site movie theater (featuring blockbuster films, popcorn, candy, sodas and more), an open-air screen on the beach (which shows movies at night as well), and live performances of music and dance.  Children will also enjoy the Mayan-themed Explorer’s Club for kid age 3 to 12.  And while the children are enjoying supervised activities, the parents can visit Spa Journeys by Pevonia, and delight in treatments (both indoor and outdoor) such as Swiss showers, rejuvenating facials, deep tissue massages and more.  Also on-site is a fully equipped fitness center, a hair salon, and a traditional Spanish wedding chapel, where couples can romantically and memorable take their vows, with the help of the resort’s professional event specialists.

 Throughout the day you can dine at The World Café, which features a buffet of continental, Mexican and international dishes, Portofino, which incorporates the flavors of the Mediterranean into their dishes, have contemporary Mexican cuisine at El Patio, Pan-Asian at Himitsu, French dishes by the light of candles in Bordeaux, or simply order from the 24-hour room service that is available.  And throughout the night you can watch as top entertainers take the stage for live performances, mingle with others at the Rock n’ Roll beach party bonfire, visit one of the many outdoor bars and lounges, or dance all night at the Desires music lounge.

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UNIK Resort in Isla Mujeres

Categories: Mexico, Cancun

May 19th

 Located on a private, pristine stretch along the southeastern tip of Isla Mujeres, along the Caribbean Sea, you will find the UNIK Resort.  Though this resort is only eight miles from busy Cancun, it feels so secluded from civilization, making you comfortable to relax without distraction.  This five-star resort treats you like their top client right from the get-go.  Before boarding a yacht that sails you to the UNIK’s private pier on Isla Mujeres, you get to relax at UNIK’s VIP Lounge in Cancun.  And upon check-in, you are greeted with champagne and chilled towels.  You are sure to feel like top priority when staying here.

 Not one of their suites is less than 470 square feet of living space, and each suite comes with a large collection of amenities.  Each suite features a full balcony with panoramic views, a large bathroom with separate shower, a whirlpool tub, premium linens and towels, feather-top duvet and UNIK’s exclusive robes, slippers and toiletries.  Also included are conveniences such as laptop safes, flat-screen televisions with CD/DVD players, international cable, wireless internet access and more.

 Their collection of premium suites are over 1,100-square-feet each, with two bedrooms, a terrace with eating area, Jacuzzi, and a daybed that overlooks the ocean.  Their presidential suite has a private outdoor plunge pool, lounge beds, three separate bedrooms (each with their own whirlpool tubs and marble bathrooms), kitchenette and a formal dining room.  And when staying in the suites, you have access to amenities such as the twice-daily maid service, butler service, and custom menus for pillows and linens, aromatherapy at turndown, gourmet room service available 24 hours a day and a continental breakfast delivered every morning.

 Spa Izel, the spa at UNIK Resort, is a Mayan-inspired sanctuary, where you can indulge in a long menu of treatments in one of their elegant treatment rooms, or their special two-person suite.  Also within the spa are lounges, lockers, private vanities, dressing areas, showers, saunas, steam rooms and mineral whirlpools.  Also on site is their stat-of-the-art fitness center, and their garden studio, where yoga and personal training are available.  Beachside, they offer ocean-going catamarans and kayaks, and you are able to hold functions for over 210 business attendees in their conference and banqueting areas, and there are scenic terraces that are available for private events.

 On the UNIK Resort’s grounds you can dine at the gourmet Pearl Restaurant, where you can choose a dish off of their menu full of original and traditional regional dishes that use the freshest produce, top meats and local seafood to create.  Or at the Jade restaurant, which serves Asian and Mexican fusion meals.  From ten in the morning until midnight, cocktails are on the house, and an exclusive bottle of wine (chosen by UNIK’s onsite sommelier) is served with lunch or dinner at the Pearl Restaurant.

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Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa

Categories: Mexico, Cancun

May 14th

 Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa is the only resort in the area that is surrounded on three sides by the striking Caribbean Sea.  This resort sit on more that 70 acres, and offers beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants, a world-class spa, recreational activities for all ages, a natural salt-water lagoon filled with local sea life, and so many more all-inclusive amenities.

 Every room and suite at dreams Cancun is deluxe, decorated in contemporary Mexican décor, all rooms have private balconies and terraces that offer spectacular ocean views.  All rooms are adorned with elegant furnishings, marble floors, 24-hour concierge and room service, unlimited mini-bar refreshments, entertainment centers with satellite TV and DVD player, separate showers and more.

 Their Preferred Club, located in the tower, gives you more lavish accommodations and privileges.  Their Club suites have private Jacuzzis, twin bedrooms, large dressing areas and dining rooms.  The paramount Presidential Suite is their most extravagant.  Sitting atop the Tower, this suite is only accessible by a private elevator, and comes complete with two bedrooms, dining room, leather-furnished living room, inside fountain and terrace with a pool.  This suite is ideal for large families or executive meetings.

 The all-inclusive activities range widely across both land and water.  Such activities include:  beach volleyball, water exercises, Spanish lessons, bingo, Caribbean dance classes, pool games, tennis, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, and the new Delphinus Dolphin Experience, where you can both watch and swim with the dolphins.  They also feature their Spa Journeys by Pevonia, where you can choose from the many facials, massages, showers, scrubs, aromatherapies and hydrotherapies that are on their menu.  The children (ages 3-12) can also take part in the many activities that are held at the fully supervised Explorer’s Club, which is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.

 Through their all-inclusive plan, you take advantage of the availability of on-site restaurants that serve everything from large breakfasts to late-night snacks, their many bars and their 24-hour room and service.  Among their dining venues are:  Oceana (serving fresh-caught seafood), Himitsu (with a selection of exotic Pan-Asian entrees), international cuisine at the World Café, the Seaside Grill (serving grill favorites in a casual atmosphere), Paloma Bonita (with a menu of Latin specialties and where couples can share a private, romantic candlelit dinner on the pier or lighthouse).

 The nightlife is also something to look forward to, with many areas featuring live entertainment, Caribbean shows, international dancing, Mexican folklore, local crafts, movies on the beach and more.  At the “evening market” you can purchase local crafts that range from exotic trinkets to souvenirs.  At Casino Nights you can try your luck at the clots, and dance at either the Rendezvous, or the Azucar, located right next door, which is one of the most popular live music clubs in the Mexican Caribbean.

 Dreams Cancun is the perfect starting point to exploring the areas attractions.  Nearby, you will find ancient Mayan ruins, eco-theme parks, archeological sites, shops, boutiques, and stores, over 500 restaurants, many bars and discos, and the Cancun Golf club at Pok-ta-Pok, where, as a guest of Dreams Cancun, you get to golf free of charge.

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Cancun’s Hotel Zone

Categories: Mexico, Cancun

May 14th

Cancun is Mexico’s largest resort destination, with more than 26,000 hotel rooms, and is full of all one could hope for in a vacation.  In Cancun, you will find white sandy beaches, beautiful turquoise waters, fine dining, entertainment, nature, ruins of the Mayan civilization, snorkeling, diving, watersports, and golf.  And that’s not just throughout the town, but located just inside of the walls of most Cancun resorts.

 Cancun offers lodging from small hotels to four-star resorts.  Known as the Hotel Zone, most of the major hotels and resorts are located here, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon.  These hotels and resort offer room with ocean, lagoon and garden views, and are known for providing excellent service and a wide spectrum of amenities.  This area is also home to many all-inclusive resorts which let you relax without worrying about prices, and suite, villa and condominium properties that give groups and families more room and convenience.  Here you can also find Cancun’s small hotels, or their Mediterranean-style mansions that offer beachfront massages and watersports.

 Both within and outside of the resorts you will find amenities that range from on-site spas, private beaches, golf courses, watersports and dining.  Within walking distance from most of the popular hotels restaurants that serve dishes from all around the world, entertainment, nightlife and local handcraft markets.  In the town you will also find such convenient establishments such as banks, money exchange, internet cafes, supermarkets, churches and a bus terminal.

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Occidental Grand Punta Cana

Categories: Caribbean, Dominican Republic

May 12th

 The Occidental Grand Punta Cana Sits on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, on Bavaro Beach, in Punta Cana.  This five-star, all-inclusive property offers luxury amenities just feet away from the turquoise waters and white sands of Bavaro Beach. 

 

 Within the resort, there are 877 rooms, all casually decorated in upscale, Caribbean style.  And all rooms include scenic views, a private terrace or balcony, cable television, large bathrooms with large tubs, and a stocked mini bar.  Also available is the exclusive Royal Club, where you can get all the luxury services you could hope for.  When staying in a Royal Club room or suite, you are given access to a private restaurant, pool, Jacuzzi and reserved beach area, and are given the added extras of a special concierge, bar service, and more.

 The resort offers nonstop, all-day activity and sports schedules, featuring the likes of rifle and target shooting, ping-pong, tennis, kayaking, horseback riding, windsurfing, aerobics, beach football, snorkeling, volleyball, water polo, scuba clinic at the pool, and more.  And all guests can take advantage of the resort’s three pools, the secluded beach (which comes with lounge and towel service), the Kids Club (where children can take part in special, supervised activities), and the resorts convenience amenities (among which are laundry services, safety deposit boxes, money exchange, babysitting services, motor sports, nearby golf, gift shops, photo shops, salon and spa, and more.

 You will have no need to leave the comfort of the resort, even when dining.  With everything included, from meals to snacks to drinks, you won’t have any worries as you take your choice from one of the resort’s eight restaurants, or eight bars and lounges.  Among their restaurants are: La Giralda (which features an international cuisine buffet), D’Oriental (which serves up savory Asian dishes), the Las Reses Grill Steakhouse (which serves grilled specialties), Via Veneto (which specializes in tasty Italian), La Hacienda (where you’ll find more authentic Mexican dishes), and casual dining at: The La Fontana Pizzeria, the Home Rum snack bar and the Oceanside Beach Club.  Their eight bars include: two Giralda bars, Bar Yun Yun, La Bodega Bar, La Bodeguita Bar, El Lago, Bar Hundido, Bar Las Marisimas and Bar La Fontata.  And there is the Mangu Disco Lounge, which serves as a sports bar until 11:00 pm, and then a disco from then on until dawn.

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The Occidental Grand Papagayo

Categories: Hotels, Costa Rica

May 12th

 On the unspoiled northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in Guanacaste, you will find wildlife from parrots to endangered sea turtles, dramatic volcanic cliffs, powdery sand beaches, beautiful coves, calm seas, and the five-star Occidental Grand Papagayo.  This resort achieves a new level of all-inclusive luxury that is ideal for everyone and every occasion, from couples, to families, to friends, and perfect for weddings, honeymoons, and reunions.    This tropical retreat overlooks the Bay of Papagayo, and is immersed in the rainforest that surrounds it.

 All of their 169 elegant rooms include stunning views, private balcony or terrace, air conditioning, satellite television, copier, printer, fax, and stocked mini bar.  You can also upgrade to the resort’s Royal Club, which features luxury and comfort within their amenities, which include: personal, customized VIP service, special concierge, express check-in/check-out, and more.  And another alternative is their Grand Romance Deluxe plan, where romance is guaranteed.  Through the Romance plan you will receive turndown service, a fruit basket upon arrival, a bottle of chilled champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, in-room massages, breakfast in bed, romantic dinner to two, spa discounts, bathrobes and a surprise gift.

 And the accommodations don’t end there.  Also included on the property are their newly opened world class spa that offers and diverse menu of treatments, and their fitness center that will allow you a full workout on their state-of-the-art equipment.  They offer daily recreation and sports programs that offer everything from pool games to bird watching.  The calm seas offer ideal conditions for boat excursions, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and more.  Also included for your convenience is money exchange, laundry services, car rental, babysitting services, an on-call doctor, and meeting rooms.  And through the resort you can arrange tours to tropical forests, or to bird and wildlife habitats and eco-tours, horseback riding along the coast, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and excursions to local sights (such as Palo Verde, Arenal Volcano, National Parks and Liberia).

 Within the resort there are dining options for any occasion or mood.  Not only can you order lunch by the pool, or room service and breakfast in bed, but they offer many restaurants as well.  There are three restaurants at the Grand Papagayo (serving Italian at one, Pan-Asian banquet at another, and a grand continental buffet at the last of the three).  Cocktails at sunset are regular at the Lobby Bar, and many take part in smoking a premium cigar in the resort’s cigar bar.  And at night you can dance ‘till dawn at the resort’s hip disco, or take part in the many nighttime entertainment programs, from cocktail parties to themed Costa Rican events.

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An Array of Activities and Accommodations at St. James Club

Categories: Antigua, Caribbean

May 7th

Located on a private 100-acre peninsula on Mamora Bay on Antigua’s southwestern coast, you will find St. James Club.  This all-inclusive, private resort offers two pristine beaches, activities both on and off land, full-service spa, golf, fine dining, and more.  Within the resort there are 250 rooms, suites and villas which include views of wither the ocean or gardens from the private balconies or patios of all the rooms, and two-bedroom villas, which are located in a separate village.

There is an endless list of activities provided at St. James Club, and Mamora Beach serves as the spot for watersports such as windsurfing, pedal boats, sunfish sailing, kayaking, diving and more.  And the other beach here offers coral outcrops that are ideal for diving and snorkeling.  Diving certification is also available, and deep sea fishing and yacht charters are available to the nearby islands. 

Other activities include: swimming at one of their three pools, six all-weather tennis courts (5 of which are lit for night play), volleyball, croquet, foosball, golf at the championship Cedar Valley Golf Club, and a Kid’s Club, where you children can take part in the fun, complimentary daily activities that are available for children ages 5 to 12, while you relax and take party in the soothing body treatments at the spa.

There are many dining venues to choose from, such as:  the romantic Docksider Restaurant, an open-air bistro located beside Mamora Bay Beach; Piccolo Mondo, which serves a variety of Italian and international cuisine and is a favorite for private functions; the Coco Beach BBQ offers casual dining and snacks on the beach; the Rainbow Garden, which is the resort’s main dining room; and the Garden Patio, where morning coffee and afternoon tea are provided.  There is also dancing and entertainment available at the resort’s club and lounges.

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The Occidental Grand Aruba: A New High in Aruban Luxury

Categories: Caribbean, Aruba, Hotels

May 7th

 The Occidental Grand Aruba is the new luxury, all-inclusive resort on the beautiful Palm Beach in Aruba.  They offer some of the finest accommodations on the island in all of their 348 deluxe rooms and suites and 50 Royal Club level rooms and suites.

 All of their rooms feature luxurious aspects such as marble floors, balcony or terrace with views, full bathrooms with shower and bathtub, satellite television, mini bar, air conditioning, in-room safe, telephone with data port, and clock radio.  Within the Royal Club rooms you will find nothing but top luxury.  All Royal Club rooms and suites feature pristine ocean views, hydro-massage bathtubs, CD and DVD players, exceptional room service (such as champagne and strawberries at breakfast and Godiva chocolates at turndown), personal concierge, exclusive check-in at the Royal Club level floor, business center with meeting rooms, internet access, private lounge, restaurant and other boutique VIP services.

 Nearly everything is included in the all-inclusive plan throughout the resort, such as tennis, snorkeling, scuba clinics, kayaking, sailing, and daily activities and amenities (such as chaise lounges, cabanas and towel services) at the pool or beach.  And the parents can take part in such activities without worrying, while their children take part in many activities at the supervised Kids Club.

 Other options available for a small fee, is a nearby 18-hole championship golf course, motorized water sports (such as water-ski, Jet Ski and parasailing), scuba diving trips and equipment rental, horseback riding, and private tennis lessons.  Also on the property is a logo shop, boutique, newspaper stand, car rental, babysitting, fax and telephone service, conference facilities, 24-hour medical service and laundry.

 Occidental Grand Aruba features four bars: Cocktail (featured in the lobby), Sound (located in the lounge and features nightly entertainment, music and shows), Splash (located next to the pool oasis), and Bikini (is perfect for a snack or a toast at sunset, with the best views from the beach).  And six restaurants: Palm (with an international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner), L’Olio (serving exceptional Italian), El Olivido (serving up festive Mexican cuisine), Zen (where you’ll find a variety of Asian specialties, such as Tepenyaki, Sushi, and Tatame), Beach Club (with a menu featuring progressive Caribbean cookery), and an exclusive restaurant available just for Royal club guests.

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