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.

 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.

 The Oriental, Bangkok sits along the Chao Phrya River in the heart of Thailand’s capital, and is regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.  This 130-year-old hotel features 358 rooms and 35 luxurious suites, along with an award-winning spa, full-service meeting and conference facilities, a modern fitness center, two swimming pools, a Thai cooking school, shops and boutiques, and nine restaurants.

 In their Garden Wing Rooms you can relax in the nearly 400-square-foot, colonial-style rooms that are all individually designed.  Some are two levels, including bedrooms that sit above large living areas; others offer full river views and private conservatories.  All rooms offer grand elements such as chandeliers, wood floors, and updated Asian features.  Rooms feature the amenities and top service you’d expect from one of the top hotels.  With stunning interiors, spacious bathrooms, bathrobes, slippers, designer toiletries, work desks with internet access, IDD dual-line telephones, complimentary fax machines and printers, entertainment centers with CD libraries, and more, you won’t be disappointed.  Their five-star services include assigned private butlers and daily fresh fruit and flowers.

 There are four Authors’ Suites within the Author’s Wing, which celebrate great writers such as Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, and James Michener.  These 1,000-square-foot suites offer beautiful bedrooms, large terraces, roomy lounge areas, separate dressing rooms and Victorian-style bathrooms.  Their two-bedroom, 1.400-square-foot Siam Suite is designed with dark wood, antique furniture and teak floors.  This room offers a private foyer, and living and dining room.  The 2,000-square-foot Selandia Suite is decorated after the famous ship of the same name, with navy-striped curtains, brass-cornered tables, old shipping maps and historic photographs.  And the grandest of all, the Oriental Suite, is 3,100-square-feet and has been a temporary home to celebrities and dignitaries alike.

 Their Oriental Spa has won many awards, and is regularly considered as on of the best spas in the world.  Situated across the river from the hotel, they offer 14 treatment suites, scrub tables, vitality whirlpools, herbal steam baths, and a menu that features ancient Ayurvedic remedies within their 40 original treatments, which combine ancient philosophies with modern techniques.

 Among their nine restaurants, you will find:  the Le Normandie, known as the finest French restaurant in Asia and is a favorite of the Queen of Thailand; Lord Jim’s specialized in fresh seafood; the Sala Rim Naam has been recently refurbished and offers delicious Thai cuisine; the newly redesigned China House serves traditional Cantonese in a 1930’s Shanghai Art deco setting; if you’re looking to dine more casually, at Ciao you can dine on authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas; or dig in to a selection of barbeque at the newly refurbished Riverside Terrace.

 And not only are the features within the hotel and spa something to look-forward to, but the location is perfect for a feeling of Bangkok.  From the hotel you have convenient access to business districts, shopping centers and recreation.  And the hotel also features exclusive dinner cruises along the historic Chao Phrya River.

 St. Barts is an eight-square-mile island in the French Antiles, and home a wide selection of luxury boutique hotels.  Here, you can find properties ideal for anything from solitude and romance, to being in the middle of it all, to laid-back and relaxing.

 Relais & chateaux has two properties on the island, Eden Rock and Le Toiny.  Eden Rock is a glamorous resort placed right in the middle of the St. Barts’ jet-set scene.  The accommodations here are unique, and there are villas complete with a butler and car collection, if you are willing to go all out.  The beachfront Sand Bar restaurant is perfect for lunch and for people watching, and their beach is perfect for lounging throughout the day.  Le Toiny is more off the beaten track, and is more towards the windward side.  To get here, you wind down back roads, but due to the excellence of their restaurants, you will have no need to leave.  The Le Gaiac is one of the best restaurants on the island, and is searched out for by tourists and locals.  There are 15 villas within the hotel and offers private pools for all villas along with some of the most luxurious accommodations on the island.  This hotel is ideal for honeymooners and those planning to never leave their room.

 Hotel Le Sereno is on one of the island’s most secluded beaches, and offers 27 suites and villas that come complete with a private terrace, just steps from the beach, for each room.  The hotel’s pool is surrounded by daybeds, where you can relax all day while cabana boys serve you.  Here you will also find the Hotel’s Restaurant des Pecheurs, which serves some of the finest food on the island in their open-air dining room.  Another great resort is locally owned St. Barth Isle de France, and is set on a beautifully landscaped hill that leads down to the exquisite Flamands Beach.  This colonial-style surf and sand resort offers 33 rooms, suites and bungalows, two pools, a flood-lit tennis court and a Molton Brown spa with outdoor treatment rooms.  The Guanahani boasts their rank as one of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, and is located on a 16-acre private peninsula, which slants into a shallow lagoon.  This beach is perfect for young children and wading.  You can stay at one of their 75 rooms or suites, dine at one of their two restaurants, play in their tennis courts, and relax in their new Clarins spa.  And the 14-suite Preferred Boutique’s family-run Carl Gustaf features wonderful views and a private plunge pool in each of their suites.  And from the hotel you are able to walk to the shops in Gustavia, take a short trip to Shell Beach by foot, which is the best swimming beach on the island, and watch the sunset at the hotel bar.

 San Juan is remembered for its rich history, hot salsa clubs, and its cosmopolitan Caribbean charm.  Here, in this modern, beautiful city, English is widely spoken, the U.S. dollar is accepted, and it is easily reached from the states. 

 And in Old San Juan, there is a raging culinary and fashion scene emerging everywhere, with amazing restaurants sprouting from Fortaleza Street, and high name shops, such as Gucci and Dior, have opened their doors in the Condado neighborhood.

 Also, in Old San Juan you will find the glitzy beachfront resorts it is known for, including the upscale Ritz-Carlton.  This is one of the most luxurious in the area, and is places on an exquisite stretch of beach on Isla Verde and is located just minutes from the airport.  Between their excellent restaurants, beautiful pools and beach, high-class casino, and relaxing spa, you will find no time to do anything but relax and enjoy yourself.

 They recently added two first-rate restaurants, which have gained the awe of Ritz-Carlton guests and other visitors alike.  First of which is the BLT Steak.  This restaurant is the third branch of chef Laurent Tourondel’s modern steakhouses that are also located in New York and Washington D.C.  In this warm and inviting environment you can order such delights as braised short ribs, Kobe strip steak, and porterhouse, among others.  You can also order their tropical pina colada sundae.  Second, is Il Mulino, which is a branch of the popular restaurant in New York’s Greenwich Village.  This Italian restaurant has a recently been redone, along with their lobby bar, which has grown as a hub of activity for tourists and locals, and where bands playing anything from jazz to pop to salsa, will entertain you.

 The hotel boasts 416 guestrooms designed in soothing yellows and greens, with tropical-style artwork placed beautifully.  Many of their rooms overlook the beach from large picture windows and feature perks such as flat-screen TVs, full-length mirrors, Bulgari amenities, and marble baths.  Their garden suites provide you with your own pool-level patios that are surrounded by shrubbery to offer privacy.  Their presidential suites have been used by big names such as Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Marc Anthony, and feature a dining room, kitchen and whirlpool bathtub.  They are also located on the ninth floor, or ‘Club Level,’ where you have access to a private lounge with complimentary snacks and cocktails served all throughout the day.

 Also in this resort you will find the beautiful pool area, which is surrounded by tropical gardens, and that feature a large marble fountain along with six coralstone water-spouting lions (which are the Ritz-Carlton’s symbol).  You will also find their outdoor hot tub located just steps from the beach, and the breath-taking beach where there are hammocks and many watersports that are available. 

 And the last of the Ritz-Carlton’s perks is their 12,000-square-foot spa.  At this spa you can indulge in treatments such as their detoxifying coffee and coconut milk scrub, their rainforest stone massage, or their papaya and mango facial.

 The Couples San Souci in Ochos Rios has renovated a bit since it played host to scenes of James Bond’s “Dr. No” in the 60’s, and has recently undergone another makeover.  The five-star, all-suite, San Souci (which means “without a care” in French) is the latest property to join the Jamaican Couples all-inclusive family.  It has joined with the Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril and Couples Ochos Rios in Jamaica.  After receiving a $4.5 million revamp, you will notice details such as the bronze lobby sculptures by local artist Basil Watson, and open balconies in many guest rooms. 

 Their Suites are arranged into various levels on the cliffs of Ochos Rios.  The Evergreen building is the closest to the lobby, and offers open views of the sea.  The Veranda Suites offer a large master bedroom with spacious balconies.  The Ocean Suites feature a sitting area with kitchenette.  The Beach front Suites are one-bedrooms with in-room Jacuzzis.  And the Penthouse suites feature elegant living rooms and bedrooms.

 Their all-inclusive plan includes unlimited food and drink, activities (such as fashion shows, beach cricket, tarot card readings, wood carving, performances by local musicians and weekly beach parties including rum, reggae and food), Greens fees and transfers to the Upton golf course, watersports, and accessibility to the two tennis courts and the fitness center.  They also have free shuttles that depart daily for the Crafts Market and Island Village Mall in Ochos Rios, along with Dunn’s River Falls and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bar and Restaurant.  They also offer four pools, one of which includes a swim-up bar. 

 There are several restaurants located in the Resort that you get free dining at, such as:  the Ristorante Casanova (Italian dishes); Palazzina’s, with a menu that features made-to-order pasta and desserts like baba au rum (a delight made of Appleton rum, pistachio wafers and homemade rosemary ice cream); the Bella Vista that features local favorites such as spicy jerk chicken and red pea soup; The “Made-in-Jamaica” burger is a beach grill where you can walk right off the beach in your swimsuit and bare feet and order food or an original creation from the bartender.  They also feature four bars, such as the Balloon Bar, which features live music, along with the spa bar.

 At Charlie’s Spa you can take part in popular massages such as the Pineapple and Papaya wrap or the Choco-Latte Scrub, or enjoy carrot juice at Charlie’s Spa Bar.  Though spa sessions are not part of the all-inclusive plan, many guests indulge themselves anyway, why not pamper yourself when you already have all your food, drinks and activities for free?

Mount Cinnamon in Grenada
Mount Cinnamon is Grenada’s first boutique villa resort, featuring 21 beautiful, fully furnished and equipped one, two and three bedroom suites and villas, the smallest of which is over 1200 sq. feet.  Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, plasma screen television, Bose DVD surround sound, cable, internet, and all the services expected from a five star resort.  Located on the two-mile white sand Grand Anse Beach, all of the rooms come with spectacular views of the beach and the Caribbean Sea.  They also feature a beachside cabana club with watersports, tennis, spa treatments, swimming pool and gymnasium.  You will find the best summer deals here between March 19 and November 15.

Point Village Resort in Negril, Jamaica
Located 90 minutes from the Montego Bay airport, this all-inclusive resort is set on 14 acres of lush tropical gardens on Rutland Point, where Negril’s seven-mile beach ends and Bloody Bay beach begins.  Their 150 rooms come with cable, air-conditioning, kitchenette, telephone, and a private balcony or patio with views of the sea or gardens.  Their all-inclusive plan includes:  taxes, service charges, all meals and beverages, daily activities, nightly entertainment, entrance into the Village Beat nightclub, snorkeling gear, sunfish sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, glass-bottom boat tours, and use of the Kiddies’ Centre.  The best time to take advantage of their summer deals is through April1 to December 20.

Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Located on a 110-acre peninsula, this resort offers beautiful gardens, a secluded golden sand beach, a world class spa at the edge of the sea, and more.  Their best deals are offered between May 1 and October 31.

Jamaica Inn in Ochos Rios, Jamaica
This inn has been in the same family for nearly 50 years, and offers great service and attention.  Located on a private cove, this six-acre property is home to a 700-foot private white sand beach, which has been called the most perfect beach in Jamaica.

Coco Palm Hotel in St. Lucia
This boutique hotel in St. Lucia has been chosen as a Best Value by Budget Travel Magazine, and is considered one of the best values in the Caribbean.  Located in the heart of Rodney Bay Village, this hotel is a local hotspot for cuisine and entertainment.  They offer unique accommodations, such as their swim-up rooms, where you can literally step into Coco Palm’s free form swimming pool form your terrace.  Amenities include free wi-fi service, hosts that will serve as personal guides throughout your stay, and their dining options.  Ti Bananne Caribbean Bistro & Bar is Rodney Bay Village’s hottest restaurant, and overlooks the pool.  Here you can dine on Caribbean Creole favorites, while enjoying the entertainment in this alfresco dining setting.
 

 The small island of Anguilla, stretches only 13 miles long and three miles wide, and has been the center of much attraction as a new hot destination in the Caribbean.  With the charming accommodations, beautiful greenery, and beaches such as Shoal Bay (named the best beach in the Caribbean by Travel & Leisure magazine), this island is not a main destination for travelers, and a booming environment.  Upgrades and progress is seen all throughout the island, and now that summer is upon us, many resorts are offering lush summer vacation deals.

 Located on Shoal Bay East, the 27-suite Ku Hotel, has grown as a favorite since its start in 2005.  Located close to Fountain Cave (one of the most important Indian ceremonial ground in the Eastern Caribbean) & being located on this popular beach, this Hotel is placed in a prime spot.  This summer, they offer their ‘Escape to Ku’ package, which includes four nights, breakfast daily, two dinners, two one-hour massages, bottle of wine and roundtrip transfers.  This package costs from $1392 to $1545 per person for a double.  Their ‘Love at Ku’ is a seven-night package including breakfast daily, four dinners, two one-hour massages, a bottle of Champagne, Prickly Pear excursion, a one-day car rental for exploring on your own and transfers.  This package costs from $2520 to $2785 per person double.

 At Bird of Paradise Villas, each unit has its own private view of the Caribbean.  Their four-suite villas each have their own kitchen, and public areas include:  three swimming areas, four living and dining areas, and more.  With their summer package, you get a six night stay with Frette robe and slippers for each traveler, Bulgari toiletries, spa treatments, a boat charter with lunch, a gift package of food items, and access to a rental car.  This package is $4,400 each for four, $3,200 for six, and other options are available.

 At Paradise Cove Resort, they offer a four-night package for $720 in a studio suite for two (taxes and gratuities not included).  This package includes a one day car rental, picnic basket and bottle of wine for a picnic on your day out, plus hotel stay.  This package is valid from April to November this year.

 The Arawak Beach Inn offers their popular Isolation Vacation.  This package allows overworked guests unplug and separate themselves from their daily tasks, letting them enjoy the entire island as they would with no interference.  There are no TVs, no phones and no internet here, making it ideal for escaping.  This seven-night package includes such accommodations as daily breakfast, four dinners at the Inn’s Arawak Café, three-day car rental to explore on your own, a private day trip to an uninhabited island, a gourmet picnic lunch at this island, a deep sea fishing excursion, three days access to snorkel equipment, round-trip airport and ferry transfers.  Prices start at $999 per person, valid from June 1 to October 31.

 CuisinArt Resort & Spa is one of Anguilla’s most luxurious beachfront accommodations.  Not only do they feature world renowned cuisine, but also excellent service, and their award-winning Venus Spa.  Their Family & Friends package includes an airport greeting, daily breakfast, free use of the Health Club facilities, fitness classes, use of the three night-lit tennis courts, non-motorized water sports equipment, and hotel stay.  For a junior suite it’s $495 per night, which is a 50% savings off the normal rate.

 The Sheriva Villa Hotel has been awarded the AAA Four Diamond rating for 2008, and offers great summer deals.  This 20 room and suite, waterfront, 10-acre, boutique villa-hotel, was first started in 2006, and has everything from oversized one-bedroom private pool suites to luxurious 14,000 square foot, seven-bedroom villas.  They offer services like person chef, butler service, 24-hour concierge, in-villa spa treatments, private 8-seat golf cart, complimentary beach shuttle to Maundays Bay, and more.  Deals vary.

 Located in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, in Playa del Carmen, you will find the Hacienda Vista Real.  This all-suite, five-star resort offers an all-inclusive plan, giving you a plan of all dining, drinks, taxes and tips covered for free, along with a regular non-inclusive plan.

 All 76 suites are relaxed, comfortable, and decorated with the likes of marble, granite and natural wood.  The sophisticated rooms all offer tranquility with a number of perks, such as great views of the signature Playacar Golf Course, soft king-sized beds, satellite television, central air conditioning and bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs.  Their Royal Suites, gracefully decorated in Mayan décor, give you extra luxury with two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a modern kitchen, a formal dining room, large living room, and large private balcony (perfect to watch the sunset from).

 On location, there are many services there to make your stay its best.  With an extensive tropical pool area, a private Caribbean beach club, Mayan-themed spa, business center, knowledgeable concierge staff (which serve all you requests, including travel arrangements, tours, health care, DVD rental, car rental, bicycle rental, childcare and laundry), and more, you can relax and indulge.  At the Sai Khao Beach Club (the resort’s private beach club) you are given exclusive use of the casual restaurant and bar, showers, palapas, reserved beach furnishings, and scheduled transportation to and from the hotel.

 The Vida Real Spa is a Mayan-inspired spa, with treatments equally inspired.  Here you can indulge in Mayan treatments such as the “Kin Ajaw,” which includes a massage that uses warm local herbs and essential oils to increase energy and vitality, or the “Pakal,” where you are treated to a lavish chocolate body wrap that enriches the skin, or you can exfoliate with cacao plant powder that will increase the production of endorphins, which will promote lasting happiness and relaxation.  Also in the spa, you can take advantage of their expert therapists, the Temazcal (a Mexican steam bath), fitness center, their thermae and thalasso rooms, smoothie bar and Zen garden.

 When staying here you can choose to go all-inclusive or not, either way, you get access to their high-rate restaurants.  The Jazmin restaurant lets you dine from their international menu, featuring Japanese and Thai-inspired dishes, while looking at the spectacular view of Cozumel’s island from your table.  At the Jazmin you can also experience what is known as the best sushi bar in Playa del Carmen.  The Iguana Grill is located pool side and serves gourmet Mexican favorites.  The Italian Deli, which is New York influenced, and is the best spot for salads, sandwiches and desserts.  And their pool bar area serves casual dining, along with an impressive domestic and international beverage menu.

 Set on thirteen secluded acres of beautiful sand, slanting into the Caribbean Sea, is the five-star, all-inclusive, Royal Hideaway Playacar.  This Occidental resort, you are sure to feel like royalty, treated with activities, environment and service fit for a star.  Even when you arrive, the attentive staff welcomes you with chilled champagne and an iced-towel.

 All rooms here offer roomy living areas, private terraces, expansive baths, beautiful views, satellite TV with DVD, a stereo system with CD player and more, and through different packages and plans you can get amenities specific to you.  Through the Royal Memories package you are presented with a collector’s edition book, photograph in a Mexican pewter frame, a Mayan tour of either Tulum-Xelha or Chichen Itza, dinner on the beach, embroidered terry cloth robes, Bvlgari toiletries, and a fresh fruit basket.  Through the Royal Relaxation plan you get perks similar to those in the Royal Memories package, but it also includes a Royal Spa Experience, which includes a massage, facial, pedicure and manicure and nightly turndown service.  if you stay at the Royal Hideaway Duplex Suite you receive a high level of indulgence.  When staying in this suite you receive Moet champagne when you enter your two-story suite, where you will see the spacious living room, which is located downstairs, and the expansive bedroom upstairs.  Located in the bedroom is the marble bathroom with a hydro massage bathtub, and later on you are treated to a lobster dinner.  They also offer their two and three-story villas, decorated in Spanish and Mexican colonial-style.

 Also on the premises are winding rivers, tranquil waterfalls and fountains, six swimming pools, daily activity programs by the pool and on the beach, nightly entertainment, games, complimentary internet access in the business center, a video library, an outfitted fitness center, land and water activities, and six a la carte restaurants (serving everything from Caribbean, Mexican, Italian, to Asian and more).