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Why should Sandals St. Lucia be your next stop?

April 11, 2019 By Susan Robson

Why should Sandals Grande St. Lucia be your next vacation stop? First, consider that guests enjoy the All-Inclusive Luxury Vacation in the most gorgeous  tropical & beach settings!  Does that get your attention? Add to that: Best Beaches, Unique Gourmet Dining, Premium Spirits, Premium wines, Padi-certified scuba diving included, entertainment, championship golf, unmatched service, and finally, stay at 1 and play at 3 (or more) resorts!

Sandals Grande St. Lucia                                                                  

St. Lucia is a magical island offering panoramic bay views and the best beaches in the Caribbean. This gives one the feeling of complete island seclusion – you are in a world by yourself. Towering Piton mountains and fern-frilled jungles bring about a complete sense of relaxation. Sandals Grande St. Lucia builds upon that feeling and gives you the ultimate vacation experience. For this reason, it is probably my favorite Sandals Resort on St. Lucia. The beach here is long, the drinks steady, entertainment entertaining, and the soft breeze amazing!  The swim-out rooms and romantic Rondoval Suites make it an ideal honeymoon hot spot. The main pool area is very lively and winds around through the room buildings, like a ribbon of water.

Why should Sandals Grande St Lucia be your next vacation spot? The resort offers an endless supply of restaurants with delicious food options, recreation and amenities along with some of the BEST diving available, anywhere in the Caribbean. The best hiking is a trek up to Fort Rodney, on the peak just beyond the resort (club concierge will act as your guide on the hike). And, with the free inter-Sandals shuttle service, there are up to 27 restaurants and numerous beach options available between the three Sandals resorts in St. Lucia. Dinner reservations are required at some restaurants, so be sure to plan ahead and contact the concierge or a butler for dining options soon after arrival.

One note… because of location, getting to this resort can be a bit bumpy and the transfer time is approximately ninety minutes+. If this a concern I recommend a helicopter tour to/from the George F.L Charles Airport. This flight to the north is one that you’ll remember for a lifetime!  

Sandals Halcyon up next!

Susan

Filed Under: All-Inclusive resorts, An inside view, Beach destinations, Caribbean, Couple Travel, Destination Wedding Resort, Free Weddings, Honeymoon, Mountains, Mountains & Beach destinations, Piton Mountains, Resorts on St. Lucia, St. Lucia, Symbolic Wedding Ceremony, Uncategorized Tagged With: adults only, All-Inclusive, beachfront, Destination wedding, Honeymoons, st louis travel agent, Unlimited luxury, weddings

Luxury at it’s finest – Hyatt Ziva Cancun – A Must see!

August 11, 2018 By Susan Robson

This is a resort that I’d been wanting to see for some time, so on this trip to Cancun, it was a must! And, WOW…what a WOW factor! The resort is expansive, modern & impeccably clean, 17 bars and restaurants, breathtaking oceanfront views, and exceptional service provided by every staff member.

 

Entering the property and walking through the lobby, your eyes are immediately drawn to the beautiful azure & turquoise blue waters of Punta Cancun’s peninsula. The water is warm & calm, and the sand is soft and kid-friendly! Because of the resort’s position on this peninsula, guests see spectacular beach Everywhere! The beach area right in front of the resort is smaller, but the “Club” Tower section has it’s own “private beach”, which is way more expansive with plenty of chairs, umbrellas & cabanas in both areas. 3 infinity pools, private piers for romantic dinners, unlimited room service, and 11 ala carte & international dining/buffets are all available on this property.

Between the standard rooms and the “Club” suites at this resort, the “Club” rooms definitely have more space and come with more amenities and well-appointed features. The rooms come with 5 full bottles of liquor- sparkling wine, scotch, tequila, vodka, and rum, along with various other snacks and candies. The views were amazing! I can’t stress that enough! These were spectacular! Since they are so high up, there a total view of our

surroundings. However, most rooms have awesome views of the ocean, but maybe not as superior a view depending on how high up the room is located. It didn’t matter if you were looking out from the balcony (which included a hot tub), from the room, or fromthe bathroom, all provided picturesque views of the resort and the peninsula.

The main pool/quad area is accessible right off the lobby, and boasts several levels of pools, with some areas covered by awnings. There is also a poolside bar that provides drinks and refreshments. Music, performances or cookouts took place at different times of the day. Directly in front of the Club Tower, is another pool area with tiered levels of pools, with consistent water depth throughout each tiered level. A poolside bar available in the patio area of the Club Tower. There is also adults only rooftop pool and bar, which has some totally captivating views, and a kids club, that has a kiddie waterpark along with slides and other activities, for children ages 4-12 only.

The service and dining at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun definitely went above and beyond a normal hotel/resort stay.  The resort has 7 ala carte – actual sit-down dining restaurants serving different themed cuisines. Totally 11-12 “food options” available to guests. There is also 24-hour room service, so your “food options” are truly unlimited. La Bastille – French restaurant, El Mercado – buffet, Moongate – contemporary Asian, Tradewinds – grill & steakhouse, 24 Hours – snacks & finger foods, Lorenzo’s – Italian, Habeneros – beach/pool grill, Chevy’s – Classic diner, Pasteles – ice cream fountain, Casa Del Café – coffee shop, Tres Cervezas – sports bar, Club Tower Lounge – snacks/finger foods, Room Service – the best!

The service and dining at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun definitely went above and beyond a normal hotel/resort stay. Truly truly, this resort would provide an amazing and enjoyable time! Guests can FULLY relax here, as almost all of the small details are taken care of. All you have to do is be there… and enjoy! I can’t wait to visit and enjoy the wonderful Hyatt Ziva Cancun again someday!  If you or your family would like to check this out, be sure to contact me…Susan@GoTravelStl.com   Coming next…Hyatt Zilara! Thanks!                        Susan

Filed Under: A pre-view of a new resort opening, All-Inclusive resorts, Caribbean, Destinations in Caribbean, Destinations in Mexico, Family Travel, Honeymoon, Love Mexico, Resorts in Cancun, Uncategorized Tagged With: All-Inclusive, family all-inclusive, Go Travel Stl, Honeymoons

Love Mexico is all about it!

April 3, 2016 By Susan Robson

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Love Mexico is all about it! It is a unique educational and networking event, held yearly, developed through a partnership with the Mexico Tourism Board. Love Mexico’s purpose is to showcase Mexico as a premier destination for weddings, honeymoons and romance. The event was packed with seminars, meetings with resorts, appointments with special suppliers, photographers, resort site visits and real experiences of Mexico. I’m proud of my new “Love Mexico Specialist” recognition and designation, that I earned by attending the events and seminars.

amazing-view-from-theSeveral resorts were part of the Love Mexico experience for me: Royalton Riviera Maya, Royal Hideaway, Playacar Palace, Grand Velas, and Secrets Akumal. We spent a day doing site visits and learning about each property’s wedding offerings.

Playacar Palace, a family friendly property, is a part of the Palace family of resorts…and what an aawesome destination resort experience it offers! Location, location, location is an understatement here. Situated on a great stretch of beach with plenty of walking and swimming possibilities, makes it one of the best choices in Playa del Carmen. And, speaking of Play del Carmen, Playacar Palace is just steps away from the vibrant shopping experience travelers seek in Playa del Carmen – the renowned Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue and the Cozumel Ferry Dock. So, consider Playacar Palace a little”Palace” unto it’s own. “It is a trendy beachfront resort situated in the heart of Playa del Carmen, and it’s easy to see why we “Love Mexico”. 

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With 201 fabulous rooms, 3 restaurants, and 4 bars, this resort is considered the perfect spot to relax during the day and enjoy the nightlife and charms of “Playa” at night. It is perfect for families, couples, weddings, Honeymoons, and group Getaways. Add to all of this, guest can get up to $1500 in resort credits for excursions, spa, romantic dinners, and even the jewelry store. There is a max. that can be spent at any one time, like $300 in the jewelry store. Guests using resort credits must also pay a tax of 15% for any resort credits used, at check-out. Example: if $1000 is spent in resort credits, there would be a tax due of $150 – still a really good deal! Playacar Palace is due for a mega-renovation, to begin very soon. Once this is complete, the resort will be showing it’s best!

“Akumal”, or home of the tortugas (turtles) is located on Akumal Bay, an area between Playa del Carmen and Tulum63215083, is yet another reason to Love Mexico. Secrets Akumal, the latest AMResorts resort opening, is located in an area of white sand beaches and in the calm, clear waters of Akumal. This stunning new resort offers Adults (only) a charming, picturesque and exceptional Unlimited-Luxury experience. The resort offers 434 luxurious guest suites, each featuring a king, or two double beds, private balcony or terrace, in suite jacuzzi for two, complimentary mini-bar & WiFi, unlimited connectivity, 24 hour room service (fabulous, by the way), and concierge services. Guests can choose from six gourmet, ala carte restaurants, a grill, 1 buffet, and a cafe – all of which do not require reservations. The resort offers so many fun activities, you’ll never have time for them all: 1. soak in the sun at one of the 3 amazing pools or beach 2. workout in a state of the art fitness center 3. kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing 4. live shows nightly 5. outdoor jacuzzi’s 6. ping pong 7. basketball & volleyball 8. beach & pool volleyball 9. Euro bungee 10. dance lessons 11. water aerobics 12. Hobie cats 13. paddle boards 14. water polo 15. water bicycles 16. golf, deep sea fishing, scuba and sportfishing *extra fee. This resort’s personality is social, active, fun-loving, and vibrant. There is a constant presence of snorkelers, kayakers and paddle boarders in the ocean (because it is just so good). Even tho there are also quiet pool areas, the main pool is busy with volleyball, basketball and drink matting (social drinking around a swim mat). The employees and staff at Secrets Akumal are very welcoming, helpful and friendly. They go out of their way to do their best and provide outstanding service to their guests!

If you would like more information or pricing about any of the resorts that I saw on this trip, or others, please contact me – Susan@GoTravelStl.com. Or, if you would like me to complete an analysis for your Dream Honeymoon, just go to my website, www.GoTravelStl.com to complete my well-known “Perfect Honeymoon finder”. It’s easy and fun!

Susan

Filed Under: A pre-view of a new resort opening, All-Inclusive resorts, An inside view, Couple Travel, Destination Wedding Resort, Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, Destinations in Mexico, Family Travel, Free Weddings, Honeymoon, Love Mexico, Resorts in Akumal, Resorts in Playa del Carmen, Resorts in Riviera Maya, Resorts in Tulum, Uncategorized Tagged With: adults only, All-Inclusive, beach, beachfront, chesterfield travel agent, Destination wedding, family resort, Go Travel Stl, Honeymoons, Love Mexico, Mexico, pools, resorts

What Catholic Wedding Chapels are in All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya or Cancun?

March 22, 2015 By Susan Robson

e39a480159b8c1c8ba604b8b790e3dbdRecently, a new couple came to me wanting to have a Destination Wedding in a Catholic Chapel, at an All-Inclusive Resort, in Riviera Maya or Cancun.  I spent quite a bit of time searching for all of the Catholic Wedding Chapels in the area that would qualify.  It wasn’t an easy task, so I decided to write about the possibilities in the region, to share with others, who also might be searching.  These are the current dedicated Catholic Wedding Chapels located within All-Inclusive Resorts:

  • Barcelo Maya Beach Resort – Riviera Maya
  • Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa – Tulum
  • El Dorado Maroma – Playa del Carmen
  • Gran Caribe Real – Cancun
  • Grand Palladium Colonial, Kantenah, White Sand – Akumal
  • Iberostar Grand, Paraiso Maya, Paraiaso Lindo, Paraiso del Mar – Puerto Morelos
  • Moon Palace – Puerto Morelos
  • Valentin Imperial Maya – Puerto Morelos
  • Hard Rock Riviera Maya – Puerto Aventuras  *picture above right

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Additional information for Catholic preparation:  Catholics from other countries can be married in a Mexican chapel.  The couple’s own local parish priest must give permission too marry outside and be approved by their parish’s diocese. The parish priest is responsible for the couple’s marriage instruction and prep, and will assist them with obtaining the necessary documents and permissions. Then, the parish priest needs to forward the following to the chancellor of the diocese for review:

  • A letter of recommendation (stating that the couple has been prepared in accordance with the marriage guidelines of the diocese;
  • Permission has been given for the marriage to be celebrated in Mexico;
  • An original copy of the baptism certificate of the Catholic party – dated.
  • An original copy of the Confirmation certificate of the Catholic party – dated.
  • A “Freedom to Marry” affidavit for each party, witnessed and signed by a parent, relative or close friend (signature witnessed by a   pastor/priest).  A completed Pre-nuptial Investigation form used in your diocese.
  • Color photos of the Bride and Groomimgres
  • Copy of the Birth certificate for each

When you are looking for a Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist to assist with your Dream Destination Wedding, go to my website: www.GoTravelStl.com and complete the Perfect Destination Wedding & Honeymoon finder.  You may also email or call… Susan@GoTravelStl.com

Susan

Filed Under: Destination Wedding Resort, Destinations in Mexico, documentation for marriage in Dominican Republic, documentation for marriage in Mexico, Honeymoon, Resort in Puerto Morelos, Resorts in Akumal, Resorts in Cancun, Resorts in Playa del Carmen, Resorts in Puerto Aventuras, Resorts in Riviera Maya, Resorts in Tulum, Uncategorized, Wedding requirements Tagged With: adults only, All-Inclusive, All-Inclusive Resort, Catholic, Catholic Wedding Chapel, chesterfield travel agent, Destination wedding, family all-inclusive, Honeymoons, parish, st louis travel agent, travel agent 63005

What New Resorts are in Riviera Maya, Mexico?

March 15, 2015 By Susan Robson

What New Resorts are in Riviera Maya, Mexico (and updates, too)?  What an amazing trip to Cancun!  Just two weeks ago, I traveled to Riviera Maya, Mexico to complete site visits of New Resorts in Riviera Maya, and to get updates at other resorts.  This post will cover part 1, or the first day of site visits.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

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Valentin Imperial Maya – Puerto Morelos – Resort Update – On a half-mile-long stretch of pearlescent beach named Playa Del Secreto (The Secret Beach), the adults-only, 540 suite, all-inclusive Valentin Imperial Maya has one of the largest swimming pools in Mexico. The location is centrally ideal, in Puerto Morelos, as travelers can easily reach Cancun and the world-famous Mayan archaeological sites of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, as well as the popular excursions of  Xel-Ha and XCaret.  

  • Wait service is offered to all guests at the 3 pools on the property, with a swim-up bar.  Bali beds are available on a first come, first serve basis.  The sports bar boasts pool tables, and big screen TVs.  In the lobby, don’t miss the San Miquel piano bar, where tea time is held from 4:00 – 6:00 daily.At this resort, fine dining is part of the all-inclusive vacation, so why not treat your palate to a culinary adventure in the 7 a la carte restaurants & buffet?  Modern and trendy atmosphere with dishes crafted by internationally renowned chefs allows guests to do this.  The beachfront Mar & Tierra, presents a fabulous breakfast spread or you can also enjoy lunch in this same spot. For casual dining, the main buffet restaurant is available for breakfast and lunch.  
  • The seven à la carte restaurants: Italian, French, Japanese, Indonesian, Mexican, Steak House, and Seafood Grill. There is an additional fee at “The Corner”, but reservations are never required!  Lobster is available all year for an extra charge of $30 – $35. To further enhance guests’ experiences, top shelf liquor is served, free WiFi & availability to use computers, and 24 hour room service is included.  Exciting and entertaining shows are debuted every night of the week, along with a DJ or band.          

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Luxurious guest suites overlook the majestic Caribbean Sea or beautiful pool and lagoon. This resort has a very tropical, Spanish/Mediterranean feel…similar to a Spanish Hacienda.  Guests get a welcome cocktail at their personalized check-in, and feel like they are being treated like a star, where every wish is honored.  The variety of room options is endless…Luxury, Silver, Golden, Emerald, Diamond, and Imperial.  Add to those the Privilege services, which include: Lobster, extra premium amenities, reservations in restaurants, beach bag, basket of fruit & wine, a Bali bed every day, concierge service, and a mini-bar refreshed daily with 4 bottles of your choice of liquor.  This resort has so much to offer                                                                                                                          

Now…to the Brand New Resort Opening!  Royalton – Puerto Morelos – Experience an All-Inclusive Luxury vacation in Mexico’s Caribbean paradise of Riviera Cancun, with fabulous world-class cuisine, luxurious accommodations, and endless entertainment. The Royalton Riviera Cancun sits in a convenient location, close to great fashion, shopping, and nightlife of Cancun, and only 15 minutes from the airport.

  • There are 3 parts to this resort – something for everyone.  The 1183 luxurious guest rooms and suites provide stylish decor and beautiful views of the gardens or the ocean. Relax in Dreambeds exclusively designed for Royalton Resorts, and enjoy 24-hour room service and complimentary WiFi. Rooms feature a private balcony or terrace, rain shower, and Jacuzzi.  The 3 parts to Royalton are: Family section, Diamond Club section – with both Family and Adults only section, and the Hideaway – all Adults -only.  The family section has 840 rooms, that can offer 2 adults & 3 children to a room.  The Diamond Club offers: private check in, guaranteed early and late check in/out, premium liquor in the room, and upgraded rooms and pillow menus.                                                                                                                                                                                                        
  • Activities abound each day, with twelve pools and a children’s splash park, in addition to non-motorized watersports. Stay in shape at the fitness center, or unwind at The Royal Spa with a hydrotherapy circuit and a full range of massages, facials, and beauty treatments.  Kids club and Teens club are both offered for the exclusive group ages.  The family section features 3 pools and a splash park for ages 4 – 12 years.  The onsite Casino is the Real Thing, and drinks are included, at no additional cost.                                                                                                                                                                        

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Treat your palate to a variety of eclectic cuisines from ten restaurants with local and international menus served buffet-style or a la carte. Enjoy a mid-afternoon coffee and pastry at the cafe, and for dinner, choose from Japanese Teppanyaki and Sushi, authentic Italian, a steak house, and more. 16 themed bars are available where you can grab a signature cocktail and mingle with other guests.  All restaurants feature no reservations, except for the Oriental Teppenyaki, which has 14 table for reservations.  One of the best features offered by the resort, is that they offer Gluten Free and Lactose free, and special Vegetarian diet meals for guests.  Special meals and foods can be requested for a guest’s stay, and the Chef will make sure that special foods can be made for the pleasure of these guests with special needs.  The Royalton has it’s own special kitchen, allergy – gluten free,etc – so that no cross contamination can occurimages-1

images The Royalton also has 4 resorts in Cuba, 2 in the Dominican – Royalton & Chic, 2 in Jamaica – Royalton White Sands & Grand Lido, and finally on St. John’s is Smuggler’s Cove.

So next time you contact your travel agent, Susan at Go Travel Stl, don’t leave these awesome resorts out of your request for a visit to Riviera Maya!  My next post will feature:  Iberostar Cancun & Paradisus Cancun.  If you would like to find out the perfect resorts for your preferences, go to my “Perfect Honeymoon” or “Perfect Vacation” finder at www.GoTravelStl.com.  

Susan

Filed Under: A pre-view of a new resort opening, allergy free, An inside view, Caribbean, Destination Wedding Resort, Destinations in Mexico, Family Travel, gluten free, Honeymoon, lactose intollerant, Resort in Puerto Morelos, Resorts in Cancun, Resorts in Riviera Maya Tagged With: 24 hour room service, adults only, All-Inclusive, allergy free, bali beds, beachfront, casino, chesterfield travel agent, cross contamination, Cuba, Dominican, family, free WiFi, gluten free, Honeymoons, jacuzzi, Jamaica, kids club, lactose intollerant, lobster, st louis travel agent, St. John, teens club, top shelf liquor, travel agent 63005, vegetarian diet, XCaret, Xel-Ha

Why Mexico for your Destination Wedding?

December 22, 2014 By Susan Robson

                                                                                                                                         

10383161-mexico-map-and-words-cloud-with-larger-cities

  • D  Affordable Luxury
  • E  Easy to get to Mexico
  • S  LuxuriouS Accommodations
  • T  All-Inclusive ResorTs
  • I  ProfesstIonal Wedding Staff & Planners
  • N  FuN, Fun, Fun
  • A  SpectAcular beach & ocean setting
  • T  Warm, welcoming HospiTality
  • I  FIrst Class personalized service                                                                                                                 
  • ON  Your Wedding – Your Style

There are so many reasons why Mexico is the perfect choice for a Destination Wedding and Honeymoon. What is most important to you?

1.  Affordability factor – Mexico has more All-Inclusive Luxury Resort options than any other destination.  This creates a competition that is good for travelers by creating a price range for weddings and guest stays that fits all budgets.  Couples are able to get a lot of luxury for a very affordable price in Mexico.  The wedding experience, or package, varies according to the number of guests attending.  For 10 or fewer guests, most resorts (Secrets, Dreams, Now, RIU, Palace, Hard Rock, etc) offer a complimentary wedding package.  If the number of guests is more than 10, the resorts offer packages ranging in price from around $2000 – $8000.  This is a very affordable wedding compared to the price of a “home town” wedding at nearly quadruple that cost ($30,000).  How much were you expecting to spend on an upcoming wedding?

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2.  Easy to get to Mexico – Mexico is not only easy to get to from STL, with flights nearly every day in the summer (flight schedule changes in the fall, winter & spring), but it is also one of the most easily accessible countries from most major cities in the USA.  Several airlines have daily flights from the US gateway cities:  New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, St. Louis, and more.  The top Wedding Destination cities in Mexico, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Hualtuco, all have International Airports.

JuniorSuite_OceanFront_bedroom                                                                        

3 & 4.  Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts – When clients complete my “Perfect Honeymoon and Destination Wedding” analysis, I am able to create a profile for them.  This enables me, as an agent, to determine the best resorts to fit a couple’s priorities, as well as keep them within their budget.  Luxury, at All-Inclusive Resorts, ranges from larger rooms & suites with more desirable view & locations, to private dinners on the beach, butler service, and to romantic spa experiences.  The Unlimited Luxury at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico is generally so indulgent that the guests don’t have to/want to leave the premises for any service or desire.  The key to finding the perfect match for Couples is knowing the variety of destinations, properties and fun activities that will enhance the intimate experience.  It is much easier to match a couple’s personality with a resort when an agent has been there and seen it first hand.  Site inspections and resort stays are so critical for agents to be able to share this with their clients.  Staying current and visiting the resorts frequently is part of my repritoire, to make sure that I am familiar with the resorts that my clients are requesting.

18527947-mariachi-band5.  ProfessIonal Wedding Staff & Planners – Each resort has it’s own team of on-site Professional Wedding Planners.  The couple, along with their Travel Agent, work closely with them to ensure a smooth, picture & detail perfect Destination Wedding.  The Wedding Planners can arrange anything special that a couple requests, including special dinners, flowers, colors, music, and unique weddings.  Agents can customize and individualize everything with musicians, photographers, and other unique additions for a truly memorable Wedding Celebration.  Recently, a bride client of mine, didn’t want to ship her party favors to Mexico.  So instead, the resort wedding planner went shopping for a requested list of items and created a price list for the bride.  After the bride chose the items she wanted for the wedding, the planner purchased the items for her on a 2nd shopping trip.  I find wedding planners to be very accommodating and helpful – they want to please and help out any way that they can.

6.  Fun, Fun, Fun – so much to see and do – Click on the link below for Apple Vacations Top 13 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Mexico!                                                            http://www.buzzfeed.com/applevacations/13-reasons-the-only-place-to-go-on-vacation-is-mexico?sub=3018520_2473315              More than ever, the appeal of Mexico, draws Honeymoon couples and Destination Wedding groups to it’s alluring beaches, festive cultural heritage, and enticing archeological ruins.  Mexico is a country full of Adventure.  The is the perfect match for Romance Travel, and that is one of the reasons why US travel to Mexico has surged by 30%, as reported by the US Department of Commerce forecast (October 22, 2014).                                                     My TOP 20 LIST of things to see and do in Mexico  (around your beach time, of course).                      

  1. Chichen Itza                                                                                                                                                                              
  2. Tulum
  3. Coba ruins
  4. Cenote swim
  5. Tres Rios Ecopark
  6. Xcaret
  7. Xel Ha
  8. Ferry to Cozumel or Isla Las Mujeres
  9. Deep Sea Fishing
  10. Catamaran Sailing
  11. Sailing & boating
  12. Snorkeling
  13. Zip lining
  14. Scuba diving
  15. Horseback riding
  16. Parasailing
  17. Jet skiing
  18. Paddle boats & kayaks
  19. Cancun shopping
  20. Playa del Carmen/5th Avenue shopping                                                                                                               

19015133-mayan-pyramid-of-kukulcan-el-castillo-in-chichen-itza-mexico14193291-ik-kil-cenote-chichen-itza-mexico                                                              

 

 

 

 

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7. Spectacular Beach & Ocean setting –

The Tropical, warm beach settings are the strongest appeal in Mexico.  Most couple are interested in “fun in the sun” activities like Scuba diving, Snorkeling, a Catamaran ride, swimming with Dolphins, and exploring caves and jungles.  Some couples just want to relax on the beach, while others want a good mixture of activities and relaxation.  To translate all of this into an incredible Mexico experience, it is important to know details about what a couple sees as their ideal Honeymoon/vacation.  Recently, I was on vacation in Mexico, where I met a Honeymoon couple lounging by the pool.  They were very disappointed with the property because there was no nightlife.  Their Travel Agent didn’t ask them if nightlife was important – she had only asked about their budget.  Sometimes that does drive the decision, but a careful and thorough interview should include information about what a couple would like to do on their Honeymoon.  By completing my “Perfect Honeymoon -Destination Wedding analysis”, I can help a couple find their perfect Destination Resort in Mexico, with the activities and options most important to them.

8.  Warm, Welcoming Hospitality – The people of Mexico have incredible hearts!  They love to see their guests happy and will do almost anything to ensure that your Wedding and Honeymoon stay is truly enjoyable.  Most of the employees feel that you are with them in their “Home”, and work to make sure that you feel comfortable, welcome and pampered.   If you return to their resort for a 2nd stay, many of them will say to you, “welcome home”.  Recently, after the devastation by Hurricane Odile in Cabo San Lucas, the Mexican people of a little town near San Diego, supplied a 30 hr stranded bus load of people with food, water, coffee, tacos and hot dogs!  The Townspeople barely had anything of their own, and yet they gave it to the people on the bus.  I tell you this story, not to talk about Hurricane Odile, but to demonstrate the kindness and hospitality of the people of Mexico.

slide-169.  First Class Service –  Have you experienced 1st Class Luxury services at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico?  First Class All-Inclusive Resorts, offer world class hospitality, rooms and suites with ultimate views and the best beach locations, pool & beach waiter services, sparkling infinity pools, luxurious room amenities, swim-up bars, state of the art fitness centers with trainers and full class schedules, recreational activities, kid’s and teen’s clubs, high-tech communication centers (even tho the WiFi doesn’t work too well), and numerous specialty restaurants with Chefs from around the world.  Some other examples of personalized First Class Services…Couples can bond over an authentic Mexican cooking lesson, followed by a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach…For wine lovers, wine tastings can be arranged for couples or groups…and Room service sets up a beautiful spread of flowers, candles, and wine in a Honeymoon suite, with Butlers available to accommodate and meet all of a couple’s needs.

 

couple_wedding_beach10.  Your Wedding – Your Style – Most importantly, not only are traditional young couples finding romance and the Destination Wedding of their Dreams in Mexico, but more Mature Couples find Mexico perfect for Anniversaries, Non-traditional Couple Marriages, Vow-Renewal Celebrations, and 2nd Weddings.  Again, I’m going to say, Couples are looking for a lot of Luxury at an affordable price, and they will get a lot of Bang for their Buck!  Wedding packages at each different Resort offer many choices that can create certain feelings or evoke emotions that Brides & Grooms are looking for.  In addition to the basic offerings in the packages, each Resort has unlimited ideas, resources and choices to make a Destination Wedding even more “1 of a Kind” and Exclusive!

A Destination Wedding for Family & Friends is often hosted at a “Family” All-Inclusive Resort to accommodate children in attendance.  The Newlywed Couple may want to “move” to an Adults only Resort following their Wedding for the Honeymoon, to give them some privacy, and to put some distance between them and the rest of the party.  If the Couple decides to stay at the original Resort,  they may want to enhance their experience by upgrading the room/suite for their Honeymoon.

Brides and Grooms searching for a Luxurious Exclusivity for their Destination Wedding can find so many options available to them in Mexico.  My experience and knowledge with Destination Weddings and Resorts are your advantage.  If you are ready to start planning a Destination Wedding or Honeymoon, please take a few minutes to fill out my “Perfect Honeymoon & Destination Wedding” analysis.  I’ll get back to you quickly with your analysis and information that will get you started on planning your Dream Honeymoon and Destination Wedding!

Susan Robson    

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Filed Under: An inside view, Destinations in Mexico, Honeymoon, Travel Tips Tagged With: 13 reasons the only place to go on vacation is mexico, Affordable, All-Inclusive, Complimentary wedding package, customizable weddings, Destination wedding, Easy for travel, First class service, Luxury, ocean setting, Perfect Destination wedding analysis, Perfect Honeymoon analysis, Personalized service, Professional Wedding Staff, Spectacular beach, Top 20 list of things to see and do in Mexico, Unlimited luxury, vacation, Warm Hospitality, Wedding planners, Your style, Your wedding

Hot New Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts!

November 3, 2014 By Susan Robson

Whether you are planning a Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, or family vacation, be sure to check out the new Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts for 2015.  How about an All-Inclusive on St. Martin, St. Thomas, or the Bahamas?  Do any of these intrigue you?  If you love Jamaica and Cancun, there are two new brand choices for you there, too!

Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas

Dreams Sugar Bay All-Inclusive Resort

Dreams Sugar Bay, St. Thomas

Brand new to the Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort market on St. Thomas,  is a brand with which many travelers are already familiar.  Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas is just opening this month, November 2014.  Dreams, if you aren’t familiar, is an Unlimited-Luxury Inclusive for couples and families.  This resort offers 294, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites that offer waterfront views of the bay or ocean and authentic island decor.  St. Thomas’s beauty can’t be missed on the secluded beach, or in any of it’s three interconnecting pools with caves and waterfalls.  Savor the island flavors at any of Dream’s seven gourmet specialty restaurants, bars, and grill/snack areas.

Dreams Sugar Bay All-Inclusive in St. Thomas

Dreams Sugar Bay, St Thomas

Beach walking/running, mini-golf, tennis, snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball, and so much more is always pulling at guests to keep them busy. To ensure your vacation is full of fun, games, and laughter both day and night, the Entertainment Team is on the job…and they are relentless!  Entertainment doesn’t stop with the “older” kids, either, the supervised Explorer’s Club keeps younger explorers busy.  Following your Dreams is easy on St. Thomas…Dreams Sugar Bay, St. Thomas,  is located convenient to dining, nightlife, and shopping in Charlotte Amalie, I’ve only heard, is of the best!  Be sure to leave enough time to ferry to neighboring islands such as St. John and the British Virgin Islands (passport required).  Have you experienced Unlimited Luxury at a Dreams property in another destination?

RIU Palace St. Martin  

Guests at the Riu Palace St. Martin, will find that they are enjoying the best accommodations and services that the island has to offer.  People find that this resort, like the best of the RIU brand, is known for it’s consistency of service, food, and accommodations.  The three restaurants on the property, offer a rich variety of flavors from colorful Caribbean, Asian, and French cuisine’s.  Riu Palace St. Martin is the most comprehensive vacation spot on the island, nestled between one of St. Martin’s most beautiful beaches and the National Nature Reserve at Anse Marcel cove.  All types of travelers, both the adventurous and relaxed alike, will find that they don’t want to leave this  blissful island paradise, during their luxurious stay at Riu Palace St. Martin.

RIU Palace St. Martin is now All-Inclusive

RIU Palace St. Martin

Snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and kayaking are all very popular in the azul blue waters of St. Martin. For guests looking for more relaxation, an infinity pool and over a mile of pure beach space is available to lounge and splash in and out of the soft waves.

Travelers should not miss out on exploring  and all that there is to see and do on the island.  Sint Maarten offers 14 world-class Vegas-style casinos.  Maho Beach is awesome for watching incoming jets flying in for a landing just a few feet over your head. Orient Beach, on the Riviera of French St. Martin is the most popular beach on the island due to it’s natural beauty.

RIU Palace Antillas, Aruba                                                                                                            

RIU Palace Antillas is now adults only, All-Inclusive

RIU Palace Antillas, Aruba

Another new Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort, formerly a Westin, is the new Adults-only (18+) RIU Palace Antillas.  It is found on the shores of Palm Beach in Aruba and has the calm clear waters and white sand that make every Palm Beach an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. This exciting and elegant resort, balances fun and luxury to make the Riu Palace Antillas an ideal location for making the most of your Caribbean vacation.

Now a 24-hour all-inclusive experience means round-the-clock access to 4 fabulous restaurants, including room service at all hours of the day and night. A range of restaurants are available, including a buffet with live cooking stations and themed buffet nights, as well as three specialty restaurants (reservations required). Krystal offers Fusion cuisines, Rimini features Italian specialties, and Malmok shows off as a steak house.
After dinner, RIU Palace presents evening shows, live music, a casino and disco, to dance the night away.  In Mexico, the Michael Jackson shows are among RIU Palace’s best.  What shows might be popular in Aruba?

Baha Mar Resort, Bahamas

5 stunning resorts all under the Baha Mar, Bahamas

Baha Mar Resort opening December 2014

         

 

 

This is an opening that I’m really intrigued by–The Baha Mar Resort, opening in December in the Bahamas, with no less than FIVE different hotel brands inside.  Talk about BIG!

Melia Baha Mar, Caribbean All-Inclusive

Melia Baha Mar Resort, Bahamas

The complex, nicknamed the “Bahamian Riviera”, has these credentials:  will have a total of 2,900 hotel rooms and residences, a 100,000 square foot casino, a Vegas-style water show, an 18-hole, 72-par Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, an ESPA spa and more than a dozen pools. Plus, a 200,000 square feet convention center.  I know, HUGELY!The 5 resorts that are going to debut:                                                                                                               

Baha Mar Casino & Hotel:  The centerpiece resort of Baha Mar, this casino-hotel is promising a “Vegas-like experience in the Bahamas.

Rosewood Baha Mar:  Managed by Rosewood, this will be a 200-room and residences property.  The villas will be the main attraction for it’s luxury items, services, and accomodations.

Mondrian Baha Mar:  The Mondrian at Baha Mar will have 300 “distinctively styled room.”

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar:  The Grand Hyatt will have 700 “incomparable rooms blending authenticity and luxury.”

Melia’ Baha Mar:  The Nassau Beach Resort will be taken over and incorporated into the Baha Mar Complex by the Melia’ brand on December 1st.  This will be the only Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort in the complex, with 5 restaurants & 3 bars, including a swim-up bar.  The guests have access to Baha Mar’s amenities and activities.

This just looks like there is going to be something for everyone.   Do you think Atlantis…has met some competition?

More coming in my next blog…Hyatt Ziva & Hyatt Zilara in Jamaica…Azul Sensatori in Jamaica…

Susan                                                                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Filed Under: A pre-view of a new resort opening, An inside view, Destinations in Caribbean, Travel Tips Tagged With: adults only, All-Inclusive, Anse Marcel cove, Aruba, Atlantis, Baha Mar Resort, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Islands, casino, Charlotte Amalie, Destination Weddings, Dreams Resort, Dreams Sugar Bay, family all-inclusive, Family vacation, golf, Grand Hyatt, Honeymoons, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, leisure travel, Maho Beach, Nassau Beach, Oreint Beach, Palm Beach, RIU Palace, Rosewood, scuba, Sint Maarten, snorkeling, St. John, St. Martin, St. Thomas, Unlimited luxury, Vegas

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