It’s that time again…for New Resort in Akumal, Mexico.

November 7, 2016 By Susan Robson

It’s that time again…for New Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico! Last month, I traveled to visit new resort openings in Riviera Maya & Cancun. Even tho I had already previewed Secrets Akumal, I decided to return for a 2nd visit to this awesome resort (and repost this). It is well worth a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, ++++++ more looks!

“Akumal”, or home of the tortugas (turtles) is located on Akumal Bay, an area between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, 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!

The best part of this resort, is it’s fabulous beach for walk-in snorkeling and scuba. I had so much fun swimming around, looking at the turtles, fish, coral, and everything under the sea. The water is so calm and inviting, you shouldn’t miss this!

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!

It’s that time again…for New Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico!

November 7, 2016 By Susan Robson

It’s that time again…for New Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico! Last month, I traveled to visit new resort openings in Riviera Maya & Cancun.

You will be simply Breathless…at the Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa! Whatever your mood, because of the 3 distinct sections of the resort, you can find your perfect fit…and change it every hour of every day…if you like! Join the party at Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa. The Caribbean Sea caresses this vibrant, chic and modern all-suite resort for adults. This new resort, with it’s unique layout consisting of three horseshoe shaped buildings and areas, each with their own personality and atmosphere, allows guests to choose their mood. Guests can breathe deep in the xhale club section, mix and mingle in the energy center and party all day and night in the xcelerate Party Zone. The 526 contemporary suites have private and scenic terraces, but all offer stunning tropical and oceans views. Sparkling social and party pools provide all-day entertainment and spectacular locations for Breathless Riviera Cancun’s special events and parties. Sophisticated singles, couples and friends will find the ten chic dining venues with a variety of international cuisines, too hard to choose between. If you can’t choose, then stay in and order room service. Which of the ten bars and lounges that pour premium spirits all without limit, gratuities and reservations required, do you frequent? Go to them all! Breathless Riviera Cancun’s Unlimited-Luxury® experience continues with exhilarating nightlife and a vibrant social atmosphere. Join the party at night with live music shows, beach parties, acrobatic performances and mega dance parties. Live big. Breathe deep!

Unique Points of this New Resort

Unique Breathless Resort & Spa destination
Consists of three horseshoe shaped buildings and areas, each with their own personality andatmosphere. Breathe deep in the xhale club section, mix and mingle in the energy center and party allday and night in the xcelerate Party Zone.
Located just 15 minutes from the Cancun International Airport by the Lagoon of Bahia Petempich and a 25 minute ride to Playa del Carmen
Swimout Junior Suites with direct access to heated pools and xhale club Jr. Suites offering even more special perks and privileges, including a private pool and a private restaurant
Three stunning swimming heated pools including a main energy pool, an xhale pool and a xcelerate Party Zone pool
Open plan plaza with bars, restaurants and shops offering social gathering place for guests to mingle and meet
Communal tables at our amazing gourmet restaurants create an interactive atmosphere and encourage guests to mix and mingle
Large convention center includes two ballrooms and three breakout rooms, ideal for small and large meetings, incentive events, seminars or any other business purpose
Lively atmosphere all day and night with special weekly and monthly parties and events, special weekly themed parties at different restaurants and an annual DJ program featuring trendsetting DJ’s
State-of-the-art After Dark nightclub, exclusive champagne bar, a giant Jacuzzi for up to 35 people and fire pits around the resort create a vibrant and social atmosphere
Cutting edge fitness center with personal trainers

No matter how long your stay, at Breathless Riviera Cancun, you will not believe it is long enough! I cannot begin to say how impressed we were by this fabulous property. My husband and I stayed in the Xhale club, which was absolutely amazing. Every last detail could not have been more perfect. We loved having the option of having some quiet time in the Xhale Club and then being able to head to the social and freestyle pools when we were ready for more action. The food and bar service at the pool areas was outstanding. We tried to experience as many different restaurants as we could in the short time we were there, and every one of them was fantastic. The pan-Asian was probably our favorite, if we were forced to choose. The entertainment staff was awesome! We performed water aerobics, showed off our dance lessons, and even had an impromptu dance party on the beach. The afternoon festivities at the freestyle pool & the late-night action throughout the resort was a feast for the eyes, to say the least. The fire and water features throughout the property were stunning. I only wish we could have stayed longer!

If you would like more information or pricing for 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!

The Do’s of Packing for a Honeymoon?

August 22, 2016 By Susan Robson

The Do’s of Packing for a Honeymoon?

Don’t make the mistake of leaving packing for your Dream Honeymoon to the last minute. Do – create a packing list that is planned and has some wonderful surprises! There is no reason to believe that a suitcase has to be full of brand new clothing and apparel items. But, after saying that, you will want to bring some new and very special things to make your trip even more memorable.

Do #1 – pack special outfits for your first and last night dinners – make the last evening as exciting and new as the first night!

Do #2 – pack bathing suits and beachwear (if this is a beach Honeymoon), find one hot new bathing suit to surprise him.

Do #3 – pack destination appropriate (Europe or cold climates) clothing and items (snowsuits, walking shorts, jackets, etc.)

Do #4 – pack special lingerie for the 1st and last nights, and everything in between!

Do #5 – pack a special outfit to wear home.

Do #6 – pack a First Aid Kit, medicine & birth control

Do #7 – pack cameras, phone & iPad chargers – all the electronics that will keep you both happy.

Do #8 – pack comfortable and sexy shoes.

Do #9 – pack reading material for him & you, pick up a new book that you think he might enjoy

Do #10 – pack his favorite perfume & maybe even download music on your iPad that you will enjoy together

To get started with your packing list, just email me and ask for a copy of my “pre-travel packing and planning”list. Then, add to it with your special ideas! Be sure to pack plenty of fun!

Susan

Top 5 Mountains to Beach Dream Honeymoons

May 14, 2016 By Susan Robson

Top 5 Mountains to Beach Dream Honeymoons

1. St. Lucia – my #1 – Top 5 Mountains to Beach Dream Honeymoons because of the all-inclusive and adults-only options available!
Saint Lucia is the perfect beach to rainforest to mountain destination, whatever you are seeking…it is in St. Lucia! Adventure, romance, natural experiences for the young at heart, St. Lucia is the answer! The island is a natural landscape of beautiful palm-trimmed beaches, endless unspoiled rainforest, and a land of volcanic surprises – the majestic Piton Mountains.

Around every bend, travelers can refresh under natural waterfalls, stroll through a rainforest to find breathe-taking views, climb Gros Piton Mountains, zip a line, ride above a rain-forest canopy, soak in mineral baths, visit the world’s only drive in volcano, or just bask in the fabulous Caribbean sun on one of St. Lucia’s many secluded beaches. All of this is not even considering the most important and loved part of the island: sea and sand! Most resorts provide opportunities for waterskiing, sunfishing, kayaking, snorkeling and windsurfing. Experiences that serious adventure seekers might want to include such as: fishing, scuba diving, snuba, jetovator, sea trekking, flyboarding and kitesurfing. Whale and dolphin watching, sport fishing, and boating are available for even more fun with nature! http://stlucianow.com

Honeymoon Accommodations: Adults only All-inclusive properties
Sandals offers 3 properties in St. Lucia:
*Sandals Regency La Toc – a glamorous resort with a cove beach and cliff-side suites
Sandals Grande St. Lucian – a vibrant, exciting resort with views that stir the soul from a unique peninsula. Sandals Halcyon Beach – a true “garden of Eden”, with luxuriant gardens providing the quintessential Caribbean resort.* (*Sandals description of properties)

2. Costa Rica – a fabulous destination to choose a tropical beach, to rainforest, and to an Arenal Volcano mountain area for a Dream Honeymoon. Start out a travel experience with 3 nights in the Arenal Volcano area. Visit Arenal National Park & Volcano, hanging bridges of the tropical rainforest, Tabacon Hot Springs and pools, and travel the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge aboard a Rio Frio Boat Safari.
Then, for the next 4 days, travel to the Guanacaste region for a beach experience like no other! Choose from a family friendly, all-inclusive resort, or an adults-only, like Secrets Papagayo. This trip will awaken your advenurous spirit!

If you choose not to take the escorted tours, there is plenty to keep you occupied and challenged!
Adventures – canopy ziplining and Tarzan swing, rafting, surfing, hanging bridges, wildlife safaris by raft, fishing packages, horseback riding, rain forest experiences, jungle treks, and so much more can be found, with a tour guide for safety and security, if you choose.

Honeymoon Accommodations: All-inclusive properties
Dreams Las Mareas – Family friendly
RIU Palace Costa Rica – Family friendly
Secrets Papagayo – Adults only
http://www.visitcostarica.com

3. Maui, Hawaii – Known as the “Valley Isle”. Maui is another perfect Mountains to Beach destination for Dream Honeymoons. One of Maui’s most memorable experiences is to view the Haleakala sunrise/sunset from the summit at 10,000 ft above sea level. After the view, don’t go home! The park offers 30,000 acres of public land for hiking, horseback riding and exploring nature to find many endangered species, seen nowhere else. Maui’s white, black, and red sand beaches cover over 30 miles of it’s 120 mile coastline. Some of the best surfing, windsurfing, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing beaches are found here. Public and private beaches abound, as well as undeveloped “secrets spots” that can be found off the beaten path. http://www.gohawaii.com for more about Maui, Kauai, Oahu.
Experiences visitors don’t want to miss:
Scenic Road to Hana
Coastal whale watching
Historic Lahaina Town
Haleakala National Park

Honeymoon Accommodations: No All-inclusives
*Sheraton Maui * Hyatt Regency Maui * Maui Grand Wailea * Ritz Carlton *
*Four Seasons * Royal Lahaina Resort

4. Kauai, Hawaii – Known as the “Island of Discovery”. This island is the tropical focal point of Hawaii, full of so much to do outdoors, with attractions and culture everywhere. On Kauai’s stunningly beautiful beaches, you can sunbathe, snorkel, learn to surf, and Dream! Waimea Canyon has been nicknamed the “Grand Canyon” of the Pacific. It is truly a geological wonder stretching 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 3600 ft deep. As you can imagine, there is plenty to explore, hike and just take in the panoramic views. The main road to Waimea Canyon, Waimea Canyon Drive, takes visitors into the mountains and ends at Kokee State Park. Other adventures on Kauai include, but not limited to: ziplining, boating – sailing – catamaran – fishing, kayaking, mountain tubing, scuba and snorkeling, surfing, whale watching, air tours by plane or helicopter (fantastic, by the way), and hiking.

Honeymoon Accommodations: No All-inclusives
Grand Hyatt Kauai
Kauai Marriott
Sheraton Kauai
St. Regis Princeville Resort
Aqua Kaui Beach Resort

5. Oahu, Hawaii – Nicknamed the “Heart of Hawaii”. Oahu is the commercial center for the islands, and is sometimes called “the gathering place”. Honolulu brings metropolitan cityscapes to view against the beautiful blue water of Waikiki Beach. The Pearl Harbor Memorial is here, as well as Iolani Palace, with it’s historic architecture.
Tip – The Waikiki Trolley or “TheBus” are both affordable and convenient ways to travel in Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. It is suggested that visitors do not rent cars for city stays. Oahu has 112 miles of shoreline, that creates endless possibilities for water, water, and water activities. Every possible water activity can be found here: boating and fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing & submarines, whale & dolphin watching, and… hiking & biking & Trikke, skydiving, all terrain vehicles, horseback riding and more…

Surfing was born in Waikiki, so be sure to learn to ride the waves here, before spending any time just basking in the Hawaiian sun. Some of the best beaches: Waikiki Beach, Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Kailu Beach, and, so many more! For the most incredible mountain experience, don’t miss the very popular – hike to the top of Leahi, Diamond Head, and take in panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu.

Honeymoon Accommodations – There are only 7 oceanfront properties on Waikiki Beach (these are my recommendations): Outrigger Reef on the Beach * Halekulani Hotel * Moana Loa * Royal Hawaiian Hotel Pink Palace” * Turtle Bay Resort (North shore – not on Waikiki).

With any of these Top 5 Mountains to Beach Dream Honeymoon locations, couples don’t have to choose between mountains or beach, because they get the experience of both! If you would like to find out more about any of these destinations, just fill out my renowned “Perfect Honeymoon Finder”. As soon as I receive your information, I’ll begin your Honeymoon analysis to find the perfect Dream Honeymoon for you and your fiance’!

Susan

Love Mexico is all about it!

April 3, 2016 By Susan Robson

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.

Several 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”.

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!

Susan

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2016

March 12, 2016 By Susan Robson

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2016

Tenth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Chesterfield, MO, March, 2016—GO TRAVEL STL is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2016 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the #1 wedding resource. This is the 2nd year GO TRAVEL STL has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

In 2016, only 2% of the 250,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade. In its tenth annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2016, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews from real couples across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. These winners represent the best of the best for wedding planning professionals that a bride or groom would want to consider order to inspire, plan and pull off their own unique wedding.

“This is an honor to be recognized by our clients, as the winner of this prestigious award – Go Travel Stl.”

The Knot has helped inspire and plan more than 25 million weddings. With a rich history of providing quality content and inspiration to couples, The Knot is making it easier for couples to connect with just the right wedding professional to create a wedding that is unique to them. Eight out of 10 couples come to The Knot where they can be connected to any of 250,000 local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot marries great technology with trusted content–and a little love–to make planning for the most important day of a person’s life easier and more enjoyable.

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit www.TheKnot.com/BestofWeddings

GO TRAVEL STL

Meet The Owner – Susan Robson…Most of my life career was spent teaching children. After I retired, I combined my love of teaching, with another love…TRAVEL! Working with couples who are soon going to be married, is so exciting and invigorating. It is wonderful to be able to share their enthusiasm and the joy of a new life together. My role is to make their first Dream together come true!

About The Knot: The Knot is the nation’s leading wedding resource with a marketplace that seamlessly engages, matches and connects couples with the right local vendors, products and services they need to plan and pull off their wedding. The trusted brand reaches nearly every bride in the US through the #1 wedding website TheKnot.com, its mobile apps. The Knot national and local wedding magazines and The Knot book series. The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that is uniquely them. Please visit The Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

If you would like to get started now, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete the much talked about “Perfect Honeymoon Finder”, a Go Travel Stl exclusive.

Susan

Go Travel Stl receives Bronze WeddingWire Rated Badge

March 7, 2016 By Susan Robson

Go Travel Stl Receives Bronze WeddingWire Rated™ Badge

Chesterfield, MO – March 7, 2016 – WeddingWire, the nation’s leading online wedding marketplace, is thrilled to announce that Go Travel Stl has received the WeddingWire Rated™ Bronze badge for excellence in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons.

The esteemed WeddingWire Rated™ program recognizes wedding professionals who have received positive newlywed reviews about their business on WeddingWire. The program recognizes businesses across more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and requires a minimum of three wedding reviews and an average rating of 3.5 stars or higher.

Within the WeddingWire Rated™ program, there are seven different levels that wedding professionals can reach based on the number of wedding reviews they receive (3, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500). The WeddingWire Rated™ Bronze badge is awarded when a business receives ten or more quality reviews.

As a member of WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews, Go Travel Stl’s achievement of Rated™ is an impressive milestone and an indication of the positive experiences expressed by their past clients. As a recipient of the Bronze badge, Go Travel Stl is highlighted on WeddingWire, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Click here to view badge and award.

“With the growing importance of online reviews, WeddingWire is pleased to celebrate the successes of the wedding professionals who have received positive reviews on WeddingWire,” said Sonny Ganguly, CMO, WeddingWire. “We are honored to recognize Go Travel Stl for their impressive work within the wedding industry.”

“Go Travel Stl is thrilled to have achieved the WeddingWire Rated™ Bronze badge for Destination Weddings and Honeymoons in Chesterfield, MO. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire; it means so much to us and our business to have received the positive feedback that helped us earn this badge. We are dedicated to providing excellent service to our clients and look forward to increasing to the next Rated™ level in the near future.”

For more information about Go Travel Stl, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront at: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/go-travel-stl-chesterfield/51afbe4bb0da1fa3.html

WeddingWire®, the nation’s leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource.designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge.

For planning your next Destination Wedding or Honeymoon, check out the “Perfect Honeymoon finder” on Go Travel Stl.

Susan

Jamaica One Love

December 28, 2015 By Susan Robson

Just 6 weeks ago, I traveled to “Jamaica One Love” for a Destination Wedding Symposium at the new Moon Palace Grande Jamaica in Ocho Rios. This by itself was very exciting, but then we would be doing site visits at 15 resorts in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios! How could we ever cover that much ground? It took stamina and an “I can do it” attitude for Jamaica One Love!

Negril lived up to it’s “best beach” reputation, no doubt about it. I was fortunate to choose two of the best…and on the “best” beaches…Sandals Negril, adults only, and Beaches Negril, a family property. Sandals Negril was wonderful to return to again. Ten years ago, I attended my son & daughter-in-law’s wedding on this very same property! It was just as beautiful as I remembered it! Sandals Negril could best be described as “a little bit exotic and a whole lot of chic. It epitomizes the free spirited personality that has long made Negril the exotic playground of choice for fun-loving pleasure seekers. You can get closer to the water than anywhere else in Negril.”* This is a Quick glance video of the features of Sandals Negril – Sandals Negril video

on the longest stretch of Negril’s seven mile beach
unlimited premium brand drinks

every room just steps from the beach * unlimited fine dining at 7 restaurants
beachfront walkout club level rooms * unlimited land and water sports
swim-up suites * free WiFi in all rooms and public areas
24 hour room service * free Non-stop airport transfers
nightly entertainment

Beaches Negril is perfect for families of all sizes and ages. We arrived just in time for lunch and found so many delicious options to please even the pickiest of eaters. Negril embodies the ultimate relaxed lifestyle, “laid back” was invented here. The resort is a spot so in-tune with nature, that it’s tallest building cannot reach higher than the tallest palm tree.* Again, you are located on the widest stretch of the Negril’s 7 mile famous beach. Everything you could possibly want is right next to the water here. Not only the beautiful Caribbean water beckons you, but a waterpark, fabulous pools, restaurants, and bars, all seek your family’s attention. And, here’s a Quick glance of the features of Beaches Negril:

20 acres of lushly landscaped gardens * Pirates Island Waterpark
3 pools with 2 swim-up bars * 9 specialty restaurants
Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street * Trench Town Teens only game room
Liquid at Beaches Nightclub * Scuba program
Supervised kids camp * Xbox play lounge
Scratch DJ Academy * Thrilling family adventure and excitement

Other resorts that I visited and completed site visits (ask me about these): Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril, and Sunset at the Palms.

Next up? Montego Bay! Are you looking for an all-inclusive luxury family, or adults only luxury resort? The Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara are vacation destinations with oceanfront dining and a pristine beach on the Caribbean Sea! Find both the Hyatt Ziva (for families) and the Hyatt Zilara (for adults only), right on the same Hyatt property. The Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall just completed a multi-million -dollar renovation, and it is apparent! The property itself, is fabulous with all the amenities and comforts that a seasoned traveler could want. And if it isn’t here, no worries, the Hyatt will take care of it for you. This is a story that a guest (I’ll call him John, and his little boy will be Jack) at the Hyatt related to me during lunch. John brought his family to vacation at the Hyatt Ziva because he believed that with all of the goats in Jamaica, he would be able to obtain goat’s milk for his son, that required this for his diet. After he arrived, to his horror, he discovered that yes, the island has goats, but the government doesn’t allow the use goat milk on the island. So now what would he do? He contacted management, and they immediately sprung into action. Management contacted a firm in Miami that sold and distributed goat’s milk. It was flown to the Hyatt in Jamaica, so that Jack could have the goat’s milk his diet required. Amazing!

Other properties that I absolutely recommend in Montego Bay are: Royalton White Sands, Secrets St. James, Secrets Wild Orchid, and the Iberostar Grand. In Ochos Rios, the properties included Couples Tower Isle and Jewel Paradise Cove. I’ll be glad to share information about them with you.

Lastly, we traveled to Ocho Rios for the Destination Weddings Symposium and more site visits. Do you think I’m worn out yet? No way! We arrived at the new Jamaica Grande Moon Palace for the remainder of our stay. This resort is only 5 minutes from downtown Ocho Rios, sits in a beautiful bay, and straddles the Caribbean Sea on one side. It’s the best of both worlds to have a quiet bay to play in kayaks, sun-fish, snorkel, etc., and then have access to the ocean right next to the resort. The resort’s luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views can happen from 705 rooms and suites, that feature 24 hour room service, free WiFi access, top-shelf drinks, and unlimited other amenities and features. Your benefits don’t stop there! Up to $1500 in resort credits are part of the benefits for guests. These credits can be used for spa, excursions & tours, private romantic dinners, and more. These credits vary in accordance with the length of a guest’s stay and are subject to a 16% service fee on all products and services. How much of a good thing can you handle?

Jamaica offers so many tours and excursions that make it your “Jamaica one Love”. Dunn’s River Falls, bob sledding, river rafting, zip lining, shopping, swimming, snorkeling, dolphin swims, Mystic Mountain, Rick’s Cafe, and catamaran sunset tours are just a few of the exciting adventures that await you!

After all of this, do you think that Jamaica could become your “Jamaica One Love”?

Susan

*excerpt taken & quoted from Sandals.com and Beaches.com*

Dreaming of a Dream Destination Wedding?

October 2, 2015 By Susan Robson

Are you Dreaming of a Dream Destination Wedding? There might be a spark to intrigue here.

Just two weeks ago, 14 resorts in Riviera Maya & Cancun competed for the eye of travel agents. They wanted travel agents to “see” their very best wedding displays, dinner presentations, receptions, and entertainment. Which resort would stand out among the others for their unique and beautiful Destination Weddings? First, let me list the resorts that were going to be inviting travel agents to “see” their best.

Cancun – Secrets Playa Mujeres, Secrets the Vine, Dreams Sands

Isla Mujeres – Zoetry Villa Rolandi

Riviera Maya – Secrets Maroma, Secrets Capri, Secrets Silversands, Dreams Riviera Cancun, Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Dreams Tulum, Now Sapphire, Now Jade, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita

And, “see” their best we did! Each resort had displays of wedding set ups, mock weddings, signature drinks, over-the-top entertainment, and lunch or dinner receptions. I’ll give you a sampling of the best from each resort, along with a photo. Secrets Playa Mujeres created a wedding theme around “Mr. & Mr., with decorations to fit a masculine appeal. Noticeable were the monogramed silver silk napkins with each guest’s name, the beautiful backdrop of the pool and wooden “arch”, and the signature drinks. Secrets the Vine has the beautiful backdrop of the true-blue Caribbean water seen through their almost entirely glass view. Their wedding sites were so impressive and beautiful. Then, the lunch served was a mind changer. First, they uncorked the champagne by sword. Wow! Incredible display. The beef fillet was so tender, it has changed my mind about eating beef in Mexico. All of that was accompanied by a very talented Ladies trio, singing & playing very contemporary, yet well known music. Dreams Sands was our next dinner reception on the beach. And understand why on the beach? As we had dinner into the darkness, guests still played in the calm and beautiful Caribbean water. Our delicious dinner was highlighted by a Men’s Trio, with piano and violin accompaniment. Zoetry Villa Rolandi, on Isla Mujeres, is easily accessible by sailing across the water in a catamaran, much like guests would travel to reach it. What a fabulous “boutique” resort! The setting is beautiful for only 35 rooms in the entire resort! If you would like a Destination Wedding in a resort filled with your family and friends…this is it! Secrets Maroma served a brunch in one of their beautiful ballrooms with a piano and cello music. Their wedding ceremony set-ups were dreamy for their dreamy Maroma setting. Secrets Capri changed up the scene with a western style BBQ lunch, with such personalization, it was amazing! The ribs, BBQ chicken, pork and all of the sides were amazing! After lunch, we were entertained by the entertainment teams western style of “kicking up their heels” and lively music. Secrets Silversands is able to have weddings in such beautiful settings – 2 beach and 1 archway. An option that was totally unique, was for the bride to be in the Governor’s suite, and make a Gand entrance down the stairs and to the wedding site. The Grandeur of the entrance could be amazing! Dreams Riviera Maya out-Bedazzled all of us! First, the wedding set ups were beautiful, flanked by various locations having

unique cocktails and unusual “acts”. The best cocktail was the “white chocolate martini”…Wow! Mick Jagger and Beyonce’ were married in front of our very own eyes! The dinner reception that followed was a 7 course dinner that included flare and choice entrees. Dreams Puerto Aventuras had an out of this world Wedding reception right on the beach! Lobster and stone crabs were both served in a buffet style dinner reception. The setting makes this resort a top choice. Dreams Tulum served their best on the patio overlooking the pool. It was a fabulous presentation and delicious entrees. Now Sapphire and Now Jade both had multiple sites for their weddings and so many options to choose from. The colors and optional wedding accessories were so unique – it would be hard to choose! And finally, Zoetry Paraiso del las Bonita presented a Mayan wedding ceremony in a very beautiful garden setting. The delicious hors deuvors and unique presentation would make this an unforgettable wedding.

If you would like more details about any of these resorts, just contact me through my “perfect honeymoon”finder, and I’ll get in touch with you about finding the perfect resort to match your preferences, for your Destination Wedding.

Susan

Perfect Honeymoon on a Budget

June 28, 2015 By Susan Robson

The Perfect Honeymoon on a Budget

New couples rarely have vast sums of money to spend on their honeymoon. However, every new couple deserves the perfect honeymoon – one without compromises based on expense. In my decades of experience as a travel agent, I have isolated the factors that allow any new couple to have the perfect honeymoon – regardless of their budget.

Why money doesn’t matter

Even though money and budget is the first thing most people think about first when they think about booking a Honeymoon, it is factually one of the least important factors. I’ve met people who had unlimited resources who still had lousy vacations. Why? Having a Perfect Vacation is not at all related to having money. Money allows you to do and buy things, sure – but if you don’t know what to do or buy – or if you spend your money on what you think will make you happy and you have made a wrong decision, then it doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have.

The first thing to decide when choosing a honeymoon

So let’s set aside money for the moment. What do you want to achieve on your Honeymoon? List out every single thing you’d like to achieve, whether it’s relaxation, lasting memories, new experiences, exercise, adventure, shopping, great food – whatever you want to get out of your time together, write it down. Next, prioritize your list. Number the items from most to least important. Finally, have your fiance do the same thing.

Getting the help you need to choose a Perfect Honeymoon

Now that you’ve made your list, I’d like to point something out. You can achieve those goals at many different locations – and at any budget. It isn’t true that you must travel across the planet to have the Perfect Honeymoon. The trick is to find someone with decades of travel experience to help you make your priorities happen. Knowing your Honeymoon priorities, a good travel agent can work within your budget to make your perfect honeymoon happen.

I’d like to invite you to fill out my perfect honeymoon finder. It is a fun and fast series of questions that I use to help you choose your Perfect Honeymoon. There is no obligation to work with me further, and it is completely free. Go ahead and fill out my free Perfect Honeymoon Finder now. I’ll respond to you within 1 – 2 days, and give you an analysis that will help you find your Perfect Dream Honeymoon!

Susan