EZTravelpad

Touring and Reviewing - Secrets Maroma Beach

Secrets Maroma Beach - Adults Only Paradise in Mexico - a Review

Maroma Beach, located about half way between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, south from Cancun in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is consistently ranked as one of the world's Top 10 Beaches and for good reason- Clear blue waters, powdery white sands & water sports galore conspire to create a beach lover's paradise.

One of the highly rated adults-only all-inclusive resorts located along this fine stretch of sand is Secrets Maroma Beach. Secrets is the adults-only brand served up by AMResorts (affiliated with Apple Vacations & sister property to Dreams, Zoetry, Now & Sunscape Resorts).

 

Not every all-inclusive resort offers the same sort of affordable luxury found at Secrets Resorts.

Frequently at all inclusive resorts you find limited selections of restaurants - limited choice in all sorts of food & beverages - limited access to bars and scant choice in restaurants. Spending a week at an all-inclusive resort and feasting at the same boring buffet several days in a row can be a bummer, but with 8 restaurants (most of which are luxurious a la carte options) and 7 bars fully stocked with premium fare you will not feel that your choices are redundant.

It's not all about food & beverages though - and one of the best features at Secrets Resorts are the suites which generally offer in room jacuzzis, after all - this is a romantic escape for 2, right?

Excellent Spa facilities

 The spa facilities are great - as is the water sports area, common grounds, pool & more.

This is a fantastic place for a Honeymoon or Destination Wedding (assuming children will not be attending) also - a huge part of their business!

Check out this brief video tour

 

If there is one knock on the property it is this....  Time-share sales

I have personally encountered guests that were quite annoyed with the aggressiveness of the on-site salespeople, and so it is with some hesitancy that I suggest Secrets as a 1st choice, but if you don't mind being pestered a bit the product is fantastic

For more info on this and many other resort options in Mexico and throughout the Caribbean get with EZTravelPad - you'll be glad you did!

 

Cirque du Soleil at Moon Palace Resort in Mexico

This Just In - Amazing Entertainment in Paradise this Summer!

2 of the greatest have teamed up - Palace Resorts, one of the finest brands in all inclusive resort vacations has gotten together with Cirque du Soleil - the master of amazing production shows, and come up with another fantastic reason to visit....

 

If you have not gotten your summer vacation plans set yet then this may be a must see -

Why Palace?

With several area resorts to choose from you can't miss - whether you would prefer to experience the adults only sophisticated chic of Le Blanc Spa - or the laid back nature of Playcar Palace, tickets are comp & so is the transportation to see the show

PLUS-

If you were not already aware, on stays of 5 nights or longer Palace includes $1500+ in resort credits to be used for cool things such as swimming with dolphins, golf, spa & more -

For more info and to check availability get with your travel agent.

What, don't have one? Then get with EZTravelPad - you'll be glad you did! 

 

 

 

Secrets Capri Resort along Riviera Maya in Mexico - a Review

Reviewing & Touring Secrets Capri Resort - Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen

The smallest of the Secrets brand resorts along the scenic stretch of beach south from Cancun, Mexico known as the Riviera Maya may just be the best. Unless you are looking for more, bigger, mas, grande then Capri really is a great option.

With a scant 290 suites (by comparison some other resorts in the neighborhood are 10x larger or more!) Secrets Capri offers a great balance of choice and convenience. It's not over-the-top fancy like some resorts. There are not 20 choices of room categories. What there is though makes up for it. With 6 restaurants and 5 bars the small property offers much.

This is a good resort for a romantic getaway, an anniversary celebration, a Honeymoon or a Destination Wedding as well. At a resort like this with less than 600 guests even a small wedding party of a dozen or so will not feel lost - in fact the entire staff will likely know who is getting married and who the guests are! You can choose from a beach wedding in the sand, or something a little more stately like in this awesome gazebo

Check out this short video tour to get a better sense of rooms, beach and overall feel

 

Restaurant choices include a la carte such as

• Himatsu - Asian
• Oceana - Seafood
• Portofino - Mediterranean
• La Riviera - Mexican
• Seaside Grill - as the name implies
• Cactus Club - Taco & Ceviche Bar

Secrets is the adults-only brand from AMResorts which also offers additional family friendly brands such as Dreams, Now and Sunscape as well as the Wellness & Spa boutique resorts named Zoetry 

There are Secrets Resorts located all across Mexico as well as in Dominican Republic and Jamaica. You can see the Secrets Capri brochure at this link

So how do you know which resort is the best fit for you? What is the best way to research your next vacation?

Simple - OUTSOURCE it to your travel consultant (travel agent).

A travel agency should be able to insure that you receive the best value (value = price + service), but more importantly your travel consultant should work hard to make sure they understand what it is specifically that most interests you. Your travel consultant should act like your personal shopping concierge understanding what you want to achieve then presenting the best options to save you incredible amounts of time and frustration!

Don't have a travel consultant that you work with? Then contact EZTravelPad and see why we consider ourselves "Your friends....in the travel business"

 

Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun - a review

Reviewing Le Blanc Spa Resort (a Palace Resort) in Cancun, Mexico

 

Le Blanc Spa Resort is an adults only all-inclusive resort located in the hotel zone of Cancun, Mexico. It is located very close to the middle of the hotel zone actually, but exists a world away from what you would traditionally associate with Cancun all-inclusive resorts that often cater to the Spring Break crowd.

 

 

 

This resort is a far cry from typical and in high demand for Weddings and Honeymoons catering to the sophisticated crowd - urban chic, like something out of South Beach. You almost expect Rico Tubbs (Miami Vice) to walk around the corner at any minute...

The Beach is powdery white sand

The water is an blue as you dreamed it would be and The infinity pool says it all...

Guest Rooms

As you would expect, guest rooms are extremely well appointed and are as functional as they are luxurious featuring private balconies to enjoy the outdoors and 2 person in room jacuzzis to enjoy indoor.

Offering butler service in rooms, concierge service at the pools, Haute Cuisine in 5 a la carte restaurants and superior service at every turn, Le Blanc is very much a luxury oasis in Cancun. Nightly turndown service with petit fours, higher end bath products, pillow top beds that you will never want to leave all combine for a very nice package. See more at their website at this link

Beyond the typical amenities Le Blanc offers unlimited free phone calls back to the US, unlimited internet service, and best of all, $1500 resort credits on a 5-8 night stay (other levels exist for shorter and longer stays) that can be used for spa, room upgrades, wedding packages, swimming with dolphins, tours, golf at Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf & much more!

So can you tell that I liked it? Can you tell that I can't wait to go back?

Le Blanc is not for everyone, but if you consider yourself a person of discriminating taste that would prefer to be located close to the action and shopping in Cancun's Hotel Zone as opposed to further away down along the Riviera Maya then Le Blanc may just be for you when it's time to celebrate your Anniversary, Honeymoon, Destination Wedding or even just a luxurious retreat

Lover's Week this Valentine's Week on Wheel of Fortune Features Sandals Resorts

Sandals set to invade Wheel of Fortune Once Again

TUNE IN TO SANDALS RESORTS ROMANCE WEEK ON WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Watch Wheel of Fortune the week of February 13 for WHEEL OF FORTUNE SANDALS RESORTS ROMANCE WEEK!  You'll get to see Sandals Emerald Bay and exciting adventures from Island Routes Tours showcased throughout the week along with iconic show hosts, Pat Sajak and Vanna White, enjoying the luxurious amenities.  Each night, the program's famed wheel will feature a custom designed Sandals Resorts wedge giving players the chance to win a Luxury Included® Vacation to Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas.  The lucky winners will also receive a romantic candlelight dinner and an exciting Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours® ocean safari  in Great Exuma, Bahamas to explore the natural wonders of the Exuma Cays.  Wheel of Fortune "Wheel Watchers Club" members can win the same romantic getaway if their SPIN ID number is displayed during a Romance week episode.  Plus, each of the "Prize Puzzles" will also offer "Wheel Watchers Club" members an exclusive opportunity to win dream Caribbean vacations to other Sandals Resorts destinations.

Sandals offers the perfect resort experience to enjoy a memorable Destination Wedding, your dream Honeymoon or the romantic escape you have been looking forward to for years..... When you are ready to discuss your very own luxury included Sandals vacation you can go to the internet - go to the call center, or go for help - EZTravelPad is here to help. At EZTravelPad you will find complimentary help and best price - it's a win-win

Perfect Valentine's Day Present - give them Enrique Iglesias

Give the Gift of Enrique and $1500 resort credits as a bonus!

Palace Resorts in the Cancun area offer free tickets to Enrique Iglesias show

This is your chance to catch international sensation Enrique Iglesias in concert at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort. With worldwide hits like "Bailamos", "Hero", "Be with You", "I Like It" and "Tonight I'm Loving You", concert attendees will be treated to a performer that Billboard has called The King of Latin Pop.

Details:

Receive 2 Free tickets to ENRIQUE IGLESIAS Concert at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort when you stay at the following Cancun area Palace resorts - Beach Palace, Sun Palace, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Playacar Palace and Le Blanc Spa Resort.

Stay a minimum of 7 nights and travel between March 4-16. This is a perfect opportunity to get out of winter and into the sun & fun - plus take advantage of $1500 in resort credits in addition to the show!

Get with EZTravelPad early today for a confirmation that can be the perfect gift for your perfect Valentine - and will create a memory to last a lifetime....

El Dorado Royale Resort in Riviera Maya - a Review

El Dorado Royale- Reviewing an Adults-only All-Inclusive Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Recently I had occasion to spend a few days with my wife at El Dorado Royale, an adults only all inclusive resort south of Cancun, Mexico along the Mayan Riviera - or Riviera Maya. The verdict? Very good - read on for more of the review........

El Dorado Royale is conveniently located only about 25 minutes from the international airport in Cancun and is comprised of 2 sections - El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas. The 171 Casita suites are larger and feature private plunge pools and swim-up pools as well as mostly being located in closer proximity to the beach. Interested in experiencing a luxury suite with an outdoor shower? This may be right for you!

Casita Suite at El Dorado

El Dorado Royale features 476 suites that all include 2 person in room jacuzzi tubs. There is no separation between the two resorts in one, all guests are welcome to use the facilities, bars and restaurants in either section.

Jacuzzi Jr Suite at El Dorado

El Dorado is the adults-only brand of Karisma resorts, a resort chain that also includes the family friendly brand - Azul.

The adults only nature of this all inclusive resort makes it a perfect destination for Honeymoon couples and a great place for a Destination Wedding if there will be no children involved

Since I specialize in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings this was much more a business trip than a vacation (although I did celebrate a significant birthday while there). We spent alot of time checking out the wide variety of restaurants, bars and entertainment options. The highlight? Cuisine

Gourmet Inclusive

Karisma Resorts market themselves as "Gourmet Inclusive" meaning that they pay particular attention to the details of both food and beverages offered. With 10 restaurants and 13 bars (10 of them are swim-up bars) you certainly don't need to go far to satisfy whatever appetite you have - and the quality of the offerings is quite good. In fact, many of the vegetables and herbs served are grown right on the property in a series of greenhouses that offer a plentiful wealth of organic food choices. Locally grown just doesn't get any more local than this! BTW- I recommend checking out the tequila tastings - I never even knew that there was a tequila that was almost like Bailey's Irish Cream!

Video

See more of El Dorado in this short video tour from our trip

Pools and Entertainment

With a wide variety of water sports, tennis courts, complimentary bicycles and 13 swimming pools you are certain to find plenty to do - and that doesn't even mention the activities that are abundant - from water volleyball to water polo and plenty of other diversions, boredom is not an option- but relaxing sure is (had a couple of mid-afternoon naps and loved it).

In considering the service, quality, amenities and price I would have to rate this as one of my favorite resort stays. Sure, there were a few hiccups, there always are - but the attention to detail and willingness of the staff to go the extra mile was evident on a daily basis. A couple of the meals and dining experiences were only above average, others were very, very good.

So what does it mean to go the extra mile? Like I mentioned, I did celebrate a birthday while there, and that afternoon not only did I return to a drawn bubble bath with rose petals floating - but I also found this on the bed...

 

So is this the right resort for everyone? Of course not. So how do you know if it's the right resort for you? Ask your travel professional. If you don't have one then give EZTravelPad a call - we would love to hear from you and we would love to help!

Santa, Elvis & Michael Jackson - what do they have in common?

It's Christmas Time - so where is Elvis and Michael?

This Christmas I see Santa impersonators everywhere. They are in stores, on TV, in the parade and more. There once was a time, not so long ago, that the most popular impersonator was the Santa. Then something wonderful happened - Elvis.

Hmmm.... Elves - Elvis a connection?

Elvis gave us so much, perhaps not as much as Santa, but hey- Santa never sang Blue Christmas now did he? Elvis was to be short-lived though - he died far too young and left us with only memories - and impersonators. All manner of Elvi (is that the plural of Elvis?) now roam the countryside in search of cheap gigs. Some are good, most are not - but given that Elvis works 24/7/365 and Santa really only works from Thanksgiving to Christmas, my unscientific analysis indicates that there are now more Elvis than Santa impersonators so Elvis is now number 1

But for how long? As Yoda once said - "there is another" - Yes Santa fans, I now predict that within the next decade or two, Santa will have fallen to number 3 behind Elvis and.....Michael Jackson.

If my recent trips to the Cancun and the Riviera Maya resort areas are any indication there will one day soon be more Michael Jackson impersonators than Santa - and perhaps even more than Elvis (although given the obesity epidemic it is far easier to go the Elvis route).

See the show at Fiesta Americana

  

Michael is Everywhere

There are today, as we speak, legions - well, maybe not legions, but groups - definitely groups - of Michael Jackson troupes practicing right now for the show tonight - and tomorrow night, and next month. They are rehearsing for the gig at the resort, at the arena, at the bar, and yes - for the Cirque du Soleil show. See this link - think that will be awesome or what?

Maybe the whole process will occur within the next year - perhaps this is what the Mayans foresaw - Michael Jackson performances throughout Mexican resorts and the end of the world....Hmmm.....

What are the Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations Today?

Is the most popular choice the right choice for YOU?

With so many choices for Honeymoons these days, how do you know what is the right choice for you?

is it about the perfect sunset photo shoot on the perfect beach?

 

Caribbean? - Hawaii? - Mexico? - Florida? - South Pacific? - Europe?

There are many, many possibilities for destinations to choose from when you are thinking about your Honeymoon or Destination Wedding, and there are many factors to consider-

• How much time can you afford?
• What do you want to experience?
• How does budget play into it?
• Do you need a passport?
• What about safety?
• Resort - Tour or Cruise?

EZTravelPad can help you quickly narrow down your choices to the most suitable, and offer you expert advice as to what else you should be thinking about - after all, an expert knows more- right?

So what are the most popular choices for Honeymoons these days?

Well, in my experience the vast majority of couples that I talk to want to experience something unique- something that neither of them have experienced before so that they can make new memories together, and in general it is usually ranked something like this-

1. Tropical - Romantic - Beach
2. Cruise
3. Close to home - a romantic Bed & Breakfast 2-8 hour drive from home
4. Tour Europe

So let's look today at #1 - Tropical resort This can mean Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, South Pacific, somewhere even more exotic...

By far - about 80% of EZTravelPad clients choose either Caribbean or Mexico. Many people make their selection based on preconceived ideas about safety - affordability - beauty - status.

Obviously safety is a paramount concern. Nothing is more important to EZTravelPad - and all of our travel partners - than your safety! Many people see negative press about Mexico or specific Caribbean islands and rule them out. I am not here to change anyone's mind - I am here to help you make the best choice possible given your particular wants, needs and desires. I happen to love Mexico, and the value that it presents to the US traveler, so would urge you to consider it - or if not, then it's a really big world with plenty of other choices!

Budget & Value-

Sometimes price and value are confused. At EZtravelPad we always strive to acheive the maximum value for our clients. One of the best ways to acheive MAX value is by selecting an all-inclusive resort. Most all-inclusive resorts are located in-

• Cancun / Riviera Maya area of Mexico
• Jamaica
• Dominican Republic

At an all-inclusive resort (and there is a very wide variety ranging from budget to luxury) typically food and beverages plus entertainment and non-motorized water sports are included in the price.

Some resorts - such as Sandals Resorts also include motorized water sports such as water sking & scuba diving- even golf....unlimited! Sandals Resorts are very good and are located in Jamaica, Bahamas, St Lucia and Antigua

Palace Resorts are another great choice. Palace Resorts are located in Dominican Republic and throughout many areas of Mexico. Palace offers $1500 in resort credits that can be used for scuba, tours, spa, romantic dinners, golf & more. This is a great value and allows MAX flexibility & choice!

There are some other great choices as well...

BUT- all-inclusive resorts are not necessarily for everyone. If you are the type that wants to get out and experience the destination to it's fullest - meet the people - eat the food - live the culture, then an all inclusive resort experience is probably not the best choice. If you are the type who likes fine dining offering tremendous choice and is not afraid to pay for it, then a more "Americanized' resort may be your best option, and they exist EVERYWHERE.

You may be interested in a destination like Hawaii or South Pacific or Europe where all inclusive resorts simply do not exist - no worries, at EZTravelPad we are completely familiar with all types of EP resorts- from high-rise in Hawaii to private-island in French Polynesia. Consider this- will the OTA (online travel agency such as Expedia, Orbitz, etc) personally email the sales manager at the resort and let them know to expect you - and what to expect from you? Unlikely

Choice

So is your Honeymoon or Destination Wedding all about the beach?

the party?

the food?

the tranquility?

the adventure?

the spa?

the service?

the destination?

the room?

 How you answer those questions plays a very important role in determining which will be your best choice, and it is very difficult (if not impossible) to make the right choice based on the price and photos you find on the internet.

Adults Only vs Family Friendly

Often times Honeymoon couples want their Honeymoon experience to take place at an adults only resort. There are great options here, and again, Sandals leaps to mind as they are exclusively for adult couples only. Honeymoon couples make up the majority of guests at a Sandals Resort. Sometimes, particularly if a Destination Wedding involves children, then the adults only aspect is not possible. in that case there are still many, many choices- but I want to suggest that a primary concern at that point should be service - you want your most important vacation to go flawlessly and a more service oriented (and often higher end) resort may be the best choice.

How Can You Make The Most Informed Decision?

Here is the best advice you will receive- work with a travel professional....especially a travel pro that specializes in Romance Travel. In most cases the cost will be the same as you would achieve doing things yourself on the internet or going directly to the resort/airline/cruiseline....plus you will most certainly experience a higher grade of service and impartial advice to help you make the best choice.

Experience

Experience can mean many things. Is someone who has worked behind a desk for 20+ years your best source for feedback? Is your cousin, who went to Jamaica on her Honeymoon the best source for info? My belief is that experience is best when it's broad, and part of that broad base of experience is only achived by getting out and seeing - getting out and experiencing destinations and resort brands first hand - on the ground.

I have personally spent 33 days out of country this year alone- in 5 different countries - 8 different islands - visiting well over 60 different resorts, all in an effort to help my clients make the best choice possible when it comes to THEIR most important vacation. It's hard work, but it is so rewarding!

At EZTravelPad we work with select wholesale vacation packagers - and directly with resorts to insure that you achieve the best possible value AND service. Work with a travel pro that you trust, that knows the destinations, and that understands what it is that you are trying to experience. At EZTravelPad we like to think of ourselves as "Your friends....in the travel business" - so when it's time to make your plans make the call or send the email - you'll be glad that you did.

 

A Quick Trip to St Lucia - Paradise in the Caribbean at Sandals Resorts

St Lucia is a Gorgeous Tropical Paradise Perfect for a Honeymoon or Destination Wedding at Sandals

I recently had an opportunity to take a quick trip to St Lucia visiting the 3 Sandals resorts on the island. An early morning flight on a charter out of Chicago took us to the jewel of the Caribbean. A stunningly beautiful tropical paradise fitting the praise bestowed upon it by Oprah Winfrey a few years back.

When you see photos of St Lucia, 9 times out of 10 you will be seen the high vocanic peaks of The Pitons - A World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since I was on the island for less than 24 hours (and all of that time was spent visiting Sandals resorts on the other end of the island) I did not have a chance to get a good look at The Pitons, but rest assured that even if you don't (and YOU SHOULD), the drive from the airport to the resorts on the Northwest side of the island is still absolutely gorgeous along the winding roads moving vertically up and down mountains all along the route - about an hour long trip.

The Bachelor

A couple of years ago The Bachelor (another in a long line of mediocre reality shows in the US) was filmed in St Lucia at Jade Mountain - a resort that features 3 walled suites with the missing 4th wall being an open air unobstructed view of the Pitons. This was instrumental in St Lucia solidifying it's standing as THE #1 destination for Honeymoons and Destination Weddings for US couples interested in a tropical paradise in the Western Hemisphere. Although there are numerous resort choices, the clear leader is Sandals - a Jamaican born resort company catering to Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, and all manner of romantic escapes. Sandals offers 3 resorts on the island (Sandals Grande St Lucian, Regency La Toc, and Halcyon Beach), and the ability to Stay at 1 Play at 3.

Halcyon Beach

Sandals Halcyon Beach is the smallest and most tropically intimate of the 3 Sandals resorts on St Lucia. Lushly tropical with a nice beach and a laid back atmosphere. Restaurant choices are somewhat limited, but with 2 other Sandals in the neighborhood, great restaurant choices abound with a total of 21 restaurants between the 3 resorts.

Check out a brief video

  

So if a quiet, romantic escape to a tropical paradise is for you then as you can see, Halcyon Beach is a great choice.

If a lively atmosphere or more luxurious accommodations are more to your liking then Sandals Grande St Lucian or Sandals Regency La Toc are excellent options, and EZTravelPad will be discussing them in greater detail in other posts so stay tuned - and as always, when you are planning for a leisure vacation trip turn to EZTravelPad for best advice and best pricing!