EZTravelpad

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St Thomas - a Review

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St Thomas, USVI is good choice for All Inclusive Resort

A large part of my job as a travel consultant/advisor with EZTravelPad revolves around touring, experiencing and understanding a wide variety or resorts to better be able to help people with deciding what their best choices are on their next vacation

Often there is a great deal of similarity between resorts and even between destinations, but sometimes I find something that is unique, and I believe Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St Thomas to be one of those - a family friendly resort that is not fancy, but delivers on their promise of being a laid-back spot, managed by the owners and it’s definitely the kind of place WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME!

 

 

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a family friendly resort located on the island of St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. As such, a passport is not required for US citizens to visit so this is a popular choice for those people wanting to experience an authentically Caribbean island feel without straying too far from the feel of the US. It is significantly more affordable than the other US island destination of Hawaii, which is also very popular for Honeymoons (but Hawaii does not offer all-inclusive resorts)

Couples wanting to enjoy a tropical island without the need of a passport should consider the US Virgin Islands

On the surface the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a bit primitive- not fancy or luxurious in the least, but when you scratch the surface and look a little deeper the friendly service and family feel of the resort more than make up for the rather dated accommodations.

Upon entering the resort, honestly, I was a little disheartened with what felt like a motel that hasn't changed much in the last 40 years - as depicted in this photo of the front desk

The rooms were very basic, the restaurant and common areas were not grand, and the beach was not vast

BUT- I had a total change of opinion ofter spending only an hour or so with my resort host Colleen (who quite obviously DOES know everyone's name)

Sure, Colleen was welcoming and polite and nice, as all resort management always is when hosting a travel agency having a look around - but this went a little deeper. She was more engaged with her staff and more friendly with the guests....and more American (a California transplant to the island many years ago) than most - in short, she sold me on the fact that this place is different - it's like going to your home.... in the Caribbean!!

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort may not be fancy - it's not luxurious - but it is most definitely welcoming and friendly and clean and comfortable, which is not a bad thing!

For so many people comfort and clean and friendly are more inportant than luxury and the "wow" factor, and if this describes you then this might be an excellent choice for your next vacation to the Caribbean

Honeymoon couples staying 7 nights can enjoy inclusions such as

• a sunset catamaran cruise
• a catamaran cruise to snorkel with sea turtles
• a la carte dining including lobster, steaks
• and much more...

 

Competitive pricing vs. other resorts in the USVI make this resort with an all-inclusive option a strong contender for those vacationers (especially Honeymooners)  who choose not to acquire a passport and would prefer to saty on "U.S. soil"

 

Some fun things to do include

• Paddleboarding
• Windsurfing
• Scuba lessons
• Hobie cats
• Water trikes

Oh - and napping under a palm tree - that's a fun thing too!!

There is much more to convey, so when you are ready to decide on your next vacation turn to EZTravelPad where we like to think of ourselves as - "Your friends....in the travel business"

Reviewing Atlantis - the Resort, not the Lost Continent

Atlantis is a Resort Without Compare - Truly Something Different

 

All of my life I have been fascinated with the legend of the Lost Continent of Atlantis

• Did it ever really exist?
• Where was it?
• Who lived there?
• What was their civilization like?
• What happened?

So to go to an amazing resort like Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas was not quite as exciting as considering whether a highly advanced civilization once thrived then disappeared, but after experiencing the resort for a while i was truly amazed at what DOES exist in The Bahamas

In 1994 a gentleman named Sol Kerzner purchased a troubled resort from Merv Griffin and began a 4 year process to totally remake the resort into a vision of something that has never been...an expansive resort on Paradise Island in The Bahamas featuring some of the best attractions for families of all ages....a resort featuring a marine environment of over 11 million gallons of water, 50,000 different marine animals featuring over 200 different species....lagoons and water slides and beaches and pools (oh, and a really really big casino!)

Atlantis is spectacular in scale - over 3400 rooms with varying levels of amenities designed to appeal broadly to all sorts of people interested in all sorts of things

• Swim with dolphins
• Swim with seals
• Swim with stingrays
• Golf
• Spa
• Fitness
• Shop
• Relax.....or indulge in any of dozens of other diversions....

See more in the video

 

 

Accommodations are varied from moderately priced

 

 to upscale

 

to something befitting previous guests such as Oprah Winfrey or Michael Jackson

 

Interested in some R&R - there are many, many choices like the pool near the Coral and Beach Towers

or this pool and beach area near The Cove

But so many more choices exist.

Atlantis is not something you can easily plan yourself unless you want to spend hours doing the research to determine your best fit - leave that part to a pro (a pro who will not charge any fees for their advice and expertise), like "Your friends....in the travel business" - 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!

 

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

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!

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!

 

Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay, Jamaica - a Review

Montego Bay's Holiday Inn Sunspree - Appealing to Families

The Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay, Jamaica (Mo Bay for short) is surprisingly good in some aspects, and not surprisingly (considering the cost) misses on a couple of other fronts.

In Brief- Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay is located a mere 5-10 minutes from the airport in Montego Bay, jamaica. The resort is full service and all-inclusive but with somewhat limited choices.

The 524 rooms are spread amongst over half-dozen different room blocks fronting the 1/2 mile of restored beach that also features a small private islnad just off shore.

There are nearly a half-dozen places to grab a bite to eat, but the bulk of the restaurant business is done at Portside Buffet Restaurant.

Of course there is a staffed Kid's club - of course there is a wedding staff - of course there are different bars to choose from - and yes, there is an adult section complete with pool and jacuzzi

 

 

What's good?

• Warm Jamaican smiles - you can generally count on great hospitality anywhere you go in Jamaica
• Nice Beach with private island - since the property is large and oriented along the beach there are good stretches of sandy beach
• Sorrento, the Italian restaurant was much better than I expected. Remembering that this is a modestly priced all-inclusive property I did not expect much, but the bacon wrapped filet cooked medium rare was actually cooked to medium rare and was not a bad cut. Served with friend polenta (pretty good) and a root vegetable along with an appetizing dessert, choices were good and the preparation was great.
• Coffee - Gotta love some Jamaican coffee!

 

What's not good?

• Pillows - I just can't stand the huge round overstuffed synthetic pillows
• Elevators - slow and HOT, but fortunately its a short ride to where you are going

In a general sense the entertainment was good compared to other all inclusive choices. The featured singer the night I was there was tremendous. Family daytime activities were fair with limited participation.

Would I book a family to Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay? Sure....it's a good value for the right family, and better in many aspects than competitively priced family friendly products located close by.

is it the right fit for everyone? - No.

For more info please contact EZTravelPad - we are here to help save you time and money!

1 More thing- check out the EZTravelPad's YouTube channel for some video and more              

 

 

St Regis Resort Bora Bora - A Review

St Regis - The Name Says it All

There are few brand names in the world that evoke images of  quality, elegance and opulence the way that St Regis does. For over 100 years and since it was opened by one of America's wealthiest men, John Jacob Astor IV, The St Regis Hotel in New York has been one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

St Regis became a Sheraton in 1966, then Sheraton was acquired by Starwood in 1998 and it wasn't long before Starwood began expanding the brand worldwide. One St Regis brand resort - the St Regis Bora Bora in French Polynesia, has an entrance and view that may be familiar - ever see the mediocre flick "Couples Retreat"?

Truly one of the most impressive views in the world as the sun sets over the Island of Bora Bora....

This was the view that Vince Vaughn & company took in as they first arrived at their resort renamed "Eden" in the film.

You may remember some of the other shots in this post since various locations were used in the filming, so if staying in a resort that was used as the backdrop is a bonus for you, this place may be for you.

 

 This private "plunge" pool is a part of the villa where a little known couple recently Honeymooned- I think they said their names were Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman if I remember correctly - perhaps you've heard of them?

The private patio pictured above and below are also part of this luxury villa that is available if your pockets are very, very deep....

 The St Regis in Bora Bora is one of over a dozen St Regis properties worldwide that stretch from New York to Aspen to Bora Bora to Abu Dhabi and beyond.

After visiting several luxury resorts throughout French Polynesia I have had time to reflect on my thoughts regarding St Regis Bora Bora. Actually my feelings are mixed.

I suppose I think that St Regis Bora Bora has one of the most impressive views in the world, but equally impressive are the Four Seasons and Le Meridien located in close proximity

 I also think that the St Regis sported the largest and most luxurious overwater bungalows that I visited (pictured below)

I also am confident that the bathrooms in the overwater bungalows (pictured below) were the most luxurious and offered a view of Mt Otemanu from the tub and shower-

 

 

I know that the buffet offered on the night of their Polynesian Show was impressive

 I may never again drink from a prettier coconut...

 Overall is is difficult to poke holes in a tried and true luxury experience- From the Jean-Georges restaurant on site named Lagoon - to the view - to the grounds - to the bungalows, St Regis exudes luxury and status - yet, I was left a little cold.

Our small group of travel agents were treated like Kings at every other resort we visited throughout French Polynesia. We were wined and dined by the managers at nearly every resort we visited... world-class resorts, some with equally world-class reputations, but not at St Regis. Although we enjoyed the completely engaging company of a lovely associate, upper management was curiously absent. Although we enjoyed a wonderful Polynesian buffet, the Polynesian show was substandard compared to other shows we enjoyed elsewhere.

So is St Regis somewhere I would recommend to a client? Probably

Would St Regis Bora Bora be a good choice for a Destination Wedding? Of course, and they are kid friendly

Would St Regis Bora Bora be a good choice for a Honeymoon or Romantic celebration? Absolutely - the price will keep most families away and it is a completely lovely destination with world-class services and amenities

So my humble advice is this- If value is your motive there are better choices in French Polynesia.

If you want to stay away from the Riff-Raff (as if there were any riff-raff in French Polynesia) then this might be a good choice....until Octomom or The Kardashians decide they need a vacation.....then all bets are OFF

 In any case just remember that EZTravelPad is here to help you sort it all out

Couples Resorts' Sans Souci in Ocho Rios Jamaica - a Review

Couples Sans Souci - A Great Jamaican All Adult Resort

Being a travel agency that specializes in Honeymoons, Destination Weddings and romantic escapes of all kinds, one of the most frequent questions we hear at EZTravelpad is "which resort is best?" - talk about an impossible question to answer...it's like choosing the best flavor of ice cream- so many wonderful flavors I just want to try them all! But alas, we all know we can't do that.

But I can tell you quickly that one of my favorites in Couples Sans Souci Resort in`Ocho Rios!

 

Is Couples Sans Souci right for everyone? Heck no!

So how do you knw if it's right for you? Well, one method is to hit their website and read the reviews- look at the photos - view their amenities...

But the best thing is to talk with a travel pro that can help you sort out the best options for you based on your immediate needs and requirements. Things that will impact the decision are

• Interests
• Style
• Budget
• Time Frame

All the resorts look good on paper and the photos are always awesome, but which is going to be the best fit? Which offers the right mix of fun and romance? Who has the best beach? Best pool? Which is the most romantic? Who has the best spa? If you've narrowed it down to the Caribbean, which island might be the best best?

So often the choice gets narrowed down and the island of Jamaica rises to the top, but with so many resorts in Jamaica (I can easily think of well over a dozen all adult resorts, not to mention the dozens that cater to guests of all ages) which is best? Well, that's where I can help.

If romance, seclusion, space and serenity are the order of the day, the Sans Souci is definitely a top pick.

 Couples Sans Souci is the most intimate of the 4 Couples resorts in Jamaica with only 150 luxurious rooms and suites, and given that the resort is spread out along 35 lush acres frontng the gorgeous Caribbean you can imagine how many opportunities there are for romantic moments of seclusion.

 If you are thinking of tying the knot in one of the most romantic spots in the Caribbean, then it's hard to beat this location.... a gazebo perched over the Caribbean in the midst of gardens. Awesome.

 

If you are looking for excellent yet basic accommodations with calming seablue color schemes you may have found your spot

Whether you opt for a Deluxe Ocean Suite or a Penthouse Suite you are going to find a beautiful accommodation, but if you opt for the Hibiscus Cottage you are going to find a romantic cottage nestled behind a hedge of colorful bougainvillea and situated cliff-side overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Hibiscus Cottage is the ultimate secluded hideaway. This unique accommodation features a private outdoor infinity-edge Jacuzzi, a spacious living room, large master bedroom and bathroom suite with walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi tub for two

If you would like to select a suite with a gorgeous bath of marble featuring a soaker tub with whirlpool jets then maybe this is the pick

 So sure, you are going to find a lovely suite, and the intimate nature of the resort certianly appeals to many couples interested in a romnatic getaway, Honeymoon couples, or small groups in for a Destination Wedding - but if you are looking for a party spot this one is not for you-

At EZTravelpad we have the experience and the desire to help you select the best possible resorts to fit your style and make the most of your most important vacation - the NEXT one!

We like to think of ourselves are "Your friends....in the travel business" - get with us and see how we treat our friends - I think you'll like it.