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
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- 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!
It's tough to beat a leisurely breakfast at a great restaurant - or a good restaurant in a great location. I'm not sure I have been anywhere quite this good before. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on a bright, warm but comfortable morning in paradise -
now imagine that you are spending your morning breakfast just a few meters away from the dolphin experience at Cancun's Interactive Aquarium
See the video to get a look
The Juga de Limon is located at the La Isla Shopping Center along the "7" in the hotel zone of Cancun, Mexico. It's hard to believe that a good breakfast (full breakfast) in such a great location is available for only $10.50..try it - you will not be disappointed.
When you are ready for more tips and insights into making your vacation the best that it can be, check with EZTravelpad - we are here to help (oh, and there's also that best price guarantee thingy...)
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.....
Mexico Offers Great Value in Resort Vacations + Safety
Friendly staff at Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya
I just returned from the Cancun and Rivera Maya area of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. I know what you are thinking, how can I be writing this blog post with my head cut off, right? Well I am living proof that not every tourist to the resort areas of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera gets killed or kidnapped. In fact, I was traveling with a rather large group of travel agents and none of us even got so much as Montezuma's Revenge - (although I think one lady had a bit of a hangover one morning).
Poolside at Grand Velas in Riviera Maya
Contrary to popular myth, the tourist areas have been largely spared from the violence revolving around the Mexican drug cartel wars - and in particular, the Yucatan Peninsula and tourist areas of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera (the 100+Km stretch of gorgeous beaches south from Cancun) are a world away from trouble - unless trouble means another shot of tequila, then you got plenty of trouble there!
Seriously, it is a completely wonderful area for tourists with scores of excellent resorts that offer all manner of vacation fun.
wine lover? Dreams Riviera Cancun might be for you
Looking for a 4 Diamond or 5 Star resort experience? There are plenty of choices.
Interested in a budget all-inclusive? They've certainly got that covered.
Looking for a perfect Honeymoon or Destination Wedding location? Great Choice!
Want to experience the real Mexican culture at a boutique hotel in a quaint Mexican town? ok
Seeking Adventures like Zip-lining, cave tubing, water skiing, para sailing? You sure can
Want to dive in a world class reef - even dive with Whale Sharks? You can do that too!!
Hunting for a great place for a family vacation - kids stay free at many family friendly resorts
Time to hit the links with some of your golfing friends? Fantastic courses!!
Americans Are Absent - But Other Nationalities Are Loving the Value
I have spent 12 nights in the area recently, during 2 separate trips, mostly revolved around visiting a wide variety of resorts so that I can better serve my client base. During one conversation with the manager of one of the Fiesta Americana resorts I learned that a few years ago Americans made up the largest majority of vacationers at the resort. Today US tourists are 5th as a group behind Brits, Brazilians, Japanese & Chinese - in no particular order....5th!!
As I sat in the spa one day during a treatment (gotta love the $1500 resort credits at Palace Resorts!) I had a conversation with a very intelligent gentleman from England. He had been to the area many times, and was well traveled in general. I asked him if the bad press was negatively deterring British from enjoying Mexico as a vacation spot and he related- absolutely not. His opinion was that it was strictly a US prejudice that is primarily fueling the hype...that the significant influx of Hispanic migration to the US in search of jobs over the past couple of decades has contributed to the perception of Mexico being unsafe for tourism....he makes a good point and may be on to something.
I don't claim to have all the answers -and there certainly is significant gang-on-gang violence in the country - WAY too much. Keep in mind though that it is far removed from the tourist areas that millions enjoy every year. There are literally dozens and dozens and dozens or resorts to choose from (so many that the help of a travel pro is quite helpful - wink wink), and the trouble you hear about on the evening news is generally 1000 miles away - or more.
Danger is everywhere in this world, and I'm not going to quit swimming in the ocean because there are sharks in there - I'm not going to forgo a trip to California because of gang violence in Compton - nor will I move from the Midwest because a tornado could hit - be smart, choose wisely, but don't dismiss Mexico as a great destination for a fantastic destination!!
And when you are ready to thin kabout it - give EZTravelPad a shout - we're here to help...
The recipe for the perfect Margarita is right here, and here's the beauty - the ingredients need not be fancy! You really don't need to step up to Jose Cuervo 1800 or Herradura or El Viejo Luis
Pssst- hey "other" hotels - this is a really great birthday gift for your guest!
Oh sure, I could give you the history of tequila - explain the process of making tequila - tell you which brands of tequila are the best and which brands to avoid - explain the difference between agave and mescal, but no. I am simply going to tell you this- buy whatever you want, follow this mixture and the results will be good.
You can use cheap tequila - you can use cheap triple sec, you can use cheap mixer - the secret is in proportions. The secret is in using VERY little mixer!
The Perfect Margarita
Fill blender almost full with cubed ice
Pour tequila into blender to the 20oz mark
Add Triple Sec to 28oz mark
Add Margarita Mixer (or fresh squeezed limes and lemons) to 40oz mark
Blend for only about 2-4 seconds, just enough to mix well and maintain "the rocks" but way less than blending it "frozen"
Pour into a Margarita glass with salted rim and enjoy on a hot day!
Basically this is giving you about a 5oz Tequila - 2oz Triple sec - 3oz mixer ratio
Yes, it's strong- but apparently (and I REALLY don't know how this happened) my mix is a little less strong than the standard. I can assure you though, that my mix is heavier on tequila than you may be used to at Margaritaville
No, you don't want to have very many
Yes, you should make sure the women's clothes are securely fastened because they could fall off after a few.....
But seriously, I have made this recipe many, many times for many, many people - and even those who are not fond of strong drinks love it - just don't plan on driving home....
Looking for something a little different? What do you think about a 5 night concert festival headlined by Buckcherry, Queensryche, Hinder, Filter, Living Colour, Candlebox, Hellyeah, In This Moment, Sick Puppies, Sevendust, Lynam, Broken Teeth, Rival Sons & More - Hmmm?
Now how about if the festival takes place on a beautiful ship floating to Cozumel & Costa Maya for 5 nights - sound interesting?
The ship is sailing
It's your chance to party with some of the top names in rock
Aventura Spa Palace is located between Akumal and Playa del Carmen - about an hour from Cancun and right in the heart of one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world...
Q- Who goes to Aventura Spa Palace?
A- Adults - who like spa vacations and girlfriend getaways & couples looking for a high value luxury all-inclusive vacation
Q- Who likes Girlfriend getaways?
A- Girlfriends.... and guys looking for girlfriends!! (seriously, travel agents often hear about the exploits of the women and/or men who hooked up while on vacation, so if you are single......)
Q- How's the beach?
A- See for yourself... Check out the live webcam and see live beach shots - right now at this link
Q- What are the rooms like?
A- Rooms feature-
Balconies (all rooms)
Hammocks (most rooms)
Double Jacuzzi (all rooms)
Combination of ocean views (premium) and garden view rooms
Q- What's included?
A- Resort features-
Beach coves
Freestyle pool
3 outdoor Jacuzzis
Swim-up bars
Cross current pool
Lap pool
Indoor liquid sound pool w/2
Waterfalls
Daily activities
3 lit tennis courts (at Aventura Cove Palace)
Kayaks & snorkeling
Spa facilities ($)
Fitness center
Aerobics room
Spinning room
Yoga hut
Obstacle course
Climbing tower
Meditation pond
Themed parties or shows nightly
Andromeda disco at Aventura Cove Palace
Q- So what's the cost?
A- 5 nights from about $1375pp includes RT air and tranfers based on double occupancy (exact price varies based on point of departure)
Q- So children are not allowed?
A- No, but there is a sister property next door that is family friendly, so if you wanted to come join us but bring the kids along, there is that option
We are going to have a great time enjoying the pool, the spa, the beach, the entertainment, the food and the drinks! Hopefully you can come join us- if interested please contact EZTravelpad ASAP for best possible pricing
Excellence Riviera Cancun or iberostar Paraiso Beach?
I have heard such good things about the Excellence Resorts that I really want to check them out during the 3 days previous to our stay at El Dorado Royale from Oct 3-6(EZTravelPad is going on the road from Sep 30-Oct 6)
I really like the all adult aspect of the all-inclusive option, for a couple of reasons.
1- Obviously, no children. It's quieter- and cleaner. There is no 6 year old little girl staring at me as I munch my baked potato....although that can be very cute.
2- More luxurious. The all adult resorts by nature tend to be nicer, more luxurious and offer superior amenities. Better beds, pillows, nicer sheets, just better.
Now here's the dilemma- I don't know which one to choose - I can't decide. As a travel agent/consultant/adviser, I need to eventually experience both, but which one from Sep 30 - Oct 3? I would really like to share this experience with some other friends!
Most of the people who would want to join us are adult couples (or singles) without children, but many are pinching pennies- so go with the upgrade to Premium liquors vs. well brands and better dining choices or save a few hundred for other options?
Some people may want to join us, but would like to bring the kids - or perhaps stay at a good all-inclusive resort that prices a bit lower than the more luxurious All Adult resorts, and for that the Iberostar resorts are a great choice.
So- YOU make the call - it's YOUR turn to vote - Where do YOU want to go this fall?
Option #1 Excellence Riviera Cancun
Sep 30 - Oct 3 from about $885pp including RT Air + Transfers + "Gold" package trip insurance
3 Nights in Paradise - All Adults & All Inclusive
Here is a feel for what is included
24-hour room service Mini-bar in room stocked daily with water, juices, soft drinks, beer and snacks In-room amenities including bathrobes, slippers, coffee/tea maker, laptop-size electronic in-room safe, hairdryer, iron, twice-daily housekeeping service and more
Pool and beach waiter service Fully equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment
Wifi and unlimited use of business center computers
Use of Hobie Cats, sea kayaks, windsurf board and snorkeling gear
Introductory scuba lesson
Nightly entertainment
Tennis clinics
Game room
Library
Daily activities including aerobics, water aerobics, water polo, yoga, jogging, Spanish lessons, dancing lessons, cooking lessons, theme nights, beach volleyball, beach football, tennis, basketball, bicycles, table tennis, darts, billiards, board games, archery, air rifle shooting
Iberostar is one of the successful Spanish chains of All-Inclusive that have become such a sensation throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Other Spanish chains such as Barcelo and RIU can also be found in destinations across Mexico, Dominican Republic & other Caribbean islands.
People love them - the quality is good - the value is great.
Iberostar Paraiso Beach is located between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen - only about 15 minutes from the Cancun airport. it's BIG - HUGE....in fact this place is so big and spread out that they have their own train running every 15 minutes to get you from points A to B to M
As with most all inclusives, there are a wealth of inclusions such as:
aerobics, shooting, archery, basketball, cycling, beach volleyball, billiards, boccia, catamarans, football, gymnastics, kayaking, aqua gym, the scuba clinic, snorkelling, table tennis, tennis and windsurfing, and free use of the fitness room.
What do you give up?
Intimacy, the luxurious nature of an adults only resort, a higher level of quality
What is the advantage? A larger resort at a lower price - about $550pp (so about $300pp less than Excellence). Remember- this pricing is including RT flights, transfers & trip insurance! BUT, as with any quotes, it is subject to change at any time, and is simply an estimate which will vary depending on your point of departure.
So- the choice is YOURS. Nice and big and less expensive, or VERy nice and adults only and spend a few more $$
Where do we go? We need to decide quickly, so let me know what you think ASAP at EZTravelPad
We sure hope you can join us from Sep 30 - Oct 3 (it's a weekend!) or even extend to Oct 6 when we move down to El Dorado Royale - now THAT is going to be a party that you can read more about here !!
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