EZTravelpad

Shaggy to Perform at Sandals in Bahamas

Shaggy Concert Set For Nov 2, 2103 at Sandals Royal Bahamian

 

Oh man... I sure wish I could pop down to Nassau to catch Shaggy at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort...

Shaggy is THE MAN!!

The resort is gorgeous - the private island is fantastic - and the food & beverage are excellent

If you have a hole in your schedule you should check it out - see more about Sandals Royal Bahamian at this link

 

Honeymoon Planning - Don't be Late

For Best Results Plan Early!

 

 

I often see articles suggesting that you should plan to book your Honeymoon 4 to 6 months in advance and often that is fine, but frequently it is far too late!

Depending on the destination you have in mind, and the type of experience you desire, reservations should be confirmed more like 10-11 months in advance

If you are headed to Orlando, FL or Las Vegas, NV for example there are dozens of flights that can get you from where you are to where you want to be at decent rates even 30-60 days in advance, but if you are interested in  something a bit more off the beaten path such as St Lucia or Grenada or Bora Bora then you had better reserve your spots several months previous or be prepared for overnight layovers and significantly higher prices

 
The Pitons in St Lucia- view from an open wall suite with in-room infinity pool at Jade Mountain

 

Additionally, if you are thinking you would like to enjoy something really special such as a swim-up suite or a private plunge pool or even an overwater bungalow then you need to remember that those are the first to be reserved, often more than a year in advance so plan accordingly!

Your best advice is to get with a travel planning specialist at your earliest convenience, as soon as you have your wedding date established,  so that you and your Honeymoon specialist can work through your best alternatives

 

EZTravelPad is a travel agency specializing in Honeymoon and Destination Wedding planning. If you are not currently working with a travel consultant then get in touch with "Your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelPad

ReTie "The Knot"....Renew your Vows in Paradise

Vow Renewal is a Hot New Trend

Ready to do something special for your spouse? Is it time to plan a very special anniversary celebration? Thinking about relighting the fire in your relationship?

Vow Renewal ceremonies are a very popular trend at Caribbean destinations. Perhaps you really wanted that beach wedding several years ago, but family pressures or logistics prevented it from happening....so why not do it now? You can get away with just your spouse - or you can include yourselves and a few close friends - or the whole family & all of your friends can join in the celebration.

Many resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico are getting in on the trend and offering some excellent packages with everything already thought through and professionally prepared - and often the complete ceremony is even FREE!

• Beautiful Beachfront Location
• Officiant
• Flowers
• Music
• Cake
• Reception
• and much more...

Sandals Resorts offers a complete package much like a Destination Wedding ceremony - see complete details at this link

For more info, ideas and complete details on how to celebrate your marriage in style...no matter how long since your last ceremony....contact EZTravelPad Today!

 

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"

New Sandals Resort in Grenada set to open in December 2013

Sandals La Source Look Fantastic

The announcement has finally been made - Sandals La Source in Grenada will be accepting reservations for December 2013 beginning in 2 days - March 23, 2013

The anticipation has been high, and with good reason - based on these renderings (photos will be available soon I am certain) the newest Sandals resort - La Source in Grenada looks terrific. Check out some of what you can expect below-

 The pool in the Tahitian Village section

 

Swim out suites in the more exclusive Italian Village

 

The Oceanview Sky Pool Suites....

Be among the first to enjoy this exciting new Sandals property located in Grenada and featuring-

                            o     231 rooms and suites

o    3 villages: Pink Gin Village, Tahiti Village, and Italian Village

o    Just minutes from the airport

o    9 restaurants including a world class steakhouse restaurant – Butch’s Chophouse

o    3 pools plus 2 river pools

o    State of the art fitness center and spa

o    Meeting facilities

o    75 butler suites including millionaires suites, rondovals and skypool suites

 

                            o    Romantic soaking tubs in all rooms and suites in the Tahiti and Italian villages

Continuing with the all inclusive format for adult couples only, Sandals La Source will be perfect for Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, and romantic escapes of all sorts.

The resort opens for reservations Mar 23 for arrivals beginning December 12

So you know what to do now - right?
Contact "Your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelPad

More Butler Suites Now At Sandals Grande Riviera

Does More Butler Suites = Lower Prices?

Recently the Sandals Grande Riviera resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica has reclassified many of the villa suites up on the hillside of the Manor section and now they all include butler service!

This is a huge deal - especially since it does not appear that prices have increased...yet

If you have experienced the Butler service at Sandals you know exactly what I'm talking about, and if you haven't yet experienced it now is a perfect time to see what the fuss is all about at a very affordable rate

To learn more about how a butler can enhance your vacation experience check out this link

Imagine, a villa on the hillside at Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios - with a semi-private pool and butler service at a price comparable to an entry level room at a competing resort....unbelievable!

The Sandals Grande Riviera resort is an excellent choices for either a Honeymoon or a Destination Wedding - and these semi-private poolside villas can be a perfect solution for guests in the wedding party - talk about a party to remember!

 

The Sandals Grande Riviera is a lively, fun and social resort that additionally offers the type of privacy shown above....plus great dining choices, many entertainment choices, gorgeous tropical gardens and a nice beach with beverage services all combine to make this a must visit resort - see more at the video here

 

 

For more info get with an expert who has been there and can guide you to your best choice - contact "Your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelPad

 

Reviewing Sandals Royal Bahamian

A Review of Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in Nassau, Bahamas

 

The storied history of the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort is enough reason to put it on the radar of any vacation seeking couple looking for a couples only resort in the tropics

 In its heyday, the Balmoral Club on Nassau in the Bahamas, hosted luminaries, Hollywood stars, and entertainers. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Nixon, and the Beatles, are all said to have frequented the popular hotspot. This chic, high society club that was once part of the resort’s property, inspired the new Balmoral Tower at Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Having recently toured the Balmoral Tower shortly after it's Grand Re-Opening I can tell you that is is in fine shape - gorgeous and stately.

The Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort is an all inclusive resort that serves adult couples exclusively. It is for that reason that many Honeymoon and Anniversary celebrating couples are drawn to the classy resort just a few miles from downtown Nassau

Check out this video tour to get a good feel for the property-

 

 

 

The recent remodeling of the Balmoral Tower and other upgrades totaling $17 Million was prompted after a bit of storm damage occurred. The refurbishment though, was much more than just cosmetics - there were large balconies added to many of the rooms which now make this one of the most desired properties in the Bahamas

 Another much smaller aspect of the remodel were the additions of some beachside firepits that add greatly to the romance of the evening

Newely added Firepits along the beach pictured below

 

But it's not all about the Balmoral Tower - this resort consists of several buildings and many private villas for a total of 402 rooms and suites spread across 15 acres of beautiful Bahamian landscape located only 10 minutes from the airport

With numerous buildings there are many, many different room category choices with views ranging from good to awesome and service ranging from luxury to concierge to butler level!

Sandals offers it's butler level guests a special perk, complimentary private transportation from the airport in one of their Mercedes or Rolls Royce Sedans

 

Butler level guests are also afforded some of the most amazing rooms and suites in the Bahamas-

Often I hear people say that "the room doesn't matter - we won't be spending that much time in it anyway", but as you can see from this photo....Location matters!!

I mean, can't you just picture yourself reclining until late into the night on your lounge - sipping a fine wine - listening to the surf just a few meteres away....

Beyond the history and the accommodations and the inclusions-

10 Restaurants including French, Italian, Asian and Seafood a la carte options are featured so you will never get bored with the selection of cuisine-

Looking for something to do?Try the Red Lane Spa or Nightly Themes Parties and Entertainment -

Plus on land

• Table Tennis
• Shuffleboards
• Bocce Ball
• Pool
• Day/Night Tennis
• Fitness Center

• Board Games
• Basketball
• Beach Volleyball
• Billiards

and involving water....

• Canoes/Kayaks
• Windsurfing
• 7 Pools, 6 Whirlpools
• Water Trikes
• Sailboats
• Hydrobikes

• 2 Swim-up Pool Bars
• Hobie Cats
• Snorkeling
• Scuba Diving
• Misting Pool

 

One of the nice aspects of this resort is the ability to use the Sandals "Private Island" known as Sandals Cay. This island takes getting away from it all to a wholes new level.

Out on the private island you will find

• Restaurant
• Pool
• Swim up bar
• Whirlpool
• 2 beaches
• Snorkeling

• Secluded spots
• Beachside cabanas
• Zen garden

So there is no getting bored no matter how long you decide to stay

Another piece of trivia - The Beatles filmed "Another Girl" from the movie "Help" on this same private island!

 

Even if you want nothing more than to get away from it all there are options- like this hammock...........

 All in all Sandals Royal Bahamian is a fantastic option for an adults only couples getaway - be it a Honeymoon, Destination Wedding, Anniversary celebration, best friends getaway or just a much needed escape from bad weather...

For more info on this and many other resorts in the Caribbean and beyond get in touch with EZTravelPad.

Experience the EZTravelPad difference and see why we like to think of ourselves as "Your friends....in the travel business"

 

Feel the Need for Therapy? - Try Vacation Therapy

Vacation Therapy is Here Now - Take the Cure!

That's right - sometimes you just need to catch a little fresh air in a different place to clear your head - rejuvenate - recharge

There are dozens of offers ranging from 2 for 1 - to Frre air - to shipboard credits - to - Free hotel nights - to pre-paid gratuities and much more...

But the main thing is to get the help you deserve - the help that EZTravelPad can offer - help that is all complimentary!

Call us now and get started living

 

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"