Garza Blanca Los Cabos Resort

March 2022

Garza Blanca is new in Cabo but has been in Puerto Vallarta for a long time. So I had to see it here in Cabo. It’s beautiful, modern and new!

There are 8 different pools located inside the horseshoe of the building. Each had a different character or purpose. Some had kids playing, another was for laps, one was adult only, so everyone can find a pool they like.

The lobby was very light and airy with very tall ceilings. It wasn’t open air and felt good to get out of the heat but there were huge sliders facing the water that could open up the wall if the weather was cool.

The rooftop pool was really nice, and adult only. The views were so gorgeous with the infinity pool.

The Spa was also expansive and they saved the best view for the relaxation area with the lounges. An open air wall high up in the hotel with unobstructed views.

There were a few restaurants but not as many as the other resorts that have an all inclusive option. Garza Blanca has the choice of AI or EP.

Rooms are really pretty, very light and large terraces all with a hammock.

They have so many options for large families like 2, 3 and 4 bedroom options.

Las Ventanas Al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort

March 2022

What a beautiful resort!!! It was even more than I thought it was going to be. Much admired for its architecture and artistry, also the resort’s approach to landscaping is key to its look and feel. Designed to be in harmony and oneness with the local ambiance, the external color scheme reflects the white of the sands and ocean surf.

The lobby is absolutely gorgeous, the openness, the views and the design. There is no check in desk as they are all done privately in your suite.

Look at the blue water!

I love the white buildings against the blue water.

The beachfront accommodations are practically on the beach. There is the adult only pool right in front of them too. The terraces are so beautiful and the rooftops as well.

The open air restaurants and pools never seem crowded. The resort was at full capacity and you’d never be able to tell.

Strolling around the resort, a zero entry pool is popular with kids. A great spot for tequila tasting and a yoga pavilion.

The Spa is relaxing and fits so well into the environment. It’s lush and beautiful, the perfect spot to spend a few hours. The fitness center is very nice too.

The mini golf is adorable and on the way to a family favorite area.

Kids love the lazy river and the cave! It’s a great area with a restaurant there too. I love the Rosé All Day area with the pink bean bag chairs.

Las Ventana’s is such a pretty resort that is great for families or adult only. The resort, accommodations, food and service are some of the best in Cabo.

The Cape, A Thompson Hotel

March 2022

The Cape has commanding views of El Arco. A grown up resort with a relaxed 1960’s Southern California-meets-Baja aesthetic and killer sunsets.

Sunset is spectacular here, the views of the Arches are the best. Plus you’re not in the crazy loudness of Medano Beach but close enough if you want to go.

Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos

March 2022

After a 2.5 hour transfer from the airport, I was so behind schedule! It usually takes about 25 minutes but there was an accident. So I finally made it around 5pm.

I had a Grand Club room which gives me a great location overlooking the Grand Club pool and the sea.

Dined around the resort and tried a few restaurants, an app here and there, some wine, it was a nice night.

It is a beautiful resort and the colors match the landscape. It cuts into the mountains so there are amazing views.

It is a great option for everyone, families and adults only.

Melia Cozumel

February 2021

We spent the day at Melia Cozumel and it was such a beautiful and relaxing day.

We drove from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, about a 45 minute drive. The ferry terminal is right in the center of town. It takes about 40 minutes on a huge ferry, I definitely recommend Ultramar over Wingate, they have a first class section that is much more comfortable.

Melia Cozumel is a small property but wonderful staff, friendly and accommodating.

Look at how beautiful it is, I love Cozumel. It is an island and has a different feel than the mainland. Things are more old fashioned and smaller. It is a big port for cruise lines so the downtown has lots of shopping and restaurants.

We were offered a delicious coconut cocktail with gin! Sounded strange but it was delicious. Lunch was amazing! There were a few courses but the octopus was outstanding, and beautiful. Plus the open air terrace with view of the water and the ocean breezes.

We were treated to a really cool Mayan Cultural performance after lunch.

Found this big guy wandering around.

We lazed around the beach, had a beach cabana for napping or reading, there were beach games set up, a bar and we had massages in the open air massage hut! It was the perfect day 💙

Paradisus Playa del Carmen

February 2021

 

I was married at the Paradisus Punta Cana in 2001, and since it was before I became a travel advisor, I did not know they were part of the massive Meliá family of brands with almost 400 hotels worldwide, or even much about their properties. In fact, I didn’t know too much about them until I spent some time at Paradisus Playa del Carmen this March.

This is my favorite Paradisus property because it is an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. It is so close to the famous 5th Avenue with all the shopping and dining, but you feel like you are a world away when staying at the resort. The resort is a nice size—large enough to keep you occupied with so many things to do, but not too big that it takes forever to walk from one side to the other. Playa del Carmen is known for beautiful beaches, and the Paradisus Playa del Carmen has a gorgeous stretch of soft white sand and blue water. What is also unique about the resort is that there are mangroves throughout, and it makes you feel like you are deep in the jungle—but, really, you are only steps away from the beautiful beach. 

Paradisus Playa del Carmen is a wonderful option for both families and adults with no kids as the property has an adult-only side and a family side. I had the pleasure of staying on both sides of the property during my recent vacation, experiencing the adult-only side for a few days and then the family side with my children for another few days. The layout is great because those staying in the adult-only section would never know that there was a family side to the property.   Adults are able to dine at all of the restaurants on-site and visit both sides of the property, regardless of where they are staying, while children are only permitted to stay on the family side.

What impressed me most about the Paradisus Playa del Carmen was The Reserve, the brand’s upgraded, concierge-level experience. There is a Reserve on both sides of the property, and each has a separate VIP check-in, which is a wonderful and relaxing way to start a vacation. All of the rooms in The Reserve are located in central areas of the resort, close to everything. The Reserve guests also have their own restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch, each in a serene atmosphere with exceptional service. Right outside of the restaurant is The Reserve pool; it is the only heated pool and has a swim-up bar. From the moment you arrive, pool valets are there to set up your Bali bed with towels, adjust the umbrella and offer you a cocktail. When it is time for lunch, you are just steps away from your private restaurant where the waitstaff knows your name. On the gorgeous beach, the same service is available in a separate area for Reserve guests only (on both the family and adult-only side). Again, valets are attentive, set up your Bali bed or lounges and umbrella, and they always bring an ice bucket of bottled water and cocktails.

The accommodations are another reason to stay at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen. On the adult-only side I stayed in a one-bedroom swim-up suite that I fell in love with. It had all the comforts of home and was very spacious. There is a dining area that seats up to six people at the table, and it has a Nespresso coffee maker, refrigerator and sink. The living area has two couches, a coffee table and television. A spacious terrace has sliding glass doors to the living room and bedroom with king-size bed. I love the terrace with a small couch and coffee table, a round table and four comfortable chairs and a round jetted tub. Pretty nice: There are stairs from the terrace that lead directly to the pool with two tiled lounges submerged in about a foot of water. As a Reserve guest, you also have attentive butler service to tend to your every need. They can make your restaurant reservations, set up spa appointments, let you know about daily activities and now, with COVID protocols, set up your testing appointment before you leave and fill out all of the paperwork for you to bring to the airport. There is no reason to ever leave your room!  

The food is amazing here at Paradisus, look at how beautifully it is presented!

Look who is here now!

We missed Paradisus Playa del Carmen and the staff so much we came back! It’s perfect for us, look at the accommodations. It’s the same one bedroom suite I had last week that has a connecting door to a smaller kids one bedroom suite. So there are 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 dining rooms and two terraces with whirlpools – great for families. Plus the swim up from the terrace is a favorite and the Reserve, their concierge/club level service is the best, especially the Butler.

When I moved to the family side with my own family, we stayed in a two-bedroom suite. It was similar to the same room as I had before, but it had a connecting door to a smaller, but still spacious, one-bedroom suite with two queen beds, a living and dining area, plus a terrace with a jetted tub and access to the pool. This is the perfect setup for a family: You have privacy and space but are still together. Finding accommodations like this for families isn’t always easy or available at all resorts.

Enjoying being back at the Paradisus, Tulum was beautiful but renting a house means cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. I prefer a resort stay where we can just relax and there is so much to do.

Not ready to go home. So, whether you’re traveling with or without kids, Paradisus Playa del Carmen offers plenty of space, great service and a beautiful resort for all. We will miss Paradisus Playa del Carmen and Mexico.

Paradisus Playa Mujeres

February 2021

It was so exciting to be invited to a hard hat tour of the brand new and not yet opened Paradisus Playa Mujeres! We were welcomed on the beach with. Mariachi performance, it was a beautiful reception!

Try to imagine how pretty this reception area will be with a green living wall.

There are ocean view rooms and marina view.

The rooms are spacious, bathrooms modern and views gorgeous.

The rooftop terrace in this room category was gorgeous! There is so much room up here, this would be the category I would stay in!

This is all yours and private.

Looking forward to seeing Paradisus Playa Mujeres when it is finished!

Sandals Grande Antigua

November 2022

Excited to meet up with some friends at Sandals Grande Antigua for a fun reunion. The resort is so pretty, the landscape lush and on the most beautiful beach, Dickenson Bay.

I love the Rondovals, circular freestanding rooms with a private outdoor area with a small pool and hot tub.

Time for the beach, Dickenson Bay is picture perfect 🏖

A beautiful evening started with a gorgeous sunset on the beach, cocktails around the resort, a delicious French dinner and a great time with friends 💗

Beautiful day for a boat ride around the island.

Cruising into St. John’s for a visit 🇦🇬

Last night of fun at Sandals Grande Antigua 

🇦🇬 Goodbye Antigua 🇦🇬

Jumby Bay Island Resort Antigua

November 2020

One of the finest resorts in the Caribbean, Jumby Bay Island Resort is a private island paradise surrounded by turquoise seas and powder white beaches.

With private residences and villas spread out over 300 serene acres, it’s safe and is exactly what people need now. A place to reconnect with nature, in an unhurried atmosphere with meticulous attention and service.

Welcome to Jumby Bay

Watching the storm roll in with a specialty cocktail

Jumby Bay Island Resort is a luxury all inclusive private island paradise. I love that there are about fifty private residences on the island, each with its own charm. This private island is two miles off the coast of Antigua with pristine white beaches and aquamarine water.

I LOVE the 1830 Bar! This and the Estate House are the signature bar and restaurant of Jumby Bay. The circa-1830 colonial-style structure is the oldest building on Jumby Bay. It features  a varied rum collection, local artwork and  private dining rooms that highlight menus from regions of the West Indies.

Good Bye and be back soon!

Hermitage Bay Antigua

November 2020

Hermitage Bay in Antigua is a luxury boutique resort nestled on the hillside of a hidden sandy bay. Just arriving after a long day and excited to explore this beauty!

The Hillside Pool Suites dot the mountain and have spectacular views from the open air rooms. You don’t ever have to leave them!

First glimpse of my Hillside Pool Suite at Hermitage Bay in Antigua. It’s absolutely beautiful even in the rain 💗

Look at all the space you have and the gorgeous hardwoods. The bathroom is even beautiful, especially when you open that window over the tub during the day.

I am ready for dinner but don’t want to leave my suite.

Look at how beautiful the dishes are, and they tasted even better.

There is live music every night, it is a great local band that plays jazz to reggae to modern hits. The resort is so small that you can hear it in the lounge and the restaurant which are both open air. It was the perfect volume as to not disturb dinner conversation but enough to make it lively, I really enjoyed them. After dinner you make your way over to the lounge to enjoy the music and a cocktail.

Good morning Antigua! I arrived yesterday after one of the worst storms the island has had in about 50 years. Everything was flooded and the skies were gray, it will be clearing up today. 

What a view, I love Antigua!

A beautiful morning at Hermitage Bay, local Antiguan breakfast, an adorable guest joined me and it is finally clearing up today!!

Some sunny views of the hillside suites

Yes, I will just sit here all day

Goodbye Hermitage Bay, I don’t want to leave…I will be back!