Here’s your chance to learn why Sandals Resorts are the Caribbean’s top choice for Honeymoons and Romance Travel
For decades Sandals Resorts have been the top choice for Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, and other romantic escapes to the Caribbean.
Why? – The answer is simple…they consistently provide a surprisingly affordable luxury resort experience where food, fun and romance are carefully intertwined to create a memorable vacation experience at some the the Caribbean’s top beaches on the best islands.
Every so often EZTravelPad partners with Sandals Resorts to offer a short presentation describing the Sandals Luxury Included experience-
What separates Sandals from competitors
Descriptions of the myriad inclusions
Where Sandals Resorts are located
What the Sandals experience is all about
and much more…even the potential for a bonus spa credit of up to $250!!
The next presentation is located in the most convenient place that you can imagine….your living room, or kitchen, or office (that’s right – it’s online!). It’s a fast paced webinar style presentation lasting about 45 minutes that provides a ton of info, and also gives YOU the opportunity to directly ask one of Sandals top representatives any questions you like – it’s a great opportunity to learn and earn!
The presentation will take place on Wednesday March 16 at 8PM Eastern Time
Golf Enthusiasts Wanted at Greg Norman Designed Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course
Sick of the cold weather? Ready for a break – and a round of golf on the most gorgeous course in the Caribbean?
Maybe it’s time to hit the links at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf course on Great Exuma in the Bahamas. But don’t hear it from me, let Greg Norman tell you why….
By the way, if you saw The Golf Channel’s Big Break Bahamas series, you know how gorgeous this place is…
Sure, you can book it yourself, but why pay too much and worry about whether you are selecting the room category that best suites your needs? Get a little help from “Your friends….in the travel business” let EZTravelpad help with the little details, and even the tee times! You just pack your bags and get ready to relax in the sunshine!
Does your Honeymoon vision look like like the photo above?
If so then the Sandals Resort experience may be for you!
Here is a special invitation from EZTravelPad and Sandals Resorts – to experience Indiana’s first ever “Virtual Sandals Caribbean Night” event
Join us from the comfort of your own home (or office) while you learn about the Sandals experience, what differentiates the locations in the Caribbean where the Sandals resorts exist, and a little bit about each resort in order to help determine which might be the best fit for you……and find out how you can qualify for a bonus $250 spa credit on top of all of the other great specials!
It’s simple – just register at this link for the event on Wednesday February 10th at 6:30PM
The presentation will last only about 45 minutes or so and allows for plenty of time for you to ask as many questions as you like.
Join us from the comfort of your home as Indiana’s best Honeymoon specialists team up with the Caribbean’s best resorts for romance – it couldn’t be more convenient – or more rewarding!
Share this link with a friend who might also be interested (the presentation is appropriate for everyone celebrating a Honeymoon, Anniversary, Destination Wedding, or even friends getaway)
Find out how “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad can help you have a better experience and SAVE!
If you have questions or any trouble with the link just call or email Scott 317-731-2293 or scott@eztravelpad.com
Sesame Street Character at Beaches Resorts Work Overtime for YOU
Beaches Resorts is widely acknowledged as the leader in high quality family friendly Caribbean vacations. Why?
Quality
Consistency
Location
Repeat Business
But you probably already knew that. You also probably already knew that Beaches Resorts is the family friendly compliment to the Sandals Resorts chain, which offers luxury all-inclusive vacations for adults only (a Honeymoon and Romantic getaway favorite!).
But did you know that when you take the family to Beaches for a family vacation you can arrange for –
Photo opps with Sesame Street characters
Character breakfasts
and perhaps coolest of all- Character Tuck-in Service
How cool would it be? How memorable for your children? How much fun can you have? Think the parents at the PTA meeting or basketball game will get a little envious when they hear about what you did for your children?
Check it out-
Let a Sesame Street® furry friend help make your child’s bedtime wishes come true, even before their head touches the pillow! In a calm, quiet environment, one of five Sesame Street® characters will join in on some relaxing stretches, a bedtime story, and a sweet lullaby before tucking your child in for the evening.
What’s Included
One-Character Tuck-In
One 15-minute session with one character
5″ x 7″ commemorative color photograph
One Sesame Street® plush toy per child
Two-Character Tuck-In
One 15-minute session with two character
Two 5″ x 7″ commemorative color photographs
Two Sesame Street® plush toys per child
Characters Available*
Elmo
Zoe
Abby Cadabby
Cookie Monster
Grover
You spend so much time and effort working your tail off to provide for your family, but what do you really provide? Sure- food and shelter – security – a new bike maybe – a new Wii and Game cube and Play station and …….
This year think about providing your kids with a memory they will never forget – and that they will love you for forever, then let them play on their friend’s Wii…..
At least that’s how I see it-
So when it’s time to arrange something for youself and your family (or just for yourself) – get with EZTravelpad “Your friends….in the travel business”
A Honeymoon or Destination Wedding at Sandals in St Lucia is Top Pick
A St Lucia Honeymoon, particularly at an all inclusive resort such as one of the 3 Sandals resorts located on the north end of St Lucia is one of the most sought after and romantic destinations in the Western Hemisphere.
Maybe it’s Oprah’s endorsement or maybe it is just the rare beauty this tropical paradise provides, it could even be that the last episode of The Bachelor was shot there last season, in any case it is real. It is beautiful, it is romantic, and it is in demand. Whether you choose Sandals Grande St Lucian (pictured above), Sandals Regency La Toc, or Sandals Halcyon Beach, you simply can’t go wrong.
If lounging in a tropical paradise – sharing a couples massage on the beach – dining in an over the water seafood restaurant – driving thru a volcano – scuba diving wrecks and reefs – golfing in a tropical paradise – if any of these things sound like what you want your honeymoon experience to include, then perhaps a Sandals luxury included vacation to St Lucia is your ideal Honeymoon spot.
But Sandals is not the only option – there is also The Pitons
So what about these Pitons you keep hearing about? What about the 3 walled suites? Just imagine waking to this in your Honeymoon suite….
Sure, this is Brad and Angelina stuff, right? Well, it’s not inexpensive. This Jade Mountain suite might run $10,000+ per week- if you can get in (better book it very, very far in advance), but there are other options that afford the same sort of view and the same concept of 1 wall being omitted so that you have an unbelievable view of one of the top 5 places in the world to visit.
The Sandals experience is All inclusive – the 3 walled view of The Pitons experience is generally not all inclusive, but you can combine the 2 as many people do, you can have it all. You can split your honeymoon into a few days of all inclusive fun in the sun + a few days of total relaxation in the most romantic place in the world, and you can get it done from between $5000-8000 total for a week including air from Chicago this September.
How do you plan such a once in a lifetime experience? How can you make sure that your Honeymoon in St Lucia is all you dreamed it can be? How can you coordinate a Destination Wedding to St Lucia, a place so far from home? One way is the best way, consult with a travel professional that specializes in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, a travel pro like EZTravelpad
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 know 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 fronting 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 sea blue 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 certainly appeals to many couples interested in a romantic 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.
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-
Tropical – Romantic – Beach
Cruise
Close to home – a romantic Bed & Breakfast 2-8 hour drive from home
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 achieved 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.
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!
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
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 (along with their new Breathless brand resorts) is an 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”
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