You may have heard about the Flowriders – surf simulators that exist on some of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships. They are very popular and based on most reports, alot of fun!
Now you can enjoy the same experience on land – at Moon Palace in Mexico!
Moon Palace is an amazing resort located south from Cancun along the Mayan Riviera – or Riviera Maya area – fantastic destination for an all-inclusive resort vacation!
For more info please contact “Your friends….in the travel business” – EZTravelPad
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
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
Newly 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 meters 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 –
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”
A Free Wedding in Paradise is Possible…Find Out How
Everyone knows that Sandals Resorts are the top pick for Honeymoons and Destination Weddings throughout the Caribbean – here’s another reason why…. FREE WEDDINGS!!
A Destination Wedding is certainly not for everyone, but it is definitely a great choice for a growing number of people, and why not? Think of it like this-
Toes in the sand
Gorgeous scenery
Casual
Easy
Affordable
So how is it possible that all this is free? – Good question…and good DEAL!
It really is a bonus… when you book 6 nights in any room category at any Sandals resort you are entitled to not only the free Beautiful Beginnings wedding package but also an additional $500 in credits to enhance the experience
Use credits (some restrictions apply) for things such as
Room upgrade
Honeymoon Highlights video
Beach cabana
Catamaran cruise
& more
If you are going to have a Honeymoon in the Caribbean consider combining it into a Destination Wedding with friends and family – see more about all of the possibilities at this link
**Sandals Resorts are reserved exclusively for adult couples – but if your wedding will include children or singles then the family-friendly Beaches Resorts are another great option…location possibilities include-
Jamaica
Bahamas
St Lucia
Turks & Caicos
Grenada
Antigua
Barbados
Whichever option is the best fit for you, rest assured that “your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad are here to help make your occasion as excellent as possible and save you some money along the way
Like all Sandals resorts, this property appeals most to adults couples looking for a stress-free luxury Caribbean vacation. Excellent for Anniversary celebrations, Vow Renewals, Destination Weddings and Honeymoons
If you haven’t been to one of the NEW Sandals resorts – or one of the the resorts that they have recently upgraded then you might not understand how much they have stepped up their game. Simply put, this resort is fantastic. From the grounds and layout to the rooms to the general decor to the staff to the cuisine I am having trouble finding fault.
(Note- the photos contained in this post are all my own, so photo quality and staging are not professional but for a fantastic pictorial look professionally put together then check out Sandals Barbados “Flipbook” at this link )
As a Certified Sandals Specialist I feel it is critical to my business and credibility to visit and completely understand not only Sandals resorts – but all resorts that complete in the adults-only all-inclusive genre throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. I have been to, experienced and come to understand each of their great resorts throughout the Caribbean and I can say without hesitation that this is certainly one of, if not THE best in class.
The grounds and layout – are terrific. It feels great to walk the gardens between the lobby, bars, spa, various room blocks, restaurants & beach.
The quiet pool has a chic and luxurious feel with red & white striped cabanas.
The active pool at the beachfront includes a swim-up bar, ample and comfortable lounge chairs and plenty of floats to chill in the pool as you move to the groove of the music and vibe – or have fun and get some exercise playing pool volleyball
The lagoon pool is totally chill and open to all guests but mostly for the use of the Club Level and Butler Level guests with swim-up suites surrounding the meandering pool
As I sit at the poolside bar writing this review I am struck by the gorgeous view past the pool and beach to the blue ocean just beyond
steak lovers will appreciate this supper club with classic decor and a great vibe
at night the pub is one of the centers for socializing
Dining options are plentiful with reservations required at both Kimonos Teppanyaki Grill and the widely acclaimed Butch’s Chophouse but other good specialty dining options which do not require reservations include
Portofinos’ (Italian)
Bombay (Indian)
Schooner’s (Seafood)
Soy (Sushi)
Bayside (International)
Merry Monkey (British Pub)
Mariner’s Grill (Seaside Grill)
Dino’s (Pizzeria)
Cafe du Paris (Pastries, Coffee and Ice Cream)
Oh yes – and there are several bars serving top shelf international liquors and wines
Rooms-
a glass window between the shower and main room space can be closed off by the sliding photo – a great feature!
This is where the real improvements are taking place. Even the entry level rooms all feature comfortable 4 poster king sized beds, coffee maker featuring Blue Mountain coffee, patios or balconies and all the normal equipment but the decor and styling are a huge cut above both the competition and many of their own sister resorts. Features like no-slip showers and very comfortable lounging space – super-quiet and efficient A/C, Smart TV, Complimentary WiFi (that works pretty well) and many more subtle styling features
Upgraded suites feature a wide range of enhancements such as
Beachside & Oceanviews
Swim-up Suites
Tranquility Soaking Tubs on Balconies & Patios
1 Bedroom Suites
and of course many of the rooms & suites come standard with the legendary Sandals Butler Service
butlers prepare your cabanas with towels and coolers with your favorite beverages
Butler level guests will often reserve space in the terrific cabanas which are first-come first-served
The Playmakers entertainment staff keeps everybody engaged if they want to be, but are not in your face over loudspeakers every 10 minutes so everyone can enjoy the fun…or not, depending on their inclination
Location –
The location is terrific as well with a prime location on the Maxwell coast only about 15 minutes from the airport and easy and safe walking distance (about 10-15 minutes) to several of the local restaurants, bars & clubs in St Lawrence Gap or a short taxi ride to Oistin’s Fish Fry (a must visit on Fridays) or Bridgetown for shopping & more. Streets are lively at night but as clean and safe as anywhere
Clientele tends to be slightly more British and skews a bit older than many other lower priced options but plenty of young Americans are still actively enjoying their
Keeping it real….at the time of my recent visit the beach was undergoing some reconstruction – a breakwater was being installed in an effort to improve water conditions and will be completed in late October. The beach would have been a weak spot for many but every other aspect of the resort was fantastic!
For much more info reach out to Scott or one of the other EZTravelPad consultants who are especially skilled at making sure that your vacation is as AWESOME as you dream for it to be (and maybe even a little more)
One of the big challenges of negotiating the airport in Cancun is successfully avoiding the time-share people…. they are numerous and aggressive
Trust me, you WILL want to avoid any contact or you could find yourself in a presentation for hours!!
I give every EZTravelPad client a suggestion on how best to avoid the time-share people who are located in the airport just past the customs area, but here’s a quick video to illustrate the best way to get past the gauntlet.
Remember – just keep walking!!
For expert advice and best deals around it’s EZTravelPad and Funjet – see some of the latest Funjet deals at this link
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/adviser 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”
Multi-generational travel is one of the most popular trends in the travel industry today.
With so many families being spread out all across the country living from coast to coast and even beyond, it is tougher than ever for families to get together to spend time, bond and reacquaint with each other.
That is why vacationing together has become such a popular trend these days.
One of the hottest trends is taking an all-inclusive trip to a family friendly resort in the Caribbean or Mexico.
Resort brands such as Beaches, Azul or Club Med focus primarily on quality family experiences and offer excellent activities and entertainment for family members of all ages.
At Beaches resorts the quality and breadth of inclusions is unmatched. Beaches Resorts are located in Jamaica or Turks and Caicos. Resorts feature multiple fine dining options yet still offer casual options for those who are so inclined. Water Parks and plenty of water sport activities such as snorkeling, scuba, windsurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, and more are all included in the price. On land there are even more activities ranging from lawn chess to golf and virtually everything in between – all included!
Sesame Street characters participate in activities throughout the day and into the evening. There is even an opportunity for the little ones to be tucked in and read a bedtime story by Elmo himself.
Club Med resorts are located globally in continents as diverse as North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. Club Med offers the only all-inclusive resort in the United States. The Sandpiper Bay resort in Florida features tennis lessons, golf lessons, baby gym, arts studio, talent shows, hockey, zumba and even circus lessons – all for the very young.
Club Med even offers All-inclusive ski vacations in the Alps –
Azul resorts along the Riviera Maya area of Mexico are yet another all-inclusive option for families to experience excellent gourmet dining choices. Azul Hotels redefine family vacations featuring family-oriented suites, kid’s clubs, infant equipment, child toys, and free family reunion coordination.
Nightly entertainment, mojito tastings, a la carte dining and innovative 12-course meals top off the Gourmet Inclusive® philosophy. Rooftop barbecues, s’mores parties on the beach, and 24-hour room service expand on restaurant dining.
The wonderful aspect of all-inclusive resorts is that they offer something for everyone and everything is included at one set price and often tipping is forbidden.
I cannot think of a better way for a geographically diverse busy family to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful and safe environment where preparing one’s own meals and cleaning up the dishes afterward is a distant memory.
At most resorts there are options for multi-room suites where a large family can share a suite with 3 or 4 bedrooms and a common living area.
The easiest and most affordable way to accomplish a multi-generational family vacation is to work with your local travel consultant who is well prepared to help put everything together in a manner that will please everyone from the youngest to the oldest.
Reviewing Sugar Beach Resort – A Viceroy Resort….in St Lucia
The beach at Viceroy’s Sugar Beach resort in St Lucia boasts white sands in an area typically known for a much darker color of sand due to the volcanic nature of the area
The former Jalousie Plantation Resort located between Gros Piton and Petite Piton in St Lucia has been renamed Sugar Beach Resort and it is surely as sweet as the name implies.
Sugar Beach is luxury at it’s finest with everything you need for a luxury escape without all of the hoopla found at many larger resorts.
What you will find at Sugar Beach is excellent accommodations, superior service, attention to detail and a world class spa
What you won’t find are energetic entertainment staffs encouraging involvement in the party going on…this is about relaxing, rejuvenating, and experiencing one of the most dramatically beautiful settings for a beach resort anywhere in the world
Luxury Villas on the hillside offer many amenities, among which are-
Four-poster bed with silky high-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens and romantic voile draping
A walk-in closet/dressing room
iPod docking station
Complimentary internet access (either WiFi or hard wired)
Large flat screen TV & DVD player
Private bar
Tea and coffee making facilities
In-room safe
Signature bathroom amenities
Large bathroom with Victorian-style claw foot bath and enormous walk-in shower
Over-sized plunge pool and private patio
Personalized butler service
If lounging next to a gorgeous and relaxing pool is your idea of the perfect escape then it’s tough to find a more gorgeous setting than this…
The resort is primarily an EP style resort (European Plan – as opposed to all-inclusive) where dining is found at any one of 3 restaurants on site, or venture into nearby Soufriere for something very local. One event that is not to be missed is the Friday Fish Fry at Anse la Raye. This is a great evening activity in a small fishing village just a 45-minute drive from Sugar Beach. The main beachfront road is closed and the fishermen bring their catch right up on to the beach and it’s slapped straight onto the BBQ grill.
An all-inclusive dining option is available as an option
Spa
I’m not sure exactly how a spa is defined as world class, but if a setting immersed in the rainforest where individual treatment bungalows are scattered along the hillside and built from the native surroundings then the Rainforest Spa is surely world class…
A short list of spa services includes-
Relaxing Royal Bamboo Massage
Hot Candle Massage
Hot Stone Massage
Lava Shell Massage
Swedish Massage
Remedial Massage Deep Tissue
Reflexology
Awakening Facial
C+C Vitamin Body Polisher
Bamboo Body Polisher
Honey Body Polisher
Neuro-Aroma Bath
For more of a sense of the beauty of the resort check out this brief video…
I am sure you will agree that it would be tough to find a more gorgeous setting for a luxury resort, and am confident that if your desire is to experience a superior resort in a tropical paradise then Sugar Beach has to be at the top of your list of possibilities
So when it’s time for you to plan your next exotic escape look to EZTravelPad where we like to think of ourselves as “Your friends….in the travel business”
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
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