Category

Romance

Jun 06
0

The Sandals Vacation Experience – in Video

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance | No Comments

Sandals Luxury Included Vacations – Best in Caribbean?

You Decide…(with some help)

If you have been to a Sandals resort in the Caribbean for your Honeymoon – or anniversary – or wedding – or a friend’s wedding – or a friends getaway – then you know what it’s all about. Fun – Romance – Relaxation – Quality – Dining – Drinking – and doing everything you can fit in within a few short days

If you haven’t then this video does a pretty good job of highlighting what it’s all about

As a Sandals Certified Specialist (Gold Level) for several years now I usually run into the the same few questions people have, which are-

Q1 – Is it right for me?

Q2 – Is it worth the money?

Q3 – What about ____? (Q #3 can be about anything you can imagine)

 

Here are the answers…..

Q1 – it depends on what you are looking for…if you want to take 2 swimming suits and 3 or 4 T-shirts and a pair of flip flops and live on the beach drinking beer for a week then probably not……

BUT if you are interested in

  • Great entertainment
  • Myriad dining options
  • Good quality beverage options (and no, the drinks are not “watered down” although ice does have a tendency to melt quickly under the Caribbean sun)
  • Land sports
  • Water sports
  • Dancing
  • Singing
  • Making new friends

and more…..in a nice accommodation in paradise then it sure might be – so consult with your travel pro for their advice

 

Q2 – Is it worth it? That’s a tough one…..

  • is a Lexus worth it? (a used Kia is way less money and usually will get you where you are going)
  • is an iPhone worth it? (you can still buy a burner phone with prepaid minutes at Walmart and make phone calls until your minutes run out)
  • is a high end steakhouse worth it? (you can get the same nutritional value for much less at Texas Roadhouse)

So why go with the premier brand?

It looks better….it tastes better… it smells better….if feels better….and most importantly, it makes you feel better about yourself!

So why should you cheap out on your vacation? It’s your TIME we are talking about here – life’s most precious commodity so don’t waste it on a substandard experience

Are there other options? Of course – that’s why you should consult with your travel adviser to see if Sandals is the best fit for YOU

Q3 – What about ___? – ask your travel adviser!! That’s what they are for….

Helping you all the way along (not just with the purchase, most anybody CAN do that on their own) – it’s the advice and the guidance and the expertise and the piece of mind that a travel pro gives you that you cannot get on your own…even if you spend your entire life on Tripadvisor

*Disclaimer* I am biased – I think everyone should use a travel pro to help guide them on life’s most important vacations. You might not need a travel agent to help you book a flight from Houston to Salt Lake City for your cousin’s 21st birthday party….but if you are spending a few thousand or more on a luxury vacation to just about anywhere then a travel pro who can make sure you get the best deal possible, add value along the way – and charge $0 fees is kind of a no-brainer

For help on your next big trip reach out to EZTravelPad – pick your pro at this link 

Apr 07
0

Napa Wine Country – A Memorable Experience

By | Adventure, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance, Uncategorized | No Comments

A Honeymoon, Anniversary or other Romantic Getaway in Napa Valley

 

Is a romantic getaway on your radar this year? Are you planning a Honeymoon? Anniversary celebration? Maybe a fun getaway with some friends? With current events such as the Zika virus, terrorist threats, etc  many are opting to stay in the U.S. this year.

 

Sure, staying in the U.S. might cost a bit more than jetting off to an all-inclusive beach resort in the Caribbean but for many, sacrificing a few extra $$ and forgoing the fruity drinks with umbrellas in them are a trade-off that they are comfortable making if it means they can opt for a fantastic Cabernet in California’s wine country

EZTravelPad has cultivated a great relationship with one of the best options in the region – Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. Not only can we expertly curate the entire adventure for you, we can leverage our relationships to your benefit and even arrange for some extra inclusions that you would not otherwise be entitled to!

Enjoy spending some quality time in one of the beautiful Bella suites…

Bella Suite The Meritage

Bella Suite The Meritage

 

Experience a morning bike ride through the vineyard….

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A hot air balloon ride followed by a champagne brunch…

 

Hot air ballon over Napa vineyard at daybreak

Spend some time lounging at the pool….

poolsideloungewithcouple-themeritageresortandspa

 

Treat yourself to some of the nearby local wineries on a tasting tour….

Spend some time before or after in one of America’s great cities….San Francisco and the greater Bay Area

With so much to experience, and the safety and security of the “Good old U S of A” leaving you with little to worry about you will find yourselves having an unforgettable romantic experience.

For more info on this or other great options for your next great vacation experience get in touch with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad today!

Mar 22
0

Zika Virus and Alaska….an inevitable link?

By | Alaska Cruise, Caribbean, Romance, Travel Tips | No Comments

What?     Zika Virus in Alaska?

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center - Alaska

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – Alaska

 

Well…..not yet, and entirely improbable because the variety of mosquito that carries the Zika Virus lives in the tropics, so until Alaska becomes a tropical climate (after we are all long gone and forgotten) then I don’t think that will happen.

So why the provocative headline?

Simple…because if and when Zika is confirmed to have been transmitted in the state of Florida (and when could be very soon) then the map of the world where Zika has been confirmed to have been transmitted will also include Alaska because Alaska and Florida are both in the United States – follow the logic?

So where is safe to go? Where isn’t it safe to go?

As of the latest update from Sandals resorts (the Caribbean’s leader in adults-only all-inclusive resort vacations) there have been a total of only 4 reported cases of confirmed Zika transmission within the 8 islands in which Sandals operates (3 in Barbados and 1 in Jamaica – so that means 0 cases throughout the islands of the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Antigua, St Lucia and Grenada)

The Mexico Tourism Board reports 56 of the 65 reported cases to be in the most remote states and 0 reported cases in the very popular tourist areas of either Cancun / Riviera Maya or Los Cabos. Those areas appear to be “guilty by association”. Bear in mind that the resort areas are going above and beyond in controlling mosquito populations as well. See this link for more and see an excerpt below-

“Negrete noted that the Zika maps that have been released by the CDC simply show entire countries where there have been reported Zika cases, rather than pinpointing where Zika has been found within those countries.”

So what is the conclusion? We don’t know…it is too early to know conclusively whether or not there is a definitive link between Zika Virus and Microcephaly (the disease that can cause babies to be born with abnormally small heads and other conditions), and if there is proven to be a link then knowing definitively where it’s safe (and not safe) to live & play can still be a moving target.

So what can you do to be safe? Make your own decisions – read – ask  – think. If you decide that it’s likely safe for you to vacation at an all-inclusive resort that is taking extraordinary precautions to ensure your safety then you’ll most likely be fine….and if you decide that you don’t want to take that risk because you are thinking of becoming pregnant then EZTravelPad can also help you with a cruise in Alaska where you should be perfectly safe (as long as you’re not eaten by a bear)

Here’s a link to MUCH more info from the World Health Organization

For complimentary help with vacation planning and a best price guarantee contact “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad

Feb 29
0

Sandals Caribbean Night & YOUR Honeymoon

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance | No Comments

website image for Sandals royal caribbean

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

To register for this event simply click this link

You’ll be glad that you did!

We hope to “see” you there then

Feb 29
0

Sandals Caribbean Night & your Honeymoon

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance | No Comments

Here’s your chance to learn why Sandals Resorts are the Caribbean’s top choice for Honeymoons and Romance Travel

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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

To register for this event simply click this link

You’ll be glad that you did!

We hope to “see” you there then

Feb 02
0

Romantic Escape to Keep The Sparks Bright in a Relationship

By | Romance | No Comments

Romantic Escape to Keep The Sparks Bright in a Relationship

Anyone married for more than a few years know it takes effort to keep the spark in a relationship. It takes more than a bottle of Viagra and a bathtub on the Veranda (although a tub on the Veranda doesn’t hurt!). Sometimes a romantic getaway is just what the Dr ordered.

Romantic

The only thing missing in that photo is YOU

As winter gives way to spring the wedding season nears- so many people choose to wed in the months from May through September. But it’s not only wedding season, it’s also anniversary season- and if you haven’t gotten the chance to celebrate lately, make this the year. Life goes so quickly….

Many couples will book travel to help keep the fire burning bright in their relationship. Travel creates new experiences which can help a relationship stay fresh and alive. Consider the memories that can be made during

  • a candlelight dinner for 2 on the beach
  • a couples massage administered in a world class spa
  • breakfast on the balcony of a gorgeously appointed room with a view of the sea
  • a long weekend at a 5 star resort in wine country-or in a quiet locale with charm and grace

Some top destination ideas include-

3-5 Days & Modest Budget

  • Las Vegas
  • Riviera Maya in Mexico
  • Negril in Jamaica
  • Punta Cana in Dominican Republic

5-8 Days & Moderate Budget

  • Bermuda
  • Bahamas
  • Antigua
  • Virgin Islands
  • Caribbean Cruise

8-14 Days and Robust Budget

  • Hawaii & Island Hopping
  • Tahiti and South Pacific
  • Mediterranean Cruise
  • Tour Italy
  • European River Cruise

You work hard, and that hard work needs to be rewarded. Sometimes that means taking the family to an event, sometimes it’s taking a snooze in a hammock on a warm summer’s day, and sometimes it means reconnecting with your best friend – your spouse – and there is no better place for that than the places that EZTravelpad specializes in helping you enjoy!

 

 

Jan 30
0

Pick YOUR Honeymoon at “Virtual” Sandals Caribbean Night – Feb 10, 2016 – Join us!

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance | No Comments

plan early 1

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

“See” you then!
Jan 03
0

Loews Don CeSar Resort in St Pete – Perfect for a Destination Wedding in the U.S.

By | Blog, Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance | One Comment

For a Destination Wedding at Florida’s Sunset Capital it’s Loews Don CeSar Beach Resort

Don CeSar Beach Resort – a Loews Hotel in St Pete Beach is a perfect spot for a U.S. based Destination Wedding. Stately, Classy, Gorgeous, and with a first class spa, this is a wonderful choice for discriminating couples interested in tying the knot beachside…

Don CeSar Exterior 1

If coming in with a low budget is something that you want to accomplish for your Destination Wedding then this might not be the first choice, but compared to other more modest resorts in the area Don CeSar is surprisingly affordable.

Your Destination Wedding is in Good Hands

When putting together a destination wedding there are a few things to think about- location & reputation, capabilities and quality. Don CeSar has you covered, with 3 wedding coordinators on staff preparing to host over 400 weddings this year, rest assured that you are in good hands. If the service and attention to detail is anything like I experienced there recently I couldn’t be anymore comfortable in suggesting this as a great spot to tie the knot.

Offering exemplary service at every turn, you will not be disappointed by the staff, by the facilities, or by the dining options….

don cesar 2
Flatbread topped with shredded island chicken, black bean spread & vegetables – Potato & plantain chips served with traditional guacamole and pineapple guacamole – Yum!

For some people a grilled chicken breast over a rice pilaf is just fine- others require something a bit more interesting. A more interesting menu is what you will find at Don CeSar, but is doesn’t stop there. The spa features 16 treatment rooms as well as a private deck overlooking the gulf – oh, and it smells like heaven when you walk through the door of the spa! Body toning water aerobics and beach yoga are complimentary for all guests.

Beach Resort = Beach + Pools

Beachside pools offer full service including complimentary refreshments (Italian ice, frozen grape kabobs, smoothies, chilled towels , etc) plus a full menu of activities include volleyball, beachball dodgeball, cannonball contest, and lots & lots of pool pampering are all in store for you if you stay for a few days.

Putting a Price on Service

How can you put a price on service? It’s the little things that mean so much – like the general manager stopping to have a chat – or walking into a restroom that smells of mint and eucalyptus – or being greeted by smiles from all the staff….lots and lots of staff can you put a price on that? Would you want your wedding celebration to be anywhere that offered less?

don cesar 3
view of Don Cesar from beachside – looking great from every angle

My reason for stopping into Don CeSar was to find a Destination Wedding and Honeymoon resort located in Florida that I could feel good about recommending. I found it. So if a Florida based Honeymoon or Destination Wedding is something that you want, let EZTravelpad help guide you there – or wherever else your heart desires. After all, it’s your special day – but it’s not your responsibility to plan it all.

Dec 28
0

Honeymoon in St Lucia – Anyone?

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance | No Comments

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.

Honeymoon in st lucia 1
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….

honeymoon in st lucia 2

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

Dec 22
0

Intercontinental Thalasso Resort & Spa – Bora Bora in French Polynesia – A Review

By | Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance, South Pacific | No Comments

Intercontinental Thalasso Resort & Spa in Bora Bora is Phenomenal

 

Welcome….

IC thalasso 1

 

The Intercontinental Resort & Thalasso Spa is located on a motu (small islet) just off the main island of Bora Bora in The Society Islands of French Polynesia – or in short- The South Pacific. Actually the name of the spa is The Deep Ocean Spa so check out that link….

As the name implies, this resort is all about the spa. From the moment you step foot into the reception area you immediately notice soothing mood music – relaxing – totally. The decor, layout and furnishings are all designed to be in harmony with the spa nature of the resort….

Initially I wondered, what is a Thalasso spa? As they say everyday is a school day, so if YOU don’t know – here goes….

A Thalasso spa specializes in Thalassotherapy (derived from the Greek word ‘thalassa’ which means ‘sea’). The spa uses the beneficial aspects of the marine environment- the climate, sea water, seaweed and algae, mud and sand—all for therapeutic purposes. This spa even uses the seawater for air conditioning!

Sea water is sucked from a depth of 3500 feet (trust me- it’s cool down there) and circulated amongst the buildings on property for cooling purposes. The water is available from this fountain in the spa and guests are encouraged to take a daily sip – maybe 1/2 oz or less for better health. I did, and it’s not bad…

 

IC thalasso 2

 

Like nearly every resort in French Polynesia the bulk of the buildings are bungalows. All guest rooms are in bungalows at this Intercontinental resort, as are the massage therapy rooms which are located in the overwater bungalows pictured below.  Guests can enjoy a soothing massage while relaxing as they watch fish swimming in the reef immediately below the massage tables – Clear viewing windows in the floors allow an up close experience and are a fixture of most overwater bungalows in the area, another part of the experience of French Polynesia…

 

IC thalasso 3

 

Had a long flight and feeling like your ankles are swollen from the lack of mobility combined with the warmth and humidity of the climate? This may be just the ticket- a Deep Chiller Walk pool. The pool of cool water is approx 25 feet in length and designed to  allow you to walk back and forth in shallow cool water while being pounded by current…nice!

IC thalasso 4

 

Tying the Knot

Considering French Polynesia as a destination for your wedding? There may exist a more romantic view than this, but if there is I am unaware of it. Imagine exchanging your vows in front of a huge plate glass window featuring Mt Otemanu as a backdrop – and standing on a clear floor with the reefs below….. this is the wedding chapel that dreams are made of.

A memory that will never, ever fade

IC thalasso 5

Yes, I have an inside shot of the view, but trust me- it just doesn’t do it justice. Maybe a more professional photographer can- check this link

 

So yes, the spa is amazing – the wedding chapel is to die for – but what about the accommodations? How are the bungalows? Are they nice? How are the views? See for youself at their website. Suffice to say that the huge picture windows that are located at the foot of the King-sized beds in the bedrooms of the bungalows will afford a view like no other – provided that you know what to ask for…..

 

So is the Intercontinental Resort & Thalasso Spa the top resort in Bora Bora? Probably not for everyone. Some might opt for a larger resort – others may choose somewhere a bit more family friendly….but if you are a spa enthusiast who supports Green initiatives and you want to totally relax during your escape in paradise then this may be the best resort for you in all of French Polynesia…..

Can you book it thru some online “discount” source?

Sure- but why would you when the voice of experience is waiting for you – “Your friends….in the travel business” are here to help – Consider EZTravelpad – your source for unbiased advise and best price.