Category

Romance

Oct 30
0

Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun – a Review

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Luxury, Mexico, Romance | No Comments

Reviewing Le Blanc Spa Resort (a Palace Resort) in Cancun, Mexico

 

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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

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The water is an blue as you dreamed it would be and The infinity pool says it all…

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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.

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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

Oct 20
0

Reviewing Secrets Capri Resort

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

Reviewing & Touring Secrets Capri Resort – Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen

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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

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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”

 

Oct 01
0

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in Nassau, Bahamas – a Review

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

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.

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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

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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

 

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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….

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Beyond the history and the accommodations and the inclusions-

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

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

Plus on land

  • Table Tennis
  • Shuffleboards
  • Bocce Ball
  • Pool
  • Day/Night Tennis
  • Fitness Center
  • Board Games
  • Basketball
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Billiards

and involving water….

  • Canoes/Kayaks
  • Windsurfing
  • 7 Pools, 6 Whirlpools
  • Water Trikes
  • Sailboats
  • Hydrobikes
  • 2 Swim-up Pool Bars
  • Hobie Cats
  • Snorkeling
  • Scuba Diving
  • Misting Pool

 

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

Out on the private island you will find

  • Restaurant
  • Pool
  • Swim up bar
  • Whirlpool
  • 2 beaches
  • Snorkeling
  • Secluded spots
  • Beachside cabanas
  • Zen garden

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

Another piece of trivia – The Beatles filmed “Another Girl” from the movie “Help” on this same private island!

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

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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”

 

Sep 26
0

Reviewing Sandals Barbados

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

Sandals Barbados – a Review

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

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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.

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The grounds and layout – are terrific. It feels great to walk the gardens between the lobby, bars, spa, various room blocks, restaurants & beach.

 

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The quiet pool has a chic and luxurious feel with red & white striped cabanas.

 

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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

 

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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

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steak lovers will appreciate this supper club with classic decor and a great vibe

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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!

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

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)

Sep 01
0

Sugar Beach Resort in St Lucia – a Review

By | Caribbean, Luxury, Romance | No Comments

 

Reviewing Sugar Beach Resort – A Viceroy Resort….in St Lucia

 

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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

 

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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…

 

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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…

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    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”

    Related articles
    Exploring St. Lucia’s Pitons
    Aug 26
    0

    Plan Your Honeymoon Early!

    By | Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance | No Comments
    For Best Results Plan Early!

     

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    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

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    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
    Aug 20
    0

    Renew Your Vows in Paradise!

    By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Romance | No Comments

    Vow Renewal is a Hot New Trend

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

    Sandals ReTie the Knot

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

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

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

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

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