Ocean by H10 Hotels is schedule to open its newest all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic February 2019. The Ocean El Faro will be located on the large stretch of beach in the Uvero Alto region of Punta Cana. This family friendly resort will feature 5 swimming pools, 9 dining options (a 10th for Privilege guests), along with multiple bars including 5 swim up bars. It will offer its Daisy Kids Club for kids 4-12 and there is also a teen area for 13-17 year olds. If you like to keep active, there is a diving center, casino, bowling alley, and theater - so there you will find something for everyone!
Would you reserve entire all inclusive resort?
We all have dreams of being able to buy a private island or at least rent one for a vacation with family and friends. Maybe you are a company that does incentive trips and sometimes find it hard to choose a place or a place you can afford.
Now you have a way to “Buy Out” an all inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya/Tulum area of Mexico. Oasis Resorts is now allowing you to book the Oasis Tulum Lite as part of their new program. This resort has 60 rooms total on site and when you do buy out this resort - no outside guests are allowed. Plus you will also have some access to its sister property - Grand Oasis Tulum, which is a short 5 minute walk.
More All Inclusive Resorts Coming to Mexico and the Caribbean
In the past couple of weeks, many resort parent companies have announced expansion plans.
Sunscape Resorts announced that they will be opening its fist property in Cancun on December 1, 2018. It will be names Sunscape Star Cancun situated between Puerto Cancun and Playa Mujeres. The Star concept is designed to offer clients an elevated level of service and amenities, along with its signature Unlimited Fun inclusions.
Playa Resorts not only went public in the last 30 days it also sealed a huge deal purchasing five large resorts in the Montego Bay and Ocho Rios area in Jamaica. The resorts it purchased was the Hilton Rose Hall, and all four Jewel properties - Dunn's River, Runaway Bay, Paradise Cove and Jamaica Grande. It currently operates two Panama Jack resorts in the Cancun/Rivera Maya area in Mexico, the two Hyatt properties in Jamaica, as well as the Sanctuary resort in the Cap Cana area in the Dominican Republic.
Temptation is expanding it's "sexy vacation" options as it released the news that is spending $70 million to build a new resort in the Dominican Republic, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2019. Temptation just recently reopened its Cancun location after a major renovation closed it for several months. It also announced it will be offering the first ever topless Temptation Caribbean Cruise out of Tampa schedule to set sail on February 13, 2020. There will be theme nights, VIP performance and celebrity DJ's on board.
Royalton Resorts is opening a new property in Cancun scheduled to open at the end of 2018 and another resort in Antigua in early 2019. The Cancun resort will offer oceanfront luxury suites and the first Royalton Rooftop SkyClub. Antigua will have very modern accommodation and situated on a private beach.
Sunscape Star Cancun
Make a "Nude" Year's Resolution?
Okay, I know, this may seem taboo or sexist to some but the reality is there are many more people these days that are taking the plunge to experience a clothing optional resort. In the past, we came up with images or heard stories about resorts like Hedonism in Jamaica or Desire in the Riviera Maya where it is "anything goes". While there is some truth to that isn't always the case - especially today!
Many adults are now embracing the concept of "less is more" in their lives and took it to the next level by experiencing a clothing optional resort. The stigma is not there as much as we see teachers, CEO's, and those in high stress jobs along with everyday people shed their outside skin. A resort that is vert popular is Hidden Beach by Karisma. This is a gourmet 5 star all inclusive clothing optional resorts that caters to this niche market. We see the success of these resorts as they sell out regularly. It is a way now for many to truly disconnect from their lives and relax.
While we know it isn't for everyone, a step outside of your comfort zone isn't always a bad thing and you never know what you might learn about yourself.
Beaches Turks & Caicos opens ahead of schedule
Category 5 hurricanes brought death and destruction to a major part of the Caribbean. It all but eliminated 4 islands but other islands were lucky. One of the islands that saw significant damage was Turks & Caicos. While most are still trying to repair and rebuild, #BeachesTurksandCaicos was able to complete and open ahead of schedule on December 14th. The parent company, Sandals, has said it has opened better than it was before. While it sad to see what has happened, it has allowed many resorts to rebuild and renovate to offer new amenities. In total, Beaches Turks & Caicos will have 21 restaurants to offer families including the first #IndianRestaurant. While this is an expensive place to visit, it is an experience you and your family will never forget.
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Cabo San Lucas Group Trip - October 7-21, 2017
We have tried the past couple of years to host a trip to somewhere warm and fun but it never seemed to work out mainly from a timing stand point. This year we got everything to line up and made our first host trip to Cabo San Lucas this past October. It was a short and sweet trip of 4 night to the Riu Santa Fe in Cabo.
The cost seemed to be a great motivating factor for couples and friends - being under $1000 per person. For a single traveler, it was just over $1009 but still not bad considering you were getting an Oceanview room. Overall, the time away was perfect for most - an extended weekend. For others, it worked out even better as it was over Columbus Day so a free day of vacation.
Talking with the group - everyone had a good time overall. There were a few concerns but nothing from a safety standpoint when it comes to alcohol. Some said that it tasted a bit more watered down but you kept a good "buzz" throughout the day - and not something that made you ill or pass out. The biggest concern was the quality of the food at some of the restaurants. The best meal I was told was at the steakhouse, which is a bit surprising but not totally. Besides, who doesn't love a good steak!?
Some of the group did an excursion off property - a sunset booze cruise. It wasn't the huge boat that had you in like sardines but a smaller catamaran style with just enough people to interact but not claustrophobic. No big meals but simple finger food - of course enough chips & salsa for everyone. Those who went said it was a lot of fun. In fact, was told that one of the "bigger" booze cruises there needed up being stopped by the local police because they had too many people on board. Not sure what happened in the end but I'm sure many people were upset.
One of the big things I was told by the group was that they had more fun off property than onsite. That they would bring more money next time to go explore the town and places to eat. One said, they had to leave the resort to find something more to their taste and dietary needs. Again, they said, that the resort was nice but wouldn't be a choice for them in particular in the future.
Also, during this time was a huge event - for those of you rock fans - it was Sammy Hagar's 70th birthday party. Yes, many of us are old or not old enough to know the name. Cabo was practically sold out for a week and this with a tropical storm that had come in a month prior which dumped a year's worth of rain. The big thing to take from this is that there were no security issues at this time. People were going into town and having a great time. So no matter what the government may say about "travel warnings", you need to talk with those who have been there or deal with this on a day to day basis. Remember, the media and government's job is to scare you - and they do a good job most of the time. If you hear of news about warning or safety issues, get in touch with someone, like myself, who is in the travel industry. We have our contacts in these areas who can give us first hand knowledge of what is really going on.
Thank you to everyone who went on this group trip and had a great time in Cabo plus made a few new friends at the same time. We will be doing this again and hope to have details shortly after the new year.
Safe Travels - Bon Voyage!
Gran Caribe & Gran Porto Rebranded
This Fall you will find two new resorts - one in Cancun and one in the Riviera Maya. Gran Caribe & Grand Porto resort have been re-branded as Panama Jack Resort. Panama Jack has been know for it's beach attire and sunglasses. Now they have thrown their hat (pun intended) to join the all inclusive experience. They are calling this new venture as "all inclusive re-imagined". These resorts still remaining family friendly resorts but know with the touches you find with all of their products. It's about entering a tropical paradise where you will find both recreation and relaxation. The adventure begins when you are a traveler and not a tourist.
Excellence to open newest Caribbean resort
Excellence resorts is a well known adult only, all inclusive company in Mexico and Dominican Republic. Now, they are happy to have their newest property open on the island of Jamaica. Excellence Oyster Bay is an all suite resort scheduled to open January 2018 and set on its own private peninsula in Montego Bay with 2 miles of white sand beach for you to enjoy. Just a short 30 minute ride from Montego Bay Sangster airport and you can enjoy 2 a la carte lunch option, 8 a la carte dining options, 1 buffet, including a wood oven pizza place along with 9 bars and lounges. You now have even more of a reason to visit this amazing island for the first time or revisit again to see all the changes this country has made recently.
Riu expands in Mexico
Riu Resorts is adding the finishing touches to it's newest property in Mexico - #RiuDunamar. The resort is located north of Cancun in #PlayaMujeres. Set to open in December, this family friendly resort is for those who are looking for more of a laid back atmosphere. There are over 700 rooms at this property along with 5 swimming pools, free WiFi throughout the property. For those looking for a bit of pampering, you will find it at the Renova Spa and while you are getting a massage you can send the kids to the RiuLand Kids' Club. Give me a call or send me an eamil to learn more about this property or find what pricing we can get you at this new Riu #allincluisve resort.