Archive for July, 2009
Secrets Maroma Riviera Maya Mexico- A Slice of Heaven!
Secrets Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico is truly a slice of heaven on Earth. Everything about this resort is there to spoil, pamper, and awe you. All of the rooms are beautiful suites. Each one equipped with canopy beds, Jacuzzi tubs, balconies, and privacy boxes (this is where your 24hr room service will be delivered if you are too “busy” to open the door). Do not forget to tell your concierge which pillow you desire from the pillow menu. Since this is an adults only resort, you never need to worry about your pool time being interrupted by splashing children. On the contrary, you will be lulled into a state of calm by the tranquil spa music that you hear throughout the resort. As you lay by the pool, gazing at the turquoise color of the ocean, don’t be surprised if you are interrupted by a man with a platter of sushi, asking if you care to try some. While you are busy working on your tan, the staff is busy bringing you food and drink. The food is as good as any gourmet restaurant and the drinks are made with top shelf liquor. Last but not least, the beach! It is a beautiful white sand beach that seems to stretch forever. My husband and I were in disbelief of the quality of service, ambiance, food, and drink, from the time we arrived and well into the time we left (we are still in disbelief). It was truly a romantic retreat, our second honeymoon.
Call James TravelPOINTS to book your escape 1-800-274-0436/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com
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Turks and Caicos
I recently had the opportunity to visit the islands of Turks and Caicos. Most people have never heard of these islands, they are located inn the midst of the Atlantic Ocean, just 575 miles southeast of Miami. Turks and Caicos have over 40 islands and cays. Many are deserted private islands to which a visit can be arranged. The islands are mainly flat, with plenty to offer-some of the most beautiful beaches in the world here, voted by the readers of Conde Nast magazine. Beneath the surface, surrounding the islands lie the third largest reef system in the world, 300 linear miles of reef, making these one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations anywhere. The locals are very friendly and friendly does not mean trying to hassle you to buy something.
Providenciales, otherwise known as “Provo” is the center of tourism activity in the islands. Provo is an island that literally has it all – beautiful beaches, awesome diving, world-class resorts, golf, dining and much more. The opportunity for adventure is somewhat endless.
Most of the resorts are on Provo’s Grace Bay, 7 miles of powdery white sand. On the edge of the Bay there is a surrounding barrier reef, great for snorkeling. If you’re real lucky, you may get to see the famous dolphin named “JoJo”, a friendly wild bottle-nosed dolphin that has been frequenting Grace Bay for some 13 years.
I had the opportunity of visiting several resorts on Grace Bay and have to say there is something for everyone here, from the All Inclusive resort’s to Private Villas and Charming Inns.
My favorite visit was to the Island of Parrot Cay. Only 35 minutes by boat from Provo, and what a wonderful boat ride it was. The Parrot Cay Resort and Como Shambhala retreat are on their own 1000-acre private island. Over the past few years Parrot Cay has seen many visits by Celebrity’s. The resort offers rooms, suites, private beach houses and villas, totaling no more than 65 accommodations altogether. This place is for those who seek total relaxation and rejuvenation of body and soul-white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, an ideal place to unwind. Offering peace and privacy the resort’s design is understated elegance. The Holistic Spa offers body treatments, massages, yoga and Pilates. If only I could have stayed longer!
Another wonderful resort is Amanyara. This resort is Provo’s newest and one of its most exclusive, located on the islands undeveloped northwestern shore, in the middle of nature at a wildlife reserve. Amanyara offers seclusion, luxury, beauty and lack of noise and distraction, with a total of only 44 Villas.
For those who enjoy an All-Inclusive Resort, then Beaches Resort and Spa is the place. Located on the famous Grace Bay beach, offering 5 pools and unlimited water sports – including diving, 10 restaurants, 12 bars, Red Lane Spa, Kids camp, Water Park and more.
Some other fun things to do on Turks and Caicos are a visit Little Water Cay, the only place in the world to see the endangered rock iguana in its natural habitat or tour the Caicos Conch farm, where the shelled sea creature is commercially raised and sold to tourists. Come see all that Turks and Caicos has to offer. Give me a call to help you plan your travels at 800-274-0436 ext 230 Dennie at James TravelPoints
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