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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Rachel Gelfer Hornaday with James TravelPOINTS just returned from a beautiful and memorable honeymoon in Aruba.  Being a Belize and Costa Rica specialist, it was exciting to experience a different part of the Caribbean.

Flying first class was definitely the right way to start our new lives together as husband and wife.  As we walked out into the dry and breezy Aruba day, we were ready for a week of relaxation, after what seemed like weeks of wedding preparations and celebrations.  We chose the Marriott Stellaris Resort and Casino as our home base.  Located on Palm Beach at the end of a long strip of high rise hotels, it offers a beautiful beach, a refreshing pool with extremely comfortable lounge chairs, a casino, and many options for dining.

When we originally reserved our room we decided that we would go with the lowest category in order to save money, after all, how much time would we spend in the room anyways?  Our travel agent reminded us that it was our honeymoon and maybe we should splurge on a room with a view, we upgraded to an oceanfront room.  That was probably the best decision we made, waking up in the morning to be greeted by the ocean and the sun.  I would say that the majority of our honeymoon was spent enjoying the view from our balcony with a glass of champagne (which is probably not what we would have done if our view was of the parking lot).

With a gourmet Italian Restaurant, a sushi restaurant, a nightly theme buffet restaurant, and a beachfront seafood restaurant all on-site, we rarely felt the need to leave the hotel.  The 24 hour snack shop that served gelato was great for drowning our late night gambling woes.

Simply Fish, the Stellaris’ beachfront seafood restaurant had the best ambiance we encountered during our honeymoon.  We decided to spend our last dinner there; toes in the sand at sunset could not be beat.

After the third day we finally felt rested and ready to explore this small island.  We had created a wedding registry through James TravelPOINTS and one of our registry gifts was a couple of days of scooter rental. 

We traveled up north to check out the view from the California Lighthouse.  Aruba is different from other Caribbean islands because it is a desert climate.  When you turn you head to one direction you feel like you are in Tucson, you turn your head to the other direction you are in the tropics! Our ride took us through the cactus laid country side, past the ostrich farm, to the Natural Bridge.

Our next days’ adventure was the south point of the island for snorkeling on Baby Beach.  Everyone we had talked to said this was the best place to snorkel on the island.  Seemed like no one remembered to mention that the beach happened to be directly next to the oil refinery plant!  But we had scootered for an hour down the highway, so snorkel we did.

Aruba was the perfect place to honeymoon.  It allowed us all the time we wanted to relax without ever feeling that there was something we were “missing” in the meantime.  Yet, when we were ready, there was adventure to be had and an island to be explored.  The weather was amazing, the ocean water was picture perfect, and our memories will last forever.

Call the experts at James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com, to arrange your perfect Honeymoon.

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Rachel Gelfer Hornaday with James TravelPOINTS just recently visited Costa Rica, one of the most popular countries in Central America. As a Costa Rica Travel Specialist I have visited Costa Rica on many different occasions.  On this visit I had the pleasure of experiencing Hotel Punta Islita, a hidden gem on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica.

 Located on a secluded portion of the Nicoya Pennisula in Costa Rica, Hotel Punta Islita is best accessed by plane.  Once your flight has landed on the strip of dirt, better know as their “airstrip”, you will be met by a friendly representative of the hotel that will take you and your luggage on a 15 minute ride through the jungles and local country side to this amazing retreat located somewhere between heaven and earth.

            Upon arrival to the resort you are greeted with warm welcomes and a cool cocktail as you marvel over the breathtaking vistas.  Within your first moments you begin to feel a sense of peace and relaxation and know that you have chosen the absolute right place to spend your vacation.

Hotel Punta Islita is the ideal location for your honeymoon or a romantic retreat. Weather you are in a deluxe room, a Jacuzzi suite, or a casita with plunge pool, Hotel Punta Islita’s tiered layout grants you seclusion and spectacular ocean views.  With each room category you enjoy the luxury of Aveda Spa products and Egyptian cotton linens, as well as the Costa Rican charm of hammocks and wood furnishings, all the while enjoying warm coastal breezes and magnificent sunsets. 

If a family vacation is what you seek than look no further!  Punta Islita’s two bedroom luxury villas with private plunge pool allow families to enjoy the comforts of home with the amenities of a five star resort.  Located closer to the beach and family pool, these villas make a day in the sun and surf easily accessible. A swim up bar for the parents, a playground for the kids, and a poolside snack bar for all to enjoy, makes this a happening spot for family members of all ages.

If it is some quiet time you are after, the “adults only” infinity pool located near the 1492 Restaurant is an ideal location for lounging the day away with a good book.

 When it is time for dinner, the 1492 Restaurant offers casual dining under a fifty foot thatch-palm ceiling and open-air ambiance.  The menu is a Costa Rican fusion cuisine focusing on rich flavors, colors, and textures.  The quality service and delicious flavors will be sure to leave you looking forward to your next meal. 

Once you have had your fill of soaking up the sun, many activities await you.  Play a round of golf on the executive 9 hole course, get your adrenaline flowing on a zip line or ATV adventure, go horseback riding down the beach at sunset, or take a closer look into the lives of the local people.  There are many options to fill your day at this beautiful Costa Rican retreat.  But whatever you do, do not leave this place without

experiencing the magical healing and rejuvenation experience of the Casa Spa.

While offering a wide variety of treatments, the Ritual Massage is the house specialty.  A mixture of aromatherapy and hot stone massage, this experience will leave you with a new view on life.So if you are thinking that the stress of everyday life is starting to take a toll on you, come spend some time at Hotel Punta Islita and revive, replenish, and rejuvenate your soul.

We would be glad to put together a customized itinerary for your upcoming adventure to Costa Rica give us a call today, 303 938-9165/1-800-626-3483, www.costaricatravelpoints.com.

 Rachel Gelfer Hornaday, Costa Rica TravelPOINTS

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