Trip Report

Day two at the Occidental Grand Xcaret hotel.  After breakfast, we spent some time checking out the many boutiques here are property. The store owners are all very polite and not pushy in the least.  Rates are also pretty reasonable.  This resort is not in a town so if you do not have a rental car, chances are you’re taking an organized tour or taxi. So having shopping options onsite is a big plus.  Food is still blah.  But as I have now properly adjusted my expectations, in this instance you get what you pay for. The resort averages $250 per room, per night based on double occupancy for an all-inclusive. Can’t expect gourmet dining at that price point unfortunately.

The highlight of the day was Xcaret Park which is connected to the hotel.  You can buy your tickets from one of the many local tour operators onsite at the resort, the excursion desk or online in advance. We actually got a better deal going to one of the local tour desks here in the hotel. Then it’s a short 10min to the park entrance.  Rates range from $88-175 depending on who you get your tickets through and if you’re doing the basic park entrance or the “xcaret experience” which includes food. Check out the website for the wide range of activities available. You can easily spend a full day here.

After the day at the park I headed over to the spa at our hotel.  It’s small but reasonably priced for what you’d expect at a hotel spa.  There are definitely cheaper options in Playa del Carmen which is about 20min away. But the onsite spa is convenient and the staff super friendly.

For dinner we were looking forward to trying one of the specialty restaurants only to find out that two of them were closed.  As it is the slow season, many resorts adjust their onsite offerings based on demand and occupancy.

Tomorrow is our last day. Stay tuned for more hotel reviews!

As a travel professional, I try really hard to manage my clients expectations.  I want to ensure that you always get the absolute best value for your money and that the resort or hotel matches what you’re looking to get out of your vacations. A vacation match maker if you will.  More than a travel love connection, my job is to educate and inspire you to see the world!

You may know already that I specialize in 4-5* resorts. In Mexico as an example, I generally knock off a star (*) when explaining the resort amenities to clients because the standards are different in Mexico compared to what we might expect in the US.  This is especially true when it comes to all-inclusive resorts that tout 5 and even 6* service.   How do you know if that resort really warrants that 5* price tag? What do you get for a 5* in Mexico?

Not all 5* resorts are created equal

This is my fourth visit to the Riviera Maya.  In lieu of hiring a driver, I decided to rent a car and drive myself so I’d have more flexibility. I’ve driven in Mexico before but I’ve always been with other people. So this was the first time driving solo and I’ll admit, I was a little nervous. Plus, I speak very little to no espanol.

Thankfully, I read this article ahead of time to refresh my memory on driving etiquette so I felt good to go.

My first stop was the MOON PALACE, located just 5-10 min from the Cancun airport.  This is a massive resort split into two sections – Sunrise and Nizuc.  The Moon Palace is part of the Palace Resort group which has 7 resorts between Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.  I’ve been to most of the Palace Resort but this was my first visit to Moon which touts itself as perfect for weddings and family groups.  This resort does a ton of weddings and groups and I can see why.  The FREE wedding package is of course a big draw.   If you are planning a large event and want to have plenty of space for your group to spread out, several pools, restaurants or even conference space, the Moon Palace is an ideal choice.  If you’re looking to celebrate a honeymoon and want something a bit quieter however, I’d pick some place else.  Having to get from one end of the resort to the other by way of golf cart and sharing space with over 3000 guests is not my personal idea of a romantic and relaxing holiday.  It really depends on the environment you’re looking for.  There is also minimal greenery around which for some may not matter at all but if you like a more lush environment, the Moon Palace is a bit more sparse in this regard.  The beach area is narrow and of course this year thanks to the weird seaweed phenomenon, pretty unusable.  You also receive up to $1500 in resort credits that you can use towards upgrades, spa treatments, activities, specialty dinners etc.  I have yet to have a client use all of their credits (If you have, email me because I want to hear about it!)

In a nutshell I think the resort is very nice, spacious and appealing for large groups. I think it’s a solid 4.5*.

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My next stop was to Ocean Coral & Turquesa.  This resort has been one of my go-to favorites for family groups. Their onsite staff is so friendly and communicative.  It’s a moderately sized resort with about 500 rooms.  This resort offers a very different vibe than other resorts in that it’s a character resort – not your cookie cutter cement blocks.  There are four buildings in a horseshoe formation that curve around a pool in each area.  All of the rooms are junior suites with either garden (1st or 2nd floor) or ocean views (3rd floor) OR their oceanfront master suites are very large and ideally located right in front of the beach area. 

I love this resort for families with small kids. The Crib Club is a genius idea. A small area with cribs surrounded by mosquito netting next to the kiddie pool. So parents let the baby sleep nearby, play with the toddlers and enjoy pool bar service.  Sounds pretty perfect. The kid’s club for older age kids is in the same area.

For a resort of this size there are also many restaurant choices, especially for dinner with no reservations required.  There is no nightclub onsite but the central pool has live music and a DJ at night until 1AM which makes it a great resort for groups or friends traveling together that want a fun environment but within a smaller resort.

The Turquesa section of the resort is for those in the Privilege Club which offers upgraded mini bar amenities, private lounge and restaurant plus access to a row of beach cabanas.   Average upgrade is about $55 per person, per night so I think it really depends on how much you think you’ll be using those amenities to determine if it’s worth it or not because the suites are identical.

I would say this resort is a moderate 4* that is full of charm.

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My third stop was to the Marina El Cid in Puerto Morelos.  Puerto Morelos is a small town between Cancun and Mayakoba.  Mostly a local area with a handful of hotels in the middle of no where.  If you’re looking for a resort closer to a town that is no where near as built up as Cancun or Playa del Carmen, this area would be an OK choice.  There is a small open air market, many local food shops and a nice park area by the public beach access.

I’ve had my eye on this resort for a while now because they have family rooms that can accommodate a family of 5. My boys are too young yet to be in their own room and I don’t often have the budget to do a 2 bedroom suite so this resort seemed like the perfect solution! Of course when I got there I was told that the hotel was fully booked. After a bit more prodding it turns out 3 of the 4 buildings are closed for renovations (scheduled to be complete this December).  That would explain the lack of bodies around the pool area. I actually really liked this resort for families even not seeing the rooms.  So much so that I’m considering it for our winter vacation. There is a big waterslide + kid’s pool that I am pretty sure my boys would never leave.  I like that all of the buildings are angled around the pool and activity zones.  The beach here is small and there is a stone jetty so not ideal if you’re ocean swimmers but fine if you want to just play in the sand.  So far this is one of my top picks for families looking for an affordable, all-inclusive beach resort.

Realistically I’d give this a 4* rating. Maybe higher had they shown me a room…

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And finally, my home hotel the Occidental Grand Xcaret.  I had stayed at this resort about 15 years ago when it first opened. I had heard from my rep that the resort just underwent some specific renovations a few years ago so I was excited to revisit this old favorite.

So today I should have managed my own expectations. I admit it, I’m a little spoiled. Generally when hotels know I’m traveling as an agent scouting hotels, they roll out the red carpet. A room upgrade or complimentary service is the norm.  Afterall, how could I trust you (the hotel) with my clients if I’m not wowed and 100% sure you’ll take extra-special care of my VIP clients? (you’re all VIPs by the way…)

This hotel is a 3* at best.  I have not been impressed by the service, food or accommodations thus far.  The beds are like solid granite and my so called “deluxe” room overlooks a service road with golf carts zooming by every 5 min.  I won’t go into too much more detail because I don’t want to be a negative nelly but if you’re thinking of this resort and want more info, feel free to contact me. I will say I’ve seen a ton of groups here though. Mostly younger singles/couples and one wedding group. If you’re a group on a tight budget and looking for very modest accommodations with no view – then this resort would likely be fine for you.  I will caution you that there seem to be a lot of items NOT covered by the all-inclusive (internet at $15 p/day, fees for specialty sodas/coffees etc.). The only real highlight I think is the direct access to Xcaret and the large pool area surrounded by flora & fauna. Now for this trip I brought my mother who really didn’t know anything about the resort and she thinks it’s great.  Expectations right?

[Update: OK, it’s day 2 and the resort is quite pretty. Very lush with all kinds of critters.  I think if the hotel put some money into the rooms it would be a solid 4* property. A big negative I forgot to mention – there are no elevators! We originally had a room on third floor but the prospect of my older mother having to go up and down the stairs several times a day on top of all the walking required to get around this resort – we quickly switched rooms to a ground floor.  We’re here in low season so switching rooms was not much of an issue since the hotel is no where near full.  However for those traveling in peak season or with a large group that could be problematic for anyone with limited mobility.  Just something to be aware of ]

Personally I think the fact that I am picky (ok, one might say a hotel snob) works in your favor!   I have a ton of photos as well that I’ll try to organize in a slide show when I get home.

Stay tuned for day 2 !

 

I just returned from 4 nights at Dreams Punta Cana (February 2014). As a professional travel agent, this was also an inspection trip for me so in addition to this resort I toured 8 other quality resorts in Punta Cana.

The Dreams Punta Cana resort is definitely one of the better values for families and adults looking for a relaxed, casual, all-inclusive vacation. While the resort touts a 5* rating, having looked at the competition I think this resort is a solid 4*. Overall the rates reflect that (avg. nightly rate is $200-300 p/nt for All Inclusive double occupancy compared to $300-500 for similarly rated hotels).

The buildings are older and starting to show a bit of wear. However because it is an older (comparatively) resort it has a wonderful location on a wide stretch of beach and the grounds are just beautiful. Very lush and mature gardens which adds to the tropical atmosphere. The property is very long and narrow built back from the beach. So if you book the lowest room category, you will be closer to the lobby which includes several bars & restaurants but farther away from the beach. None of the rooms really offer an ocean view although some offer a pool view or “swim out”. The pools are long and wind their way through the center of the resort which is actually one of the better features because no matter which building you are assigned, you have very easy access to the pool.

For families there is the “explorers club” which at this resort includes a great playground and daily activities for the kiddos.

For couples, I highly recommend booking a room with “Preferred Club” amenities. This will give you access to the Preferred Club lounge, a room in one of the buildings closer to the beach, private access to one of the specialty restaurants for breakfast & lunch (vs. the main buffet only), and a private section of the beach roped off just for PC guests which includes beach beds, service from the bar and overall a quieter, relaxing area to enjoy the beach. It’s definitely worth the extra cost if you are looking to elevate your experience for not that much more money.

Food & Service – I found the staff to be very warm and welcoming. Always with a smile and eager to assist. The meals in the main buffet were average and typical for a buffet. Dinner in the specialty restaurants were quite good (exception being the Asian fusion restaurant which I thought was well below average) and the room service menu while available 24hrs was quite limited (think salad, pizza, burgers etc). Overall, I found the service to be very slow. That being said, being gracious goes a lot farther than being impatient. I was rather embarrassed to see many travelers (mostly American) becoming disgruntled and downright rude because they had to wait 10-15min for something. This is island life and these people are worked hard.

It’s all about expectations. Be aware of how much you paid and realistic about what you should get for your money. If you are looking for a comfortable, casual, beachfront resort – Dreams Punta Cana is a very good value. If you are looking for more luxurious accommodations, gourmet ala carte dining and a smaller resort where you do not have to walk as far to get to different sections of the resort, then I have several other properties to recommend.

I also talked to several travelers as I always find it interesting to hear how people book their vacations and I was happy to hear that many used a travel agent. Those that didn’t had trouble with their ground transportation to the resort and were not educated on the amenities available at the property and so were the ones that experienced more disappointment than others.

I hope that helps! Feel free to contact me with any questions or if I can assist you with your next vacation.

When you think of the ideal beach vacation the beaches of Grand Cayman, Jamaica or maybe Aruba might spring to mind. If you’re a lover of sun and sand, Turks & Caicos should be at the top of your list! On a recent visit to Providenciales (or Provo as its known locally), I had the opportunity to explore the island, it’s beaches and the wide range of accommodations on the island.  The popular beach area known as Grace Bay Beach has some of the most pristine, soft white sand I’ve ever seen.

Accommodations range from modest condos to ultra-luxe hotel residences with a few mega resorts thrown into the mix.  It can seem a little intimidating as one condo complex can look just like the next. You can easily go to each properties website, read the descriptions and see the photos but how do you pick the one that’s best for you?  Talk to someone that’s been there (that’d be me)!

Standard (3*)

Ocean Club Resorts

Ocean Club Resorts is actually two properties next to each other. The original Ocean Club was built in the mid 1990’s and offers comfortable studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites. Onsite you’ll also enjoy Cabana Bar & Grill as well as the more sophisticated Opus Restaurant which is open for dinner and often has live entertainment in the evenings.  Ocean Club West was added about 12 years ago and is quite similar to the original Ocean Club however the grounds are a bit more spread out so there is more space for the kids to play and the pool area is larger. Guests will also enjoy Seaside Grill offering a relaxed dining experience. Units are all individually owned and decorated and frankly a bit dated at both properties unless you get one of the updated units which are quite nice and feature new furniture, paint and bedding. It is one of the more affordable options on the island and great for couples or families looking for a laid back, relaxing stay.  Best feature of the units is actually the screened in porch so you can enjoy the evening breeze minus the mosquitoes.

 

The Sands at Grace Bay  — Perfect for families

This is probably where I would choose to stay when bringing the family especially as I have several little ones. The 114 units are divided into six, three story buildings.  Ranging from studios up to 3 bedroom suites, I found these Caribbean inspired, beach themed units to be casual and comfortable.  Many of the rooms can connect so this is ideal for larger families that want to stay together but not necessarily in the same bedroom.  Kitchens are more modern than some of the other standard complexes on the island.  Note however that because the units are individually owned and decorated, some are more updated than others.  All of the units I saw had granite countertops in the kitchens, comfortable furniture and most had updated bathrooms as well.  You can select garden, ocean (which is more like partial ocean) or oceanfront units. It is definitely worth doing an oceanfront unit if it’s within budget so that you’re closer to the beach. The screened in porch or balcony are also a fantastic feature of the units.  There are several pools and a lazy river the kids will enjoy. Onsite is the popular Hemingway’s Restaurant with a lovely outside deck for alfresco dining.

The Beach House

Formerly known as the Turks & Caicos Club, The Beach House has re-launched in July 2012 with new management, a new name and a face lift.  With just 21 suites this is the ideal property for a family group, corporate incentive or private event. Book the entire property and enjoy spacious accommodations, beachfront access and an onsite restaurant with menus that can be tailored to your needs.  The units here are large but basic offering comfortable (but minimal) furniture with soothing Caribbean blues on the walls and tiled kitchens & baths.

Superior (4*)

Villa Renaissance

Australia . . . rugged, cosmopolitan, gregarious, whimsical. It’s a destination many people dream about, yet very few ever get to experience. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Australia, you might envision a land of convicts, crocodiles, and kangaroos. Well, that may have been true 150 years ago (the convict part, anyway—today, there are still millions of roos), but this country that is so familiar and yet so completely different offers an entirely new world to taste and experience. My new husband, Bruce, and I could hardly wait. [This post is from 2006]

I’ve been designing clients’ dream holidays to Australia for years now, so when it came time to plan my own honeymoon, I knew exactly what we were going to do.  It’s impossible to think you can cover the entire country in just one visit—Australia is roughly the size of the lower 48 states—so we decided to start with the basics on this trip. Your typical 14-day Australia sojourn includes Cairns—gateway to the Great Barrier Reef—Ayers Rock, and Sydney. But I don’t do typical, so I knew I had to find the very best of the best to explore in each region. Based on what I saw and experienced in Australia, I know you’ll have a fabulous time!

THE “RED CENTRE”

Bruce and I were a little bleary-eyed and jet-lagged after flying non-stop from San Francisco to Sydney, and then on to Cairns. Maybe that’s why we just vegged out and relaxed for the next six days at Kewarra Beach Resort—that, and the fact that it rained half the time. We spent another two days at Daintree Eco-Lodge & Spa, where we indulged in some wonderful post-wedding-stress spa treatments. Unfortunately, because of the weather we weren’t able to go out on the Great Barrier Reef. We did, however, take a fun excursion to Hartley’s Crocodile Farm, where we admired the cute koalas and watched the slightly insane keepers hand-feed hungry crocs.

From Cairns we flew into Alice Springs, a historically interesting town that reminded me a bit of Scottsdale, Arizona, with its arid climate and desert vegetation. This is the heart of the “Red Centre” in the infamous Australian Outback. At the Ghan Railroad Museum we learned that, in the early 1920s, the Ghan Train replaced camels as the major mode of transport in the area; as a result, these work animals were turned loose, and you can still see wild camels roaming the Outback. In fact, we passed a camel farm—or “station”—where you can stop and take a camel ride; actually, we smelled the station well before we saw it.

Speaking of camels, Bruce and I rented a car for the four-hour drive from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock, and to break the monotony we counted road kill: two dead camels, 18 kangaroos, four cows, two emus, and a dingo. Road signs warned that we should fill up every time we saw a gas station—and believe me, we did!

Approaching Ayers Rock was almost surreal, as it loomed larger and larger in the windshield. We stopped and took an escorted tour of the rock formations known Aboriginally as Kata Juta (“Many Heads”); the tour was lousy, but the scenery was absolutely amazing. Having learned our lesson, we toured Uluru (the official Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) independently, which I highly recommend. We stayed three nights at the four-star Desert Gardens in a Rock View Room; every morning we enjoyed coffee on our balcony and had an amazing, unobstructed view of Uluru.

BACK TO NEW SOUTH WALES

After our four days in the “Red Centre,” we flew back to Sydney for a dose of cosmopolitan comfort, staying at The Observatory, located right across from the Sydney Observatory. We enjoyed a morning harbor cruise, traveling up and into the bay, glimpsing different beaches and historic sights in and around the city. It only took about 90 minutes and was well worth the $44AUD per person. Mostly, though, we just strolled the historic Rocks district and the harbor’s Circular Quay, enjoying the great scenery.

Our day trip to the boutique wineries of Hunter Valley was wonderful, with fun stops at Coopers winery and the much-larger McWilliams, where we were served a full gourmet lunch spread. Our small Red Carpet Tours coach held only 15 people (perfect!), and we had an excellent driver/guide who’s been doing these tours for 13 years. 

We wrapped up our sojourn with a visit to Lillianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, about a three-and-a-half-hour train ride from Sydney. It’s a popular retreat for Sydney folks on a weekend getaway, with lots of hiking, biking, and exploring in the area. And the mountains really do look blue; apparently the sun dissipates eucalyptus oil from the plants’ leaves into the air, creating a blue haze that’s quite impressive. Many people only spend four days in Sydney and never leave the city, but I’d highly recommend venturing out for a few nights in Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains.

Talk about whirlwind! With so much to see and do, Australia can be overwhelming when it comes to planning a vacation. But now that I’ve been there and tested the waters, I’m ready to help you plan your perfect Australian odyssey!

HIDING AWAY IN AUSTRALIA

The Observatory, Sydney

Located near the historic Rocks and the Central Business District, The Observatory has everything a discerning and demanding guest could need—the perfect location near restaurants and sightseeing, a savvy and knowledgeable staff, and incredibly elegant colonial ambiance. Each of the 78 guest rooms and 21 suites is exquisitely decorated with dark woods and soothing neutral tones. The pool/spa area is the hidden gem here, massive and totally inviting. We found their concierge to be fantastic—this hotel is first-rate all the way.  

Update: This hotel is now managed by The Langham and has emerged from a glorious multi-million dollar reno!

Lillianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba

This very elegant European-style country house hotel has beautiful views of the mountains and Jamison Valley from extensive terraces and gardens. Its 85 rooms and suites have windows that open to the fresh mountain air, as well as English-style furnishings, luxe linens, and good-sized baths, some with Jacuzzis^®. A heated outdoor swimming pool and a nice spa round out the offerings. And the dining at Darley’s restaurant is to die for! If you take the train, they’ll pick you up at the station, no charge. This was an absolutely enchanting place—I loved it! 

Kewarra Beach Resort, Cairns

The lush gardens and lagoons of this casual beachfront resort provide a very private and romantic setting for its 75 rooms and suites, all set in individual bungalows; the grounds are so tropical, we could hardly see another bungalow from ours.  I found our room’s Polynesian prints to be dated, but the wood and wicker furnishings were comfortable and in good condition. There’s a private stretch of beach and two freeform swimming pools, plus a rather pricey a la carte restaurant. The resort makes a good base from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef. 

Update: This hotel has done a major overhaul of their public areas and yet their bungalows still retain their tropical charm.  I also have other resort recommendations depending on where you want to stay on the coast.

Daintree EcoLodge & Spa, Daintree

This is definitely a destination resort in the midst of the rainforest, about a 40-minute drive north of Port Douglas. Wooden walkways connect 15 very private bungalows to the main lobby, pool, and restaurant. While our room was large and had a beautiful, plush king bed complete with netting, we found the bathroom quite small and unappealing. The real attraction here is the fantastic spa that features ancient Aboriginal treatments.  

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DARCY’S DOWN-UNDER TIPS

• Book early

Believe it or not, airline seats are becoming harder to find. Peak travel season for Australia is December through March, so if you plan to visit then, pre-booking six to nine months in advance is essential for the best rates.  Consider traveling during shoulder seasons (April-June and Sept.–Nov.).

• Buy an Aussie Air Pass

To make travel to Australia more affordable, I recommend the Aussie Air Pass on Qantas. You’ll travel from Los Angeles or San Francisco to up to three cities in Australia from only $1,699 (New York from $1,999), saving at least $300! Keep in mind, once you buy, you fly. Date changes are allowed, but not cities. So make sure you know where you want to go, if not when.

• Buy a fly-net

If you’re in the Alice Springs or Ayers Rock area for any length of time, purchase a $7AUD fly-net for your hat. Believe me, you’ll need it to enjoy the scenery instead of constantly having to swat at black flies. I was vain enough to forgo this small luxury, and halfway through my hike I would gladly have paid someone $50 for their fly-net!

• Driving—not that scary

Driving in a foreign country and on the left side of the road can be daunting. We rented a car in Alice Springs and drove the four hours to Ayers Rock. Would I do it again? Probably not. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you have four-plus days, rent the car and do the “Outback Loop”: Alice Springs/Ayers Rock/Kings Canyon/Alice Springs. You’ll be able to visit ancient aboriginal sites, tour the national parks, and explore at your own pace.

• Travel by train?

Yes! The train system in Australia is great, especially in and around Sydney. It’s quite easy to tour areas on your own, and several day passes and train packages are available. Try the luxury Ghan Railroad, which travels from Adelaide up to Darwin—a magnificent way to see the Outback in comfort.

• Wine-tasting heaven

If you’ve experience wine-tastings in Napa Valley and paid the $25 for a sip of wine, you’re in for a real treat in the Hunter Valley. We visited several boutique wineries, and they were so happy to see us that we were able to try six, sometimes eight, vintages—for free!

• How to avoid the masses

Generally, I avoid the 50-plus-passenger behemoth tour buses, but I thought I’d give it a whirl at Ayers Rock since, unless you have a car, a bus tour is the only way to see the area. I wanted to experience first-hand an escorted tour of Kata Juta and enjoy an “authentic” Australian BBQ. What a waste! I won’t go into details, but if you want to know more, give me a call. I would, however, recommend Red Carpet Tours out of Sydney, one of several small outfits that offer boutique tours; we booked their Hunter Valley tour and had a blast. These companies run mini-vans for just 10 to 12 passengers, and the itineraries are much more detailed and interesting. 

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