Riu Palace

dinner from The Krystal restaurant

I have enjoyed 3 nights at this wonderful property just outside of Cabo San Lucas, walkable (but not recommended) with fantastic views of Land’s End.  This property is directly next door to the Riu Santa Fe but for the little extra it would cost to upgrade is well worth it.

The layout of this hotel is convenient, providing ocean views for most rooms plus easy access to the pools and restaurants/bars.  The views from the infinity pool is wonderful, the huge waves make for great entertainment (if they catch some unsuspecting tourists!!)   There is poolside and beach service for drinks.  Also plenty of chairs on the beach in the shade of enormous palm trees.

For a very gourmet, full service experience the Krystal restaurant is a definite must.  A welcome glass of champagne as you arrive, plus your own bottle of wine at the table (all included), delicious appetizers and the BEST steak I have ever had.  I would come back to this resort just to have that meal again!!

Riu Santa Fe

Having just enjoyed 4 wonderful nights at the Riu Santa Fe in Cabo San Lucas have lots to say about this property.   If you were’nt hungry before reading this blog…you should be by the end.  The food at this property has been very good (wine is another story!)

This hotel is close to Cabo San Lucas as you can see from the photo taken from the pool area of “Lands End”.  You can walk into Cabo but I would recommend only if you want a good workout (if walking along the beach) and perhaps 1 way is adequate.

The views of the rocks and arch as well as the huge waves is definitely something to see, and you can watch it all day long! Some are even brave enough to venture into the ocean.

There are 4 a la carte restaurants as well as a large buffet..you will never go hungry here!  The 2 main bars in the evening in the center courtyard are very lively, with 20 shooters lined up continuously~~

Riu Palace

Fishing frenzy

Fishing event….

Last chance to climb Coba ~ the Tallest Mayan Ruin

If you haven’t had a chance to explore the rich Mayan culture in the town & ruins of Coba, do it now before it’s too late.

Tulum and Chichen Itza (one of the new Seven Wonders of the World) shut off visitors from climbing their structures years ago, partly for safety reasons and partly to conserve the stones from erosion. Over the past year, every time I’ve been in the Mayan, I’ve heard more substantiated rumours that officials are planning to shut down Coba.  Then you’ll only be able to view it from the ground.

Located an hour inland from Tulum, Coba is the tallest Mayan Ruin in Mexico at 45 meters high.  At this height (it feels like more!), you’ll experience breathtaking panoramic views of the area, plus you’ll feel like quite the champion for reaching the top.  The climb up isn’t easy and the climb back down isn’t for the feint of heart. Don’t worry though – you can hold onto the rope that is affixed from top to bottom.  If you’re comfortable enough to climb down normally, just take it slow — a miss-step will not result in a happy ending.

The Mayan history is rich and a tour of the area of Coba is worth the 1-2 hour drive.  The ancient hieroglyphs and stone structures are quite amazing as your guide regales you with stories of the ancient traditions and rites of passage.  You’ll also hear their interpretation of the end of the Mayan calendar (December 21, 2012) and how it is the origin of the end of the world stories (eg. Nostradamas’ version).

As you walk through the jungle, temperatures can soar and mosquitoes can be pesky. Those who are less fit or want a faster ride back to the front gate and frosty beverage shops can indulge in “Mayan Limousines” – bicycle taxis that drive you through the jungle for a nominal cost.

No exact date has been set to close Coba to climbers, so now’s the time to check it out and enjoy the view from the top while you can. International tourism to Mexico has increased 2.1% in the first five months of 2011 so it is still the #1 destination for North American travelers.

Call now to book your next trip to Cancun or the Mayan Riviera and include a tour of Coba – it may be your last chance to experience it fully!

El Dorado Maroma – Boutique Burger

My proclivity toward the USD $8 Single Cheeseburger at the Burger King in Cancun Airport has been blogged about before but if your tastes run more toward gourmet, here’s one you’ve got to try.

El Dorado Maroma’s beachfront open-air grill offers something different every day and Tuesdays are “Boutique Burger” day.

Appetizers such as salad ‘fixins’, Kraft Dinner-flavored penne, potatoes & soup are all self-serve, but unlike all other days of the week, Tuesdays you order from a selection of burgers and it’s delivered to your table any way you like (medium well, etc).

Burger creations range from ‘Texan’ (2 burgers with bacon & cheese) to ‘Mexican’ (with guacamole & jalapeño cheese) to ‘Caribbean’ (with Anejo rum glazed salsa). All in all there are 12 gourmet options to choose from and you can even get these on a gluten-free bun! Vegetarian and other non-beef optioned are also available.

You’ll want to show up for this lunch with an appetite and you won’t leave hungry or disappointed.

Other lunch specialties include:
Sunday: ‘Mexican Flavors’
Monday: Skewers
Tuesday: ‘Boutique Burgers’
Wednesday: Taco Day
Thursday: Fish Day
Friday: Barbeque
Saturday: Paella

Casitas at El Dorado Royale

The Casitas at El Dorado Royale run along the beach front at the North end of the property.  There are 6 sections, each section has its own pool area.  There a variety of types of casitas available including indivdual casita’s, swim up and swim up infinity pool casita suites.

The amenities included in the casita section include:

* butler service at pool & beach

* in-suite check in and concierge service

*aromatherapy and pillow menu

Of course at all the Karisma properties the BEST features are the NO wristbands, NO beach bed saving and NO reservations required for dinner.  But at the Casita’s it’s just one step above that with your own pool area right outside your Casita door. Reserved beach beds for Casita guests and always a comfortable lounge chair available at the pool.  The butlers are attentive and they appear at all times with fruit kebabs, popsicles and even lunch boxes in case you don’t have the desire to leave your poolside lounger!

There are fabulous restaurants at the El Dorado Royale and of course all guests do not require reservations for lunch or dinner AND 24 hour room service is also complimentary if you want to remain in your wonderful casita room!

Contact me today to get your next Karisma Gourmet Inclusive vacation booked and receive a complimentary room upgrade* and beachfront candle-light dinner OR sky massage!!   Tammy   778-549-3829    tlandry@travelonly.com

* Offer based on category availability

 

 

Fantastic reasons to travel to Europe this summer

With the Canadian dollar at such a great exchange rate – now is the time to travel to Europe.  With these great package rates that include round trip flights from Vancouver, accommodation for 6 or 7 nights and extra’s it’s hard to pass up an opportunity to explore some fantastic destinations abroad.

GLASGOW ~ The Best of Bonnie Scotland 7 days

Cad $1,660 per person, including taxes for July travel dates

Package includes:  round trip flights(Vancouver), guest house accommodation, car rental and 3 day historic Scotland Explorer Pass.

 

PARIS ~ City Package  8 days

Cad $1,712 per person, including taxes for July and August travel dates

Package includes:  round trip flights (Vancouver), hotel, transfers and 1 hour cruise on Seine.

LONDON ~ City Package  7 days

Cad $1,610 per person, including taxes for July travel dates

Package includes:  round trip flights (Vancouver), hotel, transfers and Hop on, Hop off pass.

Plan early for your memorable cruise to Alaska

Plan now for your cruise to Alaska next spring and ensure the best cabin choice.  Princess cruise lines are one of the few that are able to visit Glacier Bay National Park (only 2 ships allowed per day) and on this rare itinerary that is roundtrip from Vancouver it will sell out quickly.

ISLAND PRINCESS, 7 night cruise departing Vancouver on May 16, 2012

spend a day at sea then visit Juneau ~ Skagway ~ Glacier Bay ~ Ketchikan and another relaxing day at sea as you cruise back to Vancouver.

Rates for a balcony cabin (to ensure you don’t miss any of the wonderful wildlife and spectacular views along the way) start at:

Category BC – Cad $1,404 per person

Category BB – Cad $1,419 per person

Category BA – Cad $1,444 per person

Category AB (mini suite) – Cad $1,599 per person

Above rates are based on double occupancy – rates for 3rd & 4th person sharing same cabin start at Cad $750 per person.

While aboard the Island Princess you will enjoy complimentary pastries, panini’s and wonderful desserts as well as special coffees in their Piazza.  Of course, wonderful dining (including Baked Alaska) and fantastic entertainment throughout your 7 day holiday.  There are only 3 sailings per year that are round trip from Vancouver – get your cabin booked now!!

 

Maroma Magic

El Dorado Maroma

Sabores restaurant, pool and swim up bar

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to spend 7 glorious nights at the 5* El Dorado Maroma by Karisma in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico.

This resort is perfect for couples wishing to relax and enjoy each others company ~ with only 72 rooms on the property you have the opportunity to meet new friends or just spend some quiet time alone on one of the beach beds!  At any time of day you could always find a lounge chair on the beach, at the pool or even a nice beach bed to relax in the shade in the early afternoon.

There are 2 pools on the property ~ the large one has a swim up bar, plenty of comfortable lounge chairs with thick cushions as well as beds.  The water

aerobics are held in this pool.  There is also a restaurant at this pool (Sabores) where you can choose to eat inside or out on the pool deck.  The menu was incredible and I wish I had the chance to eat at this restaurant more than I did ~ the pizza was fabulous!

There are a few great options for dining ~ Italian cuisine at the Mio Cuccina ~ Kiyoko Oriental restaurant ~ Sabores Mexican/Caribbean and the newest addition of Papitos Gourmet Beach Club.  This was our favorite place to enjoy breakfast and lunch!  With the gorgeous beach just 2 steps from your table…the view was amazing, the breeze was perfect and the food was fantastic!

view from Papitos Restaurant

There are some wonderful benefits of having your holiday at this Karisma property….NO wrist bands….NO towel cards…..NO reservations required.  These are just a few of the reasons our holiday was so relaxing.

Maroma beach is rated one of the top beaches in the world.  The Maroma Marina is just a few minutes walk from the resort so you can book tours, seadoos IF you feel the need to venture from the hotel.  If you continue walking down the beach you will find the most wonderful spots to swim without another person in sight.

If you think that 7 nights at a small property might have you bored after a few days….I challenge you to TRY IT!!!  As Jackeline Otero (Sales Manager at El Dorado Maroma) says….“they call it Maroma Magic” I know that I’ll definitely return to this wonderful resort and cannot wait!!!

Bar "24" swim up bar

Maroma beach