Fun In The Sun

Mark Murphy tell viewers the importance of using a travel agent on Morning Blend

Destinations Diva — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:38:00 GMT

Mark Murphy, a cutting edge travel online publisher, author and travel vetern, explains why people should use a travel agent on Morning Blend Las Vegas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nByof2tZIc8&feature=youtu.be

Vegas Baby! Destination Vacation to The Hotel at Mandalay Bay

Destinations Diva — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:43:00 GMT

Went to Vegas with a group and I was reminded how much I love Vegas. We stayed at The Hotel at Mandalay. There is a big difference between The Hotel side and Mandalay Bay side.I loved The Hotel. It was well worth the money. The room was one of my favorites in Vegas, but I didn't like being so far down on the strip. You can still walk and the tram helps shorten the walk, but it is still pretty far away if you like to casino hop. The Mandalay Bay resort does have lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars to choose from, so it was nice to have that convenience. The service was ok, but not great. We had a couple of problems, but they were resolved by one of the managers, which I appreciated her effort to fix them. After that, we didn't have any more problems. The rooms at The Hotel were very well appointed and a great boasted great views on the higher floors. I try to stay at different hotels everytime to get a perspective on the hotel amenities and location. I would certainly recommend The Hotel, just keep in mind the location.

All rooms at The Hotel are suites.

Is Mexico Safe?? The question I get asked most......

Destinations Diva — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:30:00 GMT

I am reposting an article from the Miami Harold because it is the question that I get asked almost everyday! The short answer is yes! Please read the article for a better understanding.....

Yes, violence in Mexico rising -- but it's less than in Washington

BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER

After the murder of two U.S. consulate workers in Mexico's border city of Ciudad Juárez, many of you have written to me wondering whether it is safe to travel to Mexico. The answer is: If you are courageous enough to travel to Washington, D.C., you can safely visit most parts of Mexico.

My "Mexicoma" at El Dorado Maroma-Top 10 Beach Destination

Destinations Diva — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:38:00 GMT

I recently had a big birthday and wanted to have a “Mexicoma” where I could pretend like it didn’t happen with margaritas and beautiful beaches. Maroma beach is listed on the travel channel’s top 10 beaches in the world. The hotel is smaller than most of the resorts where I like to stay. However, it was a good change of pace. This is a quiet and remote resort that emphasizes romance. We were greeted quickly with cool towels and champagne and checked in immediately.

Top Reason to use Destinations Diva Travel Agency

Destinations Diva — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:45:00 GMT

Top Reason to use Destinations Diva Travel Agency

1. Knowledge and Experience- You spend a lot of money and time planning for a vacation. You take off work; you look forward to it for a long time! Don’t you want it to be fantastic? By using a travel agent, you are getting knowledge....

Sea World San Antonio

Destinations Diva — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:45:00 GMT

What can I say about Sea World San Antonio? My suggestion would be not to go in August because it is HOT in August in Texas. However, if you are feeling guilty because your kids aren't going to have anything to write about on their "summer vacation" essays, then hey, an outdoor vacation in 107 Texas heat will be a perfect getaway! Despite the heat, we ventured to Sea World, and I did a lot of self talk about having good attitude, and then threatened the kids that they must limit their whining and fighting, and they came through, even my 17 year old had fun spending the day with us.

Azul Sensatori

Destinations Diva — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:00:00 GMT

I visited Azul Sensatori last week on a work trip. I was really impressed. I was skeptical about this property because it hasn't received a lot of press like some of the other family resorts, and some of the reviews have been negative. However, I found this resort to be extremely posh for an all-inclusive. The grounds are beautiful, the pools are huge and fantastic, and the food really is gourmet. The kids club is one of the largest, boasting huge facilities and a water park. The indoor kid's club facilities include a rock wall, indoor theater, small trampoline, gymnastics/tumbling area, imagination area, art room, and napping room. Your kids couldn't be more entertained. For those of you like me, who don't drop your kids off on vacation, you can still do the activities with your children. And for those of you who like some away time from your kids on vacation, the hours are great and the staff is certified and kid centric.

I'm in a unique situation because I have young elementary age kids, as well as an older teen. This resort provides something for everyone. The teen club is great without being cheesy. During the day it has pool tables, ping pong, board games and 5 TVs that broadcast sports. It has two bars that has all the sodas and virgin drinks anyone could ask for. At night, it changes to a teen disco. Your teens can have their independence while the parents feel safe about the situation.

The facilities are really great at this resort. The bars are gorgeous and the restaurants are too. The food was really great and the mango margaritas were wonderful! The staff went out of their way to help guests, and there are many pools to choose from. The rooms are great as well.

Let me address the beach. The sand and beach are are fine. Your kids can play in the sand and there is plenty of room. You can sunbathe on the beach. The entry into the water is rocky. You can put on water shoes and swim, but it is rocky in areas. There is seaweed, but the resort cleans it up regularly. There wasn't much there at all when I was there. You can also walk up a little bit away from the resort and the swimming is better. So, if the swimming in the ocean is a big priority for you and your kids, maybe this isn't the resort for you. But if all the activities for your family outweigh the ocean, than give this resort a shot.

Weddings are fantastic. The sky wedding on the rooftop is unique and beautiful. Karisma properties does a great job with their weddings, so if a destination wedding is on your list, this is a good property.

Overall I really liked this resort. I will return with my family shortly. It provides something for everyone. It does price slightly higher than some of the other resorts, but I think you definitely get more for your money. It feels unique and special and certainly posh. And they are providing discounts throughout the year that make it comparable to the other family resorts. If you are looking for an all-inclusive resort that has something for everyone in your family, I would certainly give this one a try.

Views from the lobby

partial view of teens club Kids water park

Beach area-rocky in water, but plently of beach/sand spa and bridal suite

sky weddings at Azul Sensatori. Beautiful views!

The Royal Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Kim — Sat, 29 May 2010 21:13:00 GMT

My husband and I visted The Royal in Playa del Carmen with two other couples in May. It was a wonderful place. The grounds were beautiful, the rooms are fantastic, and the food was great. The pool area was hopping with a crowd of mixed ages. They have pool bar service, although it was slow at times and the drinks were on the weak side compared to the other resort bars. The beach area is nice, altough a little rocky on water entry. It is also in a very public area of town so it's not as secluded as other resorts. I didn't find this to be a problem, but some might. They had plenty of beach beds and beach chairs available. The coffee shop and bar area in the quiet pool area are to die for. It is so peaceful over there and the service and drinks were exceptional. I enjoyed all the dinners and service at the a la carte restaurants on the property. One of the best things about this resort is the location. It is in the middle of down town Playa del Carmen, and it is walking distance to clubs, shopping, and dinning. This hotel is at a great price point and is a great adult only vacation!

View from room 6999

view from the lobby

Beach wedding at Gazebo location

Beach Wedding reception

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Kim — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:34:00 GMT

These are pics of Iberostar Grand Hotel. It is an adult only all-inclusive that is fabulous! It is truly palatial and every room has a butler.

If you are taking a trip without the kids, or looking for a Destination Wedding, Riviera Maya should be at the top of your list! There are so many great places to choose.

Steamboat Springs CO

Kim — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:13:00 GMT

Steamboat Springs is fantastic place to bring your family.

If you are looking for a ski vacation, Steamboat if a fantastic place! The views are gorgeous and the service is great!