Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2012

January 3rd, 2012

Best Honeymoon Destinations

There are many resort destinations that cater to destination weddings and honeymooners.  Some have onsite wedding coordinators and a honeymoon concierge to make your stay relaxing, pleasant and memorable.  Here are the top 2012 destinations that are perfect for honeymoon couples that want everything that excites; or, nothing but relaxation:

Kauai - Kauai offers fabulous resorts and private villas on sandy white beaches, making for the perfect honeymoon. Couples looking for adventure between the relaxation days can hike through the Na Pali Coast, take surfing lessons in Hanalei or kayak down the Wailua River.  There are also many good restaurants and shops on the island among other activities.

Maui - Maui is always the ideal honeymoon destination.  You’ll find gorgeous beaches, cute little towns like Lahaina to explore, five and four star luxury resorts and luxurious spas, and some of the best restaurants around.  The island offers a lush jungle, a 10,000 foot volcano, warm waters and plenty of sunshine.

Puerto Vallarta – Puerto Vallarta offers that colonial small town ambience along with gorgeous beaches, luxury resorts and some of the best restaurants in all of Mexico.  The Old Town offers plenty of local shops, restaurants and bars.  The Sierra Madre Mountains provide jungle with plenty of active excursions.  There is always plenty to do or simply relax at the beach.

Jamaica – Jamaica offers plenty of all-inclusive resorts that cater to the honeymooner and weddings.  The all-inclusive resorts allow honeymooners to fully relax without worrying about where to eat or what to do.  Couples who want to get out and explore can find a host of things to do, like shopping, visit tropical rain forest or reggae bars, and plenty of aquatic activities.  Temperatures range from 70 degrees to 90 degrees year-round.

Aruba – Honeymoon couples can enjoy relaxing together next to the turquoise waters on glittering white sand beaches with swaying palms.  Local resorts pamper honeymoon couples with luxuries such as spacious suites with private terraces, 24-hour room service, massages and spa treatments, and plenty personalized attention.  Honeymooners will enjoy flowing champagne, culinary treats in their suites, and other special touches for the honeymoon couple like private candlelight dinners.

St. Lucia - St. Lucia is one of the world’s leading honeymoon destinations offering one of the most beautiful and romantic settings.   There is almost no place better to spend your honeymoon or have a Caribbean wedding.  Couples will find plenty of St. Lucian romantic resorts to choose from including elegant all-inclusive resorts for couples only. Whether you are planning to get married here or simply planning a honeymoon, St. Lucia is a beautiful romantic place.

Turks and Caicos – If you are looking for a quite laidback romantic honeymoon you’ll find it on Turks & Caicos.  Turks and Caicos is a quite destination not frequented by the masses.  You’ll find peace and solitude on your honeymoon.  There are many five and four star resorts to choose from that offer pristine white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters.  You’ll find 230 miles of beaches along with the third largest coral reef system in the world, making it a premier diving and snorkeling destination.

Los Cabos Mexico – Whether its Cabo San Lucas or San Jose Del Cabo, Los Cabos has become one of the top locations couples choose for destination weddings and honeymoons.  All inclusive resorts in the area are big on weddings and honeymoons, some including their own wedding coordinators on site.  The resort wedding coordinators will assure your wedding will be beautiful.  Honeymooners will find an array of honeymoon perks offered like couples spa treatments, massages, fine dining, champagne, and couples activities.

These are a few of the top destinations based on popularity for 2012.  If you are looking for something a bit out of the way, more exotic, or less frequented, VoyageMonkey.com Travel can assist in finding that special honeymoon destination.  We’ll help you book your travel reservations and hotel accommodations so you can focus on your wedding plans.

 

Turks and Caicos, Turquois Waters Await

December 29th, 2011

 

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos Islands boasts some of the best beaches in the world according to various top travel magazines and the Travel Channel.  With plenty of 5-star and 4-star resorts, fine dining restaurants, and full service spas, it’s become one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean today.  Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays which are perfect for day trips to find that secluded beach to have all to yourself.  The islands are located just below the Bahamas to the east of Cuba, so flights from Miami to the island city of Providenciales are fairly short.

As a British Colony, the official language is English and the official currency is the US Dollar.  This is a real convenience for U.S. travelers.  Average annual temperatures  range between 85 and 95 degrees and the waters are some of the most crystal clear turquoise waters you will find anywhere in the world.  This makes for perfect diving and snorkeling conditions.  It is not uncommon to spot Humpback Whales, spotted Eagle rays, Manta Rays and Turtles while exploring the waters. Turks and Caicos typically have around 350 days of sunshine annually.  The islands are very safe with one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean.   Visitors are required to have valid passports and round trip tickets not exceeding 30-days.

You’ll find plenty of Spanish, French and British influences around the islands, particularly when dinning out.  Great seafood and shellfish are very abundant on the islands and Caicos has the only commercial Conch farm in the world.  You’ll find most of the top restaurants in the various resorts although the local restaurants are also well worth a try offering some local dishes that you may not find in some of the finer resort restaurants.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a port of call for many cruise ships each year.  Cruise passengers will find many activities in and around the area.  On Grand Turk You can kayak through gentle, shallow waters surrounded by mangroves while watching migratory birds and other marine life.  There is an abundance of water sports activities like sailing, personal water craft, windsurfing and much more.  These are perfect islands to explore.  Middle Caicos is home to an impressive chain of limestone caves and other sites.  Voted one of the Caribbean’s best golf courses and the Host of the 2009 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship, The Provo golf Club is known as one of the best and most challenging golf courses in the Caribbean.

You’ll find plenty of luxury hotels and spas in Turks and Caicos for your hotel reservations.  Five-star resorts in and around the City of Providenciales include the Amanyara Villas, Gansevoort Resort, Grace Bay Club, the Regent Grand, the Regent Palms, the Sumerset, Turks and Caicos Club, and Seven Stars Resort.  On nearby Parrot Cay you’ll find the elite 5-star Parrot Cay Resort which is deemed one of the best luxury resorts in the Caribbean by the Travel Channel.  Four-star resorts are plentiful and VoyageMonkey.com’s easy online travel booking makes it easy and affordable to find an ideal resort for your stay.

6 Reasons to Visit Macau

October 26th, 2011

6 Reasons to Visit Macau

 

Located on the southeast coast of China, Macau is a one-of-a-kind destination.  A renowned location for entertainment, culture, excitement and relaxation all at once, Macau is like no other place on Earth.  Boasting everything from incredible architecture, world class casinos, a thriving nightlife, and amazing food, Macau offers something for everyone.

Macau, a former Portuguese colony, is located on the coast of China not far from the fabled city of Hong Kong.  Macau boasts a warm, tropical climate, many centuries worth of history, and a wealth of attractions and historic landmarks.  The reasons to visit Macau are nearly limitless, but here are six of the top reasons to pay a visit to this exotic and beautiful city.

1. Casinos

Macau is famous throughout the world for its plethora of gambling establishments.  The city’s top gaming establishments include the famed Casino Lisboa, the Wynn Macau, the Sands Macau, the Venetian Macau, and the City of Dreams.  These establishments offer a wide array of gaming and entertainment opportunities for visitors.  OnlineCasinoBluebook.com is a great resource for gaming enthusiasts looking to visit Macau.

2. Restaurants

Macau’s amazing food is enough of a reason to visit.  Macau boasts a world class dining scene with a wide variety of both Western and Eastern cuisines to choose from.  Portuguese food is very common throughout the city, while authentic Chinese cuisine spots are also plentiful.

3. Nightlife

Macau is renowned for its top notch nightlife scene as well.  It boasts a vast array of clubs, bars, and lounges.  The Portuguese wine and Macau beer are not to be missed.

4. Museums

Macau is home to many world class museums such as the Macau Museum, the Taipa Houses Museum, and the Museum of Taipa and Coloane History.  History and culture buffs cannot pass on these spots.

5. History and Culture

A large portion of Macau has been deemed an UNESCO World Heritage site.  Top historical and cultural attractions include the Macau Heritage Walk, Sao Paulo Cathedral, and the city’s historic fortifications.

6. Shopping

The city is a shopper’s paradise.  Coloane Village and Taipa Village are two charming, historic districts filled with shops, while the mega-casinos and streets are filled to the brim with excellent shops, galleries, and boutiques.

With it’s unique culture, gambling scene that easily rivals that of Las Vegas, and fascinating fusion of East and West, Macau is truly a destination that can’t be passed up. 

Voyagemonkey.com Online Travel Booking gets you there easy.

Miami’s South Beach, an International Hot Spot

October 2nd, 2011

Miami’s South Beach, an International Hot Spot

One of the most popular destinations on the U.S. east coast is Miami’s South Beach.  Aside from the beautiful white sand beaches and warm waters, the area is lively with its hot nightclubs, trendy shops, restaurants, and the beautiful pastel-hued Art Deco buildings.  Some of the buildings and hotels in the area are a walk through a past era, giving South Beach that attraction for tourists.  Art Deco architecture in South Beach represents the rebirth of the area in the 1930’s after the devastating hurricane of 1926.  Art Deco is an eclectic form of modernism characterized by geometric shapes.  Art Deco architecture can be seen in some of the old hotels and buildings that line Ocean Drive along the beach front. 

 

South Beach is the southern section of Miami Beach.  With hundreds of restaurants, nightclubs and oceanfront hotels, South Beach is one of the most popular hotspots in the U.S for foreign visitors, particularly Europeans.   South Beach has become a favorite European tourist destination, for its affordable direct flights and international appeal.  The beaches echo not only with English, but Spanish, German, French and other foreign languages.  Foreigners can often be found at Haulover Beach, a legal haven for topless European sunbathing.  With all-year-round beautiful weather and great people watching, some of the best sidewalk dining is found in South Beach.   Restaurants spill into the streets, with attractive international cuisine and seafood set out for display.  Nightlife starts heating up when the sun goes down.

 

Collins Ave. and Ocean Ave are considered to be the heart of the area and are lined with many oceanfront, restaurants & bars, hotels and resorts.  Two streets off the beach, Washington Avenue hosts some of the world’s largest and most popular nightclubs & bars, staying open until the wee hours of the morning.  There is also great shopping for very unique items on and around Lincoln Road, South Beach’s premiere shopping area. Lincoln Road is an open-air pedestrian mall closed to traffic, lined with small boutiques, sidewalk cafes and bars.

 

Greater Miami has miles and miles of beaches and waterways, plenty of water sports, and two nearby national parks (Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, the only living tropical reef within the continental U.S.)   A dinner cruise makes for a romantic evening, while an airboat ride in the Everglades is a day-time ticket to adventure.   

 

For your stay in South Beach, The Loews Miami Beach Hotel is right on the beach in the Art Deco area and is a popular hotel with great service.  Easy online travel booking can be found at VoyageMonkey.com.

AULANI RESORT, ENJOY DISNEY IN HAWAII

September 24th, 2011

AULANI RESORT, ENJOY DISNEY IN HAWAII

The kids want to go to Disney?  You want to go to Hawaii?  A perfect compromise for the family is Disney’s Aulani Resort on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.  If offers something for every family member.  Perfectly positioned on the pristine beaches of Ko Olina, Aulani offers you seaside splendor in Hawaiian grandeur.  The resort is on the dryer leeward side of the island, far enough away from the crowds but still close enough to enjoy all the wonders of Oʻahu and Waikiki.

 

Everything inside and outside this resort voices Hawaii.  Disney worked closely with local Hawaiians to create Aulani, a resort filled with Hawaiian tradition, culture, and history.  Disney is great at theme parks, putting that expertise to create a Hawaiian theme resort with little hints of Disney.  The resort features contemporary Hawaiian art throughout the Resort and guest rooms, and immerses guests in the traditions and legends of the island.  Receive the ultimate level of personal attention, the art, stories and history of Hawaii at the Aulani Resort.  Most of the gracious employees at the resort are local Hawaiians, ready to give you that aloha spirit and great service.

 

Guests enjoy a white-sand beach and “valley” of pools and waterslides, crystalline waters, winding lazy river streams, and more.  The resort features and 8,200-square-foot, zero-entry pool, Plunge down Volcanic Vertical drop, tunnel body slide, and the only private snorkeling lagoon on Oʻahu, called Rainbow Reef.   The private snorkeling lagoon offers something to delight every age.  The resort has four whirlpool spas, and private cabanas provide poolside splendor, including a 32-inch flat panel TV, ceiling fan, and refrigerator.  The beach front offers beach equipment rentals including kayaks, snorkel gear and paddle boards. 

 

The resort has 359 hotel rooms including 16 suites, 460 Disney vacation club villas, four restaurants, two lounges, a spa & fitness center, and kids clubs for all ages.   The resort offers a myriad of recreational activities, culinary programs, excursions and more.  Guests enjoy complimentary entertainment, including hula performers, cherished Disney Characters, and family-friendly Disney movies shown outside under the stars.

 

Disney did this resort right.  A little bit of Disney with a lot of Hawaii, giving your family that Hawaiian experience.  This resort is enjoyable for adults and children, and the kids clubs allow parents to enjoy some time alone.  Enjoy nearby golf or Waikiki shopping, dining and night life.  VoyageMonkey.com Online Travel Booking offers discount travel to Oahu and the world’s most popular travel destinations.

Adults-Only Resorts, Not for Swingers

August 2nd, 2011

 

Adults-only resorts, vacation package deals

Ever go on vacation to get away from the kids, just to be surrounded by other peoples kids?  It’s much easier to avoid that scenario these days with the proliferation of couples and adults-only resorts.  These adults-only resorts have sprung up on the finest beach front properties, with the finest in all-inclusive amenities and accommodations.  No longer are these places established for the swinger, but rather as a sanctuary of pampering with no-kids, in a fun adult environment.

 

If you once mentioned the word  “adults-only resort” the thought of Jamaica’s clothing-optional Hedonism Resort may have come to mind.  Today even Hedonism has opened a G-Rated version of itself for less adventurous adults and couples to enjoy.  You’ll find the big brand names that cater to couples, like Sandals, Secrets, and Couples Resorts, all with multiple locations to offer variety and encourage repeat business. Other big brands like Breezes, Iberostar, RIU, Temptation and Hedonism cater to single adults, as well as couples. Many smaller and independent hotels have also jumped on to the adults-only market because there is a niche demand.

 

Since many of the adults-only resorts offer an all-inclusive format, guests usually enjoy complimentary onsite-dining and room service, endless cocktails 24-7, dancing & entertainment, spa & fitness centers, sports and aquatic activities.  Beach activities can include motorized water craft like jet skis at some of these resorts.  Sandals in the Bahamas even goes as far as butler service for guests.  All this in a tasteful adult environment without children.  Perhaps a population of work-aholics just wants some peace and quiet in the short time they get away from work.  Even the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas is Adults only.  Where the big boys play, you know there is money being made in the adults-only resort game. 

 

The most popular destinations for adults-only resorts include Jamaica and Cancun Mexico.  You’ll also find plenty of adults-only resorts in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta Mexico, St. Lucia, Aruba, the Bahamas, as well as Costa Rica and Punta Cana Dominican Republic.  Find easy travel reservations and hotel accommodations.

Saint Lucia, Romantic Getaway for Two

June 8th, 2011

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is very popular for those romantic getaways, honeymoons and Spa vacations.  The small 200-square-miles island provides plenty for the adventure seeker who can enjoy surfing, sailing, diving, jungle ATV adventures and rainforest zip-lining.  Picturesque landscape of sandy palm-fringed beaches, vast rainforest, waterfalls, and the majestic Piton Mountains will bring you peace and tranquility.  The friendly locals and rich culture will provide lasting memories. Bask together under the Lemon-Yellow Caribbean sun, sail together for a champagne sunset sail, and cuddle together on the beach at night beneath the stars.  Re-spark old love or sizzle your new romance in Saint Lucia.  The rich and famous have been coming to Saint Lucia for decades for solace and this magic romantic fix.

Saint Lucia is a small Caribbean island country located near the islands Martinique to the North and St. Vincent to the south.  Saint Lucia has that perfect vacation weather and vibe.  An average annual temperature of 80ºf, crystal clear warm waters and lush tropical rain forest make Saint Lucia the perfect place to unwind and relax.  Saint Lucia is also rich in history and culture.  Saint Lucia changed hands 14 times among Spanish, French and British until finally becoming independent from Brittan in 1979.  These influences are evident as you explore the island.

Most of the resorts and tourist areas are found along the islands west coast, including the island’s capital city of Castries to the north with its great restaurants and bars.  The northern part of the island is more populated, touristy, and flatter than the southern part of the island. The southern half of Saint Lucia is rural and mountainous.  Cruise ships regularly visit Castries so the area is always bustling with tourists out duty-free shopping, dining and taking in the town.  Staying at a resort close to Castries is convenient since taxis are expensive as well as rental cars. Taxi rates are fixed amounts so that the drivers cannot take advantage of tourists.  Also be sure to use the water taxi’s which can be faster at times and a fun way to get around.

Picture yourself lounging under a thatched hut on the beach with and exotic cocktail in hand.   If you’re looking to lay out, drink some cocktails and just relax in an all-inclusive environment, then one of the Sandals Resorts properties would be a good choice.  The adventurers may like one of the Sandals Resorts near the southern part of the island closer to those activities. This is where you will find the famous Saint Lucia Pitons, the national symbol of the country.  Sandals Resorts provide shuttle service to and from the airport, but many resorts don’t provide this service.

Saint Lucia is a really fun island for couples, with its numerous restaurants and bars with live music all over the island.  Relax for a drink and enjoy a little bit of Reggae, POP Rock and Jazz.  Dance the night away if you want.  The island is full of fun activities and things to do.  You’ll find Jack Nicklaus designed golf, as well as tennis, swimming, and good night life.  During the day enjoy some of the best snorkeling and diving around or hit the mountain trails together on bikes and swim under a waterfall.  You can Jet Ski, Kayak, parasail and do much more right off the beach.  You can fill your day or just walk out your door to the beach and find a comfortable lounge chair or hammock.

 

Saint Lucia is the perfect destination for romance and VoyageMonkey.com Online Travel booking can get you there for the best value.   

Costa Rica’s Tropical Playground

April 12th, 2011

Guanacaste Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of those fabulous tropical places that’s the perfect place to go on any budget.  Online travel booking to Costa Rica is easy and there are many vacation package deals that are easily affordable.  

 

It’s often much cheaper to go on vacation to Costa Rica than go on vacation inside the U.S. or Europe.  Many things and activities in Costa Rica are cheap.  You will find great low-cost restaurants with the best food and cheap drinks.  Shopping is even cheaper than dining and just the overall cost of living, compared to the United States and European countries, is much lower.  This is great news for travelers looking for great bargains on getting away.

 

So, when’s the best time to go to Costa Rica?   There are really only 2 seasons in Costa Rica: Dry and Wet.  Costa Rica is only 10 degrees north from the equator, making the climate hot mostly all year round.  The months from mid-November through the end of April are typically the dry months, and the high tourist season.  The remainder of the year is typically your rainy low-tourism season.  Also, spring break / Easter week is not the best time to go since it gets crowded and many establishments shut down.  

 

Costa Rica is the new hot-spot for eco-tourism.  Twenty-Three percent of Costa Rica is covered by national parks & forests.  The place is well known for the diversity of exotic plant life, animals, sea life etc.  It’s rated one of the best places in the world to Canopy Zip-line and you can enjoy white-water rafting the same day, all while taking in the spectacular rain forest, wildlife and exotic birds.  Outfitters specialized in this area and can take you to these places (Don’t wander is the Jungle).   You can arrange for hiking & biking adventures, as well as an assortment of aquatic activities like diving and fishing.

 

Your major resorts in Costa Rica are located in Guanacaste, along the Northern Pacific Coast.  You’ll find great resorts like the Four Seasons, JW Marriott, Melia, and all-inclusives like RIU and Barcelo.  One of the easiest ways to get to Guanacaste is to fly into the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia.   Taxis are pretty cheap and when you have a city official taxi, that’s the fastest, cheapest, and safest way of transportation. Getting around by bus is the slowest manner of transportation but you’ll find it to be scenic and cheap to get around locally. You could rent a car to drive but you need valid driver’s license plus a passport.  Usually you are required to get rental insurance.  The roads are not the best to drive.  If you are willing to spend a bit to save time, you could fly domestically on small aircraft and hop to different points in the country and cut your time of travel by road quite a bit.  This is a popular way of local travel among tourists.

 

Costa Rica is simply one of those mired now.  So, if you have plans to go on vacation soon and want to get a great value outside the United States or  Europe, there are many vacation package deals that are perfect for visiting Costa Rica.  This tropical paradise is the place to unwind, and you can get great deals.  Read more at http://www.voyagemonkey.com .


Old San Juan Puerto Rico, Old World Charm

February 6th, 2011

San Juan Travel Deals

Old San Juan is located in the northern coastal region of Puerto Rico and is the oldest city under the U.S flag.  Not only does San Juan have fine beaches and beautiful tropical climate, but this town displays some of the best Spanish-colonial architecture and historic old world charm.  Locally known as “La Ciudad Amurallada” (the walled city), in 1508 Juan Ponce de León founded the original Spanish settlement and in 1521 San Juan was founded.  The city walls are made of solid blocks that are 40 feet high in places, and 15 to 45 feet thick at the base.  There is one of the original six red city gates (massive wooden doors) that remain today.  Some of the wall has been torn down as the city expanded. Today, Old San Juan is a real town within a city.

Old San Juan is a beautifully preserved eight by ten block district of San Juan consisting of around 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period.  Old San Juan lies on the western half of the islet of San Juan and is protected by multiple Spanish forts.  Much of the district is intact architecturally, including the impressive forts and walls.  The Northern part of Old San Juan overlooks the ocean, and it is here where you will find two of the three forts, El Morro and San Cristóbal. Castillo San Cristóbal is one of the largest Spanish fortresses in the new world.  The Castillo San Felipe del Morro (or el Morro) is a citadel with a commanding view of the entrance to San Juan Harbor.  The Southern part of the city faces the beautiful San Juan’s Bay and it is especially enjoyable at sunset.  When the sun sets on the Bay, you can enjoy scenic walks along the bay side.  The third fort, Fuerte San Gerónimo (San Gerónimo Fort) was built on the opposite end of San Juan to strengthen the city’s defenses.  

Old San Juan has a fabulous historic walking area.  The attractions of Old San Juan are technically within walking distance of each other.  You’ll experience a few hills and a lot of cobblestone streets to challenge you while getting around town.  Walking the narrow streets of the old city past the colorful houses, stone streets, plazas, statues, forts and cathedral make you feel you’ve gone back in time to the 16th century.  The Old San Juan’s City hall was built in 1602 and the governor’s mansion is the oldest in continuous use in the New World.  The town also features the second oldest church in continuous use in the New World, the burial site of Ponce de Leon, and a Museum of the art and history books through five centuries.

There is plenty to see and do around San Juan.  Old San Juan has great shopping, nightlife, dancing, dining.  The Puerto Rican culture is rich in history and tradition and it’s reflected in their people and the friendly atmosphere of the local shops, restaurants.  You’ll find terrific local retailers scattered among many narrow streets as well as small gambling casinos, several plazas, parks, museums, and social gathering spots. Stores include many fine jewelers, art galleries, crafts, and great food, particularly tapas bars and Latin “fusion” restaurants.  If you love Puerto Rican and Caribbean food, Old San Juan has the best and most authentic around.  Visitors often tour the nearby El Yunque Rainforest, which is an amazing natural wonder.  You can also visit the San Juan Bacardi Factory and enjoy a fun tour with some tasting of Caribbean Rums, or enjoy a kayaking trip in the bioluminescent bay of Farjardo.

The Old San Juan attracts many tourists.  Old San Juan is a common departure point and stop for cruise ships.  The port of San Juan annually accommodates nearly 1.4 million passengers in cruise ship travel alone, making it the third busiest cruise port in the world.  Most cruise passengers arrive to the island at San Juan/Luis Muñoz Marín Airport, and then take a cab ride to the cruise pier near Old San Juan.  Old San Juan is quite safe. On the southern waterfront by the piers where cruise ships dock, local police line the area, keeping it safe for tourists, even at night. Along this waterfront and in front of the Sheraton hotel is the best place to catch a taxi at night.  

If you are looking for a great hotel with the best location for getting around Old Town and embarking on a cruise, the Sheraton Old San Juan is a delightfully captivating upscale hotel in the heart of picturesque Old San Juan near the cruise ships.  This hotel has the best location in Old San Juan.  The completely unique location highlights spectacular views of the bay.  It you are looking to stay at a nearly beach resort, south by the airport is Isle Verde where you will find a string of beach resorts, including the Ritz Carlton.  Condado is the next big beach hotel area just west of Isle Verde. The beaches and resorts in Carolina on the other side of town are also very nice.  Find out more about easy online travel booking and travel reservations to San Juan.

 

 

Cozumel Mexico, Beach Clubs for Day-Play

January 16th, 2011

Cozumel Beach Clubs

Cozumel is one of Mexico’s small Caribbean islands, located around 12-miles off the Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun and Playa del Carmen.   The flat densely vegetated island is around 30-miles long by 10-miles wide with miles of pristine Caribbean coastline.  The town of San Miguel on the island’s western shore is the main city with a population around 75,000, all very friendly.  Cozumel has warm to hot tropical weather, great beaches, warm crystal clear water, and great food.  The island has Mayan and Spanish history as well as great Mexican culture.

The island has great vacation amenities.  Other than Cozumel’s fabulous restaurants and resort accommodations such as, the Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa, the Iberostar, the Melia, Fiesta Americana, and more, you’ll find several great “admission–to-enter” beach parks with an array of fun amenities.  These are really fun and encourage you to really play at the beach.

The most popular beach park in Cozumel just minutes from downtown is Chankanaab National Park. Chankanaab beach park is located within the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park.  Activities at Chankanaab include: Swim with Dolphins, Sea Lion, and Manatee; Scuba, Snuba and Snorkel; or, tour a modern-day reproduction of a Maya village.  The park includes a restaurant and bar with waiter service to your beach lounge.

The Playa Mia Beach Park, just minutes from town, features over 20 services and attractions, such as an underwater Mayan City, lounge chairs, showers, restrooms and dressing rooms, kayaks, paddle boats, an Iceberg water mountain, water trampoline, sailboats, floating mats, volleyball court, beach soccer area, ping-pong tables, swimming pool, Kids’ club, playground, stores, entertainment, wave runners, parasailing, banana boat, snorkel & diving tours, bungee trampoline, tattoo, outdoor massage, and lifeguard with rescue boat.  There is food and open bar to make your day that much wilder.

Located minutes south of downtown, Paradise Beach Cozumel offers free entrance to its beach club.  The club offers lots of activities and attractions like ocean kayaks, water trampoline, floating iceberg, excellent food, drinks and service.  Mr. Sanchos’s beach park is located on one of Cozumel’s best beaches and offers fun activities, such as horseback riding, ATV tours, great Mexican and Caribbean food.  Passion Island is an all-Inclusive and private island located on the northern part of Cozumel, just 25-minutes from downtown San Miguel. Enjoy a white-sand paradise, turquoise Caribbean water open bar and Mexican buffet under a palapa by the shore. Rest on a hammock, play volleyball, pedal a boat, sun bathe, swim, relax, and enjoy!  You can even get a massage.

Celarain Lighthouse Park is a 247-acre ecological reserve in Cozumel, located at the southern tip of the island.   The park has a breathtaking white sand beach, mangrove jungles, lagoon, reef formations, exotic birds, iguanas, giant turtles, crocodiles and more. Guests can visit the Museum of Navigation and go up the lighthouse.  You’ll also find an ancient Mayan structure near the lighthouse.

Cozumel is great fun, online travel booking can get you there.  VoyageMonkey.com Online Travel Booking.