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Best places to vacation in Jamaica


Jamaica is a fun destination full of white sand beaches, turquoise water, lively music, tasty jerk chicken and friendly smiles that welcome tourists every year.  The island is full of dozens of all-inclusive resorts which can make choosing the best place to stay over your next vacation very difficult.

If you are a couple looking for a romantic “adult only” or “couples only” all-inclusive ambiance to celebrate a special anniversary with butler service or honeymoon sans kids, we highly recommend starting with looking at one of the seven Sandals Resorts on the island. Sandals has been adding sexy new suites to many of their properties that would make any getaway feel special and they have been including activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and other water sports for years.

Other good choices for this type of ambiance are Secrets Wild Orchid, Hyatt Zilara , Jewel Dunns River or one of the four Couples Resorts on the island. Each resort has something different to offer honeymoon couples and adults seeking an great all inclusive vacation.  For those couples who are looking for a more unique, smaller, upscale feel and quiet atmosphere, The Caves and Jamaica Inn are excellent choices.  If you want activities nearby like golf, swimming with dolphins, ziplines or unique activities to Jamaica like Appleton Rum Estate Tour, Floyd’s Pelican Bar or Rick’s Café, let us know and we will help you select a resort that allows you to easily escape off property and check them off your bucket list.jamaica-kids

For families looking for fun in the sun and Jamaican smiles, it really depends on your budget.  You can have two and three bedroom butler service accommodations and your water activities included at the super all-inclusive Beaches Negril Resort or you can stay close to Montego Bay for a quick family vacation at either the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall or Iberostar properties which are all within 20 minutes of Montego Bay Airport.

Singles who want to have fun and spend time at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, might want to look at two new “adult only” resorts that have recently opened.  Close to Montego Bay and the famous hip strip, Breathless Montego Bay is lively, upscale and modern and Riu Reggae Resort is only one quarter mile from shopping and nightlife.

Wherever you decide to stay, be prepared to come back with a whole new attitude, hooked on Jamaican patties and humming Bob Marley.  Remember in Jamaica, there are “no problems, just situations”.  If you want us to help with your next Jamaica vacation, feel free to call (800) 321-7907 and ask for either Patty or Linda.  We will help make this your best vacation yet….no problem mon!

 

 

 

 

Which Resorts Offer Free Weddings?


Free Weddings Resize

With the cost, stress and hassle of getting married stateside increasing every year, many brides are looking to cut their costs and stress levels and get married in Mexico or the Caribbean.  I can’t say I blame them, as it is pretty hard to turn down a free wedding in tropical paradise!  Yes, I said free.  Sandals Couples Only All Inclusive Resorts which are on the islands of Great Exuma, Nassau, Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua offer free weddings to couples without having to book a particular room category or stay for 7 nights. There are no room category restrictions at Sandals and the minimum night stay for the free wedding is only 3 nights.

The resorts take care of everything from flower details to decorations etc. and you can customize your own wedding through Sandals Wedding design website.  You will be given a personal wedding coordinator to work with when you first reserve your wedding space and then when you arrive on property, you will also be assigned a personal wedding coordinator who will hold your hand through the entire process and make sure your dream wedding comes true!  Because there are so many Sandals properties and each couple has different things on their wish list and their own budget requirements, we suggest these steps when you start the planning process:

  • Reach out and give us a call (-1-800-321-7907), shoot us a quick email, or Request A Quote on our website. Let us know your dates of travel, budget, originating city if you need help with air, what things are on your wish list and the target budget you would like to stay under.

We will use our experience at the resorts (we have been to all of them and travel to them often) to match up some of the better options given your wish list, time of year you are travelling and budget.

  • Once you have picked the perfect resort for your wedding, we will get you booked and help you reserve your desired wedding date and time. We will put you in touch with your Sandals Wedding consultant and act as your advocate should you need additional assistance in any way.

Your Sandals wedding consultant will set up a planning session and go over all the legal requirements for getting married (varies with each island) and help you get all that in order.  Then they will help you customize your wedding to make your wedding day and details just how you want them.

  • You arrive at the resort, all relaxed and ready for your special day! Your onsite wedding coordinator will take care of everything for you.  No worries!!

It just takes these three easy steps to plan a free destination wedding.  If you have guests, we can set up group codes for your guests as well. If you want something more elaborate than the basic wedding which is included, you can opt for a fancier package or add things to the basic package. Since Sandals are “Couples Only” Resorts, if you have families with children who might want to share in your special day, then Beaches Family All Inclusive Resorts would make an excellent choice and also offer the same free destination weddings as Sandals Resorts.

Other resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico that offer free weddings require at least 7 nights booked in a specific room category or higher in order to receive the complimentary wedding. This is never the entry level room category so you end up spending more money to save money.  Resorts like Secrets “Adult Only” Resorts or Dreams Family Resorts offer this option, so if you had planned on staying in a nicer room category for 7 nights anyway, these resorts are still a good option in addition to Sandals.  Otherwise, most resorts have basic wedding packages that start around $850 USD, but to get a free wedding, take a look at Sandals or family friendly all inclusive Beaches Resorts.  They often run promos that give you a $1000 Weddingmoon credit. So you get the free basic wedding ($500) and an extra $500 that you can use towards specific things related to your wedding/honeymoon. Government fees vary depending on the island, but you can even use part of your Weddingmoon credit towards your government fees at Sandals. Sandals Resorts run promos all the time and we can help you take advantage of any current promo that comes along.  Our job is to work with you to help find the best Sandals Resort for your wedding and provide counsel and guidance throughout the entire process. Free is great, but we also want your special day to be everything you dreamed it would be without stress and worry.

So if you are thinking about the possibility of a destination wedding, give us a call (800-321-7907) or send a quick email.  We have three Sandals Specialists in the office and we all work with weddings all the time.  We do not charge any additional fees to use our services and we would be both happy and honored to help plan your special day.

 

Non stop flights from Seattle to Cancun Mexico now available!


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Great news for sun seekers in the Seattle area who would love to vacation on the Caribbean side of Mexico but want to get there fast and minimize the hassle factor associated with travel.  Alaska Airlines has started flying to Cancun again and starting in early November, offers a nonstop flight from Seattle to Cancun. Woohoo! The nonstop flights will operate daily during the peak travel season November through April and they are pricing out very competitively with connecting flights offered by other airlines.

The white sand beaches and warm turquoise water in Cancun and Riviera Maya are some of the best anywhere and unlike Hawaii there are many wonderful all inclusive vacations in Mexico.  Some favorite resorts for an adult only getaway or tropical honeymoon include Secrets and Excellence while the Iberostar and Dreams Resorts are some of our top choices for a family vacation with entertainment and activities appropriate for kids and adults plus organized kids clubs to give Mom and Dad a break. There are many more excellent choices including the all inclusive Palace Resorts but each property has its own personality  so the art is in matching your style to the perfect destination.

That’s where I come in ’cause I’m Totem Travel’s Mexico specialist and visit all the resorts regularly. So let me know what’s important to you and I’ll make sure you return home talking about the best vacation you ever had! Mexico is still one of the better vacation values for families or young honeymooners on a tight budget and the new nonstop flights from Seattle to Cancun make it easy to access this fabulous destination!   Give us a call or send me an email and we can advise you on which destination in Mexico and which resort best fits your ideal vacation.  Pretty soon you’ll be pulling out your sunglasses, working on a winter tan and practicing important phrases like “hola” and  “uno mas por favor.

$1000 off at Sandals newest resort in Barbados


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Sandals Resorts International will be opening their newest Sandals “Couples Only” All Inclusive property on the island of Barbados sometime early in 2015.  On the heels of opening the stunning Sandals La Source, the grand opening of Sandals Barbados has everyone anxiously awaiting its debut. Now is the time to get some great deals on their newest resort.  Space is already filling up, but as of late summer, there is still availability in February 2015.

To kick things off, Sandals is offering a $1000 Air Credit on early bookings at Sandals Barbados.  In order to qualify for the $1000 Air Credit, you need to book at least 7 nights and your travel dates must be 2/14/15 or later.  This means you can stay 7 nights for as little as $3732 during high season!  For travel dates 2/17 onward, Sandals is also offering for a limited time, the $305 Island Routes Tour credit.  Sandals is also offering a generous $500 Air Credit for 3-6 night reservations, so if you don’t have a full week to travel, you can still take advantage of a nice discount. These deals can change at any time so call or email us now!

Some highlights to look forward to at Sandals Barbados are more luxury suites including club and butler level rooms that open up to a meandering crystal lagoon pool, as well as beachfront club and butler suites with tranquility soaking tubs.  Sandals Barbados looks to be following in the footsteps of Sandals La Source Grenada as far as the look and feel of the accommodations.  Add to the list more quality dining choices including gluten free and other dietary needs, grand swimming pools with swim up bars, and all your water sports activities included, put Sandals Barbados on your list of possibilities.

Other great deals and specials out for late summer/fall are more air credits for all the properties, including up to a $755 Air Credit for both their resorts in the Bahamas (Emerald Bay and Royal Bahamian), as well as Sandals La Source in Grenada.  The $305 Island Routes Credit is a fantastic promo for couples looking to explore the island and resort surroundings.   In addition to seeing and vacationing at all the various Sandals Resorts, we have taken many of the tours and can recommend activities to spend your Island Routes credit on.

Call (1-800-321-7907) or email us linda@totemtravel.com and we can tell you when to travel to take advantage of the best promos.  Happy Travels!  Linda, Patty & Sandi

Is Excellence Riviera Cancun “Adult Only” All Inclusive A Good Choice For A Honeymoon?


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With all the great choices for an all inclusive honeymoon or special anniversary trip in Mexico and the Caribbean, I always get asked which one is the best. If Excellence Riviera Maya has caught your eye and you are wondering if it is a good choice for you, I might be able to help you decide.

If you are looking for a medium to large size “adult only” all inclusive property, Excellence Riviera Cancun has approximately 348 suites (they will be adding more two story terrace suites and junior suites in the near future) and the property has a nice variety of room options from their standard junior suites, to swim up suites and the very popular two story terrace suites. All the rooms are nice and feature a whirlpool bath which seems to be on most couple’s wishlist.

If you are looking for a centrally located resort in Riviera Maya, Excellence Riviera Maya is smack in between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, so you are simply approximately 25 minutes from each of these areas. Set on a nice long beach, you can cab to Cancun or Playa Del Carmen quite easily, yet you get the atmosphere like you are far away from the buzz of the city or town.

If you like nice pools, Excellence Riviera Maya has 6 meandering pools that run throughout the property. Another key feature that appeals to many couples travelling to Mexico, authenticity! Excellence has a modern look that is blended with real Mayan charm. From the Palapa style restaurant that anchors the main pool to a charming Mexican courtyard, you definitely know you are in Mexico.

If you want plenty of dining options, Excellence has 8 international dining choices on site, including an Indian restaurant which is growing in popularity. If you are into spas, Excellence has one of the nicest spas in Riviera Maya. On my recent visit, I was again blown away by the 25 foot entry way arches/doorways that lead you into the sanctuary of the spa.

Finally, if you are looking at staying under or at $3k (LAND ONLY, including transfers) for 7 nights and two adults, then you can do this at Excellence Riviera Maya. Depending on which city you are flying from, you can usually do the entire trip for around $4k. And Excellence is an all inclusive property, so all your meals and drinks (including alcohol) are included.

So if you answered yes to a medium size resort on a nice beach, central location with several dining and room options, authentic style property under $3k, then I think you would REALLY enjoy Excellence Riviera Cancun. If you like the looks of Excellence Riviera Maya, but want to travel to the Caribbean, they do have a property in the Dominican Republic called Excellence Punta Cana. We travel to a wide variety of “adult only” all inclusive properties throughout Mexico and the Caribbean regularly, so let us serve as your travel counsel when planning your special trip. We do not charge any fees to use our service and we will do our best to find the best fit for your dream vacation. You can reach us at 1-800-321-7907 or on our website at www.totemtravel.com

Secrets Silversands Adult Only All Inclusive Resort Mexico


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I just had the opportunity to stay at Secrets Silversands in Riviera Maya Mexico for a couple of days and this particular property has a lot to offer on many levels. As a travel agent specializing in all inclusive resorts, I have experienced dozens of resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Fiji and since a big part of our business is honeymoons and special anniversary trips, we have seen all the Sandals and Couples Resorts and adult only Secrets, Excellence, Palace Resorts, El Dorado Resorts, Iberostar Grand and more

In a nutshell, I would recommend Secrets Silversands for couples who are looking for a nice adult only all inclusive vacation in Mexico with solid dining options, beautiful pools and luxurious suites decorated in a modern décor. Secrets Silversands is close to the airport so if you are looking for a quick fun in the sun break where you don’t have to spend an hour getting to the resort, Secrets Silversands is a great choice.

If you are a real beach person and love to not only hang out on the beach but swim and play in the ocean this might not be the best Secrets Resort to choose. The beach is very nice, but the areas where you can get into the water without seaweed, small rocks etc., are very limited. The main pool and the infinity pools looking out over the gorgeous Caribbean Sea more than make up for this if you are mainly going to be hanging out poolside. The pools don’t get any better!

The main pool is the place to hang out during the day or the nice large beachfront Jacuzzi. There is usually a variety of activity going on by this pool and the Oceania Restaurant that is poolside is outstanding! The fish tacos are delicious!!! In addition to a good variety of dining options, the resort has a nice spa, workout facility and evening entertainment.

As far as the rooms go, they are luxurious and all come with a nice big Jacuzzi tub that you can open up to the room if you like. I’m not sure if I am a big fan of the glass door to the toilet room, but the walk in shower is also very nice. There really isn’t a bad room at Secrets because if you don’t have an oceanview, you will have a tranquil view of one of the many pools and beautiful gardens.

If you want higher end liquor stocked in your room, then you definitely will want to book a Preferred Club room, but otherwise, the rooms all look the same on the inside. The Preferred Club just gives you fancier amenities and a better room location, so if those things are important to you, then it might be worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the standard rooms are fine and can save you money.

I am often asked how the various Secrets properties compare to each other and how they compare with other adult only resorts or couples only all inclusive resorts like Sandals. There are distinct differences between Secrets and Sandals, as well as “couples only” versus “adult only”. There are three of us in the office that all specialize in Sandals and Secrets Resorts, so just give us call if you want help deciphering the differences and choosing the best resort for your next special getaway. We are happy to help and can be reached at 1-800-321-7907 or you can email linda@totemtravel.com. Happy travels!

 

Choose the best Couples Resort in Negril


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I recently returned from Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away in the Negril Area of Jamaica and as a Preferred Sandals Specialist I’m used to being asked how to choose the best Sandals Resort. But lately I’ve also been asked about choosing the best Couples Resort, so here are my thoughts on choosing the best Couples Resort in Jamaica.

Both Couples Negril and Swept Away are very nice, clean, on good beaches and they both have excellent food quality especially for the price. If you are looking for a smaller more compact resort, then Couples Negril might be a better choice for you. While both resorts are very casual, Couples Negril is slightly more so and with only 234 rooms compared to 312 at Couples Swept Away, the overall feel to the resort is more cozy and compact. I stayed in the entry level room at Couples Negril and it was clean, very simple and the bathroom had been renovated so I would consider it a great deal if you are okay with a basic room. These rooms do tend to be noisier because they sit closest to the road, but again if your budget is tight or you want to stretch your budget and get more time in Jamaica, then this resort is a excellent choice. Lychee Restaurant was fabulous!

If you want to be on the 7 mile stretch of beach in Negril and want a more active atmosphere, then Couples Swept Away  might be a better choice. Couples Swept Away has more luxurious rooms like the Great House Beachfront Suites or Premium Beachfront Suites which are located throughout the maze of two and three story buildings throughout the property. Again, this resort is more spread out both in buildings that house the accommodations and the sports complex which is located across the street. If you are interested in fitness, tennis, squash etc., then for most people Couples Swept Away is a better choice, although Couples Negril has tennis courts as well and they are very nice.

Some key questions when considering either Couples Swept Away or Couples Negril are: what is your target budget (usually Couples Swept Away id more costly), what sort of atmosphere is most important, and what are expectations with regards to your accommodations? We can help find the best Couples Resort that fulfills your wish list. And we can also help with activities to do in the Negril Area.

If you are looking at Couples Resort thinking you want even more luxury in your accommodations, pools, restaurants etc, then perhaps a resort like Sandals Whitehouse  which sits on a beautiful white sand private beach would meet all your expectations and dreams.

We visit and stay up to date on all these resorts and we are happy to steer you in the right directions based on your individual desires and wish list, so please surf our site or give Patty, Linda or Sandi a call @ 1-800-321-7907. We all specialize in all inclusive resorts for adults and families as well as tropical island resorts in Fiji and Tahiti and are always happy to help!

 

My favorite adult only all inclusive resort in Mexico, Secrets Capri!


Secrets Capri

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So let me start by saying, “my favorite” might not be your favorite, but in my opinion, Secrets Capri adult only all inclusive resort in Riviera Maya is the jewel of all the Secrets Resorts. While all their other resorts are quite modern in décor, Secrets Capri which is the oldest, has a more traditional yet classy look and feel. You get the feel that you are in a luxury property, yet you feel comfortable right from the get go! On my recent trip to Mexico, I stayed at the newer and more modern, Secrets Silversands property. While at Silversands, I talked with many of their staff whose faces lit up with a big smile when I mentioned I would be seeing Secrets Capri on this trip as well. Apparently, Secrets Capri is also a staff favorite as well!

Secrets Capri doesn’t have a dozen pools, but the main pool at the resort is well sized and shaped for the property. Because the property is smaller and more compact, all the activities can be found at the main pool. Let’s just say the energy is upbeat and active in this central location. The beach at Secrets Capri is very nice although like most properties, they are in the process of trying to rebuild the beach after the wrath of storms that have hit the area in the last several years. So far, they are doing a great job.

The rooms are very similar to other Secrets properties, ie. nice Jacuzzi tub with a luxurious bathroom with double vanities etc. The biggest difference is the décor and room style. At Capri, you have the dark wood furniture with nice warm blue and golden tones for the soft goods. Other Secrets Resorts have a sleek, modern décor with lots of white or neutral tones and lots of glass. I personally preferred Capri and the dark mahogany door that separated the toilet room from the rest of the bathroom versus the glass door at Secrets Silversands. Of course, décor is a matter of taste and all the Secrets properties are very well appointed both in the rooms and in the common areas.

Speaking of common areas, I love the luxurious lobby that spills down via a grand staircase (again dark wood with wrought iron railing) to a lower common area with restaurants and a sports bar. In the courtyard, they have a beautiful fountain that warms the area up. Like other Secrets properties you have an assortment of dining options including their signature Himitsu Pan Asian restaurant, but what I find a little different at Secrets Capri are the two restaurants that offer seaside dining. Cactus grill is their ceviche and taco bar and a great place to dine seaside for lunch and it is also available for private dinner parties at night. Oceania is a gorgeous restaurant where you can have an intimate table for two overlooking the beautiful Caribbean. Of course, Secrets Capri has an Italian Restaurant, steakhouse and their Coco Café where you can get your morning latte and light snacks, including the most delicious cookies.

Like the other Secrets properties, destination weddings are very popular at Secrets Capri and their wedding staff do an amazing job, taking the stress out of wedding planning. And I would be remiss if I failed to mention their Spa by Pevonia! If you are into awards etc., Secrets Capri is an AAA Four Diamond property.

Finally, I just have to mention something that is important to many of my clients. Secrets Capri is an ALL PREFERRED CLUB property. Most clients prefer the Preferred Club amenities like the upgraded mini bar or upgraded bath amenities and the fact that everyone at the resort is enjoying the same perks, eliminates the “class status” stigmas found at other resorts. Yes, you can have a more expensive room with a direct oceanfront view, but all the preferred club perks are for everyone at the property regardless of room category.

Secrets Capri is just one of those properties where you can get the pampering and luxury you want out of your vacation, but in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. If you are interested in any of the Secrets properties, just give us a call at 1-800-321-7907. We also know all the Sandals couples only resorts and are a Sandals Preferred Agency. After finding out more about you and what your likes and dislikes are, we can often be very helpful by making comparisons between all the resorts, as they pertain to your specific wants and wishes. Our ultimate goal is to help you choose the right one for your next big trip and take the stress out of vacation planning. Happy Travels

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A small, romantic and very private resort in Jamaica – the Caves


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If you are looking for privacy, something unique and ultra romantic The Caves Resort in Jamaica may be for you. Located only minutes from Negril, The Caves Resort is small, totally private and exudes romance and one of a kind charm. The resort hasn’t been featured on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette Show…..YET!  And if you didn’t know you were in Jamaica, you might think you are on a Greek Island or remote island resort in Fiji.

I consider The Caves to be a hidden gem in the Caribbean although it has been featured on The Travel Channel and won all sorts of awards. The property is perched on two acres overlooking the stunning Caribbean Sea. Coral stairways wind down to sundecks, grottos and eventually the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Each room at this resort is different from each other and they all have charming names like Two Drop Cottage, Moon Shadow and Macka Tree. There are only 10 handcrafted cottages on property so you have to book this property early in order to find space. From time to time, they offer specials like stay 5/ pay 4.

The resort is all inclusive and your accommodations, meals, drinks and non-motorized water sports are included. In addition to the unique accommodations, The Caves is the only resort in the Caribbean where you can have a private candlelit dinner in a romantic cave setting. Again, something right out of The Bachelor!

The Caves is a great choice if you are looking to unwind and not be bothered by a crowd of guests all fighting for beach or pool chairs. You will find your own private sundeck or perch where you can relax in privacy while being pampered by the resort’s personalized service. You won’t want to leave!

If you want some social beach time as part of your trip, The Caves makes an excellent combination with either Sandals Negril  or Couples Swept Away which are both all inclusive “couples only” resorts in the area that include all your water activities like scuba and snorkeling. Many clients like to start out at either Sandals or Couples which are only 15 minutes away and then transfer over to The Caves for their remaining nights.

So if you are planning that special anniversary trip, honeymoon or long overdue vacation that you have put on the backburner for years, The Caves is a resort to consider. Of course we have other favorite resorts throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaiian islands and South Pacific. So give us a call, email or request a quote. We believe in personalized service at no extra cost and are always happy to help.

Happy travels! Linda, Sandi & Patty

 

The One & Only Palmilla Resort – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico


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I recently stayed at The One & Only Palmilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Since I am a travel agent, I get to stay at a variety of upscale resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. This particular trip was not a work trip, yet a surprise trip planned by a close friend who wanted to celebrate all of us turning 50 in the past year. Even with my travel experience, I was quite impressed with The One & Only Palmilla in Cabo.

The resort lived up to its luxury status in every aspect, so I would give the One & Only Palmilla high marks. The resort’s landscaping is stunning and immaculately kept. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is an arid destination, yet the resort is lush and green sprinkled with colorful flowers and gardens. The pathways are lined with lush trees that are full of the most ornate and beautiful luminaries. At night the place is all lit up and has a magical feel. Two of my friends were novice travelers and they were speechless as we toured through the grounds and were taken to our rooms.

The pools are very nice. The main pool’s infinity edge over looks the Sea and a second infinity pool in the kids area is even bigger and also overlooks the sea. The pool really doesn’t look like a kid’s pool and only the miniature beach beds that are poolside give it away. While the One & Only Palmilla has lots of beach beds sprinkled along the beach, only the beach down by the kids pool is a swimmable beach. Down at the beach, you can check out snorkeling gear and paddle boards at no extra charge. The service at both pools and at the beach is outstanding. You barely sit down and they come rushing over with a wicker box that contains bottled water on ice. They also bring pillows for both your feet and neck and will bring you drinks or whatever you like. We all joked that we might forget how to lay down our own towels because we were being so spoiled. The butler service in the rooms is excellent as well. Each day they stop by with afternoon snacks and they are always asking if you need anything.

The quality of the food is very solid and there was a wide variety of choices especially for a small property. Yes, the resort is expensive and chips and guacamole cost around $25 to be delivered by room service, but the pricing is substantiated by the quality of the food which is delicious. I think their classic margarita which was $9 was the best margarita I have ever had!

Finally, one of my favorite aspects of this resort are the balconies and their views. All the rooms appear to have a nice big balcony with a table and chairs in addition to a nice big patio bed. The rooms are all oceanfront so the ocean is right there. None of this crane your neck and get on your tip toes to enjoy the oceanview. Most of the beachfront of this property is lined with rocks, so the waves come crashing in and the sound of the waves is something that is unforgettable and so relaxing. We even saw a pod of whales offshore one afternoon at sunset. We were in one of their basic rooms, but you can go even more luxurious and have a private plunge pool on your balcony if your budget allows. However, I was impressed with how nice and big the standard oceanfront rooms are and they come with enormous bathrooms.

The workout facility and spa were also very upscale and nice. There is both golf and tennis available as well. There were some families there with young children, but I would say the resort was mostly filled with adults, both couples and older families with grown children. From what I gathered while I was there, it is quite common to see celebrities, as the resort is quite popular with the rich and famous.

The resort was also only 15 minutes from San Jose Cabo Airport, so it is easy in and easy out. The One & Only Palmilla is a great choice for a relaxing and quiet getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary trip. If you want nightlife and a lot of social happenings, then this resort will prove to be too quiet for you. If you want an oceanfront luxurious suite, want to hear the sound of the ocean, want to enjoy upscale dining and service in a gorgeous quiet setting then The One & Only Palmilla is a great fit for you.

We have reviewed many other luxury resorts and posted reviews and slideshow links on our website www.totemtravel.com, so check it out. We have three agents in our office and we each specialize in different destinations. Our goal is to find out what kind of experience you want and to help make it happen within budget using our travel expertise. If you are interested in the One & Only Palmilla, give me a call at 1-800-321-7907. The resort often has some great promotional pricing such as stay 4 nights, pay three. I’m happy to help! Patty

 

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