If you are thinking about visiting Jamaica and you want the best value for your buck, you’re in luck! In July 2008 Palladium Resorts opened up two new properties called The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa, as well as the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa. These resorts are both about 23 miles west of Montego Bay and are located in an area that contains both lava-rock and sandy beach coves! While the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort is an adults only property, the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa is designed to be very family friendly.

But whether you are traveling as a couple just trying to get away from it all or you are traveling with you family, these resorts will not disappoint. The Grecian architecture and decor will never cease to provide an exotic atmosphere for you to enjoy. There are many different ways for you to spend you’re day, days, or even weeks at these resorts, they are both fully equipped with beauty services, massage parlors, hydrotherapy, and gyms. Not to mention the tennis courts, volley ball beach courts, soccer field, mini-golf, pools, and even a basketball court. To explore these two new, exotic destinations, click here and book your trip!

The RIU Palace Pacifico in Riviera Nayarit has been called the Giant Wedding Cake of resorts. Not for its high rate of marriages that take place there, if they do, but because of its unique decore. The RIU Palace Pacifico is all about making its guest feel as comfortable as possible, using the unique and modern decorations, the friendly service, and the quiet atmosphere. This specific resort is a little higher end because they are targeting a very unique genre of guests; people who want that special quiet and private enviroment and who are willing to pay a little extra to get it. This RIU has 445 jr. suites availible and is located directly on the Flamingos Beach, providing it with that exotic, adventurous feel that a person can readily enjoy with relaxing on the beach sipping on the All-Inclusive beverages offered by this resort. Some of the great activities to be found at the Palace Pacifico could be the gym, jacuzzis, steam rooms, spas, and even a unique cold-stone massage. The area around the resort offers many areas to be explored and experienced, whether your pleasure is art, surfing, or just dancing and relaxing.

The RIU Palace Pacifico is a great place to go and experience this particular area of the world (Riviera Nayarit) but if you would like to try somewhere else, it might be worth it to check into the RIU hotels website for more locations! RIU has many different hotels in many different locations, including Playa del Carmen, Mazatlan, and there is talk of a new RIU resort being build in Huatulco! These resorts are all top notch and are kept up with about $45 million in repairs each year! Visit TropicalTravel.net to book your vacation today!

While economic times are tough life can be just as tough. Sometimes it is necessary to escape all of the hassles of the world and take some time out for yourself. Whether that time is by yourself, with your partner, or with your family it is an important aspect of life. But the problem comes when all of the good deals for travel cost an arm and a leg for seven nights. The trick is to find a good deal on a vacation for a weekend. Two or three nights is the ideal length of time for the budget and work schedule. 

With that fact in mind, the next question would become where to take these two or three nights so that you can really get your moneys worth. One good option could be the Hotel RIU Montego Bay, located in one of Jamaicas hottest vacationing spot the RIU is a great option for any single, couple, or family to enjoy life on the beaches for a weekend. The RIU has something for everyone in the family! The kids can enjoy a action-packed day full of swimming, both in the ocean and in the pool, dancing, singing, and playing games all supervised by trained staff while their older brothers and sisters enjoy the chill teen area complete with an inline skate park, a non-alcoholic bar, and hammocks on the beach. But while the kids are off enjoying their day, mom and dad can be enjoying a lovely day at the spa, sitting on the beach, or even playing beach volleyball with some newly met friends! The RIU can be as relaxed and chilled as a person wants with its hammocks, spa, and pools, but it can also be the catalyst to a action packed weekend with nights full of drinks, dancing, and new acquaintances! Two or three nights at the RIU could be just what you need! Check out TropicalTravel.net to book your budget weekend today!  

In Riviera Maya and Cancun there have been countless, All-Inclusive resorts built on the beach front. Most of them built as close to the beach as the government allowed and then connected to the road with private drive-ways and made into beautiful beach hotels and resorts. But the only downside to all of these beautiful, All-Inclusive resorts being constructed is that the ecosystems in the Riviera Maya have been destroyed and polluted. For instance, there is a plant called the mangrove that grows on the coastlines of most tropical locations that help protect the coasts from erosion, surge storms, and tsunamis and they do this through their root systems that work to dissipate wave energy. This plant has largely been removed from the areas that the resorts have been built to make room for pools, hotels, and driveways.

But as always there is an exception to this enviromental incident caused by all of the construction and tourism. The Mayakoba Resort and the Tres Rios Hotel have been constructed without destrying the enviroment, and have actually been built in such a way that they have helped encourage the aquatic ecosystems found in the Riviera Maya! For instance, instead of removing all of the mangroves and underground rivers that are so vitally important to the ecosystem, the Mayakoba resort has simply uncovered some of these underground rivers and has used them as the center piece of the resort creating an atmosphere of being in the jungle instead of being on the beach. But never fear! The beach is still only a few minutes away, and is actually connected to the resort via the new uncovered river systems.

But in addition to the Mayakoba the Tres Rios hotel has also implemented a new, green design that was created to not only preserve but utilize the natural ecosystem of the Mexican beaches. The Tres Rios has been built on more than 400 piles of permeable rock so that the hotel has about 3 yards of clearance between the ground/lagoon and the hotel floor. This was done so that the rivers and plant life could live on without being disturbed. Both of these hotels have actually seen an increase in animal life since being built because of the aquatic ecosystems that have been created. These hotels also utilize multiple systems of using green energy and not letting things go to waste. For instance they sort all of the garbage before it is recycled and their water comes from the ocean and is distilled in a processing machine instead of using the ground wells and depleting resources.

For more information on booking a trip to the Riviera Maya or either of these hotels please contact us at tropicaltravel.net!

BARBADOS, CARIBBEAN

Almond Beach Village

The Almond Beach Village consists of 400 rooms in 10 different room categories.  This resort is perfect for families, and some couples.  Though very beautiful, it is ideal for families, which means a lot of families travel there regularly, so couples looking for calm and secluded experience may not want to choose this resort.  But for those who won’t mind some of the families, there are several adults-only swimming pool on the property, along with a nightclub on the second floor, which is open until 2 a.m. 

The resort went under major refurbishments about two years ago, when they added a fifth floor.  They also have future upgrade plans in the making, such as plans to add four new treatment rooms to their spa.

Almond Casuarina Beach Resort

This resort, situated on Dover Beach, opens in spring on the south coast of the island.  Currently, the resort is undergoing a $30 million expansion and refurbishing of the existing property.  This family-oriented, all-inclusive property holds 289 rooms, separated in to six categories, ranging from standard rooms to two-bedroom suites, and as a guest here, you are given access to the other to Almond Resorts, with complimentary shuttle service between the resorts.  Amenities here include:  dining at the three gourmet restaurants, four bars, three swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, golf, free water sports, a Kid’s Club (where different age groups can find activities and more to do throughout the day), spa services, and land activities.

Their rooms come within six categories, ranging from standard rooms and two-bedroom suites.  And as a guest here, you are offered access to the other two Almond Resorts in Barbados; they even have a complimentary shuttle service between the resorts for your convenience.

Sandy Lane

Sandy Lane is located only 20 minutes from Almond Beach Village, but seems worlds away.  This resort is the opposite of family-oriented, but caters to more upscale couples, and is one of the most elegant properties.  Known not only for their elegance, but also known to those with a passion for golf, Sandy Lane is where Tiger Woods got married, and where many come to golf.  Among their courses are: the Green Monkey (world-renowned, and the most aesthetically pleasing, with waterfalls and cliffs among the many sights), the Old Nine (an executive nine-hole golf course), and the professional Country Club Golf Course.  For more information regarding Barbados, contact tropicaltravel.net

The classic icon of the pyramid shaped casino has been the defining picture of the Las Vegas strip since the 1990s when the Luxor Hotel was designed and created. But 18 years later the Luxor management and MGM-Mirage Corporation have decided that the Luxor needs a facelift, so to speak. 300 million dollars and some brilliant planning have gone into this much needed facelift to create the experience of Luxor Redefined. The aim of this facelift was to bring a sense of style, design, and upscale class, and it worked!

As a person enters the Luxor the first thing to be seen is the Liquidity bar which is center stage with its upscale water theme and experienced staff. From Liquidity a person can watch all of the action on the casino floor while enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine. But Liquidity only sets the pace for this newly designed hot-spot, you dont have to look far to find places like the CatHouse, Noir Bar, or T&T. This hotel combines everything from the tradition casino gaming and shows to the resort style restaurant and rooms. Something for everyone can be found here!

 To experience the Luxor please contact us at tropicaltravel.net!

In 2011 all of those people who are planning vacations have something to look forward to! Walt Disney is planning on opening up a new family focused resort in Oahu, Hawaii. The resort will consist of two 15 story towers that will contain 350 hotel rooms and 480 timeshare villas. One the 21 acre resort, which will be located right next to the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, Disney will be building 4 lagoons, a signature Disney kid’s club, a lazy river ride, and even an 18,000-square-foot spa for the adults. Most of the rooms will even have full size kitchens, washers, dryers, and luxury bath tubs.

This Disney resort will also be focusing very heavily on creating a place where the entire family can come and enjoy Hawaii together. The vision is to create an environment where the kids, parents, and even grandparents can come to have fun, reconnect, and recharge. This idea comes from the traditional Hawaiian tradition of “ohana”, which means family. This resort will open its doors in 2011, if all goes according to schedule, and will not be deterred by the economic situation in America. Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney’s Parks and Resorts department, said that “We have long-term confidence in Hawaii as a market that will never lose its appeal and the Disney brand is really stronger than ever.”

If you would like more information on how to book with a disney resort or any place in the world contact us at tropicaltravel.net!

 On the unspoiled northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in Guanacaste, you will find wildlife from parrots to endangered sea turtles, dramatic volcanic cliffs, powdery sand beaches, beautiful coves, calm seas, and the five-star Occidental Grand Papagayo.  This resort achieves a new level of all-inclusive luxury that is ideal for everyone and every occasion, from couples, to families, to friends, and perfect for weddings, honeymoons, and reunions.    This tropical retreat overlooks the Bay of Papagayo, and is immersed in the rainforest that surrounds it.

 All of their 169 elegant rooms include stunning views, private balcony or terrace, air conditioning, satellite television, copier, printer, fax, and stocked mini bar.  You can also upgrade to the resort’s Royal Club, which features luxury and comfort within their amenities, which include: personal, customized VIP service, special concierge, express check-in/check-out, and more.  And another alternative is their Grand Romance Deluxe plan, where romance is guaranteed.  Through the Romance plan you will receive turndown service, a fruit basket upon arrival, a bottle of chilled champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, in-room massages, breakfast in bed, romantic dinner to two, spa discounts, bathrobes and a surprise gift.

 And the accommodations don’t end there.  Also included on the property are their newly opened world class spa that offers and diverse menu of treatments, and their fitness center that will allow you a full workout on their state-of-the-art equipment.  They offer daily recreation and sports programs that offer everything from pool games to bird watching.  The calm seas offer ideal conditions for boat excursions, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and more.  Also included for your convenience is money exchange, laundry services, car rental, babysitting services, an on-call doctor, and meeting rooms.  And through the resort you can arrange tours to tropical forests, or to bird and wildlife habitats and eco-tours, horseback riding along the coast, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and excursions to local sights (such as Palo Verde, Arenal Volcano, National Parks and Liberia).

 Within the resort there are dining options for any occasion or mood.  Not only can you order lunch by the pool, or room service and breakfast in bed, but they offer many restaurants as well.  There are three restaurants at the Grand Papagayo (serving Italian at one, Pan-Asian banquet at another, and a grand continental buffet at the last of the three).  Cocktails at sunset are regular at the Lobby Bar, and many take part in smoking a premium cigar in the resort’s cigar bar.  And at night you can dance ‘till dawn at the resort’s hip disco, or take part in the many nighttime entertainment programs, from cocktail parties to themed Costa Rican events.

 The Occidental Grand Aruba is the new luxury, all-inclusive resort on the beautiful Palm Beach in Aruba.  They offer some of the finest accommodations on the island in all of their 348 deluxe rooms and suites and 50 Royal Club level rooms and suites.

 All of their rooms feature luxurious aspects such as marble floors, balcony or terrace with views, full bathrooms with shower and bathtub, satellite television, mini bar, air conditioning, in-room safe, telephone with data port, and clock radio.  Within the Royal Club rooms you will find nothing but top luxury.  All Royal Club rooms and suites feature pristine ocean views, hydro-massage bathtubs, CD and DVD players, exceptional room service (such as champagne and strawberries at breakfast and Godiva chocolates at turndown), personal concierge, exclusive check-in at the Royal Club level floor, business center with meeting rooms, internet access, private lounge, restaurant and other boutique VIP services.

 Nearly everything is included in the all-inclusive plan throughout the resort, such as tennis, snorkeling, scuba clinics, kayaking, sailing, and daily activities and amenities (such as chaise lounges, cabanas and towel services) at the pool or beach.  And the parents can take part in such activities without worrying, while their children take part in many activities at the supervised Kids Club.

 Other options available for a small fee, is a nearby 18-hole championship golf course, motorized water sports (such as water-ski, Jet Ski and parasailing), scuba diving trips and equipment rental, horseback riding, and private tennis lessons.  Also on the property is a logo shop, boutique, newspaper stand, car rental, babysitting, fax and telephone service, conference facilities, 24-hour medical service and laundry.

 Occidental Grand Aruba features four bars: Cocktail (featured in the lobby), Sound (located in the lounge and features nightly entertainment, music and shows), Splash (located next to the pool oasis), and Bikini (is perfect for a snack or a toast at sunset, with the best views from the beach).  And six restaurants: Palm (with an international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner), L’Olio (serving exceptional Italian), El Olivido (serving up festive Mexican cuisine), Zen (where you’ll find a variety of Asian specialties, such as Tepenyaki, Sushi, and Tatame), Beach Club (with a menu featuring progressive Caribbean cookery), and an exclusive restaurant available just for Royal club guests.

 The Oriental, Bangkok sits along the Chao Phrya River in the heart of Thailand’s capital, and is regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.  This 130-year-old hotel features 358 rooms and 35 luxurious suites, along with an award-winning spa, full-service meeting and conference facilities, a modern fitness center, two swimming pools, a Thai cooking school, shops and boutiques, and nine restaurants.

 In their Garden Wing Rooms you can relax in the nearly 400-square-foot, colonial-style rooms that are all individually designed.  Some are two levels, including bedrooms that sit above large living areas; others offer full river views and private conservatories.  All rooms offer grand elements such as chandeliers, wood floors, and updated Asian features.  Rooms feature the amenities and top service you’d expect from one of the top hotels.  With stunning interiors, spacious bathrooms, bathrobes, slippers, designer toiletries, work desks with internet access, IDD dual-line telephones, complimentary fax machines and printers, entertainment centers with CD libraries, and more, you won’t be disappointed.  Their five-star services include assigned private butlers and daily fresh fruit and flowers.

 There are four Authors’ Suites within the Author’s Wing, which celebrate great writers such as Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, and James Michener.  These 1,000-square-foot suites offer beautiful bedrooms, large terraces, roomy lounge areas, separate dressing rooms and Victorian-style bathrooms.  Their two-bedroom, 1.400-square-foot Siam Suite is designed with dark wood, antique furniture and teak floors.  This room offers a private foyer, and living and dining room.  The 2,000-square-foot Selandia Suite is decorated after the famous ship of the same name, with navy-striped curtains, brass-cornered tables, old shipping maps and historic photographs.  And the grandest of all, the Oriental Suite, is 3,100-square-feet and has been a temporary home to celebrities and dignitaries alike.

 Their Oriental Spa has won many awards, and is regularly considered as on of the best spas in the world.  Situated across the river from the hotel, they offer 14 treatment suites, scrub tables, vitality whirlpools, herbal steam baths, and a menu that features ancient Ayurvedic remedies within their 40 original treatments, which combine ancient philosophies with modern techniques.

 Among their nine restaurants, you will find:  the Le Normandie, known as the finest French restaurant in Asia and is a favorite of the Queen of Thailand; Lord Jim’s specialized in fresh seafood; the Sala Rim Naam has been recently refurbished and offers delicious Thai cuisine; the newly redesigned China House serves traditional Cantonese in a 1930’s Shanghai Art deco setting; if you’re looking to dine more casually, at Ciao you can dine on authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas; or dig in to a selection of barbeque at the newly refurbished Riverside Terrace.

 And not only are the features within the hotel and spa something to look-forward to, but the location is perfect for a feeling of Bangkok.  From the hotel you have convenient access to business districts, shopping centers and recreation.  And the hotel also features exclusive dinner cruises along the historic Chao Phrya River.