When a room is more than just a place to sleep.

“We don’t need a fancy room since we won’t be in it much anyway.”— I’ve heard (and read) this statement so many times. In some cases it’s true. On a short weekend getaway to New Orleans, you’re probably not spending much time in the room. It would be more worthwhile to spend your money on a standard room in a well-located hotel. However, when we’re talking about a more extended leisure vacation or honeymoon, don’t sell yourself (and your vacation experience) short by booking the cheapest room possible. The right room really makes the difference between a good vacation and a great vacation.

I recently had the opportunity to honeymoon in a Romeo and Juliet Sanctuary One-Bedroom Villa Suite at Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This resort is a sprawling paradise of beach, pools, and tropical flora. With so much available to eat, drink, and do on resort, I think it would be impossible not to have a good time. However, our room really stepped it up! This room had all the bells and whistles. The bedroom suite had an expansive, modern bathroom with separate walk-in shower and over-sized jetted bathtub. Outside, there’s a very private courtyard with a pool, whirlpool, outdoor shower, and lounge chairs leading over to a separate living room area complete with couches, a dining table, and a full bar. All of this also comes with the services of your own butlers that can bring food and drinks or arrange spa treatments and excursions with a simple phone call! Though I love the beach…we were perfectly content to spend the majority of our time in the suite enjoying our private sanctuary. It made for an ultra-lux, care-free, and very special honeymoon experience.

Private courtyard in our Romeo and Juliet Sanctuary One-Bedroom Villa Suite
Private courtyard in our Romeo and Juliet Sanctuary One-Bedroom Villa Suite
Whirlpool tub and doorway to walk-in shower
Outdoor shower and view towards the bedroom
Living room couch and coffee table
King-sized four poster bed with doors to courtyard
Dining table, bar, and flatscreen TV in the living room
One of the dual vanities, it’s mirror image is on the other side

Sandals Resorts are my favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean partly because of the amazing and unique accommodations that are offered at each of their resorts. They call these special suites their Love Nests..and it’s easy to see why. They’re all different, and there is a Love Nest that’s perfect for everyone.  They all come with butler service and luxurious in-room amenities, but it’s the special traits that make them…. Here are some drool-worthy examples:

Rondaval Suite at Sandals Grande Antigua
Rondaval Suite at Sandals Grande Antigua
Millionaire Suite at Sandals La Toc in St. Lucia
Millionaire Suite at Sandals La Toc in St. Lucia
Skypool Suite (under construction) at Sandals LaSource Grenada
Skypool Suite (under construction) at Sandals LaSource Grenada
Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Suite at Sandals Royal Caribbean
Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Suite at Sandals Royal Caribbean
Two-story Loft Suite at Sandals Negril
Two-story Loft Suite at Sandals Negril

 

Let’s look at some other examples of amazing rooms and suites that are definitely worth the upgrade:

  1. An Overwater Bungalow in Tahiti, the Maldives, or Fiji: You’re making the commitment to travel to an iconic destination that is known for its special accommodations. You might save a little money by booking a basic garden view room, but you’ll be missing out on a portion of what makes this destination so special to begin with. This is often a once-in-a-lifetime destination so take advantage of the full experience. Watch the fish swimming on the reef beneath you through the glass section in the floor. Step off the deck of your bungalow and snorkel with the rays.
    Overwater Bungalow at St. Regis Bora Bora with view of Mt. Otemanu
    Overwater Bungalow at St. Regis Bora Bora with view of Mt. Otemanu
  2. Any oceanview room on any Caribbean or Mexican beach vacation: You’re on a beach vacation and you’ve picked your destination specifically because of the crystal clear turquoise water and white sand beach. Upgrading your room to at least oceanview or oceanfront is absolutely worth it and, in my opinion, should be a no-brainer! Here’s why: You’ve come all that way to see the beach/ocean. Why not give yourself every opportunity to do so? Have your morning coffee on your balcony overlooking the calm, glassy waters that are common in the morning hours. Enjoy a glass of wine or champagne while getting ready for dinner.. Oh, and don’t forget getting ready for an early dinner without missing the sunset, since you can see it setting over the water from your room!

What other room upgrades have you had that really enhanced your overall experience?

Dreaming of French Polynesia

The islands of French Polynesia, often known collectively as Tahiti, are at the top of many travelers’ wish lists. With views like this one, it’s not hard to see why.St Regis Bora Bora Resort-Otemanu
Tahiti and her islands seem like such far-off and exotic lands, and while they are exotic, they aren’t really so far away. Did you know that the main island of Tahiti and the capitol city of Papeete are only an 8 hour flight from Los Angeles and are in the same time zone as Hawaii? This means that, with a little planning, your wish of a Tahitian escape really can come true.

The island of MooreaThe most sought-after island for romance is the beautiful Bora Bora. It really is a lover’s paradise where you can spend your days swimming with sharks and rays or feasting on freshly caught lobster and tropical fruits at a picnic on your own private motu (a small, flat island rising from the lagoon). Of course, a trip to Bora Bora would not be complete without spending your nights in a traditional overwater bungalow with views of the majestic Mount Otemanu.

Only a short flight or ferry ride from the main island of Tahiti, Moorea is another popular destination. It is a lush green island with high mountain ridges and cascading waterfalls. Take a scenic drive and stop at fruit stands for delicious tropical fruit tastings or visit a pineapple field. Head out to sea to watch dolphins and whales play in the open ocean and don’t forget to pick up a strand of world famous Tahitian black pearls before you leave.

Aerial view of RangiroaDivers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to “shoot the pass” over on Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago.  This circle of tiny motu rise out of the water like a delicate strand of pearls, encircling the peaceful lagoon. To “shoot the pass” means to be carried in the current flowing from the lagoon out between the atolls into the open ocean. Share the exhilarating ride surrounded by some amazing marine life including sharks, mantas, and barracuda!

While Tahiti is typically known as a pricey destination, I am constantly receiving notices from airlines, hotels, and tour operators about special discounted rates for travel to this exotic locale. Don’t miss out on these deals!  Ask me for a Tahiti travel quote and make 2013 the year that you experience French Polynesia’s many charms for yourself.