Blog Posts Tagged Resorts

Why Choosing a Sandals or Beaches All-Inclusive Resort Just Makes Financial Sense!

12/20/2022 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • My husband and I absolutely love Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts. I know, no surprise there. From the beaches and relaxing nature of the resort to the incredible food and lavish excursions, what’s not to love?! But one of our favorite “why’s” of why we love Sandals is from the financial aspect of the resorts. Our love affair with Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts began in 2016 when we honeymooned in Grenada in the Caribbean. We actually fell into it at the recommendation of a friend because I was quite exhausted from planning our destination mountain wedding during the previous year and a half. Nothing sounded better than an all-inclusive where I didn’t have to plan a thing except what spa experience to get! Now, if you’ve ever checked out a Sandals vacation, you know that the initial price can seem like a lot. But what I have found is by the […]

Marriott Hotels & Resorts

5/10/2022 • Blog • Theme Park and cruise vacations are the best, right?! But have you ever wanted something different? For an awesome beach vacation, or trip to explore a lively city, Marriott properties might be just what you are looking for. Marriott has 25+ brands offering everything from single-night hotel stays to all-inclusive resorts and even a luxury yacht collection. I recently stayed at two of the luxury hotel properties – The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and The JW Marriott Marquis Miami. In this piece, I’ll go over some of the fantastic options each hotel has to offer. First up, The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort – Wow, what a great resort! Marco Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida is connected to the mainland by bridges near Naples. The entire island is less than 25sq miles and this resort encompasses 3 of those miles […]

Sandals Barbados or Sandals Royal Barbados: Which One Do You Choose?

2/15/2022 • Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Barbados might be one of our favorite islands for so many reasons. The turquoise water is breathtaking, the cliffs on the north side of the island are magnificent, and the people are amazing! What’s not to love? We had visited Barbados pre-Sandals so when we found out Sandals was coming to Barbados, we were beyond excited and were finally able to take a trip there recently. The easy decision was going; the tough decision was figuring out which Sandals resort in Barbados we wanted to visit! There are two Sandals resorts on the island, so we had to make the choice. Now, I get to help you explore the differences between them to decide which one is right for you. The great part is the resorts back up to one another and is only separated by a sidewalk along the perimeter of the resorts. In addition to that, Sandals resorts […]

Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts- for Everyone!

2/19/2021 • Blog • Imagine yourself immersed in a tropical escape where your days are filled with the warmth of the sun, blue skies, clear water, and breathtaking views. Now, imagine the tranquility you will feel knowing ALL of your food, drinks, entertainment, water sports, gratuities, airport transfers, and CHILDCARE have already been included with the price of your stay. And yes, I did say childcare! It may sound too good to be true, but Beaches all-inclusive resorts have turned this fantasy into a reality! If you’ve heard of Sandals All-Inclusive adult-only resorts then you’ll be familiar with the brand’s model which strives to create the most relaxing, carefree vacation. By including everything in the price, your “vacation” becomes a true vacation with nothing to worry about, except which restaurant or water sport to try next. Beaches takes this a step further so the kids, grandparents, and extended family can join in on the […]

A Special Needs Family’s Perspective on the Phased Re-Opening of Walt Disney World Resorts & Parks

10/2/2020 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Walt Disney World parks closed March 15 and began a phased re-opening on July 11, 2020. After careful consideration, we decided to visit. We have been Annual Passholders for the better part of 2 decades and moved to Florida a little over three years ago. Visits to Walt Disney World has been a constant part of our lives. We reviewed ‘Know Before You Go’ leading up to our visit to make an informed decision. With the current reduced park capacity and the extensive safety measures that Disney has implemented, we made the decision to give it a try. We visited 3 of the 4 Walt Disney World Parks and Disney Springs during our stay. While our decision to visit may not be right for everyone, we made the decision that was right for my family. My oldest son has Fragile X Syndrome, the leading inherited genetic cause of intellectual impairment. […]

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Something for Everyone

6/26/2020 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Once our kids (7 and 5) find out that we are heading to Walt Disney World, there is always one question that follows, "Are we staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge?" There is no denying that it is our family's favorite and it is always our top recommendation to friends and family that are planning their trip. Here are a few reasons why we love Animal Kingdom Lodge: 1. The immersive experience. It feels like you are in Africa! Of course, I’ve never been to Africa, but the theming of this resort is wonderful. From the activities and storytellers in the lobby to the landscaping and animals outside of your window. It just feels like you are somewhere and everything is an experience (and a good one at that!) 2. The Animals! They are obviously the star of the show at this resort, but to us it’s the freedom and fun […]

A Monorail Lounge Tour

2/25/2020 • Tips, Walt Disney World • Enjoying incredible libations in Disney World is something every guest (who visits and appreciates exploring new drinks), should have the opportunity to experience.  There are many locations that offer drinks on the property, you just have to know where to find them. A single blog cannot list all available options, so this one will highlight a popular set of locations… the resorts along the monorail loop outside the Magic Kingdom!  These three deluxe resorts each have their own unique lounges to enjoy. For our guests 21 years and older, your next visit should factor in time to make a trip around this loop! Starting at The Contemporary Resort, make a stop at the Outer Rim!  It is located on the 4th floor next to Chef Mickey and Contempo Café.  Grab a window seat to enjoy the views of Bay Lake.  With an array of wine, specialty cocktails, and beer and […]

Art of Animation – The Disney Resort for Families

9/17/2013 • Walt Disney World • If you want an over-the-top Disney themed resort with spacious rooms and a great location to the parks, then the Art of Animation is the perfect place for you to call "home" on your Walt Disney World vacation! Disney's Art of Animation resort is a fantastic option for large families or families that would like a little more space at the end of the day. The Art of Animation resort is primarily made up of family value suites. The suites consist of a separate living room with a Double-size sleeper sofa, Double-size Table Bed, master bedroom with one Queen bed, two full bathrooms, and a kitchenette that includes a small refrigerator, sink, and microwave. The family value suites can accommodate up to 6 guests plus one child under the age of two years of age. While the Little Mermaid standard rooms with 2 queen beds, can accommodate up to 4 […]