Updates on this year's Mexico Trip

Our annual trip to Mexico is approaching quickly. We hope you will join us between July 2 and 10th at the fabulous Barcelo Maya Beach Resort on the Mayan Riviera coast. On this posting we thought we'd talk a bit about the differences between the five Barcelo properties located in the Barcelo complex. We'll be staying at the Barcelo Maya Beach this year. The Beach shares a long stretch of coastline with four other Barcelo resorts: The Barcelo Maya Caribe, Maya Colonial, Maya Tropical and Maya Palace. Last year the Beach and Caribe were closed for renovations. What emerged after the renovation was a resort with new room amenities and a fresh look. The bedrooms were equipped with new ultra-comfortable matresses, flat screen televisions and new rain shower heads in the bathrooms. From what we are reading on the blogs the new amenities have been a big hit with recent guests.
As a result of the last year's closure of the Beach and Caribe, our group stayed at the Tropical. The Tropical lobby has a very modern feel and the resort was very well laid out. As a guest of the Tropical we also had full use of the facilities at the Colonial. Each resort had its own air-conditioned buffet, plus two specialty restaurants and lobby area with a bar and shops. They shared a large pool area which fronted a white sand beach.
What our group discovered last year, however, was that the best part of the beach was located in front of the Beach and Caribe. In fact, several of us ventured over to that part of the beach several times during the week. The beach at this part of the resort is a beautiful mile long crescent with sand entries into the water. Very few rocks to worry about. The Beach and Caribe also have a huge pool with two outdoor grills on each end for a late breakfast or lunch. Swim up bars also sit along each end of the pool.
The dining choices are slightly different than the Tropical and Colonial. There are only three specialty restaurants between the two resorts. One Spanish, a Mexican and a Steakhouse. The two buffet areas are open-air, unlike the air-conditioned venues at the Tropical and Colonial. While the open-air buffets can be warm in the summer, most agree that they give the resort a much more tropical atmosphere. The air-conditioned buffets can have a "mall-like" atmosphere to them.
Each lobby also has its share of shops and lobby bars. And there is a also a large theater for evening shows.
The one thing we constantly hear about the Beach and Caribe is how lush it is. There is vegetation everywhere and the Barcelo staff keeps it looking pritstine.
The Barcelo Maya Palace is the five star resort. It sits at the south end of the Barcelo complex and features upgraded amenities such as larger junior suites and upgraded restaurant choices. As guests of the Maya Beach our group will have access to all the restaurants at our resort plus those at the Caribe. And, we will have access to the beach grills, pool, theater and lobby bars at the Tropical and Colonial. Kids may also use the Barcy Kids Club at either resort, plus the water park at the Colonial.
Hopefully, all this didn't confuse you. One thing that you can see is evident from this blog. Guests who join us this July will have a ton of choices. Choices in restaurants, pools, beaches, kids programs, evening entertainment and water sports. It promises to be a once in a lifetime trip and we look forward to being your hosts once again.

Which cruise ship cabin has the least motion

Many of our clients who are concerned about getting seasick aboard cruise ships ask us which cruise staterooms experience the least motion. As a rule of thumb, cruise cabins located at the lowest, most mid-ship will experience the least motion. And, on many ships the cabins on the lowest deck are no smaller than those on higher decks. Plus, they are usually priced lower. So, if you're concerned about motion, the rule is "go low".

Five Star's Second Annual Mexican Family Fiesta a Huge Success

We're back from another wonderful Five Star Travel trip to Mexico. This year we hosted our special guests at the Barcelo Maya Tropical Resort on the fabulous Mayan Riviera coastline of Mexico.

While at the Barcelo we enjoyed fantastic weather (thank you mother nature !). During the seven night stay we only had a half day of rain. The Barcelo itself was magnificent. Beautiful landscaped grounds, one of the largest pools we've ever seen, a gorgeous white sand beach and over the top service from a great staff.

The food was also a big hit. From the two large buffets to the speciality restaurants and the beachside grills, our group certainly didn't go hungry. There was a wide variety to choose from and something to satisfy every taste.

One of the most memorable moments of the week were the visits to Xel-Ha. Several members of the group spent a day at this unique lagoon on the Caribbean coast. While there we snorkeled, swam with the dolphins and waded along the lazy river. Other group members chose to take an excursion into Playa del Carmen for a day of shopping.

More than anything else, the group spent quality time with each other in a place that can only be described at paradise. New friends were made and old friendships rekindled. As the group was leaving many talked about our return to Mexico next year. Our third annual trip promises to be bigger and better. Look for details this fall.

Thanks again to everyone who joined us this year. It was a week we will never forget.

Five Star Trip Features Free Stays for Kids

Now that we're well into 2009 we're counting down the months to this summer's Five Star Travel Mexican Family Fiesta Vacation to the Mayan Riviera. This week we had fabulous news for families planning to travel with us this year. The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort, our host resort for this year's trip is offering free stays for children 12 and under staying with two adults in a room. That brought the price down significantly to levels below last year's trip to Cozumel. In addition, Funjet Vacations is offering vacationers to Mexico an additional $100 off per reservation making the trip even that much more affordable. We are encouraging anyone interested in joining us this year to book early. That will guarantee you space and also guarantee that you get the lowest rate. Remember the dates of the trip are July 3 through July 10th. We can arrange air travel from any gateway. Once at the beautiful Barcelo we will enjoy a first class vacation experience full of sun, beach, great food and all the attractions of the Mayan Riviera. So, what are you waiting for? Join in the fun.

Join us in Mexico Next Summer

Let the Countdown Begin ! This week we are set to announce the details of our annual Family Fiesta Vacation to Mexico in July of 2009. We are very excited about next year's trip mainly because of the location. The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort is a first-class resort set on one of the best white sand beaches in all of the Mayan Riviera. We also love the resort's proximity to some of the most popular sightseeing spots including Xel-Ha, Xcaret and Tulum. The dates are going to be July 3 - 10. So, mark your calendars. It will be hard to top the fun we had last year in Cozumel, but you can be sure we'll do our best. One of the highlights of the trip will be our sunset snorkel catamaran cruise. This year we're going to step it up a notch by including not only snorkeling and an open bar, but a lobster dinner. The catamaran will depart right from Puerto Aventuras, which is a short 5 minute ride from our resort.
As always, this trip will include your air arrangements from your U.S. gateway; 7 nights at the resort including all meals, drinks, snacks, and non-motorized watersports; round trip transportation from the Cancun Airport and back and a lot of extras you can't get with any other vacation package. Give us a call early to secure your spot. Early bookers will guarantee the lowest rates. And, keep a lookout for updates on this blog and on our weekly Monday Morning Escape e-newsletter.

Adios for now

Carl

Five Star Hosting Cruise on Oasis of the Seas

Before we even had an opportunity to finalize next summer's trip to Mexico, we announced plans for the summer 2010 trip. Due to the high demand of Royal Caribbean's mega new cruise ship Oasis of the Seas, we were forced to make our plans now before it was too late. We are thrilled that we were able to secure space on this revolutionary cruise ship and we hope you and your family can join us. We will be sailing on July 3, 2010 to the Eastern Caribbean with stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau (Bahamas). As for our summer 09 trip to Mexico, we are still in the planning process and hope to have details in the coming few weeks. Stay tuned !

Carl

September Will Bring Big Announcements

I'm not going to spoil the surprise, but I do want to alert everyone that we have a big surprise announcement coming in a couple of weeks. What I can tell you is that it will involve an invitation for you and your friends and family to join us on a unique celebratory vacation event that will be like none we have hosted in the past. In addition to this "surprise" announcement we will also be releasing the details of our summer 2009 hosted group vacation. With the success of this summer's trip we can't wait to get going on next year's details. Keep your eyes peeled to this blog for details.