Éclat Travel's Blog

Posts Tagged ‘all-inclusive vacations’

This client was the roommate of a relative of mine. My relative told me that the roomie was getting married and needed some help figuring out what to do for the honeymoon. Would I and could I help him out? Absolutely.

When I called him we had about 8 weeks to figure it out. He basically knew that they wanted beaches and sunshine, they were considering Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and Costa Rica. The budget was $2,500, including airfare. They were looking for an all-inclusive resort on the beach, but something that had a variety of activities, and restaurants.

Dreams Villa Magna Nuevo Vallarta

So, I went to work searching all-inclusive resorts that offered special amenities for people on their honeymoon, and narrowed the choices down to three that were within their price range in each location. I included all the details about the number of restaurants, included activities, what would be extra, any bonus honeymoon perks that were included and the rates for different room types. Searches for flights for the time of year they were looking at narrowed the choices further to Mexico and Costa Rica to stay within their budget.

They ended up choosing Dreams Villa Magna Nuevo Vallarta because the bride-to-be liked the fact that they would have a Jr. Suite Ocean View room with Jacuzzi. In addition, they would enjoy all meals, a honeymoon package that included fresh flowers, fresh fruit and bottle of sparkling wine, and flower petals in the room, special turn-down service, champagne breakfast in bed, discount on spa treatments, $200 in resort coupons, gratuities, taxes, travel insurance, round trip airport transfers, and airfare for two, for less than $2,200. That left them a little something to play with while they were there.

Upon their return, I contacted the new couple for some feedback. First of all, overall, they had a wonderful honeymoon. He did mention a review that he read prior to their stay that said about the property, “ …if you had been to 5 star properties worldwide you wouldn’t be terribly impressed.”*(see note below)

He stated that the food at some of the outdoor outlets was “just ok”, but that dinners in the restaurants were great, and the service at the resort was “amazing.” Every time you turned around someone was there to help you.

Dreams Villa Magna Nuevo Vallarta veranda

  The resort’s location was wonderful and you weren’t bothered by vendors on the property. He also thought that the dinner on the beach and the show were great and well worth seeing. He highly recommended Vallarta Adventures (for excursions and activities that can be arranged before you arrive). And, they had no issues with water or ice cubes, and the town near the resort, Bruceras, was safe and they had no issues there. Overall, they were very satisfied and had a great honeymoon experience and he thanked me for all the help.  I was able to help them find a great location for their honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort that offered great value and extras for what they paid, and did it within their budget.

To all those soon-to-be-honeymoon-couples, congratulations! And if you find yourself overwhelmed with honeymoon choices, or don’t know where to start,  contact me.

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Cheryl

*Author’s note: Neither this property, nor I, sold it as a 5-star. It is rated an AAA 4 Diamond resort.

A sluggish travel market means great travel deals will continue for consumers who do decide to take a vacation in 2011. Here’s how to make the most of a depressed travel market.

What’s 2011 going to look like? A lot like 2010. 
Dr. Suzanne Cook, Sr. Advisor US Travel Association

2011 will be a better, but not a great year for the travel industry. Among the top trends sited by Cook are:

• Airfares, gasoline and hotel prices are edging up slowly. Very slowly.
• As of September 2010, travel prices are up 4.2%.
• More people have stated an intention to travel in 2011.
• Alternative travel options continue to grow.
• International air prices and demand are increasing.

What does this mean for the travel consumer? It means that until the economy drastically improves, which according to this survey, will not be until at least 2014, those who can afford to and choose to travel will continue to find great deals through 2011. With a few minor adjustments to the way you view your travel options, you can make 2011 a great year for your dream vacation.

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