What’s Happening in the Riviera Maya?

This area south of Cancun on the East Coast of Mexico is growing so fast it’s hard to keep track.  One of the new All Inclusive resorts is Sandos Playacar Riviera Hotel & Spa.  This is a sister resort of Playacar Beach Resort and Spa and guests have access to both resorts.

 

Sandos Resort has 400 junior and 2-room suites, many have large in-room hot tubs and all have balconies.  Most rooms are in three story buildings containing a few dozen rooms each, but there are also two story hacienda villas which have 10 rooms each.  These haciendas are popular for family reunions, weddings and other special events.  Each has its own private plunge pool.

 

The property at Sandos is shaded with palm trees and other foliage and it is just a short walk between the 2 resorts.  The sister properties share a new spa with 22 treatment rooms, each with a private shower.  There is also a fitness center with spinning, yoga and aerobic classes – these facilities are free other than the actual spa treatments.

 

The Beach Resort also has a kids program.  Once every week they take over the 600 seat theater performing in Disney character costumes and skits.  The disco is for teens only until 10PM when it changes to adults only. 

 

Each resort has several restaurants serving gourmet meals. For those of you who want the VIP treatment there is a hotel-within-a-hotel component called the Royal Club.  For only $25 extra per day you can have features such as private check-in, a dedicated concierge and a private club room with free top-shelf brand liquors and Internet access.

 

While in the Riviera Maya there are a couple of things you shouldn’t miss.  Snorkeling and Scuba Diving are fabulous here.  The Mayan ruins of Tulum are close by.  And the Dolphin Discovery where you have an opportunity to swim and play with the dolphins.

New Wine Bar in Gig Harbor, Washington

I know I usually write about exotic, tropical destinations like Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean, but I just have to share with you how wonderful this new wine bar is in my new home of Gig Harbor.  I had the house to myself last night and debated whether to just stay in and enjoy the silence, or venture out.  I needed a couple of things from the grocery store so as long as I was going out anyway I decided to check out the Forza / Harbor Greens Wine Bar.

 

When I walked in the door I was immediately greeted by Chad, one of the owners, who offered to help me find a table.  The little bar was packed and there were no tables available so he brought me a chair so I could sit at the counter.  He brought me a wine list and menu and explained that food is available Wednesday – Saturday, but wine is available 7 days a week.  He offered his wine suggestions and went off to get me my glass.  I liked that you could buy wine by the glass, ½ glass or bottle. 

 

By the time he returned with my wine, I had perused the food menu and chosen the Bruschetta.  It had mozzarella, prosciutto, a spicy red pepper jelly and balsamic vinegar (if I remember correctly).  You could also get salads, sandwiches, several other “small plates” and desserts. 

 

I relaxed with my wine and listened to the music provided by Dave Calhoun who does Jimmy Buffett style music and dresses in tropical shirts and shorts.  (See, there is a tie in with my tropical theme.)  The bar has music on Friday and Saturday nights.

 

My bruschetta arrived soon and looked really good.  I took a bite and the flavors just exploded in my mouth – I even mmmm’d aloud.  I thought to myself – these 4 pieces are not going to be enough, I could eat this all night.  About 10 seconds later, Nathan, one of the waiters stopped by and said “excellent choice” and asked how I liked it.  10 seconds earlier he wouldn’t have needed to ask because he would have heard me. 

 

I enjoyed good food, good wine and good music in the hour and a half or so that I spent at the Wine Bar.  The service was excellent – several employees stopped by to see if I needed anything.  They are all helpful in suggesting wines and food – the menu does suggest wine pairings that will go with each dish.  The bar was packed the whole time I was there so apparently others were enjoying the relaxed atmosphere as well.

 

I look forward to going back soon so that I can try some of the other delicious sounding dishes and wines.  And because this is also a coffee bar, my niece and her son can go with me – we can get a reasonably priced meal and glass of wine, then go next door to the Harbor Greens market for fabulous fresh produce, meats, fresh seafood and a huge wine selection. 

 

If you want to learn more about how Forza Coffee Shop became Forza Wine Bar click here for an article in the Peninsula Gateway.  This bar is not next to the water here in Gig Harbor, but it is only a couple of minutes off the Olympic Drive exit of Highway 16.  Just take a left at the light coming off the freeway (if heading west on 16) and look for Harbor Greens market on your right.  You won’t be sorry.

 

 

Mexico Travel Advisories

We’ve all been hearing a lot on the news lately regarding the violence in Mexico.  Since I have been posting some information on travel ideas to Mexico I thought I should address this issue.

 

Most of the violence has been in the border towns.  If you are going to one of the established tourist areas you should be fine.  Here is part of what the US State Dept. has to say:

 

“While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.  It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

 

U.S.citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.  Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks.  Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.”

 

If you would like to read the full report, visit the US State Dept. website. 

Puerto Vallarta’s International Gourmet Festival

Need an extra reason to head south when the cold weather gets cold here in the Pacific Northwest?  How about the International Gourmet Festival  in Puerto Vallarta in November?  Established in 1995, this year will be the 15^th anniversary.  This 10 day, city wide event has more than 24 participating restaurants, educational gourmet programs and 20 renowned chefs from around the world. 

 

Every evening each of the participating restaurants offers a Gourmet a la Carte menu.  You can also enjoy Winemaker’s evenings; Cooking Demonstrations; Wine & Cheeses of the Worlds tasting; and don’t miss the Chef’s Hell Raising night!

 

You could even extend your stay and enjoy an escorted, food-focused package to other areas of Mexico including hands-on cooking classes and excursions to local markets and eateries. 

 

Just one more good reason to head to Puerto Vallarta this fall!

Somma Wine Spa

I read a lot of travel industry and travel magazines to try to stay current with what’s new in the travel world.  I haven’t had a chance to check this out myself, but it’s high on my list of places to go. 

 

The Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos has opened their Somma Wine Spa, one of 6 wine-themed spas around the world, which incorporate the antioxidants and other natural benefits of wine into spa treatments – and even offer up some wine tasting to go with it.  What could be better than drinking wine and being pampered at the same time.

 

You might want to try a chromotherapy bath infused with merlot, or a couples’ massage which incorporates a private Jacuzzi soak and a wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres.

 

I want to indulge in the Barefoot Dining Experience which blends reflexology on the beach with a lavish dinner beneath the stars, including wine tasting of course.  The chocolate body wrap and Chardonnay bubble bath both entice me as well.  Or maybe a facial – should I choose the Merlot, Lambrusco, Honey, Bamboo, or Honey & Chardonnay.  Oh, the choices – I just have to get there first!

 

Here is what their website says about Somma Wine Spa:

 

“The SOMMA Wine Spa is devoted to life, serenity and longevity. The latest developments in cosmetology, antioxidants and relaxation therapies are combined with a menu of innovative and exclusive wine-based treatments to make SOMMA one of the most unique spas in all of Mexico. The ambiance is peaceful and modern. From the moment you enter the beautiful interior, you will start to feel your body relax. A subtle sophistication surrounds you as the bustle of daily life melts away.

Wines from the Mediterranean and Baja California aren’t the only natural ingredients used at SOMMA. Chocolate, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, lavender, hot stones, bamboo and other organic products are infused into various treatments.”

 

I hope you enjoy dreaming about these wonderful treatments as much as I do.  Hope to see you there!

 

The spa is not the only thing that Fiesta Americana has to offer – there is a secluded beach, 5 pools, 3 restaurants, a kids club and 2 golf courses.

 

I Took the Hawaii Superferry

I was on Maui a couple of weeks ago working with a corporate group that was having their annual symposium.  Thanks to them, I spent 6 nights at the always fabulous Fairmont Kea Lani.  This resort is not only beautiful, the staff is incredible.  It’s so nice to come up to the front desk or even the valet desk and hear “Hello, Ms. Young, how are you today?  How may I help you.”  And of course, when you first arrive they have a lei, cold towel and juice for you.  I love it there!

I decided to go over to Honolulu at the end of the trip to see my best friend, Lisa.  I debated about whether to fly or try the ferry, and decided on the Superferry.  I’m glad I did. 

Inside of Superferry

Although it takes 3 hours, it is a pleasant trip.  It was incredible seeing Maui as we left – you don’t realize how big the islands are when you are there. 

Leaving Maui on the Superferry

 

Maui from the Superferry

 

Then we passed by Molokai – I really didn’t realize how big it is.  I will have to plan a day trip there on my next visit. 

Molokai from the Superferry

The best part was coming into Honolulu.  You come in from the east so you get to see Diamondhead from the opposite side from what you see from Waikiki. 

Diamondhead from the Superferry

Then you pass by all the hotels – I loved seeing the pink of the Royal Hawaiian in the middle.  Unfortunately, my camera batteries died during the trip so I don’t have as many pictures as I wish.

You can purchase food and beverages onboard for a very reasonable price.  A good size soda was $1.50, a large fruit cup $3, salads and sandwiches around $5.  There is also a gift shop onboard. 

The only thing I didn’t like about the ferry was that there is very little outdoor deck space.  The weather was beautiful and it would have been nice to be able to sit outside and enjoy the scenery.  The only place outside with seating is the back deck.  There are also 2 small side decks where you have to stand. 

I will give a few pieces of advice if you decide to take the Superferry. 

• Don’t take too much carry on luggage.  You can check luggage when you check in and they offload it really quickly on the other end.  You have to go up about 25 steps from the dock to the ferry, then another 20 or so to the passenger deck once onboard.  And down again at the other end.
• Do upgrade to the Premium Lounge.  The whole ferry is very nice, with a lot of comfortable seating.  However, the Premium Lounge is in the front of the boat and you get a fabulous, panoramic view along with extra plush seating. 
• Do take motion sickness medicine.  I have never gotten seasick and I have been out in small boats when Puget Sound was pretty rough.  I did get a bit nauseous on this boat coming out of Maui.  It may have been because I started in the back of the boat where you could smell some exhaust.  It was very rough coming out of Maui and again into Honolulu.
• Do arrive when they tell you to.  They say they end check in 30 minutes before sailing.  This is because they have to shuttle you from the check in building to the boat.  If you are late, they will leave without you. 
• The car rental companies will shuttle you to and from their lots to the ferry.  I had asked one of the car rental companies prior to my trip if there were any car rental lots at the ferry dock.  They told me that my clients would have to take a taxi to either the airport lots or one of the hotels.  I saw rental shuttles both in Kahului and Honolulu. 

Overall, my review is take the Superferry at least once.  It is another way to see the beautiful Hawaiian islands.

Jamaica, Again

When I got home I immediately called Lisa and said “We need to go back to Jamaica!  It wasn’t the same not being with you.”  We started planning to go in September.  She was coming from Honolulu, so we arranged to meet in Miami.  My niece had recently moved to Ft. Lauderdale so I could visit her on the same trip. 

We planned to go back to Negril, but a few weeks before we left Hurricane Ivan hit.  I called my friend Sienna and she told me everything was still pretty mashed up and that a lot of the restaurants and bars weren’t open.  She suggested we go to Ocho Rios instead.  I cancelled our hotel reservations and found us a place in Ochi. 

I flew down to Ft. Lauderdale a couple of days early and visited with my niece and her family.  We spent one day at the beach – I thought it was beautiful. Then we headed down to Miami to meet up with Lisa.  A friend of hers had come for a couple of days too, so the four of us headed out for the evening.  We had a wild night of fun and too many cocktails.  The next morning we dropped Natalie at the bus, Lisa and I at the airport, and my niece headed home to Ft. Lauderdale. 

We arrived at the airport, worked our way through immigration, and got on the shuttle bus.  We got to Ocho Rios after dark and got checked into Fisherman’s Point.  Their restaurant was closed for remodeling, but they had an agreement with a nearby restaurant to deliver so we had dinner and a couple of drinks and early to bed. 

The next morning was Sunday and we headed out to get ourselves oriented.  We walked through town, talked to a few taxi drivers who really wanted to give us a ride, talked to a couple of fruit vendors, told the craft market vendors we would stop later, and spent some time at the having drinks on the deck of the Almond Tree Restaurant.  We were the only customers and it had a beautiful view, we could have stayed longer but decided we were spending too much on drinks, too early in the day. 

We stopped at the craft market for awhile and picked up a few things – we got caught in a big rainstorm here so we hung out with “Yellow” who sold CD’s and David who had a booth with crafts and stuff.

Lisa and I Waiting out the Rain

 

 

We were having a great time – I should always travel with Lisa.  It’s really funny when we travel together – people always ask if we are sisters.  We don’t look alike that we can see – she is part Hispanic with dark hair, eyes and complexion – I have light brown (sometimes blonde) hair and very blue eyes.  We’ve decided that it’s because we are always having so much fun and obviously know each other very well. 

That evening we called Richie, one of the drivers we met, to take us to a beach party we’d heard about.  Great time – pretty much all locals!  Everyone kept asking us how we found out about it – I learned about it on Jamaicans.com. 

The next day the cruise ships were in port.  We got constant “Taxi, ladies” as we try to walk around town.  Really annoying!  Luckily the craft market people recognize us and leave us alone.   

Throughout the week we spent time around town, and also had Richie drive us around to see some sights.  We went to Dunn’s River Falls – most of the time while we were there we were the only ones.  I’d been there before, but this was a different experience, being able to take our time.

 

We also went to Bob Marley’s home in Nine Mile.  Our Rasta guide was named Benji.

Rasta Guide Benji

 

  He had a great laugh and would sing parts of Bob’s songs as he was telling his story.  We enjoyed this a lot.

Richie took us to his home in the hills and introduced us to his Grandfather and Aunt.  What a wonderful opportunity – really getting to see how the locals live.  His Grandfather went out behind the house and picked some oranges.  They were green – I thought “this is a ripe orange?”  It was the best orange I have ever had – I can hardly eat fruit here at home after being in the Caribbean. 

Richie also  took us to a local hair salon for me to get my hair re-braided.

Getting my Hair Braided

  I always braid my hair in the Caribbean because the humidity makes it so frizzy – I had a friend do it before I left, but it was a little loose.  It was certainly not loose after Juliet got done.  Lisa really enjoyed this stop because she has her own hair salon in Honolulu.

Ocho Rios was very busy with a lot of traffic and people going about their business every day.  The beaches weren’t great.  We had a great time, but I really prefer Negril.

Negril, Jamaica

The day finally arrived for us to leave.  We were so excited.  We took the red-eye and arrived at the airport in Montego Bay in early afternoon.  We got on the shuttle bus and a young man came onboard and asked if we would like him to get us some beers.  “Yes!”  We gave him some money and he brought us back our first Red Stripe.  Soon we were on our way.

 

By the time we got to the hotel and checked in it was close to sundown.  We changed and headed to the beach in time to get our feet wet and get some pictures before dark.  The first thing I always do when I reach the Caribbean is get in the water!  Ahhhh, I feel like I’m home.  I always feel so renewed here.  All we managed that evening was dinner and early to bed.

I loved Negril immediately.  I enjoyed walking on the beach and talking with the vendors – vendors selling fresh fruit, arts and crafts, tours – pretty much anything you need or want.  Everyone is really friendly.  I know that a lot of people (including my co-travelers) find it to be annoying and sometimes intimidating to be constantly approached by these vendors. I took it as an opportunity to talk to the locals about their country and learn more about this wonderful island.

White Sands is a moderate resort.  We were on the beach side – there is a pool on the garden side but we never went over there.  It is in a pretty good location on the beach and has a nice little beach bar and a sun deck.  MA and Pam were in the end unit which got quite a bit of light.  Sandra and I were in the middle of the building and so our unit was fairly dark – there were not a lot of windows and there is a lot of vegetation on the property so there is a lot of shade.  The property is very pretty, the furnishings in the apartments was a little tired, but they were roomy.  The bedroom has 2 double beds, the living room had a couch and 2 twin beds, there is a dining room with table and chairs, and a small kitchen. 

We spent most of our days getting some sun and swimming, walking the beach, enjoying the wonderful local food, and going out and dancing barefoot in the sand to live reggae in the evenings.  Just ask any local which bar to go to each night – or walk the beach until you hear the music.

We took a glass bottom boat one day – those pictures you see in magazines of the crystal clear, blue-green water that seems like it can’t be real – it is!  We went over to Bloody Bay where we hung out on the beach and our captain and crew cooked us fresh lobster over an open fire.  Oh, my gosh, it melted in your mouth!  I have never had anything as good as this.

Then we went over to Booby Cay where the young Italian girls that were on the boat with us did some snorkeling.  We’d been drinking a bit of rum and I didn’t think I should try snorkeling – I took a little nature walk around the island instead.

Another day we took the tour with Talk of the Town Tours.  This was one of my best days ever.  We started off around 8AM, we stopped for our first patties.  Yummy!  These are pastries filled with seasoned meat or vegetables.  Then we went to Peter Tosh’s mausoleum.  After that we headed to take the Black River Safari.  Sienna joined us on the boat.  It was really beautiful and our captain pointed out the different plants, birds, crocodiles (very fat, well fed crocodiles), showed us the shrimp traps.  It was very interesting.

We came to a wide spot in the river where we would turn around.  The captain (or mate, I can’t remember which) jumped in the water and invited us in.  Sienna encouraged us – I was worried about getting back into the boat, but everyone said “no problem”.  MA, Pam and I jumped in – it was really refreshing.  As I suspected, getting back into the boat was a bit of a problem – I don’t have a lot of upper body strength and there was no ladder.  It took a bit of pushing and pulling by the captain and mate, but eventually I was back on board.  I’m sure it was very entertaining for the rest of the passengers.  As were heading back down river Sienna commented that she had never had clients jump in and swim – most people were afraid of the crocodiles.  The way she had encouraged us I thought everyone did it!  The crocodiles were so well fed, I don’t think they were anything to worry about – anyway we lived to tell the tale.

Our next stop was YS Falls.  Solomon went on the tour with us here. He was so cute – making sure all his ladies were accounted for when we went from one area to the next.  There are several pools here on each level of the falls.  We walked to the top, then on the way down there is a big pool with a rope swing.  You swim across this pool to a waterfall the guide called the natural massage.  He put us under it so it would hit on our upper backs – it felt good but it came down so hard he had to hold me in place.  The falls are surrounded by beautiful foliage – Solomon and the guides pointed out many different varieties of flowers.

We went back to the entrance and had some lunch.  Then it was on to the Appleton Rum Estate.  I have done some other tours like this and it was interesting, but I probably could have skipped it.  We were getting a bit tired after all of our activity.  We did do some tasting and got our little sample bottle.

During the day as we were driving around the beautiful countryside, we had stopped at a fruit market so we could taste many of the local fruits.  We also got some pepper shrimp – yum.  On the way back we also stopped at a market for Sienna to get some fish for dinner.  This was very interesting – the locals shopping for fish, both fresh and already cooked, bread and other necessities. 

The best thing about this day was meeting Sienna and Solomon.  I have friends for life!

We also went to Rick’s Café a couple of times and watched the cliff divers.  They are amazing – jumping from high up in the branches of the trees.  This is a fabulous place to watch a sunset. 

On our last full day in Negril, the other 3 went to Half Moon Beach which they said was lovely.  Very few people and very relaxing.  I spent the day walking the beach and the road.  I had made many acquaintances throughout the week and it was fun to walk around and say my goodbyes.  I was so not ready for the week to end, although it seemed that my companions were ready to go.

The next morning the shuttle bus came way too early.  Oh, well, I know I’ll be back.  My friend Lisa wasn’t able to make this trip and I know she’ll be ready to plan a trip. 

Sorry for the picture quality – these were before I went digital.

Cancun with the Girls???

A few months after my trip to Puerto Vallarta, another friend, MA, suggested a girls week to Cancun.  She put together a group of 4 of her friends – we didn’t know each other before this, but she felt we would all get along well. 

Our first meeting was at Sandra’s for a group craft day.  I can’t remember what we were doing as far as crafts went, it turned into a wine drinking day.  During the day, Sandra brought out her mom’s RCI book and someone started thumbing through it and saw Jamaica.  Everyone squealed “Jamaica”, maybe we should go there instead.  Well, I was all for that.  Cancun has never held a lot of appeal to me – I enjoy the beach and sun, but I’m not really into the big mega-resorts.

 

A couple of weeks later we had a planning session at my house.  The girls were throwing out other island ideas and I said that anywhere in the Caribbean would be great – sun, sand, clear blue water, and relaxation!  After a little more investigating we decided on Negril, Jamaica because it would be easier to get to than some of the other destinations.  This was all before I got into the travel business.

As time went on we settled on a week in January, 2004 and started contacting travel agents.  It was this experience, along with a timely ad in the paper for a local agency, that moved me towards my travel career.  Out of 6 agencies we called, only one called us back. 

I’m one of those people who loves details and research so I had been designated to work with the TA.  I told her when we wanted to go, that we wanted two rooms – we needed a refrigeration or kitchen in at least one, and what our budget was.

She came back to me with a list of 4 resorts that fit our budget – beyond that she did not give us any information.  We started investigating and found that one got horrible reviews on Tripadvisor so we crossed that one off.  One was an all-inclusive which might have been alright, but we didn’t like the location.  I called the agent again and asked if they all had refrigerators.  She said “oh, I don’t know, let me check.”  The ONE requirement that we had she had not even checked.

She came back and only 2 of the resorts had the possibility of refrigerators, one of which had some 1 bedroom units with full kitchens.  We decided to go with this property, White Sands. 

We kept researching and found a great tour guide recommended by numerous people on Jamaicans.com.  They are Sienna and Solomon of Talk of the Town Tours.  I wrote back and forth for several months – the other girls would only agree to leave the beach for one day so we booked a great one day tour with them.  We also checked out restaurants and entertainment so we would be ready when we got there. 

The travel agent we had used did not offer any suggestions of tours, restaurants or anything else.  By the time we left I had arranged to start training with the agency I had found.  I was looking forward to it because I knew that I could offer better customer service, starting with returning phone calls from prospective clients.

 

My first Visits to Mexico

Between my last Caribbean cruise and my trip to Grand Bahama Island I took a cruise to the Mexican Riviera.  This was in February 2000, right after my diagnosis of colon cancer. 

My sister-in-law and I had discussed a trip to Puerto Vallarta where her mom spent a month each February.  As we talked she decided since she had never been on a cruise we should do that – that way we could see a couple of other ports as well.  I love cruising, so I was all for it.

We flew down to LA a day early and spent one day at DisneyLand.  I had never been and she felt that I should be deprived no longer.  We had a great time – by the end of the day I was as glassy-eyed as any kid.  I really enjoyed it and although there were a lot of people there, it did not seem to be a really crowded time.

We got on the cruise ship the next day and got oriented.  Everything was fine until the second evening when Cathy came down with the flu.  It was not motion sickness – she was congested, feverish and achy.  She ended up spending most of her first cruise in bed.

We did go into Puerto Vallarta and spent the day with her mom.  We managed to do a little sightseeing between Cathy’s naps.  I enjoyed it – walking along the Malecon and browsing the craft market.  We also had a stop in Mazatlan where we took a bus tour since Cathy didn’t have much energy.  We stopped in Cabo San Lucas, but I have no memory of what we did. 

It was a nice trip for me because it’s easy to enjoy yourself on a cruise ship even if you are alone.  The food, the pampering, the service.  And the other passengers are so friendly – it’s much different than a resort vacation.  I just felt really badly for my sister-in-law.

I made another trip to Puerto Vallarta in 2002.  This time I spent a full week with my best friend Lisa.  We had a great time – exploring town during the day, hanging around the pool in the afternoon, and out partying in the evenings.  As always, we had a wonderful week, but I still wanted to get back to the Caribbean.