Tripadvisor Voted this Resort 'Best of the Best'

 

(Beach View of Mayan Princess, West Bay, Honduras)

You may be surprised to find where the next big Caribbean vacation is located.  The 'Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort' is voted 'Best of the Best' by Tripadvisor and is in one of the most beautiful and surprising places of of the Caribbean, 'Roatan, Honduras.'  You must hurry if you want to see this gorgeous island before major development erases it's current rustic state.

Is Mayan Princess right for?

Depending on your age, you may associate Honduras with political & military scandal and even drug cartel news stories.  That however is in the past, and mostly isolated to mainland Honduras.  Today, the tourism industry has begun making major investments into the incredible island of Roatan, located approximately 40mils/65 kilometers off the northern coast of Honduras.

• Because of Honduran history,  you will see Roatan shares many similarities with parts of Mexico

• Roatan is an ideal destination for early adopters, adventurers, and the young at heart, but do not let this statement stop you from missing a jewel before it becomes over touristed

• As a getaway for couples, newly wed and newly engaged will especially appreciate starting their lives together by experiencing this emerging new hot spot while it's still over looked and under rated 

 

(above: Fitness and BBQ Picnic Areas at Mayan Princess)

What should you know about Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort?

• Roatan, Honduras is just under 900 miles/1500km or depending upon connections between 4 and 6 hours flight from Orlando, and U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport

• The beach front layout will make you feel you shipwrecked and washed ashore onto a little piece of paradise

• Mayan Princess is an All-Inclusive resort and owns many more  properties, including Sol y Mar Beach Club mentioned further below

• This property is a mid-sized mixture of studio ('hotel style rooms) to  one & two bedroom Villas ('apartment or condo style'), making this perfectly flexible for any number of people or budget size you are traveling with

• Brazilian and European Travelers will feel right at home with the Apartment and Villa options 

 

(above: Two-bedroom Villa at Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort)

Are the amenities at Mayan Princess good?

• Yes! Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort has won multiple awards for consecutive years, including Travelers' Choice and 'Best of the Best' from TripAdvisor

• The property is 'casual chic' by design, with everything embracing the Caribbean vibes 

• Because the property is mid-sized,  everything remains only a short walk away including breakfast/lunch buffet, 4 Restaurants, Comfort Food Style Bar,  Spa Services, nightly entertainment, and 5 bars with endless premium liquor (my fav's!)

  

 

(above: Pool areas at Mayan Princess, Roatan)

 

(above: Bar and Dining at Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort)

What are the best things to see in West Bay, Honduras:

While you cant go wrong simply enjoying the incredible serenity of this property, the more adventurous will enjoy the plentiful activities in the area that can be coordinated thru the property.  Here are a few

• Eco tour and Scuba Experience from Mayan Princess
• Monkey, Sloth, Snorkeling Park 
• Dune Buggy, ATV  Jungle Adventures
• Mangrove Boat and Roatan Cultural Tours
• Sol y Mar Beach club day pass- All-inclusive beach club owned by parent Mayan Princess

 

(above: indulge in a hammock or day bed on the beach at Sol y Mar)

 
(above: enjoy a Mangrove Boat & Roatan Culture tour or Snorkeling in Sandy Bay)

Currency and payment accepted in the Honduras:

The official currency in Roatan is the Honduran Lempira, however, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted and All-Inclusive Resorts use the U.S. Dollar.  Some merchants however may not accept bills larger than $20.  As with most major destinations, Credit Cards are also widely accepted.  It would be advisable to exchange a small amount of U.S. Dollars into Lempira for use with local merchants.

Should I rent a car in Honduras?

• Not necessary, Airport shuttle to and from the Mayan Princess is included 

• However, if you desire to explore on your own while on Roatan, and arriving thru Juan Manuel Galvez Int. Airport the Mayan Princess is only about 25mins or 13km/7+miles away.    Taxi is also very affordable

• The next nearest airport of Goloson Intl is approximately 88k/56+miles away

Language:

Spanish is the primary spoken language of Honduras, however many people in the tourism industry do speak English, and most signage is in both English and Spanish.  If you adventure out on your own, you should anticipate running into a few language barriers if you do not have someone traveling in your group who speaks Spanish. 

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Resort Reviews: List of Adult and All Inclusive picks

(Live Aqua Beach Club, Punta Cana Dominican Republic)

All-Inclusive Resorts: What you should know

Like cruise lines, All-Inclusive resorts offer amazing values, and come in different tiers competing for specific audiences.  As their description implies everything is included, this means when staying at one of these luxurious destinations travelers may spend more money up front, but actually do tend to save significantly more than when compared to parceling their vacations out across different hotels, and restaurants.  Like cruise lines, it is very important to understand which resort and location is right for you.  While many All-Inclusive Resorts are found throughout the Tropics, I am not exclusive to the region for this topic.  

Full Reviews: Resorts, Adults Only and All-Inclusive

      Live Aqua Beach Club, Dominican Rep.  

      Waikoloa Beach Club, Hawaii 

      Sandals, Ocho Rios

      Mohonk Mountain House

      Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort, Roatan Honduras

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Agent in Longwood, Florida.  I write travel reviews to help my clients plan the best travel packages.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Vacations that remain top adult picks for the money.

Did you miss a post or know a busy person who needs a holiday?  Will you be their hero and forward this post. Don't forget to start booking your own getaway now.

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Mohonk Mountain House: A Surreal Adult Retreat

 

(Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz NY.  Since 1869)

You may be surprised find one of the resorts in New York is more of a Victorian Castle than a hotel. Located in the small town of New Paltz, New York.  The historic Mohonk Mountain House has been run by 6 generations of the Smiley Family since 1869 and offers everything for every age, but because of it's seclusion, pricing and surreal beauty on it's immense property, the Mohonk is more of an idyllic Wellness Retreat or Destination Wedding than a family vacation.

Is the Mohonk Mountain House right for you?

• The Mohonk Mountain House located in New Paltz, Ny is definitively a luxury destination and absolutely worth every dime of what is probably a once in a lifetime surreal experience for most people

•  Because of it's pricing, this exquisite property is most likely an experience for very special occasions and long weekend getaway for couples.  But do not miss this, you would definitely regret

• I would recommend to treat yourselves to at least a 3 night stay, of which you will never forget, and then visit the rest of what New York's Hudson Valley has to offer.  You will not be disappointed!

(Destination Wedding at the Mohonk)

What should you know about the Mohonk Mountain House?

• The Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark and is very secluded:  It is almost 90 miles from Ny City, 19 miles from the Poughskeepsie Train station, and about a 9 mile scenic drive from the nearest very small town of New Paltz, Ny. 

• The property driveway from the last small service road to it's lodgings are one lane and one direction each, in and out, and are over 1 mile long themselves 

• Lastly, if this was not secluded enough, the property sits on 40,000 pristine acres of mountainous wilderness

• Tip: Regardless of how you arrive into Upstate New York, because of the Mohonk's seclusion, you will need a car, and my best advice is to make a road trip of the entire beautiful Ny, Hudson Valley !

(Region of Mirror Lake & Lake Placid, Upstate Ny)

Are the amenities at the Mohonk Mountain House good?

• There are activities of every kind; from incredible spas, yoga, hiking, swimming, canoeing, archery, Horse Back and Carriage Riding, Art Classes to name only a few

(Mountain Top Yoga Classes at the Mohonk)

• In 2023, Mohonk Restaurants were ranked #2 Best Hotel Restaurants in the country, and all food is sourced from local farms within the Hudson Valley.  You will find a variety of casual to formal dining among it's 8 venues plus In-room service

(Above: safe & gorgeous hiking trails and Below: the Test Kitchen at Mohonk Mountain House)

Things to do in Upstate Ny

The Hudson Valley of Ny, is big.  These are only a few of it's treasures

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Estate
• Rockefeller Estate
• Vanderbilt Estate
• Olana State Historic Site
• Woodstock

(Franklin D. Roosevelt Estate, Hudson Valley Ny)

Currency and payment accepted in New York:

Obviously, N.Y. is in the U.S., and the U.S. dollar is accepted.  The Mohonk Mountain House accepts all major credit cards, and has amazing gift shops which accept cash.  As stated several times the Mohonk is very secluded, so a good mixture of cash and cards for your road trip would be advisable

(Room accommodation at the Mohonk)

Should I rent a car in the Hudson Valley?

• Yes, the Hudson Valley is very large, the Mohonk Resort is 90 miles of from NYC and requires additional scenic driving even if a commuter train is taken in to Poughkeepsie from NYC

(taken from hiking trail at Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz)

Language:

English 

IMPORTANT!  The Mohonk Mountain House currently requires visitors to book reservations directly. I would be honored to plan the rest of your New York or Summer Vacation Travels.

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Sandals Resorts: Defines Savings with Romance

Sandals sets the standard in Adults only All-Inclusive Resorts

Sandals Ochi Pool

Sandals Resorts has been operating exclusively in the 'Adults-Only, All-Inclusive' business since 1981 and with over 18 luxurious properties located throughout the Caribbean, the Sandals brand has become synonymous with warm Romantic getaways for couples.  After 43 years in this business Sandals clearly understands how to deliver what it's target audience wants.

Sandals Ochi

Is Sandals Resorts right for you?

• Sandals is LGBTQ friendly and very attractive to couples that may be luxury seeking but price sensitive such as; newly weds, or celebrating a big anniversary or other important milestones where heavy additional expenses may be part of their total planning process.

• Sandals has spent the past 43 years acquiring the most desirable locations throughout the Caribbean, making Sandals truly a premium experience with value pricing as compared to other All-Inclusive resorts.

• The minimum guest age requirement at a Sandals Resort is 18.  While the singles, friends and family to the guests are welcomed, only couples may stay at Sandals to make the guest experience as romantic and relaxing as possible.  

What should you know about the Sandals Ocho Rios?

• There are 3 Sandals properties within the Ocho Rios area and a short distance of the famous Dunn's River Falls;

• The Ochi property is the closest to Dunn's River Falls, sits on the beach and is less 3miles/5km or roughly a 5min drive east of the Falls.  This happens to be my personal favorite!

• The Royal Plantation property sits directly on the beach and is also only within a 5-7min drive  or just a few short miles/km east of the falls

• The Dunn's River property is actually the furtherest away, and is about a 15 min drive west of the Falls, making the name of the property a little misleading, but this property does sit directly on the beach and is much less congested than it's counter parts in the Cruise Port town of Ocho Rios

Are the amenities at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort good?

It is important to remember, meals and beverages onsite are included in the all-inclusive rates, making these a fantastic value, especially when compared to the cost of eating and drinking offsite 2 or more times per day per person.  Additionally, sight seeing in most local areas are either free or highly affordable and include the entire day.

• Pools: 105 pools, 22 whirlpools.
• Dining: Unlimited fine dining at any of the 16 restaurants.
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and anytime snacks.
• Bars: 11 bars, including 3 swim ups.
• Unlimited premium liquor
• Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines
• Beach Club: Live Entertainment
• Other: Scuba & Snorkeling equipment, Fitness center, complimentary wireless Internet access, all taxes, tips, and gratuities are also included.
• Tennis & Land sports: Shuttle & green fees to 18 hole golf course included.
• Airport Shuttle: Complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle is available.

Sandals Ochi Spa

Things to do in Ocho Rios

Other than climbing the World Famous Dunn's River Falls, most of the sight seeing throughout Ocho Rios is low impact.  

• Dunn's River Falls & Park:  For decades, each year thousands of couples from around the world 'Take the Plunge' both literally and symbolically of starting their new lives together in these world famous falls.  If your adventurous you can try climbing to the top of the 960 foot falls, or if you prefer to relax, you can picnic in the park garden or soak in the lazy moving river, or the beach below.

• Konoko Falls:  Not as tall or as steeply inclined, these falls are far less intense and offer an opportunity to those who may not have been up for such a strenuous hike as Dunn's River.  Konoko also has a small natural pools both at the top and bottom of the falls to wade around in.  With a Botanical Garden, Zoo and Museum onsite this location gives everyone a wider variety of enjoyment, but again-bring those water shoes to climb the falls!

• Cool Blue Hole Ocho Rios:  This is a much more relaxed way to spend the day than either of the two falls.  This is a series of natural pools formed by sinkholes in the below limestone.  Charged from natural spring and rain water from the adjacent waterfall, and surrounded by the lush rainforest visitors will feel the Tropical Paradise of Jamaica.  

• Tip: The Blue Hole is Smaller, and so reserving your tickets ahead of time is best.

Important !! For those considering climbing Dunn's River Falls... Due to liability, Jamaican Authorities will not permit park guests to climb the falls without wearing water shoes and signing a liability waiver.  The climb is guided, but it is fairly strenuous.  You must form a human chain -holding on to both the persons in front and behind you.  The path is narrow at times, the rocks are very slippery, (water shoes with great grip are required), and some portions can be quite high where a fall could lead to serious injury.  This would not be appropriate for persons with a fear of heights, or serious conditions.

Dunn's River Falls (Video)

Currency and payment accepted in the Jamaica:

The official currency is the Jamaican Dollar, however, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted and All-Inclusive Resorts use the U.S. Dollar.  As with most major destinations, Credit Cards are also widely accepted, and U.S. Dollars are available from ATMs.

Should I rent a car in Jamaica?

• Not entirely necessary if staying at one of the Sandals Resorts.  Sandals provides complimentary transfer to/from the airport, and then Taxi within and around Ocho Rios would be advisable.
• Most major carriers are however available from the Montego Bay International Airport.  Be aware gas/petro on the island is more expensive than in the U.S. and is sold by the liter.
• Sandals is roughly a 1.5-2hr drive from Montego Bay International Airport.

Language:

English is the primary spoken language of Jamaica, however most people also speak Jamaican which is famous with it's colorful, descriptive and clearly creole dialect. 

'Irie, Irie Man'- Everything is Alright and Fine

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Marriott: Waikoloa Beach Resort

The best place to stay Big Island

Hawaii needs no introduction, and when it comes to photo ops, there is just not enough space to share all of my pictures with you.  Because of it's immense diversification of; beaches, microclimates, mountains, volcanoes, botanical gardens and ease of commuting, if you will visit only one of the Hawaiian Islands, make it the 'Big Island,' and stay at the Marriott Waikoloa.

Is the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort right for you?

•  'Everyone' will enjoy this magnificent resort.    

• While not officially an 'All-Inclusive-Resort,' because of it's moderate pricing,  private beach, endless amenities including a Sunset Luau, Spa, incredible Dining and an unbelievable location near shopping, and sight seeing access, the Marriott is among the greatest value of resorts on the Big Island.

Marriott: Waikoloa Beach Resort Sunset Luau

  

What should you know about the Big Island of Hawaii?

• The Big Island is roughly 4,700 miles and more than a 9 hour flight from Orlando, making connections involved with reaching this destination a certainty.  Hawaii is of course one of the 50 states, and US Citizens may travel freely with either a State ID, or Drivers License.

• Tip:  Direct Non-Stop Flights to the Big Island are limited, you will most likely first connect in Honolulu, O'ahu (be sure to look out and see the Pearl Harbor WWII memorial as you fly over) and then change air carriers.  You will then take a short beautiful flight into the charming little airport of Kailua-Kona. 

• Because everything must be shipped onto the islands from the mainland, you will find food & beverages to be understandably more expensive (say 15-20% more), however most of the major sights are either free, inexpensive or very reasonably priced, making your overall experience balance out very nicely.

• Tip: Look for 'The Green Flash.'  Although rare, a phenomenon known as the 'Green Flash' is famously known to occur in Hawaii just at sunset.  Scientifically, the atmosphere causes the light from the Sun to separate, or 'refract,' into different frequencies, and this will appear as brilliant flash of Green Color in the sky.  That's one more reason to enjoy a romantic sunset with someone.  If you drink alcoholic beverages, have Trader Vic's original Mai Tai while enjoying the sunset!

• Extra Extra Tip:  Although most people will watch for the Green Flash from the beach, it is actually easier to see it occur from elevated locations, so head for the hills !

• When you think of Hawaii, anything but desert like scenery, snow and space observatories may come to your mind, however on the Big Island, that is exactly what you may find (pics below.)

• Tip: Pack some winter clothes; jacket, gloves and hat and drive to the top of Mauna Kea to visit the Space Observatory.  This is a must see, but rent a small SUV for the steep (but safe) inclined drive.

Mauna Kea Space Observatory: Hawaii Big Island

What are the best beaches on Big Island?

The beaches on the Big Island are incredibly diverse, but tend to be rocky (wear water shoes) and because the water of the Pacific Ocean is deep, it also tends to be cooler in temperature. 

• Best Deserted Island Vibe: Manini Beach- Located south of the Marriott near Kona, this is my absolute most favorite beach in the entire world!-although no real sand, you must wear water shoes to enjoy this black and white pebbled beach. This beach is small, but it's seclusion is idyllic for meditation and self reflection. (photo below)

• Best for Socializing: If you're looking for some shopping, and restaurants, then make a day trip and head east to Hilo, and enjoy either of the small beaches of Richardson's or Carlsmith where lifeguards are on duty during weekends and holidays.

• Best Family-Friendly Beach: While the private beach of the Marriott Beach Resort is perfect for families due to it's calmer waters, the most classically perfect beach on the island is Mauna Kea and it offers great snorkeling.   

  

Manini Beach: Kona-Hawaii Big Island

Because the dormant mountain volcano of  'Mauna Kea'  is centered on the Big Island,  microclimates have formed which have an amazing range from the arid almost moonlike west side near Kailua-Kona, to lush Botanical Gardens of the North starting from the Waipi'o Valley and extending to the East Side of the Island near Hilo.  On the south side of the Island you will encounter Green Sand beaches formed by the unique volcanic geology.  The island has a convenient road system both crossing and encircling it, allowing visitors to safely commute it's beautiful but very difficult terrain.

• Tip:  Plan a long day and enjoy a scenic drive around the entire Island !

What are the best things to do on the Big Island?

               (these are only a few of my favorite must see!)

• Waipi'o Valley-go horse back riding ! (parts of the Movie 'Jurassic Park' were filmed here)
• Mauna Kea & Space Observatory
• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
• Rainbow Falls
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park- snorkeling at the adjacent 'Two-Step' beach is so unbelievable, it is like being inside an aquarium !  There is a small fee to park.
• Puako Petroglyph field 
• St. Peter's Catholic Church -located a very short drive from Manini Beach in Kona and on a hilltop.  The views of the beach below from this quaint little church will leave you speechless.

Currency and payment accepted on the island:

Hawaii is part of the U.S. and so the U.S. dollar and credit cards are accepted, however, because of Hawaiian History there are land leases unique to Native Hawaiians in which you may encounter many small Hawaiian merchants where cash remains king.

Should I rent a car on the Big Island?

• Rental Car- is available just outside the charming little airport of Kona.  While the island is extremely easy to drive (virtually impossible to get lost, and wide paved roads), there are also many steep inclines formed by the mountain system and volcanoes, and so I would recommend renting at least a small to mid-sized SUV to more easily enjoy the scenic drives.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

'Mahalo'- Thank you

Language:

English is the official language of Hawaii, though you can expect to hear the beautiful Hawaiian native language everywhere such as the famed 'Aloha.'

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '