Posts in BEACH
NEW SECRETS RESORTS COMING TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN THIS DECEMBER

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AMResorts® recently announced the grand opening date of December 14th for two new Secrets® branded properties, Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen and Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen.

These two adults-only properties are luxurious, adjoined, all-suite resorts located on the white sandy beaches in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

Courtesy of AMresorts

Courtesy of AMresorts

Together, these gorgeous, romantic resorts will offer various upscale amenities including:

  • Gourmet cuisine by world-renowned chefs

  • Three man-made cenotes

  • Seven heated pools

  • One interior, beach-inspired pool designed for intimate social gatherings

  • Nearby snorkeling and diving excursions, as well as the famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, a 5-mile pedestrian-only walkway dedicated to tourists

  • Breathtaking rooftop sky wedding gazebo that overlooks the Caribbean Sea

  • Amphitheater-style indoor theater for entertainment and corporate events with top-tier sound system and digital technology as well as state of the art meeting rooms

  • Contemporary sports bar

  • Expansive Spa focusing on wellness using innovated and traditional treatments in a natural environment that is conducive to self-healing and recovery from daily stress

Courtesy of AMresorts

Courtesy of AMresorts

Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen will feature 485 uniquely upscale rooms with chic amenities that will come with the following Preferred Club and signature Unlimited-Luxury® concept guests know and expect:

  • Contemporary ambience to experience a wide variety of spaces for gatherings of all kinds, from large meetings to intimate moments

  • Stunning suites with relaxing rain showers, Nespresso machines and large terraces that feature attractive architecture and the finest comforts that pair perfectly for private celebrations, cocktails, events and tranquility

  • Nine unique dining experiences that each provide endless options for every appetite, including seven a la carte restaurants, one buffet, a wine cellar, Barefoot Grill, and Coco Café

Courtesy of AMresorts

Courtesy of AMresorts

You can’t miss the upgraded offerings in addition to the accessible Unlimited-Luxury® offerings for Preferred Club guests at this resort, such as:

  • Enhanced suites, including extravagant and upscale Paramount Suites that offer an unparalleled, luxurious experience

  • Rooftop terrace that offers captivating Cozumel views with a private lounge, bar, infinity swimming pool and exclusive restaurant

  • Upgraded mini bar

  • Special access to Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen’s author’s signature restaurant (for an additional cost)

Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen will feature 198 stunning suites with contemporary, rustic-chic designs that introduces Impression’s concept of exquisite exclusiveness to the Secrets brand. The new Impression concept gives a brand-new meaning to Unlimited-Luxury® vacations with spectacular suites and villas with ocean views in addition to a more private, personalized experience for the most discerning travelers.

Courtesy of AMresorts

Courtesy of AMresorts

All guests staying at this resort will be granted the same free flow access to Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen and its Preferred Club areas listed above, as well as:

  • Oversized suites that begin at 947 square feet with furnished large balconies with marble soaking tubs, a full marble bathroom with the soothing rain shower, Nespresso machines and more

  • Elevated concierge and butler service when reserving a Master Suite, Ocean-Front Panoramic Suite, Two-Story Penthouse Suite or Presidential Villa

  • Three exclusive Impression restaurants in addition to the nine options mentioned previously that include the rooftop Impression restaurant, complimentary access to the author’s signature restaurant with a daily rotating menu with wine pairings, and a beachfront restaurant

  • Complimentary access to exclusive, on-site dining experiences like the Omakase experience – a 12-seat sushi bar located within the Japanese restaurant and a taco tasting, Mezcal & Tequila bar located within the Mexican restaurant

  • Access to the premier dedicated beach area with exclusive wait service

In addition, these elevated resorts have a plan to follow green practices to do their part working towards zero emissions using solar panels, wind energy, and sound water processing.

Courtesy of AMresorts

Courtesy of AMresorts

Contact me to book your stay at one of these exclusive properties today!

LODGE AT GULF STATE PARK, GULF SHORES, AL: HOTEL REVIEW
 
Gulf Shores, Alabama

Back in July, we took a short trip to Gulf Shores, AL. The beaches here are beautiful! We were originally planning on going to Mexico during these dates but my work instituted a 14 day quarantine for anyone returning from an international trip. I then planned a road trip to California and also thought about Florida, but these were also meet with the 14 day quarantine requirements.

We decided to spend a short 5 days/ 4 nights at the Lodge at Gulf State Park. This hotel is in between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL making it convenient to get to both places. When looking at hotels, we decided on the Lodge because it was brand new and in the state park so more isolated than the other hotels with crowded beaches.

Let me just say that this hotel was close to 500 per night and not worth it. The walls were super thin to were you could hear your neighbors having a normal conversation. The hotel was brand new and things were already broken and falling off the walls (more than likely, they were never installed correctly to begin with.) I really hate to write negative reviews, but I would not recommend this property (especially for the price!).

Although, aesthetically pleasing in photos, this was not the case in person. We didn’t let this ruin our trip, however. We really enjoyed eating at the restaurant in the state park that had tons of great food! It was called Woodside Restaurant and they had live music on the weekends with a ton of outside games. It was a really neat place. If you’re heading to Gulf Shores anytime soon, then you should definitely check it out!

Gulf Shores, AL

 
EXCELLENCE RIVIERA CANCUN: OUR GIRL'S TRIP + HOTEL REVIEW
 
EXCELLENCE RIVIERA CANCUN, mexico

Excellence Riviera Cancun is located right outside of the hotel zone and only about 20 minutes from the airport. This hotel is relatively small compared to other all-inclusive resorts that are in the area. We just returned from a 5 day/4 night stay in one of their Jr Suite Rooms. This was our annual girl’s trip (7 of us went) and it was well..excellent (pun intended lol) This was my second time here and I will definitely be returning!

 
Excellence Riviera Cancun; That Blonde Travels, Mexico Vacation. Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
 

When we arrived, we were greeted with an ice cold glass of champagne by the bellman. They took our luggage and we proceeded to the check-in counter. We arrived very early so we were not able to check-in right away, which was fine, because we went and had lunch at the buffet and then headed to the pool.

 
Excellence Riviera Cancun; That Blonde Travels, Mexico Vacation. Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
 

Excellence Riviera Cancun has 7 different restaurants of which we tried all but the French. All of the food is phenomenal, my favorite is Basmati, the Indian restaurant. I know what you’re thinking, “Indian food in Mexico..”, but take my word, it was delicious! With there being 7 of us, it was at sometimes difficult for us to get a table at restaurants during peak times, but the hotel staff was very accommodating in getting us seated in a timely manner. If the wait was going to be awhile, we headed to The Flavor Market, Spanish tapas restaurant, for some yummy tapas and sangria.

The only restaurant that we thought we were not going to be able to eat at was the hibachi grill because they only take reservations the day of. One of the hotel concierges ended up helping us out on the last day since we had such a big group. The hibachi show is not to be missed! The chef on the grill was very entertaining and did some unique things that I have not seen at other hibachi restaurants so it was really fun!

Excellence Riviera Cancun; That Blonde Travels, Mexico Vacation. Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
Excellence Riviera Cancun; That Blonde Travels, Mexico Vacation. Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

On Friday night was the Mexican Fiesta. This was a blast! We ended up getting several tables to do shots with us and the seven of us finished off a bottle of Don Julio. Miguel and Edwin were so fun and Miguel was such a sport with dancing (It was hilarious!)

Last but definitely not least, the drink service at the beach was outstanding! Armando took such great care of us (all 7 of us!) and gave us the nicknames of Sirenas and Cowboys, haha! He was so fun! I can’t forget Ivan either who also served us at the beach and would anticipate our orders before we even asked for it!

Excellence Riviera Cancun; That Blonde Travels, Mexico Vacation. Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

Image C/O Crystal

Image C/O Crystal

Image C/O Crystal

Image C/O Crystal

Excellence Riviera Cancun; That Blonde Travels, Mexico Vacation. Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
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This was definitely a girl’s trip for the books! We had such a great time and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Excellence Riviera Cancun!

 
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Contact me to book your stay at Excellence today!

 
VACATION PLANNING: SOME UPDATED OPTIONS
 

VACATION PLANNING: SOME UPDATED OPTIONS

Written by Lauren Bailey

www.thatblondetravels.com


HELLO!

I am excited to announce that I have partnered with a travel wholesaler to specialize in luxury safaris and south pacific adventures! These will be custom bespoke itineraries that are tailored specifically to you!

I am working on some preliminary itineraries right now and will post some examples soon!

safari-africa-vacation-travel-luxury travel-travel agent

You can find information about custom African vacations here. These locations include: South Africa, Botswana, Kenya/Tanzania, Uganda/Rwanda, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles/Mozambique. You can find information about budget and how long you would need for a trip to that location.

new zealand-custom itinerary-bespoke itinerary-luxury travel-luxury vacations-travel agent

You can find information about custom South Pacific vacations here. These locations include: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands.

I am also working on a South East Asia page as well and will update it here as soon as it is finished! These locations will include: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Hong Kong, Japan, and China.


For more information, please visit the pages linked below or send me an email at lauren@thatblondetravels.com.

Thank you!


About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


 
PENSACOLA FAMILY BEACH VACATION
 

PENSACOLA FAMILY BEACH VACATION

Written by Lauren Bailey

www.thatblondetravels.com


Hello everyone! I just returned from an amazing vacay in Pensacola, Florida.

We rented a house on the sound and stayed for 7 nights. I have never felt more rested! 😅

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If you and your family are planning a trip to Pensacola, here are some great options for houses/condos for families that are located right on the beach. Available Houses/Condos.

A few recommended:

White Sands

Emerald Isle

Beach Please

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While in Pensacola, we ate at three yummy restaurants.

The Grand Marlin: I ordered a steak for my entree (I know! Blasphemy!) and did an add on of fried shrimp. Delicious!😋 For an appetizer, we ordered smoked tuna dip and BBQ shrimp, which were also amazing!

Casino Beach Bar & Grille: I was feeling super full from eating too much all week so I went light and ordered a blackened chicken salad. I know what your’re thinking, but it was so good! We also ordered the shrimp cocktail (yumm!) and my sister-in-law had the sea scallops. This place was a surprise as to how good it was.

The Ruby Slipper: This is located in downtown Pensacola. The downtown area is so cute! We went here for brunch and I had a regular pancake 🥞

The rest of the time we cooked at home.

 
Pensacola palm trees
 

While there, we rented a car in order to get from the airport to our rental house. However, once on the beach you can easily walk to places or even uber. It was nice to have the car so that we could go into Pensacola for lunch or dinner, grocery shopping, and workout classes.

Pensacola Beach makes for a perfect family vacation filled with fun and sun! Contact me to book yours today!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


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FIVE DAY GETAWAY AT TRS YUCATAN HOTEL
 

FIVE DAY GETAWAY AT TRS YUCATAN HOTEL

Written by Lauren Bailey

www.thatblondetravels.com


I think I could go to Mexico every 3 months and be ecstatically happy. This resort was no exception. A group of friends and I had the pleasure of spending 5 days and 4 nights at the brand new TRS Yucatan Hotel in Riviera Maya in May.

My husband and I went with such a fun group! Anna and Michael whom we have known for awhile (Anna takes all of our anniversary pictures every year) and Amy and Seth whom we met on the trip but immediately hit it off.

 

Private check-in and check-out

Personalized attention: enjoy butler service and waiters at the beach and swimming pools

Modern facilities: lay back in the new salt-water infinity pool next to our exclusive beach club, Helios

Luxury entertainment: get ready for an unforgettable night at Chic Cabaret & Restaurant

Gastronomic experiences: taste the flavors of the world at our restaurants Tentazione, El Gaucho, La Bohème, Capricho, Helios beach club and Chic Cabaret & Restaurant. [Palladium Group]

TRS Yucatan is a five-star all-inclusive hotel located in Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula.

It is a small adults-only resort located within a larger complex of five other resorts. The other resort do allow children. You can go to any of the dining options at the other resorts but I recommend staying at the TRS restaurants.

 
TRS YUCATAN HOTEL-TRS-MEXICO-CANCUN, MEXICO-CANCUN-MEXICO-LUXURY TRAVEL-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVELING LIFE-TRAVELING-5 STAR-BEACH VACATION-BEACH-RELAXING

Relax all day long by the pool or beach and have a refreshing cocktail!

When you get tired of drinking, head to the spa where you can get a fresh fruit smoothie.


All-in-all, the Riviera Maya area of Cancun is so beautiful. I definitely recommend the area! Contact me to book your all-inclusive Mexico vacation today!


Follow me: @thatblondetravels

C/O ORBITZ

C/O ORBITZ