Luxury Travel: Mexico’s Caribbean

Bring on the high thread count linens, the delicious food, and the optional nanny services (yes please!). When traveling as a couple, or a family, there are countless things to consider, from appropriate accommodations to food that will satisfy everyone. From private villas and five-star hotels to sprawling resorts, everyone will be well taken care of at these properties below. Plan your luxury travel in Mexico’s Caribbean.

grand velas vacation packages
Photo Credit: Velas Resorts

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

This AAA Five Diamond property is sprawled across 80 acres and never feels crowded. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya understands the challenges faced when traveling with babies and boasts its own baby concierge (yes, really!) The concierge provides you with everything from bottle sterilizers and baby bathtubs to strollers and teething toys. Babysitters are available for an additional charge. The kids and teens clubs (catering to ages 4-12 and 12-18 respectively) offer adults the perfect chance for some alone time by the pool. Attentive pool and beach concierges ensure guests will want for nothing.

tulum mexico, luxury travel mexico's caribbean

Fairmont Mayakoba

Offering the kind of five-star service that Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is famous for, Fairmont Mayakoba does not disappoint. Despite its proximity to Playa del Carmen, Fairmont Mayakoba feels a world away. Set amidst 240 acres of tropical rainforest complete with canals and local wildlife that guests will love. With most buildings set back from the beach, Fairmont Mayakoba aims to maintain the integrity and preservation of its ecosystem. For guests who want to leave their wallets tucked in the safe, the optional all-inclusive package is the way to go. Fairmont’s AI package includes unlimited dining and beverage service at 3 of their restaurants and 5 of their bars. Kids will love the waterslide at the main pool. Also, the excursions throughout the property are led by the Discovery Club (ages 4-6) and Adventure Club (ages 7-12). For older kids and adults, there are complimentary bikes available, perfect for exploring.

palm trees on beach

Hotel Esencia

Situated between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, Hotel Esencia offers couples and families an intimate getaway. Be prepared for staff to know your name. Take full advantage of the ‘Nanny on Call’ program, offering two hours of complimentary babysitting so the adults can spend some time alone. At Hotel Esencia it’s the small touches that make the biggest impact. Like the samples of local small-batch Casa Dragones tequila left for guests in their rooms. With multi-lingual nannies (and a chef willing to make baby food to order) even the youngest guests will be taken care of.

villa rentals mexico

PRIVATE VILLAS

If you want to really feel at home in Mexico’s Caribbean, look no further than a private villa. With endless options, you can choose from tranquil beach-front estates to eco-friendly abodes set amongst palm trees and crystal clear cenotes. For example, the Hacienda del Mar villa features 7 bedrooms and two separate casitas spread over 16,000 square feet of oceanfront property. Included are daily maid service, a personal butler, a gourmet chef, and daily concierge service.

If you’re looking to get away to Mexico’s Caribbean with the whole family, contact me here. I’d love to put together the perfect luxury travel package to Mexico’s Caribbean for you!

Trips for Every Season

Trips for Every Season – Where to Go in Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter

Sometimes timing is simply not on your side. Like when you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, but can’t get any time off until Hurricane season… Or when you’ve finally decided to book that European family vacation, only to discover that all the hotels and attractions are sold out. I’m here to tell you that there’s a location for every season, and not only that – some destinations truly shine certain months over others! Here are some prime-time vacation spots for each season.

grand canyon vacation packages, trips for every season

Spring

A fantastic season for travel to so many destinations, spring offers warm weather, fewer crowds, and increased hours of daylight.

While it’s synonymous with rowdy spring breakers, Cancun is so much more than blaring music and foam parties. Spring in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region means a combination of warm temperatures and low rainfall and is one of the best times to visit.

Skip the summer crowds and visit the majestic Grand Canyon, with springtime making the Arizona heat much more tolerable. Lookout points are easily accessed without the throngs of visitors that descend on the park in the summer, wanting to marvel at the UNESCO-designated heritage site for themselves. If you’re looking to save on your visit, head to the Grand Canyon during National Park Week in April, when admission fees are waived to every national park in the country.

Summer

A popular time for travel, summer is often when families pack up and go exploring.

Vancouver, Canada shines in the summer months, with tourists and locals alike packing beaches, patios, parks, and trails. Visitors can scale the Grouse Grind (affectionately known as ‘Mother Nature’s Stairmaster’), go whale watching, take a day trip up to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, or simply stroll the streets in search of their next meal – the restaurants in Vancouver are diverse, delicious, and plentiful!

Amidst the vibrant hustle of Vancouver’s summer, where nature and city life blend seamlessly, my friend Max’s experience with fire watch security in Coral Gables offers a reminder of the intricate dance between preparedness and enjoyment. Just as tourists take in the sights from the peaks to the streets, Max watches over properties with a vigilant eye, ensuring that everyone’s safety is the foundation for such memorable adventures. His tales of rapid deployment at the first sign of trouble, a commitment echoed in the pulsing beat of the city, provide peace of mind, allowing the spirit of community and celebration to thrive. It’s through his dedication that the laughter and light of summer can be experienced fully, much like the carefree days I relish here in Vancouver, knowing that behind the scenes, professionals like Max ensure a secure backdrop to our cherished moments.

Summer is an ideal time to visit Bali, Indonesia, due to it being the dry season. Explore the outdoor temples, try all-terrain vehicles you can rent from a utv dealer, and admire the beautiful beaches, and don’t miss Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Nusa Penida. While most travelers stick to stunning and serene beachfront resorts (for good reason!) there’s something for everyone in Bali. Including an active volcano in Kintamani, and roaring nightlife in Kuta.

Fall

Whether you’re staying local or venturing across the world – Fall offers stunning scenery, mild temperatures, and often very few crowds to contend with.

Visiting the Greek islands in early fall (specifically September) means gorgeous weather but without the large crowds. With kids back in school everywhere, there’s plenty of availability at hotels, villas, and restaurants. Consider visiting Naxos, a gem in the Cyclades. Go on sailing tours, visit an olive oil press and museum and spend lazy days under a beach cabana.

For a quintessential tour of fall foliage, you may want to join other autumn-lovers on their pilgrimage to Stowe, Vermont. A classic small-town embodying the charm of a Hallmark movie. Stowe is nestled at the base of Vermont’s tallest mountain and delivers a plethora of vibrantly tinged trees and rolling hillside scenery. Go for a scenic drive along the countryside. Take in the views on a hike of Stowe Pinnacle. Awaken your adrenaline junkie with a zipline through Smuggler’s Notch. Rent a canoe and paddle one of the many lakes, with bright leaves as your backdrop. You may also consider staying at one of the lake house rentals to relax and unwind.

trips for every season, winter vacation

Winter

From curling up fireside with a cup of hot cocoa to escaping the cold altogether, there are winter season options!

If you’re looking to escape the cold, Turks & Caicos has got you covered. The coldest month is January, with average temperatures hovering around 80 degrees. The famous Bahamian festival Junkanoo runs from the end of December to the beginning of January, annually. Visiting during this time is a great way to experience the culture and history of the Bahamas.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just interested in the apres-ski festivities, Breckenridge, Colorado delivers. With five hills, 34 lifts, and 187 trails, there’s a run for just about everyone. From the bunny hill to the Inferno, a Double Black Diamond run. Is skis or snowboards, not your thing? How about mushing a team of sled dogs through a snowy trail? Enjoying a Snowcat tour of the trails, snowshoeing under a canopy of trees, or strolling the shops along Main street?


There are trips for every season, let’s plan one that you’ll never forget! I can be reached here, and would love to connect with you.

Destination Wedding Planning Mistakes

You’ve got the ring from a jewelry shop, and now it’s time to start thinking about where to tie the knot. Destination weddings appeal to many couples, but before you go planning the big day from a distance – read this about destination wedding planning mistakes, and how to avoid them.

destination wedding planner, destination wedding mistakes to avoid

Don’t Assume Everyone Will Attend

Destination weddings can be hard to swing for some people, whether it’s financial restraints, young children, work commitments, etc. Work under the assumption that you may only see 75% of your guest list RSVP ‘yes’.

Don’t NOT Work with a Professional

I’m not talking about the on-site coordinator if you go for a resort that has one. I mean hiring a proper destination wedding specialist, who knows the ins and outs of planning a wedding from afar. Call me biased, but having a professional who can seamlessly guide you from the initial planning stages to the big day (and even the post-wedding activities) will save you time, money, and stress. A destination wedding specialist can help arrange your wedding transportation, book a venue, reserve portable bathroom rentals for outdoor events, hire caterers, and hire personal bodyguards from event security Singapore for your event. And if you’re planning a London wedding, you may consider hiring close protection services london.

Who wants to be stressed out on their big day? You deserve to sit back and relax. Book your penang to singapore bus ticket today for an enjoyable and stress-free ride from Penang to Singapore.

Don’t Underestimate the Weather (Especially in the Caribbean!)

Humidity and a lot of hair types do not mix well together. The last thing you want on your big day is for your hair to not cooperate, after all – those pictures last a lifetime! In addition to hair woes, heavy dresses, makeup, sweat mixed with self-tanner – these can all be recipes for disaster in a hot climate. Consider having your wedding later in the day and maybe choose from pretty short homecoming dresses as your reception dress, invest in hair products to combat humidity, and suggest that the men swap their three-piece suits for linen instead.

Don’t Overlook Traditions – Both Home & Away

Just because you’re in a unique locale doesn’t mean you need to forego family traditions, so do what you can (or want) to honor family history – wherever you’re saying ‘I Do’. Depending on where you’re getting married, it can also be special to incorporate local traditions and influences into your nuptials. Getting married in Mexico? Consider a Mariachi band for your cocktail hour.

destination wedding mistakes to avoid, destination wedding planner

Don’t Assume You Will Automatically Save Money

Can you save money having a destination wedding? Absolutely, but that’s a different post for a different day. Ultimately (and similarly to a local wedding) your budget will be determined by the location, the suppliers you choose, the foods you would like to serve, and the number of guests you’re inviting. Hot tip: Booking early can often score you better deals, so if you think a destination wedding is something you’d like to do – feel free to get in touch.

Don’t Make Anyone Guess Anything

Weddings come with a whole slew of questions, from ‘what time does it start?’ to ‘what is the appropriate attire?’. Destination weddings come with at least triple the questions, so take the guesswork out of the event for your guests – and build a wedding website where all of the important information can live – and be updated as you near the big day. From wedding details to accommodation options, flight info, and even local activities in the area – house all of the relevant wedding information in one spot – and never worry about answering the same question over and over again! The services I provide include a free wedding website for my couples, customized with all of the details.

Don’t Ship Anything

While there’s a good chance your shipped items will arrive, don’t run the risk. Anything especially valuable should go in your carry-on or be checked (ie your dress, rings, etc). The last thing you want to be dealing with on (or leading up to) your big day is missing wedding favors, dresses, or damaged goods.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Your wedding day goes by in a blur, so try to take some moments to stop and soak it all in. From the friends and family who have traveled to celebrate with you, to the exchanging of vows in a stunning wedding venue, this day is about you and your love – so enjoy it!

Want to plan a destination wedding but don’t know where to start?

Reach out to me here, and avoid making these and other destination wedding planning mistakes.