I would not be a good person to rate resorts, as I always return stating that "this is my favorite" This REALLY was awesome! The Gran Bahia Principe Cayacoa in Samana gets 5 stars in my books!
We arrived to heavy rain, which looked like a regular occurance based on the lushness of the area. This is the most heavily populated area of coconut trees in the world and everywhere you look are shades of green with beautiful vegitation of many varieties.
A brand new Samana air conditioned airport was clean and efficient and the short 45 minute bus transfer was a great introduction to the Dominican way of life.
Express check-in included our room keys and wristbands onboard the coach, so we arrived smoothly with luggage taken direct to our junior suites. The Royal Golden inclusions of; concierge service, guaranteed a la carte dining, and all the Royal Golden privileges of internet and private lounge meant more time to enjoy the wonderful people, incredible views and relaxing beaches.
The entertainment crew kept everyone busy with aerobics, games and watersports. But, if you prefer to relax, they also offered board games, books to read, and lots of places to catch some rays or find shade.
The junior suites are huge with beach towels, comfy bathrobes and slippers, coffee maker, mini-bar, satelite TV, and a beautiful marble bathroom with jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower. Our maid Juana, had endless ways to make our stay enjoyable beginning with her towel sculptures right through the day with extra towels and chocolates on our pillows each evening.
I cannot explain the true beauty overlooking the private islands connected by a walking bridge, to the lush hills covered in palm trees, to the view of the marina and sound of merengue music floating up from the activity in town or at the pool bar. An excellent setting for a picture perfect wedding from the white gazebo on the hill!
Our shuttle into town allowed us an opportunity to meet "Sam", a local that would escort us to the market and direct us to the best cigars, amber and mamajuana on the island.
Each waiter, bellhop, shuttle driver, bartender and greeter made sure that we learned one more Spanish phrase and ensured that we were delighted with their service.
The Dominican People are genuine and eager to help. Their endless smiles would highlight our week of sun and sand. For me, the Gran Bahia Principe Cayacoa gets two thumbs up. It is a spectacular value and a great setting and the food was top notch.
If you go, please say Buenos Dias to Patricia, Freddie, Junior, Ana Luisa, Jose and Jermaine, that each went above and beyond to make our stay a "Cinquo" Star Holiday....Marion
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Celebrity Solstice Review
I recently had the opportunity to experience the brand new Celebrity ship, "the SOLSTICE", with my husband Murray. My first impression of this ship was, "Wow"! The Solstice is very elegant and classy, yet still quite comfortable. Definitely a ship I would recommend to couples, honeymooners, or even for family reunions.
The experience begins when you walk onboard. The Solstice offers many different facets, a combination of traditional yet contemporary, all of which mesh together well. The public areas offer small sitting areas that are open, yet still give a feeling of privacy. Decorated in a style that would remind you of an old English manor, these little nooks provide a perfect spot to people watch.
The Solstice also offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars on the ship. One of the unique dining options on this ship is the restaurant, "Blu". Blu is a contemporary restaurant that offers healthy cuisine, and is part of the new “Aqua Class” offered onboard. There is also a selection of bistro’s, with offerings like crepes, and panini , which can be visited for a supplement. And for that little nightcap, don’t forget to try the Martini bar, always a busy place in the afternoons and evenings. Do you take yours shaken or stirred?
The staterooms on the Solstice were very fresh. Most cabins have a leather couch in the room, as well as a trundle bed for 3rd or 4th guests in cabin. Even the inside cabins seem larger than most of their competitors, partly because the beds are rounded at the foot. The restrooms in cabin come equipped with a decent sized shower, and even a vessel sink with colourful tile backsplash. Very upscale!
The evening entertainment was very much like a scaled down Cirque du Soleil performance. It was definitely one of the highlights of our night. For those with families, there was also a great kid’s area onboard. Plus of course, the fabulous pool deck. Let’s not forget to take the time to enjoy a little sunshine! Of course, the most unique feature this ship offers is the new "Lawn Club". Yes… real grass, I took my sandals off to be sure. At the Lawn Club you can play bocce ball, croquet, or just hang out at the bar and watch a glass blowing demonstration.
Although I only had two days onboard, I can see Celebrity has spared no expense with this ship. You can see this from the leather webbing on the chairs in the buffet, or even the artwork on the walls. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you try the new “Solstice” for your next cruising vacation.
The experience begins when you walk onboard. The Solstice offers many different facets, a combination of traditional yet contemporary, all of which mesh together well. The public areas offer small sitting areas that are open, yet still give a feeling of privacy. Decorated in a style that would remind you of an old English manor, these little nooks provide a perfect spot to people watch.
The Solstice also offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars on the ship. One of the unique dining options on this ship is the restaurant, "Blu". Blu is a contemporary restaurant that offers healthy cuisine, and is part of the new “Aqua Class” offered onboard. There is also a selection of bistro’s, with offerings like crepes, and panini , which can be visited for a supplement. And for that little nightcap, don’t forget to try the Martini bar, always a busy place in the afternoons and evenings. Do you take yours shaken or stirred?
The staterooms on the Solstice were very fresh. Most cabins have a leather couch in the room, as well as a trundle bed for 3rd or 4th guests in cabin. Even the inside cabins seem larger than most of their competitors, partly because the beds are rounded at the foot. The restrooms in cabin come equipped with a decent sized shower, and even a vessel sink with colourful tile backsplash. Very upscale!
The evening entertainment was very much like a scaled down Cirque du Soleil performance. It was definitely one of the highlights of our night. For those with families, there was also a great kid’s area onboard. Plus of course, the fabulous pool deck. Let’s not forget to take the time to enjoy a little sunshine! Of course, the most unique feature this ship offers is the new "Lawn Club". Yes… real grass, I took my sandals off to be sure. At the Lawn Club you can play bocce ball, croquet, or just hang out at the bar and watch a glass blowing demonstration.
Although I only had two days onboard, I can see Celebrity has spared no expense with this ship. You can see this from the leather webbing on the chairs in the buffet, or even the artwork on the walls. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you try the new “Solstice” for your next cruising vacation.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Mancations....Hmmm
I am always researching an exciting new destination for me and my girlfriends to enjoy a nice spa, good shopping and great food. So I found it interesting to find my husband searching the net on his own personal hunt for his next Nascar event.
Man-cations are something we females often don't appreciate as a release for the testosterone driven species. These male dominated getaways most often revolve around a sporting event; hockey games, football, fishing trips and the "never-out-of-season" golf game.
Man-cations in Las Vegas can include a private limo to your luxury suite , room service including pizza and wings, best seat tickets to the Fight, and maybe even a poker game. (surprise, surprise, it is Vegas after all!)
For those wanting a few more creature comforts; The Sonoma California Fairmont offers a "Speed-Meets-Spa" weekend that includes a three-day-race car driving course and some spa treatments. The challenge is to get your man to admit to liking a little pampering, right ladies?
So guys, if you have the urge to reconnect with your college chums or just have some "down time" with your buddies.....contact me......I have a few more suggestions that include tailgating events, father/son canoe trips or a good ole bachelor party in places you might not have considered .....Marion
Man-cations are something we females often don't appreciate as a release for the testosterone driven species. These male dominated getaways most often revolve around a sporting event; hockey games, football, fishing trips and the "never-out-of-season" golf game.
Man-cations in Las Vegas can include a private limo to your luxury suite , room service including pizza and wings, best seat tickets to the Fight, and maybe even a poker game. (surprise, surprise, it is Vegas after all!)
For those wanting a few more creature comforts; The Sonoma California Fairmont offers a "Speed-Meets-Spa" weekend that includes a three-day-race car driving course and some spa treatments. The challenge is to get your man to admit to liking a little pampering, right ladies?
So guys, if you have the urge to reconnect with your college chums or just have some "down time" with your buddies.....contact me......I have a few more suggestions that include tailgating events, father/son canoe trips or a good ole bachelor party in places you might not have considered .....Marion
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