Kevin + Angie Celebrate their 20th Wedding Anniversary in Style

Kevin and Angie Hydorn recently celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary at the beautiful Secrets Capri  Riviera in the Yucatan of Mexico.  Here is what they had to say about their vacation:

We had an amazing time on our trip! If it weren’t for missing our kids, we’d probably still be there. The best decision of our entire trip was choosing to use Tracee Williams with Destinations. We told her what we wanted at a price we could afford. She did all the work and it could not have gone more smoothly. All we had to do was pack, and I’m pretty sure she would have done that for us too if we would have asked. : )  She was there to answer any questions we had at any time. The information packets were clear and helpful. Tracee took the stress out of planning our vacation and allowed my husband and I to enjoy celebrating 20 years of marriage. 

I have to admit, I’m still looking for Carlos and Sergio to walk around the corner and ask me what I need. Unfortunately, the hospitality has been replaced with the needy, “Mom, get me this!” or “She keeps bothering me!” cries from my children. That's okay.  These are the things that make us appreciate the much needed getaways.

We will definitely go back to Secrets Capri and we would recommend Destinations to anyone who wants to have a stress free, enjoyable vacation.

 -  Kevin and Angie Hydorn

Melvin Family: Playa del Carmen Adventure

The Melvin Family spent Spring Break in the heart of Playa del Carmen (the center of Mexico's Riviera Maya area) at The Gran Porto Real, a family friendly all-inclusive beachfront resort. They had one adventure after another. They spent one entire day at Explor Adventure Park. They also strolled 5th Avenue, took scuba lessons, drank copious amounts of Pina minus the Colada, snorkeled, enjoyed the cuisine and much more.

Here's a glimpse of their Mexican Vacation. Thanks for trusting Destinations with your vacation, Melvin Family!

View from chaise lounge the first day

View from room balcony

He was in search of a coconut to drink out of and had no problem finding one

Exploring the cenotes (underwater caves)

Amphibious vehicle exploration through 6 miles of jungle and caverns



Ziplining kiddos. They did all 14 lines.

Ski Getaway in Tahoe



Lake Tahoe, the California side

Over the weekend my husband and I flew out west for a ski getaway at Heavenly. We flew into the Reno/Tahoe Airport and rented a car to drive to South Lake Tahoe. The drive took us just under an hour and was picturesque. Gorgeous pines capped with snow and mountains in the backdrop. Upon arrival at the hotel, we valeted the car (and never saw it again until we checked out). We spent 3 nights at the Marriott Grand Residence in South Lake Tahoe. We had a comfortable studio with a full kitchen. It was perfect for our needs, and best of all the resort was convenient to Heavenly Sports (ski rentals) and the gondola (15 minute ride up to the base of Heavenly). The ski shop was literally underneath our room, and the gondola was just steps away from there. We valeted our skis (complimentary) each afternoon when we came down the mountain. The last day when we turned our skis and boots in, we walked in our socks to our room because it was that close (and we may have forgotten our shoes, oops). There are plenty of things to see and do within walking distance of the Marriott Grand Residence in South Lake Tahoe: movie theater, restaurants, ice skating rink, grocery store, The North Face shop, ice cream, Starbucks, casinos, other shopping and much more.

Our studio

[Facts about the mountain]

Heavenly is home to 29 lifts and 95 runs. You can ski in Nevada and California. While California has the prettiest scenery with Lake Tahoe at the bottom, we preferred the blue runs on the Nevada side of the mountain best. Galaxy, Perimeter and The Pines are a few of our favorites.

• 10,067' highest elevation in Lake Tahoe
• 3,500' vertical unmatched on the West Coast
• 4,800 acres spanning two states, most on the West Coast
• Annual snowfall averages more than 30 feet a year
• 5 mile descent longest on the West Coast 



Bill on the Nevada side



View from the gondola

Hot chocolate break in the lodge

On the first day I made one mistake. I followed my husband’s lead as he took an “off run” turn and we ended up on a black diamond full of moguls. He was up above me and managed to cut back over to the blue, but I was downhill with no hope of returning to the safe, secure blue so I just had to go with it. I made an embarrassing attempt at getting down the run. I ended up with my skis crossed at one point, and the next thing I knew there was a pack of kids skiing like pros through the moguls. To make matters even worse, the run was underneath a ski lift. At least no one knew me. I made my way to the bottom with little grace and no style, and Bill was waiting for me there. How nice.

No trip out west is complete without a stop at In-N-Out Burger, so we got our fix on the way to the airport. Bill had his burger animal style (are you familiar with the secret menu? Animal style translated means a mustard-cooked beef patty with additional pickles, cheese, spread and grilled onions diced up and mixed together on the grill before getting dumped on your burger.) and I preferred the traditional cheeseburger, no onion please. Their fries are the best.

We would return to South Lake Tahoe and Heavenly in a heartbeat.

Enjoyed sharing with you,
Sarah

Hotel Review: Le Blanc Spa Resort

Last weekend while we were in Mexico, we took the opportunity to drive North and visit some outstanding resorts in Cancun. Let me stop right there. I bet you are thinking, "oh, Cancun. Party central. Spring Break. Not for me." I challenge you to think again. Have you been to Cancun lately? The water is stunning. Did you know that at different times there are 8 hues of blue that can be seen in the Caribbean Sea? It is simply breathtaking and I hope you get a glimpse of the beauty from our photos.

One simple word describes my thoughts on Le Blanc Spa Resort. Wow! An adults-only all inclusive resort that has coined the phrase all-incredible, this resort will change the way you vacation. Le Blanc may have mastered perfection {I know, dare I say that? In this case, yes!} Combining sophisticated style, lavish personal attention, and uncompromising attention to detail, Le Blanc sets the bar high. Take a look for yourself.

View from infinity pool looking out at Caribbean Sea

Can you tell where the pool ends and the ocean begins?

White sandy beach

Royale Deluxe Suite

Royale Deluxe Suite

Double Jacuzzi

Bathroom vanity

Double Shower

Signature Inclusive Luxuries at Le Blanc include:

Luxe accommodations
Upscale room amenities
Haute cuisine
Delectable snacks
Premium drinks (Brand name wines & spirits)
Butler service
24-hour room service
Personalized service with nearly one staff member per guest
Access to Hydrotherapy area*
Dazzling entertainment
Unlimited phone calls**
Wireless Internet
Included Internet use*** (30 minutes)
Non-motorized water sports (off site)
All taxes & gratuities
5 International Restaurants
5 Bars/Lounges
3 Pools

Karisma Awards: Riviera Maya, Mexico

Last weekend we traveled to Mexico for the Karisma Awards. Karisma Hotels and Resorts are located in the Riviera Maya of Mexico and include El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Maroma, AZUL Beach Hotel, AZUL Sensatori Hotel and AZUL Fives Hotel. The El Dorado brand caters to adults only, while AZUL is for everyone.

We were honored to be awarded the One Diamond Producer Award based on our sales. Karisma Resorts is an industry leader in the all inclusive market, but they go beyond the traditional all inclusive resort with their Gourmet Inclusive concept. From beach butlers and concierge, to turn-down service, 24-hour room service, premium beverages and Gourmet cuisine, the Gourmet Inclusive concept is all-encompassing to provide an outstanding experience for the refined traveler.

Tracee accepting our award

Enjoying the Gala

Mandy Chomat, VP of Sales & Marketing
Premier Worldwide Marketing, LLC

 

Ken Pomerantz, President of MLT Vacations

Karisma's list of awards is far-reaching and impressive including: Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 100 Hotels in the World,” Conde Nast Traveler’s “Gold List,” Forbes’ “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels,” TUI Travel PLC’s “Hotel of the Year,” AAA’s “Four Diamond Award” and Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.”

While in Mexico we took advantage of our time and toured several hotels {that’s how we are able to serve you best}. We stayed at El Dorado Royale in a Jacuzzi Jr Suite Oceanfront. We had the privilege to visit AZUL Sensatori Hotel to check in on things as well as AZUL Beach Hotel – a chic boutique family hotel that is undergoing many upgrades including 3 new restaurants and the expansion of 50 new rooms including swim-ups. {All is scheduled to be done by Summer 2011.}

AZUL Sensatori

AZUL Sensatori Honeymoon Suite

AZUL Sensatori Sky Wedding

AZUL Beach Wedding setup

AZUL Beach, new rooms featuring swim up access

AZUL Beach, a quiet nook overlooking the ocean

AZUL Beach Azulitos Kids Program including Fisher Price

We also took the opportunity to drive North and visit 2 outstanding resorts in Cancun and 1 resort in Playa Mujeres, Mexico’s best kept secret. Hotel reviews coming soon!

Thank you to all of our clients who have visited the El Dorado and AZUL Hotels. You have made it possible for us to succeed. Thank you also to Karisma Hotels for being a wonderful partner. We appreciate your support.

Allure of the Seas: A Sneak Peek

Last weekend Tracee and I had the privilege to sail on a Pre-Inaugural Cruise to Nowhere on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Allure of the Seas. {You may be asking, what’s a cruise to nowhere? Well, it’s a 2 day quick sail out to sea and back, stopping nowhere.} She is brand new and let me tell you, she is the definition of fabulous. She will take her first passenger sailing in December, but we got a sneak peek at all she has to offer.

Sarah and Tracee at On-Air

With endorsements from Oprah, The Today Show with Hoda and Kathie Lee, as well as the filming of Jack and Jill, Allure of the Seas is all the talk. Allure of the Seas made Oprah’s Ultimate Favorite Things 2010 list. On her show Friday, Oprah named Allure of the Seas as her favorite cruise and gave everyone in the audience a free cruise. Friday morning, The Today Show with Hoda and Kathie Lee was filmed live onboard Allure of the Seas. Tracee was lucky enough to get a photo with Hoda. Tracee reported that Hoda was a lovely and gracious woman. The film, Jack and Jill is currently being filmed on the Allure as well. Katie Holmes and Adam Sandler co-star in this holiday movie that will hit theaters next Fall. Suri was onboard with her mom, and we spotted them on the Boardwalk one afternoon.


Tracee with Hoda from The Today Show



Katie Holmes and Suri on the Boardwalk

So just what does the Allure of the Seas have to offer? Everything! It is the largest cruise ship in the world offering you the most at sea. During our 48 hour whirlwind experience on Allure of the Seas we were wowed by everything. Our Superior Ocean View Stateroom was well appointed and our balcony offered breathtaking views! We saw a beautiful sunset on the last night.

Our Stateroom

Our Balcony

iPod docking station to charge and play

Sunset from our balcony. Miami in the background.

We strolled through Central Park and heard birds chirping during the day. With gorgeous live plants, it was tranquil and inviting. At night we listened to crickets and heard live musicians singing in the park while we shopped and enjoyed the crisp evening air. We watched a DreamWorks parade, had gourmet cupcakes, and shopped till we dropped on the Royal Promenade. On the Boardwalk we enjoyed hot dogs from the Boardwalk Dog House (featuring Coney Island, German, Sicilian dogs, and more), a cool treat from the Ice Cream Parlor, great shopping in the Star Pier, delicious Mexican fare at Rita’s Cantina, and a sneak peek of Oceanaria at the AquaTheater. In the Amber Theater we were entertained by CHICAGO: The Musical. We laughed at the Comedy Club. And finally, we enjoyed a little down time in the Solarium, a haven for rest and relaxtion.

Starbucks on the Royal Promenade

The Cupcake Cupboard on the Royal Promenade

Chops Grill in Central Park

The Solarium

Entertainment

Allure of the Seas offers hit Broadway shows complimentary with your cruise. They also have unique productions with awesome sets, songs, and dancing to entertain you. In addition they have a Comedy Club, Live Jazz Club, Ice Skating Show and AquaTheater for your nightly entertainment.

We got to see the premier of Chicago, the musical. It was amazing, and the actors were fabulous. Such talent. Blue Planet is also another cool show onboard Allure of the Seas. It is an aerial acrobatic show from Royal Caribbean Productions. Oceanaria, an AquaTheater show, is simply stunning. We got to see a sneak peek of this water show combining gymnastics and diving. There are some US Olympic divers and swimmers that perform in Oceanaria.

The AquaTheater

Oceanaria in the AquaTheater

The DreamWorks Experience

Find your favorite characters onboard Allure of the Seas. DreamWorks Animation has partnered with Royal Caribbean to bring characters from Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and more, onboard Allure of the Seas. With live shows, 3D movies and parades through the Royal Promenade your kids will love seeing their favorite characters. There is an Ice Show to “How to Train Your Dragon”.


DreamWorks Animation - Shrek

Dining

There is no shortage of delicious dining options. With over 20 dining choices you can experience it all. Pizzerias, Cafes, Italian Cuisine, Specialty Steak House, Wine and Tapas, Burgers and Shakes, Hot Dogs, Mexican Fare, Donuts, Ice Cream, Cupcakes, Brazilian Steakhouse, Asian, Buffet, Healthy Snacks, Room Service and more can all be found onboard Allure of the Seas.

Shopping

In Central Park you will find Romero Britto’s signature artwork displayed and on sale in the Britto Art Gallery. Also, there is a Coach store. On the Royal Promenade there is a Guess Accessories Boutique, Prince + Green (apparel and accessories by Betsey Johnson, Calypso, Kenneth Cole, Ed Hardy and Marc Jacobs), Regalia (fine jewelry), Solera (beauty and perfume), Willow (unique apparel and gifts), and The Shop (featuring Royal Caribbean memorabilia). On the Boardwalk, Star Pier has trendy teen clothing and accessories by Roxy, Quicksilver, and Lucky Brand. Also, they have a cute shop for little ones called Pinwheels that is connected to Candy Beach, the ultimate sweets shop.

Allure of the Seas has Destinations' stamp of approval! We can't wait to send you on this amazing ship so you can experience it for yourself! Hurry, we still have limited space on the Spring Break Sailing March 20th. Call us this week! 479-582-1900.
 
For a full album of photos click here and enjoy!