Travel

Tucked just outside Merida’s vibrant city center is a tranquil sanctuary giving you an opportunity to experience a slice of Yucatán culture.  Hacienda Santa Cruz is a sprawling property incorporating picturesque lush green grounds, beautiful guest rooms, refreshing swimming pools, and an on site cenote.  They also house a grand full service spa and charming authentic restaurant perfect for a quiet escape from the city.  We loved taking long strolls through the beautifully manicured gardens, coming across enchanting wildlife, and soaking up the nostalgic ambiance.  It feels like stepping back into time,  evoking a sense of privacy and grandeur.  Although they updated the guest rooms for modern comforts and decadent details, there was great effort to keep the traditional style and structures making the guest feel the true authenticity of the property.  There are a variety of room categories for all guests and they’re perfectly equipped to host big groups or weddings. Our family of four had two villas sat side by side and private patio for relaxed afternoons under the sun or quiet evenings star gazing. Days started with hearty traditional breakfasts on the breezy and inviting terrace at their restaurant Valentina, sipping fresh coffee and enjoying the live music.  We spent afternoons dipping in the inviting pools or swimming in the stunning cenote.  The hacienda is perfectly located to explore the city or nearby sights including captivating ruins and interesting historic sights.  Each evening we returned to their restaurant, restaurant for a mouthwatering spread of regional specialities from the Yucatan Peninsula.  Hacienda Santa Cruz is an ideal choice for families looking for a beautiful and relaxing escape.  Take your family for a cultural, fun filled trip where you can enjoy architecture, history, gastronomy, and tradition all in one place.

Contact me at [email protected] if you’re looking to book a little getaway to Merida or want to tag on this unforgettable city to your next holiday in Cancun.

I’m so happy we took the time to drive the few hours from Cancun and discover this vibrant little city. Merida is brimming with history dating back to the Mayans, has a rich food culture, and stunning architecture. Exploring the city you’ll see restored colonial buildings from their Spanish past juxtaposed against quaint pastel blocks and newly inspired artistic touches. Villa Mercedes was a beautiful home away from home and a part of the luxury Curio Collection. Their staff were not only constantly friendly and welcoming but gave us the best local tips on artisanal shops, where to eat regional fare, famous ice cream shops, and epic cenotes. The alluring azure property was also a sight to be seen and only a short walk to the vibrant city center. Returning at the end of the evening for a mezcal cocktail at the beautiful bar was always the perfect end to the day.  Contact me at [email protected] if you’re looking to book a little getaway to Merida or want to tag on this unforgettable city to your next holiday in Cancun.

Enviably located on Merida’s stylish Paseo de Montejo, Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + SPA offers the discerning world traveler a luxurious sanctuary during their stay in the alluring little city.  Inspired by the grandeur of France’s boulevards, Paseo de Montejo is home to many of Merida’s grandest mansions and historic haciendas.  Rosas & Xocolate is set at the epicenter of the tree lined avenue, housed in two beautifully restored properties, and boasts a photogenic pink facade.  From the moment you set foot through the doors of the enticing boutique hotel, you’ll find yourself wrapped in tranquility.  Traverse through the lush green courtyard and lounge beside the serene and refreshing swimming pool.  Settle for brunch on their inviting terrace and watch the world go by while you delve into artisanal Yucatan breakfast dishes alongside freshly brewed tea and coffee.  The guest rooms are spacious and luxurious featuring decadent beds and even a deep open air bathtub.  Service was always impeccable and welcoming ensuring you felt at home throughout your stay.  You will find yourself a few blocks from a plethora of stylish restaurants, cafes, and boutiques as well as historic sights and artwork.  An ideal choice for the luxury traveler looking for a unique and hospitable five star home away from home in the beautiful city of Merida.

https://rosasandxocolate.com/

Contact me at [email protected] to help you book your next vacation. As an Independent Travel Agent specializing in Luxury Travel I can advise you on the best itinerary to suit you and your family.

Picture perfect family days at Hotel Riu Caribe.  Located in Cancun’s enviable Hotel Zone, the four star all inclusive property is an ideal affordable choice for families.  Swim in the turquoise Caribbean Sea or laze beneath the sweeping palms while staff bring you your cocktail of choice.  Hang out in the lively main pool or let the little ones wade in the tranquil children’s area.  Delve into juicy steaks while gazing at sweeping sea views or sample regional Mexican fare at their a la carte restaurants.  Hotel Riu Caribe’s modern guest rooms boast stunning ocean views and easily fit a family of four.

Riuland, the resort’s fully staffed Kids Club was a huge highlight of our stay.  The kids spent days doing a full schedule of indoor and outdoor activities.  Dancing classes, beach games, and a variety of arts and crafts.  There were even nightly shows and many that got our children up and dancing with new friends and a chance to meet the special guest, Roy’s mascot Calu.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled and engaged family holiday in a postcard worthy location you can’t beat the amazing service and alluring price point of this welcoming Riu Resort.

Contact me at [email protected] to help you book your next vacation. As an Independent Travel Agent specializing in Luxury Travel I can advise you on the best itinerary to suit you and your family.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun, located on a pristine strip of Cancun beachfront, is one of our all time favorite family friendly resorts.  The all inclusive five star property boasts luxurious guest rooms, impeccable service, and a plethora of facilities and amenities sure to please the luxury family traveller.

We were lucky enough to stay in their Premium Club Tower which boasts stunning modern suites and personal butler service.  Guests in the tower gain access to a dedicated lounge and reception where you can enjoy all day dining, full service bar, and assistance around the clock.  We loved our spacious one bedroom suite complete with separate lounge and dining area as well as a sprawling terrace featuring a decadent jacuzzi. Our family enjoyed sunsets and lazy breakfasts in the privacy of our suite and had plenty of space for us all to relax and unwind.

Hyatt Ziva is brimming with activities and facilities that will keep you entertained and excited throughout your stay.  We loved days under the sun in a private cabana enjoying fresh cold coconuts and dipping into the crystal clear Carribean Sea.  Their reef was the best we saw in the famous hotel zone and shallow enough for young swimmers.  The kids couldn’t get enough of the white sand beach, fun filled days splashing in the pool and spending hours at the fully staffed Kids Club.  Activities ranged from arts and crafts to epic trampolining and even parties hosted by the resort’s resident mascot, Zippy the Pig.  Each evening ended with a nightly show which was always engaging for the whole family.

A huge highlight at Hyatt Ziva is the variety of dining options.  French fine dining, mouthwatering steaks, fresh seafood on the beach, or just a juicy burger in the diner, they truly had it all.  We loved every meal and appreciated the differing cuisines and abundance of a la carte options.  The kids couldn’t believe there was a candy store and ice cream shop included in the all inclusive and  I must have visited the artisanal cafe multiple times for that perfect cappuccino.

The resort’s two beaches, many swimming pools, and different bars and restaurants meant there were seldom crowds or lines and service was consistently quick and efficient.  We were impressed by the level of hygiene throughout each venue including the state of the art fitness center and spa.  If you’re in search of an all encompassing luxury resort suitable for families or couples, an all inclusive that doesn’t miss out on personal five star service, Hyatt Ziva Cancun is the one for you.

Contact me at [email protected] to help you book your next vacation. As an Independent Travel Agent specializing in Luxury Travel I can advise you on the best itinerary to suit you and your family.

Step into a picture perfect postcard on InterContinental Presidente Cancun’s pristine white sand beach.  We couldn’t believe the crystal clear waters that were calm and shallow enough for young swimmers and the relaxing ambiance while lazing in their decadent sun loungers beneath the towering palm trees.  The world class brand houses one of the best locations in Cancun’s famous hotel zone and ensure guests have a five star stay to remember.  Wake to sweeping sea views and indulge in a full breakfast buffet while delighting in the sunny weather.  Staff go out of their way to ensure your comfort and are always there to assist with bookings and reservations.The refreshing swimming pools are an idyllic escape for families and parents can treat themselves to a tranquil massage while their kids are entertained in the fully staffed Kids Club.  Whether you’re looking to explore the sights of the Quintana Roo or just sit on the beach for an indulgent weekend Intercontinental will be sure to take care of every need.

Contact me at [email protected] to help you book your next vacation. As an Independent Travel Agent specializing in Luxury Travel I can advise you on the best itinerary to suit you and your family.

Visit Valladolid:

Don’t miss the chance to spend a few days in this quaint and vibrant little town.  The friendly locals and colorful streets will draw you in and the amazing regional cuisine, and incredible sights will ensure you have a trip to remember.  Only 2 hours from Cancun it’s the ideal antidote to loud beach parties and crowded all inclusive resorts.  Settle into a slice of history and see another side of the Yucatán Peninsula.  Here’s a list of my must do during your visit to Valladolid.

Stay in the colonial boutique hotel Hotel Posada San Juan. As soon as we set foot in the welcoming boutique hotel we felt right at home. Each corner was adorned with traditional decor and an added dash of modern style. Although the building feels like stepping back in time, decadent guest rooms have been updated and offer all you would expect at a five star property. We loved the abundance of terraces and breezy outdoor dining areas alongside a refreshing swimming pool and lush gardens. Delight in their home cooked breakfast and fragrant coffee on the ambient tiled patio each morning. Dip into the inviting, lush pool after a day of exploring and admire the historic architecture and vibrant gardens.

Spend a morning at the Mercado Municipal and their rustic fruit and vegetable market across the road.  Tempt your taste buds with local fruits, vegetables, and spices and take home ingredients to create your own cochinita pibil.  Treat the kids to the home made marzipan, meringues, and don’t miss the addictive sweet and sour tamarind candy.  Grab ingredients for a Yucatan cooking class at Posada San Juan and learn the techniques for the region’s signature dishes.

Take a stroll along the pastel hued Calzada de Los Frailes and browse the bohemian shops and artisanal wares.  Stop at an eclectic quaint cafe for a cup of horchata or cheesy empanada or peruse the museum for a mini history lesson.

Don’t miss tasting the Yucatan cuisine at Loncheria El Amigo Casiano, located in the town’s former bus station. For a modern twist, try dinner and cocktails at Casa Conato Cultural or Idilio Folklore Cervecero.

Take a day trip to the magnificent Chichen Itza and see one of the world’s most famous Mayan Ruins.  Grab a memorable souvenir from one of the many market vendors on your way out and head a few minutes down the road for a refreshing dip in the crystal clear Cenote Ik Il.

Immerse with the locals and soak in the colours of the sunset in the picture perfect town square. Buy a mouthwatering Nutella filled marquesita from a rickety cart and snap a photo in front of the historic cathedral. Find a rooftop bar as the sky turns dark and taste a few mezcals under the stars.

Contact me at [email protected] to help you book your next vacation. As an Independent Travel Agent specializing in Luxury Travel I can advise you on the best itinerary to suit you and your family.

Picture perfect Caribbean Sea views, family friendly facilities and five star service ensure you’ll have a trip to remember at Wyndham Alltra Cancun. From decadent breakfasts in bed to delicious dining options and luxurious beach cabanas, we were completely spoilt every minute of our stay.  Highlights included the taco stand right on the white sand beach, their pirate ship inspired waterslide, our private balcony overlooking the turquoise waters, the lively main swimming pool, and plethora of dining options 24 hours a day.  The options are endless when staying at Wyndham Alltra and we loved every minute.  If you’re in search of prime location on Cancun’s hotel zone, a personable luxury experience, and one of the most pristine beaches in the area, look no further than Wyndham Alltra Cancun.

I am a fully qualified Independent Travel Agent and here to help you plan your next luxury family vacation.  Email me at [email protected] to book.

Moon Palace The Grand offers a five star all inclusive at the heart of picture perfect Cancun.  Our family loved the idyllic beachfront locations, variety of refreshing swimming pools, and the abundance of facilities and amenities offered to guests. The luxurious rooms are big enough for those traveling with children and we made full use of our decadent jacuzzi bathtub and breezy private balcony.  Sunny days were spent lazing poolside or beneath the palm trees and partaking in all the adrenaline inducing waterslides at the entertaining waterpark.  Our children couldn’t get enough of the state of the art wave pool where they tried boogie boarding for the first time.  The lazy river is a tranquil ride for younger children, and there are even arcades and kids indoor playrooms if they’ve had enough of the sun.

Dining options and stylish bars are available in abundance at Moon Palace The Grand.  Whether you’re craving authentic Italian pizzas and pasta, thick juicy cuts of steak, or traditional Mexican cuisine you’ll find it at the five star resort.  We were spoilt for choice every meal and even tried their romantic in villa breakfasts, burgers and hotdogs poolside, and the rich and indulgent cakes at the 24 hour boulangerie.  For those looking for a handcrafted cocktail find the hidden passage to the chic prohibition era inspired speakeasy or delight in sangria and tapas at Tapas y Vino.  Don’t worry if you aren’t travelling with kids there are a variety of adult only options for a quiet or party filled holiday.

It’s hard to imagine you can find all of this and more in one resort, but Moon Palace makes fuses world class facilities, exclusive a la carte dining, and impeccable service all in one place ensuring you’ll find all you crave throughout your stay.  A perfect choice for families or groups looking for an entertaining, exciting five star all inclusive when visiting Cancun.

I’m an Independent Travel Agent here to assist you with booking your next trip.  If you’re interested in this resort or want help creating an itinerary contact me at [email protected].

Set away from buzzing Cancun, Cozumel is an ideal choice for families looking for an idyllic and tranquil getaway.  A short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by picturesque white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and plenty of culture and local charm.  The small island is easy to explore by car and has many secluded beaches, artisanal markets, and world class snorkelling opportunities.  Fiesta Americana Cozumel is a perfect choice for families looking for an all inclusive option while visiting.  The sprawling resort features a large freeform oceanfront pool, modern guest rooms, and plenty of dining options to please even the pickiest children.  We instantly fell for our spacious suite boasting a large master bedroom, cozy separate lounge and dining area, two bathrooms, and sweeping views from the picturesque private balcony.  Service was always friendly throughout our stay, from cocktails poolside to help booking tours and dinner reservations each evening at the mouthwatering dining destinations.  Make sure to sample the authentic Italian fare at Rosato and we couldn’t get enough of the Mexican specialities at El Mexicano.  I highly recommend this resort for families and couples looking for comfort and optimal location in a fully equipped resort during their stay in stunning Cozumel.

I am a fully qualified Independent Travel Agent here to help your family plan their dream holiday.  Email me to create an itinerary or book a resort in your destination of choice.

Contact: [email protected]