Excellence Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya located just south of Cancun, 12 miles from the Cancun International Airport and it's taking shape into Mexico's newest vacation spot. This area is special because it encompasses the beauty of the Caribbean and the fantastic archaeological sites in Mexico. Most resorts are all-inclusive and its ideal for visitors seeking a Mexican-Caribbean getaway in a secluded setting.

The Excellence Resort chain has become very popular in the Mexico region. An ADULTS ONLY luxury all inclusive resort and spa, The Excellence Riviera Cancun revolves around six meandering pools catering to your every wish.
The pool and beach waiter service is what stands out for me. Who wants to have to get up and seek a drink or a bite to eat when you're trying to soak up some rays!

The guest rooms are very tasteful. All rooms and suites have a 4 poster king bed or 2 double beds. Fully stocked bar with juices and snacks replenished every day, 27" flat screen TV, ipod dock, and robe and slippers to name a few. The junior suite guest rooms have a private pool access. These are some of amenities that one may not find in your more moderate all inclusive resorts.

Why am I featuring this? As was posted on my facebook page, there is a little special for this hotel. A hotel only (no airfare included) rate is $420 per person for 3 nights!
Must book before May 24. Travel for June 1 - July 31

Holiday Inn Sun Spree Montego Bay
This all inclusive property is located approximately 5 minutes from Sangster Airport in Mongtego Bay. A low rise resort with 4 floors, is one of my favorite places to stay. I have fond memories of this hotel. I was introduced to this hotel during my first visit to Jamaica in 1989. It was like home away from home. Even though I only toured the resort during my latest visit to Jamaica, I still got that home like feel. Comparing this resort to other resorts I toured, the Holiday Inn Sun Spree has a Caribbean feel which I personally like. Whereas the others feel like mega resorts; they lack that personal,intimate touch. I'm not saying that I don't like Iberostar, RIU and the The Hilton Rose Hall, it's just a different vibe. They are clean, modern and lively with great decor and amenities.

It was nice to see that they've done some renovations over the years. However,The one thing that stands out for me is that they have not renovated the exterior of the buildings yet. Although it doesn't look bad, however, it is due for a make-over. They will also definitely want to throw in new signage. I was very impressed with the lobby. This is what gives it that airy, Caribbean feel. Although covered, the area is open on 3 sides; one can enjoy a nice tropical breeze while waiting for your room or while arranging an excursion at the concierge desk. There is also a bar in the area with a cozy sitting area. The stress just leaves your body once you enter the lobby.

Room Accommodations -
Buildings 1 & 2 are the more popular rooms for those that want to be close to the action. They are along side of the main pool area, restaurant and entertainment. The rooms have been refurbished to include more ocean view and oceanfront rooms.
Buildings 5, 6 & 7 are further away from the action and the main area of the resort. These buildings have a separate ADULTS ONLY pool and a little strip of beach. All of the rooms are the same size. The view is what differentiates pricing. Standard rooms usually have a garden or resort view, superior rooms usually have a garden and pool or a partial ocean view and the deluxe rooms have an ocean view.

The Beach
The beaches along the Rose Hall corridor are intimate and quaint in my opinion. They are nice but don't compare to the beaches in Negril. If you are a beach bum like me, you must take a trip to Negril and get the full experience of a beach. There are more water sports to take advantage of as well!
At the Holiday Inn there is a beach party every Tuesday and Friday. Activities throughout change weekly.

The Young Ones:
Children 12 and under stay and eat FREE at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree. At the KidsSpree Vacation Club, children from ages 6 months to 12 years old have a place to hang out. The rooms are separated by age groups. A game room is available for the older kids with an XBox 360 (fees apply).

Overall, I really like this resort. Although it does not compare to the amenities of the newer properties like the Iberostar and RIU, I give this resort 4 conch shells (out of 5).

For pictures of the Holiday Inn Sun Spree, go to my facebook page - Island Breeze Travel

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach - Montego Bay Jamaica

The Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Resort is located in the Rose Hall area in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It is about a 20 minute ride from the Sangster Airport (MBJ Airport).
It is a large all inclusive resort; a total of 390 rooms.

An Iberostar package includes: room accommodations, all meals and all drinks and non-motorized water sports. Rooms have a flat screen TV, DVD player, 24 hour room service and a mini bar stocked with soft drinks and water.

This hotel/Resort is fairly new in the Mo'Bay area; about 1 year and some months old. If you want the property all to yourself, October is the month to go! Occupancy was low around that time.

The property consist of three (3) separate sections:
1. Beach Section
2. Suite Section
3. Grand Section - ADULTS ONLY

Guest staying in the Beach Section only have access the the Beach Section.
Guest staying in the Suite Section have access to the Suite and Beach Section only. Guest staying in the Grand Section have access to all 3 sections.

During my visit, the Beach Section was closed for renovations. I toured the Suite and the Grand Sections.

Suite Section
The lobby - Very modern and chic. Very large open space.

Room Accommodations - All of the rooms are suites and are the same size. The view differentiates the type of room - standard, superior or deluxe. The rooms are spacious; nice size area where the bed and dresser are located and a comfortable sitting area is separated from the room area. The bathrooms have a separate shower stall and a bath tub.

In the Suites Section there is a small casino, cigar bar - very cute and cozy!, game room with pool tables and an internet cafe - another cute and cozy room!

The Spa - There is a complimentary wellness pool. It's like a big whirlpool bath with heated tiled lounge chairs.
The fitness center is also included with a package. It contains just about every type of workout equipment found in an average gym. There's also a spin room.

Massage treatments are at an extra cost.

Restaurants - There are 4 a la carte theme restaurants; choose from Mediterranean, Mexican and Steakhouse cuisines. Although these restaurants are part of the all inclusive plan, reservations are needed. Reservations are not needed for the buffet restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Grand Section

Very nice grand lobby with grand double stairs leading to the beach area. It's totally grand. Which is why they call it the grand section! This section of the resort is for Adults only.

The pool area is gorgeous. There are cabanas with bed like lounge chairs.

Room Accommodations - These rooms are very nice - as they should be! The balconies are my favorite. With a hammock like chair, a little couch and wood floors, it's a spacious, cute and cozy area to sit and relax in the morning and in the evening.

I did a quick tour in this section. I spent more time in the Suites section.

Overall, this is a very nice resort. I can't comment on the Beach section because I was unable to see it. The Beach Section is the less expensive of the 3. This is the moderately priced section. The Suites Section would be the middle in terms of cost of the 3. The Grand Section being the most expensive.
I really liked the Suites Section. I totally loved the room decor in the Grand Section and the pool side amenities. However, if funds do not support the Grand Section, I would choose the Suites Section. You would still get the same roomy suite feel.

For pictures of this resort, go to my facebook page - Island Breeze Travel


I give this property 4 conch shells!!