Mexico's Hot Spot: The Riviera Maya

I just returned from a fantastic visit to the Riviera Maya. Otherwise known as the Mexican Riviera, this beautiful stretch of Caribbean coastline is conveniently located 45 minutes south of the Cancun airport. The area is a hot bed of upscale, all-inclusive resorts and several luxury, boutique properties popular with honeymooners and families alike.

My first stop was Occidental's luxury property, Royal Hideaway. It's the world's first adults-only, all-inclusive resort to earn the prestigious AAA 5-Diamond Award. The concept of a luxury, all-inclusive property with gourmet food intrigued me, which is the main reason why I selected to stay at the resort.

Upon arrival, my husband and I entered the elegant lobby and were greeted with cool, fresh scented hand towels and bubbling glasses of champagne. After receiving a helpful overview of the resort and its amenities, we were escorted to our oceanview room. I found the rooms to be on the small side but very sophisticated and well-appointed. I recommend requesting a room in one of the buildings closest to the beach, as Royal Hideaway has a stunning, beach-front pool area where we spent most of our time.

Visitors should be aware that the town of Playacar where Royal Hideaway is located has suffered significant beach erosion as a result of hurricanes. At the moment, there is very little beach and many sandbags scattered along the surf. I was informed prior to arrival and therefore wasn't surprised by the appearance of the beach. The Mexican government is apparently working on a plan to fix the problem long-term, which is good news for Royal Hideaway and its neighbors along that stretch of beach. In the meantime, however, Royal Hideaway's chic infinity pools (yes, there are two of them!), attentive poolside staff, beachfront restaurant, and lively atmosphere more than made up for the lack of sand.

The promise of gourmet food coupled with a large emphasis on service proved to be true. Royal Hideaway delivered superb dining night after night. My personal favorite spots were the signature restaurant, Las Ventanas and Japanese inspired, Azia. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed lunch at The Deck, a casual bar and grill located right on the ocean.


Royal Hideaway's attention to detail and emphasis on customer service was apparent throughout our stay. I was especially impressed by the personal concierge assigned to each building on property. Ricardo greeted us by name each day, wanting to know what he could do to be of assistance. The staff at the pool was eager to bring us drinks whenever we wanted, our room was always cleaned in a timely manner, and the waiters at all of the restaurants were knowledgable and friendly. Additionally, the grounds were quite beautiful and well-maintained. So if you're looking for an all-inclusive property that truly delivers on luxury, Royal Hideaway is the ideal choice for you!

My next stop: Rosewood Mayakoba, which is spectacular in every way. For travelers who've experienced Rosewood's other Caribbean properties (Caneel Bay, Little Dix Bay, Jumby Bay), you will not be disappointed! I would describe Rosewood Mayakoba as a "wow" property - one of those spots you can't stop talking about when you return home. Everything exceeded my expectations: the architecture, service, rooms, grounds, dining, and pool/beach services were among the best I've experienced anywhere.

Rosewood Mayakoba is situated along a mile-long stretch of beautiful beach, but it's honestly not the beach that makes the resort so special. I found the 20 acres of clear lagoons bordered by mangrove jungle to be unique, serene and beautiful. The resort's architecture is a contemporary-Mexican style, specially designed to blend in with the natural coastal environment. My husband and I opted to stay in the lead-in Lagoon Suite category, and we were more than surprised by its size, luxuriousness and views of the lagoon and surrounding mangroves. The ride to our suite via an elegant private boat was just the beginning. Upon arrival , we quickly discovered that our large suite featured a vast lagoon-side terrace with inviting plunge pool, rooftop sundeck and a bathroom not to be forgotten. In addition to a lovely, outdoor garden shower, it came fully equipped with an enormous circular tub which was transformed into a fantasy of bubbles and flower petals each evening by our personal butler.



Golf carts driven by plentiful staff members circle the property on a regular basis, so guests have no trouble finding a ride to their desired destination when they need one. However, the grounds were so pretty that my husband and I often opted to travel by foot. It was a pleasant walk or ride to the beach area, complete with a "hopping" beach bar/restaurant, infinity pool and fully equipped children's facility. Back towards the main lobby was an equally appealing atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the serenity of the pool, which is overlooked by the main dining area. Additionally, Azul is not to be missed. It's a chic raw bar and "tequila library" which serves excellent ceviche and cocktails, as well as a vast selection of Mexican tequilas.



For spa lovers, Sense, a Rosewood Spa, is sure to please. The 17,000 square foot facility is blissfully located on a separate "island" within the hotel's grounds. Guests enjoy a wide array of complimentary amenities when they book a spa treatment, including access to a heated pool, juice bar, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, cold plunge pool and relaxation areas. A fully equipped gym is also available for all guests to utilize, should they be able to drag themselves away from their suite or the beach to burn a few calories.



From rooms to service to dining to scenery, Rosewood Mayakoba is a step above the rest. Equally unique is the fact that the resort is a great choice not only for couples seeking a romantic getaway, but also for families. Families of all shapes and size will find themselves very much at home due to the spacious accommodations, attentive staff and impressive children's programs.



For guests fortunate enough to experience it, Rosewood Mayakoba will call you back again and again. I am already counting down until my next visit....

Round Hill: Elegance and Luxury in Jamaica

Round Hill, which is located in the Montego Bay area of Jamaica, is one of my favorite Caribbean boutique hotels. The luxurious hotel rooms, which were recently renovated and designed by Ralph Lauren, are all located in The Pineapple House in a central spot within the resort grounds. All 36 of them are oceanfront and decorated in a quintessential Caribbean style. Additionally, there are 27 privately owned villas dotting the hillside.

I recently visited the property and found the resort to be one of the most elegant spots I'd seen in all of the Caribbean. Past guests include a "who's who" list of celebrities, politicians, entertainers and more. It's not uncommon to dine beside someone famous, so be on the lookout while you're there! Ralph Lauren himself owns two private homes on the grounds, as he spends a large amount of time at Round Hill each year.

Looking for a tranquil and sumptuous spa while on vacation? Round Hill's spa is the the ideal spot to pamper oneself. Guests on route to the spa enjoy a beautiful walk along a secluded path flanked by tropical foliage, only to arrive at a peaceful haven at the top of the hill. The spa treatment menu is extensive and will meet the most discerning spa lover's needs.

Dining is a special experience at Round Hill. Guests enjoy gourmet meals daily on a romantic waterfront terrace. The atmosphere certainly made me want to linger over a glass of wine for as long as possible. Want to bring the children along? Round Hill caters to families of all ages and offers a robust children's program for little ones between the ages of 3-12. The entry enrollment age of three is actually quite unusual and a big bonus for parents of very little ones. Most children's clubs require children to be five years of age before they can participate, so Round Hill provides a nice perk for very young families. Arts, crafts, water sports, etc. are available on a daily basis, and the children I saw on property seemed to be having quite a good time!

For a limited time, Round Hill is offering an excellent deal for Virtuoso clients. I must also add that it's highly unusual for a property with such an accomplished track record to offer any deals in high season. For travel now until February 12th and again between February 25th-March 5th, guests staying 4 nights pay for 3, 7 nights pay for 5, and 14 nights pay for 10. Additionally, I'm able to secure a $100 food and beverage credit per room. Contact me for more details and availability information.

A Hidden Gem: The Jamaica Inn

One of my favorite Caribbean boutique hotels is the five-star Jamaica Inn, which is tucked away on a stunning beachfront spot in Ocho Rios. The hotel has been around since 1950 and maintains an old world, Caribbean charm difficult to find in the region today. Known for outstanding service, ambience and dining, the Jamaica Inn has an incredibly high number of repeat visitors. And the hotel has received many accolades to prove it, including a #1 ranking for all hotels in Jamaica and #7 in the entire Caribbean awarded by Conde Nast readers in 2008.

The Jamaica Inn offers a high level of luxury at a price point much lower than many of its competitors. And as a Virtuoso advisor, I'm able to secure a number of perks for my clients, including a room upgrade at the time of arrival (subject to availability), complimentary continental breakfast daily, and a complimentary bottle of fine Jamaican rum.

The hotel consists of 47 suites, all with water views. Each suite has either a private balcony or large verandah, which are fully furnished with comfortable furniture for relaxing and taking in the views. The suites have a breezy and open feel to them, and they're decorated in a beautiful, Caribbean plantation style. The Jamaica Inn believes its guests deserve an opportunity to truly escape from the real world, so televisions, radios and clocks are blissfully absent from every suite on property.


For spa lovers, the Jamaica Inn offers its full-service KiYara Ocean Spa. Located directly on the water, the spa celebrates Jamaican nature in all of its treatments. Local plants, both those gathered in the wild and those provided by Jamaican farmers, are plentifully used. One tip: it's a good idea to book your spa treatments before arrival to ensure you get what you want at the desired times.

Honeymoon? Anniversary? Or just a romantic getaway? A perfect spot for lovers of all ages...The Jamaica Inn.

The Power of Virtuoso

"What is Virtuoso?" It's a question often asked by new clients and people who are unfamiliar with the world of luxury travel. Virtuoso is a prestigious, by-invitation-only network of the industry's best travel agencies and travel providers worldwide. In total, there are only 300 Virtuoso agencies in the country, and Sterling Brownell (my firm) is one of them.

As a Virtuoso advisor, I leverage this exclusive network to bring tangible value to my clients. Complimentary upgrades, special amenities, privileged access and invitations to private events are just a few of the perks I'm able to deliver to my clients because of my affiliation with Virtuoso.

So when I'm asked the question of how booking travel with me is different from going online and doing it yourself, I simply answer "The power of Virtuoso." Here's an example of that power and the value it brings to consumers savvy enough to work with a Virtuoso advisor:

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Pay for 2 nights and receive the 3rd night free

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island, South Carolina is a Mobil Five Star oceanfront resort and spa located off the coast of Charleston. The hotel feels like a seaside mansion and captures the true essence of the beautiful south. It is an ideal getaway for both families and couples, and it offers a wide array of activities both on and off the beach. World class golf, tennis, dining, and a gorgeous spa are just a few of the ways guests can enjoy their time while staying at the Sanctuary.

Between now and March 4, 2009, clients booking through a Virtuoso advisor pay for two nights and receive the third night complimentary. It is an excellent deal and just one example of the many ways that Virtuoso advisors deliver exceptional value to their clients.

Why Rent a Villa in the Caribbean?

In search of that perfect home away from home when traveling to the Caribbean? Then renting a villa might be the best choice for you. With an abundance of homes available for rent on many different islands, there's a property out there to fit any family or group. Having access to a fully stocked kitchen, enjoying larger living spaces and splashing around in your own private pool are just a few of the benefits of choosing to stay in a villa. Many homes also come fully staffed with cooks, butlers, and babysitters if you're looking for the ultimate pampered experience.

The key to selecting the perfect Caribbean villa for your vacation is determining how much space you need to comfortably accommodate your group, as well as choosing the right island and location on that island based on your personal preferences. A trusted travel advisor is the best person to help you sort through these issues and find a reputable rental company. While the internet is full of "book on your own" options, there's no way to know who is legitimate and who isn't. My firm has access to an elite group of excellent villa companies who will deliver a product that is worth the price.

The islands of the Caribbean are much more diverse than many people realize. Some of them such as Anguilla and Eleuthera are relatively flat with stunning white sand beaches. On islands like these, most villas are located directly on the beach. Jamaica, Grenada and St. Barts are examples of lush and mountainous islands where one can find villas both on the beach and in the hills with spectacular ocean views.

Contact me for assistance with locating the best island and villa for your next tropical getaway.

Boston Getaway

I recently spent a weekend in Boston to celebrate the marriage of an old friend. I began my weekend by checking into the historic and beauitful Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel. After an extensive renovation and restoration, the hotel is truly gorgeous. It was originally built in 1912, and guests feel as if they are stepping back into a bygone era of elegance and splendor as soon as they enter its doors.

I opted for a Fairmont Gold level room, which is located on the fourth floor of the hotel. "Fairmont Gold" is the equivalent of a club level room at other properties, but Fairmont goes above and beyond to deliver value for the modest additional cost. My husband and I were immediately directed to the private check-in desk on the Fairmont Gold floor and received a warm and personalized welcome from the staff. We had arrived just in time for afternoon hors d'ouevres in the private lounge. I couldn't believe how many different treats were offered!

In addition to a fully stocked honor bar, Fairmont Gold guests can take advantage of complimentary coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks and bottled water throughout the day. Breakfast was complimentary as well...and it did not disappoint! Everything from eggs to smoked salmon to fresh fruit was offered, along with fresh pastries, meats, cheeses, etc. After lingering over my delicious breakfast, I made my way to one of the available computers to catch up on emails, all complimentary as part of my Fairmont Gold room rate.


The next morning, I toured the Boston Public Library, one of the most interesting buildings in the city from an architectural standpoint. It was located directly across the street from my hotel, which made my visit there particularly convenient. I took in a fascinating photography exhibit before heading out to explore more of the city via the Freedom Trail. Marked with special red bricks, the trail covers sixteen different sites which are most important to the American Revolution. I opted to explore the Trail on my own, but costumed and audio guides are available for those who are interested.

One of my favorite stops was The Boston Common, our country's oldest park. After a visit to Faneuil Hall, a structure which has served as an open forum meeting hall and marketplace for over 250 years, my husband, friends and I made our way to The Salty Dog for lunch. It offered lots of local, fresh seafood along with some of the city's traditional dishes such as Boston Creme Pie. My lobster sandwich was divine! In the afternoon, the men headed back to the Oak Room at the Fairmont Copley Plaza for a drink, while the ladies visited Newbury Street for shopping. Newbury Street offers block after block of small boutiques and restaurants - it is a shoppers haven!

The next day, I took a tour of the USS Constitution, more fondly known as "Old Ironsides." She's the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, and the tour was fascinating. The ship dates back to 1797 and played a critical role in many battles fought to preserve our country's freedom. Also located at the Charlestown Navy Yard was a very educational USS Constitution Museum. I stayed there quite awhile, reacquainting myself with much of our country's history I'd forgotten since my school age years. Both the museum and the USS Constitution herself are must-see spots for anyone visiting Boston. While in the area, we also ventured to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. It is a trek straight up of 294 steps but worth the effort given the expansive view of the city which rewards those who make it to the top.

The remainder of the weekend was spent enjoying wedding festivities, and I left Boston Sunday morning with wonderful memories of a vibrant and historic city offering a little bit of something for everyone.