Top All Inclusive Warm Weather Vacations

Forget the plastic beads and all-you-can-eat buffets, all-inclusive resorts are going luxury.

A no-expenses-barred winter vacation is tempting enough in a year that isn't marred by stock losses and layoffs. This year, when more than three quarters of Americans reported experiencing significant stress over money and the economy, according to the American Psychological Association's annual Stress in America survey, the urge to get away may be all but impossible to suppress.

But after two nights at the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman ($1,518 US), two six-course tasting menus with wine pairings at the island's top restaurant, Blue ($402 US) and greens fees at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course Britannia ($100 US per person), you could end up with something almost as scary as a notice from your company's HR department: an enormous bill.
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Enter the luxury all-inclusive. Guests at these little slices of heaven -- they're no longer wholly considered a purgatory of mediocrity -- can indulge as much as they want in everything from lobster to cocktails to local excursions, all without the threat of a constantly increasing tab.

Though not traditionally a luxury product, all-inclusive resorts are experiencing an upswing in visits by wealthy customers, driven by the poor economy, according to Milton Pedraza, CEO of affluence research firm the Luxury Institute.

"There's tremendous popularity and demand for all-inclusives right now," he says. "The perception is that these hotels are a better deal."

In other words, a set price does wonders for easing the minds of financially anguished travelers who truly need to relax.

Tapping into the luxury market has not been easy for all-inclusives, which are saddled with stereotypes about garish plastic armbands and warmed-over buffet-style meals. "When you tell somebody they're staying in an all-inclusive resort it has somewhat of a déclassé meaning," says Martin Rapp, senior vice president of leisure travel for New York-based luxury travel company Altour. "That can make it hard to attract affluent guests."

Wendy Eardley, assistant manager of Curtain Bluff in Antigua, one of the first luxury all-inclusives, says the problem may have to do with the idea of getting something for nothing. "Sometimes people think getting so much means there's something wrong," she says.

Eardley would know. Though slightly more expensive than a night at Grand Pineapple Beach Resort ($462 (US) for an ocean-view-room all-inclusive) in Long Bay, Antigua, Curtain Bluff's $995-per-night (US) package buys a deluxe beachfront room, three gourmet meals a day, afternoon tea, premium drinks, scuba diving and room service -- which would cost substantially more if all were purchased separately.

Unfavorable stereotypes notwithstanding, luxury all-inclusives continue to spring up. The last few years alone have seen the opening of two new resorts on the Mexican Riviera from luxury all-inclusive chain Secrets; three Grand Iberostars in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Tenerife; and the luxury boutique resort Sivory in the Dominican Republic -- all high-tourism locations that are home to many traditional all-inclusives, like the Superclubs and Beaches brands. The difference is that the luxury properties embrace quality over quantity, from name-brand architecture to five-star food.

Round Hill Hotel and Villas Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for instance, offers an optional all-inclusive plan. But unlike other all-inclusives, which often are showy new building complexes, Round Hill is an 18th-century sugar plantation renovated by designer Ralph Lauren. (Oceanfront rooms start at $800 US a night, all-inclusive.)

Similarly, boutique hotel Sivory eschewed the sprawling all-inclusive campus for a smaller, more intimate setting ($750 US per night for a luxury oceanfront junior suite, an additional $150 US per person per night for the all-inclusive plan).

Many of the high-end all-inclusives also offer food a la carte rather than all-you-can-eat, circumventing another negative stereotype: that of the undiscerning, gluttonous tourist. Curtain Bluff, for example, employed French and Swiss chefs from the moment it opened. The current executive chef, French-born Christophe Blatz, trained under multi-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse.

Other hotels are escaping the low-class notion by offering ultra-luxurious services you wouldn't ordinarily find on an all-inclusive menu. In addition to meals, packages at Half Moon in Jamaica offer customised extras, from massages and facials in the Perfectly Pampered package ($3,520 US for three nights in a deluxe suite) to horseback riding and golf greens fees in the Ultimate in Luxury package ($1,180 US per night for a deluxe suite).

And hotels like Royal Plantation in Jamaica and Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana even offer guests a signature "pillow menu" from which they can choose the most comfortable way to sleep.
Even properties not initially designed to be all-inclusive are offering add-on options like free meals, parking or spa treatments with the aim of nabbing travellers who want a set price up front. According to Rapp, this snares customers about as well as lowering rates, without hurting the resort's bottom line.

"Once you lower rates, if the economy recovers, it's very hard to raise them again," Rapp says. "If you're offering add-ons instead, you're not really lowering the rates, so you can go back to your previous prices that much easier."

Despite the improvements and the wallet-friendly prices, all-inclusive resorts are not perfect for everybody. People who prefer to experience local culture on their own may feel stifled in the confines of an all-inclusive complex. Foodies, too, may feel restricted by short wine lists and limited restaurant options.

But especially in locations where guests feel uncertain about local food choices or uncomfortable leaving the resort -- especially in some of the more economically disadvantaged Caribbean islands where all-inclusives flourish -- the everything's-included style of vacation can deliver a luxury experience for a reasonable price.

In Depth: Top All-Inclusive Warm-Weather Vacations Go to Forbes.com to view the slideshow

Soure: www.yahoo.com/travel

Iberostar Varadero

The Iberostar Varadero is a 5* resort located on the Cuban peninsula of Varadero. It is popular with families, groups and couples, and most especially with weddings.

Located 45 minutes from Varadero International Airport and 20 minutes from the town of Varadero, the Iberostar Varadero is one of the newest resorts in the area. Rooms are large and clean with lovely bathrooms complete with separate shower and bath. Minibars are refilled daily with soda, water and beer.

The beach is lovely with powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, which are quite shallow so you can walk far out before it gets too deep. However, the beach is a little narrow and doesn't allow alot of space for lounge chairs; the ones they do have out get taken very early each morning.

The Iberostar Varadero offers one buffet and three a la carte restaurants - Japanese, Mediterranean (which offers mostly seafood) and Cuban. As one may expect, the Cuban offers the best and most consistent quality; although, the Japanese is definitely the most entertaining as it is Teppanyaki style. The buffet isn't bad, but there is a noticeable shortage of frest fruits and vegetables. Drinks are mostly domestic brands, but there are a few international brands available, such as Bailey's, Gordon's Gin and Jamieson's Whiskey.


Here are the good and not so good points of the Iberostar Varadero:


Pros:

*Newer resort with larger than average rooms
*Room service included
*Disco onsite
*Great entertainment staff (Star Friends)
*Four pools (one for kids, one for games/aerobics, one for sports and
one for relaxation/quiet)
*Excellent Kids Club


Cons:

*Beach is extremely narrow
*Food quality inconsistent
*Food is not available all hours
*Tipping is expected
*Lots of mosquitoes


Althought the Iberostar Varadero is a little more expensive than other resorts in the area, you are getting more for your money as you are guaranteeing great service, larger than average rooms and wonderful entertainment. However, if you are a beach person, you may want to stay elsewhere.

Occidental Grand Punta Cana - Good Value

The Occidental Grand Punta Cana (formerly the Grand Flamenco) is a 4* beachfront resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It attracts mostly families, but also couples and singles.

Located 30 minutes from the Punta Cana airport, the Occidental Grand is one of the larger properties on Bavaro Beach with nearly 900 rooms. There were renovations done in 2007 - mostly to the rooms - which has increased it's popularity. Guests have the choice of Junior Suites and Royal Club Suites, which include the following: private check in/check out, personal concierge service, room service, preferrred seating at the a la carte restaurants, exclusive pool and whirlpool, exclusive beach area, free high-speed internet access, and premium brand drinks.

Dining options are good with 5 a la carte restaurants - Mexican, Italian, Asian, Pizzeria and Steakhouse/Grill. The Mexian and the Pizzeria (with world class famous chef - in the Guiness Book of World Records) get the best reviews. Other than those two, the food is fairly mediocre, but there is lots of selection. The breakfast buffet also gets rave reviews and includes almost everything you can imagine (with one exception - bacon, which seems to included sometimes and not others).

The Occidental Grand is one of the few resorts in Punta Cana any nightlife. The Mangu disco is located right outside of the front gates - about a 1 minute walk, and it goes until 5 or 6 am each night. This club offers two sections: downstairs for Latin music, and upstairs for Techo, and has a good mix of vacationers and locals. If you are staying at the Occidental Grand admission is free, otherwise, it is $6 USD. Drinks are not included in either case.

The beach is absolutely stunning, and is well kept with staff out early each day to rake up any seaweed. As well, throughout the day, staff are constantly cleaning up in order to keep it as pristine as possible (ie guests leaving cups and dishes under the beach chairs and also the tons of cigarette butts). However, the beach is definitely the main attraction of this resort.

Here are the pros and cons of the Occidental Grand Punta Cana:

Pros:

*On a great stretch of Bavaro Beach which is well maintained
*Only 30 minutes from Punta Cana Airport
*5 a la carte restaurants
*One of the few resorts with a good disco - Mangu
*Rooms are newly renovated
*Offers low rates making it a good value

Cons:

*Showers have poor pressure and hot water is inconsistent
*Can be challenging to get reservations at the a la carte restaurants
*Service can be slow at the buffet and at the a la cartes
*Beach and pool chairs are claimed very early in the morning and there
isn't always enough for everyone
*Lots of sales people on the resort trying to sell time shares
*Safe isn't included - it is $25 USD for the week

This is a great resort option on a beautiful beach in Punta Cana. There are some low rates available right now, making it a very good value. This is a 4 star resort - not a 5 star resort; as long as you're not expecting the Ritz, you will have a wonderful vacation at this resort.

"I Do's" in the Caribbean

There's no better recipe for romance than a tropical island paradise. And one of the many advantages of having a destination wedding is the stress-free ease that comes with planning one. The sunshine, relaxed atmosphere and exotic settings are just the icing on the cake!
Thinking of saying "I do" in an exotic locale? Here's some information to help you choose your wedding location:


CUBA
From the hustle and bustle of Havana to the lush green landscape of Holguin to the white sand and crystal-blue waters of Varadero, Cuba has all the ingredients for a romantic Caribbean adventure.

Getting hitched: Tying the knot is incredibly easy in Cuba. If you have never been married before, all you need is a valid passport and a tourist card. If either the bride or groom has been previously married they must also produce a birth certificate and certificate of divorce, or if widowed, a certificate of marriage and certificate of spouse's death.

The pros: Perhaps one of the most affordable Caribbean getaways, Cuba has all the sun, sand and surf you can handle. In addition, the country itself -- from the classic cars to the world-class cigars to the island charm -- will steal your heart.

The cons: Cuba's communist state and poverty can be hard to handle. You'll often hear Cubans muttering, "No es facil," (it is not easy) in passing. The food, though abundant at resorts, can also be bland and boring.

"I do" place: The Iberostar Varadero (iberostar.com), located on a beautiful and secluded part of Varadero beach and surrounded by tropical gardens, is a popular choice for its value, accommodations and wedding facilities. For ultimate seclusion, say "I do" at the Royal Hideaway Ensenachos by Occidental Resorts (royalhideawayensenachos.com). This luxury five-star resort, located on the unspoiled "Cayo" Ensenachos on the North Coast of Cuba, features two of the most beautiful beaches in the country, 24-hour room service and personal concierge.

More information: Visit gocuba.ca.


DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The white-sand beaches, impressive mountain ranges veined with spectacular rivers and waterfalls, and saltwater lakes teeming with exotic wildlife are just part of the Dominican Republic's appeal.

Getting hitched: Couples will need valid passports, original birth certificates and a solemn declaration that the parties involved are single. The declaration has to be signed and notarized by a notary public. In addition, it is necessary to have two witnesses, each with valid passports, who are not blood relatives.

The pros: The Dominican Republic has both fine boutique hotels and price-competitive all-inclusive resorts that cater to all tastes and budgets. The country also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The cons: Due to increased travel to the country in recent years, some resorts have raised the price of their wedding packages making it pricey to personalize your celebration. High demand has also resulted in less personal service and cookie cutter wedding ceremonies in some resorts.

"I do" place: The Majestic Colonial Hotel (majesticcolonial.com), an ocean-front resort in Punta Cana, is a popular choice both for its stunning location, luxury accommodations and selection of on-site wedding options (church, gazebo, beach and tropical garden ceremonies). For ultimate luxury, couples might consider checking in to the country's newest secret, Cap Cana (capcana.com), a five-star plus golf and spa sanctuary located on 8 km of pristine ocean-front, just south of the eastern most tip of the country.

More information: Visit godominicanrepublic.com.


JAMAICA
The picturesque paradise of Jamaica could be considered a pioneer in the destination wedding market. For years, adventurous couples have been flocking to Jamaica for the island's long sandy beaches, protected coves, rugged mountains, waterfalls, caves and sunshine.

Getting hitched: To marry in Jamaica, couples will need a valid passport and a certified copy of their birth certificates, which includes father's name. French Canadians need a notarized translated copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents.

The pros: Unlike some other Caribbean destinations, wedding ceremonies are performed in English and couples aren't required to submit to blood tests. In addition, the country offers many wedding options from beach ceremonies to sunset cruises to underwater "I dos" -- even nude nuptials.

The cons: Common complaints include concerns about rowdiness away from resort areas and topless sunbathers.

"I do" place: Nobody does destination weddings like Sandals Resorts (sandals.com). Whether you're eloping or going for an extravagant affair, planning a wedding with this resort chain is easy breezy. There are many wedding and honeymoom packages to choose from, incuding several designed by wedding-planner-to-the-stars Preston Bailey. And, with Sandal's exclusive "Stay at 1, Play at 7" program, you can stay at any one of their spectacular Jamaican resorts and still enjoy the stunning amenities and scenery of their other six locations.

More information: log onto visitjamaica.com.


MEXICO
One of the most popular destination wedding locations for Canadians, Mexico has everything to make your special day unforgettable. Couples can choose from an intimate ceremony by the sea, a mystical ritual performed by a shaman or an elegant fiesta with hundreds of guests in a colonial hacienda.

Getting hitched: To be legally married, couples must take part in a 10-minute civil ceremony and provide copies of valid passports. Blood tests must also be taken within 15 days of the date of marriage and notarized by a doctor in Mexico. If divorced or widowed, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.

The pros: Mexico offers a variety of resorts and hotels to choose from and you can plan a wedding as elaborate or low-key as you would like.

The cons: Popular resorts can fill up and it can be hard to get a wedding date and time. As well, due to popularity, some resorts will host up to 10 weddings or more a day, taking away from the intimacy of your special day.

"I do" place: Mexico's Mayan Riviera plays host to a variety of beachfront hotels and resorts, most of which offer on-site wedding coordinators. Popular wedding resorts include the five-star Grand Palladium Riviera Resort and Spa (fiestahotelgroup.com), which features 454 stylish guest suites, and the Gran Bahia Principe (bahiaprincipeusa.com), which consists of three five-star hotels offering a variety of services and activities.

More information: Go to visitmexico.com.


PUERTO RICO
Both lush and exotic, historic and cosmopolitan, this modern paradise offers all the comforts of home from world-class shopping and dining to tropical landscapes and over 500 years of Spanish culture.

Getting hitched: In addition to valid passports, all couples must visit the Demographic Registry to acquire marriage licence documents and receive a medical examination no more than 14 days before the wedding. If either person is divorced or widowed, an original divorce decree or death certificate must be presented.

The pros: As United States Commonwealth, Puerto Rico offers many of the comforts of the U.S. mainland including currency, the same electrical standards, U.S. laws and many English-speaking residents. The food and drink scene is also world-class -- the Pina Colada was invented in Puerto Rico!

The cons: Due to its modern amenities and U.S. ties, the country sometimes lacks that quintessential Caribbean charm that is abundant on other islands.

"I do" place: The Gran Melia Puerto Rico Resort & Villas (granmeliapuertorico.com), nestled on the country's northeastern shore offers one of the Caribbean's most luxurious resort experiences, featuring modern facilities, Puerto Rican flavour and a Spanish flair. For a more boutique experience, check into the El Convento (elconvento.com), located in the heart of Old San Juan. The only "small luxury hotel" in the country, this boutique hotel hosts elegant accommodations, lovingly restored from a 350-year-old Carmelite convent.

More information: Go to meetpuertorico.com



Source: www.canoe.ca/travel

Newest Water Park in the Caribbean Opens

Aruba announced the grand opening of Morgan's Island, the newest water park in the Caribbean. With a $14 million investment, the 28,000-square-foot water park features rides including the Dragon Revenge, a dual slide; and the Buccaneer Tower, a tube tower with slides for two and four rides.

One of the main attractions of Morgan's Island is a 21-meter vertical drop, which is considered the second tallest, second fastest, single-person, free-fall waterslide in the world. Other highlighted attractions include giant double wave pools with a wraparound lounging area for families, and a giant kids-only pool area with water spouts and slides. Water park amenities include showers, changing and locker rooms, a game parlor, dinning options and an infirmary. Visit www.arubamorgansisland.com.

Source: www.caribbeantravel.com

Grand Sirenis - Mayan Riviera, Mexico

The Grand Sirenis is a new 5* resort in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico. It's most unique feature is the Mayan Ruins located on site.

This is a large resort comprised of 2 sections: The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya and The Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach, however there is no real difference between the two.

This resort is very popular as it offers very reasonable rates. However, there are a few things to be aware of:

*There is only a window between the bathroom and the room = no privacy. There are a few rooms that have frosted glass instead of regular clear glass. If you are uncomfortable with the window, please be sure to ask your travel agent to request a room with the frosted glass

*There is a shuttle that goes throughout the property - but it stops in the late afternoon. Therefore if you are going to the evening shows or to bars, you will need to walk to and fro

*The a la carte restaurants fill up very quickly and it can be difficult to get reservations. It is best to reserve for the entire week upon arrival at the resort

*3 a la carte dinners/week - this policy is STRICTLY enforced


However, there are also some great points:

*The resort lies directly along a reef and you can snorkel right off the beach (it is recommended that you bring your own snorkel gear and also water shoes

*The Grand Sirenis has one of the largest spas in the Yucatan Peninsula - lots of services and packages to choose from

*Food is available 24 hours a day

*All rooms have jacuzzi tubs

*7 a la carte restaurants (all have great food, but be weary of the gourment as you have to pay extra for it and the food is mediocre)


Overall, the Grand Sirenis is a good middle-of-the-road type resort that caters to everyone - couples, families (Kid's Club is available), and singles.

Plane Forced to Land After Passenger Tries to Tamper With Door

A Skyservice Airlines flight bound for Toronto from the Caribbean was forced to land in the Dominican Republic yesterday after a passenger tried to tamper with a cabin door.
A statement from the airline last night said that crew members, assisted by passengers, were able to subdue the man. As a precaution, the Boeing 757 jet was diverted to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

"The door was never at risk of opening in flight," said airline spokeswoman Sabah Mirza. "The flight crew reacted quickly and appropriately to restrain the passenger and maintain the safety of the aircraft."

The plane had left Grenada and was scheduled to stop in Barbados when it was diverted.
The airline said the remaining 201 passengers on flight No. 828 were put up overnight in Punta Cana and that the flight to Toronto would resume today.
News reports yesterday said the incident caused alarm in Grenada after a man told reporters that a relative on board the aircraft had called him and said the plane had been hijacked.
Media reports also said a man was detained by Dominican authorities for questioning. The man's name and nationality were not released.

Source: www.canada.com/Canwest News Service