Marian comments on her recent trip to Punta Cana.
We went to Punta Cana from December 10-15th. We flew out of Orlando on American Airlines and stayed at the 5 star Excellence Resort. Our accommodations were in the Excellence Club section of the resort which offers many extra amenities. Every room in the resort is a Junior suite complete with two person jacuzzi tub. Excellence, like most of the resorts in Punta Cana, is all inclusive.
We found the food to be quite good with many choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We especially liked the Barcelona restaurant for breakfast and lunch. The drinks were also good and plentiful. The grounds are beautiful and well kept with a sanctuary complete with parrots and flamingos.
The beach in the Excellence Club area has some interesting lounging facilities such as double wicker lounges with the most comfortable, soft pads. There are also a number of four posted elevated lounges with curtains which can be opened or closed for privacy. Throughout the day attendants pass by offering fresh fruit, sandwiches and even pizza, in addition to your favorite beverage.
The pools were quite large (and very clean)with waterfalls, swim up bars and a lazy river type flow. There are plenty of comfortable lounge chairs throughout. The Dominican people are lovely and took very good care of us.
Punta Cana is located on the Eastern tip of the Dominican Republic directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is palm tree lined, and very walkable. Just beautiful!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Ireland
Marian reports on her October trip to Ireland.
We flew business class on Delta to Dublin and had a fabulous week. We spend three nights in Dublin and stayed at the Brooks Hotel, which has a great location within walking distance to all of Dublin's attractions. The hotel is a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World and was quite nice with very comfortable beds and a delicious complimentary breakfast. The staff was quite attentive and couldn't do enough for us. We walked to Trinity College and the Temple Bar area and on our second day purchased the Dublin Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour. This is a great way to see Dublin and stop at the attractions that interest you.
We rented a car on the third day and headed out to County Cork. A Garmen is a must for driving and finding your way around. Driving on the highways is fine, but use caution when driving in the cities as the streets are very narrow and difficult to navigate.
In Cork we stayed at the Hayfield Manor, another one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a member of Virtuoso. The rooms were positively beautiful with attention to every detail. Can't say enough about the staff-they were wonderful. Breakfast and dinner at the Manor were exceptional.
From Cork we visited the lovely seaside village of Kinsale and then on the Cobh, which was the last stop for the Titanic before it's fateful cruise. The second day we visited the Blarney Castle. The grounds of the castle are magnificant with walking paths throughout. The climb to the top of the castle is a bit harry but well worth the effort. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. While at the top I kissed the Blarney Stone.
We then went on Killarney and stayed at the Loch Lein Country House Hotel. The drive through the Ring of Kerry was beautiful!
I would highly recommend a visit to Ireland!!
We flew business class on Delta to Dublin and had a fabulous week. We spend three nights in Dublin and stayed at the Brooks Hotel, which has a great location within walking distance to all of Dublin's attractions. The hotel is a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World and was quite nice with very comfortable beds and a delicious complimentary breakfast. The staff was quite attentive and couldn't do enough for us. We walked to Trinity College and the Temple Bar area and on our second day purchased the Dublin Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour. This is a great way to see Dublin and stop at the attractions that interest you.
We rented a car on the third day and headed out to County Cork. A Garmen is a must for driving and finding your way around. Driving on the highways is fine, but use caution when driving in the cities as the streets are very narrow and difficult to navigate.
In Cork we stayed at the Hayfield Manor, another one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a member of Virtuoso. The rooms were positively beautiful with attention to every detail. Can't say enough about the staff-they were wonderful. Breakfast and dinner at the Manor were exceptional.
From Cork we visited the lovely seaside village of Kinsale and then on the Cobh, which was the last stop for the Titanic before it's fateful cruise. The second day we visited the Blarney Castle. The grounds of the castle are magnificant with walking paths throughout. The climb to the top of the castle is a bit harry but well worth the effort. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. While at the top I kissed the Blarney Stone.
We then went on Killarney and stayed at the Loch Lein Country House Hotel. The drive through the Ring of Kerry was beautiful!
I would highly recommend a visit to Ireland!!
Seabourn Pride
Nella reports on her October cruise on the Seabourn Price:
My first cruise with the Yachts of Seabourn was a great experience. The ship is small, with under 200 passengers and 1 staff member per guest, the service was outstanding. The cuisine was also superb, and the suites were spacious.All drinks and gratuities are included. With Seabourn. Our cruise sailed from Bangkok to Shanghai, with visits to Ho Chi Minh city and Danang in Vietnam, and Xiamen in China. Since this was a Virtuoso Voyager Club cruise, we hosted a private shore event in the Unesco World Heritage city of Hoi An. This was a special event, which included visiting a temple, experiencing a cyclo ride and enjoying a delightful lunch of Vietnamese specialties. We also stopped at the famous China Beach. Seabourn is an excellent choice for the client who enjoys the “small ship experience” .
My first cruise with the Yachts of Seabourn was a great experience. The ship is small, with under 200 passengers and 1 staff member per guest, the service was outstanding. The cuisine was also superb, and the suites were spacious.All drinks and gratuities are included. With Seabourn. Our cruise sailed from Bangkok to Shanghai, with visits to Ho Chi Minh city and Danang in Vietnam, and Xiamen in China. Since this was a Virtuoso Voyager Club cruise, we hosted a private shore event in the Unesco World Heritage city of Hoi An. This was a special event, which included visiting a temple, experiencing a cyclo ride and enjoying a delightful lunch of Vietnamese specialties. We also stopped at the famous China Beach. Seabourn is an excellent choice for the client who enjoys the “small ship experience” .
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