Riu Palace Paradise Island Review

I wanted to share a  Riu Palace Paradise Island Review, this was submitted by a client of mine. This is a beautiful newly renovated all-inclusive resort just 2 1/2 hrs from New York City. The Riu Palace Paradise Island is right next door to the Atlantis Resort, you can visit the Atlantis and use their facilities(additional fee).

Riu Palace Paradise Island Review


I Soooooo want to go again and that's when it occurred to me that I never sent you a review.

Rooms in pristine condition- brand new, no signs of wear, spacious (we had a two room suite).

We had one bigger bedroom- with a fairly large common space in between- connecting to the smaller bedroom. Both rooms had a very large closet, and a huge dresser with more than enough space to fit all our clothes.

The hotel was small enough so that you could walk out of the elevator, cross the lobby and step right into the pool area- if you forgot something in your room it was very quick to run in and get it (which I loved!) without it feeling overly crowded.

The food was fine- although after about 18 meals you do start to get tired of all that eating LOL! We were in and out the buffet all day- for cookies, fries, jello or just to cool off for a few minutes. The only complaint about the place would be the one night we went to sit down dinner and the food was just horrible and cold and took FOREVER to come out. but no big deal, we just went to the other restaurant and had buffet :) AGAIN.

They would stock the fridge with water and soda whenever requested. And room service too!

They had a fairly big sports bar- with a nice bar, pool table, and this is where they had three or four computers that I never waited on to get access to. In this area they also had a fridge with sandwiches, salads and fruit. Oh, and a neat little nacho and cheese station- which was all available 24/7.

The entertainment at their club was fantastic every night- we saw all the shows. All but one was kid friendly.

The beach was beautiful and we did the banana boat ride only. Well, me and my sister did sneak down for an early morning massage on the beach one day too!

The pool was clean and every day there were activities run by the hotel- bingo, dance lessons. The staff there was great- one young guy was ALWAYS around and mingling with the guests- he was a doll and a gentleman. He would jump in the pool and play with the kids if you asked him to (which we did).

BTW!!!!! The weather was absolutely perfect!!!!!!! Thank you again for all your help and patience, especially while we were in the Bahamas!

Thanks to my client for sharing this amazing Riu Palace Paradise Island Review.

Until next time....
Jessica Dempsey
JD Travel Planning
http://www.jdtravelplanning.com/

Going Green

Going Green!


I know many people are very aware of how we need to respect our earth and are taking different initiatives to go green. I get many requests from clients for hotels that are going green and practicing sustainable tourism. There are many resorts now going green but I decided I would focus on one brand today as I just visited these resorts and really got a feel for their going green initiatives. The El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels by Karisma are GOING GREEN!

Some examples of ways they are green:

• A 70,000 square foot Greenhouse at El Dorado Royale produces all vegetables, herbs and flowers grown in tropical climates. The produce services all El Dorado and Azul Hotels, so you know those sweet delicious Cherry Tomatoes in your salad are right from the greenhouse.


• Water saving devices in all suites and public areas

• Hydro jets installed in all toilets to reduce amount of water used

• Water treatment process to reuse water for gardens

• Solar panels heating 40 - 100% of the water at each resort

• Ozone laundry system, eliminating harmful chemicals

• LED light bulbs used throughout the property

• El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels have taken extensive measures to ensure that all garbage is separated and recycled properly including dangerous waste, organic items, glass and paper

• All chemicals used are biodegradable

• All air conditioners use Ecofreeze which saves approximately 30% electricity

• Staff education on the importance of recycling, how to do it and encouragement of staff to bring their household recyclable items to the hotels to be properly recycled

If you are looking to book your next vacation and experience a beautiful luxury all inclusive resort that is practicing sustainable tourism, look no further. As a Karisma Resorts specialist I can help you plan the vacation experience of a lifetime!

Greenhouse

Cherry Tomatoes

Awesome staff giving us the tour

Mint leaves for your MOJITO

Group Cruise in Alaska

I had a client call me last spring to inquire about a family reunion. The  ages ranged from 7 yrs old to 82 yrs old and she wanted something that would be fun and relaxing for everyone. Easy right? Not so fast! She went on to describe particulars about some family members, who had food allergies, who had mobility issues and who cannot sit with who for too many meals. You get it - typical family stuff(we all have them). I asked a few more questions and quickly needed to find out who the decision makers were and then went to work. I came back to the group with an Alaskan group cruise intinerary with an extended land tour to Denali National Park. I was able to meet all of their dietary needs, and arranged for a scooter and oxygen to be delivered to the stateroom and I also set up the dining so a few nights some of the family who did not want to dine together every night would be in a specialty restaurants on different nights. Their group cruise in Alaska included activities for everyone  that enriched their minds and bodies. The onboard naturalist led discussions that educated them all about Alaska it's beauty and wildlife. The group cruise in Alaska would not be complete without viewing the amazing glaciers. I was told it was a highlight of the cruise being on deck drinking  hot chocolate while viewing the glaciers.
What was overwhelming to my client was quite easy for me to arrange because of my knowledge, education and  resources. A happy ending to a fabulous group cruise in Alaska, they all bonded so well, they already have another cruise planned for next year on the Allure of the Seas. I brought real value and worth to my clients and arranged everything perfectly for them, the power of awesome customer service is evident in all of the referrals I already have from their other relatives and friends.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey

Cruise Planners

Creating memorable vacations everyday, let yours be next.....

Caribbean Group Cruises

As a travel agent some my favorite trips to plan are group cruises, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely. I know with all of the new ships sailing there is a  perfect cruise ship for every group.  I often get requests from clients who are overwhelmed with the whole process of organizing a group vacation whether it's family, friends or even a wedding group. I  let them know that I will make this a stress-free vacation for them. First we start with a few questions to decide what ship and  itinerary would be best for them, I secure the staterooms and make all the reservations, take care of all payments and due dates and I handle all the paperwork.  I let my clients know all they need to do is refer the group members to me and I take care of everything. Another amenity my clients love is that  I am able to set up a website page that is only accessible to those in the group and they can register online. This is usually when I hear "thank you, I really didn't know where to begin."  Luckily I know where to begin!!

Group cruising has increased over the past few years. There are so many multi-generational groups traveling together and cruises are the perfect fit. There is something for everyone on a ship, whether you are into spa treatments, workouts in well equipped fitness centers, shopping, dance lessons, language lessons or you can learn how to use your iPad. The dining choices are endless with some ships offering up to 20 dining venues. The kids will all be happy in well organized kids clubs with fun age appropriate activities and the adults can spend time in adult-only areas. Talk about something for everyone.  Are you considering a group cruise this year? The best rates and stateroom availability are available now.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey
Cruise Planners

Creating memorable vacations everyday, let yours be next....

Royal Caribbean Cruise to Alaska under $2000 for a family of 4!!

Imagine taking your family on a breathtaking cruise to Alaska. The wildlife are abundant and the scenery will take your breath away. On board are naturalists who will serve as a guide to Alaska. Adults and children will both love what Royal Caribbean and Alaska have to offer. Call me today to reserve your stateroom.

Lucky Ducks... Kids Sail for 50% Off

Bookings are now open for this ducky offer! Kids 12 and under get 50% off prevailing cruise fares at time of booking. The offer is available for 3-, 4- and 7-night sailings on most sail dates from March 26 through May 14, 2009, with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Government Taxes and Fees not included. Email me for a quote jessica@jdtravelplanning.com