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

Brides Dress Rehearsal

BRIDE'S DRESS REHEARSAL

Spend 3 Nights and 4 Days - This is a fantastic way to view the resorts, and yes there are 7 of them, check out the wedding locations, taste the food and experience the warm welcome from the people of the Mexican Riviera.

Contact Jessica Dempsey - GIVC,  a Karisma Resorts specialist to book this amazing offer! Call today 631-780-6195

Details:

For only $399 per couple, brides and grooms who have not yet booked their destination wedding can stay for 3 nights at their hotel of choice and have the opportunity to taste different cake options, sample menu items and even view the various locations and setups for their ceremony and private events.

This promotion is good for any El Dorado Spa Resort or Azul Hotel by Karisma, and is offered once a month for the rest of 2011.

Azul Beach Resort

Here are the dates:                                                                    
August 25

September 22

October 20

November 17


Azul Beach Sky Wedding

December 15

And here are the highlights of this promotion:                        

Upgrade to best available room upon arrival

Complimentary honeymoon & anniversary package during stay

Cake tasting, food samples & private event setup

$500 food & beverage credit after 10 rooms or more are booked

Meet executives and hotel staff

Romantically decorated suite

And more!


Terms & Conditions

This promotion is combinable with the Bride & Groom stay free promotion. No coupons may be used on these bookings. Transfers included between resorts only, airfare and airport transfers are not included. GIVC points cannot be used to pay for this package. GIVC will not receive points for this booking. Not valid if wedding date is held or deposited. Travel agents are not permitted to attend. $500 credit will not apply to groups with less than 10 rooms. All couples will be required to sign a disclaimer at check-in stating that they will attend a site inspection of the host hotel as well as a presentation at El Dorado Royale on Saturday. *Clients who want to travel outside of selected dates will be required to pay the current hotel rate at the time and will not receive the $500 towards the food & beverage portion of any private event they book. Booking must be made 30 days in advance; space is limited.

Traveling solo

Traveling along with Me, myself and I

Traveling solo is an awesome way to see the world, meet new people and spend some time with yourself! Sometimes we need to do this to recover from a life event or sometimes “I just want to go someplace where I can just marvel at something” as said so perfectly by Ms. Julia Roberts.

In the past, the thought of being a solo traveler on a cruise ship meant taking out a loan just to pay for the cabin. Thank goodness for NCL who introduced “Epic Studios” last year when the awesome Norwegian Epic debuted. Talk about marvel! The studios are designed specifically for the solo traveler but more importantly so is the pricing. No more double occupancy requirements and single supplements that can double the cost that is typically 200% of the cruise fare because you must pay for the absent “roommate”. The concept was such a hit that they’ll be more to come when Norwegian introduces more new ships in the coming years. Royal Caribbean followed when it unveiled cabins for solo travelers with the revamped Radiance of the Seas this past June.

But it doesn’t stop there. Several cruise lines are catching on. While they may not have specific designed cabins for a single passenger, they are offering reduced single supplements or waiving it altogether. Avalon Waterways is celebrating the new movement by offering river cruises for the solo traveler on select itineraries in October. Ah, a cruise experience through the Danube River with me, myself and I! Now that has my name written all over it.

Why the sudden change in cruising? Some of us just enjoy traveling alone. What do you want to marvel at? Let us know.

Until next time,



Jessica Dempsey
JD Travel Planning

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

Oceania Marina Review

I had the opportunity to tour the beautiful Oceania Marina today in NYC, what an amazing ship! Fine cuisine at sea with 6 restaurant choices including Jacques, the first restaurant at sea for Jacques Pepin, Canyon Ranch Spa Club, Bon Appetit Culinary Center(a hands-on gourmet culinary program), and the Artist Loft.  Staterooms and suites are nice in size and are beautifully decorated with hardwoods, rich fabrics and designed for comfort. The feel onboard is country club elegance with a guest to crew ratio of 1.57 to 1.  Canyon Ranch Spa Club is new to the Oceania Marina and in addition to massages and other treatments they offer lectures and cooking demonstrations and Canyon Ranch cuisine options in the Grand Dining Room. There is a large fitness center with optional classes as well to help you stay in shape.  Oceania is the destination specialist with many overnight visits and extended port stays.  If you appreciate fine cuisine and gracious service along with amazing destinations the Oceania Marina is for you.

 To see all of my photos from the Oceania Marina click here

Jessica Dempsey

Cruise Planners

http://www.jdtravelplanning.com/

Westin Beach Resort & Spa Review

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa is a beautiful beach resort located in sunny Fort Lauderdale. The city is dubbed the Venice of America due to its more than 300 miles of canals and waterways.  The Westin Beach Resort & Spa sits directly across the street from amazing beaches where you can relax and enjoy the soft white sands and blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There is an elevated walkway that connects the resort to the beach. There is also a lovely spa on property where you can enjoy a massage or perhaps you would like to relax at the oceanfront pool with a good book and refreshing drink from the bar.
Fort Lauderdale has the most amazing nightlife, excellent dining and fabulous shopping, many of these activities are within walking distance of the resort, you can also get around easily via taxi's or just take a cruise on a water taxi. There is plenty to do here in Fort Lauderdale. When you are done playing for the day return to a beautiful newly renovated room with views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. Then fall asleep in your Westin Heavenly Bed and yes they are truly heavenly! You will have a fantastic time during your stay at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey
Cruise Planners

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

Romance at Sandals

Are you looking to reconnect or reignite the spark? Maybe you just need a getaway for two people in love. Whatever your desires you can find romance at Sandals. The Sandals tag line is "Love is all you need". You will find yourself in a garden paradise surrounded by the beautiful blue sea. With up to 11 restaurants there are always amazing culinary creations to be found. You can  have a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach for just the two of you, with a server who can anticipate all of your desires without being intrusive. How about returning to your Suite and having a hot bath drawn complete with rose petals? That is romance at Sandals! You can relax and enjoy a couples massage, play a round of tennis, golf or enjoy the pool with new friends. Do whatever you like it's your romance at Sandals. Go to Sandals for the amazing staff, the luxury include amenities, the true Caribbean experience but be sure to go to Sandals with the one you love.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey
Cruise Planners


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

Ruby Princess

I recently read a colleagues blog review of the Ruby Princess. It was such a treat to hear about her special cruise onboard this ship. I t reminded me of my cruise onboard Princess last May and how Princess exceeded my expectactions! Check out her review and get excited about your next cruise onboard a beautiful Princess ship.

Until next time,

Jessica Dempsey
Cruise Planners

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