Kristina Fazzalaro, Oyster.com 8:06 a.m. EDT April 30, 2014

 

There are all-inclusive resorts, and then there are all-inclusive resorts. The difference lies in the details: Going above and beyond the standard amenities, the ten hotels we've hand-picked as the best of the all-inclusive best offer fun and exciting ways for travelers to indulge. World-class food, beautiful decor and fantastic activities are all to be had -- and everything is built into one single price-per-day, making planning out your budget a simple feat. From Cabo to Cancun and back again, these are the ten all-inclusive resorts that are truly worthy of the name.
1. Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya
With only 90 suites, the Zoetry Paraiso offers a romantic, wellness-centric boutique experience in the Mayan Riviera. Room layouts are unique, with indoor gardens and plunge pools. The pool area and beach are relaxed and tranquil, and the on-site dining keeps the resort's wellness theme alive with delicious, healthy meals. Included amenities not standard at most all-inclusive resorts -- such as a "welcome" bottle of tequila, a daily bottle of champagne, a one-hour Catamaran sunset sail, three-times-daily maid service and private chauffeured airport transfers -- make this (admittedly pricey) resort a standout among Puerto Morelos' finest properties.
2. Marival Residence & World Spa, Riviera Nayarit
A half-hour drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta and a half mile from the beach, the Marival Residences & World Spa is the place to go for laid-back luxury: Picture residential-style suites, modern amenities and an impressive array of all-inclusive features. Rooms range from one to four bedrooms and all feature spacious terraces with garden, pool or ocean views. The private beach club is posh, the pool is large, and the four restaurants serve excellent cuisine. But the best part is the spa, which features unique signature treatments in gorgeously themed (India, Thailand and other countries) rooms.
3. Half Moon, a Rock Resort, Jamaica
Drawing everyone from Queen Elizabeth to 50 Cent, Half Moon strives for timeless, understated luxury (even at the swim-up bar). Stretching over 400 acres -- which includes two miles of beach -- the 230-room resort offers attentive service and quality cuisine. But what truly sets Half Moon apart is its endless breadth of activities. Guests can swim with dolphins in the resort's private cove, play tennis or golf, windsurf, kayak, choose from a myriad of spa treatments ... the list literally goes on.
4. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
The One&Only Palmilla is easily one of the most luxurious (and expensive) resorts not only in Cabo, but in all of Mexico. Every single feature has an upscale touch to it, from the exclusive spa, to the wonderful cuisine, to the beautiful pools -- and certainly the rooms are nothing less than lavish, with contemporary and traditional Mexican accents and high-tech amenities. The included extras -- such as luggage unpacking, daily fruit and snacks delivered to rooms, an aromatherapy turndown menu and 24-hour butler service -- set this property on a whole different level than its competition.
5. Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic
The D.R.'s classiest, most famous resort since 1974, the Casa de Campo hotel is part of a massive, 7,000-acre resort community that includes three world-renowned golf courses, an immaculate beach, a marina, the quaint "town" of Altos de Chavon and numerous other on-site activities. It can take some time to get from place to place, but each of the spacious rooms comes with a golf cart for guests' use and the delicious food at the restaurants is substantially above par.
6. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya
This all-inclusive megaresort is located in a secluded spot near Mayan ruins. It offers sprawling, manicured grounds, over a dozen eateries and a white-sand beach that is one of the most tranquil in the area. The main pool is gorgeous, and the spa offers breezy outdoor treatment rooms and many unique services. While adults can make use of the modern fitness center, kids will enjoy a play fountain, arcade and rock-climbing wall.
7. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa, Cabo San Lucas
This all-inclusive, adults-only resort is a tranquil, upscale option on a gorgeous beach in Cabo. Amenities are plentiful: There are two beautiful pools, tennis courts, five restaurants (including sushi and Italian options), five bars (no well liquor here; they serve Absolut, Bacardi and Cuervo 1800, along with over 50 brands of liquor), a large fitness center and a full-service spa with a sexy whirlpool and a meditation labyrinth.
8. Fowl Cay Resort, Bahamas
Crowded beaches are unheard of on this private island resort where a maximum of 28 guests at a time have free range of 50 acres and three beaches. Personal boats for daily excursions as well as personal golf carts, on-call service, spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and wet bars, and a host of all-inclusive activities -- such as kayaking, tennis and bocce -- make Fowl Cay a standout gem in the Exumas.
9. Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat, Turks and Caicos
Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre all-inclusive resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, the world-renowned COMO Shambhala Retreat, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service and more than three miles of pristine beaches, it's easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean.
10. Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun
This adults-only luxury resort offers a nice all-inclusive experience. The rooms here are spacious and contemporary, with large modern bathrooms, whirlpool tubs and high-end amenities such as big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and iPod docks. Some have large rooftop terraces with private plunge pools and ocean views. There are also nine restaurants on-site and 11 bars, offering a variety of cuisines and atmospheres. Dozens of daily activities include snorkeling and Spanish lessons, but many guests choose to simply relax at the hotel's world-class spa, which features ocean-side treatments. A huge fitness center includes a yoga and Pilates studio, and free non-motorized sports as well as introductory scuba lessons are offered. The lists go on and on, truly making this an all-inclusive resort deserving of the title.
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 http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2014/04/30/all-inclusive-resort/8472625/

April 29, 2014 By: Meagan Drillinger

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Travel forecast to Mexico over the next four years is sunnier than it has been in a long time. According to a new report from Timetric, Mexico's travel and tourism industry is expected to grow until 2018 due to less stringent travel measures, tourism campaigns, better economic conditions and industrial activity. If all goes according to plan, these initiatives are set to drive Mexico to become one of the world's top five tourist destinations.
According to the report, extensive government plans are in the works for new infrastructure projects to upgrade roads, ports, telecoms and water and energy facilities. The government is expected to invest $315 billion to complete works through 2018.

New Hotels

"By 2016, private equities are to invest $8.6 billion in the industry focusing on the construction of new and existing hotels along with the improvement of public places," the article reports. "In turn, Mexico's Board of Tourism Business expects the new investment scheme to create employment, predicting 28,000 direct and 78,000 indirect jobs."
Starwood Hotels & Resorts is opening a second W location in the Santa Fe neighborhood. W Santa Fe will occupy a portion of a larger development, Liberty Plaza, in the commercial district. The hotel will have 132 guest rooms, with dining options from other locations in the Plaza, and a rooftop pool and bar. Similarly, the existing W Hotel in Mexico City is undergoing renovations.
Also in the Santa Fe district, Hilton has just opened the 260-room Hilton Mexico City Santa Fe. The hotel connects guests with offices, retail centers, dining and entertainment options within the Samara complex. Inside guests will find dining options lake Madera Restaurant. Cocktails can also enjoy light snacks and cocktails at Cielo, the hotel's rooftop bar, and the Lobby Lounge. Other amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center and meeting space.
The JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City has just wrapped a year-long renovation and is showing off new guest rooms, a lobby, Xanat Bistro & Terrace, health club and executive lounge. The guest rooms have marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, 37-inch flat screen TVs and more. The newly renovated lobby has private comfort zones, while the new dining addition is serving up authentic Mexican cuisine. The newly renovated health club includes facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, hair and makeup services and a steam room. There is also a new Executive Lounge that offers views over the city.
AMResorts has officially inaugurated Secretos Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort, in presidential style. Mexico's president Enrique Peña Nieto was on hand at the unveiling to lead the ribbon cutting ceremony.
"Mexico's tourism industry generates 8 percent more than the gross national product; and employs the largest number of young men and women in the country," Peña Nieto said at the event.
The new resort shows off AMResorts' Unlimited-Luxury concept, with 500 suites all with ocean, garden or golf course views. Every guest has a private in-suite balcony or terrace, 24-hour room service, daily refreshed mini bar and more. The Unlimited-Luxury ensures all guests are treated to limitless food and too0shelf alcohol at 13 restaurants, bars and lounges. There is also the 12,000 square foot Secrets Spa by Pevonia; a variety of beach, land and water activities including two pools; and three miles of Pacific Coast.
Also in the Caribbean, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, a member of Hard Rock's All-Inclusive Collection, opened in December. The sprawling resort combines two vibes: families and adults-only, each with their own dedicated lobbies. Hacienda is the lobby for families, complete with shopping, restaurants, bars and a central courtyard where DJs spin into the wee hours. Over on the Heaven side, adults will find a more tranquil environment, with dedicated adults-only restaurants and bars. There is a section of the massive pool area that is specifically for adults as well.
RELATED: Just Back: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
In Riviera Nayarit on Mexico's Pacific Coast, Tau Resorts, a new development group, is planning on opening two resorts in Riviera Nayarit. The first will open this year. Tau Resorts Nahui will have 172 rooms as part of a lifestyle community. Amenities will include a village, Beach Club, golf course, hiking trails and oceanfront water sports center.
The United States accounted for 78.7 percent of total international arrivals to Mexico in 2013. At 6.9 percent, Canada is the second-largest source of international arrivals.
In terms of travel regulations, domestic tourism accounts for the majority of tourism in Mexico and was worth $127.9 billion in 2013, amounting to 89 percent of the country's tourism spending. Inbound tourism increased at 1.6 percent in the number of arrivals to Mexico. To increase this number, Mexican authorities have simplified once-strict visa regulations by launching a new policy with provisions for automatic entry to tourists, business and transit travelers from the US. In addition, a new electronic visa application system was introduced to Russian, Brazilian and Chinese nationals.

 http://www.travelagentcentral.com/mexico/mexico-shoots-top-five-international-destinations-45811

Ultimate Wish List: Flying Around the World On The Four Seasons Private Jet

 

Read more: http://thepointsguy.com/2014/04/ultimate-wish-list-flying-around-the-world-on-the-four-seasons-private-jet/#ixzz2zphhj7Hr
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Her birthday was back in March.
But Eva Longoria's celebrations were worth waiting for.
The actress and 19 of her closest chums flew  to Mexico to celebrate with a four-day stay at the luxurious Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta.

The group were also celebrating the new engagements of two of their number.
They enjoyed lots of time at the Hamara Spa, relaxed on the beach, and even went on a fishing expedition.
Eva marked the last year of her 30s - she was turning 39 - with a special dinner celebration complete with fireworks.

Pictures showed a happy Eva dancing with her friends in front of the fireworks as she enjoyed the beach resort.
While she hasn't been doing much acting of late, Eva has certainly been keeping busy.
The brunette has only just returned from Australia, where she enjoyed a free trip as a beauty ambassador at fashion week.

The Desperate Housewives star was invited on the whirlwind trip down under courtesy of L’Oreal.
This week the small-screen sex symbol, who is dating media mogul Jose Antonio Baston, said she would not have a baby on her own. 
'I've always wanted a family,' she insisted in an interview with Parade magazine. 
'I believe in family. But children are a product of love. So I don't think I'll go off and have a baby by myself. I do not have that need to procreate,' she explained.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2601050/Now-THATS-girly-holiday-Eva-Longoria-19-closet-chums-head-Mexico-celebrate-birthday.html#ixzz2yc32M5Zl
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