Couples travel together, but their vacation experiences – or at least their perspective of a destination – can vary greatly. That’s because the concept of a “getaway,” and the priorities for enjoyment, are open to interpretation. Active…or restful? Sightseeing…or seeing the inside of your eyelids?
Dansville residents Tony and Kristy celebrated their anniversary with their first trip to Mexico and a stay at the Iberostar Paraiso Grand Hotel, 25 minutes south of Cancun. They’d never been to an all-inclusive resort before, and only once previous had left the country.
Dining at an all-inclusive resort doesn’t always mean standing in a buffet line.
While Tony spent some of his time each day playing golf on the P.B. Dye-designed course at the all-inclusive resort, or one of the other courses nearby, Kristy sought the sun and surf. “The tranquility pool had cabanas and covered chairs that helped me get the sun I desired. The non-stop service from the staff providing me drinks, food, magazines, cold towels or whatever I needed from my chair, whether it was next to the pool or on the beach, was amazing,” she said. She also said the massage menu, gym, jet pool and juice bar at the spa gave her a true chance to escape. “A pillow specialist explained the six different pillows available for use during my stay.”
Iberostar’s Playa Paraiso Golf Club was seen on the Golf Channel’s “Big Break” show last year, and Tony liked the way the personal butler assigned to his room helped him enjoy his break. “We were treated with a cold towel and drink as our bags were taken to our room,” he recalls. “And the 24-hour room service made my late-night cravings for ice cream a reality.”
Choosing an all-inclusive scares some people when it comes to the potential monotony of repeating cuisine, but Tony and Kristy could dine and drink in their room, on their balcony, poolside, or in any of the resort’s 25 eateries without a bill, whether it was a cheese omelet, cheeseburger, or lobster. “And yes, that includes the usually ultra-expensive mini-bar,” Tony laughed.
Kristy said there were no language barriers because all of the staff members they encountered spoke English. “I picked up a few Spanish words midway through the trip and the staff smiled and seemed to appreciate my effort.”
A vacation is full of choices beginning with the budget and leisure options. Iberostar Playa Paraiso Grand Hotel suited Tony and Kristy because it offered an array of active and non-active choices – all featuring energetic service – under a daily rate.
For more information, visit www.Iberostar.com
Michigan-based travel writer Michael Patrick Shiels may be contacted at InviteYourself@aol.com or via www.TravelTattler.com His morning show is heard weekday mornings in Lansing on 92.1 FM
