It’s hard to believe we’ve already been in the Caribbean for more than two weeks and we’re at our last hotel, Renaissance Curacao, of this trip. After extreme relaxation and rest, it’s nice to be in the capital city of Curaçao. The Renaissance Curacao is in the heart of the city yet it can still feel worlds away when you want it to. Continue reading
We’re very active when we travel. We like to try as many new things as possible but it can be difficult to find an activity that the whole family can enjoy. Today, at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, we tried Batik Family Painting and we can’t stop talking about how much fun it was and how proud we are of our painting. With Batik painting, you don’t have to be a skilled painter or have any experience at all to create a beautiful keepsake from your trip. It’s the perfect family activity. Continue reading
JW Marriott Phuket offers a daily schedule of activities for adults, teens and children. We don’t usually participate in kids club activities because they can be pricey for something we could do at home but some of the activities at JW Marriott Phuket are so unique that we couldn’t wait to participate. We just arrived yesterday and before even checking into our room, we went directly to the kids club for seashell wind chime making. Continue reading
As I was flying in first class because of a free upgrade then again when I arrived at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas to two massive welcome baskets and a schedule of luxury events, it really sunk in; being a travel writer is better than winning the lottery. There are some perks that even money can’t buy and I’d choose this life over winning the lottery. Continue reading
Balancing my time well when traveling with Athena can be difficult. She needs time during the day to nap, she needs to eat regular meals, she needs more time to get from place to place, and she needs to be back at the hotel by 8 pm to go to bed. It’s a different kind of travel but it’s filled with it’s own type of rewards. During our stay at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas, she has been an excellent traveler with few complaints even when were out past her bedtime or when she’s missed an afternoon nap. She was calm when we waited several extra hours on the runway in Charlotte; she was patient when we were driving in L.A.’s rush hour traffic; and she was happy to meet the cast of Extra even though she has no idea who they are. It was her time to experience the rewards of Newport Coast Villas so yesterday’s time was completely dedicated to toddler-friendly activities. Surprisingly, I had as much fun as Athena. When she’s happy, I’m happy. Continue reading
We were picked up at our doorstep in a luxury SUV, transported to Hollywood, given a private tour of Disney’s El Capitan theatre and a behind the scenes tour of Extra, and provided VIP passes to Universal Studios for lunch. Have Fun Tours made Athena and I feel like the celebrities. The owners, Lou and Jill, personally escorted us to each new location and stayed with us during the experience. They made sure we received every luxury during the tour and treated us like family. Athena and I will remain life-long friends with Lou and Jill and treasure the connections we made during the tour. The experience was arranged via Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas as one of their daily activity options from the resort. The luxury experiences available brought our Hollywood dreams to reality. Continue reading
It’s no secret that I love Marriott Vacation Club and the activities that they offer read like a phone book so why is it that I’ve been here at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas for almost two days and I haven’t spent much time on the property? The answer is simple – they offer the best of both worlds. With endless on-site amenities, I could be here for a month and still not explore all of the possibilities but the off-site activities are equally plentiful. It’s a balancing act between spending time at one of the most beautiful resorts in the world and exploring the surroundings. Some of the best resorts are difficult to explore because they put the world at your finger tips. It’s like giving you Genie-like capabilities for the day. With all of those choices, how do you decide? Continue reading
Imagine getting in a vehicle, an airplane, falling asleep, and waking up in an entirely different place, a whole new world. That’s what it must feel like for Athena when we travel to new countries or cities. This morning, she woke up at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas, our home for the next six days. Although it might have been confusing for her, it was the best kind of confusion. The Marketing Manager left us welcome baskets and what was inside was better than Christmas morning. Continue reading
2 hours in the right place can offer more fun and adventure than a year somewhere else. Today, Darren and I arrived at San Juan Marriott Resort and we only had two hours together. Darren was returning back to North Carolina and I am staying in Puerto Rico for an extra few days. Between check-in and check-out, for Darren at least, there was only a two hour window. We put on our bathing suits and headed toward the water activities. With a refreshing pool, a water slide, and a beach with one gigantic wave after another, we were like two big kids running around the playground. Continue reading
I don’t usually return to a resort twice, but I look forward to my next vacation at Marriott Grand Cayman. It’s a place to create memories that will last a lifetime. With endless opportunities for families, couples, or even singles, it calls my name for a quick return.
Here are 5 amazing reasons why Marriott Grand Cayman should be on your bucket list: Continue reading
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