Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) is a Mexican civic holiday held on May 5th to commemorate the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The date is observed nationwide in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride and many all inclusive resorts in Mexico offer celebrations throughout the day. So whether you are in a Mexican resort on the beach or just heading home from work, pour yourself a shot of tequila and toast to the beautiful beaches, wonderful people and amazing heritage and history that Mexico has to offer. And next year make sure you celebrate this day sipping your tequila on a stunning Mexico beach!

VIVA LA MEXICO!!

A visit to Costa Rica is a must do once in your life!  From the stunning Pacific beaches to the wonderful Costa Rican culture, this country is not to be missed.

The first thing to think about while planning a trip to Costa Rica is the beach!  If white sand beaches and clear Caribbean waters are what you are after, Guanacaste Costa Rica not the area you want to look.   Stunning emerald green Pacific waters set the west cost of Costa Rica apart from the rest.  Water sports abound with kayaks, jet skis, paddle boarding and even surfing an option.  While brown and even whiteish sand beaches can be found in Guanacaste, the majority of the beaches are very unique with their black volcanic sand.  Pacific waters offer great waves for play but have no fear swimming to your hearts delight, unlike Cabo San Lucas, Mexico the beaches in Costa Rica are generally safely swimmable.

Costa Rica could easily be called the land of excursions. Take advantage of one of their great beachfront all inclusive resorts for your days off to lay by the pool and beach but in this tropical destination you’ll want to get out and explore.  Volcano’s, mud baths, bird watching, monkeys and more are just a day trip away! Well known for their adventure sports you can white water river raft, zip lining from tree top to tree top, waterslide through the mountains, ride ATV’s or horses and more! Be sure to check out the beautiful west coast sunsets with a catamaran sunset cruise.

With Guanacaste being the dryest region in Costa Rica you can expect little to no rain during the months of mid-November through April. The rainy season will brings showers May through mid-November and the mountains will be covered in green!  With warm weather year round, Costa Rica is the perfect place to plan your winter or spring trip withouth having to worry about a chill in the air.

Costa Rica is gaining popularity and after your first trip you’ll see why!  Pura Vida means a Good Life and is the motto of this amazing country.  After your visit you’ll be anxious to book your return!

Having just returned from my stay at the brand new Riu Palace Costa Rica I couldn’t have been happier with my trip.  From the cold fruity drink upon arrival to the last meal of the trip before I left the new Riu Palace lived up to my expectations.

The grounds are beautiful, not quite as grown up as the Riu Guanacaste next door but as the resort is brand new this was to be expected.  The grounds crew was hard at work each day and as the flora and fauna continues to grow, soon this resort will be as lush as it’s sister property.

The entertainment staff was one of the best I’ve seen at any resort.  There was always something fun going on, drink mixing classes, salsa lessons, learning to make towel animals, dart competitions, bingo etc.  Conveniently there was a board posted right by the pool bar each day so you knew exactly what was activity was taking place at what time.

The pools were amazing.  There were 4 main pools and the swim up bar has it’s own pool so there was always a place you could go if you wanted activitity or quiet.  Pool volleyball and other activites were available at almost anytime and there were plenty of loungers surrounding the pool, even in March we never had a problem securing our space.

The accomodations are exactly as they appear in the pictures. An open concept with plenty of space, very new and modern with flat screen tv’s, fully stocked minibars and liquor dispensor, 24 hour rooms service, safe deposit box and large balconies.

Dinner dining could not be easier at this resort, only the steakhouse requires advance reservations.  If there was not a table available at the a la carte restaurant of your choosing, you will recieve a cell phone for notification when your table is ready and head to the lobby bar for a game or drink with Freddy.

The beach area in front of the resort is beautiful and very private as it can only be accessed by the two Riu properties. Keep in mind this is the Pacific coast and the beach is not white sand but black volcanic sand.   I was suprised at how soft the black sand is.  Just as soft as the white Caribbean sand and softer than the Pacific side of Mexico. But be careful, the black volcanic sand can get hot!  Flip flops or beach shoes are a must when walking the beach.  Talk a walk away from the resorts and maybe you’ll spot the monkeys in the trees!  Nonmotorized watersports are available for no cost, paddle boats, hobie cats, kayaks, snorkel gear are all provided.

After having stayed at the Riu Palace Costa Rica I cannot wait to return.  Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve visited to date and the people made me feel more than welcome.

For an amazing Costa Rican experience, the Riu Palace Costa Rica is sure to please!  Don’t hesitate, book your trip today!

Is your sense of adventure beckoning? Don’t miss out on one of the best excursions in the Riviera Maya, Mexico:  XPLOR. Dive into an underground world hidden for millenniums. With 6 miles of action packed adventure, this excursion is not for the faint of heart. 11 thrilling zip lines including 2 suspension bridges, a slide and 2 water landings will send you flying through the lush jungle.

Unstoppable amphibious vehicles will take you 3 miles into the jungle for on a thrilling ride. Refresh yourself, surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites, in an underground paradise and warm 75 degree waters. Paddle at your own pace with your own hands through over 1000 yards of subterranean caverns.

With prices as low as $103 per person this excursion includes multi-lingual guides, air conditioned transportation to/from your resort and buffet lunch and beverages!  Don’t forget your camera!

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a beach bum like me, a trip to Cabo San Lucas can be just what the doctor ordered. The canopy tour is a must for the adventurist in your group. You’ll fly from mountain to mountain as you catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean on your way, and you can’t pass up the deep sea fishing in a place considered the fishing capital of the world! If you can plan your trip December through March, a whale watching excursion is a must, with whales so brave you get up close and personal!

World-class golf courses designed by the legends of the game, will keep your husbands busy as the girls treat themselves to a relaxing massage. No visit to Cabo is complete without a glass bottom boat ride, a relaxing way to view the underwater marine life, the sea lion colony, pelican rocks and the arch at “Land’s End” but my personal favorite was the sunset catamaran cruise. Pacific sunsets in reds,oranges, pinks and purples like I had never seen before, was the perfect way to welcome the night.

With so many luxury resorts, its easy to lay back with a cold drink and soak up the sun, but when the sun goes down it’s time to head to down town Cabo San Lucas. Grab a bite to eat, dance until dawn and partake in Cabo’s amazing nightlife. The lobster bisque at Lorenzillo’s is to die for and a patio table is a fantastic way to watch the crowds below. And If you’re looking to dance, El Squid Row and Zoo bar are the perfect way to let loose. My trip to Cabo is still one of my fondest memories and I’ll be going back for sure!

 A trip to Aruba is not complete without booking the Discover Aruba excursion through De Palm tours. After a quick breakfast at your resort your tour guide will pick you up to begin your Aruban day of fun. Our incredibly knowledgeable guide, Rocky, was more than we could have asked for! Aruban born and raised, Rocky was a wealth of knowledge on everything Aruba. From the low rainfall yearly to the best spots for a quick bite or drink, not only did we get to view the sites Aruba is so famous for, but I learned enough about Aruba to fall in love with such an amazing island.

Stops at the Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins, the Natural Bridge, the California Lighthouse, and Alto Vista Chapel will amaze you with the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the amazing Aruban views. After working up a sweat you’ll be glad to head to Baby Beach for some snorkeling in the calm waters. And don’t worry about food and drinks, this approximately 5 hour tour includes lunch at a local restaurant and water and soda to keep you going.

The perfect way to explore the island, book the Discover Aruba tour today!