Vacation Ideas


by Dream Vacations on October 18, 2012

The Crown Paradise Club opened in 1989 and most recently went under a full renovation back in 2008. Crown Paradise Club is by far our most popular All Inclusive Cancun Family Resort. Plus, families of up to 5 are able to share one ocean view room. Today you’re going to learn all you need to know about the Crown Paradise Club, good and bad.

Upon entering the Crown Paradise Club you will notice a nice ocean view breeze blowing through the open air lobby. To your right you will see the lobby bar as well as the indoor pool and if you look up you will see very high vaulted ceilings. With this resort being built in 1989 there are a few small but noticeable blemishes such as rust around some areas. There are elevators located in the lobby and you will see a very small courtyard leading to the main pool. The Crown Paradise Club is essentially split into two sections, the Crown Club Tower (adults only) on the right hand side and the Paradise section which is where are families rooms will be located.

At this time, 80% of all rooms at the Crown Paradise Club have been completely renovated with the remaining rooms to be renovated by October. As well all restaurants will be visually/functionally upgraded as well by the end of the year. I toured this resort about 4 or 5 years ago and after my recent visit this year, I can honestly say that the rooms look great! The majority of all rooms in property are considered to be ocean view. Many rooms within the resort actually adjoin or connect to the room next to you so for larger families it’s very easy to get rooms together. Upgrades are available as well to the adult only Club Tower Section of the property and there is also an adult only pool. There are also larger rooms called Family Rooms that have more bedding such as a bunk bed with a trundle bed underneath that pulls out for an extra bed for a child so you can even fit some families of 6 if all kids are under the age of 12.

Kids will LOVE the waterpark in property! Big water slides, water guns etc and big game room for kids as well open from 9 am to 10 pm at night. Kids ages can range from 4 to 12 for kids park and the resort also offers a teen club with activities such as putt putt golf. When you check your child into the kids club parents will be given a pager to be notified in case your child is ready to leave the club for the day. The actual water park is open from 9 am to 5 pm with life guards on duty. Crown Paradise Club also has a little zip line in property as well as a rock climbing wall. They’ve got a game room included as well with games such as Xbox and Wii.

All in all the Crown Paradise Club is great for kids and most parents feel that the resort is adequate and provides a great value based on the fact that kids 12 and under stay free! Location is great, easy access to local attractions and the beach area is very large and easy to access for all ages. The resort will also provide non-motorized water sports for all guests to use each day.

by Dream Vacations on October 11, 2012

What does “all-inclusive” really include?

A true all-inclusive vacation is a comprehensive travel experience that includes accommodations, a minimum of three complete meals daily, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), activities, entertainment, non-motorized water sports, gratuity, and taxes, for one collective price. Many all-inclusive packages also include transportation between the airport and the resort, as well.

Why should I choose an all-inclusive vacation instead of a traditional vacation?

There are numerous reasons people often choose all-inclusive vacations. Many travelers find comfort in the ability to budget their vacations ahead of time by knowing the total cost of a complete trip. When traveling to an unfamiliar place, something as simple as finding a good place to dine could be a daunting task. Having a selection of well-documented fine dining restaurants located within steps of your room lets you enjoy your experience without the hassle of traveling to a restaurant that you know nothing about. Knowing you can order anything you wish from the dining and drink menu also allows you to be more adventurous with your pallet and create memories you might never have had otherwise. My favorite all-inclusive resorts, like the Dreams, Secrets, Now, Azul, and El Dorado Resorts offer unlimited gourmet dining that even the most discerning culinary critic will appreciate.

When you are ready to book your next all-inclusive vacation, give us a call and we will help you find your perfect Dream Vacation!

by Dream Vacations on October 9, 2012

I recently returned from the Riviera Maya on a “FAM” trip which is where as a travel agent, we get to tour various resorts during our short visit to the area. At first the Ocean Maya Royale was not on my list of properties to see but I was fortunate enough to add them while I was there. Thank goodness I was able to add them to our list of properties because after visiting the property, I have a much better understanding of what to expect.

First of all, the Ocean Maya Royale is advertised as being a “Playa Del Carmen” resort which is not entirely true. The Ocean Maya Royale is located only 15 minutes or so from town and a taxi would only cost about $15 each way to get there but by no means would it be walking distance to down town. This resort is an Adult Only resort simply meaning that there are no guests under the age of 18. Many guests who enjoy this property are here to enjoy their Honeymoon or Anniversary. Upon entering the beautiful open air lobby you will be greeted with a welcome drink and moist towel to freshen up from after the long day of travel. It should only take about 30 minutes to get from the Cancun airport to the resort via our transfer service.

All rooms in the Ocean Maya Royale are Junior Suite categories or higher with upgrades available to their Privilege Club Section. All rooms have balconies and there are elevators in the newest section of the property. There are two main pools in the property, one of which has a swim up pool bar as well as wait staff to attend to your needs around the pool and beach area. You will see a picture of the rooms along with this blog and you will see for your own eyes that they are very nice and on top of everything else, the price to stay here at the Ocean Maya Royale compared to other adult only resorts in the area, the Ocean Maya Royale is a steal!

Examples of prices at Ocean Maya Royale Adult Only All Inclusive Resort:

October 15th for 7 nights $532 per person! / Compared to $1088 per person at the Secrets Capri

December 15th for 7 nights: $574 per person! / Compared to $1096 per person at the Secrets Capri

February 15th for 7 nights: $917 per person! / Compared to $1666 per person at the Secrets Capri

At those kid of prices, that’s what makes this Adult Only Resort my Diamond in the Rough! I had the opportunity to meet the General Manager of the resort, Ismael Bravo and he assured me that he would take great care of all clients that are booked through Dream Vacations for his wonderful property. If you are looking for an affordable, quality, service oriented Adult Only resort, look no further than the Ocean Maya Royale!

by Tom Legens on October 4, 2012

Most everyone fantasizes about a vacation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. I as well have viewed this as the ultimate family vacation. The hotels are great, the shows are fantastic and there’s virtually any type of food you could ask for and if you purchase the Fast Pass you don’t have to wait in line at designated rides. For those who plan a family vacation every year, I’m sure there are many who have gone to Disney multiple times. I have a close friend who is planning their fourth trip this coming year. I offered up the option of, instead, going on a tropical vacation to the Riviera Maya. My friends first reaction was that she couldn’t afford it. But to be fair, she asked me to get her the prices and let her know. I couldn’t believe what I found out.

Comparing land only for a family of 4, Disney’s Animal Kingdom with the Park Hopper Pass from June 1 to June 8, 2013 costs $5,290.28. The cost covers 7 nights at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and entrance to the parks. That does not include meals, shows, tax, fees, etc. Now, the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Palace in the Riviera Maya for the same family of 4, land only, is $2,884.00 and this gives you access to all the other hotels within the Barcelo complex. That means you are staying in the best hotel in that chain of properties but have access to the other 2 hotels. All the food you can eat, drinks, six ocean-view restaurants, day and night entertainment, a disco, four swimming pools, a children’s water-park with slides, eight tennis courts, mini-golf…the list goes on. ALL of this is included in the price. You can relax and enjoy yourself and so can your kids. From the look of the water-park you will probably want to jump in and play with them.

Call us today and we’ll help you re-define your ultimate Family Vacation you’ll want to take every summer.

by Emily Kupersmith on September 27, 2012

One of the most frequently asked questions when traveling to an all inclusive resort is “Do I have to tip the resort employees?”  The simple answer is this, you can if you’d like to but it isn’t a requirement.  Generally tipping your maids and servers will not change the level of service you receive from the resort.  As when traveling in the U.S. when you receive excellent service we like to thank our providers with a token of our appreciation.  This can be the same in an all inclusive resort.  Sometimes you will have the same waiter for breakfast, lunch and dinner and then see them back bright and early the next day with a smile on their face.  Sometimes just $1-$2 can make a difference in this persons day.  While tipping is not a requirement when traveling all inclusive it’s always nice to show your bartender, waiter or waitress, or maid how much you appreciate the small things they do, towel animals in the room, the bartender remembering your preferred drink, your waitress bringing the kids something special just to see the smile on their face. Tipping is always at your discretion and doesn’t have to break the bank if you chose to tip.  Just a couple dollars here and there can really help out these hard working resort employees.

by Dream Vacations on September 12, 2012

All inclusive is the best way to travel when Spring Break arrives! Why pay for each meal and drink when you can have it all included! Check out these great Spring Break resort specials and have all your meals, beverages and nonmotorized watersports included without ever having to take out your wallet.

Check out these great deals for a 7 nights stay March 23-30, 2013. Prices include taxes, are based upon adult double occupancy per room and include transfers to and from the destination airport.  Call today for prices including airfare from your city!

*prices valid as of Sept 11, 2012

Cancun, Mexico
Crown Paradise Club Cancun $805 per person
Riu Caribe $987 per person
Dreams Cancun $1232 per person
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Ocean Maya Royale $917 per person
Gran Bahia Principe Tulum $1050 per person
Grand Palladium Colonial $1120 per person
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Royal Decameron Complex $588 per person
Riu Jalisco $742 per person
Dreams Villamagna $1190 per person
Los Cabos, Mexico
Hola Grand Faro $707 per person
Riu Santa Fe $854 per person
Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas $1274 per person
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Ocean Blue $812 per person
Iberostar Dominicana $1022 per person
Majestic Elegance $1183 per person
Jamaica
Riu Negril $1232 per person
Grand Palladium Jamaica $1316 per person
Riu Ocho Rios $1281 per person