 On March 1, 2015 I learned I would become a mom, but my husband didn't know he would be a dad until two days later when I had a darker pink line to flash before his eyes. We waited to start a family for seven years (I am pretty sure potential grandparents had given up on us) but we knew parenthood was a responsibility and commitment we wanted to be more prepared for, and frankly, we had other things we wanted to do first as a couple. (Read: TRAVEL. Lots of TRAVEL.) Knowing we would soon be stashing our passports for many months (sad face) to care for our little lady (happy face), we started planning a babymoon for the second trimester. As a travel agent, our plans must always come together last-minute, and our indecisiveness was particularly awful for coordinating this trip - I was really hoping to do a cruise, and my husband was really hoping to stay at an all-inclusive. The plans worked out for three nights at Secrets Silversands and four nights at Secrets the Vine, so that is what we ultimately chose to do. (Next trip, a cruise.) We had always planned on having the sex of the baby be a surprise at birth, but after a few discussions during the week of our scheduled anatomy scan, we decided for many reasons that it was time to find out if it would be a he or a she. Because of my "old age" of 35, we could have found out at ten weeks, but held off for the element of surprise...ten weeks later we were whistling a different tune. Rather than finding out the news in the technician's office, we asked that she seal up the telltale photos in a card I had picked out for us to bring with us to open at Secrets Silversands, one of our favorite resorts.  The plan: the first morning of our trip we would eat breakfast and then take the card to the Barracuda Bar overlooking the beach and Caribbean Sea for the big reveal. With its cool breezes, great views, and comfortable seating options, it's one of our favorite spots to hang out on the property. "How could you wait so long after having the results on hand?!? We had already waited ten weeks. Weren't you tempted to open them as soon as you got them?!?" No, not even a little bit. Honestly. Plus, I was freaking out internally...I really wanted a girl. We got situated, took deep breaths, and opened the card together...
One of the most intense rushes of emotion I have ever experienced washed over me, and I immediately began sobbing upon reading the word "girl". Finding out the sex of our baby made this vacation even more special, and we spent a great deal of time in the coming days making a list of potential names. The entire vacation has been documented in our baby book to share with our daughter when she grows up, but I will never be able to put into adequate wording how thrilled I was to know I would be a mom to a daughter. Random thoughts... We waited until my 20th week of pregnancy to travel - even though my morning sickness had been rather tame, I knew I would not want to contend with nausea while on vacation. I felt pretty good for the duration of our trip, and really only had one evening of ick. I made sure to pack any medications I might need in my carry-on bag for easy access. I consulted my midwives before booking our vacation to be sure I was good to travel, and I would definitely recommend you do the same. I did my very best to stay hydrated and kept out of the sun as much as possible - even with hunkering down under umbrellas and diligently applying sunscreen, I came home with a nice tan. I packed various layers of comfortable clothes that accentuated my little bump and made me feel like a cute pregnant gal. Thanks to Beachbody Chalean Extreme workouts and water aerobics, I was able to rock a bikini as well, which felt pretty great too. I am so thankful that my husband and I were able to share this week together as our final vacation before the arrival of little Delaney. It was a wonderful time for fun and making memories, made all the more special because of the opening of that little envelope. If you're hoping to plan a babymoon, I would be honored to help you. Contact me so we can begin exploring your options, and be sure to visit my babymoon page on the site. 
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Reasons We Love Secrets Silversands Resort and SpaFood, glorious food... The meals at all of the restaurants on the property are beautiful to look at and fantastic to eat. I have enjoyed some of the greatest vegan meals of my life while staying at this resort, and the entire dining staff has been unbelievably kind and helpful when working with me to prepare my meals or answer my questions. Just say no...to annoying dinner reservations, pesky towel cards, and irritating wristbands. AmResorts have eliminated these hassles from their resorts, and Brian and I couldn't be more grateful. It truly makes vacation more relaxing. Summer breeze, makes me feel fine...and there always seems to be a perfect breeze blowing through this resort, making the air feel quite pleasant while we enjoy the sun or shade near the pools. Be warned though - it sometimes picks up to a brisk wind! Hold onto your dresses, ladies! One of our favorite spots at the resort is in the Barracuda Bar, located right on the beach - we enjoy drinking coffee and reading here after breakfast.  Barracuda Bar - we like the couches in the corner! Home sweet home...the suites and their bathrooms are large, clean, and comfortable. The air conditioning works wonderfully and creates a refreshingly cool room for guests. Swimming, swimming in the swimming pool...there are many pools to choose from on property, and each one has a completely different atmosphere/view. Several overlook the Caribbean, including the main pool where we spend most of our time. The new pool floats this summer were a great addition - they are like couches on the water. Sigh. Bigger isn't always better...I actually prefer small-to-medium sized resorts, and Silversands is just perfect. It feels spacious, but it is easy to get everywhere with a very short walk. Most restaurants and amenities are located in one central building, which adds to the ease factor. It's all about the staff...and this is the nicest staff I have encountered in Mexico thus far. Each person makes us feel at home, offering great service and lots of smiles. New and improved entertainment...it is no "secret" that I was less than enthusiastic about the entertainment offerings during our last stay at Silversands, but I am thrilled to report that the quality of the evening shows/acts has improved drastically. The stage shows were better produced with better performers, and the smaller live musical acts brought in to entertain were super talented.  the new outdoor bar/entertainment area Because of the consistency of the property, I continue to lovingly recommend Secrets Silversands to all of my clients seeking a fantastic all-inclusive experience sans children. The rates for this adults-only option also tend to be less than many others, which really makes this option a standout from many others. If you're interested in staying at Secrets Silversands Resort and Spa, or at any other all-inclusive resort, please contact me and let me help you plan a memorable vacation!  While I receive discounted travel because of my career, I am in no way compensated for my reviews. My thoughts and opinions are my own, and are unaffected by the vendors with which I associate.
Check-in: We were greeted at the entrance of the lobby with cool towels and champagne to enjoy while making arrangements for our room. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the lobby area quiet and peaceful. The lush ambiance warranted hushed, reverent tones and we just quietly took it all in while the staff clicked away on their keyboards preparing our reservation. Because it was so early in the day, our room wasn't quite ready; this proved to be advantageous, because otherwise I never would have experienced the wonder that is the "hospitality room" at the Grand. (Think: swankiest locker room in the western hemisphere.) The resort handled our bags while we prepared to situate ourselves by the main pool.
Property: Every aspect of the resort and its grounds exudes elegance and sophistication, but without any of the pretentiousness that you assume would accompany that feel. The design of the resort makes it easy to navigate with one main hallway leading to many of the rooms and restaurants and covered walkways to protect you from the elements while leading you elsewhere. The landscaping was pristine, but as you admire it, be on the lookout for a coati! Room: We stayed in room 7218, a ground floor king overlooking the quiet and lovely (and aptly named) Tranquility Pool, whose views could be enjoyed on our perfect little patio with extremely comfortable seating options. The room, decorated in oranges, golds, and browns, was extremely large with a sunken sitting area, spacious sleeping quarters, and a bathroom suitable for royalty. It is fair to say that even though the décor wasn't necessarily our taste, we were utterly blown away. Food: The Bella Vista breakfast buffet and the beachside lunch buffet both served delicious food that was also elegant in its presentation. The breakfast buffet highlight was probably the made-to-order juice station, but all of the traditional American and European breakfast staples were available. The lunch buffet featured combined buffet and menu service, and the options ranged from the more traditional (pizzas) to the exquisite (lobster tails). Dinner options included Venezia Italian, Haiku Japanese, Latelier Gourmet, Toni's Surf and Turf, and Bella Vista buffet. We chose to dine one night at Toni's and one night at Haiku. While the reservation system was also in effect here, we did not experience any of the scheduling issues that we did at the Lindo. All of our appetizers, salads, and entrees were delicious - please click here to read my vegan dining review. (Coming soon!)  view from the lunch buffet Entertainment: Activities around the pool area dominate during the day, while a variety of live music is offered at night. Guests can also visit the neighboring Iberostar properties for shows in the main theater. The band that played outdoors the second night of our stay was fantastic, and we also enjoyed having tea, coffee, or a drink in the lobby and enjoying the live music there. Fitness: In a word, incredible. While I continued my vacation-induced laziness, my husband actually set his alarm for 6:45am to visit the gym. I can't say I blame him - the facility was nice and cool with great equipment, housed a gorgeous indoor pool and jacuzzi, and featured a juice bar. Pools and Beaches: We divided our time equally between the beautiful pools and beautiful beach, which was always clean and free of seaweed. The chaise lounges were quite comfortable with heavy padding and beach drink service was prompt. We particularly enjoyed the cabanas tucked around the main pool because we could adjust the curtains for sun or shade; here we could also indulge in the popsicles and other frozen treats offered by staff members. The main pool was lively but not obnoxious; the entertainment staff presented guests with contests and activities throughout the day that we enjoyed participating in or just observing. The tranquility pool was very quiet (too quiet for us) so we did not spend our time there; however, it is a really beautiful area of the resort to relax. Pros: luxurious, incredible food, fantastic pools and beaches, strong Wi-Fi, great service Cons: only one - the lunch buffet was STIFLING, and I mean STIFLING hot. The servers were passing out cold washcloths to diners. The Iberostar Grand Paraiso Beach is a luxurious resort that I would recommend over and over for its service, accommodations, food, and amenities. It would be the perfect option for honeymooners or couples celebrating a special event like an anniversary or birthday. My husband and I will most definitely return for longer stay.  sunrise over the Caribbean Sea
Having never visited an Iberostar, I was excited to see what our stay would be like at this family-friendly, budget-conscious resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We were definitely ready for some fun in the sun, Mexico-style!  the main entry of the resort Check-in: Our first impression of the Lindo was a positive one - the entrance was pretty and the resort grounds appeared to be nicely maintained. The lobby featured an interesting decorating scheme (not quite sure how to describe) that we thought could use some updating. The staff was generally polite and helpful during the check-in process, but we were not overwhelmed by hospitality as we have been at other resorts. We were overwhelmed, however, by the amount of information presented to us during check-in: times we could eat, which restaurants are open when, how to get around the resort, etc. We left feeling completely confused and wanting to consult and study the map of the property so we had any idea of which direction to go. The staff attached the resort-issued wristbands to our arms (yuck) and we were on our way.
Property: The grounds of the complex are well-cared for with lush landscaping and a tropical feel, but be warned - this is a large property and getting your bearings and moving from place to place takes some effort. As a girl who normally strictly wears tennis shoes for exercise, I took to wearing them everywhere while staying at the Lindo...and I am fit and enjoy walking. Resort size (and no elevators) could present serious problems for guests with mobility issues. (This is why working with a travel agent is very helpful! We are great for this sort of thing!) Getting anywhere on the grounds felt like an event in itself. Acquaint yourself with a map and familiarize yourself with your room in location to dining, the pools, the beach, etc. All of the resorts in the complex share a common shopping, dining, and entertainment area near the front of the grounds that is really nice for sitting and relaxing, grabbing some tacos or an ice cream cone, sipping coffee, or listening to live music. Free wifi is available in this area as well (the only other free wi-fi is in the lobby). The room: The rooms at the Lindo are simple but clean and are decorated with a traditional Mexican theme in neutrals and purples. There was no wow factor, but we had everything we needed for our stay. Unfortunately, the bed and pillows were horrifically uncomfortable - it was one of the worst resort beds I have encountered and we did not sleep well for our two nights at the resort. The resort buildings have nice courtyards with fountains and foliage that add to the overall ambiance.
The food: Our dining experience at the resort is strictly limited to buffet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners because arranging restaurant reservations proved nearly impossible. Even though our first stop after checking in was with our concierge to make dinner reservations for our stay, we were told that no dining times were available at any restaurant for our first night at the resort. For our second night, we learned we could take advantage of one dining time at one specific restaurant. There was, quite literally, no flexibility with dinner...we found this incredibly frustrating and to be a glaring negative for the resort. I will admit that I am not a fan of all-inclusive resorts that require dinner reservations, and this further cemented that feeling. The buffet food at the main area was good, and we were fine with our options. We were not blown away by quality, but we were content with our meals. Iberostar is a European company, so lunch is not served until 1:00pm and dinner is also served later, which could be troublesome for the early-risers and families with young children. The buffet near the pool was quite terrible - it was extremely hot inside with the waitstaff sweating profusely and food that didn't seem to be maintained at proper temperatures. We had dined here upon first arriving at the resort (not knowing it wasn't the main buffet) and were really turned off. We did not set foot in that buffet again. Entertainment: The quality of entertainment at the Iberostar complex is where this resort really shines. It is a fun and playful resort with staff members who are enthusiastic about getting guests involved with various activities on the beach and in the pool area...and guests really seemed to be enjoying themselves. The evening shows were fantastic and well-produced with talented singers and dancers. If you can tolerate the "EZ Bake Oven" feel of the theater, enjoy! We were having a great time at the disco-themed show we saw, but the sweltering heat and biting bugs inside the theater drove us to our room early. As someone who is not always impressed by the quality of performances at all-inclusive resorts, I have to admit it was a great time. Health and fitness: The gym was rather small for such a large complex, and my husband said the equipment was dated. The air conditioning was not very powerful in the fitness center, which could make for a rather unpleasant workout. My husband used it during our stay, but I was scared off by the warmth of the room. As mentioned, the resort is huge and fine for jogging, as is the beach. The entertainment staff provides various fitness classes and activities for guests as well. Service: The service and overall attitude of the staff was spotty - some staff members were kind and helpful while others wore scowls and seemed unhappy in their jobs. Pools and beaches: The pool area is very large, but the water was always a lukewarm temperature and not very refreshing in the blazing heat of July. In addition to the more traditional pool area, the resort also has a sports pool, a small wave pool, and a lazy river - just make sure to pack your own tubes because they are extremely expensive to buy on site. Trying to find seating was one of the absolute worst aspects of our stay at Paraiso Lindo because the reservation of chairs with a towel or a flip flop ("not permitted") was rampant and staff did nothing to correct the problem. It was the worst I have seen at any all-inclusive resort, and we spent a great deal of time walking laps around the gigantic pool trying to find anywhere to sit and relax. We were accused twice of stealing clearly vacant chairs from other guests, which also added to our pool-going experience. It should also be noted that most chairs are in the shade. The towel system here is an exchange system of towel cards and towels, with hefty fees being imposed on guests if the borrowed towels are not properly returned. This resulted in many instances of towel theft before our very eyes - including guests who tried to steal towels from our clearly in-use chairs (we were in the pool right in front of them) so they wouldn't be charged. This entire system is awful and made us angry. Bar service is very slow at the pool, but I can't blame the staff completely for this one...they have a long way to walk from chairs to the bar. Also important to note - a walkway through the jungle is required to access the beach, and you cannot see the beach from the resort or pool areas. The whole pool/towel situation at this resort is truly, truly bad and really turned me off. Pros: activities staff, entertainment, traditional Mexican feel, free wifi in lobby and shopping center, clean, lively and fun atmosphere, great beach, lazy river, can use the Del Mar resort as well (we thought their pool area was nicer although we didn't use it) Cons: dinner reservations required but impossible to get, wristbands required throughout stay, towels and towel card exchange system, reserving pool chairs a HUGE problem, inconsistent service, awful beds and pillows We made the most of our stay, but as soon as we were offered the summer upgrade special to the adults-only Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso Beach, we immediately made reservations to move. The Paraiso Lindo is not a bad resort by any means, but the negatives we experienced are nearly impossible to overcome, particularly when compared to other resorts we have stayed at. Our two nights here felt like a great deal of work on our part: too much effort to get from place to place, too much effort to try to get a dinner, too much effort to enjoy ourselves at the pool, etc. This is not the all-inclusive experience I dream of during the cold Cleveland winters, nor is it the desire of most of our clients. With some minor changes, I feel this resort could be really great, particularly for families.
While I receive discounted travel because of my profession, in no way does it affect my reviews of the travel experiences I have. My opinions are my own.
Check-in: We arrived at the resort and were greeted with champagne and water to enjoy while we waited to complete the check-in process. The staff at the desk were extremely business-like, and there was a sense of stress and urgency behind the counter. Everyone was friendly enough, but I wasn't overwhelmed by a welcoming warmth. Following check-in, we were escorted to our building by golf cart. Property: I really love the grounds at Dreams Riviera Cancun because it is lush and tropical, nicely maintained by the landscapers, and the buildings dotted with plunge pools really contribute to a luxurious feel. (I have heard that this property was originally constructed to be a Secrets resort, but I am not certain of this claim's accuracy.) Many of the restaurants are located in the main building, with other offerings like CoCo Cafe and shops nearby. It is an easy resort to navigate and guests do not have to walk great distances to reach amenities.
 The resort views from the balcony were incredible.
Room: We were assigned to room 1235, a tropical view suite located in the building just to the left when exiting the main lobby area. We immediately loved the warm tones, colors, and woodwork that gave the room a nice tropical feel. The balcony, once the sun passed overhead, became our favorite spot to sit and enjoy the view while reading or relaxing. The bathrooms do not have a great deal of privacy, so this could be of concern when traveling with anyone other than a spouse or significant other - the tub is fully exposed and the shower and toilet areas are both enclosed with glass. We found the lighting in the bathroom area to be rather dim as well. Our mini-fridge had a nice stock of beverages. Food: We found the food at the resort to be good and were appreciative of the many options; however, we definitely noticed a difference in dining experience after staying at a Secrets resort for three nights, which is to be expected. The decor of the restaurants was more simplistic, the seating was less intimate, and the food presentation wasn't as artistic, but we still felt that the food was of decent to very good quality. While staying on the property, we dined at Portofino, Himitsu, and El Patio, with our meal at Himitsu being our least favorite of the three. I was very pleased with the breakfasts and lunches I enjoyed at the World Cafe buffet, and because so many of the stations were of the made-to-order variety, it allowed for a great deal of customization. We found many delicious items to enjoy, from sushi to personal pizzas to fajitas. The salad and fresh fruit bar were both wonderfully stocked. (A full plant-based/vegan dining review will be posted here.) Himitsu becomes an adults-only breakfast buffet in the morning, which is a really pleasant way to start your day if you are traveling sans children as we were. It was quiet and relaxed with an affable staff we looked forward to seeing each day. Various breakfast items were served, although guests can also help themselves from the larger buffet in the World Café.  The restaurants are primarily located in the main lobby building. Pictured here: Bordeaux (adults-only, French) and El Patio (Mexican). Entertainment: There were various activities available throughout the day with live music and assorted performances scheduled each evening. By our choosing, we did not participate in much while staying at the resort, and found the evening shows/options to be mediocre. One of the resort highlights not to be missed is bike ride/tour to the nearby little fishing town of Puerto Morelos - guests really enjoy this excursion, which is included with your stay. Pools and beaches: Numerous pools of varying depths are perfect for swimmers of all ages, so the resort really caters to families looking to log many hours poolside. The most shallow pool is a mere few inches deep and is home to two Ping-Pong tables; this is separated by foot bridge from a pool of approximately two-feet which is perfect for toddlers and seated adults. There is also an activity pool with basketball hoops and water aerobics classes, and an infinity pool that features a swim-up bar and a great view of the Caribbean sea. Jacuzzi tubs (two) are located away from the main swimming area, which could be both a positive and a negative - the location offers more solitude for sure but visiting the Jacuzzi is more of an activity in itself, not something you do while at the pool. Pool chairs are extremely close together - uncomfortably so - and it feels like you are right on top of other guests. Drink service at the pool is very spotty. The beach area was clean and generally free of seaweed (this is a constant battle in Mexico) and the beds on the beach were extremely comfortable and usually available. Service: We were not overly impressed with service as a whole at the resort due to a couple snafus we encountered. The first involved housekeeping failing to provide us with a properly made bed, or even adequate bedding; this resulted in a mattress half exposed (ew!) and a lengthy wait for someone to fix it late at night. The second was upon checking out and making arrangements with the bell staff to retrieve our luggage (we tried to bring it ourselves but we were told the resort would handle it) only to have help not show up in time for us to make our transfer to the airport. The pool drink service was very slow and we actually had a server take our order but never return. That being said, the staff in the restaurants was very friendly and attentive and we were quite pleased with our experiences there. Pros: nice family resort with a tropical feel, adults-only breakfast area and adults-only French restaurant, fantastic lobby for relaxing, large pool area, nice beach that is good for walking, great balcony on our suite, plunge pool suites Cons: restaurants are simple in design with tables close together, bathroom layout not ideal for some travelers and has dim lighting, chairs at pool extremely close together, pool/maid/bellhop service very spotty while we were there, bugs - we wore repellant religiously and still had lots of bites  Our last night in Mexico and a dinner at El Patio.
Check-In: We were greeted in the lobby with glasses of champagne and cool washcloths, excited to begin our vacation. Our suite, a partial ocean view overlooking the main pool and hotel grounds, was available, and we were ready to get settled and explore, Silversands is known for its great service, and our entire check-in process was relatively quick and full of friendly staff members.
 The property: The grounds are well-maintained, and the crew is constantly working to keep the landscaping in pristine condition. The eight pools scattered throughout the resort also really add to the relaxing feel and provide many options for quiet solitude or bustling activity. It is not a very large resort, and everything you really need is centrally located with most restaurants in the lobby area. The resort does not have an abundance of vegetation so bugs are not usually an issue here - but I would still recommend packing bug spray! The room: The suites at Silversands are among the largest in Riviera Maya and are decorated in a sleek, modern design with light neutral colors that give the resort an air of sophistication. The balcony is also extremely spacious with ample seating, but we did not use it because of the very high walls and lack of view when seated. The bathroom, like everything else, is large and features a walk-in shower, jacuzzi tub, and vanity area with double sinks. The door from the tub can be opened to the rest of the living and sleeping area. Housekeeping generally did not appear until later in the day, which wasn't ideal for us early risers, but they did a great job keeping everything tidy. (We are pretty clean on vacation, so our room is usually pretty simple!) The food: We found both the food quality and presentation to be fantastic, and the number of options in the buffet and restaurants was great - there really is something for everyone. The chefs worked with me to create vegan dishes, and I was blown away by some of the meals that were prepared for me. A good indicator of great food at a resort: if the vegan is eating really well, everyone else is eating well too! Check out my full vegan dining review here. World Cafe: Buffet breakfast and lunch were served here with many prepared dishes ready to eat, along with several made-to-order stations available as well. Each day at lunch a various cuisine was featured, but don't worry...more traditional foods are always available. Restaurants for dinner include: El Patio (Mexican), Bordeaux (French), Himitsu (Pan-Asian), Oceana (seafood), Portofino (Italian), Ratatouille (Mediterranean), and Seaside Grill (seafood). For our three dinners, we chose to eat at El Patio, Ratatouille, and Himitsu - all of our meals were delicious. Coco Cafe serves coffee and snacks. Sugar Reef serves sandwiches and snack items near the pool area. One of the greatest features of Secrets Silversands (and all AMResorts) is NO DINNER RESERVATIONS! If you have stayed at a resort that requires dining reservations, you can truly appreciate how awesome this is. We dined most evenings around seven o'clock and never had to wait for a table.  The entertainment: Entertainment is not a strong feature at Silversands, but that did not negatively affect our time there. Activities during the day were not as numerous as other resorts, but generally revolved around sports and fitness or food and drink. While we were there, the guests did not seem too into participating, although the mixology classes were always filled. Activities included: yoga, water aerobics, cooking demonstrations, drink mixing classes, movies under the stars, etc. The evening shows were just not good. Health and fitness: My husband and I keep a pretty active and healthy lifestyle, so we are those people who pack workout clothes and tennis shoes on our travels. The gym at Silversands is mediocre, and the smell and warmth of the room did not motivate me to use it while there. The property is not great for jogging (not many are) but the beach is an option. Water aerobics, Zumba, yoga, and dance classes were offered. Rather than exercise (although I did water aerobics one morning) I quickly became a slug in a beach chair with a book in her hand, alternating between pages and naps.  yoga on the caribbean The service: Excellent, usually! This is where Silversands really shines - I hear it constantly from clients, and we have experienced it for ourselves. The staff was very friendly, and we made a point to tip at the buffet, restaurants, and for the pool bar service. Tipping is not required, nor should your service vary if you choose not to, but we feel that for as hard as the staff works at the resort, we are happy to tip. The swimming pools and beach: The pools are numerous at the resort, and each one has a completely different feel; this is great depending on your mood and what sort of atmosphere you are looking for. Some are quiet, especially the ones tucked into the resort, and the main pool has music and entertainment...it's where all of the action is. The infinity pool features great views of the Caribbean, as does the large jacuzzi, and the ocean front swim out suites are a great option if you want the view and the pool. The beach is not a great selling feature of the resort, but it is good enough. The gazebo used for weddings and yoga is quite nice. Wi-Fi worked perfectly near the pool area, and I was able to enjoy streaming music on my iPhone. Again, a great little perk of the resort! Pros: Close to the airport, large and clean accommodations, fantastic food and service, nice-sized resort, great for groups/weddings, awesome pools, outstanding Wi-Fi, bugs generally a non-issue, usually prices well for an adults-only resort Cons: Not quite as romantic as other Secrets resorts if you're looking for a more romantic feel (it tends to draw groups as well as couples, while some Secrets resorts are mostly couples), beach isn't as great as other resorts, entertainment, fitness center  the pools are really lovely at night Verdict: We would definitely return! I have had many happy clients stay at Secrets Silversands, and everyone raves about it. Even with a couple of negatives, Brian and I would be very happy spending future vacations at with Secrets Silversands and its staff.
I am slowly working to add all of our travel experiences to the website, so to kick off the new and improved "my travels" page I will be posting information about past vacations my husband and I have shared together. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I really began maintaining a travel journal, so the post quality should improve as we progress in time.
 July 2008 CLE --> SJU our first adventure together One fantastic perk of working with a travel consultant is that we do a fair share of jet-setting and can share our experiences and recommendations with you. Many clients that come into our office are eager to know where we have been and what we do while we are away from the agency, and we are more than happy to share. Remember, we want you to have the greatest vacation possible, and our personal experiences play a huge part in where we are comfortable sending you! I often hear, "If you guys choose to go there on vacation, then we know it's a good place!" So true, travel friends, so true.
This page of the website will feature personal vacations I take with my husband and family, as well as business trips I take as an agent touring resorts, cruise lines, etc. I tell it like it is, folks. Consider yourselves warned! In addition to this page of the website, you can learn more about my travels here: - via Facebook, where I post photo albums of individual trips and destinations. (Make sure to like the page and stay updated on the latest in travel news, specials, and more!) - via Trip Advisor, where I post reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions we visit. You can also click on the button to the right to take you there. |
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