September 14, 2018

10 Best Beaches in Mexico

By Kellie Abate | Article, Blogs, Destinations, Vacations

EVERYONE LOVES DISCOVERING NEW BEACHES. There’s just something about stepping onto the sand, staring out at the grand ocean, feeling the breeze on your face, and sun on your skin that gives a sense of liberation. And because we eat, breath, and live beaches, we provided you with the 10 best beaches in Mexico that everyone needs to explore at least once in their lifetime.

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Cancun

This popular destination spot is located on the Yucatan Peninsula and has a reputation for bringing in “Spring breakers” and tourists because of the infinite shades of blue of the ocean, there is a wide variety of aquatic activities, like some of the best scuba diving, centuries of Mayan history, and a lively atmosphere! Cancun is 14 miles of dream-like, white sand beaches that overlooks the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and remains warm all year round, minus a few rainstorms.

Playa del Carmen

This growing coastal town along the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its palm tree-lined beaches, white sands, tranquil waters, and coral reefs. This is still a touristy area because it is located in the Riviera Maya, which is filled with all-inclusive resorts, but you still get to experience the unique culture of this chic town.

Tulum

This bohemian beach is the first beach outside of the tourist locations. You get to enjoy the bluest water and soft sands, but also get to experience peace and quiet because it’s about 90 minutes from Cancun, giving you that freedom to get away from chaos, while still being able to explore the lively atmosphere. You feel a sense of privacy and solitude on this little strip of paradise.

Maroma

This delicate secret in Mexico is settled on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, 30 minutes outside Cancun. Thankful, it is an unfamiliar spot, so it keeps all the “spring breakers” away. Wandering into the world of Maroma, you get to enjoy serenity, warm transparent waters, white sands, and rich tropical foliage.

Los Cabos

This little island known as “Land’s End” is situated between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo which is located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. You get a full contrast of the natural beauty of tranquil waters, fiery deserts, and exploratory mountains.

Sayulita

This island, along the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains, is the ultimate surfing spot in Mexico. Because of the strong pressure under the water, this is the only beach that produces big enough waves for surfers to get adventurous and for newcomers to take surfing lessons. This quiet little spot over the last 10 years has built up due to the high demand of wanting to take surf lessons while in Mexico.

Isla Mujeres

This beach is split into North (the tail end) and the Southern tip. The North end is where you will find white, sugary sand and tranquil waters, while the South end is more adventurous, rocky, and rugged. Because this island is totally out of the tourist zone, so it feels extremely relaxed, making it the ideal for anyone that needs to get away from the hassle of everyday life.

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Yelapa

This little beach town is totally off the radar because it is ONLY accessible by boat, so for anyone looking to enjoy a boat excursion, this is the spot for you. Because this little island is secluded from everything else, it makes it for another “sleepy” beach town because it is not top on everyone’s list due to the 30 minute transportation ride to get there. But, that’s okay with us because over the years, this beach has been kept spotless, making it dreamlike when you pull up in the boat.

Mismaloya

This little fishing town is mostly locals only! Which is nice if you want to escape the mayhem of touristy spots and overcrowded beaches. It is surrounded by Jungle-fringed coves keeping it a hidden gem. Mismaloya means “place where you can catch fish with your hands.” This great fishing spot means, the local restaurants along the beach, always have fresh fish available! So, if you like peace and fresh fish, then this is the spot for you.

Bucerias

This is another local spot in Mexico, known for its slower pace. It’s very quiet area, strictly for anyone that needs to relax and just be pampered. It is great for anyone that is strictly on vacation to lay on the beach, with not a care in the world, and no one bothering them, but if you’re looking a lively atmosphere than you have 9 other beach spots to check out!

Ready to visit one of these beaches? Connect with a Travel Specialist today!

September 12, 2018

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Which El Dorado Resort by Karisma You Should go to Base on Your Zodiac Sign?

By Guest | Article, Blogs, Food for thought

IF YOU’RE INTO ASTROLOGY and believe that zodiac signs actually hold valuable insight into a person’s character and personality, than this article will help you understand which El Dorado Resort by Karisma is perfect for you and why!

Element: Air

Signs: Aquarius (January 20^th to February 18^th), Gemini (May 21^st to June 20^th), Libra (September 23^rd to October 22^nd)

El Dorado Seaside Suites – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Those who are the Element of Air look at the world as a place that is filled with possibilities, much like Karisma’s Seaside Suites! Seaside Suites is divided into two distinct sections, the Infinity and the Palms. Aquarius’, Gemini’s and Libra’s like to be in control and having the option to choose between authentic Mexican architecture and modern luxury décor is right up their alley! The resort offers infinite opportunities for both adventure and relaxation, which is perfect for Air-born characteristics, as they have an eccentric personality but need time to recharge in order to restore their charismatic energy.

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Element: Water

Signs: Pisces (February 19^th to March 20^th), Cancer (June 21^st to July 22^nd), Scorpio (October 23^rd to November 21^st)

El Dorado Maroma – Riviera maya, Mexico

Those who are the Element of Water are super friendly, compassionate, and intuitive people. They are found to be highly emotional and sensitive beings, and they much rather prefer intimate atmospheres where they can easily connect with others. El Dorado Maroma is very intimate and serene, allowing those with the Water element to flourish in their empathetic and generous characteristics. In addition to being friendly, they also need a great deal of alone time for rest and to reflect on their spirituality. Maroma offers a luxurious and unique spa that combines today’s most innovative practices with ancient Mayan principles, which help both the body and mind. Being a Water sign, Pisces’, Cancer’s, and Scorpio’s love to be surrounded by water. Maroma Resort sits on the beautiful and famous Maroma Beach, which was actually named one of the top ten beaches in the world by Travel Channel!

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Element: Fire

Signs: Aries (March 21^st to april 19^th), Leo (July 23^rd to august 22^nd), Saggitarius (November 22^nd to December 21^st)

El Dorado Royale – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Aries’, Leo’s and Sagittarius’, being Fire signs, are extremely active beings. It is in their nature to exude youthfulness, energy and confidence, making El Dorado Royale the perfect Karisma Resort for Fire signs! El Dorado Royale offers exciting nightlife, lively entertainment, and activities from all across the board that are sure to keep these active and adventurous beings out, about, and having the times of their lives! With tequila tastings, scuba diving lessons, yoga classes, kayaking trips, listening to live bands perform and so, so much more, the last thing a Fire sign vacationing at Royale will feel is boredom or lackluster-anything.

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Element: Earth

Signs: Taurus (April 20^th to May 20^th), Virgo (Auguest 23^rd to September 22^nd), Capricorn (December 22^nd to January 29^th)

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows – Riviera Maya, MExico

Those with the Element of Earth appreciate the finer things in life and don’t mind working hard to achieve nothing but the best. The Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma by Karisma is, also, nothing but the best they have to offer. With innovative glass bottom floors, a private bungalow for two complete with a Jacuzzi tub, infinity pool, and private access to the turquoise water, these were designed for those with royalty running through their veins. Taurus’, Virgo’s and Capricorn’s enjoy materialistic goods and possessions, and they will absolutely love the fine dining experiences and top-of-the-line exuberant service provided at this intimate yet lavish resort. Because Earth signs are very responsible and disciplined, this resort offers a safe place for them to let their hair down a bit and just enjoy life!

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The amazing things about all of Karisma’s Resorts is that they offer something for every element and every sign!

Ready to plan your next sweet escape? We've got you covered!

September 5, 2018

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Karisma + Margaritaville

By Kellie Abate | Article, Blogs, Industry, Vacations

Where are our Jimmy Buffet fans at?

Well, good news for you! Karisma Hotels & Resorts partnered with Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville! They are in the process of developing a collection of all-inclusive Margaritaville Resorts. These family-friendly resorts will be built on gorgeous, beachfront destinations, scattered all over the Caribbean. The first location will be in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, following that will be Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Antigua. The combination of tropical-luxury architecture, gourmet inclusive foods, premium drinks, and a carefree lifestyle inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of the infamous, Jimmy Buffet, really inspires vacationers to just let go of any life’s stresses.

Doesn’t all you can eat, drink, and endless Jimmy Buffet memorabilia, sound amazing?

“Our partnership with Margaritaville, an esteemed brand filled with flavor, fun, and a likeminded desire to delight travelers with unforgettable vacation experiences, allows us to introduce a collection of new casual luxury resorts set in stunning tropical destinations,” said Mandy Chomat, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive representative of Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “Karisma’s expertise in delivering elevated all-inclusive concepts around the world makes this partnership a perfect fit. With Margaritaville, we look forward to delivering a taste of the good life very soon!”

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is a collection of award-winning all-inclusive, luxury resorts in Mexico, Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. They will have a total of 30 resorts by 2020. The types of resorts that they operate vary anywhere from family-friendly to adults only.

Margaritaville has seven resorts across the Southeast United States and Caribbean, four gaming locations, and more than 60 food and beverage chains, including their signature bar, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and LandShark Bar & Grill.

The combination of Karisma’s outstanding service, quality food and beverage, and facility for personalized experiences, with Margaritaville’s unique combination of entertainment and relaxation, signature food and beverages, and iconic tropical elements, makes this a fresh resort model.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts by Karisma

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

“We are excited to team up with Karisma Hotels & Resorts to create a resort product that will deliver carefree vacation experiences in some of the most beautiful places in the world,” said Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, chief marketing officer for Margaritaville. “Karisma, like Margaritaville, puts the guest experience and employee culture above all else. With these common values, and our shared commitment for first class service and exceptional amenities in a fun, relaxed environment, our partnership with Karisma is a match made in paradise.”

Mandy Chomat, along with everyone else involved in the planning, constructing, and the reveal of these Margaritaville resorts are excited for the turn out.

“This is going to be great for Millennials because Millennials are all about authentic experiences, but Margaritaville is going to attract Parrot Heads and there are Parrot Heads out there from Millennials to baby boomers,” Chomat expressed. “You would be surprised by the demographics and the ages that cater to Buffet’s songs and products.”

Every year, millions of travelers visit Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels & Resorts, to explore new latitudes and change their attitudes.

So, get ready because Margaritaville has begun construction and will be completed by 2019!

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August 24, 2018

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Let Your Taste Buds Take You to Paradise

By Kellie Abate | Article, Blogs, Food

DO YOU MISS THE FEELING of sitting on a tropical island, cold drink in your hand, sun on your skin, staring at the clearest blue waters? Do you need a break from your busy schedule to just be able to relax like you’re on a vacation? I think we all do. So, why not try and recreate those delicious frozen drinks that you got to enjoy while relaxing on vacation, to give you that moment of pure bliss?

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Here are 10 frozen drink recipes that you can indulge in at any tropical resort!

Pina Colada

pineapple, banana, coconut milk

Tropical

mango, banana, strawberries, pineapple, coconut milk

Orange Obsession

orange, mango, strawberries, orange juice

Island Breeze

peach, mango, banana, strawberries, guava juice

Passion Paradise

mango, strawberries, peaches, pineapples, guava juice, orange juice

Strawberry Refresher

strawberries, banana, pineapple juice

Berry Good

strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apple juice

Mello Mango

mango, peach, pineapple juice

Hawaiian Holiday

banana, pineapple, strawberries, orange juice, pineapple juice

Papaya Perfection

papaya, pineapple, coconut milk

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Whichever drink sounded the most delicious to you, just add a scoop of ice and blend these ingredients together for a cold, fruity, delicious smoothie break that will bring you back to paradise!

(TIP! If you really want to take the edge off, you can add of shot of whatever alcohol your taste palette desires! Like, coconut rum, tequila, or vodka.)

August 22, 2018

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5 Most Beautiful Caribbean Sunsets

By Kellie Abate | Article, Blogs, Destinations, Places, Vacations

ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR THINGS that nature presents to us every day is the last hour of sunlight. We can all appreciate that a sunset adds a moment of admiration and gratitude to our emotions. We are thankful for the beauty in this world that we get to witness on a daily.

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So for that, we put together a blog of the 5 most beautiful sunsets in the Caribbean, that everyone should take the time to experience at least once in their lifetime.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The weather is consistently gorgeous in the Dominican Republic, with year-round sunshine. Even though you can see amazing sunsets all around the island, the best spot is in Punta Cana. The sun sets every day around 7:15 PM, except for in December, during their winter solstice. The sun will set around 6:00 PM, the earliest. During these sunsets, everyone will experience orange and pink colors blending together, painting us a picture of the most brilliant sunset.

Negril, Jamaica

Jamaica gets to enjoy consistent 13 daylight hours a day. The vernal equinox is from March to June, where the sun will stay out longer and set around 7:15 PM the latest, but most of the year sets around 6:00 PM. Everyone gets to witness the sky transforming from soft shades of blue, into mixtures of purples, pinks, and oranges.

7-mile Beach, Grand Cayman Island

This beach was voted one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Interestingly, isn’t actually 7 miles, in fact it’s only five and half miles long. This crescent shaped shore is a stunning setting for their purple and orange sunsets. So unique, so mind blowing, and just all around an unforgettable moment. During their Winter Solstice, the sun sets around 6 PM, but during their Summer Solstice, the sun sets 2 hours later, around 8:00 PM.

Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos

This island is recognized for its crystal clear, tranquil blue waters, white sand beaches, and dreamlike sunsets. During their winter solstice, the sun sets around 5:00 PM, and during their summer solstice, sets 2 ½ hours later, around 7:30 PM. No sunset is the same. Some will illustrate colors of orange and purples, and some will display yellows and blue. It is a breathtaking location to experience a sunset.

Havana, Cuba

Not only is this island filled with tons of culture and a lively atmosphere but has also blessed us with some of the best, sky melting, sunsets. During the summer solstice, the sun stays out almost 3 hours later, then during the winter solstice. The sun normally sets around 5:30 PM, but during the summer, sets around 8:30 PM. The sky melts into shades of red and orange, reflecting over the city.

To visit one of these locations, connect with a Travel Specialist!

August 17, 2018

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Passion: The Real Meaning of All-Inclusive

By Miranda Talbert | Article, Blogs, Industry

The founders of Karisma’s El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels, Joe Martinez and Delores Lopez, believe that being a gourmet-inclusive resort means more than just providing the best guest experience possible.

Commitment to superior customer service and creating opportunities for growth have been at the heart of everything they have built from the founding of Lomas Travel in 1981, to the rise of El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels.

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I would challenge anyone to find a poor review of any of their resorts. The reason? Passion.

Sr. Martinez and Sra. Lopez’s passion and dedication to their employees, guests, partners, the environment, and the future can be described as nothing less than all-inclusive.

Take for example the 2009 swine flu pandemic. Hotel occupancy dropped to 9% and management told Sr. Martinez that he risked potentially losing $9 million if he didn’t cut costs and layoff a sizable portion of is staff.

His response? Not a single person was let go.

“When you have thousands of employees, you have a moral responsibility, a moral obligation, a duty to them,” he told Travel Weekly. “When times are good, they help you. When times are bad, they need you. So, we decided not to let anyone go. It’s about maintaining hope; That’s important.”

Additionally, Sr. Martinez and Sra. Lopez’s have received recognition for their commitment to the environment and preserving the beautiful coast of Mexico for future generations to enjoy.

Both Lomas Travel and El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels funded the construction of what will be the largest artificial reef in the world upon completion: Kan-Kanán. Its purpose is to reduce the impact of natural erosion and aid in the restoration and continuation of a marine ecosystem which includes thousands of species.

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You can taste their passion for the environment…Literally.

One of their resorts, El Dorado Royale, is home to the largest sustainable greenhouse in the Yucatan. It provides all of their resorts produce and herbs that are completely free of unnatural pesticides, which gives gourmet-inclusive a deeper meaning than just being delicious.

“Going green is not just a concept, or just a bunch of words… Going green is developing high quality products, free of chemicals, and free of pollution,” said Sr. Martinez.

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Additionally, El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels uses energy efficient lighting and air conditioning, solar panels, detergent-free laundry, and uses a water-filtration system which enables them to recycle 92% of their water for reuse.

The passion they have for the future goes beyond the planet, but also for educating and creating opportunities for Mexico and its children.

They have partnerships with local schools where children are brought to the El Dorado Royale Riviera Maya green house and are educated about the environment as well as various learning opportunities for its employees, such as English proficiency classes.

The passion that Sr. Martinez and Sra. Lopez have for excellence comes from being people-focused and a desire to make the future brighter.

With every turn they have focused on creating jobs for Mexico, supporting its culture, protecting the environment, and creating an atmosphere where travelers not only feel safe, but like family.

Creating a world-renowned brand like El Dorado Spa Resorts and Hotels by Karisma is something that is only achieved by having an all-inclusive passion; which is something Sr. Martinez and Sra. Dolores have weaved throughout the entire El Dorado experience.

Click here for more information on all of the El Dorado properties!

Ready to experience El Dorado? Connect with a Specialist!

August 16, 2018

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Be Environmentally Friendly On Vacation

By Kellie Abate | Article, Blogs, Food for thought, Tips & Tricks

WE ARE CREATURES OF HABIT, when it comes to our personal items or our homes, we maintain a consistent agenda to keep everything well maintained and spotless. We don’t want to live in filth, so for example, we keep dirty clothes organized in a hamper and wash them when the hamper gets filled up, we wash our dishes to be able to reuse them, take the garbage out, preserve a garden or lawn, recycle, and so much more. So, how come when it comes to vacationing, we lose sight of our sanitation and admiration?

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Don’t pause on being respectful and environmentally friendly because we desire to be pampered on vacation. We should treat mother Earth the same way we would handle our own homes because Earth is our home base! Respect the environment and mother Earth and the locals will be thankful.

Clean Your Trash!

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Just because a housekeeper comes into the hotel room to maintain all the rooms, doesn’t mean it is respectful to leave everything a complete disaster for her to clean or because there are landscapers, they will clean the trash off the land. Especially when it comes to trash! Use a garbage can. If you are walking through the halls of the resort or outside walking the paths to the beach, find a garbage can, don’t just throw your trash onto the ground and if the locals recycle, then you recycle as well. Keep the environment clean, so that it will maintain its beauty. Be respectful to the employees and the resort.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

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Bring a reusable water bottle with you when you travel. If it is empty, it will pass through TSA with no problem. But, by bringing your own bottle, you are saving plastic bottles from being used. Which is great because it requires fossil fuels polluting the air to break down plastic in the landfills. So, think green about plastic because you don’t want the beautiful environment, clean air, and breathtaking oceans to be polluted and ruined.

Think Local

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By supporting local business; like farmers markets, local restaurants, souvenir stands, and much more; you are supporting local agriculture which means that they don’t need to outsource to other countries for branded products. Plus, you are keeping the locals happy, supporting their culture, and learning about their history. It is a great way to show them that there are benefits to tourism.

Choose Green Activities

Earth-friendly activities are great for being environmentally friendly. Plus, they are also super fun. So, look into activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, and hiking. Not only do you get to try new activities, but this is another great way to learn about their culture and what the land has to offer. Most importantly! It will reduce your carbon footprint. (NOTE: A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouses gases produced to support your activities.)

Use Biodegradable Sunscreen

Save the coral reefs! Save the oceans! Every day we need to remember and appreciate our oceans because without them, we wouldn’t have beautiful beaches to explore all over the world and we wouldn’t have gorgeous marine life to discover. By wearing biodegradable sunscreen, you are protecting the oceans ecosystem.

Continue to think green and keep our environment alive!

August 15, 2018

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Minerals of Mexico

By Kellie Abate | Article, Blogs, Food for thought

SIXTY MINERALS HAVE BEEN CLAIMED IN MEXICO; which means that’s where they were first found and studied. Mexico has been mined dating back to pre-historic times and continues to produce substantial quantities of prized minerals. It is one of the top 3 countries for largest suppliers of collectable minerals; Brazil and the US included. The intrusive igneous rock formation, geological events, and semi-arid climate of Mexico have worked together to create this mineral paradise.

Amethyst is one of the most effective stones for healing, that’s why it received the name,” All-healer.” The energy is transformed into positivity and love. It is the healer of anxiety. It transmits neural signals through the head of calming and peaceful energy to soothe the mind, which then soothes the body. Amethyst was found in Vera Cruz and Guerrero, Mexico.

Fire Opal was born in the volcanoes of Mexico. It is when water meets the lava, hardening into a stone of vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. Fire Opal enhances creative energy, facilitates change, and guides progress. They protect against danger and empowers oneself to remove from a toxic situation.

Rosasite is a striking blue mineral, deeply calming and allows one to speak with clarity and with truth. It is useful for memory recall, support, strength, and sustainability. Rosasite is found in Durango, Mexico.

Golden Apatite enhances the vibration of mental clarity and strength of will. It brings a spiritual energy to the mind motivating faith and passion for life, and implanting a sense of self-worth and confidence. It gives balance to the mind and restores any emotional damage. This golden mineral was claimed in Durango, Mexico.

Grossular garnet empowers all things nurturing from Mother Earth, empowerments, hope, encourages gratitude, social growth, and service to the community. It is also the stone of appreciating abundance. Grossulars colors vary from sunrise to the greens of the earth and is found in Sierra de la Cruces and Coahuila, Mexico.

Topaz, the “crystal of potency,” radiates gentle soothing, healing, stimulating, and recharging powers. It empowers strength, inspiration, truth and forgiveness, and confidence. Increases faithfulness in love and friendships. It is all things needed to build a stable environment. Topaz was claimed in Tepetate, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas, Mexico.

Pyrite, often called “Fool’s Gold,” because of its shiny, gold exterior is actually the stone of hidden fire by striking it against metal or stone. Pyro means fire. This is the masculine stone of action, will, potential, stimulating idea flow, confidence, and persistence. It is also a shield against negative energy, emotional attacks, and physical harm. This talisman was found in Zacatecas, Mexico.

Silver is the mirror of emotions, the mind, love, and healing. It brings advantage, patience, and perseverance to the wearer. The metal is reflective, so it reflects any evil intent, like magical security, back to the sender. This energy is a magnificent conduit. There is a large abundance of silver all over Mexico, like Zacatecas is Mexico’s leading silver producing state, then Chihuahua, Durango, Sonora, Coahuila, and San Luis Potosi.

Danburite helps to “let your love light shine.” The love energy of this crystal brings serenity and peace to the heart. It relieves emotional pain and increases acceptance of self-love. Danburite will fill your life with love, happiness, and spiritual enlightenment. It is mined in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Wulfenite is the stone of creativity and transformation. It helps the hard worker to overcome pessimism, procrastination, and self-defeating attitudes. It encourages determination, clarity, and inspires creative thoughts and ideas. This crystal is found Durango, Mexico.

Those are just 10 stones listed out of the 60 mined in Mexico. Some other stones are opal, rhodochrosite, legrandite, creedite, adamite, acanthite, pyrargyrite, boleite, polybasite, stephanite, floural, pyrrhotite, galena, smithsonite, goethite, calcite, hematite, hemimorphite, paradamite, mimetite, anhydrite, cumengite, stibiconite, agate, gypsum, cassiterite, scorodite, arsenopyrite, barite, and many, many more!

When you go to visit the Karisma Resorts in Mexico, the Vassa Spa at the Azul Resorts and Naay Spa at the El Dorado Resorts, are filled with healing crystals. They are placed in dishes, water fountains, scattered all over, if you keep your eyes open. Close your eyes, place your hand in the dish, and let the crystals energy pick you. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals about the minerals and their properties. They might be able to help you locate where you can mine your own crystals too!

August 9, 2018

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How to Survive Traveling with Toddlers

By Kellie Abate | Article, Blogs, Tips & Tricks

WORKING IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, it is our duty to make sure all aspects of travel are covered, from planning the perfect romantic getaway to packing hacks to traveling with children… We cover it all.

Traveling with children is not my forte because I personally don’t have any, so I took the time to interview my closest friend, Kelly, who is a wife, mother of 3 toddlers, and 2 dogs.

The Dodaro family is constantly going on road trips from their hometown in New Jersey to Nags Head, NC, Hershey Park, PA, Chatham, NY, Pittsburg, PA, Washington DC, and Sykesville, MD.

I asked her, “how do you survive vacationing with 3 kids, who are 5, 3, and 11 months?”

Kelly’s response, “Keep them entertained.”

Below are Kelly’s 5 tips on how to survive traveling with toddlers!

Tip #1: Pack LOTS of snacks! Nobody wants to hear “I’m hungryyyyyy” or “I’m thirstyyyyy” for hours. Hungry turns into hangry (hungry angry) and there’s nothing worse than 3 hangry little kids screaming and crying in the car or on a plane.

Tip #2: If you are into electronics, which these days it’s hard not to be, make sure the iPads are fully charged. Throw on a movie, give the kids some snacks, and you are guaranteed at least an hour and a half of semi-peace and quiet. If a movie isn’t cutting it, download some free kid-friendly games that will keep them entertained. This will make them happy and more importantly will keep them from bugging you every 5 minutes.

Tip #3: If you want to work your child’s brain activity, play some verbal games that keep them thinking.

For example play the “I’m going on a picnic..” alphabet game. Each person takes a turn picking out an item they are going to bring on the picnic using each letter of the alphabet. (i.e. I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing an apple. The next person would say I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing an apple and a banana.) The key is to remember each item that was said and recite them all back when it’s your turn.
Another game to play is “I’m thinking of an animal.” One person thinks of an animal and gives clues about them. The players can ask yes or no questions and guess until they come up with the correct animal. It’s a lot of fun and makes children think and learn new things without even realizing it.

Tip #4: Coloring books and crayons/colored pencils/markers are always a simple solution to keep kids entertained.

Tip #5: What child doesn’t like a dance party? Make a playlist of your child’s favorite songs, crank up the volume, and dance the long car ride away of if you are on a plane, give them headphones and let them entertain themselves. They have fun, you have fun, and honestly, it’s funny watching your little kids create their own dances.

“These things work for my family. Hopefully they can help some other families as well. Good luck with your children and safe travels!” – Kelly Dodaro

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August 8, 2018

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Pinching Pennies to Poolside in Paradise

By Kellie Abate | Article, Blogs, Business

There are so many cliché mottos based on living your life, such as,

YOLO (you only live one)

live your life to the fullest

live your best life

live, laugh, love

and probably so many more!

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The reality is that it’s easy to say these mottos, but ask yourself the question, are you really living your best life, or living life to the fullest?

I’ll let you think about that one.

For me, as an example, I can honestly say I wasn’t living my dream life. I was working long hours in the restaurant industry as a waitress for almost 10 years, working my butt off to just skimp by with tips. I didn’t know if my bills were going to be paid on time and the amount of money I made at the end of a 4-hour shift or 10-hour shift changed on a daily basis. It was inconsistent and just all around rough.

What kind of life is that?

That’s not living your best life. That’s living a life of stress, fear, disappointment, and struggle.

I am 26 years old with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English. Call me a millennial, but I am just trying to live my life and be happy.

I knew that after finishing college, I probably wasn’t going to have my dream job right away. But, if I had known that I was going to spend the next 10 years of my life, waitressing, I wouldn’t have buried my head in student loans. And if I had known that after 10 years of waitressing, I still wouldn’t have a job that I wanted to turn into a career, I wouldn’t have left living with my parents and emptied my bank account just trying to pay for rent.

Wu Tang Clan said it best, “cash rules everything around me.”

This day and age, so many of us are living a life, pay check to pay check, just trying to get by and survive. You can’t get a job because you don’t have any experience on your resume, but you can’t get any experience because you can’t get a job! It’s heartbreaking that we spend more days as slaves, rather than spending our life creating new memories, going on adventures, or growing in a spiritual way that spreads positivity.

We are fighters. We are warriors. We are survivors.

If you are tired of living a life of struggle, rather than a life of memories and adventure…

I have a solution for you.

A solution that will enable you to live your best life, travel while working based on your own time schedule, free from financial struggles, and joining a community of people who have the same beliefs and desires as you.

My solution, work with Luxevo Vacations.

All it took was someone to give me a chance, someone to see what I was capable of doing in my career field, and for someone to say you’re hired, for me to break through my dark cloud of misery and to experience the light of hope.

I am now the Lead Copywriter and WordPress administrator for our LXVN Magazine, and social media assistant. I have been working with Luxēvo Vacations for only 6 months and I have been on more adventures with this group of people, than ever in my lifetime, and they just keep on coming.

Luxevo Vacations gave me that chance to live my life and they will do the same for you.

We are just a group of ordinary people who understand that life can be a struggle, but it doesn’t have to be. We all came from different backgrounds; customer service, construction, fresh out of college or high school, or no education at all, so we get it.

Life gets busy, bills have to be paid, family has grown up and moved around the world leaving you with no time to see them, you’re so busy you don’t have any time to take a vacation or even just a personal day, but not here.

At Luxevo Vacations, they give you the freedom to travel, to work anywhere in the world, on your own time schedule. Their trainings help you learn about ins and outs of the travel industry, selling travel, and becoming a top Travel Specialist. This is the kind of career opportunity that can take you from struggling, to being completely debt free.

So, now let me ask you this…

Are you ready to change your life?

Are you ready to live your best life, be free to travel, work on your own time schedule, become free from debt, and join the Luxevo Vacations movement?

We want to change the way people work. We want people to completely live their best life to the fullest, traveling the world, creating memories, and to just be happy. It is time to stop merely saying those cliché mottos; its time to live them.

You may be thinking, “that all sounds great, but I want to know more”. If you are ready to embark on this new life adventure but just need a little more information…

Sign up for Luxevo Vacations Founder, Burt Kramer’s FREE live webinar today!

In his webinar, Burt shares his “Three Secret’s for Success Selling Travel”, as well as his vision for creating an opportunity for people looking to live a more fulfilled life by working in the travel industry.

“I have spent over 15 years in the travel industry working with thousands of travel agents perfecting a proven process that’s allowing ordinary people to break into travel and become successful and fulfilled,” Burt said.

Seizing the opportunity to work with Luxevo Vacations was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Blogs

Cancun

Playa del Carmen

Tulum

Maroma

Los Cabos

Sayulita

Isla Mujeres

Yelapa

Mismaloya

Bucerias

Ready to visit one of these beaches? Connect with a Travel Specialist today!

Element: Air

Signs: Aquarius (January 20th to February 18th), Gemini (May 21st to June 20th), Libra (September 23rd to October 22nd)

El Dorado Seaside Suites – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Element: Water

Signs: Pisces (February 19th to March 20th), Cancer (June 21st to July 22nd), Scorpio (October 23rd to November 21st)

El Dorado Maroma – Riviera maya, Mexico

Element: Fire

Signs: Aries (March 21st to april 19th), Leo (July 23rd to august 22nd), Saggitarius (November 22nd to December 21st)

El Dorado Royale – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Element: Earth

Signs: Taurus (April 20th to May 20th), Virgo (Auguest 23rd to September 22nd), Capricorn (December 22nd to January 29th)

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows – Riviera Maya, MExico

The amazing things about all of Karisma’s Resorts is that they offer something for every element and every sign!

Ready to plan your next sweet escape? We've got you covered!

Where are our Jimmy Buffet fans at?

Doesn’t all you can eat, drink, and endless Jimmy Buffet memorabilia, sound amazing?

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts by Karisma

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

So, get ready because Margaritaville has begun construction and will be completed by 2019!

Here are 10 frozen drink recipes that you can indulge in at any tropical resort!

Pina Colada

pineapple, banana, coconut milk

Tropical

mango, banana, strawberries, pineapple, coconut milk

Orange Obsession

orange, mango, strawberries, orange juice

Island Breeze

peach, mango, banana, strawberries, guava juice

Passion Paradise

mango, strawberries, peaches, pineapples, guava juice, orange juice

Strawberry Refresher

strawberries, banana, pineapple juice

Berry Good

strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apple juice

Mello Mango

mango, peach, pineapple juice

Hawaiian Holiday

banana, pineapple, strawberries, orange juice, pineapple juice

Papaya Perfection

papaya, pineapple, coconut milk

Whichever drink sounded the most delicious to you, just add a scoop of ice and blend these ingredients together for a cold, fruity, delicious smoothie break that will bring you back to paradise!

(TIP! If you really want to take the edge off, you can add of shot of whatever alcohol your taste palette desires! Like, coconut rum, tequila, or vodka.)

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Negril, Jamaica

7-mile Beach, Grand Cayman Island

Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos

Havana, Cuba

To visit one of these locations, connect with a Travel Specialist!

Click here for more information on all of the El Dorado properties!

Ready to experience El Dorado? Connect with a Specialist!

Clean Your Trash!

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

Think Local

Choose Green Activities

Use Biodegradable Sunscreen

Continue to think green and keep our environment alive!

Below are Kelly’s 5 tips on how to survive traveling with toddlers!

YOLO (you only live one)

live your life to the fullest

live your best life

live, laugh, love

and probably so many more!

I’ll let you think about that one.

What kind of life is that?

We are fighters. We are warriors. We are survivors.

I have a solution for you.

My solution, work with Luxevo Vacations.

Luxevo Vacations gave me that chance to live my life and they will do the same for you.

Signs: Aquarius (January 20^th to February 18^th), Gemini (May 21^st to June 20^th), Libra (September 23^rd to October 22^nd)

Signs: Pisces (February 19^th to March 20^th), Cancer (June 21^st to July 22^nd), Scorpio (October 23^rd to November 21^st)

Signs: Aries (March 21^st to april 19^th), Leo (July 23^rd to august 22^nd), Saggitarius (November 22^nd to December 21^st)

Signs: Taurus (April 20^th to May 20^th), Virgo (Auguest 23^rd to September 22^nd), Capricorn (December 22^nd to January 29^th)