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Hey guys! Luxevo Vacation’s Youtube is Live and active. We are going to be posting reviews from some of paradise’s most sought after destinations so you can know before you go.
Most of us book vacations months in advance, and still manage to be packing the night before. In the frenzy of last minute packing, we can often forget some of (in my opinion) the most essential items. Here is my list of essentials and miscellaneous things that will make your trip a breeze.
1. A Sweatshirt
Pack something warm! You’re going on the tropical vacation of your dreams, but you’ll regret not having your sweater on that long frigid airplane ride. Best to be over prepared than freezing cold. (I think that’s the saying.)
2. Lip Balm
Airplane’s and the sun tend to suck out all the moisture from your lips.
Don’t forget your favorite chapstick, lip balm, or gloss.
Here are some of my favorites:
Mario Badescu Lip Balm
No matter how you pronounce it, this stuff is all natural and ultra hydrating for long flights, and long days on the beach.
2. Vaseline
Yup….literally just vaseline. Not much to say about this, but petroleum jelly does the job. These come in little mini sizes that are perfect for tucking away in your purse that’s already stuffed with passports, tickets, and knick knacks that didn’t fit in the carry on.
3. Aquafor
This stuff is no joke! Aquafor is like a forcefield for your lips: no moisture is getting out!
3. Plugs on Plugs on Plugs
You don’t want to be stranded without your electronics, especially on that trek to paradise. Don’t forget to bring your chargers, blocks, chords, and adapters. Before you go, check and see whether or not you’ll need an outlet adapter in the country you are visiting or else you might catch your ipad on fire.
4. Sunglasses
This may seem like an obvious one, but you don’t want to be caught without your favorite pair of shades.
If you don’t come from a super sunny place, this may seem like an understated suggestion, but paradise gets bright baby! And you want to keep your eyes protected. Look for sunnies that have UV protection as well.
5. Wipes
Being shoved in a metal box with a hundred strangers can leave you feeling musty. I always take my favorite makeup wipes, or handy wipes with my when traveling. This will allow you to wipe your face and hands and feel a little more refreshed when you get off the plane.
6. A Change of Clothes
Going off of number 5, a fresh shirt always helps when you don’t want to waste time getting vacation started. A wardrobe change in the airport will make you feel good as you (or good enough) to go straight to dinner or cocktail hour.
7. A Book
A book is always on airplane mode! Bring that book you’ve been saying you’d get to; it’ll make time fly (pun intended) on your long flight and also makes the perfect beach pass time.
8. A Neck Pillow
A crink in your neck can ruin your whole day. A neck pillow seems to be the thing I always forget until I’m at the airport and see them at the overpriced convenience store.
ALL OF US HERE AT LUXEVO VACATIONS have two very important things in common: we all KNOW and LOVE travel. I guess you could say it’s part of our job requirements. We’ve been trained in luxury travel, so we understand all of the very different aspects of each resort to fit your needs.
For instance, we know that not everyone has the same idea of their “dream vacation.” Maybe one person wants to spend all day relaxing on the beach, while the other wants attend every tour or yoga class on the schedule, or spend the whole day at the bar. We are all created differently, everyone is diverse and has dissimilar hobbies. But, at El Dorado Spa Resorts by Karisma, there is literally something for everyone! Experience El Dorado Royale, Casitas Royale, Seaside Suites, Maroma, and the Palafitos. These resorts can satisfy all of your different personalities!
1. Fun in the Warm, Mexican Sun!
Whether you prefer natural or man-made bodies of water, El Dorado Resorts has you covered! There are numerous pools hosting swim-up bars or if you prefer to be surrounded by the white sand and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, these resorts are all located with beach front views. The pools and beaches are both home to butlers, cabanas, lounge chairs, and your own paradisiacal oasis. Whether you like to lay out and work on that impressive tan, flip through magazines, read a book, sip on tropical cocktails or local beer, or maybe just relish in the fact that there are no screaming, crying kids to be heard or seen anywhere… These adult only resorts are perfect for you!
2. Kayaking, and Horseback Riding, and Scuba Diving, Oh My!
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have the young-at-heart-no-matter-what-age-adrenaline-junkies who can’t sit still! No worries, friends. These resorts offer over twenty different adventure-filled activities to choose from! If you enjoy being in the Caribbean Sea, seek out kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, take a ride on catamaran, parasailing, riding wave runners, water volleyball, or you can even interact with dolphins or watch sea turtles hatch on the beach! If you’re interested in adventures that keep you on land, check out horseback riding, ride exotic camels on the beach, go on a bike tour throughout the resort grounds, or take an off-grid excursion!
3. Relax, Refresh, and Replenish!
If you’re a person who works hard day in and day out and believes that vacation should be filled with nothing but relaxation and rejuvenation, El Dorado Resorts is also the place for you. How, you ask? Two words: Náay Spa. Combining ancient Mayan principles of the four sacred elements; Fire, Earth, Water and Wind, with new, innovative technology to create balance in rest and renewal. This spa will work wonders to help you find your inner peace. Services include reflexology, hydrotherapy, body treatments, facials, herbal therapy, and a variety of different massages.
4. The Place Where Socialization and Entertainment Meet!
If you’re a “Chatty Cathy” or a “social butterfly”, you probably aren’t the biggest fan of kicking back and just relaxing. You like to get up, get out, and move! Yes, Karisma even has activities perfect for you! These resorts offer an aqua gym, archery, rifle shooting, CrossFit, dance lessons, yoga classes, a cigar-rolling lesson, a greenhouse tour, Spanish lessons, cooking classes, a spinning class, Zumba classes, a tennis clinic, and even a towel decorating class! Not only that, but scattered throughout the resort they have five-star bars and restaurants and the kind of live entertainment meant to make you smile and get you up and dancing!
Being a “Gourmet-Inclusive” resort, you better believe that Karisma has curated delicious cuisine from all around the world, made for the people who love food more than they love most people. Featuring some of the best jaw-dropping, mouth-watering eateries, there is literally something for everyone. Don’t believe me? Well, let’s see. These restaurants are home to cuisine from all around the world, including delicious Caribbean, gourmet American, authentic Mexican, a-la-carte International, contemporary Italian, and innovative Pacific Rim cuisine! If you’re looking to be wined, dined, and thoroughly entertained, at El Dorado Resorts, you will indulge in these out-of-this-world creations!
I know, I know. This all sounds too good to be true. That’s what I thought at first, too. But trust me, El Dorado Spa Resorts really is this good! When I say they have something for everyone, it isn’t just a blanket statement. It’s a fact. Luxury, adventure, relaxation, entertainment, and gourmet cuisine… What more could you want?
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
I think we can all agree that every once in a while, a moment in life happens, that makes us say “I need a vacation.” Usually it happens at home, in the work place, on a car ride, or you just hear someone say something that literally blows your mind. It’s okay. We have all been there and if you haven’t… you’re lying.
To prove my point that we have all had moments like this; I searched on twitter, the hashtag #INeedAVacation, and constructed this blog of relatable “I need a vacation” moments, so that we can all laugh about the struggles of adulthood.
So, on a scale of 1-10, how much of an emotional mess are you if you're sitting alone crying in the food court? #ineedavacation
I wish I was drunk on a beach in Mexico, being fed tacos and margaritas by Antonio, the sexy cabana boy, who's only English consists of "You very beautiful, seniorita." and "Another margarita, princesa?" #agirlcandream#isthattoomuchtoaskfor#feedmetacos#ineedavacation
I used the office phone to make a call. Heard my cell phone starting ringing and silenced it. Took me until my own voice mail came on to realize I just called myself. #ImTired#INeedAVacation
Dear universe, Please turn my kid back into a sweetheart and take back this frustrating, disobedient little sassy pants you left in my home. I’m going insane over here! #momlife#momproblems#INeedAVacation
ONE OF THE BIGGEST STATISTICS that will make you say “What!”, is the fact that 54% of America don’t take vacation time!
I know! I thought the same exact thing when I read that.
Not only is vacationing amazing because you get to spend X amount of days on an island, relaxing, while you have servers pamper you all day long, and get to walk around in a bathing suit without being judged… There are also some serious benefits that will improve your quality of life.
Positive Health
Life is rough. You wake up, go to work all day, take care of your kids (or furbabies), clean and feed whoever is in your household, go to sleep, wake up, REPEAT. There’s no time in there for you to take care of yourself. While you are on vacation, you get to sleep more, eat more, soak in some Vitamin C, and give your body and mind a break. According to science, you can increase your health by 20% by taking one vacation.
Stress-relief
Whether it’s the pressure at work, from your family, or just having a super busy schedule; taking a vacation gets you away from all the chaos in your life. It will dramatically reduce stress, anxiety, and mental and physical burnouts that you are feeling.
Productivity, Creativity, & Inspiration
Just like a battery, if we are over worked without a break, our batteries run low on juice. If our battery is low, we lose our creativity, our patience, are less helpful and hardworking, and make poor decisions. That’s why a few days on a vacation is beneficial, so that you have time to recharge your batteries, refuel and refresh yourself, and return energized.
Self-time
When your life consists of focusing on everything else around you, but yourself, you are reducing your quality of life. Taking a vacation will give you the opportunity to reflect on yourself and the changes you can make to improve your lifestyle to make it better, make you realize the care you need to give to yourself, and a sense of peace. Experiencing an island escape will be good for your mind, your body, and most importantly, yourself.
Happiness
Science says taking a vacation improves your happiness, so don’t you want to be happy? Then take a vacation!
EVERYONE, FROM GENERATION Z TO BABY BOOMERS, seems to be obsessed with their electronic devices. Whether it is their iPhone, tablet, gaming console, etc., it seems like we are always plugged into our devices more than we are plugged into the actual world around us. That’s why, when we’re on vacation, we need to put the electronics down and try to forget about their existence. Put the devices down slowly, walk away, and actually enjoy the beautiful world that surrounds you!
How often do you go out to dinner, look around, and see a family of five with their noses in their phones instead of actually engaging in conversation? How many times have you been that family?
How often have you gone into a mandatory work meeting, and instead of conversing with your co-workers and asking about their new puppy or their kids, you’re scrolling through social media and praying that nobody tries to talk to you?
How often are you at a party and nod your head at the person who is trying to engage in conversation with you, wishing they would just go away because you want to get back to examining your Instagram homepage?
How often have you tripped over the sidewalk or run into a glass door because your eyes were fixated on your phone instead of on your surroundings (I’m totally not saying this happens to me on a regular basis)?
If you said no to all of these, you’re probably lying.
I could go on and on, but my point is, how often are we “too busy”, wrapped up in the online world, instead of paying attention to the very real, very exciting one right in front of us?
Way. Too. Often.
So, when you’re on vacation, put the phone down and look up. Look around. Take in your surroundings. Enjoy the cultures, the sceneries, the smells, and the activities you’re participating in. The entire point of vacation is to break away from the mundane of your everyday life. But, if you’re still constantly on your device, the only thing that’s different is the ground you’re walking on!
Believe me, I’m not against technology. I love Instagram and iMessage; it helps me stay in contact with all of my favorite people! But, vacations are meant for us to disconnect from the outside world, to relax, and to reflect on who we are and what we want out of life. Being so connected to our devices means that we’re really only halfway experiencing everything. We’re documenting this activity on Snapchat and posting this picture to Instagram and checking how many likes you got at this “check-in” on Facebook. In doing all of that, we aren’t actually enjoying these experiences… we’re actually just documenting them for everyone to think we are having the time of our life, but in reality, we are just drowning in our phones.
It’s so important to live in the moment—to be present in our own lives. We tend to think that our online presence makes or breaks us. The number of followers we have on Instagram or the number of friends we have on Facebook is somehow equivalent to our self-worth. But isn’t that silly? You aren’t measured by how many likes you get on your latest photo or how many comments you receive on your newest status update.
Carpe diem, guys! Live in the present and enjoy every second of this beautiful thing we get to experience called life.
When traveling, there is always the infamous question, “will that pass-through TSA?”
TSA, alone, is a very nerve racking, nail biting experience; even when you are a harmless traveler. Whether you love TSA or not, they are just here to assist you and keep you safe.
They want to make sure that you comprehend safe and smart packing for a laidback traveling experience and to help with that, that they created an Instagram page, @TSA, with post relating to what can go through TSA and what can’t. The best part about these post is they insert a lot of humor into their responces, (which is surprising because they don’t look like a group of comedians when they are sorting through your bag…)
An even better helpful tool, if you post a picture, with a question, and tag @AskTSA; they will respond to you with an honest, but humerous answer to your question.
Because we are travelers, and spend a lot of time with TSA; we just wanted to share with you some of our favorite TSA posts!
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