Royalton Helps Travelers Stay Fit on Vacation
Royalton Luxury Resorts has expanded its All-In Luxury program to include fitness and wellness.
After finding that more and more guests placed an emphasis on health and wellness while on vacation, the resort company decided to enhance its all-inclusive experience to include a wide variety of classes taught by professional and certified instructors.
The new Royalton Fit program offers more than 500 fitness classes with nearly 120 each week at each of Royalton’s resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Saint Lucia.
Fitness classes are offered at every level and include popular fitness trends such as Aqua Fit, Cross Fit, TRX, cycling, yoga, Zumba and more. Guests can also take advantage of their resort setting, partaking in beach boot camps and sunrise yoga.
Royalton Fit was developed by George and Belinda Kiriakou, the resort company’s award-winning team of fitness and health experts.
George Kiriakou has more than 25 years of experience as a bodybuilder, a professional wrestler, a professional fighter, a fitness instructor and a fitness entrepreneur and now leads the sports and fitness program at Royalton Resorts.
Belinda Kiriakou is a fitness cover model and a weight loss and lifestyle coach as well as Canada’s Champion IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete. She focuses on strength training movements and yogic flows to complement higher intensity workouts that provide quicker recovery and effective muscle building.
Their most recent offering is the Boga Fit Mat classes at Royalton Riviera Cancun. The class was launched by the Kiriakous and uses a mat that floats on water, adding difficulty to yoga, Pilates and kickboxing.
Royalton’s fitness program will extend beyond the gym to its culinary offerings. The resorts are also introducing vegan options to all of its menus and dedicating a section of the buffet, Gourmet Marche, to include vegan items, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options. Learn More about Royalton Resorts.
Breathless Resorts & Spas
Enjoy savings up to 40%, plus receive up to $200 in resort coupons
Unlimited-Luxury® awaits at Breathless Resorts & Spas: the ideal adult-only escapes in spectacular beachfront settings, for sophisticated and social singles, couples, and friends. Breathless offers the best of everything—from delectable gourmet cuisine at specialty themed restaurants, to curated cocktails at chic lounges, to excellent pool and beach wait service, 24-hour room service, and more! Live big with endless entertainment, and breathe deep with a treatment at the world-class spa or a euphoric yoga class on the pier. Experience the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation, only at Breathless Resorts & Spas.
Book now through 7/16/2018 for travel through 12/22/2018. Enjoy savings of up to 40%, and receive up to $200 USD in resort coupons for spa treatments, private dinners, and more! Call 1-888-963-8986 for more details. Learn more about Breathless Resorts…..
Barefoot Elegance: How Couples Stands Out in Jamaica
Despite the emergence of an array of new brands and products among all-inclusive resort properties, Couples Resorts stands out among the pack as the only brand whose very name is synonymous with the clientele it accommodates: couples seeking romantic getaways where they can create memories that will linger far beyond the vacation’s end.
In all, the brand has four Jamaican properties: two in Negril (Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away) and two in Ocho Rios (Couples Tower Isles and Couples Sans Souci). Guests enjoy 24-hour gourmet dining and unlimited premium-brand spirits and complimentary Wi-Fi, plus special activities including a sunset catamaran cruise excursion, water skiing, Hobie Cat sailing, golf, tennis, non-motorized water sports and unlimited PADI-Certified Scuba diving.
Couples Q&A
What distinguishes Couples Resorts from the other all-inclusive properties and brands?
Couples Resorts defined the all-inclusive experience in 1978 and we are constantly refining it. From our founding, our intent has been to deliver a level of barefoot elegance, amazing cuisine and almost limitless inclusions designed to delight and surprise our guests day in and day out.
Our product is so unique and occupies a niche within Jamaica’s product offerings that is very appealing—to our first-time guests, our large percentage of repeat guests and to me. We are not the largest, nor do we want to be. We offer an experience, a way of life that is truly Jamaican. We are authentic to our core. All we have to do, as a sales and marketing team, is provide the exposure. As one of the prior Jamaica Advertising campaigns stated, ‘Once you go, you know.’ Find someone that has experienced Couples first-hand and you’ll see the delight in their eyes.
Whether you are the GM, the president of a large tour operator, a travel agent who works out of the home or the front desk agent who welcomes a guest to a property, our goal is to deliver an amazing experience that is above anything ever anticipated. Everything that we do must be focused on the guest experience, which in turn produces a product that is second-to-none.
How does Couples Resorts work with travel agents?
From our founding, the success of the Couples brand has been directly tied to the success of thousands of travel agents across the globe. Travel agent partnerships are a key part of our DNA. And with one of the most attractive agent incentive programs in the industry, we are working on future initiatives that will be even more rewarding.
In your view, what are Couples Resorts strong selling points—in terms of what guests will enjoy most?
Family—which may seem like an odd reply. We pride ourselves by saying, ‘We never have guests, we have family.’ Our property teams and countless guest volunteers work year-around to give back to the country of Jamaica through medical missions and adopting schools. Lee Issa, our chairman, with the soul of Jamaica pumping through his veins, is on property every day for hours, mixing and talking to countless guests. Our staff has developed countless bonds through the years with thousands of guests, each time welcoming them back by name.
Lee Issa, our chairman—with the soul of Jamaica pumping through his veins—is on property every day for hours, mixing and talking to countless guests. Our staff has developed countless bonds through the years with thousands of guests, each time welcoming them back by name. Our property teams and countless guest volunteers work year-around to give back to the country of Jamaica through medical missions and adopting schools.
How would you describe the typical Couples guest in terms of demographics and vacation styles?
First and foremost, our guests are anything but typical and range across all demographics. We have many guests from many walks of life, and they all come together for ‘One Love’ of Jamaica, and its people and a resort experience that is unique and unmatched … to celebrate a marriage or renew vows—the list goes on and on.
A Healthy Stay At Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas
A stay at an all-inclusive beach resort doesn’t need to be something your body hates you for the week after. We all know the deal. All you can drink. All you can eat. Minimal exercise. Maximum tanning. But the Caribbean Tourism Organization is trying to change that in naming 2018 the “Year of Wellness and Rejuvenation”.
“For those who focus on renewing body and spirit, the options are virtually endless; from beachfront workouts and yoga retreats, to wellness resorts and spa treatments, the notion of being rejuvenated in the Caribbean is one more reason to let us pamper you in 2018,” said Hugh Riley, Caribbean Tourism Organization secretary general, during a press conference announcing the campaign.
In conjunction with this campaign, whose efforts include showcasing why the Caribbean should be travelers’ number one choice of destination for wellness and rejuvenation, Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas hosted its first ever on-site Wellness Week this pas April.
In partnership with Crunch Fitness and Dr. Rachel Goldman, a licensed psychologist specializing in health and wellness, Breezes Bahamas encouraged its guests to embrace healthy living through complimentary daily exercise classes, workshops, cooking demonstrations and more.
Led by encouraging, high energy certified Crunch Fitness instructors, classes ranged from relaxing and meditative to intense and heart pounding. In the latter category were classes that included Rainbow Meditation which encourages guests to find inner peace inspired by the chakras (energy centers) of the body and their related colors and Rise & Flow Yoga, a class incorporating sun salutes geared toward bringing energy into your day.
Sweat-inducing classes featured the popular TRX® session with ropes to push, pull, lift and lower your body through Spiderman moves for a total body suspension workout and POUND, a class that’s a fusion of movement and music where you drum along to beats with Ripstix™—weighted drumsticks designed to transform drumming into a rock star work out.
One of my favorites of the week? Silent Disco! Using silent disco headphones, you’re set to dance the night away to either ZUMBA®, Pop Dance Project or Hard Knocks (hip-hip and kickboxing fusion) while instructors lead fun workouts that get you sweating.
When guests weren’t working out, they were participating in cooking demonstrations led by Breezes Executive Chef Nigel Clarke and wellness workshops led by Dr. Rachel on topics such as mindful eating and stress reduction.
In addition to the Wellness Week, Breezes Bahamas offers a whole bunch of adventurous land and water activities available to all guests for free. Water activities include ocean paddle boarding, sailing and kayaking. For those who rather stay dry, on-site is a beachside jogging track, tennis courts, sand soccer field, rock climbing, and flying trapeze.
Of course, for those that want to simply relax, Breezes Bahamas is, after all, situated on a 1,000-foot stretch of Cable Beach. Powdery white sands and clear turquoise water makes it an ideal beach getaway destination.
Within two towers are 391 air-conditioned guestrooms including five suites, 28 Ocean Front rooms and eight Beach Front Patio rooms. Moreover, the resort features a piano bar, Blue Mahoe Spa, four restaurants and option for private beach dining, four bars, a fitness center and three freshwater pools.
A stay at Breezes Bahamas means you’re going to be entertained from sun up to sun down, and well after. Once the sun sets, the fun gets started with live entertainment including dance performances, comedy and talent shows and signing. Also on the property is the Hurricanes Nightclub, for anyone who wants to dance all night long.
For those interested in getting off the Breeze Bahamas property, the town of Nassau is easily accessible by bus. Head over to Twin Brothers for their famous daiquiris or my personal new favorite drink, sky juice—a mix of gin, coconut water and condensed milk. For food, make sure to get some authentic Bahamian specialties such as conch fritters, cracked lobster and peas n’ rice.
Itching to do some shopping? Walk over to the renowned straw market on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, a massive open-air market where you can find traditional Bahamian crafts, gifts and souvenirs. Just don’t get overwhelmed and be sure to negotiate prices!
Rates at Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas start at $296, depending on the season.
Introducing Virgin Voyages
Virgin Group has entered the cruise ship business. The company teamed with Bain Capital to create Virgin Voyages, an adults-only cruise line set to launch its first ship in 2020 from Port of Miami in Florida.
Two more ships will launch, in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The ships are all as yet unnamed, but each is expected to accommodate 2860 guests in luxury. Virgin Group announced that 86 percent of cabins will feature balconies overlooking the sea. Renditions of the finished vessel show a sleek silver ship with a plumb bow adorned with a mermaid logo.
While most cruise lines cater to families, Virgin is going its own way. The new line is strictly for adults-only. No one under 18 is welcome.
Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson stated that the new cruise line is committing to “creating the cleanest fleet on the sea,” and noted that it signed an agreement with wastewater management company Scanship to develop technology that could turn waste into energy. Virgin Voyages earlier partnered with Swedish company Climeon to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Basically, the ships will be built “around the needs and desires of the customer.
More information will be posted on the new line’s website, www.virgincruises.com
Sandals Resorts Debuts New Swim-Up Suites at Sandals Halcyon Beach
Sandals Halcyon Beach is thrilled to announce the debut of its new Beachfront Crystal Lagoon suites, available starting today, Tuesday, August 29th.
These romantic suites are steps away from one of St. Lucia’s finest beaches, with convenient swim-up access from the Crystal Lagoon pool. The new rooms offer gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea and the lush tropical landscape surrounding Sandals Halcyon Beach. Each patio offers a tranquility soaking tub, around which guests can draw privacy curtains for maximum romance.
Inside the new Butler Elite escapes, guests will find an airy master bedroom with contemporary hardwood furnishings, a plush king-sized bed and a large HD Smart TV. The lavish spa-style bathrooms include a soaking tub, oversized walk-in showers, dual back-lit mirrors, his-and-hers sinks and mosaic tile accents.
For more information or to book a stay in this new room, please visit www.sandals.com
Top RIU Spa Hotels: A Rejuvenating Experience
If you are looking for more than just some sunny days at the beach, we can offer you exactly what you are looking for. Many of our hotels offer beauty and body treatments to care for your body and mind. We work together with experts on special health programs that are run in comfortable and elegant facilities. So we have created a list of our top 10 hotels with the best spas and wellness centers at the world’s most popular destinations. Choose the dates of your next vacation, come and relax, and we will take care of the rest.
BREATHE, MEDITATE AND RELAX; LET YOURSELF BE LOOKED AFTER
Many RIU hotels have spas, health and wellness centers or thalassotherapy facilities to give you some precious moments of relaxation during your stay. All of them are designed so that when you reach your destination you can enjoy the best treatments at the hands of true professionals in modern and elegant facilities.
Programs range from classic beauty treatments and relaxing massages to oriental relaxation. If our guests prefer something more, or want to spend a special day, for example during their honeymoon, there are special packages for weddings and newlyweds. Come and see our facilities and let yourself be looked after!
1: Hotel Riu Palace Aruba
As well as views of Palm Beach, this hotel also a top-quality spa. The luxury service and comfort of its facilities make this palace an ideal place to spend a dream vacation.
2: Hotel Riu Tikida Palmeraie
Only those who have visited the hotel can imagine the sensation of well-being that surrounds the place. So we invite you to experience for yourself this little oasis in the middle of the city of Marrakech. Its spa can give various body treatments that will make you forget about all the strains of daily living.
3: Hotel Riu Kaya Palazzo
This modern and sophisticated hotel has one of the most striking interior decors in Antalya. The peace and relaxation offered by day and the display of colored light by the pool at night make this an unforgettable place. It offers a range of beauty and wellness treatments and very comfortable rooms.
4: Hotel Riu Tikida Beach
If you have never visited a hamam, we suggest you try an authentic one at the Hotel Riu Tikida Beach. Morocco is well known, among other things, for its hamams, which are steam baths with curative and purifying properties. This is certainly one of our best wellness centers on the Agadir coast.
5: Hotel Riu Tikida Garden
If, on the other hand, you travel to the center of Marrakech, you will be able to enjoy some time at the hotel spa. This is a hotel that has managed to combine elements of traditional Moroccan culture with a contemporary look. It is a true oasis in the center of Marrakech city. Its spa offers guests various treatments, such as massages, facial treatments and water jets.
6: Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
If, as well as discovering the marvels of Costa Rica’s wild environment, you are looking for a place to relax, this hotel should be your destination. Its excellent facilities and spectacular surroundings will make your stay unforgettable. Revel in the tropical climate and heavenly beach where you find yourself.
7: Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica
In Jamaica you can find everything a tourist is looking for: good music, local and international cuisine and fun, 24 hours a day. Furthermore, after a full day, what could be better than this palace hotel’s spa? Relaxing massages, whirlpool baths, sauna and a range of treatments. As the locals say: ‘Don’t worry, be happy’.
8: Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula
This recently built hotel is located by a beach lapped by turquoise waters, and it offers guests a very high quality service. It has a full wellness center with a range of facial and body treatments. Furthermore, this resort has taken tranquility to a new level, and boasts Adults Only Villas, rooms exclusively for adults looking for a relaxed stay, away from the bustle of Cancun.
About RIU Hotels & Resorts
RIU Hotels & Resorts offers you a wide variety of hotels in the world’s best destinations so that you can enjoy unforgettable holidays. At our hotels, you’ll find complete facilities where you can enjoy an extensive gastronomic offer, the best entertainment and a host of exclusive services that characterize the company.
Choose one of our holiday, urban, family or adults-only hotels and enjoy an escape to your favorite destination. Enjoy unique experiences with RIU! Learn More…..
New Riu Republica Wing Opening this Fall
This beautiful hotel’s new 501-room wing and new Splash Water world are now set to open on November 18th. Along with the hotel’s modern design and special added values and unbeatable ocean views overlooking Arena Gorda Beach, you’ve got the perfect Adults Only resort for clients looking for an exciting, fun and party-like atmosphere. You can also enjoy the stunning beauty of Punta Cana’s beaches, considered to be among the most spectacular in the world, surrounded by the distinctive Caribbean landscape of coconut palms, sugar cane fields and amazing spots such as the Altos de Chavón, Saona Island and the Punta Cana Ecological Reserve, home to the most varied plants and animals in the area and an 8-km coral reef. Learn More…..
New Riu Republica wing:
- New Main restaurant
- New Indian restaurant
- New “Olé” Spanish restaurant
- New “Jerk” grill on the beach
- New Macao bar
- New “Coco’s Bar” on the beach
- New Aquatic bar
- New Poolside bar with plaza and stage
- 3 New swimming pools
- 501 New guestrooms
- New Splash Water World
Grand Lido Negril Returns!
Grand Lido Negril to open in Negril, Jamaica
Grand Lido Negril, a 26-suite, clothing-optional, all-inclusive resort is slated to open in February in Negril, Jamaica.
The new-build property is a relaunch of a stand-alone brand of Blue Diamond Resorts that was part of Blue Diamond’s portfolio previously and has been brought back due to market demand, according to the company.
Guests at Grand Lido Negril will have access to all services and facilities at the neighboring Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton Negril or the adults-only Hideaway at Royalton, both slated to open Jan. 15.
Features at Grand Lido include butler service, 24-hour room service, dual-headed rain showers, free resort-wide WiFi, use of a secluded au naturel pool and the Reggae Bar and Grill.
“Guests who love au naturel vacation experiences don’t have to forego their preference for an elegant first-class resort,” said Enrico Pezzoli, General Manager, Jamaica. “It’s a new offering for us in Jamaica, a unique experience fusing luxury accommodations and lavish amenities.”
The starting rate is $380 per person, per night, double.
Secrets Resorts for Singles
Solo Traveler Savings
The best way to travel solo!
At Secrets Resorts & Spas, your single supplement will be waived when you travel solo from August 20, 2016 to December 22, 2016 and August 19, 2017 to December 22, 2017!
Secrets Resorts & Spas redefined the all-inclusive experience with Unlimited-Luxury® so that world class amenities and unsurpassed personal service are yours as often as you desire. Embark on your secluded getaway in some of the most coveted locations in the world, and discover the unique sophistication found only at a Secrets resort.
Your Secrets Getaway
Secrets provides the ultimate escape to adults-only resorts where grown ups get to play. Each of our tropical destinations offers an intimate setting for romantic retreats, family and friend reunions, weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, meetings and more.
Unlimited-Luxury®
Enjoy every amenity you’d expect from a world-class resort including spectacular oceanfront settings, elegant accommodations, 24-hour concierge and room service, gourmet dining, unlimited premium beverages and so much more.
Unlimited Connectivity
Stay connected with friends and family while you’re away. Download the Secrets Resorts & Spas app and enjoy free Wi-Fi, free calling to the US, Canada and local landlines, schedules of events, learn about local destinations, excursions and more.
Elegant Accommodations
Retreat to your finely appointed room or suite with a tropical, garden, pool, ocean or oceanfront view. Each features a spacious living area, a full bathroom with Jacuzzi, your own furnished terrace or balcony, a complimentary mini bar and more.
World-Class Spa
Treat yourself to dozens of pampering choices in the Secrets Spa by Pevonia. Experience pure indulgence through a combination of the latest hydrotherapy and indigenous treatments. Then grab a workout in our state-of-the art fitness center.
Gourmet Dining
Indulge in an expansive array of international cuisine. Dine out at one of our á la carte gourmet restaurants, where reservations are never required. Your Unlimited-Luxury® privileges include all meals.
Unlimited Premium Drinks
Enjoy fine wines, beers and other top-shelf spirits in any of our bars, lounges and restaurants. You can even order your favorite cocktail poolside or on the beach. Your Unlimited-Luxury® privileges include all premium beverages, all the time.
Activities & Entertainment
Spend your days and nights swimming, laughing, playing, dancing and flirting. Or doing nothing at all. With our private beaches, swimming pools, live entertainment, beach parties and more, there’s always something happening at Secrets.
All- New Vacations for Adults.com
The all-new Vacations for Adults.com is divided into four unique sections:
- Adults-only Resort Section – featuring some of the best 4-star and 5-star adults-only resorts
- Hotel Section – featuring over 80,000 hotels and resorts worldwide
- Clothing-optional Section – Featuring on the best collection of clothing-optional and clothes free resorts
- Vegas for Adults Section – featuring unique beach and pool clubs designed specifically for adults only
More About the New Sections:
Club Med’s Adults-Only Zen Oasis
Club Med is adding a new adults-only Zen Oasis area to its Punta Cana resort, opening December 2015.
The Zen Oasis area will encompass 78 new deluxe guestrooms with spa-like bathrooms featuring rainfall showers, soaking tubs, chroma therapy lighting, and L’Occitane products, as well as wellness products such as yoga mats, and outdoor daybeds on private terraces or gardens. The area will also have a pool with in-water lounge chairs; a lap pool; a secluded beach; a palapa for yoga lessons; and a wellness bar serving healthy smoothies, teas, light bites, and cocktails.
Club Med offers all-inclusive pricing and a mini buyout program that allows guests to book the entire Zen Oasis area. Club Med Punta Cana offers 553 guestrooms, three restaurants, three bars, multiple pools, a lagoon pool, and a children’s splash park, as well as sports activities and a spa. (Courtesy of Michelle Marie Arean).
Top Ten Tips for Travelers
1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visa, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page on your passport!
2. Read the Consular Information sheets (and Public Announcements of Travel Warnings, if applicable.) for the countries you plan to visit.
3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you may be contacted in case of an emergency.
4. Make sure you have insurance, which will cover your emergency medical needs, while you are overseas.
5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to it’s laws!
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry. Do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques in order to avoid violating local laws.
10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.
What You Need to Know About Adults-only Resorts
Early in 2004, my business partner and I had our first disagreement. He wanted to add a little known resort to our web site CMTravelonline.com. After two and a half months of debating and going back and forth, I finally gave in and granted him permission to ‘try’ this resort in our web site. Within two months, this little resort became one of our biggest sellers.
This wasn’t the direction I expected to take nor was it a product I wanted to add to our portfolio, yet, I couldn’t say “no” to this rapidly growing anomaly. As this anomaly continued, we became ensued with curiosity, and shortly thereafter, the adults-only resort section of CMTravelonline.com was born. Today, the adults resort section of CMTravelonline.com and Vacations for Adults.com (its sister site) are among the most comprehensive travel sections on the internet.
This little known resort (by the way) is the Desire Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya, Mexico.
In 2004, there were only a small number of adults-only resorts to include Sandals Resorts, Couples Resorts and SuperClubs to name a few. Today, the adult resort niche is one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry, and one that will continue to flourish in the years to come. Brands that have now joining the Adult resort ‘bandwagon’ includes the Fiesta Americana Resorts with its Luxurious Live Agua in Cancun, Paradisus Resorts, Barcelo Resorts and RIU Hotels and Resort. The latter two will open properties in Punta Cana Dominican Republic in 2012.
The adult resort niche is much larger and more complex that one could imagine. There are many adult-only resorts in far-reaching corners of the globe; from Banyan Tree in the Maldives to The Pavilion in Phuket; Qualia in Australia to the Canaves Oia Suites in Santorini Greece.
Today’s adult resorts are no longer one dimensional – great hangouts for swingers, singles , and couples alike, they have transcended into multifaceted resorts catering to different styles and tastes. To help you understand the many facets of this great niche, I will try to explain the different types of resorts and who they cater to:
Learn the differences between:
Adults-only Resorts: Resorts that caters to adults-only (18 years of age and older).
Adult-oriented Resorts: Caters to everyone – families, couples and singles, and offers adult-oriented theme.
Clothing-optional Resorts: Resorts offering clothing-optional facilities, or a clothes-free environment.
Couples-only Resorts: Couples only all-inclusive resorts offering the perfect settings to rekindle romance, celebrate your honeymoon or that perfect wedding.
Lifestyle Resorts: Those resorts now catering to specific lifestyles – particularly the hedonistic lifestyle.
Adults-only Resorts
Most adults-only resorts are well suited for couples, singles and, to a certain degree, families with older teenagers. True adults-only resorts define adults as age 18 and up; others start at 16. Examples of true adults-only resorts include the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro in Punta Cana, Club Ambiance in Jamaica, Secrets St. James in Jamaica, El Dorado Resorts in Mexico, The Royal in Cancun, Temptation Resorts and Excellence Resorts and the Valentin Imperial Maya, Riviera Maya Mexico.
Adult-oriented Resorts
There are a number of adults only resorts that claim to be adults-only resorts with a minimum age of 16. The problem is that I do not see these resorts as being true adults only. And to be quite frank, a true adults only resort should have a minimum age requirement of 21 {and especially for drinking purposes}. Let us imagine for a minute that you’re taking your family of four (two adults and two sixteen year old teenagers} on an all-inclusive vacation and the resort you’ve chosen is an to adults only resort and its minimum age is sixteen. Your daughter decides to take a dip into the main pool with the swim-up bar. Let’s extend this a little further; would you like to see your 16 year old daughter get hit on by a 45 year old man by the swim-up bar? Certainly not!!! Then why would you take your family to such a resort?
Adult-oriented resort caters to everyone – families, couples and singles, and offers an adult-oriented theme. Some may have minimum age requirements of 12 or 13, and others may have an adult section (or block) within its boundaries. Popular adult-oriented resorts with minimum age requirements include Breezes Bahamas (13), The Rockhouse Negril (12), and Jade Mountain in St. Lucia (14). Resorts offering separate adult facilities or complexes include Sunset at the Palm in Negril, Oasis at Sunset beach Resort (a clothing-optional Beach), Majestic Elegance Punta Cana (an entire block of buildings set aside especially for adults only), and the Radisson Aruba with its marina wing which was designated as adults only.
Clothing-optional Resorts
Most beach resorts, especially in the Caribbean, have clothing optional beaches, although clothing is required in most areas of the resort. These are not the same as a nudist resort where nudity is the order of the day throughout the entire resort. Properties such as Temptation Resort Cancun, Punta Serena Resort in Manzanillo; Jamaica’s Club Ambiance and Breezes Grand resort & Spa in Negril are the most recognizable clothing-optional resorts. Other Clothing-optional Resorts include Sandals Royal Bahamian and Royal Caribbean (with their private island) and Couples Resorts in Jamaica.
Clothes-free Resorts
Clothes-free resorts are similar to your clothing-optional resorts. However, clothing is not required in most areas of the resort, and nudity is mandatory on the beach and in the swimming area. Popular clothes-free resorts include Orient Beach Resort in St. Martin, Hidden Beach Resort, and Desire Resorts of Mexico.
Resorts with European-style Sunbathing (Topless Sunbathing)
These hotels and resorts allow women to go topless at a designated area such as a swimming pool or a section of a beach set aside specifically for topless sunbathing.
Couples-only Resorts
This type of resort allows only couples – no singles or adult families. The popular Sandals resorts and Couples Resorts fall into this category. Our top couples-only resorts include Couples Negril, Couples Tower Isle Ocho Rios, Rendezvous St. Lucia, and Desire Resort in Cancun.
Lifestyle resorts
This up and coming trend got its start from the boutique hotels. Boutique hotel is a term popularized in North America and the United Kingdom to describe hotels which often contain luxury facilities of varying size in unique or intimate settings with full service accommodations. However, this new trend tends to cater to a hedonistic lifestyle (and to some degree, swingers). This lifestyle was popularized by the Desire Resort Group which now counts three of these properties with one in Los Cabos and two in the Riviera Maya. Another popular lifestyle resort is Hedonism II in Negril Jamaica.
The Biggest Myth: Adults-only Resorts are perfect for Singles
On the contrary to popular belief, most adults-only resorts are not popular choices for singles and especially single women where safety becomes paramount. As such, resort brands such as Gran Melia, Grand Pineapple, RIU and Barcelo are ideal for this particular group.
Clothing-optional resorts tend to draw a significant number of single males and as such, I recommend that single women try to avoid them – unless of course, this is what they are looking for.
Conclusion
You’ll find that adults only resorts offer a totally serene environment designed to pamper body, soul and spirit in luxurious surroundings with impeccable service and those that offer a fun-loving, socially interactive escape with activity and fun on tap throughout the day and long into the night, catering to a free-spirited crowd with racy games and contests. But more important, adults only are the best places to go for a child-free vacation experience.
