Bloggy Bits

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A Blogger’s View of Secret St. James

We are always excited when bloggers visit our resorts and then write about their experience on their blog when they return home. Last month, ArtBLT, Shermika and Tamika, two sisters from Birmingham, Alabama visited Secret St. James Montego Bay and decided to share their experience with the online community!

Below is an excerpt from ArtBLT’s blog. To read more about their stay at Secrets St. James Montego Bay and view some great photos, visit here.

Our Secret in Jamaica (Part 1 of 3)

Well, if you don’t know by now, a belle loves to travel! Tamika and I actually have a travel blog that we haven’t updated in over a year. Normally, when we travel we keep a daily log to document our experience. To be as young as we are (late 20′s), we have been blessed to see some of the most beautiful places in the world and hope we’ll see many more.

We had the opportunity to go to Jamaica in August (yeah I’m mad late) and managed to score a great deal that included flight, hotel, and transfers. Since there is so much to share, this post will focus on the hotel. For those of you that have never stayed at a resort, don’t fret because we will give you all the details.

Let’s begin by saying that Montego Bay is absolutely gorgeous. You will hear the locals call it MoBay. I’m a deal hound by nature, so I don’t stop until I find the BEST price for my meager budget. Tamika laughs at my frugality but smiles when we have more money to spend on vacay.

I’m a control freak and LOVE to plan trips, but we allowed a travel agent to book this one, and I still got to do my planning thing by scoping out the spots we would see on our 6 day/5 night excursion.

We stayed at the newly built Secrets St. James (SSJ). The resort is literally about a 10 minute ride from the airport and near downtown. This all-inclusive resort bills itself as having unlimited luxury for adults and I must say they do an excellent job of pampering their guests.

Once you experience a resort, you will NOT want to go back to the cruise ships. Trust us. Resorts are so much better. Unlimited soda (Tamika was in heaven when they had her fav: Coke Light chilling in the fridge!), alcohol, room service, and anything else you want, which of course pleases a frugal belle.

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Guest Blogger: Claire Kennard

After one of the longest, coldest winters on record in Atlanta, I found myself seriously in need of some tropical sunshine and temperatures warm enough for me to shed my winter coat. So, “happy” doesn’t begin to describe how I felt stepping off the plane in Mexico and finally feeling the warmth I’d been waiting for! And, after a short 15 minute transfer from the Cancun airport, I arrived at Secrets Silversands and my vacation truly began.

Located on the Riviera Maya, Secrets Silversands is a contemporary and modern resort that immediately appealed to my sense of style. As an adults-only property with a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, it’s perfect for couples, friends and singles alike! If you’re looking for an all-inclusive getaway, this is the resort for you – they don’t call it Unlimited-Luxury® for nothing! From gourmet meals to premium brand drinks AND 24-hour room service it guarantees a luxurious stay. And I’m pleased to say that’s exactly what I got!

Checking out the dining options is always at the top of my list on vacation (alongside forgetting the diet!), and with so many tempting restaurants catering to all tastes, there really is something for everyone. At Oceana, I happily dined outside overlooking the main pool and enjoyed mouthwatering shrimp tagliatelle that was out-of-this-world, while at Himitsu the pan-Asian cuisine was simply delicious. The teppanyaki table was an experience I’ll never forget – it was a real treat witnessing our chef cooking up our dishes. But my absolute favorite has to be the Mexican restaurant El Patio. Not only was the decor impressive and the food to die for (save room for the chocolate soufflé dessert with vanilla sauce – you won’t regret it), but the mariachi band was outstanding and really makes it an incredible restaurant. Not having to make reservations and deciding where you want to eat in advance was so liberating!

And have I mentioned my room yet? At this all suite haven I was wowed by the size of the room, the double Jacuzzi and the elegant decor. My balcony overlooked one of the pools and the spa area – it was so peaceful, the ideal place for a siesta. The mini-bar was stocked daily with water, beer and juices, and there is a fantastic Secrets box for private room service delivery – a great idea! I always think you can judge a hotel by the quality of the extras, and the fluffy bathrobe and slippers and complimentary toiletries did not disappoint!

When I managed to tear myself away from the room, a walk around the property along pretty walkways led me to the pools, the outdoor Jacuzzi and a white sand beach all offering plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun. There’s entertainment around the main pool throughout the day plus beach volleyball and more, but you’re never forced to take part if it’s not your scene. Those seeking quieter, more romantic spots to relax have plenty to choose from. The entertainment goes on long into the evening and ranges from bands to shows and a casino evening. And for those who like to stay active when on vacation, there are water sports, a fitness center, tennis courts and even a jogging path. Or, if pampering is top of your list the Secrets Spa by Pevonia is guaranteed to have a treatment with your name on it.

But for me, the most outstanding aspect of my stay at Secrets Silversands was the quality of the service. No request was ever too much trouble, was always dealt with promptly and with a friendly, smiling face. Now that’s what I call Unlimited-Luxury®! Would I go back? You bet I would!

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The Concierge Questionnaire: Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun

The job of a concierge is never an easy one and each day our concierges work tirelessly to make sure guests are comfortable and satisfied. However, what many people do not realize is that the place they come to vacation is also the home to many of our staff members. Susana Carolina Ollarves Diaz, Chief Concierge of Secrets Capri, recently took “The Concierge Questionnaire,” in which she answered questions about living in Playa del Carmen.

The Concierge Questionnaire is an informative and fun travel magazine, dedicated to providing “valuable answers from those who know.” Click here to see Susana’s answers to such questions as: “If Heaven were Playa del Carmen, what would God say to a visitor when they arrive at the Pearly Gates?” and “What drink best reflects Playa del Carmen?”

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Recent Review

Here is an excerpt from a recent review by miki2055 about her recent trip to Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun. You can find this review and more great insights from our guests at http://www.tripadvisor.com. What advice and/or insights would you offer guests thinking about booking a trip to Secrets Capri?

“Beautiful Place”

By miki2055

We spent a 5-day vacation at the Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun Hotel. Beautiful place, you are so pampered…feel so good. The hotel is adult only, no kids…so there is quiet and relaxation. The rooms are beautiful, we got an ocean view room. So, every morning we had breakfast on the balcony looking at the ocean. Several good restaurants, we tried all of them. However the best are the Italian Restaurant and the Japanese one. If you want to have the food cooked in front of you at the Japanese restaurant you need to reserve it a day before. The personal was very good, good manners, taking good care of us. They almost can anticipate every wish. …

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What the Tweeps are saying…

Our followers have been tweeting up a storm about their wonderful vacations at our resorts. Here are some of their recent tweets:

@TimeshareLead: #SecretsResorts wow now that is a beautiful golf course…would love to check out your resort!
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@theCTA: #SecretsResorts Thanks! It is a beautiful resort. Looking forward to visiting some of your other properties soon!

@NikkiCWeaver:  wishing I was at #SecretsResorts enjoying a Mango Tango…speaking of which… no bar here in US knows what im talking about

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@CaribbeanTrips: #SecretsResorts I’m ready to visit just for the cocktails! Super creative & catchy – great job!

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@TravelDesigned: #SecretsResorts It was a magnificent week in the Riviera Maya-wish I were there right now! it is cold and rainy here:(

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@Canadian_Runner: #SecretsResorts This is where I’m at currently. Silversands Secrets in Mayan Riviera.  Followers, have a look. Its a great place. 5+/

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@tankboy: #SecretsResorts We (@shellster129 and I) were at Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun all last week … and we already miss it./

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@DianeMarieLewis:  Just returned from 5 amazing days #SecretsResorts. Day dreaming about the amazing spa, delicious margaritas and insanely blue pools!

Are you following @SecretsResorts on Twitter? If not, follow us at http://www.twitter.com/SecretsResorts

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Your Questions Answered

We love interacting with our guests on Twitter, Facebook and various travel forums, such as TripAdvisor and Fodors.com. Here are some the top questions we have received in our outreach. Do you have a question that is not on this list? Feel free to send it our way.

Are reservations or wristband required at your resorts?

No!  Secrets Resorts & Spas do not require guests to wear wristbands or making dinner reservations.

What types of beer are available at Secrets Resorts & Spas?

Our resorts always have a selection of American beer, including Budweiser or Miller, and a selection of Mexican beer such as Dos Equis, Corona, Modelo and Pacifico.

What is the entertainment schedule?

Each night you will receive our newsletter, The Sundial.  The Sundial will let you know the full schedule of events for the next day so you can plan ahead

What toiletries are available?

We provide our guests with Gilchrist & Soames shampoo, body wash, body lotion, bar soap and sunblock. These items are restocked daily, so no need to pack your own!

What water sports do you offer?

Depending on which resort you are staying at the water sports offered do vary. At most resorts you can expect snorkeling, windsurfers, kayaks, hobie cats and more.

Do the resorts offer room service?

24-hour room service is included! As part of our Unlimited-Luxury vacation packages, room service is available 24 hours a day, as well as a daily restocked the mini bar.

What is the Preferred Club? What is included?

The Preferred Club is an exclusive area providing exceptional services, a private lounge and Preferred Club suites offering additional amenities. Some of the additional benefits include: a private lounge that serves continental breakfast, upgraded toiletries, free internet access, complimentary newspaper in room everyday, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres in the evening, and more!

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What Other’s Are Saying

It is great to see that our guests are returning from their relaxing vacations and taking the time to blog about the experience they had with us. Check out some of the latest posts about Secrets Resorts.

  • Check out this great post from the Nelson family summarizing their 10th Anniversary, 30th and 33rd birthdays trip to Secrets Maroma Beach. Thank you for the great post and photos!
  • BRIDES Magazine posted a story about our new Unlimited Spa Treatment package at Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun.
  • Amy and Rob just got back from their trip to the Riviera Maya and posted this review of their trip. Sorry to hear about all of the flight trouble, but glad to see you had a great time at Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun!
  • Dan posted this great photo montage to his blog, Craving Bagels, after returning from Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun. We love the photo captions!