Community Forum - Blogs - title by kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/ en Tue, 21 May 2013 06:18:12 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.luxurylink.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg Community Forum - Blogs - title by kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/ Travaasa Austin Spa http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/travaasa-austin-spa-1651/ Wed, 08 May 2013 21:01:16 GMT First, we sincerely thank Diane McDavitt for hosting the incredible Luxury Link Social Experience. We felt so Attachment 1668... First, we sincerely thank Diane McDavitt for hosting the incredible Luxury Link Social Experience. We felt so Click image for larger version.  Name: Travaasa View.JPG  Views: 163  Size: 201.2 KB  ID: 1668honored when we received the invitation. Not surprised, Diane is a genuine, warm person. Luxury Link went above and beyond to provide us with this great weekend. Meeting and learning about social media from Ben Alkaly was such a bonus. We appreciate the way he shared his knowledge and friendship.

Second, our thanks extend to Kristine Huffman, GM at Travaasa, for all her time and courtesy. We enjoyed spending time with her, along with Brian Bastress, the Programs Manager. He pulled all of us into a cohesive group with his organizational skills and made us feel welcome at every stage of our time at Travaasa. I hope you get to meet these two people some day--ask about their travels--impressive!

Third--Travaasa Spa. SO much to say. The services were exceptional, to make it short (but I won't, of course!) I've had spa treatments in Thailand, Bali, China, Africa and the Americas.

Click image for larger version.  Name: Travaasa_Spa_1.jpg  Views: 30  Size: 53.5 KB  ID: 1669I booked the exfoliation and juniper treatment for hubby and me, along with the sacred stone massages the next day. I did not regret my choices. From the moment we arrived at reception, to our exit, this spa is an experience in itself. They have lovely lockers, a lounge and again, the hospitality is so gracious. There is an obvious sincerity in this staff.

The first session was so reviving. We did the detoxifying juniper aromatherapy. I was very pleased with the combination. Janis explained how to clear my thoughts and let the treatment take me away. I think that might be why we were so calm when we did our horse encounter. So far, nothing less than fabulous!

One of the top on my list was the sacred stone massage (mine was again by Janis). She used hot and cold stones placed under a towel, under my upper torso. I've never thought I'd have small hot stones placed between my toes, but I have now. I was surprised how soothing that felt. The hot/cold aspect tantalized my body and brain; reacting to the Click image for larger version.  Name: Travaasa_Spa_2.jpg  Views: 29  Size: 43.8 KB  ID: 1670 emperature differences. I've had stone massages but not of this caliber; the sensations were fascinating. Janis told me to clear my mind during a massage the day before and I applied that principle again. She tucked more hot stones around my legs and arms and clacked a few stones together, I melted away on a little journey as she completed my massage. I would return to this resort for several of the experiences here and the spa is just one of many. Services here are world-class.

The beautiful infinity pool, sauna and jacuzzi are all adjacent to the spa. Make liberal use of them during your journey at Travaasa Spa.

(Editor's note: A trip to the spa is a private experience; the second and third photos are courtesy of Travaasa Austin and not taken by kyshel) ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/travaasa-austin-spa-1651/ I Hope it Remains a Secret http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/i-hope-remains-secret-1624/ Sat, 13 Apr 2013 14:06:11 GMT Well, this won't be pretty. We just had our first bomb of a package from LL. I don't believe the fault was due to LL. Boss and I wanted a quick getaway and the Secrets Aura Cozumel sounded upscale and easy to reach. The price was right for an All-Inclusive resort. That's about the best part of our 3 nt stay.
I tried to buy the Pool Solarium pkg--not available. I got the OV suite pkg instead and had a bit of difficulty getting our dates but succeeded by calling the hotel directly. We arrived just before 2 pm and were told we had to wait until 3pm. When the Concierge told me where the room was located, I was concerned as I could see that the view would likely be only palm trees. I mentioned that and he said, "oh, no, that's a very good view". hmmmm...

Sometime after 3:30 (yes, I know Mexico time) we entered a shoddy suite with a dirty sofa, nice wall-mounted TV (only in BR where you can only stand or sit on the bed to watch) and yep, those ubiquitous palm trees! Our balcony had a day bed with a questionable sheet covering.The furniture was so scuffed, the finish was gone in places and there were old labels on the legs and sides (HUH?) Across from the sofa was a totally BLANK wall (except for a TV cable outlet (HUH? again)
We had to close the bathroom door to enter the shower stall and I hit my head on the wall in front of the toilet--it was that tight.

Back to visit the concierge and discussed options. Nothing available until tomorrow but they now had Solarium suite--should be ready 3pm manana. Yeah, I was just a tad skeptical. Try relaxing for 3 nts when you have to pack and move after 24 hrs . Looked at options to fly home and cancel remainder of reservation...

Back to the Concierge again. After mentioning the refund option--What a miracle! After requesting a manager, the Privilege Club has 3 OV suites I can see and we go check them out--all were decently refurbished with "integrated" seating area (read: one room, not a suite). Nice bathrooms with jacuzzi tub, tho. Ok, now we're talking! Mucho mejor!
Back to the Concierge with my choice. Then he upgraded us to Pool Solarium Priv! Getting better...good view, decent digs but nothing special. The "lap" pool is 4 x 13. A bit more than two body lengths for me! 2 chaises, no table but an extra shower and WC. Ok-not bad.

Food and beverage--I'll skip most details here and just a few things about "premium" wines by the glass--only one red, one white--but not too bad. No bubbly by the glass except at bfasts. Food--oh boy--this place is not for foodies. Inconsistent breakfasts--one good, two served cold/overcooked.How can you serve a cold omelet in a matter of minutes? Only 3 restaurants on-site, sometimes 2 when they had beach buffet. We could go to their sister resort--much larger but with children--but it's a chore to go over there. We declined. Lunches and snacks were returned hardly eaten--even cold nachos with canned sauce and beans--who serves canned whole beans at a resort?
Dinners weren't terrible, just off here and there. All in all, the 3 restaurants were fairly nice--2 outdoor and the French one was lovely.
Service was really good except the pool area was lacking staff and timing was horrendous--easier to go the bar. We tipped everyone in pesos and they were all very appreciative.
Guests still play childish towel games, reserving chairs (there are enough between all pools and the beach) and the rafts are "claimed" by the swim-out suite guests for the duration and they don't share. They is a small "lazy river" type pool--none of the pools are very spacious. This is a very small resort, which means to me, personal--so WRONG on that point.

I immediately emailed LL Concierge with our concerns and I did get a reply on the second day.
I hope they can re-evaluate their contract with this resort. AMResorts took over Aura recently and I don't believe they should have opened until it was converted to what Secrets is known to be. Reviews on tripadvisor vary greatly. Mine will be hardly extreme. My husband and I agree that this was the worst AI resort experience in more than 10 yrs and the worst in our LL history. That makes me sad. That's not typical for LL. So very disappointed. ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/i-hope-remains-secret-1624/ How COULD you, LL? http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/how-could-you-ll-1490/ Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:53:59 GMT I just saw Puri Wuladari, Ubud, Bali, offered again--ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I wanted to buy it way back when then it disappeared for ages. Now it's too late, because I've already purchased pkgs Royal Pita Maha (not too shabby) and Hotel Tugu (looks gorjus!)...
What an incredible rpice for what has been reviewed as FABULOUS!!
Note to anyone here--grab it while you can! ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/how-could-you-ll-1490/ <![CDATA[Thumb Thing's Missing]]> http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/thumb-things-missing-1469/ Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:04:27 GMT Good news: I don't have to go to Global Entry to get reprinted--they only use 4 fingers for ID.
Bad news: I'm losing half my right thumb in a few weeks. Amputation is the only option for me to get healthy again.
Good news: We're still going to South Africa in 6 wks.
Good news: We're still going to Bali in October.
Bad news: I will lose a lot of mobility.
Good news: I will still be able to drink wine with my left hand.
Good news: Massages are very inexpensive in Bali.

Bad puns abounding; the title is a major groaner, but no apologies!. My grandfather was a master at bad puns. When he and my grandmother went to Paris, he said he walked around so much that day his "feet were Eiffel T'ard".
My brother doctor commented about the final recourse, "It's out of your hand."
So, it runs in the family.
If I were a pilot, my nickname could be "Niner" but I could do a High Four when the occasion called for it.
Not much more to say. I can't let this stop my travels. We have places to see. I can hitch a ride on Delta or a few other airlines--won't be thumbing on the road. There are too many LL packages I haven't bought yet! I haven't been to Victoria Falls or St Petersburg or Kenya or Cambodia or Alaska or... ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/thumb-things-missing-1469/ Nuevo Cancun http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/nuevo-cancun-1445/ Mon, 28 May 2012 14:42:51 GMT They are developing the area above Cancun hotel zone with exclusive, upscale properties. We stayed at the one year old resort, Villa Del Palmar.... They are developing the area above Cancun hotel zone with exclusive, upscale properties. We stayed at the one year old resort, Villa Del Palmar.
http://www.luxurylink.com/fivestar/a...resort-and-spa
The photo you see is the first of 3 phases--there will be 2 more similar buildings to complete the complex in the next few years.
We had a little problem getting on 2 flights on Sunday, so I called the hotel's 800 number and got them to shift our reservation one day later--they were so obliging! They even switched our transfer for us. We got an upgrade to oceanview, I believe courtesy of Jim Sanchez--thank you again!! They even let us check in right after lunch.
Our suite was really upscale and very well-appointed. Fully-equipped kitchen, marble counters, large fridge,etc. We had a laundry pair in a pantry, so clean, dry clothes were always available. As we pack light, we had little laundry to do arriving home!
Our package was all-inclusive--even the beers and Snickers bar in our fridge were included--and restocked each afternoon. House wines were decent by the glass and they used top shelf liquor (premium was extra but not much). We even upgraded one dinner to giant lobster for $40 extra.
The bed and baths--yep--two full baths--were exceptional. We also had a deep jacuzzi between the marble master bath and bedroom. Our living space was separate, with a continuous balcony--furnished with table, chairs, chaise and hammock--with a gorgeous ocean view directly out from the center of the hotel, fourth floor. Both the bedroom and living suite had that view!
Service was very friendly and efficient. We never lacked for much! Tips are included but we always take care of our servers and staff in addition. Occupancy was low due to dates and newness. They offer timeshare presentation but never ask after the initial invitation. We chose not to participate but we saw several "signings" at lunch time.
There are 2 a la carte restaurants--2 open every night--one that converts to theme buffets twice weekly. I'm not a big fan of buffets, so we stayed with the first option and were not disappointed.
The breakfasts were a bit lackluster but with a few glasses of house bubbly, the over-browned omelet was dismissed...
Lunch offerings included flank steak tacos--served with warm flour tortillas--YUM!!! We ate them every day!
Didn't do any excursions, even tho Isla Mujeres is just a short ferry ride from the hotel. We just vegged and relaxed at the pools or had a drink at the tiki bars w/swings--fun to "hang around" and watch the beach (which is small). I dug the pools and swam alot since it was about 90 degrees each day before 10am.
Would we go back? For the LL price--yes! It's an easy flight from central or east coast US. 4 nights is about all I could take with all the food and beverage goodies included. It's only a half hour ride from the airport. It's a really great place to do nothing but absorb the luxury and ambience.. Just what I wanted. ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/nuevo-cancun-1445/ Best Laid Plans... http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/best-laid-plans-1437/ Sun, 13 May 2012 16:21:02 GMT I have just finished canceling our flights, drivers, and putting holds on our hotels in Bangkok and Bali. The past few days have been devastating. ... I have just finished canceling our flights, drivers, and putting holds on our hotels in Bangkok and Bali. The past few days have been devastating. The bone infection in my right thumb is back with a vengeance. I'm going for a second opinion from a new hand specialist but I am almost certain this means amputation to the first knuckle. It's so frustrating to have the second trip to Bali put on hold aside from the surgical issue. I'm trying to get a positive attitude but it's just not happening. Maybe tomorrow will bring a better prognosis (well, maybe it's starting to work). ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/best-laid-plans-1437/ Decisions, decisions... http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/decisions-decisions-1435/ Sat, 05 May 2012 15:26:45 GMT I am in a quandary because LuxuryLink has failed me. There are currently no deals for Bangkok, which is VERY RARE. I couldn't purchase any LL pkgs recently because of dates/validity. How dare LL not offer me SOMETHING! arghhhhhhhhhhhh
Now, I will say, I am looking at a competitive website for one option, but even tho it's a good deal, it just isn't LL...Not sure if I will buy--I feel like a traitor.
As airline employees we have to fly standby which has it's ad/disavantage. The price is right, but it's standby. This is one case. I can't depend on the flights until we get really close to the date to fly and LL dropped all their Bangkok pkgs weeks ago. TSK TSK
So, my brain is nearly smoking from all the choices--Bangkok has a gazillion hotels. The one I am currently considering is:
http://www.prayapalazzo.com/
I've seen this from the river ferry and always thought it was a private home and wondered who owned it.
Today is Saturday. I have a few more days to make a buy from the "other website". The hotel has already given me details about getting there and more. I am still hopeful LL will reintroduce The Banyan Tree or Lebua Tower. Let's hope Monday brings me a treat... ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/decisions-decisions-1435/ Little Gifts--My Wings http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/little-gifts-my-wings-1414/ Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:48:25 GMT Some people here are aware that I've been fighting a very bizarre bone infection in my right thumb. It's my dominant hand so that conjures up alot of things that are harder to do with an disabled thumb--like zippers, buttons, slicing foods, handwriting, picking up a dime, tweezing eyebrows (hey, even some of you metrosexual guys do it; confess!).
Add half showers with a glove and upper arm PICC line and blood draws, dressing changes, xrays and home care nurses. A simple hair wash can be a chore.

The first round of 8 wks multiple IV antibiotics multiple times a day was really rough, but I survived that and got to travel again. I got to go with Boss (my husband as I call him here--never to his face, cuz I know who's the real boss) . Barcelona, Athens and Frankfurt all within 2 wks--I was in travel heaven! THEN, more critters reared their ugly heads and we did more thumb surgery and more IVs. I am not willing to have half my thumb amputated until we've exhausted all means--and my hand specialist and infectious disease specialist aren't giving up on me [yet].

So, I'm 2 wks into a 6 wk plan of action--I call it Operation No Operation. The newest round of IV's are portable, and I'm going to test TSA on Sunday. I have these to take with me:
http://www.iflo.com/prod_homepump.php.
They're pretty portable. Mine are currently running one hour each--3Xday.
I am just flying from CVG to JFK on Sunday date with Boss and returning Monday, so I only need:5 of my "satellites" and add 15 syringes of saline and heparin flushes! Lots of liquid no matter how you look at it! I've got my ziploc bags w/Rx on them and a letter from ID doc. TSA can screen meds separately from toiletries, so it should be no problem. I'll do what it takes to keep my wings. Being grounded stinks!! ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/little-gifts-my-wings-1414/ <![CDATA[Kudus [sic] to jashermd]]> http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/kudus-%5Bsic%5D-jashermd-1314/ Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:28:31 GMT Having now completed my third safari, all purchased thru LL, I need to acknowledge and offer kudos to Julian Asher, one of the original LL community... Having now completed my third safari, all purchased thru LL, I need to acknowledge and offer kudos to Julian Asher, one of the original LL community members.
With jashermd's assistance, enthusiasm and shared experiences, I may never have bought my first safari. I can elaborate but the moment I actually arrived at Tuningi Lodge at Madikwe, I fell in love with the concept of "safari".
I can never hope to replace Dr. Asher's expertise about traveling in Africa nor his insight about safaris of every level (I' doubt I'll be in the bush w/ a private ranger EVER) but I can hope t carry my enthusiasm to LL members to share my experiences.
My husband and I were enjoying a kudu fillet in Mkuze Falls and this idea came to me...
Thank you, and as a result, "PLEASURE!!". ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/kudus-%5Bsic%5D-jashermd-1314/ SOUTH AFRICA--Again http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/south-africa-again-1312/ Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:47:30 GMT ---Quote (Originally by kyshel)--- Finalizing reservations for Westcliff in Johannesburg and Mkuze Falls in Kwaa Zula Natal (AKA Zululand) No other...
Quote Originally Posted by kyshel View Post
Finalizing reservations for Westcliff in Johannesburg and Mkuze Falls in Kwaa Zula Natal (AKA Zululand)
No other bidders today 6am PST. SNAP--it was ours!!

I had already rec'd info about the tented lodges not being available and they offered to upgrade us to all 4nts in the thatched chalets. I really wanted to do the tent split, but not this time. (MAYBE LL will have made a deal with Marataba Lodge in Lipopo for our NEXT safari???--OOOH a FLY-IN pkg would be outstanding!!)

I have more to plan and worry about now--how to do this on standby...
]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/south-africa-again-1312/ Ashes to...? http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/ashes-1238/ Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:31:46 GMT I am heading to the house my father built. It's an old tobacco barn, converted to a home. It was started in the sixties and originally housed my grandmother's art studio, grandma and grandpa. All the interior doors were made by Dad--rough cedar panel with diagonal cross framing. Mom and Dad moved in after my grandparents passed away. All the land was lovingly landscaped and mowed for so many years--by Dad--riding over a couple of acres of not-so-flat-land. Bamboo that overgrew and invaded the patio space enough that it prompted Mom to yell at Dad that if he didn't cut it back now, he wouldn't get any dinner! Transplanted redbuds, apple orchard, swimming pool, raising quail from eggs to release--all the things Dad took care of every day--Mom always loved looking at the grounds and she loved yelling at Dad--for 64 years.

Mom is gone--I took some of her ashes to Africa. Dad is gone, too. Much of Dad's memory has been gone for several years--taken by Alzhemier's Disease. I hope I haven't forgotten much [yet]. But it has been a rough year--for Mom, Dad and all of us.

I'm going to The Barn for his memorial service. And there will be ashes for me to take somewhere. I just can't think about where right now.Message Edited by kyshel on 04-30-2010 12:40 PM ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/ashes-1238/ Take a powder http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/take-powder-1237/ Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:19:18 GMT First leg of our long trip to South Africa. Cincinnati to Atlanta (night before) TSA: Do you have something in your bag that looks like mineral... First leg of our long trip to South Africa. Cincinnati to Atlanta (night before)

TSA: Do you have something in your bag that looks like mineral makeup--in a cosmetic bag?
kyshel : uh, well, yes; I know exactly where it is so I can take it out for you.
TSA: don't touch the bag, ma'am!!
ksyhel: Ok--the pouch is on the bottom. It's my mother's ashes--I'm taking them to Africa.
TSA: [totally freaking out and jumping back] Ummm, umm, umm--please take them out yourself and put them in this little bin [holding it out as far as her arm could go]
kyshel: no problem
rescanned each item--bag and bin--on our merry way

Next day: ATL/JNB

kyshel to TSA: I've isolated a pouch that contains my mother's ashes, so it can screen separately
TSA: The screener will do an explosives test if he wants (no kidding--that's what she said).

Nothing happened--passed thru no additional anything...
I pick it my stuff.
TSA: Have a nice trip.
ksyhel: Thanks.

Go figger ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/take-powder-1237/ Out to Africa http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/out-africa-1236/ Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:07:00 GMT Packing for a trip is usually easy. It just requires using a method to prevent madness. I list the basics (pretty much the same garments with... Packing for a trip is usually easy. It just requires using a method to prevent madness. I list the basics (pretty much the same garments with seasonal adjustmentslong sleeved or short sleeved, light sweater, heavy sweatershort or pants. We all know how hard it is to pack for transitional weatherwhich jacket or coat, umbrella or poncho, boots or walking shoes? There are few irregularities, like no camo clothing in many African nations, take a sarong for temples in Asia, modest attire for the Middle East, ad infinitum. None of that applies in this case. We understand its hot during the day, but the game drives have been 50-60F and they provide blankets and suchhand warmers and hot water bottles...ahhhh...sounds like I dont need much at all. No dress upsno heels, no perfumes!!

Im having a dickens of a time packing for a weeklong trip to South Africa.. Our safari accommodations were bought over a year ago thru LL. Flights were chosen based on standby probability. Connecting accommodations and spa arrangements were reserved with some flexibility. 2 days outreservations are confirmed; standby looks great.

I have already checked my Flip video, and my PHD (push here, dummy) Canon camera and a few accessories. Never leave home without the eee laptopso compact! No DVD; we have AVOD on the flights. All the toiletries are minimized and zip-locd.

Its funny how a 7 night trip has distinctive parts that require distinctive packing:
CVG to ATL then 17 hours to Joburg plus car rental gets us to our first stop about 24 hours after leaving home. Thats one change of clothes. No problem. Full spa experience on the second day. Dont need much for that plus a casual dinner. Same clothes to carry us over to the 3 hour drive to the lodge where they include laundry service in our package for the next 4 days. Nice clean set of clothes for the drive back to Joburg and another 24 hours in transit.
So why am I having so much difficulty??
I have so little to pack!!

Theres one issue thats gnawing at me. Its such a tiny little itemit weighs about 40 grams and its already sealed in a bag. I knew I had to bring it with me to Africa, for personal reasons and it just halts my packing progress every time I work my list. It shouldnt be a hindrance to getting packed since I have so much room left overits just having to take it. But, at least, I dont have to bring it back with me. That little bag holds some of my mothers ashes and part of her will remain a part of the Gabbro Hills for eternity. It just makes it tough to pack.

To be Continued... ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/out-africa-1236/ Hacienda Tres Rios http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/hacienda-tres-rios-1235/ Thu, 28 May 2009 13:56:04 GMT We recently took a vacation--the kind where you just buy the pkg, get flights and go. No-brainer thing; and all-inclusive dream. Hacienda Tres Rios... We recently took a vacation--the kind where you just buy the pkg, get flights and go. No-brainer thing; and all-inclusive dream.
Hacienda Tres Rios offers some very dreamy beds, slick accommodations (lots of marble/tile, oceanview balcony/jacuzzi, internet, room service...)
The pools are lovely and inviting until you realize to get to the restaurant or banos, you have to wind around other pools, over a bridge or two...)
Our stay was in the midst of the swine-flu "nondemic" in May, so the weather was good, water was cool, flights were a breeze and there were no lines at the airport!
Our package included several fabulous items, some of which were not so fabulous. First issue was the res dept. Even with phone calls to their mgr, we had to email the concierge to get confirmations and pass our emails to the res mgr, who, for some reason, had difficulty replying w/out the concierge's help. We got incomplete answers to our questions and repeatedly asked for clarifications.
One of which was: is the Spa open? YES the email said. On arrival the promised world-class spa is not open; they use guest rooms for treatments, which were acceptable, but not stellar (regular price would have been over $100/person).
The only spa facilities available were the non-working steam room and a closet-sized sauna unit. very disappointing.

Our Luna Maya Dinner was the most fascinating mystery. Being a bit of a foodie, I was really anxious to know about this special event!! I finally got a copy of the menu from the concierge--it read like gourmet fare and showed usual prices (insanely high for Mexico) but it was included in our LL deal. The photo of the Luna May dinner location is shown on the LL home page today--secluded table for two out on a wood walkway--SWEEET!!
well, not quite. Ours was set up in between the 2 main pools; not far from the outdoor grill restaurant, where everyone could watch our romantic interlude. We had 2 guitarists to entertain us and that part was very good.
The personalized menus were impressive--the food was, as well, even with a few glitches, like bay instead of sea
scallops, and a flambe'd dessert that never saw a spark of fire. The chef came by to check on our service, which could hardly be faulted. It was all just a bit weird. Certainly not as pictured...

The general service at HTR is excellent. I was very impressed with the English language skills of the staff--waiters in particular. I wondered if they interviewed them bi-lingually? Our housekeeping was timely and efficient. The beverages and food were superior to the typical all-inclusive fare at other upscale resorts. Restaurant choices were good--they only had one buffet and we only had breakfast there. By far the food was the best I've ever had in an all-inclusive resort. Champagne available every morning. The 24 hour room service was good for champagne refills throughout my day and the resort even arranged to stock Coke Zero (my husband's favorite!) in our room. The pool service was a bit late opening but keep our needs filled--sandwiches and lunches available for hours--poolside appetizers delivered by the kitchen--treats and tastings to tease and tantalize). They have a wood-fired oven pizzeria by the pool. One of the best parts of pool service is that the towels are already rolled and placed on every other lounge chair--early in the morning--and you can use 2 per person!!--both pools were supplied with towels despite the lack of guests.
This was the type of place where you could do nothing----OR----they have bikes and tours and walks and natural cenotes and fresh rivers to swim and snorkel and kayak--ALL INCLUDED. Supposedly, games and sports, but there were only about 50 people at the resort our first days, then about another hundred trickled in from sister hotels in towns like Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Probably being pitched for the "destination sales presentations or whatever term they use now for time share. We were approached once and offered a "tour" (read into that what you will) but were never hassled again. I wish I had asked the concierge (either Hector or Diana were very attentive) for a regular tour of the grounds ( a few hundred acres all together).
The biggest fault of Hacienda Tres Rios is the lack of entertainment and bar space. The only "bar" is the sports one in the lobby--way too many lights and TV's and noise--no atmosphere whatsoever. I think that will most likely change in the near future and it will converted to something more conducive to lounging--maybe with some live music. (currently there's a white player grand piano in the lobby)
I'm sure that with time and more guests, Hacienda Tres Rios will blossom into a fine resort. Even our disappointments will not keep us from looking at the new LL pkg for 3 nights if we want a short, luxury getaway--all or nothing... ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/hacienda-tres-rios-1235/ Auctions http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/auctions-1234/ Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:11:11 GMT love 'em or hate 'em?
to bid or not to bid?
I'm not sure how many auctions I've been involved in at LL--bid wars or single bids--that horrible feeling when the email is being delivered and you wonder if it will say, "you've been outbid" or "you are the highest bidder". That tension, that anxiety, it's, it's--that feeling!!
Then you receive the congratulatory email and the rush is over. The relief--"IT'S MINE" and the planning continues--of course, you've already done the homework and checked availability and all that stuff. Now it's time to pay the piper and take the trip and return with memories and a property review and stories of sights and foods and people and places.
I just won a short war--those 5 minute bid extensions make me CRAZY. No one bidding against me until the last minute--ack!! sniper!!My husband kept asking if we got it, and I'd say, the b*****d outbid me AGAIN!! But--one well-placed bidding increment and VOILA'!!
We have our Royal Pita Maha package. Breathe. Bali, here we come. ]]> kyshel http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/kyshel/auctions-1234/