Occidental Grand Cartagena, Colombia
Occidental Grand Cartagena is located about 15 minutes from the airport in Cartagena in an area called Bahia de Manzanillo. Sunquest Vacations offers direct flights from Toronto to Cartagena from December till late March
Having spent 4 days there recently here's my take on the property. 192 Rooms spread over 3 buildings each with 5 levels and yes they have elevators makes for a perfect size resort. No long walks to the beach, and quick access to the pool areas of which there are three. The Quiet pool area just outside the main buildings with its own bar service, means you can leave your room and be poolside within 2 minutes max and sipping on that Mojito that you've been longing for.
To the side of La Palapa is a small pizza restaurant Feel like dining a la carte, the air-conditioned Le Bistro offers a variety of theme evenings focusing on the foods from Peru, Mexico, Spain, the Orient & Mediterranean region, with superb presentation and of course complimentary wines to go along with your dinner.
Several bars serving, domestic and international drinks but the premium brands have a surcharge for them. The pool areas located close to the buffet area, includes an infinity pool and a small children's pool, close by you'll find the gym, the spa, sauna and Turkish bath along with a beauty salon/hairdresser, should you need one.
Take a walk down to the beach and you will find loungers and palapas. The beach is wide, golden brown sand and you can walk almost forever. As you move away from the waters edge the packed sand gives way to a looser texture. There is a water sports facility that provides non motorized water sports free of charge. Diving, Jetskis and ATV's are available at an additional charge.
Several different categories of rooms are offered by Sunquest. The deluxe room is the standard offering for Sunquest with 2 queen beds with balcony or patio. Air conditioning, wide screen cable TV, mini fridge that is restocked daily with beer and soft drinks, hair dryer plus an iron and ironing board. As well there is a digital controlled safe in all the rooms. Other categories are available and some with a hot tub. All rooms have FREE wireless internet that is the fastest I've had in all my travels and the fact they don't charge for it is a plus, other resorts should take a lesson from these guys. If you didn't bring a laptop you can use the computers in the business center free of charge.
Feel like playing some tennis, they have 2 lit courts, plus a basketball court, horseback riding is also available but at an additional cost. Golf - there will be at the Karibana golf course just a short distance away, still under development. Once you've exhausted yourself from taking it easy, it's time to explore the historical walled city and UNESCO Heritage site of Cartagena. The hotel provides a free shuttle to town several times a day, it takes about 25 minutes from the lobby to the drop off point inside the city at Cafe Del Mar. This is where you will have to return for the pickup back to the hotel. View photos of Cartagena here
In conclusion this is a great resort for those who want to relax, and take it easy, yet have the option to go and explore the Old City with it's designer shops, great restaurants and historical charm. As well several excursions available, you can head off Rosario Islands about a 45 minute boat ride from Cartagena, great beaches a crystal clear water ideal for snorkeling, the Mud Volcano of Totumo, evening cruise around Cartagena harbour, a Hop On Hop Off bus that lets you explore Cartagena at your leisure for one low price of about $25US for 24 hrs. Go for it you won't be disappointed.
You can see more great photos of the resort at Sunquest Vacations
Cartagena, Colombia - South America
Took a quick trip to Cartagena and stayed at the Occidental Grand Resort located about 20 minutes from the old city. Below are some of the images I captured while in Cartagena.
Some Quick Facts on Cartagena
The fortresses of Cartagena are designated as a UN World Heritage Site
Located on the northern coast of Colombia facing the Caribbean Sea.
Population, approximately 1 million inhabitants.
Tropical climate with an average high temperature of 32°C and average low temperature 25°C.
Currency is the Colombian Peso, ATMs are available everywhere.
Electricity is 110V same as Canada and US no adapters or converters required.
Rafael Núñez International Airport airport code CTG is only 2 kilometers from the city.
Sunquest Vacations offers all inclusive vacations from Toronto with direct flights to Cartagena.
Ocean Coral Resort by H10 - Riviera Maya Mexico
Spent a bit of time here at the Ocean Coral Resort by H10, they're a Spanish based hotel chain with resorts in the Canary Islands, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Balearic Islands (Majorca) Dominican Republic and Mexico. This resort is called the Ocean Coral & Turquesa, as they are separate buildings but share all the amenities, pools, restaurants and entertainment. Check out the short video I made and it should give you a good overview of the property and then read below for some additional info.
Located in Puerto Morelos Mexico about a 30-minute drive from the airport in Cancun and Playa del Carmen is 35km south of the resort. Accommodation is all Junior suites with the option to upgrade to different categories of suites. You can upgrade to Privilege Club, which provides exclusive services and accommodation. Dining is at 5 à la carte restaurants plus a buffet, snack bars and Mike’s Coffee house which provides tea and coffee specialties, homemade sandwiches and cakes throughout the day. Free Wi-Fi in the lobby, plus the business center has internet access at an additional charge. 4 pools, a children's pool, Jacuzzi and a Kid's Club for children aged 4-12 that provides daytime and night-time activities, a children's park, board & water games, music and shows to keep them entertained. There's also a teen club. For those of you wanting spa treatments the Despacio Spa Centre will pamper you with a range of treatments, all at an additional cost.All in all a nice resort, great beach, comfortable accommodations great dining selection and a short transfer from the airport makes it an ideal resort to vacation at.
Ocean Sand Resort - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Located on Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 708 rooms and about a 35 minute transfer from the airport.
Beautiful grounds, large swimming pools, and a great beach that you can walk on for miles.
Rooms are junior suites, spacious and can accommodate 2 adults & 3 children. You can upgrade to Privilege Club which offers you upgraded amenities such as, special linens, iPod player, aromatherapy, upgraded mini bar with imported drinks, room service and Free Wi-Fi in the room. Access to the Privilige Lounge and private beach area is also included.
The resort has a Kid's Club (for ages 4-12) with it's own activity center and also a Teen Club (7-17 years) with a bowling alley, pool tables, and video games.
Additional offerings, a casino, gym, shops, spa services and evening entertainment
Plenty of restaurants besides the standard buffet restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner. They have a Steak house, Seafood restaurant, a Route 66 Diner, Mexican and Dominican restaurants as well. No reservations are required. The Steak house and Seafood restaurants have an addititional charge applied. All are located next to each other by the main lobby. You'll also find a beachfront restaurant perfect for quick lunches. A sports bar and a Mike's Coffee shop where you can relax in comfy chairs, get your frozen capuccino as well as other mixed coffees along with pastries all in air conditioned comfort round out the culinary choices.
Depending on where your room is there is some walking involved to get to the beach, but the resort has a regular tram service that circles the property regularly.
The beach is unbelievable white sand, crystal clear water with plenty of water activiies available and a rock climbing wall for the adventurous. Walk north along the beach about 2 minutes and you'll come across a line of shops sellling Dominican souvenirs, but be prepared to bargain.
Resort is covered by a Wi-Fi network so if you've brought your laptop you can connect directly from your room but there is an additional cost. There is free Wi-Fi in the lobby area.
If you're looking for a package deal try Sunquest Vacations out of Toronto and several other Canadian gateways.
Dr Fish Ocean Spa - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Need a spa treatment while you're on vacation in Punta Cana then you have to try this.
A unique 3 hour excursion limited to about 40 persons has you involved in pilates/yoga exercises while you cruise the calm and colourful waters of Bavaro. The pilates takes place on the lower deck, while another group receives massages on the upper deck or relaxes in an electronic bed. You can also receive treatment in electronic ionization machines that assist in removing toxins from your body, pretty cool stuff.
Now here's the fun stuff, following the pilates you get off the boat and transfer to floating mats for some relaxation and drink service. Once everyone has had their turn the boat cruises on to an aquarium off shore where you get to experience a dermatologist - Doctor Fish, actually little fish that exfoliate your feet while you just sit there, if you tickle easily this will drive you crazy. Finally there's a stingray encounter and massage as you see in the video.Seems like a great way to spend an afternoon and it'll give you something to talk about when you get back to work.
Cost is approximately $125US for 3 hours, includes return transportation from your hotel, soft drinks and juices.
MSC Poesia Cruise Ship
The MSC Poesia cruises Europe and then in the fall will be cruising Canada/New England and then on to the Caribbean for winter sailings. The video is a quick glimpse of the various areas onboard the ship.
Sunset Beach Resort - Montego Bay, Jamaica
Spent a few days here and here's what you need to know.
Vacation Package was with Sunquest Vacations and all their rooms are located in the Sunrise Tower.A terrific location, only a 15 minute transfer from the airport in Montego Bay, great for families with kids, so when they say "are we there yet" you can say yes.
The resort has an open air lobby with fantastic views of the Caribbean Sea and great sunsets. Upon arrival and while checking in you are greeted with a cool refreshing welcome drink and the off to the room you go. Sunset Beach has undergone renovations and it really shows,rooms are still being worked on and all will be upgraded by Nov 01/10 when the busy winter season begins.
Accommodations are comprised of Standard rooms, Ocean View & Oceanfront, both have air conditioning, king or double beds, flat screen tv's free in room safe, iron & ironing board & hair dryer, full bathroom with tub & shower. Of these three categories the only difference is the view you get.
Ocean View Junior Suites and 1 bedroom suites, feature oversized guestrooms and balconies.
This all inclusive resort offers you 5 restaurants, buffet for breakfast, lunch & dinner plus 3 a la carte restaurants,
In addition there's a grill/barbeque for hot dogs, hamburgers and jerk chicken.
The Pirates Paradise Water Park with its 240 feet long and 40 feet high water slides, lazy river and pirate ship is probably the biggest plus for families with kids.
No extra charge to use the park which is a great plus considering that some public water parks charge up to $28US per person per day,.
Adjacent to the water park you will find a supervised kid's club called Club Mongoose, with video games, arts and crafts and it's own little theater for kids ages 2-12 and it's own kid's swimming pool and slide. Nearby is a 2 level teen center with pool tables, arcade games, music and loungers and walls that they allow you to leave your mark on, pretty cool.
Okay back to the adults, 3 separate beaches, water sports center that provides snorkeling, kayaking sunfish sailboats and paddle boats. Good snorkeling accessible from the shore.
You'll find tennis courts, an air-conditioned gym and full Health Spa (additional charges apply for the spa), and a small casino with slot machines.
Run out of money? There's a Scotia Bank ATM at the entrance of the hotel that dispenses local currency as well as US Dollars.
Do you want to take an excursion say to Dunn's River Falls, River Tubing, Rick's Cafe in Negril or a variety of other offerings, talk to the Sunquest rep in the hotel and they will arrange all.
Planning a wedding - the resort can look after all the details. The wedding gazebo sits in a quiet area of the resort facing the beach and the Caribbean Sea, makes for some great sunset weddings.The Spa facility can also provide wedding day services for the bride and her guests from hairstyling and makeup to relaxing massages.
WIFI in the lobby area if you bring your laptop but an extra charge applies, can't understand why they just don't offer free wireless, life would be so much better. Price is reasonable though $5US for an hour of access. Didn't bring your laptop, no problem they have a small internet cafe with terminals avaialble. If you book a Sunquest "Family Package" internet access will be free for arrivals from Nov 01/10 onwards.
Clothes getting dirty - guess what? The hotel has a self service laundromat - washer and dryer just like back home, so if you miss doing laundry you have that chance here.
The resort has 3 separate beach areas, a small cove directly in front of the towers, good for snorkeling, a long stretch of white sand beach just to the east of the hotel with loungers which continues over to a third section just past the beach bar. Here you will find a clothing optional section that is blocked off by a wall and a sign that says cameras not permitted and that's why you wont' see any pictures of it in the slide show I created.
If you feel like checking out Montego Bay and its "Hip Strip" for some shopping, lunch or dinner, there is a free shuttle 3 times daily from the hotel to Margaritaville Restaurant in MoBay or you can take a taxi, it's only 10 minutes away. Plenty of souvenir shops here, Blue Mountain coffee is a good bet and rum as well, in addition to the T-shirt shops, but remember if you purchase any liquor you need to pack it in your checked baggage otherwise it will be confiscated as you check through security for your flight home
Islands Of Korcula & Hvar - Croatia
I sailed from Dubrovnik on a sailing ship called the Kapetan Luka. It's a 32 meter long sailing yacht that can accommodate up to 28 people in cabins that have a shower, toilet, hot and cold running water. You can charter the whole boat or just sign up for the route that it follows and that's it. You never know who you'll meet, or who you will share dinner with in the the cozy quarters on board. All meals and drinks are provided and if you have bike you can bring that along so when you get into the ports you have your own transportation. Great way to get around and see the islands.
From Dubrovnik it's about a 4 hour sail to the island Korcula. Arrived late in the afternoon about 6:00 pm had a delicious meal on board, then headed off to see a bit of this town.
The island is roughly 47 kilometers long by about 8 kilometers wide and a population of about 16,000 people. Korcula - also the main town on the island has a population of about 3,000 people. You will find several smaller towns and villages scattered throughout the island but unfortunately didn't get a chance to see them. Tourism seems to be the prime industry here but the island also produces wine and olive oil.So what do you do in Korcula - It is a small town so you can get around fairly quickly on foot. Visit the Cathedral of St. Marco - top of the town, you can't miss it. South from it,well almost next door there is the Bishop's Palace. Make sure to get over to the claimed birthplace of Marco Polo some historians claim he was born in Venice but other say it was in the old town of Korcula. There is a an old building dedicated to him and even a Marco Polo gift shop... go figure.
Plenty of little souvenir shops in town, in addition you will find three banks, ATM machines scattered around, a very modern grocery store, lots of quaint little restaurants and a nifty bar at Buffet Massimo that is on top of an ancient tower. Great views from the top, getting up is a little tricky as you need to climb steep steps and fit through an opening about the size of big barrel. Getting up was the easy part, it's coming down that was a little more difficult especially after a few local beers.
Need something to eat that's tasty, inexpensive and good for you, try these guys out I Got Fresh in Croatia. You can also rent mountain bikes and motor scooters so you can venture out a little further from the town.
Great snorkeling in the area as well because of crystal clear waters.Several hotels and small apartments available for short or long stays. Catamaran Krilo Jet is a high speed ferry service that connects Split with Hvar and Korcula. Here is a timetable of their services.
Off to the island of Hvar, it's about a 3 hour sail on the Kapetan Luka.
As with Korcula, Hvar is also the name of the main town (population of about 4500 inhabitants. Unless you arrive on your own boat, the only way to reach it is by ferry. Numerous trips from the mainland (Split about 2 hours) and the neighboring islands as well.
The port area where everyone seems to hang out reminds me of the the French Riviera without the crowds...yet, but they tell me the high season here does get busy. Numerous sailing yachts crowd the harbor and all night discos attract an energetic crowd of party people. You might even see Paris Hilton here. It's like Hvar said... there's a party here tonight and everyone showed up, those were my first impressions. The town is hot and is on everyone's list as the place to visit. A glitzy Croatian playground frequented by celebrities, and the average guy like me who wants to find out what the Hvar hoopla is about.
Make sure you stop by a Slasticarna (the Croatian equivalent of a gelateria) and have some. Then sit back relax and watch the beautiful people walk by, ahh.. what a feeling.Hvar claims to have more hours of sunshine than any other place in Croatia, all the ads I saw pegged it at 2,724 hours so it makes for a good holiday. The waters that surround Hvar are simply breathtaking blue and as someone described "like cut glass" words simply cannot descibe it, you need to see for yourself.
Accommodations here range from small apartments to lavish hotels with the latest amenities. It doesn't come cheap after all you are hob nobbing with the rich and famous. Check out the Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel and its sister hotels the Adriana Palace and Amfora all stunning hotels.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
So now a a little about Dubrovnik
This ancient town with it's massive walls and ramparts that were built between the 13th and 16th remains basically the same except for modern day improvements. The city was bombed by the Serbs in 1991/92 but has been restored to its former greatness and is now a UNESCO designated World Heritage City. The terra cotta covered roofs, narrow pedestrian only streets, numerous cafes, restaurants, and unique boutiques give this city a look and feeling that needs to be seen in person.I entered the city through the Ploce Gate one of three entrances, the other two being the Pile Gate at the west and Buza, the north entrance. Just inside the Ploce gate you will find the Dominican Monastery, built in the 14th century but reconstructed after an earthquake destroyed it in the 16th century. It houses a museum filled with famous paintings and sculptures from 15th and 16th century and the church within is also the graveyard for some of the Dubrovnik's most famous deceased nobility.A short walk from the monastery and you will find a set of stairs to your left that will lead you to the top of the "Wall"
The "Wall" is must do item on your visit here. It circles the entire city, giving you superb views of Dubrovnik, its buildings and residents from every possible angle, plus outstanding views of the Adriatic Sea and neighboring islands from a height of about 80 feet above the city. There is another set of stairs by the Pile Gate that also provide an entrance to the wall, so take your pick, there is a small admission fee to access the wall.
If you choose to do the walk it is roughly 2 kilometers (1 1/4 miles) and should take you about an hour unless you stop along the way. There are several observation points and fortresses that you will definitely stop at, make sure you bring a water bottle with you as as it gets hot up here. If you forgot the water there are several refreshment stands along the way as well as to little bars/restaurants that sit on the edge of the sea.
Back down at street level the Placa or Stratum is the main pedestrian walkway through town. This wide, white marble street has numerous, little cafes, ice cream shops, boutiques,
ATM machines and lots of people. Dubrovnik is a major port of call for many cruise ships and when they arrive the city is congested. This is when you sleep in, and then visit the city in the late afternoon when the ships leave and the city is much more enjoyable.
At one end of the Placa you will find the Bell tower and Luza Square, at the opposite end is the Big Onofrio's fountain, (there is a small Onofrio's here as well) and the Pile Gate with a set of steep stairs that will give you access to "the Wall" this also where you will also find the Franciscan Monastery and Museum. Inside the monastery, is the Pharmacy. Opened in 1317, it is one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe.Pictures explain Dubrovnik better than words can, so make sure you view the gallery below.
Rome, Italy
Decided to do a walking tour with the help of the Metro the subway system here. Fares are €1 per person one time use, or €4 for a 24 hour period unlimited rides.
Purchased a map and plotted out a course, and yes you need a map, it helps, or you can just follow the crowds of tourists with maps in hand and eventually you will come across most of the famous sites.
Took the Metro to Vatican City - world headquarters of the Catholic Church.
St. Peter's Basilica, is the mother church of Catholics worldwide, designed by Michelangelo with help from Bernini. The oval in front of the Basilica was designed to enable the greatest number of people to see the Pope when he addresses them and gives his blessing.
Long lineups to enter St. Peter's due to security checks, but the line does move quickly.
A great view of Rome can be had from the cupola - the top of the dome of St. Peter's. It's an elevator ride to the top or you can take the stairs and there is a charge for this.
• Located in the Vatican State (smallest independent nation in the world) within the city of Rome, total area about 108 acres.
• The basilica's dome was designed by Michelangelo and is the largest dome in the world and weighs 127,000 tons.
• Interior has 45 altars and a capacity of 55,000 people.
• St Peter's Square has a capacity of 250,000 people. The Vatican Museum and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel are located close by. From Piazza San Pietro I walked a short distance to Castel Sant Angelo a round walled fortress that is now a museum. Across the Bridge of Sant Angelo which is about 2,000 years old and flanked by angels designed by Bernini.
Onward to Piazza Navona, an elliptical square built by the Romans for chariot racing. Here you can people watch or sit at one of the many pricey cafés and enjoy a gelato (Italian ice cream) or a cappuccino. The piazza also has several baroque masterpieces. In the center and best known is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers which symbolizes the world’s greatest rivers: the Ganges, Danube, della Plata and the Nile. Also in the Piazza is The Fountain of the Moor and the Fountain of Neptune.
From Piazza Navona I followed the signs to the Pantheon. Built in 27 B.C. it is one of the architectural wonders of the world because of its dome and concept of space. Doors to the Pantheon weigh 20 tons each, the walls are 25 feet thick and the only source of light is through the oculus, which is an opening at the top of the dome measuring 18 feet in diameter. The area around the Pantheon is filled with cafes and makes for another great people watching place.
On to the Trevi fountain, or “Fontana de Trevi”... and like I said make sure you have a map it makes life easier.
It is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome measuring 85 feet high and 65 feet wide with Neptune as its center piece and Abundance spilling water from her urn. Salubrity holds
a cup from which a snake drinks with Tritons and horses adding balance to the fountain. There is a legend that it is lucky to throw coins with your right hand over your right shoulder into the fountain. Throwing one coin will ensure that the thrower will return to Rome. Throwing two coins ensures that the thrower will fall in love with a beautiful Roman girl (or handsome boy), and throwing three coins ensures that the thrower will marry that girl or boy in Rome. So make sure you have lots of spare change.
A short walk and I was at the Spanish Steps, or Piazza di Spagna. It's a gathering point for tourists and a must see when you are in Rome. Unfortunately there was some re-construction under way when I arrived but even so it makes for a great photo opportunity. The steps are covered in flowers and filled with people soaking up the atmosphere. Street sellers and artists are plying their skills, a great place to relax, have some roasted chestnuts or a gelato. If your budget permits try shopping at Valentino, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Bulgari or others that are located in the immediate area of the Piazza. If not then watch the other people spend their money.
Hopped on the Metro which is a station stop here at the Spanish Steps, and headed over to the Colosseum a symbol of Rome. Construction of this elliptical building stared in 72 AD and completed in 80 AD, we're talking old here. Accommodation for 55,000 spectators over four storeys and about 80 entrances/exits.Did you know that the Velarium was an awning that covered the Colosseum to protect the spectators from the sun? Now you know!
From the Coliseum it's a short walk to the Roman Forum, Capitalize Hill and Piazza Venetia where you will find the monument to Victoria Emmanuelle II commemorating the 19th century unification of Italy, also nicknamed the "wedding cake" and typewriter, get there and you will see why.
I accomplished all of this from 10:30 in the morning until about 3:30 pm.Had a quick lunch, nothing fancy, a prosciutto and cheese panini and a beer, sitting on a curb. If you sit at a table prices are higher than take away. If you have lots of time to spend in Rome then take your time so much to see, but bring lots of Euros, you'll need them. Ciao
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