AMStar

I attended an AMStar briefing this evening on Destination Weddings.  Very informative!  Did you know that AMStar Mexico can act as a liaison between a resort and your bride?  They can also arrange special excursion for the bridal party or just the bride and groom.  They also arrange bachelor and bachelorette parties!  Best part of all this - everything is COMMISSIONABLE!  Email them at weddingscun@amstarmexico.com or call them at 866-227-0088.  They guarantee a response within 48 hours.  Service you've come to expect from Mexico's largest destination management company!

*AND*

My AMStar guide today, Andrea, also happens to be the person at AMStar who handles medical emergencies for our mutual clients.  She asked that I remind you to protect your clients with AVOK or comparable medical coverage.  Andrea said it makes her heartsick when a guest has to receive medical treatment and realizes that he or she must pay in full out of pocket!

Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret

A great choice for families!  Each member of the party gets a free day pass to the Xcaret Park next door.  An incredible value added benefit when you consider that the average day pass costs around $100 per person.  Plus, you can purchase additional day passes at a discounted rate of 50% off.  Or, parents can take their children out to watch the deer in the on-site deer habitat.  No restrictions on dining options - wherever and whenever you want!  Apple has it's own designated building with concierge.  Large, terraced beach on a crystal clear, calm bay that offers wonderful snorkeling!  Be sure to be in the lobby area at 6pm to watch the Maya ceremony at the river!

Riu Palace Riviera Maya

I'm a BIG Riu fan!  This resort does not fail to please!  Offering room service from 7am - 11pm and now no reservations are required for buffet dining!  Outstanding service and food quality add to this resort's appeal.  It's in close proximity to Playa del Carmen and has a very expansive beach.  It's nice when a property offers a pool bar but this resort goes a step further by offering in-pool cocktail tables!  Cool!  All new flat screen televisions coming soon.  Be sure to upsell your clients to the Master Suite featuring an upper level outdoor jacuzzi!

Sandos Playacar

Decided to add this property at the last minute.  Formerly the Gala Playacar.  Absolutely beautiful beach with calm, crystal clear water!  The Riviera section is the newest addition to this property as well as being furthest from the beach.  This section has a HUGE pool area.  Tends to be a quieter area.  The Hacienda section, located in the central section of the resort, is family of 5 friendly and each building has it's own plunge type pool.  The section of rooms closest to the beach has been renovated and looks great!

Grand Sunset Princess

Remember - Standard Junior Suites do not offer jacuzzis and a surcharge of $25 per person is assessed for dining at the seafood or Asian restaurant.  Deluxe Junior Suites do offer jacuzzis and there are not dining surcharges.  The property offers the Lagoon Villa category of room.  Wow!  Great open floorplan with jacuzzi and Mayan shower.  Adults only in this section!  Please make note - Starting in 2009, the swim out room category will no longer allow children - Adults only in this section, too!  VERY nice beach!  Large (deep) property!

Secrets Capri

What can I say about this property that you couldn't possibly already know?!  It is still one of the premier unlimited luxury resorts in the Riviera Maya!  The rooms have recently been refreshed with new soft goods.  I had lunch here and it was superb!  Be sure to try their hand made ice cream.  Delicious!  Secrets Capri just opened the new Pevonia Spa!  A brand new building located in front of the resort.  Truly a delight to the senses!  With the removal of spa from the main building, you will see the Desire Lounge enhanced and enlarged!  Watch for private in-room check in for 2009!  This resort never fails to re-invent itself!  One of my all-time favorites!