beach

Queen’s Bath Kauai!

December 14, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Queen’s Bath is on the North Shore of Kauai, near Princeville.

This is a beautiful and somewhat hidden spot that’s worth the hike! It’s a short, steep and sometimes muddy, hike to the bath. Once you’re over the bluff, go left over the volcanic rock and you’ll see the bath.

There’s limited street parking so very early, or sometimes very late, in the day may be best. If possible,
though, also try for low tide. Once you reach the baths, you’ll understand why. At high tide, and in some weather, the water could be crashing over the rocks of the bath, making it dangerous. Pay attention while walking on the rocks as unexpected large waves and/or currents have carried people
away!

Summer is a more calm and better time of year to visit, where Winter can be more dangerous.
Once you are there, it’s a beautiful place and well worth the journey.

Thank you to our Marvelous Mouse agent Karen Fitting for this unique look at Hawaii! When you are ready to plan your Hawaiian vacation reach out to be connected to one of our vacation experts! Join our Hawaii Facebook group for lots of great travel tips and information! https://www.facebook.com/groups/273478080049202

Discover Sandals Resorts in Montego Bay!

November 30, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Our Marvelous Mouse agent Jen McGurn shares with us her recent experience at Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Montego Bay! Protocols and procedures are always changing, be sure to check with your travel agent for the most up to date Covid requirements for your destination. If you do not have an agent reach out to us! We would love to curate your next adventure!

I recently had the opportunity to spend 5 days at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort. During my stay, I toured the resort, as well as Sandals Montego Bay. Join me as I share information on both resorts, as well as talk about the health screening process required for entry into Jamaica and the safety protocols in place at the resorts.

Let’s start by talking about my trip preparation and arrival in Jamaica. Jamaica is requiring a negative COVID test for entry. At the time of this post, you need to be tested between 10 and 2 days prior to travel. My husband and I both tested at a local Urgent Care Facility and thankfully tested negative. Jamaica is very specific about the documentation you need to present in order to be allowed entry. This is where having a travel agent can be especially helpful! We literally saw people being denied entry because they did not have the proper paperwork! We made sure everything was in place, applied for our Travel Authorization and anxiously awaited our trip!

At our airport, we were required to present the appropriate forms and test results prior to check in. Once we arrived, all of our documentation was checked again at Customs. We booked a service called Club Mobay and I would never travel to Jamaica without it. We were greeted at the gate and escorted through the entire process. We bypassed a huge line and went straight through. The entire process took about one hour from touch down to resort shuttle.

Now, on to the fun stuff! Sandals provides complimentary transfers to and from your resort. For the transports, whether a shared shuttle or private vehicle (based on your room category), masks are required by the driver and all passengers. The 2 resorts in Montego Bay that I visited are a very short ride from the airport. We were greeted at the entrance with cool towels, water and porters who handled getting our luggage right to our room.

As guests booked in a Butler category room, we were taken to the Club Sandals lounge for private check-in. We were offered a variety of finger foods and beverages. We decided to toast the start of our vacation with champagne. Our Butler greeted us once check-in was complete and gave us a walking tour of the entire resort, even stopping to make sure we had the drink of the day right off the bat! He also gave us a complete overview of our room and asked what we would like to have our in room mini bar stocked with during our stay. Our room was absolutely beautiful! We had a large balcony that overlooked our semi-private pool, a King Size 4 Poster bed, and a jetted tub/shower combination. We also were located just steps from the main pool, dining and 2 bars!

Throughout our stay, we took advantage of the Water Sports that are included with your stay. We went snorkeling and enjoyed a ride on a glass bottom boat. We also spent quite a bit of time on the private island, which is just a short, complimentary boat ride away.

Let’s talk food and drinks! Between the two resorts, you have 21 Restaurants to choose from. They range from counter service options for pizza, sandwiches, Jerk Fish or chicken and Empanadas to full service, gourmet dining. There is something for even the pickiest eater. We primarily ate at our resort , but we did enjoy two of our favorite dinners at Sandals Montego Bay. We also loved Cafe de Paris, where we would go for iced coffee and sweet treats.

There are several bars located on each property, including swim up bars so you don’t need to leave the pool to get a drink! Each resort has a drink of the day, as well as your favorites. The bartenders are super accommodating and the drinks are made with top shelf liquor.

Alright, back to that Butler! Butler service is absolutely worth the splurge! Shout-out to Nicolas and Steve, our amazing Butlers. In addition to making dining and activity reservations for us, they also escorted us to dinner each night. Each night, they would check in to see what we would like in our cooler that they filled for us when they reserved us a spot on the beach. We were greeted by a treat or two each afternoon. We returned to fresh cookies, fruit and cheese plates, champagne, a bubble bath and flower petals on the bed. It was heavenly.

Having a Butler also means you can have room service. I awoke each morning to a delicious breakfast with fresh coffee and a Mimosa. Another perk of having a Butler is the private transfers to and from the airport. Nicolas escorted us to the BMW waiting for us on our final day, introduced us to our driver and loaded our bags into the car.

In addition to experiencing the resorts for myself, I also spent a day touring the resorts and seeing a wide variety of room categories.

I was so lucky to get to tour both an Over the Water Villa and and an Over the Water Bungalow! Check out my walkthrough below!

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2810553289234044

Regarding COVID, Sandals is taking every precaution to keep guests safe. As I mentioned, everyone entering the country must provide a negative COVID test. Temperatures are checked upon arrival and it is possible that you will be retested at the airport.

On resort, guests are only required to wear masks when using the shuttle service. Masks are optional the rest of the time. Staff is wearing masks at all times. Rooms are cleaned based on an 18 Touchpoint system. Rooms are cleaned and then sealed from the outside. The common areas throughout the resort are constantly being cleaned. Hand Sanitizer is also required when entering a dining or shopping are. Sandals has over 20 All Inclusive Resorts throughout the Caribbean. At each resort, there are numerous room categories. Being able to experience these resorts first hand is so important for me as your travel partner.

As a travel agent, I am familiar with each category and notice details you may not, such as which rooms have very high beds, whether there is a deep tub to step into or a Walk In Shower (or BOTH!), which rooms are closest to dining and which are right on the beach. So much goes in to choosing the best room for your wants and needs. I also have built personal relationships with the General Managers and Hotel Managers. They encourage us to contact them prior to our clients visiting so that they can take extra good care of them. Additionally, if an issue should arise, I know exactly who to call to get it taken care of ASAP!

If you are engaged, and dreaming of a destination wedding, Sandals is the place for you! Couples receive a free wedding ceremony with a 3 Night Stay. A wedding specialist is assigned to you and they help you create the wedding of your dreams!

Sandals Resorts are All Inclusive.

That means you do not pay extra for any of the inclusions below:

Meals
Drinks, including Top Shelf Alcohol
Entertainment
Water Sports
Round Trip Airport Transfers
Gratuities

If you are interested in planning a romantic escape, honeymoon, vow renewal or destination wedding at one of Sandals stunning Caribbean Resorts, please reach out to Jen or any of our Marvelous Mouse agents! We would love to help you plan an experience you will never forget!

Why Vacationing In A Mask Is The Most Normal Thing You Can Do Right Now!

November 21, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Marvelous Mouse agent Lindsay Smith gives us a great perspective on traveling during this unusual time!

When travel resumed in June, travel agents everywhere jumped in the first available plane, train or
automobile that would take them to their favorite vacation destinations. When the CDC lifted the No Sail Order last month, Royal Caribbean announced that in just 24 hours, more than 20,000 people had signed up for their mock sailings – many of whom were travel agents.

Travel agents were sure that clients would feel the same about travel resuming and would be thrilled to pack their bags and finally take their long-awaited vacations. However, the growing sentiment is not fear of Coronavirus, but rather, “I don’t want to wear a mask on my vacation. I don’t want to be reminded of this virus during my personal time.”

I get it. I will follow all rules and regulations and wear my mask when required, but it’s not my idea of a good time. However, I wanted to travel. My family wanted to travel. My friends wanted to travel. Even more so – we NEEDED to travel.

According to a report from the CDC on August 14, 2020, symptoms of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder increased considerably during April-June 2020. Our vacations were cancelled. Our family gatherings were cancelled. Our daily way of life was cancelled. We remained indoors to protect ourselves and others. For the foreseeable future, our holiday traditions will most likely be altered because of limits on social gatherings.

A study conducted by Nature Neuroscience in early 2020 tracked 132 people prior to the Coronavirus pandemic. Baseline assessments measured depression and anxiety and geolocation tracking apps tracked their activity, along with text messages asking about their current mood at random times during the study. At the end of the study, participants repeated the same initial depression and anxiety assessment as well as MRI scans. The results were a strong correlation between positive emotions and diverse activity, and participants responded with emotions such as “happy”, “relaxed” and “excited” when the tracker showed the respondent visiting different locations throughout the day.

A quick Google search will return numerous studies with the same outcome. In this alternate universe we are living in, traveling, even in a mask, is one of the most normal things you can do and could be beneficial in elevating your mood and overall outlook. Traveling in a mask doesn’t remind you of your current situation; it helps you escape it – safely.

I will never forget the first trip my family took in June to a beach house in Oak Island, NC. After 3 nights, we began the drive home and my 7 year old started to cry. He didn’t want to go back home. He didn’t want to go back to an environment where he stared at the same walls every day and was reminded of everything he was missing. The vacation was the most normal he had felt in months – even while wearing a mask!

We visited Walt Disney World in August with the same result. Face coverings are
required in the parks and all public areas but my children didn’t complain once. Sure, the experience was a little different but the outcome was the same. Smiles. Excitement. Fresh air. Escape.

Thinking of cancelling your next trip because of mask requirements? This is where your travel agent can be a huge asset! Express your concerns. Work with your agent to come up with a travel solution that works best for you! There are many destinations, such as all-inclusive resorts, that do not require a mask while on site because of pre-testing requirements! Still want to travel to Walt Disney World but worried about a mask? Your travel agent can help you plan activities and “mask-breaks” that will make your trip more enjoyable!

I encourage you to take the trip. Travel out of the box you’ve been living in since early 2020. By waiting for mask requirements to be lifted, you may be missing out on exactly what you didn’t know you needed! Take advantage of these opportunities to escape your “new normal” and find the joy in traveling again!

Come Relax on Seven Mile Beach at Sandals Negril

November 12, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Marvelous Mouse agent Lindsay Smith recently traveled to Sandal Negril! Our agents are staying current on all Covid requirements and protocols! When you are ready to travel reach out and let us put our expertise to work for you!

If you love spending hours on a gorgeous beach during your vacation, put Sandals Negril on your list for your next getaway. Located on Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, there aren’t many places on the resort where beach access and views aren’t just a few steps away. Non-motorized water sports are included and you can spend as much time as you’d like snorkeling, kayaking or trying out the AquaTrike! Still want to take a dip in a pool? There are two pools on property that offer swim up bars and plenty of entertainment during the day, such as a DJ, trivia, volleyball and much more!

Many of Sandals Negril’s rooms offer immediate beach access, such as the Honeymoon Beachfront Two Story One Bedroom Butler Villa Suite with Tranquility Soaking Tub. This beautiful room offers spectacular views of the ocean from the bedroom on the top level and a butler that caters to every request! My butler made sure I had beach chairs reserved each morning, a cooler full of my favorite drinks and fun snacks through the day, such as the famous Jamaican beef patties! Swim out rooms are even available for direct pool access – and you can even enjoy a view of the beach from these rooms as well!

There are many dining options on property and most offer open air seating and a gorgeous view of the beach. Barefoot by the Sea was one of my favorite breakfast spots and also offers delicious seafood options in the evening. Another one of my favorites was the Beach Bistro, which offers quick bites throughout the day. Each restaurant has a unique cuisine and there is always a new dish to try, along with fantastic cocktails and frozen beverages!

Sandals Negril is high on my list as one of Jamaica’s best resorts. The resort is perfect for couples that are looking for plenty of on-site amenities but still want a more intimate-sized property where you can relax and recharge!

Escape to Paradise!

September 26, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

🧳 Now that I’m home and semi unpacked 🤦🏻‍♀️ I wanted to get on here and talk to you more about my stay at Unico 20°87° in Riviera Maya, Mexico 🇲🇽

🤍Before I begin, I know that not everyone is comfortable traveling right now, and that’s ok! For me personally I am choosing to travel as responsibly as I can and considering all factors when planning my trips. I am tested both before and after my vacations and taking many precautions for the safety of myself and others.

Let’s start at the airport!

️ I flew on JetBlue on a direct flight from JFK. This was my second time flying JetBlue post covid and my experience both times were great. I felt safe and was happy that all covid protocols were being strictly enforced by the crew. One of the things I love about flying JetBlue right now is that they are leaving all middle seats open (unless you are traveling together).

Upon arrival, I grabbed my bag, met some of the other agents I was traveling with at the airport bar for some welcome margaritas and mojitos, then we met our driver. All of our luggage was loaded up and we began our 1.15hr drive to the resort. I’ve been to some resorts far from the airport and the drive was terrible, this was not at all! It was a straight shot and we were there in what felt like no time!

Check in at this resort was slightly modified due to covid. When we got out, our luggage was sanitized as well as our shoes and our temperatures were taken before we could go in. Once inside, the lobby takes your breath away! You are escorted to the main check in area to wait on comfy couches and are handed their signature welcome drink (TIP: you can order this around the resort with your choice of alcohol added in!) You’ll complete the check in process from your seat and you may even meet your local host for the duration of your stay. This is also where you’ll get to choose your rooms aromatherapy if you haven’t done so prior to traveling.

After check in was complete my room mate and I were escorted to our room. We were in an Oceanview 2 Queen room and it was beautiful! We were given a brief tour of the room and amenities. The room was amazing! We had a great view of the resorts main pools as well as the ocean. I truly felt like we had checked in to paradise.

🥘

The food at this resort is really something else and is a foodies dream! My favorite restaurant on property was Mi Carisa for dinner. But I think I may have enjoyed the poolside dining even more! My favorite poolside snack was fried chicken tacos and guacamole! YUM! Also room service had the most extensive menu I’ve personally ever seen at a resort and it operates 24/7, we definitely took advantage of that and had some late night churros. The cocktail menus were great too! Each restaurant had its own menu so you could always try something new 🥂 My 2 favorite drinks were the 20°87° from the 20°87° restaurant and the cucumber welcome drink with vodka!

The spa is beautiful! There are both indoor and outdoor areas to enjoy both pre and post treatment and the locker rooms have every amenity you could ever need. The pre treatment lounge is filled with flavored waters, tea and snacks. I had 2 treatments during my stay, an 80 minute volcanic hot stone massage and an 80 minute remodeling body treatment. Because the resort is all inclusive, you only have to pay a 25% service fee for treatments! I loved my time at the spa and HIGHLY recommend getting at least one treatment during your stay!

While I didn’t spend much time at the beach, it was a little too hot for me 🥵, it was beautiful. Many places in Mexico struggle with the sargassum seaweed problem. I went down to the beach a few times and only saw one small patch of it, the water was otherwise clear. Unico is doing an excellent job handling this to make the beach enjoyable for everyone. At the beach there are lounge chairs, umbrellas and towel service.

🏻‍♀️ Most of my time was spent at the pool! The poolside service is excellent! There was no reason to ever get out because drinks and snacks would be delivered to you! A few times there was a DJ poolside and there were quite a few volleyball and basketball games in the water! If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, there was also a secluded quiet pool.

⭐️ Overall I had an amazing time and am already working on a trip back! I loved the resort and all it had to offer and had the absolute best time with my MMT family! I would not hesitate to recommend this incredible property to any of my clients!

️ 🧳 There are some great deals out there for his resort and I would love to help you plan! If you’re interested in learning more or booking this all inclusive adults only resort, please reach out to me!

Chelsea@MarvelousMouseTravels.com