The Insider's Club: April

The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE

The Insider’s Club Hot Spot of the Month

April 2016

Playa del Carmen + Things to Know About Where to Go

Featured Experience

Sense Of Romance Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences Tech News

Travel Technology

Choose Your News Explore: Playa del Carmen 4-5 What To Do While You Are There 6-11 Where To Stay 12-15 Featured Experience: Sense of Romance 16-17 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 18-29 Tech News: Travel Technology 30-32

A WORD FROM YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

Dear Fellow Travelers & Adventurers, In this month’s newsletter we are featuring Playa del Carmen. As many of you know, I spend the month of February each year in a little Mexican village close to Playa so this area is very familiar to me.

While there I have taken time to visit all the amazing resorts featured here as well as many others to better select the perfect choice for each of my clients visiting this beautiful Mexican/Caribbean destination.

We also feature our monthly tech news, travel tips, things and places to see in our hot spot, and exclusive travel deals around the world.

-Heather

Explore:

Playa del Carmen

Explore Playa del Carmen + Things to know about where to go Situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is the region’s top destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s known for palm-lined beaches, coral reefs and scuba diving. After a relaxing day at the beach, head into town and take a stroll along the pedestrian Fifth Avenue strip, locally known as Quinta Avenida. By day it’s packed with visitors browsing the local shops and boutiques; by night, musicians entertain patrons in the many dining establishments. Hungry vacationers can indulge in everything from tasty street tacos to five-star dining options serving up their own unique take on traditional Mayan cuisine. Playa del Carmen’s beautiful beaches are filled with travelers in quest of waters clear enough to spot the diverse sea life below. The reefs are exquisite, offering diving and snorkeling opportunities that help sustain its reputation as one of the top diving destinations in the world.

Playa del Carmen

What to do while your there

Day trip to Cozumel Ferry service connects the Caribbean island of Cozumel with Playa del Carmen so you can easily enjoy a day trip out to the island for some scuba diving or snorkeling. You can also arrange day trips to visit ancient archeological sites, ecological parks, and cenotes.

Don’t forget to check out the latest Virtuoso Life!

Go to the beach The beaches in Playa del Carmen are the highlight of most vacationers’ time in the area and make for a delightful way to spend an afternoon or two. Spend your time sunbathing, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling or just simply enjoying the beautiful views.

La Quinta Playa del Carmen’s main street, La Quinta Avenida, runs parallel to the shore and serves as a pedestrian walkway for travelers and locals. The avenue is lined with an assortment of restaurants, hotels and bars, making it one of the best nightlife spots in the city.

Mayan Xtreme This tour combines the perfect amount of nature and adventure.

The half day tour starts you off flying 60 feet above the canopy of the Mayan Jungle on the areas longest zip line. From there, you rappel down into the jungle to explore the crystal clear fresh waters of the ‘Underground River’ cenote. Finish the day enjoying traditional Mexican food and sharing your great adventure with the group.

Chichen Itza Take a day tour to the most famous archaeological ruin in Mexico and one of the 7 wonders of the world. At Chichen Itza, your guide takes you on an hour and a half tour covering all the highlights of the ruins. After your tour, take a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote or just relax and enjoy the calming water and captivating views.

Turtles & Cenotes Tour Want to see a sea turtle? This is your chance. Spend the day exploring cenotes and swimming with turtles in the nearby sea turtle sanctuary where you are guaranteed to witness turtles of all sizes, endless tropical fish and if you are lucky a manta ray or two.

Deep Sea Fishing Grab your fishing rod and let’s go deep sea fishing along the coast of the Riviera Maya. The flowing currents in the channel between the coast of the Peninsula Yucatan and the Island of Cozumel create a perfect habitat for all kinds of game fish including Barracuda, Wahoo, Kingfish, Bonito and Tuna. The high season for bill fish is during the spring and summer when you can prepare for Sailfish, Blue and White Marlin and Mahi Mahi.

Coco Bongo Coco Bongo is certainly worth a visit when visiting Playa del Carmen. Part Vegas show and part nightclub, you’ll see flying acrobats, blockbuster movie characters, and rock-star impersonators take the stage all while enjoying your favorite adult beverage. Every ticket includes full open bar so come, stay and enjoy!

Xplore Park Zip line through the jungle, float on a raft in an underground cave, swim in a stalactite river or drive an amphibious vehicle.

There is something for everyone at Xplore Park. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Playa del Carmen Where you should stay

Viceroy Riviera Maya Located on the white sands of the Riviera Maya in Playa Del Carmen, this Mexico luxury resort is nestled in the tropical forest. Viceroy Riviera Maya, formerly The Tides Riviera Maya, is the resort counterpart of being invited to an exclusive private villa and stunning spa. Our beachfront luxury Playa Del Carmen hotel is a resort refuge and has a full service luxury spa, an award-winning restaurant and lounge featuring “Mayaterranean Cuisine,� seven-miles of white-sand beach, and trips to nearby ancient cities and ruins.

ASK ME ABOUT MY EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO AMENITIES

Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa The Mayan Riviera´s Most Authentic Hideaway On the edge of lapis-blue Caribbean waters, Maroma rises like a thatched roof oasis along a sugary white beach. The resort is a hushed secret among current and past guest. One where genuine Mexican hospitality reigns, an award-winning beach stretches on for days and romance is impulsive. It´s the true spirit of the mayan Riviera in every way. Only 30-minutes from Cancun International Airport (CUN) with direct connections to all major US cities and Europe, the estate´s 63-guest rooms, suites and 1 four bedroom villa offer an experience unlike any other.

Spend lazy days in ocean side restaurants or stroll through dense gardens where parrots and butterflies play. Explore some of Mexico´s great heritage sites, dive in mysterious underwater caves or relax at the #1 spa in Mexico and Central America Kinan Spa.

Rosewood Mayakoba Built along a network of lagoons and the Caribbean Sea, the resort’s 128 suites are strikingly modern in design yet crafted from such indigenous materials as to appear born of the jungle.

Limestone, wood and water are fused in harmony with the natural surroundings. Upon arrival, guests are transported by luxury boats or golf cart to their own personal sanctuary.All of the suites feature crisp, open spaces, contemporary furnishings and wooden lattices and glass hiding doors for natural airiness.

Accommodations are complemented with such details as rooftop sundecks or patios, spacious bathrooms, plunge pools and private boat docks.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya From enchanted surroundings to unique dining atmospheres, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has ushered in a unique vacation experience where passion, luxury and exceptional service merge to create lasting memories. The resort has more than 1,600 feet of white-sand beach, 539 ocean view, jungle view and oceanfront suites; award-winning chefs overseeing five fine dining venues and a luxurious Spa.

Featured Experience: Sense of Romance

Sense of Romance: Banyon Tree Mayakoba Valid for travel through December 21st, 2016 Revel in serenity and retreat into the intimacy of your villa sanctuary with your loved one. Indulge in an exquisite dining experience, rejuvenate with a sublime couple spa treatment and let love blossom.

Book the Sense of Romance package and enjoy attractive inclusions such as: Daily breakfast buffet at Oriente Restaurant for two Two 90 minutes spa session (60-minute massage & 30-minute refreshments and relaxation) per villa, per stay One Royal Thai menu dinner for two at Saffron (does not include beverages) One “Intimate moment� romantic villa arrangement and a bottle of wine

CONTACT ME TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITINERARY

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Taj Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa Valid for travel now through September 30th 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily Full English Breakfast 1 1/2 Hour City Walk with a professional tour guide Wine Tasting for two guests in the Wine Gallery once during stay Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Las Alamandas Resort Costalegre, Mexico

Valid for travel now through December 18th 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit Welcome Margaritas upon arrival Welcome bottle of wine Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Bali Uluwatu, Indonesia

Valid for travel now through December 20th 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Hotel or Resort credit Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Mandarin Oriental, Miami Miami, FL

Valid for travel now through September 30th, 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Royal Palms Resort & Spa Phoenix, AZ United States

Valid for travel now through December 31st 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary Upgrade upon arrival, based on availability Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests One $50 Alvadora Spa credit & One $50 T.Cook’s Dinner credit Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability

Exclusive Virtuoso

World Travel Experiences

Belmond Hotel Splendido Portofino, Italy

Valid for travel now through November 3rd 2016

Experience Includes: Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Full American Buffet breakfast daily $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Tech News: Travel Technology

OGIO’s All Elements Backpack A sleek, streamlined design paired with durable, waterproof construction make OGIO’s All Elements Pack the ideal backpack for bicyclists, motorists, and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re an everyday bicycle commuter or a weekend mountaineer, this waterproof pack is essential for keeping your gear dry. Waterproof material and roll-top construction locks out moisture, and the water resistant front zippered pocket keeps essentials easy to access

TO LEARN MORE OR TO ORDER CLICK ON PRODUCT IMAGE

LithiumCard Hypercharger Nothing is worse than when your battery indicator turns into a red sliver.

Just stick this credit-card shaped battery in your wallet, and it’s your panic button when you need some extra juice.

SleepPhones If you struggle with sleeping in hotel rooms, perhaps give SleepPhones a try and listen to music as you drift off to la-la land. The soft wireless band contains speakers and the band can even be washed.

www.dreamtravelinternational.com