Caribbean & Mexico Resort Reports from Berwick Travel

Berwick Travel certified as Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant

2008-07-01T15:01:00.002-04:00

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma certifies BERWICK TRAVEL as GI Vacation Consultant

Online Agency Becomes One of Only Select Few Certified by Gourmet Inclusive Collection of Resorts in Riviera Maya

Cinnaminson NJ, July 1, 2008 – El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of Gourmet Inclusive properties along the Riviera Maya, Mexico, recently certified Berwick Travel Inc., as a Gourmet Inclusive (GI) Vacation Consultant. Berwick Travel is now a part of an elite group of travel agents across the country certified to provide travelers with recommendations on Gourmet Inclusive vacations to the Riviera Maya based on extensive firsthand experience and education.

“Becoming a GI Vacation Consultant provided our agency with an in-depth understanding of what makes the Gourmet Inclusive vacation experience truly unique,” said Steve Umstead, Director of Marketing for Berwick Travel. “Our certification as a GI Vacation Consultant allows us to assist customers with greater confidence, based on our personal knowledge of the Gourmet Inclusive philosophy and the rigorous training involved in the program. We are excited to create customized travel itineraries according to individual client desires and expectations.”

The GI Vacation Consultant Program is designed to personally educate travel professionals on the value of Gourmet Inclusive, a distinctive philosophy that allows guests to savor every detail of their environment. From the gourmet cuisine to the variety of resort services, fine décor, and amenities, each aspect of Gourmet Inclusive is designed to create a unique experience that fosters togetherness for couples and families.

As a GI Vacation Consultant, Berwick Travel is a certified travel specialist, catering to clients that seek the ultimate in one or more niche market: destination weddings, honeymoons, romance, anniversary, family and multigenerational vacations. Berwick Travel is now an expert on all Gourmet Inclusive properties including El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma; El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma; El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma; El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort, by Karisma; Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma; Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma, opening in October 2008; and Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma, opening in December 2008

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About Berwick Travel

Berwick Travel (www.berwicktravel.com; www.berwickvacations.com) is a family owned and operated travel agency founded in July 2001, with the belief in giving Internet pricing and convenience with the service & knowledge one expects from a local travel agency.

Berwick Travel, unlike most agencies, focuses specifically on a small group of hand-picked all-inclusive resorts, so that each Travel Counsultant can be experienced and knowledgeable in the resorts. Each Travel Consultant has undergone in-house training on products and services, as well as industry training from suppliers. In addition, Travel Consultants regularly visit many of the properties for inspections and tours, along with meetings with on-site resort management staff.

Berwick Travel has achieved several industry awards:
• Travel Impressions' Best of the Best award for six straight years, including the prestigious Globe Award for the past five consecutive years.
• Apple Vacations' Golden Apple status for top-producing agencies, including Premier Level for the past three years.
• Couples Resorts' Platinum Level status for top-producing agencies.
• SuperClubs' Diamond Level status for top-producing agencies.

Berwick Travel has also qualified as AMResorts Master Agents, Disney College of Knowledge and Earmarked Agency, Universal Parks & Resorts Specialists, and is an official Affiliated Agency of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

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For more information, contact:

Steve Umstead (pr@berwicktravel.com)
Director of Marketing

Berwick Travel Inc.
2108 Berwick Dr.
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
(866) 278-8728
http://www.berwicktravel.com

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About El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma are a premier hotel collection operating properties throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, where guests savor a Gourmet Inclusive experience that fosters togetherness. Karisma’s growing portfolio is comprised of Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma; El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma; El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma; and El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma. Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades including, Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 100 Hotels in the World,” Conde Nast Traveler’s “Gold List,” Forbes’ “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels,” TUI Travel PLC’s “Hotel of the Year,” and AAA’s “Four Diamond Award.” Karisma has received worldwide recognition for its creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations including resorts with swim-up suites, Infinity balcony pools, beach butlers and cash-free transactions.

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Excellence Punta Cana renovations complete!

2008-04-08T14:28:00.004-04:00

Berwick Travel is proud to feature Excellence Punta Cana. For Excellence Punta Cana photos and Excellence Punta Cana vacation packages, click here.

Excellence Resorts Invests $8 million in Renovations
Guests will experience new enhancements and amenities at Punta Cana property

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – April 3, 2008 – Excellence Resorts recently announced the completion of $8 million in renovations to its charming Excellence Punta Cana property, 2008 winner of the TripAdvisor® Traveler’s Choice award for the number one resort in the Caribbean among the world’s most popular destinations, best pool and most romantic in the Caribbean. Located on the East Coast of the Dominican Republic and resting on the shores of the azure Caribbean Sea, Excellence Punta Cana received a range of enhancements including new decoration of all guest rooms and partial renovations throughout the resort areas, as well as a new restaurant, state-of-the-art fitness center and many additional lavish touches.

Guest Room Enhancements – The Excellence Club features private swim-up suites for Club members with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The renovations to these already fully-equipped and lavish accommodations include new interior decoration, Bulgari toiletries and new lounging hammocks in the private cabanas.

Excellence Club suites have also been equipped for every digital desire with new 37 inch LCD flat screen TV’s and radio alarm clocks with i-pod connections. The Club suites’ mini-bars, featuring premium liquors, have been expanded to include wine and a variety of snacks, all freshly stocked every day. In addition to the Club suites, redecoration of all of the resort’s guest rooms has been completed. And, all guest rooms now include free wireless Internet access, as well as throughout the resort.

New Restaurant – Excellence Punta Cana created Oregano, its eighth restaurant option to enhance the current seven enticing international choices. Oregano features ítems like pizza and other tasty delights and offers flexible dining hours, including early and late evening availability. Additionally, the resort’s amazing existing seven gourmet restaurants have been completely redecorated reflecting their international themes which are: French, Mexican, Mediterranean, fine Italian, Asian, lobster specialties and grill specialties. All of the restaurant’s kitchens have been renovated to allow chef creations that delight the most discriminating palettes. Moreover, a healthy choice spa cuisine dining option is now available in all of the restaurants.

New Fitness Center & Recreation – In addition to its world-class spa, guests of Excellence Punta Cana will certainly enjoy the newly developed fitness center equipped with a large seperate space with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and a special room for yoga and fitness classes. Expert trainers are available to assist guests in attaining body, mind and spiritual well-being in the large fitness areas. Moreover, avid tennis players will appreciate the completely renovated tennis courts that allow guests to sharpen their tennis game on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.

Main Resort Areas - Additional resort areas that have been updated include the Excellence Punta Cana reception and lobby area, meeting facilities and theater. Enhancements include intricate interior design and sumptuous new furniture in the lobby and meeting spaces that reflect the colonial setting of Excellence Punta Cana. And new luxurious arm chairs in the theater will ensure a comfortable cinema experience.

Pool and Beach Areas – Guests of Excellence Punta Cana spend a considerable amount of time enjoying the amazing views and proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Therefore, renovations to the resort’s ideally situated pool and beach areas have been carefullly implemented and include elegant new lounge chairs and updated common areas.

The exquisite renovations at Excellence Punta Cana add to the property’s five-star amenities featuring diverse accommodations, enticing gourmet cuisine, world-class spa and meticulous service.

Excellence Resorts provides its adult guests with all-inclusive luxury in the most desirable locations including Excellence Riviera Cancun, Mexico; Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico and soon, Oyster Bay, Jamaica. The TripAdvisor® 2008 Traveler’s Choice Awards ranked Excellence Resorts’ properties among the best in the world, with Riviera Cancun elected as Mexico’s number one resort for luxury and romance; and Punta Cana recognized as having the best pool and being the most romantic in the Caribbean, along with the award of number one resort in the Caribbean among the world’s most popular destinations. Excellence Resorts is owned by The Excellence Group which is the resulting product of a joint investment of Medieval Times and Explotacions Turistiques de les Illes (E.T.I.).

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Secrets Maroma and Secrets Silversands construction

2008-03-09T16:01:00.001-04:00

We're getting closer! Two brand new Secrets Resorts will be opening up this summer, and while it's difficult to get an idea of the finished product from construction site photos, we think they're really cool to look at! Secrets Maroma is scheduled to be opening in July, and we will begin taking reservations for arrivals August 1st and onwards; Secrets Silversands is scheduled for August, so we'll take reservations September 1st and onward.

Both resorts will be the adults-only, top notch luxury Secrets is famous for, and triple the number of Secrets properties in the Riviera Maya. Both are close to the airport (Silversands is barely 15 minutes away!) and are intimate in size, under 450 rooms each. Secrets Maroma is located on the famous Maroma Beach, voted Travel Channel's Best Beach in the World a few years back, and will feature very unique swim out rooms that you can literally step off your patio into the pool. Secrets Silversands is a much different decor and design; very much art deco and eclectic, very silver and white colored rooms and common areas.

We'll keep everyone posted about opening dates or new pictures, but if you're looking for a fall getaway with that someone special, here are two fabulous choices!

Ocean Coral & Turquesa

2008-03-07T16:14:00.000-05:00

Ocean Coral & Ocean Turquesa's newest resort complex is located minutes south of Cancun, one of the first resorts you come to, so it's incredibly convenient, especially for anyone who's spent all day flying! Like the Princess resorts, this is technically two sections of one resort, but unlike Princess, Ocean has decided to market it as one resort (which makes life easier for us!) No difference in 'sections', and the buildings are arranged in horseshoe configuration, meaning most rooms have at least a partial oceanview.

Like Ocean Blue in Punta Cana, Ocean Coral & Turquesa has one of the best features an all-inclusive resort can have - the ability to have a family of five in one room. For all of you with three little kids wondering how in the world you can afford to book two rooms on your vacation, this may be your answer. All Junior Suites, and all have pull out sofabeds, so no need to worry about cost or hoping to get adjoining rooms!

Four a la carte restaurants, plus one main buffet and a beachfront breakfast and lunch snack bar, give plenty of variety. Four pools, one located in each 'horseshoe', each provide a different atmosphere (if you want pool volleyball, it's in one; if you want to read a book by the pool, head to another one.) Beautiful white sand beach, very similar to the sand in Cancun, and a very calm ocean make for enjoyable lounging and swimming.

Definitely a great choice for families because of (a) proximity to the airport, (b) full service Children's Club, and most of all (c) being family of five friendly, Ocean Coral & Turquesa could be your summer vacation destination. Dozens of Ocean Coral Turquesa pictures online!

Grand Riviera Princess & Grand Sunset Princess

2008-03-07T16:12:00.002-05:00

Two resorts, mirror images facing each other across the main pool, with full exchange privileges, the new Grand Riviera Princess and Grand Sunset Princess could really be sold as one resort, but they have decided to split the names so each can be sold through different suppliers (don't ask us why...)

As with our very well-rated Bavaro Princess and Punta Cana Princess in Punta Cana, Princess Hotels has done it again with all-suite, all-inclusive, great value properties, this time in the Riviera Maya. Not too far from the airport (and only a few minutes from Playa Del Carmen), a Junior Suite is as low as $82 per person, per night in May, which quite honestly is unheard of in Mexico. That price level is where 2-3 star hotels price...we're still amazed at how great a deal these resorts are.

Again, the Princesses are all-suite properties, with upgraded suites that feature Jacuzzi tubs, direct swim out access to the pool, or even ones that sit on a man-made lagoon. The also have a Platinum category which offers 41" flat screen televisions, unlimited Internet access in the lounge, 24 hour room service, and much more.

Seven a la carte restaurants, two snack bars, a late night sports bar with snack service and an ice cream parlor means never having to go hungry. And if you're a pool person, this is heaven - 12 (yes, 12!) swimming pools (including four just for kids) are located throughout the property. Very large beach, one of the "deepest" we've seen, gives plenty of space for beach chairs.

Add it all up and you get a great value for your dollar - maybe something to think about when that tax rebate check comes in! Plenty of great pictures from the Grand Riviera Princess and Grand Sunset Princess on our site...

THE ROYAL Playa Del Carmen & THE ROYAL Cancun

2008-03-07T15:56:00.000-05:00

Properties that underwent massive upgrades and renovations a little while back (essentially tearing down to the foundations and being rebuilt as luxury adults-only properties), the sister Royal Playa Del Carmen and Royal Cancun are remarkably similar in layout/amenities/rooms/dining, and also share a very unique feature most other resorts can't claim. Both resorts sit right in the middle of "the action" - the Royal Playa Del Carmen is literally right on Playa Del Carmen's famous Fifth Avenue, in the middle of the shopping/nightlife that 'Playa' is famous for, and the Royal Cancun is towards the north end of the Hotel Zone, located between two major shopping centers within walking distance of dozens of restaurants and clubs. That being said, both resorts are separated from that hustle and bustle very well, so guests within the resort stay in the five star luxury, while those who crave the activity only need to step outside the front gate.

Both resorts are all-suite, featuring in-room Jacuzzi tubs (true double size, not just a few jets in the bathtub!), television and CD/DVD player, and 24 hour room service. Guests in Royal Service rooms also have a feature available to them which is nearly unheard of in the industry - the ability to book the exact room location/floor/number they want, simply by logging on to The Royal's website 48 hours prior to arrival!

All this, plus a la carte gourmet dining with no reservations (except for the very unique Royal Chef's Plate, a special menu done by the head chef every night at an intimate setting, something to try out!) make for a truly five star experience at either resort. The only question is which city do you want, Playa or Cancun?

Valentin Imperial Maya - All New

2008-03-06T15:51:00.002-05:00

Brand new, built from the ground up, and only 25 minutes south of Cancun's airport, the Valentin Imperial Maya is an adults-only, all-suite, five star luxury resort that is geared very heavily towards North American clientele. Before you even check in, you're greeted with a cold towel and welcome drink, a nice touch more resorts should adopt!

The Valentin Imperial Maya features seven a la carte restaurants, none of which ever require reservations (the best way to travel!), including Japanese with teppanyaki tables and a lobster restaurant, or order room service 24 hours a day. Plus, a very unique feature is the "One Touch" system - no need to dial one number for housekeeping, another for room service, another for concierge. Just One Touch and you're taken care of.

Suites are all equipped with hydromassage tubs, satellite television with DVD player, in-room Internet access, daily stocked minibar, and bathrobes and slippers.

A large lagoon-style pool runs down one side of the Valentin Imperial Maya, featuring a swim up pool bar and plenty of chairs. White sand beach, calm water, and a beach bar give you two distinct places to relax during the day.

The Valentin Imperial Maya is definitely one of the top luxury resorts in the Riviera Maya, so for those of you looking for a new destination for adults only, certainly one to consider.

Plenty of Valentin Imperial Maya pictures on our site from our agency tour in March!

EdenH Real Arena, Punta Cana

2008-02-17T16:08:00.000-05:00

EdenH Real Arena is a brand new resort that just opened up in Punta Cana that we had a chance to visit while at Dreams for the Super Bowl party.

Very unique resort for the Dominican Republic - not the typical thatched roof, brightly colored buildings you'd expect to find here. EdenH Real Arena, the NH Hotels Group's first foray into all-inclusive resorts, looks like it belongs in an upscale art district, or maybe along the beach in Monaco.

Quiet music plays throughout, not the usual salsa beat, making for a very relaxed and laid back atmosphere, something you can see as soon as you enter the high-ceilinged modern lobby. Spacious rooms with flat screen televisions and Jacuzzi tubs with rain showers complete the modern feel. Even the children seem to be well behaved!

Four a la carte restaurants (no reservations needed) and 24 hour room service, all feature some of the best quality food in the Dominican Republic, something EdenH prides itself on. EdenH Real Arena has a large stretch of white sand beach (right on Bavaro Beach, and not too far from the airport) and a huge pool that runs down the center of the resort.

Believe it or not, this resort, even though it just opened in January, is completely sold out until May - not a room to be had. The good news is that they are offering some excellent grand opening rates (how does $82 per person, per night, sound for a 4.5 star all-inclusive in May sound??)

Plenty of EdenH Real Arena pictures on our site from our agency tour in February!

Couples Ocho Rios to Unveil New Hotel within Historic Walls

2008-01-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

Jamaica’s Original All-Inclusive Hotel to Close While Undergoing $15 Million in Upgrade

Miami, FL – January 23, 2008 – Couples Resorts is pleased to announce plans for a US$15 million renovation of Jamaica’s first all-inclusive, couples only resort, Couples Ocho Rios. Nearly all areas of the 59 year old resort will be renovated as it is restored to its original Old World Jamaican charm, marrying tropical splendor with an updated, Grand Island style. The resort will close on April 1 and a new and improved Couples Ocho Rios will be unveiled on December 15, 2008. Nearly every aspect of the resort from the lobby to the spa to restaurants and pool facilities will be renovated with contemporary upgrades to ensure the romance, refinement and quality that Couples Resorts’ savvy guests have come to expect.

“We’ve been working on these plans for two years now,” explains Couples Chairman Lee Issa. “This well-orchestrated renovation effort is an example of our continued investment in Couples Ocho Rios and dedication to quality and guest satisfaction. Our guests are sophisticated travelers, who recognize superiority and style when they see it. We want to ensure they get what they desire – unparalleled beauty and romance.”

Originally built in 1949 as the Tower Isle Hotel and rebranded as Couples Ocho Rios in 1978, the resort will undergo extensive renovations that will include the addition of 20 accommodations – four suites and 16 rooms - all with ocean views, flat screen televisions in all rooms, new doors to guest room entrance and enhancements to the main pool (including leveling the depth to 5.0 feet throughout and creating a new water feature), lobby, piano bar, main dining room, main bar, and garden villa suites. Some bathrooms will feature zero edge walk-in showers.

Brand new amenities include a new wedding gazebo, veggie and juice bar, pool grill, spa with 10 treatment rooms, swim-up pool bar and new dive pool, gym, aerobics room, photo shop, gift shop, games room, and a floating dock at Tower Isle, Couples Ocho Rios’ own private island.

Guests already booked at Couples Ocho Rios during the closed period will be protected at one of our three sister properties (Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away or Couples Negril) and will receive a certificate entitling them to two complimentary nights on a return stay at Couples Ocho Rios from April 1 – December 15, 2009. Guest who elect not to travel will be offered a full refund.

“It is common knowledge among our loyal guests that the staff at Couples Ocho Rios is what makes this resort so special. Several have been with the resort for nearly thirty years,” states Lee Issa. “We have offered a comprehensive and generous package to ensure that all valued employees will return to the resort for its grand re-opening in December.”

The First Dreams Resort & Spa Property in Dominican Republic Now Open in Punta Cana

2008-01-16T12:54:00.000-05:00

Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa Offers Unlimited-Luxury®, first-ever Teen’s Club

Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa made its debut in December 2007 as the first Unlimited-Luxury® resort in the Dominican Republic. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the former Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana became the latest addition to the Dreams-brand family of upscale hotels, treating couples and couples with children to opulent accommodations with stunning ocean views and first-class amenities and services. Located along the island’s east coast, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa sits on one of Dominican Republic’s finest, most pristine beaches with blue waters stretching to the horizon.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Unlimited-Luxury® concept to Dominican Republic with Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa. We have implemented enhancements and installed brand new amenities to bring our guests a new and better way to have it all, and are confident this resort will exceed their expectations.”

All guest rooms have been enhanced with DVD players and MP3 docking stations with alarm clocks. Ground-floor rooms and suite terraces have been outfitted with hammocks. The walkways of the resort are now paved in beautiful stone, and by February of 2008 guests will also enjoy the convenience of wireless internet throughout the property, as well as access to a brand new business center. The theater will feature a new state-of-the art sound and lighting system.

Additionally, Preferred Club guests indulging in a higher level of service will enjoy upgraded guest rooms boasting new furniture and décor. The all-new, exclusive Preferred Club reception will also be completed by February 2008.

Overseeing Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa’s impeccable service will be General Manager Yann LeGuillou. A Dreams Resorts & Spas veteran since the brand’s inception in 2003, LeGuillou has held several significant roles within the company, including his latest position as Resident Manager for Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. LeGuillou graduated from the Institute of Hotels and Tourism in Québec Canada and has had years of experience in the hotel industry, working for widely recognized international hotels and resorts.

Currently, each of the seven restaurants at Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa are offering guests all-new menu selections, offering mouth-watering dishes that are sure to please the most discerning palate. In addition to new food items, restaurants Himitsu (Asian cuisine) and El Patio (Mexican fare) will also welcome diners to new furniture and décor. Bordeaux , a newly-branded adults-only restaurant offering French cuisine, has also been completely renovated. Da Mario, an ocean-front restaurant serving Italian dishes trattoria-style, is scheduled to open March 2008.

Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa provides the perfect romantic setting for a destination wedding with its elegant wedding gazebo and honeymoon suites boasting spacious living rooms, king-sized poster beds, and private terraces with Jacuzzis.

Couples with children will appreciate the resort’s Explorers’ Club, which is exclusively for younger guests ages 3 – 12 with fully-supervised activities. For teens, Dreams Resorts & Spas will also offer its first-ever Teen’s Club at Dreams Punta Cana. Around the clock sports and activities will keep teenagers happily occupied. Teen discos are also open nightly from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

For those seeking relaxation, the spa offers a sublime atmosphere of pure indulgence combining hydrotherapy and soothing signature treatments featuring indigenous techniques and ingredients. Couples treatment rooms, multiple private massage rooms built over tranquil water, a lush outdoor garden, a hydrotherapy area featuring indoor Jacuzzis and showers, a plunge pool, sauna and steam bath, complete the stimulating and peaceful experience. The spa also features a full service beauty salon offering hair treatments, waxing, and manicure and pedicure services.

For Dreams Punta Cana vacation packages, click here.

Azure Divinity in Paradise

2007-12-28T14:38:00.000-05:00

Excellence Riviera Cancun (a five star adult only, all inclusive resort)
by Karen Holly Berliner,
Travel Writer & Contributor to Berwick Travel

When you step through the threshold of the Excellence Riviera Cancun, relax and allow your breath to be stolen away. Forgive yourself as you should, the complete and shameless abandon of your New York City bustle. Drop your woes, Blackberrys and day planners off at the Cancun airport, just scant minutes away from this dreamy paradise. Enter this for adults only paradise and indulge in this well deserved vacation. Allow yourself to be captured. I did.

Stroll into the grand vestibule and submit if you will, to the sights, fragrances and sounds about you, as you feel your senses heighten and poise, ready to inhale every last drop of The Excellences’ wonder, in grand elegance and lush tropical splendor. Take in the powdered sugar lined beach front stretching for miles. Poke a toe into the aquamarine bath warm ocean, itself as vivid as a masterpiece painting. Marvel at the backdrop of rich peaches and cream castle like structures, peppered throughout with lazy hemp hammocks and lavish palm trees and gardens, bordered all the way around by a maze of pristine swimming pools. Be greedy for the first time in ages, as you see hear taste and smell absolutely everything and all for yourself, from the meticulously prepared gourmet fare offered in a diversity of cuisines, to the dirty blond thatch palapas, themselves whispering an invitation to your own private lot of sun kissed beach. Come lap in The Excellences’ signature luxury, as it fast dispels the myth of the cliché all inclusive resorts we all of us have come to expect. I did.

Excellence Resorts are five-star properties that boast a new standard, demonstrating in every detail and perk, their philosophy simply put and seamlessly delivered: “all-inclusive is luxury.” The Excellence resort is all about quality, not quantity.

My invitation to The Excellence Riviera Cancun allowed me to experience this resort in the spirit of a romantic getaway. While romance is as diverse as the hearts that beat it, The Excellence manages to offer every universal aspect of it, showcasing any given couple’s fantasy getaway, from honeymoon or vow renewals, to anniversaries and beach front weddings themselves, choreographed from start to finish on the resort premises. The Excellence offers private beachfront candlelight dinners complete with an enchanting harp player, strumming classical pieces while you dine, breakfast in bed delivered first thing in the morning with discretion and quiet finesse, a state of the art discothèque for dancing till the wee hours, 11 different drink spots including a Martini bar, appointed to concoct the cocktail of your dreams. Expect luxurious rooms and suites, many with both indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi’s, a walk- in shower room complete with teak wood bench, rose petals sprinkled playfully atop white towel doves upon your king sized bed. Find champagne chilling for a spontaneous toast and a top shelf stocked bar for a last night cap, later in the privacy of your room. Best of all, visit the Excellence Spa. Treat yourself to healthy hydrotherapy in the pool, a Swedish sauna or a deep tissue massage. Enjoy the afterglow of your treatments in this cavernous oasis and finish with some cleansing aloe juice. Sip a flute of champagne and nibble on a chocolate covered strawberry.

Beyond romance and relaxation, feel free to access the ample land and sea activities at arms reach, from scuba diving excursions to cooking tutorials.

Be a guest at all of the Excellence Resort locations, including Excellence Riviera Cancun, Mexico ; Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico; and soon, Excellence Oyster Bay, Jamaica. I did.

After all, sometimes don’t you just want to be swept off your feet?

New Sunscape Resort in Punta Cana

2007-11-30T16:52:00.000-05:00

Okay, not new from the ground up, but newly-rebranded. Earlier in November, Playa Hotels (a major investor in Apple Vacations and AMResorts) announced the acquisition of the Allegro Punta Cana resort, with the intention to renovate and rebrand to Sunscape Punta Cana. The new Sunscape is due to open December 22nd.

Always good news when AMResorts (Secrets, Dreams, Sunscape Resorts) opens a new hotel, as they really do it right. Fully all-inclusive, minibars in each room, a la carte dining with no reservations needed, and a top of the line children's club at the Sunscape & Dreams Resorts, the Explorers Club.

The Allegro Punta Cana was a very popular mid-level resort, close to the airport (20 minute drive), with a huge free-form pool and a beautiful beachfront. They're putting the finishing touches on some upgrades to bring the Allegro in line with the Sunscape brand, and we have an all-new web page set up. We plan to see it in-person while our agency is in Punta Cana for Dreams Punta Cana's Super Bowl weekend, so we'll have our usual flood of pictures posted then.

Berwick Travel Announces 2007 Pinnacle Award Winners

2007-11-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

The agency's five top rated resorts are awarded with the exclusive Pinnacle Award for outstanding service, staff, and amenities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CINNAMINSON, NJ - Nov 21, 2007 – Berwick Travel today announced their 2007 Pinnacle Award winning all-inclusive resorts. The awards are based on feedback from returning clients, agency site inspections of the resorts, and the luxury features and amenities that each offers to its guests.

Based on client surveys over a 12 month period, five all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico were chosen to receive the prestigious Pinnacle Award. Two of the winning resorts are in the Riviera Maya, Mexico; two resorts are in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and one resort is in Negril, Jamaica. All five resorts have earned top ratings from tour operators in the industry, and all are considered five star or above.

In the Riviera Maya, Mexico (just south of Cancun), the two winning resorts are Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun and Excellence Riviera Cancun. Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, the recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award and named TripAdvisor's Best Luxury Resort, is adults-only, featuring 24 hour room service, in-room minibars, and a quiet, laid-back atmosphere reflecting its Italian-style architecture and small intimate size. Excellence Riviera Cancun is also adults-only, and an all-suite property featuring 24 hour room service, in-room minibars, gourmet a la carte dining with no reservations needed, and a winding lagoon-style pool. It also offers the exclusive Excellence Club section for upgraded amenities and services.

In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the two winners are Dreams Punta Cana (formerly Sunscape The Beach)and Excellence Punta Cana. Dreams Punta Cana is a family-friendly upscale all-inclusive resort with 24 hour room service, in-room minibars, and a top-rated lagoon-style pool, plus gourmet a la carte dining with no reservations needed. The resort is in the midst of an $8 million upgrade which will enhance the already-luxurious resort and push it into the 5+ star category of Dreams Resorts. Excellence Punta Cana sits on a massive stretch of white sand beach in the very secluded Uvero Alto area of Punta Cana, and like its sister resort in Mexico, is adults-only, all-suite, 24 hour room service, mini-bars, plus the Excellence Club.

In Jamaica, the lone winner and top-rated resort for the destination is Couples Swept Away, an adults-only upscale resort located on Jamaica's famous Seven Mile Beach. Newly expanded in 2006, the new Verandah section features in-room minibars and televisions, a departure from the original section with its quiet & secluded atmosphere, plus the new Great House with swim-up bar and two new restaurants.

“We are proud to be able to present these awards to our top resorts for 2007,” said Steve Umstead, Director of Marketing for Berwick Travel. “We have always received excellent reviews from clients returning from these properties, and we are confident in sending future guests to any of them. Each one offers a different experience, but all can be counted on to provide a top-of-the-line, luxurious, and enjoyable stay to the most discerning all-inclusive traveler.”

"We are very honored to be again awarded the Pinnacle Award by Berwick Travel,” said Matthew J. Mullen, Senior Director of Sales for AMResorts (parent company of Secrets, Dreams, and Sunscape Resorts.) “We strive to provide an 'Unlimited-Luxury' experience for all our guests, ensure high guest satisfaction and create a 'guest-for-life.' Our 'Welcome Home' philosophy at Secrets Resorts & Spas and Dreams Resorts & Spas strives to provide every indulgence imaginable and we are pleased that Berwick Travel has again singled out our resorts as exceptional."

“We are truly honored to be awarded with Berwick Travel’s prestigious 2007 Pinnacle Award for our Excellence Riviera Cancun and Punta Cana properties,” said Ignacio Fernandez, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Excellence Group. “Our long standing relationship with Berwick Travel has proven that they are as dedicated as we are in providing costumers with an outstanding level of service. We feel privileged to have been recognized by such a well-respected travel agency in the industry that mirrors the values we strongly believe in, and look forward to continuing that relationship.”

Berwick Travel's 2007 Pinnacle Award Winners
• Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, Mexico
• Excellence Riviera Cancun, Mexico
• Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Dreams Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Couples Swept Away, Jamaica

About Berwick Travel
Berwick Travel (www.berwicktravel.com; www.berwickvacations.com) is a family owned and operated travel agency founded in July 2001, with the belief in giving Internet pricing and convenience with the service & knowledge one expects from a local travel agency.

Berwick Travel, unlike most agencies, focuses specifically on a small group of hand-picked all-inclusive resorts, so that each Travel Counsultant can be experienced and knowledgeable in the resorts. Each Travel Consultant has undergone in-house training on products and services, as well as industry training from suppliers. In addition, Travel Consultants regularly visit many of the properties for inspections and tours, along with meetings with on-site resort management staff.

Berwick Travel has achieved several industry awards:
• Travel Impressions' Best of the Best award for six straight years, including the prestigious Globe Award for the past five consecutive years.
• Apple Vacations' Golden Apple status for top-producing agencies, including Premier Level for the past three years.
• Couples Resorts' Platinum Level status for top-producing agencies.
• SuperClubs' Diamond Level status for top-producing agencies.

Berwick Travel has also qualified as AMResorts Master Agents, Disney College of Knowledge and Earmarked Agency, Universal Parks & Resorts Specialists, and is an official Affiliated Agency of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

For more information, contact:

Steve Umstead (pr@berwicktravel.com)
Director of Marketing

Berwick Travel Inc.
2108 Berwick Dr.
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
(866) 278-8728
http://www.berwicktravel.com

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Latest from Excellence Playa Mujeres

2007-11-19T14:17:00.001-05:00

We keep getting that same question - is Excellence Playa Mujeres open?

Yes, of course! Little by little it's becoming a complete resort - here's the latest update from our friends at the Excellence Group:

• The Excellence Club Lounge, X-Lounge at the beach & fitness center are opened from last week.
• The SPA is also opened from the second week, and the two higher floors will open this week.
• Beach looks better, but there is still the “nortes” - the sea currents that come from the north. These currents take all the seaweed to the beach, but we have people the entire day cleaning the beach with the tractor and by hand. The beach is clean, but not inside the water.

We have seen a difference already on the comments from the clients we have at the hotel right now, 99% positive. People can not believe the hotel opened just 2 weeks ago!

Latest Excellence Playa Mujeres pictures

Update on Excellence Playa Mujeres

2007-11-15T11:01:00.000-05:00

This just in from the Director of Sales for the Excellence Group:

All the services are opened but the Flavor Market, which is scheduled for Friday the 16th or Saturday the 17th.

We have clients at buildings 9,8 and 7, and as soon as occupancy will go up, we will have clients in other buildings (it does not make sense to split the clients if we are at 30-40%).

Today the SPA is open at the ground floor, with all the hydrotherapy area, beauty parlor and some treatment cabins, enough for the demand they have today. Plus pool and beach stations.

The beach is very clean and looks very nice, but there are sea grass in the first meter inside the ocean like “floating”, but as soon as it comes out, we clean it. We hope this very bad sea will go, and be as it was before very soon.

Thanks to our great friends at the Excellence Group for all their updates! You can see Excellence Playa Mujeres pictures here.

Yes, Excellence Playa Mujeres is open!

Jammin' Cocktail of the Month!

2007-11-09T12:12:00.001-05:00

Mojito Especial
Compliments of Sergio Roman, bartender at Excellence Playa Mujeres

• 2 ounces simple (sugar) syrup
• 1/2 lime
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup ice
• splash of bitters (optional)
• 1 1/2 ounce dark rum
• 2 ounces club soda
• 1 sprig of mint for garnish
• 1 lime wedge for garnish

Juice the 1/2 lime into a tall glass. Cut the remain lime into quarters and add them to the glass. Stir and blend the mint leaves with the lime and syrup (or sugar) crushing the leaves to extract their flavor. Add the crushed ice, rum, and club soda and stir well to blend. Garnish with the lime wedge and mint sprig.

For a tastier variation, use Bacardi Limon (or other citrus flavored rum)!

Excellence Playa Mujeres opens - and we were there!

2007-11-08T11:55:00.000-05:00

Adults-only luxury in Cancun!

Right on schedule, the newest Excellence Resort opened its doors the morning of November 1 - and we were very fortunate and proud to be their first guests! As usual we went overboard with photos - almost 90 pictures of the resort have been posted on our site, plus an additional (and very unique if we do say so!) handful of "before and after" photos showing sections of the resort under construction, then what they looked like after completion.

Click for Excellence Playa Mujeres pictures

Excellence Playa Mujeres is located about 10-15 minutes north of Cancun's Hotel Zone, so about 25 minutes from the airport, in a very secluded area right across the water from Isla Mujeres. No other resorts around, only a golf course to one side and a residence complex and marina to the other. Absolutely gorgeous resort, very unique decor and style, with all the same great Excellence amenities and inclusions...plus one of the finest and most stunning rooms you'll ever see, the Rooftop Terrace Suite! A show cooking restaurant, saltwater main pool with swim up bar, Oriental cuisine restaurant with teppanyaki tables and a sushi bar, top-shelf liquors and Mexican beers, wireless Internet access (at no additional charge) in the rooms and common areas, flat screen TV's with DVD players, wait service at the pools and beach, and staff that always greets with a smile.

We saw some really interesting things during the first few days of opening - it's amazing to see the resort and staff growing and improving right before our eyes! Seeing palm trees planted where they weren't the day before...empty salt & pepper shakers on the tables for breakfast, only to be filled by lunch...having a wooden lounge seat on the balcony that has a plush cushion the next day...drinking Tecate beer from a can, replaced the next day by Dos Equis on tap...watching them printing out the room service menus to be put in the rooms...seeing the progress of the hand-made railing in the lobby...helping the staff with their English while they helped us with our Spanish - the first week a resort is open is always unique!

Some great room choices are in the Excellence Club section with stunning oceanviews (some with great looks at Isla Mujeres lit up at night), and of course the Rooftop Terrace - no better way to relax in the evening, or sunbathe in privacy! You can even order room service to be delivered on your rooftop. The Swim Up rooms have direct access to one of the seven different pools on property and don't have any type of sidewalks in front, so they offer a little bit of privacy, along with the convenience of having your room steps from the pool.

Great rates going on for travel not only for the next month and a half, but also Early Booking Bonus special rates for travel January through April. Space is available, but now that they are fully open, they will sell out quickly. No better time to get in - if you're looking for top of the line, adults-only, for your next trip, keep Excellence Playa Mujeres in mind!

Breezes Runaway Bay Completely Overhauled

2007-10-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

Now THIS is a great example of a renovation! We've seen many resorts that undergo a "multi-million dollar refurbishment", and all you notice is new drapes and sheets. Breezes Runaway Bay, on the other hand, is almost completely different from its previous self. We last visited this property a little over a year ago, and it was very basic - standard rooms, two restaurants, one pool, but having a great stretch of beach and plenty of included activities for sports-minded people. After closing for over six months, the resort opened its doors this past January after a vigorous $20 million renovation that adds 15 percent more rooms and suites, a new swim up pool and two restaurants, plus a complete overhaul of existing accommodations.

There is a brand new low-rise room block along the beach, introducing 30 oceanfront rooms and suites, including seven one-bedroom suites and eight verandah suites with private plunge pools. Many of the garden view rooms have been expanded and transformed into Verandah Suites, each boasting private plunge pools. The existing guest rooms have been spruced up with new mahogany furnishings, LCD televisions, and high-speed wireless Internet access. Bathrooms sport a fresh new look, with new countertops and polished hardware and faucets.

They've also added two exciting new dining experiences, greatly expanding the meal options. At the casually elegant Munasan, a sushi bar compliments Teppanyaki stations, where chefs cook dinners to order. Diners who loathe to venture too far from the beach might opt for Reggae Café, serving delicious Jamaican specialties for lunch and dinner. These restaurants round out Breezes’ current dining options, including Italian fine dining, continental buffet restaurant and the Starlight Grill (a very unique concept whereby guests choose their raw food and have a chef prepare it, all under an open nighttime sky!)

Two new freshwater swimming pools, supplementing the existing Olympic size main pool - one new pool services the new oceanfront room block, while the second features a swim-up bar and misting pool. Additionally, a new, easily accessible water sports building offers guests the latest in scuba and Nitrox equipment, which dive enthusiasts can test on the famed Canyon wall, located just beyond the beach.

All in all, a tremendous upgrade to a very fun and active resort - for more details, click here.

Riu Ocho Rios Turns Two

2007-10-23T13:45:00.000-04:00

On November 1st, 2005, the 856-room Riu Ocho Rios opened on the north coast of Jamaica. The Riu Ocho Rios is the largest Riu resort in the Caribbean, and is the third Riu resort in Jamaica, joining its sister resorts Riu Tropical Bay (opened in 2001) and Riu Negril (opened in 2004). A Happy Birthday is in order!

Visually stunning from any angle, the bright pastel purple colors really stand out against the 300,000 square feet of tropical gardens. Although it's over 800 rooms, it's not so spread out that one can get lost or feel overwhelmed - Riu has done a great job in keeping everything cozy.

Guest rooms at Riu Ocho Rios are situated in a Club wing (basic rooms) and a Deluxe wing (upgraded amenities, all Junior Suites, with additional dining options just for Deluxe guests.) All rooms have a balcony or terrace, AC, complimentary in room safe, mini bar, liquor dispenser, satellite TV, telephone and hairdryer. All rooms are considered oceanview, although guests in the Club wing rooms on the first two floors will quite honestly be hard-pressed to see the ocean, as they sit back from the beach a bit and are behind the main pool with many palm trees - if you do want a true oceanview, go for the Deluxe wing, or at the very least request a high floor.

Somewhat unusual for the Ocho Rios area, the Riu has a nice stretch of white sand beach, plus very calm water. The beach is not very 'deep' from water's edge to the resort grounds, so it can get crowded during peak times, but plenty of chairs and shade. Large pools and lots of dining options (including a la carte dinners without restrictions on the number of times you can dine) make for a very enjoyable stay.

A great addition to the Riu family of resorts - and keep an eye out for the Riu Montego Bay, scheduled to open in the fall of 2008!

Bahia Comes to Jamaica with the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica

2007-10-22T14:43:00.000-04:00

Here they are - Bahia Principe, one of the world's largest hotel companies, opened their newest property in Runaway Bay at the beginning of this year, and the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica is quite impressive! Phase One has been open since January (just over 700 rooms), and Phase Two (a small addition adjacent to the main section) will be open shortly, adding a few hundred more rooms. Phase Three, scheduled for next year, will nearly double the entire complex, exceeding 1800 rooms!

The Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica is an all Junior Suite resort about 45 minutes from the airport, set on two different sections of beach - Phases 1 & 2 front a man-made, elevated beach area with a small lagoon off the ocean, while Phase 3 (an easy two minute walk from the original section) will surround a long stretch of natural beach with a much larger ocean area. (All phases have full access to both beach areas.)

Very nice layout, easy to get around, and like the Riu Ocho Rios is not so spread out that it feels massive. Most rooms will have oceanviews, some at an angle because of how the buildings are laid out, and all feature in-room minibars, hydromassage tubs, and sitting areas. They do offer the Bahia's well-known Golden Club level of rooms, with additional amenities and more.

Four restaurants and four bars are in Phase One; more will be added as other sections open (by the way, no major 'construction' going on - Phase Two is simply a small addition and all the structures are in place, and Phase Three is set off from the main areas so any construction will be far enough away not to disturb anyone.)

Very good value for what's included (Junior Suites, minibars, etc.) and has a full-service childrens club, plus the Pueblo Principe shopping center.

Iberostar Rose Hall - The Newest All inclusive in Jamaica

2007-10-21T11:40:00.000-04:00

The most recent addition to Jamaica's growing all-inclusive portfolio, the new Iberostar Rose Hall is one of the few that can boast its proximity to the airport - from the time you get on the shuttle bus, you can be on the beach in less than 20 minutes.

This resort just opened in May, and like the Gran Bahia Principe, it's the first of three phases - although not nearly as large! This first section is the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Hotel, and consists of 366 rooms and Junior Suites (with fully-stocked minibars and balconies) surrounding an infinity pool with swim up bar that fronts a small, yet beautiful white sand beach with natural foliage.

The resort features five restaurants, including a show-cooking International buffet, and offers room service from 11AM to 11PM. Plenty of day & night activities, and the Star Friends (entertainment staff) are very encouraging! And can't forget to mention the Iberostar Mini-Club, a full service kids club for children 4-12.

The next phase to open will be Iberostar Rose Hall Suites right next door, which will be similar in layout but feature all Junior Suite accommodations, and should be open early 2008. The final phase will be the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, which like the Iberostar Grand Paraiso in Mexico will be adults-only and high-end luxury.

Excellence Playa Mujeres construction site review

2007-08-07T13:19:00.000-04:00

This just in - a live (well, a few days old) report from the Excellence Playa Mujeres project!

Your own private pool on your roof,
are you kidding me??

We're back from the site of the soon-to-open Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort, and all we can say is wow! We were given unbelievable access to the construction site, met the architect and the very proud General Manager, and saw firsthand over 2000 workers feverishly hauling, nailing, and tiling away to make their November 1st deadline.

It's amazing to look at the bare concrete walls and empty pools and know that in barely two months (they are planning on a mid-October "soft opening") it will be complete. When you see one construction worker laying hallway tiles by hand, it's hard to believe they can complete it - until you realize that there are dozens of people around the site doing the same thing. Two thousand people can make serious progress in just a matter of days!

We stayed at Excellence Riviera Cancun, one of our top-rated luxury resorts. We tried hard to figure out what aspect of the resort could possibly be improved, but what we found were amazing rooms, top notch service, and gourmet dining. So to see their newest resort being built, we wondered what they could possibly do to exceed what they already have at the Excellence Riviera Cancun resort. To our surprise, they did!

The layout is remarkably similar to Excellence Riviera Cancun, with the standard Junior Suite buildings fronting the large pool that surrounds the spa, two outdoor restaurants set over the main pool, and the Excellence Club buildings facing the ocean with a Club-only pool and bar. All the Suites have a jacuzzi tub, stocked minibar, and 24 hr room service, as with the other Excellence resorts. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

What the new resort does have is an all-new room layout - a simple change that makes a huge difference in space and atmosphere. All of the Junior Suites now have the beds facing the terrace/balcony, so rooms with oceanview will be even more impressive when waking up in the morning! The bathroom area has been enlarged (larger shower with a new 'rain shower' in addition to the spa showerhead), and now the vanity area is directly behind the bed headboard, meaning it faces outside as well. The in-room jacuzzi tub has now been 'combined' with the jacuzzi on the balcony in a unique corner area that offers access from inside the room and outside. By combining them into one (and now it's round in shape, more comfortable for two!) it frees up so much space in the room, they replaced the standard small couch and table with an impressive L-shaped sofa with huge pillows - also facing outside. The terrace now has a large cushioned lounger instead of the usual couch or chairs. Two tech upgrades from Excellence Riviera Cancun are new 42 inch flat screen televisions, and CD/clock radios with iPod connections - plus all rooms and common areas will have wireless Internet connections.

Oh, and one other improvement - the Rooftop Terrace rooms! Incredible - the five story buildings all have rooftop areas (sort of a sixth floor) for this amazing new room category, of which the resort will have 87. Same Junior Suite layout, with the addition of a staircase that takes you to your private rooftop terrace, complete with a pool (it's too large to call a hot tub - about 6 ft by 8 ft!) and seating on a deck. Plus it has a backdoor entrance for room service to deliver right to your terrace without having to go through your room (so no need to go downstairs to answer the door!) Many have oceanviews, and the view of Isla Mujeres in the distance is something to write home about. If you're looking for a unique room, this is truly the one.

The lobby is now a three story area containing several of the restaurants (with a much-expanded Spice Oriental restaurant, with 150 person seating capacity, including outdoor), with the top floor having a cigar bar and quiet game room (the General Manager is having a billiards pro pick out the two pool tables for them!) A new addition to this resort is the Flavor Market restaurant which will offer small portions, pairing gourmet foods with wines, and doing 'show cooking' in the center of the restaurant.

The location makes all the difference - this resort is about 5 minutes north of the Cancun downtown area (or 25 minutes from the airport) but not in the Hotel Zone. It's an all-new destination, like the Riviera Maya was a decade ago. Unspoiled and uncluttered, with natural protection from waves and heavy weather afforded by Isla Mujeres, the Playa Mujeres area is so set-apart from anything else it has a feel of a private island. The beach, once cleared, will be a very long, very white stretch of 'almost private' beach with gorgeous light blue water. And adjacent to the resort, barely two minutes away by car, is the Playa Mujeres Golf Club, a 7,260 yard course designed by Greg Norman, and by all accounts one of the top two golf courses (along with the new Mayakoba course) on the Yucatan Peninsula. We toured the course, and it's absolutely beautiful with some of the best maintained fairways and greens I've seen (and all that in 95+ heat and sun!)

All in all, an amazing experience, and we feel very privileged to have been able to see it before it opens. We toured Excellence Riviera Cancun several months prior to opening and saw its progress all the way through opening, and Excellence Playa Mujeres looks to be the next jewel in the Excellence crown. November 1st is solid at this point; they fully expect the resort to be completed at the beginning of October to iron out last minute kinks, then do the soft-opening by mid-October. We've posted the construction pictures online, so take a look - then ask your Travel Consultant to put together a package for your next luxury vacation and see it in person!