Jac’s Journeys RSS Feed

Huge Hotel Brand Launches First All-Inclusive

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 19 Jan 24 15:32:28 +0000

The all-inclusive trend keeps growing! All-inclusive resorts used to be all about packaged beach vacations. But more and more people are tuning into the benefits of all-inclusives, especially the ease of paying upfront once, then putting your wallet away and not having to think about keeping to your holiday budget, even as you enjoy food and drinks, entertainment and activities and amenities that enrich your holiday and give you opportunities to connect with loved ones and friends during your vacation. All-inclusives make intergenerational family holidays easy, too.

That’s why we’re seeing more and more hotel and resort companies breaking into the all-inclusive category – even at the luxury end of the scale.

The latest hotel company to introduce all-inclusive properties is mega-hospitality hotel brand Marriott. It already has 600 hotels and resorts, and starting with Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, opening in early 2024, Marriott will debut all-inclusive properties.

The 450-room family resort in the popular Mexican destination will feature everything you expect in a premium all-inclusive, including culinary options in nine specialty restaurants, family-friendly activities and guest experiences from enriching artist workshops to lively poolside service, and also emphasizing local culture.

It’s the first in a planned series of All-Inclusive Marriott Hotels, set to open throughout 2024 and 2025, including Marriott Puerto Vallarta, An All-Inclusive Resort and Marriott Djerba, An All-Inclusive Resort – Tunisia.

Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, will debut new features for the all-inclusive new Marriott Hotels, including unique daily pop-up experiences and water features, like a lazy river and water slides.

You’ll also find these new features that will be hallmarks of the new, all-inclusive Marriott Hotels:

The Greatroom is a signature concept for Marriott Hotels, with a unique twist created especially for its new all-inclusive properties. As the hub of the resort experience, it's a place where guests can come together to socialize between activities. With a design that provides a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor, it also connects guests to their destination. From the moment you arrive at the hotel, you transition into vacation mode as you are treated to a signature arrival soda refresher, inspired by iconic crafted sodas and a nod to the brand's heritage, to toast to your holiday’s beginnings.
Novice-to-Expert Artist Workshops will offer a unique program of activities designed to allow guests to learn about the destination through the eyes of local craftspeople, with hands-on classes and experiences.
Elevated Amenities and Entertainment will appeal to you and your loved ones, whether you’re seeking 'me time or we time.’ Choose to enjoy dynamic pools and water slides, unique pop-up cinema moments, nightly entertainment and beachside family picnics.
Marriott is guaranteeing “A Seat at the Table for Every Generation” with its restaurant offerings available at every resort. Indulge in familiar cuisine with nostalgic touches, such as the signature burger and shake restaurant; beach-inspired eateries; and unique pop-up experiences and rituals, including Alice's Tamale Ritual, an afternoon festivity that is steeped in the heritage of the Marriott name and will bring guests together around a delicious and memorable culinary experience.

Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Hotel, opens in early 2024, with others soon to come.

START YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE VACATION!

Image: Rendering of Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, courtesy of Marriott

Totally Immersive Vietnam – Explore More, Go Deeper.

chieniel@travelagencytribes.com (Chieniel) — Tue, 06 Dec 22 22:17:52 +0000

You will discover Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including magnificent Halong Bay and historic Hoi An. We begin in colonial Hanoi: dine in one of the French colonial villas with exquisite gourmet fusion and explore the fascinating maze of 36 streets in the Old Quarter. Trek mountainous Sapa and meet the local people. Cruise along the dramatic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, engage with farmers and cycle farmland, and understand their practices. Farther south, meander through the river town of Hoi An, where you will tour centuries-old merchant houses, and visit busy silk and fish markets. Ride by vintage Vespa tonight to discover busy Saigon after dark. End your adventure on the beautiful Phu Quoc Island

Duration: 20 Days

Dates: 23 January to 15 February 2023.

Limited Space Available

$3400.00 CAD Per Person (Does not include international airfare)

Highlights:
➢ Discover the fascinating Ethnology Museum, see Water Puppet Performance, local life
➢ See UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay, Hoi An’s old town
➢ Encounter Hill Tribe Culture in Sapa: Trek and bike to remote villages and visit busy morning markets to mingle with members of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups.
➢ Cycle through Vong Nhi village and return by river on floating baskets
➢ Trek through Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s very first national park

Start: Hanoi - Ninh Binh – Sapa - Ha Long Bay - Hoi An - Ho Chi Min City - Mekong Delta

End: Phu Quoc Island

INCLUDES:
❖ Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services
❖ All transportation
❖ All Accommodation (twin shared room)
❖ Ha Long bay Overnight cruise (Join in cruise – private cabin with twin shared room)
❖ Double share with breakfast (including 5% service fee and 10% VAT tax)
❖ Check-in room at 14:00 // Check-out room at 12:00 noon (Except Early check-in or Late check-out mentioned in the program)
❖ Experienced English-speaking guides
❖ Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
❖ All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary
❖ Tissues and water on coach
❖ Service charges and government tax
❖ Exclusive and personalized single agent/single customer service
❖ 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
❖ No extra charge after services confirmation
❖ Domestic flights (Hanoi – Danang; Danang – HCMC; HCMC – Phu Quoc; Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Min City)

Cook Islands

anabelunga@gmail.com (Anabel Fernandez) — Wed, 08 Jun 22 14:21:27 +0000

No traffic lights, no McDonald’s and no building taller than a coconut tree.

Accommodations

Kia Orana & Welcome to Muri Beachcomber – Nestled in lush tropical gardens in the middle of Muri Beach, lies the popular Muri Beachcomber. Guests can enjoy the quiet, peaceful atmosphere and still be close to Night Markets, Cafes & Shops. It is the perfect place to experience all the delights the South Pacific. With charm and a relaxed Rarotongan atmosphere, the Muri Beachcomber offers great rooms and best location, all at great value.

Complimentary with every reservation:

Airport Transfers
Daily Breakfast pack (Cereal, Milk, Toast Bread, Spreads & Juice)
Free use of kayaks, paddle boards. snorkel equipment, wet shoes & bicycles
Free local calls
Free use of Guest Lounge which has Sky TV, Guest Computer, Shower & Toilet (not alternate accommodation for flight arrivals 5am or earlier)

Muri Beach lies in the southeast of the island of Rarotonga in the idyllic South Pacific. Caressed by the gentle trade winds, Muri Beach is blessed by uncrowded white sand beaches.

The beach is well known for its beautiful lagoon, which is studded with small islands and fantastic recreational facilities.

Things to do

Kayaks, Paddle Boards & Snorkelling

We have complimentary kayaks, stand up paddle boards and snorkeling equipment so you can experience the beautiful lagoon on our doorstep. Explore the picturesque islets which are dotted along the edge of the lagoon or wander down to the ‘Fruits of Rarotonga’ (also known as the ‘Fish Bowl’) – a Conservation area brimming with a myriad of different fish species.

Cycling, Walks & Treks

Rarotonga provides a great variety of cycling opportunities, you can meander around the 31km, flat, outer ring road using the Points of Interest map that Muri Beachcomber provides or for the more adventurous you can tackle the inland tracks up to the water intakes. Muri Beachcomber has mountain bikes available free for day use for in house guests.

The most popular inland hiking trails include Papua Waterfall, Avana Valley and Raemaru Lookout which take around 2 hours each amid the beautiful tropical rainforest. You can even walk right around the coastal beaches of Rarotonga in one full day. There are plenty of walks for all levels of ability and fitness.

Car & Scooter Hire

Get around this beautiful island and see all it has to offer with the flexibility and convenience of a scooter. From only NZ$25.00 per day you can hire your own 100cc/fully automatic scooters. You are required to get a Drivers License from the local Police Station if you don’t have the appropriate license ‘type’ on your home license. Island Car & Bike Hire are just across the road and Polynesian Rentals are adjacent to Muri Beachcomber.

Amazing trip start to finish!

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 20:14:48 +0000

Julianne has been great to work with. She gives a very personalized service and goes out of her way to ensure your needs are met. In fact... she booked our vacation while she was away on vacation herself. She is very knowledgeable about many places to travel and was extremely versed in the current travel requirements concerning COVID. My family has used her twice now and both times she was able to get us upgraded rooms and seats on the plane for less than I could find online. Julianne has been able to provide cost saving tips for the area we went as well. She was always available to answer any questions and provides documents and recommendations for every part of the trip. Working with Julianne has been a totally different and superior experience than using a commercial travel agency in absolutely everyway. My only regret is that I didn't find her earlier. I will not travel anywhere without consulting with her.

A Wonderful Trip!

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 20:13:44 +0000

We travelled to Bermuda in December 2021 and had a wonderful trip full of family, friendly Bermudians, pink sand beaches and reading a historic plaque or two. Julianne supported us from beginning to end with our original flights, managing changes to our airline's schedule as well as all the additional challenges of air travel during COVID. Julianne skillfully and professionally kept us moving forward as we focused on the fun and she focused on the travel details. This experience was everything I hoped it would be and I look forward to working with Julianne again!!

A no hassle adventure holiday

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 20:12:32 +0000

Julianne goes out of her way to know exactly what you’re looking for in trip and then makes it happen. She is very knowledgeable as has plenty of experience to draw upon.

Best Travel Planner EVER!!!!

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 20:10:41 +0000

Julianne is an absolute gem and a pleasure to work with. She can take my vision and turn it into reality. We have travelled to Mexico and twice to Cuba with great success! I have been using her to create fun and exciting Yoga and Meditation Retreats for years and can't wait to plan the next one!

Awesome trip!!!

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 20:09:32 +0000

I loved not having to worry about any plans. Wonderful experience and within budget! Pretty much accomplished my bucket list??

A bespoke travel adventure

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 20:08:19 +0000

Julianne is an experienced, wholehearted ,travel consultant with heaps of integrity. She will ensure that your journey ( in body, mind and spirit) will be fun and exactly what you want. if you desire a bespoke travel adventure I highly recommend you reach out to Jac's journeys !

Great painless vacation

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 20:07:15 +0000

Very well planned, great advice on destinations and very helpful with any issues

Many destinations.....Many more to go!

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 20:05:50 +0000

We have been working with Julianne for our travel needs for many years. Julianne listens to your vacation hopes and discusses choices to fit our desired goal and budget. She is knowledgeable and passionate about the travel industry. She researches to stay informed of emerging trends and changes. Julianne is awesome to work with!

A GREAT trip advisor!

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 19:21:46 +0000

We have booked multiple trips with Julianne and it has always been a wonderful experience. If we have questions, she always finds time to answer them.

Family Vacation in Orlando

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 19:19:40 +0000

Julianne did an excellent job from start to finish. Great flights and accommodation. Was knowledgeable about the Orlando area and able to find the answers to our questions about fast passes.

Best rates ever, nearly effortless on our end.

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 19:18:45 +0000

An absolute miracle worker! I have never had better service in the travel industry.

Amazing Travel Agent!

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 19:17:53 +0000

Great service, works over and above so you feel confident in your vacation!

Disneyland trip that was an absolute blast!

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 19:16:56 +0000

Julianne was fantastic. She made booking things so easy! Her suggestions were well received and she did an excellent job of making our trip as easy as possible to book. Could not have had a better experience. Am definitely going to be booking more travels with her in the future!

Amazing

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 19:15:45 +0000

Julianne is truly amazing when it comes to booking anything. She helped us book our fifteen month trip as well as many other short trips we have been on. Everything from tours in China, resorts in Fiji and multiple long haul flights. We are so grateful for her experience, knowledge and effort! Thanks Julianne!

Bahamas

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 19:13:49 +0000

Julianne helped us find the perfect family vacation. We were looking for somewhere safe to take our 6, yr old4, yr old and 9 month old. She found us the best deal, and walked us through every part of travelling with kids! We had an amazing time and would recommend using Julianne to all of our friends!

An island paradise - tropical haven!

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 19:10:25 +0000

Pleasant, personable with a wealth of knowledge. Provided a matched portfolio suited to our needs. Definitely would recommend Julianne as your travel specialist!

Julianne Took Care of Everything

jacsjourneys@gmail.com (Jac) — Tue, 26 Apr 22 19:09:24 +0000

Julianne has helped us out before, and she came through again. She is able to find flights much more cheaply than I can on my own, which has saved us lots of money. If I ever ask about anything she either knows the answer or works tirelessly to find it. I would absolutely recommend her services!