All-inclusive Cuba with Melia Resorts

With 16 Meliá properties in Cuba devoted to families, adults and children alike will truly enjoy their time together while taking part in their favorite activities at these all-inclusive resorts.

Family budget plays a big role when choosing where to go and Meliá’s wide selection of hotels in Cuba allows just that! You can choose from high-end brands such as Paradisus and Meliá to more affordable Sol and Tryp hotels. Their collection of family resorts allows our youngest guests to take part in different sports, arts and crafts and cooking activities with their families and with our highly qualified team of professional bilingual monitors.

Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa

Families can enjoy luxury at the Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa with the opening of the new Family Concierge! This exclusive section just added to the beautiful resort, 284 Junior Suites & Suites designed to impress those looking for the ultimate luxury in accommodations. Among those, 30 rooms with direct access to the pool bring a new standard of luxury to Meliá’s Family Collection in Cuba. This modern section provides added benefits such as 3 exclusive restaurants, bars and pools. A baby club and a mini club as well as a game room are some of its features ensuring children to enjoy their holidays as much as their parents! A specially assigned Family Concierge will also assist guests during their stay and coordinate the services and reservations required so they can fully enjoy their family vacation. For larger families, Family Suites are available at the main resort or Master two-bedroom Suites in the Family Concierge section.  The amazing Yhi Spa offers packages designed especially for moms and daughters!

Meliá Las Dunas

Multi-generational families will feel at home at the Meliá Las Dunas in Cayo Santa María which features a distinctive adults-only section and a family section including a kids-only pool as well as a baby, mini and teenage club! This resort also boasts a Yhi Spa, complete with a modern gym, climbing wall and 4 tennis courts! Surrounded by lush gardens, the beautiful beach hosts a gazebo making this resort the best option for weddings!

Meliá Jardines del Rey

Located directly on the beach in Cayo Coco, the very modern Meliá Jardines del Rey is home to a wide array of activities, 6 restaurants and beautiful gardens! With its newly enlarged and improved beach, this property is sure to please beach lovers looking for shallow waters. For those who prefer a more active holiday, this hotel also offers a mini club and a game room as well as a kids-only pool making it a great choice for families.

Sol Río de Luna y Mares

Further down the coast in Holguín, the Sol Río de Luna y Mares resort faces the beautiful turquoise beach of Playa Esmeralda! You will be truly impressed by its location amongst lush gardens and just steps away from Cuba’s top aquarium!

10 Exceptional Mexican Experiences for Families

Mexico offers something for every family, from parents with young tots in tow to multi-generational travel with adult children. Whether you want to cut yourself off from the world to relax or dive into the beating heart of a vibrant city, you’ll find the vacation you crave.

1  |  Swim with whale sharks

Rather than visit a facility where dolphins or whales are held in captivity, meet these giants of the ocean in their natural habitat. Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish – averaging 40-feet long. Despite their name, they’re docile filter feeders and excellent swimming companions. You’ll find them in the waters off Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres from June to September, with peak populations in July and August.

2  |  Explore Mayan ruins

The Mayan people built large, complex cities starting as early as 250 B.C. Perhaps the best known is Chichen Itza, on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a major tourist attraction, with the crowds to prove it, but still a must-see for travelers to Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen. If you can, visit on the spring or fall equinox, when the light forms a serpent on the pyramid dedicated to the serpent god, Kukulcán.

Other can’t-miss Mayan ruins include the stunning seaside Tulum; Coba, where you can climb the main pyramid; and Muyil, a haunting, partially excavated site.

3  |  Eat a taco in the town square

Mexico has plenty of great restaurants, but for a taste of the local culture, you’ve got to eat street food. It’s cheap (think $3 or so for a full meal) and delicious, and it’s the most authentic grub you’ll eat on your trip.

Head to any town square in the evening and you’ll likely find carts selling tacos, empanadas, and tamales. If you’re feeling nervous, start with the sweets – you can’t go wrong with flan or churros, even for kids with picky palates.

4  |  Watch a baby sea turtle release

Every night from July to December, sea turtles crawl onto the beach to lay their eggs.

To protect the turtle population from the many natural predators that hunt both turtle hatchlings and eggs, many resorts move the nests to an enclosed nursery where the hatchlings can develop in safety. Visitors can no longer touch the babies (it’s dangerous for the turtles), but it’s still breathtaking to watch a trained professional send these squiggly little creatures off to sea on the day they hatch.

5  |  Snorkel in an underwater museum

The Underwater Museum of Art between Cancun and Isla Mujeres is a collection of 500 sculptures placed on the seafloor to form an artificial reef. Many of the initial sculptures by artist Jason Decaires Taylor are based on local people, with their eyes closed looking up to the sky. The effect is hauntingly beautiful.

Families with older kids can scuba dive among the sculptures for an up-close look at how sea life is taking over and changing the artworks. There are also shallower galleries – just three or four meters deep – that are perfect for snorkeling.

6  |  Take a cooking class

Mexico was the first country to have its cuisine recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. A cooking class is a great way to learn about the local ingredients and techniques used in the part of Mexico you’re visiting, and a fun way to teach kids some kitchen skills.

Many resorts offer in-house cooking classes or check with your travel agent for a family-friendly recommendation in your destination. Come with an open mind and an empty stomach, and enjoy the satisfaction of eating authentic local food prepared with your own hands.

7  |  Surf or SUP

Mexico is a world-class surfing destination, hosting international competitions. Sayulita, near Puerto Vallarta, is a classic laid-back surf town, while Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca State has some of the biggest waves in the world.

For a calmer approach to boarding at sea, rent a stand-up paddleboard and explore the area close to shore while getting a killer core workout to boot. Many resorts offer group SUP lessons that welcome families looking to explore together.

8  |  Swim in a cenote

These underground caves filled with fresh water are dotted throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Ranging from large caverns to tiny tunnels, they’re often filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites – spiny icicle-like shapes made of limestone. Swimming in these clear blue pools is an entirely different experience from hitting the beach. It’s blissfully quiet and the water is mind-bendingly clear. Wade into the cool water in a cathedral-like cave and you’ll see why the Mayans viewed cenotes as sacred spaces.

9  |  Commune with millions of butterflies

With up to a billion Monarch butterflies landing in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve every fall, it’s no wonder this magical forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The butterflies spend the winter in the reserve, then begin the eight-month migration back to Canada in the spring. Getting into the reserve requires some hiking in high altitude, so it’s not a great option for younger kids, but teens and adults will be dazzled.

10  |  Admire the art and architecture

Mexico is much more than its coastlines. Mexico City is a hotbed of modern museums with a vibrant nightlife, Oaxaca is UNESCO-recognized for its pre-Hispanic and colonial architecture, Merida is known for its music and cultural scene, and Tepotzotlán has the world’s largest aqueduct. Spend some time in one of Mexico’s major cities for a completely different take on this country as a vacation destination.

Which experience would your family enjoy?

Chefs Recipe | Baked Alaska – Cunard Cruise Lines

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Afternoon tea with an Alaska twist. Both sweet and savory options incorporating Alaska’s best recipes and dishes will be offered and paired with Alaska iced tea, champagne and, of course, tea along with the famous baked Alaska!

May this gem of a dessert bring you back to wonderful memories of your Cunard cruise to Alaska or bring you to book your Alaska cruise today!

Ingredients

For sponge cake:

  • 150 grams Cake Flour
  • 6 small eggs
  • 150 grams Superfine/Castor sugar
  • 300 ML Chocolate Ice Cream
  • 300 ML Vanilla Ice Cream
  • 300 ML Strawberry Ice Cream
  • 1 jar Maraschino cherries

For Meringue:

  • 130 grams Superfine/Castor sugar
  • 3 Egg whites only
  • 30 grams Glucose Liquid

Preparation

Sponge Cake:

  1. Set oven at 180C/350F
  2. Brush a rectangular pan with melted butter. Line with parchment paper and brush again with butter. Reserve.
  3. Using a mixer with whip attachment, whisk the eggs one at a time (incorporating each completely before adding the next one) and sugar until big and pale.
  4. Fold in the sifted flour and mix carefully. Mix until well blended.
  5. Spread the sponge mix in the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for approx. 8 minutes or until golden and inserting a toothpick in the center and comes out clean. Cool for at least 15 minutes, then, remove cake from the pan and allow to cool on the rack.
  6. Once cool, place metal 1 ½-2” rings over the sponge cake and cut out circles.
  7. Top with a small scoop of each ice cream or a large scoop of one for each cake, – up to you – smooth into a mound and top with a cherry.
  8. Freeze until solid.

Meringue:

  1. Preheat the oven to broil and place an oven rack 8” from the top.
  2. With the whip attachment on medium speed, whisk a small quantity of sugar, a tablespoon at a time, with the egg whites until they become soft peaks.
  3. Meanwhile, boil the sugar and liquid glucose with a little water to prevent burning. Take it to 118C/245F
  4. Pour the syrup slowly over the whisking whites and then continue whisking until cold and thick.
  5. Place meringue in pastry bag with large tip and pipe quickly over the frozen sponge cake and ice cream, covering everything.
  6. Place on a baking tray and bake under broil until golden about 2-6 min. Serve immediately.

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Three Mexican Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

Three Mexican Festivals You Won

Festivals in Mexico offer a unique way to connect to the culture. These colorful celebrations are a whirlwind of activity, and it’s easy for visitors to participate. Ask your travel agent for advice on a guided trip to experience the festivities through the eyes of a local guide, or just stroll the streets and soak it all in.

Day of the Dead

From October 31 to November 2 every year, colorful altars appear in homes and public spaces throughout Mexico, particularly in the south of the country. While this three-day festival is a chance for families to honor lost loved ones, it’s more celebratory than somber. Colorful parades and processions wind through villages, and many families get together in the cemetery to eat, tell stories, and play their loved ones’ favorite songs all night long.

Respectful visitors are welcome to admire the public altars covered in food offerings and bright orange marigolds, or to walk quietly through the cemetery, which is both boisterous and hauntingly beautiful, as families light hundreds of candles to mark their loved ones’ graves. 

Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe

In 1531, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in Mexico with a message for a man named Juan Diego: He was to tell the bishop to build a church on the barren Tepeyac Hill. When the bishop asked for proof of the encounter, Juan Diego returned the hill to find it covered in roses. He gathered them in his cloak, and when he dropped the roses at the bishop’s feet, an image of Mary appeared on his chest where the roses had been.

This miracle of the Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated throughout Mexico every December 12, with a week or more of celebrations leading up to the main event. Community groups and families gather in processions, walking through town to gather at the church. These processions take on the feel of parades, complete with marching bands, dancing, and elaborate costumes.

It’s a religious celebration centered around the church, but there is plenty of revelry, too, with street food and dancing in the town square and elaborate fireworks displays to end the night.

Mexican Independence Day

On September 16, 1810, Mexico began its war for independence from Spain.

Today, it’s a national holiday where communities showcase their national pride. The celebration starts at 11 p.m. on the night of September 15, when the president of Mexico shouts “Viva Mexico!” at the National Palace in Mexico City. Homes and public spaces are decked out with the red-white-and green Mexican flag, and parades and fireworks rule the day on the 16th – including the national military parade in Mexico City.

It’s also a time to highlight local traditions, with school and community groups coming together to dance, sing, and reenact battles in traditional dress.

Content courtesy of Ensemble · August 2018

Discover Mexico City’s Thriving Cocktail Scene

While Mexico is best known for its tequila and mezcal, recent years have brought a deluge of beautifully crafted cocktails to its capital. Bars like Licorería Limantour have made waves internationally and are leading the up-and-coming scene. Now, there’s a chance to bar hop some award-winning cocktail bars and see a new side to CDMX.

Mexico City is a sprawling and intense metropolis. Grand Art Nouveau houses with crumbling facades line multi-lane highways crowded with vehicles. Street vendors steep the city in the smell of slow roasting al pastor while world-class restaurants abound boasting minimalist aesthetics and gastronomic prowess. The cocktail scene, once confined to passable martinis found in the fancier hotels, grew from these culinary roots, and now the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods are dotted with contemporary bars and a new generation of bartenders redefining cocktail culture as something distinctly Mexican.

Casa Franca

La Roma, made famous by the Oscar-winning movie, is also one of Mexico City’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Its main boulevard, Avenida Álvaro Obregón, is lined with bars, restaurants, and cafes, shaded by the towering Jacaranda trees. Off a side street, you’ll find Franca, a casual bistro with excellent pizza, but head next door through the double doors and up a narrow staircase for its sister cocktail bar, Casa Franca. Made of a collection of small sumptuously decorated rooms, with heavy drapes, brocade wallpaper, gilded mirrors and golden lighting, it feels like a 1920’s salon. Watch the jazz band, which takes centerstage in the main space, or take up one of the bar stools in the adjacent room and marvel as the bartenders create one pleasingly strong cocktail after another.  

La Licorería Limantour

Just over the road from Casa Franca is Licorería Limantour. If there was one bar in the city considered the mother of Mexico’s modern craft cocktail movement – even in Latin America – this is the one. Opened in 2011, it now ranks amongst the best bars in the world. They use a staggering array of fresh ingredients, herbs, syrups, and spices, with an emphasis on the homegrown, incorporating Latin American traditions and flavors into the menu. The drinks may be upmarket served in beautiful receptacles, but the two-story Art Deco space – like so many bars here – is low key with windows opening onto the buzzing street outside. Their most popular cocktail is the Margarita Al Pastor – a twist on the classic through the lens of a traditional dish, which is entirely better than it sounds.

Maison Artemisia

Also in La Roma, Maison Artemisia is an ostensibly chic French restaurant in a beautiful 19th-century restored house; but after eating your short rib ravioli, you’ll want to head straight upstairs for the tiny cocktail bar. It specializes in absinthe (it’s run by a group of French expats, naturally), but the menu is far wider for those who might not be fans of the Green Fairy. Cocktails come in crystalware, and they never allow in more people than is comfortable for an enjoyable experience.

Baltra

In nearby Condessa, a dreamy upscale neighborhood dripping in greenery and known for its young professional – and dog-loving – residents, you’ll find Baltra. Hailing from the same people behind Licorería Limantour, Baltra is its more casual cousin. The atmosphere is closer to cocktail hour in a friend’s front room – you even have to buzz to get in. There are no servers or hosts, which encourages you to walk up to the bar and chat with your friendly bartender. The menu changes regularly but is inspired – as is the decor – by Charles Darwin’s travels through the Galapagos Islands. The shelves are decorated with natural kooky animal specimens in bell jars (a seahorse?), maps, and other curiosities.

Hanky Panky

Finally, head north to the edgier neighborhood of La Juarez for Hanky Panky. Half the pleasure of this reservation-only hotspot is figuring out how to get in. The speakeasy craze might have swept through New York and London and out the other side, but here in Mexico City, it’s still going strong. Hanky Panky is hidden within a taqueria, and your journey will at some point involve a refrigerator door. Once you’ve passed the test, however, you’ll find yourself in a sophisticated cocktail bar with deep red leather bar stools, intended to keep you comfy as you work your way through the menu. Each cocktail was created by some of the world’s leading bar talents, but you would be remiss not to order the Hanky Panky, the namesake cocktail, originally devised in London’s Savoy Hotel in 1903.

Content courtesy of Ensemble · July 2019

What to Expect from a Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort

Think of your kids smiling day after day, basking in the sun, and enjoying fun activities only tropical destinations can offer – this is what a dream-come-true family vacation looks like.

Across the Caribbean and Mexico, all-inclusive resorts have mastered their offerings when it comes to family travel. Here’s why you should be planning your ultimate family vacation at an all-inclusive resort.

Something for Everyone

Family-friendly all-inclusive resorts go out of their way to cater to each member of the family, from babies to teens, parents and grandparents. From pools to spas, golf, beaches, and many water activities, there is something for everyone at an all-inclusive resort.

Family fun activities offered at many all-inclusive resorts include snorkeling, scuba diving, and endless days of laying by private pools and on sugar-sand beaches. There are also plenty of opportunities to get kids and parents playing together with activities like mommy-and-me spa days, mini-golf, beach volleyball, or bocce. Many resorts also offer options to try something new like cooking classes, dance lessons, archery, or laser tag.

When it comes to dining, family resorts offer the best of both worlds – many have a selection of restaurants and buffets with food made just for kids (think plain pasta and meatballs), while still giving parents more tasty selections. Most often you’ll find resort cafes with lattes and cookies for a mid-day kick.

With so many options for all ages, all-inclusive resorts are perfect for multi-generational vacations; it’s a great time to invite grandparents to join in the fun.

Wild Water Park Play

There are no shortages of water parks at all-inclusive resorts. For bigger kids, look for resorts with large water parks, daring slides, or even surf riding simulation pools. For example, Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas has one of the largest water-themed attractions in the world featuring water slides, 11 swimming pools, a lazy river, and a kids’ water-play fort. If you’re traveling with little ones, most resorts have family pools – some even have toddler pools, too.

There are also ample opportunities to get off the resort and spend a day at an exciting water park. In St. Lucia, head to Splash Waterpark, the island’s largest water park with two waterslides and a lazy river. In the Dominican Republic, try Splash Water World with children’s pools and attractions just for them.

Kids’ Clubs

When you head to Mexico or the Caribbean, resorts catering to families offer one thing every family will love: kids’ clubs. These clubs, which cater to little ones all the way to teens, have schedules of activities to keep kids of all ages happy and having fun. They are also great for encouraging social interaction and can lead to new friendships on vacation and beyond.

For smaller kids, activities can include board games, arts and crafts, or scavenger hunts. Bigger kids will love trampoline experiences, video game rooms, and organized sports. Some even have nightly movies or campouts on the beach. While kids are having fun, parents get to take a well-deserved, guilt-free break.

Take a Family Break

There have been recent studies showing how giving children experiences, versus giving gifts, can help children feel more socially connected and closer to their parents, building a formidable foundation. At home, parents and kids can get into routines with parents spending a lot of time planning and organizing busy schedules. At all-inclusive resorts, there is no need to worry since there are many activities and shows to keep kids engaged and having fun all day – and into the night. Many resorts even have nannies available, so break the routine at home and let the resort do all the work to meet you and your family’s needs. Give your family a well-deserved break with a dream vacation for both the young and the young at heart.

Thinking about taking your family on a trip? Let me help you find the resort that best caters to your family.

 

Content Courtesy of Ensemble · March 2020

10 Romantic Mediterranean Getaways

10 Romantic Meditrrean Getaways

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ah, the romantic Mediterranean! Steeped in history with stunning coastlines and views, it provides numerous settings for a romantic getaway. Take a look at our picks for 10 of the best.

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1. Valldemossa, Mallorca

A quiet village in the mountains of Mallorca, Valdemossa is an excellent place to get away from it all. With gourmet dining in picturesque settings, luxurious spa visits and a range of exceptional hotels with historic character, you’ll be set for a special romantic stay. It’s also a good base for exploring this classic Mediterranean island.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1313″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1318″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]2. The Isle of Capri
Nothing short of magical, Capri is a very special place. Situated in the Bay of Naples, it offers a peaceful and tranquil locale with some interesting things to see and do. The beautiful Villa San Michele atop the island was the dream home of Swedish author Dr. Axel Munthe and Capri can easily be your dream destination as well.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

3. The Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

This is a city where you can easily get away from the bustle and relax, along with visiting some unique and fascinating places. Stay in the historic Gothic Quarter and wander its narrow, winding streets, linger along the waterfront and enjoy tapas and Spanish wine in a remarkable variety of restaurants. You’ll find everything you need for a romantic escape.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1326″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1325″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]4. Mediterranean Cruising
Island hopping across the incomparable Mediterranean creates an exceptional romantic getaway. Enjoy breakfast on your verandah while leisurely arriving at a new port. Toast the departure with a glass of champagne on deck. Go ashore when you choose and enjoy all the facilities and fine dining onboard your spectacular ship. Every day is a new experience![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

5. Tuscany & Cinque Terre

Want to combine a romantic escape with hiking through stunning scenery? Consider hiking the dramatic coastline of Italy’s “five lands” where villages cling to seaside cliffs. Head to nearby Tuscany for hikes to hilltop towns above the Chianti vineyards. Add Tuscan cuisine and wines, medieval Siena and artistic Florence for an incomparable romantic getaway.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1324″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1323″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

6. Valencia

Looking for a romantic city escape where you can stroll along the beach as well as marvel at some stunning modern architecture? Valencia fits the bill. Boutique hotels provide a quiet place to stay with couple’s massage and in-room breakfast. Paella was first created here and along with local white wines, dinner for two will be another treat during your romantic stay.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

7. The Greek Isles

Tranquil azure bays, sundrenched vistas and white washed buildings; alluring images of the Greek Islands. They provide a romantic setting for every escape and the spectacular sunsets are not to be missed. Santorini is the star of the Aegean with its volcanic crater harbor and steep caldera cliffs rising from the sea. This is the most scenic and popular island.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1322″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1321″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

8. Crete – Off the Beaten Track

The town of Agios Nikolaos on Crete is a good place off the beaten track to view the amazing Greek Island sunsets. This is a laid back destination where you can completely relax. For more active days, don’t miss the Palace of Knossos, home of mythical King Minos and the legendary Minotaur, a romantic story in itself![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

9. Venice

Another jewel of the region, Venice is considered one of the most romantic places on earth. Its many islands are connected by a maze of canals and bridges. Meandering the narrow streets, with no traffic to disturb you, brings you to many fascinating places. Being serenaded on a quiet gondola ride along the canals is a peaceful, romantic experience you won’t soon forget.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1320″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1319″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

10. The Côte d’Azur

Saint-Tropez, Nice, Cannes, Monaco – the famous French Riviera resorts always bring romantic scenes to mind. They top the list for a luxurious romantic getaway. Be pampered at glamorous hotels near jet-set yacht harbors. Enjoy superb fine dining in marvelous restaurants with scenic views and sumptuous surroundings. The ultimate luxurious romantic escape![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Content Courtesy of Ensemble Travel Group

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