Thursday, July 25, 2013

Best Golf Resorts in Mexico and the Caribean

Great golf courses are a staple in most vacation destinations these days.  Whether you need to get away from the family for a few hours, or bring the gang along there's an exciting array of choices. 

Grand Lucayan
The Bahamas
Grand Lucayan Beach and Golf Resort
This resort is just 45 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Florida, so an  easy weekend retreat.  2 courses available with plenty of water features.  (13 out of 18 holes on the Reef Course)

Sandals Emerald Bay
Sandals Emerald Bay
This former Four Seasons occupies a quiet out island in The Bahamas.  The Greg Norman designed par 72 championship course was named one of the Caribbean's best golf courses by Travel + Leisure Golf.  Book a butler suite and you'll enjoy unlimited golf with your luxury accommodations.





Jamaica
The Ritz-Carlton Resort, Rose Hall
The White Witch Golf Course spans 600 acres of the Rose Hall Plantation (close to Montego Bay).  Mountainous terrain with scenic views of the sea might take the edge off the wind challenging your shot.
Weekly Junior Golf Clinic

Sandals- All of the Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica offer access to the Sandals Golf and Country Club.  What sets this course apart is the fantastic offerings for the family.  Kids can get their own clinics with a golf pro (included with the stay!).

Riviera Maya, Mexico
Fairmont Mayakoba
Fairmont Mayakoba is one of the top golf resorts according to Conde Nast Traveler.  This is Mexico's only PGA tour stop.  If you want executive luxury this is the place.  The resort spans 47 acres of lush mangroves and tropical forests.  Covered boats and golf carts transport guests through the winding canals   connecting the two-story casitas.  Though most people don't think of a AA Five Diamond resort as being kid friendly, they do offer a kids's club for up to three hours a day and a free children's menu at select restaurants. 

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort
Moon Palace Golf View Suite
The 27 holes here span scenic dunes and lakes at the interior of this expansive property.  There is so much to do here, the family won't notice how long you stay at the course, neither will your wallet.  Stay 3 nights and get free unlimited golf or make everyone happy by splitting the resort credits for golf, spa services, tours or room upgrades at this mega resort.  With onsite dolphin discovery, flow rider, tons of activities and a kid's club this resort is perfect for large groups and meetings.  Why not take your next tournament on the road?

Los Cabos, Mexico
The One & Only Palmilla features a Jack Nicklaus 27 hole course divided into 3 sets of challenging holes.  The Sea of Cortez is your backdrop for 12 of them.  Cabo is a golfer's paradise and a nature lover's dream with plenty of eco-activities available in the Baja region.  The resort has one of few swimmable beaches.
The One & Only Palmilla

Great Scott Getaways

Sunday, July 7, 2013

3 Reasons to Avoid Timeshare Pitches

If you've come through the Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Airports you have probably been swarmed with timeshare sales people like bees to honey.  I always advise people to just put your sunglasses on and keep moving till you get to your transfer company.  They love to pose as helpful guides, trying to assist you in finding your way to the hotel.  Sometimes people are lured into listening to the pitches by promises of free tours, hotel upgrades and credits.

1.  That 'free' breakfast or tour of the property could very easily end up sucking up an entire day of your vacation.
Consider what you spent for that day and ask yourself it it really saved you anything.  Wasting the $400 dollars you spent for that day at the fabulous all inclusive resort is not worth $200 in free tickets to swim with the dolphins.


2.  The value of your timeshare may not be worth what you pay for it.  Check out this report from ABC.  If you must you can probably buy a resale for much less than the rep is pitching you now.

3. You may end up finding your own way back to the right hotel once they are done with you. 
Scroll through reviews and you'll find quite a few people who ended up stranded and stuck with a hefty taxi fare once they decided not to buy.

Your experience may vary, but why not enjoy your vacation and save the sales pitch for a rainy day on the road back home?