Mike The Travel Lover

12/30/2025

I’m not looking forward to this Maryland cold weather this weekend lol! Florida has spoiled me

12/30/2025

2025 Travel Recap Countdown
Feb 2025 - Day 2 Resort No. 2
Hard Rock Riviera Maya

🎸 Resort Overview

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is a 5-star, all-inclusive beach resort located along the Caribbean coast of the Riviera Maya (Puerto Aventuras area) — about 60–75 min from Cancun International Airport. It blends music-inspired design with resort fun for families, couples, and groups of all ages. 

⸻

🏨 Accommodations

The resort has over 1,200 rooms and suites with tropical or ocean views, modern amenities, and customizable music experiences. Options range from standard rooms to upgraded suites and Rock Royalty Levels that include VIP perks like a personal assistant, priority reservations, and exclusive services. 

Room features typically include:
✔️ Double hydro spa tubs
✔️ 24-hour room service
✔️ Mini-bar & Wi-Fi
✔️ Smart TV + sound options (guitar/turntable requests available) 

⸻

🍽️ Dining & Drinks

The all-inclusive package includes a variety of restaurants, bars, and 24/7 in-room service with international flavors and chef-crafted menus: 

Main Restaurants

🍽️ The Market – International buffet (breakfast & dinner)
🍕 Pizzeto – Brick-oven pizza & pasta
🌮 Frida – Mexican specialties
🥩 Toro – Steakhouse
🍣 Zen – Asian cuisine & teppanyaki
🍝 Ciao – Italian (buffet at times)

Bars & Lounges

🍹 Jigger + Shaker – Signature cocktails
🍸 Sun Bar, Dive pool bar, Martini Bar & more 

⸻

🏖️ Pools, Beach & Activities

Hard Rock Riviera Maya offers tons to do for every type of traveler: 

🎉 Pools & Lagoon – Tropical pools, hot tubs, and a private beach with saltwater lagoon perfect for snorkeling and water play. 
🏄‍♂️ Water Sports & Activities – Kayaking, snorkeling, and daily organized fun. 
👶 Family Zones – Kids’ club, water park rides like Rockaway Bay, bowling, laser tag, and gaming lounges. 
🎶 Entertainment – Nightly live shows, DJs, and parties reflecting the Hard Rock vibe. 

⸻

💆 Wellness & Extras

✨ Rock Spa® – A music-centric spa with hydrotherapy, massages, and steam experiences (adult-friendly). 
💪 Body Rock® Fitness Center – Gym equipment and classes. 
💇 Beauty Salon – Style and beauty services on site. 
🎸 Rock Shop – Merch, souvenirs, and Hard Rock gear. 

⸻

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Adults Options

The resort caters to both families and adults:
• Hacienda Section: Family-friendly with kids’ activities and water fun. 
• Heaven Section: Adults-only area with a more relaxed vibe, exclusive pools, and priority restaurant access. 

⸻

📍 Included with Stay

✔️ All meals & top-shelf drinks
✔️ Daily activities & entertainment
✔️ Nightly shows
✔️ Gratuities & free Wi-Fi 

⸻

🌟 Best For

🎶 Music lovers & energetic vacations
👨‍👩‍👧 Families with kids
🍹 Groups & celebrations
💆 Couples who want beach + amenitiesown

12/30/2025

Royal Caribbean Cruise Directors

12/29/2025

2025 Travel Countdown
My Hosted Mexico FAM Feb 2025
Day 1: Resort Stop No. 1 UNICO 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya is an adults-only (18+) beachfront all-inclusive resort set on the Caribbean shores of the Riviera Maya (Akumal/Kantenah area). It’s designed as a luxury, culturally immersive escape that highlights modern Mexican style, art, cuisine, and local experiences. 

⸻

🏨 Accommodations

The resort’s rooms and suites blend contemporary luxury with handcrafted Mexican design, featuring:

🛏️ Room Features
• Spacious layouts with terraces or balconies. 
• Many rooms include outdoor whirlpool tubs or panoramic ocean views. 
• Local Host service — personalized assistance for reservations, local tips, and unique experiences. 
• In-room amenities often include high-speed Wi-Fi, mini-bar, 55″ TV, aromatherapy and pillow menus, USB charging ports, and JBL Bluetooth sound systems. 

🛌 Room Types

Common options range from tropical or ocean-view alcobas to swim-up and panoramic view suites. There are also larger multi-bedroom suites or villa-style accommodations for groups wanting more space. 

⸻

🍽️ Dining & Bars

UNICO 20°87° is known for its gourmet dining experiences, with multiple restaurants and bars included in the all-inclusive package: 

🍽️ Restaurants
• Cueva Siete – Elevates modern Mexican cuisine under celebrated Chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo. 
• Mi Carisa – Coastal Italian fare. 
• Mura House – Asian/Japanese menu, including teppanyaki and sushi. 
• 20°87° Restaurant – All-day casual beachside dining. 
• Avec – French-inspired cuisine. 
• Café Inez – Coffee shop and casual eats. 

🍹 Bars & Lounges

Five bars and lounges offer signature cocktails, poolside service, and mixology experiences. 

⸻

🏖️ Amenities & Activities

UNICO 20°87° delivers a range of high-end amenities and curated experiences, all included:

🏊‍♂️ Pools & Beach
• Three outdoor pools, including swim-up bar options and quieter areas for relaxing. 
• White-sand beach with loungers and full beach service. 

🧘‍♂️ Wellness
• Esencia Spa – Full-service spa with luxurious treatments inspired by local traditions. 
• Fitness center with classes and equipment. 

⚓ Activities & Experiences

The resort offers a variety of experiences aimed at both relaxation and cultural immersion: 
• Water activities like kayaking and snorkeling. 
• Yoga, meditation, and wellness sessions. 
• Mixology and culinary classes. 
• Live entertainment, themed events, and evening activities. 

⸻

💡 Unique Features

🌟 Local Host Service

Each guest has access to a Local Host — a personalized concierge who assists with dining reservations, local insights, and customized recommendations throughout your stay. 

🍷 Culinary & Cultural Focus

UNICO goes beyond classic all-inclusive food by using locally sourced ingredients, rotating guest chefs, and menus that integrate regional flavors and techniques. 

🪩 Events & Experiences

There’s a focus on experiences beyond the typical pool/beach routine, including artisan workshops, cultural interactions, and events tied to Mexican heritage. 

⸻

📍 Location
• Situated on the Caribbean coast of the Riviera Maya in Akumal/Kantenah. 
• Close to popular Riviera Maya highlights like Playa del Carmen, cenotes, and Mayan ruins (though excursions are separate from the all-inclusive stay). 

⸻

✅ Summary

Best for:
• Couples, honeymooners, adults-only getaways
• Travelers who value culinary excellence, spa and wellness, and cultural immersion
• Those seeking a more refined, boutique luxury experience within an all-inclusive setting

Highlights:
✔ Adults-only luxury atmosphere
✔ Gourmet dining and multiple bars included
✔ Local Host personalized service
✔ Spa and curated cultural activities
✔ Modern Mexican design and immersive experience

12/28/2025

Shoutout to Darryl Townsend for being the 1st person to book the Adults Only Grown Escape at Sea Cruise on Celebrity Xcel that i am hosting!! Dont miss out!
All pricing will include the Classic Drink Package & Wifi!

Looking to book click here: https://traveljoy.com/bookings/1wL3KYu34LidKmUde4zjTnQP

12/28/2025

2025 Travel Recap:
In February 2025 I had the opportunity to host a Familiarization Trip in the Riveria Maya & Cancun area. Our host resort was the Hilton Tulum Resort. I partnered with BOOKOLIS to assist with the tours, transportation and activities that I arranged with them for a group of about 18 Travel Advisors.

Day 1:
We Checked into the resort. We then had time to do some exploring before one of the sales managers gave us a tour of the whole resort. We then had a beautiful mexican dinner together.

More details about Hilton Tulum:

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort is a large, newly developed luxury all-inclusive resort set on pristine white-sand beaches in the Riviera Maya, just north of Tulum’s town center. With 735 rooms and suites, it is one of Hilton’s largest properties in the Caribbean and offers modern design inspired by natural elements and Mayan culture. 

📍 Location & Access
• Nestled along the Caribbean Sea with beach access and turquoise waters. 
• About 12.4 miles (≈20 km) from central Tulum and roughly 60 mi (≈97 km) from Cancun International Airport. 

⸻

🏨 Accommodations

The resort offers a range of stylish rooms and suites with private furnished balconies:

Standard & Suite Options
• Oceanfront & Nature-View Rooms – Comfortable spaces with king or double queen beds, minibar, patio/balcony, and modern amenities. 
• Suites – Larger layouts with separate living/dining spaces, luxurious bathrooms with rainfall showers, and premium furnishings. 
• Enclave Premium Experience – A VIP upgrade level featuring exclusive amenities like a private lounge, dedicated pools, premium food/drinks, personal concierge, and elevated in-room perks such as upgraded minibar and nightly turndown service. 

🛏️ In-Room Features often include air conditioning, 55″ flat-screen TV, coffee/tea maker, minibar stocked daily, free Wi-Fi, and blackout curtains. 

⸻

🍽️ Dining & Drinks

The all-inclusive offering features 13 restaurants and bars on property, showcasing a variety of global cuisines: 
• Signature Restaurants: Mexican, Italian, Asian grill, steakhouse, and more. 
• All-Day Options: Buffet dining, coffee shop/deli, and casual poolside bars. 
• Unlimited Premium Drinks: Included with your stay. 

Nightly live music and themed entertainment add to the social atmosphere after dark. 

⸻

🏖️ Amenities & Activities

This resort delivers a broad range of facilities and things to do, included at no extra cost: 

Pools & Beach
• Multiple resort pools (around eight), some with unique vibes, and jacuzzis. 
• Beachside service with lounges, umbrellas, and water activities. 

Wellness
• 24-hour fitness center with modern equipment and fitness classes like yoga. 
• Access to Conrad Spa Tulum (nearby) for wellness, traditional Mayan-inspired treatments, hydrotherapy, sauna, and relaxation areas. 

Family & Kids
• Dedicated Family Zone with splash pools, water playground, kids club activities, and spaces for teens. 
• Daily cultural activities and entertainment for all ages. 

Extras
• Digital wristband access to rooms and services for convenience. 
• Concierge services, free Wi-Fi, and event spaces for weddings or corporate events. 

⸻

💡 Tips for Visiting
• Best Times: March for a lively vibe, April for quieter travel, and winter dry season for ideal beach weather. 
• Excursions Nearby: Tulum’s Mayan ruins, cenotes, and wildlife experiences like snorkeling with sea turtles are popular add-ons beyond the resort. 

⸻

📝 Summary

This resort is a full-service, beachside all-inclusive destination ideal for family vacations, romantic escapes, and celebrations. With extensive dining options, abundant pools and activities, wellness offerings, and luxurious rooms — including elevated Enclave experiences — Hilton Tulum provides a compelling Riviera Maya getaway. ke

12/27/2025

2025 Travel Recap Countdown
February 2025 Part 1
Carnival Venezia Ship Tour

I had the privilege of taking a tour at the beginning of February 2025 on Carnival Venezia!

Say Ciao! to one of Carnival Cruise Line’s most exciting ships — Carnival Venezia! Inspired by the romance and charm of Venice, Italy, this stunning ship blends classic Carnival energy with authentic Italian flair for an unforgettable vacation at sea. 

🚢 What Makes Carnival Venezia Special:
✨ Step into the Venice-inspired Piazza San Marco atrium — a beautiful gathering place with elegant design and lively vibes. 
🍝 Delicious dining experiences from Italian favorites (like Il Viaggio and La Strada Grill) to Carnival classics (like Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki). 
🍷 Sip your way through Italian-inspired bars like Frizzante (prosecco, spritzes, espresso & more), Amari (elevated cocktails), and the elegant Carnevale Bar & Lounge. 
🎭 Catch Broadway-style shows and nightly performances in the beautiful Teatro Rosso or enjoy live music and entertainment around the ship. 

🏝 Fun for Everyone:
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly spaces like Camp Ocean, Circle C, and Club O2 keep kids and teens engaged. 
💦 Thrills await at WaterWorks, plus outdoor activities like bocce ball, foosball, ropes course, mini golf, and more. 
💆‍♀️ Need chill time? Relax at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat or indulge in treatments at Cloud 9 Spa. 

🛌 Stay in Style:
Upgrade your getaway with special Terrazza staterooms, featuring exclusive access to the Terrazza Carnevale lounge and terrace — perfect for watching sail-away parties, sipping spritzes, and chilling in comfort.

12/27/2025

2025 Travel Recap Countdown
January 2025 Part 2

Another Daddy Daughter day out. I decided to take Mya to Planet Obstacle Adventure Park.

Planet Obstacle is a large indoor adventure park with locations in Central Florida (including Davenport in Polk County) featuring ninja warrior-style obstacle courses, zip lines, trampolines, and climbing walls for all ages, created by former Cirque du Soleil performers.

12/26/2025

Mr Sanchos Beach in Cozumel Mexico price increase

Important announcement regarding price adjustment starting January 1st, 2026.
We will honour our current prices on confirmed reservations made before December 31st, 2025 at 12 pm EST, regardless if reservation is for this year or year 2026.

Dear guests and friends,
First and foremost, we hope you enjoyed a Merry Christmas filled with family unity along with your loved ones.

We would like to announce that we find it necessary to make an adjustment to some of our prices starting January 1, 2026.

We have maintained our current rates for three years, during which we have experienced cost increases from our suppliers as well as several services necessary for our operation.

Therefore, as of January 1, 2026, our Adult Day Pass (18+) will be $79 USD, and the Teen Day Pass (12-17) will be $50 USD, and since we are a Family Friendly beach club, we are making an effort to keep the Kids Day Pass (4-11) at its current price of $40 USD with no increase; infants (0-3) will continue to be free of charge.
The Aquatic Park will have a $1.00 USD adjustment, bringing the price to $15 USD.

All of our prices include taxes and are subject to change.

The new rates will be updated on our website starting at 12:00 PM EST on December 31, 2025. However, for all reservations received before that time for visits during 2026, we will honor the current prices.

The 2026 rates for the various tours and activities we offer will also be available on our website starting the afternoon of December 31. Similarly, any reservations for tours and activities received by 12:00 PM EST on December 31, 2025, will maintain the current price, even if they are for 2026.

We sincerely thank you for your understanding and preference, and we hope to continue being your favorite beach club in Cozumel.

On our part, we maintain our commitment to providing excellent service, the highest quality food and drinks, and the unique care and attention that has characterized us for 25 years.

We wish you a very Happy New Year 2026, filled with health, family unity, and joy for you and your family.

Mr. Sancho’s
The happiest place of you vacation