Riviera Maya

Whenever I return from the Riviera Maya, Mexico, I say the same thing--why go anywhere else? It has fabulous beaches, class, culture, cuisine and, trust me when I say, there's a hotel with your name on it...By the way, I'm a big baby so I'd never go anywhere that wasn't safe---just saying!

Here are my top picks:

Banyan Tree Mayakoba:

Check out this courtyard!

Mexico and Asia are joined in heaven. Spectacular 3466 sq ft private villas each with outdoor pool and jacuzzi, huge bathrooms with hand-painted double sinks (the bathrobes and slippers have the same pattern!) and outdoor tubs.

The lure: impeccable service, Banyan Tree Spa & Rainforest (request the masseuse, Chaba-she has magical hands!), their Thai restaurant, Saffron.

www.banyantree.com/en/mayakoba/

Rosewood Mayakoba:  

You are transported by boat to your suite! My view from the boat.

Oozing with elegance and sophistication, the accommodations in this all suite hotel are on the water with private plunge pools.

The lure: Agave Azul Raw Bar & Tequila Library (make sure you renew your library card for this experience!), 17,000 sq foot spa on its own private island, ping pong table!

www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/mayakoba/

Grand Velas:

Their gorgeous infinity pool goes on and on and on....

You've hit the motherload with this 'all-exclusive'! They have top notch oceanfront accommodations, the cuisine is fabulous, as is the spa (why carry Essie nail polish when Chanel will do just fine, thank you very much)!

The lure: luxurious, family friendly all-inclusive that delivers.

www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com



On the beach with the DoS&M, Jennifer Guevara.

 Viceroy:

With only 41, 1700 sq ft Mayan modern or Mayan jungle suites, this uber-cool, sexy boutique hotel is the new kid on the block--I mean beach!

The lure: La Marea Restaurant with ingredients from their organic garden, shabby chic outdoor jungle spa and sweat lodge

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/rivieramaya

Zoetry Paraiso de La Bonita: Intimate, upscale all-inclusive with an emphasis on well-being and a healthy lifestyle.

The lure: Thalassotherapy spa, in-house parrot collection!

www.zoetryresorts.com/paraiso/

Permanent residents at the Zoetry



Beef Cheek and Grouper Vera Cruz - Surf & Turf!

Maroma Resort & Spa:

Authentic Mexican style hideaway smack on a glorious stretch of beach--it doesn't hurt that it's an Orient Express Hotel!

The lure: the 1900 sq ft 'Sian Nah' suites each have a private gym, spa and plunge pool.

www.maromahotel.com/

Fairmont Mayakoba: Disney meets the Amazon--for families looking for value, this can't be beat.

The lure: well appointed rooms, Fairmont’s President’s Club Loyalty Program members receive fantastic amenities instantaneously.

www.fairmont.com/mayakoba

Petit Lafitte: Dirt cheap, but delivers.

The lure: rooms and bungalows smack on the beach, friendly and helpful staff,

www.petitlafitte.com

A view of the quaint beach near Petite Lafitte



If you’re looking to go to the Riviera Maya, contact me at info@jodybear.travel

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Harbour Island, Bahamas... My new BFF

Harbour Island in the Bahamas is my new BFF…

It’s chic without really trying, has spectacular beaches, fab restaurants all you foodies would approve of and  it's uber-friendly and safe.

Why is it still under the radar???...until now, it didn’t have me, the Ambassador of Briland (this is how us locals refer to Harbour Island)!!!!

Check out my insider info:

SLEEP

Pink Sands:   Tucked away on 20 acres of gardens and greenery, these 25  rustic-elegant pastel colored cottages areon the edge of the famous 3 mile Pink Sand Beach; the only thing between you and the ocean is your thatched beach palapa!

The Lure: impossibly romantic & secluded,  the  ‘Meet & Greet’ flawless service at the airport, Chef James Van Dyke’s coriander crusted Wahoo.

www.pinksandsresort.com

Check out the pink sand... steps away from the room

Dunmore Beach: the  new owners from Texas transformed this once drab property into a 15 cottage beach hideaway.

The Lure:  elegance personified in a Hamptons sort of way,the chef is the new darling of Harbour Island.

www.dunmorebeach.com

Isn't it charming?

Rock House:   This 10 room boutique hotel in Dunmore Town is eclectic- antique luxury; the sense of detail and design issheer magic.

The Lure: private cabanas, state-of the-art gym, one of the best restaurants on the Island.

www.rockhousebahamas.com

The Decor makes you wanna just stay here all day long...PERFECTION!

The Landing:  The  interiors of this privately owned 13 room honey of a hotel were designed by the fabulous and talented India Hicks—it’s all about  crisp white linens, canopied beds and dark antique woods.

The Lure: sense of history(built in the 1800’s, this is one of the oldest buildings in Dunmore Town) , the fresh seafood and organic greens in their soulful restaurant and the  Afro Head label  Rose Petal teas,  private label coffees and blended rums.

www.harbourislandlanding.com

Hanging out with Toby Tyler, co-owner of The Landing and Master Blender of Afro Head Rum!

EAT

Blue Bungalow:  newly opened and very cool Tapas bar and lounge

Queen Conch: the best conch salad in the Bahamas (see photos)

The Tent: across from the Pineapple Shop, this is , literally, a tent,

but don’t let that fool you—Miss Sheila’s Bahamian fish stew

and Johnny Cakes will have you crying for more!

Dunmore Deli: great sandwiches and salads. Get them to go

                   

Getting Around

Get in your golf cart and go, but beware of carpel tunnel—this is the land of ‘hidy ho’ and everyone will give you a friendly wave no matter how many times you pass them! The locals will take you to your destination if you get lost, engage you in conversation no matter where you are and their sense of genuine friendliness is truly irresistible and highly contagious!!!

The Bottom Line

If  you want the real inside scoop, want to  learn about the true Harbour Island scene and be seen with the celebs , Isis is your socialite guru.  Look for, Island Hopping with Isis coming soon to a website near you. I’ll keep you in the loop and post when the first webcast is available.

Here I am with Isis (think the Egyptian goddess, Isis).  She is The Socialite Guru of Harbour Island

If you’re looking to go to Briland, contact me at info@jodybear.travel

Don't forget to follow my #DailyTravelTip on Twitter!

https://twitter.com/#!/JodyBearTweets

for the plane ride home