Have you ever returned from vacation and a friend or colleague says, "Hey when you were in _____, did you see that really cool ____ or try that incredible _____?", and you're doing that deer in the headlights thing because you realize you clearly missed out on something really great?
I love to travel but hate missing out on things - for me, FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is real, so I do lots of research for my trips and want to share tips and treasures that I find along the way so you don't have that deer in the headlights experience.
Beach vacations are my favourite, but there's a whole world out there to see, so join me as I explore top resorts, exciting cities, and provide you with area guides, best places to eat, travel tips and everything in between.
If you have travel questions, pop them onto any video - I respond to all comments!
Hi there! Thanks so much for your excellent review. I am wondering though, did you have an all inclusive package when you went? I ask because you mentioned that you won a free cocktail, are cocktails included in the all incluive packages? Thanks in advance!
Hi Christine! This is exclusively an all inclusive resort - no EP (European Plan options at all). It was sort of a joke. A lot of resorts will give a prize of a fancy cocktail or a shot for winning Bingo or a silly game. It's a joke because all the drinks are free anyway. Thanks for watching!
@@thenationofpeacock3309 I believe it’s building 2 but maybe 3. It’ll have an amazing view and you’ll love your semi-private pool! Here’s a link to the video I did of the room locations which will explain it more. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-j4_vQT1N1mg.htmlsi=5k12FlcmdRumHn47
@@ChristineTurner ok one last question, with those swim-up oceanfront rooms, are you able to walk out the back to the beach? Or do you have to go through the hotel and then out to get to the beach. Hope that makes sense. It seems as if with the swim ups there isn't direct access to the beach but hard to tell
When I was there (before Covid), they had planted some shrubbery in front of the pool to give it a bit of privacy. My guess is that's a lot higher now, so you wouldn't be able to walk out of the pool and to the beach. That said, the hallway where your room is has an exit at the end of it, so you could just leave your room and walk out to the beach - maybe 50' or so walking 'inside' then onto the sand, you would be. Their facebook group is extremely active, so maybe pop on there and pose the question to get an updated answer.
I like spontaneous/ grab a deal close to when I know I can travel. But for trips I plan with others I have to plan/budget 9-12 months in advance not for my benefit but theirs.
Hi I'mFitShameka! Ah yes - I don't mind the planning that goes into a small group trip - gives everyone something to look forward to and chat about as the days tick by!
Very misleading title. This is not a brand new resort. It was called 'Be Live' before the re-brand. We spent 2 weeks here in September. It was not that good Very mediocre!
Hi Tim! True enough - I didn't know this was a refurb until after (I did the video based on the announcement of it opening, so there wasn't tons of info). Sunscape is a pretty basic brand but yeah, I've heard that they need to work on a few things!
Hi! Great video! Getting off topic a bit, what are your favorite "Riu Palace" hotels in Mexico? I don't think I've seen any of your videos on the subject. I'm very interested in returning to a Riu Palace but I don't know if I should do that or if I should look for another hotel. Thanks!
Hi RMM! I haven't been to the Riu Palace Kukulkan [yet] but have been to all of the others and I'd have to say my favourite is probably the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas (but I'd likely stay at the Riu Palace Baja California to have the full exchange privileges at all 3 resorts). The former has got the older style (rich mahogany & brass) and is just a really nice resort for the area, with a massive open-air balcony where you can watch the fishing boats and cruise ships and even Dolphins between about November and March!
Hi Darian! I could NOT believe how quickly everything was coming along in the 2 weeks that we were there. I definitely think it'll all be ready by Oct 15, so if your trip is in December, it'll be a well-oiled machine by then! Do let us know what you think of the Elite Club perks and enjoy your fabulous room view!
Hi Lily! Well stay tuned for a bunch of videos of the resort coming in the next few weeks. I'm going straight from my Cancun trip to a Mexican cruise out of LA, so some of the follow up videos won't be edited & uploaded until the back end of October, but at least they'll be coming soon.
Hi Shany! Yes I think they had jet skis but those would always be an extra charge. The waves are quite strong at this beach, so there isn't a whole lot but just playing in the waves is what most people end up doing. That said, you can also walk about 10-15 minutes north toward downtown and you'll find Aqua World, where they do tons of various tours including speed boat rides, snorkel tours, fishing, etc. Plus it's a fun place to grab a beer and people watch!
Hi Shany! Ohh that sounds great! If I forget to post the price, remind me. I'll set a reminder in my phone and will do my best to do a video about it. Plus I'll go live from there - if you subscribe & hit the bell, you'll be notified of any videos I post so you won't miss it! Cheers!
@@SlothFields well a jalapeño or even a habanero wouldn’t be too bad. Stick to a bell pepper if you want no spice but anything beyond that and you’re going to get some heat!!
Hi thank you for your detailed review. I am in my 50’s and traveling with my husband and mother in law. We love a pool with activities and music and are trying to decide between Riu Baja and the Sandos Finisterra. We aren’t into the wild parties at the Santa Fe but wondered if the Riu Baja is a better property. Also looking at the Pueblo bonito properties but there doesn’t seem to be any nightlife there. We mainly just like to see a show after dinner. Usually back to room by 11 or 12 and hope rooms are quiet and not hearing loud music. Thanks for any feedback!
@@TraceyPlonka-g9z hi Tracey! If you book Baja then ask for the view of the empty lot - that’s that farthest from the Riu Parties. Otherwise you’ll hear those. The great thing about staying there is having access to all 3 and we loved the pool area of the palace Cabo San Lucas. Never stayed at Pueblo because it’s pretty harsh time share sales. LOVE Sandos Finisterra but I’d say food options are better at Riu especially since you can eat at any of the 3 resorts buffets. Sandos rooms are way older but you get a great view of the ocean and in Oct /Nov /Dec will almost see whales daily. Plus you have a marina view from the resort as it’s built into the hillside. Better walkability from the Sandos but from Riu is a $6 Uber to downtown. All doable. Hope that helps!
Hi Tracey! Oh yeah there's pool games, beach volleyball, bocce, bingo, and the best thing is - if you get bored at Riu Baja, you can always go to either of the ones next door!
Hi Hirsch! I only caught a few parts of it and it was good. The Riu Party doesn’t really start hopping until about 9pm but they were playing great music. Always lots going on here and if you stay on the Antillas side, you get the benefit of being able to go to either resort’s shows!
Your advice is timid and for shy people who cannot just say NO. Here is a tip I tried several times and it works like magic. I have been asked why am I here. A simple anwer would be to say to get the freebies and NOT buy anything. But a nicer one worked perfectly and it made the sales person totally disappointed. I tell them that I study communication techniques, and time share people receive the best and the latested communication methods to sell. So I am here to learn from you new methods of salesmanship. And, of course, I am not interested. Worked for me every time.
Hi Mark! That’s actually a really smart suggestion and anyone in sales & marketing will subconsciously be noting their techniques anyway. They are exceptionally well trained and you can definitely learn a lot by watching them!
@@ChristineTurner Sure. I was never in sales. My focus on communication comes from my participation in the Toastmaster clubs. I am at the gold level. They teach you to communicate and evaluate others. So I always don't just listen to what someone says but how the communication occurrs.
Hi Mark - very interesting. I thought Toastmaster was more of a networking group - kind of like BNI (Business Networking Int'l). Thanks for clarifying.
@@ChristineTurner Yes, there is a lot of networking. But, most people who attend want to advance their careers by getting much better at making presentation and communicating. This is the primary purpose of the club. When you talk, everyone writes you a note to tell you what you did OK and no OK. This is great, as these are not the people you work with, where you don't want to make poor presentations or talks, like a 3-minute talk or an elevator speech. I wished I had joined EARLY in my working life. But, it improves your communication in all situationss and makes you far more effective dealing with people. OH. Also shy people joint to overcome their shyness.
@@MarkAdler-tk9pi oh wow that sounds really beneficial in all aspects of business. If I was 30 years younger, you’d have me convinced to join! Thanks for sharing!
@@hirsch4real201 oof tough question. I mean this is a MUCH older property and the gym is smaller as is the pool but the food has been some of the best Riu food I’ve ever had of any of their resorts and on par with what you get at Cap Cana but only 4 a la cartes here. Way more in Cap Cana. Both very different properties but equally nice!
@@ChristineTurner Is this resort family or adult only? We would likely be more interested in the family resort because we just have our 14 year old son. Also, is Riu the best all-inclusive in Aruba, or would you recommend another?
Hi Hirsch! The Riu Palace Antillas is adult only but the Riu Palace Aruba is family friendly, so that's the one for you when you travel with your son. Yeah, I'd say it's definitely the best all inclusive option at the moment. There's a new Secrets opening up at the south end of the island which will certainly be comparable but it's also adult only. Riu Palace Aruba for you!
@@ChristineTurner Are guests easily able to walk and explore the surrounding area to visit gift shops, stores, etc. ? Is Aruba "safe" for the most part? I know in some countries they warn you not to leave the resort premesis for safety reasons.
@@hirsch4real201 Hi Hirsch Oh Yeah! Honestly, it's one of the few places I feel completely relaxed. The economy is doing very well here and it's absolutely no problem to wander around. Especially in the hotel zone (Palm Beach) where the all inclusive resorts are - plenty of restaurants in walking distance and tons of people out and about. No one begging for money. Rare to see anyone in hardship. Very comfortable here!
Hey Mark! How are you!? I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm hoping to visit Kukulkan soon but it might just be a day pass to see what it's like. I think I would have enjoyed upgrading at the Riu in Cabo earlier this year - I do enjoy private lounges etc. The one here in Aruba (Riu Palace Antillas) is even going to have an Elite Club pool and it sounds like the private restaurant will be open for breakfast lunch and dinner!.
Hi BeauJangles! I may have exaggerated a tad but mostly I think these people were just hungry (although there's always somewhere you can grab a bite of something 24/7). As for the variety - wait until I post the videos of the Riu Palace Aruba buffets!
Hi LiteralWhisky! Are you heading here soon? I see you've watched / commented on a few videos. If you're on the Baja side, you'll love having access to all three Riu's!
Hi LiteralWhisky! Oh good point - sometimes my mouth runs before my brain. Used to be - you could only visit other properties for lunch buffet. SO what's new is to be able to try their other breakfast or dinner buffets. Still can't do exchange with a la cartes but that's fine. Thanks for pointing this out and thanks for watching!
