History of Hacienda San Angel When Blonde and Brunette recently visited Puerto Vallarta we decided to take Richard Burton up on his Valentine's Day gift and stay at Hacienda San Angel. We are not romantic sisters (or romantic in general) but Richard Burton apparently was as he gave this lovely building to his wife Susan Somebody-or-Other in 1977. Legend has it that Burton … [Read more...]
5 ways to experience luxury travel without breaking the bank
We are unrepentant lovers of luxury travel, especially when someone else pays for it. But we have occasionally opened up our own wallets for some. It can be a smallish splurge in the grand scheme of the vacation's total cost but have an outsize value in terms of making us feel as pampered as we somehow got the (mistaken) idea we deserve. Here are a few splurges to consider … [Read more...]
Luxury and adventures at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta
Why were we in Puerto Vallarta? When Southwest Airlines gave us a choice from their new non-stop resort destinations from Houston, Brunette immediately wanted to go to Puerto Vallarta and the highly-rated Marriott. This instantaneous response came from someone who can spend a year contemplating a pair of shoes (and then be annoyed when they are no longer available in the color … [Read more...]
How to have a good experience swimming with Whale Sharks
What to do to have a successful whale shark outing We have had two good but different experiences snorkeling with whale sharks so now we are experts on the subject. Luckily for you we are going to share that expertise and for once we may even be worth listening to. Know when the whale sharks will be swimming where you are going. Yes, this should fall under the "duh" … [Read more...]
Secrets Maroma, a Mexican luxury getaway
If you want to truly appreciate Secrets Maroma we recommend you stay at a three star hotel first. Two dear friends of ours got married on July 4th at a very swanky expensive resort in Playa del Carmen. We couldn't afford to both go to the wedding and stay at that resort so we stayed at a barely 3 star place a short walk down the beach. By the second day Blonde was practically … [Read more...]
How to never wait for a parking lot gate to open again!
On a visit to Cancun Blonde and Brunette were luxuriating for a free week at the Westin, courtesy of our Starwood Amex points. We had both been to Cancun previously and wanted to see some places we hadn't seen before and revisit some favorites. Buses are cheap and easy for getting around in Cancun but to do any exploring away from the resort area, it's necessary to rent a car. … [Read more...]
Brunette in Cancun and not getting many tips for her service
Dwarf twirling in Cancun
One year when Blonde was inexplicably employed, but in a state of suspended work animation waiting for an acquisition to be completed, she and Brunette took advantage of the lull to go to Cancun. In yet another uncompensated (damn!) plug for SPG Awards we used free points for a week at the Westin Cancun. Brunette has a very odd perspective on swimming pools. She thinks you're … [Read more...]