Last month, we featured four sunshine resorts/hotels that followed us on Twitter. We aren’t affiliated with these resorts financially in any way. We just wanted to show our appreciation for the follow and share the discovery of these great vacation spots.
The article was well read, so we thought we’d do it again in August. We’ve selected four more great locations from our very close to 1,500 Twitter followers. These are definitely wide ranging, appealing to quite different sectors of the travel niche. There would not be direct competition between any of the four, as each provides such a different and unique experience.
Hotel Zapata – Dominican Republic
We’ve been to DR but never to the south side. Boca Chica is located on the Caribbean Coast, just east of the country’s capital, Santo Domingo. The resort town is quite close to Las Americas International Airport.
Hotel Zapata is a family run non all-inclusive resort. This is a gated resort set on the public beach. The tagline of the hotel is ‘Authentic Dominican Cultural Experience’. By being family run by a mother and son, Marta and Roberto, they hope visitors will escape the cookie cutter conglomerate beach resort experience so popular in the Caribbean that, quite frankly, could be just as much set in Florida as a foreign Caribbean island.
Not overly expensive, staying at the resort allows the visitor leftover funds to explore the region’s culture and natural environment. Sample pricing runs from $60 to $150 per night with rooms ranging from two single beds to a two bedroom apartment that can accommodate 6-7 people.
What we found very intriguing about Hotel Zapata was their dedication to serving the community. They are big on Community Service Excursions and guests volunteering while on vacation. In association with the Dominica Orphanage and School, volunteers can help out with the children or with building projects.
Official Website: Hotel Zapata
Twitter: @HotelZapataDR
Chaa Creek Resort & Spa – Belize
Chaa Creek is a 365 acre private nature reserve inland in Belize. Located along the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, Chaa Creek Resort was first opened in 1981. The resort claims, ‘A pioneer in adventure travel to Belize since 1981’.
Established and owned by Mick and Lucy Fleming, Chaa Creek offers a number of adventure vacation packages with something for everyone. Like Hotel Zapata in the Dominican Republic, Chaa Creek believes in giving back to their community and the environment. The Chaa Creek Cares Program ensures that 10% of all accommodation revenues go to social and environmental programs.
Official Website: Chaa Creek Belize
Twitter: @ChaaCreek
Temptation Resort – Mexico
‘Dare to be tempted’. Anyone under 21 need not apply. This is not a family resort! Temptation is located on the beach in Cancun, Mexico. This is an adults and couples all-inclusive resort where topless sunbathing is more than welcome.
Located 20 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, Temptation Resort consists of 384 rooms/suites. The resort has ten restaurants/bars, ample to service their customers.
Official Website: Temptation Resort Cancun
Twitter: @TemptationRSpa
Galley Bay Resort & Spa – Antigua
Located on the sunset, or western, side of the island of Antigua, Galley Bay recently was the backdrop for the finale of bachlorette 2013, featuring Desiree Hartsock. Word is, the water level in the Caribbean is just getting back to normal after rising from all the tears on that show.
Galley Bay has been named by Travel & Leisure as one of 2013’s top resorts in the Caribbean. However, a stay here comes at a price. One night will cost between $900 and $1,200 per night. however, it is all-inclusive!
Galley Bay Resort & Spa is located just a 20 minute drive from the airport on Antigua. Not quite as strict as Temptation in Cancun, but guests must be at least 16 year of age.
Official Website: Galley Bay Resort & Spa
Twitter: @GalleyBayHotel
Additional Images off Google Earth (Click on image to enlarge)
