One of those crazy months where I’ve been chasing time zones. I began in Scotland for golf to England to visit my friend, to a stop back in Denver to re-pack and head to SATW’s convention in Guadalajara with a pre-trip to the lovely town of Tequila. That was October.
After 1 1/2 weeks at home, I pulled out my suitcases for a quick trip to Costa Rica for the opening of the first Riu, the Riu Guanacaste. (I left in the midst of Denver’s mini October blizzard and more than 2 feet of snow!)
Another re-group in Denver, picked up my man and now we’re in Mexico at THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen. Love this resort, smack dab in the heart of Playa, just 2 blocks from 5th Avenue.
We’ve been here since Monday and now we’re heading to Gran Caribe Real Cancun for one night.Â
It’s not much of an overview, but 1,000’s of miles in the air is why I haven’t posted to my blog.
Click on the following “snapshots” of my journeys in pictures:
MEXICO:
Room with a view: THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen
Room with a view Tequila’s La Cofradia
Now time to pack, Cancun is waiting — after one more walk on the beach.
Happy travels, Diana Rowe
Read more of Diana’s adventures as: Denver Travel Examiner
From Denver, any Caribbean destination is a long day of traveling, and Puerto Rico is no different — except no need to bring your passport. Puerto Rico is a U.S. Commonwealth, so no passport; no problem here.
I’ve been here since Wednesday with a schedule packed full of busy and fun things to do, from a massage to wandering around the Gran Melia ocean front property:
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 leave your flip flops behind…
 
to golf at Bahia Beach on a slightly overcast, early morning
and a stop at the 18th hole of Trump International to watch the rainy Puerto Rico PGA. Today I’m venturing out to the much-anticipated El Yunque tour, Puerto Rico’s rainforest.
No time to write much, but a picture paints a thousand words, so hope you enjoyed the pics — more later.
Diana
P.S. slow Internet connection here in DR — I’ll post and update when I get home.
The Caribbean caresses the white sand beaches, friendly and smiling people greet me, and time just stops here in Punta Cana. Hola, I’ve been in the Dominican Republic now since Thursday. It is my first trip here.
Barcelo Punta Cana is my choice of accommodations, an upscale all-inclusive on the Caribbean, just 30 minutes from the airport, 795 guest rooms, 7 bars (including one swim-up bar in pool), swimming pools. The hotel is a series of buildings arranged in a horseshoe facing the ocean. The usual list of activities are at the pool — water aerobics, water volleyball, water polo, drinking — anything to escape the heat of JUNE. This property event has a rock climbing wall and circus trapeze– both offering lessons.
Although it does remind me of Mexico, the main difference is the increased international mix of visitors: Europe (lots of UK and Russia), Latin America, Mexico, Canada, and of course United States. Lots of accentsand languages.
 What a tough flight here from Denver though ! I just can’t do red eyes like I used to – departing Thursday DIA at 1 am, 4 hour layover in Atlanta, and then the blast of heat and humidity once we landed. The trip is definitely worth it, but it would’ve been nice o get here in 4 hours rather than an all day misadventure (and Atlanta doesn’t start serving alcohol until 9 am. Normally not an issue but when you’re traveling, really what else is there to do but have a red beer or bloody Mary to relax after being crammed into a plane?)
