Announcing Newly-Opened and Newly-Remodeled Resorts

There is nothing like soaking up some sun and enjoying the amenities of a brand new resort! Here is some information on two resorts that just opened in December of 2011:

Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa is located on the golden sands of Huatulco on Mexico's Pacific Coast. It's a 4.5-Star, adults-only, all-inclusive resort with several bars and lounges, 8 restaurants, and a cafe with coffee and pastries. Evening entertainment includes theme parties, live shows and movies on the beach. All rooms face the ocean, and some have private Jacuzzis on the terrace or swim-out access to the resort's pool.

Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro is Riu's 34th all-inclusive property in the Caribbean and Latin America, and its fifth hotel in Punta Cana. It is a 5.5-star resort with a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as outdoor activities including: tennis, volleyball, windsurfing, body-boarding and snorkeling. Enjoy a massage or facial in the spa, or relax in the sauna. Jacuzzi suites and junior suites have free Wi-Fi, and access to a separate pool, sun terrace and bar.


The following resorts have undergone multimillion-dollar renovations or expansions between October 2011 and January 2012:

In the Caribbean:

Radisson Aruba -- 5-star resort in Palm Beach, Aruba (Oct 2011)

Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort (Nov 2011) -- 5-star resort on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands

In Central America:

Sheraton Bijao Beach Resort (Nov 2011) -- 4.5-star, all-inclusive resort in Playa Blanca, Panama (formerly Breezes Resort & Spa-Panama)

In Mexico:

Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma (Oct 2011) -- 5-star, all-inclusive resort on Mexico's Riviera Maya

Secrets Marquis Los Cabos (Nov 2011) -- A 5-star, all-inclusive, kids-free property in Los Cabos, Mexico, formerly Marquis Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa

Viceroy Riviera Maya (Jan 2012) -- A 5.5-star, all-inclusive, kids-free retreat in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, formerly The Tides Riviera Maya

In Hawaii:

Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (Nov 2011) -- 3-star hotel on the Big Island

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa (Nov 2011) -- 4-star retreat in Honolulu

Types of vaccinations you may need for traveling

Are you aware of which types of vaccinations you or those traveling with you may need?

According to wwwnc.cdc.gov, vaccines for travel are divided into three categories: routine, recommended, and required. While your doctor will tell you which ones you should have, it's best to be aware of them ahead of time.

Routine Vaccinations

Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. These vaccines are necessary for protection from diseases that are still common in many parts of the world even though they rarely occur in the United States. If you are not sure which vaccinations are routine, look at the schedules below.

The best advice is to set up an appointment with your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before your trip.

Most vaccines take time to become effective in your body and some vaccines must be given in a series over a period of days or sometimes weeks.

For more information, visit: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm