Travel Channel names a gay resort to its list of top all-inclusive properties
The Grand Resort and Spa, which promotes itself as “Fort Lauderdale Beach’s largest and finest gay owned and operated men’s resort hotel,” was named one of the the top all-inclusive resorts in the world by Travelchannel.com.
A member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, The Grand Resort and Spa is no stranger to positive reviews. It has four stars and above ratings on Yelp, TripAdvisor and Orbitz.
“Travel’s Best: Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts” for 2014 (in alphabetical order):
This resort has high attention-to-detail, great food choices and access to a variety of activities. From being a top choice for a wedding to a 24-hour retreat from the kids, couples can indulge in a spa day or a private dinner on the beach. Guests often return to their room each night to discover a small, thoughtful gift from the Amanyara team during turndown service.
Hermitage Bay, a true barefoot luxury all-inclusive resort, has 25 cottages nestled in 16 acres of lush tropical gardens and fronted by a gorgeous beach. The resort provides informal dining where every meal feels privately catered to the guest’s specifications and desires. Don’t miss out on the Garden Spa, where the treatments are influenced by the ancient Eastern concept of chakra.
The all-inclusive Beaches resort is an ideal destination for a fun-filled family beach vacation, with endless distractions for kids of all ages. Tots, tweens and teens can enjoy fun games with Sesame Street characters, ‘Sizzlin’ teen disco and the Pirates Island Waterpark. Adults can relax at Red Lane Spa and enjoy sumptuous meals at the resort’s 19 restaurants.
Grand Resort and Spa – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Experience the relaxing atmosphere of gay-owned-and-operated Grand Resort and Spa. In addition to its spacious rooms, this resort provides guests with a variety of amenities including an oversized heated pool for swimming laps, a fitness center, an award-winning spa and a courtyard for nude sunbathing. Splurge on one of their five all-inclusive packages such as the Romance by the Sea Package, which provides two lucky lovers with wine upon arrival, a choice of 50-minute couple’s massage and more.
Hayman Island – Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Hayman Island provides access to a variety of wildlife including exotic fish, a 400-pound grouper named ‘Jacko,’ wallabies and kookaburras. Hayman offers a combination of activities and indulgences for both water sports enthusiasts and foodies alike. Visitors should not miss the chef’s table or the private-dining events hosted under the stars by world-class winemakers and chefs.
Howie’s Homestay – Chiang Mai, Thailand
At Howie’s Homestay in Chiang Mai, guests check into a house that has been featured in Architectural Digest – with exquisite gardens and antique-filled rooms. The owners, an American expat and his Thai wife, tailor the experience to your interests based on their insider knowledge – taking you on elephant treks, temple visits and shopping expeditions or leaving you to lounge by the pool as you wish. Only one group, family or couple can book at a time, so the house is truly a luxury hideout of your own in Southeast Asia.
ME Cancun is an adult-oriented luxury resort that only allows guests to book accommodations as a ‘complete experience’ package. Once home to MTV’s Real World Cancun, all 417 rooms within the resort have breathtaking ocean or sunset lagoon views. All-inclusive services and facilities include two adults-only pools (including an infinity pool), a 24/7 fitness center, an E-space with library, the Beach Club, a contemporary gallery, a world-class YHI Spa and more. All food, drinks, entertainment and activities are included.
This American spa can be better described as a 16-suite wellness resort because you can pursue whatever kind of ‘well-balance’ you are looking for – whether it’s focused on losing weight, getting fit, reducing stress, reconnecting with nature, bonding with friends or kick-starting a healthier lifestyle. The three-, four- and seven-day programs include such group classes as cooking, tennis and yoga, as well as personalized services including facials, massages and psychic healing. If you get hooked on the organic cuisine, you can take the recipes home.
Nizuc Resort and Spa – Cancun, Mexico
Nizuc Resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in Cancun since it opened in September 2013. There are 274 rooms, suites and villas – many of which come equipped with private infinity pools. Within the resort complex, there are six high-end restaurants, the gorgeous indoor/outdoor ESPA spa with a detoxifying hydrotherapy circuit, a secluded beach and plenty of privacy. The resort, tucked within lush foliage along a stretch of mangroves and beach, offers a terrific all-inclusive Endless Indulgence package.
It’s not common to find all-inclusive hotels in Hawaii. Acquired by new owners in 2011, Travaasa became the first resort in Maui to offer an all-inclusive package, which includes fitness classes. This hotel has rustic cottages (no TV’s or clocks) and a spa with an outdoor lava-rock whirlpool. In addition to its cool, retro Hawaii décor, Travaasa provides unique experiences for its guest. Where else can you do yoga in the morning while humpback whales do a backflip in the distance right before your eyes?
Travelchannel.com’s list was determined by a panel of travel and hospitality experts, including Shane Green, host of Travel Channel’s “Resort Rescue” and Anthony Melchiorri, host or Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible.”
More details on the “Travel’s Best: Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts” for 2014 is available at travelchannel.com/interests/travels-best.
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