The Summer Vacation Experience

by Nicole Gustave

Editor-in-chief

As the temperature rises keep cool at some of our favorite resorts. Experience your bliss as you stroll white sandy beaches, enjoy spacious rooms with a view, and dine on the most mouth-watering foods. Start your summer off right, put on Lenny Kravitz’s song “Get Away”, and treat yo self!

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

With so many beautiful beaches in the world, we found it hard to choose our top 3 pics, we took an office poll of our editors to ask what were some of their favorite vacation spots. Our managing editors Debora Polchek, Chastain Howard, and Penelope “Glam” Piper share their top spots to relax and unwind for summer, and I must admit I too want to visit these beautiful vacation spots too. So, we head off the beaten path and give you a snapshot of these amazingly beautiful spots. Pack your bags and let’s go!

Crete, Greece: BLUE PALACE ELOUNDA

When you think of Greece, what destination comes to mind? Of, course you choose Santorini, no, we are not mind readers, but let’s face it on every social media post you see people showing off pictures of that famous image of the famed blue dome buildings atop beautiful cascading hilltops located in the city of Oia, but most people don’t think of the island of Crete. Crete is the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean and is packed with ancient ruins and the most spectacular beaches. The Blue Palace Elounda is a part of the Marriott Bonvoy Luxury Collection Resort hotels and stretches across 143 acres. This resort received a 4.6 rating, so it is on our must-stay list. “Why I love it here is the peace and calm of the ocean, and the privacy I get, not to mention the view is amazing, and you can request a room with a private pool,” says Deborah. This resort offers different open-air seating restaurants located on various levels, giving you a great view of the coastline. The food is fresh and plays heavily on Greek traditional offerings like hummus, salads, and Gyros. So, while everyone is packing the beaches in Santorini, be bold and take a trip to another one of Greece’s beautiful islands, Crete!

Image courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy™ | Blue Palace Elounda, Superior Bungalow

Image courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy™ | Blue Palace Elounda, Dinning

Image courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy™ | Le Meridien IIE des Pens guest room

Image courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy™ | Le Meridien Ile des Pens La Pirogue restaurant

Image courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy™ | Le Meridien IIe des Pens Deep Nature Spa

RESERVA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA

W. COSTA RICA

Artistic relaxation at its finest, and we are here for it. Where are the creatives at? If you raised your hands then have we got the spot for your next vacation. The W. Costa Rica is another Marriott Bonvoy™ family of hotels and resorts, this fabulous resort stretches across the coastline and boasts art deco decor that is both modern and exotic. “What I love most about this resort is its lush landscapes and vibrant vibe. I just adored the guest room that I stayed in the name is Sunset Tree House, it was private, psychedelic style decor with vibrant colors, but the most fabulous part of this room was the awesome ocean view. I didn’t want to leave my room, it was just amazing”. says, Chastain. If you are looking for a family resort, look no further, because this resort also plays host to a 5 bedroom residence too! The residence comes equipped with an open-planned kitchen area, spacious living area, and a private outdoor pool. So, bring the family, your girls, or make it all about a couples retreat. Let loose your inner explorer by visiting the Pura Vida with its calming forests, beautiful nature reserve, and surf. What about the food, you may be asking, well, let me tell you this resort caters to whatever vibe you’re in. Let’s start with Cocina de Mercado, this open-air market includes a show kitchen, pizza counter, and griddle station that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you want to get all glammed up for a romantic dinner, then head on over to Latitud 10°, this fine dining restaurant wakes up your taste buds with delicious creations by Executive Chef Julio Valdivia while you sip on a variety of on-trend drinks created by a Costa Rican mixology bartender.

Image courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy™ | Blue Palace Elounda, Pool

Image courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy™ | Blue Palace Elounda, Restaurant

IIe des Pins, NEW CALEDONIA:

Le Meridien IIe des Pens

Bonjour, this little island is situated in IIe des Pins in New Caledonia. This island is a French overseas territory and is surrounded by beautiful turquoise water on both sides. “I stumbled across this amazing island while in France on an assignment, I was having a meal in a cafe when I overheard one of the locals talking about it, so I asked my waitress who pointed it out on my Google search. After my assignment, I decided to take a vacation, and I was off in search of this tranquil spot. I booked my vacation through Marriott Bonvoy, and crossed the bridge to my paradise.” says Penelope. This resort received a 4.5 rating, so be sure and checkmark this spot on your next vacation list. Let’s start with the guest rooms, you can choose from a garden or poolside view, but if you want a bit more privacy then go for the bungalow. The bathrooms are spacious, and in the bungalows the bathtub and showers are separate. Feeling tense? Head over to the Deep Nature Spa for a “feel good all over” massage, give the front desk a call, and request an In-Suite Massage, don’t feel like a massage, well then indulge in their full-service spa treatment menu that ranges from manicures to pedicures, to facials, and so much more. Now that you are relaxed, how about a bite at La Pirogue restaurant. This restaurant overlooks the beautiful waters of Oro Bay and offers all-day dining. Enjoy French cuisine that boasts some delicious seafood. For casual dining take a seat at Longitude 167, while on the outdoor seating relax on comfortable woven armchairs while sipping on a cocktail, and have petite bites while you take in the tranquil ocean view. No need to pack your tablet, just grab your sunscreen, and bathing suit, and say “au revoir”(translation: goodbye in French) to the city life for a while.

Image courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy™ | Le Meridien IIe Pens view

Ok, so you are on a girl’s trip, well, have I got the spot for you and your crew at Zona Azul Beach Club, this private beach club has pagoda-style VIP cabanas, and is open for an early or late lunch. By the way, did we mention that a DJ throws down on the tunes while you sip on drinks and party in the pool? Well, now we did! Enjoy the VIP lifestyle at this beach club from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm every day of your trip. Ok, so maybe you just need to get away from the fam, I got you, head over to WET© Deck, chillax by the pool on the comfy sunbed, or catch some shade under a cabana, have a bite of delicious food while you decompress. Interested in making new friends? Well, don’t just sit there, head over to LIVING ROOM, this restaurant is all about sipping and mingling with the locals. This is such a vibe, the atmosphere is lively and the mood is upbeat. Our lips are sealed, so if you want more info then you are going to have to pack your bags and head over to this 4.5 rated resort and check it out with your creative self.

Special thanks to my awesome editors for their invaluable and creative input

Deborah Polchek

Chastain Howard

Penelope “Glam” Piper

Images courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy™

Marriott Bonvoy™ and its family of hotels, resorts, and affiliates are not an endorsement of DHMICON.COM, its writers, or blogs.