Karisma Hotels and Resorts is a premier hotel collection operating properties throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, where guests savor a Gourmet Inclusive experience that fosters togetherness. Karisma’s growing portfolio is comprised of Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma; El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma; El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma; and El Dorado Maroma by Karisma. Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades including, Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 100 Hotels in the World,” Conde Nast Traveler’s “Gold List,” Forbes’ “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels,” TUI Travel PLC’s “Hotel of the Year,” and AAA’s “Four Diamond Award.” Karisma has received worldwide recognition for its creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations including resorts with swim-up suites, Infinity balcony pools, beach butlers and cash-free transactions.
In a nutshell: Riviera Maya (Cancun is major city) was recently named the 2nd fastest growing beach destination by Orbitz.com, and features white sand beaches, warm water, golf, etc. Karisma features multiple properties that each have a unique value proposition – family friendly, couples only, ultimate luxury, etc. Where Turks & Caicos is the ultimate in luxe, Riviera Maya is a little lower on the cost/luxury scale, accordingly, its visitors are not as exclusive as Turks and Caicos. » close
Located in the heart of the Mexican Pacific in Punta de Mita, only 30 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Los Veneros is an ultra luxurious oceanfront community with 239 residences and an 80-suite boutique hotel. Situated on 1,262 feet of fine white sand, the community is distinguished by its spectacular ocean view, impeccable décor, and endless resort amenities. For discerning individuals, Los Veneros is the ideal retreat for escaping the stress of everyday life, taking in each moment and creating unforgettable experiences. Phase one of Los Veneros, which includes three residential buildings, will be completed in January 2009. For more information please visit www.losveneros.com. » close
Spirit Cruises is operated by Entertainment Cruises, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, IL. Entertainment Cruises was formed in 2006 when Spirit Cruises LLC (www.spiritcruises.com) and Premier Yachts (www.premieryachts.com) joined forces to become the nation’s largest family of entertainment cruises. Entertainment Cruises operates 24 ships offering a variety of lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruise experiences in Baltimore, Md., Boston, Mass., Chicago, Ill., Philadelphia, Pa., New York, N.Y.; Weehawken, N.J., Washington, DC, and Norfolk, Va. Its brand portfolio includes Spirit Cruises, Bateaux New York, Odyssey Cruises, Mystic Blue Cruises, Elite Yacht Charters and Seadog Cruises. For more information, please visit www.entertainmentcruises.com. » close
The 40 islands of the Turks & Caicos (a British colony), of which eight are inhabited, are renowned for their award-winning beaches, diving and array of world-class resorts. Additional activities include tennis, golf and horseback riding. The Islands feature a variety of spa and body treatment services and is home to the world’s only conch farm. There are three daily 75-minute direct flights from Miami, a US Airways direct flight from Charlotte, and weekly flights from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto. For more information on travel, visit the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board Web site at www.turksandcaicostourism.com or call (800) 241-0824.
In a nutshell: Beautiful islands, undergoing rapid development (primarily 5 star, luxury hotels). The Islands have become a celebrity hot spot in the last few years due to the privacy and seclusion offered. Everything is very expensive and their target audience is the older, affluent consumer, affluent families, honeymooners etc. Not really a spring break destination, not much of a night life. » close