Ibersotar Playa Mita 2

Ibersotar Playa Mita has a children's pool a splash pad and it is right beside the Star Camp children's activity program. Now I thought I had pictures of this area but apparently I did a facebook live post but did not take pictures afterwards. That is what happens when you get all worked up over a video.
Beside the adult pool they have a bar and a snack shack and lots of area with shade. I will admit that on Saturday I may have sat beside the pool for a bit and read a book and had a few drinks. I do like reading a good book while I am travelling. I did not get into the pool or the beach. I just did not have the energy for it. The week was just so exhausting with learning and socializing.

 Got a bit of a burn even with sunscreen applied twice

 Great Book

Awesome drink a mango tango

Small secret about myself I do not drink a lot and am not good with picking drinks. So I tend to ask people for help and go by colours. I had some nice green drinks at our pool party the Friday afternoon and then that night at our gala I was drinking blue. Other than the white wine this is how I ordered my drinks. At home I often have Cesear's but they just do not happen in the states or mexico. Bloody Mary's are not the same just saying.

The Green drinks

Hanging out at the pool party!! (may have been some wind)

Our food at gala night was also a delight and I tried some new things and had a great time while some of my fellow agents were awarded for their success including my "boss" / "agency owner" Steph Switzer. It is great being able to work on such a great team and with so many great people. This conference themed More U and it was about taking time for ourselves so that we can better serve/meet our customers needs and finding a family/work/you life balance.

 Appetizer Seared Ahi Tuna

 Soup: Poblano Chile Cream Soup With sweet corn and smut chips

 Main Course: Braided Beef over dauphanoise potato, vegetable bouquet

Mocha cake

I was very impressed with the food I ate at the resort and the resort over all. There is lots to keep a family entertained and nearby towns Sayulita & Puerto Vallarta can be visited. There are lots of great winter specials on right now and a few Fall deals so definitely a good resort to take a look at if you are looking to go somewhere new and all inclusive.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 500212282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Iberostar Playa Mita

This year's conference for the Travel Agent Next Door was held just outside of Puerto Vallarta at the Iberostar Playa Mita Resort. Being on the other side of Mexico it was closer for our West Coast Agent's for a change. Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos are actually becoming more popular for the East Coast as well as Ontario and Quebec visitors.
Amid the beauty of the tropical coast and excitement of All-Inclusive features, guests will discover a paradise at Iberostar Selection Playa Mita that is designed to make all those vacation dreams a reality. The combination of the exquisite waterfront location on the Pacific Coast with Iberostar’s 5-star resort facilities makes this resort nothing short of spectacular. Allow yourself to be introduced to a better way to vacation with your family and friends and experience a variety of activities, entertainment, and dining on the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
I was impressed with the property. Most of us had garden view suites or pool view. A few agents did upgrade to the ocean front rooms. I enjoyed where I was as I was closer to the lobby, restaurants and where most of the training was. I did not mind walking the short distance to the pool area, reception terrace or beach.
I shared a room with a fellow agent with two double beds, a nice walk in shower and a decent sized bathroom. The balcony was also a great size. The mini fridge was well stocked and there was a coffee machine in the room.

 The couch in our room (easily used as a bed for a child)

 Two double beds

 Shower and sink

Lots of room for the toilet this year (not a closet)

Welcome fruit plate and bottle of red wine

 Later in the week we had this plate delivered to our room also

The Resort has a theater with shows I did not make it to one with all the coktail parties etc.. They also have a disco. They do themes as they did set up the lobby area for a Casino night and a Mexico theme on Cinco do Mayo when we were leaving.

Roulette table

I did take 90% of my meals at the buffet and I was quite happy with the choices offered. Fresh guacamole, how I miss the already. It is just not the same at home. I also ate at the Pacific Express which is the French Restaurant and the Teppanyaki restaurant. I did miss out on the steak house and Mexican restaurant. There is a coffee shop open 24 hours and I was able to enjoy my caramel maachiato. We did have a dinner one night on the reception terrace which was a great buffet and I noticed a wedding reception there later in the week. Our gala evening was held in the ballroom where our sessions during the week were held.

Following Pictures are from the French Restaurant:

 Three flavours of butter: regular, herb and coffee

 Amuse Bouche (Ratatouille in a pastry cup)

Appetizer Lobster Timble 

 Main beef tenderloin with potato dauphaine

Dessert yummy brownie

The following are a few photos from Teppenyaki. This chef was amazing with his knife skills.

 Sushi appetizer (my partner did not like sushi so I scored it all)

 Knife skills

 Dinner companions

 more Dinner companions

 Appetizer I can not remember which soup I picked but it was good

 Fried Rice

Shrimp and veggies (I actually used the chopsticks)

I follow up with more of this great resort in my next blog post. Any questions about this amazing resort please ask away.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 500212282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Marival Armony

Still on Conference shares. This is about the Marival Armony a brand new resort that opened the day before we were here for a cocktail party and dinner hosted by Air Transat. The construction and full opening should be done by July, but what is done and open currently is amazing. The staff welcomed us to the resort with cheers and applause and it was a spectacular evening. Once again the views in this area are out of this world.

Part of the welcoming crew

The Marival Armony Luxury Resorts & Suites makes me even happier as this resort has 2 and 3 bedroom options that make it so much easier for the larger family to travel as well as the multi-generational family. Which is of course my situation. We are a family of six and often include my mom or mom and dad in our adventures.
Now Harmony is defined in a totally new concept. The perfect balance between luxury and nature comes to Marival Armony, our new resort that fuses the incomparable north side beaches of the bay -surrounded by the exuberant Sierra Madre - with the elegance of a first class resort.
A harmonious conjunction between our amenities and the kindness of nature make Maival Armony the perfect place to get away with the feeling of having been transported to a magical place. We have comfortable rooms and suites, four pools (one of them infinity), and three Jacuzzi's, five specialty restaurants and four bars, beautiful gardens, privileged views of the mountain and the bay, unique spa experiences and, of course, the personal and close service that differentiate us.
A perfect combination between nature and comfort like you never imagined before! We redefined the All Inclusive concept integrating a resort experience with the maximum advantage of the natural beauty of the surroundings. Live an experience that will renew your energy and that will take you to outstanding relaxation levels.
The term "Armony" is derived from the Greek apuovia, which means agreement, concordance, and is related to the verb: "connect". The word harmony with an "h: is used in a context of the language of music, referring to the harmony that composes a melody while Armony, for Marival, refers to a state of balance with the environment.
As you can imagine the above was taken right from their brochure we received and I have to say they also one me over and i would have no qualms about referring my clients to this resort. This years resorts seemed to give us more family friendly options that also have adult only areas etc...

 King bed suite connected to 

2 double bed rooms

The following pictures are views from the infinity pool and deck area. It is also a zero entry pool. There seem to be a lot more zero entry pools available as well. Making it so much easier to get in and out of. It is so neat seeing the bay and you can just see a sailboat out in the distance. Makes you think you are actually swimming with it.

The restaurant we were eating in is right beside this infinity pool. There is a lounge a few steps below and you can walk down to the beach after an amazing meal. The food was divine. Appetizers that included lobster medallions, mussels, clams, octopus, fresh fruit and vegetables, Different meat dishes including pork, chicken, beef, lamb, scallops and vegetarian. The desserts were served as a show. Waiters came out with sparklers dancing to "What a feeling" and then when they set down our desserts set off a sparkler on the plate.

First course fresh seafood

mix of meats and dishes

Sparkler show

 Dessert show

 This is what I chose a pecan tart with a Macaroon on top with a dark chocolate filling

The Air Transat Ice sculpture that was the centerpiece of the seafood display

I have a few more pictures of the lounge, venue and of course the amazing sunset. We can not forget those ones.

Beach view

Sunset

Lounge area just below the restaurant

Just to give you an idea of pricing I priced out a trip for a family of 6. 2 Adults and 4 children 5,7,10 and 11. January 12 to 19th 2020 from Ottawa not direct flight but 7 nights. A partial Oceanview 2 bedroom suite would be $14646 CAD.

Any questions about the resort please let me know and do not forget to go to my website link below and subscribe to my newsletter.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 500212282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Reflect Krystal Grand Neuvo

From April 28th to May 5th I was away in Mexico for The Travel Agent Next Door's Annual Conference. This is my third conference and they just keep getting better. I get to meet suppliers and learn more about their products and what they offer. I learn more about running my business. I visit properties.
West Jet Vacations and AM Resort sponsored one of our cocktail parties and dinners and it was held at the new Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta. The Reflects are the newest category of properties offered in the AMResort brands. They currently have three properties all based in Mexico. The other two are Los Cabos and Cancun.
Reflect Resorts & Spas are designed for all-spirited travelers offering experiences and features that adapt to every traveler's style. Experience great beachfront vacations and entertainment all created for memory making moments. With Unlimited-Luxury all this is included and more - all you need to do is enjoy and reflect.
Here are the Unlimited-Luxury Inclusions:
- Limitless access to gourmet a la carte dining options without reservations required
- Unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits
- Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks
- Pool and beach wait service
- Daily refreshed mini-bar with soft drinks, juice, bottled water and beer
- Twice daily maid service
- Endless daytime activities and live nightly entertainment
- Theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues
- No wristband required
I have to tell you the last one on the list is the one that makes me most excited. I hate having to wear a wristband all week. What's worse us when it is finally cut off you go around for a few days feeling like it was still there. I went through this coming home from this trip.

 Early evening view of the hotel and pool

An a la carte restaurant with really cool seating

Perfectly situated on a pristine, gold-sand beach with spectacular views of Banderas Bay, Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta is a beachfront hideaway where unforgettable memories are made. Cool off in any of the three pools including one adults-only pool; plus, kids can enjoy a wading pool with water-slide.

On Arrival we got to have a picture taken on this colourful backdrop

The setup of the tables right in the beach

I will admits dining on the beach can be a bit challenging. Walking is hard. Your chair sinks in the sand. They did put down mats for the buffet making it easier to walk while getting your food.

Vendors do come and sell their wares this one sells horseback rides

buffet set up in the background you can just make out the edge of the infinity pool

 picture of myself with the gorgeous sunset

the sunsets are very awe inspiring

 outside vendors set up in the pool area

Night time shot of the resort

I feel confident recommending this resort for families, couples or group getaways. I did a quick quote for a family of four. 2 Adults and 2 kids 5 & 7. January 18th to 25th 2020 departing from Ottawa not direct flights so you end up with 7 nights price would be $7824 CAD for a deluxe oceanview room.

If you have any questions about this resort or any others please let me know. Do not forget to go to my website listed below and subscribe to my newsletter!!

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 500212282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area