The Sobels Air Is Booked

Made the airline reservation from Philadelphia to Cancun. Going on Airtran and it says we will arrive at 10:58 am. $498.00 per person - man the taxes are a killer.

Don't forget to arrange your transportation with the resort from the airport. They will need you to call them with your flight info. Do this asap.

Donna

Jacksonville is IN the house!

Joanne and I have booked room and air - we are flying from Jax (via Mia) on American - arriving Cancun(not soon enough) at 2:50. We will see you all in Aduana - Customs! Don't leave without us!

Who's booked????

Okay, here's who is booked to go!!

Angel (Dave) and Maureen Cardona
Jenn, Mike and Maddox Brown
Angela Cardona and Addison
Eric Cardona
Stephanie O'Neal
Joanne Rust
Donna and Quentin Sobel
Quentin and Jess Sobel
Brianna Sobel
Steve, Katie, Stevie V and Brayden White
Harold and Joan Beasley
Tom and Donna Gosciej

We are booked

The Sobels and the Whites are booked. This is so exciting. Can't wait!!!!!

We are booked!

The Cardona's have booked their airfare! We are booked on JetBlue, leaving out of Orlando on May 14th at 1:30pm and arriving in Cancun at 2:29pm. The flight number is 1715. Our return flight leaves Cancun at 3:46pm and arrives back in Orlando at 6:45pm (flight #1710). The cost per person ended up at $385.63 per per person (over $100.00 in taxes!). We are also booked at the resort so be sure to tell them that you want to be located near us.

Booking your Reservations

Here is the contact information you need to book your reservation:

Club Reservations
Diana Guerra - Reservation Agent
clubreservations@palaceresorts.com
Tel: 800.346.8225 ext. 6030
Fax: 305.539.0464

We also have a Credit Card reservation that I'll email to everyone.

The Beasley's are excited and Joan is already looking for a new bathing suit.

Tic Toc Tic Toc

178 Days to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Making Reservations

We talked to the Moon Palace and found out that we are able to book and hold our reservation with $500 and the balance has to be paid 3 months prior to the reservation (Feb 15th). The room isn't guaranteed until it's paid in full but if you're not ready to pay in full before the 30th (last day of the $1500 promotion unless they extend it) at least have your reservation in. Dave and I are waiting until the 24th or 25th to book.

Update on the Section of the Moon

For our reservations, we are going to make them at the NIZUC section of the Moon Palace. When we first communicated the section we talked about the Grand, however, we can get Ocean View at the NIZUC section. When Dave and I make our reservation we will let them know that we have others in the party that we want located near us so for them to block an area. I'll get the details for you and let you all know.

Excursion Information

I emailed the Palace for information on what the $1500 credit per room could be used towards and am including below the response I recieved. (LOOKS GOOD!). Keep in mind, the $1500 /room promotion is only being offered right now if you book by November 30th. I'm not sure when we would know if they are extending the offer past that date but if I find out anything I will let you know.



Dear Guest; Greetings from Cancun, Mexico!!! Let me introduce myself, my name is Luis Villeda and I work at Palace Resorts as Palace Vacation Planner. I'm the person in charge of arranging activities before arrival such as tours, golf and spa giving our guest more time to enjoy their vacations. Let me give you information about some of the activities you can enjoy during your stay in Cancun and Riviera Maya , booking in advance to secure the spaces. We have great options such as:

1,500 VACATION DOLLARS FOR YOUR INDULGENCES
With 1500 Vacation Dollars for your Indulgences, Palace Resorts guests desires and all vacation fantasies are fulfilled. On top of the already unmatched all-inclusive luxury amenities and service, these vacation dollars can be used on room upgrades, spa and beauty salon treatments, golf outings, romantic dinners, upgraded wine list and our Precious Wedding Collection.
Receive up to 1,500 vacation dollars per room, per stay with a minimum 5 night stay and apply them to any of the services and/or amenities included below or 750 vacation dollars per room when you stay 3 or 4 nights. It applies to Beach Palace Wyndham Grand Resort, Cancun Palace, Sun Palace (couples only), Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Aventura Spa Palace (Adults only), Aventura Cove Palace, Playacar Wyndham Grand Resort, and Xpu-Ha Wyndham Resort. Valid for arrivals from June 1st 2010 through December 23, 2011.

TOURS: Use up to 1,500 vacation dollars any of these select tours/ activities when you stay 5 nights or longer and 750 with a 3 or 4 night stay. Activities: Chichen Itza, Tulum/Xpu-Ha, Isla Mujeres, Coba, Wet’n Wild, Xtreme Kingdom Zip Line Tour, and Swim with the Dolphins (at Wet’n Wild. Transportation for this activity is not included.) Tours and activities are provided by the Palace Vacation Planners.

GOLF: Use up to 1,500 vacation dollars towards green fees, club rental and shared cart with a minimum 5-night stay or 750 vacation dollars when you book 3 nights or 4 nights. Golf Courses: Moon Spa & Golf Club, Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts, and Playacar Spa & Golf Club. Transportation to the golf courses is included.

SPA/ BEAUTY SALON SERVICES: Use up to 300.00 vacation dollars on spa and/or beauty salon services with a minimum 5-night stay or 150 when you stay 3 or 4 nights. Services are subject to availability.

*** These tours have to be booked when you arrive to the Resort ***

Chichen Itza $100 $67 **children
Tulum Express $75 $45
Isla Mujeres $75 $40
Coba $80 $42
Wet-N-Wild $59 $59
Xtreme Kingdom Zip Line $80 $45

THESE TOURS CAN BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE AND CAN BE PAID WITH VACATION DOLLARS

Swim with the dolphins $ 129 , it can be booked in advance
Romantic dinner $175 , it can be booked in advance
Limousine $260 it can be booked in advance



SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS Experience the action, feel the emotion and enjoy the closeness of swimming with dolphins . During the dolphin swim program, the first 15 minutes prior to entering the water is dedicated to an orientation about dolphins. The remaining 30 minutes will be in the water with one dolphin. In addition to viewing aerial acrobatics from within the water, visitors are allowed to perform various activities with the dolphin including the dolphin kiss, the dolphin hug, hand shake and the belly ride.


SUBSEE EXPLORER (ONLY AVAILABE IN CANCUN) The ultimate way to experience the wonderful beauty of underwater life from the dry and air-conditioned comfort of our unique semi sub! This ride is apt for all ages.

FISHING TRIPS - Come and enjoy an exiting day of fishing in our different vessels. We can fix you up with a boat just for yourself or get to know new friends on our share fishing trips. We have options for 4 hours, 6 hours or 8 hours trips. We have trips that departure from Cancun Hotel Zone or Puerto Aventuras (close to Playa del Carmen)

XCARET - Is the only park in the world where you can experience the diversity of the nature and culture of Mexico at its best. Enjoy the underwater paradise, get involved in the wild nature, learn from its prodigious land, live their amazing culture, experience the encounter of two worlds and admire the Mexican folklore. You will have the opportunity to try different options like: swim with dolphins, snorkel, snuba, scuba, bob and spa. In this paradise, you will find 5 different restaurants that offer a variety of Mexican and International cuisine.

XPLOR (NEW) - Xplor is a unique underground world, with 7 amazing circuits that invite you to rediscover your emotions and senses within nature. Dare to ride our 13 zip lines among the Caribbean’s lively nature and enjoy refreshing water landings and amazing suspension bridges; take a trip through the jungle on unstoppable amphibious vehicles, explore an underground paradise where you can swim surrounded by amazing stalactites and stalagmites, discover a matchless raft route across stunning subterranean caverns while paddling with your own hands, and to complete your feat, a nutritious and light buffet, that will recharge your energy. All this awaits you at Xplor.

XEL-HA - Be one with nature and its wonders in our jungle tour; experience the rich Mayan legacy in a cultural tour; and get to know what all this incredible park does for the preservation of nature. You will feel the magic of the Caribbean waters in this unforgettable park, enjoy the adventure of the underwater world, feel the freedom as you share experiences with the intelligence of our noble and friendly dolphins in a natural adventure, you can also feel the fresh and calm water while you gently float down the river and cove.

JUNGLE TOUR (ONLY AVAILABLE IN CANCUN) - Ride the lagoon in our classy “Thunder” four stroke outboards and Navigate the mangroes with a friend as you arrive for snorkeling at Cancun’s National Marine Coral Reef Park to admire multicolored fish and delicate coral formations. Jungle tour includes: life jackets, snorkeling gear, bottled water, lockers and tour guide. Ride with a friend or meet a new one. Two passengers per boat.

SKY RIDER (ONLY AVAILABE IN MOON PALACE) - Gets your heart pumping on this no-skill required thrill ride! Safely sit on a couch strapped to a parachute pulled 260 feet high in the sky by a motor boat. Enjoy the most amazing bird’s eye view of the majestic Cancun Sea.

SHOTOVER (ONLY AVAILABLE IN CANCUN) - Fun and enjoyment guaranteed with our amazing manoeuvres through the winding Kingdom's Lake. Feel the adrenaline rush as your boar spins 360°. Get ready for the rush of water as you see your pilot wave his hand in the air.
An unforgettable experience that only we can offer you!!!

ATV ADVENTURES AND HORSEBACK RIDING - Take an adventure and test your driving skills on a 4 wheeler thorough the exciting jungle. Both activities include free entrance to the park and bottle of water. Two hours of horseback riding or ATV’s, bilingual guides and medical insurance.

MAYAN EXTREME - Be a part of nature as you experience the most thrilling adventure ride. Blend yourself in a perfect mixture of adventure & nature. Fly 21 meters (70 feet) above the jungle canopy on a 765 meters (2,525 ft) zip line ride! Test your tenacity as you rappel 21 meters (70 ft) down into the mayan jungle. Afterwards, wind down and enjoy a walk through an amazing underground cavern with astounding rock formations. Delight yourself by sampling real Mexican cuisine as a perfect finish.

PRIVATE CATAMARANS - Enjoy with your family or friends in your own Catamaran and enjoy the Impressive colors of the Caribbean Sea and admire the beautiful of Isla Mujeres.

We also have: WAVE RUNNERS, COZUMEL DAY, DIVING, ETC. If you need more details and prices for any other tours, please feel free to contact me.

We also have the option to pamper you with a great Spa service. We have among others:

WELLNESS
HOLISTIC MASSAGE (50 MIN.)
Relax and restore your vital energy with a wonderful soothing and relaxing whole body massage. Tension and accumulated stress will vanish with each long, smooth gliding stroke, loosening tense muscles, improving circulation and mobility.
ROMANTIC MASSAGE (50 MIN.)
Aromatherapy is the use of natural, aromatic plant oils in the pursuit of emotional, mental and physical well-being. The use of their oils applied with massage combines the senses of smell and touch to ease both physical and mental tension. The experience will be uplifting and balancing. This service is provided for couples only.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE (80 MIN.)
A restoring massage that employs various techniques like acupressure, reflexology and body stretching to achieve a deep therapeutic effect helping to reduce stress, while improving circulation and joint mobility. This is ideal to relieve muscular tension and mental fatigue, helping to soothe the body, mind and spirit.

BALANCE
AROMA REFLEXOLOGY (50 MIN.)
Aromatherapy essential oils are used to improve the therapeutic benefits obtained from a reflexology session. Warm towels are placed on your feet and specific pressure is applied to various points on the soles of your feet, hands and head. The benefits will continue for hours after this therapeutic session ends.

AROMATHERAPEUTIC MASSAGE (80 MIN.)
The treatment starts with soothing neck and shoulder techniques. Later a special aromatherapy blend is applied to your feet through reflexology. Select one of 4 synergies to balance, relax and revitalize your entire body. This is applied along the spine with feathering moves and hot towel followed by a soothing, relaxing massage to achieve a deep therapeutic effect unlike any other you have experienced.

HINDU HEAD & FOOT MASSAGE (80 MIN.) (Shirodhara)
Ayurvedic Therapy in which a soothing stream of warm oil is poured over the forehead´s energy center or chakra, with a soothing back, head and foot massage. It calms the nervous system, integrating body and mind in a very unique experience.

SAMUNPRAI HERBAL MASSAGE (80 MIN.)
Traditional therapy from Thailand that releases muscular tensions using soft rolling movements with a hot pack or herbal poultice filled with dried herbs such as ginger, lavender, laurel and tamarind leaves, providing a warm medicinal heat to sore and tired muscles. The treatments end with a comforting massage with essential oils from the Far East.

ZEN SHIATSU (50 MIN.)
Oriental therapy based on finger pressure over specific points along the energy pathways or meridians. Helps to improve energy flow and vitality on body organs. This therapy is given on a comfortable floor mat and the client is given judo style clothing for this service.

SACRED HOT STONE MASSAGE (80 MIN.)
The Hot Stone Therapy provides a deep warm, nurturing massage that is applied with soft, round river rocks to relieve sore and tense muscles. Warm stones are placed along your spine and on the Chakra centers of the body. Aromatic essential oils prepare your skin to receive long soothing strokes, reflexology deep cross fiber techniques and acupressure massage. This includes a ground ritual that will bring a sense of inner peace. Not recommended for sensitive skin.

COMFORT

SEAWEED WRAP (50 MIN.)
A rich concentrated mixture of seaweed is applied to the body as a fine mask containing minerals, rare trace elements, vitamins, and proteins; all of which are absorbed to nourish, detoxify and revitalize the skin and body.

MARINE BATH & SCRUB (50 MIN.) **Not available at Beach Palace Spa
Fabulous bath therapy made with seawater powder, marine extracts and essential oils formed from the combination of thyme, rosemary and sage; all of which invigorates, detoxifies and stimulates the entire organism. Followed by an invigorating Marine Body Scrub.
CHOCOLATE WRAP (80 MIN.)
This luxurious and delicious body treatment leaves the skin refreshed, revitalized and radiant with active ingredients especially valuable for sensitive, dry and dehydrated skin. This wrap renews skin cells, stimulates circulation, increases hydration, nourishes the epidermis and improves the elasticity of the skin.

YUN HA GENTLEMAN FACIAL (50 MIN.)
Men’s Skin has very precise needs for the maximum comfort and effectiveness. Experience an advanced, relaxing and detoxifying facial that combines ingredients from herbs and plants that erase the effects of fatigue. Give your skin a fresh and healthy appearance; revitalize your skin by eliminating toxins, promoting total hydration and regeneration of the skin.

PURIFIYNG FACIAL (80 MIN.)
A specialized facial designed for oily skin. It includes deep cleansing and exfoliation. It provides complete extraction, skin toning and epidermal balance. It comes with a relaxing facial treatment. Some of the active components are Vitamins, Tea Tree Oil, Valerian extract and Triclosan as a powerful antibacterial.

NEW AGE FACIAL (50 MIN.)
An anti-wrinkle, anti-age luxurious facial with the most advanced new age products available in Europe. A unique anti-ageing treatment utilizing the natural, therapeutic properties of seaweed is rich in vitamins, minerals, oligo-elements, amino acids and other properties, which nourish and tone. This restores and rejuvenates your skin with an incredible lasting effect. Check out the exclusive home program treatment available at our Spa boutique. Does not include extraction.



We also have COUPLES packages, scrubs, bath therapy, manicure, pedicure, Golden Packages, TEE TIMES (GOLF) USING YOUR VACATION DOLLARS and much more.
I look forward to your return e-mail with your kind opinion and it will be a pleasure to assist you with your activities reservations.

IMPORTANT: Advance reservations are necessary to secure the spaces.

Cordially,

Luis Villeda
Asesor de Servicios Turísticos
Palace Vacation Planner
lvilleda@palaceresorts.com

Toll free: 1 866-436-0730 USA
1 866-942-6347 CAN
Tel: 11-52 (998) 193 2010 x 8761# Fax: 11-52 (998) 193 2011 www.palaceresorts.com www.leblancsparesort.com

How to Post to the Blog

For those of you that are new to Blog pages, if there is something you want to post, there should be a "new post" hyperlink in the upper right hand corner of your screen. Warning............do not hit "New Blog" as this will put you into designing your own Blog page. You want to click on "New Post". You will get a window to type in. If you want to add pictures or video you can as well by clicking on the icon's to add a picture or video. Once you're done with your post, hit the "publish post" button on the bottom left of your page. (It's the orange button!).

Now that you know how to post, don't hesitate to ask any questions, share information about air deals, etc.

Hope that helps!

Looking forward to the trip and thanks for accomodating busy June people.

Moon Palace Video Clips

These are from our last vist to the Moon....................

Passports

Remember that you will need passports to travel to Mexico. If you don't have one already, start planning on getting one!

UPDATE

Because June is a big month for graduations (and one wedding!), we are moving the date to May 14th. - Sorry for the confusion! We don't expect this date to change.

Dates for Cancun in 2011

We are looking at June 4th through June 11th for our trip to the Moon Palace in Cancun Mexico. We know that this date probably won't work for all, but we're hoping that most can make it. We were avoiding Easter in April and Mother's Day in May.

As we gather information, we'll post it to this site. If you have any specific questions that we can help answer, ask through the blog so everyone can see the questions/answers. But for now, here's some information.


The Moon Palace is an all-inclusive resort that doesn't skimp on ANYTHING. Here's what it includes...

• 1 Jacuzzi suite (2 Doubles or 1 King)
• ALL food, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and gratuities for 2 persons
• 24-hour Room service
• Stocked bar in room
• Transportation to all other palace resorts
• Unlimited phone calls to the U.S.
• With the all-inclusive wristbands you can visit (with transportation included) any palace resort and eat/drink for free.
• If booked by November 30th, the promotion is for $1500 hotel credit per room that can be used for Golf, the Spa, Excusions, and other extras that are available. My guess is they will extend this promotion past Nov. 30th, but you never know. Oftentimes the promotion is for unlimited excursions. But I like this one MUCH better since it includes the SPA!!!

The rates run about $2450 for two people to a room. An additional person in the room is an additional $650.00 for the week (Kids under 4 are free). That's not exact but pretty close. This price includes everything listed above. Airfare would be separate. Right now the airfare from Orlando to Cancun (Spirit Airlines) is $184.00 round-trip but can change at any time. Two weeks ago it was at $250.00. So just keep your eye out on the fares.

We'll keep you updated!