Straight-from-the-hotel travel hacks on how to make the most out of a stay at the new Royalton Grenada, Margaritaville Island Reserve, Secrets St. Martin, Riu Paradise Island, and Royalton CHIC Punta Cana
For the second week of Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, our Hotel Confidential Insider Tips are all about the Caribbean, with a big five features to help your customers get the most out of their stay. With Hotel Confidential Insider Tips from Grenada, the Spice Island to Dominican Republic, the capital of all-inclusive in the Caribbean as well as St. Martin and the Bahamas, valuable insights like these are exactly why travelers should never forget to Ask a Travel Advisor!
Psst … Some of these tips are so secret and new, they didn’t even exist a year ago! That’s because the properties they go with are fresh to market, and part of our New For You giveaway for Travel Advisor Appreciation Month. Keep reading to learn more about where you might be staying if you win!
Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Grenada
A New for You Giveaway Prize Property!
In October 2021, this all-inclusive property became the latest addition to the island, and was quickly inducted into Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.
- Walkout Oceanfront Suite
Diamond Club™ accommodations are already posh for their additional amenities and services, but this category takes the cake. It’s literally right on the beach (which is what gives the 333.6-square-foot room its name) and has a patio that offers privacy as well as location convenience.
- Two Beaches
The entire resort is set on gorgeous Tamarind Bay, but its privileged location—despite being only five minutes from the airport—gives you a not one but two white-sand beaches on which to spend your days. From there, there’s a host of water sports, access for which is included.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A New for You Giveaway Prize Property!
Also opened in October 2021 to the delight of Parrot Heads everywhere, this Jimmy Buffett-themed resort blends extreme luxury with equally extreme chill.
- Landshark Brewery
Where else can you experience a brewery tour, chat with local brewing expert, and taste made-on-site brews? At this new over-the-top beachfront resort, you can do all of the above, with a chilled pint of your choice of lager, wheat, or IPA in hand—perfect to wash down food from the venue that’s also a smokehouse.
- Entertainment Village
Sunsets in Cap Cana are magical … but so is catching the early vibes of Entertainment Village, the heart of this popping resort. As the sun goes down, nice shade and cool breezes grace the promenade, which is lined by bars and terraces in which you can discuss what restaurant you want to experience for dinner. Live music makes for equally lively people-watching—another aspect of entertainment to be had in this exciting area of the resort.
- Villas
Conveniently located steps from the main action and equidistant between the main building, beach, and main pool, these accommodations are the best address to having in Margaritaville. People already know that these rooms are gorgeous and spacious, with large shaded terraces and living rooms, plus special features like outdoor showers, a stocked premium bar, and swim-up access. But there’s more! Like the winding river-like pool that’s private for villa guests, adults-only peace and seclusion, and an exclusive swim-up bar just a few strokes away.
Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa, St. Martin
One of the only all-inclusive resorts on the French side of this dual-nation island, this casual iteration of the Unlimited-Luxury™ brand brings contemporary style to a hidden cove.
- Private Island
Did you know that just ten minutes off-shore from the resort is a private island Secrets St. Martin guests can spend the day at? Go ahead and ask the team at the property to get you there. It’s only $10 per person round trip from the boat pier just five minutes away, and there are two restaurants/beach clubs there to take care of your R&R whims.
- Private Boat Transfer
Arrive by land or by sea—it’s up to you! Amstar DMC can take you to the resort via traditional route, but because this resort has its own beautiful private marina, you can also reserve a boat transfer to take you from airport to dock.
- Less-Dressed
Tan lines? Forget ‘em. Just ten minutes away from Secrets St. Martin is one of the best nude beaches in the Caribbean, Orient Bay Beach, allowing you to go as au naturel as you’re comfortable with. Should you choose to visit, though, exhibit courtesy—no photos, no gawping or ogling, and shed at least a little to avoid being taken for a voyeur.
Riu Palace Paradise Island, Paradise Island, Bahamas
This island is a convenient home base for day trips to all of the surrounding areas, and this resort one of the few all-inclusive options across the island chain.
- Paradise Island Resorts
One of the only resorts right within range of Atlantis, Paradise Island’s marine attractions and slides without being on the grounds, this 24-hour all-inclusive is one of the best values you can get on this island. Plus, it’s adults only—a welcome break from the families at the park!
- Bahamian Night
Make sure you book your stay to include at least one Saturday! This will allow you to experience a live Junkanoo parade and Bahamian-themed buffet, along with a special show at the theater for not only a taste, but a deep dive into local culture and color.
- Sky Juice
This is the drink to order when at the Calypso Lounge at Riu Palace Paradise Island. It’s a typical Bahamian drink made with coconut milk, evaporated milk, and gin, and is a dead ringer for what you can get at a local fish fry. It’s authentic, delicious, and refreshing all the same.
- King Beds
Book a Junior Suite Ocean Front, Suite Standard Special, or Suite Ocean Front room and you won’t have to worry about requesting a king bed. These configurations are only available with a king, making them favorite categories for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Royalton CHIC Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This adults-only is posh party central, an All Exclusive™ “social vacation” experience for those who want to see and be seen on one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean.
- Mermaids & Angels
The hottest spot to look cool is the Instagram-famous Mermaid Pool, where “mermaids” frolic in a pool with clear panels. At night, CHIC Angels become the “supernatural” highlight as they lead evening entertainment with the Party Your Way program.
- CHIC Mansion
For extra-exclusive VIP treatment, book this freestanding 11,500-square-foot luxury home, which features two master bedrooms with king beds and four additional suites. The perks go on from there: a 25-minute spa treatment per guest per stay; a day pass to Royalton Splash Punta Cana Water Park; round-trip transfers to the airport; a personal Chef’s Table dinner experience for the group, complimentary C/X Culinary Experience dinner; one day of private pool cabana usage with a personal attendant; a welcome bottle of sparkling wine; and dedicated butler service.
