Sierra Travel - Fun and Sun Reviews!

Hawaii
— Oahu—
Oahu - What is there to do here..well let's see!!

Having not been here for approximately 13 years, it was nice to see the main island again.
Traffic has changed (more of it) shopping has changed (larger outlets)
the beauty and lushness of Oahu has not changed.

Our first, must do, was to rent a Harley to tour the island...what a thrill to see and
smell everything you pass both at the same time. Traffic is not fast off freeways so is no
problem, and if you aren't sure about directions, ask the guy riding along next to you,
he'll lead you in the right direction.

Off to the historical town of Haleiwa see what we can see, but first you must pass Banzai Pipeline and watch the big waves rush in to shore. Only the best of the best would try these huge waves in the winter months.

We continue on to our destination where we find quaint shops and small restaurants and pubs, something for everyone's liking. You can really work up an appetite while watching people risk their lives surfing..oh and shopping too!

From here we wander to the Pineapple Plantation, who could go to Oahu and not visit the plantation? Here you can take a tour or you can just purchase an oyster and fashion your own pearl jewellery. You may also notice plenty of shopping items and way in the back you will find ice-cream and coffee all locally made.

From here you could visit Pearl Harbour if you choose and take some tours or just head back to Waikiki beach.

The international Market Place is open for business again with a complete facelift to
all the booths and stalls. Anything you would want for souvenirs could be found here
I am sure some eating establishments are sprinkled in amongst the shopping.

Duke's Restaurant is still open for business in the Waikiki Outrigger and everyone still loves
to come see and read all about the Duke. Pictures of his younger days as a champion
competitive swimmer and surfer are posted all over the restaurant.

The War Museum is an interesting stop also, in Fort DeRussy, admission is free
and the history lesson inside is really very good, well worth the stop.

A handful of interesting stops and many more waiting to be searched out by you.

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Mexico — Mayan Riviera (Coba)

Bahia Principe Coba - 5 star

This 5 star all-inclusive, all junior suite resort just recently opened, This section of the resort has a
large reception area with shops, lobby lounge, disco lounge, theatre and buffet restaurant all connected.
The Coba connects with the Bahia Akumal, Club Golden , Premier, and Bahia Principe Tulum. There
are many pools, poolside lounges, beach bar buffets, towel booths and such sprinkled throughout the grounds.
Lovely paths wind through the resort for your walking or biking pleasure or you can hop the many golf carts
or service trollys to take you to any one of the resorts or their beaches.

Shopping is a short distance trolly ride to the entrance of the resort,
you will find many shops, booths and an internet cafe for your convenience.

There are approximately 7 or 8 a-la-carte restaurants for your dinning pleasure, easy to book at the lobby
and well worth the effort of planning. Many activities go on during the day and night....you will not get bored
at this resort. We loved this place.....you will too!!!!

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Royal Decameron 4+ star property

A beautiful property just outside of Puerto Vallarta and within walking distance of Buceries. Low rise buildings (5) scattered around the property in amongst beautifully manicured lawns and tropical shrubs and plants. 5 a-la-carte restaurants, all very enjoyable, 2 buffet restaurants, one snack bar, approximately 4 bar areas, massage therapist and Dr. on site, 2 main reception areas, and many other added comforts. Adult pool areas and childrens pool areas. We loved this property, all staff, everywhere was very friendly and very accomodating, a real pleasure to be amongst. Tipping is not a necessity, but you will want to since your service is so pleasant. Rooms are ordinary and do not supply shampoos and conditioners, not usually a problem if known ahead of time. At least a couple of times a year there is a good special here and well worth taking advantage of. Transportation into Puerto Vallarta Malceon area aprox $190 pesos.

A-la-carte restaurant (one of 5 a-la-cartes)
and a view of the lush gardens

* Scout around the marina area and try out the many restaurants overlooking the boats in their berths. Take in the many specialty shops.
* Taxi to the Malceon downtown and shop ‘till you drop.

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* Enjoy a serenade at your table while having lunch
at an oceanside restaurant) A few pesos and they will
sing songs to suit your mood and add authenticity
to your Mexican holiday.

* Hop a bus outside your hotel and take a day trip to Bucerias, check out the flea market and maybe some beach front watering holes, collect some sea shells and head back home. It's as easy as it sounds.

* Try the shopping under the boardwalk downtown — more Mexican treasures to bring home, and don't forget to try some of the great restaurants in this area.

Daytime wandering is generally safe and easy but use discretion in evening hours (same as at home).

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Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata
Playa Naco Golf & Tennis Resort - 3 Star
This is a large hotel in the Playa Dorado area — very central to shopping (walking distance to mall) with many beach stall shops just 5 minutes down the beach. There are plenty of amenities in this hotel with many restaurants and bars to choose from, with medium sized pool area and entertainment (a stage is nearby). Grounds are lovely and well maintained, beach is nice with sun and shade areas, and the beach bar and restaurant conveniently located. Rooms are large in some cases, without balconies, sufficient but no luxurious by any measure. Superior category would be a good choice. Meals were enjoyable and entertainment was vibrant. Very good budget hotel and good value for your money.

* Choose tours from your hotel and not the beach, some are not as well put together and safety conscious as your hotel choices.

* Hire your own van or taxi for side tours into Puerto Plata, Sosua or Caberete for some interesting sights & shopping.

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Huatulco, Mexico

HUATULCO, MEXICO (WHA-TOOL-KOH)
The area consists of 9 bays and 33 beaches, some accessible only by boat since much of the area is a national wildlife preserve. There is no big city here, just two small towns, La Crucesita and Santa Cruz, with pleasant little cafés and colourful shops.

BARCELO HUATULCO BEACH RESORT - 4 1/2 stars
Situated in Tangolunda Bay this resort has extensive gardens, a wonderful beach front, and a huge freeform pool. It has its own dive shop, tennis courts, gym and massage area, and is next door to an 18 hole golf course. This all-inclusive resort is clean and well managed by the front desk staff, it's a great choice for your next tropical holiday!

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