Memories Flamenco Resort – All Inclusive is Beyond Excellent

In November of 2014 after the anticipation and impatiently waiting for my southern destination vacation to Cayo Coco, Cuba from November 27 to December 4, 2014 to Memories Flamenco Beach Resort, I automatically fell in love with it when I saw the pictures and did extensive research about Memories Resorts. From the moment I landed and arrived at Jardines Del Rey Airport in Cayo Coco with Sunwing Airlines, I knew it was going to be an excellent week. I just felt it from Toronto Pearson’s YYZ Airport.

As we had checked into Cuba after the customs/Aduana, We ventured off to the Transgaviota Bus to take us to Memories Flamenco Resort, but before we boarded the bus, our rooms and wristbands for the week was all ready for us and very well organized and prepared. From then on, I fell in love with the resort and the excellent service so far. As we arrived to Memories, we were greeted with a welcome cocktail drink in the front lobby area before getting our baggage and the memories Managers and team leaders greeted us happily with friendly smiles which warmed my heart. They are beautiful people whom I had the pleasure of meeting and spending this beautiful week with, which went by so quickly.

All vacations go by so quickly. The resort was so beautiful, everything, the layout, the convenience and everything was greatly thought of. Everything is close by with the bars, restaurants, lobby, the pool, the beach, and easy access to everywhere which was incredible. The food was delicious, clean and the bartenders, waiters and the cooks worked so hard, quickly and efficiently. The place is so spotless and everything is awesome. I also love how the managers, the resort administration staff, the customer service managers were walking all around the resort to ensure that everybody is having a fabulous time and everything is well taken care of.

I couldn’t believe how fast the bartenders, and waiters were. They were faster than the speed of lightning. I do not know how they have so much energy to do that for so many hours. They work so hard and come to work everyday from Ciego De Avila or Moron cities which they travel an hour and a half each way just to make ends meet. They only make so much in a month, and they are always happy and smiling and with a great attitude. They are so friendly and give great customer service. I appreciate them so much and I thank them. God bless them all and continue to give them energy. It is not easy to take care of so many guests, their requests and everything. It is not easy to tend to so many people at once. I have a tremendous respect for each and everyone of them. I was so observant the whole vacation and I tell you, It was awesome.

Our rooms were spotless, everyday I would get freshly washed towels, mopped floors, the bathroom and beds were super clean with new sheets, as well as my fridge stocked daily with water, cola’s, beer/Cristal cervesa’s, and everyday I’d walk into beautiful decorated towels with flowers on them. I was amazed. Best resort I have been to in all the times I have been to Cuba. This was my 12th trip to Cuba. this was by far the best. The resort was super clean with cleaners and housekeepers working around the clock to upkeep the resort. The public washrooms were spotless, the staff presence 24 hours a day was comforting as well.

There are some points though that need to be improved, but its just the beach area needs a little work, which I am told that it is still under construction because its a new resort of over 4 years old and they will be completing it within the year and then just the lighting around the walk ways and the pool area so people will not slip and fall, but no other issues… They will be working on all of that which I heard.

I made new friends from parts of Ontario and Quebec also from the UK, and partied at the disco, got to enjoy the snack bar and all the restaurants, the a la carte restaurants which I booked from the first day and got to enjoy the whole resort. A week sometimes is not enough. 2 weeks is the best way to really enjoy it all thoroughly without rushing to do everything all in one week. Time permitting and it depends on a person’s personal budget and finances and convenience of course. it all depends on your preference.

The entertainment, disco, the nightly shows and audience participation was excellent, there is a Cuban night where people learn about Cuba and then the entertainers give us traditional Cuban dances and give us a crash course on Cuban culture and history.

Everything else is excellent and excellent does not even describe this beautiful resort. Unfortunately when it came time to the last day to leave the warm tropical weather, 3 bus loads of people who were on our flight back to Toronto, The resort manager and other managers greeted us farewell by putting on their memories resorts theme song and gave us a speech before we took off to the airport which left an unforgettable and long lasting impression on my family and I. I cannot wait until I return back to Cuba and to Memories. I am impatiently waiting until my next voyage. I give this resort a 6 star. Not a 4 and a half to 5 stars. Thank you Memories Flamenco resort staff. You all put the most beautiful touch to an awesome and lovely week in warm weather and so much more.

Thank you for giving us memories to cherish for the rest of our lives.

Do you go on all inclusive resorts? Do you travel to sunny destinations for a getaway to relax and enjoy the hot weather? What resort have you been to? Did you enjoy it as much as I did? Would love to hear your stories.

Thousands Still Without Power in Wake of Ice Storm in Toronto

On December 21st, 2013 a major Ice Storm hit havoc across Southern Ontario, and mainly in Toronto and Greater Toronto Area’s, that left hundreds of thousands of Hydro Electricity Customers out of power and thousands of people are still without power at this moment. Trees and branches hit power lines which left peoples electricity crippled. This is unlike anything the City of Toronto and Southern Ontario has seen before, and in the history of Storms, this is the worst ever weather that walloped in our area. Homes have hit the all time low temperatures in their homes. some at -2 temperatures, that even blankets are not able to keep people warm. Across the cities that have been effected, have warming stations where people can come spend the night, sleep over, have some warm and hot food and beverages. Some have started to get frustrated and some have become so cold that they cannot handle it anymore. I know that it is frustrating and I know that its not a great thing, but Hydro workers are doing the best they can and are working around the clock to get these Electricity transformers working again. I know some are running out of patience, but what can you do? It will take time, but I am sure that things will get back to normal by the weekend. Do not lose hope. Things will work out for the better. Believe me.

Earlier this week, there was a loud boom like an explosion going off, and there have been many reports saying we heard a loud boom, some said that It is Santa Claus on the roofs of the houses, some thought it was a tree that hit the roof, little did people know that there was a Frost Quake that hit and that only happens at extreme cold temperatures after an Ice Storm hits or when there is extreme frost. It rarely happens, but its surely scared a lot of residents and woke a lot of people up. It was heard in the middle of the night into the wee hours in the morning. I hope everyone stays safe and if there is no urgency to go out or do things, do not go out. Stay home, be warm and I hope that those people who do not have power get their power soon and hopefully by today. Hope it can be some sort of New Years Miracle.

 

Spring Is Almost Here! Excited For That. Are You?

After the many months of winter, this is the moment I always wait for, I really like this time of year when it becomes Mid March, I really enjoy it when our weather gets warmer, and when the winter is behind us in a way and almost time when the trees start growing its leaves again, when the grass gets greener, the roads are washing away from the salt and snow, when everywhere gets thawed out, mild temperatures start and increase by day, when the flowers start to grow again, colour and life comes back after the cold, dark, wintry days, the tulip and other spring  flowers blooming, the spring air and smell of mud, dandelions start to grow, the smell of top soil, garden centers open, outdoor furniture, barbecues, outdoor equipment starts coming back into the stores, spring colours, clothing and bright vibrant colours come back on our store shelves,  the sunlight shines, birds start chirping, animals come out of hibernation, the geese fly back north. I just love this time of year when life comes back. I am so tired of winter, snow and having to bundle up every time I go out. I’d love to go somewhere for 5-6 months of the year and not see snow and be part of the cold freezing weather and not wear layers outside.

I also like spring because it gives me a time to wash the cars and I love washing my car, washing the car mats, detailing and getting rid of the winters salt and sand they put on the streets, and taking care of it. I also like to wash out my driveway and clean up my garage, having to put the shovels away, and just enjoying the whole process of getting rid of winter. It is my favourite.  I am a person who loves vibrant colours, who loves warmer weather, the beautiful sun shining, and among when the days get longer. I really didn’t enjoy when the days get shorter and it would be dark before 5pm. I really enjoy it when time and daylight time increases. In June and July it is still sunlight after  8:30 and you would still see a bit of light after 9pm too. those are the days I love, plus you don’t feel that the night is dragging on so long and plus it gets brighter earlier in the morning and its so refreshing and you start your day earlier and you appreciate the daylight and days. I also like getting rid of the boots and jackets I wear and pack them up for 5-6 months of the year.

I really enjoy sitting on the patio, I like driving with my windows down, listening to vibrant music, going camping, and I enjoy leisure time away too.

What season do you like? Do you also enjoy spring and summer months? What do you mostly enjoy when the weather starts getting warmer? What activities do you like doing outdoors? Would love to hear form you. Happy Spring!

Loving The Outdoors…

It is that time of year again, where people get out from the winter hibernation and go out to explore nature and go outside to enjoy the weather and everything else. I cannot wait to go to my first lake front relaxation with my friends. Its going to be an incredible night I feel it. I will still dress a little warmly, but I just love the outdoors and everything. Once May Hits, I am usually out and about and traveling, driving more, and enjoying the much needed warm weather we need. Living in Canada is great though. I cannot complain, but I love the weather when it becomes April, May all the way to October. I have been an outdoors person since I was a kid and I couldn’t wait for picnics, camping, fishing, Yes I love to fish and haven’t in such a long time. I know some people are probably wondering, a girl liking to fish? Yes I love to catch fish. Its relaxing, yet fun and also among going to the beach, lake front, just chilling and walking around. I am now doing exercise and when the weather is warmer now, I plan not to do it on my treadmill, I plan on going outside to do my workouts. I will feel it more because the inclines and the levels on the street is a lot different than on the treadmill. You will feel the burn pain a lot more than the treadmill too. I get so excited this time of year after my birthday which passed on Monday and summer and spring makes me feel more cheery and happy.

Winter not so much. I am excited for my first official outdoor outing! yay!