Curated Hotel: A Sublime Getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica
In late August, Scott and I enjoyed a sublime getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica. We were celebrating his “retirement moon” and our 17th wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived, served with cool towels and chilled prosecco, we felt “at home”; just as we always do at Zoetry resorts. This luxurious boutique, beachfront resort has only 49 suites which make for an intimate, relaxing stay of unlimited luxury.
zoetry-montego-bay-curated-travel
A Sublime Getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay
"How was your getaway to Jamaica?"
I closed my eyes and thought back to late August...
A silver tray, a cool towel, a proffered chilled glass of prosecco and a "Welcome Home" from staff upon our arrival.
Turquoise waters and sun-splashed lounges with butler service poolside.
Water like glass at sunrise reflecting the pink and gold clouds over the sea.
Sheer curtains of our spacious oceanfront suite wafting in the tropical breezes during naptime.
Luxurious linens, plush terry cloth robes, and spa slippers in the suite.
A pampering couple's massage, fragrant with essential oils, followed by a dip in the spa pool.
Delectable dishes brimming with flavors of Caribbean spices and the freshest organic produce.
Time to simply be "us" again.
A cloudburst on a sailboat ending with a golden-fire sunset.
Shades of lavender, pale aqua, dusty rose, icy blue in a sunset that appears to wrap endlessly beyond the horizon.
"To say we had a wonderful time hardly does our getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay justice. It was sublime!"
In late August, Scott and I enjoyed a sublime getaway to Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica. We were celebrating his "retirement moon" and our 17th wedding anniversary. From the moment we arrived, served with cool towels and chilled prosecco, we felt "at home"; just as we always do at Zoetry resorts. This luxurious boutique, beachfront resort has only 49 suites which make for an intimate, relaxing stay of unlimited luxury.
After being introduced to our oceanfront suite, complete with walk-in shower and sleek soaking tub, we threw open the sheer curtains to these amazing views of the pool and sea from the spacious balcony.
"Find yourself at Zoëtry Montego Bay, a boutique resort in the upscale Ironshore neighborhood. Just steps away from the Caribbean Sea, all 49 suites were designed with a holistic approach in three main buildings: Wood & Water, Bamboo and Blue Mountain – a nod to Jamaica’s ecological tapestry. From open terraces and balconies to floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, guests will enjoy views of the ocean or the lush tropical landscape. All suites include butler service and a selection of suites offer access to private swim out pools." - Zoetry Resorts
This is one of my favorite pool, lounge and oceanfront destinations. The views of the Caribbean colors from sunrise to sunset from the picturesque dock are sublime.
From gourmet dining at two lovely open-air restaurants, to the Jerk Shack for authentic Jamaican chicken, to 24-hour room service, food and drink is plentiful at this luxury-all-inclusive resort. Our suite had the amenity of butler service, and our butler created a romantic dinner on our balcony for us one evening.
Service at the pool and beach was also top notch!
"Connect with nature on our serene, private beach. Cleanse with organic, fresh and locally grown ingredients in each meal. Clear the mind with meditation and yoga. Rejuvenate at the spa. Set yourself to the pace of island life, relax and enjoy the Endless Privileges® experience." - Zoetry Resorts
Our suite at Zoetry Montego Bay
Our thanks to Saul Nunez, General Manager, and the warm, friendly, professional staff for making our stay unforgettable.
To find out more about Zoetry and other AM Resorts contact me
Curated Hotel: Island Paradise at Zoetry Villa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres
Following two flights and one taxi ride to the water’s edge, Scott and I were whisked away on a private yacht to Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Island Paradise at Zoetry Villa Rolandi on the Island of Isla Mujeres:
Isla Mujeres is a jewel of an island just a leisurely yacht ride from Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. The waters of the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) shimmer in the sunlight with aqua to turquoise shades and appear luminescent at sunset with rose gold and blue tones.
Isla Mujeres is simply sublime.
Following two flights and one taxi ride to the water's edge, Scott and I were whisked away on a private yacht to Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Charming Alexander, an Isla Mujeres 4th generation native and concierge of the yacht, served champagne.
We arrived at Zoetry Villa Rolandi just 30 minutes after leaving Cancun...
and following our private concierge check-in, we were in the pool 15 minutes later.
#islandparadise
Zoetry Villa Rolandi is an intimate island-style resort, composed of only 35 oceanfront suites. Our suite looked over the pool with the white sand beach just a few steps below.
The view from our balcony.
There are 2 infinity-edged pools, a world-class Thalasso spa, two gourmet restaurants, a free concierge yacht service, and a lovely stretch of beach at Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Isla Mujeres boasts some gorgeous sunsets, like this one over the infinity-edged pool to the sea.
It also has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
The sand was like sugar.
If you dare leave the lounge chair or hammock,
golf carts are available for rent and are great for a day-trip around the island.
We discovered a casual beachy spot for lunch with live music. Definitely feeling like a local here.
After a few hours of exploring the island, you will likely be longing to get back to that pool and lounge chair.
In your suite, a fruit plate and a daily bottle of champagne await you. The chocolate covered strawberries were a gift for us as members of Unlimited Vacation Club.
Evenings at Zoetry Villa Rolandi are filled with twinkling lights, decadent gourmet dining, and sublime sips. The service, even poolside at the intimate Le Metissage French-Mexican fusion cuisine, was impeccable.
This spot, Casa Rolandi, was perfect for breakfast, although we often ordered breakfast delivered en suite. Zoetry resorts are luxury all-inclusive vacations, and they always have 24 hour room service, as well as a free laundry service, a nice perk after a day of travel.
Just look at that view!
Cheers to a sunny escape to Isla Mujeres!
Contact us at Curated Travel to book your luxury all-inclusive getaway.
Cooking Class: Ceviche from Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita and a Surprise Meet Up!
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
All the ingredients were carefully chopped and prepared by Chef Nicolas. The friendly staff, including Fermin, started the class by serving chilled white wine. Pour yourself a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc, sit back and join me for a few moments at the cooking class as we make ceviche for the first time.
Here's Scott diving in!
It's fun to serve just about anything in a martini glass!
friends-cooking-class-zoetry
These are more of the fun folks we met at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. Rosemary and Rolando, in straw hats, were great. We also ended up in a sweat lodge with them at the spa -- but that's a whole different story. With Facebook these days it is so easy to stay friends with people we meet while traveling. That is a huge plus for social media in my book.
In the background of this shot, I'm introducing myself to the famed Mexican architect Carlos Gosselin, who designed Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. He lives part time at Zoetry, and a number of guests, including my husband, had seen him during our stay. I woke up on this morning and announced to Scott, "I'm going to meet the architect today". I wanted to tell him how impressed I am with this magnificent resort. As I shot the video of the cooking class, I turned my video around to get a glimpse of the resort (about 6 minutes in) and he was the shadowy figure walking just a couple of feet behind me. It was a fun moment and such a surprise! As soon as the class was over I raced over to meet him and he was just as elegant and charming as I expected.
Zoetry grouper ceviche
Ingredients
1 kg diced fresh grouper or mild white fish
8 lemons (the juice)
1 red onion in julianne
1 chopped mango
½ chopped papaya
1 chopped cucumber
Basil
Coriander
Mint
Salt
Dried oregano
Olive oil
Tortilla chips
Procedure
Place grouper, lemon juice, oregano, salt and olive oil in a bowl and let it rest for at least 15·20 min
Add the rest of ingredients
Serve with tortilla chips
Scott recreated this dish at home with fresh ingredients from the farmer's market in Chico. We devoured it so quickly that I didn't get any shots of his finished product. Ceviche is also delicious served with guacamole.
For more on our trip to Riviera Maya:
A Sunny Escape to Tulum and Akumal
Have you ever made ceviche?
Curated Hotel: The Exquisite Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita in Riviera Maya
The final stop on our summer getaway to Riviera Maya was unforgettable. We started with an enjoyable week at Secrets Silversands, then made our way to Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita for five days. This oceanfront boutique hotel is one of the most luxurious travel experiences ever for us. With just 90 suites, and all-inclusive luxury, we felt completely pampered. As we had hoped, this was the perfect spot to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.
Getaway to Zoetry in Riviera Maya
The final stop on our summer getaway to Riviera Maya was unforgettable. We started with an enjoyable week at Secrets Silversands, then made our way to Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita for five days. This oceanfront boutique hotel is one of the most luxurious travel experiences ever for us. With just 90 suites and all-inclusive luxury, we felt completely pampered. As we had hoped, this was the perfect spot to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.
Following our concierge check-in it was just a short walk, through lush foliage on a stone path, to our top floor suite, named 'Dadra', with sweeping views of the sea.
The balcony was overlooking the beach and sea...
as was this picturesque blue one off the bedroom.
There are no room numbers at Zoetry. Each suite is named after a place the Mexican architect, Carlos Gosselin, visited with his beloved wife. I had the pleasure of meeting the charming Mr. Gosselin, who still lives at Zoetry part of the year, and sharing my appreciation of his designs and attention to detail. The suites and grounds are filled with his extensive collection of art pieces and sculptures from his travels. Much more than decor, you feel a museum quality to the spaces--and yet it is all supremely comfortable.
I'm thinking I could live here...
forever!
I was so enamored with the suite that I shot a quick video tour:
It was definitely time to chill in the beautiful pool.
We discovered that you don't carry a towel at Zoetry. Towels are brought by staff and arranged--perfectly tucked in--on the loungers for you. The service at Zoetry is incredible and staff is warm and friendly, always responding to requests with, "It is my pleasure." This is handsome Pablo, one of our favorite guys poolside!
Back at the suite, there were some sublime moments of relaxation. The room service menu is gourmet, and the suite is so welcoming that some guests dine en-suite for their entire visit. A daily bottle of champagne is also delivered. Cheers! We may have been tempted to stay in the suite more often, but we made some lovely friends while visiting at Zoetry. With a resort so small it's easy to meet friends from all over the world and stay in touch through Facebook.
Cheers to 15 years of marriage (and yes, it did feel like the entire trip was one big celebration;).
Isn't that the point of vacation and a getaway to Riviera Maya?
The beach loungers make for a perfect daytime spot or catching the colors of the sea and sky at dusk after a walk.
Zoetry is a small boutique hotel, yet the dining options are incredible. From beach side mesquite grill at El Chiringuito--where Scott tried to 'set the night on fire'--to the excellence of fusion style at La Canoa with Cusine de los Soles--to a romantic wine cellar gourmet dinner for two to celebrate our anniversary; we had one of the best culinary experiences of our lives at Zoetry.
A few instagram shots...
We also indulged in spa and water treatments at the Thalassotherapy spa at Zoetry. The options for healthy, restorative treatments--based on health through water-- are endless. From sunset sailing cruises to cooking classes to cigar rolling and yoga, there is always something to do at Zoetry Pariaso de la Bonita...or you can choose to do nothing at all. I look forward to posting more of our adventures at this amazing place and our time at Secrets Silversands. Here's a sneak peek at our sunset sail and a cooking class.
If you--or someone love-- are looking for an unforgettable travel experience (and discounts),
I have some ideas for you here.
Curated Hotel: Paradise Found at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana in Dominican Republic
Five days into our Caribbean vacation in the Dominican Republic we found it…..pure bliss. Our journey started with a flight to San Francisco just following a tragic plane crash–cancelled flights and an unplanned evening in Manhattan. Lost luggage and a tropical storm did not deter us from seeking our much needed R and R.
Five days into our Caribbean vacation in the Dominican Republic we found it.....pure bliss. Our journey started with a flight to San Francisco just following a tragic plane crash--cancelled flights and an unplanned evening in Manhattan. Lost luggage and a tropical storm did not deter us from seeking our much needed R and R.
Our first stop was Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana.
Smiling staff greeted us, after our 4 adventure-filled days of travel, with a fresh cool cloth, a glass of crisp champagne and a 'Welcome Home!' A perfect signature statement for the Secrets/Zoetry/Unlimited Vacations brand. We did indeed feel at home...finally. With a spa day, 24 hour room service and a tropical storm (that ended up being a sprinkle) we weathered the storm just fine. We were in paradise after all.
Our next stop was the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
This intimate, luxury spa retreat boasts just 51 suites. The concierge check in service, again with cool cloths, champagne and 'Welcome Home' was the perfect start to our 5 day stay. #tropical paradise
Just a few of the luxuries include free laundry service, daily champagne delivered to your room, 24 hour room service with an extensive menu, 3 times daily maid service, free wifi and unlimited international phone calls (though we did not make use of that service those with little ones at home did). Yoga classes, spa treatments, wellness consultations and healthier fare are all apart of the concept at Zoetry.
Cane thatched roof sanctuaries are the signature statement of this tropical hideaway. It is said that a number of movie stars and high-profile types come here for a completely private getaway, often taking a helicopter right to the beach on property. Rumor has it Cameron Diaz crashed a wedding party, and Beyonce and daughter Blue Ivy recently shared a mini-vacation here, so we fit right in ;). With 24 hour room service and spacious, spa like suites and balconies, there is almost no reason to leave the privacy of your suite (well maybe a couple of reasons).
Among them, world-class dining in intimate settings is not to be missed.
The lazy river pool winds through the resort with glimpses of private sun beds for napping and lounging.
The sugary sands of the Caribbean are soft and creamy under your feet.
The air is a gentle whisper on your sun-bronzed skin
and yes, it is truly......
paradise found.
My favorite travel companion/husband, Scott, often shares his take on our travels with Stylemindchic.
Scott's note:
Moving past the misadventures of our journeys, which make for frustrating moments and unexpected costs, but great stories... Between the beauty of the beach, being bathed in the moist tropical, air, the rustic but luxe thatched-roof rooms, and the fact that there were less than 100 all-adult guests, the setting at the Zoetry created an amazing balance between private relaxation and intimacy for Heather and me, and a sense of family connection with the guests and staff alike. (Staff was great at Secrets, but the pool party scene and crowded resort was not the scene we needed this time.)
A highlight of travel for me has always been the people we meet. There's something about vacation time that puts everyone in a chill, happy, friendly mood, and the fabulous conversations and shared experiences add heartfelt memories to incredible travels. "Where are you from, isn't this place incredible, what are you drinking?" This gets it started and leads to ongoing poolside stories--as much or as little as you want to engage in--shared dinners or beverages after dinner, and, this time, Bachata lessons! The good news, Bachata is an easy step to the right, 1-2-3-4-clap, step to the left, 1-2-3-4 clap. At least that's how it starts. Soon, you are watching the instructor wiggle his butt "gracefully", and being reminded it's been a long time since you did a formal dance spin in shoes that stick to the floor. The solution? Another rum Sangria! Or maybe even a MamaJuana (Yes, that's MAMA!) cocktail.
We are grateful to those who made our time there over-the-top good (including my birthday girl, Heather.) You know who you are!
So... Dominican Republic, we loved you. You and those at Secrets and Zoetry made this truly unique in our traveling and resort experiences--something we continue to hang onto days after arriving home. Okay, so the fact that we still have a few days off helps, but I'm blaming my ever-present smile on the Zoetry.
Aaah... time for another float at sunset and a tall glass of bliss.
If you are seeking a little sun and sizzle or ready to bask in rest and restoration this is your place!
I hope you've enjoyed the glimpse into our Caribbean getaway.
What is your favorite place for a little rest and relaxation?
Have you ever been to the Caribbean?
Birthday in Paradise at Zoetry in Dominican Republic!
I've always been secretly happy that my birthday is on July 15th and smack dab in the middle of summer. It means I've never had to go to school and usually not to work on my birthday.
This year the timing was perfect for my birthday as we are enjoying our last couple of days in the tropical paradise of Dominican Republic.
My favorite birthday companion #spoiled me a bit
With a significant number of difficulties marking the beginning of our trip this phase at Zoetry Agua has been completely sublime.
This little guy has kept us company during breakfast on our terrace.
Some spa time made the birthday girl very happy.
I'm not politically minded and I thought it was fun to see that Jon Stewart had 'favorited' one of my tweets.
Our dinner with some of our new fabulous friends from the pool. We laughed and bombed out at a merengue dance lesson together later.
Thanks for making my birthday perfect and hopefully we will all end up at Zoetry again someday!
I just wanted to say a quick thank you for so many lovely birthday wishes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and text.
I feel truly blessed this year that my world has expanded in so many
incredible ways. The connections I've made with Stylemindchic Life mean the world to me.
Happy Birthday to my lovely mom today! Though we are separated by distance our birthdays always
stand side by side (she always tells me I was an early birthday present).
Looking forward to celebrating together.
Thanks for stopping by Stylemindchic Life!
Can't wait to catch up with everyone on our return.
xx,
Curated Collections at my Stylemindchic Boutique!
