As a travel agent, I’m always on the lookout for destinations that offer not just a luxurious escape but also a unique and unforgettable experience for families. This past year, I had the pleasure of visiting the new Dreams Estrella Del Mar in Mazatlán, Mexico, right after its grand opening. Not only was it an exceptional resort for my family, but it also provided the perfect setting for my son’s 9th birthday celebration, which became a trip to remember for all the right reasons.

A Warm Welcome and a Birthday to Remember

From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home. But what stood out the most was their attention to detail in celebrating my son’s birthday. Upon check-in, the concierge surprised him with a special birthday greeting and ensured he felt like the star of the trip.

Throughout our stay, the staff continued to make his birthday magical. They organized a poolside celebration complete with a birthday cake, his favorite non-alcoholic tropical drink, and a heartwarming rendition of 'Feliz Cumpleaños' by the team. They even coordinated meals that catered to his food tolerance issues, ensuring he could enjoy his favorite dishes without any worry. Seeing my son’s excitement and joy was priceless, and as a mom, I couldn’t have asked for better service or more thoughtful hospitality.

Family-Friendly Features That Shine

Dreams Estrella Del Mar is truly a perfect resort choice for families. The resort’s Explorer’s Club (kid’s club) offers supervised activities for kids, allowing parents to relax knowing their children are in good hands. My son loves the hands-on art projects, games,  and treasure hunts, while my husband and I enjoy having some quiet time by the infinity pool.

The resort also features:

• A water park complete with slides, an incredible lazy river that goes through a 'cave' and splash zones, perfect for kids of all ages.


• Multiple pools, including a family pool and quiet adults-only options for those seeking tranquility.


• Spacious family suites, offering plenty of room for larger families, complete with luxurious touches that made it feel like a home away from home. We stayed in a double queen room with a swim out, and it was perfect. 

Exploring the Cultural Charm of Mazatlán

One of the things that sets Dreams Estrella Del Mar apart is its location. Mazatlán is a relatively new destination for many travelers, which adds to its charm. Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” the city combines beautiful beaches with rich history and culture.

At the resort, guests can enjoy cultural experiences like traditional Mexican cooking classes, live music performances, and artisan markets featuring local crafts. Offsite, Mazatlán offers so much to explore, including:

• The Malecón, one of the longest oceanfront promenades in the world, perfect for a leisurely stroll, bike ride, or soaking in gorgeous sunsets.


• The thrilling cliff divers, a must-see spectacle where brave performers leap from towering rocks into the Pacific, showcasing incredible skill and bravery.


• The Golden Zone, where vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife bring the energy of Mazatlán to life.

For our family, the highlight of our cultural exploration was walking along the lively Malecón and stopping to watch the cliff divers in action. Seeing their daring feats against the backdrop of the ocean was mesmerizing and a unique experience we’ll never forget.

Why Dreams Estrella Del Mar Is a Must-Visit

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic retreat, or a special celebration, Dreams Estrella Del Mar delivers on every level. The combination of world-class service, thoughtful amenities, and authentic cultural experiences sets it apart as a top-tier resort in a destination that’s just starting to gain the recognition it deserves.

For families, the resort’s attention to detail, particularly when it comes to celebrating special moments, makes it a standout choice. My son still talks about his birthday at Dreams Estrella Del Mar, and I know it’s a memory he’ll treasure for years to come.

As a travel agent, I’m thrilled to recommend Dreams Estrella Del Mar to clients looking for a fresh, family-friendly destination that blends luxury with a taste of Mexico’s vibrant culture. And as a mom, I can’t wait to return for another unforgettable stay.

Corporate travel has evolved beyond mere transportation; it's now a strategic tool that can enhance collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion. As companies look for ways to improve their operations and foster stronger relationships, the benefits of corporate travel become increasingly apparent.

The Key Benefits of Corporate Travel

1. Enhanced Networking Opportunities

   - A recent study by the Harvard Business Review found that “70% of executives believe face-to-face meetings are crucial for building long-term relationships.” These interactions can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations that are harder to achieve through virtual communication. (Source: Harvard Business Review, 'The Value of Face-to-Face Meetings').

2. Increased Employee Engagement

   - According to a report by the Global Business Travel Association, companies that invest in travel see a “30% increase in employee engagement.” Traveling for business allows employees to feel valued, which can boost morale and productivity. (Source: GBTA, 'The Business Travel Industry: An Overview').

3. Improved Learning and Development

   - Corporate travel often includes workshops and seminars, enhancing professional development. A recent survey revealed that “over 60% of professionals feel they gain more knowledge from in-person training” than from online formats. (Source: ATD, 'The Value of Learning in the Workplace').

4. Higher Productivity

   - Companies that prioritize corporate travel report “an increase of 15% in productivity.” Employees return from trips with renewed motivation and a fresh perspective on their work. (Source: GBTA, 'Business Travel's Impact on Productivity').

5. Strengthened Team Dynamics

   - Traveling together fosters camaraderie among team members. Research shows that “team-building activities during travel can improve collaboration by 50%.” Shared experiences create lasting bonds that enhance workplace relationships. (Source: Journal of Business and Psychology, 'Team Dynamics and Corporate Travel').

As we see, the benefits of corporate travel are not just anecdotal; they are backed by solid statistics that underline its importance in today’s business landscape. Whether you are planning a conference, a team retreat, or an incentive trip, investing in corporate travel can yield significant returns.

If you’re looking to elevate your next corporate group experience, I can help. With a wealth of experience in organizing, managing and participating in corporate events, including large-scale gatherings like CNA Fest 2024 and WGU Summit, I understand how to create impactful travel experiences that resonate with attendees.

Let’s Connect!

Don’t miss the opportunity to harness the benefits of corporate travel for your team. Reach out to me today to start planning your next corporate group trip. Together, we can create an unforgettable experience that drives growth and fosters connection within your organization.

Contact me to start the conversation:

liz@vincentvacations.com

Taking a family vacation is always an exciting endeavor, but our recent trip to Hard Rock Los Cabos was extra special for our little family. It was our first time to Cabo, and I can say for sure; we will be back!

Hard Rock Los Cabos - Family-Friendly All Inclusive

Nestled along the stunning shores of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Hard Rock Los Cabos promises a blend of family-friendly luxury, relaxation, and adventure—a perfect setting for our family of three to create lasting memories.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and vibrant energy that you could feel throughout the resort. The staff was especially welcoming to our son, and right away made him feel special.

Our spacious accommodations provided a comfortable retreat after days filled with exploration or at the pools and activities. With two adults and one child, we found the resort to be very family-friendly, offering a range of activities and amenities tailored to all ages. Our accommodations were categorized as a Partial Ocean View Room, but as you can see, the view was really spectacular and most definitely exceeds the typical partial ocean view room. We had plenty of space to spread out in our room with a sofa both inside the room and on the balcony, a large desk area, 2 queen beds, a great family-friendly bathroom layout with separate toilet closet, shower, and double sink areas, nice closet space, and even a tub on the balcony.

As far as things to do, the resort had various activities happening at the main pool throughout the day such as pool volleyball, fun contests, and a DJ providing entertainment throughout the day. The pool closed in the evenings which provided the perfect transition to dinner at one of the resorts 6 main dinner restaurants ranging from Zen, a Japanese and Chinese teppanyaki restaurant to Toro, a Brazilian Steakhouse, to Los Gallos, a delicious Mexican restaurant with beautiful beachside views and more. Our personal favorite was Los Gallos - do not miss out on the stunning views on their patio or the delicious crema de chile pablano soup! After dinner, there was something to do and see every night from a Michael Jackson style show to a circus style acrobatic act. There is also luxurious spa to get all your pampering done, and even an Escape Room - which I’m proud to say, we escaped from (barely - ha!)

One of our favorite features of this resort that I definitely want to highlight is the Roxity Kids Club. Our son could not wait to see his friends and the staff at the kids club everyday. Each day had different activities including crafts, pickleball tournaments, games, karaoke, kite flying, water slides, and so much more. The staff was attentive, kind, and professional. Our son can’t wait to see them again on our next visit!

For those who may be traveling without kids and who would like some adult-only time, there is an adults only pool and bar as well.

One important thing to note about this resort and many resorts in Los Cabos: the beaches are not swimmable due to steep ocean-floor drop-offs, strong waves, and harsh undercurrents. Hard Rock Los Cabos has done a fantastic job of making this a non-issue for many families by providing plenty of pool options with stunning views of the beach and water.

Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Excursion Including The Arch of Cabo San Lucas

One of the highlights of our trip was the opportunity to embark on a luxury catamaran excursion to witness the beauty of humpback whales during their yearly migration to the area. The best time of year to see whales in Cabo is from December to mid-April, with peak season in late December to January. Since our trip was early in March, we felt confident that we would see some of these magical creatures. If you are planning to visit Cabo in these months, this is a do not miss excursion!

Setting sail from the marina, we enjoyed panoramic views of the coastline and quickly came upon the well-known landmark of The Arch of Cabo San Lucas. This has been on my to-see list, so I was thrilled to see this distinctive landmark and get such great pictures here. As we sailed on, we were served a delicious light lunch and beverages and our knowledgeable guide shared fascinating insights about the marine life inhabiting the waters of the Baja California Sur region. Our son was completely captivated by the information he was sharing and the stories that he told.

As we ventured further into the Pacific Ocean, the anticipation grew among our fellow passengers. Suddenly, a collective gasp filled the air as the first spray of a humpback whale's blowhole emerged. We all watched in awe as these magnificent creatures breached and played in the waves, their sheer size and grace leaving us all speechless.

Wrapping Up the Adventure

After a memorable afternoon on the water, we returned to Hard Rock Los Cabos to continue our family time. From lounging by the pool in a private cabana we had reserved, to indulging in all of the delectable food and drinks at the resort's restaurants and poolside (pool snack pro tip: get the margherita pizza!), every moment was infused with the vibrant spirit of the destination and the friendly atmosphere created by the staff.

As our vacation came to a close, we reflected on our time in Los Cabos with so much gratitude. From the luxury and relaxation of the resort to the exhilarating encounter with humpback whales, it was a trip filled with unforgettable experiences that brought our family closer together. Hard Rock Los Cabos truly exceeded our expectations, leaving us with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

If you’d like to book a vacation to Cabo, I’d love to help! Complete my travel inquiry form or send me an email to start the conversation: liz@vincentvacations.com