Been to Vatulele Recently?
May 2nd, 2002, 05:47 PM
#2
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Hi, we have corresponded before about Mexican resorts. We went to Vatulele in May 2000. We've also been to Turtle Island & Namale in Fiji. Vatulele was my absolute favorite! Just got back form Cayo Espanto, private island off Belize & though it was magnificent, it was more expensive than Vatulele, if you can believe it & Vatulele still remains my favorite. Great food, all good wines & champagnes included. Good snorkeling, private island picnic, several private dining spots or with the other guests if you choose. A good balance of privacy & mingling based on what you want. Huge bures & patios. If you freak over the occasional bug, which you are going to get in the South Pacific anywhere, you may find things to complain about. It is not a buttoned up air-conditioned 4 Seasons but has an open tropical harmonious atmosphere with the surroundings. We loved it. But we have found we like the overall relaxed ambience of the South Pacific better than the upscale resorts in the Caribbean. Just our preference. Hope that helps....and I hope you decide to go! Did you return to Cap Juluca this year?
May 3rd, 2002, 01:12 AM
#3
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We stayed at Vatulele last September and loved it so much we are returning for our honeymoon in August.<BR><BR>I have no complaints - the staff, rooms, snorkelling, food & drink were all perfect. My only slight dissapointment was they have switched champagnes from Veuve Clicquot to Mumm 
<BR><BR>Although I didn't like the sound of communal dining before we went, the other guests were really nice and even though the option was there, we didn't dine alone once.<BR>
<BR><BR>Although I didn't like the sound of communal dining before we went, the other guests were really nice and even though the option was there, we didn't dine alone once.<BR>
May 6th, 2002, 09:31 AM
#4
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Thanks, Peggy & Jacqui, for your very helpful posts. I'm certainly leaning in the direction of Vatulele, probably in 2003. <BR><BR>Next thing is to work out the flights/fares/packages, etc.<BR><BR>I recall, Peggy, your CJ post! We're headed back this August (can't beat those low-season rates).<BR><BR>By the way, we just returned from five fabulous days in Los Cabos at Casa de Mar -- it's wonderful. Not as tres-tres as Ventanas or Palmilla but lovely and wonderful at half the price!
May 6th, 2002, 10:36 AM
#5
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Kat,<BR>If I were going back to Vatulele now I would use LuxuryLink, if they have it on auction when you want to go. Wish I had known about it then as it is now 2/3 the price. lLso for airfare check with Claudia at Pacific-for-less.com. <BR>I have looked into Casa del Mar! Godd to hear the feedback. Going to Tamarindo (north of Manzanillo)& Grand Bay Isla de Navidad in October. But looking for a destination for next spring also in the Carib or South Pacific but I am stumped right now.<BR>Good luck.
May 6th, 2002, 01:30 PM
#7
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We just got back from there on April 17th, 5 nights in Casa Olita. We stayed 4 nights on Ambergris Caye first. It was great! It is more expensive than Vatulele but I think you get more for your money at Vatulele. The service at Cayo is it's crowning feature, besides the fabulous villas, but at times the service was actually too much for us! I'll e-mail you details if you want. I'm definately glad we went though but it will be hard to top, or equal, these places.
May 7th, 2002, 03:47 AM
#8
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Another vote here for using www.luxurylink.com. I used it for both trips and received a 40% discount.<BR>
May 9th, 2002, 09:16 AM
#9
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for <BR>those who posted about LuxuryLink.com!<BR>I was just able to get a 6-night package<BR>at Vatulele for a significant discount,<BR>and that's the only way I could afford<BR>it. Can't wait to go!!! I will <BR>definitely be using them for future trips<BR>also!<BR><BR>Thanks again,<BR><BR>--Jennie
May 9th, 2002, 04:52 PM
#10
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Your welcome Jennie, that's how we got a much better deal to Cayo Espanto! But let's keep it a secret! You will love Vatulele. Pack light, you never have to wear shoes if you don't want. I suggest you book a private lunch picnic to Nooki Island & Martin's Folly and/or the wine cellar for dinner before you go (e-mail the island). Maybe not the specific day but that you want to have those activities. They book fast when people get there & we had our's reserved in advance since the day at Nooki was for my birthday. Also breakfast at Long Island beach is nice. It's all great! Grab a bottle of champagne & a Hobie cat & go for a sunset sail. Have a wonderful time!
May 10th, 2002, 03:56 AM
#11
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Peggy - thanks - I didn't realise you could make the Nooki Nooki reservation before you depart. There were no lunches left during our stay last September, so I will definitely do it for our August trip as I found the snorkelling offshore there was great.<BR><BR>I love luxurylink - we are going to Fregate in the Seychelles in June too. Paid less than 50% for that trip.<BR><BR>
May 10th, 2002, 07:39 AM
#12
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Jacqui,<BR>I have looked at Fregate also & the Maldives. What is your flight route? It looks pretty daunting to make that journey though & I'm not to thrilled about going through Sri Lanka. I must heard about your trip when you return. I am definately on a quest for next spring. This October we have Tamarindo, Manzanillo but I want something to really grab me for next spring.<BR>Yes I was glad I made our reservations at Vatulele. I did it just to make sure we had it for my birthday, but when we got there & saw that some people did not get to go to Nooki because it was booked, I was so glad I had done that. Yes the snorkeling was good there. It is just a little rocky island but with the picnic etc....it was wonderful. You can also go for sunset. Anyway, let me know about Fregate!
