A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, Virtuoso, and the only five-diamond resort in the Riviera Maya, the Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso Spa has been home away from home for Dustin Hoffman, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, John Gallliano, and Raquel Welch. In a few minutes it will be my howe away from home. The Riviera Maya is now the fastest growing travel destination in the western hemisphere according to USA Today. The area stretches below Cancun and remains pristine. Ancient Tulum ruins hug the cliffs along the Caribbean Sea nearby and the famous national park Xel-Ha with incredibly mysterious cenotes and ancient nearly-extinct gigantic sea turtles beckon visitors to come visit.

After strolling the Palm Canyon Drive and checking out the unique shops and galleries of Palm Springs, we rested our weary sandaled feet at Kaiser Grille overlooking the shopping district of the oasis town. We were offered an outside table which was wonderful for viewing the mountains, sunset, and the passersby.

Trade Winds Island Resorts has two sides. Extremely romantic, the specialty suites include romance rooms with whirlpool tubs and a trio of penthouses boasts expansive rooftop patios. And another sister resort that is the playful adventurous side.

Where do the finest winemakers and chefs gather under one enormous pitched tent on a pristine beach to present amazing creations that are delicious, entertaining, and eco friendly? Not only that, where do celebrity chefs, new “Green” companies, local tourism and commerce businesses, and the media wine and dine with the public like rock stars to pulsating island sounds of Caribbean artists?
Where else but at the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival held recently at the historic 1928 five-star Don Cesar, a Loews Hotel.