Carmen travel guide and discussion

When someone mentions Cebu, beaches and island hopping usually come to mind. A safari park with giraffes, zebras, lions and colourful birds? Not exactly what you'd expect! Cebu Safari in Carmen is surprisingly large, with different animal enclosures, landscaped gardens and even a section designed around an African savanna. The giraffes are probably among the biggest attractions, although quite a few visitors seem equally impressed by the bird show. There's something rather amusing about seeing all these animals surrounded by the green mountains of Cebu. One thing worth knowing is that this isn't somewhere you casually pop into for an hour. The park is huge, getting there from Cebu City takes time, and you'll probably spend a good part of the day exploring. The transport arrangements inside can involve waiting, especially when it's busy. Some visitors also feel the admission price is rather steep. Still, there's enough variety here to make it a proper day out, particularly if you're travelling with friends or family. #planitorwingit #travel #localguides #cebu #animallovers #thingstodo

Just returned from a 7-night stay at this amazing hotel. From the moment we checked in with Carmen, who is absolutely wonderful, to our lovely junior suite with a large balcony, this hotel truly has everything you could want. We've visited many nice hotels, but this one stands out, especially because of its exceptional staff. You can see the camaraderie among them; they're always friendly and happy, even while working long hours. The breakfast was excellent, offering a great selection of fresh products, a specials table, and a fantastic omelette station. The pool area is well-maintained with plenty of sunbeds, and fresh towels are provided daily, so you’ll always find a spot. The bar and rooftop bar are spacious with a good variety of food and drinks. I must highlight the incredible staff. Carol is a bundle of energy, always on the go. The rooftop bar is run by absolute gems—thank you to the "3/4 amigos" for taking such great care of us. The hotel’s location is perfect—close to plenty of restaurants, bus stops to Palma or Magaluf, and well-serviced by taxis. Thank you, Tomir Portals, for a great first visit—it certainly won’t be our last!

We just returned from our third visit, and this place remains our ideal escape. My wife and I, along with our best friends, took a shorter trip this time—four days and three nights from July 27-30 to El Carmen. As always, the staff were the highlight of our stay. Ines at the Excellence Club beach area (in front of building 9) is truly exceptional. We first encountered her five years ago during our first trip, and she continues to amaze us. Rosie also ensured we were never without a drink, providing exceptional service at our EC Beachfront swim-up suite in building 9. This building and room category remain our absolute favorite. The food and beverage manager, Marleny, exceeded expectations throughout our trip. On the first day, I bumped into her outside of Oregano, and after a brief chat, we stayed in contact via WhatsApp during our trip. She spoiled us with room surprises and special treats at dinner each night. We experienced a minor issue with a credit card charge at check-in, but Karen Castillo swiftly resolved it within five minutes. Later, we had the chance to talk to her again a few times, and she made sure our stay was as wonderful as possible. We enjoyed dinners at Magna, where the Tomahawk steak didn’t disappoint, Basmati, which has quickly become a favorite on property, and The Lobster House on our final night. Breakfast at The Kitchen Table always lived up to expectations each morning. One suggestion we have is to see The Kitchen Table opened for lunch, as a buffet option would be wonderful during midday. This resort, along with its incredible staff, truly feels like our home away from home. We are already looking forward to our fourth visit. A huge thank you to all the staff, especially Ines!

--- Ever dreamt of waking up to the sound of waves in Costa Rica? 🌅 Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience offers just that and more! Nestled in the heart of Puntarenas, this gem boasts spacious rooms with breathtaking ocean views that are sure to sweep you off your feet. 🛏️🌊 Cleanliness and comfort are top-notch, with a touch of local charm in every corner. Each room is a haven of tranquility, equipped with all the modern amenities you need for that perfect getaway. 🧼✨ But it's not just about the rooms! Indulge in the culinary delights at their on-site restaurant, where the flavors of Costa Rica come to life on your plate. 🍽️🍤 Plus, with exceptional service that makes you feel like royalty, your stay is guaranteed to be as smooth as the sandy beaches just steps away. 👑 Ready for a tropical retreat? Find your slice of paradise at Hotel Nantipa, where the sun kisses the sea. 📍Unnamed Road, Carmen, Puntarenas, 60111, Costa Rica. #Puntarenas #PuntarenasHotel #PuntarenasTravel

In Russia, it's common to leave three cents for tea. People think that since you're a guy, you could have easily paid for dinner yourself. I usually leave reasonable amounts ranging from 100 to 1000 rubles. If the service isn't great, I don't leave anything. But it's different in Mexico. There, you're obliged to leave a minimum of 20-25%. If it's dinner for three at a regular, fairly civilized restaurant, tips usually average around 4-5 thousand rubles. You physically can't avoid paying; Mexicans surround you, and it's more of a voluntary-compulsory procedure ;) Parking is the same story – you won't find anything cheaper than 1000 rubles, even if the parking lot resembles a minefield with palm trees growing between cars. In Costa Rica, things are better; people are very polite, and the service is excellent. I'm judging by the @vista_del_alma hotel and its restaurant. Do you leave tips? If yes, how much? What's the largest tip you've ever given?

As I watch my friends scatter to distant vacation destinations, I find myself firmly planted on team "staying home" this time, indulging in a healthy dose of wanderlust as I drool over photos from airplane windows and dreamy getaways. Now, here's a burning question for you, dear followers: What exciting plans do you have in store for the next ten days? I'm eager to hear your ideas on how to make the most of this time, whether it's a far-flung adventure or a cozy retreat right at home. While those fortunate enough to find themselves at @vista_del_alma can bask in the sun for hours, here at home, it seems that the prevailing theme of the day is none other than the art of procrastination. 😄