Travels by Nat LLC

09/03/2026

🇯🇲 Jamaica is making a comeback!

At last week’s travel conference, Sandals shared some exciting updates on three Jamaica resorts reopening after Hurricane Melissa:

🏝️ Sandals South Coast — reopening November 18, 2026, beautiful property refresh with new restaurant, bar, and coffee shop
🏝️ Sandals Montego Bay — reopening December 18, 2026, with a complete transformation, new restaurants, a coffee shop, and a Wi-Fi-shaped pool (photo)
🏝️ Sandals Caribbean Cay — reopening December 18, 2026, with Jamaica’s first linear pool and a new coffee shop.

And one detail I loved: Sandals continued paying their employees full wages and benefits while the resorts were closed.

The Great Jamaica Comeback Sale (through September 7) is also offering some great packages. For example:

✨ Sandals South Coast - Starlight Beachfront Club Room w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub - $6,850.96 (7 Nights in December 2026)
✨ Sandals Montego Bay - Crystal Lagoon Honeymoon Oceanview Luxury Room w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub - $7,612.36 (5 nights in January 2027)
✨ Sandals Caribbean Cay - Beachside Butler Suite w/Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub - $7,685.36 (5 nights in January 2027)

Packages include the resort stay, airport transfers, and nonstop economy flights from Chicago.

Prices and availability can change until a deposit is made.

📸 © Sandals 2026

08/25/2026

✨ Holland America — Conference Updates

• 2028 Alaska season: Opens for booking Thursday, August 27, 2026 (cruise-only).

• New Alaska departure: For the first time, Holland America will offer an Alaska sailing departing from San Diego — this 11-day sailing is likely part of a seasonal repositioning itinerary.

• Europe year-round: Holland America plans to operate in Europe all 12 months of 2028, from January through December.

• Ship enhancements: Holland will be introducing Solo Veranda Staterooms.

08/24/2026

Hey everyone! I’m at a travel conference in Orlando this week, and I’ll try to share some of the fun things I’m learning. But I had to share the most niche news I heard today.

Emerald Cruises is offering two Mahjong-themed river cruises in August 2027!

They’ll bring the Mahjong tables and tiles onboard, and the ship will sail the Upper Danube. When you’re back onboard, you can play Mahjong with fellow travelers.

I know this seems extremely random, but Mahjong-themed river cruises come up at every conference I attend. 😂

If this is your thing, reach out — I’d love to tell you more!

📸 Loews Sapphire Swimming Pool

08/07/2026

08/06/2026

✨ Resort Spotlight: Unico 20°87° ✨

Unico 20°87° is one of those resorts that has a loyal following—and after touring it, I completely understand why. This adults-only resort is located in Riviera Maya, Mexico and has a beautiful Mexican contemporary design and a relaxed, upscale feel.

My highlights:
• Simple, easy-to-navigate layout
• Multiple pools (activity, quiet, and a hidden pool)
• Incredible spa
• Flat, mobility-friendly grounds with elevators
• Excellent service, beautiful rooms, and room service
• Hand-painted hats by a local artist make a fun souvenir

Best for:
✨ Girlfriend getaways
✨ Couples & anniversaries
✨ Pool lovers & foodies
✨ Long weekends - there are 5 restaurants, perfect for a 5-night stay
Keep in mind: The beach can be impacted by sargassum during the summer, so I'd recommend this more for pool lovers or winter travel.

Sample December pricing:
• 5 nights in a Swim-Up Suite with Delta Main Cabin flights from Minneapolis, private transfers, and travel protection starting at $5,961 for 2 adults.

07/24/2026

The next property that I toured is an under-the-radar fan favorite:

✨Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya✨

Just 30 minutes from Cancun Airport, this adults-only, family-owned resort is known for its consistently outstanding service and loyal repeat guests.

✨ Highlights:
• One of the largest pools in the Riviera Maya
• Beautiful beach with palapas & Bali beds
• Spacious suites, including new Dunas Oceanfront Suites with private plunge pools
• Multiple restaurants, food trucks, & a coffee shop
• Poolside food and drink service
• Live music & nightly entertainment
• Lush jungle setting that's impeccably maintained
• A Churro Cart with the best Churros I've ever had

Best for:
• Groups - they are exceptional at handling groups of any size
• Travelers of any age
• Couples or solo travelers
• Pool lovers (the beach is beautiful but can experience seasonal sargassum)

✨Sample December pricing from Minneapolis (7 nights, Delta Main Cabin, private transfers & travel protection included):
• Deluxe Jr. Suite: $5,447.76 (2 adults)
• Dunas Private Pool Ocean View Suite: $7,805.20 (2 adults)

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—especially if great service and an incredible pool are at the top of your vacation wish list.

07/13/2026

Secrets Playa Blanca Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Out 😍😍😍

07/13/2026

This next resort completely wowed me.

✨ Secrets Playa Blanca ✨

This property has a modern jungle-inspired design, and it's easy to navigate while still feeling luxurious.

Highlights:
• Adults-only, 505 suites
• Heated pools and swim-outs + 24/7 room service
• About 45 minutes from Cancun Airport
• Located in Costa Mujeres, known for its wide, beautiful beaches that are often less affected by sargassum
• 8 restaurants + café

Upgrade to a Preferred Club Suite for butler service, premium suite locations, Preferred Club Lounge, Bali beds at the pool and beach, and one complimentary hydrotherapy session per person

The atmosphere was relaxing, the layout was intuitive, the rooms were gorgeous, and every staff member I met was genuinely welcoming.

Sample pricing in December from Minneapolis (includes private transfers & travel protection):
• Junior Suite Ocean View King (5 nights): $5,467
• Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Out King (5 nights): $7,070

07/10/2026

Atelier Playa Mujeres - 4 room tours:

✨Junior Suite Ocean View
✨Inspira Rooftop Suite
✨Inspira Oceanfront
✨Inspira Junior Suite Swim Out