Indulge in Luxury: A Foodie’s Dream All-Inclusive
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Pam enjoying Mozze Mare Beach Club Infinity Pool
We had the incredible opportunity to experience the Marival Distinct Luxury Residences in Nuevo Vallarta, and let me tell you—it turned into 12 hours of absolute indulgence! Delectable cuisine, top-notch cocktails, and impeccable service made for an unforgettable day. Our mission was to "walk in the sandals" of a guest to understand exactly who this resort is best suited for—and we certainly got a feel for it!
We started our day with one of the best À la carte breakfasts we've ever had at Omaggio. The ambiance was simple yet stunning, with natural whites, greens, and wooden décor that instantly put us at ease. The service was flawless, with my coffee n’ Baileys never running dry. The menu was extensive, and it took us a little while to decide what to try. We finally settled on the steak and eggs with caramelized onions and sliced potatoes, paired with Belgium waffles topped with caramelized pecans, strawberries, orange zest whipped cream, and powdered sugar. It was a breakfast that went far beyond expectations—and my guy even used the word "scrumptious," which he rarely ever does!
Afterward, we headed to the pool to enjoy the quickly warming September day. Marival Distinct has two heated pools, each offering a different vibe. We started at the Main Pool, which is located near the accommodations. Once again, the service was spot on, and we were never without a cocktail in hand—how lucky are we? I love a fresh fruit daiquiri on vacation, and this resort delivered in a big way. I tried strawberry, pineapple, mango, and even tamarind daiquiris—each one was better than the last! With laid-back music, refreshing cold face towels, comfy lounge chairs, and endless drinks, we were set up for a truly relaxing day.
Next, we made our way to Mozze Mare, the resort’s Private Beach Club, just a short walk from the pool. Mozze Mare boasts an infinity pool that I couldn’t get enough of. Wading through the water with a stunning view of the ocean had me feeling like I was in paradise (and for a born-and-raised Minnesotan like me, that view was jaw-dropping every time). The sea breeze kept the heat in check, and before we knew it, a friendly server appeared offering us drinks. Not only did they bring our cocktails, but they also brought four bottles of water in an ice bucket—just a small touch, but a detail that made a big impact.
Mozze Mare was the perfect addition to the resort, offering beach access and adding a real sense of exclusivity. It’s clear that this resort is now a top choice in Nuevo Vallarta.
Then, of course, came the main event—dinner at Mozze Mare! After such a stellar breakfast, we were eager to see if dinner could match up. The open-air restaurant, with views of the pool and ocean, was the ideal spot for a rainy evening. As we arrived, the rain started to fall, but the ambiance couldn't have been more perfect. I personally love the sound of raindrops, and with the breeze coming off the ocean, the atmosphere was just magic.
We started with tuna tartare (hands down, the best we’ve ever had) and a bottle of local wine—Casa Madero 3V 2019, a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Tempranillo. For our main course, we splurged on the Lobster and Angus Rib Eye steak, both of which were absolutely incredible. The menu also included a variety of other luxurious options like New York Strip, Porterhouse, and Cowboy steak, all part of their “Extravaganza Extravagant” menu (which isn’t included in the all-inclusive plan, but totally worth it).
As for accommodations, Marival Distinct offers spacious 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom residences, designed in a modern Mexican style. Each unit has a full living room, entertainment center, and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathrooms are a nice touch too—after a long day of poolside lounging, having your own private bathroom is a game-changer. The 2+ bedroom residences are ideal for families or groups traveling together. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, there are a few villas with flexible room layouts, offering even more space and privacy.
One thing to note is that the resort doesn’t have pool bars, but we didn’t mind at all. The attentive waitstaff kept us topped up with cocktails and water, and the lack of pool bars helped maintain a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. If a pool bar is essential for you, check out Marival Armony or take advantage of the exchange privileges at Marival Emotions.
Before this trip, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this family-owned, luxury-style resort, but I can confidently say it exceeded every one of our expectations. If you're looking for a place that offers quiet luxury, outstanding service, and an intimate feel, Marival Distinct is definitely worth considering!