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Leisurely Activities in St. Petersburg/Clearwater Florida

April 18, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside 2 Comments

My first visit to Florida didn’t disappoint. In fact, I found the St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas to be a traveler’s delight featuring beautiful beaches, an active arts community, and fun around every corner.

We took a direct flight on Allegiant Air from Wichita to the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, which was easy to book and had a low-cost fare. Fun Fact: After the Wright brothers’ pioneer flight at Kitty Hawk, the first ticket for air travel was sold by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line to a fare-paying passenger.

ST. PETERSBURG

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

We kicked off our trip to St. Petes. The first thing we did once arriving at “The Sunshine City” was jump in the rental car and head to St. Pete Pier to have lunch at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille with views of Tampa Bay.

The seaside restaurant is known for its extensive menu of rum drinks and fresh seafood, which have received rave reviews. It was incredibly windy, so we dined indoors near a window. The service was excellent. Our waitress took the time to review the menu with us and give her recommendations.

We knew we were in the right place. I ordered a cucumber mojito and a seared tuna appetizer. Tossed in peanut vinaigrette, the chilled rice noodles, veggies, and herbs paired nicely with the seared tuna. It was a large meal for one diner, yet perfect for sharing for two people. The mussels appetizer was tasty but wasn’t nearly as large a portion.

If you can, visit Doc Ford’s near St. Pete’s Pier. It’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The deck seating area is a choice spot for snapping a photo with Tampa Bay in the background

Pro Tip: View the menu before visiting. Glance at their up-to-date Instagram account to get inspired before ordering.

St. Pete Pier

I did my research before leaving for Florida and knew that we needed to check out St. Pete Pier overlooking Tampa Bay. The newly renovated area is breathtaking and has something for every age to enjoy.

We hopped on a free shuttle from the gateway to Pier Teak, a rooftop bar serving cocktails and beer. The view of the city’s skyline was in the background as sailboats and yachts sat docked near shore. We admired the city’s architecture noting a contrast between modern skyscrapers and Art Deco, brightly painted buildings.

Level 2 of the St. Pete Pier is the Driftwood Cafe. It is quaint in size and offers vast views of the bay in a cozy setting. We found ourselves inside Pier Gear & Gifts on Level 1. After purchasing new sunglasses, we headed outside to the fishing deck.

If you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the option to catch fresh seafood and clean it on-site. Gator Jim’s Tackle sells last-minute fishing supplies if you find yourself in need.

Further down the pier’s walkway, we discovered the Family Park with a splash pad nearby. Families stood in line for ice cream at a nearby creamery. The weather might have been windy, but the sun was shining, and everyone was enjoying themselves.

Public art reigns supreme at St. Pete Pier at the 26-acre complex. “Bending Arc” by Janet Echelman sways in the breeze above onlookers’ heads. The artist used twine and knots to sculpt a massive piece that constantly changes shape. If you return to see it after the sun goes down, projected lights illuminate it with vibrant color.

Whether relaxing in an Adirondack chair in the shade under a canopy of palm trees or watching children play on the beach, you’ll find more than enough to do on a good weather day. Adults can peruse the Marketplace to shop from local vendors, while art enthusiasts can seek out public art installations like the 10′ tall Red Pelican by artist Nathan Mabry.

This red pelican is a miniature version of the large-scale one at the gateway’s entrance.

The Red Silk Cotton Tree is located near the Museum of Fine Arts.

Don’t miss Benoist Centennial Plaza for the World’s First Airline Monument. Located adjacent to the Albert Whitted Airport, the area is home to “First Flight” by artist Mark Ailing. The life-size sculpture features a Benoist bi-plane commenting on the world’s first commercial plane flight by pilot Tony Janus in 1914.

I particularly appreciated “Morning Stars,” a mosaic mural of geometric shapes created by artist Xenobia Bailey. As I walked back and forth, it appeared as if the shapes took their own movement.A visit to St. Pete isn’t complete without spending time at the pier. Parking at St. Pete Pier requires payment, but it’s inexpensive. Once you park, make a note of the parking space number and walk to a payment kiosk to deposit $4 for two hours. It’s a small price for access to pristine beaches and the pier’s grounds.

Pro Tip: View weekday vs. weekend parking rates here.

Green Bench Brewing Company

Central Avenue in St. Petes offers visitors searching for murals, breweries, eateries, and hipster shopping a place to feel right at home.We stopped by Green Bench Brewing Company, which was crawling with beer lovers who were pre-gaming before heading to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game across the street at Tropicana Field.Known for serving craft beer, mead, and cider, Green Bench’s slogan is “It’s more than beer. It’s community.” If you’re unsure what to order, they’re happy to pour you a sample or two. The menu is constantly changing. The staff goes out of their way to make patrons feel right at home.

Pro Tip: I’d recommend sipping your drink outside on the astroturf patio to hang out with locals. Patio tables with umbrellas provide shade from the sun. Love dogs? Bring yours! You’ll love the relaxed vibe.

Bodega on Central

My interest is piqued when I spot a long line outside of a restaurant. Bodega on Central attracts hungry locals like bees to honey. They serve Latin street food made with fresh ingredients. Your mouth will salivate from salads to fresh squeezed juices and sandwiches to desserts while looking at the menu.

Several group members ordered the Cuban sandwich made with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mayo, and mojo served on crusty bread. The sandwich’s flavor was no joke. I could’ve easily eaten another one. Latin pop music played over the stereo. It was a festive experience.

Pro Tip: When visiting Bodega, order at the window on the sidewalk. They will give you a number to take to the table, and servers will run your food. View the menu here.

Murals

There is a long list of things to do in the St. Petersburg area, including mural hunting. It’s known for its eye-catching street art in various city districts. View a list of areas to track down massive murals here.

INDIAN SHORES

Our condo was a 40-minute drive from St. Pete’s and only a short drive to local eateries and coffee shops. You’ll see signage everywhere with names like Aloha To Go, The Dog & Parrot, or Salt Rock Grill. Influenced by the water, restaurants, and play up the seaside vibes.

DJ’s Clam Shack

We ate lunch at DJ’s Clam Shack, a franchise restaurant popularized by Food Network’s Guy Fieri. The fast-casual restaurant appeared on the chef’s Drive-Ins, Diners and Dives show. The most popular item on the menu is the lobster roll, according to the employee who took our order. Curiously, I asked about Conch Fritters. It was a hard “no!” for me.

I settled for the Fish & Chips, which arrived at our table piping hot. The Garlic Steamed Middle Neck Clams didn’t last long either. Other good-looking menu items included Mahi Mahi Tacos and the Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll.

Pro Tip: A small restaurant, seating is first come, first served. However, outdoor patio tables accommodate patrons on a busy day. Takeout ordering is available.

CLEARWATER

Benedict’s

We were craving a scratch-made breakfast, so we drove to Benedict’s after learning it was highly rated on TripAdvisor. This unsuspecting restaurant serves incredibly satisfying food in a strip mall near a grocery store. The portions were hearty, and the food plating was eye-catching.

I chose the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs served with fresh fruit and toast. Our family seemed just as happy with their menu selections ranging from chocolate chip pancakes for the kids to omelets and breakfast skillet meals. The server was a pro at managing a bustling restaurant, ringing orders, and attending to our needs. The restaurant experience was 5 stars.

Pro Tip: Arrive before the weekend brunch rush by dining early.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Touring Clearwater Marin Aquarium allowed me to see sea life up close and learn about their rehabilitation, an opportunity I don’t get in Kansas. My goal? To watch dolphins swimming and happily interact with visitors. I had never seen one before this trip!

Highlights of the world-class aquarium include listening to animal handlers as they feed turtles, fish, and dolphins. Also serving as an animal hospital, many exhibits showcase information on the walls about each animal in captivity and their rehabilitation story.

We took the aquarium at our own pace rather than booking an animal experience session. However, if you’d like to get an up-close look at what it is to care for dolphins or have a photo moment with one, you can book a hands-on Animal Care Experience here. Members get a discount on tickets.

This year, the aquarium is celebrating 50 years of dedication to marine life, so be sure to check the website prior to your visit to learn about special events and discounts.Pro Tip: If you arrive in your vehicle, you can go ahead and park in the nearby parking garage. Ticketing is on the third level near the entrance. We parked in the neighborhood and walked to the aquarium’s third level to purchase admission. You can plan your visit and get directions to the aquarium here.

Pier 60

Beach life doesn’t get any better than hanging out near Pier 60. Performers, events, and food vendors make for a lively experience at the beach on just about any given day.

During our visit, an overcast sky and wind had closed the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, but we still made the most of our self-guided tour. You can expect sunshine and clear water most days.A popular destination for anglers, you can fish from the pier if you pay for admission. It’s the spot to see dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and other fish like grouper and snapper. Charters are also available for serious fishermen who want to leave the shore to reel in a big one.

If traveling with family, make a point to stop at the sandy playground and take a photo with the colorful public artwork on display. I was impressed by the massive size of the monkey bars, jungle gym, and swing set areas. Bathrooms and refreshment areas are within walking distance.Pro Tip: Parking at Pier 60 requires depositing money at a pay station. Be prepared to deposit $4 per hour at nearby lots. A downtown-to-beach trolley runs every 30 minutes Monday-Thursday, and every 15 minutes Friday-Sunday.

Crabby’s Dockside

We drove to Crabby’s Dockside for lunch – more fresh seafood! A beachside restaurant with views of the marina, it’s an ideal spot for a mid-day break.

Popular with tourists and locals, the restaurant is known for its fresh gulf grouper dishes, fish tacos, and Boom Boom Shrimp Bites. I opted for a House Salad with Blackened Mahi. The Stuffed Flounder and Clam Chowder were other menu items that caught my eye for a future visit.

Pro Tip: To get a sneak peek of the restaurant’s upper deck view, check out their live web cam here. Because of the weather, the deck’s shades were pulled during our visit, but I still think it was worth the visit, and the food was scrumptious.

Did I convince you to escape Florida? The fresh sea air, the sound of the gulls overhead, splashing waves, and the sunshine are reasons enough. Plus, a long list of leisure activities is designed for every kind of traveler in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area.

It is a paradise away from home.

Experience Sun Palace: A Couples-Only Resort in Cancun, Mexico

May 25, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my links at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for information.

Exceeding a guest’s expectations is what all-inclusive resorts in Mexico do best. If you’re searching for a locale where the sunsets always wow you and the resort amenities are stunning, look no further than Sun Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico.

Having visited several all-inclusive resorts, Sun Palace Resort sets itself apart because it prides itself on luxurious accommodations in a couples-only setting. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you are treated like their only guest, a feeling you quickly learn to appreciate.

Whether you’re an “I don’t want to leave the resort” kind of traveler or an “I like to adventure off the resort and return to luxury” kind of traveler, Sun Palace has everything you’re looking for and more. I prefer during a vacation to take each day at my own pace, and Sun Palace Resort caters to that kind of whimsy.

LOCATION

Located along the resort strip overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea, the resort is a short 15-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. You can easily get to the resort by shuttle van, a much-preferred transit method, versus taking a bus.

The room’s balconies face the ocean, so you’re perfectly poised for breathtaking views from your balcony or pool lounger.

ACCOMODATIONS

The rooms defy your expectations. Blonde marble floors stretch from wall to wall accented by dark wood finishes. Every room has a complimentary full bar (liquor included!), a jacuzzi spa, a walk-in shower, and a spacious balcony.

There’s no need to pack extra toiletries or hair styling tools since the bathroom is stocked with everything you need. The closets are large and come with two plush robes and slippers. Need to lock away your passport, cash, or jewelry? You can use the secure safe located inside the closet.

We were pleased to find our Deluxe Ocean View room decorated especially for us as we celebrated our 10-year anniversary. Heart-shaped balloons adorned our room, and rose petals were strewn along our bed. A bottle of chilled champagne, two glasses, and chocolates awaited our arrival!

At Sun Palace, you can expect to be treated like every day is a celebration.

Take my advice. Upgrade your room. The accommodations of a deluxe or presidential suite are worth the extra charge. Our room was as large as a small apartment, and the view was unmatched by any I’ve seen in Mexico thus far.

You’ll find that your pace slows down upon arrival to paradise. There’s no rush to make it anywhere. Pull up a front-row seat to the best sunrise you’ve ever seen.

As far as amenities, the room comes with a small kitchenette space that includes a fully stocked refrigerator, snack drawer, liquor bottle dispensers, and coffeemaker. It’s all included, so enjoy it! Should you crave a snack that your room doesn’t include, call room service.

Do you love to unwind with a spa treatment? Look no further than your jacuzzi tub in the middle of your room. Open the complimentary red wine and enjoy the bubbles.

DINING

I can’t stress enough how impressed I was with the dining options at Sun Palace. The menu options, the flavors, and the presentation were top-notch! This resort doesn’t just provide a buffet where tourists gather every day for breakfast and lunch (Aurora Restaurant), but it includes multiple reservation-only restaurants on the premises, such as Thai, Feugo, La Tratto.

Expect your dining experience to take one to two hours. Be sure to also make a stop at the lobby cafe. You can order ice cream or crepes there at any time.

Available 24 hours a day, the resort promptly delivers exceptional room service. We ordered breakfast to our room nearly every morning to watch the sun rise over the ocean while enjoying plates of bagels and lox and steak and eggs. You can even order from a late-night menu that includes all the foods you crave, from nachos to sandwiches.

Sometimes when you visit an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, some foods and condiments don’t taste quite the same as they do in the States. That is not the case at Sun Palace! We were quite impressed.

Should you get hungry while lounging poolside, grab lunch from the taco cart (a popular choice!) or order a sandwich or small pizza at the Snack Bar. If visiting the Bar at Sun Palace indoors, a comfy spot for happy hour, you can order tapas and appetizers to nibble on while waiting for your dinner reservation.

The bartender will make you anything you want from their full bar.

THINGS TO DO

Whether you want to unwind with a spa treatment or leave the resort for an ocean excursion or seaside adventure, there is more than enough to do!

We reserved a couples massage at Awe Spa, where we had access to cold and hot plunge pools, herbal steam rooms, and comfortable lounge beds before and after our spa appointments. Don’t forget to use your resort credits when booking spa treatments!

If you’re an adventure seeker, simply visit the concierge desk to discuss the off-resort options, from scuba diving excursions to sailing. We took a catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres via Cancun Sailing, which I recommend if you’re comfortable at sea and want to take in the view while someone else captains the boat. Our experience included adult beverages and lunch.

Once back at the resort, you have a multitude of entertainment options. The staff hosts various nightly activities, from trivia nights to musical performances. The Bar at Sun Palace is the place to be every night if you want to participate in group games or just kick back and relax and watch others interact.

Don’t forget to tip your bartender! I recommend bringing at least $40-50 in single bills on hand, depending on the length of your stay. (I learned that the bartenders rotate the property every couple of weeks, so they share in the heavier foot traffic in different resort areas.)

Of course, you’ll want to dip in one of two pools (or both) when you’re not sitting near the ocean, taking in the sound of the waves. The service is prompt no matter where you claim your beach chairs. I recommend grabbing a couple of magazines or towels to claim chairs before breakfast time.

Check which areas are available to you based on the color of your wristband, which is most of the resort, even if you don’t have diamond status.

SISTER RESORTS

Take advantage of your ability to visit the sister resorts of Sun Palace during your stay. We took a resort shuttle to M oon Palace so the guys could play a round of golf while I lounged by the pool. A family-friendly resort, expect to see areas dedicated to kids, including a wave pool and playroom.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting a new perspective on the resort life while relaxing poolside. Moon Palace caters to your every need. Other sister resorts include Beach Palace and The Grand at Moon Palace. However, check with the front desk clerk to discuss which ones you can visit with your wristband status. You can eat and drink at any restaurant or bar when visiting the other sister resorts.

I do not doubt that you will enjoy your stay at Sun Place. From the moment you enter the lobby, prepare to be transformed into a paradise. Let the future travel planning begin!

Of all the resorts I’ve stayed in Mexico, this one is my favorite thus far. If you love traveling to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, you will also appreciate staying at Barcelo Premium in Puerto Vallarta. Be sure to click on this link to learn more from one of my past travels to the resort!

Puerto Vallarta – Barcelo Premium All-Inclusive Resort

June 22, 2016 by Vanessa 16 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for information.

Welcome to paradise at Barcelo Puerto Vallarta. You have arrived. Well, not yet. But you will want to visit after reading this post!

It feels like I just got home from Mexico, but we visited last January. I highly recommend making the trip to PV. Stay at an all-inclusive resort miles outside of the bustling, loud center of the city. Honestly, I’m glad we didn’t hang out in the city. It was crowded and hot. Driving in town was a chore and it takes your full attention especially at confusing intersections with people randomly crossing the road. Once you cut through town from the airport to the resort, your vacation awaits. It’s worth it.

To help you book your all-inclusive trip to BPV, I’ve broken down the resort and the city into categories. I hope my insider tips will provide you with the best experience possible while at BPV.

Barcelo Premium Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resort is located on Mismaloya Beach with views of the Bay of Banderas, south of Puerto Vallarta. It also faces the Pacific Ocean.

ROOMS

We’ve stayed at more than one all-inclusive resort in Mexico and each one has its own unique qualities from the amenities to the color of the ocean water. One trait these resorts have in common-total relaxation! Barcelo Puerto Vallarta is no exception.

You definitely want to reserve a view of the ocean or overlooking the courtyard. When booking your room, ask about this option. Otherwise, you may be facing the employee parking lot or a massive grove of shady trees.

View from room's patio facing the center courtyard. — View from room’s patio facing the center courtyard.

We booked the Family Suite, which was 732 square feet of ample space. The rooms are quite spacious and you’ll be happy to find that some of them come with two bedrooms, two full bathrooms. Oh, and the showers! They’re HUGE glass encased spa-like showers with strong water pressure.

We were in agreement that the beds were some of the most comfortable ones we’ve ever slept on in a hotel.

Tip: The rooms stay cool thanks to a tile floor and black out curtains, but you may want to bring flip-flops or slippers. The bathrooms include basic toiletries, a hairdryer, plush white towels, and a robe in each bathroom. There is no need to order room service (an extra cost) unless you’re too hungover from the night before to get up for the breakfast spread downstairs. Also, the Wi-Fi does NOT work in your room unless you pay an extra fee for it at the front desk. The front desk manager claimed that Wi-Fi worked everywhere else within the resort without a charge. Not true!

DINING

If you stay several nights, you are gifted two to three passes to dine at the higher end restaurants at the resort: Don Quijote, Capri, or Los Arcos. Stay an additional night or longer and the resort gifts you an additional restaurant pass so you can enjoy all three eateries. Take advantage of these opportunities to dine at the resort but bring money to tip your waiter. It’s customary. Be prepared to have to book your reservation as soon as the concierge desk opens the day that you want to dine for dinner. A strict dress code applies and men must dress business casual in dress pants. Women usually wear a dress to dinner. If you don’t follow the dress code, they will graciously ask you to return to your room to change into something more formal.

What can you expect from the menus? It depends on the style of restaurant as some serve Spanish cuisine while another caters in seafood entrees. Plating of one’s food is exquisitely done and camera worthy. It was my boyfriend’s birthday during our stay. The concierge and waitstaff presented him with not one, but two birthday dessert surprises throughout the day as we dined. The server at Los Arcos also presented him with a bottle of champagne and rounded up his co-workers to sing “Happy Birthday” to him. The staff at Barcelo resorts always exceeds your expectations by anticipating your every need.

Tip: Don’t lose your dining reservation ticket, a slip that you must present at the restaurant’s hostess desk. Also, Los Arcos is a casual outdoor dining area during the afternoon serving handmade tortillas with taco bar. Enjoy views of Mismaloya Beach and the Bay of Banderas while munching on barbacoa mini tacos. Corona anyone?

SPA

If you’ve never had a massage near the ocean, you need to book one. This level of relaxation is unlike any hometown spa experience you’ve ever had. I should know…I worked at a well-known spa in my city for two years. You will feel your stress fade away while listening to the repetitive crash of the Pacific’s waves nearby.

Barcelo Puerto Vallarta spa packages are available and must be charged to your room. You can also just book an individual treatment. However, I recommend a full-body aromatherapy massage coupled with a deep cleansing facial. Both of my treatments were done by the same therapist, which was not something I expected.

So, imagine two hours at the spa followed by…oh, I don’t know…a day by the pool. That’s one delightful day!

Tip: If someone in your party rather not pay spa prices, you can walk about a quarter mile down the beach to a third-party “spa” and get a massage there for as little as $20 an hour. I also tried out this massage treatment and was glad I did. Yes, the dressing room is primitive. No, you shouldn’t expect infused water when greeted. But, it does include the backdrop of ocean waves, a foot bath, and a quality head to toe massage.

ENTERTAINMENT

Pool side entertainment includes a twenty-something disc jockey playing bass thumping hits from the golden oldies to 80s hair bands. The entertainment director isn’t a day older than twenty-one years old and his energy is contagious. Before you realize it, you’ve been persuaded to join in on a game of sand volleyball or happy hour shots at the swim up bar. Younger resort patrons can take advantage of a lengthy schedule of activities on the property. A life-size Jenga game never sat untouched and families with toddlers enjoyed the children’s pool.

An evening show is performed every night by a troupe of singers and dancers. I was not a fan of Night at the Circus. It probably wasn’t so much the dancers fault. A large table of incredibly drunk Canadians (they left everyone know where they were from) brought in a bottle of Patron and proceeded to drink nearly the entire bottle and celebrate. Loudly. They were not interested in the free popcorn.

BEACH

Not overly crowded the beach is relaxing and tranquil. The water is swift depending on the tide, which ebbs and flows. We were only prevented from using the beach once during our stay due to high tide.

You’ll enjoy watching the come and go activity of fishermen leaving in the morning and returning in the late afternoon as well as boys who ride the waves. The occasional salesman will ask you if you want to buy trinkets, but they only ask once and don’t bother you again.

The resort has two dining areas that provide ocean views. I highly recommend eating al fresco on the patio.

ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE RESORT

Since the resort is not close to town, you will want to rent a car or sign up for excursions that guarantee a shuttle pick up and drop off. We drove our Enterprise rental car to Vallarta Botanical Gardens, a short winding drive through the hills. Talk about a breathtaking view! The owner, an American originally from the midwest, greeted us warmly and made small talk. This elaborate garden, featuring more than one hiking trail, is his creation. His friendly dog served as a “tour guide” during the entire route of our hike through the trees. Enjoy the educational center or dine for lunch on fresh tortillas and “the world’s best guacamole” before you leave.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens charges a low-price of admission to walk the grounds and view tropical plants and flowers. — Vallarta Botanical Gardens charges a low-price for admission to walk the grounds and view tropical plants and exotic flowers.

Deep sea adventures can be booked at the scuba hut near the beach. A German speaking dive coordinator with schedule your appointment to dive with one of his instructors.

Tip: Bring bug spray with Deet to the botanical garden. Posted signs warn guests to wear it, but we didn’t think to bring any. Big mistake. “No-see-ums,” or nearly invisible type of sandfly, will serve as your “tour guide” as well. Also, wear tennis shoes or hiking booths to enjoy the trails.

WEATHER

We vacationed at BPV during mid January and the weather was pleasantly sunny with slight overcast during the late afternoon. You should expect it to rain at some point during your stay but it won’t cancel your plans and is usually so brief, it doesn’t matter. It may be quite windy causing members of your party, who like to scuba dive, to have to wait until friendlier waters return. The tide definitely changes throughout the day at this semi-private beach. Don’t leave your beach towel on the beach.

Mismaloya Beach with views of the Bay of Banderas, south of Puerto Vallarta. It also faces the Pacific Ocean.

PS. Check out my slideshow of botanicals taken while visiting Vallarta Botanical Gardens just outside of the resort.