The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort in Tahiti
© St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Take a different route

Exploring the many travel options that Costco Travel provides

by T. FOSTER JONES

For every type of vacation, there are great “traditional” destination choices, those popular go-to spots that are a bit more mainstream. But there are also many destinations—a little off the beaten path—that offer all the same great amenities of those popular traditional choices, and more.

These “different path” destinations may not have come to mind because they offer a level of luxury and pampering in such exotic settings that simply felt out of reach. With Costco Travel, however, that’s no longer the case. Whatever level of travel you are seeking, the possibilities are endless and the value is very real.

For this and the next two issues, we’ve divided vacations into three broad categories—beaches/tropical, cruises and culture—and found examples that might be considered traditional and others that could represent a slightly different path.

When you are ready, Costco Travel is there to guide you on whichever path you choose.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach in Cancún
©Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún

Beaches

Traditional: Cancún, Mexico
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach

Cancún blends modern sophistication with spectacular white sand beaches and turquoise blue water, Mayan culture, water activities and adventure.

Set on the beachfront in the heart of the Cancún hotel zone, the elegant, all-inclusive Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach resort features gourmet dining, an oceanfront pool and a lavish spa.

A different path: Costa Rica
The Westin Reserva Conchal

Known for its beaches, volcanoes and biodiversity, Costa Rica can be as rugged or as luxurious as you want. With gorgeous tropical beaches for surfing, snorkelling, diving or just basking, and with roughly 25% of its inland area made up of protected jungle teeming with wildlife, the country combines all the necessary components of a vacation that’s both traditional and unexpected.

“It’s a destination for recreation, sport and relaxation,” says Costco Travel buyer Richard Murphy.

The Westin Reserva Conchal is an all-inclusive golf resort and spa located between the exotic forests and unspoiled beaches of Playa Conchal, considered by many to be Costa Rica’s North Pacific Riviera.

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic
©Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

Tropical

Traditional: Dominican Republic
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

Juanillo Beach is one of the most idyllic and beautiful beaches in this region, with calm and shallow waters, sparkling soft white sand that is perfect for long barefoot walks along the Caribbean Sea and plenty of shaded spots and lounging areas. Relaxing and mellow during the week, the beach vibe picks up on the weekend with live music and events for the entire family.

“Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is an all-inclusive tropical paradise with stunning ocean views throughout the resort, inspired cuisine, swim-up suites and an amazing spa experience,” says Costco Travel buyer Erin Huffman.

A different path: Tahiti
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Imagine waking in the morning to the gentle lap of a surreal blue lagoon all around you and a view of one of the South Pacific’s most recognizable landmarks, Mount Otemanu, right from your bed. An overwater bungalow is the ultimate vacation if you are looking for relaxation and privacy, all with an amazing view.

“For the height of privacy and luxury, the St. Regis features 90 exquisitely designed overwater and beach villas in Bora Bora, one of the most visually captivating islands in French Polynesia,” says Casey Livingston, Costco Travel buyer.