The View from the Vik

ASSI - We have been all over the place and haven't had an opportunity to share our many experiences that have transpired over the last 30 days. While in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic we stayed at The Vik Arena Blanca one of the older resorts on the island, but still has a few amenities to make your visit nice; however, the room that we were placed in requires upgrading. We slept on a platform bed with a single mattress that was as hard as the cinder block used to construct the resort. As vegetarians, the staple food for us was pizza; the breakfast was decent I had my share of fruit, omelets, and hard boiled eggs, but the pastries looked delicious and we couldn't wait to devour the homemade donuts that were uneatable like most of the provided dishes. We did have the pleasure of dinning at one of the two a-la-carte restaurants that served seafood dishes and I actually enjoyed my meal each time we ate at the restaurant. There were entirely too many sales folks on the premises pushing excursions and time share presentations, which became a little annoying after the second approach; however, if and when you're on a resort that allows sales people to peddle activities make sure you negotiate. The rail drinks were basic strawberry, pina colada, margarita, beer, and vinegar tasting house wine. I really enjoyed the beach that was absolutely beautiful and the water was refreshing and relaxing.

Departures – Luxury Travel Info

ASSI – American Express is the publisher of Departures an upscale travel magazine that features the best of the best Hotels, Resorts, Restaurants, Products, and Services for me it is a dream magazine. I can only dream of affording to travel, dine, and purchase any of the items featured in Departures. The magazine comes out six times a year and every other month I am looking forward to the current issue with anticipation. Each issue exposes me to places and products that are unfamiliar to me, one issue was dedicated to India, anything that you possible wanted to know or experience was featured in that issue, and because the magazine targets luxury travel information all of the hotels and resorts offer first class accommodations. If you want to treat yourself to an extravagant vacation consult departures prior to making arrangements. Even the advertisements are chic. For example, Louis Vuitton has an ad for its Waterproof Keepall bag, Sean Connory is sitting on the edge of a dock leaning on a tree trunk, on leg dangling in the turquoise water, and the other leg is bent with Keepall bag positioned between his legs. It is a simple photograph but the placement of the bag, the back drop, and Sean captures and holds your attention. As I see it, Departures is a quality publication that will inspire you to reach for the stars even if you miss you will be amongst opulence. I am unsure it is exclusive to American Express card members, but if you have an opportunity to preview an issue take a moment or two to flip through the pages. I guarantee you will dream a bigger dream.