Destination Wedding Travel Agent

If you’ve ever been to Maui—or are planning your very first vacation to this beautiful Hawaiian island—you may have heard about the iconic Mama’s Fish House.

Located on the north shore of Maui in Paia, Hawaii, Mama’s Fish House is about 20 minutes from Kahului Airport and sits right at the beginning of the famous Road to Hana. If you're staying in Wailea, expect about a 45-minute drive. If you're based in Ka’anapali, plan for roughly an hour on the road.

Mama’s Fish House got its start in the 1960s, thanks to the Christenson family and their first trip to Maui. When they opened the restaurant at its current location in 1973, most dining options on the island were steakhouses. They wanted guests to know that they served primarily fish.  Not only fish, but LOCAL fish.  Soon after, a loyal following began, and now some 50 years later, the restaurant is not only iconic, but very popular, and in my opinion worth a visit.

Over the past 50 years, Mama’s has developed a loyal following and has become one of Maui’s most popular and iconic restaurants.

We visited Mama’s most recently in February 2025. We were lucky enough to snag a reservation at 2:20 p.m.  about a week before our arrival. Typically, reservations fill up six months in advance, so be sure to book yours as soon

I recommend a reservation before the sun goes down.  The area is so beautiful, you won’t want to miss seeing any of it.  I also recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your reservation.  Photo opportunities are endless, and you don’t want to feel rushed.

Something you need to know ahead of time.  Mama’s Fish House is expensive.  Dining anywhere in Hawaii is going to be a bit pricey, but you’ll need to find a little extra in your budget for a meal here.  Our meal (two people) came to $300 including tip. We each enjoyed:  A mocktail, appetizer,  main dish, and we shared a dessert.  We didn’t splurge on the most expensive items but didn’t hold back either.

Many people might gasp at the cost—and understandably so—but if you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a truly memorable and  upscale Hawaiian dining experience, Mama’s is absolutely worth the splurge.

3 of My Favorite Things About Mama's Fish House

*The fish is incredibly fresh and delicious. The menu is printed daily and adjusted for the catches they received that day.  They tell you exactly where the fish was caught.  The chefs really know what they are doing.  Everything is cooked to perfection and presented in impeccable fashion.  My all-time favorite dish is the fish collar.  Think of it like a seafood version of bone-in chicken wings.  It varies depending on what they catch, and always delicious.

*The service is always impeccable. Starting with the valets, and all the way through dessert, everyone is always friendly, knowledgeable, and professional.  Our server even knew that paprika is a form of bell pepper when discussing food allergies!

*The setting is as Hawaiian as you can get. From the minute you step out of the car, it feels a bit like you’ve been transported back in time to a very special Aloha era.  The beach, the building, the décor, and the historical memorabilia are all worth savoring.  So, take your time and enjoy it all.

Is Mama’s Fish House worth it?  Absolutely.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that captures the heart and spirit of Maui—perfect for a special night out during your Hawaiian vacation.

If you have any other questions about Mama’s Fish House or traveling to Maui, I’d love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out to me at www.vincentvacations.com/agents/anneking.

🌺 Aloha and happy travels!

Why use a travel advisor when traveling during hurricane season?

I am currently sitting on my hotel room in Clearwater, Florida.  We were supposed to be in Jamaica right now, but Hurricane Beryl is headed for a direct hit.  So...we changed our plans.  (The biggest red island in the picture is Jamaica--currently under a hurricane warning.)

But that's not the point of this post.

I have clients in Cancun right now.  (See the pink line on the map, which is currently a hurricane watch for The Yucatan.)  They arrived on Sunday and have been having a fabulous time as a family.  They are supposed to leave for home on Friday...the same day Hurricane Beryl is supposed to hit the Cancun area.

My clients were wise and purchased travel insurance.  If they do face cancellations or long delays, their additional expenses will be reimbursed.  Knowing that is helping them to be proactive.

As the storm's path has been developing, I've been watching.  This morning, while they are enjoying their vacation, I booked them new flights home on Saturday.  They now have a guaranteed way home if things get dicey on Friday and their original flights get canceled.  Flights are always the hardest part in situations like these.  We will get them an extra night at the hotel when we know more.

If they are able to leave as scheduled, they will have flight credit to use on future travel.  If they get stuck, they have flights home and won't have to wait in endlessly long lines at the Cancun airport.

All this done while they enjoy a snorkel trip as a family.  They aren't scrambling trying to figure things out.  I'm sure there is some stress regarding the unknown, but for now, they are OK.

This is what I do as your travel advisor.  Even when I'm on vacation myself!

Lessons from this experience? 

1.  Hire a travel advisor to help you with your vacations! 

2.  Buy travel insurance--especially during Hurricane Season!

 

Jamaica!!  It's a place where the sun dances on the turquoise waves, where the air is filled with the rhythm of reggae, and every moment feels like paradise!

I absolutely love this gem of the Caribbean and think everyone should vacation here at least once in their lives.

Here are a few reasons why

The Beaches:  There are so many picture-perfect stretches of powdery sand, swaying palm trees, and sunsets like no other. Whether you're lounging in the shade of a thatched-roof cabana, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or simply strolling along the shoreline, Jamaica's beaches are a slice of paradise.  My favorite is 7-mile beach in Negril.

The People:  From the moment you step off the plane, you're greeted with smiles as warm as the Jamaican sun. The service here is more than just friendly; it's genuine, heartfelt, and always delivered with a side of Jamaican charm. Whether you're chatting with a local vendor at the market, being served a fruity drink on the beach at your resort, or being serenaded by a street musician, you can't help but feel the joy and positivity in every interaction.

The Food:  Jamaica is a culinary delight, with flavors and influences that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From the fiery heat of jerk chicken to the comforting embrace of a Jamaican meat patty, every dish tells a story of tradition, history, and passion. And the best part? You'll find these mouthwatering delights everywhere you go--from roadside shacks,  to the all-inclusive resorts, and at any of the amazing five-star restaurants overlooking the ocean.

The Convenience:  Getting to Jamaica from DFW couldn't be easier.  There are  regular flights, many non-stop,  between Dallas Airports (DFW or DAL) and the MBJ International Airport. Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer escape, you'll find that Jamaica is an easy flight away.  The convenience makes it the perfect destination for spontaneous adventures, indulgent honeymoons, destination weddings, anniversary trips and more.

The Safety:  While no one can guarantee a trouble-free vacation, tourist safety is a top priority here.  Tourism is the countries largest industry, and therefore they have many dedicated efforts to ensure that visitors feel secure and well-cared for throughout their stay. Jamaica goes above and beyond to see that your vacation is worry-free and filled with nothing but the best memories.  It is essential for travelers to exercise typical caution and be mindful of their surroundings.  Keep with reputable guided tours, avoid sketchy areas (especially at night), and enjoy the many amenities offered at your resort.

Jamaica stole my heart from the first moment I arrived, and it continues to be one of my favorite destinations. From its breathtaking beaches and friendly service, to its mouthwatering cuisine and ease of travel, Jamaica is a destination like no other.  It's a place where every moment feels like a dream and every day is a celebration of life, love, and the beauty of the Caribbean.

See my Jamaican Honeymoon Package

Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is the perfect option for a weekend getaway or short-stay vacation.
Located only 15 minutes from Cancun Airport, it is easy to get to and you can be at the pool by afternoon on your day of arrival.
Resort highlights:
• Adults only
• All-inclusive
• New resort, opened June 1, 2023
• On-site brewery
• Large pool
• Daytime and nighttime activities on site

The room: I stayed at this hotel in March 2024 in a King Paradise Room. The room was spacious with bright and fresh décor and furnishings. There is plenty of space to stretch out and ample storage. There is a large walk-in shower and great lighting in the bathroom. I really appreciated the newness of the resort—everything was clean and fresh.

The Minibar: You’ll find a unique mini-bar setup with a lime juicer, margarita glasses, and a cocktail shaker in your room. Don’t let the empty fridge throw you! Based on your room category and the number of nights of your stay, you will receive points to use in Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions. You’ll shop for your soda, snacks, beer & liquors like you do in a convenience store. This gives you the ability to completely customize your room’s minibar. It’s a bit confusing in the beginning, but makes sense when you work through the process.

The Pools: there are 4 pools on the property. The highlight is the main pool with the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Swim-up Bar. This is where you’ll find the foam parties, DJ’s, and games. Other pools are more quiet. There was plenty of pool chairs and cabanas. You won’t want to miss the famous floating avocado boat (additional charge) where you can munch on tacos, chips, salsas and guacamole while you are in the pool.

The Food: Everything I ate at the 3 a la carte and 1 food display restaurants was delicious! The food display is a spin on buffet dining where they keep the selections fresh by presenting smaller serving dishes in each area. There are plenty of choices, including a gluten-free bakery section. Every a la carte meal was fantastic with a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, and a grill and brewery. Service was top-notch everywhere. The only downside in dining that I experienced was room service. You order on the app, and delivery was right on time—amazing!! However, my choices left a lot to be desired, and I would have been better off going to buffet (food display).

The Beach: Don’t be surprised…there is none. The waves come right up to the edge of the property. There is no room for beach chairs. At the time I was there, we weren’t even allowed to step on the sand. The water close to the property isn’t the prettiest. If you are a “pool person” and putting your toes in the sand isn’t a requirement for a fabulous vacation, you can still enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean—especially at sunrise in the morning and twilight in the evening.

Overall recommendation: I would highly recommend this property to a couple looking for a weekend getaway or a girl’s trip looking for lively pool activities and fun evening entertainment. Four nights would be plenty. More than that, and you may get bored. I was there during the week, and it was fairly quiet. As we were leaving on a Friday, the crowd and atmosphere was definitely getting more lively. If a beautiful beach and pristine clear ocean are a must, this isn’t the resort for you.

In January 2023, I left my Corporate America job after 15+ years.  I traded accounting for adventure, and began my new career as an Independent Travel Advisor with Vincent Vacations.  Our first adventure in my new life was a biggie!  My husband and I planned a 2-week trip to Thailand to celebrate my new opportunities.  I would go back in a minute, with several things I'd do again.

Here are my top 5 Thailand adventures that will hopefully inspire you to take the leap and plan your Bucket List Adventure.

#5 - Food:  Thai food is one of my all-time favorite cuisines.  So much flavor and so many options.  Pad Thai in Thailand is 1000 times better than what you can get in the US, and I love our local Thai restaurants!  Other favorites: Thai lobster, mango sticky rice, pork skewers and Thai basil chicken.  We found inexpensive meat on a stick at the night markets to eggs, rice and chili for breakfast from 7-11.  We dined in more luxury at  The House of Smooth Curry (one of the many restaurants at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok).  Some of our favorites were the locally recommended places that didn't look like much, but the flavors were fantastic, like Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken in Bangkok.

https://www.tiktok.com/@adventuresbyanne/video/7240077635873819950

#4 - Temples:  We explored so many beautiful Buddhist Temples.  What resonated the most with me was the detailed artistry that was done centuries ago.  From Wat Phra Kaew (home of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Pho (home of the largest reclining Buddha) in Bangkok, to Wat Chiang Man (the oldest temple in Chiang Mai) and Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang (at hidden gem in Old City) in Chiang Mai, I was in awe.   Pictures are beautiful, but to really appreciate the temples, you must visit in person.

#3 - Night markets:  Southeast Asia is known for it's lively night markets.  Stall after stall, and a sea of patrons strolling through--there's nothing like it.  You can find dinner & dessert, get a pedicure, buy a new wardrobe, and mingle with locals and tourists alike.  We went to several, and our favorite was Jodd Fairs market.  Next time, I promise I'll eat the scorpion on a stick!

#2 - Elephant Sanctuary:  While in Phuket, we visited the The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.  While people back home were watching the Super Bowl, we were spending the day with 3 gentle giants.  We fed them, scrubbed them with mud, and rinsed them off in their own private swimming hole.  Do your research!  You want to pick a sanctuary with high humane standards. NEVER RIDE AN ELEPHANT!

https://www.tiktok.com/@adventuresbyanne/video/7210881334510816558

https://elephantjunglesanctuary.com/phuket/

#1 - Islands and Beaches:  There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Thailand.  Our first beach stop was the lively and popular Patong Beach in Phuket.  It felt a lot like Honolulu--lots of people, lots of activities, and so much to see within walking distance of almost anywhere.  Our last beach stop was Koh Samui.  We saw the Angthong Marine Park limestone islands up close on a semi-private tour that included snorkeling, kayaking, and the most fabulous sunset.  Highly recommend!

https://www.tiktok.com/@adventuresbyanne/video/7219288512523242798

https://www.viator.com/tours/Bophut/Ko-Samui-Angthong-Marine-Park-Full-Day-Tour-with-Snorkeling-and-Sea-Kayaking/d51001-103612P73?pid=P00009050&uid=U00138375&mcid=58086&currency=USD