Category Archives: Caribbean

Family Vacations – Ready or not, it’s time to GO!

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Another major “vacation company” has a great marketing campaign out right now, and it is what I preach all the time. Take your vacation NOW, your kids are only this age once. Don’t miss out on it.

As my son gets older, I want to freeze time.  My son is 8 and he will only be 8 once. OK, it is for an entire year I know, but I feel like he was 3, I blinked and now he is 8.  I want to soak up every minute of him being 8 and acting 8 (the good and the bad).

I do understand when people want to “Wait until their kids remember” before spending a lot of money on a vacation, or wait until their kids are “old enough” to really enjoy it. But your kids are only this age once. Every family can use some together time away from work, school, video games, homework, laptops and television.  This summer, plan your family together time on an Apple Vacation!

Plan it together by picking out destinations you want to see, hotels that have activities your family enjoys or excursions you want to experience. Or just be spontaneous and surprise them!

There is no better time spent with your family, than on an Apple Vacation!  Make the summer of 2013 one your family will never forget. Go ahead and pick out your vacation here.

 

 

Punta Cana & La Romana – Closer than you think!

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Amstar dmc greeting us upon arrival in Punta Cana

Recently, I was able to enjoy firsthand the Dominican Republic’s stunning new Coral Highway (a.k.a the Autopista Del Coral) via Amstar DMC.  The highly anticipated Coral Highway just opened this past summer and more importantly connects the famous resorts of eco-rich La Romana to the lux beaches and resorts in Punta Cana.

It’s sort of random, because to me highways = traffic, but in the Dominican Republic, this four-lane highway brings the country so much closer together, culturally & economically.

Travel Tip: One of the best features of the new highway is that it cuts the drive from Punta Cana International Airport to La Romana down to about 40 minutes. This alone crushes the previous 2 hour drive and gives travelers more options when choosing a destination or airport in the Dominican Republic. I myself chose the Punta Cana airport and a La Romana resort … stay tuned for my next blog about Dreams La Romana.

 

Autopista del Coral

 

Coral Highway Facts:

  • The “Autopista Del Coral” highway has 3 bridges, which cross over the Chavón, Santa Clara and Duey rivers.
  • The highway begins just outside of La Romana, after the main entrance to Casa de Campo, but before the La Romana – Casa de Campo airport and ends at the Punta Cana International Airport.
  • Exits on and off of the new highway are located at La Romana, the La Romana – Casa de Campo airport, the entrance to Bayahibe – Dominicus, near to Higuey and at the Punta Cana International Airport.
  • 2 tolls along the road; the first at KM 18, just after Bayahibe and the second at KM 58, close to the Punta Cana International airport.
  • The “Autopista Del Coral” highway will have 4 lanes of traffic and is designed for cars travelling at a maximum speed of 110km/h or 70 mph.

 

My case in point – Getting from Punta Cana to La Romana Has Never Been Easier!

For more information about transfers while you’re in the Dominican Republic check out AmstarDMC

Autopista Coral via Amstar DMC
Autopista Del Coral via Amstar DMC
Amstar dmc greeting us upon arrival in Punta Cana

Don’t miss our End of Year Sale!

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Are you thinking – it’s almost 2013, the ball is almost ready to drop in Times Square, cold weather is on the way, and you still haven’t booked the Apple Vacation you have been dreaming about? Well there is no time like the present. Apple Vacations End of Year Sale has tempting vacation choices you will not want to pass up!

 

Apple Vacations – Riu Palace Bavaro Swim Up Bar

Apple Vacations End of Year Sale features prices up to 40% off at select resorts, and many resorts, even though they are not 40% off, still have some amazing rates!

To get the best pricing, look to early January departures and April (post Easter) departures as well.  Weekday departures are also typically less than a Saturday or Sunday.  End Of Year Sale rates are available nationwide, but the best rates can always be found on Apple Vacations charters or “value flights”. To see if we have a charter from a city near you click here.

 

Apple Vacations – Dreams Punta Cana

RIU Hotels and Resorts in Mexico, The Caribbean and Costa Rica and Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico and The Caribbean have some of the best offers for Apple Vacations’ End Of Year Sale. To see all the great End of Year Sale packages click here or call your local travel agent to book. When that first big chill hits this winter, you’ll be happy that you did!

 

 

 

 

Check out this cool video of our End of Year Sale!

 

 

 

No Problems Mon’ – Gran Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay

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As the Senior Manager of Customer Care for Apple Vacations, I try to make an effort to travel just as any other customer would, and not as an extension of my work. Sometimes this is a challenge, some hotels make it so easy.

 

Photo Credit: Melissa Brown – View of the resort at Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay, Jamaica

 

I recently had the absolute pleasure of staying at the Gran Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay Jamaica, and what a pleasure it was! The resort is large, but not overbearing. It is also one of the cleanest resorts I have ever stayed at, with the nicest staff and most excellent food and drinks.

 

Photo Credit: Melissa Brown – View of the Bay at Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Jamaica

 

The added bonus about staying at the Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay (as if the above wasn’t enough!), is that you really do get the use of a beautiful, crystal clear bay, in addition to the beautiful ocean, and gorgeous pools! The bay is large, shaped like a horse shoe and was very popular with families with small children. The parents quickly learn they didn’t need to worry about waves, as the water was calm; and even walking out 100-150 feet, it still only got waist high, ahhhhhhh.

 

Photo Credit: Melissa Brown – View of beach at Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Jamaica

 

The steel drum band that played at the “Jerk Center” ( where they have an outdoor breakfast and lunch buffet everyday) was so much fun, many came by just to listen to the band. Those of us floating in the bay could hear it perfectly, which just helped convince me all the more that there were absolutely “no problems mon” at all with this lovely resort!

Interest in going? Look no further….

Warm up to Super Savings, with exclusive non-stop vacation flights and more all-inclusive resorts than anyone, Apple Vacations offers the all the best beaches and the lowest package pricing to paradise! We’ve got your winter vacation at a price you’ll like. Apple’s buying power and experience is second to none. After all, the Beach is our Business! Book by December 20, 2012.

 

Nuptials at NOW Larimar Punta Cana

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as told by Dani Laverty, Destination Wedding Specialist 

Couple: Kari and Neale

Wedding date: November 7, 2012

 

When the Kari’s mother, Christina (Chris), initially contacted me in March 2012 to assist her with planning her daughter’s destination wedding in Punta Cana, little did I know it would mark the beginning of a wonderful journey of not only planning the travel details for the wedding party of 16, but also what feels like a lifelong friendship.

Kari and Neale had already decided on the resort to host their special day by the time Chris reached out to me to begin the travel planning process.   I reached out to Now Larimar’s wedding coordinator, Cristina, in order to verify the resort’s availability.  Although there were a few minor hiccups when securing the ceremony date with the Punta Cana judge, as he is a very busy man with quite the jam-packed schedule, once the date and time was set, it was smooth sailing from there on out.

Over the 8 months of planning, the mother of the bride and I formed somewhat of a bond as we discussed travel and wedding-related details leading up to the big event.  From the purchase of Kari’s gorgeous wedding gown to the pre-wedding celebration party at home, Chris always kept me in the loop and shared wonderful pictures and stories that made me feel truly involved and connected to my bride and groom.  Fast forward a few months and it was time for Kari, Neale, and their closest family and friends to pack their bags and jet off to Paradise!  I anxiously awaited their return home mid-November so I could hear all about their trip.

Upon their return to reality, Chris shared all of the fabulous tales of their journey and described how the wedding and entire trip was nothing less than perfect.  Kari and Chris adored their wedding coordinator, Francina, who seemed to make everything happen just the way Kari and Neale requested without hesitation.  They met with Francina on Monday, two days before the ceremony, to confirm all of the final details of their ceremony and reception.  Francina arranged a rehearsal dinner the evening before the ceremony at “Capers,” Now Larimar’s delightful Italian restaurant, complete with personalized menus for the entire wedding group.  The wedding day came along with the sunshine, as every destination wedding couple hopes for.  Their quaint and simple ceremony was held on Now Larimar’s white sand beach, overlooking the rolling waves of the turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea.  Following the “I do’s,” the festivities continued with a seated lovely reception dinner on Now Larimar’s Quiet Pool Deck.  Although it was a warm evening, the group kept their cool by standing with their feet in shallow end of the pool.  A highlight of the reception was when the groom’s brother, Neale, caught the bouquet!

Along with any wedding, especially one planned in another country, there are sure to be a few glitches and delays along the way.  But, even though the beautiful bride happened to spill her mimosa on her dress just hours before the ceremony, there were no “bridezilla” moments; the crises was averted, the gown was salvaged (and looked flawless), and everyone got a good laugh!  The wedding photographer even complimented Kari and Chris for not having a bridal “meltdown” in the midst of the debacle.  Chris commented that the photographer the resort provided was “outstandingly talented, climbed all over the sand and everything else in sight, was very personable and very professional,” and that she would highly recommend his services for any destination wedding in Punta Cana.

Working with wonderful brides, grooms, and their families, like Kari and Chris, is what makes my job so fun. I can’t even begin to describe the joy I experience when, after months and months of planning, I have  the opportunity to hear all about the beautiful details of the destination wedding, learn about the wonderful memories made, and see the gorgeous pictures when my brides and grooms return home.

 

Christine, Mother of the Bride’s, comments:

Describe the experience with your destination wedding specialist:

“Dani was like a gift from heaven. We felt so overwhelmed until we met her.  We feel like have made a friend for life!”

What was the most memorable moment of your destination wedding?

“Seeing all the relaxed smiles on my families’ faces as my son walked my daughter down the aisle” .

 

 

All I Want for Christmas is an Apple Vacation

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Do The Holidays have you in a panic? Don’t stress this year and do something different! Take the family on an Apple Vacation to Mexico or The Caribbean. Seriously, it will cost less than you expect. Say no to the shopping list, in-laws, cleaning the house and all that cooking!

Ok, reality check I’m a family person and LOVE The Holidays and seeing my family but I do dream of sitting on a white sandy beach under a palm tree relaxing for once on my vacation instead of the hustle and bustle. The way the Holidays fall this year there are basically two weeks where many people have off of school and can be flexible with work. It’s a great opportunity to add an Apple Vacation in to your Holiday plans.

 

Apple Vacations – Dreams Puerto Aventuras Beach

 

Look to Dreams Puerto Aventuras Riviera Maya – A stunning resort. Depart Thursday December 20 for example out of Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Philadelphia from just $1299 per person. That includes roundtrip airfare (over a holiday!), unlimited luxury with the finest accommodations for 7 nights, 24-hour room service, gourmet dining, unlimited top-shelf spirits, activities and much more.

 

Apple Vacations – Melia Caribe Tropical

 

Do you prefer Punta Cana? Then check out Melia Caribe Tropical, a 5 Golden Apple Resort. The property features 13 restaurants, 13 bars, nightly entertainment, a casino, five pools (including one of the largest in Punta Cana), eight lit tennis courts and two Spa with full array of treatments. You can stay for 7 nights out of Pittsburgh, Cleveland for $1359 per person leaving on on 12/21/12.

Many other departures cities, dates and hotels are available. Go ahead and pick out your Holiday Apple Vacation and be assured of the best air and hotel availability, at the best rates. Holiday space sells out fast, so don’t miss out. Reserve your Holiday in the Sun today!

Legal: Price listed is per person, based on double occupancy, includes roundtrip airfare via Frontier Airlines and U.S. and foreign taxes including September 11th Security fee. Restrictions and checked bag fees may apply.

#BeachThursday – Top 5 Dreamy Beaches

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A common question I hear at Apple Vacations – Where is the best beach?

Sit back, relax and imagine warm, tropical breezes tickling your skin as I take you on a tour of the Top 5 Dreamy Beaches to go to on an Apple Vacation!

1. Bavaro Beach - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Named one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic, Bavaro Beach is an immense stretch of beautiful white sand beach, dotted with swaying tropical palms and bordering along warm turquoise waters. Bavaro boasts a majestic coral reef for diving and other water activities.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Bavaro Beach - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 

2. Playa de Los Muertos – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta‘s golden beaches and indigo waters invite carefree bayside relaxation. The famous Playa de Los Muertos (“Dead Man’s Beach”) is named for a legendary story that this stretch of sand was a hub of pirate activity during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Playa del los Muertos - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 

3. Waikiki Beach – Oahu, Hawaii

Waikiki is most famous for its beaches. With Diamond Head as your backdrop, the calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Waikiki Beach - Oahu, Hawaii

 

4. Maroma Beach – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Often nominated as one of the best beaches in the world, Maroma Beach is Mexico’s most exclusive beach hideaway. Determined to preserve its ecological balance, Maroma is a world away from the Yucatan hot spots’ hustle and bustle. Set against 500-acres of lush jungle, the beach is a pristine stretch of sand slipping in the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Maroma Beach - Riviera Maya, Mexico

 

5. Playa Tamarindo – Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Located in the northwest of the country on the Pacific side, Guanacaste is known for its beautiful beaches, incredible bird watching, excellent surfing and superb snorkeling.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Playa Tamarindo - Guanacaste, Costa Rica