Category Archives: Caribbean

Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort – Perfect for a Destination Wedding.

Posted on by
Reply

Photo Credit: Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort - Destination Wedding in Gazebo

Sandos Cancun is a boutique resort just 10 minutes from the Cancun airport. Read my review. When I visited I immediately thought this is a perfect location for a destination wedding.

 

Photo Credit: Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort - Gazebo for Destination Wedding

Cancun itself is a great place for a destination wedding not only because of the beauty, charm and history, but there are so many accessible flights in and out of the U.S.  It makes it easy for your guests to travel.  The resort is just 10 minutes from the airport, making it easy for guests to come in for a short stay if needed.

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort - Destination Wedding on Beach at Sunset

It is a smaller resort, just over 200 rooms. A destination wedding in a smaller resort makes the experience more intimate. Even if you book a small amount of rooms, you still have a large share of the hotel.  If you book just 20 rooms  – that’s 10% of the hotel.  If you have a really large wedding party and group, you can even do a take – over of the hotel (book in advance!) They day I was there they were working on details for a bride who was doing a take – over of the hotel for her wedding.

 

 

Photo Credit: Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort - Congratulations on your nuptials!

There is perfect spa, for a little bachelorette time pre – wedding, and also a beauty salon on property, to get ready for the wedding.

There is a perfect gazebo to get married, really a unique and exquisite location. I thought this is ideal because you can get married at the beach, in a stunning gazebo, with a beautiful Caribbean blue ocean or sunset in the background without being actually on the sand.  Spectacular beach options and terrace options are also available for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

 

Photo Credit: Eileen Herncane - Bali Bed's on Cancun Beach

There are many romantic spots at this resort for you to start your married life. Perfect “table for 2” at Seasons restaurant overlooking the Caribbean sea and private dining on the beach.  The food at this hotel spectacular and will not disappoint your wedding guests.  There are bali beds for 2 and swinging lounge beds that add to the romantic charm of the resort.

 

 

 

If you are planning a destination wedding, make sure you add Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort to the list of hotel to consider.

 

 

 

Let’s Get Personal – Apple Vacations Tradeshow 2012

Posted on by
1

 

I was invited to go to the Apple Vacations Trade Show that took place in Chicago on September 11, 2012.  It was my first time at the annual travel extravaganza and I was in store for a big treat. For travel agents that haven’t had a chance to go yet, I highly recommend it, there’s so much to learn!

Picking up a Golden Apple Award

Let me start with rough agenda, the day broken into a few parts:

  • The Golden Apple Awards Luncheon
  • Followed by the #AVTS13 trade show – this year’s theme – Let’s Get Personal
  • Finished up with the Crystal Apple Awards presentation at the end of the night

It’s a jammed packed day of travel news, travel agents, and travel talk!

 

The Golden Apple Awards are given to the top hotels in Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii. For those of you that don’t know, the Golden Apple Awards are given to individual hotels based on achieving high levels of excellence for their staff and service. I was lucky enough to sit at table with a couple of our beloved social media brand advocates who were tweeting updates during the whole day using #AVTS13 to keep the industry up to date in real time as awards were announced. I really enjoyed the key note speaker, Arnie Weissmann, the editor in chief of Travel Weekly. He gave an interesting and impactful speech of how the Travel Agent is back and better than ever. Golden Apple Awards were picked up at their tables, pictures were taken with Jeff Mullen, President of Apple Vacations and then we hit the trade show floor!

Apple Vacations Tradeshow 2012 - Let's Get Personal

 

Apple Vacations Tradeshow 2012 - Social Media Content Sharing

WOW! In no time the tradeshow was packed with at least a thousand travel agents and Apple team members alike. This year’s theme is “Let’s Get Personal”, and Apple made that more apparent than ever this year.  With representatives from over 100 hotels, airlines and tourism boards, travel agents had a chance to meet new contacts and say “Hi” to familiar faces.  Don’t forget, it’s also another learning opportunity to see “What’s New” with Apple Vacations for 2012-2013. I overheard travel agents being particularly happy to be among the first to pick up a supply of our 2013 Catalogs.

 

Tim Mullen, President Apple Vacations, announcing Crystal Apple Awards 2012

 

Finally, at the end of the day, the Crystal Apple Awards were announced by Tim Mullen, President of Apple Vacations. The Crystal Apple Awards are among the most coveted honors in the travel industry, chosen by hundred of thousands of Apple Vacationers who complete our Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaires. The final award given out was Destination of the Year, presented to Riviera Nayarit. We definitely want to congratulation all our 2012 Crystal Apple Award Winners!Click Here to see the Best of the Best–> http://applev.ac/QFYO0p

 

A note to Travel Agents:

We offer convenient tradeshows and seminars on a regional basis. Many of our events are by invitation only, so if you don’t see opportunities in your area below, be sure to contact your local Apple Vacations Sales Manager for more information.

Family Vacation in Punta Cana

Posted on by
Reply

It’s that time of year again for our annual family vacation.  I have vacationed in Punta Cana before and completely fell in love with the people and the culture in the Dominican Republic. Warm smiles friendly attitudes and a care free environment are the staples of Punta Cana and I was not going to chance losing that going elsewhere. The hardest part about planning an all-inclusive vacation with a family of 10, is choosing the right resort.  It’s a bit of a task finding a place that caters an age disparity that ranges 10 to 65 years old.

Set on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana, this resort offers 13 different outdoor pools with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea and a secluded lagoon.

With activities that range from arcades to casinos, The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was really a ‘no-brainer.’  The moment we stepped off the Apple Vacations van and set foot on the property the whole family was blown away by the aesthetics of the place. Flashy, yet controlled; spacious yet completely decorated in rock memorabilia, the Hard Rock is really a sight to behold. All the rooms are full blown suites equipped with Jacuzzis, personal balconies and stunning views. It really has a way of making you feel like a rock star. Something tells me that’s exactly what they were going for.

 

 

The Hard Rock features luxurious accommodations, fine dining at nine restaurants, seven bars, thirteen pool with four swim-up bars, casino and spa.

 

The resort also offers a magnificent state of the art Spa and an elegant full service Casino. And when you're hungry, you'll have a choice of 9 different restaurants, wireless Internet service, a sports bar, 24-hour room service and much more.

The resort is home to 9 restaurants, 3 deli/snack bars, 15 bars, 15 pools, lounges/nightclubs, arcades, a spa, a casino, and a variety of shops.  Plenty to keep a large family like mine completely entertained. There are also a plethora of excursions available through the Apple representative on site.

 

When the sun goes down, Hard Rock knows how to rock. The fun has just begun. You can go check out a rock show, or bet against lady luck at the casino. Perhaps you want to test your own rock and roll voice at the Karaoke, dance the night away at the club, or sit, relax and have a drink at one of the many lounges. The possibilities are endless and so is the fun.

 

The majestic Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana brings the Palace brand of uncompromising, all-inclusive luxury to its newest destination - one of the most beautiful beachfront locations in the Caribbean.

 

This vacation reminded me why I love Punta Cana so much and why its growing in popularity as the years pass. With great people, great food, spectacular service, beautiful scenery and incredible beaches its not hard to see why Punta Cana is becoming THE place to vacation.  Don’t overlook this destination next time you are in need of a great vacation!

Happy travels…

Cheers! It’s National Pina Colada Day!

Posted on by

It’s Piña Colada Day! No matter where you are in the world, a piña colada is a great way to sit back, relax, and enjoy a little taste of the summer. The piña colada (Spanish: piña, pineapple + colada, strained) is a sweet, rum-based cocktail made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, usually served either blended or shaken with ice. It may be garnished with a pineapple wedge, a maraschino cherry or both. Here’s one of my favorite Pina Colada Recipes. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • Ice cubes
  • 1/2 cup rum
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
  • Sliced pineapple, for garnish, optional

Directions:

Fill blender halfway with ice cubes. Add rum, coconut cream, coconut milk and pineapple chunks. Puree. Serve, garnished with a slice of pineapple, if desired.

If you like piña coladas (“and getting caught in the rain!”) fix yourself an ice cold drink, top it with a mini umbrella, and celebrate National Piña Colada Day!

Pina Colada on Tropical Beach

Panama – One of the hottest places to vacation in 2012!

Posted on by
Reply

In what country can you go for an early -morning surf in the Pacific ocean, then have a leisurely breakfast gazing at the Caribbean Sea, about an hour away? You can only accomplish this in Panama!

Panama is home to a sleek city, hundreds of picturesque, deserted islands, densely forested wilderness, active volcanoes and exotic wildlife. A variety of activities are popular in Panama including world – class fishing, surfing, kayaking, jungle and mountain trekking, rappelling and white-water rafting.

Salomón Shamah Minister of Tourism of Panama, Tim Mullen, President of Apple Vacations with Kate Murphy from Wings Travel Group and Ernesto Orillac Vice Minister of Tourism at the Philadelphia event.

I spent the past few days attending roadshows across the East coast of the U.S. where the Minister of Tourism personally came to meet some of Apple Vacations’ key travel agency accounts, as well as our own staff, to extol the virtues of Panama. He brought along many government officials and hotel representatives as well. I have to say I was very impressed.

Many people think of Panama as just the canal used for transport, and that is true, but the canal is a tourist destination itself.  Panama also has a region for every Apple Vacationer if you want a city, beach or even a rainforest vacation. 

Panama City is sleek and very modern with the backdrop of history.  It is a thriving cosmopolitan city blending contemporary buildings, cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture from centuries long ago.  The Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower Panama is an architectural masterpiece in Panama City.  

If you are a beach person, looking for a new beach destination, Panama’s beaches will not disappoint! They have hosted world surfing championships.  The resorts include many well – known names including The Westin, Sheraton and Royal Decameron. 

If you want adventure and majestic beauty then head for the rainforest, where another region with spectacular resorts within Panama’s exquisite natural beauty can be found. 

And, if you can’t decide and want to experience every aspect of Panama, then look no further than the Apple Vacations 7 night highlight tour . 

But don’t just take it from me, The New York Times named Panama one of THE places to visit in 2012. New York Times – Travel  and Travel & Leisure named Panama one of the hottest travel destinations of 2012. So go ahead, take a look at Panama for your next Apple Vacation.

Eagles land at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana

Posted on by
Reply

 

Part of my job at Apple Vacations is working with various media partners including radio stations and sports teams, and maintaining those relationships. I love this part of my job and I get to work with some really great people including Mike Quick & Harold Carmichael.

Philadelphia Eagles pro–bowl wide receivers, Mike Quick (#82) & Harold Carmichael (#17) are two local legends. They are both still very active in the Philadelphia sports community. Harold still with the team and Mike Quick can be heard on CBS radio in Philadelphia on Sportsradio 94 WIP.

Punta Cana is one of their favorite destinations, and Apple Vacations was able to send them there again this winter to Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana.

Harold called me upon his return and said it was the BEST trip he ever went on and the service at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana was the finest of any hotel he has ever stayed at! He said they spoil their guests so much is almost embarrassing, almost… And the beach was incredible. So much so he hardly left it during his stay. Secrets Royal Beach really won them over.

 

On behalf of my wife and myself, I would like to say thank you for one of the best vacations we have ever had. From the time we landed in Punta Cana, the first class services were awesome. The staff at Secrets Royal Beach made our stay very relaxing. The beach, the pool, dining, were all parts of a memorable experience for all of us. Thanks for arranging a fun vacation. Apple Vacations rocks!

 

So take it from Mike & Howard if you are looking for an amazing hotel with incredible staff and service, Secrets Royal Beach is the place!


Destination Wedding Ideas with Personality

Posted on by
Reply

as told by Dani Laverty of Apple Vacations Destination Weddings Department

Couples are incorporating more and more creativity into their wedding photos in exotic locations. From themed props and accessories to exotic modes of transportation and natural scenery, here we highlight some of the ways couples are really using the destination to their advantage in order to showcase their personalities and style within their chosen locale.

Trash the Dress

One of the more daring wedding traditions we’re seeing couples partake in is a “trash the dress” ritual.  Typically, the day after the wedding, newlyweds (and sometimes their bridalparty) will put on their wedding-day ensemble and drive into the ocean, splash around in a pool, or play in the sand.  It incorporates the couple’s quirks and personalities and many say it’s a daring, dramatic, and fairly romantic gesture.  It sounds like fun, if you ask me, and it’s sure to make an awesome addition to the wedding album!

 

Playful Pics

Windy weather?  Have the bridal party hold parasols or umbrellas on the beach together.  Let the umbrellas turn inside out and choose funky poses for a relaxed, fun look.  Pick colors that match your theme to tie it all together with the rest of the occasion.

If you’re anywhere near a beach, there tends to be plenty lounge chairs and hammocks lying around.  You can be sure to benefit from these beach-related props by setting them up in a variety of arrangements.   Everybody is sure to look happy and relaxed, isn’t that the look you were going for?

If there is a golf course nearby, see if you and your gang can use the golf-cart as a focal point to gather around, in, and on.  Try a similar technique with a convertible, motorcycle, or trolley.

There is sure to be plenty of water surrounding you on your big day.  Whether it’s a Jet Ski, surfboard, canoe, or speedboat, the motion of the ocean is sure to bring out some good shots between you and your beloved or even the whole group!

Take a picture as newlyweds and kill two birds with one stone by writing your names and your wedding date, “Just Married,” or “Thank You” in the sand and make it double as your thank you cards.

Arrive (or Depart) In style!

Give your guests something to remember when you roll (or fly, or float, or trot) up to your wedding ceremony.  Make a statement atop of a white horse trotting along the beach, let your hair blow in the wind as you come rumbling in on a motorcycle, or pedal yourself up to your own ceremony on a vintage-looking beach cruiser followed by an entourage of your wedding party.

Or, let your guests’ mouths drop as you and your sweetie make a dramatic exit out on a speedboat or private canoe.  Fulfill that dream of feeling like a prince and princess and make your grand getaway via a romantic horse-drawn carriage.  Think big, hot-air balloon rides and helicopters are sure to make your grand entrance or exit extra-special.

The sky is the limit!  Anything fun, exotic, or just plain goofy at your location could be the perfect creative touch to your wedding day! Check out our destination wedding ideas on Pinterest!

Say I Do with Apple Vacations