Category Archives: Mexico

Apple Vacations Live Radio Broadcast from Sandos Caracol Eco Resort

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Our Friends from WJRZ recently got back from a week-long live broadcast at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, which is one of the Eco-Friendly Resorts we are featured in April for Earth Day.

Glenn Kalina, who has been a radio fixture in the Philadelphia and New Jersey region for many years, travelled with The Magic Morning Show & Diane De Oliviera to Riviera Maya. They broadcasted live each morning from Sandos Caracol Eco Resort. They did an amazing job while they were there, transporting their listening audience practically in to resort with them.  Here are some photos of the broadcast.

If you are looking for an Eco-Friendly resort or a family friendly resort for your next Apple Vacation, make sure you check out Sandos Caracol Eco Resort.

 

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort

Stay at Secrets Resorts & Spas

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 One of our employees, Nina M. Scimenes, blogged about her trip to Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun.  We wanted to share her blog with our Juice readers!

Secrets Resorts & Spas is included in Apple Vacations’ Summer Fun for Everyone sale , and it is appropriate because a stay at one of the adults-only beachfront properties is beyond ‘fun’!  You can expect a spectacular beach vacation with the inclusions of Unlimited-Luxury® with spacious accommodations, unlimited top-shelf spirits, gourmet dining without reservations, 24-hour room service, nightly entertainment and more.  What’s not to love?

View of infinity pools at Secrets SIlversands

View of infinity pools at Secrets SIlversands

 

This past July I soaked up the sun for three days at Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun with my best friend.  I loved every second of our getaway.  The resort is very modern and chic and you feel it as soon as you enter the main lobby and see the sculpture of silver fish.  We received a warm welcome from the staff with a cold hand towel and glass of champagne!

 

It was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From peaceful pampering at the Secrets Spa by Pevonia, to an exciting bike ride into Puerto Morelos, we enjoyed the best of both worlds. Most of our time was spent lounging poolside near Manatees and sipping on refreshing cocktails at the swim up-bar.   When the sun goes down the party continues with lively entertainment.  One night we enjoyed a captivating performance at ShowTime Theater, Secrets Idol, presented by Secrets Entertainment Team.  Guests competed in a singing competition and the judges were also guests.  The music selection got us on our feet dancing.

Lobby Bar at night

Lobby Bar at night

Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun offered a variety of dining options.  Each morning I enjoyed a hearty breakfast at World Café complete with a Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar! The ceviche at Oceana was one of my favorite meals and it is served al fresco overlooking the main pool.  El Patio is my favorite restaurant at the resort, not just because it serves authentic Mexican cuisine, but the warm ambiance is very inviting and just down right adorable. As soon as you enter the restaurant, there is a tree with blown glass hearts dangling, making the perfect photo opportunity. At least one Mexican meal is a must when in Mexico! I highly recommend the delicious guacamole and El Paster pork tacos. And of course, while we were there, we just had to order 24-hour room service one night for a midnight snack! There is truly something for everyone.

 

With 12 stunning Secrets Resorts & Spas to choose from, there is defiantly a perfect resort for you. Recently, SecretsResorts.com added a resort finder to their newly revamped website. http://www.secretsresorts.com/resort-finder. How clever! By answering a series of questions about what you expect from a vacation, you can find the Secrets Resort that is perfect for you. Sun, sand and special moments are waiting for you. Enjoy your getaway.

 

Spa by Pevona
Secrets Silversands room
Overview of Secrets Silversand
Lobby Bar at Secrets Silversands
Lobby at Secrets Silversands
View of infinity pools at Secrets SIlversands
Lobby Bar at night

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.

 

 

Hot Wedding Destinations in 2013

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Considering a destination wedding in 2013? These 5 romantic spots are ideal for tying the knot in style!

1. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Caribbean islands are blessed with all the trappings for a spectacular destination wedding: powder-fine sand, crystal-clear waters and romantic resorts aplenty. But lately the tropic sun seems to shine brightest on the resort area of Punta Cana, thanks to new direct flights from wallet-friendly airlines AirTran and Frontier, it makes getting to this breathtaking (and affordable) stretch of paradise a cinch. The plethora of choices extends to lodging as well. No matter your style, there’s a resort for you: All-inclusive ease!  Resorts in this popular wedding locale come with staff planners to handle the work and packages that make pricing a breeze.

Travel Tip — Welcome your guest! Leave a gift bag in each room full of goodies for your guest. Don’t forget suntan lotion and trinkets to remind them of your wedding destination when they’re back at home.

2. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Fiestas don’t get any more authentic than in Puerto Vallarta. It’s the perfect spot to welcome guests with icy margaritas and exchange “I do’s” as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Sheltered by the jungled landscapes of the Sierra Madre Mountains to the east with romantic views of the Pacific to the west, Vallarta provides an exotic blend of cosmopolitan culture, Mexican flavor and nature at her best. Vallarta is home to Banderas Bay, where you can enjoy the thrill of whales up close from December through April. Vallarta is divided into two general areas: Puerto Vallarta to the south and Riviera Nayarit to the north.

3. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Exchange vows on this island paradise where reggae, romance and the Caribbean sun come together. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation concept, you won’t find an island that does it better. For many, it’s positively addictive. The country’s pulsating heartbeat is embodied by soulful cuisine, lively reggae and generous smiles from locals who love to show off their country. Getting married here is so simple that more visitors than Jamaicans are wed on the island every year.

Travel Tip – Planning an off-season wedding or honeymoon (May – Dec) can help you save big on hotels & other costs. Jamaica’s tropical climate does not vary from season to season so marry in the “off-season” and save!

4. Maui, Hawaii – U.S.A.

Maui is a hassle-free place to make a tropical wedding a reality. Both independent wedding planners and onsite coordinators at big resorts can pave the way to I do. There are countless reasons brides and grooms flock to this ever-popular Hawaiian isle. For starters, everything about it seems to cater to couples seeking one romantic experience after another (think unlimited sunsets and picture-perfect beaches). Although Maui’s certain to exceed your expectations as a tropical paradise, its unique inland offerings will give you the opportunity to turn a fantastic beach vacation into an unforgettable adventure. Plus, with direct flights from the mainland, the island is easily accessible for wedding guests.

5. Riviera Maya, Mexico

This 112-mile stretch of coastal paradise, with its white sand beaches fronting turquoise waters, tropical jungles and ancient Mayan ruins, provides the perfect setting for your fairy-tale wedding and heavenly honeymoon.

Travel Tip – While a tropical climate might be great for your tan, it can wreak havoc on big, fluffy satin dresses. Consider lighter-weight fabrics, a shorter hemline or a strapless gown to keep you cool on your wedding day.

 

I Have a Secret – Secrets Capri

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I know you are not supposed to have “favorites” when you work with so many hotels in Mexico & The Caribbean, and if you do, you are not supposed to talk about them right? It’s like, when you have children, you never say which one is really your favorite.  But I do have a favorite Secrets Resort – Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun. I love it. I have written about it many times before.  It is currently a part of Apple Vacations SuperSale, so I wanted to feature it here again. If you are considering a vacation at this resort, you are making a great choice.

If you book with Apple Vacations, all of the Secrets Resorts and Spas have non-stop transfers to and from the resort, and you do not need wristbands, dining reservations or towel cards.  The service, staff, dining and amenities are exceptional at all of them as well. They are adults only unlimited luxury ™. Secrets Capri, however just speaks to me from the moment I walk in. It’s a smaller, more manageable resort for me and that is exactly what I prefer on a vacation. It reminds me of a colonial plantation resort on the west coast of Mexico.   It is very easy to walk around, and nothing seems too far away. The pool is a perfect size with space to relax and be alone, but also a pool bar to be social with other guests if you prefer.  The Cactus Club Ceviche & Taco Bar next to the pool and beach, is not to be missed.  Oceana the Fresh Seafood and Seaside Grill & Caribbean Steakhouse offer spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea while you dine.  And, the food at all restaurants is just spectacular. The rooms at Secrets Capri are a perfect size, they are a little bit larger than I was expecting and the bathrooms are beautifully decorated.  Even the beautiful yellow color of the resort is just calming.

Sure Secrets Maroma has one of THE  most amazing beaches in the world, and Secrets Silversands has a spectacular infinity pool and is a bit livelier, and Secrets the Vine is just breathtaking and in the middle of  Cancun, but Secrets Capri has my heart. Vacationing and visiting Secrets Capri is truly treat for me, since most of my vacations are family oriented and this resort is adults only.  But I cannot wait to get back here soon, very soon.

 

Exclusive Usher Concert Bash

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Superstar Usher brought down the house at a concert at Cancun’s chic Moon Palace Resort and Spa on Dec. 29, 2012.

 

I “Usher-ed” in a new year, at a new night club, and at a recently renovated resort. Superstar Usher brought down the house at a concert at Cancun‘s chic Moon Palace Resort and Spa on Dec. 29, 2012.

Usher performed in front of more than 14,000 hotel guests, fans, VIPS and local government officials

Travel Tip – You need to see a concert while in resort!

 

Usher was awesome! The seven-time Grammy-Award winning singer and entertainer rocked the stage at an exclusive sold out concert. Famous for his record-breaking TOP 40 songs, Usher performed in front of more than 14,000 hotel guests, fans, VIPS and local government officials. No matter where you sat, the venue was laid out in such a way everyone was guaranteed a great view of the stage.  Attending a concert during vacation was such a cool idea! I would absolutely do this again.

 

The R&B singing sensation rocked the stage at an exclusive concert at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun on December 29, 2012.

 

FYI… Some of the Palace Resorts’ entertainment line-up for the first quarter of 2013 will be Jon Lovitz, Chris Kattan, and Tim Meadows, all former Saturday Night Live comedians. They will kick things off with two nights of live shows on February 16 and 17. On March 22 and 23, international soft rock duo Air Supply will perform romantic renditions of their timeless hits. They are expected to perform classic hits like “Lost in Love” and songs from their latest album Mumbo Jumbo.

Want to go now? Check out our great Cancun deals!

 

Fleet of Smart Cars at Oasis Sens

Side note:

Even though I didn’t stay at the Moon Palace, I was nearby at another resort in the Cancun Hotel Zone. I decided to take advantage of an offer from the resort to rent a Smart Car.  Driving to and from the concert was a breeze.  Plus it was something I have never done before, even though I’ve been to Cancun a dozen times.

Would you be up for driving a Smart Car in Cancun? Leave your comments below.

 

Usher performed in front of more than 14,000 hotel guests, fans, VIPS and local government officials
Fleet of Smart Cars at Oasis Sens
The R&B singing sensation rocked the stage at an exclusive concert at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun on December 29, 2012.
Setting up for the big concert bash!
Superstar Usher brought down the house at a concert at Cancun’s chic Moon Palace Resort and Spa on Dec. 29, 2012.
Showing off his moves!

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!