Category Archives: Cancun

Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort

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Located directly on the beach in the heart of the Hotel Zone, this resort is bordered by the Nichupte Lagoon to one side and the Caribbean Sea to the other.

Congratulations to Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort, a recent winner of an Apple Vacations Golden Apple award for superior staff and service. I had the pleasure to visit this luxury resort on my recent trip to Cancun and I was very impressed.

 

Sandos Cancun is a boutique resort just 10 minutes from the Cancun airport. When you walk in the resort there is understated elegance. Note – If you are looking for an all – inclusive with a kids club, huge buffet restaurant and miles of a meandering pool and crazy games, in my opinion this is NOT the place for you.

 

If you are looking for a sleek, luxury, intimate resort (just 214 rooms) with several a la cart restaurants offering a fine dining experience and an AMAZING Spa, then this IS the place for you.

 

Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort - Lobby

The lobby is smaller with a nice relaxing modern lobby bar -  Bar One , small gift shop and two a la carte restaurants to the right  off the main lobby. I dined at Zango and my lunch was delicious.  I always think it is nice to have an a la cart dining option in resort for lunch, it’s nice to get out of the sun and have a good, relaxing meal.  There is another A an a la cart Seasons which is open for dinner and is beautiful and offers stunning views of the Caribbean sea.

 

 

Sandos Cancun Room

The rooms at Sandos Cancun were exquisite with more than ample space. All of the rooms are ocean view with stocked mini bars, marble bathrooms, robes, slippers and even a safe that is wide enough for a lap top. The décor os neutral tones and made for a relaxing feel to the rooms.

 

 

 

Outside there were three pools that cascade one into another.  There were ample lounge chairs, bali beds and lounge beds on swings. The swinging beds were my favorite! There was a pool  – side restaurant of drinks and meals outside.  I have to say this was one of the nicest pool areas I have seen in Cancun, all the chairs were really nice, there was ample space between them for privacy and there were plenty of them.

I highly recommend this resort for a romantic vacation, girls getaway or spa getaway. It is also a perfect spot for a destination wedding.

Check out the pictures of Sandos Cancun and please leave comments if you have any questions.

 

Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort - View of Pools

 

Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort bali beds on beach

 

 

Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort View of Caribbean Sea

 

 

Turtle Release in Cancun, Mexico

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This summer in Cancun, my family and I were able to experience something we never saw before – a turtle release!  It was so unique and one of the best parts of our trip. At dinner one night we were told about it, so we investigated and I am so glad we did!

Iberostar Cancun Turtle Release

We were told that each night giant sea turtles come on the beach to lay eggs. So around 11 pm we headed down to the beach. Sure enough along the shore line, there were several large sea turtles burrowing in the ground.  They had dug in and were flapping around in the sand.

Each of the turtles was surrounded by several scouts and students who were there to protect them. I spoke to a student named Chris who explained it was his social service project to go to the beach each night. When the turtles swim to shore they protect them.  They surround them so tourists don’t bother them and they can lay eggs. Until they have laid their eggs, they ask you not to go near the turtle, touch it or take photos.

The students then take the eggs to a “nest” they have created out of the way, where they mark the date and time.  It is a roped off area of the beach were the eggs are buried until they hatch.

 

Turtle Release Nest

 

If you are in Cancun next July and August, make sure you ask about the turtle release!

We were lucky on the night we went, turtles were coming on the beach, and eggs fromprevious turtles were hatching!  We got to hold the little baby turtles and release them back into the ocean.

It was an amazing experience and one my son will surely not forget. When it was approved, I was able to snap a few photos.  If you are in Cancun next July and August, make sure you ask about the turtle release!

 

 

Falling in love with Cancun, all over again.

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Ocean shot from Iberostar Cancun.

 

Apple Vacations has been sending vacationers to Cancun for well over 30 years.  It’s crazy for me to think that my first vacation there was over 20 years ago.

So much changes year to year in any destination, but Cancun recently has had so many new developments. It really is an entirely new destination.

So many people say to me “I went to Cancun for spring break” or “I went to Cancun or before I had kids, I want to try a new place.”  Even just yesterday someone said those exact words to me at a baseball game. I tell them Cancun IS a new place. It’s an entirely new resort destination with so much to offer. There are amazing family resorts and several new upscale resorts which have opened in the past few months, or are about to open.

Recently, I was lucky enough to spend a week and experience all the beauty, charm, cuisine, history and hospitality of Cancun. I can’t wait to share my reviews and photos of the destination and the hotels I was able to visit such as Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort, Secrets The Vine Cancun and Iberostar Cancun.

Meanwhile, here are my top 3 reasons why YOU should book an Apple Vacation to Cancun:

1 – It is easy to get to. We left in the morning and were on the beach by lunch! From the Mid-Atlantic region the flight to Cancun is only about 3-3.5 hours depending on your departure airport.

2 – There is a hotel for every lifestyle and budget.  Big or small resort, all inclusive or no dining package, family resort or adults only, simple or deluxe – there is a hideaway for everyone.

3 – Cascading pools, white sandy beaches, the turquoise ocean.  The destination and the resorts are striking.

 

Here are a few of my shots from my recent trip.  This is why I love Cancun!

 

Pool at Iberostar Cancun overlooking the beach and ocean.

 

 

Birds eye view from Iberostar Cancun

 

 

Lagoon view to the left, ocean view to the right. From Secrets The Vine Cancun.

Girlfriend Getaway to Riu Cancun

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 I just finished my College internship at Apple Vacations and eager to go a girlfriend getaway before school starts this semester. My best friend Tara and I couldn’t wait for oour first Apple Vacation. She is already quite an avid and frequent traveler, where as I have not even been to Canada or anywhere outside of the U.S. borders before.  After thinking long and hard about where to go, I narrowed our choices to Punta Cana and Cancun but finally decided on Riu Cancun.

 

During our vacation we hung out on the beach and the pools. Cancun is beautiful!

 

When we first got to the hotel we met with our Apple representative, they were easy to spot in the brightly colored flowered shirts. He briefly went through the different excursions and activities that we could do while at Riu Cancun. Our Apple Rep called us a few times in our room to make sure we were having a good time, and to remind us about our departure information. After a day of traveling, we decided to get a massage to help us wind down. Next on the agenda was dinner at Don Juan. Much to our liking they had such an amazing variety of food at the buffet.  I’ll admit my friend and I are obsessed with guacamole! We ate so much of it throughout our trip, I am surprised we didn’t turn into green avocado monsters.

 

Lobby of Riu Cancun

 

During our vacation, we hung out on the beach and the pools, we even played with a baby tiger that was being fostered nearby. I wasn’t expecting that! It was adorable and so fun to touch the tiger let alone hold one and play with it. We met and talked with many different people from all over the world such as, New York, Australia, England, Scotland, Argentina, and many more countries. Considering how big this world is I was shocked when I met a family that was from where I live now! It was so fun to see where everyone has been and was going. For some, Cancun was merely a pit stop on a world tour, and for others it was a two week long, beach escape.

 

Yup! That's a baby tiger! Her name is Bella :) so cute!

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the shows at night…we went to 3 of them. The first was traditional Mexican dancing and singing. This was definitely my favorite, the costumes were amazing and the energy was just captivating. The Mariachi band that played the music was so authentic and talented. The next night was Michael Jackson and the final show was a Dog and Cat show which was very amusing with audience participation. We went to a couple of the hotel restaurants, Corazone (Brazilian) and La Mision (Steakhouse). Both had great service and amazing food.

 

Ocean front view during dinner!

I had a remarkable time on vacation in Cancun, and I cannot wait to go back some day. I loved working with Apple Vacations these past months. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity and a trip of a lifetime!

Win an Apple Vacation to Tropical Paradise!

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BREAKING NEWS!!!

Secrets Are Meant to be shared Sweepstakes

 Apple Vacations just started “Secrets Are Meant to be Shared Sweepstakes” on facebook!  Take advantage of your chance to win a much needed vacation to tropical paradise.

Here’s the scoop, “Like” us on Facebook to enter Apple Vacations’ Secrets Are Meant to be Shared Sweepstakes.  Wait, there’s more, we’re giving away 2 Apple Vacations! Tell us who you tell your secrets to and enter to Win Two Apple Vacations; one for you (and your guest) and one for the person you share your secrets with (and their guest) to the brand new Secrets The Vine Cancun! The first Secrets Resort & Spa in Cancun.

Imagine spending 5 days, 4 nights in Cancun?! The world-famous destination is known for incredible white sandy beaches, amazing turquoise blue Caribbean Sea and exciting nightlife. You can share more than your secrets, you can share a luxurious secret adventure provided by Apple Vacations and Secrets The Vine Cancun.

Secrets The Vine Cancun

Vacations Include: roundtrip airfare to Cancun, luxurious accommodations at Secrets The Vine Cancun for 4 nights, tips and resort transfers. This brand new adults-only resort is situated along a powder-white beach with crystal-clear views of the Caribbean Sea. Offering an adults-only Unlimited-Luxury® experience with gourmet dining options, premium brand beverages, daily activities, nightly performances, elite services and superior amenities such as including Italian porcelain floors and the finest luxury linens. Secrets The Vine features a massive Secrets Spa by Pevonia inspired by the natural cenotes of the area. All of this and more is within reach and only 10 minutes from Cancun’s International Airport.

Let’s face it, if you’re questioning if you should really use those vacations days this summer ask yourself these questions….

  1. Are you hallucinating tropical fish in the company water cooler?
  2. Do you spend all your off time in your kids’ pool dreaming of the Caribbean?
  3. Do you find yourself thinking of reasons why you need a vacation?
  4. Have you made your kids’ primary chore to wear Hawaiian outfits and keep you supplied with Margaritas?
  5. Were you relieved to find a Workaholics Anonymous group that meets in your building?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, YOU NEED A VACATION! So go ahead and enter the Sweepstakes! What’s there to lose? (beside vacation days).

If you can’t wait to win, check out amazing Summer Deals on www.applevacations.com

 

Simply the best… “cool” pool!

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As family vacation season is upon us, if you want to ensure that you are in a resort that has a pool that keeps the kids (and kids at heart) happy, then read on.

When asking fellow employees what resort have you stayed at that has a “cool” pool the same two names consistently came up. Again, Iberostar Paraiso Lindo and Maya is a top choice!  In addition to the amazing main pool network there is both Mayan themed wave pool and a fun lazy river.  Between, the main pool, wave pool and lazy river you will need to remind yourself there is a beach.

Another top choice for “cool pool” is the pool at Grand Sirenis in Riviera Maya. Grand Sirenis main pool has been described as very peaceful and beautiful, and they also have a lazy river pool for some relaxation.  It has a slow current and snakes thru the entire property. You could hop on an inner tube with margarita in hand and drift all day!

Tell us, what Apple Vacation have you been on that had your most favorite pool?

Mexico with Mom!

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Since the day I joined Apple Vacations over 5 years ago, my mother never missed an opportunity to ask, “So when are we going on a trip?”  In November of 2009, I decided it was time to fulfill her request.  It was the best vacation of my life.

I decided to totally go for it, and booked a whole week down in the Riviera Maya for Mom and me.  We stayed at the Iberostar Lindo and were immediately blown away by the beauty of the resort.  We must have looked like two teenage girls upon check-in– laughing, smiling, and practically jumping up and down as we were escorted to our room with refreshing cocktails in hand.

Mom and I had all these grandioso plans to go on excursions, go snorkeling, go “into town”– yeah right.  Every morning we’d look at each other and say, “Let’s just go to the beach and maybe we’ll feel like leaving the resort tomorrow.”  We never left the resort. Each day Mom would wake up before me and make coffee in the room for us (Yes, talkabout a lucky daughter!).  We’d sit on our balcony with our coffee and listen to the birds before heading to breakfast.  After breakfast, we’d relax by the water, eat lunch, and then take a walk around the property.  Everyday we discovered some new vegetation or newanimal.  We particularly loved the coatis, and were always highly entertained by their antics.  After our walk, we’d shower, grab a martini at the lobby bar, and then head to our dinner reservation.  In the evening, we’d attend the Lindo’s nightly entertainment show in their open-air atrium and were amazed about the high quality of the performances and choreography.

I felt like we were “celebrities”, as we became friendly with the various workers and entertainment staff at the Lindo.  Upon seeing Mom and me come for dinner, the one bartender would jokingly say, “Hola!  There is my wife and mother-in-law!  How was you day today?”  At breakfast one day, a member of the entertainment staff ate with us and talked to us about her family and home.  It made me feel good that Mom and I seemed so approachable, and the relationships we formed with the resort staff made our trip that more special.

To this day, I can’t help but smile and shed a happy tear when I think of that trip.  I don’t get to see my mom that often, and having memories like this are priceless.  We still, years later, always talk about our time together in Mexico—  it is an experience that we will always have together.  Thanks, Mom, for being my travel partner, beach buddy, and best friend.  Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Why Travel to Mexico? Why Not. Some of your favorite people already did!