Stay at Secrets Resorts & Spas

 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.

 

The Xcalacoco Experience.

Sandos Caracol Eco – Resort and Spa – The Xcalacoco Experience.

Sandos Caracol ECO Resort and Spa has many sun, fun and Eco activities for families. One of the most unique is The Xcalacoco Experience.  It is worth the stay at this resort alone.  Not only are families going on a fun vacation at Sandos Caracol, they get to truly experience Mayan culture.

The Xcalacoco Experience is a unique program that allows guests to discover the Mayan culture in distinctive natural surroundings.  At Sandos Caracol ECO Resort & Spa, Xcalacoco is a way of being, living and thinking.

Activities in The Xcalacoco Experience include an Eco tour through nature trails that allow guests to explore the Mayan jungle. Guests witness Mayan ceremonies, visit a Mayan herb garden and plant indigenous species significant to the Mayan culture. Guests also participate in natural treatments and ancient rituals at the Spa.

 

The Xcalacoco Experience adventures in nature and environmental activities, encourage guests to reconnect with nature, respect the planet and engage in ecologically sustainable practices.

Families go home from this unique vacation experience both renewed and inspired. Imagine the unique stories your kids will have to tell after your family vacation to Sandos Caracol.

 

Sandos Caracol Eco – Resort and Spa

 

If you are looking for somewhere different to take the kids for a spring adventure, or for a summer family vacation, take a look at Sandos Caracol ECO Resort and Spa where there is plenty for your family to discover. Sandos Caracol is great vacation for family fun all while teaching your kids about the environment.

 

Discover the Eco activities. The resort focuses on teaching children to live in harmony with nature and to take care of the environment.  They offer an Eco -Tour for kids to teach them to respectfully interact with the environment. Kids can also bike ride on the trail, plant a tree (give back to nature), or attend an interactive eco-talk.

Discover the fauna and flora of the region in the Aviary/Bird Sanctuary.

Discover the Mayan Jungle including Turtle Lagoon, Iguanas, Mangrove Crabs, Eco Club Nursery, Mayan Herb Garden, Orchids, Mangroves and the Organic Garden.

Discover the Water Park.  17 fun slides and water games surrounded by water spouts.

Discover time for mom and dad! There is a baby club for children 2-3 years old which is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a kids club for children 4 – 12 years old which is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Stay tuned for my next blog on one of the most exciting kids adventure at Sandos Caracaol – The Xcalacoco Experience.

 

 

I Have a Secret – Secrets Capri

 

 

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.

 

It’s Apple Vacations Spring SuperSale!

 

 If you have been procrastinating, or just waiting for the perfect deal, then now is your time to book an Apple Vacation!

We have many hotels to offer in Mexico, The Caribbean and Hawaii in this sale.  Two of my personal FAVORITES are featured in this sale – Secrets Resorts and Spas and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.

You will see Apple Vacations SuperSale advertised starting tomorrow and it will run through mid–March.  We have affordable deals for families, great values for friends’ getaways, luxury for couples and relaxing vacations just for you.

Check out one of our (Philadelphia) TV ads here:

Here are some tips on how to navigate the advertised pricing: Look to Secrets Royal Beach, Secrets Capri, Iberostar Paraiso del Mar, Iberostar Punta Cana or Dominicana for some of the best vacation offers within those hotel chains.

Here is a “sneak peak” of our ad that will go out tomorrow that lists the pricing and departure dates for these hotels.   Click here for Iberostar. Click here for Secrets.

But there is so much more that we have to offer! Make sure you check out our home page tomorrow to see all of the great SuperSale deals.  www.applevacations.com

 

All I Want for Christmas is an Apple Vacation

 

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.

The 10th Annual Sea Turtle Festival

 

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Tulum Ruins, Mexico

 

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Baby turtle in Tulum Mexico

If you’re thinking about a trip down south to soak up the sun and enjoy warm tropical waters, here’s a great reason you should consider visiting Tulum, Mexico. The 10th Annual Sea Turtle Festival will take place in Tulum this upcoming week. Activities will include sandcastle competition, children’s painting, art exhibition, raffle and live music. It’s really great how many wild animals live and nest in the area.

From the 25th to the 28th October you will be able to be part of an exciting gathering of people who are passionate about sea turtles and their conservation. One of the hosts will be  Bahía Príncipe Hotel in Tulum. The festival aims to raise the local population and tourists awareness on the sea turtles protection, as one of the most primitive vertebrates in existence and now endangered too. Centro Ecológico Akumal is part of the organizing committee.

Will you be visiting Mexico in October? Here are some other exciting things to do in while visiting Cancun and Riviera Maya with Amstar DMC!