Trip of a Lifetime at Secret’s Capri Riviera Cancun part 1

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Eileen Herncane (Editor at Large)

The least expensive vacation – is not always the best choice.

My brother wanted to go away, so I booked him on an Apple Vacation to Riviera Maya, Mexico. He wanted to go away the week before Easter , which books early and is typically more expensive since it is a peak holiday week. But that was the only week he and his wife could go. I researched a bunch of locations, kept an eye on rates, and we found a good hotel at a GREAT price for a week in Riviera Maya, so we snatched it up. I was so happy to snag him a really great deal for such a popular week. Kudos to me!

As time got closer I started to panic a bit. It was a GREAT deal but… He was going to be there a full week and the hotel only had 3 restaurants. I didn’t know anyone who stayed there, so I didn’t know how the staff or service would be. It was far from the airport and they did not have non stop transfers…But, he does not travel that often so I was sure he would still like it. But then again, that itself was the problem. I am sure he would like it – but I wanted him to LOVE it!!!
The week before I called him and we decided to upgrade him to Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun. It was more money, but I knew it would be worth it. I have been there on a tour and know it is gorgeous. I actually desperately want to stay there myself, as soon as I can convince myself to take a vacation without my son. It is adults only, so perfect for a couple traveling alone. The service is spectacular, there are 6 restaurants, a stunning pool and a beautiful beach. And, he would now have non – stop transfers. I knew his expectations were high, and I knew he could pay a little more, so upgrading for him was the right choice.
For many people budget is super important and I totally get that. With a great deal, it allows people to travel, that may have otherwise not been able to. And it allows frequent travelers to go more often. But if your expectations are high, make sure you book a vacation that will meet those expectations.
So my brother called me on his way home from the airport and said he had 4 words for me … TRIP OF A LIFETIME. Which was exactly what I wanted to hear.
Stay tuned to this blog for his upcoming review of Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun.

Why you should go to Mexico

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Timothy Mullen (President Apple Vacations)

Now’s not the time to visit our neighbor to the south, right? Well, wrong. Mexico is still an amazing tourist destination that we have come to love. I’m currently in Cancun and wanted to take the time to let Apple Vacationers know what I’ve been experiencing firsthand. I’ve noticed thousands of happy travelers from around the world, most of whom are Americans. They are enjoying the sun, sand and warm Mexican hospitality. The vacations are meeting and exceeding expectations, exactly what you dream of when booking your vacation.

I am experiencing nothing like what the American press is reporting at all. When I’ve been talking to travelers, there seems to be the consensus that the negative press on Mexico is ridiculous! They’ve managed to lump all of Mexico – a country that’s the size of Western Europe – together! I personally don’t think that’s indicative of what’s happening in the entire country. Americans who travel to Mexico primarily go to six places, none of which have had travel alerts. These destinations are Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos. As a travel expert, I can tell you that it’s as easy-going as it’s always in these tourist destinations. And, it’s no surprise to me that Mexico remains one of the top tourist destinations in the world! It’s home to archaeological wonders, turquoise seas, a magnificent underwater world, and world-class hotels and vacation amenities.

Most travel to Mexico, ultimately, is simply good travel. It’s fun, affordable, eye-opening and fascinating. But, no, you don’t have to visit Mexico. Just know that the Mexico vacation experience on the ground almost never matches the sensationalized Mexico we see and read about.

BlueBay Grand Esmeralda

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Eileen Herncane (Editor at Large)

Apple Vacations & BlueBay Grand Esmeralda in Cancun’s Riviera Maya has announced specials available from now through the of the year! We have gotten a lot of questions on the resort. So I asked one of our Sales Managers, Gina West, who was there for a report. Here is her review:

The resort is located just north of Playa del Carmen , so the commute from the Cancun airport is only about 30 minutes which is especially great for short stays.

Each guest room building has it’s own concierge and each building also has an elevator with glass walls that with views of the outdoors. The guest rooms are really very nice and richly appointed with plush bedding (not the hard mattresses that are so typically are found in hotels). All of the guest rooms definitely have the feel of a luxury upscale resort – which surprised me for the price of this resort. For an upgrade, they offer swim out rooms with a large and rather deep (3′ – 4′) common plunge pool that is shared by everyone on the ground floor. These plunge pools do not connect with the resorts main pool. They also offer suites which are two rooms – a living room and a separate master bedroom with a king bed.

The very large main pool runs parallel to the coastline rather than perpendicular to it, which is always more pleasing and dramatic. The pool has a lot of character. They have a children’s area plus exercise bikes in the pool and built in lounging seats in the pool around the perimeter. Very nice for hot summer days!

The white sandy beach is very clean and spacious with ample lounge chairs for those who prefer to sit closer to the ocean. In this case, you can be close to both the pool and the ocean!

The specialty a la carte restaurants were completely renovated about 2 – 3 years ago and I was very impressed with them. The main buffet restaurant is located by the pool with great views of the ocean. It’s very spacious and the food was good.

Their spa is large with lots of open air areas and a water circuit program. At the time that it opened, I remember thinking it was larger than most spas and just really different since it was so open.

The theater area was okay. The hotel also have a few specialty shops for guests. The lobby is nice. It’s probably the highest point in the resort. One thing to point out at the resort is that there is a distance between the lobby, spa, theater and shops and the guest rooms. You have to walk over a long boardwalk that was built over the mangroves to get there. They do have shuttles available, but mostly people walked.

For the selling points of this hotel, it is definitely worth it!

Final Riviera Maya Hotel Reviews

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Eileen Herncane (Editor at Large)

ibero Final hotel reviews from our Florida sales rep, Everton, from his recent trip to Riviera Maya.

Iberostar Paraiso del Mar – This is the entry-level property of the Iberostar complex. They are standard rooms, which are colorful and well maintained. The grounds are beautiful. Room service is offered from 11am – 11pm. King-bed rooms offer a shower only while double-bed rooms offer a tub with shower. A-la- carte dining does have restrictions at this resort and reservations are required.

Iberostar Paraiso Maya – This resort features all junior suites and it is located in the center of the Iberostar complex. The resort offers 24-hour room service with no restrictions on a-la-carte dining. This resort also features a Lazy River and wave pool! The hotel is perfect for families.

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso – This is an adults-only LUXURY Resort! 310 junior suites with butler service! 4 Specialty Restaurants and 24-hour room service! The resort exudes a feeling of luxury and opulence! * Note – There is a huge shopping area on site at the entire Iberostar complex for all resorts. The complex even offers a Catholic Church.

Riu Playacar – The hotel offers 386 standard rooms and 2 Restaurants. It does have sharing privileges with the Riu Yucatan and the Riu Tequila. Perfect for someone looking for a “smaller” resort.

Riu Palace Mexico – This resort hosted us and we received great service and amazing food. The hotel has 434 junior suites, 6 restaurants, 2 pools, a swim-up bar and golf nearby. I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the service! Beautiful beach and it is close to Playa del Carmen!

More Riviera Maya Hotel Reviews

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Eileen Herncane (Editor at Large)

mexico-nov-11-512 More reviews from our Florida sales rep, Everton, escorting his first FAM trip to Riviera Maya.

Riu Palace Riviera Maya – This resort is located just minutes from Playa del Carmen and is the perfect location for clients looking to shop or hit the town. They have a great beach! They offer 5 a la carte restaurants, multiple bars plus a swim-up bar surrounded by cocktail tables in the pool! They offer liquor dispensers in the suites, which I thought was pretty cool. The buffet selection is great! They also have a perfect suite for honeymooners called a “Jacuzzi Suite” where the Jacuzzi is on the top floor of a two-floor terrace! Very cool!!

Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya – This resort is very upscale and serene! 90 individually named ocean front suites at this intimate, boutique resort! Resort offers complimentary private transfers, in-suite check in, 3 gourmet, a-la-carte restaurants and complimentary WIFI throughout the resort. Unlimited phone calls to the U.S. are also included. Enter the property by passing between two authentic 16th century Balinese Dragons representing “Hope and Prosperity”. The Resort is decorated with unique art and antiques hand picked by the owner during his travels. The resort is only 20 minutes from the airport and located behind the 2nd largest reef in the world. This is a true hidden gem! The resort boasts the largest wine cellar in Riviera Maya. Clients can enjoy a complimentary sunset sail 6 days a week. They also have wild birds and “Makas” on property.

NOW Sapphire Riviera Cancun – WOW! What a tropical paradise! This property has been recently renovated and offers spacious junior suites. This resort has 6 restaurants, a massive pool with an abundance of in-pool lounge chairs, a beautiful beach and spectacular food and service! No wristbands, no dining restrictions, no dining reservations, premium liquors and American beer. Plus, 24-hour room service, beach and pool wait service.

NOW Jade Riviera Cancun – This resort features 7 restaurants, 5 bars and 556 very spacious junior suites. The resort offers stunning pools. In the preferred club there are hammocks right over the pool! This resort is built in a protected Mangrove area with abundant wildlife and lush landscaping. The hotel offers 24-hour room service and is Family of 5 Friendly! Now Jade has very contemporary design and decor! Spice (Asian cuisine) has tables outside under the palapas, which is a really cool feature and is especially good for group dining.