Do people ever really win an Apple Vacation?

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Christine May (Managing Editor)

Everyone wants to win a prize. But, do people ever really win an Apple Vacation? Yes they do! Here is a review from a happy prize winner from Facebook who just returned from Punta Cana.

We want to thank Apple Vacations so much from for such a wonderful trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

We really were amazed the way we were treated. We won the original 3 day fully inclusive trip but live in the Boston area. When we mentioned we would have to fly from Boston to pick up the departure the day before the trip, you upgraded us to a Boston departure, for a 7 day fully inclusive vacation! Then when the original resort was overbooked, we got upgraded yet again to one of the best on the Island, Secrets Royal Beach. Our room was a beautiful Junior Suite with Jacuzzi and far exceeded our expectations. The resort was fantastic, it had great food, a great location, and the staff was so friendly and helpful.

We found that the whole trip to be well run and supported by your Amstar representatives. They had all the relevant information for the resort and good advice for day trips that were available. My wife lost a bag on one of these trips and they both followed up with the outside tour operator, they found the bag and got it back to her intact.

The way we were treated was exceptional, and we would not hesitate to use or recommend Apple Vacations in the future. Our daughter who entered us in the contest said how much she had enjoyed using Apple Vacations for her vacation and how accommodating you were. We can certainly confirm that and want to thank you all again at Apple Vacations especially Susan for a wonderful (free) vacation experience.

T & D
Boston, MA

Inaugural Frontier Flight

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Kristin Sammartino (Air Contracting Manager)

Apple Vacations and Frontier Airlines inaugural flight from Philadelphia to Punta Cana was on October 17, 2011. We all know that Apple Vacations is no stranger to Punta Cana, sending well over 1 million vacationers to this beautiful island destination. However this was Frontier Airlines first landing in Punta Cana! Apple Vacationers via Frontier Airlines were greeted with the celebratory coveted water arc to celebrate the arrival.

Apple Vacations is very excited to offer vacationers packages via Frontier Airlines on their new, state-of-the-art Airbus A320 fleet! For a list of available amenities on board Frontier Airlines and to see where Apple Vacations flies to Punta Cana via Frontier Airlines click here.

Another cool fun fact about Frontier is their “spokes-animals”. Each airplane carries a unique spokes-animal from their “stable.” They currently have more than 60 animals that are on their airplanes! I think they’ve got the best spokesanimals in the business. Probably because they love what they do and have fun doing it – just like me.

Zoetry – Everyone should enjoy Endless Privileges

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Chau Tran (Punta Cana Revenue Analyst)

This year’s family vacation was to Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, a beautiful, luxurious, oceanfront property, with the most amazing amenities!

When we first arrived in Punta Cana, we had a driver waiting for us with a private nonstop transfer to take us to the resort. From the moment I stepped foot into Zoetry, I fell in love. We were immediately seated with warm towels and drinks while they checked us in. The exceptional service never stopped.

Zoetry Agua is located on an isolated stretch of beach that gives the resort an exclusive feel. Although we were advised the resort was full, it never felt crowded. Beach chairs were always available and there was never a wait for anything. Easily accessible on the beach, is a batch of coral reef that could be easily seen through the crystal clear water along with tropical fishes. Every night, we would receive the resorts newsletter “Sundial”, which listed all of the following day’s activities. Zoetry offered a wide variety of daily activities to choose from. As a family, we chose to go horseback riding on the beach and took a bike tour around the neighboring towns.

Being as I was in the Dominican Republic, I wanted to try some local dishes. Unfortunately none of the dishes we wanted to try were officially on the menu; however, the Chef was more than happy to cook us up some local cuisine. One of my favorite Dominican dishes is Mofongo. This dish is comprised of mashed up plantains with garlic and a side of fried cheese or a choice of meat with a side of broth for dipping. Another one of my favorite dishes is called La Bandera. La Bandera is spanish for “the flag” as in the Dominican flag. It is named the Dominican flag because it is the traditional meal for Dominicans; consisting of rice, beans, choice of stew meat, salad, and fried plantains The next day, a Zoetry staff member brought us local Dominican fruits like zapote, guanábana and guayaba to make fruit platters and shakes for us. Nonchalantly, I mentioned to a staff member how much my family and I enjoy coconut milk. From the time I made that remark, until the day I left the resort, the staff made sure to have fresh coconuts waiting for us as we arrived at the beach even though I never officially asked.

Due to the small size of the resort, guests are able to become familiar with the staff and vice versa. The staff catered to our every need, if we wanted something, they found a way to get it to us. They made sure you felt like Zoetry was your second home. It made leaving so much more difficult, because not only are you leaving stunning surroundings, it feels like you are also saying goodbye to good friends. On our last day, the restaurant manager surprised us with a special last lunch with all of our favorite dishes.

Zoetry Agua is hands down the best resort I have been to with Apple Vacations. A great resort, offering excellent food and drinks, great service, broad choice of activities, and a relaxing homey feeling, everything I think makes a great vacation. Zoetry Agua is my benchmark for measuring future resorts experiences and what an amazing trip should be.

Judy & Maria’s Travel, Inc. visits Punta Cana

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Judy Heydt & Maria Thomas of Judy and Maria's Travel, Inc.

We (Judy & Maria’s Travel, Inc.) have just returned from Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana. We are happy to report that we had a great, relaxing time. The Management Team is top-notch, professional, and hard-working. Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana is the perfect vacation selection for ages 18+ who elect to vacation at a simple, beach resort. The beach is absolutely breathtaking! This is a great chill out resort with a spectacular beach to walk for miles and miles. The resort is fun and active. Guests at the hotel have complete use of the Unlimited-Luxury® privileges, amenities and services at the adjacent Now Larimar Punta Cana (for all ages).

Dining at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana is superb with ample options to choose from. The food is very good, very appetizing with nice choices, and well-prepared by experienced chefs with worldwide culinary backgrounds. Of note was the Italian Restaurant with the chef originating from Milan, Italy, and the Gourmet Restaurant. Based on our recent visit we recommend: Gourmet Restaurant: asparagus with béarnaise sauce and shaved parmesan cheese, the Beef Bourguignon, and the Crêpe Suzettes. Italian Restaurant: the chef’s handmade gnocchi. The flavors were incredible. Fine wine, good food, and excellent service, what more can one ask for?

We thoroughly enjoyed our vacation at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana! Judy & Maria give this fine resort two thumbs up!

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Eileen Herncane (Editor at Large)

One of Apple Vacations Senior Marketing Executives just got back from a family vacation to the the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. We got a review from her son yesterday, but here is what she had to say about the vacation:

We just returned from a great trip to Hard Rock Punta Cana. The resort was very impressive—grounds were beautiful, beach was awesome, and food and service was excellent. Our room was very spacious with a jacuzzi and great decor. They are updating the rooms from the Moon Palace decor (which was already modern and tasteful) with a Hard Rock touch—Rock ‘n Roll art, etc. The spa was huge and amazing and so was the casino, and there is all kinds of Rock memorabilia throughout the hotel.

There are something like 11 pools which are all big too and many with swim-up bars.

Being relatively new, the resort was not even close to capacity, but even when it is I can’t imagine having to get up early to reserve chairs because there are so many pools, all set along the beach. My teenage sons participated in the activities at the main activities pool and really enjoyed the entertainment staff.

Unfortunately one of our bags got misdirected by the airline, and the hotel’s Customer Service staff was very helpful in terms of making phone calls to the airline to follow up and arrange a ride to the shopping center. They also sent extra amenities to the room and made several follow-up calls to ensure we didn’t need anything. Complimentary long distance phone calls was another great perk!

If you like big hotels and don’t mind walking a bit , you’ll love Hard Rock! If you are traveling with teenagers this is a great place to go as well because the staff really engages them—we have been on many Apple Vacations and this ranks at the top of the list!

Don’t forget—If you book by 12/31 Hard Rock Punta Cana is currently offering an air credit of up to $700.00 and resort credit of up to $1500.00. Click here for more details on how to redeem the credits and what they are good for.