Vacation Ideas

What do the Apple Ratings mean?

Not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal. The Apple Rating system is a proprietary system that was created to offer consumers the ability to effectively compare resorts relative to other similar alternatives. Apple surveys customers and listens to what they have to say. In fact, Apple Vacations is the only vacation company to rate hotels based solely on customer feedback. Apple ratings apply to most hotels located in Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Hawaii.

Apple Hotel Ratings

Apple Hotel Ratings are based on the opinions of hundreds of thousands of Apple vacationers who complete a Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaire to offer you the most practical assessment of hotels.

6 Apples – A luxurious resort offering the highest standards and widest variety of dining and amenities

5 Apples – An excellent resort with superior first-class accommodations and guest services

4 Apples – A first-class resort hotel or condo with a good selection of guest services

3 Apples – A comfortable hotel or condo with simple accommodations and public areas

2 Apples – A modest hotel or condo with limited choice of amenities

1 Apple – A basic budget hotel or condo with few public areas or amenities

When you select a Golden Apple hotel, you can be assured that you’ve made an outstanding choice! Every year, our vacationers honor a select group of hotels with our Golden Apple Hotel Award. This award is given to those hotels who have earned exceptional ratings on our Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaires, completed by Apple vacationers upon their return home. Some are moderate and others deluxe, but all Golden Apple hotels offer an exceptional standard of quality, service and value relative to similar hotels. Keep in mind that some hotels may be too new or not received enough feedback to qualify as a Golden Apple…yet.

A plus symbol next to the Apple Rating indicates that the hotel offers services, amenities, or facilities that are superior to other hotels with the same rating.

When you are ready to book your next all-inclusive vacation, give us a call and we will help you find your perfect Dream Vacation!

I have been to many adult only all inclusive hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean.  I think the food is very good at all of them so I thought I would highlight a few of my favorite ala carte restaurants at some of the finest adult only hotels in the world.

First on my list is, Mia Casa located at the El Dorado Seaside Suites in the Riviera Maya of Mexico. The El Dorado Seaside was voted by Forbes as one of the most romantic hotels in the world and this is their most romantic restaurant. Mia Casa offers traditional Italian cuisine and has a huge wine list.  The ambiance and the service level puts Mia Casa at the very top of my list.

A strong second on my list is Asiana located at the Royal in Playa Del Carmen.  Asiana offers contemporary gourmet Asian fusion cuisine. The decor is very stylish and it is very romantic. The food is wonderful and the service is even better. The Chef’s Plate comes in a close second at this same hotel.  Nothing better then a good dinner at the hotel and drinks on 5th Avenue in Playa Del Carmen.

In a real strong third is the Lobster House at the Excellence Playa Mujeres in Playa Mujeres/Cancun,   Mexico. It is an open-air thatch-roof palapa restaurant that bridges the main pool. It is open for breakfast and lunch but for dinner it is a whole new experience. The glow of soft lanterns and the reflection of the pool turn the restaurant into a wonderful atmosphere for all things lobster.

Last on my list is the lunch buffet at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso in the Riviera Maya of Mexico. I had to put it last since it is a buffet, but I have my reasons for putting it on my list. They have a grill specialty every day. It might be lobster, steaks or chicken but it is served hot off the grill ! You can order ala carte and be served or make your way through the buffet line. If you do not see what you need simply ask the waiter and it can be prepared for you. The waiters in the buffet are so attentive to your every need. It is located right next to the pool and also offers outside seating. The Iberostar Grand is #1 in the world do their ala carte restaurants are just superb. The Surf and Turk at the Grand is legendary but you will eat more meals at the buffet and you will not be disappointed.

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) is a Mexican civic holiday held on May 5th to commemorate the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The date is observed nationwide in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride and many all inclusive resorts in Mexico offer celebrations throughout the day. So whether you are in a Mexican resort on the beach or just heading home from work, pour yourself a shot of tequila and toast to the beautiful beaches, wonderful people and amazing heritage and history that Mexico has to offer. And next year make sure you celebrate this day sipping your tequila on a stunning Mexico beach!

VIVA LA MEXICO!!

One of the Riviera Maya’s finest adult only hotels is getting even better!  Karisma Hotels is opening a new Premium Section at the El Dorado Seaside Suites in the Riviera Maya of Mexico. The hotel was voted one of the top 10 most romantic hotels by Forbes magazine and are now adding an additional 80 premium suites set to open this May!

All of the new suites will have dark wood accents and a jacuzzi in each room. The rooms have a fully stocked mini bar that is refurbished daily. The rooms will also have a pillow menu, DVD lending program, private concierge and an aromatherapy menu. The rooms at this hotel are just wonderful and the food and service is even better.

El Dorado’s gourmet inclusive meal plan offers the finest cuisine and top shelf drinks. The food at El Dorado is second to none and you have no problems getting a table at any of their gourmet restaurants. The Seaside Suites also has 24 hour room service and beach butler service so no matter where your at on the property someone is at your service.

This new addition will simply make the El Dorado even better! Call us and book today !

The Gran Bahia hotels in the Riviera Maya of Mexico now have their own Dolphinarium exclusive to guests staying at their resorts! The Dolphin pool is located on the beach at the Gran Bahia Tulum  and all the guests have access to it. It is not included in the All Inclusive plan.

The facilities feature traditional platforms that provide shallow, beach-style access to conduct interaction programs safely for any visitor. The project involved world-leading companies in the design of tanks and spaces especially acclimated to keep animals under human care. Our swim programs include the most time in the water in comparison to other dolphinariums, and are designed for people interested in learning about dolphins and their environment through an interactive experience. Dolphinaris Tulum in the Gran Bahía Principe Riviera Maya Resort compound, combines the best features of our dolphins, Dolphins and beautiful surroundings!

This complex is made up of four hotels. The Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, The Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, Gran Bahia Principe Coba and the Gran Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an. The hotels are located about 70 minutes south of the airport in Cancun. The hotels have a distinctive Mayan influence and is made up of 3 story Bungalows spread out through tropical coconut palms. The hotels offers complete exchange privileges.

Call and book the Bahia hotels today or make a trip back to see our new Dolphin friends!