Cancun Airport – Immigrations and Customs were a breeze.  Luggage came out promptly.  Be sure to warn your clients to ignore everyone outside of Customs until the get outside of the airport  (as in "Go towards the light!")– look for the Flowered Shirts!

¨     AMStar was waiting, directed us immediately to the bus and we were on our way!  A Familiar Face in a Far Away Place!

¨     Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya /  approx $1602 pp – Enter the lobby by passing between a pair of antique Balinese Lions for good luck.  This boutique style resort is decorated with original art from around the world.  All 90 suites are ocean front and individually named.  This resort is truly an oasis as there are no resorts on either side.  Wellness, Relaxation, Pampering and Gourmet Dining are the agenda here!  Resort features 2 bars, 3 a la carte restaurants, American beer and top shelf liquor.  Offering a 5000 bottle wine cellar, this resort is a wine connoisseur’s dream!  Clients receive complimentary international calling, complimentary overnight laundry service, daily champagne and fruit in their suite and a complimentary 20 minute massage.  Clients can take the catamaran on a shopping adventure, enjoy a cooking or language class, a Tequila tasting or one of the many spa treatments!  Even Botox - not that any of us need it - wink, wink)!  As with all AMResorts no wristbands, no restaurant reservations required and no restaurant restrictions!  This resort is a must for anyone looking to get away and unwind!

¨     Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun / approx $1042 pp – Chic and contemporary describe this resort perfectly!  Check in while relaxing in the air conditioned lobby.  For a nominal increase upgrade your clients to the Preferred Club with enhanced amenities. This adults-only resort features 8 beautifully appointed restaurants, 8 bars and 433 spacious junior suites.  The pools are absolutely magnificent!  The resort does encourage guests to wear aqua shoes in the ocean here.  Top shelf liquor and American beer are included.  This resort is perfect for those clients looking for a bit more activity in a trendy setting.  Nonstop transfers are included when booking this resort with Apple Vacations!  We had the pleasure of enjoying lunch at this property – grilled red snapper and seafood kabobs.  The food was wonderful!  This resort is one of my personal favorites!

¨     NOW Jade Riviera Cancun / approx $811 pp – The newest brand addition to the AMResorts family!  This was my first time seeing this resort and I must say that I was impressed!  The resort offers 7 restaurants, 5 bars and 556 junior suites.  Wonderful ocean view buffet with terrace seating.  Guests will enjoy the lush tropical landscaping and the mangroves throughout the resort.  Very nice beach with good shade.  Resort has a contemporary and inviting feel – great for adults and adults with children!  Family of 5 friendly!  24 hour room service!  Don’t forget – nonstop transfers are included when booking this resort with Apple Vacations.  This resort is an up and comer so book it now while the introductory prices are still available!    

¨     Host Hotel:  Barcelo Maya Palace / approx $993* pp –  Wow!  This section of the Barcelo complex in Riviera Maya boasts 7 restaurants, 5 bars and 5 pools!  There’s also an adults only (18+ years old) pool for those clients looking for a little more peace and quiet.  Resort features 756 beautiful and very spacious junior suites with double vanities, double closets, king or 2 double beds, Internet access (free with Premium Club upgrade and $12 per day without), daily stocked beer, soda and water in the mini-fridge and 24 hour room service for a small fee ($7 per plate) – the grilled chicken Caesar Salad was delicious.  Children will love the Barcy Kids Club with its own water park!  The beach along the entire Barcelo complex is absolutely beautiful!  Guests can enjoy a different show every night of the week in the massive air conditioned theater.  A note on dining – Guests staying 3 nights or less are allowed one a la carte dining experience, staying 4-6 nights are allowed 4 a la carte and staying 7+ nights are allowed 6 a la carte.  Tell your guests to make their reservations AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVE!  The a la carte restaurants fill up quickly!  The buffet restaurants had a huge variety and food quality was superb!  This resort has sharing privileges throughout the entire Barcelo complex.  I was extremely impressed with the service, food and attention to detail that was offered up by the staff!  Your clients will love this resort!  It’s a pleaser!

¨     Barcelo Maya Beach & Caribe / approx $734* pp – This is the entry level resort in the Barcelo complex.  Resort features 6 open air restaurants, 7 bars and 2 pools.  The property features its own Barcy Club for the kids along with a splash deck.  At 1,035 rooms, this is the largest resort in the Barcelo complex.  Rooms were very well maintained and clean.  This resort shares the stunning beach that runs the length of the Barcelo complex.  Great value for clients on a budget that are looking to get away!

¨     Barcelo Maya Colonial & Tropical /approx  $818* pp – This resort sits in the middle of the Barcelo complex.  It has sharing privileges with the Barcelo Maya Beach & Caribe but not with the Barcelo Maya Palace.  Features 8 restaurants, 8 bars, 2 swimming pools and a Barcy Club for the kids with its own water park.  The Spa for the Barcelo complex is located here along with the Barcelo Shopping Center which features a disco, chapel and a variety of shops.  Resort shares the same beautiful beach.  Rooms are extremely well maintained.  Food was great!  This resort is an easy sell!  

¨     Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa / approx $1007* pp – This resort is one of the most successful Destination Wedding properties in the AMResorts family!  Perfect for vow renewals, beach ceremonies or even a Catholic wedding in the on site chapel.  Resort features 431 rooms (junior suites and standard rooms), 7 bars and 7 restaurants (one of which, the Bordeaux, is adults only dining).  As with all AMResorts – no wristbands, no dining restrictions and no dining reservations required.  Features all top shelf liquor along with domestic and American beer.  Beach and pool drink service are standard.  Beach is beautiful and clients can walk all the way south to the Tulum ruins without seeing any other resort along the way.  Great spa!  Great Explorer’s Club for the kids 3-12 years of age.  Movies and major sporting events shown on the beach with buckets of beer and appetizers!  Book through Apple Vacations and receive complimentary non stop transfers!  This property has it all!  

¨     Grand Palladium White Sands / approx $979* pp – This resort has the run of the entire Palladium complex.  The resort features 718 rooms, access to 25 bars and 13 restaurants throughout the complex and wonderful pools (3 of which are adults only).  Resort is Family of Five friendly and offers a Kids Club (4-12 years of age) and a Baby Club (1-3 years of age).  There are no restrictions or reservations required for dining.  Although not quite technically located “on the beach”, clients can be on the beach within 5 minutes by walking or catching the bus service that runs throughout the property.  There’s also a catamaran that takes guests for rides through the waterways of the resort.  Pretty cool!  Up-sell your couples to the Royal Suites.  They feature Mayan Showers and decks overlooking the lagoon.  This is a fantastic resort!

¨     Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa / approx $818* pp – I am rarely surprised on site inspections but this resort did it.  It is so warm and inviting that I instantly felt right at home.  The property is very compact and everything is easily accessible.  Located in the Puerto Aventuras area with nearby shopping, dining and swim with the dolphins.  All 305 rooms are either lagoon view or ocean view and have been completely renovated.  The resort is Family of Six friendly!  Resort features 5 bars, 5 restaurants (be sure to tell you clients to eat at El Patio overlooking the ocean) and complimentary 24 hour room service.  Of course, no wristbands, dining restrictions or dining reservations required and complimentary non stop transfers when booked with Apple Vacations.  Resort features an adults only pool and adults only restaurant (Oceana).  Up-sell you clients to the Preferred Club.  It’s located on the highest floor (7) and has fantastic views!  Great property!

¨     Secrets Capri Resort & Spa / approx $1042* pp – My personal all-time favorite resort!  This resort is ALL PREFERRED!  Features 1 Concierge for every 16 rooms.  WIFI in lobby or wired in rooms is included.  290 rooms with 5 bars and 6 restaurants.  New spa!  Resort offers a daily complimentary shuttle to nearby Playa del Carmen for guests.  Plus, 24 hour complimentary room service!  We had the pleasure of eating lunch here at the Cactus Club on the beach – grilled Mahi Mahi, Filet Mignon, Ceviche and the best dessert I’ve ever had in Mexico!  Your clients will absolutely love the food, staff and service at this resort!

¨     Secrets Maroma Beach Resort & Spa / approx $1672* pp – Beach, beach, beach!!!  This resort is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!  Clients can enjoy the services of 8 bars, 7 restaurants (stunning decor), complimentary 24 hour room service and 13 pools.  412 stunning junior suites with 90% of all ground floor rooms being swim out.  The rooms have an old world luxury feeling to them.  They are truly beautifully decorated.  An AMResort so no wristbands, dining restriction or dining reservations required.  Absolutely beautiful!!!

¨     Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa / approx $1154* pp – My first time seeing the property.  Amazing!  The lobby is spectacular!  Lofty and modern with a Tahitian influence.  Resort features 486 rooms – a good portion of the ground floor being swim out.  Rooms are unique in that they are octagonal shaped – clients go to sleep and wake up facing the balcony and view.  Family of Six friendly.  6 bars and 8 restaurants – the main buffet has Mexican, Asian, Italian and Oriental station set up much like a food court.  The Bordeaux restaurant is adults only.  Enormous convention center.  Elevators throughout.  Great beach – very wide with good shade.  There’s a HUGE sun deck with rows and rows of lounge chairs for your sun worshippers!  With a resort this size you might expect to be overwhelmed.  But, that’s not the case here.  The property is laid out where everything is conveniently located and nothing is far from the beach.  Just a side note – Due to the vegetation being newer, the garden view category has a pretty good ocean view.  That category is not right on the beach but the view is great!  Overall, this is a gorgeous property!  I was impressed!

¨     NOW Sapphire Resort & Spa / approx $811* pp – Formerly the Paradisus Riviera Cancun, this property has transitioned very well. I LOVE the beach and the beach service!  496 junior suites grouped in buildings of 36 – offers a bit more seclusion than your standard resort.  The junior suites are quite large.  All ocean front rooms will have a jacuzzi on the balcony and a shower in the room – that’s being worked on now.  The resort is going through a multi-million dollar soft renovation to include painting, all new linens, beds and bedding.  However, no disturbance to guests and all renovations will be done by December of this year.  Resort is VERY tropical feeling with lush landscaping.  Property does not have elevators – keep this in mind if you have clients with mobility issues.  Great air conditioned theater with 2 dinner shows per week!  Even going through the quiet transition, this property is an easy sell!

¨     Just a note regarding departing from the Cancun Airport - it’s wonderful!  The airport has a food court along with several restaurants and tons of shopping.  All air conditioned and nonsmoking!  Very modern and impressive!