Travel Agent Sense: Apple Vacations

Travel Agent Sense - this will be the first in a series of posts that we will share with our valued readers and clients.  One of the things that sets Travel Haus apart from booking on your own and even some other agencies is that we often meet with the tour companies and our agents get trained on the latest updates and news.  We have REAL relationships and contacts! 

This past week, Jen Palko with Apple Vacations was in our office and here are some of the highlights of her visit with us. 

She gave us an update on the various Caribbean islands and where they’re at in recovery from hurricanes.  Apple supports several causes that contribute 100% directly to those in need.  The Mexico and Punta Cana resorts are still open to guests and some beaches actually got WIDER after the storms.  Ie: Beach at Secrets Capri got significantly wider.  More beach sounds good to us!  :)
 
In Resort News...

• In Maui, Westin properties opened a brand new Westin Annaa Villas (1,2,3 bedroom suites).  It is next to current Westin property there in Maui.
• AMResorts opened 10 new resorts in the Caribbean this year and will also be opening new resorts in Aruba and Panama.  AMResorts includes Secrets, Dreams, Now, Zoetry, Breathless and Sunscape resorts.  One interesting option while staying at the Dreams Las Mareas in Costa Rica is that you can opt to book an excursion to Nicaragua while there!
• RIU Republica in Punta Cana is in such high demand that they are adding 500 rooms and a waterpark.  It is an adults only resort.
• Iberostar is adding tower to Cancun property.
• Barcelo and Occidental merged last year.
• Palladium is now offering butler service.
• Hard Rock Resorts is bringing a brand new hotel to Cabo, Mexico.