Dear Judy and Maria, 

Barcelo Maya Beach Resort.  I'm sorry it's taken me two months to write, but the WONDERFUL trip you planned for us still lingers so fresh in my mind that I just haven't felt like I've gotten back to the "real world" yet (which is a very good thing).  I was just browsing through some of our pictures from our trip and it finally hit me that I should take a moment and thank the two people who are responsible for truly the GREATEST family vacation we have ever had!!

I don't even know where to start.  From the time I placed my first call to request some information about planning an "economical, but luxurious" trip for a family of 6 (with children's ages ranging from 4 to 15), I have never had quite the exceptional service and terrific attention to detail to every aspect of a vacation.

I read some where once that of all childhood memories, some of the greatest are of family vacations.  Some times this may be because of the horrific situations that occur (lost luggage, cheap/dirty hotel rooms, miserable service, etc.) that seem to stick in a young child's mind, but also they can be some of the fondest, if the trip goes well.  The later is definitely the case with our trip.  I can't believe (and though I don't want to say I doubted you) you were able to find the PERFECT vacation spot for us.

Everything was simply beautiful.  All the information you gave us had us anticipating a fabulous vacation, but once we got to Mexico and to our all-inclusive hotel that you recommended, our expectations were nothing in comparison to the terrific trip we all had!!  You took care of all the details and we simply had to show up and enjoy ourselves -- and we definitely did!

"As the mom of four, 2 little ones and 2 teenagers, planning a family trip isn't always a picnic.  It seems that you have to try and remember so many details, take care of so many arrangements, and inevitably forget a few important plans, that by the time you get to your vacation destination, you're exhausted or you just want the whole thing to be over, so that you can get back to normal.

Well nothing could be further from the truth with our vacation through you.  I talked to you briefly, you got all the information that we wanted our trip to be like, called back the same day and gave us some unbelievable options.  I kept thinking "something's going to go wrong."  And any time I called you concerned, you would just calmly say, "Don't worry, everything's going to be fine.  I already took care of that."  And boy, you sure did!!

We simply had the time of our lives.  Every one of us has nothing but fond memories of our trip!!  Thanks to you, you have created hopefully what will become some of our four children's (not to mention my husband's and mine) fondest memories that we will always cherish.

We can't thank you enough!!  If anyone wants to have a stress-free vacation experience, they should definitely call you.  I know I always will!!

Thanks for everything!!"

Sincerely,
Karen and Mark Tracy (and the kids, too!)
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Dear Maria and Judy, 

My family and I just returned home from the beautiful Barcelo Maya Palace.  We booked this property based upon your recommendation and couldn't have been happier with our choice.  The resort is breathtaking.  We enjoyed the expansive, soft, powdery beach very much.  The Barcy Kids Club staff were wonderful with our boys.  Again, thank you for suggesting this resort and allowing us to have such fond memories of our first tropical family vacation.  We look forward to future trips.
 
Jessica Langdon
Commack, NY

Judy and Maria,

"Hi!  I just wanted to thank you for helping us find an absolutely wonderful place to have our wedding -- Secrets Capri Resort and Spa.   First of all I would like to thank you for answering all of my pre-travel and wedding questions.  You made us feel confident that we had all of the appropriate paper work and documentation needed for the ceremony to take place.

We arrived in Cancun on June 30th -- our flight was approximately thirty minutes early.  I really appreciate you supplying the private transfer.  As soon as we got our bags we had someone who was waiting to take us to the resort.  It was nice to have a quiet ride to Secrets Capri Resort and Spa, we both napped on the 30 minute trip there.  Upon arrival we received a cool wet towel and a glass of champagne while we sat down to be check in.

When we got into our room I felt like crying.  Everything was so beautiful and we were so pampered.  It was the perfect atmosphere for a very happy, soon-to-be bride.  We had a beautiful exotic flower arrangement, a fruit tray, and a bottle of chilled champagne.  The room was ocean view with a spectacular view of the ocean as well as the resort.  The customer service was excellent, we felt like royalty.  Each night when we got back to our room the bed was turned down.  A rose was laid on the bed as well as chocolate.

Claudia and Lucely, the wedding planners, were absolutely wonderful.  They were both full of enthusiasm.  They took care of all of the pre-wedding paperwork, blood tests, etc.  They made everything very easy and hassle-free for us.

On our wedding day everyone in the hotel knew that it was our special day.  Daniel our concierge called that morning to let us know that he was available if we needed anything.  Isabel in the hair salon did such a good job on my updo.  I am very picky about my hair.  She was very meticulous, my hair was perfect before I left the salon.

The photographer I also have to praise.  Marco was absolutely wonderful and he produced fantastic pictures.  These pictures captured the moment beautifully, they will help us remember such a beautiful and romantic day.

The Spanish ceremony is also very nice.  After the Spanish/English ceremony, that we chose to have on the beach, we had an absolutely delicious Spanish Wedding Cake and champagne.  The ceremony was very intimate.  I could not have imagined a more wonderful way to get married.  I almost cry every time I think about how absolutely perfect it was.

When we got back to the room later that evening the room was covered with flower petals.  We had champagne on ice, towels that were made into swans on the bed, and chocolate covered strawberries on the night table.

We had the most awesome experience.  Thank you for having such a great web site and being so well informed about Secrets Capri Resort.  By using you as our travel agent we felt certain that everything we needed would be properly taken care of, and it was.  I have passed your name on to several friends who are getting ready to plan a vacation."

Thanks again,

Richard and Bobbi Carpenter
Jacksonville, IL

  Dear Judy and Maria,   

 My husband and I recently returned from vacation at Dreams Punta Cana.  From the moment we arrived in the Dominican Republic we felt like royalty.  We were greeted at the front desk by Eileen who gave us a tour of the grounds and explained the amenities to us.  The rooms were spacious and the views were magnificent.  We spent alot of time at the pool where the entertainment staff provided activities and games.  We were amazed by their energy and enthusiasm in getting all of the guests involved.  We had the opportunity to have a romantic dinner for two. The night we were to have our dinner on the beach it was too windy.  We were thinking that it would just get canceled.  But the staff surprised us again and provided us our romantic dinner under the wedding gazebo. We couldn't have asked for a nicer waiter.  He was attentive to our every need.  We also had the chance to check out the spa and were very pleased.  My husband received a massage and we both enjoyed the "water spa."  

They offered different types of services to help you relax.  During our stay we decided that we wanted to get out and see the city of Punta Cana.  We opted to go horseback riding and four wheeling with a company called "El Rancho Differente" The tour guides gave us the true Punta Cana experience by showing us around the town and sharing their experiences with us. We would highly recommend this resort for anything from a romantic getaway to a family vacation.  This resort truly offers something for everyone!  Judy and Maria were very helpful in planning our romantic getaway.  We will definitely utilize them for our next adventure!

Melissa & Will Laurento
Exton, PA

Hi Maria,

Dreams Punta Cana ... We can't thank you enough for everything that we encountered with our trip, the resort was not only amazing and beautiful but the best service and most friendly people I've ever met on any vacation. You couldn't have recommended a better place to go and your pictures couldn't do enough justice. The food was amazing and the drinks were even more amazing :) I look forward to going back VERY soon!!!

Thank you for everything you did for us!! It is VERY much appreciated!!

Thank you, 

Judy & Pat Vilcheck
Coatesville, Pennsylvania

We are just back from Dreams Punta Cana and I wanted to send you an e-mail to let you know that we had an absolutely wonderful time.  Imagine my surprise at check-in when we were told that they had upgraded us to a Preferred Family Suite because of “Judy and Maria’s Travel”.  The General Manager Yann Leguillou even came out to shake our hands and gave us his business card so that we could contact him directly.  We were in building 6 with the preferred Club Lounge directly down the hall.  This was also a treat as any query or concern we had could be addressed immediately.  Vanessa, who is in charge of the lounge was a wonderful young woman and was so helpful with our queries.  I can’t say enough about how lovely our vacation was.

Thank you so much for looking after us, it was a very unexpected pleasant surprise.  I will most definitely be contacting you when planning our next trip.

Kind Regards,

Yvonne Aldrich-Madden
Elliott City, Maryland

Maria, 

"I couldn't wait to let you know about our trip to the Dreams® Tulum.  We just returned yesterday and I haven't stopped crying yet.  We all wanted to stay for at least another week or more!

Over the last 20 years I have been to Cancun and the Riviera Maya about 25 times and have stayed at more than 10 different resorts ranging from 4 Apples to 6 Apples.  The Dreams® Tulum is by far my favorite. This resort captures the soul of old Mexico while providing all of the modern conveniences we seem to need these days.

We arrived at the resort at 11:30 in the morning, and were checked in in a matter of minutes.  Our rooms were not immediately available, but that wasn't a problem because we had bathing suits in our carry on bags.  We had a place to change and went right to the beach, soaked up a little sun then enjoyed lunch at the Mexican restaurant.

And what a beach!!!!!  Plenty of Palapas and palms for shade, and wonderfully comfortable lounge chairs, and fresh white beach towels.  The beach is the most beautiful I've seen in all of my trips.  Perfect for both swimming and snorkeling.  This was the best snorkeling beach I've ever been to.  We saw more beautiful fish and sting rays than you would see on most paid "Snorkeling Excursions"!  

Our rooms were perfect.  We had a beautiful platter of fresh fruit, a bottle of red wine and a wonderful note from the general manager "Welcoming us home  to the Dreams®".  The king size bed was comfortable, there was plenty of  room for our clothes and luggage, good reception on the cable TV, great size  bath room and even the hair dryer worked to perfection. The refrigerator was restocked every day with bottled water, juice, beer and sodas.

We ate at all of the restaurants; Mexican, Italian, Asian, and the buffet.  Still can't decide which is my favorite.  The food was fresh, delicious and beautifully presented. Dreams Tulum Resort

I was surprised to find top shelf liquor at all of the bars.  We had  delicious tropical drinks and great cold beer.

All of the staff I met were hardworking, happy and very friendly.  To find  that combination of attributes is rare.

Hope to return to the Dreams® early next year.  Thanks for the recommendation."

Leigh Willmore
George Gula
West Chester, PA

Keve, 

I am writing this testimonial to let others know of the great service we received from Judy and Maria’s Travel.  My husband and I along with another couple just returned from the EdenH Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic.  Keve was our agent and he graciously spent his time searching out the best deals for us.  He could not have recommended a more perfect place.  It was paradise and the service we received at both the resort and airport were a reflection of the relationship Judy and Maria have with Apple Vacations.  It was first class.  We have enjoyed receiving emails from Judy and Maria's Travel, Inc. notifying us of specials and new resorts.  We plan to book again with them for this fall.  Thank you for such great customer service.

Luke and Audra Currin Reed
Newtown, North Carolina

Maria (and Judy), 

"It was a pleasure speaking with you (Maria) this morning. First of all thank you for arranging our trip. We had a great time and the Bahia Principe Ambar was exceptional! We were in a prime location (building 64) and had a great time. As we spoke, we had one wrinkle (there was a problem with the door handle), but it was fixed and all was well. The service overall was good. The resort is absolutely beautiful and the Ambar side is the perfect size. The shows are on the other side, but the trolleys are very frequent. The gym is very nice for a beach resort. I even took an indoor cycling class. You could also use the shower there if you had a very late flight (we ran into a couple from Canada who had done that after checkout). The food was excellent. It was a definite upgrade from the immediately lower price level resort we stayed two years ago (about $300/week/person difference - well worth it!). The buffets were surprisingly good. The selection of the prepared dishes was extensive and the option of having steak, lamb chops or fish grilled to order was a real plus - especially since I am allergic to shellfish. The other restaurants were good as well. Don Pablo Gourmet and the Grill (the steak house on the other side of the resort) were exceptional. The Brazilian was good and the Mexican also. We did not try the others. Definitely eat breakfast at Portofino by the beach a couple of times (more private and some different choices). Even the lunch buffet at the beach had excellent choices. Drinks were good (medium to top shelf). We ordered from the wine list at the Grill and Don Pablo Gourmet and it was worth the extra cost ($30). That being said, it was the only extra cost on the resort and our choice.  

Like I said the place is beautiful. The room was very nice including the LCD TV, sofa, and robe were key and bathroom is very nice (separate shower and spa tub). The pool is a nice size and the swim up bar is a nice touch. The beach as expected was beautiful and the water crystal clear.

Like our last trip to DR, guests still need to know all that is offered before arriving (there is a lack of information in writing at the resort). We forgot to inquire about some sports activities and never called room service (no menu in the room), but I think this is a reflection of the great time we were having and the broad array of food available... 

Also, the transportation to/from airport was good as was the Apple rep on site.

We are very happy to have found you guys when researching this resort. We will call you for our next sun vacation. I probably rambled on some yet left out some stuff. If you have any questions about the resort, please email us. All the best!"

Peter and Judy
Madison NJ  

Hi Maria, 

"Just back, unfortunately, from the Grand Palladium Bavaro in Punta Cana.  I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that everything was wonderful.  We were there three years ago and thought it was great.  Since then they have done a lot to make the resort even better, and their efforts show.  I had forgotten just how beautiful the grounds and the beach are.  Pictures just don’t do the place justice.  Also, I was amazed to see many, many employees who I recognized from three years ago including Isabel, who runs the kids club.  My children loved her three years ago and still do.  In speaking with those employees I remembered from before I was surprised to find that most have worked at the resort for 5 years or more.  That says a lot about the Fiesta chain.  Everyone at this resort, from the managers and supervisors; to the people in the restaurants; the bartenders; the POP animation people; and even the gardeners, do an amazing job to make sure that their guests are having fun.  My wife, the three of our children we took (ages 11, 9, & 7), and I all had a great time.  It was truly an amazing vacation in a spectacular place.  I’m already looking forward to going back again – soon!"

Thanks.

Chuck
Charles J. Barreras, Esquire
The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP
Norristown, PA

Maria, 

Once again I wanted to say thank you for your assistance with our trip to the Palladium in Puerto Vallarta.  The resort was gorgeous and outside the main tourist areas in a very jungle like setting on the beach.  You got us the best room in the house which had the best views and close to all the excitement.  The restaurants were great and so was the staff as I tipped regularly and they really went the extra mile and showed their appreciation.  We rented a car and it was a great place to start out on journeys to head north of Vallarta.  Great Trip, Great Time, only complaint too short.“

Gary Birkett
San Jose, CA

Dear Judy and Maria   

"The memories of our wonderful week with our family at Grand Palladium White Sand are still fresh.  But we owe so much to both of you for all you did to make it such a great experience for all of us.

We will never forget how you swung into action when Richard and his family realized they had forgotten their passports and without them couldn’t get on the plane with us.  You were able to cancel their seats and direct them (after they went home to get their passports) to another flight the very next day.

When Joanne and I arrived at the resort and were not pleased with our room assignments (they were beachfront but on the ground floor with a limited view and all the rooms were not together), the reservation desk clerk told us there were no other rooms available.  That is when I called you, Maria.  Did things change after that!  The Front Desk Manager himself came out and personally showed us rooms in a number of buildings before we finally found the right ones.  He must have moved other guests all over the place to make room for us.  All the time he was telling us how wonderful you and Judy are and how he would do anything for you.  He ended up giving us his card and told us to call him directly before our next visit.  As if that weren’t enough, the Managing Director of White Sand came out to introduce himself to us and to make sure we were satisfied with our accommodations and the way we were being treated.

Your immediate response to my phone call to you was very reassuring.  Your power at that place is really impressive.  Having travel agents be so responsive and effective is so wonderful.  I’m sure that all your clients can tell their stories of your help to them in their hour of need.  I didn’t think it would be right for me not to tell our story and let you know of our admiration and appreciation."

Until our next trip,

Allen Marans, M.D.
Bethesda, Maryland

Maria and Judy, 

"Thank you so much for suggesting the Grand Palladium for our honeymoon.  We loved every minute of it!  I am giving your names to my friends to use you for their next trip.  Actually, our best man and his fiancé made their honeymoon plans through you. I am attaching a few pictures of us!"

Thanks again!

Beth and Dan Weatherford
Fairfax, Virginia
Grand Palladium Royal Suites Yucatan

Judy and Maria's Travel,

"I just wanted you to know that we returned from our trip to the Royal Suites Yucatan by Palladium last night and had a great time.  The resort was beautiful . . . .  HUGE, and the food and service was outstanding.  We're glad we took your advice on the private transfer. It was so convenient and comfortable.  The only issue on the whole trip was a two-hour delay on our return flight, however, in the end it only netted out to be arriving 25 minutes late into Hartford so it wasn't bad at all

We talked up Judy and Maria's Travel as we were extremely pleased with the service and knowledge we received from you and the overall support and information we received about our destination from the emails and website.  You guys are a class act.

This was our second APPLE Vacation and we will also make every attempt to use them again as well.  Everything goes so smoothly and you have knowledgable people at your destination to guide you and keep you from any trouble that you otherwise may unknowingly end up in.  Whenever we had a question about process or booking an event or transportation, APPLE was there.  They were quick and they were accurate.

Thank you again.  We will definately be booking our future travel with you."

Terry Cowdrey
Pittsfield, MA

Dear Maria:   

"What a great time we had at the Palladium with the royal cabana package!  we especially appreciated the private auto transfers, nice touch!  PS...Pedro at the VIP lobby says hola!  Staff was great, grounds and restaurants were superb!  Have anyone interested in a stay at the Royal Suites Yucatan by Palladium contact us.  Our recent trip to the royal section definitely ranks in the top two!  We just can't pick a winner between the Iberostar Maya and the Palladium Royal Cabana!   

Thanks again for our fourth great J&M trip to the Riveria Maya.  We always return well satisfied with your trip planning.  Very smooth and trouble free!"

Bob Janus and Melody Johnson
Bangor, Pennsylvania

Hi Maria: 

"Just back from the Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana.  Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed it.  It's everything and more that you wrote in your reviews.  The place is simply beautiful, the people so friendly and the food was very good. This is our third vacation through your agency and Hope to start planning our next one."

Best Wishes,
Jeanne Devers
Somerdale, NJ

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso Experience

A+++++++++ to "IBEROSTAR GRAND HOTEL PARAISO"  -  RIVIERA MAYA  -  for providing "lifetime memories"  as we celebrated "5/10/45 year anniversaries" in the Santora/ Steffech/ Keim families.........Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso is "picture perfect" in all aspects, and as we reflect back over our visit there, The kindnesses of ALL the staff, leave us with a longing to return in the near future.......
 
KUDOS - KUDOS - KUDOS to "MARIA THOMAS" for her guidance in selecting Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso - knowing it would be "perfect" for us after I explained, to her, what my "WANTS, NEEDS and DESIRES" were.......MARIA, you are the BEST agent I have ever worked with and certainly will contact you, in the future, for my travel ...............thank you - thank you for being there ,with positive support,  and guiding me in the right direction ....... "KUDOS ONCE AGAIN TO MARIA!"      

Barbar Keim
North Wildwood, New Jersey

Dear Judy and Maria:  

"We just had to tell you what a wonderful vacation we had at the new Iberostar Grand Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico. We spent seven glorious nights in the height of elegance.  The oceanfront room was outstanding and the view was spectacular.  The grounds and the architectural detail of the resort seconds to none anywhere. There are basically no words to literally describe a stay at the Grand.  To achieve the full effect of the facility, you just have to experience it. We have been traveling with Judy and Maria's Travel since 2003 and we have booked 7 vacations to date.  Each time we return from one of your vacation packages, we always say "it doesn't get better than this!" But each new excursion seems to out do the previous trip.  However, I truly believe that the Iberostar Grand has to be the ultimate and can't be topped. Now we are truly spoiled and we can't wait until our next trip there in the fall.    

And,,, a special "hats off" to the butlers and concierges at building 71.  They strived to pamper us each day of our stay. They just couldn't do enough for us!  

Well, you guys did it again! another perfect vacation without a hitch.  

Thanks for your outstanding effort to every minor detail that makes our vacations wonderful, care free memorable experiences."  

Bob Janus and Melody Johnson
Bangor, Pennsylvania