PHOTO: Guests ascend the Grand Staircase for a cocktail reception at the Apple Vacations annual awards gala at the Art Institute in Chicago. (Photos by Theresa Norton Masek)
Apple Vacations hosted a posh gala at Chicago's Art Institute last night, Sept. 8, to honor its many hotel, resort and destination partners. The vacation company also revealed its 2014 winners Crystal Apple Awards, which go to the highest-rated properties and destinations as chosen by Apple customers.
The Art Institute on Michigan Avenue was a beautiful setting for the black-tie-optional dinner gala. In past years, Apple held its awards festivities at Drury Lane Conference Center in west suburban Oakbrook Terrace, but this year decided to step it up a notch (or two or three!), although the trade show for travel agents was once again held in that venue today.
After entering the Michigan Avenue entrance into the Art Institute, guests ascended the polished-marble, 1910-built Grand Staircase to gather for cocktails. Guests then moved into the dining room, passing through the Pritzker Galleries of Impressionism to admire works by Seurat, Monet and Renoir and others.
PHOTO: Apple's guests enjoyed private viewings of priceless artworks, including "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat.
Apple President Jeff Mullen (pictured at right) then presented the 2014 Crystal Apple Awards. They went to:
Best All-Inclusive - Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall, which also won in 2013
Best Staff & Service in Mexico - Now Amber Puerto Vallarta
Best Staff & Service in the Caribbean - Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Don Pablo Collection
Best Staff & Service in Central America - Riu Palace Costa Rica (also won in 2013)
Best Staff & Service in the Hawaiian Islands - Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach
Best All-Inclusive Family Resort - Iberostar Playa Mita
Best Hotel Chain - Secrets Resorts & Spas (also won in 2013)
Best Destination - Cancun
A who's who of the travel industry attended.
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