Wednesday, 22 December 2010

Planning Your Destination Wedding at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort
While at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan last week, I was thinking that engagement season is upon us. The most popular time of the year for wedding proposals seems to be between December and February. As well, this is also the most popular time for Wedding Planners to get inquiries. Many couples often start planning their wedding not long after the engagement.
View of free form pool by the beach - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort
I spend a lot of time touring resorts in tropical destinations to make sure that my clients are choosing the perfect destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway. I just got back from Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan and think this is an amazing resort for a destination wedding or honeymoon. Starting in January 2011, this resort will offer all-inclusive as well as European meal plans.
Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay
This extraordinary luxury resort is set on 20 pristine acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the new and unspoiled areas known as “Nuevo Mazatlan”. With its neoclassical architecture, reminiscent of Old Mazatlan, and a magnificent landscape of vibrant gardens, palm trees, and winding streams, this breathtaking resort is a natural sanctuary for your soul.

Looking toward the main building from the beautiful landscaped grounds- Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae
I would highly recommend a beautifully appointed master suite which offers 973 square feet of space to relax, entertain, and enjoy paradise. These luxury suites feature a kitchenette, a private bedroom with bathroom, and an extra bathroom in the spacious living room that opens to a private terrace with a spectacular ocean view. You do not need to worry about drinking the water as the resort has an on site treatment process, through which the water undergoes extensive purification to make it safe for drinking. In addition, the hotel is built with US standard electrical outlets so you do not have to bring a converter. A complementary shuttle runs hourly during the day to the sister resort, Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan, where you can enjoy the restaurants and pools at the city location. Resort amenities at Emerald Bay include an adult pool, a huge beachside pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, the new Spa at Emerald Bay, driving green and lighted tennis courts. Amidst the sounds of native birds, you’ll relax below 150-year-old mangroves that surround a free-form pool, stroll along the shoreline by the bay, sport fish, and enjoy any number of nearby water activities.
The new spa - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

Pueblo Bonito offers ceremonies and reception packages to make your wedding planning easy and stress free. Whether you are having a private ceremony for just family or a gala bash for hundreds, Wendy, the wedding coordinator, will coordinate every aspect and assist you in making your decisions.
Wedding at the Garden Gazebo - Photo courtesy of Carlos Medina Studio.com
 
The resort offers one wedding per day so that you do not have to worry about sharing your wedding venue with another couple’s wedding. Amidst the luxurious gardens, terraces, and endless beach of Emerald Bay, you will find the perfect location for your wedding ceremony and reception: the Garden Gazebo, Cordelliere Esplanade, Bistro Poolside Esplanade or the beach.
Couple under the Garden Gazebo - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort  
Reception on Cordelliere Esplanade - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort  
Outdoor area of Bistro Restaurant - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Caption
Reception by the water - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort  
Weddings in Mexico are legal ceremonies recognized throughout the world. The “Civil Ceremony”, as it is known here is performed by a judge and is equivalent to a ceremony performed by a Justice of the Peace.

Getting married in Mexico has the following requirements:

A minimum of three working days are necessary to process your documentation.
  •     Completed application forms
  •     Copies of passports
  •     Original birth certificates with raised seal or a notarized copy
  •     Driver’s license or other photo ID
  •     FMT tourist permit, issued upon entry by Mexican Immigration
  •     2passport size photographs
  •     Blood tests, a waiver may be signed if the couple has been living in in a common-law relationship for a minimum of six months
Newlyweds  on the beach - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort   
If you would like help planning the perfect wedding or honeymoon at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan, I would be happy to help you. Call Muriel at 403-477-0643.

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort
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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Tuesday, 21 December 2010

Tis’ The Season For Engagements: How To Get Started Planning Your Wedding

Christmas is fast approaching! Between the holiday shopping and decorating your home, it really is a magical season, filled with family celebrations and get-togethers with friends. It’s a time when people are naturally brought closer together and look favourably towards the future. Therefore, it only makes sense that it’s also the time of year when more couples get engaged than any other week of the year.
Christmas is a wonderful time to get engaged! Make sure, however, that you know how best to start your wedding planning to avoid costly mistakes. – Photo courtesy of Mark 11 Photography 

Newly engaged couples will rejoice in the holidays and be eager to share their good news with family and friends. People will admire the ring, and for most couples, they get caught up in the excitement and want to begin planning their big day right away. Unfortunately, with all that enthusiasm, many couples make some costly wedding planning mistakes by making decisions and commitments before they are really ready to do so.

Here are some ideas to help make your wedding planning go much smoother:

1.    Determine The Budget: How much money do you have to spend? This is the first and most mportant   question that needs to be answered before you do any wedding planning, or worse yet, put any deposits down. Are parents going to be helping, and if so, how much are they willing to contribute? What are you able to contribute? The amount of money you have to spend is going to shape the way your wedding is going to look and feel. You don’t want to get locked into a venue that you can’t really afford or overspend on your flowers so you have to cut back on everything else.

      To figure out your budget, begin with the following:
      a)    Start with when you want to get married and count how many months that gives you to save.
      b)    Multiply that by the amount that the two of you are able to contribute and save each month for the              wedding fund.
      c)    Add to that any money that your parents are able to contribute or savings you might have that you                want to use.
      d)    Subtract maybe five to ten percent for over budget items.
      e)    Voilá – you have your wedding budget!

2.    The Guest List: There is no point of planning on an intimate family celebration when Mom and Dad’s initial list of attendees of immediate family and close friends is over one fifty. Sit down together and with both sets of parents and begin creating a list of possible guests. This isn’t the final version, but will give you an idea of how many people will be in attendance. Once you have this figured out, this will also help you determine the size of your venue and how many people it will have to accommodate. It’s also a quick way to figure out catering costs and whether or not you really want that big wedding, as big weddings usually equals big bucks!

3.    Create Your Vision: As well, this is something that is usually a work in progress, but you need to at least start with the feel you want for your wedding. If the idea of getting married in the garden in your parent’s backyard sounds appealing, you will want to find an intimate reception venue that will match. As well, you would want to make sure that your wedding is scheduled for mid- to late-summer, allowing the flowers to bloom and for the garden to look its absolute best. Some types of weddings are really dictated by the time of year and/or the venue selected. It’s a good idea to start thinking about what you both want your wedding to be like in order to make other decisions that will ensure your wedding plans match your vision and ideas.

4.    Hire A Wedding Planner: There is nothing wrong with planning to do a lot of the work on your wedding yourself, but one of the most common things I hear from others when I tell them what I do, is that they wished they had hired a wedding planner when working on their own nuptials. For most couples, they are planning a wedding for the first time where as a wedding planner has the experience, the contacts, and the expertise. She can not only save you time, but also suggest ways to save money making it a win-win situation for everyone. Having her on side right from the beginning ensures that your wedding will be a success. If you don’t think you can afford the full wedding planning services, at least consider hourly consulting so the planner can keep you on track, make suggestions for you to follow through on, and still give you some of that expert advice that will make your planning your wedding so much easier.


Being engaged can be a magical time of your life. Keep the magic alive and thoroughly enjoy the process of planning your wedding by making good decisions right from the beginning. – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography
Getting engaged is such an exciting time! Make sure it’s a process that you both can enjoy from beginning to end by making sure you take the first few steps in the right direction.
If you need assistance in planning for your upcoming wedding, or just want some advice along the way, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.or info@delsoldestinationweddings.com

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 Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Monday, 20 December 2010

Five Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Destination Wedding


When planning a destination wedding, you may plan to get married in a lovely tropical location and think there is little else you have to do to get married. Often, you will choose a resort which has an on-site wedding coordinator and opt for the all-inclusive vacation package which includes flights, accommodations, ground transportation to and from the airport, food, and alcohol. Many resorts offer a free wedding package. Sounds great so why should you have to worry about anything else? Here are a few other things that you might want to think about.

1) Read the fine print about the free wedding or the wedding package you are selecting. The free wedding often includes a location for the ceremony, cake and champagne for the wedding couple and two attendants, a bouquet and a boutonniere and sometimes not a lot more. Couples often think that if the resort is all-inclusive, that they can have a reception for 30 to 40 people at no extra cost. This is usually not so as there is usually an extra charge for each guest attending the reception above the maximum guests indicated in the wedding package.

2) Don’t try to save money by not buying medical and cancellation insurance. If you do have a medical emergency, you want to be sure that you have good medical insurance. You never know what can happen as was shown when the Grand Riviera Princess exploded.  Also, realize that if you have a connecting flight and miss your flight due to bad weather, delayed flights, and/or mechanical failure, that the air carrier does not always take responsibility to find you a new flight. You could lose a lot of money if something happens so you cannot get to your destination or you miss your wedding.

3) Get your guests to book early rather than wait until the last minute to plan their trip.  I have dealt with too many guests who are frustrated and upset because they waited too long, missing the direct flights, and ended up with layovers or even over night flights because they didn’t book when they got the Save the Date invite. Travel agents can’t help you find a flight if there are none left even if you are in the wedding party. Sometimes the costs go up, especially as the packages and/or flights get closer to being sold out.

4) Realize that if you ask for a group rate for 40 people, the airlines sell different categories of fares on each plane. Your group quote will be priced by adding all of the different fares together and then averaging the price so that all of the guests pay the same price. Some guests get upset if they can find a price on the internet at a later date which is much cheaper than they were able to get at the group rate. You may need to give some serious consideration as to whether or not you want to get a group rate for your guests in the first place.

5) Finally, are you willing to deal with planning your wedding from afar? Some wedding coordinators will return e-mails and phone calls immediately, but far too many of them will not respond after the initial booking has been made for the wedding. I have even had some who will not respond before the wedding has been booked. Many big resorts do not want to talk to future couples until the meeting which is usually planned for a couple of days before the wedding. This is the consultants’ time to up-sell you and they are masters at doing so. Remember, they work for the resort, not you.  A number of resorts have many weddings per day and deal with so many brides during a month that they do not want to talk to you ahead of time. One way to get around this problem is to avoid the cookie cutter wedding and hire a destination wedding planner who will help you plan your dream wedding in a tropical location from the beginning to the end with the elements that you personally want, not a package made for the masses.


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 Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Do You Dream of Getting Married in a Castle?

The Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs
 Do you want to get married in a castle but are not sure if your guests will be willing to travel to Europe to attend your destination wedding? Instead, why don’t you consider the Fairmont Banff Springs, set amidst the backdrop of majestic mountains, in Banff, Alberta?  One of my favorite venues, this location is definitely the place where dreams are made.
Aerial  view of the Fairmont Banff Springs
Photo Courtesy of the Fairmont Banff Springs

This Scottish baronial castle provides the prefect atmosphere for a romantic, fairy-tale wedding.  Located an hour and 45 minute drive from the Calgary International Airport, the Fairmont Banff Springs is a blend of opulence and seclusion placed in a castle hideaway built in a spectacular mountain paradise. This is the perfect place to make every bride feel like a modern day princess. Move over Kate!
The Grand Lobby
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The 768 guestrooms offer superb appointments and world-class amenities in this world famous hotel.
 
Guest Room
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

 It offers stunning vistas, a championship golf course, skiing in the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, and the Willow Stream Spa, a world-class European-style spa experience. The Fairmont Banff Spring’s talented chefs from across Canada and around the world have created both authentically local menus and classic cuisine. These culinary delights coupled with fine wines and attentive personalized service will ensure that your wedding is a lasting memory for both you and your guest.

The Willow Stream Spa
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs
First constructed in 1888, the hotel has a magnificent grandeur  to it  which makes it the perfect venue for your wedding  ceremony  with its many meeting rooms, halls, or ballroom, or even the picture perfect Bow Valley Terrace.
August Wedding held on the Outdoor Terrace
Photo courtesy by Muriel MacRae

Your wedding can be simple to elegant; an intimate get together for a small group to a large banquet of 200 plus guests, the choice is yours. You have a wide selection of banquet rooms to select from for your dream wedding. Ceremony locations range from the Strathcona Room with a maximum of ten people to Mt. Stephen Hall or the Alhambra Room with a maximum of 250 people. Reception rooms can accommodate from 12 to 700 guests. There are a wide variety of food selections where you have the choice of a breakfast, a brunch or a lunch function in addition to an evening Dinner , Dinner Buffet, or Themed Receptions.
Wedding in Mt. Stephen Hall
Photo Courtesy of Muriel MacRae

Three of the special venues for spectacular wedding locations are the Mt. Stephen Hall, the Cascade Ballroom, and the Ivor Petrak Room. The Mt. Stephen Hall truly represents the Fairmont Banff Spring’s position as “the Castle in the Rockies.” The high ceiling with oak beams, stone floor, and cathedral windows with stained-glass crests truly reflect the style of a baronial castle, while the soft amber lighting creates the perfect atmosphere in the evening. This room holds up to 100 guests  and can be configures in a variety of ways,  Mt. Stephen Hall is widely known as one of the most popular places to get married in Alberta.


Mount Stephen Hall can be used for either wedding  ceremonies or receptions.
Photo courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs 

The Fairmont Banff Spring’s original ballroom, which hosted such esteemed guests as Fred Astaire and Marilyn Monroe, has been renovated to bring back the glamour of the roaring 1920s. The ballroom, decorated in hues of blue, burgundy, and gold, features eight breathtaking crystal chandeliers and hardwood flooring. The Cascade Ballroom is located at the north end of the castle with a million-dollar panoramic view of the Bow Valley from the Conservatory.
Wedding reception in Cascade Ballroom
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs
The canvas of many beautiful ceremonies and receptions, the Ivor Petrak Room hosts up to a maximum of 80 guests and sets the scene for your special day with closest friends and family. Let the picturesque view of the sweeping Bow Valley amaze your guests while they dance the night away under the custom-built chandelier. The Ivor Petrak Room is sure to provide the setting for a lifetime of memories.

Having your dream wedding in this fairy-tale setting located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, is definitely a dream come true. Call 403-619-0528 or email info@creativeweddings.com to plan your fairy-tale wedding today.

Fresh snowfall at the Fairmont Banff Springs
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs


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 Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Wednesday, 24 November 2010

Hello, paradise! Beach weddings done right

Note: Written by Lindsey Hetrick and posted in the Philadelphia Bridal Fashion Examiner on July 1st, 2009 12:22 pm ET

Photo courtesy of Snippet and Ink
White sand between your toes, crystal clear water, a horizon dotted with palm trees, the warm sun against your skin...this may sound like something out of a movie or a celebrity-status vacation but the truth is, this vision is affordable and can be a great place for a summer-themed wedding.

If there's any season that's easier to plan a wedding around, it's summer. What's even easier? Having a breezy, casual destination wedding that enhances the theme even more.

Locales such as Hawaii, Tahiti, Jamaica and St. Lucia are the most popular choices for a dream destination wedding, while places like the Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico give you the most bang for your buck. According to www.weddingsolutions.com, the average destination wedding costs around $17,000.00 for 100 guests while the average cost of a stay at home wedding is around $22,000.00. I bet you never thought you'd be saving money by going to an exotic location!

Starfish, sea shells, parasols and paper fans are all cheap and great ways to decorate the ceremony venue and can also double as favors for guests. Chiffon and raffia (as seen above) can be used to decorate chairs and a makeshift altar can be created with little effort using PVC pipes, paint and chiffon. During the cocktail hour, guests can be served an array of tropical drinks from piña coladas to margaritas and fruity-flavored mojitos. Munchies could include any local fare such as shrimp, lobster and clams. For the non-adventurous eaters, chips and salsa and other classic hors d' oeuvres can be served. The key to pulling this kind of wedding off is to remember that it's a casual fete and nothing too stuffy should be served, after all, you're on a beach!

Providing a basket full of  flip flops for your guest's "dancing shoes" is a cheap and creative way to make the guests feel special. The reception area can be adorned with paper lanterns, white starfish, cream-colored sea shells, sand dollars and assorted tea lights, making for an opulent feel without the big price tag. Instead of trying to find a DJ or band, loading your iPod with a pre-made play list of songs is a great personal touch. A fabulous idea for an after party could be a simple fire pit on the beach relaxing with loved ones and enjoying the atmosphere you always dreamed of.




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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Tuesday, 23 November 2010

Choosing an All-Inclusive Resort for Your Honeymoon

Note: - Thanks to Ariana G. Stecker who wrote this article for her blog Iris Fields Guide to Wedding and Event Planning 
Azul Beach Hotel
 There are so many options when it comes to planning your honeymoon.  Aside from location and budget, there’s also the debate over whether to go all-inclusive or not.

RIU Vallarta
One of the biggest advantages of going all-inclusive is that once you get there, in theory, you shouldn’t have to open your wallet.  Drinks, food, fun are all at your fingertips for no extra charge.  But, sometimes you show up and things aren’t at all what you expected.  There are non-inclusive restaurants, kids are splashing you in the pool, and you can’t get a drink before 11 o’clock in the morning.  Let’s face it—the only kind of surprise you want while on your honeymoon is a complimentary bottle of champagne waiting in your room.  Forget about unexpected financial woes.

To help you plan properly, we’ve put together a list of general things to keep in mind when choosing an all-inclusive resort.  If you do your homework ahead of time, your honeymoon will be everything you dream of!

Transportation. Getting to and from your hotel can be stressful, and you’d hate to start your honeymoon on a sour note.  So check with your hotel to see if they offer an airport transfer, and if they don’t, if they have a taxi company that they recommend.  Knowing a reliable taxi company ahead of time could save you a huge headache.

Food. Obviously food is one of the main factors in choosing an all-inclusive resort, so it better be good and plentiful.  When narrowing down your choices, be sure to find out how many restaurants are on the property and if they are all included in your rate.  Find out the hours of each restaurant and which one is better for breakfast as opposed to lunch or dinner.  Is there a restaurant close to the beach or pool where you’ll be spending your time, or do you have to trek across the resort to eat?  Something you may not think of during the day is dress code—can you wear your bathing suit to grab a quick snack?  Trust us, it’s torture to show up at a restaurant completely ready to eat and then be told that you have to cover up, and your sundress is all the way back at your chaise lounge.   Lastly, if you get tired of the all-inclusive food, are there any nearby restaurants outside of the resort?

Activities. If you get bored lying on the beach for hours, soaking in the sun, you should take advantage of the activities offered by the resort and which ones are included.  Most resorts have an activity calendar filled with volleyball games, belly flop contests, and dance-offs, so be sure to find that each day of your stay—they’re a great way to have fun, unwind, and meet your fellow travelers.  Many times you have to pay separately for sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, and other water sports—but double check with your resort before you shell out any cash. Likewise, if your hotel as an on-site spa, are there any included services, or do you have to pay for every massage and facial?  Also, check with the front desk to see if they can arrange for any off-site excursions, perhaps to see some nearby ruins or to head over to a neighboring island.

Alcohol. Like with the restaurants, you should ask plenty of questions about what beverages are included in your package—alcoholic, non-alcoholic only, or both.  Find out where the bars are located and if there are any poolside, which are always fun.  Also make sure that you can take beverages around the property and don’t have to finish a drink in the place where it was served.  Find out bar hours and if there are any specialty cocktails.  Finally, see if the all-inclusive price covers glasses and bottles of wine and champagne, of if you have to purchase them separately.

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios
The Resort Itself. Check as many visitor-generated sites as possible to try to get a true sense of any resort on your list.  These are often the best way to make sure that the resort in the brochure measures up to the real thing.  Also, check for any special honeymoon deals or perks—perhaps there’s a honeymoon suite or a free bottle of champagne up for grabs.  Make sure that the resort clientele is what you want—namely, is it family friendly, geared toward partying singles, or great for couples.  If it does encourage families to visit, find out if there are any designated “adult only” zones or pools.  Resorts sometimes offer non-all-inclusive packages as well, so make sure that if you did get the all-inclusive deal that you have the proper wristband or other credential to show that you are entitled to all of the perks.

As with any vacation, sit back and think about your ideal trip and make a list of your top priorities and all of the activities you’d like to do.  Then, go through your hotel options and choose the one that fulfills the most points on your list.  After all, the more you can get for your dollar, the better!

Happy planning!



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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Tuesday, 16 November 2010

Honeymoon at Sandals Resorts

Are you trying to decide where to go on your honeymoon? Does thinking of the Caribbean inspire thoughts of romance?  If you want easygoing days, sultry nights, and a sense of tranquility that fills your hearts, why not plan to go to one of Sandals 14 magnificent resorts.

Sandals is renowned for romance.  It has been voted World’s Best at the world travel awards and has been the recipient of many other awards, such as the World’s Leading All-inclusive Company and the World’s Most Romantic Resort.  Guests rave about the service and the way you are pampered at Sandals Resorts.

Don’t know which resort to pick! Here are some of the highlights of three of the resorts In Jamaica:

1) Sandals Montego Bay “The beach goes on and so does the party”

  • The first and true “original” Sandals – set on Jamaica’s long private white-sand beach.
  • Jamaica’s largest private white sand beach with “walk-out” rooms or suites with steps right from the sand!

  • On-resort wedding chapel
  • Gorgeous Bay Rock Estate Beach Villas

  • Full exchange privileges with two Sandals resorts nearby giving guests a choice of 14 restaurants with complementary transportation
  • What’s new: Cricketers Pint (English Pub) and the Red Dread Catamaran



2) Sandals Royal Caribbean: "From Britain to Bali, Experience Exotic Adventures with a British Accent”

 

  • Classic Georgian architecture welcomes you to a place reminiscent of the grandest British manor houses.
  • Caribbean charm with British traditions (authentic English Pub, High Tea in the afternoon)
  • Experience three different cultures on one magnificent resort, all wrapped up with warm island hospitality.
  • Beautiful private 0ff-shore island sanctuary with beach Cabanas
  • Exotic Thai Restaurant located on the off-shore island, Sandals Cay
  • Beautiful walk-out rooms just steps away from the Caribbean Sea
  • Gorgeous Swim-up Crystal Lagoon suits

  • Full exchange privileges with two Sandals resorts nearby giving guests 14 dining option including complementary shuttle service
  • What’s new?  Two new (additional) magnificent  River Suite Blocks, Private Island Enhancements (including the Irie Grill Restaurant for Lunch)

3) Sandals Carlyle “ A Charming Beachside Bed and Breakfast that’s Huge in Hospitality”

  • Charming and intimate, the 52-room Sandals Carlyle is a friendly tropical oasis where you’ll always feel at home.

  • Conveniently located in Montego Bay – minutes from fun, shops, and clubs
  • True “Jamaica Inn” experience
  • Small in size but big in value
  • Full exchange privileges with two nearby Sandals resorts giving  guest 14 Dining Options including complementary shuttle service


So come to Sandals and make your dreams come true and leave every worry at home. Call Muriel at 403-477-0643 to book you  romantic honeymoon.


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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Thursday, 28 October 2010

TIPS FOR THE 1ST TIME TRAVELER!

I found this great list of tips for the first time traveller on TheBigDay Blog (www.thebigday.com) and thought it had some good advice for those who have not travelled before and even those that have. Some of the ideas are common sense but others such as calling your bank and Credit Card Company can save you a lot of strife.

1.    Learn a few words of the local language!
2.    Book your car rental reservation BEFORE you get there
3.    Embrace the differences in culture
4.    Make copies of all your important documents and keep them separate from the originals
5.    Make another copy of important documents and leave them with a contactable family member or friend at home
6.    Put your bank phone numbers in the contact section of your cell phone
7.    Call your bank and Credit Card Company BEFORE you trip and inform them of your travel plans. Then they won't put a freeze on your account thinking there is fraud on the account
8.    Check for major holidays on your destinations
9.    Make sure your passport is valid several weeks BEFORE you leave
Don't pack brand new shoes - they will hurt!
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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.