Thursday, 30 September 2010

Weddings in Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica - Plan your dream wedding

Photo courtesy of Gran Bahia Principe
The Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica is situated in the heart of Jamaica's northern coastal region where you can escape from reality. Surrounded by lush fauna and beautiful tropical beaches, the Bahia Principe is an all-inclusive resort with 700 welcoming junior suites, all with air conditioning, private bathrooms, hair dryers, cable TV, telephones, mini-bar, private safe and terrace with whirlpool baths. Located in the Runaway Bay area between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, this all inclusive hotel comes complete with a shopping and entertainment plaza referred to as the Pueblo Principe.
Photo courtesy of Gran Bahia Principe
The all-inclusive plan includes restaurants, bars, sporting activities, day and night entertainment by our animation teams. Three pools and direct access to the stunning one KM white sand beach….partially protected by natural reefs.

Designed in local tropical architecture, this modern complex is complimented by the Commercial Plaza Pueblo Principe. A Caribbean style plaza with bars, restaurants, a discotheque, medical center, pharmacy, shops, rental car services, and a photo shop.

At Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica you can combine rest and relaxation, or if you chose there are a variety of activities offered. Enjoy nature in one of the best locations in Jamaica, in an ecologically protected natural environment.

Photo courtesy of Jenn Hana
Resort Information

Room Types:
  • Junior suite - Garden view
  • Junior suite - Pool view
  • Junior suite - Ocean view

Photo courtesy of Gran Bahia Principe
Restaurants and types:
  • Main Restaurant “Orquidea” (International Buffet with Ocean Views)
  • Specialty a la carte Restaurant “Don Pablo” (Gourmet)
  • Specialty a la carte Restaurant "El Pescador" (Seafood dishes)
  • Specialty a la carte Restaurant "Mikado” (Japanese)
  • Specialty a la carte Restaurant “The Grill” (Steak-House)

Photo courtesy of Jenn Hana


Wedding Packages
Photo courtesy of Kerry Murphy
Sunshine wedding package (service for up to 10 guests)
  • USD$1,500, tax included (prices subject to change)
Special package include:
  • Wedding coordinator
  • Civil ceremony
  • Judge's fee
  • Decoration of the location; wedding location will be assigned after arrival
  • The wedding may be celebrated on the beach, this special assembly is available for the ceremony and for the dinner
  • Bouquet for the bride and boutonniere for the groom
  • Traditional wedding cake (or couple can select cake from dessert menu, options include: raspberry, chocolate, coconut or coffee with white chocolate cake)
  • Upon arrival local sparkling wine will be served in the room for the couple
  • Celebration with champagne
  • Music from CD (clients may bring their own music if desired)
  • Dinner at one of the à la carte restaurants with set menu
  • Room upgrade for the couple (subject to availability)
  • Upgraded in-room amenities
  • Nightly turndown service
Photo courtesy of Gran Bahia Principe
Additional fee items:
  • Optional extras and services available
  • USD$650 for government license
  • USD$85 for each additional guest
  • Additional wedding packages and renewal of vows package available
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Prices and inclusions are subject to change without prior notice

Complimentary Honeymoon Special
Marriage certificate dated within the last 6 months is required upon check-in
  • Bottle of rum
  • Room upgrade (subject to availability)
Photo courtesy of Gran Bahia Principe
Also available: Honeymoon Package
  • USD $400 (prices subject to change)
Includes:
  • Cava and sweets in room upon arrival
  • Wedding organizer
  • Special honeymoon breakfast served in room
  • Wake-up surprise
  • Romantic dinner in gourmet à la carte restaurant (check availability in the hotel)
  • 2 spa relaxation treatments (check availability in hotel)
  • Upgraded in-room amenities
  • Special honeymoon turndown service
  • Honeymoon Jacuzzi bath
  • Honeymoon gift
Photo courtesy of Gran Bahia Principe
Additional fee items:
  • Optional upgrades available
--------------------------------------------------

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.

Destination Weddings…Hot Trends in Weddings Today


Found a great article below about destination wedding trends written by Linda Kevich, the creator and editor of SuperWeddings.com and the director of The International Institute of Weddings.

 
One of the most watched trends in weddings today is that of the "destination wedding". Today, destination weddings account for a whopping 10% of all weddings occurring among American or Canadian couples. This is pretty significant because just 10 years ago, the term 'destination wedding' was virtually unheard of. And there's no reason to expect a cooling down of this trend any time soon, in fact, it's just gaining speed.

The Destination Wedding: What is It?
Perhaps you've heard some buzz about destination weddings recently, but you're still not clear on the concept. Destination Wedding essentially means "eloping with a crowd". It's a modern version of eloping. When a couple eloped in the past, they ran off alone together. Now they may still run off to get married, but they take their closest family members and friends with them to share in the celebration.

Destination weddings are sometimes also referred to as "Honeymoon Weddings" because they combine a wedding and honeymoon all in one. "Familymoon" is another term we are starting to hear used interchangeably with the destination wedding because it is, in essence, a honeymoon that the whole family (and often close friends) goes along.

Courtesy of Eldorado Royale Resort
Why is it Hot?
It's hot because it appeals both to those who want to run away and get married somewhere exotic, as well as to couples who want to share a really memorable wedding experience with the people closest to them. Couples are grabbing hold of this idea because, instead of having just one day to celebrate their nuptials with their favourite people, they have several days of quality time together. Compare this with the traditional wedding, where often times the day speeds by in a whirlwind and the couple has only fleeting moments to spend with individual guests and you start to see the appeal of the destination wedding.

Another reason for the destination wedding trend is that re-marriages now account for 50% of marriages in the US and Canada. While a conventional or traditional wedding is perfectly acceptable for a remarriage today if that's what the couple wants, some couples just aren't comfortable with a lot of hoopla when it’s not their first trip to the altar. Some prefer something a little more low key or quiet, with just the people closest to them in attendance. The destination wedding is perfect for this.

The internet is also a huge facilitator where destination weddings are concerned. The internet makes the world a much smaller place. Through online research you can explore geographic locations, tour resorts and hotels, read menus, look at cakes, and view examples of a photographer's work or a hairstylist's up-do's. Planning a wedding from afar is no longer the scary and risky proposition it once was. You can make contact with resorts and vendors, including wedding coordinators, in the destination of choice via email, and have information, price lists, and contracts sent back to you in a matter of moments. It’s also much more affordable to enter into dialogue with service providers via email than it would be if you were racking up long distance bills along the way.

How Many Guests?
Curious about the number of guests typically attending these destination events? You may be surprised to hear that it is approaching 50. That's significant, because just 4 or 5 years ago the typical destination wedding had a guest list of just 10 - 20 people.

You can invite as many or as few people as you want to your destination wedding. Just keep one thing in mind: There are likely to be people on your guest list who will be unable to attend due to the expense involved or the logistics of arranging a jaunt away from home. People have limited vacation time, they may need significant lead time to book their vacations, or they may not be able to arrange to be away from home on the dates you've selected for a wide variety of other reasons. Also keep in mind that your idea of the dream destination may not match theirs, so if you are expecting them to pay their own way, they may not be willing to invest their limited vacation budget into the vacation of your choice. And that's perfectly valid and entirely understandable, so don't hold it against them or take offense.

Before you get too far down the road in planning your destination wedding, ask yourself if you are still going to be happy if some of the people on your guest list are unable to attend. What if none of them decided to come - would you still be happy if it was just you and your sweetie celebrating your marriage alone together in that exotic locale? Be prepared for these possibilities before proceeding.

Courtesy of Occidental Grand Papagayo, Costa Rica
Research Required
Before you get your heart set on any specific destination wedding plan, it’s super-important to do your research and determine whether what you have in mind is feasible. Not only do you need to investigate costs, but you will also need to carefully determine what the requirements and regulations are in regard to saying your "I do's" in the destination of your choice. Some countries only allow citizens to marry on their soil; others may have a residency requirement whereby you have to live in the country for 30 days, 6 months, or a year before you are eligible to marry there.

You'll also be required to provide various forms of documentation in order to marry in another country, and you need to know what specific documentation is required for the country in question. In some cases, the law of the land requires that you also have the documents translated at your own expense, in advance, into the official language of the country in question. These are merely examples of the types of red tape and hoops you may be required to jump through, so careful investigation is paramount.

Another important part of doing your research has to do with determining whether there are any travel advisories or weather concerns for the area you'd like to be wed in. Use the same precautions you would when planning any other vacation. Check weather conditions for the time of year (avoid planning your wedding in the middle of hurricane season, for example), check with US Department of State to ensure that there are no travel advisories for the area in question due to political upheaval, civil war, or terrorism.

Flexibility a MUST
It’s also really important that you be flexible when planning a destination wedding. You may have ideas in your head about what you would like your wedding to look like that simply aren't compatible with the destination you have chosen. For example, maybe you've been dreaming of a gown with layer upon layer of crunchy taffeta since you were a little girl, but if you wear that at an ocean side wedding in the tropics, you'll pass out from the humidity and heat exhaustion before you make it half way down the aisle. You've heard the expression "When in Rome do as the Romans do"? Nowhere is that more applicable than in the destination wedding scenario. Tailor the details of your wedding to the destination. Follow the recommendations and suggestions of the local pros - they know what's doable and appropriate in their local area. No point in swimming against the tide.

Control Freaks Beware
Some brides (or couples) like to personally oversee each and every little detail of their wedding plans, and have personal involvement at every juncture. If this is you, think carefully before proceeding with a destination wedding. Unless you plan to make one or more trips to the destination before the wedding for planning purposes, which can get quite costly, you are likely going to need to put a lot of the details in the hands of someone else - probably a resort event coordinator, wedding planner, or travel agent who specialized in destination weddings (or a combination of the above). The logistics simply don't allow for you to have close control. Make sure you are cool with that or you may be in for more stress than you bargained for.

Who Pays for Guests Accommodations and Travel?
This is the big question that everyone is asking. There is no rule of etiquette that requires the couple to pay for guests travel and accommodation expenses, however, it is certainly hospitable of you, and a real treat for your guests, if you can cover some of all of their costs. Some couples do this, others do not. If possible, you might consider covering a portion of your guest’s expenses, say, just their airfare or just their accommodations.

Obviously, if you are picking up some or the entire tab, you'll increase the likelihood that guests will be able and willing to attend.

Courtesy of Hilton Bora Bora
Paying for Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Expenses
The couple is, however, responsible for covering the accommodation expenses of their bridal attendants, in other words, the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and honour attendants. This rule of etiquette applies for all weddings, not just destination events, any time an attendant will have to travel to participate as a member of the wedding party. If your budget is tight, keep this in mind before selecting your attendants and perhaps limit yourself to just one honour attendant on each side.

Easy on the Expenses 
Whether you have decided to foot the bill, or at least part of it, for your guests, or whether they'll have to pay their own way, try to reduce the costs as much as possible by looking into group rates on airfare and hotel rooms. American Airlines has a program whereby they will provide a group discount if 10 or more people are flying to attend the same event. It doesn't matter if the cities of origin are not the same, as long as everyone is headed for the same destination. Other airlines may be willing to discount tickets when a group is travelling as well, so try to negotiate the best rates possible for you and your guests. (It's possible to do this yourself, but a good travel agent or wedding coordinator will be skilled at getting the best rates for you.

Similarly, hotels or resorts will often discount room rates when you are booking multiple rooms at a time. Have the resort reserve a block of rooms for your party. When guests call in to make their reservation, they simply mention that they are part of your party, and they will qualify for the group rate. Make sure you tell the hotel or resort to keep all the rooms on the same floor - that way guests can be cozy and can interact with one another.

If you have chosen a particularly posh hotel or resort, you might also want to source out alternate accommodations that are close by but a little easier on the wallet so guests can have budget alternatives. Make guests aware of all of their accommodation options so that they can select that which best fits their budget.

Get Professional Help
If this is all sounding complex, overwhelming, and time consuming, truth be told, it can be. Some couples think that running away to get married will simplify their wedding plans, but depending on the destination you are running to, and the type of event you are planning, it may just introduce a different set of complexities.
To ensure that all goes smoothly when planning your destination event, its best to work with a travel agent or a professional wedding coordinator.

If using a travel agent, try to find one who specializes in destination weddings, if possible, as they'll have experience in arranging your air travel and accommodations, but also some of the other details and logistics. For instance, they'll know which resorts specialize in catering to destination weddings and which ones offer free wedding packages and the like.

If you are going to use a wedding planner, you can either select one based in your own home town, or find one who is located in your destination. In either case, once again, it’s best to look for someone who specializes in destination weddings. This is particularly true if the consultant is your own area and will be coordinating this event from afar.

Start Early
The key to success in planning a destination wedding is to start as early as possible. As mentioned before, you'll need time to do your research about what will be required to get married in the destination of your choice. You'll also need time to talk with the people you intend to invite to get a rough idea of what dates would work for them.

Once a firm date has been set, you need to get busy making decisions early on in the process. All the details, from the biggest the smallest, need to be considered and decided upon. This way you won't end up scrambling to make important decisions under the gun because time has run out -- that is the best way to make the worst decision.

Courtesy of Disney World
A Whole New Industry
The popularity of destination weddings has grown so rapidly that it has given rise to a whole new industry in and of itself. Today entrepreneurs and existing companies are spotting the enormous opportunity in this hot trend and are finding ways to cash in on it. More and more resorts are now specifically catering to the destination wedding crowd. Airlines and hotel chains are developing special programs specifically for the destination wedding market. Cruise lines are getting in on the action, as is one of the most successful companies in the world, the Walt Disney Company. With its destination wedding packages, Disney World has become the second most popular destination in the US for destination weddings (following Las Vegas). Even some entire cities, towns, and countries are discovering that they can profit substantially by making destination weddings their focus. The Caribbean islands, for instance, have in the last number of years further eased their requirements for non-residents to marry on their soil, in order to encourage the influx of destination wedding couples. Some cities and towns in the US and abroad are now putting effort and investment into marketing themselves as wedding destinations because they realize the powerful potential it will have on their economies. The websites of more and more Chambers of Commerce or Visitors and Tourists Bureaus are heavily focusing on the destination wedding aspect of their cities as a means of attracting more tourism.

--------------------------------------------------

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, 29 September 2010

Planning for Your Out of Town Wedding Guests

There are so many parts to planning a wedding that it can sometimes be overwhelming. One more thing that a bride has to think about is planning for the out of town wedding guests. Usually there are too many people to have them stay at your house so other arrangements have to be made. One of the things to consider is contacting a hotel in the area and getting a group rate for your guests who stay there. In fact, depending on the size of the wedding, you might want to contact two or three local hotels at different price ranges so that your guests have a choice of accommodation. For those brides with a wedding website, the different accommodations could be described on the website along with the nightly rate and a contact phone number.

Photo courtsey of Muriel MacRae
If there are a number of guests staying at a hotel without transportation, you might want to arrange for a bus to transport your guests from the hotel to and from the ceremony and wedding locations. This can be a tremendous benefit which your out of town guests will really appreciate.

For guests travelling a long distance to the wedding, you might want to contact a travel agent to arrange a group rate for air travel. Usually you need a minimum of ten people in the group in order to receive the group rate. West Jet allows brides to call them to receive a number which will allow any of their wedding guests flying anywhere in North America to receive a 10% discount off regular fares.

Photo courtesy of West Jet
Finally, you might want to plan some day trips before or after the wedding for those guests who would like to see the sights in your hometown. Many guests who are travelling to a location which they have not visited before will enjoy your thoughtfulness.

Sometimes, it does not take much to keep your out of town guests happy. Thinking of ways to make it easier for them to find accommodations and transportation is just one of them.

--------------------------------------------------
 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, 28 September 2010

How to Pack for Your Destination Wedding

Have you ever gone on a trip only to find that when you arrived you had forgotten to pack any number of important items? This can be a very frustrating experience at the best of times – but when you are packing for your destination wedding or honeymoon, it is even more important to consider what to pack and how to pack. Much will depend on where you are going and your own personal style.

If you are planning on getting married in a formal wedding dress and want to keep it close to you while you are travelling, it’s best to carry it with you on the plane. Don’t rely on putting it in your bag with the other checked luggage. Be sure to check with the airlines in advance and see if they will allow you to hang it in a garment bag in the plane’s coat closet. If you aren’t able to store it in the closet, be sure to store it on top of the other luggage in the overhead compartment to minimize wrinkles. However, some airlines may require you to check the dress. In that case, be sure to pack the dress in luggage that is sturdy and secure. It is also important to plan to arrive at your destination a few days early, so that if you do have a problem with your luggage, you have time to make the necessary adjustments.


Once you arrive at your destination, unpack and hang your dress immediately to avoid any unnecessary wrinkling. Often the humidity in tropical climates will relax the wrinkles but you may want to arrange to have your dress pressed as well.

Grooms should carry their wedding attire on board as well. In Mexico and the Caribbean, you will not find many tuxedo rental shops so it is easier to bring the clothes with you.

Make sure that you carry toiletries in your luggage in secure compartments. When packing your makeup, be sure to pack everything individually in secure, sealed bags, to prevent leakage. Always remember to pack light as toiletries can add a lot of extra weight to your suitcase. For your carry-on luggage, make sure that your liquids, including toothpaste, do not exceed three ounces and are placed in clear Ziploc one-quart bags. Place all sharp items such as scissors, nail trimmers, metal finger nail files etc. in your regular luggage so it will not be confiscated.

Other things to consider carrying in your carry-on luggage is your phone, keys, and a change of clothes just in case of a flight delay or delayed luggage arrival. I would suggest putting an extra outfit in you travelling partner’s bag just in case something happens to your luggage.

Your clothing is a very personal issue. Things to remember, include; bathing suits and wraps, sandals, shirts and t-shirts, shorts and casual wear and a folding beach bag. Don’t forget the sun tan lotion, bug repellent, sunglasses and a hat as they are often very pricey when purchased at the resorts. For a more formal evening, bring smart dresses, pants, tops and shoes.

For your wedding, don’t forget to pack:
  • Wedding dress
  • Special hosiery or undergarments
  • Shoes
  • Guest book
  • Wedding rings (carry them with you - not in your luggage)
  • Groom’s tux or suit
  • Groom’s shoes
  • Address book
  • Thank you cards if you would like to write them on the way home
  • Special decorations, favours, wedding music, etc
Hopefully, your wedding will go off without a hitch and you will have everything you need for your wedding away from home.

--------------------------------------------------
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.

Friday, 24 September 2010

Candles At Your Wedding Reception

I absolutely love Karen Tran's work and recently came across her daughter, Aileen Tran, showing some of her beautiful bouquets on her blog. While studying the floral decorations, I kept noticing the reception tables with the creative ideas that involved candles. As I looked through the photos of other wedding tablescapes, I just had to share a few of these simple, but lovely ideas with you.

Photo courtesy of Karen Tran Florals
Photo courtesy of Rob Holley Photography
Photo courtesy of Creative Weddings and Occasions
Photo courtesy of White Wedding Events
Photo courtesy of Karen Tran Florals
Photo courtesy of Creative Weddings and Occasions
Photo courtesy of Silverberry Occasions
-------------------------------------------------- 
 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, 23 September 2010

Wedding at Dreams Tulum - Plan your dream wedding or honeymoon



Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa

Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa
 Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa is an all-inclusive resort located in one of the most unique beaches in the Riviera Maya surrounded by lush tropical acres, sugary white sand and magnificent colonial architecture. Just five minutes from Tulum and 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen, Dreams Tulum provides upscale surroundings and combines fun and relaxation with the ancient world of the Maya. It is one of the only resorts in the Riviera Maya located a short distance to the ancient ruins of Tulum.

Its magnificent colonial architecture, original paintings and ambiance provide the perfect setting to unwind and discover the mystical power over the ancient Mayan civilization. This hacienda-style, Unlimited-Luxury resort features two swimming pools, one with a children’s area, full-service spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a Mayan-themed Explorer’s club for kids.

Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa

Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa
Dreams Tulum sits on two miles of powdery white sand with everything to make guest happy. And you’re right on the ocean for snorkelling, catamarans, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking and ocean trampoline. Choose from magnificent dining option featuring five gourmet, a la Carte, and one buffet-style restaurant. Dine at the Seaside Grill, an a la carte steak house, enjoy French cuisine in a romantic setting at Bordeaux or visit El Patio for Mexican fare. Seven bars including pool and beachside, are perfect places to make new friends, or just catch up with each other.

Ideally located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Dreams Tulum is just a 75-minute drive south of Cancun International Airport.

All guest rooms and suites offer a private and furnished patio or balcony with a hammock, marble bathrooms, daily refreshed min-bar, and 24-hour room service. The spa offers a full range of natural curative massage therapies and facial treatments: each designed to soothe your body, mind, and spirit. For parents travelling with children, the Explorer’s Club keeps their kids happy and busy with their own kind of supervised fun.
Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa
The resort boosts 431 finely appointed luxury suites and guest rooms. The majority of the rooms either provide beautiful garden views or ocean views of the Caribbean Sea and the most magnificent scenery on the Yucatan Peninsula. The rooms contain one king-size bed or two-double beds.



Resort Information

Room Type:

Hacienda Section:
Deluxe Ocean View – 29
Junior Suite Ocean View – 12
Junior Suite Garden View – 64
Deluxe Garden View – 116
Hacienda Suites – 5
Presidential Suite – 1

Dreams Section:
Dreams Jr. Suite Garden View – 136
Dreams Jr. Suite Ocean View – 40
Dreams Jr. Suite Ocean Front – 20
Dreams Honeymoon Suite – 7
Dreams Presidential Suite – 1


Restaurants and types:
Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa
Bordeaux – Gourmet French cuisine
El Patio – Delectable Mexican cuisine
Himitsu – A fusion of Pan-Asian delicacies
Portofino – Innovative and traditional Italian cuisine
Seaside Grill – Steak and grilled specialties
Gohan – Sushi bar
World Café – Continental cuisine served buffet style with a variety of international-theme specialties

Local Point of Interest:
World’s second largest barrier reef lies just offshore
Nearby underground rivers, caves, and jungles for the adventure seekers
Eco-adventure attractions at Xel-Ha
Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba, Xel-ha, Chichen-Itza, and Kohunlich
Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park
Cozumel- ferry from Playa del Carmen

If you would like to book your trip to Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa e-mail us at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com

Wedding and Honeymoon packages available upon request.


Photo courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa.


--------------------------------------------------
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, 22 September 2010

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

Photo credit - Muriel MacRae

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa in Costa Rica offers the ultimate sumptuous Costa Rica vacation and a lifetime of memories. With 310 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 20 Junior Suites, and Presidential suite, this Costa Rica resort, with its Spanish Colonial theme, already has been labelled as one of the most exclusive resorts in Latin America. This beautiful resort is situated on a secluded Mansita beach on Costa Rica’s stunning north-western coast in a prime location within the famous Hacienda Pinilla, a unique and sophisticated residential beach and golf community. The hotel is located about 52 miles from the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia. Designed around the concept of “rustic luxury”, guests enjoy an ideal balance between an authentic Costa Rican experience and the comforts of the modern world.


The JW Marriott Guanacaste is luxury on your own terms. My husband and I loved our stay there in August, 2009, and can’t wait to go back. The service was absolutely phenomenal and the staff will bend over backwards to make your stay enjoyable. With outstanding personalized service in a beautiful setting, the resort is aimed at anticipating your every need. And the meticulous attention to detail only serves to make your stay all the more memorable. 


At the heart of the resort lies a large and elegant infinity pool, while the magnificent Pacific Ocean and Mansita or Calm Waters Beach is but a few steps away. The hotel features a free-flowing pool that covers more than 25,000 feet or area and provides a combination of private alcoves for couples and fun-filled excitement for families.



Photo credit – Muriel MacRae



The resort's full service Spa includes 23 treatment rooms, beauty parlour, serenity lagoon with deluxe palapas for outdoor massages and a state of the art two-level gym.

  Photo credit - JW Marriott Guanacaste
An 18-hole championship golf course neighbours our hotel and features a challenging experience with breath-taking views of flourishing landscapes and the Pacific Ocean.
Photo credit – Muriel MacRae 
Hotel Highlights:
  • 4 restaurants with unique concepts complete the resort's options for savoury meals and dining
  • World class Spa offering treatments designed to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit
  • Breathtaking views of the appealing Playa Langosta from the 73,000 sq. ft. (18-hole) golf course
  • JW Marriott Resort's spacious guest rooms have a private balcony or terrace and ocean view
Photo credit - JW Marriott Guanacaste
  • Guest rooms feature luxurious bathrooms with separate bathtub and shower
  • Luxury suites provide additional space, incredible comfort and stunning views of Mansita beach
  • Luxurious bedding, including down comforters and cotton-rich sheets, CD-radio with iPod port and luscious bathroom amenities ensures your comfort
  • 37-inch Flat Screen TV
  • Wireless Internet available in guest rooms & throughout the resort
  • 24 hour room service and twice daily maid service are standard
  • Complimentary on-site parking
  • Complementary valet parking
Photo credit – Muriel MacRae
Enjoy the following dining options on-site:
  • Azul Grill - Mediterranean - Al fresco meals, in front of the pool and beach, casual dress, open for lunch and dinner
  • Lobby Bar - Pub - Tropical ambiance and friendly atmosphere for socializing and exotic cocktails, casual dress
  • Sabanero - Steakhouse - Traditional Costa Rican steakhouse specialties and service. Open for dinner, casual dress
  • Mansita Restaurant - International - Three meal restaurant with an impressive buffet and international cuisine. casual dress
  • Tamarine - Asian Fusion - Asian fusion cuisine with an oriental atmosphere. Open for dinner, casual dress
Most guests prefer to rent a car so that they can travel to Tamarindo, the nearest village, or to visit some of the many beautiful attractions in the Guanacaste area.
Photo credit – Muriel MacRae
Some of the local attractions and landmarks include: Tasmarindo Beach Village,Santa Ana Horseback Riding, Fishing Tours at Flamingo Beach, Palo Verde National Park, Buena Viasta Hot Springs Ranch and Lodge, Rinconde la Vieja National Park, Corobici River, Eco Nature Float Down River Tours, and Snorkeling Tours. Swimming beaches in the area include Avellanas Beach (2.5 miles) or Langosta Beach (3.1 miles) The resort also has a concierge desk where guests can get information about the area and book tours.
photo credit - JW Marriott Guanacaste
If you are looking for a relaxing holiday in a beautiful, quiet resort where you can lounge by the pool or the ocean, dine at your hotel, use the spa and play golf, then be sure to consider the JW Marriott Guanacaste. You might even want to consider a romantic dinner on the beach during the summer time!
Photo credit – Muriel MacRae
--------------------------------------------------
 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, 16 September 2010

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Resort

Are you looking for a “weddingmoon” in a lovely tropical paradise? Look at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia. This all-inclusive resort is situated on an isthmus between Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island National Park on the island’s northwest tip surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

This luxurious resort consists of three- and four-story buildings that line up behind the pools, bars, and beach views. Fountains dot the grounds everywhere. Guests enter through an elegantly designed lobby appointed with cushy Caribbean-flavoured furniture. The three-story lobby is beautiful, but the view of the bay is spectacular.

Six specialty restaurants offer Italian, French, and Caribbean cuisine, and guests can grab a pizza from the Pizzeria or enjoy a casual meal at the beachfront grill. A British pub adds to the variety of bars, and a billiards room, nightclub, and piano bar provide entertainment during evening hours. Dress at most of the restaurants is resort-evening attire, and men should wear pants, collared shirts, and nice shoes.

There is a huge lagoon pool with a swim up bar flanked by wading pools and whirlpools. Four additional pools are on the property, including one reserved for scuba-certification classes. The full-service European spa, Red Lane, offers massages, facials, and wraps at an additional charge. This five–star diamond resort offers a selection of 300 luxurious rooms and suites with private balcony  or patio, plus 18 additional Rondoval suites , offering breathtaking bay and ocean views. Even the least expensive rooms are spacious, and richly appointed with colourful fabrics, antique furniture reproductions in an English colonial plantation style, king beds, and tile floors.


Most rooms boast balconies with stunning views of the water. The 24 Lagoon Pool rooms allow guests to swim right up to their quarters: this is one of the few resorts in the world to offer this feature.  Suites are similar to standard rooms but add living rooms, four-poster beds, whirlpool tubs, and fully stocked bars. A concierge level adds such amenities as turndown service, robes, and room service.

This is the best of Sandals’ three properties on the island. An appealing aspect of the Grande St. Lucian is the Stay at 1, Play at 3 feature, which allows guests to visit the other two Sandals properties (the Regency and the Halcyon) on St. Lucia. Free shuttles travel to and from the resorts every hour on the hour until midnight and additional ones travel during the dinner rush hours.

Couples staying at the resort for more than six nights qualify for the free Beautiful Beginnings wedding package which is designed for the wedding couple and two witnesses. Other packages and additional options are available.

If you are a couple looking for fun in the sun at a casual but amenity-rich resort for your destination wedding, honeymoon, or simply a romantic retreat, then consider choosing Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa and Resort.


--------------------------------------------------
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.