Dreaming of a Dream Destination Wedding?

October 2, 2015 By Susan Robson

Are you Dreaming of a Dream Destination Wedding? There might be a spark to intrigue here.

Just two weeks ago, 14 resorts in Riviera Maya & Cancun competed for the eye of travel agents. They wanted travel agents to “see” their very best wedding displays, dinner presentations, receptions, and entertainment. Which resort would stand out among the others for their unique and beautiful Destination Weddings? First, let me list the resorts that were going to be inviting travel agents to “see” their best.

Cancun – Secrets Playa Mujeres, Secrets the Vine, Dreams Sands

Isla Mujeres – Zoetry Villa Rolandi

Riviera Maya – Secrets Maroma, Secrets Capri, Secrets Silversands, Dreams Riviera Cancun, Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Dreams Tulum, Now Sapphire, Now Jade, Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita

And, “see” their best we did! Each resort had displays of wedding set ups, mock weddings, signature drinks, over-the-top entertainment, and lunch or dinner receptions. I’ll give you a sampling of the best from each resort, along with a photo. Secrets Playa Mujeres created a wedding theme around “Mr. & Mr., with decorations to fit a masculine appeal. Noticeable were the monogramed silver silk napkins with each guest’s name, the beautiful backdrop of the pool and wooden “arch”, and the signature drinks. Secrets the Vine has the beautiful backdrop of the true-blue Caribbean water seen through their almost entirely glass view. Their wedding sites were so impressive and beautiful. Then, the lunch served was a mind changer. First, they uncorked the champagne by sword. Wow! Incredible display. The beef fillet was so tender, it has changed my mind about eating beef in Mexico. All of that was accompanied by a very talented Ladies trio, singing & playing very contemporary, yet well known music. Dreams Sands was our next dinner reception on the beach. And understand why on the beach? As we had dinner into the darkness, guests still played in the calm and beautiful Caribbean water. Our delicious dinner was highlighted by a Men’s Trio, with piano and violin accompaniment. Zoetry Villa Rolandi, on Isla Mujeres, is easily accessible by sailing across the water in a catamaran, much like guests would travel to reach it. What a fabulous “boutique” resort! The setting is beautiful for only 35 rooms in the entire resort! If you would like a Destination Wedding in a resort filled with your family and friends…this is it! Secrets Maroma served a brunch in one of their beautiful ballrooms with a piano and cello music. Their wedding ceremony set-ups were dreamy for their dreamy Maroma setting. Secrets Capri changed up the scene with a western style BBQ lunch, with such personalization, it was amazing! The ribs, BBQ chicken, pork and all of the sides were amazing! After lunch, we were entertained by the entertainment teams western style of “kicking up their heels” and lively music. Secrets Silversands is able to have weddings in such beautiful settings – 2 beach and 1 archway. An option that was totally unique, was for the bride to be in the Governor’s suite, and make a Gand entrance down the stairs and to the wedding site. The Grandeur of the entrance could be amazing! Dreams Riviera Maya out-Bedazzled all of us! First, the wedding set ups were beautiful, flanked by various locations having

unique cocktails and unusual “acts”. The best cocktail was the “white chocolate martini”…Wow! Mick Jagger and Beyonce’ were married in front of our very own eyes! The dinner reception that followed was a 7 course dinner that included flare and choice entrees. Dreams Puerto Aventuras had an out of this world Wedding reception right on the beach! Lobster and stone crabs were both served in a buffet style dinner reception. The setting makes this resort a top choice. Dreams Tulum served their best on the patio overlooking the pool. It was a fabulous presentation and delicious entrees. Now Sapphire and Now Jade both had multiple sites for their weddings and so many options to choose from. The colors and optional wedding accessories were so unique – it would be hard to choose! And finally, Zoetry Paraiso del las Bonita presented a Mayan wedding ceremony in a very beautiful garden setting. The delicious hors deuvors and unique presentation would make this an unforgettable wedding.

If you would like more details about any of these resorts, just contact me through my “perfect honeymoon”finder, and I’ll get in touch with you about finding the perfect resort to match your preferences, for your Destination Wedding.

Susan

What are the Most Romantic Properties in Riviera Maya?

May 31, 2015 By Susan Robson

What are the most Romantic & Gourmet Inclusive properties in Riviera Maya? Recently, I was thrilled to be able to complete site visits of all of the El Dorado properties in Riviera Maya, Mexico. These properties are among the most romantic hotels in the world, as recognized by Forbes.com, and can be attributed to the exclusive & luxurious services, for couples only, on the properties. To intrigue you, think about a beach and pool butler, exclusive swim up suites, and unforgettable, gourmet ala carte restaurants, serving only the freshest of fresh, from El Dorado’s own greenhouses, to tempt your palate with every single bite!

El Dorado Seaside Suites is just 1 hour and 30 minutes from the Cancun International Airport (it’s probably best to pay the extra for Non-stop transfers). The resort features a new 2015 lobby, hosts guests in 380 rooms on the property, and serves guest meals in 6 + 2 open air restaurants (no reservations, except at 2). Most impressive is that El Dorado has it’s own greenhouses and growing fields for all of the garden fresh vegetables, herbs and ingredients used to prepare their succulent dishes and delectable entrees. Lobster has an up charge of $50…small price for this gourmet delight! On the property is the famed “coconut nursery”, where 7,000 plants are nurtured and grown, then replanted on the properties. A swim-up bar is found in the main pool, but the real attraction is the swimmable beach. Guests can swim way out to the reef, and snorkel and kayak if they choose. Entertainment is not in short supply here, with daily shows at 9:30 p.m., and the main bar stays open until the wee hours of 2 a.m. A beachfront jacuzzi junior suite would be my recommendation for the perfect romantic getaway at this sophisticated All Suites resort for adults only.

An unforgettable, romantic getaway, the El Dorado Maroma, a boutique resort, quietly boasts just 99 suites, four international restaurants, and three bars for it’s guests. By the fall of 2015, 56 over-the-water villas will be complete to give guests even more options. Travelers have been requesting the “Bora-Bora” type accommodations, and now, El Dorado comes through! At this sophisticated and impressive location, guests can swim & snorkel, or in the next moment, ride camels or horses! Maroma Beach cannot be beat! Like on the other El Dorado properties, Maroma accesses the main greenhouse for it’s vegetables, herbs, and ingredients. You can easily see why this astonishing Gourmet Inclusive concept creates an unforgettable experience! All room categories receive butler service for the pool & beach. My recommendation for room category is the Mi Hotelito Beachfront suite or the Infinity pool jacuzzi suite. Do take note, though, if you choose the Presidential villa as the accommodation, you receive 1 complimentary dinner cooked by the Chef in YOUR room. How awesome would that be? The Catholic Wedding chapel at Maroma can accommodate up to 100 guests. Would this be the perfect size for your wedding?

Located just 30 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, is the well-known, El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas Royale. Guests will find the ultimate in luxury and comfort at this spectacular beachfront resort. A total of 478 rooms are located on the property, divided into villas, casitas, and suites. Featuring gourmet inclusive at it’s seven ala carte’ restaurants, a culinary theatre, premium beverages at the 17 bars and lounges, personalized service at every turn, and 13 swimming pools, you just can’t be pampered more! With many choices for room categories, my recommendation would be the Oceanfront jacuzzi junior suite, or go all out for one of the Individual casitas, located directly in front of the ocean. Bali beds are available on a first come, first serve basis. Kayaking and snorkeling will be so much fun when the artificial reef is completed. Biking is also offered at the resort. El Dorado Royale has so many wonderful locations for weddings – 8 on the beach, 2 garden, and 1 sky wedding location.

Take just a minute to view one of these videos: El Dorado Spa Resorts

If you would like information about any of these El Dorado properties, take a few minutes to fill out my Perfect Honeymoon finder, and I’ll receive your information to review before I get in touch with you. Thank you for taking the time to read about these fabulous resorts!

Susan

Cancun Resorts You should consider for your next vacation

May 11, 2015 By Susan Robson

Cancun Resorts you should consider for your next vacation!

Paradisus Cancun

The Paradisus Cancun is located so perfectly on the soft white sand beaches of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast in Cancun. It is a top choice destination for those searching for an ideal location with beautiful blue azul water. Cancun is an international destination that prides itself in providing luxurious resorts offering the comfort expected of prestigious resorts with the highest standards of excellence. This commitment to high quality is the reason Paradisus Cancun has received Four Diamond honors since 2006 by AAA. This breathtaking, luxurious beach resort, Paradisus Cancun, with it’s distinct Mayan inspiration, provides the perfect accommodations for your vacation getaway, just 15 minutes from the Cancun Airport.

The elegant, spacious, and luxuriously decorated rooms are offered with many options. The entry level room, Paradius junior suite, is offered as lagoon or oceanview. Family concierge junior suite and suite, are both offered as lagoon or oceanview, and have the services of a special concierge. These family concierge rooms receive children’s beach kit, walkie talkies, and children’s amenities and activities. The Royal Paradisus suite, junior suite, 1 bedroom suite, and the Royal Luxury junior suite, are then offered as lagoon or oceanview to Adults-only. All of the Royal service room options include Butler service, Royal Service lounge, complimentary internet, private Royal Service pool, bar, beach area with concierge service, all designed to make the guests feel like Royalty. 24 hour room service is offered, as well.

There are 14 Restaurants at Paradisus Cancun Resort: 1. Mole-Mexican contemporary cuisine. 2. Market Grill-Italo-Argentina grill for lunch & dinner. Specializing in prime cuts and fresh salads. 3. Passion-Touch of retro with elegant signature cuisine by 6 star Michelin Chef Martin Berasategui. This restaurant is with an extra charge that isn’t included. 4,5,6,7. Vento, Fuego, Bana, & Naos-all Italo-Argentina grill for lunch and dinner. Specializing in prime cuts and fresh salads. 8. Gaby Club-Ultimate chill out bar & restaurant starring fish & chips and seafood specialties. Pan Asian, Mediterranean, and South American are additional restaurant options. 24 hour room service is offered to all guests.

Tennis, a nine-hole par 3 golf course, Kids Club, YHI Spa and a Family Concierge give guests additional options and plenty to do and ways to explore. Guests at the beach, in one of the four lagoon-inspired pools, or dining in any of the nine on-site restaurants, find that total satisfaction is the goal of the Paradisus Cancun. Bali beds are offered as a 1st come & 1st option daily, at no additional charge. The butlers and concierge services indulge guests in pampering through the Royal Service. The special services and facilities offered make the Paradisus Cancun among the best hotels in Cancun.

After viewing this resort in a site inspection with Israel Ortiz, I can easily see why this is a top choice destination for couples and families searching for the ideal beach resort in Cancun! It has so much to offer, with outstanding food and dinner options. If you have questions about the Paradisus Cancun, or other resorts in the nearby Riviera Maya and Cancun, contact Susan at Go Travel Stl! I’ll be glad to share my experiences at these resorts! Or, if you would like a Perfect Honeymoon or Vacation Analysis, go to www.GoTravelStl.com.

Susan

Experts talk…Complimentary Destination Weddings

May 1, 2015 By Susan Robson

At the Romance Travel Market conference held in Chicago, Experts spoke about Complimentary Destination Weddings at All-Inclusive Resorts. I spoke to several of the All-Inclusive Resort experts in attendance about the “Complimentary” Destination Weddings at their resorts. Here is what they told me:

Certainly, couples getting married want to save money. Fiesta Americana offers Complimentary Destination Weddings that can definitely be an advantage for a couple getting married, with 10 or fewer guests. If there are a few more guests, then the couple can pay additionally for the added guests, or upgrade the package to include, say 20 guests. Fiesta Americana also gives the couple an upgrade to a suite for their Honeymoon, and other romantic amenities such as decorations, bottles of wine, and special turn down service to make their day more romantic. Comments by Liz Cruz – Fiesta American & Live Aqua, wedding manager.

Now, this is Ricardo Mora, regional sales & marketing manager for Karisma properties. The Complimentary Destination Wedding is a valuable opportunity for Wedding couples at Karisma properties of El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Maroma, Generations, Azul Sensatori, Azul Fives, and Azul Beach. There are many options that a couple can choose, such as ceremony decorations and reception location. Signature services, such as wedding guest concierge, a groom’s room with the wedding bites on the day of the wedding, and a Personalized Wedding website and Honeymoon gift registry, are other options available.

Yesse Sanchez, Romance Travel Specialist with Paradisus Resorts, agreed totally that the Complimentary Destination Wedding was a wonderful option for couples with a small number of guests and modest budget. The couple receives a basic package with some choices that make a beautiful wedding at the Paradisus Resorts. They can also make choices and add options to make their Dream Wedding even more personalized and unique. The couple probably doesn’t have to add a lot to make it a very customized wedding for themselves. At Paradisus Resorts, our Wedding department can handle small or large weddings, and make each of them very original and special.

Tracy Schwerin, Wedding Business Development Manager for Couples Resorts in the USA and Canada, also spoke to me about this topic. She said the free Wedding is definitely worth it, at Couples Resorts in Jamaica. The Bride and Groom receive everything they need for their Wedding Day…flowers, cake, and champagne at the ceremony location. It is designed to be perfect for the happy couple. Couples Resorts has more than 40 years experience in designing Weddings for our guests , and the Complimentary services we provide would cost thousands of dollars in the United States.

It was a pleasure to speak to these Wedding experts about the Complimentary Destination Wedding packages offered by their resort brand. This Complimentary option for today’s couples, appears to be an excellent choice for a small (under 10 guest) wedding in a Mexico or Caribbean destination. For more information about Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete my Perfect Honeymoon or Destination Wedding analysis.

Susan