What’s Up Zika? Zika, a mosquito borne virus, first hit Caribbean destinations in 2015, and then exploded in 2017 & 2018. Since GO TRAVEL STL primarily works with Destination Wedding and Honeymoon couples, it was obvious that many couples wanted to avoid Caribbean destinations to avoid issues with family planning.
What’s Up Zika? Caribbean Sheds Active Zika Transmission Classification
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently removed Zika—the mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe birth defects during pregnancy—as a high-level threat for the Caribbean, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) announced.
What’s Up Zika? According to data released by CARPHA, Zika virus transmission in the region has been interrupted for more than a year, reaching undetectable levels and thus posing little risk to residents and visitors.
What’s Up Zika? The evidence was backed up by data from all over the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States, which showed that no Zika had been detected for over 12 months in travelers returning from the Caribbean to their native countries.
What’s Up Zika? “The Caribbean is the most tourism-dependent region in the world. It is also one of the most popular Honeymoon Destinations worldwide and ongoing cancellations due to the classification of most Caribbean countries as Category 1 is hurting the industry unnecessarily,” Executive Director, CARPHA, Dr. C. James Hospedales said in a statement. “Therefore, CARPHA felt compelled to provide the evidence and to advocate for the removal of this WHO Zika classification system.”
What’s Up Zika? “Sandals Resorts is deeply rooted in the Caribbean and the removal of the Zika virus as a high-level threat means that residents and guests alike can experience the beauty of the region worry-free,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, in a statement.”Tourism is integral to the Caribbean and we’re excited to continue welcoming brides and grooms, honeymooners and couples simply looking to get away at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in some of the most luxurious and romantic suites.”
What’s Up Zika…what does this mean to travelers? It means Zika is down , so that everyone can begin travel to all of these dream destinations, again! So Fabulous! Contact Susan@GoTravelStl.com to find your perfect Dream Honeymoon or Destination Wedding! I can’t wait to hear from you! Susan
s, each with their own personality and atmosphere, allows guests to choose their mood. Guests can breathe deep in the xhale club section, mix and mingle in the energy center and party all day and night in the xcelerate Party Zone. The 526 contemporary suites have private and scenic terraces, but all offer stunning tropical and oceans views. Sparkling social and party pools provide all-day entertainment and spectacular locations for Breathless Riviera Cancun’s special events and parties. Sophisticated singles, couples and friends will find the ten chic dining venues with a variety of international cuisines, too hard to choose between. If you can’t choose, then stay in and order room service. Which of the ten bars and lounges that pour premium spirits all without limit, gratuities and reservations required, do you frequent? Go to them all! Breathless Riviera Cancun’s Unlimited-Luxury® experience continues with exhilarating nigh
tlife and a vibrant social atmosphere. Join the party at night with live music shows, beach parties, acrobatic performances and mega dance parties. Live big. Breathe deep!
Several resorts were part of the Love Mexico experience for me: Royalton Riviera Maya, Royal Hideaway, Playacar Palace, Grand Velas, and Secrets Akumal. We spent a day doing site visits and learning about each property’s wedding offerings.
, is yet another reason to Love Mexico. Secrets Akumal, the latest AMResorts resort opening, is located in an area of white sand beaches and in the calm, clear waters of Akumal. This stunning new resort offers Adults (only) a charming, picturesque and exceptional Unlimited-Luxury experience. The resort offers 434 luxurious guest suites, each featuring a king, or two double beds, private balcony or terrace, in suite jacuzzi for two, complimentary mini-bar & WiFi, unlimited connectivity, 24 hour room service (fabulous, by the way), and concierge services. Guests can choose from six gourmet, ala carte restaurants, a grill, 1 buffet, and a cafe – all of which do not require reservations. The resort offers so many fun activities, you’ll never have time for them all: 1. soak in the sun at one of the 3 amazing pools or beach 2. workout in a state of the art fitness center 3. kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing 4. live shows nightly 5. outdoor jacuzzi’s 6. ping pong 7. basketball & volleyball 8. beach & pool volleyball 9. Euro bungee 10. dance lessons 11. water aerobics 12. Hobie cats 13. paddle boards 14. water polo 15. water bicycles 16. golf, deep sea fishing, scuba and sportfishing *extra fee. This resort’s personality is social, active, fun-loving, and vibrant. There is a constant presence of snorkelers, kayakers and paddle boarders in the ocean (because it is just so good). Even tho there are also quiet pool areas, the main pool is busy with volleyball, basketball and drink matting (social drinking around a swim mat). The employees and staff at Secrets Akumal are very welcoming, helpful and friendly. They go out of their way to do their best and provide outstanding service to their guests!
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.
Recently, a new couple came to me wanting to have a Destination Wedding in a Catholic Chapel, at an All-Inclusive Resort, in Riviera Maya or Cancun. I spent quite a bit of time searching for all of the Catholic Wedding Chapels in the area that would qualify. It wasn’t an easy task, so I decided to write about the possibilities in the region, to share with others, who also might be searching. These are the current dedicated Catholic Wedding Chapels located within All-Inclusive Resorts:
The Royalton also has 4 resorts in Cuba, 2 in the Dominican – Royalton & Chic, 2 in Jamaica – Royalton White Sands & Grand Lido, and finally on St. John’s is Smuggler’s Cove.