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What’s Up Zika?

November 1, 2018 By Susan Robson

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

Caribbean Destinations

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.”

Caribbean Beaches safe again.

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

Filed Under: All-Inclusive resorts, Antigua, bahamas, Barbados, Beach destinations, Caribbean, Destination Dominican Republic, Destination Jamaica, Destination Wedding Resort, Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, Destinations in Caribbean, Destinations in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Family Travel, Grenada, Honeymoon, Honeymoon priorities, Jamaica, Mexico, Montego Bay, Nassau, Negril, Ochos Rios, Resort in Puerto Morelos, Resorts in Akumal, Resorts in Cancun, Resorts in Playa del Carmen, Resorts in Playa Mujeres, Resorts in Puerto Aventuras, Resorts in Riviera Maya, Resorts in Tulum, Resorts on Costa Rica, Resorts on St. Lucia, Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos

Love Mexico is all about it!

April 3, 2016 By Susan Robson

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Love Mexico is all about it! It is a unique educational and networking event, held yearly, developed through a partnership with the Mexico Tourism Board. Love Mexico’s purpose is to showcase Mexico as a premier destination for weddings, honeymoons and romance. The event was packed with seminars, meetings with resorts, appointments with special suppliers, photographers, resort site visits and real experiences of Mexico. I’m proud of my new “Love Mexico Specialist” recognition and designation, that I earned by attending the events and seminars.

amazing-view-from-theSeveral 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.

Playacar Palace, a family friendly property, is a part of the Palace family of resorts…and what an aawesome destination resort experience it offers! Location, location, location is an understatement here. Situated on a great stretch of beach with plenty of walking and swimming possibilities, makes it one of the best choices in Playa del Carmen. And, speaking of Play del Carmen, Playacar Palace is just steps away from the vibrant shopping experience travelers seek in Playa del Carmen – the renowned Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue and the Cozumel Ferry Dock. So, consider Playacar Palace a little”Palace” unto it’s own. “It is a trendy beachfront resort situated in the heart of Playa del Carmen, and it’s easy to see why we “Love Mexico”. 

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With 201 fabulous rooms, 3 restaurants, and 4 bars, this resort is considered the perfect spot to relax during the day and enjoy the nightlife and charms of “Playa” at night. It is perfect for families, couples, weddings, Honeymoons, and group Getaways. Add to all of this, guest can get up to $1500 in resort credits for excursions, spa, romantic dinners, and even the jewelry store. There is a max. that can be spent at any one time, like $300 in the jewelry store. Guests using resort credits must also pay a tax of 15% for any resort credits used, at check-out. Example: if $1000 is spent in resort credits, there would be a tax due of $150 – still a really good deal! Playacar Palace is due for a mega-renovation, to begin very soon. Once this is complete, the resort will be showing it’s best!

“Akumal”, or home of the tortugas (turtles) is located on Akumal Bay, an area between Playa del Carmen and Tulum63215083, 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!

If you would like more information or pricing about any of the resorts that I saw on this trip, or others, please contact me – Susan@GoTravelStl.com. Or, if you would like me to complete an analysis for your Dream Honeymoon, just go to my website, www.GoTravelStl.com to complete my well-known “Perfect Honeymoon finder”. It’s easy and fun!

Susan

Filed Under: A pre-view of a new resort opening, All-Inclusive resorts, An inside view, Couple Travel, Destination Wedding Resort, Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, Destinations in Mexico, Family Travel, Free Weddings, Honeymoon, Love Mexico, Resorts in Akumal, Resorts in Playa del Carmen, Resorts in Riviera Maya, Resorts in Tulum, Uncategorized Tagged With: adults only, All-Inclusive, beach, beachfront, chesterfield travel agent, Destination wedding, family resort, Go Travel Stl, Honeymoons, Love Mexico, Mexico, pools, resorts

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.
DRERC_WeddingGazebo_Night_4A

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

IMG_5552And, “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. SESRC_Wedding-GAZEBO-NIGHT_2First, 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 SESRC_ImperialTable_PoolDeck_1A-1sailing 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 havingIMG_5466

DRETU_Wedding_Reception1_2Aunique 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.SEMRC_Wedding-Gazebo_2

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

 

Filed Under: All-Inclusive resorts, An inside view, Caribbean, Destination Wedding Resort, Destinations in Caribbean, Destinations in Mexico, Resort in Puerto Morelos, Resorts in Cancun, Resorts in Playa del Carmen, Resorts in Playa Mujeres, Resorts in Puerto Aventuras, Resorts in Riviera Maya, Resorts in Tulum, Uncategorized Tagged With: Destination Weddings, Dreams Resorts, Now Resorts, Secrets resorts, wedding ceremony, wedding reception, Zoetry Resorts

What Catholic Wedding Chapels are in All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya or Cancun?

March 22, 2015 By Susan Robson

e39a480159b8c1c8ba604b8b790e3dbdRecently, 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:

  • Barcelo Maya Beach Resort – Riviera Maya
  • Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa – Tulum
  • El Dorado Maroma – Playa del Carmen
  • Gran Caribe Real – Cancun
  • Grand Palladium Colonial, Kantenah, White Sand – Akumal
  • Iberostar Grand, Paraiso Maya, Paraiaso Lindo, Paraiso del Mar – Puerto Morelos
  • Moon Palace – Puerto Morelos
  • Valentin Imperial Maya – Puerto Morelos
  • Hard Rock Riviera Maya – Puerto Aventuras  *picture above right

chapel-01

Additional information for Catholic preparation:  Catholics from other countries can be married in a Mexican chapel.  The couple’s own local parish priest must give permission too marry outside and be approved by their parish’s diocese. The parish priest is responsible for the couple’s marriage instruction and prep, and will assist them with obtaining the necessary documents and permissions. Then, the parish priest needs to forward the following to the chancellor of the diocese for review:

  • A letter of recommendation (stating that the couple has been prepared in accordance with the marriage guidelines of the diocese;
  • Permission has been given for the marriage to be celebrated in Mexico;
  • An original copy of the baptism certificate of the Catholic party – dated.
  • An original copy of the Confirmation certificate of the Catholic party – dated.
  • A “Freedom to Marry” affidavit for each party, witnessed and signed by a parent, relative or close friend (signature witnessed by a   pastor/priest).  A completed Pre-nuptial Investigation form used in your diocese.
  • Color photos of the Bride and Groomimgres
  • Copy of the Birth certificate for each

When you are looking for a Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist to assist with your Dream Destination Wedding, go to my website: www.GoTravelStl.com and complete the Perfect Destination Wedding & Honeymoon finder.  You may also email or call… Susan@GoTravelStl.com

Susan

Filed Under: Destination Wedding Resort, Destinations in Mexico, documentation for marriage in Dominican Republic, documentation for marriage in Mexico, Honeymoon, Resort in Puerto Morelos, Resorts in Akumal, Resorts in Cancun, Resorts in Playa del Carmen, Resorts in Puerto Aventuras, Resorts in Riviera Maya, Resorts in Tulum, Uncategorized, Wedding requirements Tagged With: adults only, All-Inclusive, All-Inclusive Resort, Catholic, Catholic Wedding Chapel, chesterfield travel agent, Destination wedding, family all-inclusive, Honeymoons, parish, st louis travel agent, travel agent 63005

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