Go Travel Stl receives Bronze WeddingWire Rated Badge

March 7, 2016 By Susan Robson

Go Travel Stl Receives Bronze WeddingWire Rated™ Badge

Chesterfield, MO – March 7, 2016 – WeddingWire, the nation’s leading online wedding marketplace, is thrilled to announce that Go Travel Stl has received the WeddingWire Rated™ Bronze badge for excellence in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons.

The esteemed WeddingWire Rated™ program recognizes wedding professionals who have received positive newlywed reviews about their business on WeddingWire. The program recognizes businesses across more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and requires a minimum of three wedding reviews and an average rating of 3.5 stars or higher.

Within the WeddingWire Rated™ program, there are seven different levels that wedding professionals can reach based on the number of wedding reviews they receive (3, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500). The WeddingWire Rated™ Bronze badge is awarded when a business receives ten or more quality reviews.

As a member of WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews, Go Travel Stl’s achievement of Rated™ is an impressive milestone and an indication of the positive experiences expressed by their past clients. As a recipient of the Bronze badge, Go Travel Stl is highlighted on WeddingWire, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Click here to view badge and award.

“With the growing importance of online reviews, WeddingWire is pleased to celebrate the successes of the wedding professionals who have received positive reviews on WeddingWire,” said Sonny Ganguly, CMO, WeddingWire. “We are honored to recognize Go Travel Stl for their impressive work within the wedding industry.”

“Go Travel Stl is thrilled to have achieved the WeddingWire Rated™ Bronze badge for Destination Weddings and Honeymoons in Chesterfield, MO. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire; it means so much to us and our business to have received the positive feedback that helped us earn this badge. We are dedicated to providing excellent service to our clients and look forward to increasing to the next Rated™ level in the near future.”

For more information about Go Travel Stl, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront at: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/go-travel-stl-chesterfield/51afbe4bb0da1fa3.html

WeddingWire®, the nation’s leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource.designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge.

For planning your next Destination Wedding or Honeymoon, check out the “Perfect Honeymoon finder” on Go Travel Stl.

Susan

Jamaica One Love

December 28, 2015 By Susan Robson

Just 6 weeks ago, I traveled to “Jamaica One Love” for a Destination Wedding Symposium at the new Moon Palace Grande Jamaica in Ocho Rios. This by itself was very exciting, but then we would be doing site visits at 15 resorts in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios! How could we ever cover that much ground? It took stamina and an “I can do it” attitude for Jamaica One Love!

Negril lived up to it’s “best beach” reputation, no doubt about it. I was fortunate to choose two of the best…and on the “best” beaches…Sandals Negril, adults only, and Beaches Negril, a family property. Sandals Negril was wonderful to return to again. Ten years ago, I attended my son & daughter-in-law’s wedding on this very same property! It was just as beautiful as I remembered it! Sandals Negril could best be described as “a little bit exotic and a whole lot of chic. It epitomizes the free spirited personality that has long made Negril the exotic playground of choice for fun-loving pleasure seekers. You can get closer to the water than anywhere else in Negril.”* This is a Quick glance video of the features of Sandals Negril – Sandals Negril video

on the longest stretch of Negril’s seven mile beach
unlimited premium brand drinks

every room just steps from the beach * unlimited fine dining at 7 restaurants
beachfront walkout club level rooms * unlimited land and water sports
swim-up suites * free WiFi in all rooms and public areas
24 hour room service * free Non-stop airport transfers
nightly entertainment

Beaches Negril is perfect for families of all sizes and ages. We arrived just in time for lunch and found so many delicious options to please even the pickiest of eaters. Negril embodies the ultimate relaxed lifestyle, “laid back” was invented here. The resort is a spot so in-tune with nature, that it’s tallest building cannot reach higher than the tallest palm tree.* Again, you are located on the widest stretch of the Negril’s 7 mile famous beach. Everything you could possibly want is right next to the water here. Not only the beautiful Caribbean water beckons you, but a waterpark, fabulous pools, restaurants, and bars, all seek your family’s attention. And, here’s a Quick glance of the features of Beaches Negril:

20 acres of lushly landscaped gardens * Pirates Island Waterpark
3 pools with 2 swim-up bars * 9 specialty restaurants
Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street * Trench Town Teens only game room
Liquid at Beaches Nightclub * Scuba program
Supervised kids camp * Xbox play lounge
Scratch DJ Academy * Thrilling family adventure and excitement

Other resorts that I visited and completed site visits (ask me about these): Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril, and Sunset at the Palms.

Next up? Montego Bay! Are you looking for an all-inclusive luxury family, or adults only luxury resort? The Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara are vacation destinations with oceanfront dining and a pristine beach on the Caribbean Sea! Find both the Hyatt Ziva (for families) and the Hyatt Zilara (for adults only), right on the same Hyatt property. The Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall just completed a multi-million -dollar renovation, and it is apparent! The property itself, is fabulous with all the amenities and comforts that a seasoned traveler could want. And if it isn’t here, no worries, the Hyatt will take care of it for you. This is a story that a guest (I’ll call him John, and his little boy will be Jack) at the Hyatt related to me during lunch. John brought his family to vacation at the Hyatt Ziva because he believed that with all of the goats in Jamaica, he would be able to obtain goat’s milk for his son, that required this for his diet. After he arrived, to his horror, he discovered that yes, the island has goats, but the government doesn’t allow the use goat milk on the island. So now what would he do? He contacted management, and they immediately sprung into action. Management contacted a firm in Miami that sold and distributed goat’s milk. It was flown to the Hyatt in Jamaica, so that Jack could have the goat’s milk his diet required. Amazing!

Other properties that I absolutely recommend in Montego Bay are: Royalton White Sands, Secrets St. James, Secrets Wild Orchid, and the Iberostar Grand. In Ochos Rios, the properties included Couples Tower Isle and Jewel Paradise Cove. I’ll be glad to share information about them with you.

Lastly, we traveled to Ocho Rios for the Destination Weddings Symposium and more site visits. Do you think I’m worn out yet? No way! We arrived at the new Jamaica Grande Moon Palace for the remainder of our stay. This resort is only 5 minutes from downtown Ocho Rios, sits in a beautiful bay, and straddles the Caribbean Sea on one side. It’s the best of both worlds to have a quiet bay to play in kayaks, sun-fish, snorkel, etc., and then have access to the ocean right next to the resort. The resort’s luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views can happen from 705 rooms and suites, that feature 24 hour room service, free WiFi access, top-shelf drinks, and unlimited other amenities and features. Your benefits don’t stop there! Up to $1500 in resort credits are part of the benefits for guests. These credits can be used for spa, excursions & tours, private romantic dinners, and more. These credits vary in accordance with the length of a guest’s stay and are subject to a 16% service fee on all products and services. How much of a good thing can you handle?

Jamaica offers so many tours and excursions that make it your “Jamaica one Love”. Dunn’s River Falls, bob sledding, river rafting, zip lining, shopping, swimming, snorkeling, dolphin swims, Mystic Mountain, Rick’s Cafe, and catamaran sunset tours are just a few of the exciting adventures that await you!

After all of this, do you think that Jamaica could become your “Jamaica One Love”?

Susan

*excerpt taken & quoted from Sandals.com and Beaches.com*

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

Hot New Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts!

November 3, 2014 By Susan Robson

Whether you are planning a Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, or family vacation, be sure to check out the new Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts for 2015. How about an All-Inclusive on St. Martin, St. Thomas, or the Bahamas? Do any of these intrigue you? If you love Jamaica and Cancun, there are two new brand choices for you there, too!

Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas

Dreams Sugar Bay, St. Thomas

Brand new to the Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort market on St. Thomas, is a brand with which many travelers are already familiar. Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas is just opening this month, November 2014. Dreams, if you aren’t familiar, is an Unlimited-Luxury Inclusive for couples and families. This resort offers 294, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites that offer waterfront views of the bay or ocean and authentic island decor. St. Thomas’s beauty can’t be missed on the secluded beach, or in any of it’s three interconnecting pools with caves and waterfalls. Savor the island flavors at any of Dream’s seven gourmet specialty restaurants, bars, and grill/snack areas.

Dreams Sugar Bay All-Inclusive in St. Thomas

Dreams Sugar Bay, St Thomas

Beach walking/running, mini-golf, tennis, snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball, and so much more is always pulling at guests to keep them busy. To ensure your vacation is full of fun, games, and laughter both day and night, the Entertainment Team is on the job…and they are relentless! Entertainment doesn’t stop with the “older” kids, either, the supervised Explorer’s Club keeps younger explorers busy. Following your Dreams is easy on St. Thomas…Dreams Sugar Bay, St. Thomas, is located convenient to dining, nightlife, and shopping in Charlotte Amalie, I’ve only heard, is of the best! Be sure to leave enough time to ferry to neighboring islands such as St. John and the British Virgin Islands (passport required). Have you experienced Unlimited Luxury at a Dreams property in another destination?

RIU Palace St. Martin

Guests at the Riu Palace St. Martin, will find that they are enjoying the best accommodations and services that the island has to offer. People find that this resort, like the best of the RIU brand, is known for it’s consistency of service, food, and accommodations. The three restaurants on the property, offer a rich variety of flavors from colorful Caribbean, Asian, and French cuisine’s. Riu Palace St. Martin is the most comprehensive vacation spot on the island, nestled between one of St. Martin’s most beautiful beaches and the National Nature Reserve at Anse Marcel cove. All types of travelers, both the adventurous and relaxed alike, will find that they don’t want to leave this blissful island paradise, during their luxurious stay at Riu Palace St. Martin.

RIU Palace St. Martin

Snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and kayaking are all very popular in the azul blue waters of St. Martin. For guests looking for more relaxation, an infinity pool and over a mile of pure beach space is available to lounge and splash in and out of the soft waves.

Travelers should not miss out on exploring and all that there is to see and do on the island. Sint Maarten offers 14 world-class Vegas-style casinos. Maho Beach is awesome for watching incoming jets flying in for a landing just a few feet over your head. Orient Beach, on the Riviera of French St. Martin is the most popular beach on the island due to it’s natural beauty.

RIU Palace Antillas, Aruba

RIU Palace Antillas is now adults only, All-Inclusive

RIU Palace Antillas, Aruba

Another new Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort, formerly a Westin, is the new Adults-only (18+) RIU Palace Antillas. It is found on the shores of Palm Beach in Aruba and has the calm clear waters and white sand that make every Palm Beach an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. This exciting and elegant resort, balances fun and luxury to make the Riu Palace Antillas an ideal location for making the most of your Caribbean vacation.

Now a 24-hour all-inclusive experience means round-the-clock access to 4 fabulous restaurants, including room service at all hours of the day and night. A range of restaurants are available, including a buffet with live cooking stations and themed buffet nights, as well as three specialty restaurants (reservations required). Krystal offers Fusion cuisines, Rimini features Italian specialties, and Malmok shows off as a steak house.
After dinner, RIU Palace presents evening shows, live music, a casino and disco, to dance the night away. In Mexico, the Michael Jackson shows are among RIU Palace’s best. What shows might be popular in Aruba?

Baha Mar Resort, Bahamas

5 stunning resorts all under the Baha Mar, Bahamas

Baha Mar Resort opening December 2014

This is an opening that I’m really intrigued by–The Baha Mar Resort, opening in December in the Bahamas, with no less than FIVE different hotel brands inside. Talk about BIG!

Melia Baha Mar Resort, Bahamas

The complex, nicknamed the “Bahamian Riviera”, has these credentials: will have a total of 2,900 hotel rooms and residences, a 100,000 square foot casino, a Vegas-style water show, an 18-hole, 72-par Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, an ESPA spa and more than a dozen pools. Plus, a 200,000 square feet convention center. I know, HUGELY!The 5 resorts that are going to debut:

Baha Mar Casino & Hotel: The centerpiece resort of Baha Mar, this casino-hotel is promising a “Vegas-like experience in the Bahamas.

Rosewood Baha Mar: Managed by Rosewood, this will be a 200-room and residences property. The villas will be the main attraction for it’s luxury items, services, and accomodations.

Mondrian Baha Mar: The Mondrian at Baha Mar will have 300 “distinctively styled room.”

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar: The Grand Hyatt will have 700 “incomparable rooms blending authenticity and luxury.”

Melia’ Baha Mar: The Nassau Beach Resort will be taken over and incorporated into the Baha Mar Complex by the Melia’ brand on December 1st. This will be the only Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort in the complex, with 5 restaurants & 3 bars, including a swim-up bar. The guests have access to Baha Mar’s amenities and activities.

This just looks like there is going to be something for everyone. Do you think Atlantis…has met some competition?

More coming in my next blog…Hyatt Ziva & Hyatt Zilara in Jamaica…Azul Sensatori in Jamaica…

Susan