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Go Travel Stl named winner by The Knot Best of Weddings 2018!

September 29, 2018 By Susan Robson

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2018

Twelfth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Chesterfield, MO, September, 2018—GO TRAVEL STL is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2018 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the #1 wedding resource. This is the 4th year GO TRAVEL STL has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

Winning The Knot Best of Weddings is a BIG deal! To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews from real couples across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. The Knot Best of Weddings 2018 list showcases the highest- and most-rated vendors across all regions and planning categories. Check out this year’s Best of Weddings winners to start your wedding /honeymoon planning and see all the top vendors in your area, including florists, wedding planners and everything (yes, everything) in between.

“This is an honor to be recognized by our clients, for 4 years in a row, as the winner of this prestigious award – Go Travel Stl.”

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit www.TheKnot.com/BestofWeddings

GO TRAVEL STL

Meet The Owner – Susan Robson…Most of my life career was spent teaching children. After I retired, I combined my love of teaching, with another love…TRAVEL! Working with couples who are soon going to be married, is so exciting and invigorating. It is wonderful to be able to share their enthusiasm and the joy of a new life together. My role is to make their first Dream together come true!

If you would like to get started now, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete the much talked about

“Perfect Honeymoon Finder”, a Go Travel Stl exclusive! Thank you!

Susan

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2016

March 12, 2016 By Susan Robson

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2016

Tenth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Chesterfield, MO, March, 2016—GO TRAVEL STL is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2016 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the #1 wedding resource. This is the 2nd year GO TRAVEL STL has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

In 2016, only 2% of the 250,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade. In its tenth annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2016, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews from real couples across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. These winners represent the best of the best for wedding planning professionals that a bride or groom would want to consider order to inspire, plan and pull off their own unique wedding.

“This is an honor to be recognized by our clients, as the winner of this prestigious award – Go Travel Stl.”

The Knot has helped inspire and plan more than 25 million weddings. With a rich history of providing quality content and inspiration to couples, The Knot is making it easier for couples to connect with just the right wedding professional to create a wedding that is unique to them. Eight out of 10 couples come to The Knot where they can be connected to any of 250,000 local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot marries great technology with trusted content–and a little love–to make planning for the most important day of a person’s life easier and more enjoyable.

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit www.TheKnot.com/BestofWeddings

GO TRAVEL STL

About The Knot: The Knot is the nation’s leading wedding resource with a marketplace that seamlessly engages, matches and connects couples with the right local vendors, products and services they need to plan and pull off their wedding. The trusted brand reaches nearly every bride in the US through the #1 wedding website TheKnot.com, its mobile apps. The Knot national and local wedding magazines and The Knot book series. The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that is uniquely them. Please visit The Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

If you would like to get started now, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete the much talked about “Perfect Honeymoon Finder”, a Go Travel Stl exclusive.

Susan

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

Perfect Honeymoon on a Budget

June 28, 2015 By Susan Robson

The Perfect Honeymoon on a Budget

New couples rarely have vast sums of money to spend on their honeymoon. However, every new couple deserves the perfect honeymoon – one without compromises based on expense. In my decades of experience as a travel agent, I have isolated the factors that allow any new couple to have the perfect honeymoon – regardless of their budget.

Why money doesn’t matter

Even though money and budget is the first thing most people think about first when they think about booking a Honeymoon, it is factually one of the least important factors. I’ve met people who had unlimited resources who still had lousy vacations. Why? Having a Perfect Vacation is not at all related to having money. Money allows you to do and buy things, sure – but if you don’t know what to do or buy – or if you spend your money on what you think will make you happy and you have made a wrong decision, then it doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have.

The first thing to decide when choosing a honeymoon

So let’s set aside money for the moment. What do you want to achieve on your Honeymoon? List out every single thing you’d like to achieve, whether it’s relaxation, lasting memories, new experiences, exercise, adventure, shopping, great food – whatever you want to get out of your time together, write it down. Next, prioritize your list. Number the items from most to least important. Finally, have your fiance do the same thing.

Getting the help you need to choose a Perfect Honeymoon

Now that you’ve made your list, I’d like to point something out. You can achieve those goals at many different locations – and at any budget. It isn’t true that you must travel across the planet to have the Perfect Honeymoon. The trick is to find someone with decades of travel experience to help you make your priorities happen. Knowing your Honeymoon priorities, a good travel agent can work within your budget to make your perfect honeymoon happen.

I’d like to invite you to fill out my perfect honeymoon finder. It is a fun and fast series of questions that I use to help you choose your Perfect Honeymoon. There is no obligation to work with me further, and it is completely free. Go ahead and fill out my free Perfect Honeymoon Finder now. I’ll respond to you within 1 – 2 days, and give you an analysis that will help you find your Perfect Dream Honeymoon!

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

New Resort, Secrets Playa Mujeres, is a Glittering Gem in the Caribbean

April 4, 2015 By Susan Robson

Secrets Playa Mujeres

The brand new All Suite Unlimited Luxury Included, adults only Resort, set along the famous white sands of Playa Mujeres.

The brand new resort, Secrets Playa Mujeres, is a glittering gem in the Caribbean! I was fortunate to stay at Secrets Playa Mujeres for a week in February and found it to be amazing! The resort is set along the famous white sand beaches of Playa Mujeres, across from Isla Las Mujeres, and just about 30 minutes from the Cancun Airport. It’s location is prime, being adjacent to an 18 hole signature Greg Norman golf course, and in close proximity to downtown Cancun and shopping centers. This Adults-only, Unlimited-Luxury Resort, exceeded my expectations, and included every single amenity that I would want to find in such a world-class destination. Stunning ocean views are visible from every room category in this amazing resort, as it graces the front of the privileged gated community of Playa Mujeres. Unlimited-Luxury Inclusions are so many: Free WiFi and International calling with Unlimited Connectivity, Nine gourmet restaurants – five a la carte, a buffet, a cafe and 2 grills, seven chic bars & lounges – including one swim-up bar, 24 hour room and concierge services, turn-down service, complimentary mini-bar refreshed daily, unlimited premium drinks, pool and beach wait service, state of the art fitness center, tennis courts, sparkling pools, outdoor lounge area, outdoor jacuzzi, Secrets Spa by Pevonia (fee), complimentary green fees, non-motorized water sports, Preferred club privileges, and all taxes and gratuities.

The employees at Secrets Playa Mujeres were exceptional – everyone that one might encounter – front desk, drivers, bartenders, waiters, room service, bell desk, maid service, and the maintenance crew were always friendly and on top of their jobs. Especially enjoyable was to talk to the personnel and get to know a little about their lives. The smiles on their faces and excellent service showed how much they appreciated someone taking an interest. We never had to wait long for service at the bars, restaurants or at the pool. Employees appreciated tips, and they remembered our names, our favorite chair, drink, etc. The golf cart rides between the restaurants, lobby and rooms was always an enjoyable ride because of the conversation with the drivers. When we would be lucky to “get” one of our newfound friends a second time, it was always fun catching up on what we had been enjoying at the resort, or other information about the area.

The pool and beach had picturesque breathtaking views of the water surrounding the resort. We were able to find an excellent location at the pool each day and found that our most enjoyable time was in the morning, before most of the activity got going for the day. The pool concierge were very helpful in finding chair locations if it was a busier, full time. Pool and beach service was frequent for whatever our needs were. They did not want anyone to get dehydrated! Towels were always in abundance, and the beach was amazing! There was always a perfect breeze, but the ocean in February, was colder than what I had anticipated. The seaweed didn’t seem to be that bad, once you got past the bit at the water’s edge, it became clear. The beach did need to be cleared constantly, in order to keep up with the constantly growing piles.

Seaside Grill Restaurant

Oceana Restaurant

The restaurants were outstanding in both their service and quality of food. The French Restaurant, Bordeaux, was phenomenal for the lobster and escargot. The waiters always did so much above and beyond to try to please you…impeccable service! We also had dinner in the Japanese Restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed the Teppanyaki performance and taste of the meal. Oceana, Italian, Seaside Grill, and Portofino were all excellent, as well. I was fully impressed with how attentive the staff was upon a guest’s arrival at a restaurant. They always asked if you had any food allergies, and if you needed any special accommodations for allergy free. What a change for Mexico! Guests with gluten-free or lactose intolerant digestive systems could certainly be comfortable here! Always in the past, on other trips to Mexico, we enjoyed the breakfast buffet every single day, especially the wide variety of food options. At Secrets Playa Mujeres, we tried room service for breakfast one day, and then never went back to the breakfast buffet. Room service was amazing! The service was prompt, timely, temperature perfect, always everything we needed…including ketchup, salt, butter, cream, etc. I highly recommend it!

We were extremely pleased with our stay at Secrets Playa Mujeres and found it to be a glittering gem in the Caribbean. Will it be one for you?

Susan

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

March 22, 2015 By Susan Robson

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:

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

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 Groom
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

What New Resorts are in Riviera Maya, Mexico?

March 15, 2015 By Susan Robson

What New Resorts are in Riviera Maya, Mexico (and updates, too)? What an amazing trip to Cancun! Just two weeks ago, I traveled to Riviera Maya, Mexico to complete site visits of New Resorts in Riviera Maya, and to get updates at other resorts. This post will cover part 1, or the first day of site visits.

Valentin Imperial Maya – Puerto Morelos – Resort Update – On a half-mile-long stretch of pearlescent beach named Playa Del Secreto (The Secret Beach), the adults-only, 540 suite, all-inclusive Valentin Imperial Maya has one of the largest swimming pools in Mexico. The location is centrally ideal, in Puerto Morelos, as travelers can easily reach Cancun and the world-famous Mayan archaeological sites of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, as well as the popular excursions of Xel-Ha and XCaret.

Wait service is offered to all guests at the 3 pools on the property, with a swim-up bar. Bali beds are available on a first come, first serve basis. The sports bar boasts pool tables, and big screen TVs. In the lobby, don’t miss the San Miquel piano bar, where tea time is held from 4:00 – 6:00 daily.At this resort, fine dining is part of the all-inclusive vacation, so why not treat your palate to a culinary adventure in the 7 a la carte restaurants & buffet? Modern and trendy atmosphere with dishes crafted by internationally renowned chefs allows guests to do this. The beachfront Mar & Tierra, presents a fabulous breakfast spread or you can also enjoy lunch in this same spot. For casual dining, the main buffet restaurant is available for breakfast and lunch.
The seven à la carte restaurants: Italian, French, Japanese, Indonesian, Mexican, Steak House, and Seafood Grill. There is an additional fee at “The Corner”, but reservations are never required! Lobster is available all year for an extra charge of $30 – $35. To further enhance guests’ experiences, top shelf liquor is served, free WiFi & availability to use computers, and 24 hour room service is included. Exciting and entertaining shows are debuted every night of the week, along with a DJ or band.

Luxurious guest suites overlook the majestic Caribbean Sea or beautiful pool and lagoon. This resort has a very tropical, Spanish/Mediterranean feel…similar to a Spanish Hacienda. Guests get a welcome cocktail at their personalized check-in, and feel like they are being treated like a star, where every wish is honored. The variety of room options is endless…Luxury, Silver, Golden, Emerald, Diamond, and Imperial. Add to those the Privilege services, which include: Lobster, extra premium amenities, reservations in restaurants, beach bag, basket of fruit & wine, a Bali bed every day, concierge service, and a mini-bar refreshed daily with 4 bottles of your choice of liquor. This resort has so much to offer

Now…to the Brand New Resort Opening! Royalton – Puerto Morelos – Experience an All-Inclusive Luxury vacation in Mexico’s Caribbean paradise of Riviera Cancun, with fabulous world-class cuisine, luxurious accommodations, and endless entertainment. The Royalton Riviera Cancun sits in a convenient location, close to great fashion, shopping, and nightlife of Cancun, and only 15 minutes from the airport.

There are 3 parts to this resort – something for everyone. The 1183 luxurious guest rooms and suites provide stylish decor and beautiful views of the gardens or the ocean. Relax in Dreambeds exclusively designed for Royalton Resorts, and enjoy 24-hour room service and complimentary WiFi. Rooms feature a private balcony or terrace, rain shower, and Jacuzzi. The 3 parts to Royalton are: Family section, Diamond Club section – with both Family and Adults only section, and the Hideaway – all Adults -only. The family section has 840 rooms, that can offer 2 adults & 3 children to a room. The Diamond Club offers: private check in, guaranteed early and late check in/out, premium liquor in the room, and upgraded rooms and pillow menus.
Activities abound each day, with twelve pools and a children’s splash park, in addition to non-motorized watersports. Stay in shape at the fitness center, or unwind at The Royal Spa with a hydrotherapy circuit and a full range of massages, facials, and beauty treatments. Kids club and Teens club are both offered for the exclusive group ages. The family section features 3 pools and a splash park for ages 4 – 12 years. The onsite Casino is the Real Thing, and drinks are included, at no additional cost.

Treat your palate to a variety of eclectic cuisines from ten restaurants with local and international menus served buffet-style or a la carte. Enjoy a mid-afternoon coffee and pastry at the cafe, and for dinner, choose from Japanese Teppanyaki and Sushi, authentic Italian, a steak house, and more. 16 themed bars are available where you can grab a signature cocktail and mingle with other guests. All restaurants feature no reservations, except for the Oriental Teppenyaki, which has 14 table for reservations. One of the best features offered by the resort, is that they offer Gluten Free and Lactose free, and special Vegetarian diet meals for guests. Special meals and foods can be requested for a guest’s stay, and the Chef will make sure that special foods can be made for the pleasure of these guests with special needs. The Royalton has it’s own special kitchen, allergy – gluten free,etc – so that no cross contamination can occur

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.

So next time you contact your travel agent, Susan at Go Travel Stl, don’t leave these awesome resorts out of your request for a visit to Riviera Maya! My next post will feature: Iberostar Cancun & Paradisus Cancun. If you would like to find out the perfect resorts for your preferences, go to my “Perfect Honeymoon” or “Perfect Vacation” finder at www.GoTravelStl.com.

Susan

Want to Get Married…in Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, or the Dominican Republic?

December 8, 2014 By Susan Robson

Many couples ask me…How do couples get married in Mexico, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic? It turns out, Destination Weddings are as easy as P.I.E.S. (popular-inexpensive-easy-stress free). Because of the romantic, tropical and sea beauty of the Caribbean, it is a popular and favorite choice for destination weddings. But, brides and grooms do need to know the two kinds of ceremonies, and then make the best choice for themselves.

What type of ceremony? There are two types offered…legal (civil) or symbolic.

Symbolic ceremony – I’ll start with the easiest of the two. Picture this ceremony as a “performance”, and remember that it doesn’t change anyone’s marital status. Most couples decide to “legally” marry in the USA prior to their destination wedding celebration, primarily because of the foreign requirements to have a legal ceremony (these will follow). The resort the couple chooses will: 1. tell them how many days they need to be present to assist and direct planning, 2. give the couple wedding package choices, and 3. coordinate & orchestrate the wedding. Couples can “individualize” their wedding by including wedding traditions, and stylizing every aspect to suit their personalities and likes. All of this is coordinated via email & phone calls through the travel agent, wedding coordinator, and the couple.

Civil or Legal ceremony – Generally, there are basic requirements in all foreign countries that remain somewhat consistent, but they will vary depending on the country. For purposes here, generalizations will be given and every couple should contact the Consulate in that country for specifics and to verify all facts and details.

1. Pre-wedding blood tests & possibly chest x-rays done in the wedding location. Documentation: 1. notarized copy of birth certificates and letters stating single status – these need to be translated in the language of the country. 3. 1 – 3 business days waiting period & 2 – 4 witnesses with valid id’s (varies by country). 4. Copies of any divorce decree or death certificate of a previous spouse. 5. Passports & copies.

The legal ceremony is conducted in Spanish by a Judge and translated into English by the wedding coordinator. The wedding certificate translation is at a cost of about $150. In the USA, the State Dept. requires that all wedding certificates from ceremonies in foreign countries, have the Apostille Seal. This can be completed by the wedding coordinator (boy, this person is busy), and is then sent and delivered to a U.S.A. address approximately 90 business days after the ceremony. Registration of the marriage certificate in a couple’s home country should be done once it is received. A wedding planner can be hired in the destination to assist with getting all of the required documents and paperwork complete. Often, a resort’s wedding department can provide information, as well. There are many details to this legal ceremony, so consider contacting the Consulate in the country of the destination wedding. Another general listing of the needed documents and waiting/preparation days for legal weddings:

Documents Needed Waiting/preparation days

Passports and birth certificate Bahamas – 1 day Dominican – 3 days
single status proof Mexico – 2 days
At least 2 witnesses Jamaica – 1 day
registration fee – approximately $300

Do you still have questions? Your travel agent and wedding coordinator can assist you to find the right answers. If you are now ready to begin looking at and planning your destination wedding, please go to www.GoTravelStl.com and begin by filling out the Perfect Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Analysis.

Look for my next blog…Planning a Destination wedding.

Susan

Don’t keep this a Secret…Secrets Playa Mujeres!

October 12, 2014 By Susan Robson

The brand new All Suite Unlimited Luxury Included, adults only Resort, set along the famous white sands of Playa Mujeres.

Don’t keep this a Secret…Secrets Playa Mujeres!

Sharing my travel with you…

Just two weeks ago, I traveled to Cancun/Riviera Maya to do a “hard hat” site visit of the brand new adults only, Secrets Playa Mujeres. I knew this new resort was going to be incredible, but I didn’t realize just how totally captivating it would be. The natural splendor mingles with the architectural beauty to mesmerize every part of you. What are the priorities & features in a resort that you ask for when you begin to look for your next destination?

First though, I wanted to know more about Playa Mujeres…Where is it? What excursions can vacationers experience? What are the beaches like? What resorts are there besides Secrets Playa Mujeres?

Landscape rich in wildlife & greenery

On one side of Secrets Playa Mujeres is the Mexican Caribbean and on the other is a wetlands wildlife preserve. The area is totally removed from the Cancun commercialism. It’s an untouched landscape, rich with the beauty of wildlife and greenery. There are not many resorts located here, yet, but you will find Secrets Playa Mujeres, Excellence, The Beloved, and Villa del Palmar.
Secrets Playa Mujeres is only about a 30 minute ride North of the Airport.

Across the water is Isla Las Mujeres, Isle of Women, named after the statues that were found on the island by the Spanish. A short ferry ride from Playa Mujeres/Cancun will bring you to this island and small town where you will find excellent shopping, great restaurants and fantastic beaches. The most common mode of transportation is golf carts/mo-peds. It would not be difficult to find activities to fill an entire day here – enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining, turtle farming, swimming with dolphins, and investigating the Mayan ruins.

Scuba diving or Snorkeling

The excursions that will be available from Secrets Playa Mujeres, are all of the excursions that you would be able to access in Cancun.
*Explore sacred Mayan archeological sites – the ruins of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza. On one of your trips to Cancun, plan to see what has been declared one of the “7 Modern Wonders of the World – Chichen Itza”.
*Swim with dolphins, sea lions and manatees.
*Zip line through the Yucatan jungle, or over the Caribbean sea.
*Swim in one of the famous cenotes, which are 5 million year old wells, formed from sinkholes.
*Snorkel or scuba dive at the Great Mayan Reef, the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere.
*Pet a shark, snuba (snorkeling and scuba combo).
*Visit an actual Mayan jungle village, Pac-Chen, to experience ancient traditions.
*Ride a jet ski, parasail, or the newest water gizmo.
*Shop at flea markets, designer boutiques, outlet stores, or handmade artisan shops.
*Enjoy and evening performance by Michael Jackson, or a Mayan fire dance.
*What other excursions can you imagine doing?

The Secrets Playa Mujeres that I viewed was a work in progress. If you can imagine, stone work being cut and laid (and stone dust flying everywhere), walkways being poured, workers sweeping up to try to keep the layers of dirt to a minimum, wood inlays being cut & placed, pipes being installed, tests being run, and a very hot sun on a humid day.
I loved seeing the stone and marble work being done. I was told that the Egyptian Marble was shipped here from Egypt! It added a grandeur, mythical and mysterious feel to work in progress.
We, Claudia, my husband, and I roamed around and investigated the property for about 2 hours.

After we finished that tour, I’ve thought a lot about what was so captivating about this property.

Junior Suite Oceanview

1. First, every room category at this resort will have a view of the ocean…even the entry levels. The Preferred Junior suites sit within a stone’s throw of the beach and water.
2. Next, your first view of a suite, is the elegant and massive suite door. It’s statement to you, “you are welcome to enter!” The room finish is in a rich dark mahogany type wood furniture and appointed with ivory, tan, and brown. All beautiful against the Azul blue waters of the ocean just outside your balcony.
3. The beach (unfinished) looks like it is going to be a fabulous long ribbon where, someday, vacationers will walk it’s long stretches. It is protected somewhat, by the Isla Las Mujeres, just across the bay from it’s shores. The sand is soft beige tones and feels almost like powder between your toes.

4. This resort has 2 beautiful, captivating swimming pools…the alluring infinity pool, and the other is a free form, relaxing natural shape that appeals to and creates a feeling of calm and quiet.

Seaside Grill Restaurant

Oceana Restaurant

5. Secrets Playa Mujeres will boast 8 exceptional dining choices when complete. One for each night of your stay!

6. Rendezvous and Showtime will serve top-shelf spirits and present nightly entertainment and nightclub options.

And finally… 7. The personnel that I met and spoke to, seem to be very warm, interested, and involved individuals. One of them was the General Manager, Ricardo Bravo. Even tho he was extremely busy, he took the time to talk to me about his resort and the upcoming opening. He was interested in the questions that I had and took time to make sure that my tour was complete.

The resort wedding coordinator, Claudia , actually gave me the tour of the resort. She had a bubbly, happy and warm personality. Every time she talked about Secrets Playa Mujeres, she would just beam with pride. Both she and the General Manager worked together previously at a Dreams property, so they seemed to come together perfectly to make this resort have the cohesiveness that it needs from the personnel that will be hired. They assured me that most of the personnel will come from other Secrets and Dreams properties.

This new and upcoming area in Playa Mujeres, seems to be the likely expansion direction of Cancun – North. Being so close to the airport, offering beautiful beaches and a wide range of activities and excursions, should only lead to it being one more great choice in destinations for travelers. I’m going back to Secrets Playa Mujeres to stay for a full week in February, to see how it’s changed, and if it lives up to my expectations. I’ll be back with an update then!

Until then….Susan