JenniferSS

January 19 - El Dorado & Azul Resorts- El Dorado - Al Inclusive Adult Only - Honeymoons, Vacations & Destination Weddings ~ Riviera Maya Resorts • Webinar Join us as we explore all 3 of the El Dorado - Adult Only All Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya Mexico ( El Dorado Royale & Casitas, El Dorado Seaside Suites and El Dorado Maromar ) plus the two Azul Resorts ( Azul Beach and Azul Sensatori) and why they would offer an amazing Honeymoon, Destination Wedding or Romantic Vacation getaway! The second half of the webinar will feature Destination Weddings. We may even have the head of weddings participate in the question & answer session! Limited Space Register Here - https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule...c=sq4ikxurim7y

For Dreams definately contact TA Jill- she was a Dreams cancun bride is is great to work with! use the link at the top of the forum!

Definately contact Mystic on the forum- she was just married there this past fall! Plus she's super nice! My other ERC brides aren't on the forum yet - I know, I know.....I keep letting them know it's a great place to be!

Hi Matt! It sounds as though you are looking at Beaches Turks & Caicos as you mention a group code ? If that is the case I would love to help you out! I've assisted many weddings at Beaches T & C - as I am the resident Sandals & Beaches travel agent on the forum! I've actually been to Beaches Turks & Caicos three times this year! Generally with a group that is under 25 rooms I would encourgae you to use the group code as there is no penalty if you go under the 10 room minimum- however you recieve additional amenities once you hit the 10 room mark! At 5 rooms you receive ( based on availability) a one room upgrade ( does not apply from conceirege to butler level however) . My experience is that for May travel unless Beaches is having a hard time booking the rooms we will not see such big discounts on the rooms- the good news is May is generally a slower time at Beaches resorts so the price may not go up all that much. I have had times where the bride & groom have deposited for those that can't to lock in the rates, giving the guest a 30 day window - at the end of the 30 days if the guests did not book the room we cancel it and the bride & groom get their money back. For the wedding packages it depends on which one you are looking at -there are now 6 different choices and themes. The free one -Beautiful beginnings- comes with: The services on the Miami & onsite wedding coordinator Location Bouquet of white or purple orchids Table setting for 4- with white chivari chairs Appetizers, Champagne and cake for 4 ppl ( including the bride & groom) 1 - 5X7 photograph in an album Breakfast in bed Special dinner for bride & groom in restaurant There is a T & C goverment fee -Depending on what room category you book and for how long Beaches will pay this for you.

Hey BDW vendors! I have been in the process of finishing my website and have a spot for DW vendors. Would anyone be interested in exchanging links ? I am looking for vendors that have been with BDW for at least a year . Thanks!

There are actually 3 Sandals in St. Lucia- Sandals Regency ( large property, more active and higher energy) and Sandals Halcyon ( smaller, more boutique, and intimate. Very lush as it's an older property-although the rooms are all being rennovated- but the grounds are stunning with flowers and trees. This is also the least expensive ) are the two Sandals that are closest to town . Sandals Grande has a more "modern" feel to the property but is located trhe farthest outside of town. With SandalsSt. Lucia you can stay at one but play at all three -they even provide the transportation! I was in St. Lucia this September and it was wonderful- absolutely one of my favorite islands! UOTE=speedy130;1111235]Hi Ladies! I am new to the forum. I am trying to pick a place and set a date. I was interested in St. Lucia, and after reading all of your comments I am convienced! We have a small budget and a small wedding (10-15 guests). I am leaning towards an an AI for the wedding (sandals?), because I think the guests would like a vaction like that and I like the free wedding package. However, I would love to experience more of St. Lucia (food, people), and I am thinking of possibly going somewhere else for a honeymoon that is away from the family. Any suggestions or thoughts you have would be great! Is Sandals far from local restaurants and towns? Nicole

Just bumping the information!

Four Palace Resorts properties to become Wyndham franchises By: Jeri Clausing December 21, 2009 Four Palace Resorts properties in Mexico will join the Wyndham brand. Xpu-Ha Palace in Riviera Maya will be rebranded as a Wyndham resort. Beach Palace in Cancun and Isla Mujeres Palace and Playacar Palace in Riviera Maya will get the Wyndham Grand designation. All will continue to be owned and operated by Palace Resorts. Jeff Wagoner, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president, said the franchise agreements will bring to 26 the number of Wyndham properties in Mexico and the Caribbean. "The marriage of our global brand and distribution system with the outstanding Palace Resorts brand and these four all-inclusive properties in Mexico will be mutually beneficial for both companies and our guests," Wagoner said. "We take pride in welcoming these resorts, known for their exceptional service and luxurious all-inclusive amenities, to the Wyndham family." Roberto Chapur, Palace Resorts president, said the affiliation with the Wyndham brand will provide a global distribution platform to drive bookings. "By affiliating these four Palace Resorts properties with the Wyndham brand, we will gain exposure to a significant new audience of potential clients through the Wyndham system’s multiple distribution channels," Chapur said. Earlier this month, Palace Resorts struck a franchise deal with Hard Rock. The Moon Palace Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, will be renamed the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana in the spring.

I've received written permission for almost every single Sandals/Beaches resorts for my brides that are still nervous from the weddings manager and I have spoken directly to the head of weddings this December - it's not been an issue for my brides at all! I usually get the permission the same day I request it and have been told that I do not need to even get permission from my brides anymore- that just to let the WC know! That being said the photographer does have to stay on property for the required 3 nights!

This is a fantastic promotion! NEW PROMOTION FOR DESTINATION WEDDINGS “Bride and Groom Stay Free” HAS been IMPROVED and simplified: Booking window : Wedding CONTRACTS received from December 23th, 2009 – April 15th, 2010 Travel Window : December 23th, 2009 – December 22st, 2011 Hotels: El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort by Karisma El Dorado Casitas Royale, by Karisma El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma El Dorado Maroma a Beachfront Resort, by Karisma Azul Sensatori Hotel, by Karisma Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma Hidden Beach Resort Groups from 5 to 15 rooms receive: 20% discount off room rates 20% discount off private events Groups of 16 to 30 rooms receive: Bride & Groom Stay Free 20% discount off room rates 20% discount off private events Groups of 31 rooms or more receive: Bride & Groom Stay Free *1 additional complimentary room (double occupancy) for every 15 paid rooms 20% discount off room rates 20% discount off private events How to Book “Bride & Groom Stay Free” promotion: A copy of the final rooming list must be provided to the wedding coordinator no later than 45 days prior to arrival. Group Room Discount – Travel Agent will be required to reserve a group room block through tour operators. Promotion is only valid on reservations booked within the room block through the same travel agent and tour operator. Rooms booked outside of the room block will not apply to total counts. Private Event Discounts – Discounts will be applied by the wedding coordinator on the final wedding detail sheet. •Discount only applies to food and beverage portion of event. Free Stay – Room category for the wedding couple’s free stay (and all additional free rooms) is in the lead in category or the lowest category & number of nights booked under the group contract. Extra nights and category upgrades will be based on tour operators existing rates. 2011 & 2012 Travel Dates: Valid 2010 rates will apply until final rates are agreed. Free Wedding Package: If a free wedding package is offered and bride / groom’s room is free, they must upgrade to the qualifying category (or have another member of their group staying in it) in order to receive the free package. This promotion is not combinable with other promotions. If other offers are available then the greater room discount offer will apply. Valid for bookings originating in the USA market only. This promotion is combinable with the “Free Wedding Package”. Bookings must be made into the qualifying category prior to free upgrades. If bride and groom receive a free room as part of this promotion then at least one other room in the group needs to be booked in the qualifying category for the said number of nights and have the required amount of additional room nights in order to receive the free wedding package. Or the bride & groom must upgrade to the qualifying category in order to receive the free wedding package.

There are so many factors into making recommendations ( especially as their are soooo many properties and they all offer something different!) The ones that have done a great job for my brides and has nice beaches would be: Azul Beach- probably the most private Gran Porto Real - with the sister adult property Royal Playa del carmen Iberostar -the entire complex has been great TA Jill works with the Dreams Cancun or Tulum ( TA Tammy also works with Dreams Tulum) and their brides have been thrilled! TA Maureen works with the Rius and had her wedding at the Riu Ocho Rios in Jamaica and has many, many happy Riu brides! That's just the short list! Each property above is completely different- the amenities, dining options and quality, size of resort, price points, weddings and ambiance! Even within the Riu complexes and the Iberostars each property is a bit different ! I would highly recommend using a TA that specializes in destination weddings to help you narrow down your choices and help define what you envision! Definately contact the resorts and make appoinments with the WC's or sales managers before you go so that there is someone available to take you around the resort, show you the various category of rooms and answer questions! Good luck and have fun on your site visits!

I hope that someone has contacted you by now! If not definately get your TA on the phone so you can get your details and pricing worked out prior to going! Side note- I am located only about 30 minutes from you in Allegan Mi ! Small world! Quote: Originally Posted by jennieestelle Thanks Lady Di! I was wondering when I would be assigned my actual wedding coordinator at the Royal. My wedding is only 6 1/2 weeks away and I haven't been in contact with anyone from the hotel. So, I guess I will just be patient and wait and see. Also your picture of the boxer with Santa is just adorable .

Older children do indeed pay full price-however charters may have a different pricing structure. Maureens advice is right on the mark! I also always highly recommend that even for infants that you pay in full and guarantee them a seat on the plane. Mostly for their own safety- I can not imagine if something were to happen (turbulance, an accident) and the child was injured or died how incredibly bad the parent would feel because they "saved" 500.00 ! Also it just makes travel easier when the baby can have a bit of their own space! It's my own personal issue though and many feel that I overreact but ......I've heard a few stories and as a Mom I never would be able to live with myself! When my kids were that little I always bought a seat. I also want to mention that even if you've already paid in full you may be able to still upgrade your transfers directly with the TA.

Hey Bosi! I just wanted to touch base - although the resort said sold out I was able to get you a room twice when you asked me too and had it held for a week both times pulling special favors - but you never responded to my Pm's nor emailed me directly. Not sure if you still needed it or if I can pull it off again but please email me directly so I know what is up! thanks!

What the complimentary upgrade means that if the room ia available when you arrive at the resort that you will be upgraded - if you definately want that room though and want it confirmed prior to arrival you will have to book it and pay the going rate for it. HTH! Quote: Originally Posted by aerazo yes please, if anyone finds an confirmed answer about the room upgrade in the luxory package, please let us know. The luxory package says you supposdely get: Complimentary upgrade of room or suite (to the next level of suite category, subject to availability upon arrival) I would assume this is free too, and they would not charge us any extra! Thanks!

You may want to have your guests meet you at one of the bars at a certain time and personally hand out the bags and thank each client- it'll have more of a personal touch plus their hands won't be full already with their luggage (to do it at check in) ! The additional cost is for the decorated tables- if you want plain tables ( just set up with a standard table clothe and dinner service -if you are doing a meal-no center piece ) there is not an additional charge. If you want the floor length table cloth and the decorated table according to theme there is an additional fee. HTH! Quote: Originally Posted by Girasole Wow...they charge a deliver fee to rooms! I might just have them give the welcome bags when people check in but will they charge for that too? I just got an email back from Monica about the tables and here was her response. "additional table costs they start at $100 for the Beautiful Beginnings and go up depending on the actual theme you choose"

I would highly advise against your parents using the cruise as a means to get to your wedding! For several reasons: 1.Cruises reserve the right to change ports at any time-for any reason! Even in mid sail. 2.There is a very short windowfor the passenger to visit the destination- most go from 10am - 4pm ( although many lines extend those hrs in Cozumel) . 3. When you are on a ship that is disembarking 3000 ppl- it takes quite a while, there will also be traffic jams and the ferry will likely fill up quickly. Then they will encouter traffic in PDC. Add to that the drive to EPM...... 4. If they miss the ferry back to Coz, and miss their cruise it will leave them and they will be responsible to get to the next port at their own expense. 5. The logistics of trying to coordinate your wedding with the cruiseline schedule- which as mentioned above can change at the drop of a hat! If they will not budge perhaps they can find a cruise that docks in Cancun- it eliminates many of teh logistical nightmares and save them a bunch of time! My advise would be for them to cruise after the wedding- take a few days at EPM then get a flight to Miami /FLL to take their cruise. As far as using a TA - there are many many threads on the forum but generally it doesn't cost anything extra to utilize a TA's services. Quote: Originally Posted by JenKen11082010 Hey ladies! I just spent the last few hours reading this ENTIRE thread and I'm sure I still missed some details but it was very informative and so helpful! So here is my deal. I currently have a date reserved at Dreams Riviera Cancun for 11/08/2010. I love the resort and location but HATE the wedding gazebo and HATE that the recent reviews make it seem like children own the place. We do not want to get married right in the sand and our none of our guests will bring children so we are really looking for an adults only. I have spent A TON of time researching every single adult only in this area and I love EPM but I have a big problem. My parents insist on attending our wedding by way of a cruise. The cruise stops in Cozumel - which means my parents will need to take the ferry to Playa Del Carmen and then a taxi north to Playa Mujeres (which I think will take over an hour). My parents have never traveled outside of the US and I worry about their ability to manage this. I keep trying to convince my mom just to fly in and stay for a few days but she feels like if she is going to spend this much money she wants a full 7 days vacation and has always wanted to go on a cruise. Dreams Riviera Cancun is only about 20 minutes from PDC and will be much easier for them to get to but I really prefer EPM - the wedding gazebo seems much nicer and I love that its adult only. Any insight would be so appreciated! I'm just not sure if I can expect my parents to be able to handle this and if not maybe we should plan our wedding in cozumel or Playa Del Carmen to make life easier on them. I'm torn because I've searched and searched for the perfect resort in those areas and just cant find one I absolutely love. One more question. We have traveled a lot (all over the US, Mexico twice, Honduras, Belize, Grand Cayman, etc) but have always booked our trips online - on our own. I have never used a TA and have NO IDEA how they work, where to find one, etc. Is it best to find a TA in your town to be able to meet in person, can you find one online and how much do you typically pay for their service? Can they save you money? Anyone planning everything on your own and think a TA isn't necessary? Again, any information would be great. I am also interested in the save the date letter mentioned a few pages ago and I'm hoping someone can email it to me [email protected] since I dont have enough points yet. We would like to have 20 or so guests and would likely go with the Love Package. I'm upset that I've spent so much time emailing the wedding coordinator at Dreams and I've finally begun to understand their packages and costs and now I've gone and changed my mind...UGGHHH!!!

Sandals & Beaches for steaks, imports all of their beef from Brazil! The steaks are great- sorry that you had recived a not so great one! Quote: Originally Posted by sweetiecat Andrea, I have read several resort reviews recently of people being really satisfied with their steak at either Beaches or Sandals, but when I went there, the steak that I had (at an a la carte restaurant) wasn't very good. The reason being, as you guessed, is that the land isn't really conducive to raising beef, and it is expensive to import. Maybe someone who has been more recently can let us know if it has improved or not (maybe Sandals has started importing the beef)? Otherwise, I would stick to seafood/shrimp/chicken, which were all very good at their restaurants. I did have a beef carppaccio (sp?) appetizer, which was delicious and tender - so maybe it varies. Sorry if I'm not being much help here. To help you narrow down the desserts, I would avoid anything like key lime pie or other desserts that are pudding/gelatin based. The rest of the desserts at the resort were fantastic, but anything that was made to gel was overgelled - maybe like they used too much gelatin and not enough pudding? Anyway, the result wasn't very flavorful. The other desserts (chocolate, pastries, etc.) were all great. -Stephanie

If you want a buffet style dinner they can definately accomodate that without a problem all you'll need to do is let them know ahead of time!

My pleasure ladies! Glad that I can assist!

One thing to consider is that you must have at least 10 ppl for the two options !

It's strange but I keep hearing that the WC's are definately pushier when you book direct - I haven't had any complaints at all from my Sandals, Royal Plantation and Beaches brides about pushiness at all ! The candy buffet should be available in January- I'm not sure what the cost will be though! There will be an a la carte flower book-I assume it will come out with the website.Whether they can be added to the free wedding is still up in the air. From what I heard I doubt it. Martha stewart is extremely picky about anything that has her name on it- the WC's had to have special training on how to set the table & decorations up- excatly as Martha Stewarts team designed them- and will not allow any alterations to it. As the Free package is a Martha Stewart package I don't believe that anything -including flowers can be changed. However we'll have more details when the flower catelogue becomes available!

It does not happen often - very rarely actually! But it is one of the reasons that Mr Stewaryt prefers to outright own all of his properties and not lease the land! You are very, very lucky to be able to experience it before it closes!

Sad news...I am so sad about the closure for Sandals Dunns River Villagio as it is a lovely resort with fantastic staff! The land was actually leased (happens alot on jamaica! ) and the owner of Sandals & Beaches Resorts, Mr Stewart had wanted to full out purchase the property when the lease came up for renewal in 2010- the owners however did not want to sell and had substantially increased the lease price to 50 million US Dollars for 10 years! As they could not reach an agreement Mr. Stewart is letting the property drop from the Sandals portfolio. A very sad thing as it always had high occupancy levels and was a great resort! They did work out a deal where they will allow Sandals to honor reservations through July 30-if you try to book anything after that it will not allow you to. They will re-accommodate at another Sandals ptoperty for those who are already booked after that date.

In addition the facility has to have a liquor license and also an alcohol liability insurance just to allow wine or spirits on site - those cost a small fortune! Many facilities also have to train their employees about their states laws about who to serve- even if you bring the alcohol but they uncork and serve it to a minor or if somewone gets drunk and injured or injures someone else they are liable and can get slapped with huge fines and may even loose their licensing!