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If you've always wanted to spend vacation bliss in an overwater bungalow, that memorable experience can now be yours in Riviera Maya, Mexico at the El Dorado Maroma Palafitos, which officially opened to vacationers in early September 2016. The luxurious overwater suites -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- are situated off the soft white sands of the Maroma Beach, considered by many as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. But besides the breathtaking views, these spacious 600-sq. ft. suites for two also offer a private infinity pool and an oversized deck with lounge chairs, glass bottom floors where you can watch the sea life move beneath your bungalow, and a ladder providing easy access to the clear turquoise ocean water. Each bungalow also features a private outdoor shower and a romantic indoor jacuzzi for two. Every bungalow is also equipped with: - King size bed - Air conditioning & ceiling fan - Smart TV - Telephone - Aromatherapy shower - Make-up mirror - High end toiletries - 100% cotton & thousand-thread-count sheets - Radio/alarm clock - Safety deposit box - Espresso Coffee maker and tea brewing station - Premium stocked minibar - The outdoor terrace is also equipped with luxurious wooden furniture, reading material and blankets Those staying at the all-inclusive suites will also have exclusive beach bed access, 24-hour room service and customized beach picnics. But the spoils do not end there, during your stay you'll also have your own butler, who can take care of all your unique vacation needs, including handling any pre-arrival requests and reservations to the delivery of reading materials, beverages and gourmet bites at the pool. The multilingual butlers will also provide services such as the unpacking of luggage, serving sunrise coffee experience and in-suite full breakfasts. Your personal butler will also ensure the suite is kept in perfect condition and arranged according to guests preferences. Palafitos guests can also exclusively indulge in rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with spa treatments at the overwater Náay Spa. And once your mind and body are at ease, you can dine on exquisite gourmet meals at The Haute Cuisine -- the overwater grill and wine bar serving only those staying at the bungalows. The eatery, which boasts spectacular ocean views and fresh tropical breezes, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner from the open kitchen grill. I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek of the Palafitos this past spring and I can without a doubt say, it's a slice of heaven perfect for couples looking to spend some much needed time in a paradise all their own. With the bungalow set-up and convenient butler service, you'll feel like you've traveled to your own oasis where luxury and comfort are in abundance. It's the perfect spot for a honeymoon or anniversary trip or simply those wanting to get away and be pampered. Reservations for the Palafitos can only be made through a select group of luxury vacation consultants, like Wright Travel Agency -- the official travel agent group of the Best Destination Wedding Forum. For more information and assistance on booking your stay at the incredible overwater bungalow suites, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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Hello, We are planning a destination wedding in Mexico for October 2017. So far the quotes we have received from toronto to cancun have been close to 1700/ person based on double occupancy and close to 1900/ person based on double occupancy from calgary to cancun. I am hoping they drop but would also like to start planning. Is it ok to book the wedding package and choose a date before booking the travel packages? I am worried they won't have room. Thanks!
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Hi everyone!! I am getting married at Azul Sensatori in Mexico on January 21, 2017 and I'm really struggling with deciding on what to do for hair/make up. I'd really like to hire this Karen Lopez and she says that she can come to our room at the resort and all I'd have to pay extra is a daypass fee for a guest. I'm concerned I guess about this not working and they wind up charging me another whopping 800 dollar outside vendor fee. Too nerve wracking! But the salon prices at the resort are too high so I'd really like to go with another vendor for this. Any thoughts/advice or experience dealing with this kind of issue?? Thank you!!!
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Jhankarlo Photography was the best decision ever! I can honestly say that I could not have asked for a better experience! I am from Texas and I had researched many photographers around the Cancun area to do my bridal portraits (pictures of the bride in her wedding dress to display the wedding) and I easily realized that Jhankarlo Photography was a PERFECT match. I wanted the photo shoot at multiple locations (beach, church, local market, local places, etc.). When I reached out to Jhankarlo, he immediately listened, understood my needs, and provided suggestions and thoughts to help accommodate my requests. The day before my photo shoot in Cancun, Jhankarlo reached out to me to make sure I was ready for the photo shoot and asked if I needed anything before – I thought this was VERY thoughtful! I was VERY nervous the morning of the photo shoot. All my nerves went away as soon as Jhankarlo and his team picked my mother and I up for the photo shoot. His generosity and hospitality were remarkable and I could not have asked for a better photographer. He was not like typical photographers – he is highly creative and artistically thoughtful in each photo taken. He has such an amazing talent for capturing unique scenes/moments in each location. He also used natural scenery to bring out the culture of the area, which is exactly what I wanted. He showed me some of the photos on his camera and I never been more impressed. These are “WOW” photos that I know my guests will LOVE to see when I display them at the wedding reception. I was worried that I would not be able to go to all the different locations due to time but Jhankarlo ensured me that I could take my time during the photo shoot and time was not an issue. He wanted me to be as comfortable as possible. Other photographers I have worked with have put a time limit on the photo shoot. I do not like having my photo taken but he made me feel very relaxed and at ease. Overall, my experience with Jhankarlo Photography was highly positive. I want to thank Jhankarlo for the best experience ever! I HIGHLY recommend Jhankarlo Photography. Not only is he a genuine and enthusiastic person, he is a phenomenal photographer (just look at his photos)!
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Hello everyone! I'm hoping someone can help us gain some clarity on the topic of Group Rates. We're getting ready to sign our resort room contract and the rates look like they are basically $12 off/pp/per night of what you'd get on the resort's own site for an individual (non-group) stay. The promos our TA has gotten us are great and we're very happy with them. I'm just wondering, how much should we expect to save our guests on the room rates? Is the group deal more about the promos than the rates? I've tried Googling "average group rates savings" but really haven't gotten anywhere. Any kind of clarity you can offer here would be appreciated! Thanks!
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Hi everyone! I'm going with Jasmin and Matt photography who I highly recommend for my big day on 1/21/17 at Azul Sensatori in Mexico. The outside vendor fee is 800 dollars though...wowsers. Anyone ever negotiated this down or have any tips for doing so? It really seems over the top especially since I'm using the resort for everything else so it's not like they're not making plenty of money on me lol. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. Thanks! -Sarah
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Hey fellow brides, any ladies planning their 2018 wedding? I've been engaged for over a year now (shhh I know absolutely ridiculous ????) I finally started planning and decided on a destination wedding. I'm 99% sure we're doing Generations Riviera Maya. How everyone's planning going? Mines gone easy thus far, I was lucky enough to snag a wedding planner who lives in Mexico!! ???? Hope to hear from some brides who are planning!! -stacey
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Most people probably think a week at an all-inclusive resort sounds like a dream, where you don't have to worry about food or drinks and the toughest part of your day is deciding where to eat dinner. But for someone like me, who has grown up going on adventurous vacations where you're constantly on the go and eating where your travels take you each day, the thought of being on a resort for a week made me feel a little apprehensive. But you know what happened? My husband, our two daughters and I stayed at Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya for a week and we didn't go stir crazy, actually we loved it! My qualms about the all-inclusive experience before our stay at Azul Beach Hotel was feeling like I had to stay on the resort the entire time to make the investment worth it. But in actuality, the all-inclusive experience gives you everything you need without having to feel like you need to adventure off the property for anything. Everything we needed to have a relaxing wonderful week in paradise was provided for us at the resort -- from a plethora of delicious food options, to activities and entertainment for both children and adults, and even an amazing spa experience -- we found each day at our resort exciting and new and it was honestly an amazing vacation for us all. When looking into an all-inclusive vacation, here are a few tips I would suggest you consider as you plan your travels: 1. Pick a resort that has a variety of food and dining options: some resorts like, Azul Beach Hotel, provide only a la carte dining options (which is fabulous because you indulging in meals that are always fresh and made to order). But other resorts will have mostly buffet-style dining and a few a la carte options. Take your preferred dining experience into consideration when looking for an all-inclusive resort. Also check and see if the resort offers room service, which is a great option to have even if you don't think you'll use it. My husband soon found himself opting for room service when he had late night cravings -- keep in mind that most resort eateries will close, so having 24-hour room service is quite helpful especially if you're a late night diner! 2. Consider the resort activities and entertainment options: if your vacation style entails keeping yourself busy, a resort that offers a variety of activities in addition to daily entertainment would be your best choice. Also look at reviews to determine a resort's style -- is it more catered for adults or families with young children? Perhaps it's a mixture of both. 3. Look at the resort amenities: Whether you love being poolside, enjoy a day at the spa, or like lounging on the beach all day -- make sure your resort offers what you need when you look for a vacation. Also consider the resort's size, as some people love being on a huge resorts where you can wander through the grounds and others like being able to move about the resort with ease and not much walking. The resort amenities and its size will play a big part in determining the overall vibe of the property. 4. Can you easily plan and do excursions from your resort?: If you're the type of vacationer who likes to adventure about during the day, choose a resort that offers tours and excursions that can be planned or scheduled on-site. While we spent most of our time on the resort, we did go off-site one day for a camel safari at the beach that was about a 30-minute ride away. It was a perfect little day trip that still allowed us to enjoy and explore, but it was close enough to our resort that we didn't feel like we were wasting the day traveling. And of course, it's always wonderful coming back to the comforts of your resort after being off-site for the day! Overall, the choice to go to an all-inclusive resort doesn't have to feel confining if you pick a location that offers all the options you need to have a relaxed and fulfilling vacation. So take your time to look over the options and don't just jump at the best deal out there -- consider your vacation style and preference, then make your decision based on what you feel will give you the best overall experience! For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or any other all-inclusive resort options, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel throughout the world. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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I wanted to share in case it might be helpful to other brides. My FH and I visited the area August 1st-5th. We stayed at the Now Jade but also visited the Now Sapphire, Hard Rock Cancun, Beach Palace, and Hyatt Ziva. We pretty easily narrowed it down to the Beach Palace and the Hyatt Ziva. Now we are deciding between the two but leaning towards the Beach Palace. Now Jade I'll start here since this is where we stayed. First of all the hotel: it's great. I really don't have much to complain about here. The staff is wonderful, the grounds are well-kept. One big thing that bothered me was that it was incredibly slippery around the pool. I couldn't walk in flip-flops. I couldn't help but think about how dangerous it would be for my older family members for the wedding. Also keep it mind it's not near anything. No quick cab right to a bar or mall from here. It's very isolated which is beautiful but can also be inconvenient. Food/Drinks: Overall pretty good. The absolute best was the French restaurant. It was OMG amazing. The sushi/hibachi restaurant was really delicious too. We also tried the Italian and Mediterranean and both were just so-so. Breakfast was a buffet which was hit or miss. The made to order omelettes were awesome. Everything else was just fine, no complaints, no raves. I did LOVE starting every morning with bottomless mimosas and coffee. It's not brunch unless you're double-fisting the two. I was disappointed the sit-down breakfast restaurant is for preferred guests only. Room service was really bad. The timing and service was wonderful but the food was SO bland. We couldn't figure out how since the rest of the food on the resort was really decent. No complaints in the drinks department. I particularly loved whatever brand of champagne they served. Beach/Pool: Beach was beautiful, hardly any seaweed. BUT there are these huge rocks under water that you will stub your toe or scrape your knee on, almost guaranteed. That was kind of a bummer because we are big beach people. The water was really rough while we were there because a tropical storm was brewing but we didn't mind the waves, just the rocks. Also we lost our GoPro in the waves. It was our own fault though, obviously! The pool was beautiful, not too crowded at all in the water. I loved the concrete loungers that were under water so you could sit in the pool and look at the ocean. Chairs were generally pretty full but we were always able to find a couple, even if they were in a less than prime location. They did run out of towels a couple times. Overall, we were pretty pleased with both the beach and the pool. Weddings: We met with Jacqueline. She was wonderful, very informative and professional. Things we liked: lots of dates available, good reception venues. Things we didn't like: ceremony locations. The pergola was the best location by far, over looking the water in a somewhat secluded location. BUT, in my opinion, the structure itself looked pretty cheap and kind of just thrown together. I'm sure it could be done up nicely but it would need some work. Ditto for the structure they had set up on the beach for a beach ceremony. You can also have it in the garden which is pretty but right in the middle of the resort and little ocean view. Overall, just no WOW location to us. There were definitely a couple of nice reception spots overlooking the water though. Overall: I gave it a 7/10, FH gave it 6/10. View from the beach chairs at Now Jade: Now Sapphire Going into it, I thought this would be my pick. Resort: We liked the overall look and feel of this resort much better than the Jade. It's more what you think of as "Mexican" decor and design. It's also almost entirely outside but covered with a roof which we liked. Same as the Jade though, far from the airport and other amenities. We ate lunch and really enjoyed it. Pretty much the same food as the Jade. But the place we ate had 2 resident iguanas roaming around looking for leftovers. That was neat. Also should note there are no elevators. Food/Drinks: Only ate 1 meal here. Good, very similar to lunches at Now Jade. Pool/Beach: Pool is AMAZING. It is huge and beautiful. Lots of room. Beach... not good. Very narrow and just piles and piles of seaweed. There were a couple of guys out there with wheel barrows but there was no way they could keep up. Honestly, we could smell it too. There was hardly anyone on the beach. I thought this was strange because I had read many reviews saying the beach at the Sapphire was better than the Jade. Not even close when we were there though. Weddings: We met with Ramon. He definitely knew his stuff but I wasn't crazy about his demeanor. Felt a little maybe.. condescending? I don't know, just not my favorite person we met with. There are basically 3 different places you can have your wedding: beach terrace, tequila terrace, and preferred pool. All 3 involve getting married directly on the beach. At the Beach terrace, you can have the ceremony on the landing where the stairs from the beach air. Maybe they really make this place nice for weddings but to me it just looked like they randomly set up a wedding ceremony in between the pool and the beach. The tequila terrace was nice but pretty much just a plain porch, half had a roof. The preferred pool was the prettiest in my opinion but there is no ocean view from there. Then what I really didn't like is you have to pick 1 location for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. You can mix and match but there is a $1,000 fee for each additional location. There are a couple of gazebos over the pools which were pretty but I didn't even ask about them because I didn't want people in the pool just feet away from the ceremony. Overall: I gave it a 6/10, FH gave it 7/10. Hard Rock Cancun We chose this one over the Hard Rock Rivera Maya because the beach was reviewed much better at the Cancun location. Resort: Really beautiful grounds. Pretty spacious on the non-ocean side of the hotel with a separate building for the kids, a separate building for the gym, and a huge outdoor amphitheater for nightly shows. We LOVED that and the number of shows they offer. It's definitely evident you are at a Hard Rock the moment you step foot on the resort: the decor, the music, the atmosphere all fit the bill. If you don't want that vibe, you won't like this resort. I told my FH it really doesn't even feel like you're at the beach until you see the ocean. However, it was a really festive atmosphere with music and activities all over the place. It was incredibly CROWDED everywhere we went. From the main lobby to the pool to the beach, just packed. I realized later that's because it has 601 rooms! The rooms are beautiful, the best of any we looked at by far. Keeping in mind, I'm sure they showed us a couple of the upper end on the price scale. Food/Drinks: Didn't eat here but we were amazed by the sheer number of options around the pool area. Tons of different places to grab a bite in your swimsuit. A detail my FH loved is that the room service food is the same as the foods served at Hard Rock restaurants around the world- a far cry from our room service at Now Jade. Pool/Beach: Pool is nice, very crowded. Beach is beautiful: white sand, blue water, no seaweed. BUT again, incredibly crowded. Weddings: Which brings me to my next point: the beach is the only place to have a ceremony here. And they have it set up really close to the resort rather than closer to the water so you would definitely have people in the background of your photos. When I asked the girl that gave us our tour, her name escapes me but she was from sales, not weddings, she simply said the photographer would have to edit the people walking behind the ceremony out. Also I just double-checked, the only non-ballroom options for a reception are the pool and terrace or the beach at extra cost. I really don't remember her pointing out the pool as a reception option. I have no idea where you would set a reception up in that area. The terrace is nice but it faces the lagoon, not the ocean. So you do get the sunset there but in my mind, you go to Mexico for the ocean/beach, not the sunset. By my rough estimates the wedding package here was the most affordable of the 5 resorts by a couple thousand dollars. I was calculating based on a group of 40 which is my guesstimate for my wedding group. Overall: I gave it a 6/10, FH gave it 7/10. Beach Palace We looked at this one first thing in the morning and were blown away by the sky terrace. Resort: It's basically what you think of as a hotel in the States. Just 1 tall building but it really wasn't crowded at all. 285 rooms compared to the 601 at Hard Rock! Really clean, modern look overall. Not my first pick in vibe but very nice overall. Food/Drinks: Didn't eat here but took a look at the lunch buffet and it looked fine. Oh I lied, we did have ice cream from the ice cream shop by the pool. Yummy. Several pool-side lunch options here too. Pool/Beach: Pool is great! Very large, swim up bar, water slide. I believe there is a "kid" side and an "adult" side although anyone can swim on either side. Beach is exactly the same as Hard Rock: stunning, blue water, white sand BUT nowhere near as crowded. Weddings: This is the WOW factor- the sky terrace. Right when the elevators opened to the 14th floor, I think we both said "wow" out loud. It is stunning ocean views all the way around until you see the lagoon side which is also very beautiful. Glass all the way around the terrace. 2 pools and 2 bars up here, 1 side is closed off for wedding events. We would have our cocktail hour and reception in this area. It's beautiful with the pool and the glass all the way around overlooking the ocean. Just gorgeous. There is also a sky deck which is up 1 story (stairs only). Same deal- just beautiful. The only issue we had with that is that it's almost like you are too high. The view is all sky, you can't even see the beach or the water unless you walk up to the glass. But still stunning. We are thinking we'd have our ceremony on the beach though just to have a different look for the ceremony and reception. The ceremony location here seems like it's closer to the water so any guests in the area could simply walk around the wedding rather than behind. The other HUGE perk here is the group rewards. For a certain number of room nights you can get your cocktail hour and reception for free and possibly unlimited events (welcome dinner, rehearsal dinner, farewell brunch, etc.) The overall cost of the wedding is about the same as the other resorts until you account for the group rewards then it's the best by far. Oh and I've had fantastic response times from David Morel so far on the logistical end. Suzette gave us the tour and was wonderful. Overall: I gave it a 9/10, FH gave it 9/10. Standing on the sky terrace at Beach Palace: FH super excited about the slide : View from sky terrace: Top sky deck for ceremony only: Bar area on sky terrace for reception: Hyatt Ziva If money were no object, this would be our pick hands down. Resort: You walk into the lobby and are just blown away by the view. Stunning ocean for miles. This resort sits right at the top of the hotel zone so it has ocean on both sides. It's also comprised of multiple buildings so you don't feel like you are in the hotel zone at all. Much more of a resort feel vs hotel. We loved that. The staff was amazing. They put their hands over their hearts every time they see a guest. We actually thought this was a liiiittle over the top and couldn't help but return the gesture which left us laughing hysterically multiple times. But seriously I could go on and on about how beautiful this resort is. Oh and they have a dolphin lake area on site, my FH was sold as soon as he saw the dolphins . Food/Drinks: Didn't eat here but looked around and it looked like there were tons of options. Pool/Beach: There are so many pools, just beautiful and perfect. This is the only resort where we saw tons of empty chairs which is awesome. There is a little cove where the water is super calm which would be great for small kids to play in. The main beach is actually a pretty long walk from the rooms and I think technically not even on the Hyatt Ziva property. The sand is white and pretty but it's kind of rocky, lots of small shells and rocks. Once you get to the water, it's perfect though. Weddings: Honestly, I teared up a little bit when I saw the wedding gazebo. It's like a scene from a movie, but real life. It's out on a cliff with ocean on both sides and the most gorgeous waves I've ever seen crashing against it. The structure itself is white and very solid and well-made. Just stunning, beautiful, I can't come up with enough adjectives. Anyone would just die to get married here. Amazing. The reception location I would use is the sky terrace. It's gorgeous too, probably about five stories up with a great ocean view. Both locations are totally private which is awesome. Marta gave us our tour, she was great. So sweet and informative. They are a little on the slow side so far via email though. The big factor here is cost. The wedding would cost us more than any of the other resorts and has ZERO group rewards. Overall: I gave it a 9.5/10, FH gave it 10/10. I forgot to mention the lighthouse!! So pretty: The reception terrace: Standing in the gazebo: Standing on the path to the gazebo: I keep going back and forth between the Hyatt Ziva and the Beach Palace. I think the Hyatt Ziva is the best choice for the wedding itself but if we choose the Beach Palace, we can take that extra money and make the overall weekend amazing (excursion, extra events and activities, etc.). I was so sure that the Hyatt Ziva would be more expensive for guests but, at last quote, it was actually slightly cheaper. At this point, I am definitely leaning towards the Beach Palace but writing this review has me second-guessing myself again! Such a tough decision! SaveSave
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Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya is known for its family-friendly setting, and through the resort's Nickelodeon Experience, parents and their children can enjoy the ultimate family vacation. One of the hotel's most popular activities is the Nickelodeon sliming -- an experience your kids will soon not forget. Through the concierge, your family can schedule a private sliming -- what is this you ask? Just one of the coolest activities that kids love where you can get slimed with Nickelodeon's famous green goo! Sliming is a ritual enjoyed by the likes of celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Will Smith, Katy Perry and Kobe Bryant. So children of all ages will love to be added to that list of honor! And when the resort's Nickelodeon crew arrives for your private sliming, they'll also make it fun with a dance performance to start leading up to the moment. Sliming includes up to 4 people with a private photographer for a fee of $98. To find out more about scheduling a private sliming during your stay at Azul Beach Hotel, click here. For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or to book your stay at this family-friendly resort, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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Hi there, are there any recent barcelo brides. I need your help please!! I am getting married in June of 2017. Mint breeze package with approx 50 guest only 4 hours of reception. Do I have a choice to use one of the grills like the coral grill if available? If I do has anyone used it for their reception? Was it hot or uncomfortable? I heard there is no AC and as I mentioned I will be getting married in June and the humidity...whoooooah!! I don't mind the banquet room but do they make it look nice and decent? Also if I bring my own decoration will the wc set that up for me or do I have to? I appreciate any advice help or recommendations! Thanks
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While Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya makes sure its youngest guests are well taken care of with special kids' menus throughout all of the resort's restaurants, the hotel also goes out of its way to create a fun dining experience for families with children through their character breakfast. Guests can start off their day by enjoying a delicious breakfast alongside SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at the seaside eatery Chil. Families will not only get to enjoy an exclusive dining experience, they'll also get to meet and take pictures with the featured characters, who do their best to entertain diners. The morning we woke up for our early morning reservation, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the character breakfast, but seeing my little one's face light up when she was presented with a table full of colorful and delicious breakfast bites was totally worth it. And when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles appeared during our breakfast to entertain us while we dined, it solidified just how cool this experience is for families with children. Our freshly prepared breakfast was excellent, all the kids present had fun and dining with a picture-perfect view of the sparkling ocean is truly a great way to start off your day! The character breakfast at Azul Beach Hotel is priced at $29 for adults and $17 for children. To find out more information about booking a character breakfast during your vacation stay, click here. For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or to book your stay at this family-friendly resort, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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I am so glad that I found a community of brides and grooms that are planning a destination wedding just like me. I just recently got engaged to the man of my dreams and now we are ready to start planning the wedding of our dreams. We originally had plans set for a wedding here locally but as the planning continued our budget raised to close to $35,000 and I began to question if it was worth it. After several events we decided to stick with a destination wedding, and I couldn't be happier! I've spent 6 weeks researching resorts and I have made the decision on Now Sapphire Resort. From the pricing to the reviews I believe I made the best choice. We are looking at approximately 25-30 guests with a budget hopefully of 15,000. We would love to get married next year but we want to do things right and allow our guests to have enough time to pay for this vacation as well as take care of a few life situations therefore we decided to go for a 2018 wedding which is fine with me Me being a newbie and not having any experience in this I am feeling a bit overwhelmed planning this wedding. I would love to hear your stories thus far on wedding planning, etc. I also have a few questions so if anyone could assist me that would be great! 1) When planning your wedding did you use a travel planner? Is it best to have a travel planner for your guests? 2) Do you plan on visiting your resort prior to your wedding day? 3) I've done some research and found that a lot of brides brought some decorations to help with costs can anyone provide some advice on doing this? 4) What date did you book you wedding day for? We originally planned for August 18, 2018 (Our anniversary) but I have been scared off by the chances of rain and it being hurricane season. 5) What is your budget, how easy has it been to stick with it? So excited to meet you all, and I look forward to planning with you!
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Written by Jonathan Katz of Drums in Paradise A destination wedding is something out of the ordinary, it’s different and exciting. You’ve deliberately chosen to take yourself and your guests into a new experience so you want to make sure the entertainment you choose is also something you’re unlikely to find at a wedding back home. Luckily, there are tons of amazing, unique ways to entertain your wedding guests in the Cancun/Mayan Riviera. Here are 5 of my favorite unique ways to entertain your wedding guests: Fire Show: This is a destination weddings staple and with good reason. Fire is mesmerizing, it’s dangerous, it’s beautiful and you certainly can’t do it in a typical large city venue (especially in the middle of winter!) Water Drums: Another unique destination wedding idea available in Cancun & Mayan Riviera are water drums. These drums create an enormous WOW factor as colors fly up in the air every time a drum is hit. Warm weather and the fact that you’re in a hotel with towels and a change of clothes just steps away means that you and your guests can even get wet and wild and splash around on the drums yourselves (if the show you book allows it). Live Drummers: If you’re looking to make a grand entrance, or to party bigtime consider live drummers. For high impact you can go with a whole troupe of drummers and dancers that can turn your party tribal for 30 minutes, or a solo percussionist can play along and reinforce the groove of your DJ as you party into the night. Glow Show: It’s like a fire show for the 21st century. Instead of fire, this show uses juggling instruments with ultra bright, high-tech pixel LEDs to display patterns and figures. These can even be programmed to include a special message, logo or image in the air as the artists spin them around. Acrobats: Many of the best circus acts, acrobats and dancers in Mexico move to the Riviera Maya to work in the local hotels and resorts. With the addition of a permanent Cirque De Soleil show and theatre in 2014 many more are arriving all the time. From girls hanging from hula hoops serving champagne to stilt walkers leading your guests in a limbo, or anything in-between, acrobats can offer a unique twist on regular wedding events or perform a more traditional type show. You and your guests have come a long way and invested time and money to celebrate this milestone. So if you’re looking to give back to them by making your wedding something truly unforgettable, I wholeheartedly recommend some exciting, unique entertainment to knock their flip-flops off! For more information on Drums in Paradise services for your wedding or event in the Cancun-Mayan Riviera area, visit: www.drumsinparadise.com -- to see a video preview of the variety of entertainment Drums in Paradise offers, . - - - Drums In Paradise is Cancun and Mayan Riviera’s drums and percussion specialist, offering quality fire shows, water drums, Brazilian drummers, Indian dhol, light shows, unique interactive drumming experiences and more. With respective backgrounds in drums/entertainment and hotels/customer service MexiCanadian couple Jonathan and Alejandra started the company in 2009 and have since rocketed to over 500 shows per year in the Cancun/Mayan Riviera and counting!
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I am getting married at Moon Palace on Aug 2016. If you are thinking to pick this resort for your big day, please please, think twice. They do charge you external vendor fees PER SERVICE, even if you have one supplier who is bringing you the decoration, entretaiment, sweet table, etc. they do want to charge you 800 dollars PER SERVICE. For instance, if you have live music and a DJ, they want 800 dollars for DJ AND plus 800 dollars penalty for the live music you are bringing. If you are bringing sweet table and all yor flowers (same supplier) they will charge you 800 dollars for sweet table and 800 dollars for flowers. Their vendors prices are 3 times more expensive than external vendors charge. Oh and I forget, they will also include fees for extra hours per person per hour, plus, they will also charge you penalties for using the electricity. Therw are lots of options for other resorts, beautiful and with ONE penalty that ranges between 300 and 500 dollars once. NO 4 or 5 penalties. This is extremelly stressful for me giving the fact that i am 1 month for my big day They want to name service to everything just to charge you penalties. A service is wedding coordination that I have paid to a supplier to take care of my wedding, that is a service fir me. There should be ONE penalty. I understand that there is a penalty involved but 800 dollars per single thing you bring, it is a robbery. At this point I am affrais that they will charge 800 if you bring candles because is the "candle service" . Please let me know for any further info you need. They are NOT clear in the contract about their definition of "service" plus they write "service/supplier" and once your party is booked they will tell you that you have to pay 4 or 5 or 6 penalties, meaning 800x4 or 5. I am sooo sad and upset that they really want to get as much money as possible from Brides.
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Hi Ladies, I have been a member of this forum for a very long time and it has been essential in helping me to plan my wedding back in 2014. I feel like I have been not so great at giving back, so I'm coming back to share my personal experiences and help other brides to have an amazing wedding in Mexico Like I had:-) I feel like there is a lot of info regarding getting married at All-inclusives and other resorts, but not so much regarding a Beach Villa, which was our dream venue...and we finally have found one in Tulum: Hacienda Paraiso. here is my wedding video: https://vimeo.com/142955264 So this thread is dedicated to a Private Beach Villa non-cookie cutter wedding and what to expect. I hope I can help a few new brides and finally give back. so ask away...:-)
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When it comes to planning your Indian destination wedding, there are typically three important factors to consider when choosing your perfect destination location and venue. 1) Can the resort accommodate the size of my wedding and the different events we'll be hosting throughout my destination celebration? And if so, will my events be in an area that offers a sense of privacy? Destination weddings can typically be on the smaller side, but when it comes to Indian weddings these celebrations often include larger groups of 100 people or more. So when planning your wedding, couples must determine right away whether the resort/venue has the space to accommodate larger celebrations. Since Indian weddings usually also include events leading up to the wedding day, it's important to also find out if the resort has a variety of areas available to host the all the different ceremonies and celebrations. Once those two factors are considered, couples should ask whether these spaces will also give them a sense of privacy away from the hustle and bustle of other resort-goers and other activities happening on the resort grounds. The Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun-Riviera Maya is quite a favorite for Indian weddings because of the resort's expansive grounds, which gives couples a plethora of options for the different celebrations and ceremonies such as the Mayian ceremony, Mehndi and Sangeet ceremonies, Choora ceremony, Jugo ceremony and of course all the ceremonial aspects and traditions that occur during the Wedding day and reception. 2) Can my resort/venue provide an Indian food menu? Because Indian destination wedding celebrations typically occurring over the course of several days, food is a key detail couples must consider when planning their festivities. While many resorts do not prepare Indian food on site, and will instead offer cuisine from an off-site caterer, there are resorts such as Moon Palace that are equipped with chefs who are fully trained to prepare Indian food, including use of all the authentic spices and ingredients needed to provide a variety of dishes throughout all the wedding festivities. This may be a key perk for couples who want to ensure that all the food during their events are freshly prepared and readily available for their guests. 3) Are there vendors in the area that can provide the specific cultural services I need for my wedding celebration? While Indian destination weddings have increasingly become more common, there are destination locations that are more popular and accommodating than others in terms providing all the necessities for these types of cultural celebrations. The Cancun-Riviera Maya region is quite popular for Indian destination weddings because the area is blooming with a variety of top-notch vendors who specialize in Indian weddings. In this area couples can easily find officiants, mehndi artists, dhol drummers, caterers, wedding planners and decor stylists. With a series of events happening during an Indian wedding celebration, decor styling teams like LATIN ASIA -- widely considered experts in the Cancun area when it comes to Indian weddings -- are extremely helpful for couples who want to ensure their festivities are decorated with all the beautiful and cultural details needed throughout their wedding celebration. In Cancun-Riviera Maya, you can also find hair/makeup stylists who specialize in Indian weddings -- an important factor for many Indian brides. The Styling Trio, a Hair & Makeup agency representing talented artists in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, is one of those companies in the area that have trained artists who specialize and cater to brides having an Indian wedding. When it comes to planning a destination wedding, it's always a good idea to reach out to an expert in the area you're looking at -- be it a wedding planner of a travel agent who knows the area well (like Wright Travel Agency which has a group of agents who specialize in destination wedding locations and venues throughout the world) -- because they can help you get started on the right foot as you plan the wedding of your dreams! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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Things to Consider When Planning Your Wedding Decor Budget
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
Written by Sakurako Yakushiji the COO and Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA One of the most challenging parts of the wedding planning process is selecting your decor, not only because you may not not have a clear idea of what you want, but also because you may come across “surprises” when it comes to setting aside a decor budget. These days there are so many inspiration photos on Pinterest, Flickr, and Facebook, that brides fall in love with so many ideas, however, your budget may be overwhelmed if you're not well prepared or have the right advice. Therefore, having a professional decor and styling team to assist you through this planning process is a great idea. Here some important factors to keep in mind when it comes in setting your decor budget for your destination wedding in Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Make sure to take some notes! - Natural flowers in tropical weather As we all know Cancun and the Riviera Maya have warm weather most of the year, which is the reason why just a few flowers are cultivated and grown in this region. Therefore the decoration companies have no other choice but to buy the flowers from a wholesaler and they transport the flowers from other cities with more suitable weather, so it can be costly. Having said that, flowers like roses, alstroemerias, lisianthus, daisies, carnations, are affordable and available all year. On the other hand, there is another group of “deluxe” flowers, like for example: dendrobium or phaleanopsis orchids, peonies, Davis Austin roses, Calla lilies, hydrangeas, etc. These could be way more expensive because they are imported, plus they have unsteady availability and are only available on specific months of the year. You may find these flowers in your country accessible and affordable but not in Cancun-Riviera Maya, so don’t be surprised by the costs and availability if you request these type of flowers. - Banquet room or beach wedding? Location and decor go hand in hand. The truth is that the majority of the banquet rooms at the resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya are very plain, and decorations are a must. But couples are often surprised they see these banquet rooms in person. First of all, most of them have carpet, and lot of brides don’t find the carpet appealing, since they have an old look that doesn’t fit their décor concept and style. Another issue with the banquet rooms is their walls and ceiling, again, they can be considered plain and boring. The real problem comes when you want to decorate the walls, ceiling and floor -- draping is not cheap and is a deluxe decoration that will for sure be the most expensive in your decoration purchase order. Because of the quantity of fabrics you need, the staff to set up and the effort, hours and work that it takes will require a sizeable budget. Now let’s talk about the outdoors venues; a lot of brides love to have their reception on the beach, because they are on the Caribbean! But, they also want to be safe of the rain and wind. If this is the case, then you may want to consider a tent, which can be middle range expensive. If you want tall centerpieces on your beach reception or terrace, you should consider size. If the wind around here is really strong, it can pull over taller flower arrangements -- these are better for a banquet room, and they look more elegant. Another item that you need to consider for an outdoor venue is the ambiance illumination; the hotel normally can provide you with big lights for the area, however, these lights are not for any décor purposes, therefore, you will need hanging lights or lanterns. For an outdoor venue, lighting can be the WOW factor you need for your guests. - Fees for delivery, set-up and transportation Big companies that offer décor for a living and have experience in the market, will often have a warehouse outside the resort to store their inventory. Having said that, all the décor companies have delivery and set-up fees that are applied according to location, size of your wedding and amount of labor charged per trip, since they are not based inside the hotel. Even if the hotel introduces this company, they will charge you. - Outside vendor fees And last but not least, vendors who are not preferred vendors or "in-house" vendors at your resort, may have to pay an outside vendor fee to provide their services at your resort. So when you contact a decoration company be sure to ask them if they are in-house at your resort, and if they don’t then you must determine the outside vendor fee with the hotel. Without paying this fee, your vendor won’t be able to get into your resort and this can really be a mess, so be sure to ask both parties -- your vendor and your hotel -- about this detail. Now you have some tips for setting your decoration budget, look for your concept and style and start to have fun planning your décor! For more information on LATIN ASIA's services, visit their website at: www.weddingcancun.mx or contact the team directly at [email protected] - - - Sakurako Yakushiji, COO, Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA, has impeccable logistics knowledge, extraordinary floral design skills with a Masters degree and international license in Japanese floral art. Having her own Hindu wedding ceremony at Agra India, she and her team understand the deep meaning of what it takes to create a dream Destination Indian wedding regardless being Hindu, Sikh or Ismaili Muslim. Saku has trained people from scratch not only to execute great performances, but to make every member of LATIN ASIA a better person creating new opportunities every day.-
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After spending eight blissful days at Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya this past spring, I am completely convinced that this beautiful all-inclusive resort is the perfect place for a family vacation. Here are five reasons why Azul Beach Hotel is perfect for families looking to get away. 1. Both adult and children have a lot of great options for entertainment. When it comes to the kids, rest assure they will have plenty to keep them busy at Azul Beach. The resort's Nickelodeon Kids Club will keep kids thoroughly entertained be it by the plethora of toys and books or indoor playground, or the fun activities and crafts offered by the kids club staff. Families can also partake in the Nickelodeon breakfast (tickets must be purchased in advance to attend) or perhaps even plan to get slimed Nickelodeon style! Besides the special kids pool and lounge chairs on the south end of the resort, Azul Beach also offers beach toys and games for families to enjoy, including all non-motorized water sports such as kayaks, hobie cat and stand up paddle boards. And after a long day at the beach, there's live entertainment for kids. Think of it as a rave for kids with Spongebob leading the party There are also tons of classes offered throughout the week such as salsa or merengue, yoga, cooking or even Spanish lessons. An activities program is updated weekly for all guests. But Azul Beach isn't just a great getaway for kids, adults have plenty to enjoy at night as well! Live music can be found at the popular Aquanox Bar, where you can indulge in your favorite cocktails and hear the ocean waves nearby. But if you're looking for more once the kids call it a night, check out the Agavero Lounge where you can get a real taste of Mexican tequila! 2. All the restaurants provide expansive menus that also cater to children. Azul Beach's gourmet all-inclusive offerings will have both adults and children looking forward to each meal. Each restaurant on site takes special care to note of any allergies or specific food requirements of its guests while still offering a plentiful menu or incredible options. There is a special kids menu at each eatery full of choices that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. High-chairs are also available throughout the resort for those dining with small children. 3. There are family comforts for everyone. What I really loved about Azul Beach is that they really try to accommodate the needs of all their guests, including small children. Families with small children can have their rooms equipped with a crib, bottle warmer, stroller, stuffed animals, changing table, bath toys, and other necessities for their child. The resort also offers small robes and slippers for kids so they too can feel like they're relaxing in paradise. It's little touches like these that really set this hotel apart in terms of customer service and guests satisfaction. 4. The resort promotes pure relaxation for the whole family. The resort's Vassa Spa doesn't just cater to adults, they also offer spa services for children ages 5 to 17. And if you're looking for more fun in the sun, take a dip in one of the resort's many pools or just sit in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. You can also take a relaxing snooze on one of the king-sized beach beds lined along the shore. If working out is your way of destressing, check out the hotel's Fitness Center, which is equipped with modern and comfortable gym equipment and air conditioning along with flat screen televisions. 5. The concierge can help you with off-site tours and excursions. If you're looking to explore the area outside the hotel grounds a bit more, the hotel concierge can help arrange tours or transportation for you and your family. They'll also give you suggestions on what's best for groups traveling with children of all ages (my personal favorites are: visiting Xel-Ha or Xcaret nature parks, beach-hopping and snorkeling, going on a Camel Safari at Maroma Beach, visiting the incredible Mayan ruins, or taking a stroll through Cancun or Playa del Carmen). Rest assure, if you're in need of tips and ideas on things your family might enjoy -- your personal concierge will provide you with plenty of ideas. For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or to book your stay at this family-friendly resort, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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Azul Beach Hotel in Puerto Morelos is not only know for their awesome beach beds located right on the shore, the resort also offers top notch spa services that can take your quest for relaxation to a whole new level. Azul Beach's Vassa Spa gives guests more than just your typical spa treatments, they provide a complete spa experience. Besides being able to lounge and unwind in one of the relaxing warm and cold plunge pools, spa goers can also opt for a Beachfront Sky Massage, or experience a couple’s treatment in one of the spa's double massage cabins. During my recent stay Azul Beach, my husband and I had the opportunity to indulge in an hour-long beachfront sky massage, which takes place under an open-air palapa hovering over the Caribbean Sea, so while you're getting the massage of your life, you can also relax to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves hitting the shore. The spa allows you to schedule appointments for treatments and I didn't have any trouble picking my preferred time slot -- they are quite flexible and accommodating. You can even schedule a moonlight massage if that's what you prefer! Prior to your massage, the spa staff will have you check in and fill out a form to find out what type of massage you prefer while also finding out whether you have any trouble spots or tight areas that need special attention. The experience is customized from beginning to end, with your relaxation and pleasure in mind throughout. I can't say enough about the kindness and professionalism of Vassa Spa's staff, they really go out of their way to ensure that when you walk through their door, you are well taken care of. Getting a massage from one of their trained massage therapists is truly a wonderful experience that one should indulge in during their stay. With hair and makeup options as well as their expansive menu of spa services, Vassa Spa is a great option for brides-to-be and their partners as well as wedding guests. But children can also indulge in different beautifying and calming rituals, such as the Princess for a Day experience. The pampering is open to everyone! Click here for more information about Vassa Spa's treatments, services and prices. And to book your stay at Azul Beach Hotel, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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"Daddy...outside." As my 20 month old baby girl, Brooklyn, patted her eager little hand on our hotel room door, these are the words she excitedly uttered. Mommy had departed early for morning meetings and it was just my peanut companion and I, left to our own devices to explore and enjoy the Sunrise section of Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort. My bubbly, curly haired partner and I put on our swimsuits and headed out into the warm Cancun sun. As we headed poolside, my miniature sidekick quickly let me know where she wanted to stop first. "I hungy, daddy", reassured me that making the Palapa Barracuda our first stop for lunch was not a mistake. After feasting on fresh melt in your mouth grilled fish, crispy chicken fingers, perfectly marinated arrachera and various other scrumptious fare, we decided to head to the Piscina de Ninos (the kid's pool), but not before we were distracted by the screams of excitement coming from boogie boarders and body surfers at the La Terraza Flowrider. The great thing about Moon Palace is that it keeps kids of all ages entertained. The Flowrider in particular is a fun wave pool that the older kids love because it's both challenging and fun. After finally making our way to the Kids Pool, lil Brooklyn approached the colorful crocodile and frog water slides with a look of wonder on her tiny face. Her saucer sized eyes scanned the pool from the castle complete with functioning water cannons to the water bucket suspended above a slide being filled with water and dumped every so often onto ecstatic children eagerly anticipating the shower below. She was anxious and apprehensive, but the energetic sounds of kids frolicking about in the knee high deep water was all she needed to make the courageous entrance into the kiddie pool. The fact that Moon Palace provides kids with their own pool section is great for parents who want to ensure their kids are in a safe environment when it comes to enjoying the water. Plus the kids pool is large and spacious enough to give the little ones enough room to play without feeling too far away from mom and dad. An hour later, Brooklyn was rotating between sipping her first ever virgin strawberry daiquiri, splashing the cool, crystal clear pool water over her head and venturing down the crocodile and frog water slides. My once timid little girl was in love with the kiddie pool and her frozen drink treat was just the icing on the cake. Brooklyn was equally impressed with the Playroom and children's fun zone which is designed for providing kids with the ultimate fun experience. From an incredible playground structure equipped with winding slides, tubes and the genuine look and feel of a real 4 story pirate ship to a massive indoor play area with video games, carousels, fashion room, beauty salon and dollhouse area. Getting Brooklyn to leave was almost like pulling teeth as her attention was completely taken by the laundry list of activities offered including Jenga and Xbox tournaments, balloon sculpting, cooking, pinata making and mask making classes. The plethora of exciting activities will surely keep any kid enthralled for hours on end. Luckily, my ace in the hole to lure my lil kiddo away from the endless fun was the poolside personal pizza oven and the mouth watering selection of ice cream delights at the 24 hour ice cream bar. It was the perfect way to end a fun filled day of activities, swimming, eating and drinking for my sidekick and I. The only thing left to do was to return to our spacious and AC chilled hotel room and rest our weary bodies with a nice afternoon nap. My tiny bambino gladly closed her eyes, with her tummy full of ice cream, and a wide smile on her face. "I love this place" is what I believe went through the mind of our 20-month-old when we walked the beautiful expansive grounds of the Moon Palace Resort. Spending the day with my little one on the Moon Palace grounds, while Mommy was busy with work, gave me the chance to make awesome memories with my daughter that I'll remember for a lifetime. Moon Palace is the perfect place for families looking for a relaxing getaway with top notch accommodations and amenities to keep both adults and children happy and busy.
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Question: Is it necessary for me to get a hair & makeup trial done before the Wedding Day? Answer: According to Styling Trio, a premier Hair & Makeup Agency in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen: "We often get asked by brides if a trial run before the wedding is really necessary. As part of the Styling Trio team here in Mexico, I started working on this piece a few weeks ago and decided to visit a few brides on their wedding day who had had trial runs days before and ask them this question. I knew my answer was YES, simply based on how the hair and makeup artists' minds work but I wanted to get insight from actual brides. Some of my favorite answers from brides were: “Not having a trial was never an option!” and “You wouldn’t book a photographer without looking at their work?” And they are so right! Even though nowadays it's real easy to see the work of a hair and makeup artist via their social media profiles or on a website, but the reality is every bride is different. We're all unique in this world and good artists know that not every technique works for every client. Artists may have their mark and a particular style but it’s definitely not a “copy-paste” situation. One thing I see among brides that have had a trial run is that on their wedding day, their hair and makeup is always better ... ALWAYS! Let’s not forget that we are working with creative perfectionist-types (i.e. hair and makeup artists), and after a trial run, their minds will still be working and thinking how can they make it better. The good news is, they have another opportunity to make it perfect. The second time around, the artists know the recipe for your hair and makeup and know exactly what to do and what not to do to create their masterpiece. The trial is also essential because when the big day comes, artists have to stay on schedule and therefore the time frame to finish may be shorter, but by then, they already know what they plan to do and so it streamlines the process. Trial runs are also great for creating good energy and an easy going vibe for the wedding day because by then, everyone has already met and knows one another. This tends to put brides at ease and make it more comfortable, and believe me, when you're relaxed, it helps your hair and makeup look flawless and getting ready will be fun and easy! I know that a trial run is not an option for all brides because of busy schedules or perhaps the budget doesn’t allow for it, so in the event you decide not to or can't have a trial, don’t worry! My advice is to go through the artist’s social media and view pictures of his/her work. If you like what you see, then I wouldn’t be worried about them doing a good job on your wedding day. The photos they post are an excellent representation of their work. The only thing that you will need on your wedding day is good communication and patience! This helps keep both you and the artist relaxed so they can do their very best for you. The artists always want to make sure you’re happy but it may take a little extra time to achieve the perfect look, so be sure to factor in this additional time needed either before the ceremony or before your photographer comes to shoot the "bride getting ready" photos. All the brides I met looked absolutely gorgeous. Samira, the bride featured in the photos in this post, was one of them. She scheduled the hair and makeup trial on the day of her welcome dinner party and after the trial run, the artists changed her hair and makeup so she had a different look for the evening's dinner. My advice is to take advantage of the trial and book it before the rehearsal dinner or Sangeet or even for a pre-wedding photoshoot!" Styling Trio is a Hair & Makeup agency representing talented artists in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Adrian Guerra founded Styling Trio in 2009, with a clear vision and a fantastic team behind him, the agency is the premier choice for brides searching for the best hair stylists and makeup artists in the Riviera Maya. For more information on Styling Trio's hair and makeup services, visit their website at: www.stylingtrio.com - - - If you have a question you'd like us to "Ask the Expert" message me (MarieSamSanchezPhoto) and we'll feature your question and answer on a future post! "Ask the Expert" features commonly asked questions by brides and grooms with answers and insight provided by our very own Best Destination Wedding Forum experts.
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Have you ever had a meal that was so good it literally made you want to cry tears of joy? Well that's pretty much how I felt while dining at Azul Beach Hotel's premier restaurant "Latino" this past April. Honestly, it was the first time I've heard my husband say, "I've never been this sad that my plate's empty" after he devoured his meal. And trust me, we have eaten plenty of delicious meals and we have the bellies to show for it Latino is one of five restaurants at the gourmet all-inclusive resort in Cancun-Riviera Maya, Mexico. And when I say they do everything well here, I seriously mean EVERYTHING. Nothing came out of that kitchen during the two times we dined there that I didn't absolutely love. The servers here will start you off with a deliciously fresh salad topped with mango dressing followed by a platter of "Latin Bites," which features a variety of appetizers made from different Latin American countries, such as Colombia, Valenzuela, Argentina and Mexico. Because Azul Beach is all-inclusive, we decided to splurge a bit and also try their tuna tartar and empanadas -- again, they did not disappoint because everything here is prepared to perfection. To satiate our thirst, our wonderful server suggested we try their special sangria lemonade and mango sangria. Let's just say, sangria has now become my new drink of choice The sangria here is absolutely exquisite. This portion of the meal alone will send your tastebuds into heaven, but it's just the precursor for the main course of your choosing. As big meat eaters, we opted for the highly-touted rib eye steak and tequila lime shrimp, both of which came with a side of grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes. This is where my meal basically brought tears to my eyes. It's honestly the best steak I've ever had in my life, cooked exactly the way I like and full of flavor. The shrimp was fresh and side dishes were just as incredible -- it was the perfect compliment to the steak, which I later learned is imported from Canada. As an all-inclusive resort, Azul Beach is focused on providing top notch quality food and flavors to its diners. So how do you top off a fantastic meal? With extraordinary desserts of course! Although we came into Latino during the last 45 minutes of the restaurant's hours, our server encouraged us to complete our meal with one of their speciality desserts. So with bellies already quite satiated, we topped off our wonderful meal with tres leches cake, churros and hot chocolate. Let's just say, I wish I could have put a dozen of those churros in my pocket to take home with me. It was a divine way to end a meal that my family and I still talk about till this day. YES, our meal at Azul Beach Hotel's Latino was THAT GOOD. The servers here are friendly and personable and if you want a combination of two dishes (say, surf and turf?), just ask and they shall provide. When you come to this resort, the staff is here to please and they want nothing more than for you to walk away with a dining experience that you will fondly remember for years. Latino is a great dinner spot for large groups but if you want a quiet evening with just your sweetheart, it's ideal for that too. The ambience is chic and serene and the food is impeccable. Latino bistro is a vibrant celebration of food, energy and music, culinary preparations from the Southern tip of the Americas up to the Northern part of Mexico. Refreshing and unpretentious, Latino is the perfect place for family celebration with enticing meals including an impressive kids menu. The restaurant serves a la carte dinner services from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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Hi all! I am a newbie here and need some help. I am looking to book a wedding in Cancun in January of 2017. What I want is really simple: 1. a beach ceremony with a white canopy 2. 1 hr cocktail for about 50 people 3. a private reception with a dj and dance floor for about 50 people I have contacted a few resorts and they've bombarded me with information. I was basically asking what I should expect to pay for the above. Most told me to book a package and then add on the extra per person. The extra per person fee is high - around $120 at a few resorts. It seems that its more cost effective to choose the complimentary package and then pay for the reception and cocktail hour. I've seen numbers at $55 per person for reception and $30 pp for cocktail. This includes open bar. I'm also assuming this includes basic setup of tables and chairs. Wouldn't it be cheaper to go this route than to choose a package and pay that crazy per person fee? Or am I reading this wrong? For any brides who have had similar weddings to what I am looking for - what did you end up paying? Thanks!
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- BDW Newbies
- Cancun Riviera Maya
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How We Met While on a world-wind trip throughout Europe, my friend reached out to me saying that she had a great match for me when I got back to Ottawa. At the time I truly didn’t want anything to do with thinking about my time back home, or guys back home for that matter, so I shrugged it off……. Once I returned from Europe, the topic of having to meet Eric was brought up again by my friend, so I finally said “why not?”. Our friends ended up inviting Eric and myself for an afternoon of bowling. Eric was nothing like the guys that I had previously dated, so honestly wasn’t sure if he was truly my type. I thought to myself “my type hasn’t been working, so maybe I should pursue him!” My intuition was right. We ended up seeing each other every day for a week and a half straight. Shortly after we started officially dating! Our Travels Travel has always been a big part of my life. Throughout my childhood, I was lucky to experience many different destinations and trips with my family. Florida, California, Arizona, and even a cruise to the Caribbean. This must have planted the travel bug. I have always had a passion to explore, adventure, and see the world. Once I met Eric, I was surprised as to how little he had traveled. My goal was to change this, and explore the world together… Our first big trip was a 2 month trip, across Canada. We went all the way to the East coast of Canada, and then back through all of Canada to the West Coast, as far as Vancouver Island. On our way back, we drove through the top part of the United States, so that we could experience something a little bit different. This entire trip of 20,000km was done in our 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. We slept together in tents, at friends’ places, couchsurfing with strangers, and even in the trunk of the car with the backseat pulled down, in Walmart parking lots! Spending all of this time so close together truly was a relationship tester. We always joke that if we could get through those two months, we could get through anything! We have also traveled on a separate trip to Newfoundland with one of my Best Friends Ellyn, and her parents! That in itself was an adventure. This was Eric’s first time on a plane since he was a little kid. Thankfully Porter offers complimentary beer and wine, so his fear of flying was drowned with a few cans of Steamwhistle! We also started geocaching together on this trip. For those of you who don’t know, Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt, using a GPS application on your smartphone, to find hidden objects around the world! It’s a great way to discover a city that you’ve never explored, or to get to know hidden gems in a city. We have also gone on three separate trips down south to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Nothing better than a fun week filled with sun, sand, alcohol, and delicious eats! Our most recent trip was probably the most adventurous! We backpacked throughout the northern and central parts of Europe. We visited the Irish cliffs, saw Big Ben in London, said hello to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, watched the Mannekin Pis (and his sister Jeannekin Pis) in Brussels, ate tasty mussels in Brugges, went for a stroll in the countryside of Belgium in Kalken, experienced my birthday in the Red Light District of Amsterdam, went to a German Beerfest in Hannover, saw a Comedy Show at Tipi-Land in Berlin, went to a Swedish Hockey game in Malmo, visited the most amazing beach near Esbjerg (it’s 5km wide, and 16km long!), and cheered on the local ‘football’ team in Copenhagen. The most amazing part about this trip is it’s when we got engaged! Our Engagement While on our European Adventure in the fall of 2015, we decided to go geocaching in Berlin. We hunted for geocaches throughout this park in the middle of the city. We ended up in an area with ponds, and a lovely little stream, willow trees, and birds chirping. We ended up splitting ways, to find the geocache. Little did I know, Eric found the geocache first, while I was completely in the wrong area, taking pictures because it was so gorgeous! I followed the coordinates and wound up near this bridge, where Eric was hunting and told me he found it! He went under the bridge to retrieve the geocache, and passed it to me to open. I looked through, had him sign the log, and just as I was about to put it back, I noticed a white folded piece of paper. I opened it up to read it, and I honestly thought it was for someone else…. Until I saw my name at the bottom. With a small fence in between us (haha) there was Eric on one knee with a ring in hand. My initial reaction was that it was a joke, and it wasn’t real but reality eventually set in and I said yes! That evening, we ended up going to a lovely Thai restaurant for dinner, where we were the only ones in the restaurant! Following dinner we wound up at a local smoky bar, with a live jazz jam where people who had never even played together jammed the night away! Let’s just say it was a memorable day, and evening! The Wedding Planning Being an event planner myself, something I've strangely never wanted to plan was my own wedding. It's a job to me, and to be honest, I really didn't want to have to deal with all of the little details. My first little bit of wedding planning involved looking around the Ottawa area. I personally wanted a more outdoor venue, with a waterfront, as a beach wedding was always a dream, but my parents weren't too keen on a destination wedding at first. The other issue was looking for a venue that also had a hotel nearby, or on-site. This was quite tricky... We found one venue that worked, but the quote came back with a sky-rocketed price-tag. This lead me to start thinking about destination weddings again. The ease of being able to plan the wedding, with the guidance of a planner to take care of all the details for me, seemed quite attractive. I saw an ad for Luxe Destination Weddings, who proved to be quite helpful. I took a couple months of back and forth with the Travel Agent to figure out what resort would work best for us. We toyed with Mexico, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Jamaica, but since food was really important, we narrowed things down to Mexico, as they have the most refined food, since the USA is so close. The first quote that intrigued us was the Royalton Riviera Cancun, but the price was extremely high, so we wanted to see what other options were out there. Our second choice that seemed quite intriguing was the Grand Sunset Princess, but it just wasn't quite right.... We then saw the Azul Fives, which was gorgeous, but for the number of people we expect to attend, we couldn't use the Pier that was my dream wedding location. I reverted back to our travel agent and asked for a new quote for the Royalton Riviera, and the price had gone down significantly. We decided to book!!! From there, we decided on a departure date of May 6th, 2017 and a wedding date of May 9th, 2017. We will be getting married directly on the beach, followed by a dinner reception at the Nautica Beach Bar. We're expecting about 40 people, and are super excited. I had my first call with the destination Wedding Planner from Luxe Weddings, who started to go into the details of exactly what I want for the wedding. Wedding Colours Here's what I'm thinking for wedding colours. A midnight Charcoal Grey/Blue for the bridesmaids, with a deep coral and yellow/white accents, which will hopefully be incorporated into the bouquet too! I love starfish too, so hoping to incorporate those into the mix as well. That's basically where I'm at right now, but i'll definitely be updating as the date approaches! If you've had your wedding here, I'd be really excited to see some pictures for ideas. Especially the Nautica Beach bar, all done up. It's hard to find pictures!!
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- 2017 Brides
- Mexico
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