16 replies to this topic

[NJ0511]

Hi , 

I'm new to BDW and I've been reading up on finding the perfect destination for weeks now. My Fiance doesn't think we should do Mexico because of guests safety concerns. We also have a nephew under 13 which will be a part of the wedding. It seems like every time I find a beautiful place, they are adults only and I don't know what to do. I am considering Dreams La Romana, we were there last year and it's beautiful but I feel like I'm settling because they allow kids. We want an all inclusive, but a higher end one with a more modern/chic feel. DLR is really nice but I'm nervous about the level of communication with the employees there. Does anyone have any other suggestions??? We are also looking at Jamaica (Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, then of course they don't allow children)...even St. Martin, St. Lucia...anywhere with a beautiful beach and non-cheesy grounds Any suggestions will be sooo appreciated!!! 

[Jolene512]

Welcome to BDW! There is tons of great ideas.. check out some different threads, all resort are different-Check out Beaches Resort in Negril. I'm getting married there 2012 we have a few kids to bring or it would have been the sandals resort.. anyhow I hope this helps! Happy planning  

 

[fmichelle]

Welcome to the forum, totally understand the stress you're going through.  Although I ultimately went with an Adults only (Excellence Punta Cana), something that may be a nice alternative is the Majestic Elegance that has an Adults only section (we've decided to switch to that hotel for our honeymoon)  Since they are part of the Majestic Colonial Resort that is very family friendly and even more affordable, you may get the best of both worlds.  And you also won't have to worry about guest passes for the day of.  Just a thought.  Good luck! Just so you know, after you choose the resort, it all gets much easier and less stressful!

[AnnCam2011]

We looked into the Marriott Renaissance Aruba resort - they have 2 sections: 1 is adults only, 1 is family friendly. We also are searching for a place that is kid-friendly since there will be young nieces and nephews along as well. We ended up not booking the Ren due to our sad little budget, but it looks great. Private island and all! Check it out.

[JanineA]

Congrats and welcome to the forum. The Caribbean has tons of beautiful resorts that I think can be suitable to what you are looking for. Were you thinking of AI? Jamaica has some wonderful AIs. There is also the Beaches chain and there are tons of Beaches brides on the site that can lend their opinion and help. I'm getting married in Turks & Caicos....its beautiful have you considered it? A travel agent can always help narrow your choices. Whatever you decide I know that you will ultimately find the right place for you. Good luck and happy planning!

[Le Reve Hotel & Spa]

Hola,

Welcome to the forum and above all, congratulations for your engagement!

Have you thought of the Riviera Maya? One of the best things about Riviera Maya is the fact that you can get everything you dream, and it goes from the simplest things, up to the most elaborated... I am certain that you would love it.

To check out various resorts, a good place to go is the hotel review section on tripadvisor.com and the venue reviews here.  TA will not offer many wedding reviews, but the list is probably more extensive and you can come back here to learn more about wedding experiences. I would suggest using both resources. 

Your wedding is going to be full of magic and this website will help you a lot!

We wish you the best.

Happy planning.

 

[NJ0511]

Thank you all for the great suggestions and warm welcome I'm going to start looking at these places now! 

[islandbrideshop]

I second the Riviera Maya area! Its truly beautiful - we got married at the Barcelo complex which is about an hour south of Cancun. Its great becuase they have 3 different sections - they are all VERY kid-friendly as well. The Palace is the newest and most modern and also the higher end portion, but there is also the Tropical/Colonial sectiona dn the Beach/Caribe section at lower price points. We had a great experience there. If you need any help whatsoever on the Riviera side of Mexico, PM me! I go there every year and have been to many of the resorts. I love love love it.

 

COngrats!

 

Here is a link to more info on the Barcelo complex:

http://islandbridesh...estination.html

[islandbrideshop]

Oh also as far as safety concerns - its understandle but totally sensationalized by the media. THe issues are at the border and there has been some crime reported among the locals (NOT the tourist area) in Cancun. Think of it like this: there is crime in every country. But if you are 200 miles from it, then how different is it than where you live?

 

As far as MX, you will be totally fine in the touristy areas on either coast.

[taylorwd]

Originally Posted by islandbrideshop 

Oh also as far as safety concerns - its understandle but totally sensationalized by the media. THe issues are at the border and there has been some crime reported among the locals (NOT the tourist area) in Cancun. Think of it like this: there is crime in every country. But if you are 200 miles from it, then how different is it than where you live?

 

As far as MX, you will be totally fine in the touristy areas on either coast.

 

This is so true!  You DO NOT need to worry about safety concerns when going to Mexico.  It's understandable that people have them, but one of your jobs as the B&G will be to assure people that it's perfectly safe, especially in the tourist places.  If you were going to a border town that might be different, but imagine all the money Mexico would lose if places like Cancun and Playa were dangerous.  If we can get my dad to Mexico, who was afraid of guns, drugs and being kidnapped, you'll be okay

 

As for high-end resorts that allow kids, check out Azul Beach in the Riviera Maya.  We got married there and if you're looking for chic and upscale, it fits the bill.  In fact, it's advertised as "Chic Boutique."  It's small with only 98 rooms and they will spoil you rotten once you're there!