Bungalow-Style Resort Suggestions?

[lerebs]

Hi Everyone,

 

I recently got engaged and am interested in planning my wedding for the end of 2012 somewhere in Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen. My fiancee and I have been to 2 weddings in Mexico, one at the Barcelo Mayan Palace and the other at the Mahekal (formerly Shangri-La Caribe) in Playa del Carmen. We definately preferred the vibe of the Mahekal, it being smaller with bungalow-style rooms. We would like all-inclusive or at least meals included and the resort must be on the beach. Any help in suggesting locations would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[SweetFire]

Hi there and Congratulations,

 

I am not sure of the size of your wedding but I just photographed a wedding in Isla Mujeres that was absolutely beautiful.  The couple rented a large house that had a private area for them.   It didn't include meals but was very intimate.  I know Playa del Carmen has many large beautiful houses and people rent them for this purpose.    If your wedding party is larger though you may want to say with a resort location. 

 

Warmest wishes,

Lori

[lerebs]

We will most likely have 70-100 guests, so would need to plan for a resort.

[hollyd]

I just got married at Mahekal a couple weeks ago and am so glad to see other people considering it.  It sounds like the exact type of place you are looking for (did you like what you saw there?) I just loved how relaxed and low-key it was - I grew up going there with family and then my fiance and I stayed there last year (he proposed in Tulum) so it holds a lot of meaning for us. Our wedding was approximately 80 people. The service was fantastic for a group of that size and the wedding coordinator will really accommodate anything you need. Two out of three meals were included per day for guests, which is standard there.

 

We actually held a post-wedding beach party/lunch the following day. My fiance and I had one of the cabanas right on the beach with a larger porch, so they put all the food out and they let us provide our own drinks (that is probably unheard of at the biggie resorts) AND the concierge went to Walmart himself to buy a volleyball net for us to use! You get a level of personalized service at Mahekal that is just phenomenal. They really get to know you and you almost feel like you're part of the Mahekal family when you plan an event there.  Plus it just has that chilled out, relaxed vibe - which is exactly what suited our needs. We didn't need or want anything super flashy or blingy and our guests really, really enjoyed themselves and felt right at home there.

 

That's my two cents - if you liked what you saw, definitely check with Ayahamint Aguirre, their wedding coordinator for info. Her email is aya@mahekalplaya.com.  I think you won't be disappointed.

 

Congrats and enjoy  - as stressful as it was to plan a wedding in another country -I wouldn't change the experience for the world!!

 

Holly

 

[rsage53]

Hi Holly,

 

I am SO glad to find someone on here who has recently had a wedding there.  I was down scouting in the area two weeks ago (I must have just missed you!) and went by to see Mahekal.  Unfortunately, I have had less than stellar response from Aya, so was a bit concerned about how everything would turn out.  I did get a chance to meet with Urs while I was there, but Aya was not around.    I would love to hear about how the rest of your stay and wedding was...did you have ceremony on the beach, reception, etc?  ALSO, I've been trying to get some info about room rates for a group, etc.  Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

Thanks so much,
Becky

[lavieenrose]

Hello,

 

I am curious to know if you were able to get some information from Mahekal? I am feeling overwhelmed. I am planning to have about 40 people attend my wedding. I have been in touch with Las Palapas, Petit Lafit Le Reve but it is out of the question now there are too expensive and wouldn't accommodate my request.

 

Please let me know how your planning is going this far.

 

Cheers!

Sonia

[AlyMay]

Hi! Did you ever hear back from Mahekal? Right now that's one of our top choices (we're also looking at Las Palapas next door), but I'm waiting to hear back from them with options. I've sent a few e-mails ... 

[PhotosInCancun]

Not sure of your budget, but one of our favorites is http://www.tidesrivieramaya.com/ they are on the beach, minutes from Playa and are about to reopen after a major renovation.

 

Some photos from the hotel before renovation, http://www.photosincancun.com/?s=the+tides

 

Good Luck.