The BlueBay Experience

The second half of this familiarization trip allowed me to experience the wonder of BlueBay Hotels and Resorts. These few days were spent exploring and indulging in two all-inclusive properties, Blue Diamond Riviera Maya and BlueBay Grand Esmeralda, both of which have so much to offer. To say that I enjoyed my stay would be a complete understatement. 

Exclusively for Adults

At Blue Diamond Riviera Maya

From the moment you step foot on the grounds of Blue Diamond Riviera Maya, a Zen-like atmosphere surrounds you. The detail in the architecture and the plentiful artistic displays make for a truly unique scene. This paradise, situated along a serene strip of beach, is surrounded by lagoons, cenotes, and lush rainforest, which offers stunning views from each and every accommodation. Speaking of accommodations, the suites at this resort take the cake. Not only are they extremely generous in size, but they are designed and decorated to take your breath away. My favorite part about the suites has to be the dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to open up to a private balcony, terrace, or patio. Guests can even take a dip in a private outdoor swimming pool or private infinity pool, depending on which area they stay in.

In three words, I would describe this resort as luxurious, tranquil, and intimate. Being exclusively for adults, this resort caters to romance. The spa, which is absolutely stunning, offers everything you could ever think of, including a variety of wonderful couple’s treatments. In addition to treatments, the spa has a wonderful outdoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, temazcal ceremony area, and much, much more! I made sure to pencil in some time in the steam room and wow was that to die for.  The main pools at the resort are situated on a wonderful rooftop terrace, and with the large comfy beach beds surrounding them, it was hard to want to leave. To experience everything, I had to make my way down to the beach and get myself in the water. The lounge chairs at the beach were beyond comfortable, and there was a wonderful beachfront bar area that had great appetizers and ceviche dishes for a quick bite throughout the day. My dining experience at the resort exceeded my every expectation, especially my most memorable meal at Ambar restaurant, where I enjoyed innovative fusion cuisine. 

When it comes to weddings, the couple can choose to wed on the beach or on the awe-inspiring pier that stretches out into the Caribbean waters. Another notable area is the pool area on the roof top terrace, which can be transformed into an elegant dinner and reception area. Whatever the occasion, this resort will make you feel like royalty!

Fun for the Whole Family

At BlueBay Grand Esmeralda

BlueBay Grand Esmeralda is the perfect oasis for the entire family. This lively resort is situated on a large strip of beautiful white sand beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and is surrounded by jungle and mangroves. As we made our way onto the property, I was pleasantly greeted by a sleek contemporary design and an abundance of eye-catching areas. We first made our way to spa and fitness area, which was enormous! Upon entering the spa, I couldn’t believe all of the pools and water features inside the area; it was truly incredible. The pool area of the spa is so unique, with its open-air sides that allow guests to feel completely in touch with the natural surroundings. A strong focal point, the circular waterfall placed in the center of the spa is not only a sight to see but it also provides a soothing sound. As we made our way to the second level of the spa, I was taken aback by the beautiful treatment rooms, spa terrace area, and temazcal ceremony spot.

There are a few different types of accommodations at the resort, and the selection is perfect for couples or families with children. The suites are definitely noteworthy with their two bathrooms, living room with sofa bed, and dining room. Some of them even include a private Jacuzzi on the terrace. With no contest, the select swim up suites are the most remarkable. These suites have the luxurious benefit of access to a private pool that stretches the length of the building.

I think the most impressive area at the resort is the pool area. It’s massive! It has a variety of sections, including a separate area for kids, and its unique design is intriguing. There are bridges that cross over at certain points, built-in shallow sitting areas, and most of the perimeter is surrounded by an ample number of lounge chairs. And all of this, with a beautiful beach backdrop! This picturesque backdrop is perfect for a wedding ceremony, and the extraordinary beach reception area is wonderfully alluring. Another great reception spot is the outdoor lounge area, where I was able to indulge in a phenomenal meal and an abundance of beautiful cupcakes. Can’t beat that! All in all, this is the epitome of a great family-friendly resort. 

I had a blast exploring these two resorts! Click for more information, and see for yourself if either one would be perfect for your next retreat.  

Sandals Grande St. Lucian, set in Castries, St. Lucia, boasts a truly remarkable setting. Situated on its own peninsula, this spa and beach resort is cradled by the Caribbean Sea on both sides. This mile-long strip of beachfront property has magnificent panoramic views and some of the calmest waters in all of St. Lucia. An all-inclusive resort specifically designed for couples in love, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is a romantic retreat full of endless possibilities for fun and relaxation. A fun added benefit of staying at this resort is the fact that you have the ability to experience Sandal’s two other properties in St. Lucia. With complimentary round-trip transfers, Sandals lets gives you three vacations in one. 

With five pools, four whirlpools, and an alluring dive reef, everything aquatic is within reach at this resort. 

Each room at this resort is its own private sanctuary. With luxurious furnishings, lavish baths, and picturesque views, the accommodations are truly divine. 

A romantic and tranquil experience, the resort’s Red Lane Spa provides a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. With a selection of exclusive services, the spa adds a distinctive Caribbean flair to classic European rituals. 

A truly spectacular culinary experience, this resort has seven alluring gourmet restaurants to choose from. Each ready to delight guests with a different cuisine, each restaurant provides a unique occasion. Guests can also celebrate their love with a private dinner on the beach, in a garden, or on a terrace. 

For more information about Sandals Grande St. Lucian, contact one of our Wedding Specialists today! 

How amazing would it be to say that you were getting married at a Villa?

A villa!

The name conjures up so many spectacular images, doesn't it? Spend some time looking through The Exclusive Villa Collection and I bet you will find a villa to match every picture in your imagination. Choosing the top 5 coolest villas from this lot? So. difficult! Here are our choices for the top 5 most breathtaking villa locations to say I do! 

Borgo Bernardini in Tuscany, Italy

An enchanting and beautifully restored historic little hamlet set in an aristocratic estate of cypress, magnolia and weeping willow trees, lilied lakes and fountains. This gem is hidden away in the Lucchese hills yet just 10 minutes from the walled city of Lucca. Sounds and looks magical, right?

Silver Rainbow Villa in St. Barts, Caribbean

Silver Rainbow (SIL) is located in the private complex of Domaine du Levant in Petit Cul de Sac, St Barts. Just the name sounds exotic! You and your guests can hang out in infinity pool on the terrace that overlooks the ocean and Turtle Island. 

Sandyline Villa in St. Martin, Caribbean

How does a villa nested into the hillside of charming St. Martin sound to you? The combination of a dazzling view, lush gardens, and a stunning interior designed for entertaining prompted us to add this newly completed world class, private estate to our top 5 list.

Puerto Vallarta Beach Club in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Not willing to give up the world-class services of a 5-star resort? Then Puerto Vallarta Beach Club is a fantastic choice. The Villas are peacefully nestled in a tropical waterfront jungle on a private estate, yet walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the fun nightlife of Puerto Vallarta. 

Aquamare Villa Estate in Virgin Gorda, Caribbean

Inviting a big crew to your destination wedding? No problem. Aquamare Villa Estate is a secluded enclave comprised of three 8,000 square-foot, five-bedroom villas. Each estate villa is situated on a different elevation and surrounded by lush landscaping for maximum privacy, yet angled to maximize views of the breathtaking Sir Francis Drake Channel. Aquamare's private Beach Park is the ideal setting for destination weddings.

For couples who want a destination wedding or vow renewals in a more intimate setting, you will love The Exclusive Villa Collection.  You and your family and friends can experience the relaxation of your own home-away-from-home in some of the most spectacular settings around the globe. Take some time to look through all these remarkable properties then let us know what is your pick for the coolest villa? 

Part of the fun of having a destination wedding is that you are on vacation with the people who are closest to you. There are many fun activities to keep you busy during your wedding weekend and participating in group activities is a great way for the bride and groom’s families to bond. Nearly all of the hotels and resorts in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, and Jamaica offer snorkeling, surfing and fishing.

Photo courtesy of Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Photo courtesy of Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Depending on the location of the wedding, there are plenty of exciting activities full of adventure, such as rock climbing and zip lining, which are experiences you will never forget. For a couple whose guests are on the adventurous side, Rivera Maya offers activities like cave diving and bungee jumping for those who have the stomach for it. If your family enjoys sports and would like to relax while playing 18 holes, Punta Cana offers 12 operating golf courses. If your wedding is in Cabo San Lucas, you are in luck - there are many beautiful marinas where you can rent a boat. Puerto Vallarta has several beautiful rivers where you can spend the day kayaking with your family and friends.

Photo courtesy of Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The fun does not stop there. Many resorts offer spa packages that a bride, her bridal party and any female guest can enjoy. Why not make a day of it and have a girls’ bonding party in the spa? What girl doesn’t love a good massage? Getting the entire wedding group together for a welcome cocktail party before the wedding reception is a great way to mingle and catch up. There is great shopping and nightlife around most of the resorts, so why not venture out and explore local eateries, shops and bars? If you and your guests are tired after long days exploring, rent a cabana on the beach (if the resort has them) and invite your guests for drinks and to lounge on the beach and relax. There is something fun for everyone at every resort. Take advantage of this time you can spend with your family and friends while celebrating your wedding and plan group activities so everyone can enjoy the destination and each other’s company.

Antigua boasts warm breezes, turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs.  It’s a favorite destination among couples looking for romance, picturesque sunsets, breezy palms and a number of island activities and excursions. Antigua is also home to the wonderful Curtain Bluff Resort.

Hundreds of brides and grooms have chosen to marry at Curtain Bluff for several reasons including:

• A warm and intimate atmosphere (the resort only has 72 rooms)
• An award-winning culinary team that offers fully customizable, one-of-a-kind cuisine for weddings
• Catered events - rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties - for no additional charge
• Two unique settings – the bluff and the beach – both offering amazing photo opportunities and scenery that will enchant your guests
• A wide variety of activities free of charge, such as a championship tennis facility, scuba diving, waterskiing, deep sea fishing, and more
• A full-service spa for pre- and post- wedding services
• A family-friendly escape fully equipped with fishing trips, games room, jungle gym and more

Couples are also drawn to the resort because Curtain Bluff doesn’t schedule more than one wedding a day, so they will get the staff’s full attention for all of their destination wedding details. They’ll get to know Wendy Eardley, who is the resort’s Assistant Manager who personally organizes all the details.

Weddings at Curtain Bluff take place on the patio of the Bluff House overlooking the sea, or on the Bay Beach. Receptions can be hosted in a special area adjacent to the Tamarind Tree restaurant or at the Beach Café Bar.

For brides and grooms looking for a last-minute deal to Curtain Bluff Resort, look no further! Between May 15^th and July 28^th 2012, couples can take advantage of an incredible deal  - pay for 3 nights get the 4^th free, or pay for 5 nights get the 6^th and 7^th nights free.  This means that couples can get a killer deal on a weeklong stay, and guests can get a great deal on a long weekend.  It’s a great way for couples to host their destination weddings at a super luxurious all-inclusive resort at an incredible rate! *Terms and Conditions may apply.*

Get to know Curtain Bluff a little bit better by touring the resort through the photos below!

To get started on your destination wedding, honeymoon, or any romantic adventure, please click here!

This weekend one of our very own, Quentin, will be attending the Caribbean Marketplace in Nassau, Bahamas! The event will be taking place January 22-24, 2012. Lots of big names are going to be there including, TheKnot, TripAdvisor, The New York Times, American Airlines and more. We are so excited for Q to represent DestinationWeddings.com at the big event!

If you’ve never heard of the Caribbean Marketplace, it’s the premier tourism marketing event for the Caribbean region. International wholesalers and tour operators meet with Caribbean hoteliers and vacation suppliers so business relationships can be created and so forth.

What this means for DestinationWeddings.com couples is that we can have more to offer you! We’ll meet with fancy hotels and resorts that we think brides and grooms will be interested in. Meetings, networking, and maybe a little sweet talking on our end will form bonds that will ultimately make our couples happy!

So to Caribbean hoteliers, tour operators, and everyone else that will be at the Caribbean Marketplace this weekend in the Bahamas, be sure to keep an eye out for Quentin from DestinationWeddings.com. We want the best for our brides and grooms and we’re hoping to meet the best this weekend!

Also this weekend, other representatives from DestinationWeddings.com will be attending bridal shows in Canada. Please look at our schedule below and stop by to say hello wherever you can! We look forward to meeting brides, grooms, and other friends!

January 20-22, 2012: The Total Wedding Show (Booth #s 261, 263, 360, 362)

January 22, 2012: Calgary Wedding Fair (Booth # 822)

January 22, 2012: Bridal Fantasy Edmonton (Booth #s 274, 279)

With so many events this weekend, we've got a very busy schedule! It's in the best interest of our brides and grooms though, so we are more excited than ever. We hope to see old faces and make lots of new friends!