Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso, part of the “Grand Collection” set of Iberostar, is located within a majestic enclave in Riviera Maya, Mexico. This all-inclusive spa hotel, situated directly on a beautiful strip of beach, exudes luxury and elegance. Designed for adults 18 years and older, this hotel offers guests a spectacular vacation full of relaxation, activities, excellent service, rich cuisine, and a world of comfort. A true paradise, this hotel’s meticulous design and gorgeous surrounding atmosphere also makes for a perfect place to have a destination wedding, honeymoon, or vow renewal. 

Just one of three amazing pools, this panoramic view is truly divine!

Not only do the hotel’s accommodations feature incredible amenities such as marble bathrooms with whirlpool baths, but each suite also boasts great views of the sea or magnificent gardens. 

This hotel’s interior took over five years to design, and it is a true work of art. Not only does the entire hotel display a variety of unique architectural styles, but guests will also find themselves uniquely surrounded by beautiful interior gardens. 

The Paradise Beach Resort Spa is a large complex at the hotel where guests can enjoy a variety of treatments and massages, Jacuzzis, solarium, sauna, Turkish and Roman baths, thalassotherapy pools, and the Temazcal experience. 

A unique feature of the hotel is the exceptional golf course, situated between hills and surrounded by Mayan ruins. The Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club is perfect for seasoned golfers or beginners with its practice field, putting green, and challenging course. 

Here are some exclusive offers through DestinationWeddings.com:

Reserve 10 rooms and bride and groom receive: One Category upgrade.

Reserve 15 rooms and receive: One Category upgrade. Champagne and chocolate bath turndown.
 
Reserve 20 rooms and receive: One hour couple seaside massage, plus all items above.
 
Reserve 25 rooms and receive: Romantic dinner, plus all items above.
 
Reserve 30 rooms and receive: A private 45-minute cocktail party with open bar and cold hors d'oeuvres, plus all items above.
 
Reserve 50 rooms and receive: "GO FREE" (bride and groom get a complimentary stay), plus all items above.
 
Booking Dates: January 15th, 2013 - December 23rd, 2014
Travel Dates: January 15th, 2013 - December 23rd, 2014

Must have a group contract in place to receive these amenities.

*Restrictions Apply - Check with your Certified Destination Wedding Specialist for any restrictions related to this offer.

For more information about the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso, contact one of our Wedding Specialists today!

In an effort to provide our customers with an extensive range of destination wedding, honeymoon, and vow renewal choices, we just added The Exclusive Villa Collection to our offerings. From boutique honeymoon locations to lavish venues for destination weddings, The Exclusive Villa Collection will exceed the expectations of the most discerning travelers and cater to a wide range of budgets. The properties span from one to 13 bedrooms and also include complexes that have multiple villas or an associated hotel that can accommodate dozens of guests.

“Villas are ideal for maintaining an intimate setting during vacation celebrations – either as a couple or with family and friends, “ said Richard Calvert, Destination Weddings Travel Group President & CEO. “We have done all the research in screening these beautiful properties for quality and service so that you can take the guess work out of enjoying your celebration.”

Personalizing the search based on the unique needs of each customer, trained specialists help navigate through hundreds of choices in destinations that span across the Caribbean, Costa Rica, France, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, and Mexico. All villas in the collection are supported by a full-time, on-destination, management company-- which ensures exemplary service. At each destination, couples are able to work with a carefully selected wedding coordinator to plan a flawless celebration.

Are you ready for a fabulous celebration at a memorable villa? Visit The Exclusive Villa Collection and prepare to get the travel bug! 

[Photo: Sandyline Villa in St. Martin, BVI]

Your honeymoon is one of the most special trips you’ll ever take as a married couple, so you’re going to want to make sure it’s memorable for you and your new husband or wife. From zip-lining through rainforests and snorkeling in turquoise waters to spa treatments and candlelight dinners, there are many activities you can do while on your honeymoon. Participating in unique activities will make your honeymoon unforgettable, so before you decide on the destination and resort, think about what you want to do while you’re there. Add these fun activities to your list!

1.       Take a swim in your private pool. Some resorts have suites with private pools or jacuzzis, perfect for honeymooners. Enjoy a romantic dinner in your room or on the beach followed by a dip in your jacuzzi or pool.

Photo courtesy of Sandals & Beaches Resorts

2.       Swim with the dolphins. If you’re going to a Caribbean destination, consider swimming with the dolphins. The experience is unlike any other and you’ll be so glad you did it!

3.       Have a couple’s massage. A couple’s massage is incredibly romantic and relaxing. While some resorts have elegant spas where you can get your massages, others have outdoor spots by the beach where you can listen to the water lapping against the shore and feel the ocean breeze – what could be more relaxing than that?

Photo courtesy of Karisma Hotels

4.       Enjoy a private, candlelight dinner on the beach. If you’re going to a tropical destination, consider having a romantic dinner on the beach at sunset. Most resorts offer this option to honeymooners and it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after months of wedding planning.

Photo courtesy of Sandals & Beaches Resorts

5.       Go snorkeling or scuba diving. If you’re going to a beachside destination, consider trying out snorkeling or scuba diving. Many resorts offer introductory classes, which makes it easy for beginners. Additionally, many destinations have amazing coral reefs chockfull of incredible marine life.

Photo courtesy of Sandals & Beaches Resorts

6.       Try zip-lining. Zip-lining is a fun activity for those who love adventure and it’s a great way to get a bird’s eye view of a destination. Costa Rica, Jamaica and Hawaii are just a few of the destinations which offer incredible zip-lining tours.

7.       Go horseback riding. While you can likely go horseback riding close to home, there’s nothing like going horseback riding in a stunning, exotic destination. Whether you choose to go horseback riding on a pristine, Caribbean beach or through lush landscape, it’s an experience you won’t likely forget.

Photo courtesy of Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Ready to start planning your dream honeymoon today? Click here to start planning now!

If you're knee-deep in wedding plans, researching your honeymoon is probably the last thing on your mind. However, it's important to start envisioning the type of romantic getaway you want to have. Because your honeymoon is the first getaway you'll take as a married couple, you want it to be extra special. So what are our some of the adults-only hot honeymoon locales? Check out some of our favorites below.

1. El Dorado Casitas Royale - If you're looking for romance and luxurious amenities, talk to your specialist about El Dorado Casitas Royale. Nestled on a secluded beach area, this adults only resort exudes romance in every aspect of the property. From its swim-up infinity pool casita suites, which boast outdoor showers, in-suite jacuzzis, direct access to the lazy river and plush accommodations, to the couples massages, beach beds and candlelight dinners, El Dorado Casitas Royale is all about romance and relaxation.

Photo courtesy of Karisma Resorts

Photo courtesy of Karisma Resorts

2. Excellence Playa Mujeres - This adults-only resort is nestled in a private community with an island marina, Greg Norman signature golf course, world-class Miile Spa and incredibly romantic accommodations. The five-star suites boast a range of amenities, including impeccable views and a private round jacuzzi with indoor and outdoor access.

Photo courtesy of Excellence Resorts

Photo courtesy of Excellence Resorts

3. Sandals Royal Caribbean - This adults-only resort has plenty to offer newlyweds, starting with the Love Nest Luxury Suites, which are the ultimate escape for newly married couples. They offer a range of amenities, including plasma TVs, plush bedding and the service of a personal butler. The resort is set along a pristine beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica and offers a range of activities, including evening bonfires and poolside parties.

4. The Royal Cancun - Situated in the heart of Cancun's hotel zone, this stunning adults-only resort offers incredibly luxurious suites, including those with oceanfront views and swim-up locations, a beautiful spa, Royal Butler service and a range of restaurants. If you're seeking privacy and romance, you'll be pleased with this amazing resort.

Photo courtesy of Real Resorts

Photo courtesy of Real Resorts

5. Sun Palace - This couples-only resort serves as an intimate retreat for newlyweds seeking romance and relaxation. With comfortable, luxurious accommodations, the suites at Sun Palace offer scenic views and a range of amenities. From the 3 infinity pools and spa to the variety of activities and shows, newlyweds will find Sun Palace to be a relaxing haven and exciting place with plenty to do.

Photo courtesy of Palace Resorts

Photo courtesy of Palace Resorts

6. Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro - Nestled in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic this adults-only hotel offers personalized services and fantastic facilities. The hotel boasts a range of suites, which offer a range of amenities, including exquisite linens, a pillow menu, jacuzzis for two and beautiful views. When it comes to romantic activities, you'll love the romantic dinners, wine tastings and adults-only massages you can choose to take advantage of.

Photo courtesy of Iberostar Hotels

Photo courtesy of Iberostar Hotels

Ready to start planning your dream honeymoon? Click here to start planning today!

Today we launched our new, redesigned, content-rich website and we have to say, we're so excited to finally be able to show it to all of you! The new site has an abundance of content, including new sections devoted specifically to honeymoons and vow renewals, as well as inspirational imagery - from brides and grooms marrying in paradise to luxurious wedding ceremony sites, the photos will surely inspire you.

The entire website is devoted to inspiring couples planning their dream weddings, honeymoons and vow renewals in stunning destinations and if our site doesn't inspire you, we don't know what will. The wedding, honeymoon and vow renewal sections feature pages dedicated to either wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal inspiration. Many couples come to us without a destination wedding style or vision, and we're confident this site will give them plenty of ideas. All of our inspiration pages feature links to our collections of resorts. Whether you're looking for a luxurious resort for your lavish affair or a more intimate property for a casual wedding, we're sure you'll find plenty of properties within our collections. And if you can't find the right resort within our collections, just check out the rest of our properties - we have over 1,200! Our resorts are in a range of destinations from favorites like Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean to new options in Dubai, Egypt, South Africa and Canada!

And if you're trying to find out information about various wedding destinations, look no further. We have 100 regions in 42 countries for you to choose from! Each destination and region page features incredible imagery and helpful information about everything you need to know about that location - from required travel documents to activities and tourist attractions.

If you're looking for some of our couples' weddings, check out our new Testimonials section. The stunning destination wedding photos and stories of past couples' experiences are sure to inspire you!

We're thrilled to be able to launch our new website and we hope you love it just as much as we do! What do you think of the new website?

With a rich legacy of personalized service and hospitality, Real Resorts proudly presents the THE Royal Cancun. Real’s flagship property, conveniently located next to the Gran Caribe Real in the best location in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, is a luxurious adults-only, all-suite, all-inclusive resort where guests will experience a truly “Royal” escape. With an uncompromising commitment to luxury, THE Royal Cancun has been designed to provide a joyful ambiance of casual elegance. An intimate atmosphere, flawless service and traditional Mexican warmth and hospitality live up to Real Resorts’ guiding principle of “Exceeding Your Expectations”.

Types of Weddings Offered:

• Civil
• Symbolic (Catholic, Mayan and Vow Renewals)

Venues for Ceremonies:

• Oceanfront Wedding Gazebo
• Oceanfront Chapel
• Beach Locations

Venues for Wedding and Cocktail Receptions:

• Ballrooms
• Five restaurants (Spice, Pelicanos, Asiana, Maria Marie and Tapas & Pintxos)

Wedding Packages:

• Free Wedding
• Romance Wedding
• Classic Wedding
• Classic Catholic Wedding
• Mayan Ceremony
• Eternal Romance Wedding
• Luxury Wedding
• Ultimate Luxury Wedding

To learn about all about THE Royal Cancun, including resort amenities, restaurant specifics, wedding package details and more, please click here. In the meantime, enjoy the photos below!  

Not enough? Learn even more about THE Royal Cancun as you watch our very own Chief Operating Officer of DestinationWeddings.com, Ed Cotton, talk with PR Manager of Real Resorts, Walter Dagri to discuss this beautiful resort.

Ready to start planning your romantic adventure to THE Royal Cancun? Click here!

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are available in a number of gorgeous locations, like Jamaica, St. Lucia, Bahamas, and Antigua. There are adults-only options for couples looking for kid-free getaways, and family-friendly options for those looking for a sweet family escape. Sandals and Beaches offer it all, from top of the line restaurants and bars with premium drinks, activities galore for guests of all ages, personal butler service and more. They take pride in their customizable wedding, honeymoon, and vow renewal packages,  All of this is available, while keeping their environmental commitments near and dear.

All Sandals Resorts & Beaches Resorts participate in the EarthCheck benchmarking and certification program. From recycling to conserving, Sandals takes its environmental commitment very seriously. Their "green" resorts are made for love, so loving the environment has become second nature. Sandals and Beaches Resorts follow sound environmental practices, like:

• Staff Awareness: Sandals’ team members participate in workshops and seminars conducted by environmental committees, government organizations, and also environmental organizations.
• Water Conservation Program: Sandals monitor total water use on their properties.
• Energy Management Program: Sandals uses timers on electrical equipment like at their Spa, outdoor lighting, and in their kitchens, to make sure energy isn’t being wasted.
• Waste Management Program: Sandals practices recycling of linen and bed spreads, food, office paper, and packages.
• Control of Hazardous Substances: Before product purchases are made, Sandals determines suitability of products and when necessary, provides full training for staff whenever new chemicals or equipment are involved.
• Social and Cultural Development: Local and ‘green’ tours are promoted and sold at the tour desks.

The next time you want to plan a romantic adventure and be earth-friendly at the same time, think Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. You can have the time of your lives and leave less of a carbon footprint on the earth!  Enjoy the pictures below from all of the Sandals Resorts and see how you can travel and stay green!

To get started on your romantic adventure at Sandals and Beaches Resorts, click here!

This weekend will mark our last bridal show of the month and we couldn’t have asked for a better show to end with, than the National Bridal Show! Brides and grooms will have the pleasure to preview wedding styles and trends of the season and meet incredibly talented trend-setters from the bridal industry. Fashion shows, giveaways and draws, wedding gown sales and more will make for an amazing bridal show we’re sure you won’t want to miss.

The National Bridal Show is a three day event that will take place Friday January 27^th 2012 through Sunday January 29^th 2012. Held at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto, thousands of couples will attend in hopes of meeting the perfect vendor, tasting their ideal wedding cake, seeing their dream wedding décor and lots of more.  

Of course, we will be present at the National Bridal Show eager and ready to meet brides and grooms who want a destination wedding, honeymoon, or vow renewal. We’re so excited we’ll even be giving away a very special trip. One lucky couple will win a 7-night destination wedding or honeymoon at the new Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun, Mexico! To enter to win, please visit us at the show at booths 601 and 603.  

Additionally at our booth, brides and grooms will have the exclusive opportunity to meet with a member from celebrity wedding designer, Colin Cowie’s team! They’ll be able to chat one on one about Cowie’s fabulous wedding collection and address any questions or concerns they may have. To book an appointment, simply e-mail Elizabeth at planit@destinationweddings.com and request a free 15-minute consultation. Appointments are limited and made on a first come first serve basis, so don’t delay, e-mail today!

The National Bridal Show is going to be a marvelous event this weekend and we can’t wait for it! Take a look at the show’s schedule below to see when will be the best time for you to visit us at booth 601 and 603.  

Friday January 27: 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday January 28: 10:00am to 8:00pm

Sunday January 29: 10:00am to 6:00pm

January is well underway and we are more excited than ever! We’re starting 2012 off on the right foot by doing what we love most – meeting brides and grooms! Bridal shows are the perfect place to do this so we’ve signed up to exhibit at a number of fantastic shows and we hope to see you at one or more of them!

In addition to meeting with us, you’ll have the opportunity to watch numerous fashion shows with beautiful bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, tuxedos, accessories and all of the latest wedding fashions!  Bridal shows will also have great door prizes, giveaways, and other cute freebies that you won’t want to miss (while supplies last of course)!

Please check out our schedule below and we hope you make a trip out to see us at one of the shows!

January 20-22, 2012: The Total Wedding Show

Click here for tickets!

January 22, 2012: Calgary Wedding Fair 

Click here for tickets! 

January 22, 2012: Edmonton Bridal Fantasy

Click here for tickets!

January 27-29, 2012: National Bridal Show

Visit our previous blog to see how you can get 2 free tickets!

*Visit our booth at this show for your chance to win a 7-night destination wedding or honeymoon courtesy of the NEW Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun, Mexico and DestinationWeddings.com!*

*Exclusive Offer* If you sign-up with DestinationWeddings.com BEFORE the bridal show, place your $50 commitment fee and confirm your wedding at any Palace, Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana or Mexico, or LeBlanc Spa Resort, YOU will have an exclusive opportunity for a free 15 minute wedding consultation at the show! With whom, you ask? An expert from celebrity wedding designer, Colin Cowie's team of course! Once you confirm your wedding at one of the resorts mentioned above, e-mail planit@destinationweddings.com to set-up your free consultation! Once we confirm on our end, we'll also send you 2 tickets to the Spring National Bridal Show! *Appointments are subject to availability, so sign-up today!*