Destination Wedding Requirements

When planning a destination wedding, it is extremely important to know the legal requirements in the country you wish to be married. These requirements vary not only from country to country, but also from state to state in Mexico. The resorts may have their own requirements, different than those the country enforces. For instance, in some parts of Mexico a woman has to divorced for at least one year before she can get remarried. Which means if your divorce decree is dated January 2009 and you want to get remarried in Mexico in December 2009, you will not be able to.

These requirements can change at any time, if the country changes their laws. So, potentially you could plan and book your wedding a year in advance and if the country changes their marriage requirements you may not be granted a license.

Of course, you can always have a symbolic wedding ceremony and get legally married when you get home. None of your guests will know the difference...

Ft. Myers Weddings

Recently I've seen a lot of interest for weddings in Florida, particularly Ft. Myers. There are few beach resorts that offer fabulous wedding packages.

The Pink Shell is a great family resort right on Ft. Myers beach. This location allows guests several options for activities, and for the bride and groom a beautiful beachfront location for the wedding ceremony.

The South Seas resort on Captiva, is a 300+ acre resort on the tip of Captiva. With its own Marina, kids program, and golf course, South Seas has been voted one of the best resorts for families in the United States.

Also on Captiva, the 'Tween Waters Inn, has the laid back "feel of the Florida Keys" along with a long history of satisfied guests. 'Tween Waters is a perfect option for the barefoot bride and groom.

Zoetry Wellness and Spa Resorts

The stunning Paraiso de la Bonita has been rebranded the Zoetry Wellness and Spa Resort. Managed now by the AMResorts (Secrets and Dreams) the Zoetry promises to be a luxurious retreat for those seeking a holistic vacation experience. Truly a unique vacation. For those who truly enjoy the best life has to offer.

Check out some of their packages:
Zoëtry Wellness Experience focuses on enriching the mind, body and soul with a balance of physical and spiritual pampering through a luxurious wellness suite, a complimentary consultation with a nutrition expert, various organic dining options, in-suite aromatherapy, exclusive yoga and meditation sessions and much more.

The Zoëtry Lovers Experience treats couples to romance and privacy they deserve through a daily lover’s turndown service, unique room amenities, a private sunset catamaran sail with a champagne toast, in-suite romance movies and a private, champagne massage under the stars.

Zoëtry Gourmet Experience offers true gourmet menu selections featuring a vast array of temptations prepared by signature and award-winning chefs inviting you to experience two 6-course private, gourmet dinners, a 5-course chef’s table dinner in the wine cellar with an assortment of wine presented by a personal Sommelier and a gourmet in-suite breakfast experience.

All guests of the Zoetry Wellness and Spa Resort receive the following amenities:
Private chauffeured airport transfers

Luxurious oceanfront suite with terrace providing direct access to the private beach

Bvlgari® bath amenities, aromatherapy pillows and linen scents, Frette® linens and bathrobes, multi-functional rechargeable outlets, electronic security safe, welcome bottle of tequila, handmade beach bag and more

No check in or check out time

Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner gourmet dining options with an assortment of organic food and beverage selections

Unlimited cocktails and specialty beverages from a variety of domestic and international premium brands

Complimentary cell phone with unlimited worldwide calls and concierge service
24-hour private, in-suite dining

Bottle of champagne and fresh fruit basket daily

Complimentary golf at Playa Mujeres Golf Club

Daily shopping excursions by boat

Hydrothalasso pool and aqua gym

Exclusive Visia® complexion skin analysis

Relaxing 25-minute reflexology massage per guest
Traditional Temazcal ceremony every other day

Access to sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and cold plunge pool

Anti-aging medical diagnostic to identify health and skin characteristics

Daily afternoon tea time featuring live plant tea infusions

Maid service three times each day

Complimentary 24-hour laundry service

Karisma Trip

I'm heading down December 4-7 to see the new Karisma properties. The AZUL Fives is opening December 1st in Playa del Carmen. The AZUL Sensatori (where I'll be staying!) just opened a couple weeks ago. I'll also be seeing the El Dorado Seaside, the El Dorado Maroma,the El Dorado Royale, and the AZUL Beach.

If there are any brides out there looking for specific information, let me know and I'll check it out for you!

Dreams Puerto Aventuras-Grand Opening

The Luxury Included Dreams Puerto Aventuras (formerly Sunscape) is re-opening in December after a complete rennovation. The Dreams PA is a great option for those seeking a fun filled vacation with amazing dining options. There is a plethora of activites available right at the resort. Here's a great deal for 7 nights in January:

January 10-17
$2360 per couple, includes $100 resort credit, and a free upgrade to an Oceanview Room...great price for a luxury vacation at a brand new resort.

Throw in a wedding package for just $769!!!

Postponed Honeymoons?

For all of those couples that postponed their honeymoons, now is the time to book! There are great deals for January to Mexico. Four nights at the El Dorado Royale Gourmet Inclusive with air from Minneapolis, is around $1100 per person in January. There are other phenomenal deals out there too. From years of experience, I can tell you that you don't want to wait until after the holidays to book. Book now while there is still availability at the best resorts. If you do call us, be sure to ask about any resorts that are offering coupons of special discounts in January.

Sandals New Millionaire Suites Now Open

For a true "Luxury Included" vacation, check out Sandals Regency La Toc in St. Lucia. They just opened their new Millionaire suites in August, and they are stunning. With clean lines, dramatic views, private plunge pool, and butler service you will feel like an exclusive guest of one of the Caribbean's finest All Inclusives.
http://www.sandals.com/main/lucia/lu-highlight3.cfm

Disney Weddings-Everything Including the Dress!

A Disney destination wedding can be a great option for those couples looking for a true fairy tale and also those who want to make their destination wedding affordable for their guests. Orlando is traditionally an inexpensive flight from most cities and their are Disney resorts and hotels to fit every budget. Guests can choose to add theme park tickets, dining plans, and transportation. With the Wine & Dine plan, it's the closest thing to an all inclusive in the U.S.

For the bride, Disney offers everything she could possibly imagine. Even a dress fit for a princess! Check out www.disneybridal.com!!!

Aloha Hawaii!!

I just booked my good friend and her new husband on their honeymoon to Hawaii..!! I got them a great deal on a 7 night trip to Oahu and Maui from MSP, using the special 3 day Half Price Air Sale. Check out the details:



Air
11-Jan-09 Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN to Honolulu (Oahu)
NW0809 11:30 A.M - 4:20 P.M
NW0809 Non Stop Service


13-Jan-09 Honolulu (Oahu) to Kahului (Maui)
NW4986 11:55 A.M - 12:32 P.M
NW4986 Non Stop Service
Operated by HAWAIIAN AIRLINES -- HA528

18-Jan-09 Kahului (Maui) to Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN
NW0804 8:35 P.M - 12:14 P.M +1 Day
NW0804 2 STOP(s)


Hotel
11-Jan-09 Hawaii - Oahu
Hotel 1 - ResortQuest W.Beach HISVR1 OF
Number of nights: 2
ALL $465.52
Added Values: Daily Breakfast on the Beach • Ground Service Pkg • Roundtrip transfers

13-Jan-09 Hawaii - Maui
Hotel 1 - Kaanapali Beach Htl PrtlOcnVw
Number of nights: 5
ALL $1,480.00
Added Values: Daily Breakfast Buffet

Car
13-Jan-09 Hawaii - Maui
Alamo Rent A Car - Jeep 2-Door (Jeep Wrangler or similar)
Pick up 01/13/09 12:32 P.M at KAHULUI ARPT
Drop off 01/18/09 8:35 P.M at KAHULUI ARPT
1 $273.25

Activities
12-Jan-09 Hawaii - Oahu - Arizona&USS Missouri
ALL $114.48
11-Jan-09 Travel Protection
ALL $173.00
Total amount due: $3,842.33

All Inclusive Honeymoons

The "Look of Love" bridal show on Sunday was great fun! I had to chance to meet several couples, MOHs, and MOBs and chat about the wonderful honeymoon options available.
In traditional fashion, the majority of couples were planning an all inclusive Caribbean beach honeymoon. Many of the grooms in attendance were in charge of planning the honeymoon and most of them were looking into Sandals resorts. Here are some great reasons to plan your honeymoon with a travel agent:

#1 Sandals website is awesome! However, they do not use NWA for any of their flights. So, many couples book online and are taking Delta or American with one or two stops to Jamaica (sometimes even with an overnight!). If they had called a travel agent we would have told them there are several non-stop or one stop flights from MSP to Jamaica and we can get them for the same price or less than on the Sandals website!

#2 When perusing the vibrant pages of the Sandals brochure inevitably you will ask yourself "which one do I choose?". Choosing a destination, then choosing a specific resort within that destination can be painstaking. Then, after finally making a choice, finding out that you have to take 3 flights to get there can be discouraging. We are here to help you!

#3 Sandals room categories can be daunting. For each resort, there are what seems like dozens of room categories. Sorting through their descriptions and determining what you are really getting is difficult. A Certified Sandals Specialist can help you sort through the plethora of Sandals room categories and help make sure you are getting what you need.

#4 Although Sandals are fabulous resorts, they are not the only all inclusive game in town! There are several all inclusive products out there whose level of quality and service meet and surpass the Sandals benchmark. Sandals may be perfect for you, but if there is another resort that better suits your needs, we want to be sure that we help you find it.

"Look Of Love" Bridal Show by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Please come and visit the Enchanted Getaways booth at the "Look of Love" Bridal Show at the Nicollet Island Pavillion this Sunday, September 14th from 1PM-4PM. Just print this out and bring it to the door, or mention that you were invited by Enchanted Getaways, and admission is FREE!

Plus, we are giving away a free honeymoon to one of the beautiful El Dorado resorts in the Riviera Maya, a $7,000 value!

Disney World Destination Weddings

During a recent planning session with one of my brides, we discussed the many advantages to booking a Disney World Destination wedding. Here's a quick list of the many benefits!

#1 Reasonably priced year round flights from almost everywhere in the US

#2 Hundreds of hotel options. Guests do not need to stay on Disney property (althought there are many advantages to doing so!)

#3 World Class Dining! With Disney's dining plan, it is the closest thing we have to an all inclusive vacation in the US. The Wine and Dine plan even features one bottle of wine per night!

#4 Not just for kids! With several golf, spa, and entertainment options Disney offers a huge variety of adult activities.

#5 Add Ons. You can add a Disney Cruise for your honeymoon, rent a car and add on a Florida Beach vacation, or hop a quick flight to the Bahamas!

#6 Magical Beginings....Disney does everything better. A bride will truly experience what it's like to be a princess for a day.

Bride and Groom Fly FREE! Exclusive for Enchanted Getaways

Exclusive for Enchanted Getaways clients...book a qualifying destination wedding at Secrets or Dreams resorts, and the bride and groom fly free! Call Erica for details.

Secrets Resorts

WOW! I just returned from the most AMAZING trip! Secrets and Dreams Resorts, along with Apple Vacations, hosted me on a special Destination Weddings trip. I'm not sure where to begin, except to say the biggest problem I encountered was choosing which resort is my favorite. They just got better and better. I'll start from the begininning...

Day 1 Dreams Cancun-This is an active resort that is great for everybody. The only resort that has it's own Dolphinarium, you can spend hours just watching these amazing creatures interact with each other. For families with children, their beach cove provides a safe place for kids to swim, and they'll never want to get off of the water trampoline!

Their wedding gazebo is surrounded by the turquoise Caribbean waters on three sides, offering a very unique and dramatic view. There is a beautiful ballroom to accomodate brides that want a more formal reception, or you can have a casual beach reception. The videographer at this resort is excellent. I can send a sample video to anyone who is interested!

Secrets Maroma-This brand new resort, is where we were lucky enough to stay. It is adults only, located on one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Certainly one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to. They have a wedding gazebo and beach location where they perform weddings.

For dinner, we had their standard wedding buffett, although nothing about it was very standard. There was grilled grouper, beef tenderloin, stuffed chicken, shrimp, salads, and an amazing assortment of desserts. It was set up in candlelight around the pool with traditional white linens and chair covers. Magnificent....

Day 2 Secrets Capri-Elegant, sophisticated, upscale. This property is just perfect. Soon it will be an all Preferred Club property, which means each and every room will have concierge level service. Which begins with your ride from the airport in a private car transfer and in room check in.

The beach here is also gorgeous, not quite as wide as Maroma, but still perfect. They just finished a brand new spa, that I wish I had been able to try out!

We had a lunch buffet in the Portofino restaurant, OMG! The most luxuriant foods I've ever had, which I could not afford at home! Oysters on the half shell, Foie Gras, king crab legs, Chilean sea bass, shrimp, chocolate ganache and strawberries....

Secrets Silversands-Sleek, modern, contemporary. Great for young clients looking for something completely different in the Riviera Maya.

The restaurants here are spectacular, the decor and service in the restaurants are as good as the best restuarants in Minneapolis/St. Paul. We had dinner at the Mexican restaurant and were entertained by the most spectacular Mariachi Band. They perform there every night, and it is worth going just to hear the lead singer. His voice is filled with passion...I've been to Mexico a dozen times and this is the FIRST Mariachi I've that's been memorable enough to be a trip highlight.

The great thing about the restaurants here is that there are six restaurants next to each other in the main building, no running around trying to find them. And NO RESERVATIONS required or accepted, just eat when you feel like it. (Side note: except for the Tepanyaki tables at the Asian restaurant that operates on a schedule. You will want to book this first thing when you arrive.)

Day 3 Dreams Tulum-Secluded but active resort for the whole family. This resort is about one and a half hours from the Cancun airport, but worth the drive. It is casually elegant and has the most Mexican charm of all the resorts. Although the location is a bit secluded, the resort was very active. The vibe was very fun, and children of all ages were having a great time. They also have a water trampoline in the sea and a kids club.

The chapel here is so charming, with white walls and wooden pews, and lanterns hanging from the ceiling it is so Mexican. It opens into a courtyard where you can have a beautiful reception.

We had a formal reception in one of the ballrooms, complete with a presentation (think wedding slide show) a string quartet and five course meal. The linens were elegant in chocolate brown with gorgeous white rose centerpieces. For dinner, carppaccio dijon salad, followed by aspargus tomato soup, lime sorbet, beef tenderloin in a merlot reduction (or salmon), and a chocolate marshmallow dessert petit fors with cafe con leche....divine.

What a fabulous trip........

Exotic Destination Weddings in Thailand

I am so excited to have a new friend at Rocky's Resort in Kho Samui, Thailand (remember the honeymoon destination in "Meet the Parents"?). Rio Rose, is the wedding coordinator at this exotic resort that offers some amazing wedding packages for only 69,ooo Bhat! (that's around $2000 USD). Rio is able to arrange everything, from the bride making her grand entrance on the back of an elephant, to traditional Umbrella bearers shielding the bride from the sun.

Room rates are very reasonable, and Enchanted Getaways can look for the best rates on air to Bangkok and make flight arrangements from Bangkok to Kho Samui.

Check out Rocky's website to view this amazing resort rated the "Best Place to get Married in the Far East". www.rockysresort.com

Honeymooners Fly FIRST CLASS for FREE!

Just a quick post on a new special with Northwest World Vacations. Honeymoons or Destination Weddings booked at a Secrets or Dreams resort in the Riviera Maya or Puerto Vallarta receive FREE FIRST CLASS UPGRADES!
There are of course some restrictions: travel must be booked before June 20th, for 7 nights between June 9th-December 17th. (Thanksgiving is blacked out) First Class flights cannot be guaranteed until a deposit is paid, but in my research I've found plenty of availability.

January Honeymoon Values

Many Minnesota couples getting married this summer will opt to postpone their honeymoon until winter, giving them a great reason to escape the bitter cold. The advantage of this allows the couple to be flexible with their travel dates and gives them the ability to shop for the best value. Mid January can offer some great rates to sunny destinations. The seasonal flights and charters generally begin service by this time, and demand is not as great because the holidays are over and spring break is still a couple months away. (In general, to get the best deals you want to avoid holidays including Valentine's Day,President's Day and spring break)

Looking for the best honeymoon value, I researched prices for 4 different resorts for the same set of dates:
January 7-14, 2009

Let's start with the very popular Sandals Negril, set on beautiful Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica.
The price for Two people including RT Airfare from Minneapolis is $5438 in a Beachfront Category Room

Next, we have the El Dorado Seaside. Part of the Gourmet Inclusive Karimsa Resorts in the Riviera Maya, Mexico and listed as one of the 10 Most Romantic Resorts in the World by Forbes(and my personal favorite).
The price for Two people including RT Aifare from Minneapolis is $4774 in a Swim Up Suite

Then, there is the BRAND NEW Azul Sensatori opening this fall in the Riviera Maya. This is also one of Karisma Resorts Gourmet Inclusives, and although open to guests of all ages there is a special adults only section of the resort. The price for two people with air in a Swim Up Jacuzzi Suite on the adults only side is $3816!

The Sandos Playacar in Playa del Carmen, Mexico also has a great deal in one of their Oceanfront Royal Club rooms $3272 per couple. The Royal Club guarantees a king sized bed and special VIP amenities.

And the winner is...
In my opinion the best value is the AZUL Sensatori. The savings comes in because it is a new resort with introductory pricing, you can almost be guaranteed that the price will go up after its inaugural year. A couple can get a Swim Up Jacuzzi Suite which connects to the main pool, fabulous gourmet dining with a choice of 6 restaurants, and a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach for honeymooners.

For more information on the AZUL Sensatori or any of the other resorts mentioned give Enchanted Getaways a call!

The Element of Surprise

Planning a surprise vacation for a loved one can be an exciting, but daunting task. Many people give up the “surprise” element early in the planning process because they're unsure where to begin. So, inevitably they just ask their loved one where they want to go. Or, in many cases, the one who was to be “surprised” ends up planning their entire vacation. The key is making the trip fun and relaxing, not stressful. Here are a few things to consider when planning a surprise romantic getaway.

#1- Use a travel agent
Be sure to let them know that this is a SURPRISE. Trying to plan a trip on the internet, only gives you time to research when the other person is away. Give the agent contact information that the other person doesn't have access to. A work phone or email works best.

#2- Know what documentation you need
There's nothing like spoiling the surprise by trying to explain why they'll need a passport.

#3- Consider staying within the U.S.
Consider a trip to Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico where no passport is required!

#4- Book as much in advance as possible
A good travel agent doesn't just make air and hotel reservations. They can book things like limousine transfers from your home, a candlelit dinner on the beach, a couples massage, or even arrange to have a trail of flower petals leading to their hotel suite.

#5- Book a package
Booking as many things through one place is to your advantage. There are usually significant savings on airfare and hotels, plus you can book a car rental and activities. This allows you to have one “go to” if a problem arises.

#6- Relax
A romantic getaway, should be about enjoying time together. Do things at a leisurely pace. Sip your morning coffee on your balcony looking out over the turquoise Caribbean waters. Spend hours savoring a gourmet dinner by candlelight. Let a beach butler bring you cool drinks as you lounge in a beach front palapa.

Contact Erica@enchantedgetaways.com for information on the romantic Karisma Resorts. These stunning resorts offer the only Gourmet Inclusive experience in the Riviera Maya. Ask about specials for the new properties opening this fall.

Erica promoted to Director of Romance

It's the moment we've all been waiting for.... our event planning, romance loving agent has been appointed as the official Director of Romance for Enchanted Getaways!

And with that, I pass the reigns to Erica to share her amazing knowledge of anything that involves the word amour.