Destination Wedding/Honeymoon all inclusives

[Gypsy Layla]

Hi all, we have had a bad time trying to plan a wedding... and are in the process of determining if eloping to an all-inclusive somewhere abroad is right for us.



We don't particularly care where we go... but want:



-To be pampered

-A beach, a pool and drinks with umbrellas andtop shelf alcohol.

-FABULOUS food. We are both foodies.

-smaller resort. We don't want to have to plan getting a good spot to sun bath with military precision or feel like we are on a cruise.

- a good deal. I don't want to spend more than 6-7K for 5 nights. Preferrably much less.

-location where the flight over won't break the bank.





Grand Velas in Nuevo Vallarta seems likethe perfect place... but a little pricey with the wedding package thrown in.



Any suggestions?



Oh: We live in California. So Mexico/ South America seem to be cheaper, airfare wise.







Message Edited by Gypsy Layla on 01-24-200704:58 PM

Message Edited by Gypsy Layla on 01-24-200705:00 PM

[two2go]

Have you thought of looking up the Sandals in Jamaica? It's an all inclusive, couples only resort. They also plan weddings on site. As far as price is concerned you will have to research. I have a friend that made arrangements for her wedding there, and says that they are very accomodating and professional. Good luck!

two2go

[mary-j]

Yes any of the Sandals resorts would be perfect. They have quite a few in Jamaica, three in St.Lucia,one in Antigua(the one in Antigua is currently being increased but will be completed in the next couple of months), one in The Bahamas, two in Cuba and they all specialise in weddings/honeymoons.They are adult only andall-inclusive and it is top-brand drinks they serve and they have a great choice of restaurants which are excellent. The restaurants are all waiter service/a la carte and an od night they may have a themed buffet in one of the restaurants. If you chose Jamaica then they have a shuttle bus which will take you to the other Sandals Resorts and you can use their facilities and restaurants which is still under the all-inclusive package. Most of their resorts have just been upgraded so you are sure they will be very nice. Most of their resorts have their own private beach so it is never busy and they usually have a few pools so there is never a problem with getting a sun-lounger. The cocktails are unbelievable, the best you will taste anywhere and ofcourse all free! Also watersports are included in your price and even scuba diving lessons are free. We have been to Sandals 5 times so if you want more info then just ask. Hope this helps. x

[omegaet]

Gypsy Layla,

maywe suggest you possibly consider Jumby Bay Resort www.jumbybayresort.com ....located on a private island, just off the coast of Antigua. We were wed there.....and we shall never forget how special we were treated....we returned for a brief visit on our 10th anniversary and met many of the staff members whostillremembered us. If interested, review their rates, communicate by email and perhaps they can accommodate your budget.



Message Edited by omegaet on 01-25-200710:30 AM

[disneygal]

Hi Gypsy Layla,



You might like to check out Royal Hideaway in the Riviera Maya. I was just there last month and had a wonderful time. The food and service is excellent. The restaurants are small and intimate, unlike many all-inclusive resorts. There were many honeymooners and we did see a wedding party. They have a number of special packages including dinner right on the beach. LL usually has this property available a la carte, and it ismost alwaysavailable for auction on skyauction.

[two2go]

Hi disneygal,

Did you purchase your stay at Royal Hideway from an auction on skyauction? I've heard of skyauction, but have never used their services.

[Gypsy Layla]

Hello and THANK YOU for all the responses.



I have tenatively looked at some Sandals resorts... but I'm wary of the 'club med' phenomenon with these chain resorts. I will make sure to take another look though.



Jumby looks lovely, but the airfare out to Antigua/ that area in general is cost prohibitive, especially as we are going to invite guests, and would like at least our parents to show up.



Rivera Maya Royal Hideway was on my list-- and high on it, but on Trip advisor I read that the they've lost a lot of the shore/beach... and tha the workers thelping to recover the beach there ocscure the view/ enjoyment of the location.



I will definitely check out the Sandals...



Is there any place in South America to consider?



THANK YOU AGAIN!

[disneygal]

Hi two2go,



Yes, I purchased an auction package at Skyauction.It wasmy firstpurchase from that website, buta friend had booked a trip with them with no issues. Iwas able tosecure the dates I requested and experienced no problems whatsoever. Just read all the fine print as there are extra charges for different dates, etc. Also, the packages are usually per person, rather than for 2 people.

Message Edited by disneygal on 01-26-200707:19 AM

[disneygal]

Hi Gypsy Layla,

That's too bad about Royal Hideaway. After reading your post I checked out the situation with the beach. We had heard that the beach gets bigger and smaller with the various storms. Hopefully the beach situation will improve, but for your wedding you want a sure thing!

I think there are many small resorts that would meet your needs, but the price tag may be to high. For example, Peter Island in the BVIs, Palm Island in the Grenadines or Tiamo in the Bahamas. The all-inclusive chains are less expensive, but they're larger and the food and service are of a different standard. It's always a tradeoff. In the latter category, Riu Palace Mexico (not Riu Palace Riviera Maya, which has no beach) is a good option. Their beach is very good, even after all the storms in that area. It's a popular honeymoon destination, accommodations are very nice, overall a very good value. The food and service is very good, but the setting not as intimate as the smaller resorts.

[mary-j]

if you would like to read others opinions and what is going on around the Sandals Resorts there is a website called "tropictravelonline")not sure if I am allowed to mention other sites?) but there is a discussion forum on here which is dedicated to Sandals. The people on this forum are "experts" and you will find out all you need to know about the resort. also have you thought about the Secrets Resorts? Very similar to Sandals but apparently even nicer and are cheaper too. they have resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic and are in the process of opening two new ones. There is details and website on Secrets in another thread somewhere on this site. Good luck1