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Luxe Destination Weddings

You are rocking some fancy new jewelry, have dug into every bridal magazine publication and your Pinterest is working overtime. You’re ready to lock down a date but you’re over the same old traditional celebration.  You’ve been to every event space and catering hall in the area.  You want a wow factor, something new, fresh and memorable.  I have narrowed down some great resorts that have tons of value in a recent blog post.  While saving money is always a bonus, you wouldn’t hold back at home so why hold back anywhere? You like the finer things in life and you want your wedding to be a reflection of that.  Fortunately, even if you’re willing to splurge on your destination wedding, it is still a huge savings than hosting your event home.  Host a top notch event without sacrificing on food, service and decor.  These properties are some of the best throughout Mexico and the Caribbean.

I am crushing hard on the Nizuc Resort on the Caribbean coast of Cancun, Mexico.  Nizuc Resort and Spa has quickly become a premier wedding venue in the industry.  Travelers have given this property some of the highest reviews in the destination.   In 2013 it was named one of the best new hotels in the world by Conde Nast.  With 29 acres of private beachfront property and only 274 suites, it has a boutique feel, warm and intimate with some very cool modern amenities. The contemporary architecture, surrounding  lagoon, mangroves, gardens and ocean views help to create a dreamy escape and an even better scene for your destination wedding. Nizuc starts your wedding day with breakfast in bed, followed by a relaxing spa treatment.  The rest of the day is seamlessly planned by the world-class wedding coordinators with attention to each detail.  You and your guests will be spoiled with gourmet cuisine, the decor with the freshest flowers and an immaculate space.  Nizuc Resort and Spa weddings are chic, elegant and romantic.

The newest resort in The Cayman Islands is also my favorite for brides and grooms to exchange vows on the island or just for G World Travel clients to vacation to.  The Seafire Kimport Resort and Spa is set on the famous Seven Mile Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.  The island reminds me of an East Hamptons vibe, from the food to the people and the decor.  The impressive Seafire Kimpton hotel oozes style with its sleek design and modern architecture.  It is to date one of my most favorite properties I have visited.  As the hotel manager has said “luxury without the attitude, meaning a laid back, welcoming, high-spec space—an attitude that fits perfectly with the island”.   Couples will love the bungalow accommodations, offering a truly unique experience, perfect for entertaining, wedding and bridal party use, family reunions or just for an over the top space for you and hubby.  The on-site wedding coordinators are dedicated to bringing your vision to life and the incredible meals created by Chef Massimo can be customized for your big day.  Interested in bringing a fun aspect to your wedding day? Ask about their boozy popsicles or donut bar. Yum! Or something totally unique like a custom monogrammed bar right on the beach with sleek white furniture to bring a lounge vibe to your event.

A quick 2-hour flight from the east coast will get you to the picturesque island of Bermuda and when you’re there you would agree, you would travel all day to get to this gem! Famous for its stunning pink beaches, travelers who visit are looking for a little luxury with some old-school sophistication that’s hard to find anywhere else. The Hamilton Princess, a Fairmont property, completed a renovation making it one of the nicest hotels on the island.  The hotel has a magical setting for weddings with the main courtyard, with views out into Hamilton Harbor, architecture accents, a moon gate, the marina, walkways along the water’s edge, all popular for pictures!  The Hamilton Princess also recently opened a beach club and while located a 15 minute drive away, it is another space great for wedding ceremonies and receptions. It’s completely private and removed from the surrounding area. It is set on the beach with jaw-dropping ocean views.  Great dining, several great venue options and top notch service make this property one of the best and also convenient for guests to travel to.

The new Baha Mar mega-resort in the Bahamas may be a bit overwhelming for you and your guests.  While I think everyone will have an fun time at any of the three properties located within the Baha Mar complex, I think it is the Rosewood that will spoil you and your guests with a taste of luxury and awe.  I would highly recommend the Rosewood over the two properties.  That being the Rosewood takes you out of the crowds and transforms you into serenity.   While you get full access of the Baha Mar grounds, guest of the other two properties do not have access to the Rosewood, the only 5 star experience at Baha Mar.  Your guests can appreciate the 10,000 sq foot casino or any of the 30+ restaurants but while at Rosewood, you guys will get the celebrity treatment.   Located a short boat ride, Rosewood owns a private island, Long Cay Island. It is a private, by-invitation-only island. The stunning natural landscape and endless ocean views provide a beautiful canvas for custom ceremonies and receptions.  What could be more spectacular than a whole island to yourself? Another perk, The Wedding Salon, a visual showcase of exclusive event accessories and options where couples can create their wedding celebration according to their personal style and taste.

When anyone, anywhere in the world hears “Ritz Carlton”, you know you are getting the top of the line.  The hotel brand is known for their exceptional service, immaculate grounds and 5-star dining options. There are countless Ritz Carlton properties and while they are all spectacular, their new property in St Thomas is beyond exciting for the destination wedding industry.   After a 2017 hurricane ripped through the island, the greatest hotel in the US Virgin Islands is set for a comeback.  The Ritz Carlton St Thomas has several venue spaces both indoor and outdoor.  There are outdoor terraces, the stunning beach, lush gardens, a pool deck and a 2500 sq. foot ballroom featuring vaulted ceilings, marble floors and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a beautiful stonework terrace. They conveniently bundled up their offerings into several packages, dependent on how elaborate you want to go on your big day, including a sunset cruise on the new 60-foot Lady Lynsey II catamaran.  What a fabulous way to start or end your trip with the people you love most!

I have been in touch with the Park Hyatt in St Kitts since its opening just last year.  It’s at the top of my bucket list.  I can tell you first-hand how amazing their staff is.  Quick to respond and happy to accommodate all of your wishes and requests, the Park Hyatt will impress all your guests.  The hotel is architecturally stunning.  The resort has an open-air contemporary lobby, 78 guestrooms and 48 suites, many which feature private rooftop swimming pools and sundecks, and the majority have either beach or sea views.  You and your guests may never want to leave their rooms!  The ballroom, the manicured lawn, the private beach, several restaurants and terrace options will all make for a memorable setting.  This true 5-star hotel creates seclusion, serenity and style in a perfect sanctuary to reconnect on your most special day.  The wedding coordinators on-site are ready to help with any little detail, even creating welcome bags for your guests and organizing miniature rum cocktail kits for wedding favors.  Its the little things that make a big impact!

You know when you see “The Four Seasons” on the invitation that this is going to be an event unlike any other. The Four Seasons brings luxury to Costa Rica, an exotic, lush destination filled with beautiful natural sights and thrilling tours. The property is sandwiched between the bay and the Pacific Ocean creating a magically setting with views, views, and more views! Your guests might not want to leave their rooms with indoor, outdoor living spaces overlooking the bright landscape and those water views. Some guests may even splurge and upgrade to private pool suites (Perfect for you, the bride and groom, to help in making this an unforgettable trip). Your wedding planner will be ready to help you down to the very last detail. Need to set up a zip lining adventure for your group? Want to customize the dinner menu? How about some live entertainment? Not a problem! The red carpet is ready to be rolled out for you and your guests.

I saved my favorite for last! There is nothing more magical and breathtaking than the grounds at The Four Seasons, Ocean Club.  The Ocean Club will whisk you and your guests away to Versailles, France.  Once a private estate, The Ocean Club sits in front of a pristine beach and set on exquisite gardens decorated with bronze and marble statues from Europe.  The property is romantic and dreamy.  You can have an old world, French inspired wedding minus the 9 hour flight, as this hidden gem is right in the Bahamas!   At the top of the Versailles Gardens stands the dramatic arches of a 14th-century Augustinian Cloister looking out over the Nassau Paradise Harbor.  Can you imagine anything more stunning for your wedding photos.  During their stay, your guests will enjoy one of three pools, a Balinese style spa and yummy eats at the hotels restaurants.  The rooms will not disappoint.  They are spacious, newly renovated and beautifully decorated.  While arriving the day of your wedding to your event space, guests will be handed cold hand towels, champagne and/or the hotel’s signature pink lemonade.  

While these properties are not the most reasonable, budget-friendly route for a destination wedding, you’ll still see a big savings compared to a wedding in major cities.  There is no need to sacrifice the ultimate luxurious affair because your traveling to an island.  When average just won’t do, you’ll have to consider these properties for their dramatic grounds, luxurious accommodations, modern amenities and more importantly, a wedding day NO ONE will soon forget!