U.S. and Cuba Resumes Flights

The U.S. and Cuba signed an historic deal this week to resume commercial aviation between the two countries, with U.S. airlines lining up to bid on routes which could start as early as next fall.

The deal, which will see commercial flights between the two nations resume after five decades, could see up to 110 daily U.S.-Cuba flights, the CBC reported. Twenty of those flights would be to Havana while the remainder would be to other Cuban cities, the report stated.

U.S. airlines bidding on flights will have two weeks to submit their applications, with results expected as early as this summer. Last year, it's estimated that approximately 160,000 American leisure travellers flew to Cuba on charter flights, qualifying under one of the U.S. government’s approved Cuba travel categories including humanitarian and educational trips.

Published on 02/17/2016

Melia Nassau Beach further upgrades in 2016

Melia Nassau Beach all-inclusive resort has entered phase two of its $19 million dollar renovation and, as a result, has new features and offerings in store for 2016.

The enhancements to the 694-guestroom resort includes new kids club services, resort-wide complimentary wi-fi and food and beverage enhancements.

Among the enhancements include:

·         The newly-opened O’Grille restaurant, a beachside eatery that serves Caribbean dishes made with authentic, locally sourced ingredients.

·         The property’s tapas lounge Estavida has expanded its list of premium wine selections.

·         A la carte healthy dining menu and expanded wine list available at the property’s Black Angus Steakhouse.

·         Enhanced VIP services, including exclusive buffet breakfasts at O’Grille, the property’s beachfront restaurant.

·         Extended hours at The Kids and Co kid’s club.

·         The property’s two outdoor hot tubs have been revamped and reopened.

·         Check-out has been extended an additional hour, from 11 A.M. to Noon.

Visit www.romanticplanet.ca for more details on how to book your destination wedding or honeymoon at this perfect locale!

The Perfect In-Town All-Inclusive Caribbean Beach Wedding Resorts

When it comes to all-inclusive beach resorts in the Caribbean, it's often difficult to find one that isn't situated far away from all of the action. For those destination wedding groups that want to be able to walk right out the front gate and into town, we have compiled a list of our favorite resorts that offer just that. 

Souvenir shopping in Playa Del Carmen

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico

Playa Del Carmen is a bustling little fishing village and tourist town located in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, Mexico. It's famous for the shopping along it's 5th Avenue where vendors warmly and sometimes boldly welcome you into their stores. Here you can find everything from high-end goods to little Mexican trinkets. 

5th Avenue is a safe and lively place day or night. In the evenings, you can sit back on a rooftop patio eating authentic Mexican cuisine and sipping on a margarita while people watching below or stroll through the many shops, hang out at a beachfront bar with your feet in the sand or get energized and dance the night away at one of the local nightclubs. 

Playacar Palace: This is one of our top picks for destination weddings. It's literally a two minute walk to 5th avenue, it's located on an expansive and gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach, the rooms are modern, the service is impeccable, it's family-friendly, and it's a quaint and quieter property but located in the bustle and heart of town. The Palace Resorts chain also offers designer destination wedding collections and every room receive a whopping $1500 resort credit that can be used anywhere - towards the wedding, spa, golf, tours, upgrades etc. It usually prices around the $2000 - $2200 range per person, all-inclusive with air and tax from Canada for seven nights.

Paradisus Las Esmeralda: This is my other favorite in Playa Del Carmen. It's newer, modern, great wedding packages as well, with 5-star service. It's on the beach but it's set back a little as there are mangroves. The plus here however, is the beach is more private than being right central in town so better for a more private beach wedding. You could move over next door to the Paradisus La Pearla (adult only) for the honeymoon. This is pricing at approximately $2000 per person, taxes in.

Sandos Playacar Beach Resort and Spa

Sandos Playacar: This is a little more authentic than other properties, with incredibly friendly service. Every time we have wedding groups here, they keep going back as it's the kind of place that it's easy to befriend the staff etc. It has all of the amenities you could ask for. The property is more a 4-4.5 star but here you get the very best price. It's looking at around $1500-$1600 per person, taxes in so an incredible value!

Gran Porto: This is in the very heart of town and one street from 5th avenue. It's a smaller, quaint property. Good food. It doesn't offer a lot of amenities because most people explore the town for this, but it still offers that all-inclusive feature. The beach is busier here than the other properties above. It's pricing at about $1700-$1800 taxes in pp.

RIU Palace Riviera Maya: This is a popular one for weddings as it feels like a palace. It's great for families and offers a gorgeous beach. It often quotes around the $2200 range.

Divi Resort All-Inclusive

ARUBA
Aruba is renowned for it's gorgeous beaches, neat architecture and dutch culture. Although it has the furthest flights from Canada to the Caribbean, it's worth the extra 30 to 60 minutes ride. 

The Divi Aruba is our top pick for an in-town all-inclusive destination wedding resort. It has stunning white sandy beaches, nice rooms,  and a quaint and friendly feel. This is quoting around $2400 - $2700 per person, all-in.

BAHAMAS
Nassau is definitely a hustle and bustle destination with loads of things to see and do. It's considered America's playground since its so close to Florida and offers casinos, shopping, cruise ports, etc. We love the Melia Nassau Beach for all-inclusive destination wedding groups here. It's quoting around $2200 pp. For the honeymoon, we would send you off to one of the Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma, just a short island hop flight away, for that adult-only, spoil yourself luxury that you deserve.

Rodney Bay Village, St. Lucia

ST. LUCIA
Rodney Bay Village is the happening place for locals and tourists alike and where you can get off-property to explore a little more of island life. The best situated all-inclusive destination wedding resort here is the Bay Gardens Beach Resort. The beach itself is expansive, the rooms are spacious and clean, and the staff are ultra-friendly. It generally prices out at around $3000 per person from Canada all-inclusive.  

ST. MAARTEN
The Sonesta Maho Beach is located in the heart of Maho Village and the entertainment hub of St. Martin/St. Maarten with duty-free shopping, casinos and nightlife at your doorstep. It's competitively priced at around $2000 per person. A further recommendation is to move up to the luxurious Sonesta Ocean Point next door for the adult-only honeymoon afterwards.

For more information on planning your upcoming destination wedding or honeymoon, please contact one of the certified specialists at Romantic Planet Vacations at inquiries@romanticplanet.ca or 1-866-247-8123.