From hard-hats to diamonds, Romantic Planet Vacations wins big at the 2019 GIVC awards!

Karisma Resorts and Lomas Travel kicked off the GIVC party this week with a Super Heros and Villains opening event where top selling agencies and agents from across the UK, USA, Canada and Mexico got to dust off their favorite comic book costume and ka-pow their way into the festivities, which was held at the El Dorado Royale Resort in the Mayan Riviera.

The over 180 attendees had the opportunity to do a hard-hat site inspection of the new Nickelodeon Resort and the new adult-only Margaritaville Resort, both being the first of it's kind in Mexico.  These new Karisma properties are located about 15 minutes apart and are set to open late 2020. 

The Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya, which will be home to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sponge Bob Squarepants, among other favored Nickelodeon characters, is said to be opening the largest water park in all of the Riviera Maya! 

Margaritaville Resort, which will be an adult-only luxury experience resort, boasting a Landshark Bewery right onsite, blenders in your room to make your own Margaritas, and the guaranteed chill Caribbean vibe that Jimmy Buffet is renowned for. There's no other place that makes you check your shoes at the front desk and exchange them for new flip flops! 

 If that wasn't enough, Karisma Resorts is also opening another family-friendly Margaritaville Resort in Mexico. The Island Reserve, which will be taking over the Azul Beach Resort, will be a quaint and chill property that promises fun for all kids and kids at heart. This opens in March 2020.

The mornings at the GIVC event were filled with marketing and branding sessions and the afternoons were filled with enjoying the host hotel facilities at your leisure.

On the third and final night, GIVC agents turned in their hard hats for diamonds as all were recognized for their hard work and efforts in selling the Karisma brands and Lomas Travel products. 

Romantic Planet Vacations, a Canadian travel agency who has specialized in destination weddings and honeymoons since 2004, took center stage representing Canada at the GIVC awards this year. President, Laurie Keith, and their top Karisma producing agent, Corinne Wilson, started off the event by being recognized as the top Canadian storefront producer in all of Canada. Just as they were getting off the stage and starting to celebrate their wins, they were called up again to accept the award of top ten Azul Resorts sales in the world. Then the very prestigious 4-diamond top producer award rounded up their total award wins to three to their surprise and delight. "Wow! What a night!" declared Keith, after this recognition of her success. She continued with, "This is a total team win. I have the very best travel consultants in the industry. We have a strong family connection and live by our team-work values. These awards are for them."

Romantic Planet Vacations is a boutique host travel agency with specialty and certified independent travel consultants that are home-based across Canada.  

COSTA MUJERES, MEXICO - The new up and coming beach destination

If you love Mexico but are looking for a new adventure, then Costa Mujeres might be the perfect spot for you. The new development—located north of Cancun and across the sea from Isla Mujeres—is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations in Mexico.

The 1.4-acre community offers all of the beauty of Cancun without all of the crowds. The area is just now hitting travellers’ radar, so the sandy beaches still offer more privacy and relaxation than the more well-known spots like Mayan Riviera. However, this might not be the case for long, as there are big plans underway for Costa Mujeres.

Costa Mujeres, Mexico. Credit: Palladium Hotels

The Mexican government has taken notice of the unobstructed beach views, whisper-soft sand, and the convenient location just 25 minutes away from the airport. That’s why the once-gated luxury community now has 12 lots set aside for development, some of which are already open and running.

The urban development project aims to create at least 22,000 rooms for guests from all over the world to enjoy the loveliness of Costa Mujeres. If you want to visit Costa Mujeres before it’s the biggest destination in Mexico, you have some great resorts to choose from already, and even more that will be opening in the near future.  

Top Costa Mujeres Resorts

There are many newly opened resorts in Costa Mujeres (and more on the way), as well as more established locations like the small, luxury, adult-only Beloved Playa Mujeres where I personally got married in 2013. No matter which of these resorts you choose, you can be sure that you’ll find the rest and relaxation you want.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly boutique experience, Finest Playa Mujeres caters to that. Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa is also a great hotel for families to enjoy their time together.

Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa. Credit: Palladium Hotels

For individuals, couples, or groups who love the ocean views of these family-friendly resorts but aren’t looking to spend time around children, there are many options. Excellence Playa Mujeres shares a private complex with Finest Playa Mujeres but offers an adults-only experience.

Newly opened Paradisus Playa Mujeres offers restaurants, bars, and swimming pools, and is the fifth resort Paradisus has opened in Mexico. It is family-friendly but also has areas that are adults-only, so it is a good mix if you have kids old enough to entertain themselves while the adults go off and enjoy themselves.

TRS Coral Hotel is an adults-only resort on the Grand Palladium property that offers a great 5-star experience for couples seeking romance, or groups of friends looking for fun. Catalonia Costa Mujeres All Suites & Spa is another new resort with high-end amenities and entertainment.

Costa Mujeres, Mexica. Credit: Riu Hotels

Open for just about a year, RIU Palace Costa Mujeres is a 600-room all-inclusive that is kid-friendly but also has fun and entertainment for the adults. Their policy of not accepting ‘Spring Breaker’ students guarantees a more relaxed and refined experience. 

If you’re planning on travelling in the next few months and are looking for the newest luxury destination, then check out the Majestic Elegance Playa Mujeres. The 5-star resort opens in January 2020 and is offering exceptionally low rates for the first 6 months.  

What to do in Costa Mujeres, Mexico

While each resort offers food, entertainment, swimming, and more on their own premises, there is also a lot to explore in the beautiful Costa Mujeres region. You can book tours of cultural treasures in nearby Cancun, or spend a day sailing in the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Mayan ruins of El Meco. Credit: Riu Hotels

There is plenty to see and experience in the up-and-coming Costa Mujeres area of Mexico. While the area is rapidly developing, it still holds onto the private, luxurious roots that made the spot a haven to the lucky few. With new resorts opening and offering 5-star experiences and amenities, Costa Mujeres won’t remain Mexico’s best-kept secret for long.

For more details on Costa Mujeres, Mexico, contact Romantic Planet Vacations at 1-866-247-8123 or travel@romanticplanet.ca today!

TOP 6 OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH DESTINATIONS for Destination Weddings or Honeymoons for 2020

Everyone wants their wedding to be special, and there are a lot of ways to accomplish that. For some couples who want a destination wedding or honeymoon, adding that little something extra could come by choosing a unique location. In this article, we’ll tell you about our favorite “off-the-beaten-path” destinations for weddings and honeymoons for 2020.

St. Vincent and The Grenadines

Even if you’re familiar with the world of destination weddings, you may never have heard of St. Vincent and The Grenadines. Not only does this collection of islands in Caribbean have beautiful, white sandy beaches, it also has lush gardens, swaying coconut trees, breathtaking mountains, and vibrant flora.

Bequia Beach Hotel Luxury Resort & Spa. Credit: Instagram @bequiabeachhotel

The island is home to many private beaches of white, gold, and even black sand. You can also find a number of small luxury resorts, including Bequia Beach Hotel Luxury Resort & Spa, which is located on a private island. A stay at Bequia includes a ferry ride, making it the perfect location for a romantic honeymoon retreat. Recently, Air Canada has started offering direct flights to St. Vincent and The Grenadines from Toronto.  

Huatulco

Huatulco is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a more authentic Mexican experience than you could get at popular tourist spots like Cancun. Huatulco is home to many sleepy towns and villages that you and your spouse can explore together. This collection of nine bays is also a great spot for nature lovers. Together, the area forms Bays National Park, a protected reserve where you can kayak, fish, and discover beautiful reefs.

Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa. Credit: AMResorts

You have many resorts to choose from in Huatulco, including Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa, Barcelo Huatulco, Las Brisas Huatulco, Camino Real Zaashila Huatulco, Park Royale Huatulco Beach Resort, and the adults-only Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa.

Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia has a bit of everything you could possibly want in a romantic travel destination. The historic squares, architecture, and cobblestone alleys of the Old Town show off its European influence while still maintaining an authentic Colombian flair. Combine these aspects with the gorgeous climate of the Caribbean and this spot is just waiting for you to fall even more in love—with it and with each other.

Cartagena, Colombia. Credit: TICartagena

For easy planning, you can book a flight on Air Canada with Romantic Planet Vacations and stay at the Hotel Dann Cartagena or the Hilton Cartagena Hotel & Resort. The Hotel Dann offers beautiful sea views and quick access to the beach and Historic Center of the city. With more of a luxury resort feel, surrounded as it is by the Caribbean Sea, the Hilton Cartagena offers access to secluded beaches.

Iceland

Iceland might not have the sandy beaches you’d expect of a destination wedding, but the country has so much to offer nonetheless. Trade in your bathing suit for a pair of hiking boots and explore the rocky terrain, lava fields, waterfalls, and geysers. Or, if you really want to go for a swim, visit the picture-perfect Blue Lagoon.

Iceland. Credit: Blue Lagoon

There are a number of guided tours you can book that will take you from the capital and across the country, visiting natural landmarks and attractions across the way. If you travel at the right time, you can even take in the Northern Lights! With Air Canada, you can get a flight directly from Toronto to Reykjavik. Ask Romantic Planet Vacations for more details. 

Costa Rica

Whether you’re looking for lush tropical rainforests, beachfront relaxation, or a luxury resort experience, Costa Rica has something for every couple. You could wake up every day staring into the ocean or surrounded by green leaves and trees. Costa Rica also offers fun activities like zip lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. It’s the perfect combination of romance and adventure.

Secrets Papagay. Credit: Secrets Resorts

Our team of experts at Romantic Planet Vacations were lucky enough to spend quality time in Costa Rica in June 2019. Some of our favourite properties include the family-friendly Margarittaville Resort, with its relaxed atmosphere, beachfront location, and affordability, as well as Planet Hollywood, which had great food and entertainment. If you want an adults-only experience for your romantic destination wedding or honeymoon, we recommend the expansive Secrets Papagay retreat or the private Azura Beach Resort.

Europe River Cruise

If you and your spouse want to travel the world but want your family there with you on your special day, then a boutique Europe River Cruise might be the perfect choice. These all-inclusive family cruises include special events and excursions designed for you and your guests. This would certainly be a unique experience for everyone involved as you travel along some of the most famous rivers in Europe.

Uniworld U River Cruise. Credit: Instagram @u_rivercruises

For the ceremony itself, you can either choose to say “I do” right onboard the ship, or choose a port of call that suits you and your fiancé best. This is the perfect option for anyone who really wants their wedding to leave an impression!

If you want to learn more about unique and exotic locations for your 2020 destination wedding or honeymoon, then contact Romantic Planet Vacations at 1-866-247-8123 or travel@romanticplanet.ca today!

*Romantic Planet Vacations is a value partner with Air Canada Vacations because they offer 63 city connectors, have 39 years experience, and have won top airline award in North America for last 3 years. They have 50 aircrafts (rouge), 100+ routes, 750 resorts, 40 sunny destinations, 63 new resorts, and 100+ cruises to offer. Air Canada Vacations also spotlight products and have exclusive bonuses. At Romantic Planet Vacations, we can book and hold 30 seats for 90 days with only a wedding couple deposit.

Falling in Love with River Cruising

What does travel mean to you? I’ve asked this question to myself since my very first over-seas trip at the age of 15. And the meaning of travel is so near and dear to me that I’ve made a career out of it for the past 25 years. To me, travel emotionally charges me. It heightens my well-being and auto-corrects my priorities. It connects and reconnects me to my family and friends. It brings me new experiences, memories and awareness that enriches my life as a whole. And as a travel advisor and agency owner, I absolutely love connecting travellers with travel experiences that truly move them.

Recently I had the opportunity to travel on my first river cruise and fell head-over-heals in love with the experience. The intimacy of a small ship allows for attention to detail and attention to service that travellers deserve. The ports of call are also unique and extra special, allowing for a true culturally-interactive experience that isn’t typically found at the more touristy destinations. And there is never that feeling of being rushed or anxious. The itineraries and optional and included excursions are relaxed and are always available and if you feel like walking off-board and exploring the port yourself at any time, then that’s what you shall do. And after a morning, afternoon or day of exploring by land, you are always assured that you’ll be returning back to your ship that offers impeccable service, gourmet food and a dreamy night sleep. And the sightseeing doesn’t stop once you’re onboard, unlike ocean cruising. From every room, you will continue to have magnificent views of the destination you are visiting.

The various river cruise companies, such as Uniworld River Cruises, also have theme cruises including multi-generational sailings with discounts and special amenities for children, golf cruises which include green fees and transfers to various golf courses on-route, and solo cruises with no single supplement fees.

We have secured some group sailings for 2020 that offer extra amenities and savings that you wouldn’t get otherwise. For more information on securing your next river cruise, my team and I truly look forward to serving you.

Laurie Keith
President
Boutique Travel Service
Parent company of Romantic Planet Vacations
www.boutiquetravelservice.com
1-866-247-8123

Destination Wedding Trends for 2020

Many couples choose destination weddings because it cuts down on the hassle of planning. However, that doesn’t mean that destination weddings can’t be just as personal and customizable as any local ceremony, or that they can’t follow popular trends that will make the day that much more special. With these destination wedding trends for 2020, your wedding will be the perfect day you always imagined!

1. Off-Resort Weddings

One popular trend we’re seeing at Romantic Planet Vacations is the desire for off-resort weddings. All-inclusive resorts are charging more and more for their wedding packages, and an off-resort ceremony is one way to cut back on cost. By finding a local venue at your destination, you will also have a more intimate ceremony, as some resorts have no limits to the amount of weddings they do in a day. You don’t want to worry about another bride stealing your thunder! We can arrange to have your group bussed to the unique venue, where you can either have the ceremony before being bussed back to your resort, or you can stay and have your reception off-site as well. You can find off-resort beaches, restaurants, clubs, or other venues in Mayan Riviera, St. Lucia, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic.

Perfect Off-Resort Location: Alux Restaurant in Mexico

2. New Destinations

While tropical locations like Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica have long been favourite destinations for Canadians, we’re seeing a larger variety of locations with our couples. Unique destinations like St. Lucia, Barbados, Costa Rica, Italy, Ireland, Thailand, and Bora Bora are on the rise, as are River Cruise weddings. These unique locales may cost a little extra, but not by much! While the typical all-inclusive beach destination costs around $2,000 per person for air, hotel, and transfers, you can find great deals for European destinations ranging around $3,000 to $4,000 per person. This might be the perfect solution for a couple looking for a more mature, unique feel with a more travel-experienced guest list.

3. Cultural Experience

Another trend we’re seeing is couples incorporating more of the local culture into their wedding ceremonies. Whether that means including Mayan customs such as traditional chanting, drumming, and dancing, being married by a Shaman at your Mexican wedding, or having traditional cigar rollers at your ceremony, many resorts are offering couples a more unique experience. This is a great way to blend your own traditions with those of the destination of your choosing. If you’re going to have a destination wedding, you might as well experience everything they have to offer, right?

Mayan Ceremony at Ocean Riviera Paradise in Riviera Maya

4. Larger Groups

While destination weddings can be quiet, intimate affairs, that doesn’t have to be the case. Though the average group size for a destination wedding is 28, many venues can accommodate much more than that. You can find beautiful spaces that can hold up to 70 to 100 guests, so long as the price is right for your friends and family. An added bonus to having larger groups is that the more people you have, the lower the price.

5. Boho-Chic Design

A very popular trend we’re seeing is a boho-chic theme for weddings. Many resorts have on-site wedding planners who will work with you before you arrive to make sure every aspect of your day goes smoothly. This includes determining the theme and colours. We’re hearing from a lot of wedding planners that boho-chic elements like macramé decorations, neutral colours with a splash of brightness, and geometric design elements are all big trends this year.

Boho-Chic Theme at Occidental at Xcaret Destination Resort

6. Photo Booths

Photo booths are a popular trend that shows no sign of slowing down. Whether you get married at home or abroad, this fun feature is a great way to help your guests remember your beautiful day. Get creative with backdrops, props, and come up with your own wedding hashtag so you can see all of the fun pictures on social media.

7. Rooftop Ceremony

One great thing about destination weddings is that they offer so many beautiful locations for couples to have their ceremony. While beach-side and ocean-front will always be popular choices, we’re seeing an increase in demand for more unique venues. Many resorts offer beautiful rooftop patios or venues so you can say your vows while standing in the clouds.

Rooftop Wedding Terrace at Majestic Mirage Resort, Punta Cana

Your perfect day will be that much better if you let yourself be inspired by these destination wedding trends for 2020!

If you’re ready to start planning your own destination wedding and want to learn more about your many on and off-resort options, please contact Romantic Planet Vacations at 1-866-247-8123 or weddings@romanticplanet.ca.  They have been specializing in destination weddings and honeymoons since 2004. 

Top Ten Rooftop Destination Wedding Venues

One of the hardest parts of planning a destination wedding is deciding where exactly you want to get married. There are so many beautiful locations around the world and so many venues to choose from. You’ve probably already thought about whether you want to get married on the beach looking out at the ocean, under a lovely gazebo, or in a charming chapel, but have you ever wondered about getting married in the sky? Take a look at our Top Ten Rooftop Destination Wedding Venues so you can get married while floating on air.

1. Sandos Cancun Lifestyle Resort – Martiniere Rooftop Terrace

If you choose the oceanfront Martiniere Rooftop Terrace at the Sandos Cancun Lifestyle Resort in Cancun, Mexico, you will be guaranteed a five-star experience. This spacious terrace can accommodate up to 300 guests and provides stellar views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea below.  At the Sandos Resorts, you can even earn up to US$3,000 credit to be used towards your wedding, based on the size of your group and the duration of your stay.

Martiniere Rooftop Terrace - Sandos Cancun Lifestyle Resort

2. Ocean Coral & Turquesa Resort – Roof Top Terrace

This affordable all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico offers wedding services on their stunning Roof Top Terrace. We love how the bright yellow colour of Ocean & Turquesa’s terrace looks against the blue sky. This venue holds a maximum of 250 people and has a curfew of 11:00 PM, so you can have your ceremony and reception all in one place. Catholic ceremonies are also available at this venue.

If you want a similar feel to a rooftop reception but would prefer to be a little closer to earth, Ocean Coral & Turquesa has an equally gorgeous Lobby Terrace. The Lobby Terrace has a slightly smaller capacity at 200, but has the benefit of a later curfew of 1:00 AM, so you and your guests can celebrate well into the evening.

3. Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa – Purple Rooftop

The VIP Purple Rooftop at Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa is impressive enough when it serves as a luxury bar, but it will truly take your breath away when it is transformed into a wedding venue. We love the romantic aesthetic of this terrace, which can fit up to 100 guests who will get to look out over the water as they watch you say ‘I do.’

Purple Rooftop - Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa 

4. Royalton Negril – Sky Terrace

With its beautiful stone archway, the Sky Terrace at the Royalton Negril is the perfect setting for a luxurious, sophisticated ceremony. This rooftop venue is the only private ceremony location at the Jamaican resort, and offers everything you could need for your perfect day—a private bar, private washroom, and bridal suite, on top of the gorgeous panoramic views. It can fit up to 80 people.

5. The Fives Azul Beach Resort - Sky Deck 

The Fives Azul Beach Resort, located in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, Mexico, offers Sky Weddings with romantic rooftop ceremonies. Choose from six expertly designed wedding packages from ‘Coastal Bliss’ to ‘Pure Glamour’ or customize your own to suit your personal tastes. The views of the Caribbean Sea below doesn’t get better than this. 

Sky Deck - The Fives Azul Beach Resort, Mayan Riviera Mexico

Wedding Terrace - Majestic Mirage Resort

6. Majestic Mirage Punta Cana – Wedding Terrace

Have your ceremony while surrounded by towering trees and a lovely view of the white sand beaches by choosing the Wedding Terrace at Majestic Mirage Punta Cana. The Wedding Terrace can hold up to 50 guests for a private ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner reception.

7. Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta Resort & Spa – Gohan Sky Bar

This is another bar-turned-venue that could be the perfect spot for your wedding. Overlooking the beautiful water of Banderas Bay in Mexico, this venue has a bit of a more casual feel, while still delivering all of the excitement of a rooftop experience. The Gohan Sky Bar can accommodate up to 90 guests.

Sunset Rooftop - Dreams Tulum Resort, Mexico

8. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa – Sunset Rooftop 

The breathtaking Sunset Rooftop at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa can hold up to 140 to 160 guests. Located in the Riviera Maya, this tropical getaway offers a rooftop venue with unimpeded views of the gorgeous beachfront. You won’t regret sharing your special day with family and friends at this gorgeous location.

9. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar – 25^th Floor Terrace

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas might not have a rooftop venue, but its 25^th Floor Terrace offers the same wow-factor. This venue offers a great view not only of the beach, but of the nearby downtown area, giving you the best of both worlds—luxurious beachfront and exciting cityscape. The space can hold up to 80 guests and includes an area for dancing.

10. Planet Hollywood Beach Resort, Costa Rica

The Signature Sky Terrace at the new Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Costa Rica has everyone talking. There is partial shade provided and an abundance of airy space. We recommend a ceremony or wedding reception during the sunset hours to capture the awe-inspiring changing of the colors of the sky above.

Signature Sky Terrace, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort

If you’d like more information on any of these rooftop destination wedding venues or advice on how to plan the perfect destination wedding, please contact Romantic Planet Vacations at 1-866-247-8123 or weddings@romanticplanet.ca. They have been specializing in planning destination weddings since 2004.