15 Top Destination Wedding Resorts of 2018

They say the most difficult part of planning a destination wedding is choosing which resort in which to wed. To help you get started, we've come out with the top 15 Destination Wedding Resorts of 2017.

Sandos Caracol Resort, Cenote Trash-the-Dress

1. Sandos Caracol Resort - This friendly beachfront Mayan Riviera gem is ideal for those on a budget who want a green eco-friendly resort with on-site cenotes (cave watering holes) and ancient Mayan ruins surrounded by acres of jungles teaming with wildlife. Get married on the beach, by a cenote, or in nature.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort, St. Lucia

2. Coconut Bay Beach Resort, St. Lucia - This all-inclusive resort is situated on the beautiful island of St. Lucia and has everything to make destination wedding dreams come true. One side is adult-only and the other side is family friendly so there is something for everyone. St. Lucia is renowned for its romance and this resort is sure to please.

3. Grand Bahia Principle Jamaica Resort - This white palace sits on the North Coast of the island of Jamaica and has a variety of room categories to suit the variety of all wedding guests budgets. It's gorgeous beach is affectionately known by its locals as the best beach on the island.

4. Hard Rock Vallarta - Surround yourself with rock and roll paraphernalia in a fun and lively atmosphere at this beachfront resort near Puerto Vallarta - the heart of Mexican culture and tradition. As a bonus, each room here receives a $1800 resort credit!

Melia Nassau Beach Resort, Bahamas

5. Melia Nassau Beach Resort - This newly renovated chic resort is situated only a short drive from the port city of Nassau, Bahamas with its rich history, happening nightlife and incredible shopping. Watch the cruiseships go by at this quaint and friendly oasis.

6. Dreams Huatulco, Mexico - This all-inclusive luxury-inclusive resort is located in Tangolunda Bay, Huatulco Mexico surrounded by the greenery of rolling hills and deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. It's family-friendly amenities are fun for all.

Sky Wedding at Azul Fives Resort, Mayan Riviera

7. Azul Fives - This modern Mayan Riviera gourmet-inclusive 5-star resort is all about food. It's creative and gourmet dining options are bountiful, pleasing even the most discerning guest. The designer wedding collections are also awe-inspiring.

8. Sandals Barbados - This private adult-only hideaway is ideally situated on the high-end Caribbean island of Barbados and is most suited for those who want the taste of luxury in a modest setting.

9. Majestic Elegance Resort, Punta Cana - This has been a favorite for destination weddings in Punta Cana for years. The resort staff are super friendly and the setting is modern elegant with a gorgeous and expansive beach.

Barceló Grand Faro Los Cabos, San Jose Del Cabo

10. Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos - This ultra quaint and friendly 4-star resort is situated in the desert-like setting of Los Cabos, Mexico, within walking distance to the artsy town of San Jose Del Cabo. It's a fan favorite destination with many returning guests year after year.

11. Beach Palace Cancun - There's just something about this place that allows you to simply unwind and enjoy its 5-star quality food, service and amenities in the heart of lively Cancun, Mexico. They also have the most expansive and private rooftop venue for weddings and/or receptions. Each room also receives a $1500 resort credit!

12. Paradisus Varadero - This 5-star eco-resort has been a favorite in Cuba for years and is located in Varadero's ecological reserve. Upgrade to the 'Royal Service' for even more pampering - something every wedding couple deserves.

Barceló Aruba Resort

13. Barcelo Aruba - if you're looking for the whitest sand, look no further than the Dutch island of Aruba. This all-inclusive resort has everything a wedding group is looking for in a Caribbean island paradise setting.

14. Hotel RIU Playa Blanca Panama - If you're looking for a totally unique destination, try Panama! This all-inclusive family-friendly reosrt is located on an expansive beach minutes from the airport and offers free wedding packages.

15.  Sunscapes Splash Jamaica - If you're looking for one of the least expensive options in the Caribbean but don't want to give up on service and amenities, this all-inclusive resort will be sure to please. 

For more information on any of these resorts and how to plan a perfect destination wedding away, please contact the experts at Romantic Planet Vacations at 1-866-247-8123 or weddings@romanticplanet.ca for your free destination wedding quote and consultation.

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!

Transat offers The Distinctive Collection

Romantic Planet Vacations and Transat Holidays is proud to offer the Distinction Collection, an outstanding line of renowned resorts providing even more inclusions, so you can escape the ordinary and enjoy the honeymoon, vacation or destination wedding that you've ever dreamed of.

Located on the finest beaches in Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, these resorts welcome guests with a refreshing cocktail and a cold towel as soon as they get to the hotel, as well as a bottle of wine, rum or tequila in the room for an earlier start to their vacation celebration. Accommodations are equipped with a mini-bar restocked daily with water, soft drinks and more, as well as a complimentary safe and beach towels, bathrobes and slippers. Roundtrip transfers between the airport and the resort, golf or spa discounts, the services of concierge, unlimited select international drinks, additional a la carte dinners at a selection of gourmet restaurants, turn down service & nightly entertainment.

Experience all this and more when staying at the following resorts:

• Bahia Principe Royal Golden Ocean Sapphire Club
• Iberostar Star Class Palace Crystal Club
• Marival Grand Section Palladium Imperial Club
• Melia Elegance Club Paradisus Emerald Club
• Occidental Preference Club Sirenis Le Mirage

If you book your stay with any of these resorts through Romantic Planet Vacations by September 30, 2014, you will also receive these additional benefits:

• Complimentary Option Plus
• $100 per person deposit
• A travel voucher of $50 per person for your next vacation

Contact your Certified Specialist today!

Inquiries@romanticplanet.ca or

1-866-247-8123
Romantic Planet Vacations

Honeymoon and Destination Wedding News Updates

Palace Resorts unveiled the $22 million refurbishing of the Nizuc section of its Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Mexico. The renovations include upgrades to Nizuc's 120 guestrooms, pool, dining venues and bars, and other public areas, plus a new Irish pub, kids club, and mini golf course.

Melia Nassau Beach has taken over the Sheraton on Cable Beach as it's first resort in English-speaking Caribbean at the Baha Mar in the Bahamas. The 694-room property will be executing a renewal plan that will be completed in December 2014. After a series of renovations, the hotel will be rebranded as Melia at Baha Mar.

The Bermuda Department of Tourism named February "Love Month" and unveiled a lineup of free public events and activities for couples (from free entry and tours at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art on Tuesdays next month to "Love Train" guided tours of the capital of Hamilton).

Karisma Hotels & Resorts released more details about the 144-suite Generations Riviera Maya property debuting in February. The oceanfront property will feature six dining venues, four bars, an Eko Kids Club facility, a Baby Beach Lounge, and other amenities.

AMResorts (Dreams, Secrets, Zoetry, Now, Sunscapes) announced its "Winter GREATaways" promotion, with discounts up to 40 percent and in-resort credit worth up to $400 for qualifying bookings. made by February 25 for travel until end of April 2014.

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts unveiled Valentine's offers:  in Hawaii, a free vow renewal ceremony on Valentine's Day for guests at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach or the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach; and in Fiji, a vow renewal package (from US$1,700 pp dbl when booked by Jan. 31) that will include the ceremony, a dinner for two, and seven nights in a deluxe oceanview room at the Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji.

Sandals unveiled a new service called "Soon to Moon" connecting guests with an "engagement concierge" to help them plan marriage proposals (from picnic lunches on a private island to carving "Will You Marry Me?" message on a beach). 

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort debuted the 500-suite in Mexico. The property has 13 dining venues and lounges, a large spa, and many other guest amenities.

The Grenada Grand Beach Resort became the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort this week. The 20-acre property on Grand Anse Beach has four main dining venues and bars, two outdoor pools, two tennis courts, and other amenities.

  

Sunwing rolled out a new "Viva Dominicana" package for trips booked to Riu Merengue (Puerto Plata) or Grand Paradise Samana that include special activities such as rum tastings, cigar classes, Spanish lessons, fairs, and more (similar to its Viva Cuba program).

Blue Diamond (the resorts division of Sunwing Travel Group) welcomed two new properties in Punta Cana (D.R.):  the 470-room Royalton Punta Cana and the 525-room Memories Splash Punta Cana. The hotels were created when the former Grand Paradise Bavaro was split in two (with a water park added between them).

Transat Holidays and Nolitours now offers weekly departures from Toronto to Los Cabos, Mexico (Feb. 1-April 19).

Karisma Hotels & Resorts announces a "Canadian Beef Culinary Series" for 2014 built around guest chefs from Canada preparing beef dishes with wine pairings at all of their gourmet-inclusive Azul, El Dorado, and Generations Resorts.

Sandals signed a deal with the government in Antigua to convert the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort in Long Bay into Beaches Antigua. There's no definitive word on the timeline involved, but the refurbished property will offer one- to four-bedroom suites with as many as a dozen restaurants, a water park, a movie theater, a BMX bike track, an Xbox Play Lounge, and other family-friendly services. 

The 181-room Outrigger Mauritius Resort & Spa had a "soft opening" on Jan. 15, after the property wraps up an extensive refurbishment. On that date, most guestrooms, the Edgewater restaurant, the Bar Bleu, and other public spaces will be ready (with opening rates from US$202 ppdo for staysJan. 15-Feb. 15). The resort sits on the island's southern tip, about 45 minutes from the airport and the capital of Port Louis, and it's surrounded by a nature reserve. (www.outriggermauritius.com)

The 238-suite Riu Palace Jamaica is now open as an adults-only property with five dining venues, three bars, two pools, a gym, and access to services at the Riu Montego Bay next door.

Melia will take over the Braco Village Hotel & Spa in Jamaica, giving the 226-property a thorough makeover before it debuts next November as the all-inclusive Melia Jamaica.

Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spa will add nine new locations in the next few years, including its first Europe property (the Six Senses Mont Blanc in France in 2015) and its first Caribbean hotel (the Six Senses Freedom Bay in St. Lucia in 2016).

Air Canada previewed the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin interiors that will debut next spring. Highlights include lie-flat "executive pods" in international business class and the largest personal entertainment screens (18 inches) offered by any North American carrier in business class.

Contact Romantic Planet Vacations, your honeymoon and destination wedding specialist since 2004.
www.romanticplanet.ca