JenniferSS

Name: Sandals Italian Village Where: Turks & Caicos Country: Turks & Caicos City: Providenciales Airport Distance: 15 mins. Number of Rooms: 453 Number of Categories: 12 Number of Restaurants: 10 When Will It Open: February Overview: It should be noted that this is not a standalone hotel but rather a brand new extension of Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. The Italian Village is a $125 million expansion. The Italian Village features 162 family suites, bringing the total rooms at the resort to 615. The resort will also debut a series of teen programming including a new aqua-themed nightclub, called Liquid; DJ-training sessions at Scratch DJ Academy; a teen-only resort lounge called Trench Town; as well as tailored spa treatments at Beaches Resorts’ exclusive Red LaneSpa. Best Room(s): The top two suites at the Italian Village are the Turin Water’s Edge Walkout Two Bedroom Imperial Family Suite and the Portofino Penthouse Water’s Edge Two Bedroom Imperial Family Suite. These two-bedroom suites also feature separate living room and dining room areas, with additional sleeping options to accommodate larger groups and family gatherings. Both top category suites feature ocean views, close distance to the beach and Beaches Resorts’ exclusive Butler Service. Who to Sell it to: This property is great for groups,destination weddings gatherings, reunions, multi-generational travel, parents traveling with toddlers and teens. A Parents Room at Beaches Italian Village

This will be an amazing resort for a Destination Wedding! Name: Solís The Palmyra Resort & Spa Where: Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica When Will It Open: March Overview: Solís The Palmyra Resort & Spa will have 299 guest rooms plus one-, two- three- and four-bedroom suites, penthouses and private villas that feature between 645 to 2,600 square feet of living space with large private terraces. It will have a 30,000-square-foot ESPA spa, an oceanview fitness center, nearby championship golf at three of the Caribbean’s known courses, including White Witch, Cinnamon Hill and Half Moon. Best Room(s): The 11 three-story Villas at Solís The Palmyra Resort & Spa represent the resort’s highest level of accommodations. They have a private concierge, butler, maid and chef services with 2,600 square feet living area and 1,700 square feet of terrace space throughout. Who to Sell it to: Solís The Palmyra Resort & Spa is specifically designed for the upscale traveler, whether it’s couples and families, a younger or older demographic.

But bringing in a new life at the start of a new year is pretty awesome! Wishing all the best to mom, baby and health care provider!

I have you all beat- I am sitting here having a drink and catching up on work and projects that I've been to busy to do ! It feels good to get them done before midnight though!

Why I picked Excellence Riviera Cancun as one of my top destination wedding resorts, in no particular order: -Excellent service, again and again I hear from all of my DW brides and honeymooners that the service at this resort is top notch! -Beautiful beach location that is somewhat private- the resort is willing to rope off the area while the wedding is taking place, I also like the fact that the beachh wedding gazebo is located at the end of the beach and that teh stairs to the beach make a dramatic entrance for the bride. -Willing to swap out (within reason of course) various components of the wedding packages! - 24 hour room service ( the brides tend not to eat on the wedding day- too much going on and visiting to do) so the 24 hr room service comes in handy! -Amazing spa- one of the best in Riviera Maya! -Beautiful grounds -Outside vendors allowed -No minimum guests staying at resort requirement ( very rare in Mexico) -Only 2 weddings a day- that means that you will feel extremely pampered and special. Plus the resort is large enough that you may not see the other bride! - Free wedding package is reasonable to achieve -Free wedding package has many inclusions that cost extra at other resorts -Even if you do not qualify for the free wedding package it is reasonably priced. -Good eats (lots of choices and varied-from casual to gourmet), Good drinks -Those little hidden boxes for room service where they place the room service in a nd a light goes off to let you know that's arrived, no need to answer the door- I think that they are a fantastic touch especially for newly weds! I hope that this review was helpful! Feel free to post any questions!

Here are a few photo's- aren't they stunning!? So simple but yet beautiful, Excellence Beach ceremony set up Looking back at resortfrom Beach Gazebo Another set-up on the beach

What are the wedding packages and cost for 2009 ? Are you flexible on interchanging components within the packages? The cost for additional guests outside of what the packages allow? We offer Free Wedding packages in all the excellence Resorts, Attached please find our Weddings & Honeymoons Packages at Excellence Group Luxury Resorts where you will be able to see inclusions and cost (if does not apply for free wedding).(Informatiomn shared above) Every wedding is customized for our groom and brides and there for we are flexible in interchanging components or items within the packages. if there is a component or item that clients are looking for and this involves a charge they will always be advised what and why would the charge for this will be. and the cost for extra guests of the what the package allows is $45.00 usd. Do you allow outside vendors ? Is there a fee? Do they require a day pass? Do you have any vendors that you will not allow onsite, (there is an issue with a few vendors at other resorts that will not allow them)? Within the Excellence of Love and Gold Excellence Wedding Packages we already include services for pictures or video and although we do not recommend any outside vendor to ensure the safety liability of services to our guests we do allow the presence or services of outside vendors as long as we will be advised what cervices will be provided and if a day pass is paid if not staying on property which the cost will be $150.00 usd, if staying on property there will be no charge for them. Note: The contact we have for Weddings at Excellence Resorts we make it directly with our Brides/Grooms, there for the services of outside Wedding Coordinators will not be taken as our main contact and information will only be addressed to our Brides/Grooms. Are children allowed onsite for the ceremony? Excellence Resorts are managed under the adults only polices and children are not allowed on premises. Is there a requirement of how many guests must stay at the property to attend the wedding & reception i.e.: 75% must be guests of the property ? No, there is no percentage of people required staying on property to attend the wedding or reception. If clients are not staying on property a day pass policies will be applied. What is the day pass fee and hours ? Full day pass cost is $150.00 usd per person from 09:00 am to 11:00 pm. If Only attending the wedding with the Gold Excellence Package will be $70.00 usd per person. And will allow clients to stay for the wedding and reception length. How many weddings on average does each property accommodate yearly? 150 weddings per year average are held at each Excellence Property. What is the standard response time from the wedding coordinator via email or telephone ? A 24 to 48hr response time maximum. Does the wedding coordinator do a walk through with the bride & groom during the wedding rehearsal the night before the wedding? Yes, Wedding Coordinator always does a walk trough with the Bride and Groom. Will the wedding coordinator be in attendance during the entire ceremony and reception? Yes Wedding Coordinators are always present during ceremony and reception.

Can you tell me a bit about your wedding coordinators and their experience? Our Wedding Coordinators at Excellence Group Luxury Resorts have been selected as one of the very few wedding and event professionals in the Cancun Area with a very long professional history within the field. With over 180 weddings during the past year at Excellence Riviera Cancun and over a 100 at Excellence Playa Mujeres (within its first year of operation) have made of Excellence Group Luxury resorts the best choice for a wedding. We have performed weddings from 2 up to 450 guests. How many weddings a day are allowed to be performed at each property? 2 Weddings per day maximum. How does a bride & groom confirm their wedding date & time? Are they provided a confirmation number or an informal email? What is the typical response time to a wedding date & time request? The confirmation for weddings is sent via email together with a confirmation number per wedding/event. And the response time from our Wedding Coordinator is 24 to 48 hrs maximum. What are the preferred wedding ceremony locations, and can you provide photo’s of the locations ( preferable decorated)? Are they provided free of charge with the wedding packages? What are the backup locations in case of inclement weather? We would also need the maximum number of guests that each location could accommodate. Wedding gazebo on the beach or Main Wedding gazebo are the two preferred wedding locations. In case of inclement weather we can use as a back up at Excellence Playa Mujeres a terrace Ocean View at the Restaurant Spice, and at Excellence Riviera Cancun the Foyer area which offers also ocean View. Besides this two options at all the Excellence Resorts we can use a Restaurant (if available )or our Meetings and Groups space where we can perform also the Wedding Ceremony and reception with no additional charge. What are the reception locations, and can you provide photo’s of the locations ( preferable decorated)? Are they provided free of charge with the wedding packages? What are the backup locations in case of inclement weather? We would also need the maximum number of guests that each location could accommodate. We offer a wide option of areas for wedding receptions, but the most common areas are at the restaurants which works as follows: each of the 8 Restaurants that we offer as a standard closes one day a week, Groom and bride decides to use the restaurant which is closed on that day at their leisure In case of inclement weather we can use as a back up at Excellence Playa Mujeres a terrace Ocean View outside of the Restaurant Spice, and at Excellence Riviera Cancun the Foyer area which offers also ocean View. Besides this two options at all the Excellence Resorts we can use a Restaurant (if available )or our Meetings and Groups space where we can perform also the Wedding Ceremony and reception with no additional charge.

Honeymoon & Anniversar y Packages : Honeymoon or Anniversary Package •Welcome letter •Basket of fresh fruits in room upon arrival •A bottle of sparkling wine •One special romantic dinner •Rose Petals in the room upon arrival •Special turn down service •Champagne breakfast in bed (once per stay; reservation must be made in advance with concierge) •15% discount on all Spa treatments Note: The Honeymoon and Anniversary Package is complimentary with a stay at Excellence Resorts. Guest must request it at time of booking and will be required to present a copy of the wedding certificate at time of check in. Excellence Honeymoon OR ANNIVERSARY Package * •Champagne upon arrival •Fruit basket and exotic fresh flowers in room upon arrival •A champagne breakfast in bed served the first morning after arrival •Aurum Couples Treatment: Experience the ultimate relaxation, with an aromatic full body massage, followed by a reflex thermal foot treatment that will renew your skin with a marine mint exfoliation and will relieve your feet with a distressing mask, and ending with a facial and scalp pressure massage. Duration: 50 minutes •Private, beachfront dinner one evening – upon return from dinner you will find a romantic rose petal bath ready for you with essential oils and candles •Petit Fours each evening at turn down service •One complimentary Lovers Live CD by Sade Selling Price: $600 USD Per Couple Note: Taxes and gratuities included. The Excellence Honeymoon or Anniversary Package is complimentary for stays of minimum 7 nights or more in the Excellence Club Junior Suites Ocean View category or higher. Restrictions/exclusions: Subject to availability. Double Occupancy Only. This package can not be combined with the free Excellence Wedding Package.

All-inclusive forevers. Get married in all-adult paradise, where your suite is showered with rose petals, a horse-drawn carriage takes you to the chapel and all you have to say is “I do.†For us, all-inclusive luxury is more than a label.And excellence is more than a goal. It is who we are. Every day, every night, for every guest. EXCELLENCE GROUP Luxury Resorts Excellence properties include Riviera Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Playa Mujeres, Mexico; Oyster Bay, Jamaica (under development) Wedding Packages : Excellence Wedding Package•Services of the Judge or Minister •Wedding organization and personalization of our wedding coordinator •Preferential location of the room in the category reserved •Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit •Complimentary suite for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability) •Use of the wedding gazebo or beach location •Horse drawn carriage which brings the bride to the Wedding Gazebo (only at Excellence Punta Cana) •Bride’s bouquet •Boutonniere for the groom •Wedding cake for 10 people •One bottle of sparkling wine •Special turn down service •15% discount on all spa treatments (product purchases not included) •Honeymoon Package •Late checkout for bride and groom (based on availability). Selling Price: $850 USD. Additional fees may apply for non hotel guests. This package is complimentary when booking an Excellence Club Junior Suite Ocean View category or higher, for a minimum of 7 nights, or with a bridal party of minimum 5 rooms of any category for 7 nights. Guest list should be advised at the time of reservation. Restrictions/exclusions: Package Subject to confirmation of availability. Applicable only for Double Occupancy. Packages prices are quoted for Ceremony attendees lodged at the hotel. This package cannot be combined with the Excellence Honeymoon complimentary package. Excellence of love Wedding Package In addition to Excellence Wedding Package you will receive: •4 boutonnieres/corsages for bride, groom and witnesses •Special Silver Wedding Dinner (maximum of 20 people) •Natural floral centerpiece for dinner table •Wedding cake for 20 people •One hour Silver Cocktail with hors d’oeuvres for 20 people •24 full color photos (5x7) •Bride’s hairstyling for ceremony •Make-up application for the bride Selling price: $1.500 USD Additional fees may apply for non hotel guests. This package may be upgraded from the Excellence Wedding Package by covering the applicable difference in selling price. Same Restrictions/ Exclusions for the free wedding package apply. Gold Excellence Wedding Package In addition to Excellence of love Wedding Package you will receive: •Additional decoration for the ceremony •Natural floral table bouquet for ceremony •Upgraded bride’s bouquet •Caribbean or Mariachi Music Trio (1 hour) •24 full color 6x8 photos (upgraded from 5x7) •Video of the ceremony (15 minutes, unedited) •One hour of upgraded cocktails with hors d’oeuvres for 20 people •Special Gold Wedding Dinner for 20 people •One Love Birds Spa Treatment for the couple •Romantic Cocktail Cruise for bride and groom (only for Excellence Riviera Cancun). Selling price: $2.400 USD Additional fees may apply for non hotel guests. This package may be upgraded from the Excellence Wedding Package by covering the applicable difference in selling price. Same Restrictions/ Exclusions for the free wedding package apply. Â

Service –The employees at this resort are incredible! They are extremely friendly, attentive and warm. Grounds – Very well kept and clean.. Lots of palms and flowers. Not as lush as other resorts in the Riviera Maya area but very well kept and park like in appearance. Pools –Meandering, 6 pools,(2 heated in winter) 1 swim up bar, 5 outdoor jacuzzi’s. Floats are provided as are padded loungers. Food & beverage service poolside. Beach – Fairly large beach with soft powdery white sand, warm blue water. Staff maintains the beach area constantly so it is very well kept up. Padded loungers, thatched palapas and food & beverage service beachside. Food & Beverage – is fairly good to excellent! Nine restaurants on site - 8 of those a la carte. French, Italian, Meditteranean, Mexican, Asian & Japanese, Lobster House & Steakhouse. Reservations are not required. There is a dress code that is strictly enforced for men- long pants, collared shirt and closed toe shoes. Ten bars serve Premium & Domestic beverages. Bars include a Cigar bar, Piano bar – sing along & comedy, Fruit Juice bar ( near spa open 9am -4 pm serving fresh fruit smoothies. 24 hour room service. Entertainment & Activities– Daily & Nightly entertainment and live music. Includes beach volleyball, tennis, basketball, bicycles, archery, air rifles, table tennis, darts, billiards and non motorized watersports - windsurfing , kayaks, snorkeling, sailing & scuba lessons ( in pool). Other activities include aerobics, water polo, yoga; Spanish, dance & cooking lessons. Fitness Center & a Fitness Trail. Texas Hold-em at pool. Theme nights. Other Considerations - Welcomed with a cool towel & cocktail-perfect start to a vaction! One of the best spa’s in the Riviera Maya-many treatments include access to the hydrotherapy pool! Information is subject to change.

If you have a taste for luxury, romance and relaxation then Excellence Riviera A 4.5 star property – all inclusive . This resort is approximately 15 minute drive from the airport. 30 minutes from Cancun & 30 minutes from Playa Del Carmen. Ambience – Adults only. Romantic seclusion with the excitement of a deluxe resort. Mostly American & Canadian clientele although Europeans are quickly discovering this wonderful property!. Size –mid size resort – 440 rooms. Rooms – Spacious, clean & comfortable. Maximum Occupancy 3 adults Excellence Riviera Cancun is an all suite resort- also available are ADA accessible suites. Each suite is equipped with a full range of amenities, including: * 4-poster king or 2 double beds *Private, furnished patio or balcony (Swim up suites include a hammockon the patio or balcony) *Full marble bathroom with a jetted whirlpool bathtub, separate shower, separate water closet and double vanities equipped with hair dryer, scale, vanity mirror, VIP toiletries and phone * Bathrobes and slippers * 27†satellite television * Air-conditioning with in-room climate control * CD/DVD player * Direct dial telephone * Free high-speed internet data port *Radio/alarm clock with IPOD connectivity *Electronic in-room safe (laptop size) * Coffee/tea maker, complete with coffee, tea, cream and sugar * Stocked mini bar with beer, juices, soft drinks and water, replenished daily * Iron and ironing board * Pillow menu * Turndown service and Excellence stationery Excellence Club suites come with additional amenities including (max. 2 adults): Private concierge Service (7am-11pm) Private lounge with Free internet access/smart buffets and bar service Superior Bulgari toiletries Upgraded mini bar & room service menu 42†flat screen Tv Complimentary daily newspaper Private pool & Jacuzzi fo excellence club guests use Private Beach area Compliemntary Beach bag for use during stay Private check in and out Early Check in & Late check out-subject to availability In room Premium Liquor menu

In October I did site visits of 21 resorts- I was looking to find resorts that I thought were outstanding, offered a great value, beautiful wedding locations and great packages. Out of those 21 resorts I have chosen a handful that really stood out in amazing ways, were responsive (that is huge in the RM!) and I knew would take care of my brides, whether they were going for a DW or Honeymoon! I'll be doing a series of reviews that include interviews that I did with the resort sales staff and WC's- please keep in mind that the order that the reviews are presented are not based on a first, second, third basis as each offer something different and my personal preference may not be what works best for a bride and what she wants! These are resorts that I have chosen to work with and be sponsored on the forum and that may also offer additional amenities to our BDW brides!

I had something very similiar several years ago - it may be a pilonidal (sp) cyst at the base of your tailbone or a situation where the base of your tailbone doesn't totally close ( tends to be genetic and happen more to women, although not necessarily) and it collects "stuff" throughout the years. Sometimes it is instigated by an injury or just sometimes out of the blue. The dr wasn't sure which of the causes was the root of mine but it was instagated because I went down a slide with my daughter at Burger King, something I had down dozen of times before without a problem! It started for a few days as a dull ache that if I hit is just right (ie moved in a particluar way) became a sharp pain. At any rate mine became so bad I needed surgery as it became infected- I couln't sit, stand or basically move and it became really swollen. Te surgery just took out the infection and it hasn't bothered me again but if I sit for a long time (especially if I am slouching)the base of my tailbone can ache on occasion. Just an idea to pursue, especially as your DR wasn't sure!

Welcome to all of the Sandals destination wedding Brides for 2009 (of course the 2010 brides are more than welcome!)! I wanted to start a new thread for all of you to be able to chat, ask questions and share info! My name is Jennifer and I am the resident Sandals specialist on the board. My agency is a Sandals Preferred agency-which means I have the inside scoop on all things Sandals, Beaches and Royal Plantation and conatcts with the general managers, wedding coordinators and staff members- I even have my own personal contact within Sandals that is available to me 24 hours a day- 7 days a week plus Adam Stewarts cell phone number! I've been to all of the resorts, many of them several times over the last year. And I'll also tell you how it is, as you'll see I may not recommend a certain room category! Please keep in mind that while I love to answer questions and help all DW brides -that this is a volunteer position (ie. I get no compensation from BDW or Sandals directly to promote them on the forum) and I may not be able to respond to questions or PMs for those who are not my clients in a timely fashion. Of course my clients will always come first as I am sure you would all agree and also expect from your travel agent! I also may have inside information or photo's that I only share with my clients so please don't get upset if I can't honor a request. However whenever I can I will be most glad to share and answer questions! So without further ado........post away!

With all of the newly engaged over the holidays I bet you will see many more Sandals brides on the forum soon! I'll start a new thread for Sandals brides 2009!

I just wanted to address the issue of finding the price of a package less online. What I've run into several times are the following scenarios- 1. Pricing is not compared at the same time. A quote is provided from a TA and a week or two later a consumer is online and finds the price is lower-travel pricing is extremely fluid and changes often. I have seen prices go up by a couple of hundred dollars in one day and I've also seen them go down a couple of hundred dollars in the same day. There may be specials or promotions that weren't available when you received your quote from the TA that now is. Bring it to the TA-allow them to price match and provide the services that a TA does! 2. Not comparing the same packages- I've quoted people a full package (flights, transfers and all taxes). They go online and find one that is less. Well they didn't realize that key components were not included (this could be local goverment fees, transfers ect). 3. Not comparing the same flights- boy this can be a real biggie! A good TA will look at the flights and offer the best value! -We look at connection times - the airlines and by extension the online travel agencies- have no problem booking connection times that the chance you have very little chance of making that connection. It may be that you'll need to change terminals or go through customs. -We also look at layover cities, do you really want to travel north to then go west and then south ? Is your time worth $50 more to travel for 4 hrs as opposed to 7 hrs? -The most often mistake I see is when guests book flights that will make them arrive at the resort after 9pm or have to leave the resort at 5am to get to the airport in time to catch their flight! I call this one penny wise & pound foolish. They book an all inclusive vacation- the flight arrives at 5pm (because it's less expensive) depending on location it can take an hour to 2 to get through customs, collect luggage and get to the transfer. Then if it's a standard transfer it may take an additional hour or so to get to the resort- then check in may take 10-30 minutes. By the time they are settled dinner may be over, they've missed out on enjoying the resort that they paid for ! Then on the way home they book an early flight (as again it's less expensive ) and the process is repeated on the way home but now they need to purchase breakfast as they left to early to get it at the hotel and most often they need to get to bed early to catch their early transfer missing out on a full evenings worth of fun & entertainment! - Then I've had clients that booked an a package with an airline that charged for everything-including seat assignments! They ended up paying about $50 more person than if they had booked with me the package that I had offered. I saw the flights when I was researching, did the figuring already and had determined that those flights would overall cost more! A couple of other notes- when you book with a good destination wedding TA you & your guests pay a deposit, not paying in full. This allows everyone to book early and know excatly what to budget for the trip. You have an advocate- some of the hotels are trying to cut a TA out of the picture by offering a slightly lower rate or additional amenities. Have you ever wondered why? One of the reasons is that a TA WILL advocate for our clients! We want you to be happy and come back to us for future vacations, we want your business for life! A resort is perfectly aware that the chances of you coming back to the same property year after year is slim- people want to explore, try new things and destinations! TA's also have an extensive amount of pull-if a resort doesn't make good on a legitimate complaint and it's an issue we see repeatedly we can and will pull our clients out. There are properties that I have sent hundreds of clients to, they do not want me to pull my business. They do not want me going to my suppliers who send thousands of clients to them yearly and complain. Our clients also do not get walked (when a hotel/resort overbooks they will send clients to a different property)- can you guess which clients do get walked ? Yup, it's typically the online agencies as no one will advocate on their behalf. Sorry to have rambled on so much! TA Jennifer

Hi there! I am actually the resident Sandals specialist (my agency is a Sandals Preferred Agency!) on the forum and I have been to all three (actually all of the Sandals resorts!) that are featured on this promotion! One thing to keep in mind with Sandals is that each of there properties is unique in terms of ambiance from the other. Sandals has realy built a resort to fit every taste. That being said each of those featured on the promo have a diferent atmosphere ! You need to determine if those resorts are a great fit for yoiur vacation/honeymoon/destination wedding style! A brief over view- Sandals Grande Ocho Rios- At the Grande there is a great area called the Reef Terrace that is very private and overlooks the ocean- the pics are beautiful of the brides & grooms as you can see both gardens and the Caribbean ocean behind you! It's tucked away though so you won't have sunbathers right there nor gawkers (everybody loves to watch a wedding !) the resort is set in two sections, the ocean is the Riviera side and tucked into the hillside is the Manor section, very lush. Amazing pool area on the hillside, several smaller pools located on the Riviera side. The beach here is fairly small along the front of the resort but there is a larger beach area on the side. I typically caution on some of the rooms at the Grande as they are in need of rennovation-many of them are fantastic it's just a few room categories that are slated for rennovation. I receive updates monthly so I can assist with putting you in a good one! Sandal Royal Caribbean & offshore island- a quiet resort with a old world European plantation feel-upscale but not uptight , the beaches are scalloped which prevents the long walks along the beach but does make you feel like you have a private stretch all to yourself! The offshore island is very cool and actually even has a secluded area to sunbath topless. Again I caution on a couple of the lower room categories as they need rennovations. The mid level to high level categories are amazing. One other thing to note with Sandals Royal Caribbean, the spa here is small. This resort also has exchange priveledges with the upbeat and more active Sandals Montego Bay. Many of my clients like to stay here for the quiet atmosphere and go to the Sandals Montego bay when they want to let loose! Sandals Antigua- a Sandals property with two distint personalties! The older section has all of that Caribbean charm that many travelers are looking for-lush surroundings and of course the amazing beach! Then there is the new luxurious Meditteranean village. this is set back a bit from the beach but have great views on the higher room categories. There is a huge pool between the rooms and the beach !The rooms are to die for! Waterfall showers, hand carved furniture luxury touches everywhere! A few of the things that I love about Sandals are: No tipping (they take very good care of employees so don't worry-medical care, education and lots of community envolvement, they also hire from within alot!). Better food & beverage (all top shelf liquors) than most AI's No towel cards No bracelets Lots of watersports included True king beds

Welcome! Both locations are amazing and have so many choices for you to chose from! Ranging from smaller boutique AI's to larger chock full of amenities AI's! The first thing I would advise is to figure out whether you and your FI want an adult only resort ( typically a bit more expensive but generally higher quality) or a family resort? That'll help narrow the choices down drastically! If you will have children in attendance for the wedding you may still be able to do an adult only-just check if the resort will allow children for the ceremony and what the policy is for the reception! Then figure out if you want and what your budget supports- a three, four or 5 star property- again that will narrow the choices down! Think about what kind of wedding you want- toes in the sand or in a beautiful oceanside gazebo, is privacy really important or are you ok with bystanders? Then I would contact a destination wedding travel agent! Of course preferably one from this forum, but definately use one that has experience as destination wedding travel is very different from booking regular vacations! It requires a specialized skill set ! Is travel time for your guests important ? Your travel agent may want to look at averge flight times for the majority of your guests if it is. Keep in mind that most guests will only go on average for 3-4 days, two of those will be travel so the less time in flight and travel to the resort may be important aspects to consider. Good luck! TA Jennifer

Well I spoke to Fabio yesterday and he's provided a few updates for Azul Fives! I discussed the opening of Azul Fives. The official date will be January 29, the delay was due to restaurant equipment being shipped from Europe and being delayed. Other than that the rooms and public areas are all ready for guests! He also said that they've learned from the Sensatori opening and have worked on some things previous to guests coming in! At this time he is working on final details for his February brides and in a few weeks will start on the final details for the March brides and so on! He did say that it is taking a week or so for him to be able to respond to all of the emails he's been getting as he focuses on the brides who have weddings coming up. He's going to send me photo's of the property fairly soon ( that poor guy is so swamped!) and I'll get them posted as soon as i can! I have several clients who will be staying there from March on through to July of this year so i'll be able to post their feedback on the resort as it comes in! They range from Destination weddings, honeymoons and family vacations so we'll have a full range of info! TA Jennifer

I posted this long drawn out response and my computer crashed-uugh! The short version you won't regret either decision- Royal Playa del Carmen is fantastic, adult only with the sister resort right next door for families. The facilities and amenities are wonderful truly 5 star AI-the family sister resort is about a 3.5 star but I've never had a complaint with anyone whom I've booked there! Azul Sensatori in a few months will have everything worked out and will really Wow everyone! It's typical that any resort has quite a few bugs to work out when they first open-heck even the Four Seasons in Tahiti had complaints the first few months till they were settled in! Both have different atmospheres and inclusions so it really depends on what type of atmosphere you want and what you envision for your wedding! Have fun making the decision! TA Jennifer TA Jennifer

You will love Playa del Carmen! There are so many amazing resorts right in the town or close by! I was just there in October and visited 21 resorts! Some of my favorites were : Adult only - El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Maromar & El Dorado Seaside Suites Valentine Imperial Maya Excellence Riviera Maya ( I loved the Excellence Play aMujures also but that's north of Cancun) Royal Playa del Carmen Family resorts- Azul Beach (very small & intimate), I also think that Azul Sensatori & Azul Fives will be amazing once they get their feet under them and have been open a few months! Iberostar complex - Lindo & Maya are my favorites as they include more but all of them are good! Boutique- Maromar- expensive but stunning! Have fun deciding! TA Jennifer

It may depend- how did you book your package? Directly with Beaches or with a TA?

The next one is actually scheduled for February 12, 2009. If you have any questions prior to then I'd love to help out! I've been to every Sandals resort in the Caribbean and am one of only 21 Sandals Destination Wedding specialist in the country! We are also scheduleing additional webinars for the middle of March & April 2009.

There is also Grand Pineapple Beach in Negril- it's a family all inclusive also! very cute and Caribbean located near the downtown area of Negril.