Lindsay Green

Sorry for freaking everyone out about the glasses at the pool - but I promise you that how they are cleaning the glasses (at the swim up bar in the activity pool) is not sanitary. Have a look at the "cleaning bucket" they are using. The returned glasses are being dumped into a sink and then scrubbed quickly in the bin - then placed on the bar for new drinks. Our following week was spent at Secrets - and they are using a dump, scrub, soak and rinse method. More than once I was poured a drink in a soap covered glass at Now Jade. I am honestly just trying to warn you all that if you are doing cups or glasses in your OOT bags - use them. Those that did, did not get sick. I travel 3 times a year to Mexico, and I am used to the effects of too much food, sun and drinks - but even I was feeling ill by day 4. Once I switched to my own cup, I felt better. The resort is stunning, the food is amazing - this was just the only concerning part. Of our group of 50 - 11 people were very ill - and one is still treating the intestinal infection she got. She did not leave the resort, and only had 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day. Take the warning as you like - I am only trying to help.

Hi All We just got back from our amazing wedding and honeymoon. We were at Now Jade with 50 for our wedding, then a week at Secrets Silversands for our honeymoon. First things first - Pilar is amazing. I didnt worry about the little details before we left, just sent her the planning book. Once I sat down with her (2 days before the wedding), everything was worked out. They have all the vendors at their fingertips, so it is very easy to plan it all and add any extras while you are there. She is calm, kind and very, very organized. She works like a slave from early in the morning to late at night making sure every detail of every couples day is taken care of. Don't stress on the reply time, it will all be OK - I swear. I was most worried about my hair and the photography (Adventure). They were both amazing. I have humidity sensitive hair and some how they gave me exactly the look I wanted (showed a pic) and it didnt move until I pried it apart. It was stunning. The photography was OUTSTANDING. I was so worried when I opted not to pay the prices for an offsite photographer - but I was very pleasantly surprised. Veronica stayed with us all day and night and took some of the most amazing photographs I have ever seen. She is kind, passionate and very talented. The food was very good. We had smoked salmon, lobster bisque, filet and shrimp and creme brulee. I have celiac - and they prepared all of my dishes properly without me asking - actually all of those with allergies were taken care of with the same care. Our group was comprised of many foodies and they all felt the lobster bisque was one of the best they ever had. We had the cheesecake (without crust) for the wedding cake - it was so good that after Jeff fed me some I went for seconds. We had an MC (a groomsman) who helped the night flow flawlessly - even though we opted not to have a DJ. We prepared playlists - and literally nobody sat down the entire time - just dancing and having a blast. The one concern I had was about how the resort washes their glasses at the bars. It is unsanitary, and I believe that those in our group who became ill did so because of that. It is common in Mexico that they use bins to wash bar side - but normally a scrub, a sanitizing and a rinse - here they just scrubbed. Order the mugs or cups and use them. This is my only advice to avoid. The hardest part of the week was A. Making sure everyone had the room they wanted and B. Making sure we spent enough time with each group of guests. This was a little challenging, but made the honeymoon that much better! Enjoy. It was everything I ever dreamed about and more!!

We shipped ups. As long as you have the commercial invoice and all the customs docs you are good to go. We worked with a friend who is used to this - so I would find an expert to help.

Hi all Well we leave Monday - I can't believe how fast it came!! It has been a stressful month with my mom being in the hospital (out of no where) and me getting very sick this week. Mom has been cleared to travel and i am on the mend - so focus is back on I have resolved that this is a test!!! I hope I haven't forgot anything - any past brides have any "oh crap, don't forget me " lists they can share? I think I am pretty good - all the shipments arrived to pilar, and I have my dress - but beyond that I hope I'm not missing anything. I honestly can't wait for April 24 - so I can marry the love of my life and put the stress behind me.

yes they will move for you. we decided to have our cocktail reception the evening we arrive instead of after the ceremony. That way we can enjoy it too (instead of being off doing photos.) there was no change in cost to do so.

I just got my pics back from my boudoir - it was AMAZING. She made me feel so comfortable, and like Choco said - though you feel awkward, they do translate amazing on film. I highly recommend it - and I am quite sure my FI is going to LOVE them.

I have seen some really cool pics where the groom is in the room next to the bride and they both go out on the balcony and hold hands without seeing each other. Some very cool shots... Kind of like the first look pics - without the look.

It also goes on to say the shootings happened in a rural, low rent area on the outskirts of Cancun - away from the tourist area. In Cancun, and any city for that matter, it is best to just stay in high traffic areas. Unfortuantely, this will put some people on alert - my suggestion to our guests is that if they are concerned, just to stay on the resort for the week. I live in Toronto, and just last week there were two shootings close by.

This is so strange. They have availability startign the 26th - but our wedding is on the 24th - so that doesnt work so well. I was able to get an initial quote in Jan - so I already had time to see it, puke, re work it and feel better about it. Still an additional $6k... I am not bringing any vases - I am shipping down what I can, and it is more cost effective to just rent what I need.

We are planning a mens golf day (day before the wedding) and a ladies shopping/beach day in Playa the same day. We are also planning a deep sea fishing event. If I took this long to respond to a client - I would be job hunting. lol

So, I am kinda freaking out. I had one of my friends attempt to book a room for the wedding (arriving April 22 for 7 days). They are completely sold out!! I am worried there is a convention at the resort (which is horrible to deal with as a guest) - but I have no clue. On top of that, I have sent 4 unanswered emails to pilar - including our planning guide-and have heard nothing back. I guess with her it is what it is. When we visited in jan, she made us feel completely at ease - but a simple acknowledgement would be nice. I have also sent multiple emails to the concierge regarding our excursions - no answer there either. Anybody have any tips?? Less than 6 weeks today, and I need the loose ends tied. Mostly just venting, but arghhhhh

For passport concerns - ask your travel agent. I asked because a woman in our flight in January was turned away when we got to Mexico ... So I may be being over cautious, but I just want to make sure all is good. Khunt - thanks for that link. I am going to have it saved in case something does come about.

Hi All we are 7 weeks out from the wedding - and I have got in the habit of sending email updates to our guests. This month, I decided to review all the negative reviews on TA, and provide some tips. This way everyone is prepared for the trip. Thought I would add it here, in case it can help other brides. I cannot believe how fast the time is flying by... Hi Everybody! Well, we wanted to send this email on the 8 week countdown day – but unfortunately work got in the way! So here it is – 53 days, 1272 hours, 76,320 minutes and 4,579,200 seconds till we arrive! But who’s counting? OK – work got in the way again…53 days, 1264 hrs, 75,840 minutes, 4,550,400 seconds. Everything is coming together nicely – just a few minor things to take care of now. So…for this month’s email, we thought we would include some tips and advice on the resort, as well as Mexico in general. PLEASE CHECK YOUR PASSPORT AND MAKE SURE IT IS VALID FOR SIX MONTHS AFTER WE LEAVE FOR THE TRIP. THIS IS A MEXICAN RULE, AND THEY WILL NOT LET YOU IN. Check it while you read this, so nobody is scrambling for a 24hr rush passport. Jeff may or may not have had to do this before. Airport and Transportation When you arrive at the airport in Cancun, you are ushered to their customs. Make sure you fill out your form on the plane when they give it to you – in its entirety (including signatures). If you don’t have it filled out, or are missing info, they make you go to the back of the line. This is NOT fun. After you clear customs, they will hand you back a small piece of the form – hold on to this for your return. It is your tourist card and you need it to leave the country. Once you get through customs, you are released to the baggage claim area. There is a bathroom here – generally where I put on my shorts! Bags take a little longer in Mexico … actually most things do. Relax, you are on island time now. After you claim your bags, get in the big line and put them through the scanner…after the scanner you collect them, hit a button – if you get a green light, you are good to go. Red light…inspection time. Walk ALL THE WAY to the end of the hall and out the doors. Even if someone in the hall says they can help – they can’t. Timeshare pitches. Transportation will be outside. If you are with Air Canada – they will have a sign, same with private transport etc. Transportation If you booked flight and room with Flight Centre – transfers to and from the airport are included. If you booked room only, you will need to get transportation yourself. We generally use besttransfers.com, and they are better priced than a taxi is. You book online and can pay with credit card or cash upon arrival. Here are the costs: 1 person – van private transfer - $70 round trip 4 people – van private transfer - $80 round trip I think some of you are in this boat – as they are flying in from the states. We can look at when everyone’s flights are due in and see if we can take advantage of that. Driving Into The Resort So…first off, Mexico has many security check points in place in the tourist areas. The look scary because instead of hand guns like we have in Canada, they carry assault rifles. Lol. Remember, they are only here to keep the area safe for the tourists. You will notice two checkpoints between the airport and the resort (which is a quick 20min ride). There is one outside the airport, and another when the road changes municipalities. They are not interested in the tourists, they are looking for drunk drivers, no plates, etc. Same as what our ride program here does…they just do it all day. Once the bus/van/whatever you are taking pulls off the highway, it looks like you are heading into the mangroves to never be seen again. Chill…you are going the right way. You will go through a small town, make a right and come to the resort. The Resort – I figured if we helped lay out some common challenges up front, disappointments can be avoided. Time Share – or Vacation Club, as the resort calls it. You will all probably be approached about this. They will ask you for breakfast, or to visit another resort for 90 mins, offer spa or excursion credits, and try to sell you their package. 90 mins is never 90 mins, and it is grossly overpriced. If you are interested – by all means, do it. If you are not (which is how we feel) firmly say “NO†and they will leave you alone. You have been warned – so no complaining if you fall for it. lol Restaurants – there are 5 a la carte restaurants and a buffet available for meals, as well as included 24hr room service. Breakfast – the buffet is open and for preferred category rooms there is an a la carte available. Lunch – the buffet is open, there is a pool side grill at the adult pool, and there is also a restaurant near the pool and beach that has an a la carte option. Dinner – 5 a la carte options and a buffet. Each night different ones are open. No reservations are required (unless you want the teppanyaki table at the Japanese restaurant). You go and put your name in, and if there is a wait they will send you on your way with a buzzer. So relax, have a cocktail and enjoy. Don’t like your meal? Order a different one. Server isn’t nice? You can switch restaurants. We have even enjoyed appetizers so much at one of them that we went there first for appies and elsewhere for dinner. It is completely flexible. There is a dress code for some of the restaurants (except buffet). Mostly just the men need long pants, dress shoes and collared shirts. No sloppy jeans, flip flops, hats or t-shirts. The ladies just need to look pretty – which we all already do! SunDial Daily There is a great info sheet dropped off to your room nightly. It outlines the next day’s weather, activities, drinks of the day and which restaurants are open the following evening. It is very helpful. If anyone is celebrating any special occasions (birthday, anniversary etc) let them know, and you will get some special treats. They will feature it in here as well. Check In There is not a typical front desk here. There are office style desks with chairs. They will hand you a cool glass of champagne on arrival – so let them know you are here and relax, as sometimes this takes a bit with a larger group. Should you arrive prior to 3pm, your room will more than likely not be ready yet. I suggest packing a swimsuit and cover up in your carryon for a quick change, so you can go out and enjoy the time in the sun before it is ready. You will be able to enjoy the restaurants, pools, bars etc during this time. If you have booked the preferred category, advise them when you arrive and they will take you to a different area to check in. This resort does not require the wearing of bracelets – which is great. I suggest that while you are checking in, you confirm that your room has the bed request you need (i.e. king or doubles). It is better for you to clarify this up front then to get to your room and discover it isn’t what you wanted. This will happen – it always does – but they will move you. The Beach For those who have read reviews on Trip Advisor, a common theme is that the beach is rocky. This is the case. There are spots on either end of the resort that are clear for swimming, so no worries! The beach itself is sandy and pretty – the rocks just affect the swimming. If you are concerned, bring some water shoes. There are no towel cards at this resort – which we love. Have all the towels you want! Tipping Always a hot topic. Yes, tips are included in the cost of your trip – so it is up to you. We tip on good service, you can do what you please. We bring US 1’s with us, as they are widely accepted and appreciated. Bargaining NEVER pay the price they tell you, anywhere in Mexico, for anything. They always start out high, and will always go much lower. So…practice your negotiation skills J if you are taking a cab anywhere, be sure to confirm the rate up front with the driver. If the driver has translation issues, just ask the bell hop for help. The price is almost always round trip, as they generally sit and wait for you. Water No – eating an ice cube will not kill you. All the water at the resort (including the taps in your room) comes through a treatment process. There is bottled water in your rooms, and at all the bars if you have any concerns. I wouldn’t chance drinking a glass of water from the tap, but brushing my teeth has always been fine. If you find you have a very sensitive stomach – pick up some Dukoral three weeks before the trip. You can get it at any pharmacy, and it is an oral med you drink. It will help with any “Big D†that might appear. $200 Resort Credit This is another hot topic on Trip Advisor. Each room is given $200 in resort credits. There are stipulations on how they are spent – and this confusion leads to negative commentary. So…thought we would clear it up. You get $40, in $10 increments, for wine. You can purchase a bottle from the upgraded wine list, and use a $10 coupon towards its purchase. You cannot apply more than 1 towards the one bottle. This is the same with the Spa certificates…if memory serves me right, it is $40 at a time that can be used towards the spa. We have found them useful for the wine (surprise, surprise) but not as useful for the spa. Typically, someone will walk around during the day offering deals on certain treatments that work out better than what you would pay with the credit applied. If you are ever unsure, just ask. Pools NOW Jade has two pools. The family pool is very large, and home to the daily fun activities. There is a swim up bar, lots of loungers, fun music etc. Everyone is allowed here. The second pool is located on the preferred side of the resort and is for Adults only. This is available to all guests of the hotel, provided you are over 18. There is a swim up bar there, and a small grill but the music and activities are light on that side. Much better for the relaxing vacation experience. Photography NOW Jade offers Adventure Photos. They are onsite photographers that will do a photo shoot with you, your friends, family etc, free of charge. They do charge rather handsomely for the pictures – but can be a nice memento to take home. We have done this in the past and were really happy with them. The shoot costs you nothing, and you are not obligated to purchase any of the images if you so choose. Room Safe and Valuables Regardless of how nice the resort is, we are still in a foreign country. Use your safe, in the closet in your room, all the time. Never leave out tech equipment, jewelry, cash or travel documents. Just make sure you lock it up before you go out of your room to avoid any disappointment. The safes will fit a laptop – should you be bringing one. I suggest you also pack all of these items, and any meds you need, in your carryon bag with you. I have spent 5 days in Mexico without my luggage before – and it sucks. The CrossPack. Jeff and I are thinking of copywriting this term. Lol. After the 5 days, no bag trip, we learned to cross pack. His bag holds half of my stuff, and mine half of his. That way, if one bag goes missing, you still have something to wear. Another lesson learned is that ziplock bags can save you from horrible disappointment when your tanning oil decides it wants to open mid flight. We have some photographic proof of this oops. Now – we double bag anything that can leak. It isn’t that we think you are all morons – lol – we just wanted to share some knowledge, so everyone is prepared. We can’t wait to get there – 7 more weeks after tomorrow!!

you are correct. They will move the chairs to your reception location for no extra fee

I talked to my bank about it and they said using credit is basically the same as cash. I know pilar will accept either, and also put on multiple cards if needed. We are flying in on the 22 - so just under 8 weeks. When does your group get in?

No - it is only a symbolic ceremony and in no way legally binding. They do not require documentation of any kind for this ceremony - nor is there a requirement that you are in Country for a certain amount of time. I think everyone is getting the symbolic and civil/legal confused. For the civil/legal, you require 4 business days in the country and all of the outlined documentation listed in the wedding planning document - in addition to onsite blood tests while in the Country. Hope this helps clarify.

Does anyone know what the vegetarian option is? I gave the option - but now they want to know exactly what it is...and sadly, I dont know. lol

This place is great for that! We all fly in on the 22nd as well. Since this post I was able to visit the resort and I changed everything around lol. We are having the ceremony at the Pergola and the reception at CinCin. Pilar and Deisy were amazing, and I promise, they are so on top of everything. Look forward to meeting you!

It is a little awkward for the set up. It is narrow, so typically they do the table set up and have the dance floor off to the right or the left. we were going to do it, until we saw it in person. You could do one long table next to the railing, and have the dance floor by the doors - but there is a small ramp there that may cause some tripping.

Isnt the booking part fun?? lol. we got engaged on July 3 and by te 10th I was price shopping with TA's. We were able to secure a decent price of $1426 out of Toronto - all in, for April 22 departure. This was with Air Canada and booked with Flight Centre. We immediately sent out an email - as the early booking bonus was on our tails - to let everyone know what was going on, what the costs were and where they could put down their deposit. We have close to 50 joining us - and of course the stragglers who think last minute will work out for them. So far, since July 2012, the price went up drastically the day the early booking bonus ended (close to $500) and has now come back down to what we paid. Not once have I seen it for less, and I check all the time. I have to say, this portion of the wedding was the most stressful by a landslide. In the end, we ended up paying for more than one family member, and putting forward a payment plan for a couple of others. It comes down to wanting them there - and considering one was FI's sister, we didnt have much choice. we sent a lot of emails reminding all of the important dates, and both the TA and ourselves followed up with phone calls. I have hit a point now that I am happy with all who will be there - and basically, it is what it is. Finances are always a touchy subject - so it is understandable how this can suck. I was very upset when a couple of my close friends were not going to be able to make it - and had I selected a less expensive (and not as nice) resort, they could have. In the end, they love you none the less, and you want your day to be the best it can be. Bottom line, get the invites out early, get a stiff upper lip, and ignore the commentary. Now that I see the costs going up (everyone has $125 sign on them lol) I sometimes almost wish it were just the two of us.

we are arriving 2 days before the wedding (fly in on the Monday, ceremony on the wed) and this was fine for the symbolic.