What can I say about the Grand Velas? The only word that comes to me is overwhelming. Seriously, the luxury and the pampering are out of this world. Never have I had service like this! I had my wedding at Grand Velas on June 25, 2011. My husband and I arrived on Thursday to square things away and get an idea of the place, etc. We arrive in the lobby and we're immediately told not to take our bags. We're whisked away to a couch and served cold hibiscus tea and cold lemon-scented towels. We're given a welcome massage that was just awesome. One of the best check-in experiences I've ever had.

Edward, who I kept calling Eduardo, was our porter who gave us our tour of the facility. He was really cool and had a great personality. We talked a couple of times and always very sweet. We get to our room and what an amazing view! We can see clear out to the Bay and could see the gazebo where we were getting married. The beds were so comfy and the rooms well appointed. We had a master room I believe, and it came with a jacuzzi and shower. I loved how the toilet and shower were in separate areas. The only weird part about the room was answering the phone. You had to do al this extra stuff to call people's rooms.

We went to our tasting and the food was divine. Never have I had lamb so succulent and not paired with something typical like mint. We had lamb, duck, salmon, and a puff pastry leek for our wedding guests. All were delicious. The chef was very accommodating and joked that I challenged him with my choice of cake (white chocolate w/ strawberries). We didn't get to try it then, but I had full faith once I tasted the entrees and hors' d'oeurves. And this was not just a tasting. They gave us the complete entrees as our guests would have them! I was so surprised. We tried our signature drink choices and selected two: kiwi mojito and mango something. Both delicious.

We ate at Piaf also and the food was again awesome. Service amazing. Try the tempura short rib. I couldn't finish it, but wished I could! The next day, our guests started arriving and everyone couldn't believe how amazing the place was. We went to the spa on Saturday, the day of the wedding, and it was such a luxury. I forgot my masseuse's name, but she did a wonderful job. Created a very serene atmosphere. Afterwards, the spa surprised me with a veil and had drinks set up on their lower level for my wedding guests. It was so unexpected and everyone loved it!

Our wedding party had the rehearsal dinner at Azul and we shut the place down. All the staff were great. We retired to the lobby bar afterwards for karaoke. So much fun. People kept asking for an encore from us! The hotel remembered my mother-in-law's birthday and surprised her with a cake. I also arranged a private dinner at Frida for my in-laws' anniversary. They were really pleased and said the food was so much they had to stop and get some rest, lol. My dad and gramps went golfing for their complimentary amenity. Both really had a great time driving around in the cart!

The wedding itself was nothing short of fabulous. They listened to all the things I wanted and created the look I was going for. My coordinator, Ana Santos, was a pleasure to work with. She was very patient with me, as I'm pretty Type-A. We went off schedule, but she never hurried us along. Just asked what she should do next. She was very inconspicuous and had great suggestions. Initially, since it was rainy season, there was a struggle over moving the reception inside. But, I relented and was glad I did. Visually, outside would have been nice, but the temperature never really cools down and there's very little breeze so my guests would've been truly melting. Ana's suggestions are to be trusted and I thank her for caring enough to stand her ground.

We did the ceremony on the amazing gazebo and the reception in the Tamayo room. Our table was really beautiful. I wasn't expecting a fog machine or draping or lighting. These are items Ana added for us. The waiters were so well trained and on point. I couldn't eat with my guests b/c I had to take photos, so the staff kept my plate warmed and served me later. We had so much fun and no one wanted to leave. Everyone kept saying it was one of the best weddings they've been to just because of the experience GVV gave us.

Ana also surprised us with an extra upgrade for our wedding night suite. I can't remember the style of the room, but it has the jacuzzi outside and the interior is very dark with wood paneling. Absolutely amazing with the views! My husband was able to get ready for the wedding in that room while I was given a special bridal suite close to the gazebo. My ladies and I had sweets and drinks waiting for us when we got to the suite, which was lovely. Unfortunately, no one ate! lol For my wedding night suite, we received strawberries and champagne. All great touches and unexpected!

Our wedding was watched by a lot of other GVV guests and that was really cute. People were clapping and cheering when we got married. We also had a photo shoot the day after in the pool and other guests were kind enough to keep to the sides while we swam. It's like the hotel's hospitality spills over onto the guests themselves. It was so much fun being there and I miss it already!

Some drawbacks were the constant change in coordinators and the lack of up front information. For instance, the contract says guests can get free 25 minute spa treatments or golf. If someone chose golf, they then had to pay for equipment rental and golf cart fees. The only thing "free" was the tee time. That I didn't like. A lot of times the hotel nickel and dimed us, but I knew when to fight and when to let go. I urge all future brides to negotiate strongly. Go for what you want, but don't let them walk all over you.

For those who are considering this place for a visit or a wedding, please highly consider Grand Velas. The service, rooms, and food are top-notch and amazing. They really care and are extremely considerate and professional. I do caution that it may be easier to have a wedding here with a smaller group of people like I did (14 guests total). However, if you have the funds, go for broke b/c they'll take care of you! I can't say enough about this place. We all had a great time and hope to return in the future. Big shouts to Ana Santos, Karla Aguillon, the spa staff, the chef, and Alexa, my hair stylist!