Any Ceiba del Mar Brides?

[Jillian Murphy]

My wedding has been cancelled there.  My date was April 14th.  I was finally able to get a hold of Diana on Wednesday and she said my deposit will be returned.  I will believe it when I have the check in my hand.  3 months to go and what nightmare!

[tiff21]

My April wedding was also canceled.  Has anyone found another hotel that is a good similar option? Everything I am looking at is either booked, adults only, our way too expensive.  This Sucks!  

[Pierre Violle]

I was so sorry to hear this news and hope everything works out for all the brides having to change plans on such short notice.  

Sending positive energy to you all!!!!

[futureceibaboda]

I'm in the same situation.  All of the places that I like that are still available are almost double the prices for food and beverages and set up etc that I had negotiated at Ceiba.  These hotels know I'm desperate and aren't negotiating on prices either.  Also, for the places that are available for my wedding date, my guests will not have ocean view or not have all inclusive and pay the same or more.  It's ridiculous.  They gave us no notice!  The new hotel has a website, so they knew about this for a while.  It's so upsetting.

[Jillian Murphy]

Tiff- Are you wanting to stay within that same area? For your date if it is a Saturday, could you move it to Friday? That may help with availability.  I have been running into the same problems though with everything being booked, way more expensive and not allowing kids.  

 

I would suggest looking into North of Cancun or Playa.  I am looking at some potential condos in playa and thinking of getting a spot for the ceremony in Playacar. For the reception, I have no clue yet.  

 

Have you spoken with Ceiba? Are they sending you your deposit?

[lalanyc]

 

Here you go!  For context, our main considerations in selecting a spot were: keeping guests in one spot, lack of intimacy at megaresorts, good food/service, and relative privacy.  With that in mind, below are other alternatives we considered:

 

FULL SERVICE HOTELS (all boutique)

• Le Reve

• La Amada Hotel
• Le Meridien  (awesome coordinator)
• Omni Puerto Aventuras (only 40 rooms but great quality though lack of beach area)
• Azul Beach
• Hotel Marina El Cid (ok, not small but also not a wedding factory and near Puerto Morelos)
• Al Cielo Hotel (closer to Tulum. We didnt visit personally due to location and rooms were more sparse than we would have preferred).
• Ana y Jose

 

OFF THE BEATEN PATH OPTIONS

• Akumal Beach (Turtle Bay/Lol Ha Restaurant) http://www.turtlebaycafe.com/www.turtlebaycafe.com/Turtle_Bay_Weddings/Turtle_Bay_Weddings.html

I thought this was a good alternative for a more private beach wedding; we just didnt love the quality of the cabanas closest to the restaurant though I understand there is a bigger hotels in the town.  Also, at first glance the restaurant is very casual but I think it could be spruced up easily.  Plus it faces the ocean.

Here are pics from a frequent BD poster: http://stephaniewilliamsphotography.com/blog/2009/07/24/mariesam-tommy-wedding/

 

• Playa del Secreto 

This is an event site for private dinners/ weddings. There is no hotel affiliated with it (as far as I know) though I believe the management provides wedding coordination services. Outside coordinators/vendors are also welcome.  You could either rent nearby villas or you could bus everyone in from a designated hotel.  

Here is the site page: http://www.playasecreto.com/weddings.html

Here is a wedding video: http://vimeo.com/21224964

 

• Playa del Carmen

One idea was to have all guests stay at a boutique hotel on the strip (or nearby) and have the wedding at a restaurant or beach club.  The Blue Parrot Beach Club was one option.  They seem to do a good job: http://www.blueparrot.com/weddings-events/

 

• Taninah

We didnt visit personally as it was too small but this is a complex in the jungle that can accommodate up to 35 ppl.  If you have a larger party, perhaps they can stay in housing nearby.

http://www.taninah.com/home.php
 

• Private Home/Villa Rental

There are some spectacular mansions (err, "villas") all throughout the the Riviera Maya that would make a great location for a smaller wedding.  I would encourage you to consider them for a very private setting.  Hacienda Kukulcan is in Puerto Aventuras and is adjacent to 2 other equally stunning villas.  Don't be discouraged by the rates - they are all highly negotiable. 

http://www.puertoaventurasmexico.com/rentals/kukulkan.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa-asNU6vZM

 

• Xcaret

This is a water/nature park but don't be fooled - it is an amazing location for a wedding!  Although the main event sites may already be booked, they were building out other event spots in the park when we visited in 2009 which could still be available.  It is definitely on pricier side but the service looks impeccable.  Only down side is that your guests would need to be bused into the park. http://www.xcaretweddings.com/

We were in touch w/ this coordinator who gets a slight discount: http://www.weddingsincancun.com/xcaret/

 

 

It must be terrible to change your plans after having your heart set on Ceiba!  Stay strong - while no alternative will have the same "feel" as Ceiba, that doesn't mean your wedding will be any less fun or beautiful!  Feel free to ask questions if you have any.

 

 

Originally Posted by tiff21 

Yes Lala, any suggestions you have for new hotels would be SO helpful!

 

[tweets.13]

Ahhhh!!!!  I too am sooooo sad!!!!!!!!!  My husband and I were talking about our 1 year anniversary coming up this April - I guess we will not be celebrating at Ceiba!  

 

Ladies with weddings scheduled - I am so sorry for you.  I cannot imagine the stress this places on you at this time!  I agree with Lalanyc's list - La Amada is now called Beloved or something like that, but I think everyone still has to wear clothes!     It is now all inclusive (used to be optional) - the rooms are incredible and the facilities, pool, restaurants, beach are good. 

 

Le Reve is amazing if your group is not too big or if you don't mind if some guests stay elsewhere.

 

I had a friend get married at one of the Azul properties, and she was very happy with it - I believe Azul Sensatori.

 

Good luck ladies! 

[jlynne]

Thanks Matt, Le Reve does look pretty amazing. Unfortunately we need a resort that allows children. I have been looking at The Beloved, have you ever been there? Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks!

[bochisgirl2010]

hello ladies, I cant believe what hapenned with Ceiba, so sad!

The Beloved (Formerly La Amada) is a great Hotel, All Inclusive and allows children, you should chek it out!

[mrspfafftobe]

Hi - I am getting married at Le Reve in June and they do allow kids for the day if you do a buyout of the hotel, which is 25 rooms. They offer very good room rates with the DelSol/BDWF promotion.