Gran Porto Real Brides - Post here!!

[Ginger1961]

I just booked my date today at the Gran Porto Real I'm so happy.  Oh and so very relieved.  I have been trying to settle on a resort for months now.  Originally started looking in Mexico but then when FI found out he had to have a blood test, all bets were off.  Went through months of searching and this morning thought fine I'll just book my date at Sandals in Bahamas.  I just didn't feel comfortable about it.  Had a very unpleasant conversation with a very annoying Sandals Sales rep.  Got upset, told FI about it.  He just gave me a big hug and asked where I felt comfortable getting married.  I said Mexico. He said book it.  So I did!  I knew if I could get him to go to Mexico this would be the resort for us.  For the very reasons you other ladies mentioned.  It's affordable but beautiful.  I fell in love with the wedding gazebo when I did the virtual tour.  Our date is November 22,2011 at 4pm in the gazebo.  Now I can breath.  For sake of ease I just booked the Basic $800 dollar package.  I have no idea how many will be coming and what we'll want to do but I think I'll be adding to it for sure.  What a weight lifted when you book it

 

Ginger

[primavera]

Ginger, to avoid the blood test and the paperwork a lot of brides are getting legally married in their country before (or after) the trip. So that is an option if you want to avoid the blood test. Some couples don't tell anyone about the legal marriage and other tell their family why and what they chose to do. We're getting married in the US before we leave for Mexico, to not have to deal with translating the marriage license, blood tests etc.

Congrats on booking your resort! It is the hardest decision, at least for me.

 

After starting this thread I/we decided to go with another resort so I'm no longer a Gran Porto bride, but I wish everyone the best for their beautiful Gran Porto wedding!!

[Ginger1961]

Thanks Primavera

 

I may look into it.  Although once I told my FI last night that we don't have to go to a hospital that they do the blood test on the resort, he seemed much more at ease.

 

I've never heard of that resort that you have chosen.  I must go check it out.  I'm going to Mexico for Christmas this year for ten days and have not booked a resort yet. It's all about the price this year.

 

G

[Ginger1961]

Does anyone know if the spa gazebo and the wedding gazebo is one in the same at the Gran Porto Real?

[AshleyAmanda]

I am so glad you started this thread. I am a newbie and just booked our wedding for June 23, 2011 at Gran Porto Real. I look forward to reading all of the information and experiences from other brides and brides to be in Playa.

[primavera]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger1961 

Thanks Primavera

 

I may look into it.  Although once I told my FI last night that we don't have to go to a hospital that they do the blood test on the resort, he seemed much more at ease.

 

I've never heard of that resort that you have chosen.  I must go check it out.  I'm going to Mexico for Christmas this year for ten days and have not booked a resort yet. It's all about the price this year.

 

G

Here is the link to the resort I chose http://www.nowresorts.com/jade/  It has changed management a few times, was called NH Paradisius or something like that before I think.

 

I'm jealous that you get to go to Mexico for Christmas to do a site visit. That will help a lot for sure!

[Ginger1961]

Primavera,

 

Thanks for the link.  That resort is FABULOUS!  I have not booked for Christmas yet.  I'm hesitant to stay at Gran Porto Real this year.  I want it to be fresh and new for our wedding next year.  Although I am def doing the site visit.  I have not seen this resort on any of the packages that I've looked at out of Halifax.  Although I just learned from a TA today that Sunquest has added a month at Christmas as part of their schedule out of Halifax.  Typically in Nova Scotia we have Air Canada and Westjet vacations at that time of year.  Nice to have a little competition.  Although the prices are downright frightening.  I'm prepared for the Xmas markup but Air Canada is freakin' losin' its mind.  I'm not paying 3,000 for a week.  NUTSO!  I'm going to check Sunquest now to see if they do that resort. 

 

G

[primavera]

Ginger,

It seems as most Canadian travelers buy the air+ hotel packages rather than but both separate. Is this always a lot cheaper than just buying the flight and arrange for the hotel by yourself? Not that $3000 is cheap :S But you know what I mean.

 

The Now Jade has a sister resort too called Now Sapphire, it looks very pretty as well.

[Ginger1961]

Hey Primavera,

 

It depends on the time of year.  I would say that booking in mid January-mid May when there is much more competition, yes book an AI (flight and hotel)   I'm contemplating doing a flight and hotel for Christmas and maybe for a few guests next year for our wedding. The typical AI package is a 1 or 2 week stay.  We have some that just want to come for the wedding for three our four days.  That's what got me looking into this avenue.  Seems that it can be more convenient and at times, cheaper to go this route. Luck of the draw really.  For instance I checked 10 day trips with AC a few days ago it was 3,100 for the gran porto for 10 days per person.  Today, I checked it and it was at 2,700 incl taxes.  Departure/return dates the same.  Weird.  I have a TA working on it for me.  I just want to get a sense for the trends.  I think if I book now, I'll miss out on some discounts that are sure to come up as it's still 3 mnths away.  I've not seen it sold out yet but the prices do tend to creep up closer to xmas week as I suspect the lower priced rooms are sold out. 

 

We want to go to mexico for 10 days at christmas.  Air canada will be the only airline we will be able to do that through in December.  So now it's just a wait and see type thing.  My FI doesn't care about the cost.  It's been a long year and a long summer without vacation for either of us.  Who am I to argue?

G

[BecaJ]

 

 

Originally Posted by Ginger1961 

 

Does anyone know if the spa gazebo and the wedding gazebo is one in the same at the Gran Porto Real?

 

 

Hi, I'd guess they were the same thing because I've seen photos of people getting a massage in the wedding gazebo, so when they haven't got a wedding on they must use it as part of the spa.