The new Paradisus Playa del Carmen (La Perla and La Esmeralda)

[KK2013]

Originally Posted by ReeBik 

 

The pictures in the link above - I'm assuming the room pictures are the bridal suite?  If so, you're right, it is beautiful!  Lots of space for all the girls to get ready.  What's the temperature like in there?  I've read reviews on some other resorts and brides/bridesmaids ahve said the temperature was too warm once they got a tons of people in there.  Also, the "hut" looking place with the white lounge furniture on the beach: is that the Sunrise Grill that others have talked about in previous posts?  Did you hold your reception there?  Was it sit-down or buffet?  Where is that located in relation to the pool?  Is it somewhat secluded and private from the rest of the resort?  I'm worried about wedding crashers or just other guests hanging out like we're fish in a fishbowl.  Is this on the adult-only side or the family side?  Also, where is it in relation to the Gabi Bridge?  The resort has a photo on their website that shows lounge like white furniture similar to what you have in some of these pictures (and based on the furniture, I'm assuming it's the same place)... in their photo, the tables glow from underneath.  Is that the case in "real life"?

 

I had a map of the resort, but I can't find it.  Does anyone else have the map?  It only shows the two resorts (La Esmeralda and La Perla) in relation to each other... doesn't give detail on where the bridge is, or the individual restaurants, but I'm still thinking it's a good thing to have on hand.

 

Also, I've seen some discussion on weather in June/July.  How is it in April/May?  Are there really that many mosquitos during any of those months?

 

My fiance and I are sitting down this weekend to go over all the information I've gathered on this resort and a few others so we can make a final decision on location, date, etc and send out a notice email to our "must-have" guests so that they can start saving and planning.  Hoping I can get answers to the above questions so that he feels more comfortable making a decision.

 

Yes, that is the Gabi Club.  I am having a sit down meal served, but I believe you can also do buffet. In the bridal suite, I didn't notice an uncomfortable temperature.  It is basically another hotel room, so I think it would be the same as the rooms.

[imnotarunner]

Originally Posted by ReeBik 

 

The pictures in the link above - I'm assuming the room pictures are the bridal suite?  If so, you're right, it is beautiful!  Lots of space for all the girls to get ready.  What's the temperature like in there?  I've read reviews on some other resorts and brides/bridesmaids ahve said the temperature was too warm once they got a tons of people in there.  Also, the "hut" looking place with the white lounge furniture on the beach: is that the Sunrise Grill that others have talked about in previous posts?  Did you hold your reception there?  Was it sit-down or buffet?  Where is that located in relation to the pool?  Is it somewhat secluded and private from the rest of the resort?  I'm worried about wedding crashers or just other guests hanging out like we're fish in a fishbowl.  Is this on the adult-only side or the family side?  Also, where is it in relation to the Gabi Bridge?  The resort has a photo on their website that shows lounge like white furniture similar to what you have in some of these pictures (and based on the furniture, I'm assuming it's the same place)... in their photo, the tables glow from underneath.  Is that the case in "real life"?

 

I had a map of the resort, but I can't find it.  Does anyone else have the map?  It only shows the two resorts (La Esmeralda and La Perla) in relation to each other... doesn't give detail on where the bridge is, or the individual restaurants, but I'm still thinking it's a good thing to have on hand.

 

Also, I've seen some discussion on weather in June/July.  How is it in April/May?  Are there really that many mosquitos during any of those months?

 

My fiance and I are sitting down this weekend to go over all the information I've gathered on this resort and a few others so we can make a final decision on location, date, etc and send out a notice email to our "must-have" guests so that they can start saving and planning.  Hoping I can get answers to the above questions so that he feels more comfortable making a decision.

 

 

Originally Posted by ReeBik 

 

Sorry... I meant Gabi Beach Club not Sunrise Grill.

 

 

 

I was never offered even a look at the bridal suite, had no idea there was a bridal suite.

First week of July it was 90s, humid. Not pleasant in a bridal gown trying to take pics, probably picked the wrong dress, should have gone with a simple easy gown. I was sweating and my makeup was about to melt.

Gabi Bridge is right by the Gabi Club. To rent that darn thing is 10k just for that club. It's ridiculous but it's pretty. It's also open no windows so it's really hot and there are mosquitos. The hotel is on a mangrove. My guests got bit and so did I. It wasn't too bad but noticeable for sure.The white furniture does "glow" there's some lighting mechanism there.

It was UBER annoying to have stupid idiots by the end of the gabi bridge in their swimsuits just stand there during the entire thing and just stare. I hope they get cropped out in the pro pics. In my family and friends pics they were right there. Seriously. GET OUT. NOSY bodies. Or atleast stand in the Gabi Club like the rest of the on lookers? Do you HAVE to stand on the bridge? ugh. Rant over.

About 40 mins after my ceremony ended, it poured like crazy luckily everyone was already at cocktail hour indoors.

The other option of having cocktail was by the pool under a gazebo, where they typically have ping pong tables. It's not close to the bridge. Quite a walk. Nothing is close to the bridge except Gabi Beach club.

[KK2013]

The price for the rental of the Gabi Club depends on the package you choose, so you will have to figure that out before you will know the cost. 

[Bells24]

Hey- how was your April wedding? Were flights expensive? I am looking at April or May and trying to figure out best and most cost effective time. Thanks!

[TA Wendy]

Hi, I wanted to provide an update on this report about Olympus Tours. Like so many misunderstandings, this does have more to it.. Olympus Tours has always been a very reputable and honest company providing transfers in Cancun and also offering Tours. I have used them for my groups with great success and very little complaint for the past several years.

When they heard of this complaint on your part, they emailed me and let me know that they will in the name of good will be refunding in full the price that your in laws paid for their services.

What they actually purchased from Olympus tours, although they may not have understood this, was a 4 hour private car charter. Olympus tours would have taken them to Tulum, up to Cancun, anywhere they wished to go for 4 hours in full in their own private vehicle with driver. That they only wished or needed to go to 5th Avenue and back was certainly not making good use of this 4 hour charter of a vehicle. They would have been fine in just taking a taxi to 5th Ave and back when they were ready instead of having their own private vehicle waiting for them for a 4 hour time window.

Since this was a misunderstanding, Olympus Tours HAS processed refund to the credit card used in the full amount they paid.

For others who may be reading, please note that every resort does have a line of taxis just outside the front lobby, and often if you are going just a short way this is by far the most economical way to go.

It was a pleasure working with you, and your group, and I cant wait to see your pictures!

Best regards,

TA Wendy
 

[DestinWed]

Hi Rola, I am thinking of having my wedding begining of May 2014. Did you have any problems with the weather? What time was your wedding? I am asking because I want to make sure the lighting will be good for our photoes. Thanks.

[Carebear82]

Hi Ladies! I'm getting married at Paradisus in June 2014. I've already reserved my ceremony and reception locations, but I was wondering if any one is having their reception at the Garden Gazebo. I inquired about it as my fiancee really wants this location, but was told that to hold my reception there, they would only be able to confirm 2-3 weeks prior to my wedding date, and it would not be guaranteed that I would get this location as it is 1 of 2 ceremony locations. Is anyone else having their wedding at one location and their reception at the Gazebo? It's an odd policy to me. Currently, my ceremony is at the Gabi Bridge and cocktail hour and reception at La Palapa at La Perla.

[Carebear82]

I forgot to ask about ceremony time slots too! What is everyone's opinion regarding the 4 pm and 6 pm time slots? I did some research and learned that the sun sets at 7:28 pm in June. Do you think 4 pm will be too hot... or 6 pm too late for pictures? My financee and I are going for the more "romantic" vibe with ambiance lighting, etc. Suggestions welcome!!!!

[KK2013]

Originally Posted by Carebear82 

 

I forgot to ask about ceremony time slots too! What is everyone's opinion regarding the 4 pm and 6 pm time slots? I did some research and learned that the sun sets at 7:28 pm in June. Do you think 4 pm will be too hot... or 6 pm too late for pictures? My financee and I are going for the more "romantic" vibe with ambiance lighting, etc. Suggestions welcome!!!!

 

If the sun sets at 7:28, that is pretty much the timetable I set myself at.  Our sun sets 5:30.  We did a 3:30 ceremony, 5:00 cocktail hour start.  Gives us about half an hour for the ceremony and to say hello to everyone and then an hour of pictures.  Have you spoke to your photographer?  Our photographer told us the light at 3:30 is optimal for pictures for the ceremony time in December.  I would start there

[Carebear82]

Thanks, KK2013. I have to book a photographer but that's a great idea to check with him/her.