the Romance of Mexico
Transcription
the Romance of Mexico
R R the Romance of Mexico A guide to selling destination weddings, honeymoons, couples’ vacations and more. NOVEMBER 7, 2011•Section 2of2 •Vol70•No45 R R the Romance of Mexico Left: Los Cabos is dramatically situated on the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Below: The wedding chapel in Palmilla, Los Cabos - Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau Time2romance? Time2cabo! Why do so many travel agents go to the “ends of the earth” to find just the right romantic escape for their clients? Simple: Los Cabos is dramatically situated at land’s end on the tip of the Baja peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the Sea of Cortés. “Romance central” for celebrities, bridal parties or just couples wanting to revive romance, Los Cabos sets the stage in an out-of-this-world setting. Award winning hotels and resorts, championship golf courses, rejuvenating spas, world-class sport fishing, and challenging outback and off-road adventures give couples plenty to do, when they are not snuggling or just enjoying the non-stop Cabo sunshine. “Romance and Cabo are so intertwined that we were inspired to create - a website section for TIME2KISS vacation packages,” says Gonzalo Franyutti, President of the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau. For a glimpse of these romantic packages, go to www.TIME2CABO.com/time2cabo/time2kiss. A peek at the romance packages: Rose petals strewn on the bed on arrival at the Westin Resort & Spa to complement the sparking wine and strawberries. A nightly “lavish chocolate “turn down service at the Zoetry Casa del Mar—sweet! At the Solmar All-Inclusive Resort and Beach Club, a dreamy sunset cruise for two. At the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar, indulge in your own whirlpool tub by candlelight. At the all-inclusive Riu Palace and Riu Santa Fe Hotels, ease into a relaxing massage at their Renova spa with a $25 spa credit. The Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Resort pampers you with a 50-minute couples massage. At the Pueblo Bonito Rosé Resort & Spa you’ll be indulged with a romantic beachside dinner. Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa will spoil you with three nights’ accommodations in a junior suite. A fresh fruit basket and sparkling wine greets you at the Hola Grand Faro. Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe intrigues you with romantic movies. A couples massage and free use of spa and amenities for one day is your treat at Cabo Villas Beach Resort. Sail into the sunset with the Hilton Los Cabos romance package. No matter how you package it, if it’s TIME2KISS, it’s TIME2CABO. Clients say “I do” with TIME2WED packages 2 One&Only Palmilla’s chapel ceremony is the choice of celebrities. Esperanza’s classical guitarist and hour of photography zooms in on romance. Marquis Los Cabos’ “green wedding” features a release of baby sea turtles. The Villa Group properties pamper you with an aromatic Jacuzzi followed by a couples massage. Fiesta Americana provides special rates at Cabo del Sol Golf Club. Cabo Azul’s El Corazon chapel touches your heart. Casa Dorada even provides the bridal bouquet. Dreams Los Cabos includes sparkling wine and wedding cake for 10 guests. At Melia Cabo Real, recorded music will set the mood. For details visit www.TIME2CABO.com/time2cabo/ time2wed. ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico - The Basics: How to Sell Romance Travel to Mexico contents 02 Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau 06 Paradisus Resorts Playa Del Carmen 08 Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa 10 Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort 12 fiesta americana Grand Hotels and Resorts 14 Iberostar Hotels & Resorts 15 Palace Resorts 16 El Dorado Spa Resorts and Azul Hotels, by Karisma 18 Palladium Hotels & Resorts 20 Starwood Hotels and Resorts 22 Le Blanc Spa Resort 23 Oasis Hotels & Resorts, Cancun EDITOR Diane Merlino DESIGNER Amy Bothwell GROUP DIRECTOR, CUSTOM CONTENT Elizabeth West VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Bob Sullivan PRODUCTION MANAGER Michele Garth PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Lisa Gonzales For comments, suggestions or questions, write to custom@travelweekly.com. NORTHSTAR Travel Media, LLC 100 Lighting Way, 2nd Floor Secaucus, NJ 07094 201-902-2000 www.travelweekly.com To inquire about advertising in Travel Weekly’s guides, contact Bruce Shulman, Associate Publisher: 561-799-1788 or bshulman@travelweekly.com. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission. ©2011 by NORTHSTAR Travel Media, LLC All rights reserved. Trademark TRAVEL WEEKLY used under license from NORTHSTAR Travel Media, LLC Printed in USA 4 Romance travel to Mexico can be a big-ticket sale for agents. The niche covers a variety of segments, including bachelor and bachelorette junkets, proposal trips, destination weddings, honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, vow renewals, romantic getaways, and hybrid trips that combine family togetherness with ‘alone time’ for mom and dad. The entire romance market is in a growth mode as more people seek new experiences for major turning points in their lives. The spend on two segments in particular—destination weddings and honeymoons—has shown double-digit increases in the last few years. According to the 2011 Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Reader Survey, conducted by Walker Communications, the average budget for a destination wedding in 2011 was $21,800. The same survey puts the average honeymoon spend by a couple who had a destination wedding at $7,500—more than twice the average. When it comes to honeymoons, Mexico is the most popular pick for an international destination, garnering 15% of the total market, according to theknot.com’s third annual honeymoon study. Average spend for a honeymoon overseas is $5,219; for luxury honeymooners, who comprise 15% of the market, average spend is $7,000. That all adds up to the potential for strong sales. Travel Weekly asked Eduardo Chaillo, executive director, meeting industry, for the Mexico Tourism Board, how agents can tap into the lucrative romance market to Mexico. His responses, which include input from Carmen Laborin, MTB’s romance director, are below. What are the major categories of “romance travel” to Mexico? Eduardo Chaillo: Honeymoons are, and always will be, the number one cat- egory for romance travel to Mexico. It’s said that honeymoons last an average of eight days, not including travel time, and represent an estimated 14% of the total wedding budget. Anniversary celebrations and vow renewals are also strong. An estimated 89% of married couples go back to where they had their honeymoon for these trips, at least during the first few years of marriage. These trips create brand/destination loyalty. Also, sometimes an older couple wants to have a thanksgiving sort of celebration, a family vacation turned into a special event with a symbolic ceremony at a spectacular setting that their grown kids and even grandchildren can be a part of. This is a time to get fancy and splurge, to do what they couldn’t do when they were younger and got married in a more modest manner. Some agents are also involved in selling destination weddings to Mexico. Chaillo: Destination weddings (DWs) are by far the fastest and strongest growth category in the romance-related segment. DWs account for about $18 billion annually, not including related honeymoon business, which amounts to an additional $10 billion annually. DW’s are changing the way U.S. couples wed and have their new families relate to each other and integrate in ways that otherwise would take years. It’s a great excuse for a guilt-free mini-vacation. Of course, you HAVE TO go to your second cousin’s wedding in the Riviera May and swim with a whale shark before your return, don’t you? Are you seeing any new categories emerging in the romance travel market to Mexico? Chaillo: We are seeing more and more people traveling south of the border to propose. Hollywood-style proposals involving R R the Romance of Mexico overseas travel are hot. Just look at the tabloids; celebrities are proposing here and there in Mexico, and Cabo is the top destination for A-list lovers to pop the question. The general public is also traveling to do the proposal, and they are doing so in the most romantic and surprising ways. Another romance category is bachelor and bachelorette getaways, whether the couple is planning a destination wedding or not. This option is going strong. With all the amazing deals going on in Mexico a weekend trip with friends to be pampered or play some sports is as feasible as a few nights’ celebrating at home. On average there are nine travelers on this type of trip, and the average stay in the destination is two nights. Same-sex destination weddings are also becoming more popular. Mexico has some gay-friendly destinations that also happen to be amazing places to visit, with magnificent special events venues and producers. Although symbolic same-sex marriages have been celebrated in Mexico for ages, it is now possible for couples to legally marry in Mexico City. We are truly happy that we are making progress in overcoming cultural and social barriers, and although Mexico has always been very traditional and conservative it is evolving and embracing people’s heart’s desires. What are the top reasons travel agents should recommend Mexico for romance travel? Chaillo: Accessibility, hospitality, and value for money. Not to mention the impressive natural beauty and the history, plus the hundreds of activities there are to do. What are your top “insider” marketing and sales tips for travel agents to help them sell more romance travel to Mexico? Chaillo: For honeymoons, use social media. Check out honeymoon blogs and related sites, and comment as an expert on bride and bride-to-be postings. Subscribe to as many of them as possible and follow the threads. Be a “guest” at online conversations and share your ideas and stories. With your knowledge and the right contact info along with your comments, you will certainly get some direct ques- tions that you can follow up with a call. For anniversaries and vow renewals, work your database. Create a ‘vow renewal’ digital brochure and send it out to your database, and ask your clients to pass it along to their family and friends. Include a promotion. For example, if your client or their family member or friends book within XX days, you can offer some perk at the host hotel, maybe a welcome cocktail or a romantic dinner party by the beach (which most hotels already do for groups). Don’t sit around and wait for people to call—be active, create. With so much competition, be sure to clearly give people reasons to do business with you. It’s said that at every destination wedding, one or two other couples who are there decide to get married or pop the question. So, contact your now-married clients who you handled the DW for, and ask them to provide you the names of their unmarried couple-friends who attended the DW so you can send them a “welcome back from your trip” type of note/goodie. Make sure to introduce yourself properly and ask for their business. They need to know you exist and that you can make their life so much easier if/when they plan their own romance travel. What resources does the Mexico Tourism Board have for agents who want to learn more about how to sell the romance market to Mexico? Chaillo: One of the best ways agents can learn about the romance segment is through the MTB’s “Love Mexico” event, where agents take part in educational sessions and trade shows to meet face to face with local vendors and Mexican destination authorities. It takes place three times a year, in Los Angeles, New York, and the Riviera Maya, where it will occur Dec. 5-7 at the El Dorado Royale. Please contact the Mexico Tourism Board at weddings@visitmexico.com. Also this year we are launching a new Destination Weddings in Mexico course as part of our free online training program Magic of Mexico. Agents and planners can work on their own time to learn about Mexico. I invite every agent to check this program out at www.magicofmexico.com. sales strategies Laura Frazier, founder of Bliss Honeymoons & Destination Weddings, Columbus, Ohio, primarily books honeymoons in the romance sector to Mexico, and some destination weddings. Business is great, she says, up over last year, including her romance and other business to Mexico. “We have a booth and we hit a lot of bridal shows—three major ones in Columbus every year—and we really work the leads we get from the shows. We get probably 80% of our business from the bridal shows, which we’ve been doing for six years now. Based on the leads, we do a mix of email marketing and events at our office. We also send out an e-mail newsletter every week to leads from the shows. They include a variety of things, and we always include something we think is educational or adds value; we never send out travel deals, ever. So many agents are looking for the marketing silver bullet and there isn’t just one, you have to do a lot of different things. You have to be really diligent and you have to be really consistent.” Marianne Braly, owner of Now Voyager Travel, Huntington Beach, Calif. says at least 50% of her Mexico romance bookings come from referrals. She also incorporates a significant amount of social media into her marketing strategy, but for romance sales, “The biggest thing is the honeymoon registry, that’s huge. So many people are already living together so they already have everything they need—they already have their toasters, they don’t want more, so doing the honeymoon registry for them is great. It helps the couple pay for their honeymoon, and the guests don’t gave to go shopping—they just go online and press a button. They never have to leave their seat in the office as we are all so busy. We have a registry on our website, it’s really easy to do. There are different ways to do it; your web designer can put it up for you, or there are subscription services that will do it for you and attach a link to your website.” 5 R R the Romance of Mexico Paradisus Resorts Playa Del Carmen Destination weddings & honeymoons Two brand new five-star all-inclusive Paradisus Resorts are opening Nov. 15, 2011. Situated along the pristine white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen, both Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda and the adultsonly Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla are poised to become the finest all-inclusive properties on the Mexican eastern Caribbean shore. The two new resorts will feature signature, dramatic free-form pools and artful landscapes built into the peaceful sanctuary of Playa del Carmen. For guests seeking rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, the resorts will share a 20,000-square-foot YHI Spa and Health Club offering top-ofthe line spa treatments and health club facilities. The resorts’ 14 restaurants will offer exceptional food, exquisite presentation, extraordinary surroundings and five-star service. Seven bars on-property will provide variety for guests looking to explore throughout their stay. The GABi Beach Club combines casual-chic with elegance allowing bar, restaurant and beach to come together in harmony for an experience unique to Paradisus. The Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda boasts 512 lavish suites, including 122 Family Concierge Suites and two Presidential Suites. From pre-arrival to the last day of vacation, the Family Concierge will exceed all guests’ needs by providing a private family check-in/out, milk and cookies turndown service, and exclusive family activities. Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla—a retreat created exclusively for adults—will feature 394 elegantly appointed suites including 122 Royal Service Suites and two Royal Service Presidential Suites. Adult guests staying in the Royal Service area of the hotel will enjoy features such as a private pool and bar surrounded by palapas and Bali Beds, in addition to a private beach. Discreet and efficient butlers offer services such as preferential reservations for specialty restaurants, spa treatments, activities and excursions. Both Paradisus Resorts will offer Romance by Paradisus destination wedding and honeymoon pack- Above:The new Paradisus Resorts feature 7 bars on-property. Below: The adults-only Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla 6 ages. Brides can choose from four exquisite and customizable wedding packages with the helpful assistance of expert Romance Planners while honeymooning couples can choose between Passion and Glow packages to make their celebration more special. Contact Paradisus Resorts, Playa del Carmen, Mexico: 888-741-5600; www.paradisus.com. Romance specialists handle every detail For guests celebrating anniversaries, romantic getaways or looking for a spot in which to ‘pop the question,’ Paradisus offers everything imaginable for the perfect romantic vacation. With weddings in mind, Paradisus’ in-house romance specialists are on hand to assist and coordinate every tiny detail, including offering a variety of pre-arranged options with the current wedding packages – Wish (a complimentary package), Fantasy, Chill-out Chic, and Aqua. Romance specialists are available to assist in planning every part of the ceremony, reception and honeymoon. The specialists are there to tailor each event to perfection, ensuring that all aspects of the occasion, from booking date to departure, run smoothly. - ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico - The Gem Spa features innovative treatments inspired by gemstone therapy Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa All-suite luxury…Cancun’s best beach Nestled on Cancún’s finest stretch of private beach, the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa offers the best of both worlds with award-winning luxury that transports the soul to pure relaxation, yet equally stimulates with its proximity to the area’s vibrant culture and entertainment. Novice and nuanced couples alike can warm up the fall and winter chills with a romantic getaway to the oceanfront resort. All 602 suites offer spacious comfort and feature breathtaking ocean views, bringing glimpses of sea and sand at every turn. Décor is warm yet refined, naturally complementing the setting. The resort features an authentic Mexican ambience, creating a true destination getaway complete with the luxurious comforts of warmth, graciousness and style. - 8 This Leading Hotels of the World property features a new 40,000 square foot “Gem Spa,” which boasts stunning, sophisticated design and innovative treatments inspired by gemstone therapy. The Gem Spa features 26 treatment rooms including two spa master suites with hydro massage tubs and color therapy, one VIP spa couples suite with a double Jacuzzi tub and steam room, and two shiatsu and Thai massage rooms. The spa’s 10-step hydrotherapy ritual purifies the body and soul through contrasts of warm and cool temperatures combined with high and low water pressures. The healing effects are achieved with a guided “circuit” through an aromatherapy steam room, multi-jet shower, clay steam room, ice room, sauna, rain shower, whirlpool, lagoon pool, and a “pool of sensation” and completed in a relaxation lounge area. The ritual is complimentary to spa guests prior to or after treatments. A gorgeous beachfront is framed by tropical palapas along the sand and a lagoon-like pool. Six restaurants offer dining options perfect for special occasions or any occasion. These include the renowned French-Mediterranean Le Basilic, the oceanfront fresh seafood restaurant Isla Contoy, and the authentic and stylish La Joya. Local Mexican flavor is infused into the ambience nightly with traditional Mariachi singers serenading at sunset in the lobby. Contact Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa: (800) 830-9008; res1facb@posadas. com; www.fiestamericana.com. Romantic moment package Six restaurants, a top spa, a lagoon-like pool, Cancun’s best beach, a romantic and authentic Mexican-style atmosphere, and all-suite luxury accommodations await your clients! Send them on a valuepacked getaway where they can bask in a moment of love and luxury with our Romantic Moment Package. They’ll enjoy our awardwinning service complete with added touches designed especially for a romantic getaway. Sauna in the Gem Spa, Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort Perfect setting for romance A seamless fusion of sand, sea and sky makes the southernmost tip of Baja California, or Land’s End, the perfect setting for a wedding, honeymoon or romantic escape. Flanking a private stretch of beach within the private resort community of Cabo del Sol, between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort offers an exclusive getaway with contemporary Mexican flair. Each of the 249 luxurious rooms and suites comes with a private balcony overlooking the beach and Sea of Cortez. Couples seeking the ultimate in privacy and personal attention for their wedding party will want to reserve the exclusive Grand Club with its 13 suites and 37 Grand Club rooms. Personal concierge service and complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and cocktails are just a few of the Club perks along with the highend Casa del Mar suite. Another unique treat for guests: Fiesta American is the first resort in Mexico to introduce Somma WineSPA. Capitalizing on its location in the heart of Baja California’s up-and- coming wine country, the spa calls on the grape’s powerful anti-aging properties to offer an extensive menu of wine treatments, from massages, facials and mud wraps to exfoliating scrubs, bubble baths and hydrotherapy. Post-treatment, health seekers can relax in the spa lounge with a signature wine drink designed by the Wine Spa’s own sommelier. Wedding celebrations at Fiesta Americana Grand are typically set on the oceanfront Whales Terrace, beachside, or at the Casa del Mar suite. As part of the resort’s wedding package, the Grand staff adorns the bridal venue of choice with bright white linens and brilliant floral arrangements, also treating guests to a champagne toast, international buffet or three-course plated dinner, a custom wedding cake, and an open bar serving premium wine and drinks. Newlyweds get to spend their first night together as husband and wife in a Grand Club Master suite, toasting with complimentary champagne. To help coordinate any special wishes and requests, brides and grooms may call on the resort’s - own team of wedding and group coordinators. Contact Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa: Lorena Canedo at lcanedo@posadas.com, or 011 52 (624) 1456200 ext. 30075; fax 011 52 (624) 1456283; www.fiestamericanagrand.com/experiences. Complimentary amenities for your clients When you book clients a minimum of three nights at the Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa they will receive $600 in complimentary luxury amenities and services including: a relaxing massage at the SOMMA WineSPA (the only WineSPA in Mexico); one romantic, candlelit setup at the beach in a private cabana including bonfire and tiki torches; access to fitness center; one day use of the beach cabana with pampering amenities; an exclusive wine tasting for two; an in-room welcome amenity including a bottle of wine and hors d’oeuvres; daily in-room coffee and bottled water. Above: Somma WineSPA, Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort Left: The private beach at Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico - Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa Fiesta Americana Grand Hotels and Resorts The true spirit of Mexican hospitality Your wedding and romance clients can count on Fiesta Americana Grand Hotels and Resorts to provide unforgettable memories based on exceptional service that is a true reflection of Mexican hospitality. Live Aqua Cancún is an innovative all-inclusive resort where guests are encouraged to let loose and just be themselves in an open, relaxed and cool beach setting. The all-inclusive property celebrates “barefoot luxury” and is designed for today’s stylish, modern adults. Luxurious amenities cater to different lifestyles, moods and desires at different times and places throughout the day and night. Specialists at Aqua Spa, a unique concept in Cancún, offer world-class massages and treatments that restore harmony and unleash a sense of wonder. - Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa, awarded the AAA five diamond rating or 15 consecutive years, offers a truly elegant, refined and exclusive Cancún getaway. The Coral Beach Gem Spa is the largest spa in all of Latin America, covering about 43,000 square feet. Premium services and amenities are designed to meet the needs of travelers already accustomed to the very best. Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa, set in a land of contrast where the desert meets the sea, has been ranked ninth in Golf Digest’s “50 Best Golf Hotels in the World”. The resort features SOMMA WineSpa, Mexico’s only spa offering treatments based upon the health benefits of fresh grapes and wine. Luxury, elegance and exclusivity 12 Fiesta Americana Grand properties place a particular emphasis on luxury, elegance, sophistication and exclusivity. Grand resorts offer incredible hospitality experiences for sophisticated travelers, integrating Fiesta Americana’s renowned service with spectacular architecture in Mexico’s Cancun and Los Cabos beach destinations. Premium services and amenities are designed to meet the needs of travelers already accustomed to the very best. Fiesta Americana Grand properties in Cancun, Cozumel or Puerto Vallarta are the perfect recommendation for your upscale romance clients. Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive, awarded the AAA four diamond rating for 20 consecutive years, gives a new meaning to the all-inclusive concept. The resort experience here is like taking a journey through the flavors, aromas, details, colors and endless surprises of contemporary Mexico. Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive offers a taste of modern Mexico in an atmosphere immersed in nature and surrounded by the stunning Caribbean Sea. Experience and live every detail of Mexican culture and explore an island paradise boasting the second largest reef in the world. Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta, awarded the AAA four diamond rating for nine consecutive years, blends of the flavor of Jalisco, Mexico, with the quiet calm of the beach. The hotel’s warm, comfortable atmosphere makes for an unforgettable stay in one of Mexico’s most picturesque villages. ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico Iberostar Hotels & Resorts Fall in love at every turn - Gracing the shores of Mexico’s most idyllic beaches, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts are a true couples’ paradise. Here, beneath swaying palms and sun-kissed beaches, couples are invited to relax, reinvigorate and rekindle like never before. Each of our nine resorts in Mexico share common values, beginning with a warm, friendly staff devoted to a guest’s complete happiness. IBEROSTAR has thought of everything, including a personal wedding coordinator to take care of all the details, a delicious selection of all-inclusive dining options, well-appointed rooms with 14 private balconies or terraces, expansive pools and a huge range of activities. Wedding packages at IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts include every detail from the cake to the flowers. And with only one wedding per day, you can rest assured your client’s once-ina-lifetime event receives the focus and attention it deserves. Plus, receive a free wedding at IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Mexico when you book at the following levels: • IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso: book 5 rooms or more for 3+ nights or a Grand Oceanfront Room for 7+ nights. • IBEROSTAR Cancún, IBEROSTAR Paraíso Lindo and IBEROSTAR Paraíso Maya: book 10 IBEROSTAR’s nine resorts in Mexico are ideal for romance rooms or more for 3+ nights. • IBEROSTAR Cozumel, IBEROSTAR Paraíso Beach, IBEROSTAR Paraíso del Mar, IBEROSTAR Tucán and IBEROSTAR Quetzal: book 20 rooms or more for 3+ nights. At IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts your clients will begin their life together in a true paradise. For more information about IBEROSTAR destinations and FREE weddings in Mexico, contact your favorite tour operator or call 1-888-923-2722. ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico Palace Resorts Quintessential settings for romance With 11 all-inclusive resorts in some of the most breathtaking locations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, Palace Resorts offer your clients a quintessential setting for the most important day of all. Our complimentary Wedding and Honeymoon Package is designed to keep your clients stress free. With their own dedicated wedding planner, dinner, champagne, a cake for 35 guests, and an oceanfront wed- - Palace Resorts’ all-inclusive properties offer the quintessential setting for wedding and romance clients. ding location, they are sure to have a day they’ll never forget. Palace Resorts also offers our exclusive $1,500 Resort Credit, which can be used for golf, tours, spa, or even upgrading your clients’ wedding to one of our Precious Wedding Collection™ packages. On top of that, you are eligible for bonus commission, complimentary nights and 20% commission on wedding packages, all included in our great travel agent incentive programs. Give us the chance to make your clients’ wedding even more memorable. Visit www.palaceresorts.com/travelagents. ADVERTISEMENT 15 R R the Romance of Mexico Karisma properties feature Gourmet Inclusive packages El Dorado Spa Resorts and Azul Hotels, by Karisma Romantic getaways in the Riviera Maya The El Dorado Spa Resorts and Azul Hotels, by Karisma, are the perfect destinations for traveling with your loved one. Enjoy a Gourmet Inclusive experience at our resorts, and take advantage of the wide variety of pools, swim-up bars, restaurants, and entertainment, all located on stretches of white sand beaches along the Caribbean Sea in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Visit our award winning spas for couples massages, sky massages, and unique spa treatments. Dine outdoors at one of our romantic candlelit dinners for two on the beach, order room service delivered to your room and dine on the balcony or terrace, or visit one of the many restaurants on property that serve a variety of gourmet options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We also offer themed bars located at our various hotels with signature drinks like flavored mojitos and martinis. Our choices of luxurious hotel suites feature such amenities as king-size beds, in-suite Jacuzzis large enough for two, private outdoor showers, plush bathrobes and slippers, and even direct access to the lazy river meandering to the main pool in certain room categories. Spend the day relaxing on one of the large canopied beach beds on the beach and by the pool, enjoying beach butler service at select properties, and even beach picnics. After a relaxing day at the beach, guests can enjoy evening entertainment. Our online store offers couples the ability to purchase spa treatments and special services to surprise their partner with once they arrive. It also offers the chance for friends and family members to give services and experiences as gifts to honeymoon and wedding travelers. The Gourmet Inclusive vacation experience offered at El Dorado Spa Resorts and Azul Hotels, by Karisma, does not stop at the food and deluxe accommodations. The service at the resorts is unparalleled, offering such amenities as sparkling wine and a cool towel at check-in, honeymoon and wedding suites, concierge services stationed throughout properties, and even a shuttle service at some of our larger properties. Weddings and honeymoons - Our honeymoon registry offers family and friends the opportunity to gift romantic experiences for wedding and honeymoon travelers, as well as a customized wedding website. Our wedding coordinators can arrange any personal touch to ceremonies and receptions, as well as free wedding packages to qualifying wedding parties. Return on your wedding anniversary and receive an anniversary package including a king-size bed, a bottle of domestic champagne on ice in your suite, a romantic candlelight dinner for two on the beach served by beach waiters, a free half-hour massage lesson, and deluxe bathrobes and daily suite decorations. 16 Spa services include couples massages ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico Palladium Hotels & Resorts Luxury wedding destinations in Mexico Located on Mexico’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Palladium Hotels & Resorts offers two 5-star all-inclusive beachfront complexes that provide the ideal setting for a fairytale wedding. In the world-renowned Mayan Riviera, the complex boasts a selection of beautiful ceremony sites for a flawless wedding. Guests may exchange vows at sunset on the beachside gazebo with the Caribbean Sea in the background or submerge themselves in the exotic, tropical flora at the stunning garden gazebo site. A brand new, charming colonial style chapel for up to 150 guests is perfect for couples looking for the ultimate destination wedding without sacrificing the religious element of the ceremony. In a similar paradisiacal setting, the other Mexican complex rests in the mystic region of Puerto Vallarta. Its private beach of fine white sand offers an exceptional location for wedding ceremonies as the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean create beautiful background music. Couples can promise each other eternal love on a sundrenched terrace as the late afternoon sky is painted with myriad colors. These luxury eco-hotels have been designed with top-notch amenities and an exclusive attention to detail that have become standard features in all Palladium Resorts. Thanks to the great variety of on-property restaurants, guests can enjoy an exquisite cuisine worthy of the most discerning palates. From buffet-style to “a la carte” theme restaurants, they’ll find delicacies from all over the world, including Japanese, Mediter- ranean, Italian and many more. Every Palladium Resort offers a funfilled agenda of sports and entertainment activities. Refreshing swimming pools, live music, discotheques, night shows…in addition, both complexes boast an ultramodern spa equipped with the most advanced facilities offering guests a wide variety of therapies and services. And for those looking for even more luxury, there’s The Royal Suites by Palladium. These ultra exclusive and adults-only resorts, located within the grounds of the Palladium Resort complexes, offer a boutiquelike feel and all the amenities and services of a 5-star luxury all-inclusive resort, including butler service, 24-hour room service, gourmet “a la carte” restaurants, pillow menus, top shelf drinks, personalized service and much more for a once in a lifetime experience. Contact Palladium Resorts: www.palladiumresorts.com. With 10-room minimum, bride & groom stay free Couples looking to share their wedding happiness with their loved ones can stay for free at Palladium. Booking a picture-perfect wedding in any of our 5-star all-inclusive Grand Palladium or The Royal Suites Resorts in the Mayan or Nayarit Rivieras comes with a free room* for the bride and groom. With this special offer, the phrase “the more the merrier “certainly holds true. With a minimum of 10 rooms, the happy couple can stay for free* during the same number of nights booked for the rest of the party. *See offer details at www.palladiumweddings.com. 18 - ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico - Starwood Hotels and Resorts Featuring all-inclusive options throughout Mexico Offer your clients an experience like never before with Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Mexico. Whether your clients choose to discover the beauty of the clear blue waters and white sand beaches of the Caribbean or set out on a fishing excursion in the Pacific, Starwood has options throughout Mexico for everyone. Snorkeling, diving, fishing or golfing, guests will leave more energized than when they arrived. With distinct resort locations to choose from, the toughest choice will be which one to see. Cancun offers the unparalleled beauty of the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise-blue water, where visitors enjoy scuba diving, - parasailing or taking a spin on a wave runner. Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most beautiful and exclusive destinations, with much more than just sun and beaches — although there’s no lack of either here. Exciting activities are available to fill guests’ days with adventure and nights with glamour. Puerto Vallarta is the ideal place for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. After spending a day in the sun, clients can enjoy the exquisite regional cuisine of Jalisco that so many people have come to love and the relaxing ambiance of the terraces in open-air restaurants. Starwood Hotels and Resorts fea- ture accommodations from maximum comfort to ultimate luxury. Full service spas allow your clients to be rejuvenated with a full body massage or calming facial. The dining options are endless with a wide array of cuisine at any one of the fine dining restaurants. All-inclusive packages are now available for Starwood guests staying at The Westin Resort and Spa, Los Cabos; The Westin Resort and Spa, Cancun; The Westin Resort and Spa, Puerto Vallarta; and The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos. Take advantage of this special offer and book your clients in a Starwood all-inclusive package today. Starwood offers all-inclusive packages 20 Treat your clients to Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ all-inclusive package in Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts. With spectacular Mexico destinations to choose from, such as Puerto Vallarta, Cancun or Los Cabos, your client’s beach escape will be a most memorable experience. Starwood Hotels and Resorts offer seven distinctive hotel brands in nine Mexican destinations, ensuring guests experience the best of this beautiful country. From sunrises to sunsets, travelers can explore all of Starwood’s resort offerings throughout Mexico by visiting www. starwoodpro.com/mexico. Top: Beachfront pool at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos Below: The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun, sunset cocktails at the lagoon ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico - Le Blanc Spa Resort Five-star setting, all-inclusive packages Situated along one of the most stunning beaches in Mexico, this AAA Five Diamond resort is the perfect destination for your clients to say “I do”. Le Blanc Spa Resort doesn’t just offer a lavish oceanfront setting for their special day: it also gives them comfort and peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of under our allinclusive packages. Our complimentary wedding and honeymoon packages include their very own personal planner, dinner, wedding cake, breakfast in bed the morning after the ceremony, and so much more. And with our $1,500 Resort Credit that can be used towards golf, spa or one of our wedding packages, your clients’ day will keep getting better. In addition, you are eligible for Le Blanc Spa Resort is the perfect destination for your clients to say ‘I do’. bonus commission, complimentary nights and 20% commission on the price of the wedding package as part of our great travel agent incentive programs. Let us make your clients wedding unforgettable. Visit www.leblancsparesort.com. 22 ADVERTISEMENT R R the Romance of Mexico Oasis Hotels & Resorts, Cancun Your love, your Oasis Clients who seek a romantic yet affordable getaway will love the all-inclusive Oasis Hotels & Resorts in Cancun, which feature all of the ingredients necessary for that perfect hideaway just for two. Start with some of the finest beach locations in Cancun, as well as the largest pool (at the Grand Oasis Cancun and Oasis Cancun), and the greatest selection of restaurants among all of our properties. Add in well-appointed deluxe accommodations, a large selection of restaurants and bars, 24-hour room service, a full-service spa, marina with non-motorized water sports, par 3 Executive golf course, tennis courts, fitness center, and shops and boutiques, and you’ve got a recipe for a romantic vacation like no other! Your clients will love the fact that their room, meals, alcohol, and activities (except for spa treatments) are included in the price. This means that they can simply relax and enjoy their time together without having to worry about paying every time they order a drink or sit down for a meal. Best of all, they will know how much their romantic getaway will cost before they even leave home! A romantic vacation at Oasis Hotels & Resorts means sleeping late, enjoying a bountiful breakfast, and then finding a special spot at the pool or on the beach. Perhaps your clients will schedule a spa treatment (at an additional fee) before cocktails at sunset, and then a romantic dinner by candlelight. Best of all, they need never leave the resort — or Oasis can help them plan an excursion to enjoy the best that Cancun has to offer, including a sail on a catamaran, snorkeling, a tour to see Mayan ruins, swimming with dolphins, jet skiing, and so much more. It’s all here at Oasis Hotels & Resorts and easily bookable through your favorite tour operator. Contact Oasis Hotels & Resorts, Cancun: www.oasishotels.com or your preferred tour operator. Weddings and vow renewals If your clients REALLY want to make this a romantic getaway to remember, we can make arrangements for them to get married here or renew their vows! Oasis Hotels & Resorts will work with you to design a romantic wedding celebration just for two— or we even have a free wedding package valued at $1,199 if they want to bring their friends and family along (a minimum number of 25 room nights apply). Simply e-mail us at weddings@oasishotels. com for information. - Below: Oasis resorts in Cancun feature full-service spas. Right: Weddings and vow renewal ceremonies are available. ADVERTISEMENT 23