Help with small wedding location
Jul 25th, 2017, 10:43 AM
#1
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Help with small wedding location
I am starting to plan for a small wedding in June '18 somewhere in the Caribbean. I've been doing research for a few weeks now and I can't decide on the right location let alone resort. I'm hoping for some recommendations. A little background.
2nd marriage with 3 teens aged 13,13,14. We are inviting family and some friends but not sure how many will attend. Definitely less than 20. Looking to stay for a week and trying to keep it around $5K for accommodations (for my family of 5). I'm not dead set on an all-inclusive but thought it may be great for the kids and any guests that make the trip down. I'd like to go somewhere that isn't a crazy party town or resort or is overly touristy. We are traveling from San Diego but could fly out of LAX or Tijuana.
We are looking for a nice sandy beach with fairly clear/calm water for snorkeling right off the beach for the kids. Doesn't have to have amazing snorkeling. I'd also like somewhere with activities for teens i.e. great pool, lazy river, teen club, zip-lining, etc. ...something to help keep them entertained if they want to get away from us or the beach.
Also, many of the resorts I've been looking at don't seem to allow 3 people in a room. We are looking to get 2 adjoining rooms. Any suggestions?
I know this is a lot of information and a very open ended question but where should I concentrate my research? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
So far I've been looking at:
Turks & Caicos - The beaches seem amazing but very expensive
Dominican Republic - Much more affordable but have read that beaches in Punta Cana are rough for snorkeling. Are there nice resorts in Puerta Plata?
Jamaica - Interesting. My fiancee is a little concerned about teenagers in Jamaica. How to decide between Negril/Montego Bay/Ocho Rios
Costa Rica - Not a lot of AI resorts and flying into Liberia airport is expensive from here. Seems like great beaches and lots of activities. I would be interested if I could find the right resort.
Playa Del Carmen / Riviera Maya - Interesting. How are the beaches and the resorts? Is it super touristy?
Cozumel - Seems to have mostly man-made beaches at the nicer resorts.Are there nice beaches and is it too touristy?
Cancun - Not interested...too touristy.
Atlantis resort - My fiancee has been there and brought it up as an option. Seems super crowded but I could be open to it.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance
2nd marriage with 3 teens aged 13,13,14. We are inviting family and some friends but not sure how many will attend. Definitely less than 20. Looking to stay for a week and trying to keep it around $5K for accommodations (for my family of 5). I'm not dead set on an all-inclusive but thought it may be great for the kids and any guests that make the trip down. I'd like to go somewhere that isn't a crazy party town or resort or is overly touristy. We are traveling from San Diego but could fly out of LAX or Tijuana.
We are looking for a nice sandy beach with fairly clear/calm water for snorkeling right off the beach for the kids. Doesn't have to have amazing snorkeling. I'd also like somewhere with activities for teens i.e. great pool, lazy river, teen club, zip-lining, etc. ...something to help keep them entertained if they want to get away from us or the beach.
Also, many of the resorts I've been looking at don't seem to allow 3 people in a room. We are looking to get 2 adjoining rooms. Any suggestions?
I know this is a lot of information and a very open ended question but where should I concentrate my research? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
So far I've been looking at:
Turks & Caicos - The beaches seem amazing but very expensive
Dominican Republic - Much more affordable but have read that beaches in Punta Cana are rough for snorkeling. Are there nice resorts in Puerta Plata?
Jamaica - Interesting. My fiancee is a little concerned about teenagers in Jamaica. How to decide between Negril/Montego Bay/Ocho Rios
Costa Rica - Not a lot of AI resorts and flying into Liberia airport is expensive from here. Seems like great beaches and lots of activities. I would be interested if I could find the right resort.
Playa Del Carmen / Riviera Maya - Interesting. How are the beaches and the resorts? Is it super touristy?
Cozumel - Seems to have mostly man-made beaches at the nicer resorts.Are there nice beaches and is it too touristy?
Cancun - Not interested...too touristy.
Atlantis resort - My fiancee has been there and brought it up as an option. Seems super crowded but I could be open to it.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Jul 25th, 2017, 11:03 AM
#2
<How to decide between Negril/Montego Bay/Ocho Rios>
IF you do pick Jamaica, I definitely would consider Negril!
www.negrilonestop.com
IF you do pick Jamaica, I definitely would consider Negril!
www.negrilonestop.com
Jul 28th, 2017, 06:22 AM
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i know a lot of ppl who got married in Tobago, and i have to say it is a stunning place for weddings.
Everywhere you go it is going to be a bit touristic and a bit expensive. Bahamas, St.Lucia, Barbados expecially. I think Tobago is still more affordable than other islands
Everywhere you go it is going to be a bit touristic and a bit expensive. Bahamas, St.Lucia, Barbados expecially. I think Tobago is still more affordable than other islands
Jul 28th, 2017, 06:45 AM
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Have you looked at St. Lucia? There are some family friendly resorts with all-inclusive options and there are a lot of activities to do off the resort. Check out The Landings, Windjammer Landing, and Marigot Bay Resort for starters. I don't know if any of them meet your budget but St. Lucia is worth a look.
Jul 28th, 2017, 08:13 AM
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I wouldn't encourage Puerto Vallarta right now. It's under a state department warning. Other areas of Mexico are considered safer.
http://abc7chicago.com/travel/mexico...reak-/1800753/
http://abc7chicago.com/travel/mexico...reak-/1800753/
Jul 28th, 2017, 08:58 AM
#7
That is not true about Puerto Vallarta. There is no "state department warning".
You need to read the information in that link more carefully. It references the border of the state of Jalisco:
"areas that border the states of Michoacán and Zacatecas because of continued instability."
which is a long ways from PV. Look at a map.
You need to read the information in that link more carefully. It references the border of the state of Jalisco:
"areas that border the states of Michoacán and Zacatecas because of continued instability."
which is a long ways from PV. Look at a map.
Aug 1st, 2017, 07:57 AM
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Suze -- I agree that reading the state department link oneself and studying it is always advised. I should have shared the language of the warning itself, so I did so below.
Your point about studying the map is valid. Still, Puerto Vallarta IS listed under the state department warning. It is a warning, which to me is a think twice.
If nothing else, people should be warned that they should only fly into Puerto Vallarta directly. That is not self-evident to those who don't travel to Mexico regularly. Some guests might take a flight into another city and drive.
"Jalisco (includes Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Lake Chapala): U.S. citizens should defer non-essential travel to areas that border the states of Michoacán and Zacatecas because of continued instability. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from personal travel to areas of Jalisco that border Zacatecas, intercity travel after hours, and from using Highway 80 between Cocula and La Huerta. U.S. government personnel are authorized to use Federal toll road 15D for travel to Mexico City; however, they may not stop in the town of La Barca or Ocotlan for any reason."
Your point about studying the map is valid. Still, Puerto Vallarta IS listed under the state department warning. It is a warning, which to me is a think twice.
If nothing else, people should be warned that they should only fly into Puerto Vallarta directly. That is not self-evident to those who don't travel to Mexico regularly. Some guests might take a flight into another city and drive.
"Jalisco (includes Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Lake Chapala): U.S. citizens should defer non-essential travel to areas that border the states of Michoacán and Zacatecas because of continued instability. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from personal travel to areas of Jalisco that border Zacatecas, intercity travel after hours, and from using Highway 80 between Cocula and La Huerta. U.S. government personnel are authorized to use Federal toll road 15D for travel to Mexico City; however, they may not stop in the town of La Barca or Ocotlan for any reason."
Aug 1st, 2017, 08:09 AM
#9
Puerto Vallarta IS NOT under the state department warning you pasted in above. There is no warning for Guadalajara, or PF, or Lake Chapala. Read what you quoted above.
All that means is that those cities are within the state of Jalisco.
The "should defer non-essential travel" is for the "areas that border the states of Michoacan and Zacatecas..." which is approx 8-10 hours (611 & 667 km) from PV.
All that means is that those cities are within the state of Jalisco.
The "should defer non-essential travel" is for the "areas that border the states of Michoacan and Zacatecas..." which is approx 8-10 hours (611 & 667 km) from PV.
Aug 3rd, 2017, 10:28 PM
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Yes, I read it and they are included in the parentheses. I agree, the state of Jalisco is not forbidden, but is near some very dangerous areas.
As I understand it, you are saying, 'it's too far to matter, so why did you bring it up?"
And my feeling is that it could matter. Not everyone knows Mexico like you do, Suze, that's the whole problem.
Should the wedding guests get the idea of either driving from Mexico City or do any touring, this travel advisory will definitely apply to them. For example, the 150 route cited has specific towns along it that citizens "should not stop at for any reason."
As I understand it, you are saying, 'it's too far to matter, so why did you bring it up?"
And my feeling is that it could matter. Not everyone knows Mexico like you do, Suze, that's the whole problem.
Should the wedding guests get the idea of either driving from Mexico City or do any touring, this travel advisory will definitely apply to them. For example, the 150 route cited has specific towns along it that citizens "should not stop at for any reason."
Aug 4th, 2017, 09:45 AM
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Going back to the OP, who might be long gone now...
Suze and I will apparently continue to have a difference of opinion about Puerto Vallarta as an alternate wedding destination, but that is okay. We don't all have to agree in a forum.
My personal opinion: I would go with your original plan, of a Caribbean island. Best of luck in your plans and sorry for derailing your post.
Suze and I will apparently continue to have a difference of opinion about Puerto Vallarta as an alternate wedding destination, but that is okay. We don't all have to agree in a forum.
My personal opinion: I would go with your original plan, of a Caribbean island. Best of luck in your plans and sorry for derailing your post.
Aug 18th, 2017, 01:39 PM
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If beautiful beaches are at the top of your list, you could try Negril. Couples and Sandals are great All Inclusive and I believe they have a wedding package included.
Small Boutique hotel offer wedding packages as well. you could do some research on The Spa Retreat Boutique hotel in Negril.
the other activities might be offered as tours (zipline etc) you can check with your hotel on this when you are researching.
Small Boutique hotel offer wedding packages as well. you could do some research on The Spa Retreat Boutique hotel in Negril.
the other activities might be offered as tours (zipline etc) you can check with your hotel on this when you are researching.
Aug 19th, 2017, 08:11 AM
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Look at OCEAN CLUB WEST, OCEAN CLUB EAST, or THE SANDS on Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. These properties rent out very nice condos right on Grace Bay Beach, and they are less pricier than some of the fancier resort hotels. You can also check in with them about their summertime special offers. There's often quite a reduction in pricing for summer months.
And, if you'd consider a private rental, please post again. One of the frequent contributors here is a part-time Grace Bay resident who has written the Fodor's guides to T&C. She rents out her lovely home, which is only two blocks from Grace Bay Beach.
In Negril, look at CHARELA INN, IDLE AWHILE, or COCO LA PALM ( but only the upper floor suites). Just a word of warning about COCO: It's more rustic than the other two properties, but a good value, and on the best part of Negril's beach.
However... much as I love Negril, yes, there are tons of vendors on the beach,, some more aggressive than others, but a simple "no, thanks", will usually get them to leave you alone.
Because Negril has so many cheap, wonderful places to eat, both on the beach and on the cliffs, I would recommend NOT going with an AI.
Lastly, something to keep in mind... June in the Caribbean can be gorgeous or not. It's very possible to have lots of rain on some of the islands at that time of year, though typically Turks and Caicos, and the southern ABC islands ( Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are drier.
And, if you'd consider a private rental, please post again. One of the frequent contributors here is a part-time Grace Bay resident who has written the Fodor's guides to T&C. She rents out her lovely home, which is only two blocks from Grace Bay Beach.
In Negril, look at CHARELA INN, IDLE AWHILE, or COCO LA PALM ( but only the upper floor suites). Just a word of warning about COCO: It's more rustic than the other two properties, but a good value, and on the best part of Negril's beach.
However... much as I love Negril, yes, there are tons of vendors on the beach,, some more aggressive than others, but a simple "no, thanks", will usually get them to leave you alone.
Because Negril has so many cheap, wonderful places to eat, both on the beach and on the cliffs, I would recommend NOT going with an AI.
Lastly, something to keep in mind... June in the Caribbean can be gorgeous or not. It's very possible to have lots of rain on some of the islands at that time of year, though typically Turks and Caicos, and the southern ABC islands ( Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are drier.
