Jamaica
 

Thinking about planning a destination wedding at Riu ClubHotel in ocho Rios Jamaica. Any advice?

Is your group (the guests) the kind of people who will be OK with the idea traveling to Jamaica?

We decided against Jamaica, because it seemed a little 'rough around the edges' for our taste.

We chose St Croix, and loved it. The Buccaneer would be an awesome place for

a wedding.

Yes... We just want a small group... And will travel.

Ok.. I'll look into it, thanks

I don't recommend the RIU highly. It's a budget, get what you pay for type of AI chain. The food was not good and standing in line to get reservations for the ala cart restaurants was annoying. There are better resorts in Jamaica. Look at The Iberostars, Secrets and the Jewell resorts.

Ok. Was looking for all inclusive. The buccaneer was not, from what I read.
Now I'm kinda worried about RIU....though

I encourage you to take KVR's advice and look at other options beyond RIU. Her All-Inclusive information is the best you will find on this forum.

If you want to stick with Jamaica, I would also encourage you to look at other locations besides Ocho Rios (like Negril).

We have a daughter traveling with us, and they had kids things that lead me to them plus the Dunn river falls and other activities. I am not stuck on Jamaica. Was just what I came across.

You are correct, The Buccaneer is not all-inclusive. But, it does include a fabulous and complete breakfast buffet. Plus free wi-fi, free parking, free snorkel gear, free kayaks, complimentary owner's reception weekly. There are four places to eat, from a poolside snack bar to a higher-end restaurant.

We had also considered an AI, but decided we didn't need that much alcohol and food!

PS Several AIs on the Dominican Republic. Very affordable.

Maybe look into Rose Hall (Hilton). The nicer AIs in Ochie tend to be adult only.

Have you been to the DR, Tabernash2? I wouldn't send anyone to Punta Cana (where most of the AIs are located) for this type of request. They are "affordable" for a reason.

No one has actually recommended Riu...so guess I need to reconsider

Unfortunately, there are not really any "good" AI's in the Negril area. The best AI's can be found in Montego Bay. Unfortunately again, the Montego Bay area is not highly recommended either, so you have to decided what is more important to you.

If you need a resort that can accomendate children/teens, again look at the Iberostars in Montego Bay, Grand Palladium, Grand Pineapple, Jewell Runaway Bay in Ocho Rios and the Royal Decameron.

Here's a list of AI's in the Caribbean to help you with your research.

http://www.caribbeanallinclusive.com...ve_resorts.cfm

I traveled for two weeks with a local friend, on the DR. He lives in Casa de Campo. We visited an awesome eco-lodge in the 'mountains', toured mangroves, walked in a 'humid' forest, took an ocean guided tour of caves, took a guided river fishing daytrip, stayed a night in Santo Domingo, learned avout the antiquities there, and visited its historic places.

I was not in Punta Cana. A relative took her extended family to an AI there, and they liked it a lot. I forget its name, but I know I posted it a couple of times here on my threads when we were considering it ourselves.

I think Punta Cana might be an area where you stick to resort grounds for the most part. But I did research an AI in that vicinity, which looked like there were 'safe' places to visit near the resort.

Whether or not that is a fair assessment of Punta Cana, I don't know.

When we drove to the mountains from Casa de Campo, we went through the nicest, simplest farm country. Cocoa beans, especially. Since my friend is a semi-local, he knew where to visit. The Dominicans I met were warm and friendly. They were proud of their little farm businesses. Cutest kids riding ponies to school in their uniforms. Whitest teeth! I enjoyed the culture I encountered there.

In fact, Casa de Campo has gorgeous settings for a wedding, on 7000 acres:

http://casadecampo.com.do/weddings/receptions-details

We went to a dinner outside at the main clubhouse pool one night. It's a classy place. Lots of options for housing. Could be $$$$, though.

Thanks for help everyone...now looking into other islands

Try not to get overwhelmed. You should be able to find just the right place.

I noticed some places have meal plans, instead of being AI. The American Plan provides breakfast/lunch/dinner, or you can get a breakfast only plan.

That way, it would be 'cash bar' for guests, except at the events you host. Might be a reasonable way to go. I don't think your guests would expect open bar 24/7, plus meals.

I could be wrong, but my friends wouldn't expect that. Especially if they have little fridges in their rooms.

You could provide a bottle of wine, or something, with your custom wedding label on it. In a welcome gift bag in your guests rooms.

Have fun planning!