Romance Package at Sivory Punta Cana
Whether you're newlyweds--or not so new in the wed department--Sivory Punta Cana is offering a new three-night Caribbean Romance package. It includes:
• Three nights in an ocean view Deluxe Jr. Suite
• Complimentary use of “Love Concierge” to help personalize the experience for any occasion including proposals, anniversaries and vow renewals
• Complimentary private helicopter arrival transfer from Punta Cana International Airport
• Private beach check-in with chilled towel service and Champagne
• Private ground transport for departure to Punta Cana International Airport
• Daily American breakfast
• Caviar hors d’oeuvres and a bottle of Champagne upon arrival
• One couple treatment per stay at Aquarea Spa & Wellness Center, which includes a choice of the following treatments:
•• Use of Jacuzzi
•• Exfoliating salts and body wrap
•• Anti-Stress Hydrotherapy for him
•• Sea salt exfoliation and body wrap at the Vichy Shower for her
•• A relaxing 55-minute massage for her
•• A 55-minute deep muscle tissue massage for him
•• Manicure for her
•• Pedicure for him
•One candlelit dinner on the beach for two, with selected premium wine
•Daily bed turn down with chocolate dipped fruits
Price: The cost of the Caribbean Romance Package is $275 per person, per night based on double occupancy from April 1st through December 21, 2007. Package rates are subject to 16 percent VAT and 10 percent Service Charge.
For reservations:• call (809) 552-0500
• email reservations@sivorypuntacana.com
Why It's Dreamy: Sivory Punta Cana is located on what is considered Punta Cana's gold coast on its own private beach. It includes 55 suites, many offering oceanfront views, private plunge pools, wellness center, full-service spa, 3 gourmet restaurants, reflecting pool and 2 casual dining bars, cigar bar, an extensive wine cellar featuring 8,000 bottles of the finest vintages from around the world. Services and amenities include butler service, pool and beach valet, parking valet, business center and Wi-Fi. The property is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Labels: Caribbean
posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 4:31 PM
Reader Mail: August Weddings in Punta Cana
This has been a big week for questions about Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic! We received this question from Denise:
Hi there, we are wanting to get married next August 2008 in Punta Cana. I just have a few questions as I cannot find answer on the internet anywhere. Dear Denise,
Congratulations on you upcoming wedding! Here’s an overview of the marriage requirements in the DR:
http://www.lovetripper.com/article/wedding-regulations/dominican-republic.htmlYour paperwork does have to be translated into Spanish. Because of the language requirements, many brides rely on the services of a wedding planner. The most common practice is to use the services of the hotel’s wedding planner although there are also independent wedding planners on the island.
Also, remember that the US government now requires passports for Americans traveling via air to the Caribbean.
The price range varies greatly from property to property. Bavaro hotels are inexpensive all-inclusives; we’ve seen prices at some of their properties lower than $50 per day per person (depending on the property and the time of year). You can expect prices of about $100 per person per day at many all-inclusives. Prices in August are about as low as you’ll find any time of the year because of hurricane season. (September is the peak of hurricane season.)
Temperatures in August are warm but not that much hotter than other times; look for upper 80s with high humidity (and often afternoon showers) that time of year. On the beach, you’ll be comfortable; you’ll feel the higher temperatures more if you go inland for touring or activities.
Some all-inclusives offer free weddings (some free for any size wedding, others free with a particular class of room or with the booking of a certain number of guest rooms for the wedding party). You will pay for license fees.
With a wedding party of 20, you’ll want to start somewhat early so you can qualify for a group room block at the hotel and possibly even a group airfare rate from the airline. One year to eight months early would be ideal but you could pull together the whole thing even two or three months early at many resorts since that is low season. We always suggest starting early, though, to have the most options.
Best wishes! Paris and John
Labels: Caribbean
posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 4:24 PM
Reader Mail: Getting Married in Punta Cana
A question from a reader:
I would like to get married in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on the beach. Could you please send me information on resorts, wedding planners, and locations? Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Punta Cana is home to numerous resorts, many of them new within the last few years. The area is especially known for its all-inclusives. Last year, we stayed at the Paradisus Palma Real which we really enjoyed; it’s a large property with elegant guest rooms, numerous restaurants and a huge swath of beach. You’ll also find numerous RIU, Bavaro, and Iberostar resorts (all all-inclusives) in the Punta Cana area. Within the region, the prettiest beach we’ve seen is at Cap Cana, an area that’s still under development but has some accommodation areas open at this time.
Getting married in the Dominican Republic involves a little more work than some other islands; you’ll need to have your paperwork translated into Spanish. Here’s an overview of the DR’s wedding regulations:
http://www.lovetripper.com/article/wedding-regulations/dominican-republic.htmlBecause of the language requirements, many brides rely on the services of a wedding planner. The most common practice is to use the services of the hotel’s wedding planner although there are also independent wedding planners on the island.
Also, remember that the US government now requires passports for Americans traveling via air to the Caribbean.
Best wishes! Paris and John
Labels: Caribbean
posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 4:22 PM
Longer Waits for US Passports
The new requirement that American air passengers possess a valid passport to return home from the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, and Canada (all places that once could be visited with just a driver's license and certified birth certificate) now means a longer wait for new passports. To top it off, this is the peak season for passport applications as travelers look ahead to those summer vacations. Basically, plan on about a 10-week wait for a new passport or about a one-month wait if you've chosen expedited service and overnight shipping. Read more about the longer passport processing times on the
State Department website.
Remember, the new passport rule doesn't inclue the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Also, if you're taking a cruise, you've got another year before you fall under the new rule; at the present time it's just for air passengers.
posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 8:19 AM
Celebrity Romantic Travel News
Wonder who's where? Find out in this month's Celebrity Romantic Travel News by Grace Sydney. We've got both an
international and a
domestic edition to give you the scoop on the hottest places.
Labels: celebrities
posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 8:14 PM
St. Lucia's Windjammer Landing Offering Girls' Getaway
Looking for a unique bachelorette getaway? The answer just might be a new
"Martinis, Margaritas and Massages: The Ultimate Escape For Divas" package launched by Windjammer Landing, located on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia.
Rates for May 1, 2007 to December 20, 2007:
2 bedroom villa (sleeps four)-$495 per villa per night
3 bedroom villa (sleeps six)-$550 per villa per night
Activities:
-Host
a massage and martini party in the privacy of your villa. Imagine lounging in your Windjammer kimono while sipping martinis (unlimited) before and after your1/2-hour massage. Torrents of conversation will flow in the company of great friends;
-Pamper yourself with
a pedicure and manicure as you relax by the resort’s Island pool.
Margaritas (as many as you like) will be served during your pedicure/manicure along with sweet island fruit.
-Enjoy an
Island Embrace Fruit Wrap. While the enzymes soften your skin, you will be wrapped in fragrant warmth, followed by a scrub and vichy shower. Top it off with a fantastic massage at Windjammer’s Serenity Spa;
-Dance away on the
sunset cruise enjoying your friends and St. Lucian hospitality.
-Experience a
shopping spree just for you. Windjammer will provide transportation to the town of Castries for Duty Free Shopping including Diamonds International
-To savor memories of this "Windjammer Ultimate Escape For Divas" vacation, the resort will give you a complimentary t-shirt which says, "Windjammer: It’s All About Me."
Price: "Martinis, Margaritas and Massages: The Ultimate Escape For Divas" package costs $325
per person. There’s a minimum of four persons per booking with minimum of five night stay. Package needs to be booked 14 days in advance of arrival.
For More Information:
call (800) 345-0356
visit www.windjammer-landing.com
email reservation@windjammer-landing.com
Labels: Caribbean
posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 1:14 PM
Sandals Cosponsoring Bridal Registry Events
Along with BRIDE’S and Modern Bride’s magazines, Sandals Resorts is co-sponsoring exclusive events at three Bed Bath & Beyond locations. During Bed Bath & Beyond’s exclusive “After Hours” event, the two of you can spend the evening privately registering for your special day, with hands-on assistance from the store’s product specialists.
Sandals will also surprise one bride and groom who attend with a six-day/five-night luxurious honeymoon at any of the 12 Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean.
You'll also find Sandals Resorts’ sales managers and local travel agents at the events to help with information on the romantic resorts.
The Events:Irvine, CaliforniaMarch 11, 2007, 7pm – 9pm
Store Location: Tustin Market Place II
13692 Jamboree Road
Irvine, CA 92602
Paramus, New JerseyMarch 20, 2007, 7pm – 9pm
Store Location: 300 Ikea Drive
Paramus, NJ 07652
Houston, TexasMarch 25, 2007, 7pm – 9pm
Store Location: 700 Meyerland Plaza
Houston, TX 77096
Labels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 8:43 PM
