WHITE SAND TRAVEL

Karisma Resort Weddings and Honeymoons

2010-04-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked at one of those magazines while you are in the checkout line at your favorite store and you wonder how some people are so wonderfully gorgeous? I look at photographs at Halle Berry and I simply just can’t tear my eyes away from the page. No flaws, everything is perfect and I wish I could look like her. But is that really the true image or has that image been airbrushed and presented to look like perfection? Not to say she is not absolutely and breathtakingly beautiful but how does she really look? Well I also do the same thing when I look at some glossy magazine pictures of these amazing resorts. When were those pictures taken? Is that how the resort really looks and even if it did look like that, what is the service like? For several years I stared at that pictures of El Dorado Royale and I just always thought “what a fabulous resort. I bet it is for the rich and famous’. Well, I am not rich and famous “yet”, but I had the opportunity to spend some time at the absolutely fabulous resort and as a Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist when a bride or groom says Mexico, immediately my ears tune in and I start to imagine them on the shore of the Riviera Maya, enjoying the king size day beds, lazing in their very own lazy river steps away from their room. And, those casita suites just beckon me back 20 years or so when I would be totally willing to live in one of those suites for the rest of my life and just be a professional honeymooner. Are you looking for your dream destination?

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels caters to couples; offering the ideal settings for romance, whether a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or impromptu romantic getaway. You'll love the In-suite Jacuzzis, the Aguas del Amor, a private outdoor shower, the full service concierge, and the pool and beach butlers. These Gourmet Inclusive® luxury resorts are strung along the Riviera Maya's shore line, each offering pristine stretches of white sand beachfront. Allow yourself to savor every detail of your vacation experience to the fullest. Whatever your desire, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels can fulfill it.

With more than a mile of sandy beach in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, El Dorado Royale by Karisma offers an escape no other destination can match. All the luxuries you can dream of, combined with an emphasis on personal attention to your every whim, make this an ideal location for impromptu getaways, romantic weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. Discover the pleasures of the Gourmet Inclusive® experience. Relax in an elegant suite that includes 24-hour room service and a private Jacuzzi. Savor gourmet dining at seven extraordinary restaurants. Float on 13 swimming pools and indulge in spa services, including our popular couples massage classes. Then get ready to join in the exciting nightlife. It’s all here and it’s all for you in a place that doesn’t just feel like paradise, it is.

See for yourself.

Do You Love Adventure? Explore Los Cabos.

2009-10-17T16:58:00.001-07:00

Lush surprises await you when you venture out to enjoy the dramatic desert and mountainous landscape of Los Cabos. Choose to hike or mountain bike your way past the cascading waterfalls, the colorful and flowers and other indigenous wildlife. Hiking up the Sierra de la Laguna Mountain is challenging but rewarding. The great view of the desert terrain and Baja and the chance to the sub-tropical birds, mule deer or mountain lions along the way will surely pique your interests.
You may opt to explore the desert outback and experience the bumpy terrain and streams and remote villages in an open-air Mercedes Benz. This unique tour includes a nature walk that provides and explanation of the unspoiled flora and fauna and indigenous wildlife of the desert. Put some pizzazz in it by driving your own Hummer to local adventures in Todos Santos, Rancho La Verdad, Santiago and the East Cape with Baja Outback.
True adventures will thrill to a zipline tour of Baja’s desert canyons. The tour takes you high above the canyons and riverbeds of Boca de Sierra National Park for an unbelievable experience through nature.

Of note is that Los Cabo’s Magdalena Bay is where hundreds of visiting gray, humpback, fin and Byrde’s whales go to breed from January to March. Want to get right in the water with the mammal? How about the wondrous – if not smaller- dolphin? Also, keep in mind that many resorts in Los Cabos are dedicated to ensuring environmental justice as sea turtle watch and rescue sites. As a guest, you may have the opportunity to become involved in protecting some of the nature’s habitants such as sea turtles

BEYOND THE BEACH

2009-10-15T22:43:00.001-07:00

The Caribbean is known as the destination for the most romantic and amazing honeymoons and weddings. Most couples chose the islands because of the close proximity and affordability not to mention the luscious white and powdery beaches you have come to expect and enjoy. There is a myriad of luxurious resorts ready to attend to your every need so you can experience a marvelous beach vacation and a rejuvenating few days in the tropics. While there is nothing wrong with the simple, standard Caribbean package designed for enjoying beach activities, relaxation and good food and weather. The island beckons you to enjoy the richness of the land. Dig deeper into cultural, historical and adventure possibilities available in the islands and complete the true picture of the exotic and tropical honeymoon you have dreamed about.

So what is there to do other than bask in the wonderful tropical sun, sip margaritas and splash in the amazing blue ocean waters? There is a wide variety of ways to experience the Caribbean beyond the beach ready for you to join the fun. Chukka Caribbean Adventures specializes in ours for Jamaica, Turks & Caicos and Belize and offers such exciting tours such as zip-line canopy tours, off-road safaris, buggy adventures, horseback riding, dogsled rides, bus tours, river tubing, river kayaking and ATV safaris. Ever thought your honeymoon could be this rich with adventure?

If you are adventurous and staying in the Montego Bay area, go out and explore the town. Ten minutes by taxi, the Hip Strip is the main drag with after-hours options like Blue Beat with a mellow menu of jazz and a potent menu of martinis. Next door, Margaritavilla is for the young-at-heart with margaritas in every flavor under the sun; and yes, you can get a cheeseburger in paradise. Across the street, tempt Lady Luck at the Coral Cliff Entertainment Lounge with more than a hundred slot machines, reggae concerts and comedy shows.

Montego Bay is a golfer’s nirvana with three courses within a 10-minute drive of one another. The Robert Trent Jones Half Moon Golf Club; Ritz-Carlton’s White Witch Course and Cinnamon Hill at the Rose Hall Resort are worth the splurge.

A haven for rejuvenation, the Renova Spa wickedly tempts you with seven indoor treatment rooms and two secluded seaside gazebos. The Reggae Splash Spa Package is four hours of pure bliss and includes a Jamaica No Problem Massage, an aloe rub to seal the deal, and more.

USING STOCKS FOR YOUR VACATION

2009-10-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

I just read an article about a very creative marketing approach to help travelers get the most out of their vacation experience by using stocks in lieu of cash or credit card as payment. What do you think? Pretty genius or are your eyebrows arched in a way to say, what next?

Sometimes", says Heydt, "you do have to reinvent the wheel At a time when cash is in short supply and stocks were deemed worthless, we used this promotion to change our currency from cash to stocks". Steven Heydt, is the President of Elite Islands. Elite Islands has a collection of 11 resorts ranging from an impressive collection of unique beachfront resorts provides the best variety in Caribbean vacations. From the islands of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Antigua which is steeped in history, the seductive Nevis, lush and tropical St. Lucia, seductive Barbados or Palm Island - the private island paradise in the Grenadines, you can have the perfect escape you are looking for.

Tortola is voted "WORLD’S SEXIEST BEACH”. Do you yearn for the perfect romantic Caribbean vacation escape? Even better to travel to the sexiest beach in the world? Long Bay Beach Resort and Villas, the largest full service resort on Tortola is designed to ignite romance adjacent to the crystal blue waters of Tortola and its glorious white sand beaches.

Long Bay Beach Resort and Villas is offering a three-night* “Sexy Beach Escape” priced at $399 per person, based on double occupancy for Caribbean vacation travel now through December 20, 2009. The romantic Caribbean package features private, tropical Hillside Oceanview accommodations; pampering couples massage; welcome cocktail upon arrival; romantic full breakfast for two; one-day car rental to explore the island; and tax and service charge.

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE THE TIME!

AMAZING HONEYMOONS EVEN IN A RECESSION

2009-10-11T19:46:00.001-07:00

Do you think you can have an amazing honeymoon in this economy?
Most of the couples who walk down the aisle will take a honeymoon. According to statistics 95% of couples do honeymoon after their wedding. And, most of the couples I interact with want an amazing honeymoon experience – one just as special as their wedding day. So how can couples take a trip of a lifetime in these stressful economic times?
Don’t panic. Keep a positive outlook and don’t become paralyzed by fear.
--Change your outlook and stop focusing on the “What If”
--Dream about what you want for your honeymoon and start putting those dreams into a plan of action. Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps and other greats saw themselves realizing their dreams before they got to the finish line. Continue to dream.
--Share your dream with your honeymoon expert who can help you design the plan that will manifest your dreams
--Be creative. Start putting a small amount aside each week. $40.00 per week that is equivalent to 2 movie tickets, 2 Cokes and a tub of popcorn can put $2,080.00 in your honeymoon fund if you saved that every week for a year
--Use a honeymoon registry to fund your honeymoon. Your family and friends purchase fantastic honeymoon gifts instead of purchasing pots and pans
--Ask about our Payment Plans. You can make a deposit on your package and make payments over time. Ask us how.
--Many resorts have great promotions. Ask us. We get daily promotions.
--Become educated. Attend our Romance Sessions and learn about destinations and resorts that offer Complimentary Honeymoon Amenities, Upgrades etc.
Understanding your options can equip you to make wise decisions and enjoy the trip of a lifetime without compromising your dreams.

WHITE SAND TRAVEL REDESIGNS

2009-10-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

We can choose to listen to the ever growing chatter of the recession we are experiencing and the doom and gloom can either fuel us to make positive changes or paralyze us into fear where we retreat and think it will be years or even decades before we can pay our bills let alone take a trip or do anything entertaining.
As the owner of White Sand Travel, I was forced to look critically at my business and the services that I provide to my clients and make some changes that will make me one of the strong businesses in the industry for years to come. There are many companies that are under collapse but I feel that this is not the first time we will see hard times and with the right approach, we will survive. Self criticism isn’t always easy and as I examined what I wanted my clients to expect from me, I had to change my message to be consistent all the way around. At a time when business owners are looking to cut back, I sat down and figured out what was different about me, about my company and how to make that resonate with others.

I have since consulted with my web designer and we are redesigning a whole new look, feel and functionality for our readers. We think it is imperative that when you visit our site you know what we do and why we do it and what you can expect. As an individual, I am strong, positive and energetic and want my website to convey that strength and personality – the vibrancy of my soul. So, we used bold colors and content to really talk to you show you why I am different and why you can trust us to design your honeymoon or destination wedding. We want to encourage you to “see” your dream and so our images are meant to spark the creativity in you so you can almost start living the experience before you get to the destination of your dreams.
Our message to you is simple - “it is all about you”. Tell us what your needs are and we can create your dream.

The Luxury of Las Ventanas

2009-10-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

Between the shadows of mountains and an endless expanse of sapphire sea lies a place of serenity and hospitality reminiscent of the grand haciendas of Old Mexico. Within this place exists the very definition of luxury – Las Ventanas. At Las Ventanas, refined elegance and savage grace coexist in an incomparable setting of pristine beauty. In this place, where soaring mountains meet the unending seas, you will be warmed by the sun and cooled by the gentle breeze, catered to by a gracious staff and isolated from every care.

It’s expansive and richly appointed suites feature marble showers, traditional Cochuela limestone floors, and more than 950 square feet of space. During the winter months when evenings are cool, curl up before a roaring fire and watch the sunset paint the sky with a thousand hues. Perhaps nowhere else on earth can you enjoy so many ways to escape without ever leaving your suite. By day, soak up the sun on your terrace as you scan the horizon for dolphins and whales. In the evening, arrange a romantic dinner for two on your terrace. Then retreat to the luxurious confines of your suite and relax in complete privacy.

In the one-bedroom suite, you can refresh yourself with a secluded open-air shower, slip into your own private pool and soak in your Jacuzzi. Then turn your personal telescope toward the heavens to gaze at the blanket of shimmering stars above.

The award-winning Spa at Las Ventanas offers a whole new world of pampering. Share a couple’s massage under the stars, or bask in a purifying bath of aromatic body salts. Escape your cares and regain your spirit in the garden setting of the secluded meditation courtyard. A treat from the spa may lead you into the casually elegant surroundings of The Restaurant where you can experience innovative Baja-Mediterranean cuisine with a fresh flavor unique to Las Ventanas. Or, linger over delectable Mexican classics at the open-air Sea Grill, quench your thirst at the swim-up bar, or enjoy savory delicacies and the

finest tequilas at the Ceviche Bar.

Every heart’s desire is within reach at Las Ventanas ~ from an invigorating swim in the stunning drop-edge pool to a challenging round of golf on one of the six nearby world-class courses to luxuriously appointed meeting rooms. Go ahead! Enjoy yourself! You deserve it!

SUITE TALK

2009-04-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Romantic at heart is always looking for the ideal occasion and setting to dazzle each other. And why not? As we celebrate love, romance is intertwined with really creating the right setting to express to each other our inner thoughts and feelings. Can you imagine a honeymoon where romance is not front and center? I can not.

Rockhouse is a boutique hotel stretching across the cliffs of Pristine Cove in Negril. The resort, nestled amongst eight acres of tropical lush gardens, boasts a 60-foot cliff-top horizon pool and an award winning restaurant set on a balcony suspended directly over the water. Thatched roofed villas with private sun-bathing decks perch on the cliff's edge, and throughout the property, ladders and stairs carved into the rock lead down to easy water access for swimming and snorkeling on the reef.

A newly constructed Spa, has a philosophy that is a simple, holistic approach to well-being, health and happiness. Spa treatments are undertaken "on-the-rocks" in the cliff-edge Massage Cabana, at the Caribbean Drench hut, inside the eight room garden spa, or can be arranged in the privacy of your guest room. Yoga classes are offered daily in the recently built yoga room.

Rockhouse is consistently ranked one of the top resorts in the Caribbean. In 2008 Rockhouse is nominated for three World Travel Awards including best Boutique Hotel in the Caribbean for the 4th consecutive year. In 2008 Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" and "Best in the World; Readers Choice Awards" both included Rockhouse in the "Top 25 Caribbean Resorts", as does the Travel + Leisure in the "T+L 500 World's Best Hotels". Patricia Schults names Rockhouse as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die" in her New York Times Best Selling Book, and Kay Showker features Rockhouse in her book "100 Best Resorts in the Caribbean."

The hotel is located on the cliffs, two and a half miles west of Negril town on Negril's West End Road. The hotel is sited on the western most point of Jamaica – the best spot for sunsets. The closest major international airport is Montego Bay, just over an hour away.

Don't just sit there looking at glossy magazines - make it happen!

SEXY HONEYMOONS

2009-04-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Real life is the enemy of sexiness. Real life is a bad economy, mortgage worries, global warming. Sexiness is the act of shedding worries and slipping off the constraints of real life. Thinking of something sexy? How about the total escape that comes only with an island, preferably one that's not merely physically set apart from the mainland but that feels a million miles away? The type where inhibitions are lessened, the locals friendlier and more open-minded, and where less actually is more. Or where you and your partner can forget about the horrors of the boring old real world and get back to sexy.

MY CHOICE OF SEXY ISLAND ---- ANGUILLA

Anguilla's gorgeous beaches are hard to be at, and the best is arguably the two-mile-long, white-sand-carpeted Shoal Bay East. Maybe you are looking for that uniqiue resort. Look no further.

Kú offers a fun, more affordable alternative to the posh and pricey properties along the island's western shores. "If it's quiet and privacy you're looking for, Kú is not the place for you," says general manager Delroy Lake. And that's readily apparent from the lively restaurant to the mix of locals and guests crowding the bar. Located on Shoal Bay East, one of Anguilla's best beaches, Kú features 27 one-bedroom suites, each with an open living/kitchen area and a patio or balcony. The decor lacks the slickness of the island's pricier properties, but does well by keeping to a clean white-on-white shabby chic look with splashes of lime and turquoise. To ensure a full night's sleep, request the suites farthest from the bar and Kuyah, an open air restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner under Jamaican Chef Deon Thomas.

Lunches include lots of salads and sandwiches, while dinner features typical upscale island fare with Eurasian accents, such as tuna tartare with wasabi ginger sorbet, and a whole reef fish grilled with okra and marjoram. Deon sometimes spreads himself a bit too thin—be sure to order your fish "rare," unless you like it overcooked island-style. But all in all, Ku adequately compensates for any minor inconveniences with its spirited vibe, friendly efficient staff, and onsite amenities, including a dive shop, convenience store, and boutique.

Love Your Feet On Your Wedding Day

2009-03-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

Planning a wedding is a series of endless details that cause both frustration and elation. To be sure, there is one detail your feet don't want you to overlook -- your shoes! Though some say it is more important to think function over fashion when picking your wedding shoes, we recommend you find a happy middle ground. With the myriad of wedding shoe options, that should be easier to execute than your rehearsal dinner seating chart.

For The Bride: The first thing to think about is comfort. Remember that you will be standing on your feet most of the affair. The last thing you want to have to deal with is pain that limits your mobility and enjoyment.Some experts recommend that all brides have two pairs of shoes -- one formal pair for the ceremony, receiving line, pictures, and arrival at the reception, then another comfortable and more casual pair for the rest of the night.

Ballet slipper-type shoes are a popular reception choice for a reception night that will be heavy on dancing and your feet.Be sure to pick a shoe that complements your dress and your own style. After all, you'll be seeing them in pictures and maybe even video for the rest of your life.Consider the fabric of your dress. Some say to match silk and satin gowns to satin shoes. Sandals, slippers, pumps, and strap heels are all appropriate footwear on your big day.Very important -- take your shoes to your fitting so the hem is accurate. Trying the shoe with your actual dress is the only real way to be sure you'll love them. Elaborate dresses do not require elaborate shoes, while more simple dresses are greatly enhanced by ornate shoes.

For The Attendants: Many questions arise when considering shoe options for the attendants. Should their shoes be the same style or just the same color? Should there be different heel heights to even out the bridesmaids? Can each woman pick the type and color of shoe that most suits her taste and style?All of these questions are for the bride to decide. Take into account where members of your bridal party live. If you can all get together and order shoes on one fun trip, do it. This is more difficult to execute if the attendants are from various corners of the globe.

Whatever you decide, keep in mind that should stretch their shoes to insure that a nasty blister doesn't pop up 10 minutes into the ceremony. Think comfort first and then style.

HONEYMOON CRUISES

2009-03-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

Whether you are seasoned travelers or first-time cruisers, these tips can ensure that your cruise experience is everything it should be:

1. Arrive A Day Early: Unless you live within two or three hours of the pier, it's advisable to spend the night before your departure at a hotel close to the pier. That way, you take away the risk of missing the ship.

2. Inside Or Outside Room: Rooms on board the ship come in many different shapes, sizes, and locations, some even include a balcony. Your budget will dictate in large part the type of room you choose.

3. Location Of The Room: The location of the room (meaning the front, middle, or the back of the ship) can make a difference in the amount of movement you experience while in your room. If you suffer from sea sickness, you'll do much better if you book a room towards the middle. The same is true for choosing a room lower in the boat as opposed to on one of the higher levels. To be safe, pack Dramamine.

4. Carry-On Luggage: A porter will greet you at the pier in some cases before you check in and take your luggage. Carry a small bag with you with for personal items . A small variety of toiletries that would enable you to freshen up, such as deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and hairspray, etc. is advisable.
5. Shore Excursions: The cruise ship will offer you rates for excursions at each of your destinations. Excursions will range from guided tours to scuba diving to swimming with dolphins.

6. Soft Drink Cards: Although the price of your cruise includes all of your food, soft drinks are extra.
7.Credit Cards: Be sure you have a credit card for check-in. A hold will be placed on the card for any incidental expenses you incur during the cruise.

Enjoy your experience onboard your favorite cruiseliner.

Honeymoon Bliss

2009-02-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

On January 12, 2009, I received a phone call from one of my clients who had just returned from his 6 night honeymoon at the Maroma Resort & Spa. His voice was very mellow as he said, "Judith, I just wanted to thank you for arranging the most amazing honeymoon we could have experienced". He told me all about their trip and then when I asked him what would he have changed about his trip and he said "Nothing".

Jason and I worked collaboratively to design and create their perfect honeymoon - the Maroma Resort and Spa. So what is so special about Maroma Resort and Spa? You don't have to imagine it. You can experience the magic and the beauty of an eternal paradise located in a breathtaking corner of the Yucatan jungle on the Riviera Maya. The natural harmony and the spiritual relationship between land and sea comes together at Maroma Resort & Spa. Here every delight has its secret language, a name and a sound breathed ritually from the heart.

The 2008 Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards have rated Maroma Resort and Spa as the best Hotel Spa in Latin America. Ranking them overall the fifth best Hotel Spa in the world. This list is a compendium of the best hotels as chosen by Travel + Leisure readers in their annual World's Best Awards survey. Maroma Resort & Spa was noted for their "An unwavering commitment to preserving Mayan culture," and their Kinan Spa with traditional Mayan treatments.

Maroma Resort & Spa offers a wide variety of leisure choices on and off-site. Enjoy the use of the three swimming pools, Cultural Palapa, or for something a little more active why not try diving, sport fishing, kayaking, parasailing, sailing, swimming with dolphins, or golf. The fabulous reefs surrounding Maroma invite you to see the huge variety of corals, colorful fish and extraordinary creatures that live just under the surface in our backyard.

Could this be your dream honeymoon?

WHICH HONEYMOON FITS YOU

2007-12-11T17:29:00.001-08:00

Congratulations on your engagement! So, now you will hire a platoon of vendors to help you plan and execute the flawless event. Have you given any thought to where you will honeymoon? Very often, a lot of couples concentrate on the wedding and leave the honeymoon plans for later. But, we know that most couples want their honeymoon to be just as flawless as their wedding. They want to start their new life together without any hassles. Basically, we believe they want a honeymoon where they can just show up and have the time of their lives. And who could blame them. They have spent months making various decisions and attending to even the tiniest of detail about this awesome event.

Take the trivia challenge below to see what may be a good destination fit for you.

Wedding and Honeymoon Trivia

a) If your honeymoon was primarily for Romance, where would you go?
b) Which destinations are you most likely to find affordable honeymoon or destination wedding packages?
c) You are a diving or snorkeling enthusiast, where are the best conditions for your water sports?
d) Where would you go to enjoy the night life that you love so much – dancing until the wee hours of the morning?
e) Which honeymoon destination caters to your discriminating taste buds?
f) You yen for the diversity in cultures…where would you go for that experience?

Answers

a) Romance is definitely tops in Tahiti, Italy and Hawaii
b) Mexico, Las Vegas and Dominican Republic are your most affordable honeymoon or destination wedding choices
c) Your best bet for diving and/or snorkeling is Belize, Grand Cayman or Australia
d) Pack your bags for Las Vegas, New York for Brazil and have the time of your life
e) Italy, France and New York
f) Experience the culture of Italy, France and Greece

EXOTIC & LUXURY HONEYMOON IN ONE

2007-11-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

After months of wedding planning, many couples focus on finding a luxurious resort that will cater to their every need, while others search for a unique escape from their everyday world.

Resorts are the most popular honeymoon destinations because they take you into another world for a miraculous escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Often set in the most picturesque places in the world, they include pools, private beaches and golf courses, as well as culinary delights and relaxing spas.

Started in Jamaica and but spread throughout the Caribbean and Mexico and into some other regions as well, the all-inclusive vacation is becoming ever more popular with honeymooners - and their families. They streamline the enjoyment process by including everything — your room, transfers, recreational facilities, meals and drinks — all in one price. Without the worries of wondering how much everything little thing will cost, you are free to live the high life and experience everything you want as often as you want it. If an all-inclusive resort sounds tempting but too stationary, consider taking a cruise. Cruises are floating resorts that whisk you away to one exotic port after another.

Luxury and exotic honeymoons are still within your grasp. Plan wisely. Use a Honeymoon Registry to help you afford the luxuries you desire. Your family and friends will be glad to use the honeymoon registry and contribute to this important event in your life.

SHARING MY PASSION

2007-11-17T22:11:00.000-08:00

As a native of Jamaica, I was surrounded by the beautiful scenery and absolutely stunning views of the lofty mountains and beautiful fauna. At an early age, I developed an appreciation for the exotic, unique and the out-of-the-ordinary hide-away. I loved the diversity of the Jamaica culture where many different races produced quite the melting pot that Jamaica is today. As a young adult, my dream was to see as much of the world as possible.

After immigrating to the United States, we would plan one elaborate family vacation every summer with my son and a couple of his friends and then a couple mini vacations for long weekends or special occasions. I would browse through various travel magazines, study the hotel ratings and amenities and make our vacation decisions. My home became a storage area for various travel magazines, brochures etc and our photo albums were always filled with gorgeous pictures of our many vacations.

I decided to go back to college and pursue more specialized skills and earned a degree in Hospitality Management and I completed internships at hotels to gain more knowledge of the business as well as volunteer at travel agencies.

When my son got married and I helped to plan so much of the details of the wedding and rehearsal dinner, I realized that I was missing what I liked to do best – planning exciting and exotic events. I made a decision to follow my heart and deliver what I have a passion for - amazing honeymoon experiences.

I recognize that many couple have compelling needs and urgent desires and it is my job to help them uncover those needs and desires and collaborate with them to create and design the honeymoon experience that will be a manifestation of their dream. As a fun-loving, passionate, energetic and positive person, I tend to attract couples with like qualities and we have fun as we become creators of the wonderful dream of their first days together as husband and wife.

What an honor!

WHAT'S YOUR TAKE ON HONEYMOON REGISTRIES

2007-11-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

Honeymoon Registry is one of the hottest trends for couples getting married today. It provides an incredible opportunity for the couple to take the trip of a lifetime and have their friends and family help pay for it as a part of their wedding gift! They offer a great option for couples who already have most of the traditional items but still need wedding gifts and ideas from family members and friends. Most honeymoon registries offer a free honeymoon planner, a free website and even shower games. It works very well because more and more couples are paying for their own wedding and want to take longer and more exotic and luxurious honeymoons. Often times the couples are not able to afford these luxury honeymoons and the honeymoon registry gives the couple the option to get gifts towards their trip.

A honeymoon registry generally works just like a traditional bridal registry by allowing a couple to select elements of their honeymoon (airfare, hotel nights, meals, tours, sports, spa treatments, admissions, spending cash) that friends and family may buy for them in increments as wedding gifts.

PAMPERED CHEF
Not every couple start off their new life together having all the linen, pots, pans and rolling pins they want. Traditional wedding registries still have a place for many couples. Because quality is everything, you'll want to get first rate household gifts that will last just as long as the incredible memories of your wedding and honeymoon. So, register first with Pampered Chef for great kitchen tools and accessories!

Pampered Chef has an Exclusive product line that offers incomparable quality and superior function that you won't find at department and specialty stores. Plus, their wedding registry features personalized service and unique Registry Rewards. It is more than a registry. You get
personalized attention from a Consultant assigned to your registry.Your Consultant will answer any questions you may have, help you choose the products that are right for you, and assist you in managing your registry.

You can even arrange to have an in-home cooking show to get a close up look at how the products perform. Call today - Carolyn Fraser at 678.571.0127 or online at www.pamperedchef.biz/carolynscuisine

AMAZING HONEYMOONS DESPITE WEATHER

2007-11-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

Summer is the most popular time for year for weddings. And, the tropical destinations are equally appealing. So, what do you do if you are are planning a wedding or honeymoon during the summer when there is always the threat of storms or hurricanes in the tropical destinations? As you know Jamaica, Mexico and Florida are very popular for weddings and unfortunately are also smack dab in the middle of hurricane territory thereby increasing the risks that wedding plans could be canceled in the event a storm hits. At this time you may be thinking you should change your wedding or honeymoon. Before you rearrange your wedding or honeymoon plans in an area prone to hurricane activity, here are some things you may consider:

Location Is Everything: White sugar sand beaches are an attractive and unforgettable place to hold a tropical wedding. Just before sunset you and your beloved will come together with your guests to exchange vows as the fiery red sun slowly sets to the west. A calm cooling breeze and the whiff of pure ocean air delights you and your wedding party who are standing or sitting there totally mesmerized at your choice of setting. Afterwards, you move indoors or over to a nearby outdoor pavilion for a celebration lasting into the early hours of the morning. However, that gentle breeze could quickly turn into a gale as the storm clouds roll in and as the surf kicks up. Now, your outdoor wedding plans are threatened and your entire wedding plans could be cancelled. You may even have to evacuate. Can you take the risk?

Preparation is the Key: Before you plan the event, find out if the resort is prepared for this kind of event. Do they have a back up generator on hand should you lose power? Will each of your vendors stick around or will they head out at the first sign of trouble? Purchase wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can cover your losses if there is bad weather, airport delays, a military call-up or a sudden illness prevents you or your intended from getting to the church on time.

Contingency Plans are Necessary: Out of town guests may have trouble arriving if airports are shut down, roads close, and hotels fill up with people fleeing the impacted area. Make certain that your guests are protected financially in the event that your wedding plans are cancelled or moved elsewhere. Encourage everyone to purchase travel insurance to cover the worst case scenarios.

Become Educated: The chance of a major tropical storm beating up your particular little spot of paradise is small. But even if a hurricane doesn't catch you right in its path, it disrupts weather patterns for miles around. Acquaint yourself with the National Weather Service’s Hurricane website (www.nhc.noaa.gov).

The key is education and contingency plans.

Is A Destination Wedding Right For You?

2007-11-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

A couple’s wedding and honeymoon are two of the happiest times of their lives. Planning these special times can be fun and exciting, but hours of research are required in order to make the right decisions.

Destination Weddings have become very popular in the past few years. Couples are choosing to incorporate the beautiful and often exotic locations that are often seen on honeymoons into their weddings, inviting close family and friends for a romantic and exciting getaway. Destination weddings combine the location of the honeymoon with all aspects of the wedding – ceremony, reception, luncheons, etc. to create a unique and intimate atmosphere for the couple and their family and friends.

Many couples are becoming increasingly aware that the time, effort and expense of planning a wedding and a honeymoon can be too much so they decide to combine them to create the perfect destination wedding. A five day wedding weekend at a lovely beach resort can also be considerably cheaper than a reception and wedding for 200 guests at a luxury hotel. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for friends and family to take a vacation while celebrating the couple’s nuptials.

Because more brides and grooms are paying for their own weddings, they are finding it a huge expense. Then they must scale back on guest lists or cut corners in other areas of the wedding which may result in them not ending up with the dream wedding they previously imagined. The bride and groom can save a considerable amount of money by having a destination wedding.

The world is full of breathtaking views and historic places, but only a select few are really right for a destination wedding. Couples should seek a wedding location that will truly dazzle even their well-traveled guests, and make them feel like it was worth the trip.

"Irie" Weddings or Honeymoons Jamaican Style

2007-11-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

Getting Married in Jamaica

Wedding professionals from all over, rate Jamaica as one of the top wedding locations in the world for your destination wedding. You can combine your Jamaica wedding with a fantastic honeymoon to make the wedding of a lifetime without spending a fortune. There are literally dozens of fantastic all-inclusive beach resorts & hotels that offer amazing packages for wedding couples. And, if you want to take advantage of the gorgeous beaches in Jamaica, opt for the very popular Jamaican Beach Wedding. You will find that many resorts offer beach weddings or garden weddings with beach views, often within the resort itself.

When you close your eyes and imagine your Jamaica Wedding, you should probably have a vision of a serene, calming atmosphere on beach somewhere. You should probably see waves kissing the ocean, white sand beaches and gorgeous foliage. The island is one of the most popular places in the Caribbean for weddings. Happy couples choose to get married in Jamaica because of the beautiful scenery and absolutely stunning views of the lofty mountains and beautiful fauna.

For the most part, almost every resort in Jamaica does dozens of weddings every month so they can handle all of the details. The first decision should be "at which resort do you want to be married?" You may opt to get married at one resort and honeymoon at the other – an experience that might add even more variety and excitement to the occasion. Keep in mind that some resorts cater to children while others don't allow kids. Some adult resorts may still allow you to have kids attend the wedding ceremony but they will not be permitted to occupy a room there.

Suggested hotels for your wedding

Round Hill Hotel: You will not go wrong when you plan your wedding or honeymoon at the unique yet fabulous Round Hill Hotel and Villas which overlooks Montego Bay.
Round Hill hosts only 30 weddings a year in order to provide privacy and customized service. Wedding ceremonies and receptions can be held inside the villas, on the beach, on the lawn, or on terraces, with up to 120 guests. An on-site referral service helps coordinate details including flowers, music, and photographs. The entire resort provides a gorgeous backdrop, especially at sunset.

All spacious rooms and villas overlook the Caribbean Sea and the addition of a delightful new spa in a shorefront estate home makes for serious pampering.

Couples Resorts: One of my very favorite hotel chain in Jamaica is Couples Resort. Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away are located in nearby Negril and is the quintessential for all-inclusive romantics. This plush hotel caters exclusively to traditional couples only and is situated on 1000 feet of white sand beach. Their slogan is quite accurately stated – “love is all you need”. Romance is everywhere at Couples-on the beach, in the dining. Couples Resort deserves its own red ribbon.
You're in for outrageously wonderful days when you get married in Jamaica.

Honeymoon

Couples Resorts - Jamaica is our number one recommendation for Honeymoon Romance and value. The all inclusive honeymoon combo packages with Couples Resorts is an awesome deal (stay at Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away on your honeymoon- 2 resorts, 2 ways to spend your Jamaica honeymoon!).

Of course there are many other fabulous resorts for your spectacular honeymoon - this is just my favorite.

Island Styling - Jamaica

2007-11-12T21:28:00.000-08:00

As a native of Jamaica, I am sure I am somewhat partial to the island. But, I do believe that Jamaica is one of the most special places on earth: rich culture, vibrant art, picturesque beaches, and world famous all- inclusive resorts.

It is a land of lofty mountains, plateaus and plains all rich with flora and fauna. The climate varies from tropical on the coast to higher temperatures inland, creating a diverse mix of tropical and sub-tropical vegetation. With endless coastlines, the beaches range from reef-protected white sand in the north to black sand beaches in the south.

Jamaica is so rich in culture that visitors will be truly amazed by the beautiful landscape of turquoise beaches, glistening sand, swaying palm trees, statuesque mountains, flowing rivers, spectacular waterfalls, sweeping plains; the vibrant atmosphere with a reggae beat, jazz, calypso, dancing; all- inclusive resorts; and the romance of it all make the island of Jamaica a perfect vacation getaway. Reggae music everywhere and Jamaicans dancing to the beat of the rhythmic music is very contagious.

All- inclusive resorts are a very popular option with travelers looking for a hassle-free vacation. With an all- inclusive resort, you can literally step off the plane and once you clear immigration, customs and collect your luggage, you will be immediately swept away to their own private Jamaica where you can live the vacation of their dreams without ever leaving the resort. You will be catered to in a manner fit for royalty.