Hotel El Convento Puerto Rico old-world charm and elegance

In the heart of Old San Juan is a Spanish Colonial architectural delight, Hotel El Convento.  With six elegant salons, which can hold everything from intimate dinners to elaborate receptions, your guests will experience flawless service and celebrate with you an event that brings something ‘old’ and something ‘new’ for your wedding day.

Inaugurated in 1651, the Carmelite Convent was created to withstand Indians, European enemies, hurricanes and tropical heat. Doors and grilles were made of mahogany and iron wood which seems to increase it’s strength as it ages. For 252 years this building housed nuns and then it was abandoned.  In 1959 Frederic Woolworth (yes heir to the Woolworths fortune) purchased the convent from the Archdiocese for $250,000 and transformed it into its present deluxe hotel.  There are now 100 rooms including 10 suites.

A lot of the original artwork, wrought-iron fixtures and decorative tiles remain today.  The first two floors are now designed and feature restaurants and cafes, meeting and banquet rooms.  This is the only small luxury and four diamond hotel in the heart of old San Juan.

So why get married here?  One of the most monumental buildings is the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, located across the street from Hotel El Convento, whose Spanish architecture invites you without having to be a believer. The stained glass windows, statues and especially its high ceilings, domes covering it possible not only transported to the era of conquests but to other parts of Europe.  Many celebrities have chosen the Cathedral for their wedding and then walk across the street back to the hotel for their reception.

Hotel El Convento 100 Cristo Street, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 Telephone: 787-723-9020  Toll Free: 800-468-2779 Telfax: 787-721-2877

EVENT: Jamaica hosting wedding and honeymoon expo in NYC

Jamaica Destination Wedding Showcase

Discover the Top Destination Venues and Honeymoon Resorts in Jamaica

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Manhattan Penthouse | 80 Fifth Avenue | New York City

Cocktails with Seagram’s Escapes and Cake Tastings

Hair and Makeup Sessions including a Lash Bar with Celebrity-Makeup Artists

Honeymoon Giveaways (including Grand Palladium Resort & Spa)

Beach Wedding Fashion, and a Fabulous Gift Bag

For complimentary tickets for you and a guest

please RSVP with code JNYBC at www.JamaicaWeddingShowcase.com

 

US Virgin Island, Sur La Table and Blue Nile partner for the Perfect Island Escape

Each year, more than 2 million weddings are performed in the U.S. and, of the 82% of couples who honeymoon, their top destination choice is consistently the Caribbean.

Ranked by Brides as one of the top honeymoon destination in the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands has teamed up with Sur La Table, the hardware store for cooks and bridal registry destination, and Blue Nile – leading online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry – to offer one lucky couple the chance to win a “Perfect Island Escape” for two to St. Croix.

The winner of the Perfect Island Escape sweepstakes, which runs tomorrow (Aug. 1) through the end of the month, will receive:

·         A 6-night/7-day stay for two at The Buccaneer – the Caribbean’s longest running family-operated resort

·         Round-trip air for two provided by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

·         $750 worth of jewelry from Blue Nile

·         $250 worth of home products from Sur La Table

To enter, go to www.perfectislandescape.com and complete the entry form (Sorry – limit one entry per person).

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If you don’t end up being the lucky winner but want to plan your own romantic escape to St. Croix, you can explore The Buccaneer’s Romance add-on package. If they’re yet to be engaged, the resort’s “Pop the Question” package (complete with engagement ring) may be a good fit.

Brides and grooms who love to cook you’ll love Sur La Table’s bridal registry can visit http://www.surlatable.com/registry/giftRegistryHome.jsp.

12-12-12 weddings are still available at El Conquistador

I’ve just returned from a magical trip to Puerto Rico and visited some of the best hotel properties the island has to offer.  Of course, one of my favorite properties is El Conquistador Resort.  Let me tell you this is one of the closest ‘all-inclusive’ type properties there is on the island of Puerto Rico.  While there (and there is so much more I have to share with you) I found out about a great 12/12/12 offer they have for couples, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you.

In celebration of this year’s triple digit repeating date – the last until the year 2101 – Hilton Worldwide properties in Puerto Rico are offering special options for couples planning12/12/12 nuptials.

Dream destination weddings are now more affordable than ever on the tropical Island of Enchantment – where no passport is required for travel by U.S. Citizens – with 12/12/12 wedding specials available.

El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is celebrating 12/12/12 with an over-the-top “Love in the Sun” package, available to wedding parties booking 12 or more rooms, and including exciting options for brides- and grooms- to-be.  With a savings of $2,012, the package includes an officiate, one hour of photography, one hour of live music and the choice of several incredible ceremony venues, including the 100-acre, private Palomino Island.  The package also includes 12 Coqui Water Park passes (one per room), 12 welcome drink vouchers (one per room), 12 deluxe ocean view upgrades, 12 fitness center passes to the renowned Golden Door Spa (one per room) and complimentary champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries for the new Mr. and Mrs.  This exclusive package is $5,000 and is valid for weddings celebrated the week of December 9-12, 2012.  Package rate does not include accommodation.  El Conquistador Resort’s nightly rates start at $199 per room per night based on double occupancy.

After the wedding is over, couples can leave wedding guests behind and immediately begin their honeymoon with an escape to the cliff-side Las Casitas Village, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – El Conquistador Resort’s award-winning neighbor.  With sweeping ocean views, full kitchen facilities, 24-hour butler service, private dining options and a breathtaking infinity pool, Las Casitas Village is ideal for couples seeking an unforgettable 12/12/12 honeymoon retreat.

I promise you, you will absolutely love the wedding staff, the food, their private island…off the property (the boat ride is not only romantic, but once you get on the island, it’s like…your own) or be a kid at the water park.  This is one property I promise will make all your wedding dreams come true.

For more information, call 1-888-564-1307 or visit www.elconresort.com, www.lascasitasvillage.com.

Destination Mexico: Playa del Carmen

Oh I know that there is a slight fear factor when it comes to Mexico…but lets just put it out there. Yes, there are certain places in Mexico (and California, Chicago, Idaho… I could go on) that have problems.  What I can tell you is that Playa del Carmen is on the eastern tip of Mexico and is primarily all resorts.  What does this mean for you – a police presence that keeps its visitors safe.

One of my favorite hotel properties in Playa del Carmen is Condo Hotels.  Just as the name implies, the ‘rooms’ are truly complete apartments that have all the amenities of a much larger hotel property. LOVE IT! What makes this property really unique is that there are actually 4 unique properties, all within walking distance of each other.

Porta Playa is Mediterranean style with cascading waterfalls, lush tropical gardens and the penthouse has great ocean views.

Maya Villa, the newest property is already thought of as the ‘jewel of the playa properties’. The Jade colored Gecko mosaic and glass pool truly sparkles next to a 40-foot waterfall.

Villas Sacbe is super sweet and cozy.  Only 12 rooms, why not rent out the entire property?  This intimate boutique hotel offers a tranquil experience yet is only 1 block from the heart of their “5^th Avenue”. Honestly, once you enter, you’ll feel like you entered another world.

El Taj –This is their premier condominium. Between being 50 feet from the ocean, having a mosaic infinity pool and all the comforts of home, you won’t want to leave. If you want a beach wedding without the sand in your veil (and toes), then their penthouse offers sweeping views of the ocean under a giant thatched roof.  There are just so many options.

From a mariachi band, to fire-twirlers for a wedding for two or 300, you can have a package tailored specifically for your needs. There are so many wonderful benefits from having your wedding in Carmen del Playa and even more by staying at one of the Condo Property.  You may like it so much…you might decide to do a time-share to keep the memories alive year after year.

 

 

Destination Mexico: Now Sapphire and Now Jade Rivera Cancun – Shining jewels in Mexico

The Now Sapphire Rivera Cancun is the perfect antidote – a fresh enchanting retreat where your relaxation and luxury comes first.  Located 15 miles from Cancun Airport this spacious all-suite hotel is great for couples, honeymoons get together with family/friends and of course weddings.  According to their info, they have the world’s second largest barrier reef, and offer a wealth of activity and leisure activities with charming villages, shopping, golf, historic and ecological sites nearby.

From Spa sensualities, to suite retreats, you will want for nothing.  Your wedding will truly be a magical day and you have the opportunity to choose from two wedding gazebos, ocean front terraces, elegant ballrooms and best, dedicated wedding coordinators and event planners. For more information about this property, www.nowresorts.com -866-NOW-9953

If something a bit more off the path is in order then Now JADE is for you.  Gourmet restaurants – check, 24-hour concierge – check, Unlimited premium beverages…Double-check! Prepare yourself to be dazzled, be pampered and live live in the NOW…live and enjoy this moment.

This property is just 12 minutes from and a 10-minute walk from the fishing town of Puerto Morelos.  Just another option for the grooms if they want to take a day to go and see what they can ‘catch’. Personally, the barrier reef, provides what can only be described as heaven for snorkelers and divers – – yes you can go for your certification while you are there.

What I adore about both of these properties is the additional amenities they offer – private check in/check-out, Additional living areas, in suite Jacuzzi and complimentary wireless access, just to name a few.  This is truly the idyllic immersion with dining opportunities to rival any four-star restaurant stateside.

SO prepare for a delightful diversion and romance in triplicate.  This is the time for you both…Moments you deserve…yes, NOW. For more information about this property, 877- NOW-9953  www.nowrestorts.com

Destination Mexico: Rivera Maya Mexico will feed your soul

The Rivera Maya is a magical destination where the people are friendly, the food great and the value for the dollar is great. In other words, if you are looking for a destination wedding where your hard-earned money will get you far, this is it.

Chapels, gardens, beaches as well as waterfalls all await your arrival. From traditional Mayan ceremonies to underwater ceremonies, you choose and the people of Mexico will deliver.

Choose to have a traditional Kamnikte or Mayan Ceremony and your family and friends will be mesmerized not only by the tradition, but also their participation in the ceremony.

Hotels: Finding a hotel in Mexico won’t be a problem.  All are dedicated to making your wedding day a time to remember. In addition these hotels I can personally say have a designated wedding coordinator or wedding staff that will handle your needs.

El Dorado Royal, Ritz Carlton Cancun, Barcelo Deluxe (a personal favorite)

Tip: Check to see if your hotel offers rewards (like Starwood) when you book your wedding and use those points for your return trip.

What is a destination without thing to see and do?

Yes, your guests are there for your big day, they may make a long weekend out of it.  So offer some things for them to do.  Spa treatments to off-road bikes, zip-lining, deep-sea fishing or just soaking up the sun, your hotel will be happy to help.

Some tour options: X-Caret, Xel-Ha, Congo Bongo

I know you want to make your wedding memorable and mixing your surrounding, culture and feel is great. Why not try these:

Tequila tasting, Barbecue buffet, Late night fireworks, margarita bar, live mariachi band, butterfly release, walking through the town in your wedding dress and letting everyone congratulate you.