Nov 16
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St Regis Resort in Bora Bora, French Polynesia – a Review

By | Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance, South Pacific | No Comments

St Regis – The Name Says it All

There are few brand names in the world that evoke images of  quality, elegance and opulence the way that St Regis does. For over 100 years and since it was opened by one of America’s wealthiest men, John Jacob Astor IV, The St Regis Hotel in New York has been one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

St Regis became a Sheraton in 1966, then Sheraton was acquired by Starwood in 1998 and it wasn’t long before Starwood began expanding the brand worldwide. One St Regis brand resort – the St Regis Bora Bora in French Polynesia, has an entrance and view that may be familiar – ever see the mediocre flick “Couples Retreat”?

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Truly one of the most impressive views in the world as the sun sets over the Island of Bora Bora….

This was the view that Vince Vaughn & company took in as they first arrived at their resort renamed “Eden” in the film.

You may remember some of the other shots in this post since various locations were used in the filming, so if staying in a resort that was used as the backdrop is a bonus for you, this place may be for you.

 

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This private “plunge” pool is a part of the villa where a little known couple recently Honeymooned- I think they said their names were Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman if I remember correctly – perhaps you’ve heard of them?

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The private patio pictured above and below are also part of this luxury villa that is available if your pockets are very, very deep….

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The St Regis in Bora Bora is one of over a dozen St Regis properties worldwide that stretch from New York to Aspen to Bora Bora to Abu Dhabi and beyond.

After visiting several luxury resorts throughout French Polynesia I have had time to reflect on my thoughts regarding St Regis Bora Bora. Actually my feelings are mixed.

I suppose I think that St Regis Bora Bora has one of the most impressive views in the world, but equally impressive are the Four Seasons and Le Meridien located in close proximity

I also think that the St Regis sported the largest and most luxurious overwater bungalows that I visited (pictured below)

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I also am confident that the bathrooms in the overwater bungalows (pictured below) were the most luxurious and offered a view of Mt Otemanu from the tub and shower-

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I know that the buffet offered on the night of their Polynesian Show was impressive

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I may never again drink from a prettier coconut…

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Overall is is difficult to poke holes in a tried and true luxury experience- From the Jean-Georges restaurant on site named Lagoon – to the view – to the grounds – to the bungalows, St Regis exudes luxury and status – yet, I was left a little cold.

Our small group of travel agents were treated like Kings at every other resort we visited throughout French Polynesia. We were wined and dined by the managers at nearly every resort we visited… world-class resorts, some with equally world-class reputations, but not at St Regis. Although we enjoyed the completely engaging company of a lovely associate, upper management was curiously absent. Although we enjoyed a wonderful Polynesian buffet, the Polynesian show was substandard compared to other shows we enjoyed elsewhere.

So is St Regis somewhere I would recommend to a client? Probably

Would St Regis Bora Bora be a good choice for a Destination Wedding? Of course, and they are kid friendly

Would St Regis Bora Bora be a good choice for a Honeymoon or Romantic celebration? Absolutely – the price will keep most families away and it is a completely lovely destination with world-class services and amenities

So my humble advice is this- If value is your motive there are better choices in French Polynesia.

If you want to stay away from the Riff-Raff (as if there were any riff-raff in French Polynesia) then this might be a good choice….until Octomom or The Kardashians decide they need a vacation…..then all bets are OFF

In any case just remember that EZTravelPad is here to help you sort it all out

Nov 10
0

Awesome Breakfast Spot in Cancun’s Hotel Zone

By | Blog, Dining, Mexico, Travel Tips | No Comments

Breakfast at the Dolphin Aquarium in Cancun

 

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It’s tough to beat a leisurely breakfast at a great restaurant – or a good restaurant in a great location. I’m not sure I have been anywhere quite this good before. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on a bright, warm but comfortable morning in paradise –

now imagine that you are spending your morning breakfast just a few meters away from the dolphin experience at Cancun’s Interactive Aquarium

 

See the video to get a look

 

The Juga de Limon is located at the La Isla Shopping Center along the “7” in the hotel zone of Cancun, Mexico. It’s hard to believe that a good breakfast (full breakfast) in such a great location is available for only $10.50..try it – you will not be disappointed.

When you are ready for more tips and insights into making your vacation the best that it can be, check with EZTravelpad – we are here to help (oh, and there’s also that best price guarantee thingy…)

Nov 04
0

Karisma’s El Dorado Royale Resort & Spa – a Review

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Mexico, Romance | No Comments

El Dorado Royale- Reviewing an Adults-only All-Inclusive Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

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Recently I had occasion to spend a few days with my wife at El Dorado Royale, an adults only all inclusive resort south of Cancun, Mexico along the Mayan Riviera – or Riviera Maya. The verdict? Very good – read on for more of the review……..

El Dorado Royale is conveniently located only about 25 minutes from the international airport in Cancun and is comprised of 2 sections – El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas. The 171 Casita suites are larger and feature private plunge pools and swim-up pools as well as mostly being located in closer proximity to the beach. Interested in experiencing a luxury suite with an outdoor shower? This may be right for you!

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Casita Suite at El Dorado

El Dorado Royale features 476 suites that all include 2 person in room jacuzzi tubs. There is no separation between the two resorts in one, all guests are welcome to use the facilities, bars and restaurants in either section.

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Jacuzzi Jr Suite at El Dorado

El Dorado is the adults-only brand of Karisma resorts, a resort chain that also includes the family friendly brand – Azul.

The adults only nature of this all inclusive resort makes it a perfect destination for Honeymoon couples and a great place for a Destination Wedding if there will be no children involved

Since I specialize in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings this was much more a business trip than a vacation (although I did celebrate a significant birthday while there). We spent alot of time checking out the wide variety of restaurants, bars and entertainment options. The highlight? Cuisine

Gourmet Inclusive

Karisma Resorts market themselves as “Gourmet Inclusive” meaning that they pay particular attention to the details of both food and beverages offered. With 10 restaurants and 13 bars (10 of them are swim-up bars) you certainly don’t need to go far to satisfy whatever appetite you have – and the quality of the offerings is quite good. In fact, many of the vegetables and herbs served are grown right on the property in a series of greenhouses that offer a plentiful wealth of organic food choices. Locally grown just doesn’t get any more local than this! BTW- I recommend checking out the tequila tastings – I never even knew that there was a tequila that was almost like Bailey’s Irish Cream!

Video

See more of El Dorado in this short video tour from our trip

Pools and Entertainment

With a wide variety of water sports, tennis courts, complimentary bicycles and 13 swimming pools you are certain to find plenty to do – and that doesn’t even mention the activities that are abundant – from water volleyball to water polo and plenty of other diversions, boredom is not an option- but relaxing sure is (had a couple of mid-afternoon naps and loved it).

In considering the service, quality, amenities and price I would have to rate this as one of my favorite resort stays. Sure, there were a few hiccups, there always are – but the attention to detail and willingness of the staff to go the extra mile was evident on a daily basis. A couple of the meals and dining experiences were only above average, others were very, very good.

So what does it mean to go the extra mile? Like I mentioned, I did celebrate a birthday while there, and that afternoon not only did I return to a drawn bubble bath with rose petals floating – but I also found this on the bed…

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So is this the right resort for everyone? Of course not. So how do you know if it’s the right resort for you? Ask your travel professional. If you don’t have one then give EZTravelPad a call – we would love to hear from you and we would love to help!

Oct 30
0

Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun – a Review

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Luxury, Mexico, Romance | No Comments

Reviewing Le Blanc Spa Resort (a Palace Resort) in Cancun, Mexico

 

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Le Blanc Spa Resort is an adults only all-inclusive resort located in the hotel zone of Cancun, Mexico. It is located very close to the middle of the hotel zone actually, but exists a world away from what you would traditionally associate with Cancun all-inclusive resorts that often cater to the Spring Break crowd.

 

 

This resort is a far cry from typical and in high demand for Weddings and Honeymoons catering to the sophisticated crowd – urban chic, like something out of South Beach. You almost expect Rico Tubbs (Miami Vice) to walk around the corner at any minute…

The Beach is powdery white sand

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The water is an blue as you dreamed it would be and The infinity pool says it all…

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Guest Rooms

As you would expect, guest rooms are extremely well appointed and are as functional as they are luxurious featuring private balconies to enjoy the outdoors and 2 person in room jacuzzis to enjoy indoor.

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Offering butler service in rooms, concierge service at the pools, Haute Cuisine in 5 a la carte restaurants and superior service at every turn, Le Blanc is very much a luxury oasis in Cancun. Nightly turndown service with petit fours, higher end bath products, pillow top beds that you will never want to leave all combine for a very nice package. See more at their website at this link

Beyond the typical amenities Le Blanc offers unlimited free phone calls back to the US, unlimited internet service, and best of all, $1500 resort credits on a 5-8 night stay (other levels exist for shorter and longer stays) that can be used for spa, room upgrades, wedding packages, swimming with dolphins, tours, golf at Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf & much more!

So can you tell that I liked it? Can you tell that I can’t wait to go back?

Le Blanc is not for everyone, but if you consider yourself a person of discriminating taste that would prefer to be located close to the action and shopping in Cancun’s Hotel Zone as opposed to further away down along the Riviera Maya then Le Blanc may just be for you when it’s time to celebrate your Anniversary, Honeymoon, Destination Wedding or even just a luxurious retreat

Oct 20
0

Reviewing Secrets Capri Resort

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Blog, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Mexico, Romance | No Comments

Reviewing & Touring Secrets Capri Resort – Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen

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The smallest of the Secrets brand resorts along the scenic stretch of beach south from Cancun, Mexico known as the Riviera Maya may just be the best. Unless you are looking for more, bigger, mas, grande then Capri really is a great option.

With a scant 290 suites (by comparison some other resorts in the neighborhood are 10x larger or more!) Secrets Capri offers a great balance of choice and convenience. It’s not over-the-top fancy like some resorts. There are not 20 choices of room categories. What there is though makes up for it. With 6 restaurants and 5 bars the small property offers much.

This is a good resort for a romantic getaway, an anniversary celebration, a Honeymoon or a Destination Wedding as well. At a resort like this with less than 600 guests even a small wedding party of a dozen or so will not feel lost – in fact the entire staff will likely know who is getting married and who the guests are! You can choose from a beach wedding in the sand, or something a little more stately like in this awesome gazebo

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Check out this short video tour to get a better sense of rooms, beach and overall feel

Restaurant choices include a la carte such as

  • Himatsu – Asian
  • Oceana – Seafood
  • Portofino – Mediterranean
  • La Riviera – Mexican
  • Seaside Grill – as the name implies
  • Cactus Club – Taco & Ceviche Bar

Secrets (along with their new Breathless brand resorts) is an adults-only brand from AMResorts which also offers additional family friendly brands such as Dreams, Now and Sunscape as well as the Wellness & Spa boutique resorts named Zoetry

There are Secrets Resorts located all across Mexico as well as in Dominican Republic and Jamaica. You can see the Secrets Capri brochure at this link

So how do you know which resort is the best fit for you? What is the best way to research your next vacation?

Simple – OUTSOURCE it to your travel consultant (travel agent).

A travel agency should be able to insure that you receive the best value (value = price + service), but more importantly your travel consultant should work hard to make sure they understand what it is specifically that most interests you. Your travel consultant should act like your personal shopping concierge understanding what you want to achieve then presenting the best options to save you incredible amounts of time and frustration!

Don’t have a travel consultant that you work with? Then contact EZTravelPad and see why we consider ourselves “Your friends….in the travel business”

 

Oct 19
0

Secrets Maroma Beach – Luxury in the Riviera Maya – a Review

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Luxury, Mexico | No Comments

Secrets Maroma Beach – Adults Only Paradise in Mexico – a Review

Maroma Beach, located about half way between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, south from Cancun in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is consistently ranked as one of the world’s Top 10 Beaches and for good reason- Clear blue waters, powdery white sands & water sports galore conspire to create a beach lover’s paradise.

One of the highly rated adults-only all-inclusive resorts located along this fine stretch of sand is Secrets Maroma Beach. Secrets is the adults-only brand served up by AMResorts (affiliated with Apple Vacations & sister property to Dreams, Zoetry, Now & Sunscape Resorts).

 

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Not every all-inclusive resort offers the same sort of affordable luxury found at Secrets Resorts.

Frequently at all inclusive resorts you find limited selections of restaurants – limited choice in all sorts of food & beverages – limited access to bars and scant choice in restaurants. Spending a week at an all-inclusive resort and feasting at the same boring buffet several days in a row can be a bummer, but with 8 restaurants (most of which are luxurious a la carte options) and 7 bars fully stocked with premium fare you will not feel that your choices are redundant.

It’s not all about food & beverages though – and one of the best features at Secrets Resorts are the suites which generally offer in room jacuzzis, after all – this is a romantic escape for 2, right?

Excellent Spa facilities

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The spa facilities are great – as is the water sports area, common grounds, pool & more.

This is a fantastic place for a Honeymoon or Destination Wedding (assuming children will not be attending) also – a huge part of their business!

Check out this brief video tour

If there is one knock on the property it is this….  Time-share sales

I have personally encountered guests that were quite annoyed with the aggressiveness of the on-site salespeople, and so it is with some hesitancy that I suggest Secrets as a 1st choice, but if you don’t mind being pestered a bit the product is fantastic

For more info on this and many other resort options in Mexico and throughout the Caribbean get with EZTravelPad – you’ll be glad you did!

 

Oct 13
0

Surf’s Up at Moon Palace

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

That’s Right – Now You Can Surf on Dry Land!

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You may have heard about the Flowriders – surf simulators that exist on some of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships. They are very popular and based on most reports, alot of fun!

Now you can enjoy the same experience on land – at Moon Palace in Mexico!

Moon Palace is an amazing resort located south from Cancun along the Mayan Riviera – or Riviera Maya area – fantastic destination for an all-inclusive resort vacation!

For more info please contact “Your friends….in the travel business” –  EZTravelPad

Oct 07
0

Atlantis (the resort – not the lost continent) – a Review

By | Caribbean, Family Travel, Luxury | No Comments

Atlantis is a Resort Without Compare – Truly Something Different

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All of my life I have been fascinated with the legend of the Lost Continent of Atlantis

  • Did it ever really exist?
  • Where was it?
  • Who lived there?
  • What was their civilization like?
  • What happened?

So to go to an amazing resort like Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas was not quite as exciting as considering whether a highly advanced civilization once thrived then disappeared, but after experiencing the resort for a while i was truly amazed at what DOES exist in The Bahamas

In 1994 a gentleman named Sol Kerzner purchased a troubled resort from Merv Griffin and began a 4 year process to totally remake the resort into a vision of something that has never been…an expansive resort on Paradise Island in The Bahamas featuring some of the best attractions for families of all ages….a resort featuring a marine environment of over 11 million gallons of water, 50,000 different marine animals featuring over 200 different species….lagoons and water slides and beaches and pools (oh, and a really really big casino!)

Atlantis is spectacular in scale – over 3400 rooms with varying levels of amenities designed to appeal broadly to all sorts of people interested in all sorts of things

  • Swim with dolphins
  • Swim with seals
  • Swim with stingrays
  • Golf
  • Spa
  • Fitness
  • Shop
  • Relax…..or indulge in any of dozens of other diversions….

See more in the video

 

Accommodations are varied from moderately priced

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to upscale

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to something befitting previous guests such as Oprah Winfrey or Michael Jackson

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Interested in some R&R – there are many, many choices like the pool near the Coral and Beach Towers

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or this pool and beach area near The Cove

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But so many more choices exist.

Atlantis is not something you can easily plan yourself unless you want to spend hours doing the research to determine your best fit – leave that part to a pro (a pro who will not charge any fees for their advice and expertise), like “Your friends….in the travel business” – EZTravelPad

Oct 01
0

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in Nassau, Bahamas – a Review

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance | No Comments

A Review of Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in Nassau, Bahamas

 

The storied history of the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort is enough reason to put it on the radar of any vacation seeking couple looking for a couples only resort in the tropics

In its heyday, the Balmoral Club on Nassau in the Bahamas, hosted luminaries, Hollywood stars, and entertainers. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Nixon, and the Beatles, are all said to have frequented the popular hotspot. This chic, high society club that was once part of the resort’s property, inspired the new Balmoral Tower at Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Having recently toured the Balmoral Tower shortly after it’s Grand Re-Opening I can tell you that is is in fine shape – gorgeous and stately.

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The Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort is an all inclusive resort that serves adult couples exclusively. It is for that reason that many Honeymoon and Anniversary celebrating couples are drawn to the classy resort just a few miles from downtown Nassau

Check out this video tour to get a good feel for the property-

 

 

The recent remodeling of the Balmoral Tower and other upgrades totaling $17 Million was prompted after a bit of storm damage occurred. The refurbishment though, was much more than just cosmetics – there were large balconies added to many of the rooms which now make this one of the most desired properties in the Bahamas

Another much smaller aspect of the remodel were the additions of some beachside firepits that add greatly to the romance of the evening

Newly added Firepits along the beach pictured below

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But it’s not all about the Balmoral Tower – this resort consists of several buildings and many private villas for a total of 402 rooms and suites spread across 15 acres of beautiful Bahamian landscape located only 10 minutes from the airport

With numerous buildings there are many, many different room category choices with views ranging from good to awesome and service ranging from luxury to concierge to butler level!

Sandals offers it’s butler level guests a special perk, complimentary private transportation from the airport in one of their Mercedes or Rolls Royce Sedans

 

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Butler level guests are also afforded some of the most amazing rooms and suites in the Bahamas-

Often I hear people say that “the room doesn’t matter – we won’t be spending that much time in it anyway”, but as you can see from this photo….Location matters!!

I mean, can’t you just picture yourself reclining until late into the night on your lounge – sipping a fine wine – listening to the surf just a few meters away….

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Beyond the history and the accommodations and the inclusions-

10 Restaurants including French, Italian, Asian and Seafood a la carte options are featured so you will never get bored with the selection of cuisine-

Looking for something to do?Try the Red Lane Spa or Nightly Themes Parties and Entertainment –

Plus on land

  • Table Tennis
  • Shuffleboards
  • Bocce Ball
  • Pool
  • Day/Night Tennis
  • Fitness Center
  • Board Games
  • Basketball
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Billiards

and involving water….

  • Canoes/Kayaks
  • Windsurfing
  • 7 Pools, 6 Whirlpools
  • Water Trikes
  • Sailboats
  • Hydrobikes
  • 2 Swim-up Pool Bars
  • Hobie Cats
  • Snorkeling
  • Scuba Diving
  • Misting Pool

 

One of the nice aspects of this resort is the ability to use the Sandals “Private Island” known as Sandals Cay. This island takes getting away from it all to a wholes new level.

Out on the private island you will find

  • Restaurant
  • Pool
  • Swim up bar
  • Whirlpool
  • 2 beaches
  • Snorkeling
  • Secluded spots
  • Beachside cabanas
  • Zen garden

So there is no getting bored no matter how long you decide to stay

Another piece of trivia – The Beatles filmed “Another Girl” from the movie “Help” on this same private island!

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Even if you want nothing more than to get away from it all there are options- like this hammock………..

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All in all Sandals Royal Bahamian is a fantastic option for an adults only couples getaway – be it a Honeymoon, Destination Wedding, Anniversary celebration, best friends getaway or just a much needed escape from bad weather…

For more info on this and many other resorts in the Caribbean and beyond get in touch with EZTravelPad.

Experience the EZTravelPad difference and see why we like to think of ourselves as “Your friends….in the travel business”

 

Sep 26
0

How to Arrange a FREE Wedding in Paradise

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings | No Comments

A Free Wedding in Paradise is Possible…Find Out How

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Everyone knows that Sandals Resorts are the top pick for Honeymoons and Destination Weddings throughout the Caribbean – here’s another reason why…. FREE WEDDINGS!!

A Destination Wedding is certainly not for everyone, but it is definitely a great choice for a growing number of people, and why not? Think of it like this-

  • Toes in the sand
  • Gorgeous scenery
  • Casual
  • Easy
  • Affordable

So how is it possible that all this is free? – Good question…and good DEAL!

It really is a bonus… when you book 6 nights in any room category at any Sandals resort you are entitled to not only the free Beautiful Beginnings wedding package but also an additional $500 in credits to enhance the experience

Use credits (some restrictions apply) for things such as

  • Room upgrade
  • Honeymoon Highlights video
  • Beach cabana
  • Catamaran cruise
  • & more

If you are going to have a Honeymoon in the Caribbean consider combining it into a Destination Wedding with friends and family – see more about all of the possibilities at this link

**Sandals Resorts are reserved exclusively for adult couples – but if your wedding will include children or singles then the family-friendly Beaches Resorts are another great option…location possibilities include-

  • Jamaica
  • Bahamas
  • St Lucia
  • Turks & Caicos
  • Grenada
  • Antigua
  • Barbados

Whichever option is the best fit for you, rest assured that “your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad are here to help make your occasion as excellent as possible and save you some money along the way

 

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