As one of our dedicated Groups Experts, Debbie Brown knows a thing or two about tying the knot someplace special. What’s hot on the destination wedding scene? Lots, especially for the foodie. Here, Debbie takes us on an in-depth look at some of Yucatan’s most delicious wedding-friendly resorts.
The Riviera Maya, located on the Caribbean’s Yucatan coastline, is lined with resorts and hotels, ancient ruins, national parks and charming coastal towns. Popular among vacationers from all over the world seeking sun, history and culture, it is also trending as a destination wedding hot spot.
Destination weddings make up 14% of Canadian weddings and 25% of all Canadian weddings between November and April. Wedding ceremonies are performed throughout the year at the Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Leaders of the Gourmet Inclusive Experience and renowned for innovation, sophistication and romance.
One of my favourite concepts is the use of the 70,000 sq ft greenhouse producing organic fruits, vegetables and spices used at the various hotels within the brand. In a world where food allergies are so prevalent, Karisma Hotels & Resorts has a strong focus on having the freshest ingredients and producing meals for all guests. Sustainability is important to the Karisma brand. Families experiencing the Azul and Generation resorts will have Gerber baby food included in all restaurants and 24 hr room service.
Another highlight was the luxury and opulence at the El Dorado resorts. Adults only, elegant with unique touches with outdoor showers, beach and pool butlers, apple champagne and gourmet delicacies. It’s no surprise why Karisma is so popular with guests. Many couples planning their weddings have a hard time visualizing what their special day is going to look like, what their guests are going to experience.
Karisma Hotels allow these guests to spend three nights and meet with the wedding coordinators, visit the resorts they are interested in and sample menus and wine pairings. Six Memorable Moments wedding packages to choose from, various ceremony locations ranging from beachfront, pier and Sky terraces, garden gazebos and a Catholic chapel for 150 guests…the most romantic locations in the Caribbean. Private and personalized receptions can be coordinated with the onsite wedding team.
Adults and couples enjoy the El Dorado resorts for the casual elegance at El Dorado Maroma, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas and El Dorado Seaside. I experienced El Dorado Maroma which had the longest stretch of beach and quiet atmosphere. A wonderful place to relax and unwind. The food was the best I have experienced in Mexico and I found appealing the number of restaurants available to experience. Premium liquor and wine was paired with gourmet dishes and contemporary cuisine. New in 2016 are the over-water bungalows, very exciting for guests not wanting to fly to the South Pacific to experience this unique type of accommodation.
Families have the opportunity to experience luxury at the Azul and Generation resorts. Gourmet food and bites, variety of cuisine and child friendly sections at the buffet. The Nickelodeon Experience includes character breakfasts, meet and greet and the Azulitos Playhouse. A Nick concierge will help arrange character visits to birthday parties and special events for a nominal fee. These characters include: Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Part of the Gourmet Inclusive feature includes baby amenities available upon request at check-in; cribs, strollers, Pack N Play, baby monitors and change tables, bottle warmers and sterilizers, high chairs, sleepers, etc. A huge benefit for families travelling together.
Mexico embraces a great combination of relaxation and adventure. Activities include jungle trekking, zip-lining, nature and wildlife, scuba and snorkelling to ancient history in the Mayan culture. You can be as active or calm and serene as you wish. The Vassa spa at Azul and the Naay spa at the El Dorado resorts are the perfect place to wind down and find your zen. El Dorado Seaside has a 14,000 sq ft Naay spa and voted Top 25 spas in Mexico.
Since returning from the Mayan Riviera I have shared my experiences with clients interested in getting married in Mexico. It is always helpful to have advice and recommendations from an expert who has been to the resorts and know first hand what venues to suggest and have that rapport with the onsite wedding team.
For more information about booking your next group experience at a Karisma Hotel & Resort, or for more information about destination weddings, contact Debbie by email, visiting her in-store, or calling 1 866 552 7256.