Romancing the Tropics: Destination Wedding Deals
If it sounds too good to be true it usually is except in the Caribbean where deals on weddings and honeymoons are too tempting to pass up. ‘Destination weddings’ mean big business on all the Islands with resorts offering complimentary ceremonies, free nights, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne breakfasts pour deux. Whether it’s barefoot on the beach or a more formal affair, saying I Do is a breeze in the tropics and doesn’t have to break the bank.
Leading the pack of good deals are the Sandals resorts. With twelve all-inclusives sitting pretty on four Islands (Jamaica, Antigua, Bahamas and St. Lucia) and deals on airfare and 50% off room rates, tying the knot Caribbean-style might just last forever. The WeddingMoon package includes a planner , marriage official, photos, reception for guests, breakfast in bed (sorry – for the newlyweds only) and ‘just married’ t-shirts and with a honeymoon of six nights in a Concierge room, the ceremony is free.
In the southern Caribbean, Grenada is a treasure trove of palm-fringed beaches, fragrant spice trees and bridal bargains. The Spice Island Beach Resort tops the list with their wedding package - US$1300.00 added to the room cost – that includes the whole shebang including a beachfront floral wedding arch, champagne and cake, manicures and massages, sunset cruises and a Best Man or Maid of Honour if case you forget to bring one with you. (Note to couples – We recommend Seagrape Room 47 with views of the ships in the harbor.). “Couples can sneak away to secluded corners of our lush property, stroll along Grand Anse Beach or simply relax the days away,” says owner Sir Royston Hopkin who is the only Caribbean hotelier knighted by the Queen of England.
For the more budget-conscience, Morne Fendue Plantation House is a charming eight-room B & B that’s filled with antiques like the brass bed slept in by Princess Margaret in 1953. Rates start at US$65.00 (per room, not per person) and dip to US$40.00 if the wedding party books the entire house. “Our views of the mountains are breathtaking and made for weddings.” smiles owner Jean Thompson who lords over the Inn as if royalty were popping in for cuppa and a scone.
So enchanted by the magnificent Piton Mountains in St Lucia, Russian-Canadian architect Nick Troubetzkoy built a monument in their honour. Scaling the heights of luxury, Jade Mountain is not only the highest hotel on the Island but also the top pick for weddings. Each of the twenty-four suites is unique with no-fourth-wall offering unobstructed views of the twin peaks. The Total Romance package (starts at US$5784.00 ) includes the fifth night free and a host of romantic extras including US$500.00 to use on your annivesary visit.
The best on the beach in Jamaica, the AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton Resort Rose Hall in Montego Bay offers five wedding packages (starting at US$2500.00) and affordable room options like the Reconnect package – $299 per room, per night - includes breakfast for two in the Horizon restaurant and a $100 daily credit for food, a massage and a round of golf at the White Witch golf course.
Gratis weddings are the trademark at SuperClubs resorts (Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Curacao) that also offer distinctive locales include underwater with a Diver- Minister who marries the couple amidst the coral reefs (Breezes in Jamaica) and seaside in the buff at the au naturel Hedonism resorts where fig leaves are accepted and may we suggest – encouraged.
