Caribbean weddingSo this is it.

You’ve decided to go with you dream wedding in the Caribbean? Because Caribbean weddings are so different from traditional weddings, read the following to give you an idea on what to expect for a destination wedding in the Caribbean.

First, you can even make that wedding even more special by adding another component to the wedding. Indeed, in the Caribbean, the sky is the limit… and even then. Want to get married at the beach, in an all-inclusive resort or under the water? The choice is yours.

Then, there are a panoply of islands to choose from for your Caribbean wedding. The Caribbean is located in the Caribbean sea and comprises many islands as well as the east coast of Mexico. Some of the most popular islands are Barbados, British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and much more!

Before the big yes, just like in a traditional wedding, there a few legal requirements you will need to look into.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal legal document to fill up for all the Caribbean countries and islands. Every islands have their own specific requirements regarding weddings. Because those requirements can change from year to year, it is best to check on the tourist board of the chosen Caribbean island or country. And like any other weddings, there are some administrative fees you will need to pay in order to make your wedding official. Legals requirements or documents can consist in the two parties to be resident of the island or country for at least 1 to 7 days (depending on the Caribbean island) before tying the knot, to be at least 18 years of age on the day of the wedding unless parental consent and some legal documents such as a valid passport and a birth certificate.

Planning the Caribbean Wedding

You can plan your Caribbean wedding by yourself, but the easiest way is simply to ask your travel agent about Caribbean wedding packages. Your travel agent can help you in choosing the right package for your budget.

If you are intending on planning the whole wedding by yourself, you can do a quick internet search to compare prices locations. Things you will need to look into: your location and accommodation, the flights, a bouquet, a wedding officiant and a photographer.

Caribbean Wedding Ideas

The most popular weddings in the Caribbean are by the beach. And this is not surprising. Imagine the romantic sound of the sea and the fragrant smell of the local flowers while you are saying yes to him, or to her. But not everybody wants the romantic beach wedding. If you are one of them, there are many other possibilities. A private yacht wedding is always spectacular. You will get some of the most spectacular pictures as your yacht sails off at sunset. If you like privacy, try a private island. Away from the stress of the world, experience an impressive wedding experience. Another interesting popular way to getting married in the Caribbean is to get married under the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean with a unique wedding bouquet. Simply an amazing way to tie to knot and memorable pictures and memories to bring home.

Is the deep blue sky, the perfect white sand and the turquoise crystal clear water of the Caribbean your ideal wedding? Caribbean wedding are much more affordable than many people think and so much fun. So what are you waiting for? Book your Caribbean wedding today.

For more information about destination weddings, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Iberostar Grand Bávaro Hotel

Iberostar Grand Bávaro Hotel

You may have heard of this magnificent Dominican Republic resort, as its commonly voted one of the best in the Punta Cana region. This luxury adults-only resort promises to pamper you from the moment you walk through the door, with its beautiful grounds, 24 hour butler on call, and immaculate services.

Accomodations:

The hotel has 274 rooms broken up into 260 suites, 13 ocean front grande suites, and 1 very posh presidential suite.

Overall, you won’t be disappointed with any of the guest suites, as the hotel strives to make your room feel like home away from home. Each suite is assigned a housekeeper who will diligently keep your room clean every day, and stock it with a wide variety of ammenities. We found the rooms very well decorated, with a simple but elegant decor. Each room also comes with a pillow menu, allowing you to choose the perfect pillow for your preferred sleeping habits.

Unfortunately, the rooms don’t come with internet access, you’ll have to use the business center to check your email.

Dining:

The resort boasts a wide variety of luxury restaurants that will satisfy your every gastronomical craving. With 4 à la carte restaurants, an international buffet, and a beachfront restaurant, your hardest decision will be to choose where you want to eat today. The variety of foods served is equally impressive, with cuisines ranging from Japan to North America being skillfully prepared and served with your choice of wines.

Entertainment:

During the evening, most resorts provide some sort of live entertainment such as music, comedies, dancing, etc… The evening entertainment at the Iberostar Grand Bávaro exceeded our every expectation. The interesting thing about the live shows at the Iberostar is that they have an old ship on the resort grounds, that has bars, a dance floor, and a stage for live shows. It’s quite the experience.

Pools/Beach:

The hotel has 2 pools for guests, the lake pool for casual swimming and relaxation, and a second pool for activities such as aerobics, and water sports.

If you’re looking for a nice, relaxation pool you’ll be very satisfied with the lake pool at the Iberostar Grand Bávaro. This large pool also features a swim-up bar for guests to enjoy a refreshing drink during the day. The pool is located right beside the beach if you want to take a quick dip in the ocean.

The beach is everything you’d expect from a resort in the Dominican Republic, with picturesque views, soft white sand, and sparkling blue water. Lounge on the beach in one of their shaded beds and just let the time pass.

Downsides:

Unfortunately, no hotels are completely lacking in a few downsides. Fortunately for guests, there are few negative things to speak about when discussing the Iberostar Grand Bávaro. Guests looking for an exclusive, adults-only resort may be slightly disappointed as the grounds for the resort are adults-only, but the surrounding Iberostar resorts are family-oriented.

Another negative aspect that a few guests report is that the service staff’s English isn’t perfect. Although, that’s just your chance to brush up on your Spanish, isn’t it?

Tips:

- Bring a wide range of sunblocks, as the sun in the Dominican Republic is very strong. Don’t stick to 15 and 30, which is what many guests bring. Make sure to pack at least one tube of SPF 60 or above, and use it the first few days you’re there. Getting sunburned early in your trip makes for an unenjoyable vacation.

- The television has some North American channels, but bring some extra dvds with you. When you’re watching television at night, you’ll be glad to have them around.

- Go to the bank ahead of time and get lots of $1 bills to tip the staff.

- The beach and ocean are stunning, so bring a good camera. Some guests even splurge to get a waterproof camera if they decide to go on snorkeling excursions.

Overall, there aren’t enough good things to say about this resort, from the always friendly butlers ready to bring you a drink, to the smiling wait staff, and overall luxury and air of relaxation in this resort will leave you smiling ear to ear. We give this resort a 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

For more information, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

Visit Curaçao

Curaçao

Curaçao

Welcome to Curaçao, a beautiful, sophisticated island rich in history and heritage. With 38 picture-perfect beaches, warm temperatures and crystal-clear waters, it is one of the most welcoming Caribbean islands. Religious tolerance is Curaçao’s trademark, and all people, including tourists, are warmly welcomed.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

The Arawak Indians were Curaçao’s first inhabitants, and probably landed here a few centuries before Alonzo de Ojeda explored the island in 1499. Twenty-eight years later the Spanish colonized the island, but the lack of gold and the unfavourable climate made them lose interest quickly. The government-backed Dutch West India Company took control of Curaçao in 1634, and Peter Stuyvesant became the island’s governor in 1642. The first Jewish settlers arrived in 1651, and a synagogue, the oldest still in use in the New World, was built in 1732. The Dutch established large-scaled plantations and built an important salt industry. Curaçao also became a major hub for slave trading: African slaves were housed in special quarters before being sold at the slave market and shipped off to their final destination.

In the early 19th century the British seized Curaçao from the Dutch, but eventually acknowledged the Dutch claim on the island in 1815. After the abolition of slavery in 1863, the island entered into a period of economic decline. It eventually recovered with the discovery of oil in 1920, and economic growth attracted immigrants from South America or other Caribbean islands, making Curaçao the rich blend of cultures it is today. Hotels have mushroomed since the 1980s, and tourism is fast becoming the country’s most important industry. Much has been invested to expand the tourism sector, and Curaçao is now a popular port of call for cruise ships.

Since 2007, Curaçao has been given the authority to govern itself while still maintaining political ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The capital city of Willemstad has a clearly Dutch feel, with houses built in a typical Dutch-colonial style lining up the streets. Much of the island, however, is covered by an arid landscape, giving it an American Southwest appearance. People of almost 60 different nationalities – such as Africans, Dutch, Venezuelans, and Pakistani – make up the country’s population, and the rich local cuisine and culture is the result of all these influences. Dutch is the official language, but locals usually talk to each other in Papiamento, and many people also speak English and Spanish.

SIGHTS

Discover the dark history of slave trading at the Kura Hulanda Museum, which has a frighteningly realistic replica of a slave-ship deck.

Take a tour to the Maritime Museum and uncover the island’s nautical history. Interesting items include historic maps, marine charts, and navigation gears.

Built in 1853, the Curaçao Museum has displays on Curaçao’s rich past such as paintings and ancient relics.

You can buy exotic fruits, vegetables, or craftworks – from South America and other Caribbean islands – at the Floating market.

Constructed in 1732, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue was the first synagogue built on the island. You’ll find interesting items on Curaçao’s Jewish heritage at the adjacent Jewish Cultural Museum.

Discover the island’s plants and animals at the Christoffel National Park, a natural sanctuary covering 1800 hectares (4450 acres). If you’re in a good shape, you can climb the 369-metres-high (1211-foot) Mt. Christoffel and enjoy the epic vista at the top.

Founded in 1984, the Curaçao Seaquarium is home to 400 species of seafaring animals, such as crabs, corals, fish, sharks, dolphins, and flamingos.

BEACHES

With 38 picture-perfect beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to understand why Curaçao attracts so many tourists. Some are good for honeymooners, others are great for snorkelling, and many are family-friendly. A good option is the Seaquarium Beach, a white-sand beach right next to the Curaçao Seaquarium. Playa Porto Mari, with its beautiful white sand and peaceful water, is also recommended. Other good beaches include Paya Knip, Daaibooi, Blaaibooi, and Playa Lagun.

ACTIVITIES

Many tourists come to Curaçao for the beautiful white-sand beaches on the western shores. The beaches on the island’s southeast are good too, but a bit rocky.

Fishing is also good in Curaçao.

Diving among the island’s protected reefs is great, and the underwater visibility is excellent.

Snorkel trips are available for non-divers who want to discover what Curaçao’s crystal-clear waters have to offer.

There are plenty of land-based activities as well, such as buggy trips, biking, horseback riding and golfing.

Don’t miss Willemstad’s many historic sites and great shopping opportunities.

Curaçao is known for its rich nightlife, and you can try your luck at one of the island’s casinos or enjoy a drink at a bar.

Gourmets should try the island’s superb cuisine.

For more information, visit Cheap All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation.

« Prev - Next »