Traditional weddings at home with family and friends is a lovely traditional way of celebrating two lives becoming one, however they aren't for everyone. Escape to Travel would like to give you the opportunity to celebrate your special day in a place that will make the day something that will not only be special but something you and your guests will never forget.
Destination Weddings and Honeymoons
Why would you want to have a Destination Wedding?
Our preferred destinations for weddings are Jamaica, Mexico, St Lucia, Tahiti and Fiji. We have listed our favorite properties in each country below.
Jamaica given that it is the least limiting Island for weddings in the Caribbean. Our choice of resorts for couples getting married in Jamaica are Sandals, Couples, and for those on a budget RIU. All of these resort properties have fabulous wedding coordinators and bridal departments. I even got RIU to adjust their residency requirements to 1 day because the bride was not able to take a lot of time off of work. By doing that we were able to book 15 rooms for guests, without doing that the bride would not have been able to get married outside of the country. The residency requirements have more to do with giving the resort time to get everything ready for the wedding in Jamaica.
Mexico is another favorite wedding destination. In Cancun and Riviera Maya we use Palace Resorts mostly due to their wedding departments and wedding coordinators who are very easy to work with. They will bend over backwards to help both travel consultants and their clients ensuring a very pleasant process.
We use Le Meriden, Grand Velas, JW Marriott & F.A. Condesa, or Excellent Resort for our affluent clients. These properties are easy to work with and provide a true 5 star experience. In Mexico we use RIU Resort properties for our budget wedding clients.
Barceló for weddings, in particular the Barceló Maya Palace, are great properties to work with when planning a Destination Wedding.
In the Dominican Republic we use the Moon Palace Resort in Punta Cana. We had a wedding that was scheduled for the Moon Palace in Cancun that needed to be switched at the last minute to the Moon Palace Resort in Punta Cana due to the Swine flu issue. Palace Resorts are extremely helpful and weddings are less stressful. They flew the wedding coordinator our client had been working with at the Moon Palace Cancun to the Moon Palace in Punta Cana so the bride would have someone who was very familiar with their desires to oversee their wedding ceremony.
Palace Resorts moved the bride and groom and all their guests (15 rooms) to Punta Cana. This was all accomplished just 2 weeks prior to the wedding. We could not have made all of this work without the help of Palace Resorts.
Tahiti Destination Weddings are now legal and binding as of January 2010. With 8 islands to choose from and several 4 and 5 star properties, Tahiti offers couples many wedding and honeymoon options. The traditional Tahitian Wedding ceremony, an exchange or renewal of personal vows, or a special anniversary, is, for many, a dream come true. Each ceremony has its own unique flavor that range from simple to lavish; you can choose the experience that best fits your desire.
Popular resort properties on Papeete, Tahiti are the InterContinental Tahiti, Le Meridien, the Hilton, Manava All Suites Resort, and Sofitel Tahiti Resort. Some of the activities available are a Circle Island Tour, 4x4 Mountain Safari, Helicopter Sightseeing, Scuba Diving, and Hiking Adventures. A few of the restaurants available for you are L’Api’Zerria, Le Belvedere, La Casa Bianca, Le Coco’s, La Corbeille D’Eau, Le Mandarin, Restaurant Jimmy, Les Trois Brasseurs and the Roulottes (café carts from 6PM to midnight.
On Moorea some of the most popular resorts are the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa (good for both families and couples), Hilton Moorea Resort and Spa (fabulous Overwater Bungalows) Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort (very soft sand good for ages 20 to 40 years), Moorea Pearl Resort and Spa (good for families up to 55 years of age, town within walking distance, great Garden and Overwater Bungalows), Club Bali Hai (good for families and honeymooners on a tight budget, Overwater Bungalows are attached to land, Hotel units are very basic and have kitchenettes and best view in all of Moorea at the foot of Cooks Bay, water is not deep, good for snorkeling). Some of the activities available Circle Island tour, 4x4 Land Rover Safari, Lagoon Cruise and Motu Picnic, Moorea Dolphin Center, and Moorea Green Pearl golf Club, the Tiki Village theatre and Scuba Diving. Some of the restaurants available are Restaurant Te Hony Iti, Alfredo’s Restaurant Pizzeria, Le Cocotier, Le Mahogany, Les Nouveaux Mondes, and La Plantation.
Bora Bora has some favorites as well they are InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa (eco spa destination property, very picturesque large property that requires a lot of walking, might consider using a golf cart to get around, fewer activities than other properties, mediocre snorkeling due to no coral reef (in process of creating) or colorful fish), St Regis Resort Bora Bora (great for upscale clientele, Overwater Bungalows are large, recessed bath tub may be difficult to get into and out of, be careful in shower as water gets floor wet and soaks the mats), Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora (may want to purchase a meal plan while on this property as the shuttle goes back and forth to the restaurant every hour or two, mediocre snorkeling due to no coral reef (in process of creating) or colorful fish, great for families with teens). Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa (low key friendly property located on the main island, good beach that is great for swimming & snorkeling). Hilton Bora Bora Nui resort and Spa (2 Overwater Villas, the spa faces the ocean with 7 shades of blue, good for snorkeling and view of the mountains). Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa (excellent value property, 2 bedroom villa in beautiful gardens with plunge pool, closest resort to Vaitape Village is a 3 minute boat ride, there are 3 sets of stairs to get to the spa. The Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship docks near hear and at night the music from the disco may be loud until around midnight). The Le Meridien Bora Bora (good for families and honeymooners, their Beach Bungalows are my personal favorite, Overwater Bungalows are very small and all you will see is sand due to no coral reef and colorful fish). Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa (has coral garden good for snorkeling, is prettiest at tree line and water lily pond). Sofitel Motu Bora Bora (very Polynesian property, good for snorkeling, connected to Matira Beach, not good for persons with mobility issues as there is a lot of uneven terrain so individuals need to be fit). Sofitel Matira Beach Resort (close to main town, not a great property for honeymooners). Le Maitai Polynesia (budget property we only recommend the Overwater Bungalows that have recently been refurbished, good value, café on the beach, the main road runs right thru the middle of the property). Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort (This is a budget property with no Overwater Bungalows, have adjoining rooms that sleep 6 persons and has a night life). Available activities are Shark and Ray Snorkeling Safari which is wonderful and loved by our clients, 4x4 Jeep Safari also loved by our clients, Jet Ski Tour (you are accompanied by a guide and other tourists), Jet Boat Tour, Parasailing or Helicopter sightseeing is a fabulous tour, Private Lagoon Cruise and Moto BBQ, Scuba or helmet diving. Some of the restaurants available are Bloody Mary’s, Villa Mahana (5 star restaurant that must be booked with travel or honeymoon package as there are only 6 tables), Kaina Hut (very good), La Matira Beach Restaurant, Le Bounty (very basic local restaurant across from the resorts on the main island), and Fare Manuia.
On the islands of Raiatea, the imperial pulse of Polynesia, and Taha’a, known as the “Vanilla Island” only two properties exist. Both Raiatea and Taha’a share beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and a lagoon surrounded by pristine beaches. Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa located on Raiatea, a five star property, is a five hour boat ride from Bora Bora or a ten minute helicopter flight. When you stay at the Bora Bora Pearl Resort and Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa the helicopter flight is included in the price. Should you choose to stay at Le Taha’a Island Resort we recommend you purchase their meal plan as there are no other restaurants located on the island! Available activities are Faaroa River Excursion (good reviews from clients) and 4x4 Jeep Safari. Restaurants’ on Raiatea are Fiserman’s Warf, Restaurant Miri Miri, and Chez Louis on the main island which is a 5 minute boat ride (must go roundtrip before dark).
On Taha’a the Hawaiki Nui Hotel, a two star property, is very basic in furnishings, however it is good for divers as there is an old tall ship the Nordby lies on the ocean bottom. The hotel has a good restaurant that has reasonable prices (25 overwater, lagoon, and garden bungalows, 8 air-conditioned garden rooms). Also on property are clear water kayaks and a dive center. Two activities are 4x4 Jeep Safari and Private Tours of Shark and Ray discovery, Sunset Cruise, Full day Catamaran cruise. There are no restaurants on Taha’a.
Looking for an all-inclusive property (alcoholic beverages not included) Vahine Island Resort is located on a private motu 35 minutes from Raiatea on a fast boat. This resort is for those who are truly looking to get away from people. One will find an assortment of activities, a beachside bar and restaurant, three Overwater Bungalows and six Beachfront Suites and Bungalows among the coconut trees with a minimum stay of two night.
Known as the “Garden Isle” Huahine is the smallest amount of exploration in all of the Society Islands. Polynesians here live a happy and peaceful traditional way of life on their banana, vanilla, and taro plantations. The two islands that make up Huahine are surrounded by a coral reef and a slender thread of pristine sandy beach. Important and interesting archeological sites exist on Huahine, a serene heaven with the finest of older Polynesia.
Two resorts exist on Huahine the Te Tiare Pearl Beach Resort and Relais Hahana. Te Tiare Pearl Beach Resort is recommended for ages 30 to 50 years. It is a three star property. We recommend their Beach Bungalows and Overwater Bungalows for accommodation. This resort is accessible only by boat from the main village of Fare and sits on its own private lagoon.
Relais Mahana, a three star property, is very remote and sits on a fabulous white sand beach of Avea Bay close to the village of Parea. There are 32 Tahitian-style Bungalows meaning they do not have air-conditioning but do have ceiling fans and the interior furnishings are very basic. Some of the activities available on Huahine are Archaeological sacred Sites tour, 4x4 Jeep Safari Island Discovery Tour, Surfing at Ava Mo’a Pass, and Scuba diving Available restaurants on Huahine are Te Manava, Te Marara and Tiare Tipanier, Restaurant Mauarii, and Roulottes.
The world’s leading assortment coral atolls are the Tuamotu Islands of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava, a UNESCO nature reserve. These islands offer adventurous travelers a true Robinson Crusoe understanding. You will not find any bustling cities here; however you will find several of the most stunning dive sites in the world. All of the resorts has an onsite dive center. All diving activity must be booked in advance.
The largest of the atolls is Rangiroa hosting three resort properties. Hotel Kia Ora, Rangiroa is a three and a half to four star property located on the lagoon side of the reef with 63 air-conditioned bungalows on the beach, in the garden, and over the water. They offer a Modified American Plan meal option that we recommend you purchase. The General Manager, Jerry Garcia, is very hands on and is happy to help you with anything. You can get around the property via bicycle or car. You will find good snorkeling here and a fabulous drift snorkel excursion for 12 persons each tour.
Kia Ora Sauvage, Rangiroa is a remote Polynesian secrete. Only 10 guests at a time can enjoy this simple way of life with no electricity or telephones. This lifestyle is not for everyone, however if you are looking to get away from civilization, lay in a hammock for hours, go fishing or collecting sea shells, then this is your heaven on earth. You may purchase all-inclusive (not including alcoholic beverages) or a modified American meal plan.
Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort is a two star property on the lagoon in a coconut plantation offering 22 garden rooms, 10 garden bungalows, and 6 beach bungalows all with air-conditioning, a restaurant and bar.
Manihi Atoll hosts one of my favorite resorts the Manihi Pearl Beach Resort. This four star property offers 19 overwater fare (bungalows) with vibrant coral gardens, 21 beach bungalows on a beautiful ashen sand beach. You can enjoy boat outings, motu picnics, fishing, pearl farm visits, with an onsite dive shop and drift snorkeling. Activities available on Manihi are Full Day Motu Excursion & picnic, and Sunset Cruise.
Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort is on the Tikehau Lagoon with 8 overwater suites, 16 overwater bungalows and 13 beach bungalows. True Polynesian-style bungalows have ceiling fans, mini-bar, and TV’s. Because you are not able to move around the motu on a whim we suggest you purchase the modified American meal plan. This four star property is great for snorkeling and the overwater bungalows are beautiful. Activities available on Tikehau are Pink Sands Motu Picnic, Bird Island tour and Full Day Motu Excursion with Picnic.
On Fakarava Motu Island the only property is Le Maitai Dream. It is a 2 ¾ star property offers just 30 bungalows with lagoon views. We suggest you purchase the modified American meal plan. Activity on Fakarava is Full Day Boat Excursion to Tetamanu with picnic.
Click Here if you like to receive more information
Find more photos like this on Wedding Experts
Top of Page
For trip planning and bookings or if you just have questions feel free to contact us today!
Website by MTI Business Solutions
