Recommend June 2012 - (Page 62)

ISLAND WEDDINGS pump up the volume continued from page 60 curtain bluff resort, antigua Flanked by two beaches and jutting off prettily from its location atop a promontory, this Antiguan retreat serves romance al fresco from practically every corner, with breezy sea-view rooms and suites offering soaking tubs, ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows and close proximity to the ocean. Pre- or post-wedding, couples can indulge in an intimate tasting at Curtain Bluff’s wine cellar, said to be the largest in the Caribbean, or reserve the spa’s relaxation deck for a champagne-and-strawberries evening in the jacuzzi as they enjoy the views all the way to the island of Montserrat. They can then say “I do” right on the beach or at The Bluff House, a private home with what seems like endless ocean views. Each wedding is customized and there’s just one per day, with never more than one wedding group at a time—and a complete resort buyout is always an option. Wedding prices start at $895 for a package that includes the marriage license and paperwork, the wedding ofﬁcer’s fees, cake and cocktail reception after the ceremony. Another plus to a stay at Curtain Bluff: all-inclusive rates that translate to all meals and drinks, room service, ﬁtness classes and watersports activities such as snorkeling trips, windsurﬁng, deep-sea ﬁshing and scuba diving. These start at $715 per night dbl. For added fees, couples or their guests can arrange a cooking or wine appreciation class, excursions around Antigua or a leisurely sail on a 50-ft. ketch. Why we chose it: Family-friendly and ease of full buy-out. Contact: curtainbluff.com spice island beach resort, grenada There is nothing bland about a wedding at this family-owned property in the Isle of Spice. Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach is so pretty, it may take away some of the attention from the bride, but she won’t mind once she’s here. This stylish Caribbean paradise seems to have been exclusively designed for romance, with airy accommodations, gourmet cuisine and that stunning shoreline, but an attentive staff adds to the mix by offering beautiful and hassle-free ceremonies. The resort’s basic wedding package, priced at just $500, includes the decor in their chosen beach or garden location, a wedding cake and bottle of champagne, bouquet and boutonniere, private en-suite dinner for two the night of the wedding, decorated honeymoon room, marriage license and embassy signing fees and other convenient perks. Here, too, they have plenty of options to add on, including a steel band, video shoot or a sunset cruise gliding along the coastline and harbor. Before or after the big day, there are plenty of watersports options to wile away the time, as well as a variety of sailing charters, tours and excursions to explore the island that are easily arranged. Rates start at $618 per room with half-board accommodations and $860 per room for the all-inclusive program, although for bride and groom, the resort recommends a Private Pool Suite or signature Cinnamon & Saffron Suite, which sits right in front of the beach; the latter starts at $1,695 per night for an all-inclusive stay. Why we chose it: Great reputation, scenic location and hands-on service. Contact: spiceislandbeachresort.com ■ Archived related articles (available on recommend.com): Caribbean Uber-Luxe (February 2012) C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Saying “I do” in the Caribbean Because Caribbean weddings are so popular in the U.S., it’s generally easy to tie the knot in the islands. Still, whenever possible, couples marrying in the Caribbean, along with their travel agent, should work with resort wedding coordinators to ensure they meet all the legal requirements mandated by their respective island nation. Each island has different legal requirements. Some islands require the bride and groom to be in the country a certain number of days before applying for a license; others allow couples to apply for a license remotely. Most islands require passports, birth certiﬁcates and proof of marital status to issue marriage licenses. 62 june 2012 recommend.com http://www.curtainbluff.com http://www.spiceislandbeachresort.com http://www.recommend.com http://rosehall.hilton.com http://rosehall.hilton.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend June 2012

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Noble House Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Artisans of Leisure
Romance on Land & Sea
Out of Africa Come Romantic Retreats
Starry-Eyed Bliss in Exotic Surroundings
Enchanting Nuptials American-Style
Honeymoons that Stir the Soul
Latin American Gems Play to the Heart
Brazil Travel Planner
Fairy Tale Honeymoons in Europe
Island Weddings Pump Up the Volume
Once-in-a-Lifetime Honeymoons
Destination Wedding Powerhouses
Fancy-Filled Mexican Weddings
'Mooning in Mexico

Recommend June 2012