Recommend June 2011 - (Page 58)

SAY “I DO” to central america continued from page 56 for the couple, with a king-size bed, a large private patio surrounded by gardens, and an oversized bathroom with a jacuzzi tub and glasswalled shower. Oh, and there’s also a private ﬁreplace—how’s that for charm? For wedding guests reserve the El Fresal Apartment Room, which features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living and outdoor porch with seating area. On the wedding day, center stage is at the hotel’s tropical garden packed with mature pine trees covered in Spanish moss, palms and giant cacti, not to mention ferns, hydrangeas, hibiscus, bougainvillea, impatiens and lilies, as well as a fountain, a rockery and an arch of roses. Or, the couple can opt for or a custom-designed wedding tent pavilion ﬁlled with ﬂowers, champagne and candles. The resort can take care of all the essentials including preparing the food for the rehearsal dinner, the wedding reception and the wedding breakfast, as well as spa treatments at the onsite The Haven Spa and transportation from/to the airport in David. Rate is $170 for the honeymoon suite and $379 for the apartment (GDS booking code: LX). Contact: panamonte.com or (800) 525-4800; slh.com El Faro Club House at Bristol Buenaventura in Panama. los altos beach resort & spa the westin playa bonita This Starwood property might not be on your radar yet, but the 611room The Westin Playa Bonita in Panama, which is, as of press time, scheduled to open this October, should be as it’s undoubtedly going to be a top choice in Panama for leisure travelers and destination weddings. This grand resort—with the rainforest for a backyard—will feature such familiar Westin-associated amenities as the WestinWORKOUT ﬁtness center, the Breathe Westin initiative (a smoke-free policy), and superb service, complemented by a freeform pool lining the beach, six restaurants serving international, pan-Asian fusion and Mediterranean delights, and easy access to Panama City, Casco Viejo—with its 16th and 17th century Spanish and French colonial architecture—and the Panama Canal’s Miraﬂores Locks. The resort offers customizable wedding packages, with a sample package including all the wedding day “musts,” such as license and minister fees and access to a wedding planner, as well as room upgrades. Package rates run from approximately $1,800 to $5,000, and special room rates will be available for the wedding party, based on a minimum of 10 rooms booked. For the wedding day festivities, couples have a choice between the Westin Grand Ballroom—accommodating up to 1,500 guests—a ceremony right on the beach, or a beachside air-conditioned venue with gorgeous views of the sea. Contact: westin.com/playabonita Of course, the darling of Central America is Costa Rica, with its striking natural wonders, and among all of Mother Nature’s exuberance, there are a few resorts that have caught our eye, including the recently opened Los Altos Beach Resort & Spa, tucked away between the Manuel Antonio National Park and the Paciﬁc Ocean. How’s that for a picture-perfect frame to a wedding ceremony? The Balinese-style accommodations with rich exotic hardwoods and tropical rattan furniture, are true sanctuaries and the 3,520-sq.-ft. penthouses are ideal for the wedding party, offering four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, three balconies, fully equipped kitchen, and separate living and dining areas, not to mention a private terrace with jacuzzi, as well as views of both the ocean and Manuel Antonio. Wedding party guests can take advantage of the resort’s shuttle that can transport them to local attractions (for a charge), or book one of the available tours to the park or Damas Island, go on an ATV ride through the rainforest, even take a canopy tour or go kayaking, snorkeling, and so much more. The bride and groom can relax before the big day at Spa Los Altos, at the beach or by the inﬁnity pool, and then say “I do” at one of several venues, including beachside or in the penthouse suite, with soaring views of the jungle canopy. All weddings are customizable, but the resort promises exceptional service and sumptuous food, including a selection of typical local fare. Penthouse suite rates for eight persons through Dec. 15 start at $1,790 per room per night. Contact: (800) 517-1195; losaltosresort.com panamonte inn & spa In Panama’s Chiriqui highlands on a country road just a 5-minute walk from the charming village of Boquete, the Panamonte Inn & Spa, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is as pretty as a picture in pastel blue and white with a picket fence and landscaped gardens— ideal for couples looking for that romanticized Jane Austen-style start to their married life. This historic European-style hotel, which features a relaxing spa, cooking classes, and, the hotel says, one of the best restaurants in Central America, is the perfect base from which to explore the highlands—a treat for the wedding party—and for couples looking to tie the knot, it’s ideal for its intimate ambiance and year-round springtime temperature. There are 25 double rooms that can accommodate up to 60 guests of the wedding party, but reserve the Honeymoon Suite 58 june 2011 villa blanca cloud forest & spa For a cloud forest wedding, head to Villa Blanca Cloud Forest & Spa, a member of Greentique Hotels of Costa Rica and located in the central Costa Rican highlands in the El Silencio de Los Angeles Cloud Forest Private Biological Reserve. If your clients are green-focused, this is the place to send them because only 2 percent of these unique cloud forest ecosystems are left on the planet. Even more unique is the resort’s Mariana Chapel, built to commemorate the 50th wedding anniversary of the original owner and accommodating up to 75 guests. Its entire ceiling—which was inspired by the 17th century La Sixtina de la Maiolica Chapel in Italy—was created by the resort’s original owner’s continued on page 60 recommend.com http://www.panamonte.com http://www.slh.com http://www.westin.com/playabonita http://www.losaltosresort.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend June 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Club Med Weddings by Imagine
A Perfect Honeymoon
Super-Sexy Voyages by Sea
Home-Based Happily Ever Afters
Kiss & Tell
Saying "I Do" on an Island
The Best Beach Honeymoons
Brazil Travel Planner
Say "I Do" to Central America
Steamy Love in South America
Finding Honeymoon Gems in Europe
Mesmerizing Retreats
Exotic Africa—The Perfect Honeymoon Haven
Five Fiery Honeymoons in Mexico
Mexico Says "I Do" to Destination Weddings

Recommend June 2011