If you were to say the words Galveston Island, there would an array of feedback and replies: Ike, 1900 storm, the beaches, historical homes, great food, shopping, Schlitterbahn, The Strand, Galveston art, Carnival or cruising in general, Moody Gardens.  The list places to go, along with things to see and do will go on and on.  Galveston has something for everyone, and we want to share the love of the city and all its destination wedding possibilities with you!

Join us each Wednesday, beginning next week, as we tour the city of Galveston through the eyes of destination wedding planners.  Corner to corner, we’ll unveil this hidden destination wedding gem!

Until then…  Cheers!

It’s common for couples to focus on the wedding planning while leaving the fun, loving, romantic, adventurous and  (insert your adjective here) first vacation as man and wife to sit the side for later thought.  Your honeymoon should be “the vacation” of a lifetime. You know… the experience that you always look back on and say, “This was perfect.  We’re going to return here every year (five years, ten years, or for our ____ anniversary).  That’s exactly how it should be.

Maroma Resort and Spa is located in Mayan Riviera (Riviera Maya).  Perfectly situated at the corner of the Yucatan jungle and the blue Caribbean, you’ll immediately feel at peace as you escape for our fast paced lives of today.  A quick flight and a short drive will take you to your Honeymoon Hideaway!

We love assisting our clients in finding fun group activities to include as part of their wedding weekend of adventure!  I hold the Cancun / Riviera Maya / Yucatan very near and dear to my heart.  This area is so much more than beautiful beaches.  The culture is rich and there’s much to be experienced.  Not to mention, a quick direct flight via Continental Airlines from our very own George Bush International Airport (IAH) to Cancun International Airport (CUN)!

This week on Where 2 Wednesday :: Xel-ha [shell-ha]

As the largest natural aquarium in the world, this ecological park has fun and adventure to be had by all!  In addition to experiencing your destination wedding, your guests will also want to experience some of what your destination has to offer.  Chances are, you will have a variety of adventures to choose from.  Xel-ha is a great location to couple a variety of adventure options in one all-inclusive location.  At just over $70USD per adult and 50% off for children, this is noted at the best value adventure in the area.

In addition to all beverages,

snacks are included,

breakfast and lunch are also included,

you’ll enjoy ecological and cultural tours,

kids can take part in a child friendly adventure section,

visit a cenote [se'note] “The Mayan Cave”,

enjoy snorkeling,

cliff diving,

bicycling through the jungle,

relax on an inner tube,

and of course…  swim with the dolphins!

Share with us your Xel-ha experience in the comment box below!

Don’t forget to enter to win our free location styled engagement or anniversary photography session contest sponsored by MFL Photography and Precious Nuptials & Destinations.

As you write the chapter to your next adventure, this week on Where 2 Wednesday, we invite you to take a close look at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort in Rivera Nayarit Mexico.  As a member of The Leading Hotels of the World®, you can count on a true luxurious experience and unparalleled service.

• 40 miles from Cancun International Airport (CUN)
• EST. Nov. 2008
• Minutes away from Xcaret and Xel-Ha (two of the area’s most beautiful ecological and water parks)
• 496 luxury suites with dedicated concierge service
• Adult only section — 96 Ambassador Suites
• Luxurious spa situated in the middle of a tropical jungle

Take a look at a few of the images we captured during our visit last year!

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Grand Entrance :: Your driver will slowly enter this jaw dropping stone wall entrance into clear glass opening gates. Brace yourself... your jungle tropical oasis awaits you!

King Suite offers sliding doors to expose bath area

Beautiful wood work and hand stone work graces this property perfectly. Opt for a personal plunge pool! You won't regret it.

Enjoy a clean eating experience. Pictured are the different offerings, a Grand Vela chef making his evening dinner catch and dinning room options.

The jungle location of the spa certainly sets the tone for total relaxation!

Our amateur images can’t do Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit justice!  We invite you to click virtual tour and photos selections below take a tour.  Once you’re done, immediately begin your honeymoon planning.  We know you won’t be disappointed!  If you have any questions, feel free to email our travel concierge directly at margaret {at} preciousnuptials {dot} com.

Be the first to comment above with a CORRECT answer to our “Mystery Island” will win a $10.00 Amazon gift certificate!

Clue No. 1 :: Adventurous Caribbean Hot Spot

Clue No. 2:: World’s Best Weddings and Honeymoon Destination

Clue No. 3 :: Home of the “Premiere Jazz Festival of the Caribbean”

Clue No. 4::  An up close view…

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Nevis :: Located in the West Indies of the Caribbean

… off the beaten path

… not your overly populated tourist spot

… ideal for the nature lover

… nice getaway for the humanitarian

… unique an intimate destination wedding location

… or incorporate with a honeymoon or weddingmoon location hop

… easy access to St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and Antigua

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Click Image :: Get Married Win a Honeymoon in Paradise Turtle Island, Fiji valued at over $20,000!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Turtle Island…

When you think of a luxury honeymoon or getaway, you may think of a five star resort that offers state of the art spa services, a private butler and beautifully plated cuisines on modern developed land. Turtle Island offers luxury in a very natural Fijian way.

This naturally beautiful destination sits off the beaten path in Fiji. Purchased by Richard Evanson in 1972, one would imagine that Mr. Evanson knew he a diamond in the rough. Coming from the Americas hustle and bustle, this brilliant cable television business man and Harvard Engineering graduate, arrived with a tent, refrigerator and a generator. His hard work and dedication has revamped this gorgeous 500 acre once deserted island into a dream location.

After allowing the 1980’s filming of The Blue Lagoon, Richard enjoyed seeing others appreciate the beauty of this island and allowed private access for up to fourteen couples. This limited access promotes the preservation of the island’s natural beauty.

The Blue Lagoon

Plan a luxurious honeymoon visit or rent the island for a week.  You will enjoy:

Beach Front Cottage :: Sleeps two adults and up to four kids

Cottage Living Area

Cottage Sleeping Area

All Food

All Beverages

All Activities :: deep sea fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, mountain biking, sunset cruise, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing and use of all sporting equipment

Dedicated Bure Mama

Complimentary Lomi Lomi half hour message per guest

… and more (including a personal nanny for each child)!

Current rates are $300,000 USD per week (all inclusive of features and taxes) for a full island’s rental.  If you’re looking for couple rates or honeymoon rates, one can take advantage of current special of stay for seven nights and pay for five.

Yes, Turtle Islands offer destination weddings.  Experience a unique Fijian style wedding at the famous Blue Lagoon!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Image Credits :: Turtle Island, Fiji

Dining :: From elegant cuisines to generous buffet experiences, you will enjoy the restaurant selections and unlimited premium beverages.

Image Credit :: Dreams Resorts & Spas

Spa Experience :: Spa rooms, spa gardens, or outdoor beach cabanas, Dreams has some of the the most lavish and acclaimed spas experiences.

Image Credit :: Dreams Resorts and Spas

Play :: From non-motorized sports for adults to the Explorer’s Club for kids ages 3-12 years old, you’ll have full filled play throughout your stay.

Image Credit :: Dreams Resorts & Spas

Flu Free Guarantee :: Guest traveling May 8, 2009 through December 20, 2009 are covered under Dream’s Flu Free Assurance.

Image Credit :: Dreams Resorts & Spas

Weddings :: Beautiful and family friendly Cancun Destination Wedding option.

Stay tuned, as we visit on the topic “Hiring a Wedding Planner For Your Destination Wedding.”  On this upcoming post, we’ll offer you a self test that will assist you in determining the need for hiring and bringing a private Destination Wedding Planner.

For additional information on this week’s spotlight destination, email us at dw{at}preciousnuptials{dot}com.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

• An international nuptial get away that can consist of both wedding and honeymoon (can also include multiple destinations)
• A domestic location away from either the bride or groom’s hometown
• A wedding that requires over fifty percent of the guest to travel to attend

When someone mentions the words destination wedding, in any combination, do you automatically picture a tropical beach outlined with blue waters and clear skies?  Does your mind wonder off the beaten path?  Do you envision the romance of Paris or maybe the exotic adventure of South Africa?  If you immediately thought of a beach picturesque location, you’re not alone.  Most destination wedding advertisements are geared towards luring you to a relaxing and romantic beach setting and seldom veer off the beaten path.  Allow me to shed a little light and elaborate on the parameters of a destination wedding.

Many popular destination weddings locations are typically tourist hot spots.  Often times, they’ve gained their notoriety through heavy advertising enlisted by hotels, resorts, air consortium and travel suppliers.  They will boast their unique features, all inclusiveness, spa credits, air credits and/or free wedding with couple upgrades (we’ll explore this sticky topic at a later date).  Although not a fit everyone, all of these are fabulous teasers and terrific options to consider.  This, along with the vivid images and our natural sense of imagination, will make many couples ponder the idea to pick up, wed away and leave the fuss of planning a local wedding behind.  However, couples and even local wedding professionals may fail to realize when they are in fact dealing with a destination wedding.

Did you know that a destination wedding is a wedding that will take place anywhere away from either the bride or groom’s hometown?  Therefore, if you are the bride from Florida marrying your groom in his hometown of New Orleans, you are in fact having a destination wedding and should adjust your wedding planning process accordingly.

Destination weddings require special attention to detail because  of the unfamiliarity factor of some or all of the decision makers.  For many, this element of the unknown adds to the ambiance.  While for others, it can be a hindrance.  The added weight on logistical factors always require additional TLC.  It is for this exact reason that the destination wedding specialist of Precious Nuptials & Destinations treat our clients with a final guest list of greater than forty percent whom require overnight travel as a destination wedding.

Are you a destination wedding couple?  It’s something to think about.  If you are, you may want to elvauate your plan to ensure for a smooth and fabulous event!

To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!