Mexico/Caribbean: Elevating Romance Through Luxury

BEDROOMElevating Romance Through LuxuryBy Lydia GregoryMexico and the Caribbean top many a list when it comes to romantic getaways, and these destinations have more than their fair share of luxury accommodations that cater to couples no matter what the occasion, from proposals to weddings to honeymoons and renewals with a twist. Read on for a selection of resorts and offers to help them choose their next memories.Atlantis Paradise Island“Atlantis Paradise Island is a perfect destination for romantic travel,” says Jena Conway, director of weddings and special occasions at Atlantis. “For many couples, a romantic escape to Atlantis involves the utmost relaxation, from lounging at the adults-only pool at The Cove to luxe spa treatments at the Mandara Spa.” Other couples, she adds, come to The Bahamas with adventure in mind. “Travelers can participate in experiences like snorkeling through the resort’s underwater ruins with baby manta rays or a day trip to explore our sister islands by seaplane or powerboat.” “Food-loving couples can experience unforgettable meals,” adds Conway. “Private bespoke beach dinners at The Cove’s Ocean Edge are so romantic, plus there are a variety of upscale dining Michelin-starred chef dining options [such as] Nobu, Jose Andrés’ Fish and chef Michael White’s brand-new Paranza. With our incredible Sapphire Services concierge team, we can accommodate our guests’ dream itinerary and curate their romantic getaway.” Think private sunset speedboat tours, intimate dinners on the beach, a couples massage at the Mandara Spa or a private tour of the property’s permanent art collection. The resort also offers the Love is Here package, where couples can enjoy daily complimentary breakfast for two, a dinner credit at their choice of restaurant and late complimentary check-out (subject to availability). The Cove is Atlantis’ luxury option, with 600 sophisticated oceanfront suites. Recommend the Lapis Club Ocean Suite, Sapphire or the Azure Suite, and the couples will have access to Lapis at The Cove, the resort’s exclusive concierge-level club on the 22nd floor. Bahia Principe Luxury EsmeraldaPunta Cana is a magnet for couples thanks to its picturesque beaches and long string of fabulous resorts. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the December 2023 re-opening of one of these beauties, the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda, fresh from a $35 million investment and eight months of renovation work. “We are excited to welcome back couples and luxury travelers to Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda,” says Helen Montijano, commercial director, USA & Canada for Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts. “Not only is the property newly refurbished, but it’s located on a privileged beachfront location in Punta Cana that serves as the ideal backdrop to lavish weddings, memorable honeymoons and any kind of romantic getaway.” The renovation includes new guestroom categories and suites, new culinary concepts (the Taino Restaurant and the Mongolian Restaurant) and a transformation that allows guests to experience a true cultural immersion. “[The] hotel [was] reborn in the ‘Taino Spirit’ concept to share local culture, a truly Dominican essence and the best experiences,” explains Montijano. “This includes brand-new Junior Suite Deluxe Swim Up Suites that are the perfect choice for couples: they are broad and cozy and allows them easy access to a special pool area where they can bask in each other’s company.” The new Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda offers wedding packages with ceremonies and dinners—all include specially decorated rooms, a wedding gift, a romantic in-room breakfast and more. Ask about booking specialty spa treatments for couples, including the Special Couples VIP with Jacuzzi, which includes a massage in a cabin with flowers, candles and scents, as well as a private jacuzzi, or the Relax in Paradise couples massage, which ends with mimosa cocktails. HAMILTON PRINCESS BERMUDAHamilton Princess & Beach ClubOverlooking Bermuda’s Hamilton Harbor, the 386-guestroom Hamilton Princess & Beach Club—also known as the “Pink Palace”—has been catering to the A-list since it opened its doors on Jan. 1, 1885. Today its luxurious guestrooms, suites and exclusive Fairmont Gold Wing are ready to welcome your VIPs celebrating romance. “The ‘Pink Palace’ is a wonderful place for couples to bask in the Bermudian sunshine—from luxury suite lounging to competitive pickleball and watersports, there’s something for every couple at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club,” shares Keisha Webb, public relations and reputation manager for the Hamilton Princess. “Couples staying at Hamilton Princess can enjoy a romantic meal at one of the on-property restaurants, like the new Intrepid Steak, Seafood & Raw Bar, where they can indulge in favorites from the raw bar—taking a moment to admire the hotel's one-of-a-kind art collection along their way. For a chilled day together, couples can venture off to the private Princess Beach Club to access three secluded beaches, luxe cabanas and natural rock pools.” The “Grande Dame” and oldest member of the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts family has a storied background, including a stint as an intelligence center and way station during the war in 1939. In fact, Intrepid was named after British intelligence officer’s Sir William Stephenson’s code name. Stephenson was close to Sir Ian Fleming, who credited him as the inspiration behind his most famous creation, James Bond. Iberostar Hotels & Resorts According to Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, the number one regret reported by couples who had traditional weddings is not having enough time with their loved ones—that’s where destination weddings come in. “[T]o make the most of a destination wedding and have an even more immersive experience, Iberostar has developed Wedding Week,” says Loreto Lazo, director of romance at Iberostar Americas. “During Wedding Week, the couple, along with their guests, can enjoy a series of unique activities and moments. Imagine welcoming guests with a special drink, organizing an excursion for everyone the next day, spending an afternoon at the spa while another group plays golf on the third day, followed by a rehearsal dinner. IBEROSTAR QUOTE “The specialized team takes care of all the details, from the warm reception to the big wedding day, offering couples the opportunity to celebrate the wedding of their dreams in an exotic environment while enjoying a complete vacation experience. Wedding Week is a way to extend and enrich the traditional 1-day wedding, providing an unforgettable experience not only for the bride and groom but also for their guests.” According to Lazo, the brand’s wedding team specializes in customizing each couple’s special day, and limits weddings to no more than two per property per day so as to avoid overlap. In 2024, Iberostar is offering double StarAgent points and 15 percent commission for wedding bookings at Iberostar resorts in three destinations (Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico). Travel advisors with wedding clients can offer couples five complimentary nights for a return visit at any Iberostar property in Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, and can extend an exclusive 20 percent discount on spa services to all wedding groups. Furthermore, couples receive one complimentary activity for their Wedding Week group.MARGARITAVILLE POOLSIDEKarisma Hotels & ResortsThe newest Island Reserve resort, the 355-suite Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya, is ideal for an adults-only getaway, plus it also boasts the biggest Sky Wedding setting of all the Island Reserve Resorts, a huge rooftop terrace capable of holding up to 400 guests. “As pioneers in the world of all-inclusive romance, Karisma Hotels & Resorts tailors each destination wedding to every couple's unique vision and price point,” says Frank Corzo, v.p. of sales, North America. ”Our commitment to crafting premium experiences for guests is evident in our diverse range of package options, from intimate seaside ceremonies to lavish over-the-water venues, adults-only villa getaways and elevated sky terrace celebrations. We’re dedicated to aiding our valued travel industry partners in creating unforgettable memories for their wedding couples and generating countless commission opportunities.” Recommend a Beachfront Honeymoon Suite or an expansive Coral Reefer Suite with over 1,400 sq. ft. of outdoor living space, including a furnished terrace, oversized private infinity pool, outdoor pool table and custom-built gaucho stylegrill. Palladium Hotel GroupPalladium Hotel Group knows a thing or two about luxury and romance—and the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and TRS Yucatan Hotel are the best of both worlds. PALLADIUM QUOTE “Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa offers an elevated and luxurious experience for all guests,” says Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart, v.p. of sales and marketing for the Americas. “The property offers an exquisite variety of a la carte restaurants, outstanding services and activities.” The Costa Mujeres property helps couples keep fit with all kinds of activities in the water or on land, including the training programs at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center. Afterward, recommend pampering at the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness center or a cocktail at the Eclipse Sky Bar and traditional Mexican cuisine at La Adelita restaurant. “Regardless of the group or their vacation style, Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and unique experience for all guests,” adds Arizmendi-Stewart. TRS Yucatan Hotel, located in the Riviera Maya just 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen, is another favorite for couples. “This is the perfect choice for couples who want to enjoy an adults-only, private and personalized experience,” she says. “Couples can revel in TRS Yucatan Hotel’s 3-tiered pool or enjoy one of the unique romantic experiences offered such as their Dinner and Mayan Love Ritual at Ixmucane Grand Cenote where couples can strengthen the bond between them and enjoy an intimate dinner surrounded by a starry sky.” Recommend the unique Romance Bungalow by the Lake or the 1,345-sq.-ft. Ambassador Suite Panoramic Ocean View with its private rooftop pool.Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta CanaAnother jewel in Punta Cana’s beach resort crown, Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, part of Grupo Posadas’ Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, offers your clients a combination of luxury, romance and fun activities, including visits to Altos de Chavon, Saona and Catalina islands (both only accessible by boat) and the beautiful historic city of Higuey.LIVE AQUA QUOTE “We invite you to fall in love again—or for the first time—at Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana, an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic retreat,” says Pedro Parets, GM at the resort. “The property offers lovebirds several heart-filled amenities, such as a couples massage and private moonlight dinners, adding an extra layer of enchantment, intimacy and romance to your experience. Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana is an ideal destination for couples seeking a retreat to nurture their bond in the luxury of tranquility.” As part of the Honeymoon Suite experience the couple will receive a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, as well as exclusive discounts at the Feel Spa by Live Aqua.SANDALS COUPLE ON DECKSandals ResortsIf the grand openings in 2023 of the luxurious Sandals Royal Curaçao and Sandals Dunn’s River and the upcoming Sandals St. Vincent and The Grenadines in March weren’t enough, there’s big news for those who want to tie the knot at a Sandals resort. “We have a whole new look to our weddings, recently rolling out our new Aisle to Isle [program],” says Luisana Suegart, director of public relations for Unique Vacations, Inc. “And with that came a series of wedding inspirations inspired by the islands where we operate. They’re meant to be that ‘just right’ inspiration so that couples can really dig deep into the setting and bring that forward to their guests.” And Sandals has a reputation to uphold: Suegart points out the company has been welcoming brides for decades “and counting.” The new program, she adds, will continue to evolve over the next year and beyond, “both in the destination weddings and in the honeymoon space and just celebrations overall.” SANDALS QUOTE The Aisle to Isle Caribbean Wedding’s amenity-rich packages are also available for couples wishing to tie the knot with their families at Beaches properties. The “inspirations” are showcased in a new look book, where couples can pick their favorites to personalize their event.Sensira Resort & SpaThe luxurious 359-guestroom and -suite Sensira Resort & Spa is in a privileged location just 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport, a plus for clients. Family-friendly but with adults-only areas for quiet time, it’s an ideal place for families wanting to combine a wedding trip with a vacation. The couple and bridal party can arrive a few days before anyone else, or everyone can book longer stays post-wedding for honeymoons and/or extended family vacations. “We’ve been seeing that the romance and destination wedding segment presents a constant increase in demand every year as we get farther away from the pandemic’s onset,” says Alma Lopez, managing director of Sensira Resort & Spa. “The beautiful beaches of the Mexican Caribbean at Sensira, where our resort overlooks its own private beach, create a stunning visual background for weddings that take place on the sand by the beach, over our pools, or on our all-glass terrace. Destination resorts offer a comfortable stay for wedding parties and a breathtaking and relaxing location. Our mission is to work alongside our couples to identify their needs and set up a romantic and relaxing wedding itinerary taking advantage of all our resort offers.” For your VIP couples, recommend the Diamond Suite, the resort’s most luxurious accommodation located on the upper level facing the ocean. The 2-bedroom suite has a private terrace with a pool and whirlpool tub overlooking the ocean, plus butler and concierge services. Contact InformationAtlantis Paradise Island: atlantisbahamas.comBahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda: bahia-principe.comHamilton Princess & Beach Club: thehamiltonprincess.comIberostar Hotels & Resorts: iberostar.comKarisma Hotels & Resorts: karismatravelagents.comPalladium Hotel Group: palladiumhotelgroup.comLive Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana: liveaqua.comSandals Resorts International: taportal.sandals.com Sensira Resort & Spa: sensiraresorts.com
COVERHAL GATE 1HAL GATE 2 & 3HAL GATE 4Table of ContentsSANDALSSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesAMERICAN CRUISE LINESAdvisor Speak: Passion for Cruises Led Her Here— A $3 Million Travel AgencyIndustry Insights: Tour Operators are ‘Highly Confident’ About 2024Cruise: Swanky SailingsCruise: Multimillion-dollar Revamp for Windstar Sailing YachtsATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES SCATLAS OCEAN VOYAGESPRINCESS CRUISES SCPRINCESS CRUISESSCENIC SCSCENIC LUXURY CRUISES & TOURSSEABOURN SCSEABOURNDISNEY SCAlaska Cruise Season—Booking Options for 2024 & 2025DISNEY CRUISE LINEHOLLAND AMERICA LINE SCRECOMMEND EDU HOUSE ADALASKA RAILROAD SC ADOnboard Review: Discovery Princess—10 Reasons to Book for an Alaska VoyageOnboard Review: Celebrity Ascent Offers Elevated Experience for TravelersOnboard Review: Norwegian Viva—Cruising in Comfort and StyleMexico/Caribbean: Elevating Romance Through LuxuryPALLADIUM HOTEL GROUP SPREADATLANTIS SCATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMASINCLUSIVE COLLECTION SCINCLUSIVE COLLECTIONSANDALS SCOnsite Review: Impression Isla Mujeres by SecretsOnsite Review: Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & SpaOnsite Review: Sandals Dunn’s River—Sandals 2.0 Looks Mighty FineOnsite Review: 3 Melia Hotels & a Theme ParkPALLADIUM HOTEL GROUPCUNARD