Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/53603
(far left) The pool at the Gran Bahia Principe Ambar in Punta Cana; (left) the Caribbean paradise that is Dreams Tulum Resort in Mexico; (below) Dunn's River Falls, Jamaica, a lush hiking spot where couples and guests can work off those all-inclusive meals. stops along the way) or touring Dunn's River Falls, a 180-metre-tall cascade near Ocho Rios that visitors can climb in their swimsuits. Another plus for Jamaica: non-stop such as Jack Nicklaus and Nick Price. At the Playa Grande, designed by golf legend Robert Trent Jones Sr., players tee off on emerald-topped cliffs with the glimmering Atlantic Ocean on the horizon. Most resorts can organize day excursions to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, or to Duarte Peak, the highest point in the Carib- bean at 3,087 metres above sea level. A sojourn to the country's political and cul- tural capital, Santo Domingo, is another popular side trip for groups. And for the big event? The Gran Bahia Principe has four all-inclusive resorts near Punta Cana (at the eastern tip, where direct fl ights arrive daily from Calgary and Edmonton): Esmeralda, Bávaro, Punta Cana and Ambar. Each offers a stunning view, instant access to the Caribbean Sea and superb wedding services. Prices start at US$900 (on top of the resort booking) for a basic event with a wedding planner, sim- ple decorations, a tropical bouquet, music and professional photos. The top-shelf package, from US$2,000, includes perks such as extra floral arrangements and meals, a choice of venues, spa services, hair styling, a deluxe cake and Möet & Chandon champagne for the post-ceremony toast. Destination: Jamaica For newly engaged Albertans with room to splurge, Jamaica is a gorgeous island destina- tion with impeccable beaches and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. And while posh ameni- ties are the main selling point, most resorts can set up wedding-friendly group tours, such as rafting on the Rio Grande (a two-to- three-hour journey down the river with (beach) Eric James/All Canada Photos, (falls) Angelo Cavali/Getty Images fl ights from Calgary and Edmonton. Wed- dings are pricier here than in other Carib- bean destinations, however. "Jamaica will cost more, but has the very high-end and very elegant weddings. So, if it's beautiful decor you want, this is the place to be," says Laurie Bourgeois, AMA wedding specialist. Sandals Resorts, in partnership with Martha Stewart Weddings, have whipped up a line of wedding packages that allow couples to celebrate in Stewart's signature style. These range in cost from US$1,600 to US$3,500 (not including the resort stay or reception dinner) and offer a choice of six tropical design schemes, from the white, aqua, coral and seashell-accented Seaside Serenade to the magenta, pink and orange Island Paradise, embellished with tropical fruit and orchids. Martha Stewart Weddings are available at all seven Sandals resorts in Jamaica. Another lavish option is the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, which has an exclusive deal with Karen Bussen, a well- known North American wedding designer who has created an exquisite line called Simple Stunning Wedding packages. Couples have their pick of fi ve stylized wedding motifs, with packages ranging from around US$2,000 to US$4,000 (on top of the resort booking) for up to eight guests. Additional guests cost $20, while children under 12 are free. WESTWORLD >> FEBRUARY 2012 29