There are two fall bridal shows in Toronto this year and we’re excited to have booths at both of these events. The following are some details, bonuses and our booth numbers for each show:

The National Bridal Show (Fall 2010)

When: September 10-12, 2010.

Where: International Centre, Hall #5 — 6900 Airport Rd. Mississauga (map & directions)

Ticket Prices: $16 online and $15 at the door.

Show Bonuses:

Come see us this weekend at the Fall 2010 National Bridal Show. We’ll be at booth #327 waiting for you!

Canada’s Bridal Show (Fall 2010)

When: September 24-26, 2010.

Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building. (map & directions)

Ticket Prices: $15 at the door (cash only – ATMs available).

Show Bonuses:

Whether you miss this weekend’s show in Mississauga or just want a ton of ideas for your wedding, we’d love to see you in downtown Toronto for the Fall 2010 Canada’s Bridal Show on the last weekend of September – we’ll be in booths 2016 & 1917!

Will we see you at one or both of these Fall 2010 wedding shows in Toronto?

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Your wedding day is just too important to let stress ruin the fun of planning it, the events leading up to it and the Big Day itself.

Drawing from our experience as destination wedding specialists and from our own personal experience being brides, here are a few tips to allow you to enjoy this momentous occasion:

1. Enjoy being engaged. Take time to relish your engagement – we suggest a month and an engagement party before starting to plan your destination wedding.
2. Make it meaningful. Always keep in mind the real reasons why you’re exchanging your vows.
3. Plan within a budget. Help keep it a stress-free event by budgeting for your destination wedding event. Nothing sucks the life out of a wedding than financial woes.
4. Delegate tasks. Ask for help from your wedding party in planning parties and the wedding itself. Also, during the Big Day, ask someone close who’s not in the wedding party to be a go-to person for guests with questions.
5. Control your emotions. Do you tend to hyperventilate during big events or maybe you’re emotional to the point of tears? Whenever you find yourself fighting strong emotions, try singing a silly ditty to take your mind off the negative thoughts or come up with a mantra, like: “This is the best day of my life – I’m marrying the man of my dreams!”
6. Keep it simple, silly. Somewhat in line with #3 in this list about managing money, do the same for your time. Only plan events when you’re sure you have the time, energy and assistance to pull it off without getting overwhelmed.
7. Calming reminders. No matter what happens with events leading up to and on the Big Day, you’ll be married! And the happy ending always trumps the speed bumps of life.
8. Who do you plan for? Sometimes Moms are well-meaning but over-step their boundaries when their children get married. While this is a debatable subject because it’s very personal, we suggest that you plan the ceremony for you and hubby, and incorporate the Mom suggestions you like the most. Also, your guests are an important part of your celebration and you’ll want to make it as fun for them as possible. Make them your priority when planning food and entertainment.
9. Hire a destination wedding specialist. Remember #6? Investing in a destination wedding specialist will greatly reduce your stress load. We help you mainly with the travel and accommodations for yourself, hubby and guests so you can all concentrate on having a good time. We also help keep you on-track with your planning and will liaison with the on-site coordinator on your behalf when needed! Read “Top 8 Ways a Destination Wedding Specialist Gives You Peace” for more information in how we can make your destination wedding planning easier.

Keep Bridezilla at bay when you use one or more of the above tips for planning your destination wedding!

Have we missed some essential wedding advice? Please share it below in the comment section for all the Beachside Brides-to-Be.

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One of the best features of a destination wedding is you get the romance and beauty of an exotic location while saving loads of money compared to a traditional wedding. The trade off to destination weddings tend to appear when a few of your beloved friends and family are unable to budget the resources for a week-long getaway.

As destination wedding specialists, we’re always looking for creative solutions so that our Beachside Couples can make their destination wedding work for everyone – like an at-home wedding reception at Toronto’s own Ward’s Island!

Have you been to Toronto’s little island paradise? Megan, our head destination wedding specialist here at Weddings By Oceans, recently enjoyed the city’s oasis at The Rectory Café twice in two months and thought it would be perfect for a beach-themed, at-home wedding reception.

The Café is a beautiful spot with a gorgeous, spacious patio and newly renovated inside bar/restaurant. Their menu features tasty, healthy cuisine, including island-y type meals like crab cakes and salmon dishes. With only a $6 ferry ride over to the island, your guests will have a chance to feel like they left the city without the expense or travel!

Here’s a video of The Rectory Café so you can get a better idea of what they offer:

Rectory Cafe — VIRTUAL TOUR from Stephen Webb Wedding Films on Vimeo.

Since the cost is low for destination weddings, hosting a separate event is a viable option for most couples. Guests who are unable to attend your destination wedding for whatever reason will appreciate the opportunity to celebrate this momentous occasion with you.

Do you have an upcoming destination wedding? Are you considering holding a separate, at-home event for guests who just can’t make it down south?

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Our industry partners, Air Transat, published a wonderfully written article in their magazine, Atmosphere, this past spring about destination weddings. They talk about the changing trends and what’s attracting couples of all ages to these exotic wedding locales.

Check out the article, “Far and away, a great way to say I do!” (flip to page 53).

Here are the article highlights, plus a few more points we had in the bag based on feedback from our beachside brides:

What do destination wedding couples have in common?

Every couple who decides on a destination wedding wants to:

• Be unique and redefine tradition
• Travel and experience different cultures

What’s the big draw for destination weddings?

Traditional weddings are lovely, but there are quite a few defining characteristics of a destination wedding that appeal to many couples marrying today:

1. An event which creates even longer-lasting memories. Destination weddings are typically a week-long celebration. The happy couple and their guests have the option to get together regularly for dinners and destination adventures before and after the Big Day.
2. Pampering for the lovebirds. Who wouldn’t love champagne when you arrive at the hotel? What about fresh fruit and flowers every day, a private driver or an attentive concierge? (Available at some hotels, check with your destination wedding specialist!)
3. Convenience & Cost-Savings. The hotel takes care of every wedding detail, usually in a package and for a song and dance compared to the cost of a traditional wedding. Couples who choose to stay for their honeymoon at the same hotel where they exchange vows also enjoy preferential rates. After factoring in group rates for the guests, there’s no question what type of wedding is most cost-effective!
4. Make your wedding more YOU. Destination weddings are already different but you can personalize them even more by choosing a personally meaningful ceremony, reception at sea or an eco-friendly destination and hotel.
5. Bridezilla, Be Gone! Who wants to be a basket-case while planning the most important day of their lives? With your own personal Cyber Maid of Honour you can actually enjoy planning your wedding! Read, “Top 8 Ways a Destination Wedding Specialist Gives You Peace.”

Oh! And how could we ever forget the uber high romance factor of exchanging your vows on a tropical beach!?

Can you think of any more benefits or allure of having a destination wedding?

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Reduit Beach St. Lucia

Megan teased us with her St. Lucia familiarization (FAM) trip when she blogged about her experience at Jade Mountain three weeks ago. Then we found out just how committed she is as a dedicated destination wedding specialist when a broken toe failed to stop her from inspecting her scheduled list of St. Lucia resorts!

Now that she’s had a chance to recoup, here is the much-anticipated St. Lucia destination wedding resort review:

Cap Maison

After an informative 45 minute water taxi ride from Jade Mountain to Castries, we took a 15 minute cab ride to this little slice of paradise where we stayed for one night.

Refined yet unpretentious, Cap Maison is a beautiful enclave of villas with lovely grounds. The main reception area contains a small but well-equipped gym, spa and lounge with an “honour bar”. The Cliffside “Cliff@Cap” serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; and you have the option of room service. There are a couple of pools, and lovely seating areas around the grounds to view the spectacular sunsets.

The villas contain all the amenities with modern appliances, flat screen TVs and Bose i-pod docking stations. They have wonderful architectural details with archways, crown mouldings and wooden shutters, and the bedrooms have A/C. Some of the villas even have their own pools, so you have the choice to live it up here at Cap Maison!

This would be a perfect location for a wedding, with the option of a group renting out a block or two of villas and enjoying a relaxing and stress-free holiday or wedding. There is access to a small beach beside the property at Smuggler’s Cove with a beach bar.

The BodyHoliday LeSPORT

Located right on Cariblue’s Crescent beach, this resort offers an amazing variety of land and water sports. The spa facilities are wonderful, with daily treatments for both men and women included.  The 42 acres of grounds are lush with an excellent gazebo for weddings located near a small water feature.

The BodyHoliday means pleasure, rejuvenation and relaxation. It delivers a memorable active beach holiday combined with your favourite sports, great food, exercise programmes and personal service. You’ll leave feeling totally rejuvenated both mentally and physically.

This resort is for anyone interested in health and well-being, old or young, fit or unfit, looking for adventure or relaxation, or just looking to rediscover yourself. There’s something here for everybody.

Cotton Bay Village

This collection of villas, suites and town-homes offers a cross between a private self-catering villa and a destination resort. Cotton Bay Village contains a very secluded and private beach, and this privacy makes it an option for families and wedding groups.

There is an on-site Deli, two restaurants (one beachfront), a spa and gym. Some villas have their own small pool, and the suites are clustered around a large pool. It is located close to an 18 hole golf course.

You can be pampered; choosing to have a private butler or treat your accommodation as a private holiday residence. Your choice! It’s informal but stylish with no airs and graces.

It’s the kind of place where the celebrities who holiday here are never bothered and where the kids have their own special meeting place – no adults allowed!

Bay Gardens Beach Resort

The Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa sits on one of St. Lucia’s scenic beaches and in addition to the magnificent settings at the resort, guests have the additional privilege of an incomparably beautiful 2-mile beach vista allowing access to the aquatic delights which include swimming, water sports, dive shop and a whole lot more.

Located on Reduit Beach in the heart of the shops bars and restaurants of lively Rodney Bay. Onsite there are two pools, a restaurant, bar and a lounge. The suite category have kitchenettes and separate living rooms.

The location of this property makes it a favourite, both for the beach and the location to Rodney Bay, where all of the action is.

East Winds

East Winds Inn is a true Caribbean paradise. One of the oldest and most established resorts in St.Lucia, East Winds Inn is set amongst 12 acres of lush tropical gardens bordered by the golden beachfront of one of the most pristine bays of St. Lucia.

Located on La Brellotte Bay, this resort offers 30 cottage-style rooms and has the feel of a Muskoka resort, but it’s all inclusive. There is an outside sink on the terrace, a nice touch. The original cottages do not have air conditioning and there is a small pool on-site with an “honour bar”.

East Winds is a lovely spot with an arrangement with nearby Windjammer Resort to use motorized water sports for a nominal fee.

Rendezvous

The 7 acres of grounds are lush at this all-inclusive resort and contains three bars, two pools and several dining options. The spa area now offers a rockery garden pool with a lazy river, and water-waiter service. There are great views from the restaurant adjacent to Malabar beach. The beach front “cottages” are a nice option.

Rendezvous provides a personalized, intimate holiday experience for the more discerning couples who want to spend quality time together. It is a discrete and elegant, all-inclusive hotel for couples only.

If you like music blaring on the beach all day; if you like being prodded into doing what the staff thinks is holiday-camp fun and games, Rendezvous is not for you. It is a truly gentle, tranquil escape from all that jars you and separates you in the real world. No phones, no televisions.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa

Casually Caribbean, this former Club Med property is divided into two sections: the Harmony for adults-only and the family-friendly Splash. It is literally around the corner from the airport, thus avoiding a lengthy drive on some harrowing roads!

The Coconut Bay Beach Resort is currently making some improvements, and the current dining options include Coconut Walk, Bites Beach Grill, and two a la carte restaurants Silk and Bellagio. The resort is best described as “rustic Caribbean,” but it does boast an excellent wedding location, with an adjoining area for reception and/or dinners.

That’s it for St. Lucia destination resorts – for now. Stay tuned for more upcoming reviews on Caribbean and Mexico destinations and their destination wedding resorts!

Have you been to one of these St. Lucia resorts for vacation or a destination wedding?

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Much of a successful destination wedding relies on the coordination of the travel and accommodation of the wedding group. That’s where we, as destination wedding specialists, really shine so that you can relax and actually enjoy planning your destination wedding.

We’ve hinted at the group travel process before when we posted a calendar countdown to the Big Day here on the blog. However, we thought it might be even more helpful if you saw the entire process (from your perspective) on its own.

Here’s the basic (without any glitches) destination wedding group travel and accommodation process:

1. Contact a destination wedding specialist to help narrow down your selection.
2. Your destination wedding specialist requests rates from Canadian tour operators (takes up to 7 business days).
3. You and your destination wedding specialist discuss options and prices to help you decide where your destination dream wedding will take place!
4. You’ll receive a quote shortly, valid for 7 to 30 days (depending on the tour operator).
5. Ready to make your dream a reality? A non-refundable deposit of $150 – $300 per person is required, which will be deducted from your final travel expenses.
6. RBC Insurance is highly recommended and offered to clients for out of country medical insurance/trip cancellation insurance. (We’ve blogged about this in how to save a destination wedding gone wrong and the most important travel tip EVER.)
7. The final balance due dates vary. If there is an Early Booking Bonus (EBB) included in the rates, then payment is due on this date.
8. Without the EBB, the balance is usually due 60 days prior to travel with proper spelling of names.
9. Tickets are issued 2-3 weeks prior to travel and are usually electronic.
10. Bon voyages!

While you’ll be leaving the group travel and accommodations mainly in our hands, we will be working together as decisions need to be made. Keep in mind that during this process, we’re performing magic behind the scenes – like getting better deals for you!

Does seeing the group travel process like this, laid out step-by-step, help you plan your destination wedding? Would you be willing to take on this process by yourself, while deciding on colours, music, food, etc.?

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From the colours, music and dinner to wedding resorts, destinations and planners, you’ve got a huge list of services and products to research and compare before making an investment.

There are many resources available out there to provide you the information you need to plan your destination wedding:

• Friends &  family
• Print magazines
• Online magazines
• Websites
• Forums
• Blogs
• Destination wedding agencies

The list is endless, really. If you’re like most people, you find out what others have done, narrow down the choices and then compare prices before making decisions. And the internet is a huge help in this area because it comes from all over the world. Plus, anyone nowadays can publish their opinion without censorship (well, in most cases).

We’d like to know where you’ve been getting the most helpful, honest and trustworthy information for planning your destination wedding.

Did you use www.tripadvisor.com to make a decision about a hotel? Did you take the advice from a destination wedding specialist (and who) or from a couple who married at the hotel (were they strangers you met on a forum or friends)?

Please don’t be shy and if you have the time, be as specific as possible!

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Weddings By Oceans is currently preparing for our upcoming wedding shows in September. We will have exciting offers and information available at that time which may help reduce the cost of your destination wedding group and assist you in making decisions.

It is for this reason, as well as finalizing fall wedding group departures, a sudden influx of business and our commitment to superior service, we have decided to wait-list all new inquires until September 13th.

This is effective as of today (Friday, August 13th) at 5pm and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We ask for your understanding and patience as we gather the appropriate resources to provide you the service you deserve.

In the meantime, we would love to discuss your wedding plans and invite you to come meet us in person at the fall wedding shows:

1. Sept 10-12 –  National Bridal Show in Mississauga at the International Centre.
2. Sept 24-26 –  Canada’s Bridal Show in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

All Brides will be refunded their admission to the show when they book with us and in addition, we’re also offering a $150 discount per couple for the bride and groom when they book with us by October 31, 2010.

If you are unable to visit us at the shows, we’d like to extend the same offer as a thank you for inquiring. You are also eligible to receive the $150 discount per couple for the bride and groom when you book with Wedding By Oceans by October 31, 2010.

We hope to see you at the fall wedding shows!

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Tucked away in the northern Caribbean lies a small wonder, Anguilla.

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, 16 miles long, and 3 miles at the widest point that has 33 white sand beaches with crystal clear waters. The island is a retreat for couples, families and singles offering a wide range of accommodations that are among the finest in the world.

Cuisine is a central feature of the Anguillian experience, there is over 85 restaurants that offer some of the best Caribbean dishes. It is the warmth and friendliness of the Anguilla people that will make your experience truly incomparable!

One of the world’s most tranquil eco-tourism getaways, Anguilla’s coral and limestone flatlands and salt ponds offer the ideal setting for shooting spectacular photographs or simply watching the sun as it melts into the sea. Carefully maintained and preserved by the gracious and proud population, Anguilla is a nature lover’s dream.

It’s a sailor’s dream, too. An honoured tradition of locally built and designed boats is shown off at regattas on national holidays, particularly during the annual Carnival celebrations.

Anguilla is a diverse mix of experiences that will make you slow down, relax and unwind! Escape to this place off the beaten path, that will offer you ultimate bliss, no-worry weather, warm smiles, stunning sunrises, shimmering sunsets, blissful beaches, gourmet cuisine and total seclusion!

HOW TO GET THERE

Air Canada Vacations is offering a direct non-stop flight from Toronto to St. Martin/Maarten beginning December 18, 2010 until April 9, 2011. Plus, we offer convenient connectors from 65 Canadian Cities.

Note: The Anguilla Air Services (AAS) offers daily charters for approximately USD$80 one way/per person from St. Martin/Maarten to Anguilla. For full details, go to  to www.anguillaairservices.com.

HOTELS & RESORTS CAP JULUCA (5 star)

www.capjuluca.com

Cap Juluca has 72 Rooms and Suites, 6 Pool Villas. Moorish-style architecture, two miles of pristine white sand beach on Maundays Bay. The hotel has 3 restaurants: Spice (pan-Asian cuisine) in a Moroccan setting; Pimms (Eurobbean fusion) and Blue (casual dinner on the beach).

A full menu of spa services allows guests to indulge in the privacy of their room or on the beach. The must-play Temenos Golf Club with its Greg Norman designed course is only 10 minutes away.

Optional Meal Plans:
Continental Breakfast Plan (daily).
Full breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Cap Juluca Hotel Review

Cap Juluca is a gorgeus property! The name is derived from the rainbow god of Anguilla.

The hotel has recently invested over $29 million dollars in new renovations. The front lobby opens up to a spectacular view of the beach area. They have a sunset terrace which overlooks the beach where you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktails. The white sand beach is definitely one of the main selling features of this hotel.

Guests can enjoy loungers that have thick pillows and cushions plus, complimentary non-motorized water activites. There is 18 villas that are spread out across

Maundays Bay which is approximately 1 mile long. For every 3 villas, they have set up a private beach cabana which is managed by 2 staff members who offer clients free snacks, drinks and spritzers.

Please note the hotel is planning to expand their wellness centre into a full spa with an infinity pool in the next 2 years. The villa accommodations are stunning – a perfect choice for couples or honeymooners. The hotel nightly entertainment takes place in the main lobby which features “The Boss” – a very popular band.

CUISINART RESORT & SPA (5 star)

www.cuisinartresort.com

Cuisinart is located on Rendezvous Bay. The hotel has 93 rooms including oceanfront villas, each with spectacular views of the Caribbean.

Choose casual or fine dining at the award-winning property’s two restaurants or learn the secrets of the Executive Chef’s Caribbean Cuisine at the exclusive Chef’s table. Fresh produce is provided by the resorts’ very own hydroponic farm complimented by a wine cellar that holds over 3,600 bottles.

The Venus Spa has tripled in size with a 19,000 square-foot addition which includes 16 treatment rooms including hydrotherapy, a Thalasso pool and a fully equipped fitness center that has a yoga and pilates studio.

Optional Meal Plans:
Continental Breakfast Plan (daily).
Full Breakfast Plan (daily).
Half Board Plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Important Note: Beverages are not included. A 15% service charge on food is additional and is payable locally.

Cuisinart Hotel Review

Cuisinart opened in December 1999. They have a hydroponic farm where they grow their own herbs and produce. Clients can enjoy free Culinary classes that are offered 2 to 3 times per week in the Culinary theatre.

Venus Spa – is a beautiful facility where clients can sit back, relax and enjoy getting pampered.

The property consists of 3 storey villas; 3 junior suites on the ground floor, 3 junior suites on the 2nd floor and a combination of 1, 2 bedrooms plus, luxury suites on the 3rd floor. Please note the main building offers elevator access for guests.

Cuisinart is a member of “The Leading Small Hotels of the World” it truly offers clients a very unique experience!

KU (3 star)

www.ku-anguilla.com

KU offers “Affordable Chic” South Beach meets St. Barts in an informal setting on an exquisite two mile beach on Shoal Bay East. It has 27 Suites including 1 and 2 bedroom suites featuring A/C and ceiling fans. All have balconies, oceanfront or oceanview with sitting/dining room, full kitchen, separate bedroom and bath.

There is a new restaurant called “Kuyah” serves Mediterranean/Caribbean cruise. A Petit Spa, gym and dive shop complete the well rounded facilites.

Optional Meal Plans:
European Plan (no meals).
Continental Breakfast Plan (daily).
Half Board Plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Important note: Beverages are not included. A 15% service charge on food is additional and is payable locally.

KU Hotel Review

This is a solid 3 star property that offers good value for your money. The suites are very spacious and accommodate up to 4 passengers.

The Petit Spa offers a variety of treatments by appointment only. They have a very nice gym facility that is fully equipped with cardio machines and weights. There is a mini market store right on the property where you can purchase food, juice and liquor.

PARADISE COVE RESORT (3 star)

www.paradise.ai

Paradise Cove is located at the south western end of Anguilla just a short walk from two beautiful beaches – Cove Bay and Rendezvous Bay West. This hotel is a perfect hideaway for familes, couples or business travelers.

It offers a choice of 29 spacious 1 and 2 bedroom, luxurious penthouse and junior studio suites, each with a living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette (kitchenette in studio suites), a private balcony or patio, laundry facilities, telephone, internet access, cable TV, in room safety deposit boxes and clock/radios. All the bedrooms have their own bathroom with tub and shower, plus an extra half bath in each of the full suites.

The hotel also offers a full range of facilities that includes (1) large swimming pool, 2 outdoor jacuzzis, a fully equipped fitness center and a 1200 square feet meeting/conference room that provides a great setting for a corporate retreat or weddings.

Paradise Cove Hotel Review

This is a solid 3 star property that offers great value for money. The hotel lobby offers a first great impression – there is one restaurant that is open for all meals.

Paradise Cove is not located on the beach however, the nearest one is only a 5 to 10 minute walk away. Please note the hotel does offer complimentary beach shuttle services for guests.

There is 12 studios, 6 one bedroom units, 8 two bedrooms and 3 luxurious penthouse rooms. The studios offer a pool or garden view. Guests can request adjoining rooms prior to arrival.

One special service that the hotel offers is that they will do the grocery shopping for their clients. Paradise Cove is part of “The Charming Escape Collection” – a perfect choice for families!

SIRENA RESORT & VILLAS (3 star)

www.sirenaresort.com

Sirena Resort is on Meads Bay, a quick 4 minute walk to a white-sand beach. The property offers a selection of Mediterranean-style accommodations; 20 rooms, 4 Junior Suites and 3 Villas.

It features two freshwater swimming pools, a PADI Dive Center and a massage facility. Mahi Mahi restaurant focuses on fresh seafood influenced by Caribbean flavours.

Optional Meal Plans:
Half Board Plan includes continental breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Important Note: Beverages are not included. A 15% service charge on food is additional and is payable locally.

Sirena Hotel Review

Sirena Resort & Villas opened in 1989.  It is a basic hotel that offers clean accommodations. All of the rooms have AC,  flat screen TV’s, coffee maker and new renovated bathrooms.

Please note this hotel is going to be closing down and reopening in Oct 2010 under a new name “Anacayona Boutique Hotel.” The upgrades are going to include a new open concept lobby, more suites and the lower beach pool area will be re-tiled and will feature a new jacuzzi.

CARIMAR BEACH CLUB (3 star)

www.carimar.com

Carimar Beach Club is located on Meads Bay Beach, within walking distance of some of the island’s best restaurants.

It has 24 comfortably furnished villa style units includes a fully equipped kitchen within the comfort of over 1,100 square feet of living and patio space with views of the tropical gardens and the ocean. The hotel will arrange various activities, such as: fishing, windsurfing, diving, and sunset cruises for their guests.

This hotel will be closed for annual maintenance from September 1 to October 31 2010.

Carimar Beach Club Hotel Review

Carimar Beach Club is a great hotel that is located on an amazing beach in Meads Bay. The villa units are individually owned therefore, each room is decorated differently. The spacious accommodations have internet access plus, beach towels are stocked daily. The hotel’s club house offers washer/dryer services.

Please note there is no restaurant on the property however, there are many dining options in the surrounding area.

Anguilla Beaches

“Anguilla is ranked number one world’s best all around beaches.” There is over 33 white sand beaches for strolling, snorkelling, sun bathing, scuba diving!

• Meads Bay: Very scenic. Becoming a real estate Mecca. Relax and watch a boat race.
• Road Bay: For sunsets, beach bars, restaurants and night life.
• Maundays Bay: Home to Anguilla’s newly renovated flagship resort – Cap Juluca.
• Crocus Bay: Home to Anguilla’s new local restaurant that has burst on the scent with great food & entertainment.
• Shoal Bay East: Truly spectacular. #1 beach in the Caribbean!
• Shoal Bay West: Dazzling beach with great restaurants, resorts, striking villas and more!Rendezvous Bay: 2km of pearl-white sand.
• Cove Bay: Shallow and clear and great for the kids.

Anguilla Golf

Temenos Golf Course is managed by Cap Juluca. It offers a Caribbean golf experience with Anguilla’s natural environment to present a golfer’s paradise. Designed by golf legend Greg Norman, this 7,063 yard, $50 million championship golf course serves as Anguilla’s only golf course.

Green fees during peak times for the 2010 season are available for $225 per person. Play after 2pm costs $125 per person. For more information, visit www.capjuluca.com/golf.php.

Anguilla Water Activities

There’s paddle boating, para-sailing, para/water-skiing, small catamaran/sunfish sailing; tuba deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. A “must do” is glass-bottom boating, see many colourful fish and coral!

Anguilla Weddings & Honeymoons

You can choose to be married by Magistrate at the Court House or a Minister of religion at:

Most hotels offer their own wedding and honeymoon packages!

Anguilla Marriage Requirements

You need 2 working days to obtain a licence valued at $241.80US - both parties must present proof of citizenship of resident country (passport, original birth certificate with photo ID) - if divorced, an original or certified divorce decree- an Anguilla stamp duty valued at $37.20US, from the General Post Office in the Valley- 2 witnesses must be available for wedding ceremony.

A special thank you to Susan for contributing this thorough Anguilla review to the Beachside Brides Blog!

Have you been to Anguilla for a vacation or destination wedding? If so, did you love Anguilla as much as Susan did?

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If you’re following the Beachside Brides Blog, you’ll know our fearless leader and original Cyber Maid of Honour, Megan, recently travelled to St. Lucia to inspect properties for destination weddings. Shortly after publishing her live Testimonial Tuesday post about Jade Mountain and before she was to begin her intensive trek around the island, St. Lucia broke her toe!

That’s right, the island decided Megan needed an added challenge so she could prove her dedication as a destination wedding specialist. We say the island did it because there’s no good reason for the break – it just happened as she was walking. The situation was so unusual that it wasn’t until she returned home and had it x-rayed before she knew for certain what had happened.

Despite the pain, Megan knew she had to press on for the sake of her brides. Giving herself the first day to heal her mysterious wound, she rescheduled all her site inspections for the entire week. Hobbling around the mountainous island of St. Lucia, here is her itinerary:

Tuesday

8:30am – Boat transfer to Castries from Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet.
Stayed overnight at Cap Maison.

Wednesday (Site inspections)

• Rendezvous (video: dancing Rendezvous chef)
• The Body Holiday at LeSPORT
• Cotton Bay Village
• Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa
• East Winds

Thursday

Transfer to Coconut Bay for 3 nights.

Saturday

• Moule a Chique Light House
• Balenbouche Estate – Old Sugar Mill and Colonial era house, a step back in time about 200 years
• Laborie Village Tour –  Cultural tour of Laborie
• Sandy Beach (or Anse de Sable) – one of St. Lucia’s longest
• Escap – Site of ATV Estate Tour
• Escap – Zamaca Guest House Latille Falls (waterfall near Micoud)
• Mamiku Gardens – Tropical Gardens (unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived)
• Fond D’Or – Historic Site
• Fox Grove Inn
• Dennery Fish Fry

Now, isn’t that dedication!? If Megan’s itinerary peaked your interest, stay tuned for an upcoming Testimonial Tuesday post where she’ll share her FAM trip report with us in a single review of St. Lucia for destination weddings.

Have you been to St. Lucia for a vacation or a destination wedding? We’d love to hear about it.

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Related posts:

1. Jade Mountain – Testimonial Tuesday Live!
2. St. Lucia Destination Wedding Review – Coming Soon!
3. The Bachelor, Saint Lucia & Your Destination Wedding: Part II