Category: Resort

Brides and grooms are seeking more exotic locations to tie the knot these days and with a UK wedding costing an average 20,000, its no wonder that couples are heading overseas for a more affordable and tropical alternative.

According to reports destination weddings in 2012 are on the increase and popular spots for romantic nuptials include the Caribbean, Mexico, Cyprus, and Greece.

Favourite Caribbean wedding destinations include Jamaica with its luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches and mountains; the Bahamas with its stunning pink sand beaches; and the island of Antigua that has a beach for every day of the year and breathtaking coral reefs.

Aside from the obvious reasons, more couples are choosing destination weddings in 2012 because of the financial benefits. The cost of UK weddings is rising but if couples go abroad to say I Do, they can save themselves a considerable amount of money thanks to all inclusive wedding packages and smaller guest lists.

Caribbean weddings, for example, cost an average 6,000 and brides and grooms are be able to enjoy tailor-made packages, beachfront accommodation, intimate ceremonies and even a free honeymoon.

Caribbean hotels and resorts offer experienced wedding coordinators and advisors who are on hand to arrange all of the details, from the marriage licence and officiant, to the photographer, music, wedding cake and flowers.

Mexico is also a popular destination, with the Mexican Caribbean being the most coveted spot for weddings and Cancun weddings being among the favourites due to the areas spectacular natural scenery. There are many luxury hotels and resorts in Cancun to choose from and after the wedding celebrations, couples can continue their own with a romantic honeymoon in Cancun where they can go scuba diving, visit the ancient archaeological sites, hike through lush rainforests, or relax on pristine beaches.

Many couples getting married abroad in 2012 are also choosing Mediterranean islands such as Cyprus and Greece. Both of these countries offer beautiful landscapes, an array of deluxe hotels and resorts, cultural delights, and romantic settings for ceremonies, such as cliff-side vows, romantic I dos in quaint chapels or nuptials at sunset on a secluded beach.

Recent surveys have revealed that 26 per cent of couples in the UK have chosen weddings abroad in the last five years compared to 20 per cent in the 1990s, and this figure is expected to increase over the next few years.

Photography enthusiasts will be able to dive beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean as LUX* Maldives launches the first Underwater Festival from 14th and 20th May, 2012.

Fans of diving and photography will be able to take part in a series of workshops, courses, and introductory sessions during Maldives holidays. Award-winning photographers will run numerous underwater courses that will allow visitors to experience free-diving and fluo night diving.

The General Manager of LUX* Maldives and avid free-diver, Dominik Ruhl, explained: This time its all about water. We wanted to draw the curtains of the underwater world to our guests by giving them the unique opportunity not only to dive some of the most beautiful dive sites on the planet, but also to meet the experts of the sea and learn how to bring these treasures home.

The luxury resort recently opened a Marine Biology Centre on the island which is dedicated to protecting whale sharks in the South Ari Atoll waters and this years festival allows tourists to learn more about the underwater world throughout their holidays in the Maldives.

The festival will feature leading marine experts including the French multi-award winning underwater photographer, Pascal Kobeh, who will take part in the festival as a member of the judging panel and a coach.

Kobeh commented: I started shooting underwater pictures while I was a diving instructor here in the Maldives; I havent stopped since then, and it became by profession. It brought me here today with the same passion I had ten years ago and I am very excited to join the festival.

While enjoying holidays to the Maldives at the resort, attendees will have the chance to take part in interesting and informative workshops with LUX* Maldives resident marine biologist, Chiara Fumagalli.

There will also be documentaries about the oceans diverse marine life, underwater films, and news about the ongoing research on the whale sharks at the Marine Biology Centre.

The festival will also allow participants to try free diving sessions with Jean-Jacques Mayol, the founder of the free-diving Team Mayol and son of free-diving legend Jacques Mayol.

Photographers booking Maldives holidays at the resort can experience the underwater world at night by taking part in fluo-diving excursions. Divers use a set of special filters on their masks and torches, which enhances a unique diving experience at night.

Festival-goers will have the chance to win several prizes during the week-long event and the best photographs will be submitted to the judging panel with a top prize including a five-night stay at one of LUX* Islands Resorts Mauritius, La Reunion or Maldives hotels.

When looking for the most suitable Kauai rentals for you, familiarize yourself with the major tourists spots of Kauai. There are several Kauai Vacation Rental Anini Beach apartments on the Island. Kauai offers a wonderful view from the mountains as well as from beaches, including the well-known Anani Beach. To fully enjoy your stay, look for locations near fun-filled hotspots as well as quiet sanctuaries.

Flora and Fauna

When you arrive at Kauai you immediately sense the call of the wild. The island is filled with mysterious flora and peculiar sea animals. For the adventurous at heart, Kauai is the best place to hike, do mountain climbing, snorkel and dive.

For those who love fresh air, the mountains or trees, search for apartments that are established near gardens, parks, forests, jungles, rivers or mountains. Well-known nature parks and trails include Allerton Garden, Limahuli Garden and Preserve, McBryde Garden, Moir Gardens, Na’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, Fern Grotto, Na Pali Coast State Park, Koke’e State Park and Alakai Wilderness Area.

If you are more into the ocean you have plenty of options. Depending on your taste, there are beaches that are filled with the excitement of water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, surfing and jet skiing. On the other hand, there are more private sanctuaries just around the corner for more peace and quiet. Consider these options when finding the best Kauai Vacation Rental Anini Beach and other beaches. Ask about coastal attractions like the spouting horn, Hanalei Bay, Ke’e Beach and the popular Anini Beach in the North Shore of the Island.

The Renowned Anini Beach

Undoubtedly, Kauai Island is best known for its stunning views. Sunrise and sunsets are best experienced on the beach, especially on Anini Beach. Located alongside the North Shore, Anini Beach is considered one of the safest and most guarded sanctuaries in Kauai. Its major attractions hold Hawaii’s longest reef as well as an abundance of offshore Kamani Trees and ocean wildlife.

Relaxing on the peaceful sands of Kauai is one way to spend the holidays, but why not try something more exciting as well? There are many things to do on the Island like sailing and kayaking in the rivers near Anini Beach. You might also want to take surfing lessons there, as the Island is celebrated as a surfer’s favorite surfing destination. Wonderful Kauai Vacation Rental Anini Beach spots offer the luxury of showers, restrooms and campsites.

Modern Living

While enjoying the natural pleasures of Kauai Island, why not try other modern activities such as golf, tennis, polo and even shopping to serve your specific needs. Kauai Island does have malls and heaps of restaurants, bars and cafes for a great night out. Find a Kauai Vacation Rental Anini Beach apartment where you can easily find places to dine in and enjoy drinks.

For a different scenic experience you can try out boat and helicopter tours. There are many places you can visit in Kauai, but it all boils down to what you’re searching for in a holiday. For more information on your choices, consult with good Kauai Vacation Rental Anini Beach agencies.

Cape Verde Villas

On the Cape Verde island of Sao Vicente; just rising to prominence and the acknowledged cultural capital of Cape Verde; ideally situated between two intended exclusive golf resorts, and in the serene bay of Baia das Gatas; we are proud to announce the release of our new exclusive Ocean Park Villas project.

With an open plan blueprint and airy interior, these secure villa properties, looking to the stunning bay, provide a choice of 2 or 3 bedrooms and come with their own private swimming pool, generously proportioned terraces and protected private parking and are finished with the best quality European materials.

Flanked by two exclusive golf resorts in Baia das Gatas, these fabulous Cape Verde villas are located only 200m from the Ernie Els golf resort and a few minutes leisurely walk to the sea front.

The off-plan villas have the highest quality custom built kitchens, fitted wardrobes, and exquisite bathrooms. An open plan living room and dining area gives a light and spacious atmosphere downstairs. The living room leads out to a substantial terrace and pool area which has ample room to place sun-beds, tables, barbeque and eating areas.

The upper floor contains two large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The bedrooms come with top quality built-in wardrobes, T.V. and telephone sockets. Each bedroom opens out onto a large terrace which wraps around the top floor giving a 180 degree view.

Each villa has a private pool completely surrounded by terracotta tiles and their own water recycling system for the gardens.

The construction is being project managed and overseen by an Irish constructor to guarantee that the villas will meet the best international quality standards.

Several villas are already finished including the show house. The remaining villas will start development imminently.

=== Summary ===

250m from Sea – 200m from golf resorts

Plot size 300 m2
Villa size 120 m2 plus upper 180 degree terrace of 55 m2

Project managed by Irish construction company

Location Between 2 planned luxury golf resorts
Quality Luxury 4 star finish

Security 24 hour security, private parking and gardens
Great value eur189,000 – with eur10,000 discount for the first 5 units

=== Excellent payment terms ===

* eur3000 on reservation
* 25% – contract
* 25% – structural completion
* 25% – roof, windows and doors
* 25% – completion

=== Location Information ===

The Ocean Park Villas project is situated in the village of Baia das Gatas, on the island of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. Planning for this area includes two exclusive PGA quality golf course resorts. This project is situated precisely between these projects and no more than 200m from either.

The imminent expected growth of this area due to these resorts will raise the profile of Sao Vicente, and with the opening of the new international airport, will confirm our research that this will soon develop into the most prominent island in the Cape Verde archeapelago for property investment and tourism.

The fishing village of Baia das Gatas, preferred weekend getaway of the residents from the main town of Mindelo, provides a remarkable array of benefits…

* it is a long-established fishing village, adjoining two shallow water bays
* there is development agreed for a modern marina
* there are a number of wonderful beaches
* Ocean Park Villas lies absolutely in between two planned exclusive golf resorts, with the accompanying hotel and leisure facilities

These villas, particularly in this location, are perfect for the early investor to take advantage of the impending growth in this area.

Not only the best value per square metre that can be found, at only eur189,000, but we have additionally provided a generous eur10,000 early investor discount for the first five individuals to reserve.

To reserve your Cape Verde Villa, contact us now.

Hotels and resorts across the Caribbean have launched special wedding packages and promotions for couples planning to get married on this years triple date 12/12/12.

Hundreds of engaged couples are planning Caribbean weddings on what will be the last triple date for 89 years and wedding planners are busy organising special ceremonies across the region.

Triple dates occur twelve times in every hundred years and this years triple date is said to be lucky because in numerology, the number 12 is regarded as the number of completeness because there are 12 hours on the clock, 12 months in the year and 12 signs in the zodiac.

This years triple date falls on a Wednesday and though this is not a typical day for destination weddings, hundreds of couples are booking 12th December at venues across the Caribbean and the rest of the world so they can get married on the unique date.

Sandals and Beaches Resorts already have 92 Caribbean weddings booked across their 18 resorts and they are offering a complimentary Beautiful Beginnings ceremony to all couples who book 12/12/12 weddings and stay for a minimum of six nights.

In 2011, Sandals hosted 150 weddings in the Caribbean on the last triple date 11/11/11.

Breezes Resorts has seven Jamaica weddings booked on the lucky date and couples will receive resort credit equalling 12 per cent of their total stay, including upgraded wedding packages and accommodation.

Couples planning weddings abroad at Ocean Two Resort & Residences and South Beach Hotel in Barbados between 1st November and 12th December, 2012 will be able to take advantage of a $12 traditional wedding package if they stay for a minimum of 12 nights. Family and friends attending the Barbados wedding will also receive a 12 per cent discount on accommodation at the hotel.

The Amaryllis Beach Resort in Barbados is offering a complimentary package worth $850 when brides and grooms book a suite for a week. They will also receive a 25 per cent discount on rooms until 21st December, 2012 but bookings must be made by 15th April, 2012.

Hiltons El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico has a special offer for its Love in the Sun package. Couples pay $5,000 (saving $2,012) and they will receive the wedding ceremony, venue, minister, photographs, music, drinks vouchers, room upgrades, champagne and chocolate on the wedding night and passes to the water park.