Sandals
Vibe: This adults only brand effortlessly balances relaxation and revelry, from spas and swimup bars to water sports and live music.
Hotel Pick: Sandals Emerald Bay in Exumas, Bahamas, opened in 2010 with 183 villas and suites. Celebrate on a beach or lawn; there’s even indoor ballroom space in case weather calls for a plan B.
Package Prereqs: Couples who book a six-night stay in a concierge-level room get the Martha Stewart Beautiful Beginnings package gratis.
Most Romantic Room: The Royal Estate two-story one-bedroom suite is an airy oasis where the boudoir opens directly onto the beach.
Best Wedding Upgrade: Splurge on a butler level suite, where a private attendant will cater to your
every whim — even unpacking and steaming your wedding dress.
Top Party Spot: Live it up like a local at Barefoot by the Sea, a thatch-roof seafood restaurant where up to 60 can dine with their toes in the sand.
El Dorado
Vibe: El Dorado lures foodie couples with its focus on star chefs and international cuisine, from Italian to Caribbean.
Hotel Pick: El Dorado Royale, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, offers 639 rooms, plus a seaside chapel, a garden gazebo and a white sand beach for weddings.
Package Prereqs: A week’s stay in any room category comes with a complimentary morning ceremony, complete with an in-room bridal attendant, guest concierge and groom’s dressing room.
Most Romantic Room: Each Ocean View Jacuzzi suite features a king canopy bed, a private hot tub for two, and a terrace or balcony with a hammock for
whiling away the afternoon.
Best Wedding Upgrade: Infuse your vows with extra meaning by adding a special butterfly release or unity sand ceremony arranged by the resort staff.
Top Party Spot: Throw a poolside cocktail party for up to 80 at Tucanes, a palapa bar serving fun drinks like the signature Blue Lagoon (vodka, blue Curacao, lemonade and a cherry).
Couples
Vibe: Like the name implies, these intimate resorts are for chilled out couples who want to relax rather than for groups looking to party 24/7.
Hotel Pick: Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, comprises a mineral spring grotto, waterfalls and 150 rooms. Hold I do’s in a gazebo or on the beach.
Package Prereqs: Free with a three-night stay in any room category, the basic wedding package includes a bouquet, sparkling wine and a wedding cake for 10 guests, plus his-and-hers massages.
Most Romantic Room: Most of the luxury suites at Couples Sans Souci feature ocean-view terraces or balconies. In-suite dining, cozy robes, an LCD TV and a fully stocked minibar mean you’ll never want to leave.
Best Wedding Upgrade: Ask the staff for a special wedding-night turndown, complete with fragrant bougainvillea blossoms and romantic candles.
Top Party Spot: The crew is happy to set up a Caribbean fete on the resort’s main beach. Imagine tiki torches, a seafood and jerk-chicken buffet and laid-back
guests enjoying the island’s irie vibe.
Palace
Vibe: Family-friendly Palace resorts boast kids clubs, wading pools and table games; adults dig beach bars, in-room whirlpool tubs and nightly theme parties.
Hotel Pick: At 348-room Vallarta Palace, in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, swap vows under a charming gazebo or on a beach fronting Banderas Bay.
Package Prereqs: Arrive at least three business days prior to the ceremony to coordinate the
details of your free nuptials, including champagne and cake for 25 guests and a wedding website.
Most Romantic Room: Your spacious one-bedroom suite comes with an ocean view, a balcony and a double spa tub. Use the living area for an impromptu preparty.
Best Wedding Upgrade: Conclude the ceremony with a dove release, or treat guests to a customized candy bar stocked with your favorite treats.
Top Party Spot: The private poolside terrace at Triton Bar (holds 100) is a perfect after-party spot, thanks to a Pacific Ocean backdrop, customized signature cocktails and lively mariachis.
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