Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/201540
h t , s Punta Cana (at the eastern tip, where direct flights arrive weekly from Saskatchewan): Esmeralda, Bávaro, Punta Cana and Ambar. Each offers a stunning view, instant access to the Caribbean Sea and superb wedding services. Prices start at U.S.$900 (on top of the resort booking) for a basic event with a wedding planner, simple decorations, a tropical bouquet, music and professional photos. The top-shelf package, from U.S.$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 fanatics, there are first-rate golf courses, heralded by world golf pros such as Jack Nicklaus and Nick Price. At the Playa Grande, designed by golf legend Robert Trent Jones Sr., players tee off on emeraldtopped 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 Caribbean at 3,087 metres above sea level. A sojourn to the country's political and cultural 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 For newly engaged couples with room to splurge, Jamaica is a gorgeous island destination with impeccable beaches and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. And while posh amenities are the main selling point, most resorts can set up wedding-friendly group outings, such as rafting on the Rio Grande (a two-to-three-hour journey down the river with 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. Just keep in mind that weddings are pricier here than in other Caribbean destinations. That said, though Jamaica will cost more, it has very high-end and very elegant weddings. 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 U.S.$1,600 to U.S.$3,500 (not including the resort stay or reception dinner) and offer a choice of Robert John/Alamy/All Canada Photos (pool), Angelo Cavali/Getty Images (falls), Eric James/Alamy/All Canada Photos (beach) p20-23_Dest_Weddings.indd 21 (above) Dunn's River Falls, Jamaica, a lush hiking spot where couples and guests can work off those all-inclusive meals; (below left) the pool at the Gran Bahia Principe Ambar in Punta Cana; (bottom) the Caribbean paradise that is Dreams Tulum Resort in Mexico. 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 wellknown North American wedding designer who has created an exquisite line called Simple Stunning Wedding packages. Couples have their pick of five stylized wedding motifs, with packages ranging from around U.S.$2,000 to U.S.$4,000 (on top of the resort booking) for up to eight guests. Additional guests cost $20, while children under 12 are free. westworld >> w i n t e r 2 0 1 3 21 13-10-18 10:16 AM