What are the most important details to consider when comparing resorts for your group trip, destination wedding, anniversary, vow renewal, business retreat or weekend getaway?
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#1 Resort Age Requirement:
If you're planning a destination wedding, family reunion, friends getaway, a business retreat or any kind of trip, it's super important to know if there is an age requirement for guests.
The last thing you want to worry about is finding out your multi-generational family reunion doesn't allow anyone under age 18.
Some resorts, like Atelier in Playa Mujeres, Mexico, allows guests age 16 and up. Dreams Resorts, on the other hand, is designed for families with children of any age welcome.
Check with your travel advisor to make sure the resort is compatible with your traveling guests and the environment you're looking for. This leads us to #2.
#2 Resort Atmosphere
Resorts like Breathless, Royalton CHIC and Temptation are well known for their lively environment. Expect LOTS of loud music, entertainment and non-stop nightly activities and parties that stretch well into the night.
If you're looking for something more quiet with a focus on rejuvenating, reading, swimming, relaxing, spa treatments and little to no music and parties, you definitely wouldn't want to stay at the Hard Rock Resort Cancun in the hotel zone. That particular resort is all about partying, music and staying up late. Something more appropriate would be Zoetry, Live Aqua or Le Blanc.
Each resort has its own 'vibe' and atmosphere. Make sure to tell your travel advisor exactly what kind of trip this is. It's our craft to match your interests with the specific resort. Just like a physician or a pharmacist choosing the right medication to treat your symptoms.
Speaking of which... I think my doctor just wrote another refill for palm trees, sparkling beaches and luscious tropical backdrops... Meet me in Puerto Vallarta at the Grand Fiesta Americana for fish tacos and their world-famous margaritas!
#3 Amenities and Activities
Did you book a cruise on Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian, but your cruise has been canceled and you want the same amenities as the big cruise lines at a resort?
Presto! Plenty of resorts have amenities like water parks, splash pads for kids, lazy rivers, surf simulators, nightclubs, teen clubs, Escape Rooms, movie theaters, bowling alleys, virtual reality simulators, skate & BMX parks, ski simulators and the list goes on.
There are TONS of resorts that offer unique and fun amenities both for adults and the kids. Talk to your travel advisor and be specific. Tell us what you absolutely must have and what would be a nice perk, but not absolutely necessary.
Royalton Bavaro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and the brand-new Planet Hollywood Resort in Costa Mujeres in Cancun, Mexico would be great choices for LOTS of amenities and activities included.
Think of working with a travel advisor like filling out your Santa's Wish List. We'll find you the best options based on what you need.
#4 VIP Experience
This is a trend that *most* resorts have adopted. Royalton Resorts call it 'Diamond Club. AMResorts call it 'Preferred Club'. Planet Hollywood names it 'Star Class'. Hyatt Ziva/Zilara call it 'Club Ocean.
As you can tell, most resorts have this VIP room category that includes many extra amenities and exclusive areas of the resort. This might include:
- Private pool and jacuzzi area
- Premium drinks and cocktails
- Private cocktail, business and concierge lounge
- Private check-in area (no waiting in line)
- Private butler or 'assistant'
- Ability to make reservations at restaurants ahead of other guests
- Private beach area and/or beach cabanas w/ meal and bar service
- Preferred room locations near the beach, amenities and/or services
A Top Secret Travel Advisor Tip:
The upgraded VIP experience and amenities do NOT cost as mch as you think! Sometimes it's only an extra $75 per person, especially for the Diamond Club experience at Royalton Resorts. And you get SO much more included in your experience. It's a no-brainer most of the time.
This is why it's SO important to disclose to your travel advisor the PURPOSE of your trip and what kind of experience you're looking for. The online travel agencies like Orbitz and Expedia do a terrible job at this.
Remember, the role of your travel advisor is to match the right product and experience to your wants and needs. Talk to your travel advisor! We're your travel advocate and best resource.
#5 Backup Plan aka 'Plan B' For Resort Outdoor Events Like Destination Weddings During Inclement Weather
What does the resort do if there are strong winds, rough surf or rainy skies forecasted for your beach destination wedding or your romantic dinner on the beach?
The harsh reality is... The majority of the resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean do NOT have a Plan B.
Only a handful of resorts have a backup plan to move guests to an indoor or alternate venue in the event of poor weather conditions.
This is another great reason to always work with a travel advisor for your group and romance trips. We're going to find all these minute details for you and make sure you're 100% comfortable with the package your purchasing from us.
These are my top five travel advisor considerations when comparing resorts, especially for destination weddings and group events. Make the most of your next trip by matching the right resort with the purpose of your trip.
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Stay well and travel safe!
-Nick