Choosing a Destination for your Caribbean Honeymoon or Wedding

I am always intrigued why publications/media outlets continue to vote for the top ten or the top twenty hotels or destinations. Yes, it was to peak the interest of the consumer that they may buy the product. After all, what better way to find out if you are part of the popular group than being associated with the 'in' or the top 'whatever product' that is now being promoted. But is it fair to the destinations/hotels that did not get picked.

I believe that the media outlet that focuses on this narrow aspect of the market do have the responsibility to inform its readers of all the options, and what each one offers.

The Caribbean with over 33 Islands, each offers something unique. Aruba with its Dutch heritage, (great cheese)food, warm friendly people: Bahamas with over 800 islands and a great place to get married or honeymoon, British Virgin Islands, some of the most romantic spots on God's earth, crystal clear blue waters like sailing on a mirror: Jamaica: mountains, waterfall, food, music and great beaches: United States Virgin Islands: three Islands to choose from (St. Croix, St. John & St. Thomas)a shopping mecca, some of the best beaches this side of the universe, great hotels and no passport requirement: Cayman:The serenity of this island promotes romance; Puerto Rico: (Spanish heritage) fabulous restaurants, good golf, vibrant nightlife, again no passport required; St. Kitts: great people, serenity, romance, food, relaxation, all this comes to mind when I think of St. Kitts; St. Lucia; an extraordinary destination. Love the people, the food, the vegetation a nature lover's fantasy. Of course I could go on and on.

Where can you learn about all the islands that you can make the right decision for your Caribbean wedding or honeymoon? In addition to visiting the respective websites (http://www.MarryCaribbean.com)or Government offices, you can also visit bridal shows where the different countries and hotels offer a glimpse of their product.

One such show coming up that should give you an overview of what you should expect on this 'special' trip is http://www.Destinationweddingsexpo.com. This bridal Show will take place on Sunday March 21, 2010 at the Sheraton La Guardia, New York.

Of course, since this is the season, you will find numerous bridal shows around the country. Weddings & Honeymoons generate millions of dollars to the economy of the destinations/hotels that remind engaged couples that they do exist. The Caribbean, with close proximity to the United States offers the best in wedding planning and execution in an environment that is simply breathtaking. For your honeymoon needs you have over 33 gorgeous islands to choose from. Work with your Travel Agent to find the match that best mirror your lifestyle.

SCRUB ISLAND RESORT - THE NEW PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Today is the official opening day of the very new and fabulous resort - Scrub Island Resort - located on a private island paradise called Scrub Island, in the beautiful British Virgin Islands.

With close proximity to the United States, traveling to the British Virgin Islands is a breeze. Lots of connecting flights. Personally I like to fly into the United States Virgin Islands and then get the ferry to Tortola (British Virgin Islands). You sail some of the most gorgeous waters of the Caribbean, and it is one of the most relaxing way to travel, and I might add a great way to start a honeymoon or get a jump on romance.

Scrub Island is a private island in the British Virgin Islands. Scrub Island Resort is positioned to take in all the surrounding breathtaking views. This new Resort is a combination of Suites, Villas, Marina & Spa: offering all the amenities that will enrich your travel experience.

Features of this new resort include a lagoon pool with cascading waterfall as well as a regular pool surrounded by the latest in comfortable chairs and umbrellas. The Caribbean is widely known for its fabulous beaches, and the British Virgin Islands excel in this arena. Hence Scrub Island is surrounded by some of the most gorgeous waters and white sand beaches. Of course, you will also benefit from the attractively laid out beach chairs and umbrellas.

With its own marina, offering 53 deep water berths for long term or transient docking, transportation to and from Scrub Island Resort is done in style. You will be accommodated on a luxurious boat - Scrub Island Yacht - all to make your stay a memorable one.

When it comes to cuisine, everything awaits your palate. And to make sure you keep the same fabulous body you arrived with, the luxurious spa as well as in-room massage treatment is just a phone call away. Of course for the more active traveler a state-of-the-art health club with all the latest equipment.

With the beauty and amenities of this resort, it is absolutely a perfect environment to host a destination wedding. My conversation with Mr. Scott Ward did confirm that he has already booked weddings for as early as April. Weddings and honeymoons will be an integral part of the consumer mix of this hotel in paradise.

To book your weddings or honeymoon you can call Mr. Scott Ward: Email:sward@mainsailhotels.com or Phone:1 813 254 3110 xtn 102 or of course through the traditional route of the Reservation Department 1 877 -890 7444. I always like the personal touch.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS EXPO

The engagement season is well underway and so are the proliferation of bridal shows. My own experience is that the shows are attracting a great many brides and so this is just another avenue for Destinations, Hotels, and Service Providers to reach this 'must buy' market.

I am always in awe of entrepreneurs who give their all to the industry. One such entrepreneur is Lisa Jones-Smith who began her career at Libgo Travel. Her tenure with this well know retail travel company lasted 18 years, and she held many positions within the company finally receiving the much coveted Presidents Award for top sales growth consecutively.

Lisa is the Founder and Executive Director of Worldwide Group Travel LLC, a successful online travel business. Worldwide Group Travel LLC specializes in all aspects of group travel and destination wedding planning. Under Lisa's leadership, her company has expanded to include all countries of the Caribbean offering a diversity of products, from honeymoon to premium travel specials.

To add to the continued growth of her company, a natural extension was the development of bridal shows; hence the new division - Destination Weddings Expo. The first Destination Weddings Expo was held on March 29, 2009 in New York, followed by Philadelphia and Baltimore in October. These shows attracted major brands such as Sandals, Palace Resorts, Palladium Resorts, American Airlines and Air Jamaica. Sponsoring this event was none other than the Jamaica Tourist Board.

The new season starts off on March 21, 2010 at the Sheraton LaGuardia East in New York and will be followed by Philadelphia and Baltimore in Fall. To learn more about Destination Weddings Expo please visit http://www.destinationweddingsexpo.com. The Worldwide Group Travel team comprises of a number of agents who are committed to excellence.

I strongly feel that this is part of my responsibility as one who provides Wedding Market Solutions to inform and educate as to the options and products available in the wedding & honeymoon industry. The Caribbean Wedding & Honeymoon Industry should have a strong presence at these shows to further garner a greater share of this lucrative business.