best
BEACH
values
by TARA BRADLEY, JILL FERGUS,
ERIKA HUENEKE and SUSAN MOYNIHAN
60 destination weddings & honeymoons
Beach Bargins 3.indd 60
Laser
Epson
Color Comments:
Prod/Traffic__________ Editor__________ Exec Ed__________ Man Ed folio?__________ Photo Ed bleed?__________ Art Director bleed?__________
2/25/09 2:12:47 PM
T
hink a tropical event has to be expensive? Think
again. We scoured the Caribbean to find 20 hotels
that offer wedding-worthy settings without breaking
the bank. From Aruba to Tortola, enjoy magnificent
locales, attentive staffers and room rates that start well
under $200 per night.
AMSTERDAM MANOR
ARUBA
This family-owned, 72-room resort blends Dutchcolonial architecture with Caribbean touches like
thatched beach palapas. The hotel sits across the
street from one of the island’s best strands, Eagle
Beach. What it lacks in surf proximity it makes up
for with extras like a hopping pool bar, in-room
kitchenettes and whirlpool tubs in certain suites.
Exchange vows beside the resort’s large divi-divi
tree; when set up with covered chairs, torches and a
bevy of flowers, the setting pops. Hold cocktail hour
at the scenic Sunset Upperdeck Bar, where guests
can sample Dutch appetizers like Gouda skewers
and frikandel (fried sausage); then head over to
Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant, located right on
the sand, for dinner and dancing. Rooms from $159,
summer season; $249, winter season.
CARAMBOLA BEACH
RESORT & SPA
ST. CROIX
St. Croix is the biggest — and least-visited — U.S.
Virgin Island. Take advantage of all that breathing
room at this red-roofed resort. Your guests will love
the screened porches and mahogany woodwork accenting the 157 guest rooms, and you’ll love indulging
yourself at the all-new Spa De La Mer. On your big
day, up to 200 loved ones can await your entrance
on the sand, beachside lawn or terrazzo terrace
(complete with a bell tower). Receptions wow with
grilled mahimahi, mocko-jumbie performances and,
of course, plenty of Cruzan rum punch. Rooms from
$150, summer season; $225, winter season.
tubs, private verandas and separate living areas. Live
Bahamian music sets the mood for simple and elegant beach vows that take place under a palm arch.
Receptions for up to 60 kick off in the onsite Club
House Restaurant. Rooms from $149, year-round.
HIX ISLAND HOUSE
VIEQUES
This eco-minded hilltop hideaway on Puerto Rico’s
offshore isle is starkly modern, with 13 loft apartments kitted out with Frette linens, Marimekko
fabrics, Wi-Fi and specialty concierge service — but
no phones or TVs. The hotel can arrange nuptials
at the nearby beaches, but chances are you’ll want
to wed at La Casona, a minimalist home with an
indoor-outdoor layout perfect for parties. Marry
by the pool, lined with hurricane lanterns and
boasting views that stretch to the sea. The reception follows poolside as well, with guests sipping
sangria and nibbling on tasty paella and seafoodand-mango gazpacho. Bring in a DJ and party as
late as you like; in this 13-acre enclave, there are no
neighbors to be bothered. Rooms from $175, summer
season; $185, winter season.
CARAMBOLA BEACH
RESORT & SPA
EMERALD PALMS
SOUTH ANDROS ISLAND, BAHAMAS
LEFT: DIGITAL VISION/GETTY IMAGES
Beach Bargins 3.indd 61
Laser
Epson
Color Comments:
This boutique resort is perfectly positioned to take
advantage of South Andros’ pristine surroundings.
Fish, snorkel, explore inland blue holes or participate in a reef-monitoring program. Eighteen quality
Club House rooms appeal to the budget-conscious,
while those willing to splurge can choose one of the
22 one- or two-bedroom villas with in-room Jacuzzi
Prod/Traffic__________ Editor__________ Exec Ed__________ Man Ed folio?__________ Photo Ed bleed?__________ Art Director bleed?__________
2/25/09 2:12:49 PM