Your Wedding Day - Desination Riviera Maya

Desination Riviera Maya

By Harmony Walton RIVIERA MAYA: When you head south for the winter, consider Mexico’s newest hotspot, the Riviera Maya. Located just south of Cancun, you and your guests can get away without going too far out of the way. Book in February or March for optimal fun in the sun and you won’t be competing with friend’s stateside nuptials in summertime. For close-by Caribbean waters and wedded bliss, Riviera Maya has my heart. WHERE TO WED…ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA, a resort built sustainably atop several small islands surrounded by jungle. Get down to matrimonial business on the white sandy beach or the plaza, selecting a backdrop of either surf or lush lagoons and tropical jungles. But before you say “I Do;” be sure to find time to dance across the little bridge to another private island that houses Sense™, the on-property signature spa that encompasses all the natural remedies the jungle has to offer.
	WHAT TO WEAR…This spaghetti strap tulle gown with tulip skirt by Christos. Your billowing layers will blow in the trade winds and create one romantic walk down a sandy aisle.
WHERE TO INDULGE…AT AH CACAO REAL CHOCOLATE. Built on the belief that everyone should experience the riches of the region, Ah Cacao serves up a royal variety of chocolate and coffee drinks to local patrons. Any one of their hotspots is a must-hit on the roadmap of Mexico so that you can treat yourself to what these fine purveyors call the food of the Gods (Cacao). Or better yet, share the treasure with wedding guests by serving up an authentic regional wedding favor

WHERE TO GO FOR A FABULOUS PHOTO OP…THE MAYAN RUINS OF TULUM. With incredible views of the sea, this ancient settlement houses the El Castillo temple (as well as tons of tourists by midday). Arrive early and climb down to the beach below for a quick dip with your cameraman close by.
WHERE TO DINE AFTER A DAY AT THE RUINS…AJUA MAYA, a restaurant right off Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Home to fabulous lobster and steak dinners, featuring nightly Latin Music, Maya cooking demonstrations and five star foods and flambé; this interactive tequila bar and grill house can take care of all your event needs. With an event planning and even honeymoon division, you can dine, dance, and rehearse at this one-stop authentic Mayan food stop.
	WHAT TO DRESS YOUR EVENT WITH… Lisa Vorce from Oh, How Charming! suggests for a truly authentic vibe, partnering with as many local artisans as possible. “One of my favorite traditional elements is MIRRORED OR TIN STARS. You can plant them in the sand to create a beautiful border down the aisle of your ceremony or my favorite is to hang as many as possible at the dinner reception. Hang them in clusters over the dance floor or for something a little more unexpected we have dropped them really low over the dinner tables and the look is unforgettable.”

	WHERE TO ADVENTURE…When booking activities for those out-of-town guests, consider AKUMAL, the “place of the turtles,” where you will find them laying their eggs amid breathtaking views and crystal-clear water. This popular bay is home to white sand beaches, sea caves, calm waters, and off-shore reefs – otherwise known as a local pilgrimage for divers. Start at the AKUMAL DIVE SHOP and even the novice adventurers can get a taste of the underwater life.
WHAT TO PACK… E ENERGY WATER….it’s beauty in a bottle for your face, hair and body. Fill the bottle with tap water and the filtration system replaces harmful toxins with the goods - like Vitamin C and H-ions. The balance this system creates gives your skin that wedding day-glow and your hair the shine worthy of a shampoo commercial. ___________________________________________ WHERE TO RETREAT TO…ESENCIA, a boutique hotel carved from a fifty acre private estate built along a two mile empty stretch of beach. This hidden gem glistens on the oceanfront while you relax in pure luxury. Sleep under the thatched-roof canopies on the beach or take your siesta inside to the guest quarters - under twelve-foot ceilings and Egyptian cotton sheets. And when you awake, indulge with Molton Brown amenities and a private chef and butler service.

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