Jetsettersblog

One of the estate’s many spectacular betrothal backdrops

Newmarket-on-Fergus, IRE. — Europe offers no more classically romantic a setting for a marriage proposal than Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland. And with a helping hand from the “Ultimate Proposal Package”, the groom-to-be can guarantee that he and his lady will have memories to last a lifetime.

Dromoland Castle, a property of The Dromoland Collection, is a magnificent Renaissance structure built in the sixteenth century and surrounded by a hauntingly beautiful 410-acre estate.

Complemented by luxurious accommodations, unparalleled service, award-winning dining selections and stunning settings, the resort is the perfect place to pop the question.

The Ultimate Proposal Package offers three additional ingredients essential to ensuring a peerless proposal: pampering, privacy, and personalization.

The package includes the following indulgent extras:
• Two nights’ accommodation in a luxurious and spacious Signature Suite,

• A full Irish breakfast in the gracious and welcoming Earl of Thomond Restaurant,

• A champagne breakfast delivered to the suite one morning, and

• A decadent couples’ treatment at The Spa at Dromoland, where the happy couple may also enjoy the soothing Relaxation Suite and romantic outdoor hydro spa hot tub.

Also included in the package are three unique Dromoland experiences to be treasured by the lovebirds alone:

• Delivery of the engagement ring to the hand of the groom-to-be by one the Castle’s splendid and superbly trained falcons – truly an unforgettable moment,

• A private helicopter trip to the Cliffs of Moher, the breathtakingly beautiful limestone palisade ascending 1,220 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, and

• A catered dinner under the stars in the fanciful Temple of Mercury.

No man is an island, nor should he be. For the suitor seeking a bit of guidance, the dedicated and enthusiastic staff of Dromoland Castle stand ready and waiting.

They will help plan the ultimate personalized proposal from the largest detail to the small, whether it calls for rose petals on the lass’s pillow, a hidden message in the gourmet bedside chocolates, or bended knee in a boat on the lough.

The package is available now through September 30, 2010, and April 1 through September 30, 2011, subject to availability; the cost is €2450.00 per person sharing, VAT and service charges included.

Dromoland Castle: the ultimate destination for a spectacular betrothal

About Dromoland Castle:

Dromoland Castle, located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, was built in the 16th century.

Majestically set on the shores of Lough Dromoland, it is surrounded by over 410 acres of breathtaking scenery, including a championship parkland golf course.

Lavish interiors, fine food and superb wines complement the deluxe accommodations of the Castle’s 99 guest rooms, while Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club, an intimate spa and traditional outdoor recreational opportunities ensure a unique guest experience.

Dromoland Castle is located at Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland. The hotel can be contacted at: 011 353 61 368144 or 1-800-346-7007; website www.dromoland.ie  Reservations can be made through the hotel (sales@dromoland.ie ) or through The Dromoland Collection at: www.dromolandcollection.ie

The Dromoland Collection comprises Dromoland Castle and Castlemartyr Resort, two of Ireland’s finest and most celebrated hotels. The hotels in this collection embody the legendary Dromoland tradition of incomparable hospitality complemented by exquisite surroundings, yet each possesses a distinctive style, character and charm all its own.

Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about Dromoland Castle at this link, and other Irish stories at the graphic below.

With five all-inclusive properties on Barbados and St. Lucia, Almond Resorts is promoting destination weddings.

Complimentary at all Almond Resorts when booking seven or more room nights, wedding basics, such as clergy/magistrate, government fees, witnesses, champagne, bouquet and boutonniere and a wedding coordinator, are included in each wedding package, starting with Wedding for You.

Taking it a step further, the Treasured Wedding for You, Opulent Wedding for You and Platinum Wedding for You all offer different levels of luxury for the discerning bride and groom.

Starting at $1,729 as an upgrade from the Wedding for You when booked on or after Jan. 1, Treasured Wedding for You adds upgraded amenities including a 24-photo album and CD, a two-tiered wedding cake and toasting flutes, as well as a couples massage for the bride and groom and breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding.

Opulent Wedding for You, starting at $1,989 when booked on or after Jan. 1 offers brides and grooms all of the amenities of the Treasured Wedding for You, plus an album of 36 photos from the big day and the couple’s very own real star from the International Star Registry.

The ultimate upgrade from the Wedding for You, Platinum Wedding for You, starting at $3,279 when booked on or after Jan. 1 offers brides and grooms extras such as a candlelit dinner for two on the beach, a spa day, hair and makeup for the bride and an island tour of Barbados or St. Lucia.

They can also participate in an array of activities provided in the all-inclusive price, such as learning how to sail together, kayaking and windsurfing, yoga at sunrise or simply lying in the shade of a palm tree. Also covered with the one price are activities such as snorkeling, banana boat rides, water skiing, tennis and golf at Almond Beach Village or in St. Lucia at the St. Lucia Golf Course.

Onsite wedding coordinators are available and supervisors based in Orlando, Fla., can deliver important wedding and reception answers within 48 business hours of the couple’s inquiry.

From detailed dining arrangements to planning a private reception at The Great House, a 250 year-old estate in St. Lucia, to scheduling a private island tour or delivering breakfast in bed, everything can be handled through the specialists to achieve the perfect Caribbean celebration.

The five all-inclusive properties on Barbados and St. Lucia include Almond Beach Club & Spa (161 rooms), Almond Beach Village (400 rooms) and Almond Casuarina Beach Resort (289 rooms) are all located on the island of Barbados, Almond Morgan Bay Beach Resort (340 rooms) and Almond Smugglers Cove (357 rooms) are located on St. Lucia.

For more information, call 800-4ALMOND or visit www.almondresortsweddings.com

The Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland, is offering the Ultimate Proposal Package.

Dromoland Castle, a property of The Dromoland Collection, is a Renaissance structure built in the 16th century and surrounded by a 410-acre estate.

The package includes two nights in a Signature Suite, a full Irish breakfast in the Earl of Thomond Restaurant, champagne breakfast delivered to the suite one morning, and a “decadent couples” treatment at The Spa at Dromoland.

Also included in the package are three experiences — delivery of the engagement ring to the hand of the groom-to-be by one the castle’s trained falcons;

a private helicopter trip to the Cliffs of Moher, the limestone palisade ascending 1,220 feet above the Atlantic Ocean;

and a catered dinner under the stars in the Temple of Mercury.

The package is available now through Sept. 30, 2010. and April 1 through Sept. 30, 2011, subject to availability.

The cost is 2,450 euros ($3,322) per person sharing, VAT and service charges included.

For more information, call 800-346-7007, email

sales@dromoland.ie  

or visit www.dromoland.ie

For more information about Ireland visit http://www.discoverireland.com  or for a free vacation planning kit call the NY office at 800/223-6470. Read Ireland feature stories from Jetsetters Magazine at this link.

St. Barth Properties is offering special pricing on two value-laden packages at the Carl Gustaf Hotel on St. Barth.

Accommodations are in one-bedroom suites with private balconies and plunge pools.

The seven-night Honeymoon Package includes breakfast in bed, or on the guests’ private balcony, every morning; flowers; bottles of bubbly; dinner at Victoria’s Restaurant; a Mini-Cooper to explore the island and visit all its beaches; treatments for two at the hotel’s Boutique Spa by Carita; and more. The package is priced for the week at 4,785 euros ($6,488) per couple.

Carl Gustaf’s five-day Spa Package for two incorporates a spa service daily for four days, with massages, facials and body treatments, and access to the new fitness center.

There is champagne upon arrival, continental breakfast, dinner at both the sophisticated Victoria’s Restaurant and the more casual Carl Gustaf Lounge, a rental car for the duration of the stay, and more.

The package is priced at 3,775 euros ($5,119) for two.

For more information, email hotels@stbarth.com

or visit www.stbarth.com

With a plethora of Spring weddings in the Rock and Polzeath areas of Cornwall, great accommodation can be scarce for those seeking the flexibility of self catering.

Cornish Horizons (www.cornishhorizons.co.uk  01841 533 331) are offering two fabulous neighbouring cottages in nearby St Kew for parties of up to twelve.

Lowena is a contemporary 4 star cottage that welcomes pets and 200 yards away gold award winning November Cottage has bags of character and style.

Properties can be booked individually or together with seven nights starting from £347 in low season to £948 for peak weeks.

Lowena details and graphics: details and graphics:

November Cottage details and graphis.

CONTACT:

Debbie Skyrme, on behalf of Cornish Horizons (Holiday Cottages)

TELEPHONE:

+44 (0) 1841 533 331

FAX:

+44 (0) 1841 533 933

WEB:

www.cornishhorizons.co.uk

EMAIL:

cottages@cornishhorizons.co.uk

WRITE:

Cornish Horizons, The Cottage, 19 New Street, Padstow, Cornwall PL28 8EA

Cayo Espanto, a private island off the coast of Belize, is expanding its offerings with the addition of Casa Solana, a romantic villa set to open July 1, 2010.

Rated the number one honeymoon destination in the world by Mr. and Mrs. Smith, a highly respected boutique hotel directory, Cayo Espanto’s newest villa caters to couples seeking the ultimate romantic getaway.

Casa Solana is secluded on the western tip of the tiny, four-acre island, allowing guests to bask in the warm glow of Cayo Espanto’s best sunsets while lounging in their private swimming pool.

The one-bedroom villa’s distinctive Caribbean architecture celebrates the harmony of the Caribbean with floor to ceiling views of the ocean and lush tropical landscape of the island.

Its tropical décor features bold accent pieces that are inspired by the organic beauty of Cayo Espanto, creating a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere for guests to unwind. Casa Solana has five-star amenities, including plush fine linens, a personal houseman and customized meals prepared by Cayo Espanto’s award-winning chef. Other villa features include an expansive verandah and private dock.

Cayo Espanto is now accepting reservations for Casa Solana at a special introductory rate of $995 per night. Based on double occupancy and valid for stays between July 1 and December 15, 2010, the rate includes all meals, non-motorized activities and use of a personal cell phone and laptop, among other amenities.

Taxes are not included.

For more information or reservations, call 888-666-4282 or visit www.aprivateisland.com

Fans of the popular television series “The Bachelor” can take advantage of a real-life romance package at select Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia.

With the Red Rose Romance Package, guests who book a stay of six or more nights are eligible to receive a $250 credit at Red Lane Spa, Sandals’ exclusive Caribbean-inspired luxury spa.

The promotion is available for bookings at Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa in St. Lucia and Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort until March 31 for travel through Dec. 28 and Jan. 1 to Dec. 28, 2011.

The Red Rose Romance Package is combinable with other popular promotions at the resort, including the Martha Stewart-designed Beautiful Beginnings Wedding Theme, as well as Sandals Select Points, created for loyal guests.

Couples wishing to get married in St. Maarten can engage the services of on-island wedding planners who can assist with making arrangements for a ceremony, and caterers who can plan the reception for the couple.

Several hotels on St. Maarten offer complete wedding packages. To get married in St. Maarten, couples must submit requests at least 14 days prior to the scheduled ceremony to be conducted by the registrar as well as arrive on island one week prior to the wedding date. Marriages are performed Monday through Saturday.

There is a fee of $410 which includes the civil ceremony, marriage book, stamps and certificate. In addition to the fee, the following notarized original documents must be submitted to the registrar: a full abridged birth certificate for the bride and groom. Documents should have an “Apostille” stamp, which can be obtained at the Secretary of State’s Office in the various U.S. states.

In the event persons are not of Dutch nationality, a valid passport is required, as well as a declaration of marital status, no older than three months.

Persons must be 18 years of age or older. Minors must have parents’ written permission.

Addresses and professions of the bride and groom must be provided, as well as names of parents, their dates of birth, places of birth, mothers’ maiden names, and the parents’ professions.

If a widow, a death certificate is necessary, and if divorced, a divorce certificate or a final judgment decree with “Apostille” stamp is needed.

The bride and groom must have six witnesses if the marriage is performed outside of the Marriage Hall and two witnesses if the ceremony takes place in the Marriage Hall. Foreign witnesses must present a valid passport or a birth certificate with valid photo identification.

Original documents in languages other than English or Dutch must be translated into Dutch.

Documents can be officially translated on-island by Cheryl LaBega, certified official translator, Government Administration Building, Clem LaBega’s Square in Philipsburg.

Translations could take up to two weeks.

St. Maarten offers couples traditional honeymoon vacation options highlighted by romance packages from resorts across the island or non-conventional getaways that couples create themselves based on their interests.

Starting with hotel accommodations, travelers can choose to stay at an expansive resort, hotel complex, intimate guesthouse or inn, as well as everything in between.

For a complete list of wedding and honeymoon options, visit the official site of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at www.VacationStMaarten.com

The Atlanta Airport Marriott has created a Honeymoon Takeoff Package. Included are accommodations in a deluxe king room, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival, turndown service, breakfast for two, complimentary self-parking for seven days, and complimentary shuttle service to the airport.

Rates range from $139 to $169 per room, per night.

The offer is valid through May 31, 2010. Be sure that the promotional code HON appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making an online reservation, or call 800-228-9290 in the U.S. and ask for promotional code HON.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/atlap

This year, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda’s Pink Palace, will celebrate its 125th anniversary.

To celebrate, the hotel will offer a special Anniversary Package. Guests who visit for their own anniversary celebration will receive a complimentary night’s stay and additional nights at $125 per person.

Simply provide us your marriage certificate at check in to receive the complimentary anniversary night.

This package is available through Dec. 30, 2010. There is a minimum three-night stay and the package is based upon availability.

For reservations or more information, call 800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com/hamilton