Saint Lucia Teams with Diamonds International for an Island-Wide Promotion

The Saint Lucia Tourist Board has partnered with Diamonds International to offer a signature discount available to travelers booking hotel stays on the island. Diamonds International is creating a special Saint Lucia anniversary collection from their Crown of Light collection and offering a 20 percent discount on diamonds, with an additional percentage off to match the number of years a couple is married, up to 50 years. Visitors who book a romance package at participating hotels and travel to the island starting on June 1st, 2012 will receive their special discount card upon check-in. (Special conditions apply from retail. Not valid on branded jewelry or watches and cannot be combined with any other offer.)

In addition to the Diamonds International promotion, a majority of properties are offering special packages providing amenities ranging from couples massages and private dinners, to champagne and sunset cruises. Saint Lucia offers visitors a variety of enchanting engagement, anniversary and romantic celebration getaways with its charming culture, inviting beaches, intimate properties and heart-pumping activities. From large resorts to intimate villas, visitors can be sure to find the perfect fit.

LIST OF PACKAGES
Apartment Espoir
Romance Package 2012

* One night free when booking a six night stay
* Get one category room upgrade (if available)
* Basket of local fruit
* Complimentary bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
* Free continental breakfast on the first morning
* Rates starting from $78
For more information please visit www.apartmentespoir.com/

Bay Gardens
Fall in Love Package

* Four night accommodation for two, in a one bedroom pool view suite or superior room
* Welcome cocktail on arrival
* Romantic dinner for two
* Couples massage
* Sparkling wine picnic on Pigeon Island
* Champagne breakfast in bed (one day)
* Travel may be booked from May 14, 2012 until December 19, 2012
* Rates at Bay Gardens Beach Resort begin at $999 and $699 at Bay Gardens Hotel/Inn
For more information please visit http://baygardensresorts.com/home.html

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa
Rendezvous Getaway Package:

* Seven night all inclusive stay at Coconut Bay
* Champagne check-in
* Romance turndown including champagne and chocolates
* All meals, drinks and snacks provided through a choice of four restaurants and six bars
* Special, candlelit, couples only beachfront dinner
* Intro to kite surfing lessons
* $250 weekly resort credit
* Daily activities and nightly entertainment
* Prices starting at $1,129 per person based on double occupancy now until Sept. 30, 2012
For more information please visit http://www.cbayresort.com/

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa
The Romance Package

* Seven nights accommodation in a beautifully appointed Waters Edge Cottage with private pool
* Romantic dinner for two followed by sunset stroll on secluded white sand beach
* Couple's massage for two at the resort's Ti Spa
* A romantic private sunset dinner for two, specially prepared by the resort's chef, served on the private cottage patio, the beautiful Gazebo or the boardwalk overlooking the ocean
* Transfers to and from the airport by private luxury car
* Rates starting at $6,939
For more information please visit http://www.calabashcove.com/

Cap Maison
Summer 2012 Free Nights promotion

* Book four nights and receive one additional night free
* Book eight nights and receive two extra nights free
* Rates start at $405 per room, per night and include full breakfast
* Couples can choose to add cooking classes, couples treatments at Spa Maison, sip cocktails on Rock Maison or take advantage of Cap Maison's exclusive Proposal Concierge
For more information please visit http://capmaison.com/

Anse Chastanet Hotel
Total Romance Package

* Five night stay and receive the fifth night free or stay seven nights, and receive two nights free
* Airport transfers both ways
* Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, all drinks including house wine
* Welcome cocktail
* Tour of volcano, Sulphur Springs and Diamond Mineral Baths
* Guided tour of old French Colonial Plantation of Anse Mamin
* Drinks package in room refrigerator
* Tropical fruit display
* Use of tennis court and equipment, snorkeling, kayaking, mini-sailing and windsurfing
* Use of beach chairs and beach towels
* Guided boat snorkel trip
* Resort scuba diving course for beginners or two dives for certified divers
* Bottle of French champagne
* One hour Swedish massage
* Half day Jungle Biking in Anse Mamin Valley
* Two Anse Chastanet t-shirts
* Half day sailing on skippered resort yacht Serenity
* An anniversary certificate of $500 to be used on a return visit
* Reservations must be made by June 30, 2012
* Prices start at $4,164 for a five night stay and $5,025 for a seven night stay
For more information please visit http://www.ansechastanet.com/

Fond Doux Estate
Just Do It Again Romance Package

* Five night accommodation
* Free car rental for four days
* Full breakfast daily
* Two hour sunset cruise with champagne and hors d'oeuvres
* Romantic candlelit dinner by the cascading triple pool
* Vow renewal in garden setting
* One hour couples massage
* Bottle of chilled champagne
* Gift basket
* Rates starting at $1,240
* Offer expires December 30, 2012
For more information please visit http://fonddouxestate.com/

Jade Mountain
Total Romance Package

* All tax and service and airport transfers both ways
* Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
* All drinks including house wine. Not including bottled wines and champagne
* Welcome cocktail upon arrival
* Tour of volcano, Sulphur Springs and Diamond Mineral Baths
* Guided tour of old French Colonial Plantation of Anse Mamin
* Topical fruit display
* Use of tennis court and equipment
* Activities including snorkeling, kayaking, mini-sailing, windsurfing
* Use of beach chairs and beach towels
* A guided boat snorkel trip
* A resort scuba diving course for beginners or two dives for certified divers
* Bottle of French champagne
* One hour Swedish massage
* Half day Jungle Biking in Anse Mamin Valley
* Two Jade Mountain t-shirts, half day sailing on skippered resort yacht Serenity
* An anniversary certificate of $500 to be used on a return visit
* Rates starting at $5,604 for three nights
For more information please visit http://www.jademountain.com/

The Jalousie Plantation, Sugar Beach
Wings of Love Package

* Four nights in a Luxury Villa with private pool, four poster bed and butler service
* Return airport transfers from Hewanorra International Airport
* Chilled bottle of Champagne on arrival
* A single long stemmed red rose on arrival
* Introductory shore dive in the crystal waters of our national marine reserve
* Sunset cruise with sparkling wine
* Gros Piton Explorer Hike
* Sulphur Seduction spa treatment for two, including a trip to the Sulphur Springs, volcano and a volcanic mud bath
* Romantic candlelit dinner on the beach or hotel jetty with a bottle of sparkling wine. Subject to weather conditions and venue availability
* Breakfast in bed on one morning of your choice
* Complimentary room upgrade. Upgrades are subject to availability on arrival
* Complimentary vow renewal on presentation of valid marriage license
* The package starts at $814 per person
* Rates are per room and based on double occupancy, and represent a savings of 30%. Four night minimum stay is required.
For more information please visit http://www.jalousieplantation.com/

The Landings St. Lucia
ESCAPE Romance Package

* Five night accommodation in one bedroom Harbor Suite
* Daily breakfast
* Couples massage
* Three course romantic beach dinner for two with wine
* Rose petals candlelight escapade with champagne
* Package starts at $2,164 with all taxes included
For more information please visit http://www.thelandingsstlucia.com/

The Discovery at Marigot Bay
Honeymoon & Romance Package

* Bayview accommodation of your choice
* Half-day private cruise
* Beach sunset horseback riding
* One hour couples massage
* Exclusive treehouse dinner
* Daily breakfast - Full Buffet at Boudreau Restaurant
* Welcome cocktail
* Snorkeling equipment
* Non-motorized water sports
* Ferry around the bay to bars and restaurants and the beach
* Lounge chairs and towels
* Complimentary beach and snorkeling excursion
* All Government Taxes and Service Charges
* Package starts at $4,160
For more information please visit http://www.discoverystlucia.com/default.asp

Smugglers Cove Resort & Spa
Eternal Romance Package

* Couples 45 Minutes Bamboo Massage at the Samsarati Spa Bed decorated with swans (made with towels) upon arrival
* Saint Lucia spice basket placed in the room upon arrival
* Enchanted Room on the second night (includes a bottle of sparkling wine, turn down service and bed decorated with tropical flowers)
* Decorated table with tropical flowers for a romantic dinner (can be booked for any evenings of stay and in any of the three specialty a la carte restaurants available - Café Asia, Waterside Creole Grill or La Trattoria)
* 20 percent discount off of Colorbox Romance Photographic packages
* Package is available as an add-on for $220
For more information please visit http://www.smugglersresort.com/

Stonefield Estate Villa Resort & Spa
All Inclusive Vacation Getaway for Lovebirds

* Seven nights in your private ocean view villa
* Breakfast and dinner daily
* Your pick of three nights of private in room dining
* Welcome gift and basket of local fruit
* $150 anniversary coupon for a return visit
* Complimentary bottle of Champagne
* Sunset Cruise capturing the spectacular view of Soufriere from the sea
* Soufriere Waterfall Experience - Toraille Waterfall
* $100.00 Resort Credit
* Full hour body massage for two
* Complimentary two way airport transfers
* Service Charge and Government Tax
* Prices start at $6,005 for summer rental and $6,237 for winter rentals
For more information please visit http://www.stonefieldvillas.com/

Villa C'est La Vie
Summer Romance N the Cove package

* Six nights accommodation including taxes
* Breakfast and Dinner
* Round-trip airport transfers
* Bottle of Prosecco
* Welcome cocktail
* Local fruit basket
* Two C'est la Vie bathrobes
* Dine in the moonlight
* Land & Sunset Getaway
* Access to Premier Concierge Saint Lucia
* Prices start at $3,675 based on double occupancy
For more information please visit http://www.villacestlavie.com/index.php

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
Amazing 20% Package

* Ocean view accommodations
* Daily American breakfast
* Private airport taxi transfers
* Windjammer "Crew" T-Shirts
* Rain Forest Tranopy Adventure
* Travel before June 30, 2012
* Prices start at $999 for four nights
For more information please visit http://www.windjammer-landing.com/special-offers

For more information on booking these special offers and participating properties, please visit www.saintlucianow.com and click on Made for Romance.

5 Budget Bachelorette Party Ideas

NYC-based financial expert and TV personality Nicole Lapin, is the woman behind Recessionista.com, a new site that offers accessible financial guidance, investing advice and money-saving tips to young women who aspire to be frugal, but still fabulous, and succeed in the workplace during the economic recession. With wedding season around the corner, Recessionista has put together some tips for budget friendly bachelorette parties. .


5 BUDGET BACHELORETTE PARTY IDEAS

1) Camping trip: Do your gal pals have a taste for adventure? Pack up your camping gear and hit the road! Nothing says togetherness like piling into a tent for ghost stories or spreading out your sleeping bag under the stars. Load up on fun snacks (s'mores, anyone?), playing cards, and a cooler full of your favorite beverages (this isn't Jamboree - if there's beer or Twisted Tea in there we won't judge!). Camping sites are much cheaper than hotel rooms (typically around $30 per night, although some state and national parks offer sites for free). Because they're often on protected land, campgrounds have some pretty primetime real estate - take advantage of the amazing views and terrain with sailing and hiking. And don't forget your camera!


2) Slumber party: Take it back old school with a festive slumber party. This is an especially fun option if your 'maids are childhood friends. Kick off the festivities with fun invitations made in the style of folded hallway notes (remember those?). Then stock up on classic DVDs like Sixteen Candles, The Notebook, and Bridesmaids. Satisfy the junk food craving (without totally derailing your pre-wedding diet) by setting out all the fixings for make-your-own pizza: whole wheat crust, skim-milk mozzarella, basil, and fresh veggies. And, okay, homemade margaritas or sangria can't hurt either. Then crank the tunes and dance the night way!


3) Game night: For the gal who loves sports and stadium food, it really doesn't get any better than a bachelorette party at the big game. Sites like stubhub.com are great for finding group tickets, and many stadiums offer discounts for groups of 10 or more so call ahead. Have t-shirts made with your fav team on the front and each girl's name on the back as party favors (bonus: it will make it even easier for the JumboTron to find you!). Some stadiums will let you purchase beer or soda in a bucket for deeper discounts...and you'll be thirsty after all of those soft pretzels. Just make sure to have a safe ride home: go in on a bus together to get everyone home safely - and make sure it comes with a killer sound system for the after-party.


4) Pub crawl: Relive your college days with a pub crawl through her hometown, or the city where she now lives. This is another great place for team uniforms (free drinks, anyone??) or save a little dough by having fun baseball caps printed instead. Call ahead at your fav pubs and bars to see if they have any drink specials, and what time they run from, and then plan accordingly. Make up funny rules for each stop along the way: for example, at one bar everyone has to order their least popular drink; at another, you have to con the waitress into giving the bride a glass of cherries; and at another, you all have to trade an article of clothing (in the privacy of the bathroom, of course!).


5) Dinner party: Keep it classy with a lady-like (but fun!) dinner party. Set the table with cloth napkins and decorate with tea lights, potted flowers, and confetti. We love Chalkboard China for party favors. Each gal can write her name on her glass with a piece of chalk, and then keep the glass when the night is over (plus, no more "lipstick test" for figuring out who's glass is who's!). Save on the food by serving family-style: instead of plating dishes individually, whip up large servings of yummy pasta, salad, and French bread with olive oil and let the ladies share in the goodness. Serve the bride's favorite treat as dessert and then retire to the parlor (okay, fine, your living room) with dessert wine and dark chocolate.
Visit www.recessionista.com for more budget-friendly wedding ideas!

Belize Resorts Offering Packages for Couple and Family Getaways

• The Lodge at Chaa Creek is offering 10% off the Family Adventure Inclusive Package between May 1 and July 31, 2012. Guests can book four nights and get the fifth night free. The Adventure Package includes accommodations, all meals, access to the Ruta Maya Trail System, and a variety of activities and a guided interpretive tour of the Rainforest Medicine Trail at Ixchel Farm. Additionally, ancient Maya Summer Solstice celebrations will be held on June 21, 2012. Please visit http://chaacreek.com for more information and specials or email reservations@chaacreek.com to book.

• Beaches and Dreams Seafront Inn announces its “summer sizzling spectacular.” Accommodations include a double occupancy beachfront room for a rate of $449 for seven days including breakfast daily and use of bikes and kayaks. The rate is good from July 1 through November 1, 2012.
Please visit http://www.beachesanddreams.com and email vacation_belize@yahoo.com to book.

• Caye Caulker is featuring a summer 2012 Family Travel Special, which includes the seventh night free at “Diane’s Beach House,” upon booking a six night stay. Cottages are located within easy reach of snorkel and dive guides, quaint shops and many restaurants and cafes. For more information. Please visit http://staycayecaulker.com and email staycayecaulker@yahoo.com to book.

• Blue Crab Beach is offering summer rates beginning June 1 through November 30, 2012. The hotel features Maya Ruin and Jaguar Reserve trips, as well as snorkeling, scuba and fishing excursions with licensed guides. For additional information please visit http://bluecrabbeach.com or email sales@bluecrabbeach.com to book.

• Huracan Diving announces four night and seven night diving packages for families traveling during summer 2012. Please visit http://huracandiving.com for additional details or email info@huracandiving.com to book.

• Belizean Reef Suites is offering a weekly special of $595 for seven nights in a beautiful one bedroom, one bath oceanfront condo available now through November 15, 2012.
For additional information please visit http://www.belizeanreef.com or email kenandvirginia@gmail.com to book.


• Royal Belize invites guest to experience the Family Getaway Package from June through August, 2012. The package includes trips to Maya ruins and the Belize Zoo, zip lining and cave tubing. Additionally, children’s activities are available including Garifuna drum and dancing lessons, Maya basket weaving and storytelling, fishing and ecology lessons, and snorkeling. For additional information please visit http://www.privatevacationisland.com or email MyVacation@RoyalBelize.com.

• Captain Morgan’s Retreat has created individualized packages available now until December 19, 2012 with a seventh night free at booking. For additional information please visit http://belizevacation.com or email own@captainmorgan’s.com.

• Belize Lodge announces a seven night Expedition Package, which is available on select dates from now through June 22, 2012. Travelers will only pay for six nights and prices start at $2,700 per person, all inclusive.
For more information please visit http://www.belizelodge.com/home.html .


• Belize Yacht Club is excited to announce that when booking from now until May 31, 2012, guests will receive two free nights when booking five nights between June 1, 2012 and September 30, 2012.
For additional information please visit http://belizeyachtclub.com or email reservations@belizeyachtclub.com to book.

• Jungle by the Sea is featuring summer specials with 15% off cabanas available from May 1 through August 31, 2012. For more details please visit http://junglebythesea.com or email jean@junglebythesea.com to book.

• Mariposa Jungle Lodge is offering a family summer adventure package beginning on May 1 through August 31, 2012, which includes six days/ five nights in a luxury thatched cabaña under the jungle canopy.
For more information please visit http://mariposajunglelodge.com and email clara@mariposajunglelodge.com to book.

For additional experiences and information, please visit http://www.travelbelize.org/.

Lucky 16 head to The Bahamas!

Each of The Bahamas’ 16 main islands offers a unique way to say ‘I do’
and to celebrate that diversity, on 16 May 2012, 16 lucky couples, each
accompanied by two wedding guest witnesses, will take their vows in 16
simultaneous wedding ceremonies across the 16 main islands at 16:00 hours (4.00pm) local time.

A competition was organised by The Bahamas Tourist Officein the UK to find couples who wanted to get married in The Bahamas.

All over the UK brides- and grooms-to-be uploaded their snapshots and videos
to say why they wished to win a free island wedding in The Bahamas. They
had to choose between 16 different islands and wedding styles, from
barefoot-on-the-beach ceremonies to marrying on the ocean floor with dolphins
in attendance. The public cast thousands of votes via Facebook and texts for the 255
entries. The 16 couples who won a luxury wedding on 16 Islands of The
Bahamas, including a designer dress (courtesy of Benjamin Roberts),
rings (courtesy of Goldsmiths) and wedding ceremony,
are:

THE ABACOS Carla Nevill and Daniel Coote from Baldock, Hertfordshire : Wedding venue is the candy-striped Hope Town Lighthouse

ACKLINS Louise Murfin and Steven Bennett from Ferndale, Huddersfield : Golden Cove Beach - secluded beach wedding


ANDROS Helen Hewett and Jonathan Briley from Tufnell Park, London : Captain Bill's Blue Hole (after taking vows a plunge into a 300-foot
deep lake)

THE BERRY ISLANDS Jade Chin and Mikhail Tokarczyk from Kentish Town, London : Catamaran just offshore

BIMINI Karen Michelle Minns & Kane Nelson from Leeds : Undersea Atlantis-themed beach wedding

CAT ISLAND Joanna Wicenciak and Peter Dennis from Scunthorpe : Vows taken at the Hermitage, a miniature stone monastery built by hand by an architect/priest

CROOKED ISLAND Felicity Carpenter and Andrew Webb from Amesbury, Wiltshire : Seashell themed beach gazebo

ELEUTHERA Jill Barthram and Phillip Jones from London : Secluded
beach wedding Sky Beach Club (palm frond arch, petal strewn sand)


THE EXUMAS Grazina Zaveckaite and Ruslanas Nekipelovas from Edinburgh : Garden gazebo with sea views


GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND Mary Gleeson and James Potter from Dover : Underwater wedding with dolphins


HARBOUR ISLAND Laura James and Richard Baker from Whiteley, Fareham : Beach wedding, (bougainvillea and palm fringed arbour, on famous pink sand beach)


LONG ISLAND Sarah Wassall and Colin Beechey from Blackpool : Beach
wedding (gazebo decorated with banana and palm leaves, bright
bougainvillea & hibiscus flowers)

NASSAU Claire Gordon and Jason Harris from Rhyl, North Wales : Richly decorated gazebo and
with masked & costumed Junkanoo dancers

MAYAGUANA Claire Wilcox and James Williams from York : At a
monument marking the landing in 1959 of a piece of the rocket that took
the first pictures of Earth from space.


PARADISE ISLAND Adele Freeman and John Applin from Balby, Doncaster : The Cloisters - reconstructed 14th century Augustinian cloisters -
with ocean views

SAN SALVADOR Teresa Maria Gilarranz Pena and Tarik Demnati from
London : Landfall Monument, marking the site where Columbus first set
foot in the new World in 1492



More background info can be found on the website: http://www.bahamas16weddings.co.uk/home including details on the unique entries made by each couple.