Faced with the ill winds of economic uncertainty, many tourism players have taken cover to wait out the storm. Sandals Resorts International has taken a different approach, however. In recent weeks, the company has purchased Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay in the Bahamas and have revealed plans for the company’s first-ever non-all-inclusive resort in Kingston, Jamaica, set to open in 2012 or 2013.
In keeping with its aggressive plans, Sandals has announced a new partnership with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia — Martha Stewarts’ media and merchandising company — with the launch of Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart. Brides and grooms will be able to book a destination wedding for any time after Jan. 1 at any of the all-inclusive Sandals resorts across the Caribbean. The Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart themes start at $1,500.
Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart will feature a variety of coordinated color palettes, wedding decor and complementary bouquets, invitations, cakes and favors. Couples will also have a selection of a la carte Finishing Touches options to choose from, such as parasols to shield guests from the sun, a petal-strewn aisle lit by floating candles in large hurricane glasses, a romantically lit evening on the beach for the wedding party and more.
The six Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart have varying themes. One of these, Beautiful Beginnings, includes a magenta dendrobium bouquet and boutonniere, as well as a table set for four with crisp linens, centerpiece and white cake. Couples who book a minimum six-night wedding stay in a concierge category or higher at any Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort will receive the Beautiful Beginnings wedding at no additional cost.
The Vision in White option is the classic white wedding taken to the next level. Brides will walk down the isle holding a gorgeous white orchid and gladiola bridal bouquet and white pillar candles wrapped in eyelet fabric will provide the ideal lighting to set the mood.
With the Seaside Serenade, couples exchange vows under a bamboo ceremony arch strung with strands of capiz shells, then enjoy a reception at a table set with seashell, coral and sand accents.
The butterfly-inspired Flutter of Romance wedding adds a lighter touch to the ceremony as the bridal bouquet, boutonniere and centerpieces are crafted from pink and fuchsia roses and magenta orchids, while Lush banana leaves, fresh fruit and bamboo set the tone for the Island Paradise theme.
For clients who want to keep it elegant and earthy, the Chic & Natural wedding is a good fit. The ceremony and reception are accented with white and green orchids, polished black river stones, green moss and touches of natural linen.
Sandals
www.sandals.com