​Most of these Haciendas were built during the boom of 'Green Gold' 1835 - 1940. By the end of the 18th century it was said that Merida had more millionaires then any other city in the world. Wealthy men came from all over Europe to build Haciendas and farm the agave plants for henequen fibre which supplied the world with rope.  By 1940 the industry was a bust as synthetic ropes were introduced the demand for henequen fibre fell fast. These haciendas quickly become abandoned and left as ruins in the jungle. By the mid 1990's Mexican banker and entrepreneur Robert Hernandez transformed many abandoned haciendas into grand hotels. 

Photo: Entrance to the machine house in classic French style of 1905 at Hacienda Teya.
These haciendas today are simply breath taking with their Spanish, French and Lebanese architecture. Most of the construction material to build the Haciendas came from Europe as the ships would have been returning empty from delivering the henequen fibre. Such as the original ceramic tiles that were brought from France and is now a common design element for modern homes in the area.

Photo: Chapel at Hacienda Tekik De Regil.
Tekik De Regil was my favourite Hacienda for hosting events. I love the way it is laid out! It has two pools, a small pool outside of one bedroom and a large pool in the back garden. I could imagine a fantastic pool party during the day followed by an elegant event in the evening on the terrace or in the front garden.

Video showing the workshops, packing room and store house.

​Machine room at Hacienda Yaxcopoil

Barmine.etsy.com

BareFootShop.etsy.com
Specializing in lace sandals

Upon first arriving here you are greeted with Service from the Heart™ something this brand is becoming known for. It's such a joy you might find yourself greeting the staff with the same hand over the heart gesture. Hyatt Ziva Cancun offers the first all inclusive microbrewery with their own brew master. Here you can enjoy quality pub fare: chicken wings, potato skins, jalapeno poppers, all inclusive! 

They have an amazing little cafe called Casa Del Cafe and they make great lattes and cappuccinos plus cookies, cakes and muffins!

Next door you will find Pasteles, the dessert parlor: three chocolate fountains, mouth watering cupcakes, ice cream, and candy that will take you back to your childhood AND they make cotton candy, pick your colour and they prepare it right in front of you. :) 

Our group spent a couple nights on the swings at Habenaros and we kept saying "How nice is this place" the little bar is steps from the beach and the gentle waves roll in as you enjoy a quality cocktail. The tacos at ceviches at the little Mexican beach front restaurant are delicious.

Another unique spot here is Chevy's the classic American diner and a great place to treat yourself to a burger and shake. 

This is one terrace you can use for your wedding locations.  You can have the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all on this terrace.  View from the terrace!

The cuisine at all restaurants was note worthy and a resort I would be happy to return in the very near future!! The rooms are so conformable with great beds, down pillows and duvets. The air conditioner is very quite and most have ocean views. 

There will be dolphins on property they are currently working on their enclosure and some rooms will have views of the Delphinus. One last point to mention is there are TWO beaches you can choice from both with powder white sand! The first beach sits at the end of the hotel zone, it's a very wide beach, you will see many people from other hotels walking by and you can also find the local vendors selling their crafts here. The second beach is more sheltered and quite great for families with small children (I watched a few sand castle take creation here!) from this beach you have views of light house. This beach is home to Habenaros and the swing bar. If you have any questions about this resort please send us a message and we will be happy to help with your wedding inquiries. info@crystalwaterweddings.com

Friendly bartenders ready to prepare your favorite cocktail.  I recommend ordering Planter's Punch.

Sleek new check-in desk with many stations making for a quick check-in and check-out process!

La Gondola the Italian restaurant was my favorite meal.  I recommend trying the eggplant parmesan as an appetizer, it was delicious, I could have eaten four of them!

La Gondola has a few of these stunning solid wood tables. I think this would be a fantastic place to host your rehearsal dinner.

The beautiful pools at Moon Palace Jamaica Grande.  Very clean and a perfect refreshing temperature. 

A big benefit of this resort is that it is located on a very calm bay making it a great place to try the many water sports available to the guests.  Stand-up paddle boarding is a lot of fun, they also have the famous flow rider here. 

The swim up bar at sunset.

Terrace over looking the gorgeous wedding gazebo on the pier. 

At the end of the pier is this terrace which could be a great place to host a small cocktail hour. 

Another smaller wedding gazebo located in the gardens.

This terrace is a option for your cocktail hour or your reception. 

I have many more pictures from my visit so make sure you send me an email with any questions about booking your destination wedding at this amazing property.  victoria@crystalwaterweddings.com

This blog was prepared to help our couples when planning their wedding at Sandos Playacar.

We find this hotel to offer a fabulous wedding department and affordable wedding packages.  I hope you find this blog post helpful in your wedding plans.

Hidden Paradise $2750.00 USD 2015/2016
Includes:
A romantic ceremony set up in the beautiful garden
Sparkling wine for the wedding toast
Bridal bouquet and grooms boutonniere 
1 tier wedding cake
Violist or saxophonist for the ceremony (1  hour)
Private dinner (3 hours)
Extras include: rose petals on aisle during the ceremony, flower arrangement for ministers table.
Package includes 30 people. Additional guests: USD 50 per person. 

Serenity Blue $3000.00 USD 2015/2016
Includes a spectacular ceremony set up in ocean front gazebo
Sparkling wine for the wedding toast
Bridal bouquet and grooms boutonniere
2 tier wedding cake
Sound system during ceremony (CD or ipod)
Private dinner (3 hours)
DJ light and sound during dinner (1 hour)
Cocktail hour with national open bar ( 1 hour)
Private dinner (3 hours)
extra included: Steaming of wedding outfits, room upgrade, 25 min couples message, bridal hair and makeup appointment at the spa and complimentary honeymoon package for the couple
Package includes 30 people. Additional guests: USD 65 per person.

A turquoise set up beside the stunning turquoise Caribbean sea.  Doesn't get much more picturesque then this!
Turquoise Breeze $3750.00 USD 2015/2016
Includes a spectacular ceremony set up on the beach
Decoration for the aisle during the ceremony
Sparkling wine for the wedding toast
Bridal bouquet and grooms boutonniere
3 tier custom made wedding cake
Sound system during ceremony (CD or ipod)
Private dinner on the beach (3 hours)
DJ light and sound during dinner (1 hour)
Menu tasting for 2 people
Cocktail hour with canapes ( 1 hour)
Private dinner (3 hours)
extra included: Steaming of wedding outfits, room upgrade, 25 min couples message, bridal hair and makeup appointment at the spa and complimentary honeymoon package for the couple
Package includes 30 people. Additional guests: USD 65 per person.

Obtain a USD 1000.- discount on your wedding package if you book 30 or more rooms for a minimum of 3 nights!

Beach reception at Sandos Playacar.  The palapa shown below can accommodate up to 30 people but this area is often used for the dance floor with the reception tables placed around.
A big benefit when choosing the beach for your reception is that the party can go until 2am!  Many outdoor venues at all inclusive resorts require the music and party to end at 10:30pm.  The charge to extend your reception past the 3 hours included with the packages is 15.00 USD  per person per hour to extend the open bar 150.00 USD per hour to extend the DJ.

An example of a reception on the beach at Playacar Palace.

To help assist you with your wedding planning we have attached: the 2015/2016 menu options for Sandos Playacar, the 2016 price list for PhotoPro, wedding decor showcase (extra charge), options for South Asian weddings and a helpful FAQ document. Please feel free to download.
Information posted on this blog is subject to change at hotels discretion and images posted are an example set up for each location at Sandos Playacar.  Additional decor is not included in the Sandos wedding packages.
Our dedicated destination wedding specialists are here to help you along the way please contact us with any questions.  Happy wedding planning!

We find Palace Resorts to be one of the leaders in the destination wedding industry for value and inclusions when booking group travel.
The top benefit is their unlimited Private Functions this offers big savings when hosting a private cocktail hour or reception for your wedding, rehearsal dinner, welcome brunch or any event you want during your trip (includes 1 hour cocktail party + 2 hour dinner).  The requirement for the unlimited Private Events is 75 room nights booked that is only 11 rooms booking 7 nights!
Another great benefit when booking Palace Resorts is every room booking a 5-8 night stay will receive a $1500 Resort Credit to use during their stay.  The credit can be used on tours, spa treatments, romantic dinners, golf, upgrading your wine at dinner etc.
You are able to customize your wedding, flowers, linens, centre pieces pick every detail until its just right for you or make it simple and choose one of their 9 beautiful collections.  You can even apply your $1500 resort credit to any wedding Package $3000 or more in value.
Something I really appreciate when I stay at Palace Resorts and I am sure you guests will as well is the free WiFi and calls to the continental US and Canada this is included for all resort guests!
The resorts are beautiful, the rooms are modern and comfortable with a double jacuzzi in every room category, both the food and the service at Palace Resorts are fantastic.  Everything you need for a perfect destination wedding in paradise!!

The beautifully decorated wedding gazebo situated in the center of Secrets Maroma Beach near the main pool offering stunning views of the resort and dazzling beach.

A property overview of Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun shows bars and restaurants located under thatched palapas, bordered by shimmering pools and the gorgeous white sand of Maroma Beach.

Junior Suite Swim-out offers guests direct swim-out access to a sparkling pool, lined with lush tropical flora.

Couple relaxing outside of their swim-out suite which leads directly out to the meandering pool.

The Preferred Club relaxation room equipped with opulent seating arrangements and chic lighting.

The secluded and elegant wine cellar dining in the Bordeaux restaurant.

Chic lounge chairs surrounding the expansive infinity pool.