Rafting down the Lethe River

After all the years I’ve been going to Jamaica, I recently returned with memories from one of the most amazing experiences. With about a 25-minute ride into the green mountains of Montego Bay, Jamaica, you reach an opening that leads you down sets of stairs to the Lethe River. This river runs about 2 miles long and also turns into the Great River.

When you arrive at the river, you see about 25 rafts. Each raft is handcrafted by your guide with bamboo and is about 10 ft long. Each raft has its own name as well! I boarded the Love Doctor and was pampered the entire way down the river.
My guide would park the raft along certain spots of the river, get out, run into the jungle, and return with things like limestone, flint rocks, Allspice, bamboo straws, and many more. In this situation, the guide used the limestone as a pumas stone and gave me a foot massage! He even climbed a tree to get a coconut, cut it open, and inserted the bamboo straw! These guides are quite fascinating men, and it’s amazing how much they know!



This experience is very similar to taking a gondola ride, except you are surrounded by lush greenery. It is an experience I definitely will suggest for wedding groups! It is relaxing, educational, and entertaining! Not to mention, after the rafting ride, you can setup rum tasting for your guests!

Just a friendly reminder, be sure to have tips on hand, as the guides surely deserve them!

One Love in Jamaica

When a bride closes her eyes and sees her wedding in a place with lush greenery, near a beach, and in a country filled with amazing Caribbean culture, I would suggest she goes to Jamaica. This is one of my favorite spots for destination weddings. Fifteen minutes from the International airport in Montego Bay, there is Half Moon Resort.

More than just a hotel, Half Moon is the perfect place for your guests to be entertained, yet still enjoy some rest and relaxation. Whether the wedding is two people or 500 people, Half Moon can accommodate your wedding. The Romance department and staff go above and beyond to help execute the wedding of your dreams!

With chic rooms and villas overlooking the beach or gardens, great options for dining, golf, and a fantastic spa, this 400-acre site can entertain an entire wedding weekend. One of my favorite things about Half Moon is the fact that it sits on so much land but still feels like a boutique hotel.

This resort can be at 100% in capacity and you will still feel you are the only person there! This intimate feeling is a great tone for weddings.

If anyone has been to Jamaica, you know that you fall in love with the culture more than anything else. From the food to the attitude of the people to the music, everything about Jamaica is truly amazing! I’ve been coming to Jamaica for 20 years and this country truly knows how to the throw a great party. How can you resist an island whose motto is “One Love?”

Beautiful By Nature: The Somerset on Grace Bay

Located on one of the most beautiful beaches with clear, turquoise water, the island of Turks and Caicos has one of my favorite hotels: The Somerset on Grace Bay. As a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Somerset truly gives you and your guests the attention you all deserve.

When planning a destination wedding, it is important to keep in mind the distance to this destination as well as ease of traveling for your guests. Turks and Caicos is great because of its location. From the east coast, there is a direct flight from JFK into Providenciales.

The Somerset on Grace Bay is about 15 minutes from the International airport.

Because this location has a boutique style and size, it is more appealing to couples who are looking to have an intimate wedding with about 50-80 guests.

Another fantastic thing about The Somerset is the option to host a tented wedding on their lawn. This is truly a unique because a tent gives you the opportunity to really do anything with décor. I always say that a tent is like an empty canvas.

Turks and Caicos is a great spot for destination weddings. This island is an unexpected surprise that will surely leave you wanting to come time after time.

Mayakoba, Mexico: A Great Option for Destination Weddings

Mexico is making a resurgence. With the reports of violence and Swine Flu, Mexico took some heavy hits on the tourism front. Most people were changing plans and canceling the location completely.

But now that things have calmed down considerably and the location is again welcome crowds by the dozens.

Mayakoba is a region on the rise that offers the high-end quality resorts of Cabo region on the East Coast. On a recent visit to the Banyan Tree, a new property in that Mayakoba region, you can see why this area is receiving rave reviews.The unique design of the property is appealing to many people.


This Eco-friendly resort area sits amongst a bird sanctuary allowing birds to live in their natural habitats throughout this entire property.

Among this place being beautiful... there are so many interesting things to do. Your guests will definitely be entertained! From snorkeling to ATV excursions to just tanning on the beach, Mayakoba offers something for everyone!