Friday, October 14, 2011

Wedding Announcement & Invitation

For you see, each day I love you more
Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.

Krysta & Chad, together with their families, invite you to celebrate with them as they are married on the gorgeous beaches of Punta Cana. The wedding vacation will take place from March 19-26, 2012. Krysta & Chad will exchange vows on March 22nd, at 12:00 in the afternoon. The location for this celebration is the beautiful Majestic Colonial Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Please take the time to read the information provided on this blog regarding the Vacation Package that Krysta & Chad have chosen for their wedding day. When you are ready to book your vacation, and become an important part of this very special day, please email me, Sherry Myles, at smyles@tpi.ca, or call me directly at 1-709-749-3955. Should you have any further concerns, I am here to answer all of your questions regarding this wonderful vacation!

Majestic Colonial Resort

Majestic Colonial Resort
This new oceanfront resort is located on the shores of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is a spectacular 5 star all inclusive resort, perfectly integrated with the exuberant flora and fauna of the Dominican Republic, all harmonized with the gentle breeze of its incredible coast. This is without a doubt the perfect place to relax while enjoying a privileged surrounding, where you can also practice your favorite sports, taste exquisite gastronomy, go shopping, and dream with the spectacular shows played by the rhythms of the Caribbean.




Location and Climate
The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is located in Arena Gorda (Playa Bavaro) next to Macao and 30 kms away from the Punta Cana International Airport. Tropical weather with an average temperature of 27-30 degrees Celsius all year around and always touched by a gentle and fresh sea breeze that moderates the warm temperatures.

Attractive places nearby
There are several natural parks for outdoor lovers such as Los Haitises, and several semi deserted islands such as Saona Island and Catalina Island. If you are interested in a mix of native culture, you will love Altos de Chavon in La Romana and of course the city of Santo Domingo.

Facilities and Services
  • 24 hours All Inclusive
  • 9 bars located in different areas of the hotel. Opening at different hours
  • 6 restaurants. Some only open for dinner
  • 1 after hours snack bar: "La Bodeguita de Majestic"
  • Sports Bar/Discotheque-Casino ($)
  • Fitness Center-Convention Center up to 600 people ($)
  • Spa ($)
  • Golf nearby (5 minutes away from resort main entrance) ($)
  • Theatre for shows and entertainment
  • 400 meter long swimming pool
  • Gazebo for weddings ($)
  • Wedding facilities: Catholic Church, Gazebo, Beach and Tropical Gardens ($)
  • Caribbean Street with boutiques (jewelry, cigars, souvenirs, mini market, photo shop, pharmacy, clothes) ($)
  • Supervised Children’s Clubs (3-7yrs) and (8-14 yrs) both with swimming pools
  • Video Games for children in kids clubs
  • Daily and nightly entertainment
  • Live music at the Plaza bar (night)
  • Live piano music at the Lobby bar (night)
  • Swimming pool for children near the Pool Bar Activities Area
  • Umbrellas, towels and lounge chairs at the beach and the swimming pool
  • 2 integrated Jacuzzis within the swimming pool
  • Business Centre with internet access($)
  • Tennis courts with lighting
  • Multi Purpose Basketball Court
  • Ping-pong, pool tables, mini football, darts
  • Medical center ( 24 hrs) ($)
  • Laundry Services ($)
  • High speed internet in all rooms ($)
  • Wireless internet in Lobby and Convention Center ($)
  • Cash Machine. Major credit cards and most Bank Cards accepted
  • Room Service available 8:00 to 23:00 hrs
  • Bellboys
  • Guest Service (Reservations, General Resort and Local Information, rent a car) and any special needs
  • Water sports available

Junior Suite with Jacuzzi
King size bed or two full size beds, complete bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, independent walk in shower with three functions: rain, massage and soft, hair dryer, air conditioning, ceiling fan, satellite TV, sofa, telephone, high speed internet connection ($), mini bar, safety deposit box, coffee maker, desk, iron and ironing board, independent door for room service, bath robes, slippers, and terrace or balcony with chairs.

Majestic Junior Suite
Same as standard Junior Suite in the interior of the room and the following extras:
  • Outdoor Jacuzzi located on the terrace
  • Independent garden area with direct access to the swimming pool.
  • All located on the ground floor.
  • Two lounge chairs on the garden area
  • No children allowed in this class of room, adults only. Max. Occupancy 2 people
  • Bottle of rum and whiskey upon arrival
  • Room Service Included

Junior Suite Oceanview
Same as standard Junior Suite in the interior of the room and the following extras:
  • With guaranteed ocean views
  • No children allowed in this class of room, adults only. Max. Occupancy 2 people
  • Bottle of rum and whiskey upon arrival
  • Room Service included

One Bedroom Colonial Suite
Same as standard Junior Suite in the interior of the room and the following extras:
  • Located on the 4th floor
  • Garden or Pool view
  • Bedroom separated with sliding doors
  • Both indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi
  • Max. Occupancy 4 people
  • Bottle of rum and whiskey upon arrival
  • Room Service included

Resort website: http://www.majestic-resorts.com/en/majestic-colonial-hotel-punta-cana.html

Reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147293-d578371-Reviews-Majestic_Colonial_Punta_Cana-Punta_Cana_Dominican_Republic.html
TripAdvisor Popularity Index #8 of 98 hotels in Punta Cana

Digital Brochure: http://hotelesmajestic.digitalbrochure.info/

Nolitours Cameleon Gold Club Advantages

As part of your vacation package with Nolitours, you will receive distinct advantages as part of their Cameleon Gold Club. The Majestic Colonial Resort is one of the exclusive resorts in Punta Cana selected to be part of this extra level of service.

When you choose to stay at a Cameleon resort, you know you’re in for a fabulous vacation. The Cameleon Clubs are a selection of fun, lively, all-inclusive resorts offering the best quality for the price. Cameleon guests of all ages benefit from exclusive advantages, a relaxed environment, dynamic entertainment, an irresistible array of activities and 24-hour assistance from dedicated Nolitours representatives.

Cameleon, Cameleon Select and Cameleon Gold guests can enjoy many advantages, including:
  • Dedicated room location within the resort
  • Concierge service
  • Preferred/guaranteed reservations for the à la carte restaurants
  • Special BBQ night
  • Special theme dinners
  • Welcome letter and bottle of rum in your room
  • Cameleon I.D. bracelet
Cameleon Gold Resorts include all Cameleon Club Advantages plus:
  • Concierge service
  • Extra guaranteed à la carte dinners/week
  • Cameleon BBQ night
  • Beach towels in room upon arrival
  • Discount at the spa or other service
  • 1 bottle each of vodka and gin in room upon arrival

Vacation Pricing & Flight Schedule

St. John's Departures

*Please note that all posted rates are sold out as of Nov. 1st. Please contact me for updated rates based on availability at this time.

March 19–26, 2012 (7 nights)
All taxes and deluxe insurance are included in the prices listed below.

Flight Schedule
Air Transat 19-Mar St. John's-Punta Cana 19:45-23:25
Air Transat 26-Mar Punta Cana-St. John's 11:55-18:15

Junior Suite
$1765.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy
($1241.15 + $381.85 taxes + $142 insurance)

$2100.00 CAD per person based on single occupancy
($1576.15 + $381.85 taxes + $142 insurance)

There are a limited number of other room categories available on a first come, first serve basis.

Colonial Junior Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi on Balcony (2nd floor or higher rooms)
$1915.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy
($1391.15 + $381.85 taxes + $142 insurance)

Junior Suite Oceanview
$1975.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy
($1451.15 + $381.85 taxes + $142 insurance)

One Bedroom Colonial Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi on Balcony
$2250.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy
($1726.15 + $381.85 taxes + $142 insurance)

Halifax Departures

March 18–25, 2012 (7 nights)
(Please note the departure date is one day before St. John's guests.)
All taxes and deluxe insurance are included in the prices listed below.

Flight Schedule
Air Transat 18-Mar Halifax-Punta Cana 17:45-21:05
Air Transat 25-Mar Punta Cana-Halifax 22:25-03:35 (+1 day)

Junior Suite
$1800.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy
($1275.75 + $382.25 taxes + $142 insurance)

$2135.00 CAD per person based on single occupancy
($1610.75 + $382.25 taxes + $142 insurance)

For other departure cities, please email me at smyles@tpi.ca.

To secure your rate for St. John's or Halifax departures, a deposit of $200 per person is required by October 24, 2011, with complete payment on November 1, 2011. There is an Early Booking Bonus of $210.00 included in the above rates.

Passengers wishing to pay in full after Nov. 1st will have an additional fare of $210.00 added to their total. Final payment for all guests choosing to forgo the Early Booking Bonus is December 20, 2011 (90 days prior to departure).

45 days or more prior to departure the deposit is non-refundable.
22-44 days prior to departure 50% of the total cost is non-refundable.
21 days prior to departure  100% of the total cost is non-refundable.

Please email me at smyles@tpi.ca or call (709) 749-3955 and I will forward you the required booking forms. At time of booking, I require your legal names, address and date of birth.

Useful Travel Tips

I have received some questions regarding common travel tips and items to bring. I thought it would be useful to compile the answers here for everyone to benefit from.

Do I need to bring an adapter to the resort?

The Dominican Republic has a voltage of 110V, frequency of 60Hz, and utilizes plug type A. This is the same as what is used in Canada and the US with two flat parallel prongs. You are advised to bring an adapter which will only allow you to plug your appliance into the wall socket; it will not change the electrical voltage.

What currency is used in the Dominican Republic?

The currency is the Dominican Peso. Both Canadian and US dollars are accepted at some locations, and can be used in exchange for Pesos.

What language is spoken in the Dominican Republic?

The native language is Spanish. Many staff at the resort speak passable English, particularly staff responsible for hotel management and entertainment.

Tipping - how much? Is it accepted?

Tipping is widely accepted and appreciated by staff in the Dominican Republic. Most service employees earn little to no base salary, and the tips they earm compirse the vast majority of their income. A few dollars or the equivalent in the local currency, is considered average for tipping service employees each day. Employees also appreciate small gifts like candy, personal hygiene items (i.e., toothbrushes), and other souvenier type items from Canada.

Luggage Allottment

Your Nolitours vacation package includes flights operated by Air Transat. Please see the complete baggage requirements here: Air Transat: What You Can Bring

Other Resources and Information

Tourist Board: www.dominicanrepublic.com
Canadian Government: Travel Report

Time Zone is GMT -4 which is 30 minutes earlier than Newfoundland.

Travel Advice and Vaccinations

For all the latest information on what is required for your vacation I highly recommend the Government of Canada's travel website. Please click here.

When booking clients to various sun destinations, I am often asked about whether vaccinations are required and other health risks. As everyone's health situation is individual, your family doctor or a travel health clinic are the best people to advise you on what is right for you. I suggest the JEMA International Travel Clinic in St John's at 709 738 5362. I do suggest all clients visit the government of Canada's informational web site for Travel Health
Advice
before traveling.

Travel Insurance - Make Sure You Can Be There

We recommend travel insurance for all wedding guests. This is an important trip, and you want to make sure nothing stands in your way.

This is only a brief summary of the coverage offered. Please read the suggested documents for more information.

RBC Deluxe Travel Insurance covers your emergency medical needs; doctor visits, tests, hospitalization, etc. This plan also covers cancellation, interruption and trip delays, flight accident, travel accident, delayed baggage & personal effects and damaged baggage.

RBC Non Medical Travel Insurance covers cancellation, interruption and trip delays, flight accident, travel accident, delayed baggage & personal effects and damaged baggage. There is no medical coverage included.

Anyone over the age of 73 will be required to remit a medical questionnaire prior to booking to ensure the coverage will be permitted by RBC.

We will add everyone to the group travel insurance policy at the time of deposit. The premium will be paid with the final payment. As the provincial taxes vary, those amounts will be determined at payment time.

Deluxe Travel Plan - under $2000 coverage 5-9 days (all gateways)
Children traveling with a parent: $69
Adults 18-59 years: $142