What Three Weeks Exploring the Caribbean Taught Me About Planning the Perfect Destination Wedding
One of the greatest advantages I can offer my clients isn't found in a brochure or on a resort website. It's firsthand experience.
Over the past three weeks, I traveled throughout the Caribbean, attending Romance Travel Forum in Punta Cana and SMART (St. Martin Area Regional Tradeshow), while touring resorts, meeting with wedding teams, and building relationships with industry partners. Every destination added another layer of knowledge that allows me to better guide couples as they plan one of the biggest celebrations of their lives.
Here's a look at what I discovered along the way.
Punta Cana: A resort that truly has Something for everyone
Made to Rock sign at Hard Rock Punta Cana
My journey began at Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana, one of the largest all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. The first thing that stood out was the sheer number of activities available. Between the water park, bowling alley, virtual reality experiences, numerous pools, entertainment venues, and expansive beachfront, it's nearly impossible for guests to run out of things to do. For couples expecting a large guest list with travelers of all ages, this variety can be a major advantage. The guest rooms were spacious and beautifully designed, although I personally felt housekeeping consistency could be improved.
While in Punta Cana, I attended the Romance Travel Forum where I spent several days meeting one-on-one with resort representatives, wedding teams, and tourism partners from around the world. These conversations provide valuable insights that simply aren't available online and help me better match each couple with the right destination and resort.
I also had the opportunity to learn more about the wedding offerings at both Hard Rock Punta Cana and Grand Bavaro Princess Hotel. Their customizable wedding packages allow couples to create celebrations that reflect their own style and vision rather than fitting into a one-size-fits-all package while still accommodating 100s of people if need be.
An Unexpected Stop in Panama
View from the The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City, Panama
Although Panama was only a brief overnight stop, it left a lasting impression. I stayed at Santa Maria, a stunning luxury property overlooking a beautifully maintained golf course. While it isn't an all-inclusive resort, it offers an elegant setting that would be ideal for an intimate destination wedding or sophisticated honeymoon.
Even my quick visit gave me a glimpse of the exceptional level of service and luxury the property provides. Sometimes the destinations that aren't on everyone's radar become hidden gems worth considering.
St. Barths: Luxury at Its Finest
St. Barths Beach
From Panama, I flew into Sint Maarten before making my way to St. Barths. Most flights originate in Sint Maarten when flying over to the island unless you are coming from Puerto Rico. Traveling to St. Barths requires either a short flight or a ferry ride. The ferry can be rough depending on sea conditions, but upgrading to the upper-level seating makes the journey much more comfortable. Expert hint: close your eyes and take a nap to decrease the motion sickness.
St. Barths certainly lives up to its reputation as the "St. Tropez of the Caribbean." Luxury boutiques, upscale dining, pristine beaches, and remarkable privacy define the island. It's easy to understand why celebrities and luxury travelers continue to return year after year.
One important thing to know is that renting a car is almost essential. Taxis are limited, and exploring the island is much easier with your own transportation. Don’t ask me how I know this, lol.
Would I recommend St. Barths for every destination wedding?
Not necessarily. For intimate celebrations, luxury elopements, or even a small destination weddings, it's an incredible choice. However, for weddings with 100 to 200 guests, the logistics become much more challenging due to the island's size and transportation limitations.
Sint Maarten vs. Saint Martin
View of Sint Maarten from the Flying Dutchman Zip Line Experience
After St. Barths, I spent time exploring both sides of the island shared by Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. Many travelers don't realize they're actually visiting two different countries. The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, offers vibrant nightlife, casinos, shopping, and lively entertainment. The French side, Saint Martin, has a quieter atmosphere with charming villages, exceptional restaurants, and relaxed beaches.
Some of my favorite beaches included Grand Case Beach on the French side and Mullet Bay on the Dutch side. Mullet Bay quickly became a personal favorite because it felt less crowded while still offering the unforgettable experience of watching airplanes approach nearby Princess Juliana Airport.
Why Conferences like Smart matter
The final conference on my journey was SMART, the Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow.
While it may sound like just another industry conference, events like these allow me to build relationships directly with hotel partners, wedding coordinators, tourism boards, and suppliers throughout the Caribbean. These personal connections ( 30+ vendors) help me advocate for my clients, but also stay informed about new resort openings and changes to wedding venues while discovering destinations that may not yet be on most travelers' radar, (here’s looking at you, Statia).
Most importantly, they allow me to confidently recommend locations based on firsthand experience rather than marketing materials although there is absolutely nothing wrong with a pretty photo.
The Unexpected Surprise
What really caught me off-guard was St. Eustatius, affectionately known as "Statia." Located just a short flight from Sint Maarten, and only 5 miles from St. Kitts, this small Dutch Caribbean island completely stole my heart. Untouched and unhurried, it's a dream destination for divers, hikers, and anyone looking to truly disconnect.
Now, I am NOT a nature lover but I do appreciate a space where I can let my hair down. The chance to just relax and simply enjoy the moment, that’s my idea of a good time. Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort quickly became one of my favorite resorts. The food was spectacular and although the little island doesn’t have much, hospitality is what it does have. Another favorite of mine was Whale Tails Island Suites and Villas. While it offered more of a private villa feel, it definitely gave the “barefoot luxury” vibes.
One of the most memorable moments was stumbling upon the end of a wedding at a historic Dutch church that lost its roof during a hurricane years ago. Instead of rebuilding it, they left it open to the sky. Couples exchanging vows in such a unique and meaningful setting reminded me that sometimes the most unforgettable wedding venues are the ones with the richest stories.
Statia may not be the Caribbean's most well-known destination, but it was undoubtedly one of the most memorable stops on my journey. No wonder it is called “the Caribbean’s Hidden Gem.”
And last but not least
Shoals Bay in Anguilla
If ever there were a place that could capture your heart at first glance, it would be Anguilla. Home to some of the most breathtaking beaches I've ever seen in the Caribbean, this island is just a 25-minute ferry ride or a quick 10-minute flight from Sint Maarten. While often compared to St. Barths, Anguilla offers a quieter, more authentic island experience without sacrificing luxury. From stunning beachfront resorts to warm island hospitality, it's easy to see why this destination continues to grow in popularity.
I even conquered my fear of driving on the left side of the road, and it turned out to be much easier than I expected! Sometimes the best part of traveling is stepping outside your comfort zone, and Anguilla was well worth it.
Whether you're dreaming of an intimate destination wedding, a luxurious honeymoon, or simply a romantic escape, Anguilla is a destination that deserves a place on your shortlist!
Why Firsthand Experience Matters
Luxury destination weddings are about much more than beautiful photos. They're about choosing the right destination, the right resort, and the right experience for you and your guests. And if that same location will be the starting point of your honeymoon, you want to make sure it is right. Traveling allows me to evaluate resorts through the eyes of my clients, it allows me to ask the questions that matter, and build relationships that ultimately benefit every couple I serve.
Whether you're dreaming of an intimate celebration in St. Barths, a lively resort wedding in Punta Cana, or a romantic escape somewhere in between, I'm committed to helping you find the destination that feels uniquely yours.
Because the best recommendations don't come from brochures.
They come from being there.
