November 2013 – October 2014 April Edition
WITH A DIFFERENCE PREMIUM
WEDDINGS
Weddings and renewal of vows ceremonies in romantic destinations.
Now featuring weddings in Croatia and Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta.
CONTENTS The Knowledge The Inside Scoop Pop Us The Question In Their Words What Type Of Bride Are You? Blessings At Sea The More The Merrier
4 6 8 10 12 13 14
MEXICO
16 30 36 38 41 49 52
■ ■
Sensatori ■ Riviera Maya ■ Playacar Cancun ■ NEW Puerto Vallarta
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ■
Punta Cana ■ North Coast
CUBA ARUBA JAMAICA NEW Sensatori
KENYA FLORIDA ■
Disney ■ I Drive ■ Orlando
NEW THAILAND
56
■
Khao Lak ■ Krabi ■ Phuket
CYPRUS
60
■
Larnaca ■ Paphos
GREECE ■
82
■
Kos ■ Rhodes ■ Crete ■ Santorini Skiathos ■ Corfu ■ Kefalonia ■ Zante
TURKEY
104 109
■
Dalaman ■ Antalya
IBIZA ITALY
111 116 118 121
■
Neapolitan Riviera ■ Sicily
NEW CROATIA
MALTA LAPLAND INFORMATION Our Agreement ■ Thomson A-Z Guide Final Facts & Legal Requirements ■ Finishing Touches ■ ■
126
April Edition. This may be superseded and replaced by a later edition. Always check with your travel agent to ensure that you have the most up to date brochure edition. Also see section 2 of Our Agreement with You for ‘The Price You Pay’. This brochure was published in April 2013 and prices are valid from 25th April 2013. © Thomson is a trading name of TUI UK Limited. TUI UK Limited is a member of the TUI Travel PLC Group of Companies.
Designed for you. Only from Thomson. At Thomson, we combine nearly 50 years of experience with constant customer feedback to bring you holidays that are just right for you. Every single element – from the light to the hotel – has been designed with you in mind. The feather in our cap is our range of holiday concepts tailored to like-minded people – there’s everything from the award-winning Thomson Couples to Thomson Family Resorts. Because we rate these hotels so highly, we’ve made sure they’re reserved exclusively for you. And we’re proud to say we’re the only travel company in the UK to offer you the holidays in this brochure. See page 129 for details. It doesn’t end there. From June 2013 you’ll be able to check in online. Already you can book taxi transfers with us on almost any holiday. And you can now download a free MyThomson app to help you make the most of your time away. Factor in our 24/7 Holidayline and all your bases are covered.
The Trophy Cabinet This brochure was published in April 2013 and prices are valid from 25th April 2013.
A Little
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the Thomson Weddings brochure. As well as giving you all the
essential info about tying the knot abroad, it showcases our great range of
ast
To Make A
destinations and venues. Everywhere from Kos and Cyprus to Lapland and Aruba make the line-up. And we’ve got a couple of newcomers this time round. You can say ‘I do’ in Croatia, or jet off to Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. To help you make up your mind, we’ve asked the real experts – brides, grooms and our teams overseas – to share their wisdom. Take a look at the ‘In Their Words’ feature on page 10 to find
Tea? Coffee? G&T? They’re all great ways to wet your whistle on a regular flight. But, when you’re jetting off to tie the knot, why settle for anything less than Champagne? If you order your bottle in advance, we’ll have time to chill it. Then it’s just a case of sitting back and sipping the stuff that’s got more sparkle than your engagement ring.
out how 4 couples’ big days panned out. Before you get busy planning, make sure you read this page carefully. It’s packed with hints and tips that’ll make organising your big day a breeze – so dive right in.
Desiree Weddings Editor
4
x
F
rom the tiara and train to the all-important dress, there’s nothing capsule about a wedding wardrobe. That’s why we give brides and grooms an extra five kilos’ worth of luggage allowance each. That way, an extra cummerbund or naughty wedding-night negligee won’t push you over the limit. If you don’t want to let your dress out of your sight, get yourself a dress box from Life Memories Box Company – they’re specially designed for overhead lockers and can be made to airline dimensions.
eous
Blooming Gorg
uquet the f you want a bo really squabble bridesmaids will ur and upgrade yo over, go all out add o als n s. You ca wedding flower s m oo bl sh es, fre extra buttonhol to es ag d cors for your hair, an ummoxed by Fl e. ag ck your pa n? Talk to your the floristry jargo lp or and they’ll he weddings advis hing out. you sort everyt
I
e A Piece of Cak espeare orget what Shak dding we said – on your is love cake. day, the food of it with your After all, cutting bring good partner is said to worry about luck. But don’t rs’ worth of bringing three tie th you. Most fruit and flour wi ing packages Thomson wedd some form, include a cake of ddings so talk to your we u get to your advisor when yo get one made hotel and they’ll e style of locally for you. Th on where you cake will depend . In Jamaica, are in the world mplete no wedding is co ked fruit oa without a rum-s nt wa u confection. If yo more or er something bigg weddings ur yo unusual, talk to grading. advisor about up
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A Canadian bride holds the Guinness Wo rld Record for the biggest we dding bouquet, which measured up at 60 metres an d contained a whopping 1,500 flowers.
Re-tie the knot
W
hether you’re still polishing off your wedding cake or you’ve lost count of the number of anniversaries you’ve had since saying ‘I do’, renewing your vows means you can live out your big day all over again. Lots of the venues in this brochure offer renewal of vows ceremonies, and our Weddings Team can help you organise the whole thing – just give them a call. Alternatively, opt for a second honeymoon and enjoy a romantic holiday with your other half.
w? Did You Kno ke dates back The wedding ca . In those es to Roman tim the form of a in e m ca it , days ich the groom wh d, ea loaf of br his bride’s er would break ov k. luc od go r fo head
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Did You Kno w?
ou’ve pla nned yo ur wedd with mil ing it a ry precis leave yo ion, so w u r plane s hy To make eating to sure you or wife-to chance? sit with -be, you advance your hu can boo – the sa sband k your s me goes Plus, if y eat num for any g ou’re go b e rs in u ests jett ing long Club. As ing off w haul, yo well as b it u h c a you. n upgrad eing able control o e to Pre to stretc f the en m h iu tertainm m your leg TV. Bett s, you’ll ent than er still, y have tota ks to a n ou’ll be complim l in e-inch s served a entary d eat-back tasty fou rinks. W even ea rc ourse m e’re mak sier, too eal and ing your , with on not leas time at line chec t, we’ll s the airp k in o ort fr o n be flyin om June Dreamli g the sta ner on s 2013. La elected te s t -of-thebut routes to art Thom all our lo son 787 ng haul destinati ons.
Did You Kno w? We’ve got Quee n Victoria to thank for the western world’s affection for the white wedding dress. Before she got hitched to Pr ince Albert wearing one, br ides simply put on their favourit e frock.
MONEY MA TTERS
£20,000. That ’s the average co st of getting we d in the UK, according to rese arch company M intel. So, if you want to become Mr and Mrs with out having to re mortgage your house, getting hitched abroad is the savvy choi ce. Weddings on foreign soil typically cost ab out £6,500 – an d that includes everything from the dress to the ceremony.
RIOT SWEET CHA
ing break, when lf on your wedd se ur yo l oi sp t n’ If you ca that comes with the island tour can you? Avoid a taxi to whisk -offs, and book additional drop your hotel. m the airport to you straight fro
5
Scoop The Inside
We’ve got a huge range of wedding destinations to choose from, and no-one knows them better than our teams overseas. So, over to the experts…
Cuba
l for s it idea e k a m a and ing Cub beaches urround s s s e le u d n iq t e s moon Factor in e perfect honey “The my . g in d d we ’s th r an exotic scenery, and it Manage e u rt Team q o s s e e r R , u z pict Vasque Alejandro ion, too.” t a in t s e d
Mexico “Transform your wedding reception into a Mexican fiesta with a live Mariachi band. You’ll be guaranteed a full dance floor!” Carla Alejandra Rodrigues De Dzul, Weddings Administrator
Dom
inica
n Re publ ic
“Beau tiful t ro birds of pa pical flowe radise rs like Domi se o nican Repu t the scen rchids, fra n blic.” e for wedd gipani and ings i n the Sama
ntha
6
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beer,
Trave l Edit or
Sant
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i
“For a tr Santo uely uniqu e ven Winer ue y take h ome a in Santorin , you can’t b enjoy i. s as ma pecially-la You’ll even eat the Gemm b n b e and w lled b e able a Mas ottle ife.” ters, P to o roduc f w i t Man n e to ager
Italy “Italy is one of the most romantic countries in the world and it’s packed with history – some of the wedding venues date back to the Middle Ages.” Joanne Adamek, Weddings Sales and Marketing Manager
Zante
– romantic he is e t n a along t do’ in Z n travel saying ‘I a c t u u o o b Y . a ing r venue ge.” “Everyth tor y to you e n r wn carria , Wedding Co-ordina u a jo r d e h e t s r n eve e-Wallis nal ho chcomb a traditio ulie Win in J t s a o c
Thailand “If you’re after somewhere really exotic for your big day, Thailand is perfect. It promises amazing scenery and plenty of culture, plus there are some really different venues to pick from, like Buddhist temples and sandbars in the middle of the Andaman Sea.” Gemma Rowley, Senior Product Manager
7
Pop us the
Question
?
g guests Can we brin
married at your f you’re getting guests aren’t hotel and your they might need staying with you, can book these day passes. We ll you know if you’ for you and let a. need to pay extr
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We know planning a wedding abroad can be a bit daunting, so we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to take you through all the need-to-know details. It covers everything from how to book to what happens on the big day. Where will we stay?
What legal documents will we need?
Once you’ve decided on a destination, it’s up to you where you stay. You can choose any of the hotels in this brochure, or team your wedding venue with a hotel from one of our other brochures. If you need any help, call our Weddings Team on 0871 664 0131* or pop in to your nearest Thomson travel shop.
You’ll receive a checklist with your destination pack which will tell you exactly what documents you’ll need. Our Weddings Team usually need photocopies at least 12 weeks before you fly out and you’ll need to take the originals with you. Just make sure you have the right ones – if you’re missing any the wedding might not be able to go ahead.
How do we set the date? Once your hotel’s booked, we’ll send you a weddings booking form. You’ll need to read it, fill it out, sign it and send it back to us. You can also let us know your preferred wedding date. Once we have all the details, we’ll speak to our overseas team and get your date confirmed. Depending on where you’re tying the knot, this can take up to eight weeks. When it’s all set we’ll send you a destination pack. We’ll also give you the email address of your weddings advisor. They’ll be able to answer any questions you’ve got. Plus, they can help sort out things like decorations and your reception.
8
Can we travel under our married names? You need to travel under the name on your passport, which matches your plane tickets. If you’re changing your name, you can have your passport amended once you’re back home.
Will our wedding be legally recognised in the UK? Yes. All Thomson weddings are carried out by official marriage officers in line with British law and are registered in the country where the ceremony took place. What’s more, just like with UK weddings, your wedding certificate is proof you’re legally bound. If you want to have your marriage recorded in the UK, you can lodge your original marriage certificate with the General Register Office in Southport. Their number is 0151 471 4801. It’s worth noting this isn’t available to couples living in Scotland and for weddings in selected countries. Plus, in some destinations it can take up to 12 months for wedding certificates to be produced and posted to the UK.
Do you have specialist wedding insurance? Yes, it’s available as an extension to our travel insurance. For full details of the cover, give our Weddings Team a call.
What happens when we arrive? First things first, you’ll meet up with your weddings advisor. They’ll be on hand to take care of every little detail, so your big day goes without a hitch. They’ll check through your documents, run through the ceremony and sort out any extras, like the music and transport.
Can I get my hair and make-up done?
Lots of our hotels have hairdressers and beauticians. Alternatively, we can sort out a local professional for you – just speak to your weddings advisor about arranging an appointment.
What about the bridal bouquet and buttonholes?
You’ll choose your flowers with your weddings advisor when you arrive, and the options will depend on the season and the climate. It’s a good idea to take along pictures of the bouquet you have in mind, or silk flowers in your favourite colour.
Can we get photos or a video of our Wedding?
Definitely. Just talk to your weddings advisor when you arrive. They’ll show you some examples and book the package that’s right for you.
Who will marry us? The ceremony is usually a civil service led by a local registrar with two witnesses. In Cyprus, we also offer church weddings, which are Anglican services carried out by an English minister.
Before you go home... Usually, you’ll get your marriage certificate while you’re away, so make sure you check all the details are right straight away. Sometimes, it’ll be sent to you once you get home – your weddings advisor will let you know how long you’ll have to wait. It’s worth knowing that all marriage certificates are in the local language, too, although some countries give you an English translation. If you need extra copies, let your weddings advisor know.
Important bits... The requirements for legal documents are subject to change. This can sometimes happen at short notice and means you may have to pay extra. Make sure you check all your documents for mistakes – such as misspelt names – as this can lead to the cancellation of your wedding. Thomson cannot be held responsible for such cancellations. When it’s time to book, if anything has changed from what’s in the brochure, we’ll let you know. Just so you know, the prices in this brochure are for the wedding package only. So, you’ll need to add on the cost of your Thomson holiday. We’ll do our best to make sure you get married on the date you want, but it’s important to remember the day and time depend on availability.
Anything else? If there’s anything else you want to know, give our Weddings Team a call on 0871 664 0131* or pop in to your nearest Thomson travel shop. *Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication in April 2013.
9
In Their
Mexico
Words
Who: Emma and Scott Bolter Where: Sensatori Resort, Mexico When: 7th April, 2011
S
cott and I always wanted an overseas wedding, and we’d seen the high standard of hotels in Mexico when we were on holiday there. The Sensatori Resort Mexico was pure luxury – we couldn’t fault it, so it was an easy choice for our big day. Our wedding coordinators were amazing. They took care of every last detail, from the flowers to the table decorations. We were in constant contact with them in the run-up to the wedding, too – it never mattered that they were far away. On the day, my sister and I had our hair done in the hotel’s salon, and the results were really impressive. The ceremony was held on the beach, and Scott and I made our promises in front of friends and family underneath a pretty gazebo. The team organized an al fresco barbecue for the reception, which meant we had the whole beach to ourselves. The food was delicious, and the music came courtesy of our iPod and a sound system supplied by the hotel. We even had fire-lit torches dotted around the tables. A lovely touch was a live web cast arranged by Thomson – it was broadcast on the day, so our friends and family back in the UK could watch the ceremony. Plus, we got a DVD of the broadcast to take home. Getting married abroad really took the stress out of wedding planning. I highly recommend it – especially the Sensatori Resort Mexico.
Cyprus Who: Gareth and Morgan Cullimore Where: Amathus Hotel Paphos, Cyprus When: 13th May, 2011
G
areth and I decided on Cyprus for our big day, and, after looking at the options, we chose the 5-star Amathus Hotel Paphos for the ceremony and reception. 25 of our friends and family joined us for the wedding, including my brother and the best man Paul, our little boy Ryley, and my sister, Leanne. Our wedding planner, Dianne, was great. She arranged everything from the décor to the photographer, and couldn’t have been more helpful, organising our white aisle carpet and scattering real pink rose petals along the walkway. On the day, I had my hair done by a professional hairdresser booked through Thomson. Being a hairdresser myself, I was a little worried, but was so impressed with my soft curls. Dianne had arranged the ceremony for 4pm, so we had plenty of time to get ready – everything was really stress-free. Leanne did my make-up (she’s a professional) and, as I put on my tiara and fishtail dress, I felt like a true princess. The ceremony was perfect, and we said our vows on a lawn overlooking the sea. Kiss The Girl from The Little Mermaid played at the end. We hired the hotel’s restaurant for the reception. Dianne had arranged for a big, round table decorated in pink and pastel green. And for dinner, we tucked in to garlic chicken and warm chocolate brownies. The whole day was amazing, and we were really impressed with the Thomson team – they knew exactly what they were doing.
10
Sorrento Who: Suzanne and Paul Felton Where: The Cloisters, Sorrento When: 8th June, 2010
W
e started looking at wedding venues in the UK, but in the end we decided we fancied something different. Italy was somewhere we’d always wanted to go, and it’s such a romantic country, so we thought it’d be perfect. Most of the plans for the big day were made before we jetted off, and our weddings advisor was fantastic. We had some very specific ideas about what we wanted and she made it all happen for us. We were surprised by how simple the whole process was, as well – in fact, it’s the easiest thing we’ve ever had to do. We flew out to Sorrento on the 4th of June, and got married at The Cloisters on the 8th in front of six guests. We couldn’t have asked for a more romantic setting. Suzanne walked down the aisle to live harp music, and we had an Italian theme to the day – our wedding car was an old Fiat with a number plate that said ‘Roma’. The whole day was a fairytale from start to finish.
Zante Who: Charlotte and Mark Stubley Where: Louis Zante Beach Hotel, Zante When: 8th July, 2010
A
s soon as we got engaged, we decided we wanted to tie the knot abroad to escape the dreary British weather. A friend recommended Zante and, after looking through the Thomson brochure and reading reviews of different venues on the internet, we opted for the Louis Zante Beach Hotel. When we got there, we met with our weddings advisor, Julie, straight away. She was brilliant, organising the photographer, music, hairdresser and even a horse and carriage for us. It meant we could really relax during the days leading up to the wedding, as we knew everything was being taken care of. The ceremony itself was lovely. The readings were in Greek, with Julie translating into English for us. We said our vows underneath two pillars that had been wrapped in big white bows and, later, had photos taken in the hotel’s gardens. For our reception, we headed down the road to a traditional little restaurant where we danced to Greek music and smashed plates for good luck – it was one of the highlights of the whole day. Julie had sorted out a cake for us, too. The rest of our time away was spent taking it easy with our family and friends. I’d recommend Thomson and the Louis Zante Beach to anyone looking to get married overseas.
11
What Type Of
Bride Are You? Since he proposed you’ve been up to your eyeballs in wedding magazines, and you’ve even got a mood board stuck to your fridge. Your ideas about your big day are starting to take shape. But, if you’re after a little extra help, take our quiz to find out which type of wedding best suits your personality.
a) He went down on one knee after a romantic meal. b) You asked him. c) During a picnic in the park.
How do you celebrate
a restaurant?
your birthday?
a) Something you’ve never tried before or can’t pronounce. b) The usual lasagne or chicken dish. c) The chef’s special.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
6
a) Put the money in the bank while you work out the best way to use it. b) Pay off the mortgage, buy a new car, and save a bit. c) Leave work and head off on a round-the-world adventure.
Where did you meet your fiancé?
8
a) We went to the cinema. I was so nervous I couldn’t follow the film. b) We shared a bottle of red in a wine bar.
7. a) 0; b) 2; c) 1 8. a) 0; b) 2; c) 1
Where did you go on your first date?
a) A friend introduced us over burgers at a barbecue. b) In a cocktail bar. c) He was in the tent next door to mine at a festival.
c) To the latest art installation at the Tate.
0 to 6 points:
7 to 12 points:
13 to 18 points:
The Traditionalist
The Once-in-a-lifetimer
The Bronzed Bride
The first thing you did when he popped the question was run out to find your something old, new, borrowed and blue. You’re a traditional girl, which is why a big white wedding in Cyprus will suit you down to the ground. Aphrodite’s birthplace is home to churches that have been standing for centuries.
You like to think of yourself as the shepherd rather than a sheep. That’s why a conventional wedding is the last thing on your mind. What you really want is something different. So say ‘I do’ on horseback in the middle of a sugarcane plantation in Jamaica, or in the heart of the African wilderness in Kenya. Or swap your kitten heels for snow boots and get hitched in Lapland.
Tie the knot in England, even in the summer, and your bridal shower is more likely to be a torrential downpour than a party with presents. It’s no wonder you want to get married abroad. After all, no-one wants their skin to be the whitest thing at their wedding. So how about swapping vows in Florida, Thailand or the Dominican Republic?
Results
12
c) By jetting off for a city break.
of adventure?
a) Mountain biking. b) Walking up Mount Snowdon. c) Bungee jumping.
7
a) Invitations, party poppers and cake. b) A fancy dress party.
5. a) 2; b) 0; c) 1 6. a) 0; b) 2; c) 1
5
What’s your idea
4
3. a) 1; b) 0; c) 2 4. a) 0; b) 1; c) 2
What do you order in
POINTS
the question?
a) Going for a nice meal before catching a play. b) Heading to a wine bar for a Chablis or two. c) Sitting in the front row at a comedy club.
3
2
How did your fiancé pop
spend an evening?
1. a) 0; b) 2; c) 1 2. a) 0; b) 1; c) 2
1
What’s your favourite way to
At Sea I
Blessings
f you fancy something a bit different for your big day, consider a blessing on one of the Thomson cruise ships.
We can arrange a ceremony to be conducted by the ship’s captain or a senior officer, followed by a lavish dinner at the captain’s table on one night of your cruise. You’ll also get... ■
A sparkling wine toast
■
A bouquet of flowers
■
A professional photograph of you both
■
Moët and Chandon Champagne
■
Canapés and a cake
Not to mention the all-important certificate and a special announcement in the Cruise newsletter. Blessings at sea cost from £
189
know Just so you ony isn’t A blessing cerem you’ll need so legally binding, lly wed and fu law to e ng ra to ar rs signed pe pa l cia get the offi cruise. ur before or after yo
s n o o m y Hone
At Sea
Thomson ngs. That’s why di en y pp ha ith s on dry sw rs. Say your vow ne et is synonymou oo ns su ym e ne th ho to in Sailing a storm with lidays go down spend your Stay & Cruise ho icked hotels, then -p nd ha r ou of world. land, at one sing around the ui cr s ed w ly w l City one first days as ne be in the Eterna d ul co u Yo e. m port, the sa not exploring in re No 2 days will be u’ yo n he W . d our the next lifestyle onboar r ne oo day and Corsica ym ne ho to live the ur regular you’ll find it easy e Champagne yo ak m d, be in t as a. kf assages in the sp ships. Order brea m s’ le up co ok and bo order at the bar,
Pick up a Thomson Cruises brochure for more information.
13
The More
The Merrier The Bride and Groom Incentive is our wedding favour to you. As your party size gets bigger, we’ll give you the following gifts to make your day even more memorable. What’s more, to give you a head start, we’ll consider you and your other half as the first members of your party, so you only need to invite 6 other guests to hit the silver.
SILVER
PEARL
RUBY
8 -10 guests
11-15 guests
16-24 guests
including bride and groom.
including bride and groom.
including bride and groom.
■
Champagne and chocolates on your flight out, so you can start celebrating early.
■
Champagne and chocolates on your flight out, to set the tone for the coming days.
■
Champagne and chocolates on your flight out, to mark your journey with its first red letter.
■
Wedding dress travel box, so your dream dress looks fresh off the peg on your big day.
■
Wedding dress travel box, so you don’t have to worry about crumples or creases.
■
Wedding dress travel box, so your frock gets loved and cherished.
■
■
VIP airport lounge access to make the run up to your big day as memorable as the event itself.
VIP airport lounge access, so the million dollar feeling starts before you even take off.
■
Afternoon tea for 2 in the UK. This treat gives you an excuse to look over your wedding photos over steamy tea and doorstop-slices of cake.
GOLD
DIAMOND
25-40 guests including bride and groom. ■
41 guests+
Champagne and chocolates on the flight out, so you can start celebrating in the style you’ll become accustomed to.
■
Wedding dress travel box, so your dream dress is well taken care of.
■
VIP airport lounge access, so you start feeling special before you even step on the plane.
■
Afternoon tea for 2 in the UK, so you can reminisce over fluffy cake and Earl Grey when you’re man and wife.
■
Spa break for 2 with treatments in the UK, so you have something to look forward to when you’re back home.
including the bride and room. ■ Champagne and chocolates on the flight out, to start things off how you mean to go on. ■
■
■
■
Wedding dress travel box, so your frock is treated with TLC.
VIP airport lounge access, so you start your wedding getaway on a high.
Afternoon tea for 2 in the UK, so you can keep spoiling yourselves after the big day.
Spa break for 2 with treatments in the UK. This treat is a great excuse for some quality time as Mr and Mrs. ■
UK airport hotel night before departure, so the stress is taken out of the journey to the airport.
To find out more or to cast your eye over the terms and conditions visit www.thomson.co.uk/weddings or call our Wedding Advisors on 0871 664 0131* for full details and how to claim the gifts from the incentive. *Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at time of publication in April 2013.
14
MEXICO “Mexico teams sun-baked sands and ancient ruins with an infectious party vibe, making it the perfect destination for a big day abroad.”
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Mexico include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator and wedding cake. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
In Mexico, the wedding party is exactly that. It’s a big celebration. This is the country where you can smash a piñata at the wedding breakfast, make toasts with tequila, and have your first dance to a live Mariachi band. Most Mexican weddings take place on the beach. If you want a stretch of sand that’s as high shine as your engagement ring, choose Cancun Beach – the sand’s made up from fossil fragments that lustre when they catch the sun. Alternatively, make your promises in the Riviera Maya, while wild dolphins swim in the water, just a few hundred metres from the hem of your dress.
Honeymoons in Mexico are filled with red-letter moments. You can take speedboats out to desert islands, snorkel together in coral reefs, and hike rainforest trails. In the Puerto Vallarta region, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, tying the knot is just the start of a long list of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Between October and March, humpback whales are regulars in Banderas Bay, and you can take a boat out to see them. If you get close enough blowhole droplets will rain down on you where the confetti fell a few days before.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
16
MEXICO
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Practical Info Mexican law means you’ll both need to have a blood test within the first few days of your stay. This will either be done at a nearby medical centre, or an in-house doctor will see you at your hotel. Check your booking form to see if the cost of this is included in your wedding package. Please note: Marriage certificates are issued in the local language
A word from the expert... "Transform your wedding reception into a Mexican fiesta with a live Mariachi band. This Mexican folk music uses the guitar as the lead instrument, and you are guaranteed a full dance floor." Carla Alejandra Rodrigues De Dzul, Weddings Administrator, Mexico
Please see our Thomson Faraway Shores brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
MEXICO
17
Weddings and Renewal of Vows packages from
£
725
Available November 13 to October 14
Sensatori Resort Mexico Tie the knot in style at Sensatori Resort Mexico.
Luxury suites with hot tubs. Spa treatments for two. Candlelit dinners on the shore. Weddings and Sensatori Resort Mexico are a natural marriage. There’s a hotel wedding co-ordinator to make sure your big day is flawless. Swap vows on the beach or up on the rooftop and make the most of extras like a hair and make-up appointment for the bride, a wedding banquet and photographs to mark the occasion. For something really special, there’s a bridal suite in the spa where you can prepare for your big day. And we can even arrange a beach picnic or midnight massages a deux. There’s a range of wedding packages to choose from – for details of what’s included in each, just give our Weddings Team a call on 0871 664 0131*.
Adults section swim-up junior suites
Sensatori Resort Mexico is a great choice for honeymoons and renewal of vows ceremonies, too. Couples who go for one of the honeymoon suites or a suite in the Premium section get a special honeymoon package, including a massage lesson for two and a romantic candlelit meal. Swim-up junior suite
For more information about Sensatori Resort Mexico, pick up a copy of the Thomson Faraway Shores, Sensatori or Thomson Premium Collection brochures, or visit thomson.co.uk *Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication in April 2013.
Sky Wedding Venue
Book Sensatori Resort Mexico and you’ll get special travel benefits - a bigger luggage allowance and priority drop-off at your hotel.
18
Premium Swim-up Junior Suite
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
EL DORADO MAROMA, BY KARISMA ttttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Riviera Maya
A la Carte Boutique A range of small luxury hotels.
Your big day package
See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Marriage certifcate ■ Registrar fees ■ Bride’s personal in room wedding
attendant on wedding day ■ Groom’s room on wedding day stocked
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Swim-up bar
Beachfront candlelight dinner
The adults-only El Dorado Maroma is every inch the luxury hotel. For starters, it’s set on the sweeping white sands of Maroma Beach, which was rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world by the Travel Channel.
lounger. The hotel has a spa, too, where treatments include herbal scrubs and tequila body treatments. The hotel’s dining set-up is Gourmet Inclusive®, which means
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you can look forward to gourmet cuisine from top international chefs. The Papitos Beach Club, for example, serves themed lunches throughout the week. These range from a taco bar to a ish market, where you can select your own ish and have it grilled just the way you like it.
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Then you’ve got the accommodation. Bedrooms are bright and full of inishing touches like plump cushions. And, for something really special, you can upgrade to a room with a Jacuzzi™, or better still, a swim-up room. Facilities at the hotel go the extra mile. There are 2 swimming pools, one of which winds its way around the hotel like a lazy river. Both pools are serviced by butlers, who bring fresh towels, magazines and nibbles to your
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with a selection of beverages and gourmet bites (from 10am to 4pm) Bouquet and buttonhole Romantic ocean front wedding ceremony location Red carpet aisle runner, table with white linen & ceremony chairs Translation of Ceremony Romantically decorated suite on wedding night with rose petals, aromatherapy and candles Breakfast in bed morning after wedding Framed 5”x7” wedding picture Personalised menu card Dinner reservations at ‘Wine Room' Restaurant (maximum 25 people)
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
Oficial rating: HHHHH
Weddings from
£769
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
EL DORADO ROYALE, A SPA RESORT BY KARISMA ttttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Riviera Maya
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels.
■ Marriage certifcate
See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Registrar fees ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Breakfast in bed morning after
wedding ■ Grooms room on wedding day ■ 15x7" photo
Wedding gazebo
La Isla pool
There’s no shortage of luxuries at the El Dorado Royale Spa Resort. For starters, the suites feature oversized whirlpool baths, king-size beds and terraces with hammocks. Plus, you can upgrade to a swim-up suite or one overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
As for food, you’ve got eight All Inclusive restaurants to choose from. The buffet breakfasts come courtesy of the Cocotal restaurant or palapa-style La Isla. For lunch or dinner, you can tuck into fresh seafood at the beach grill, eat Italian at the plush D’Italia or share some sushi at Kampai. And for the ultimate romantic experience, book a candlelight dinner on the beach, sitting at a table for two in a cabana by the sea.
Outside, there are 13 swimming pools spread around the massive gardens. Most have a swim-up bar serving cocktails, and are skirted by sunloungers and palm trees. What’s more, they’re all just a few strides from the sandy beach.
This hotel accepts guests aged 18 years and above. Guests can use facilities at the neighbouring El Dorado Casitas Royale. Oficial rating: HHHHH
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group
Weddings from
£769
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Mexico - caribbean coast
19
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES, BY KARISMA ttttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Riviera Maya
Contemporary adults-only hotels. See our Couples brochure for details.
YOUR BIG DAY PACKAGE
Beachfront wedding gazebo
Stylish, intimate, and with a first-class setting, the El Dorado was made for chic retreats à deux. ■ Marriage certificate-additional ■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
When you're welcomed by a glass of Champagne, you know you're in for something special. We're talking luxurious touches like butler service on the shorefront, his 'n' hers spa treatments, and four-poster daybeds on the sand.
charges apply Romantic ocean front wedding ceremony location Bouquet and buttonhole Red carpet aisle runner, table with white linen and uncovered ceremony chairs Breakfast in bed Framed 5x7 picture of wedding couple Dinner reservations for the wedding group in wine room (max 20 people)
When it comes to dining, the hotel goes down the Gourmet All Inclusive route. It means you've got seven à la carte restaurants courtesy of top international chefs. In fact, the All Inclusive offering here has been endorsed by travel industry experts. Official rating: HHHHH
The main swimming pool takes centre-stage, weaving through the hotel, passing paved sun terraces, comfy loungers and thatched parasols along the way. Factor in three swim-up bars and you've got a first-class pool scene. In terms of rooms, there's a choice of luxurious Junior suites. They all feature private whirlpool baths, outdoor showers and plasma TVs. Some rooms even have access to a lazy river, so you can take a dip whenever you fancy.
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£769
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
Relax pool
Candlelight dinner
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
20
MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE, BY KARISMA ttttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Riviera Maya
Your big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Marriage certifcate ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Breakfast in bed morning after
wedding ■ 1 5x7" photo
Beachfront wedding gazebo
Casita suite with ininity pool
The adults-only El Dorado Casitas Royale takes luxury to a new level. Although it’s part of the El Dorado Royale complex, it’s like a resort-within-a-resort, with special facilities reserved for its guests.
The food comes highly recommended. The buffet breakfasts feature everything from fresh pastries to cooked-to-order omelettes and à la carte selections. And later, there’s even more choice, with everything from Thai to Italian cuisine on offer.
In terms of accommodation, you can stay in palapa-roofed casitas on the sand, or suites with a private ininity pool or swim-up access along a lazy river. What’s more, all the rooms come with whirlpool tubs and open-air showers.
Oficial rating: HHHHH
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group
There’s plenty by way of relaxation, as well. Butlers can bring your drinks to your four-poster bed on the beach or you can sign up for romantic dinners on the sand. There’s a luxurious spa here, too, offering things like moonlight massages and cocoa butter body wraps.
Weddings from
£769
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
OCEAN MAYA ROYALE BY H10 tttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Riviera Maya
Your big day package
Contemporary adults-only hotels. See our Couples brochure for details.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Sparkling wine toast ■ Breakfast in bed morning after
wedding ■ Spa discount ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Candlelight dinner for two
Designed exclusively for adults, this Mexican retreat has been built with R&R in mind. It’s set on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, so you’re barely more than a tiptoe from the water.
In terms of accommodation, the rooms have just been given a makeover. Their contemporary design includes feature walls, plump cushions and double or king size beds.
Outside, you can take your pick from two swimming pools and, if you want a change of scene, there’s a deck of whirlpool baths to dip into.
Lastly, when it comes to mealtimes, take your pick from a buffet restaurant, an Italian restaurant, an Oriental joint with a teppanyaki table serving evening meals, and a poolside eatery serving Mexican à la carte lunch and evening meals.
The Ocean Maya offers up plenty of activities. There’s a gym, aqua aerobics, two tennis courts and snorkelling to name just a few. If pampering is in order, head to the recently-renovated DeSpacio Spa and Fitness Centre.
Oficial rating: HHHHH in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
Weddings from
FRee*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Mexico - caribbean coast
21
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
RIU PALACE RIVIERA MAYA ttttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Playacar
Your big day package ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests (during main toast) ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Room upgrade (subject to availability) ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Minister/Judge service ■ Romantic massage for the bride and
groom
Junior suite
Reminiscent of an Indian Maharajah’s palace, this hotel is all whitewashed domes, grand pinnacles and elegant porticoes. What's more, it's framed by gently swaying palm trees and ornate courtyard pools. The piece de resistance, however, has to be the gorgeous beachfront setting.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
Weddings from
FRee*
*
1055
Renewal of Vows from £
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
Moving closer, the wide spreading sun terraces are worth a mention, too. Fringed by shady palms, they circle the big cruciform pool. And not only is there an adjoining whirlpool and a swim-up bar, but there are partially submerged sunbeds in the water, completing a very stylish pool scene. Inside, the Riu Palace Riviera Maya continues to impress. Tall columns, gleaming marble loors and sparkling chandeliers create a palatial reception area. All our guests stay in plush junior suites
where dark polished wood and pale décor is worked to great effect. And they come with hydro-massage bath tubs and living areas with TVs and sofas as standard. Better still, free room service is included. Food-wise, it's 5-star service all the way. A glass of Cava at breakfast to accompany a made-to-order omelette is a good way to start the day. Come dinner time there are ive speciality restaurants to choose from. And as with all RIU hotels, the entertainment is irst class, with nightly shows and live music on the programme. Oficial rating: HHHHH
RIU YUCATAN tttt
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels.
MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Playacar
■ Bouquet and buttonhole
See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests during toast ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Room upgrade for wedding couple -
subject to availability ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Minister/Judge service
Double room
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055 Weddings from
*
Sandwiched between jungle-like greenery and a white ribbon of sand, the Riu Yucatan has got a seriously tropical setting. What’s more, Puerto del Carmen’s downtown is less than a 5-minute drive away.
something a bit different, head for the spa to choose from the different body wraps and massage treatments. Evenings see things take a livelier turn – expect shows, music and dancing with the hotel’s entertainment team.
Back at the hotel, 2 huge pools take centre-stage, framed by glossy palms and shrubbery. Extra touches come in the form of swim-up bars and in-water loungers, while shady spots come courtesy of the thatched parasols that dot the surrounding terrace. Rounding things off is a paddling pool for little ones.
Lastly, the hotel is getting a bit of a revamp for July 2013, which means you can look forward to rooms with fresh, contemporary décor, and a brand new swimming pool. Oficial rating: HHHHH
When it comes to things to do here, activities like volleyball, windsuring and body boarding are on offer during the day. For
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
22
Mexico - caribbean coast
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
CLUBHOTEL RIU TEQUILA tttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Playacar
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
YOUR big day package
Surrounded by tropical greenery, this hotel has a secluded setting and a great pool scene.
Location, food and décor – the Riu Tequila’s got a lot going for it. Setting the scene is the sumptuous reception lounge with its graceful archways, elegant sofas and warmly-lit gold décor. Outside, two swimming pools are framed by tree-lined sun terraces dotted with thatch umbrellas. The pièce de résistance is the enormous swim-up bar. If it’s the beach you’re after, step through the lush gardens and in five minutes you’ll be on powdery white sands. On the food front, big buffet breakfasts get the day off to a satisfying start. There’s a steakhouse and an Asian restaurant for evening meals, plus a beach club serving Mexican specials and more tempting buffets. If all that’s not enough, the Riu Tequila is part of the lively Riu Resort Playacar which means you can hop across to the neighbouring Riu Yucatan and Riu Playacar, too.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests during main toast ■ Semi-private dinner for up to 30
wedding guests ■ Marriage certificate issued in local
language ■ Minister/judge service ■ Romantic massage for the bride
and groom
Official rating: HHHHH
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055 Weddings from
Double room
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST
23
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Your big day package
RIU LUPITA ttt
■ Bouquet and buttonhole
MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Playacar
■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests during main toast ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Minister/judge service ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Romantic massage for the bride and
groom
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055 Weddings from
*
Surrounded by tropical gardens and separated from the rest of Playacar by a well-tended golf course, this complex has a real away-from-it-all feel. But that’s not to say it’s cut off. The white sands and clear waters of Mexico’s Caribbean coast are just a 15-minute drive away – and there’s a complimentary shuttle bus that runs throughout the day.
Inside, they’ve kept things refreshingly simple. The bedrooms are spacious and light, with in-room extras like a minibar, liquor dispensers and air-conditioning.
This hotel has plenty to offer. Take the pool scene for starters. There’s a large rectangular pool complete with partially submerged sunbeds, plus a smaller, circular pool. A poolside bar completes the scene, while in the gardens beyond you’ll ind hammocks strung between the palms.
Oficial rating: HHHHH
Last but not least, there’s the restaurant to consider. It’s a thatched-roof, open-air affair, with everything served up buffet-style. There’s a separate à la carte Mexican eatery, too.
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
RIU PALACE MEXICO ttttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Playacar
Your big day package ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests (during main toast only) ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Minister/Judge service ■ Romantic Massage for the bride and
groom
Suite
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055 Weddings from
*
The Riu Palace Mexico is set on Playacar’s white-sand beach – just walk through the hotel’s palm-speckled gardens and you’ll reach it. It’s easy to get out and about from here – you’re less than a ive-minute taxi ride from the shops and restaurants in Puerto del Carmen.
In terms of dining, you’ve got six restaurants to choose from, including a Japanese, Mexican, Fusion, steakhouse and an Italian trattoria. You’ll ind plenty of stylish spots for after-dinner drinks, too. The theatre, for example, is all polished dark wood and plush velvet armchairs.
You’ll ind four large swimming pools on the edge of the gardens, one of which features a pretty mosaic of a hibiscus lower, and has the added bonus of a swim-up bar. The pools are lanked by sun-trap terraces, and a poolside waiter service means cocktails are delivered directly to your lounger.
Oficial rating: HHHHH
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
24
Mexico - caribbean coast
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
RIU CANCUN tttt
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Cancun
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests (during main toast only) ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Romantic massage for the bride and
groom ■ Complimentary room upgrade (subject
to availability) ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Minister/Judge service
Double room
Big and bold, this pagoda-topped headturner doesn’t do things by halves. Take its setting. The hotel is surrounded by soft sands and sapphire waters, so you're only ever seconds from the beach. Plus it means every room comes with a sea view. Location-wise, you're in the centre of all the action, too – just footsteps from two shopping centres and a 15-minute walk from Cancun's buzzing nightlife. Back at the hotel, the swimming pools really steal the show. There are three in total, snaking their way around the complex. Two come with a whirlpool bath, and one has a swim-up bar. You'll also ind plenty of sun terraces, accessorised with loungers and umbrellas, as well as tables and chairs for al fresco lunches.
leads to the bedrooms, which are decked out in a palette of bold blues and fresh creams. All the rooms have satellite TVs, air-conditioning and balconies as standard, too, not to mention fully-stocked liquor dispensers. When it comes to dining, you've got plenty of choice thanks to the All Inclusive set-up. There are four restaurants in total - two buffets and two à la cartes - which serve up a great range of local and international cuisine. Breakfast includes hot and cold dishes, while lunch features favourites like pizzas, pasta and salad. Last but not least, dinner brings a choice of Brazillian Rodizio, Grill and Steakhouse and Japanese restaurants.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055 Weddings from
Oficial rating: HHHHH
Inside, the standards are just as high. An elegant marble lobby
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
RIU PALACE LAS AMERICAS ttttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Cancun
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole
See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests (during main toast only) ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Romantic massage for the bride and
groom ■ Special decoration in the room ■ Complimentary room upgrade (subject
to availability) ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Minister/Judge service ■ Witnesses if required Junior suite
Standing right on the water’s edge, this gleaming white hotel features twin turrets – each with a Grecian-style cupola and statue atop. And from the moment you step into the lobby you’ll notice plenty in the way of glamour. We’re talking tall, elegant pillars, crystal chandeliers and richly painted ceilings. Outside two broad swimming pools are designed so that from certain angles they seem to be loating on the sea. Graceful statues, whirlpool baths and partially submerged sunbeds add to the air of sophisticated luxury. Just steps away is a stretch of gently shelving white sands. You won’t get bowled over by any breakers here – the beach is protected from waves by a coral reef alive with shoals of tropical ish. It’s a great spot for snorkelling.
Accommodation is in elegant, spacious suites. Their dark-wood furnishings are offset by soft neutral walls and regal red and gold covers and drapes. And when it comes to dining, the hotel pulls out all the stops. Five a la carte restaurants – including Japanese, Italian and Mexican – as well as the main buffet restaurant, ensure plenty of variety. Its setting is the Riu Palace Las Americas’ inal trump card. It might seem in a peaceful world of its own, but actually fun-loving Cancun is just a few minutes away if you want to party. Oficial rating: HHHHH
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Mexico - caribbean coast
25
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Your big day package
RIU CARIBE ttttp
■ Bouquet and buttonhole
MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Cancun
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Sparkling wine for the couple and up
■
■ ■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
to 30 wedding guests - during main toast only Semi-private dinner for the couple and wedding guests at one of our speciality restaurants Romantic massage for the bride and groom and surprise gift RIU T-shirts for bride and groom Special decoration in the room Complimentary room upgrade for the wedding couple on arrival, subject to availability - External Jacuzzi Suites not included Marriage certiicate Minister/Judge service Witnesses, if required
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055 *
Weddings from
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
Ocean-view deluxe room
The Riu Caribe pulls out all the stops when it comes to location. It’s set in the heart of Cancun’s main strip, which means you’re just footsteps away from the nearest shops, restaurants and bars. Best of all, it looks out over the beach. The pool scene is just as noteworthy. Two huge pools wind their way around the grounds, and come complete with little bridges and a palm-clad island in the middle. They’re framed by a terrace that’s dotted with loungers and hammocks, so you’ll have no problem inding a spot to relax. There’s a swim-up bar in the water, and another close by, so refreshments are taken care of, too. If you want to up the pace a little, there’s a lot laid on activity-wise. As well as favourites like tennis, volleyball and aerobics, you’ve got the likes of windsuring, scuba diving and body boarding to try your
hand at. Little ones, meanwhile, have got their own activities programme, as well as the RiuLand Kids’ Club, where they can join in with games, competitions and arts and crafts. On the dining front, you’ll ind a buffet in the main restaurant, which offers American breakfasts alongside sweet pastries and fruit juices. For lunch and dinner, expect plenty in the way of international fare with pizza, pasta and salads among the line-up. Elsewhere, you’ve got an Asian buffet restaurant and two à la cartes to try – a grill and steakhouse joint and a lively Mexican eatery. The hotel has recently had a makeover, so the rooms are modern and stylish. Finishing touches include satellite TVs, minibars and liquor dispensers. Oficial rating: HHHHH
RIU PALACE PENINSULA ttttt MEXICO - CARIBBEAN COAST | Cancun
Your big day package ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ CD or recorded music during ceremony ■ Semi private dinner for couple and
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
wedding guests at one of the speciality restaurants Sparkling wine during main toast for couple and 30 guests Decoration in room Witnesses if required Minister/Judge service Marriage certiicate Complimentary room upgrade for wedding couple subject to availability upon arrival (External Jacuzzi™ Suites are not included) Riu “T- Shirts” for bride and groom Surprise gift Romantic massage for bride and groom
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
Weddings from
FRee**
Junior suite
The brand new Riu Palace Peninsula has a place among the luxury hotels on Cancun’s Hotel Zone, right against the white sands and the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. The property is surrounded by tropical gardens, so even though you’re in the thick of the action, it still feels private. You’ll have four swimming pools to choose from, one of which will come with a swim-up bar. Each one will be lanked by loungers and palms, and there’ll also be a shaded seating area studded with cushioned wicker armchairs. As for little ones, they can look forward to their own paddling pool, and a mini club for games and activities.
There’s plenty to choose from food-wise. Among your options is a buffet eatery, an Italian restaurant, and a place serving up authentic Japanese dishes. Finally, the rooms will look modern and stylish – expect purple soft furnishings and funky pink lighting. Little luxuries like coffee makers and hydro-massage baths come as standard, too. Oficial rating: HHHHH
1055
Renewal of Vows from £
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
26
Mexico - caribbean coast
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
RIU PALACE PACIFICO ttttt MEXICO - PACIFIC COAST | Nuevo Vallarta
Your big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests during main toast ■ Semi-private dinner for up to 30
wedding guests ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Minister/judge service ■ Romantic massage for the bride and
groom
The RIU Palace Paciico looks like a modern palace and does All Inclusive on a grand scale. For starters, it’s fronted by a long sandy beach with sunloungers that watch over whale-friendly waters.
Rooms come in the shape of king-size suites, and they’re all itted out with latscreen TVs, hydro-massage baths, and round-the-clock room service. They’re beautifully decorated, too, with dark wood furniture and bright walls.
At the hotel, a big pool is surrounded by a palm-dotted sun terrace. It comes with a swim-up bar, as well as a poolside grill that serves steaks al fresco. There are 4 more restaurants inside, including a Mexican à la carte with tacos on the menu, and a mammoth buffet offering full American breakfasts.
Plus, a 10-minute wander along the sands will take you to a pair of sister hotels housing nightclubs that cater for all RIU guests. Oficial rating: HHHHH
£1255 * Renewal of Vows from £1065 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
RIU VALLARTA ttttp MEXICO - PACIFIC COAST | Nuevo Vallarta
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
Your big day package ■ Minister/judge service ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Bouquet and Buttonhole ■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests during main toast ■ Semi-private dinner for up to 30
wedding guests ■ Romantic massage for the bride and
groom
Junior suite
The Riu Vallarta is pulled up against Playa de Flamingos, so you’ve got miles of soft sand on the doorstep. A few minutes’ drive brings you to the centre of Nuevo Vallarta, and it’s around half an hour by car to Puerto Vallarta’s bars and restaurants.
The daytime activities list ticks off things like volleyball, body boarding and kayaking, while after dark there are shows, live music performances and a nightclub. Oficial rating: HHHHH
There are 2 big pools – one’s adults-only, the other’s family-friendly – and each of them comes with a whirlpool bath attached. A pool bar pours beer and cocktails, and has a swim-up section with seats set in the water. Buffet spreads are served at Don Rafael restaurant – expect big American breakfasts, on-the-spot cooking stations and dinners that include Mexican and international dishes. There’s also a speciality Asian buffet restaurant, a grill and steakhouse, and a gourmet à la carte.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
£1255 * Renewal of Vows from £1065 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Mexico - Pacific coast
27
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
CLUBHOTEL RIU JALISCO tttt MEXICO - PACIFIC COAST | Nuevo Vallarta
Your big day package ■ Minister/judge service ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Bouquet and Buttonhole ■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests during main toast ■ Semi-private dinner for up to 30
wedding guests ■ Romantic massage for the bride and
groom
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
Weddings from
£1255 1065* *
Before refurbishment
Before refurbishment
ClubHotel Riu Jalisco is tucked away among a park of palms, edged by the pearl-white sands of Flamingos Beach. The centre of Nuevo Vallarta is a couple of minutes’ drive away, and you can get to Puerto Vallarta’s clubs, restaurants and atmospheric old town in around half an hour.
The main restaurant lays on huge buffet spreads – look out for grilled lobster on seafood theme nights. There are also a handful of speciality restaurants, majoring in Mexican, Asian and Brazilian cuisine. And come evening, the beach bar doubles as a steakhouse.
Most of the action takes place around the 2 pools. They’re huge – covering around 1,400 square metres between them – and are bordered by shady palm trees and sun terraces. One’s got a swim-up bar, while the other boasts a waterslide. A pair of whirlpool baths completes the line-up.
Heading inside, the rooms are spacious and decorated in bright, tropical shades. Each one has a balcony or terrace, plus a mini bar and liquor dispenser. Oficial rating: HHHHH
Renewal of Vows from £
Available May 14 - Oct 14
DREAMS VILLAMAGNA tttt MEXICO - PACIFIC COAST | Nuevo Vallarta
Your big day package ■ Complimentary room for the groom
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
the night before the wedding, subject to availability Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and groom's suit Bouquet and Buttonhole Sparkling wine for up to 10 guests Special turndown service Hotel gift Late check-out room for the couple, subject to availability
It’s all about luxury at this big beachfront hotel. For starters, every room is a junior suite, and comes with a separate lounge area and a Jacuzzi on the balcony or terrace. As for views, choose between the Paciic Ocean and the Sierra Madre mountains. As well as a small buffet restaurant, there’s an authentic Mexican eatery, an adults-only Italian and Mediterranean à la carte, and 2 al fresco venues – one’s a grill place and the other majors in seafood. There’s also a chic rooftop bar which serves up sushi.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
Weddings from
the grounds towards the white-sand beach. A second pool comes with an adults-only Jacuzzi. There’s another pool in the plush spa, where the list of treatments includes chocolate body wraps, Caviar facials and hot-stone massages. Little ones are well catered for, too, with sandcastle-building contests, treasure hunts and story-telling at the kids’ club. Oficial rating: HHHHH
The main pool is an ininity-edge number, which curves through
£675
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
28
Mexico - Pacific coast
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Practical Info Documents required for ceremonies here vary between couples. All need to be legalised at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, translated to Spanish & certified by the British Consulate before your big day. You Wedding Certificate may take up to 12 months to arrive once home.
“With its laid-back vibe and incredible coastline, the Dominican Republic does fairytale beach weddings with style.” The Dominican Republic has got all the credentials for a wedding to remember. The beaches here are all sky-high palms, white sands and clear waters. Plus, there’s everything from footprint-free stretches of sand, to crescents backed by lively beach bars. Away from the coast, there are rugged mountains and thundering waterfalls to discover. And then there’s the capital, Santa Domingo. Founded by Christopher Columbus, it’s a colonial mix of cobbled plazas and Medieval churches, rolled up with cigar shops and cafés. As for what there is to do here in the evenings, it largely depends on where you stay. Puerto Plata, Punta Cana and La Romana all have plush hotels laying on glitzy entertainment. The Samana region, meanwhile, slows things down a little. Evenings here couldn’t be further away from the razzle-dazzle hotel entertainment scene. Instead, things tend to play out around the seafront bars, where cocktail-sipping and star-gazing is the order of the day.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Dominican Republic include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator and wedding cake. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
A word from the expert... "The last thing you want on your big day is looking like a lobster - sunscreen is a bride's best friend!" Amy Morgan, Weddings Administrator, Dom Rep
Please see our Thomson Faraway Shores brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
30
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
CLUBHOTEL RIU BAMBU ttttp DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Bavaro
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Witnesses, if required ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Marriage certiicate ■ Minister/judge service ■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests during toast ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Romantic massage ■ Room upgrade - subject to availability ■ Riu t-shirts for bride and groom ■ Surprise gift
The irst thing you’ll notice about this place is its spectacular setting. Not only is the hotel cocooned by palm trees, but it’s pulled right up against a 14-mile sweep of sand. And as well as being prime chill-out territory, the beach is something of a watersports hub. Take your pick from the likes of windsuring, sailing and kayaking. Looks-wise, the property is modern and fresh. The bedrooms are kitted out with sleek furniture and huge TVs. Plus they all come with air-conditioning, minibars and RIU’s famous spirit dispensers. The hotel is home to 72 family rooms, too. Set on the ground loor and with enough space for ive, they’re ideal if you’re here with kids or just want a little more space.
Elsewhere, you’ll ind four à la carte restaurants – an Asian, Italian, Mexican and a Steakhouse and grill. There’s also a buffet eatery which serves pan-global spreads. Completing the hotel’s dining scene is a sports bar open 24 hours. Lastly, the pool scene is pretty impressive. A sweeping Roman-style staircase leads into the main pool and, at one end, there’s a large, dome-topped swim-up bar. The second pool is large and has a scattering of in-water sunbeds. Palm-fringed lawns and a whirlpool bath provide the inishing touches.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055
Oficial rating: HHHHH
Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
RIU PALACE MACAO ttttt DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Bavaro
Your big day package
Contemporary adults-only hotels. See our Couples brochure for details.
■ Marriage certiicate ■ Minister/Judge service ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Witnesses if required ■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests during main toast ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Romantic massage ■ Special decoration in the room ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability Double room
Following a refurbishment, the Riu Palace Macao has clinched a place in the Thomson Couples collection. The hotel has always been an eye-catcher, but the renovations have made it even better. The number of swimming pools here has been bumped up to 2, and one of them comes with a relaxing swim-up bar.
As for the restaurants, the main buffet eatery has been redecorated to bring its looks into line with the stylish Japanese, fusion, and steak house restaurants.
- external Jacuzzi Suites are not included ■ Riu t-shirts for bride and groom ■ Surprise gift
Oficial rating: HHHHH
The rooms have been remodelled, too. The new bedrooms are modern, light and bright. Plus, they’ve got mod-cons like satellite TVs and spirit dispensers.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Dominican republic
31
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
RIU PALACE PUNTA CANA ttttt DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Bavaro
Your big day package ■ Minister/Judge service
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Marriage certiicate ■ Witnesses, if required ■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests - during main toast only ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Romantic massage for bride
and groom ■ Riu t-shirts for bride and groom ■ Surprise gift
Junior suite
Weddings from
FRee** 1055
Renewal of Vows from £
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
This hotel is exclusive to Thomson in the UK, and when you see it you'll understand why we wanted it all to ourselves. Briefed to build a lavish hotel, the architects pushed the boundaries by adding all manner of sophisticated lourishes. From the outside, it’s pure white and tipped with colonial-era domes and turrets. Inside you’ve got a carousel of interior décor styles that demand attention.
For palatial design though, it’s hard to beat the main pool. Peeking out from between the hotel’s two wings, it’s got a domed swim-up bar and four adjoining whirlpools. Beyond that, there’s a children’s pool and a series of elegant fountained ponds. The beach is back in the other direction, where soft white sands are trimmed with palms and the light blue Caribbean.
Everything starts with the lobby - black-painted columns, colossal chandeliers and stain-glass ceilings. The restaurants are something else, too. There are six in all and they’re completely different. For a taste of Japan, book a table at the paper-screened Yokohama to pick through platters of sushi and sashimi. The à la carte steakhouse meanwhile goes back in time, with Louis XV salon chairs. Show cooking is a feature of every one, too.
The bedrooms are all classed as junior suites and come with more of the same inery. Dressed in a peaches-and-cream colour palette, each has its own sitting area coupled with a balcony or terrace, plus rich-dark wood beds and handsome furnishings. In terms of facilities, you’ve also got satellite TVs, minibars and bathtubs with hydromassage jets. Oficial rating: HHHHH
RIU PALACE BAVARO ttttt DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Bavaro
Your big day package ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 wedding
guests during toast ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Romantic massage ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Marriage certiicate ■ Minister/judge service
Junior suite
Two swimming pools head up the list of attractions at the Riu Palace Bavaro. One comes with a swim-up bar and whirlpool bath, and they’re lanked by palm-dotted gardens and chic, four-poster daybeds. Best of all, they’re just metres from Punta Cana’s white-sand beach if you fancy a change of scene.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
FRee**
Food-wise, you’ve got a buffet eatery and three à la cartes to choose from. At the stylish Japanese restaurant, skilled chefs prepare your nigiri and temaki to order. And the poolside grill serves up sizzling steaks and seafood. Pull up a chair at Krystal, the hotel’s fusion eatery, meanwhile, and you can enjoy Japanese dishes with a contemporary twist.
The bedrooms here feature mini lounge areas, so you get that extra bit of space. Minibars, coffee-makers and satellite TVs come as standard, and private balconies or terraces complete the picture. There are also Jacuzzi™ Suites for those who want to go down the luxury route – these sophisticated spaces come with open-air hot tubs. Oficial rating: HHHH
1055
Renewal of Vows from £
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
32
Dominican republic
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
CATALONIA ROYAL BAVARO tttt DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Bavaro
Contemporary adults-only hotels. See our Couples brochure for details.
Your big day package ■ Marriage License fee ■ English translation of the ceremony ■ Ceremony on beach, or next to lagoon ■ Music during the ceremony (recorded) ■ Romantic Candlelight dinner for 2 ■ Flower decoration for the judge table ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Spa “Alegría” Package (25 mins couple
massage in spa center or on the beach) ■ French nails and toe, special hair styling
and make-up for the bride ■ Sparkling wine (on site, max. 4 bottles) ■ Witnesses for the legal ceremony
– if required
Exclusive pool suite
■ Dinner reservation for the wedding party
The only thing separating the Catalonia Royal Bavaro from an ice-white stretch of sand is a forest of palm trees, so the whole complex has a really Crusoe-esque vibe. The hotel’s grounds are just as good-looking as the beach. Neatly-trimmed lawns provide plenty of places to take it easy, while tropical lowers add splashes of colour. At the heart of it all you’ll ind a Thalassa pool. Thatched parasols line the water’s edge and a there’s a pool bar serving up drinks and light bites.
As for the food, this place takes its All Inclusive status seriously. Alongside the main buffet restaurants, there are 4 à la cartes to choose from in the Bavaro area of the complex, and a snack bar.
in one of our restaurants ■ Free upgrade to the Honeymoon Junior
Suite subject to availability ■ Morning after, breakfast in the room
Oficial rating: HHHHH
■ Late check out on departure day
(subject to availability) in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
On the accommodation front, the hotel’s standard rooms are really spacious. They’re dressed in shades of cream and terracotta, and kitted out with chunky colonial-style ittings. Outside, meanwhile, you get a balcony complete with a linen hammock.
£1375 * Renewal of Vows from £405
Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 & May 14 - Oct 14
GRAND BAHIA PRINCIPE CAYACOA ttttp DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Samana Town
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole
See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Hairstyle for bride ■ Sparkling wine ■ Sit down wedding reception dinner
with set menu for up to 30 guests ■ Luxury turn down service for the
wedding couple ■ Upgraded in-room amenities ■ CD music for the ceremony ■ Professional colour photos (10) ■ 10% discount on spa treatments ■ Late check-out (on request and
subject to availability) Junior suite with partial sea-view
■ All guests must stay at the hotel for a
short walk through the grounds will get you to a tower lift, that’ll take you down the cliff-side to the beach.
■ Witnesses if required
minimum of 7 nights The Cayacoa sits in arguably the top spot in Samana Bay. We’re talking a widescreen panorama of green hills, turquoise seas and pale golden sands. Step inside the hotel and it’s just as impressive. The lobby sets the scene with polished marble loors, plump sofas and chandeliers. And you’ll ind a similar vibe throughout the rest of the hotel. Up in the bedrooms expect a colonial feel thanks to carved wooden furniture, ceiling fans and wicker chairs. Outside, meanwhile, there’s a smart pool scene. Overlooking the sea, the pool is a good-sized curved set-up, complete with a swim-up bar. It’s accessorised with cushioned loungers and a great view comes as standard. Close by, you’ve also got a hydro-massage pool that has it’s own bar and sun deck. And a
In terms of food, you’ve got a choice of four restaurants. The main food hub is a buffet number, serving dishes from around the world. Plus, with three à la carte restaurants, you can twirl spaghetti at the Italian, or take your pick from the Mediterranean and Gourmet restaurants. And if romance is on the cards, head for the one on the top-loor which serves up fabulous views alongside a fusion menu. Oficial rating: HHHHH
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1175 * Renewal of Vows from £1175 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Dominican republic
33
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Your big day package
LUXURY BAHIA PRINCIPE CAYO LEVANTADO DON PABLO COLLECTION ttttt DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Cayo Levantado
■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Hairstyle for bride ■ Sparkling wine ■ Sit down wedding reception dinner
with set menu for up to 30 guests ■ Luxury turn down service for the
wedding couple ■ Upgraded in-room amenities ■ CD music for the ceremony ■ Professional colour photos (10) ■ 10% discount on spa treatments ■ Late check-out (on request and
subject to availability) ■ All guests must stay at the hotel for a
Garden-view double room
minimum of 7 nights ■ Witnesses if required
You may do a double-take when you arrive on Cayo Levantado. Dubbed Bacardi Island, this tiny green isle once starred in one of the drink’s adverts. With its coconut-white sands, turquoise-blue seas and nodding palm trees, it’s paradise.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1175 * Renewal of Vows from £1175 *
Weddings from
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
The setting is romantic beyond belief. Serene, secluded and right on the beach, you can only get here by boat. Don’t worry, you’re not totally cut off, there are free shuttles back to the mainland, subject to availability. Though once you set eyes on the place it’s likely you’ll want to stay put. When you’re not sinking your toes into the sand, you’ve got two luxurious pools to pick from. Both sunk into spacious terraces, they’re lanked by comfy wicker sun loungers that sit under luttering white drapes or palm shelters. And there’s also a whirlpool bath and pool bar on hand.
It’s not all about lounging here, though. A list of activities reels off sports like tennis and there’s a state-of-the-art gym, too. You’ll also ind plenty to keep you occupied in the water with windsuring, sailing and kayaking just some of the offerings. And for romantic walks follow the sands and do a circular tour of the beaches. As for the hotel... from the sophisticated lobby to the sumptuous Moorish-style spa, it’s more like a roomy mansion. It’s the same story throughout. The bedrooms are big and stylish with a lounge area and 21st-century gadgets like a whirlpool bath or shower. And the four reined restaurants make the most of the scenery. If you’re want to get starry-eyed and spoilt, let us whisk you away to this paradise isle. We can't think of a better place to get marooned. Oficial rating: HHHHH
OCEAN BLUE & SAND ttttp DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Bavaro
Your big day package ■ Sparkling wine for toast
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Romantic candlelit dinner on the
beach ■ Late check out for couple - subject to
availability ■ Spa discount ■ Turn down service at night ■ Upgraded wedding packages available
Honeymoon suite
Ocean Blue & Sand – the name says it all. You’ll ind this place right next door to Bavaro beach, putting the white sands and turquoise waters within a few minutes’ stroll from the lobby. And the hotel’s private stretch of shoreline comes with all the usual trimmings – neat rows of sunbeds and the full A to Z of watersports. Not to mention nice-to-have extras like a PADI dive shop.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
FRee*
As for the hotel itself, it’s more like a village than a beach resort. Think palm-height villas, with candy-coloured walls and terracotta roofs, curved around two massive pools. On the things-to-do front, there’s a ten-pin bowling alley, a sports centre and even a climbing wall. Factor in ten bars and a clutch of themed restaurants that line up along the edge of a fountain-illed pond and there’s no need for you to set foot outside the complex.
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
On the subject of restaurants, there are ten to choose from, most of which are part of the hotel’s All Inclusive package. Take your pick from Italian, Mexican and Caribbean to name a few. There’s even a Starbucks-style coffee shop where mufins and milkshakes sit side-by-side with a classy coffee menu. If you want to splash out, you can pay a little extra to tuck into succulent seafood at ‘Bucareno’ or chef’s specials at ‘El Bodegon’ steak house. The bedrooms are junior suites with open-plan living areas. They’re simply decorated with pale walls and marble loors, but it’s the furniture that adds a touch of style. It’s got a colonial feel to it with plenty of wicker and dark wood. Meanwhile, modern touches like satellite TVs and air-conditioning bring things up-to-date. Oficial rating: HHHHH
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
34
Dominican republic
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
CLUBHOTEL RIU BACHATA ttttp DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Bahia Maimon
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Witnesses, if required ■ Sparkling wine for up to 30 guests
during toast ■ Semi-private dinner for the couple and
up to 30 guests ■ Romantic massage ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Marriage certiicate ■ Minister/judge service ■ Special decoration in the room ■ Riu t-shirts for bride and groom ■ Surprise gift
A cool oasis with fresh white walls and lots of space, ClubHotel Riu Bachata is one good-looking Dominican. The lobby is a prime example. All garden-frescoed ceilings and palm leaf chandeliers, it’s got a real Eden-like feel to it – you half expect to bump into Adam and Eve. In terms of location, this place sits on Maimon Bay, just footsteps from the shore. What’s more, it has a slice of sandy beach for you to unwind on. At the watersports hut, just a 5 minute stroll from the hotel, sand-side entertainment comes in the shape of watersports like windsuring and kayaking, and the PADI and NAUI qualiied dive centre, which caters for both beginner and experienced scuba divers. Those who prefer sand-free sunbathing are just as spoilt. Dotted
among the hotel’s landscaped gardens are two pools, bordered by smart terraces with coconut-thatch parasols and cushioned sunloungers. It’s not all about down-time here though. There’s a fully-equipped itness room on the complex as well as an entertainment team that lays on everything from volleyball and Spanish lessons to shows and live music. On the food front, there are two elegant eateries to choose from. Take your pick from big buffets or Italian and Grill-steakhouse restaurants. The bedrooms, meanwhile, come with neutral colour schemes, satellite TVs and air-conditioning. As for where you’ll ind it all, it’s just a 10-minute drive from Puerto Plata – putting a range of bars and restaurants within easy reach.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
Renewal of Vows from £
Oficial rating: HHHHH
CLUBHOTEL RIU MERENGUE tttt DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Bahia Maimon
FRee** 1055
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
Your big day package ■ ROYAL PACKAGE ■ Complimentary room upgrade, subject
to availability on arrival ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ 2 bottles of sparkling wine ■ 12 colour photographs with a special
photo album and CD ■ Breakfast in bed the morning after the
wedding ■ Candle-lit dinner at one of our
speciality restaurants ■ 10% discount on all spa services -
restrictions apply ■ Surprise gift and fruit basket ■ CD or recorded music during the
Riu Merengue has gotten the tropical setting down to a ine art – it’s backed by hills and fronted by a thick ribbon of sand. What’s more, the grounds are illed with palm-dotted gardens. Set back from the beach is a massive swimming pool criss-crossed by a bridge and bordered by thatched parasols. Keep walking and you’ll come to two more huge pools, plus a separate one for children.
Caribbean Street is well worth a look, too. This little road is shared with the neighbouring hotel Riu Bachata, and it’s lined with rainbow-coloured shops selling everything from chunky jewellery to sun cream.
ceremony ■ Marriage licence ■ Certiicate and all registrar fees ■ Witnesses, if required
Oficial rating: HHHHH
As for dining, the two main restaurants have buffet set-ups. Expect American-style spreads in the mornings, with eggs and omelettes cooked any way you want. And for lunch and dinner, there’s a pan-global offering. You can go down the à la carte route, too, with Italian cuisine and grilled favourites.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group
£1209 * Renewal of Vows from £1055 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Dominican republic
35
CUBA
Practical Info The paperwork involved with a Cuban ceremony is quite complex, so you may have to wait 6-12 months for your Wedding Certificate to reach you once you’re back home.
“Cuba does weddings like it does everything else – with a Latino-style swing of the hips. So wed here and look forward to a celebration that revolves around salsa dancing and rum cocktails.” There’s something special about Cuba. Not only does it have all the traits of a Caribbean paradise, it’s got a capital city straight out of the superleague. Havana looks like it was frozen in time back in the Fifties. Vintage Chevrolets crawl through the streets, old men gather in doorways amid puffs of cigar smoke, and locals throw back mojitos in underground salsa dens. Away from the city, meanwhile, you’ll find a coastline with all the Caribbean hallmarks. In Varadero, there’s a 22-kilometre-long stretch of white sand, which is perfect if a barefoot ceremony’s on your agenda. This place is a hotspot come nightfall, too, with jazz clubs, cocktail bars, and sequin-studded cabaret shows keeping the party going until the early hours. For something more low-key, consider Guardalavaca, on the northeast coast of Cuba. Here, you’ll find only a sprinkle of shops, a market and a couple of restaurants. And that’s where the appeal lies. The best thing about this corner of Cuba, though, is that the beaches are really secluded – so find a sandy spot and you’ll feel like you’re the only two people in the world.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Cuba include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, wedding cake, bouquet for the bride and button hole for the groom. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
A word from the expert... “Music is massive in Cuba, so make like the locals and add a musical element to your day. Salsa’s the big favourite, so speak to your Weddings Advisor about arranging a band or some dancers.” Alejandro Vasquez, Resort Team Manager
Please see our Thomson Faraway Shores brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
36
CUBA
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
RIU PLAYA TURQUESA tttt CUBA | Guardalavaca
Your big day package ■ Marriage certiicate ■ Registrar fees ■ Breakfast in bed morning after the
ceremony ■ Fruit basket in room on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for 2
With tree-stacked mountains to the rear and turquoise seas to the front, this hotel couldn’t be in a better spot. What’s more, it’s cocooned in tropical gardens – think palms, hot-pink hibiscus lowers and bursts of bougainvillea. But as great as they are, it’s not the gardens that make the headlines here. The main attraction is the pool complex. One of the top pools in Cuba, it’s a ive-level affair connected by waterfalls and fountains. What’s more, there’s a separate area for the little ones, complete with a splash pool and mini-sunbeds. The whole set-up overlooks the beach, too. In fact, it’s so close to the sand you can lounge in the pool and feel the sea breeze on your face.
Inside, there’s a bright feel to things. Bedrooms come dressed in sunshine yellows and sky blues. Beds dressed in bold loral patterns, simple furniture and cosy sofas provide the furnishings, while roomy balconies or terraces offer some private outside space. In-room extras like air-conditioning, TVs and mini bars complete the picture. On the food front, this place serves up six restaurants – one main buffet eatery and ive à la cartes – so choosing where and what to eat is all part of the daily dining experience. Think stone-baked Italian pizzas, authentic Cuban fare and a themed restaurant. There are six bars, too, including a beachfront number that’s perfect for sundowners with the sand beneath your toes.
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group
£1795 * Renewal of Vows from £1569
Oficial rating: HHHH
CLUBHOTEL RIU VARADERO tttt CUBA | Varadero
*
Weddings from
Available Nov 13 - Apr 14
Your big day package ■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Semi private dinner for the couple at
one of our speciality restaurants ■ Sparkling wine for the couple (during
the main toast only) ■ Surprise spa gift ■ Judge service & wedding certiicate ■ Witnesses
Double room
With more than 20 kilometres of sand, crystal waters, and coral reefs, Varadero beach is the most popular beach in Cuba - and this brand new hotel has it all as its backyard.
Elsewhere there's quite a selection of restaurants. Alongside the buffets, you've got themed venues. Down at the beach, meanwhile, there's another restaurant that comes with a bar.
Aside from its location, this property has a few other things to shout about. For starters, it's got three swimming pools, as well as a separate kids' pool. Two of the pools are big affairs, while the third is located at the adults only Deluxe Wing section - it's smaller, exclusive to Deluxe Wing guests and has a more laid-back vibe. Sun loungers and parasols come as standard, plus there are two swim-up bars and a couple of snack bars serving cocktails and light bites.
Lastly, there are the bedrooms, which are spread across the one-storey main building and the little annexe blocks. They're well-equipped with extras like minibars, satellite TVs, and air-conditioning. Plus you'll get a private balcony or terrace as standard.
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Oficial rating: HHHHH Weddings from
FRee** 639
Renewal of Vows from £
Available Nov 13
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Cuba
37
ARUBA
Practical Info Ceremonies in Aruba take place in the mornings at the Civil Town House. You’ll then head back to your hotel for the beach blessing and reception later on in the day.
“Aruba teams pristine beaches with a strong Dutch flavour – perfect if you’re after a tropical wedding with a difference.” Aruba is an expert when it comes to exotic beach weddings. It’s got all the Caribbean stereotypes – powder-soft sands, swaying palms and bath-warm waters. So, if you’ve got an intimate barefoot ceremony in mind, it fits the bill perfectly. The main beach hub here is Palm Beach, a massive sandy stretch that’s backed by lavish hotels. It’s also a night-time hotspot, with glitzy cabaret shows, James Bond-style casinos and neon-lit bars guaranteed to keep your post-ceremony celebrations going well into the night. There’s another side to the island, though. Aruba is part of a trio of islands known as the ABCs and, together with Holland, they make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It means there’s a strong Dutch influence that’s visible everywhere you go – not least in Oranjestad. The capital’s main square is lined with pretty gable-topped houses and grand colonial buildings. What’s more, it’s got a great shopping and dining scene, and the bars are up-to-par with those found over at Palm Beach. Elsewhere, the island offers up plenty in the way of thatched beach hangouts – perfect for sunset cocktails overlooking the sea.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Aruba include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, marriage certificate, bouquet and button hole, sparkling wine for the toast. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
A word from the expert... “Don’t worry about bringing separate outfits for the two different ceremonies, as they’re usually close enough together that you won’t need to change.” Claire Wright, Resort Team Leader
Please see our Thomson Faraway Shores brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
38
ARUBA
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL RIU PALACE ARUBA ttttt ARUBA | Palm Beach
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Wedding cake ■ Semi-private dinner ■ Minister/Judge service ■ RIU T-shirts for bride and groom ■ Witness if required ■ Music for the ceremony ■ Surprise gift for the couple ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability
- excludes external Jacuzzi suites
Double room
The white-domed Riu Palace is a seriously elegant hotel. The wood-panelled piano bar is reminiscent of a private gentlemen’s club while the neutral bedrooms are the epitome of good taste. They’re spacious too, and the Junior suites come with lounge areas. Outside, the terrace features sunbeds submerged in the water and a pagoda-like swim-up bar. Just beyond the pool lie the sands of Palm Beach.
reservation at Picasso-esque Krystal restaurant to try fusion-cuisine. Rounding off the à la carte line-up you’ve got a steakhouse and an Italian trattoria. As for relaxation and entertainment, you can have a massage in the Vita Novus Spa, sign up for a game of beach volleyball or enjoy a beer in the American-style sports bar. There’s even a casino here. In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Oficial rating: HHHH
On the food front, all inclusive buffets come courtesy of the chandelier-adorned main restaurant. For a taste of the Far East head to the minimalist Japanese eatery, Sayuri. Or make a
£1649 * Renewal of Vows from £1045
*
Weddings from
Available May 14 - Oct 14
TAMARIJN ARUBA ALL INCLUSIVE tttt ARUBA | Druif Beach
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels.
■ Licence application
See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Registrar fees ■ Wine/champagne in room on arrival ■ Room upgrade - subject to availability ■ Candlelight dinner for 2 ■ Wedding cake
The Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive has clinched a prime spot on Druif Beach, It’s set in tropical, palm-freckled grounds which sweep right down to the white sands. When you want to get out and explore, Oranjestad’s restaurants, shopping malls and casinos are just a 10-minute drive away. The hotel’s swimming pool is adjacent to the beach. It looks out over the Caribbean Sea, and comes with a neighbouring bar that serves snacks and island cocktails.
There are 9 restaurants to choose from at mealtimes, 4 of which are located in the neighbouring Divi Aruba hotel. Eateries specialising in Asian, Italian and Aruban cuisine are among your options. Guests staying at the Tamarijn Aruba can use all the facilities and restaurants at the sister property Divi Aruba All Inclusive, located a short walk down the beach. Oficial rating: HHHH
Activities come thick and fast at the hotel. You can have a go at sunish sailing and windsuring down on the beach, and snorkelling equipment is free if you want to try your luck at spotting the likes of yellow rays and groupers.
Direct lights from the uK to Aruba are only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£1135
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
ArubA
39
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
BUCUTI AND TARA BEACH RESORT tttt ARUBA | Eagle Beach
Your big day package ■ Licence application
Contemporary adults-only hotels. See our Couples brochure for details.
■ Registrar fees ■ Wine/champagne in room on arrival
Superior room
The adults-only Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort was awarded the title of one of the top hotels in the Americas by the Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List 2013, so you know you're in for something special. The location alone is prize-worthy. The hotel is pulled up against the white sands of Eagle Beach, and lanked by gardens illed with palms and blooms. Direct lights from the UK to Aruba are only available from the Thomson Group.
£1055 * Renewal of Vows from £675 *
Weddings from
It The hotel’s biggest talking point is its swimming pool, which is set in a stone terrace that’s dotted with smart wicker daybeds. It comes with a built-in whirlpool bath, as well. And if you want to really spoil yourselves, there’s a spa and a cabana on the beach where you can enjoy massages for two.
In terms of dining, all meals are served in the beachfront Pirates’ Nest Restaurant, which is housed in a replica 16th-century Dutch galleon. Everything from full American breakfasts to fresh seafood feature on the menu. You can also dine al fresco on the torch-lit terrace after dark. The Bucuti Beach Resort is an adults only resort and the minimum age is 18 years. Oficial rating: HHHH
Available May 14 - Oct 14
DIVI ARUBA ALL INCLUSIVE ttttp ARUBA | Druif Beach
Your big day package ■ Licence application
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Registrar fees ■ Wedding cake ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability
Direct lights from the UK to Aruba are only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£1135
*
The Divi Aruba’s bagged itself arguably the best sandy sweep on the island. Unlike busy Palm Beach further along the coast, Druif Beach is much, much quieter. In fact, other than the Divi Aruba and its sister hotel, the Tamarijn Aruba, there’s not a whole lot else along this stretch - just mile upon mile of powder-soft white sand and gently nodding palms. That’s not to say there’s nothing to do here, though – over the road is a casino and a golf course.
Life at the Divi Aruba tends to revolve around the beach area. The open-sided lobby leads out to a shimmering turquoise pool. Close by you’ll ind the Coco Bar and the Pelican Terrace Restaurant – both of which overlook the ocean. If you want to raise the bar a notch, reserve a table at the Red Parrot à la carte restaurant. It’s just the place for romantic meals à deux. There’s even a little river running through it.
The hotel itself is fairly compact, split out into little two-storey blocks that run parallel to the beach. The rooms are bright and breezy, decked out in Caribbean colours and with little wicker sofas. Mod-cons, meanwhile, come in the form of air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and mini-fridges. Large wooden veranda-style balconies complete the picture.
On top of all that, as a guest here you can make full use of the facilities at the adjoining Tamarjin Aruba. So that’s more pools, bars and restaurants to choose from. Plus there’s plenty in the way of sports like windsuring, kayaking and tennis – there’s even a rock-climbing wall here.
Available May 14 - Oct 14
Oficial rating: HHHH
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
40
ArubA
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
JAMAICA
Practical Info For ceremonies in Jamaica, we’ll need you to send us certified copies of your documents before you go. We’ll then forward these on to resort for you. Check with us for the latest courier costs.
A word from the expert... "Get in to the Caribbean spirit by welcoming guests at your reception with a glass of rum punch filled with tropical fruits." Andrew Dudley, Product Manager
Please see our Thomson Faraway Shores brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
“Want to replace the wedding march with Bob Marley anthems? Make your toasts with rum on the rocks? No worries. Anything goes on the Caribbean’s most laid-back island.” Jamaica has the biggest personality of all the Caribbean islands and, as a result, even white weddings are colourful here. After all, nothing can be pale in a country where days pass by to the no-worries rhythms of reggae, and rounds of rum are served thick and fast in beachside bars. Even the food here comes with a kick, thanks to the generous measures of jerk spice that’s added to national dishes. When all’s said and done, though, the beaches are still Jamaica’s biggest draw. But be careful not to fall for the ‘seen one, seen them all’ fallacy – each swathe of coast is unique. At one end of the scale you’ve got the compact and sheltered James Bond Beach, where Dr No was filmed. At the other end, there’s the massive Seven Mile Beach, where hippies used to kick back in the Sixties. Elsewhere, Dunn’s River Falls really lives up to the hype that surrounds it. This famous waterfall near Ocho Rios is 600-feet tall, and it was formed in a series of natural steps, so you can climb to the top.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Jamaica include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, wedding cake and sparkling wine for the toast. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
JAMAICA
41
Weddings and Renewal of Vows packages from
£
805 May 14 - Oct 14
Sensatori Resort Jamaica Enjoy the ultimate Caribbean wedding at Sensatori Resort Jamaica.
Imagine saying your vows by the side of one of the best beaches in the world. That’s exactly what’s on offer when you marry at Sensatori Resort Jamaica. The newest hotel in the Sensatori collection is on the edge of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, which travel writers consistently rate as one of the top ten runways of sand on the globe. At Sensatori Resort Jamaica, promises are made in view of the Caribbean Sea, as the white drapes of the wedding venue stir in the coastal breeze. What happens next is up to you. Incorporate a cocktail hour into your celebration so you can toast to your future in style. Or go straight to your wedding breakfast with your friends and family. Call our Weddings Team on 0871 664 0131* to talk about the package that’s right for you. Honeymoons come naturally to Sensatori Resort Jamaica, too. The swim-up rooms with over-the-water day beds give you even more of an excuse to hang a do-not-disturb sign on your door.
Planned appearance
Planned appearance
For more information about Sensatori Resort Jamaica, pick up a copy of the Thomson Faraway Shores brochure, or visit thomson.co.uk. *Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication in April 2013.
Planned appearance
42
Planned appearance
Book Sensatori Resort Jamaica and you’ll get special travel benefits - a bigger luggage allowance and priority drop-off at your hotel.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
SECRETS ST JAMES MONTEGO BAY ttttt JAMAICA | Montego Bay
Your big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Marriage certiicate ■ Registrar fees ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Ocean-view junior suite
The Secrets St James Montego Bay is fronted by white sands and turquoise waters, and bordered by tranquil gardens. And it's this location that helped earn it a place on the Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List for 2013.
At mealtimes, choose from eight reservation-free gourmet restaurants, including an Italian trattoria, a Teppanyaki joint and a chic French eatery. Drinks are of the highest quality, too, with international-brand beers and spirits as standard.
Luxury and relaxation come hand-in-hand here. The scenestealer is the spa, which boasts 15 treatment rooms. You can work your way through a menu that includes outdoor Swedish massages and soothing facials. Outside, you’ll ind a huge swimming pool, framed by sleek wooden decking, loungers and palms.
All the rooms at the hotel are Junior Suites, so expect luxurious extras like ocean views and minibars that are replenished daily. And forget ‘do not disturb’ door-hangings. At this place, there’s a cutting-edge light system for when you want some privacy. Oficial rating: HHHHH
£649 * Renewal of Vows from £325 *
Weddings from
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
CLUBHOTEL RIU OCHO RIOS tttt JAMAICA | Ocho Rios
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole
See our Premium brochure for details.
■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Semi-private dinner for the couple and
10 wedding guests at one of our speciality restaurants ■ Special decoration in the room ■ Witnesses if required
Limited sea-view double room
The location is the big talking point at this place. Not only is the property set in tropical gardens, it’s pulled up against the sands of Ocho Rios Beach. What’s more, if you want to get out and about, the centre of town is less than a ten-minute drive away.
As far as dining goes, you can tuck in to the likes of pancakes and smoothies in the buffet restaurant in the mornings, and international favourites in the evenings. There’s also a string of à la carte options, including grill, Italian and Asian eateries.
The hotel’s facilities are just as impressive. Two large swimming pools take a central spot in the grounds, and one comes with a built-in whirlpool. They’re surrounded by palm trees and loungers, too. And, with two swim-up bars completing the scene, you don’t have to go far for a cocktail.
Oficial rating: HHHHH
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
FRee** 835
Renewal of Vows from £
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Jamaica
43
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
RIU PALACE TROPICAL BAY ttttt JAMAICA | Negril
Your big day package ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Semi-private dinner for the couple and
10 wedding guests at one of our speciality restaurants ■ Special decoration in the room ■ Witnesses if required
Swim-up bar
The Riu Palace Tropical Bay edges the white sands of Bloody Bay Beach, so you’re right on top of the Caribbean Sea. The whole property is surrounded by jungle-like greenery, too, so there’s a real air of privacy about the place. In the heart of it all you’ll ind two swimming pools, one of which comes with a swim-up bar and a whirlpool bath. They’re framed by glossy palms and thatched parasols, so things feel really tropical. And the pool scene buzzes during the day, with activities like water polo and aerobics laid on.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
As for dining, it’s all about choice. You’ve got ive restaurants to choose from, including a gourmet fusion eatery, an Italian trattoria and a Japanese à la carte. And in the main buffet restaurant, international favourites line up alongside local specialities like jerk chicken. For an extra special touch, glasses of izz are handed out at breakfast each morning. Oficial rating: HHHHH
£1055 * Renewal of Vows from £835 *
Weddings from
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
CLUBHOTEL RIU NEGRIL ttttp JAMAICA | Negril
Your big day package ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Semi-private dinner for the couple and
10 wedding guests at one of our speciality restaurants ■ Special decoration in the room ■ Witnesses if required
Wedding gazebo
The ClubHotel Riu Negril is pulled up against the sands of Bloody Bay Beach, so it’s got a front-row seat to the Caribbean Sea. Plus, if you want to get out and about, Negril’s town centre is less than a 20-minute taxi ride from the property.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
FRee**
Renewal of Vows from £
Most of the action happens around the two swimming pools, which come edged with loungers, palms and parasols. One of the pools has the added luxury of a swim-up bar, so you don’t have to move far when you fancy a cocktail. And, if you’ve got little guests in tow, there’s a small playground and a paddling pool on offer.
When it comes to food, the buffet restaurant lays on international spreads and regular themed nights. You can choose to go down the à la carte route, too – there’s a gourmet restaurant, a steakhouse and a Brazilian eatery to pick from. Whatever you do, don’t miss the grills on the beach – guests rave about the jerk chicken. Oficial rating: HHHHH
835
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
44
Jamaica
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
RIU MONTEGO BAY ttttp JAMAICA | Montego Bay
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ CD or recorded music during the
ceremony ■ Semi-private dinner for the couple and
10 wedding guests at one of our speciality restaurants ■ Special decoration in the room ■ Witnesses if required
Suite
The Riu Montego Bay is fronted by a white ribbon of sand, which gently shelves into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. It means you get the dual beneit of fantastic views and easy access to the beach. When you want to get out and about, meanwhile, you’re less than a ten-minute taxi ride from the shops, restaurants and bars of Montego’s centre. Another of the hotel’s plus points is its huge swimming pool, which winds its way round a sunny terrace freckled with loungers and palms. There’s a swim-up bar at one end of it, so you can grab a drink whenever you fancy. Plus, little ones get their own separate splash pool.
As for dining, the main restaurant lays on big buffet spreads, with on-the-spot cooking stations a major feature. Expect full American breakfasts in the mornings, featuring the likes of made-to-order pancakes. And for lunch and dinner, enjoy things like ish, pasta and salad. Six times a week, there’s a popular Jerk chicken station for lunch, so you can sample the nation’s tasty signature dish. in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Oficial rating: HHHHH
Weddings from
FRee** 835
Renewal of Vows from £
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
COUPLES SANS SOUCI ttttt JAMAICA | Ocho Rios
Your big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Marriage certiicate ■ Registrar fees ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Continental breakfast in bed ■ 2 t-shirts
This hotel has been awarded a place on the Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List for 2013, so you know you can expect good things. The property has been designed to put you in the traditional Jamaican ‘no worries’ state of mind. It's tucked away from the rest of the world on top of a rocky outcrop, and it looks out over the calming scene of a spotless white beach and the Caribbean Sea.
Food is served in four different restaurants. Casanova offers Caribbean fusion dishes like grilled duck breast with West Indian salsa, and Palazzina specialises in global bistro dishes. Then there’s the Beach Grill, which serves grills and salads at lunch before it turns into the Jamaican Bella Vista restaurant in the evenings. Oficial rating: HHHHH
The facilities have been created with Zen in mind. There are four swimming pools to relax in, one of which is a mineral pool with rejuvenating properties. There’s a seaside spa, too, which has been named the ‘Best in the Caribbean’ by Travel and Leisure Magazine. What’s more, the hotel runs a regular programme of pilates and yoga.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£809 * Renewal of Vows from £205 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Jamaica
45
Weddings From Thomson
JAMAICA LOCATION WEDDINGS
Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
“With a Jamaican wedding, you’re not just limited to the beach – we’ve got some fantastic out-ofthe-ordinary settings where you can tie the knot.” BELLEFIELD GREAT HOUSE
1,855
from £
One of the oldest plantation houses on the island, this beautiful mansion has recently been restored to its former glory. Romantic gardens, elegant fountains and towering palms will provide a picture-perfect backdrop for your big day.
1,649
RICHMOND HILL
1,559
from £
Exchange rings 500-foot above sea level and spectacular views are guaranteed. As you walk down the aisle, you’ll take in a vista that spans tree-dappled mountains and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
1,295
PROSPECT PLANTATION HORSEBACK WEDDING from £
BEACH LOCATIONS
For a real fairytale ceremony, exchange vows on horseback. One of Jamaica’s oldest plantations provides the picturesque setting.
Always wanted to walk down the aisle with the sand between your toes? Make that dream a reality with a beach wedding. The gently lapping waves of the Caribbean Sea will provide a romantic soundtrack for your big moment.
RAFTING ON THE MARTHA BRAE
1,345
from £
This one sees you become Mr and Mrs on a traditional raft. After promising to have and to hold, you’ll cruise downstream through a natural canopy of bamboo.
CENTURY GREENWOOD GREAT HOUSE
1,399
from £
This fascinating antique museum is ideal if you’re after somewhere a bit unusual. The attractive colonial house is surrounded by exotic gardens, so you can really make the most of getting wed in the Caribbean.
DAY-O PLANTATION
from £
1,319
from £
This small plantation is a great choice for an intimate wedding. A bloom-filled gazebo provides the stage for saying ‘I do’.
HERE’S WHAT’S INCLUDED with all of our Wedding packages… ■
Wedding ceremony
■
All legal documents
■
Wedding cake
■
Champagne
■
Bouquet and buttonhole for the bride and groom
Some of these locations are only available when you’re staying in Montego Bay, and others when you’re staying in Ocho Rios. For more info, give our Weddings Team a call on 0871 664 0131*. *Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication in April 2013.
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
46
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Happily ever after
starts in Mauritius
Weddings
Sun-drenched weddings on the shores of the Indian Ocean move from the realm of make believe to reality this year. From next May, you can become man and wife in Mauritius. Make your promises on sands as white as your wedding cake before celebrating in one of the island’s world-class hotels. Available to book from July 2013.
KENYA
Practical Info It’s worth noting that if you want to combine your wedding with a safari holiday you’ll need to do the safari first.
A word from the expert... “Giryama dancers are great if you’re looking to add some local flavour to your big day. They’re a Kenyan music troupe made up of eight dancers and four drummers, and they’re guaranteed to get the party going.” Laura Faragher, Product Manager
Please see our Thomson Faraway Shores brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
“Offering up wilderness safaris, white-sand beaches and thrumming cities, Kenya sets the scene for out-of-the-ordinary weddings.” Ever since Will proposed to Kate in a remote cabin, Kenya has become prime romance territory. And it’s easy to see why. For starters, huge stretches of the country are wild and uninhabited. You’ll find scorched red plains, crooked baobab trees and mountain ranges pock-marked by long-gone lava lakes. If these landscapes don’t get your pulse racing, nothing will. Then you’ve got the wildlife to consider, and the Big Five are just part of the story. On your hunt for lions and wildebeest, you might spot a bright-pink flamingo ballet on one of the country’s great lakes, or catch a long-necked giraffe grazing the day away. Away from the wilderness, Kenya has a pretty slick urban scene, as well. The capital, Nairobi, gives New York a run for its money as the city that never sleeps. During the day, you’ll be swept up in the sounds of bustling markets and the smells of street-side food sellers. Then, when dusk hits, the vibe becomes much more cosmopolitan, as international restaurants open their doors and music bars warm up for all-night sessions.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Kenya include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, marriage certificate, wedding cake, bouquet & button hole, sparkling wine for the toast. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
KENYA
49
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
BAOBAB BEACH RESORT ttttp KENYA | Diani Beach
Your big day package ■ Registrar fees
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit basket, lowers and wine in room
on arrival ■ Massage for wedding couple
Baobab twin room
Right on the coast and surrounded by 80 acres of forest, this aptly-named hotel is in quite a spot. Swaying palms and native baobab trees stretch off into the distance, while a long ribbon of white sand gives way to the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The complex itself is split into three sections – the Baobab, the Maridadi and Kole Kole. Each one comes with its own lake-sized swimming pool, surrounded by lawns. The one at Kole Kole steals the show – it’s an ininity number metres from the beach.
Direct lights from the uK to Mombasa, are only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£1325 1325* *
Renewal of Vows from £
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
On the sports front, you’ve got everything from tennis and volleyball to scuba diving and windsuring. Or, head to the spa or take a walk through the grounds of the hotel – they’re home to exotic birds and monkeys. As for accommodation, each section of the hotel offers up stylish
rooms and bungalows. African-print soft furnishings and four-poster wooden beds give them a traditional vibe, while air-conditioning keeps things comfortable. For more in the way of luxury, opt for one of Kole Kole’s Junior suites – you’ll get extras like a king-size bed and a private whirlpool bath. Last but not least, the hotel’s dining scene is worth a mention. The main All Inclusive restaurant serves up a huge buffet spread of dishes from around the world. What’s more, depending on when you’re visiting, there’s also a seafood and grill à la carte with an oriental inluence , and an Italian bistro in the Kole Kole wing. The Kole Kole section closes mid-Apr to the end of June - 2 bars, 2 restaurants and the ininity pool will not be available. Oficial rating: HHHH
AMANI TIWI BEACH RESORT tttt KENYA | Tiwi Beach
Your big day package ■ 2 witnesses to the wedding if required
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Fresh fruit and lowers in room ■ Private dinner for 2 on the beach from
set menu ■ Movie for two at 3D mini movie
theatre with hotel's compliments ■ 30 min massage for the couple prior to
the wedding ■ Gift from the hotel
The main draw of the Amani Tiwi Beach Resort is its beachfront setting. The hotel, which has been completely refurbished in 2012, edges Tiwi Beach, so you’re never more than a few strides from the Indian Ocean. The hotel’s pool scene is pretty special, too. In the heart of the grounds is an enormous lagoon-like swimming pool that snakes its way through a sunny terrace. Sunbeds and palms line the water and give way to a swim-up bar at one end of the pool, where you can order drinks and cocktails.
In the uK, only the Thomson Group offers all Inclusive at this hotel
At mealtimes, you’ve got three à la cartes to choose from, plus a buffet restaurant beside the beach. You can eat al fresco here, while you tuck into international cuisine and Kenyan dishes. For something extra special, book a candlelit dinner for two on the sands. Later, you can round off the day enjoying a nightcap and a Kenyan folklore or dancing show on the terrace. Oficial rating: HHHH
£1135 * Renewal of Vows from £945
Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
50
KenYa
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
DIANI SEA RESORT ttt
Your big day package
KENYA | Diani Beach
■ Licence application
It’s the location that really sets this place apart. It’s tucked away in tropical gardens that step down to a sandy beach. What’s more, you’ve got prime safari territory on your doorstep.
■ Registrar fees ■ Flowers in room on arrival ■ Fruit basket in room on arrival
Looks-wise, the All Inclusive Diani Sea Resort has a touch of colonial romanticism about it. Its whitewashed, russet-roofed façade opens up to a lobby with a mural-topped reception, simple columns and big indoor palms. The restaurants, too, are elegantly simple in style. The main eatery is a buffet affair set behind archways. Meanwhile, for favourites like pizzas, spaghetti and sandwiches, the poolside snack bar is spot on. There’s plenty in the way of entertainment. Set in the heart of the garden is the swimming pool. If you’re after something a little more adventurous, though, there’s a PADI diving school on site, plus windsuring, snorkelling and deep sea ishing trips.
Direct flights from the uK to Mombasa, are only available from the Thomson Group.
£469 * Renewal of Vows from £469 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
Oficial rating: HHHH
NGUNI SANCTUARY
Your big day package
KENYA | Bamburi Beach
■ Adopt an animal - 1 year adoption
certiicate If you’re after a wedding day that’s a break from the norm, head to the Nguni Sanctuary in Kenya. Named after a tribe of people who migrated to southern Africa in search of grazing for their cattle, this huge reserve is home to giraffe, antelope and long horned oryx. And, because it’s set inland, away from the hotels, the Nguni offers you a big day that’s as intimate as they come. You can tie the knot at sunset here – watch the sky blush pink as the African sun sinks into the horizon. You’ll say your vows as the sounds of nocturnal creatures izz to life on the plains around you. After the ceremony, you can toast the new phase of your life on the shadow-drenched safari lands. Later, head to the Dhow boat restaurant for a wedding breakfast that revolves around a delicious ive-course seafood meal.
■ 5 course seafood meal for the couple
at the Dhow restaurant, drinks extra charge ■ Transport for the bride and groom to and from the venue
£635 * Renewal of Vows from £635 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
SWAHILI FLOWERBOAT
Your big day package
KENYA | Mshomoroni
■ Registrar fees
If you’re after a wedding day with a difference, opt to tie the knot onboard a Swahili Dhow Boat. These sailing vessels have been used for centuries to transport fresh fruit and ish around Africa and India. But, on your big day, one particular ship will be carrying a more precious cargo – your wedding party. Taking place at sunset, your journey will take you past Tudor Creek, so you’ll be treated to fabulous views of the sun sinking into the water as you go. The soundtrack to your ceremony will be the chords from local guitarists, and bright frangipani and bougainvillea will be used to decorate the boat. It all makes for a really romantic setting for you to say your vows. Once you’re back on dry land, you’ll head into Fort Jesus in Mombasa's old town, where you’ll enjoy a ive course dinner under the blinking African stars.
■ Decorated Dhow with local musicians ■ Canapees served onboard (drinks
excluded) ■ Candlelit ive course meal at Fort
Jesus, drinks extra charge ■ Transport for bride and groom to and
from the Dhow
£619 * Renewal of Vows from £619 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
KenYa
51
FLORIDA
Practical Info Just so you know, you’ll need to pick up your marriage licence from the Town House before your big day. Your transportation to and from here is included, although getting to and from the venue on your wedding day isn’t.
“With incredible beaches, classic American towns and more than a touch of magic, Florida does weddings like nowhere else.” The mere mention of Florida is enough to conjure up images of pristine beaches, glossy palm trees and, of course, Mickey Mouse. And it’s this winning combination that makes America’s Sunshine State a top destination for tying the knot. The whole place is pure fairytale territory – visit the Walt Disney World theme parks, for instance, and you’ll enter a world of enchanted castles, storybook towns and cartoon heroes. Elsewhere, romantic backdrops come courtesy of the beaches. Clearwater’s cushiony sands stretch on for two and a half miles, while Panama City Beach in the northwest is famous for its chalk-white sands. Then there are the beaches of St Petersburg and Fort Myers – considered some of the best in the US. Florida also delivers when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Orlando’s Discovery Cove, for example, lets you swim with dolphins and paddle with stingrays. Then there are the big-day venues to consider. Opt for a Southern belle-style wedding at the Magnolia Acres in Orlando, a pink Victorian farmhouse that dates back to the 18th century. Or, if it’s something a little more intimate you’re after, go for the chapel in Winter Park. This historic town is full of tree-lined avenues and parkland, so it’s a lovely setting for a big day. And, if you go for a dreamy beachfront ceremony, Cocoa Beach is great – it’s nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River Lagoon.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Florida include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, marriage licence and certificate, registrar, bouquet and button hole. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
A word from the expert... “Make your big day in the Sunshine State even more special – let your Weddings Advisor organise a hot-air balloon ride or arrange for you to swim with dolphins after the ceremony.” Jane Dowle, Weddings Administrator
Please see our Thomson Florida brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
52
FLORIDA
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
FLORIDA WEDDINGS
“Add a touch of fairytale magic to your big day with a Walt Disney World Resort wedding.”
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
Deluxe Escape Wedding
PReMIuM Escape Wedding
Wedding ceremony at various Walt Disney World Resort locations (see below for details)
*
*
2,955
3,589
from £ ■
Cake/champagne celebration
■
Bouquet and buttonhole
■
6 hour limousine service to and from wedding ceremony
■
On-site Wedding Coordinator
■
Violinist for the ceremony and celebration
from £
■
Two tiered wedding cake and champagne toast
■
Wedding ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion
■
Two tiered wedding cake and champagne toast
■
Two hour photographer (20) 4x6 photos in album plus photo CD
■
6 hour limousine service to and from wedding ceremony
■
2 hour photographer: (20) 4x6 photos in album plus photo CD
■
On-site Wedding Coordinator
■
Wedding keepsake
■
Wedding keepsake
■
■
Bouquet and buttonhole
■
Organist for wedding ceremony and a violinist for celebration
■
■
Cake and champagne celebration at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
CEREMONY LOCATIONS ■
Sea Breeze Pointe at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
■
The Wedding Gazebo at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
■
Sunrise Terrace at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (8 guests plus the Bride/Groom)
■
Sunset Pointe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort (8 guests plus the Bride/Groom)
Important Information: In order to beneit from a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding Package, couples must stay at least 5 consecutive nights at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. Disney tickets must also be purchased for the full duration of the wedding couple’s stay in the Walt Disney World Resort. These must be added to the holiday booking. Escape weddings are available for couple and maximum 4 guests. Disney will allow up to 18 guests at the ceremony without charge, however they are encouraged to purchase additional beverages and transportation. Cinderella coach and other extras incur extra costs. • Weddings may be booked 8 months prior to the date of the wedding • Deluxe and Premium weddings are available Monday through Friday 10am, noon, 2.30pm or 5pm
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
FLORIDA
53
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN & DOLPHIN RESORT ttttt FLORIDA | Walt Disney World Resort
Your big day package ■ Choice of decorated location ■ Wedding Cake ■ Champagne for toast ■ Transport to and from the court house
to collect marriage licence ■ Planning and administration
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
The Walt Disney World Swan Resort makes quite the irst impression, not least because 2 enormous swans sit atop its arched rooftop. A lake fringed by a sandy beach separates it from its sister property, the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort. There are also 5 swimming pools, complete with waterfalls, grottos and fountains, to choose from.
£1379 * Renewal of Vows from £1185 Weddings from
*
Inside, bedrooms are stylish and spacious, and come with extras like high-speed internet and widescreen TVs. You’ll ind a huge selection of themed restaurants here, too. The most popular is Garden Grove, where the tables are set under a 25-foot oak tree and Disney characters join you while you eat.
In terms of location, this place is situated inside Walt Disney World, with walkways or water taxis to take you to nearby Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Plus, regular shuttle buses run to all the other Disney attractions – so getting out and about couldn’t be easier. Parking is payable locally. This costs approximately $12 including tax with a maximum of 5 days charge. Oficial rating: None
Available May 14 - Oct 14
® DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD tttt FLORIDA | International Drive
YOUR big day package ■ Decorated Wedding Gazebo ■ Cake ■ Champagne for toast ■ Transport to and from the court house
to collect marriage licence ■ Planning and administration
Florida’s Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld® is in a central spot on International Drive. It’s next door to SeaWorld® Orlando and just across the road from Aquatica™ water park, so you can walk to them if you want. Plus, daily courtesy buses will get you to Walt Disney World in around 25 minutes.
£729 * Renewal of Vows from £535 Weddings from
*
The hotel has undergone a recent revamp, giving it an exotic, Balinese-style theme. The lobby is an laid-back mix of indoor palms and bamboo armchairs, while the bedrooms have a chic, minimalist look. They’re well equipped, too, with latscreen TVs and Wi-Fi access.
Outside, the three pools have palms and thatched parasols set around their terraces. There’s a whirlpool tub here, too, as well as hammocks in the surrounding gardens. Lastly, you’ve got a choice of four restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at the Balinese-style Bamboo Grille and head for Max’s Deli for a salad or pizza after a day at the parks. Oficial rating: 3 Diamond
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
54
FLORIDA
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
CYPRESS GROVE
Your big day package
FLORIDA | Orlando
■ Wedding cake
If a garden wedding takes your fancy, Cypress Grove could be just what you’re looking for. A picture-book 1920s estate set on the edge of Orlando’s Lake Jessamine, it exudes natural beauty. To mark the start of your ceremony, you’ll make an entrance through magnolia-lanked gates, before driving along a tree-lined boulevard to the plantation house. All snow-white walls, graceful pillars and traditional green window shutters, it’s every inch the southern beauty. The ceremony itself will be held in a gazebo on the lakeside, with your guests seated on the lawns looking out over the water. Once you’ve swapped vows, you can make the most of the gardens by posing for photographs. Stand under the towering, moss-draped cypress trees or smile for the camera on the lawns that run down to the lake. Later, to set the seal on the occasion, you and your guests can enjoy cake and non-alcoholic izz inside the mansion.
■ Sparkling wine for toast ■ Transport to and from Court House to
collect marriage licence
£615 * Renewal of Vows from £435 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
PARADISE COVE
YOUR big day package
FLORIDA | Lake Buena Vista
■ Wedding cake
You’ll add an exotic touch to your wedding day if you tie the knot at the Paradise Cove in Orlando. What’s more, if you pick this place for your big day, you’ll get married on a sandy beach on the edge of a beautiful lake. When you walk down the aisle, you’ll be shaded by the palms of old Cypress trees that are drizzled in hanging moss. After the ceremony, you can have your pictures taken as the lake waters stir behind you. Then, you’ll move to a patio area to cut your cake and start the party with a glass of champagne.
■ Sparkling wine for toast ■ Transport to and from Court House to
collect marriage licence
£999 * Renewal of Vows from £815 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
WINTER PARK GARDENS
YOUR big day package
FLORIDA | Orlando
■ Wedding cake
You’ll ind this 19th-century wedding chapel in the historic town of Winter Park, just north of Orlando. The town itself is a real southern belle, complete with redbrick streets, Victorian-style street lamps and tree-lined avenues. As for the chapel itself, it has a really intimate atmosphere that makes it perfect for small weddings. It stands on a brick-paved street, shaded by a lovely moss-hung tree. And inside, it’s cosy and simple, with a gleaming antique wood loor, cream walls and vintage wooden benches. Whirring ceiling fans and black-and-white wall prints complete the picture. After reciting your vows, you’ll step into the sunshine through the wooden doors and have your photographs taken under the tree or in the surrounding gardens. Another good spot for pictures is Winter Park’s Rose Garden, which is just a block away. Filled with perfumed roses and greenery-draped pergolas, it’s the ultimate romantic setting.
■ Sparkling wine for toast ■ Transport to and from Court House to
collect marriage licence
£675 * Renewal of Vows from £595 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
FLORIDA
55
THAILAND
Practical Info Use the opportunity to go on a twin centre holiday when obtaining your affidavit in Bangkok
You only need to look at the floating markets and the street food stalls to know that nothing is run of the mill in Thailand. And the same applies to weddings. In this country, you can become man and wife on a sand bar in the middle of the Andaman Sea or in the presence of monks in a Buddhist temple. The country’s natural larder means that wedding breakfasts can be a million miles away from those eaten by newlyweds in the UK. Out here, you can substitute tomato soup and roast beef for steamy noodles, flavoured with ginger, galangal root and coconut milk. Plus, as the country that invented the full moon party, Thailand knows how to celebrate into the evening. Out here, you can follow up your vows with fire spinning performances on the beach or flying lantern-lighting ceremonies in view of the sea.
A word from the expert... “If you’re after somewhere really exotic for your big day, Thailand is perfect. It promises amazing scenery and plenty of culture, plus there are some really different venues to pick from, like Buddhist temples and sandbars in the middle of the Andaman Sea.” Gemma Rowley, Product Manager
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Thailand include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, marriage certificate and flower arrangements. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
Please see our Thomson Faraway Shores brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
56
THAILAND
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
JW MARRIOTT KHAO LAK RESORT ttttt THAILAND | Khao Lak
Your big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ English speaking master of ceremony ■ In-room loral decoration on
wedding day ■ 1 bottle of Moet et Chandon
champagne ■ Romantic dinner for 2 ■ Small wedding cake
InYou’ll become man and wife on the shores of the Andaman Sea when you get married at the J W Marriot in Khao Lak. And the hotel sets the tone for the day before you even set foot of the sand. Flowers and candles will be set up in your room at the start of your day. The ceremony takes place on the beach, in a specially-dressed space. There’ll be a lower arch, studded with orchids, roses and chrysanthemums, and similar lowers in stands around the aisle. Seats draped in white silk will be laid out for your guests, too. Then, once you’ve said your vows,
there’ll be a chilled bottle of Moet waiting for you to make your irst toast. Your irst meal as man and wife will be served to a table on the beach. And, you’ll be given a wedding cake to cut at the end of it all. Oficial rating: HHHHH
direct lights from the uK to Phuket, are only available from the Thomson Group.
£3835 * Renewal of Vows from £2825
*
Weddings from
Available Nov 13 - April 14
RENAISSANCE PHUKET RESORT & SPA ttttt THAILAND | Phuket - Mai Khao Beach
Your big day package ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Complimentary upgrade to a Pool Villa
for the couple ■ Floral decoration, bottle of sparkling
wine and romantic candles in villa on wedding day ■ 1 bottle of sparkling wine and snacks for 2 ■ Breakfast in villa the day after wedding
It’s not just your wedding day that’s taken care of when you get married at the Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa. This luxury hotel pays as much attention to the days on either side, too. For starters, if you’re staying overnight at the hotel, you’ll be automatically upgraded to a pool villa, which is a secluded bolthole with a private plunge pool. Your ceremony will take place on Mai Khao Beach. Chairs covered in white silk will be set up for your guests, and the aisle will be decorated with tropical lowers. The izz will be on ice throughout the day, too. A bottle of sparkling wine will be delivered to your villa on the day of your
wedding and a second bottle will be waiting on the beach, ready to pop when you’ve said your vows. Your irst meal as a married couple will take place on the sand, too. On the morning after your wedding, breakfast will be brought to your villa. Whether you choose to eat it in bed or by the pool is up to you. Oficial rating: HHHHH direct lights from the uK to Phuket, are only available from the Thomson Group.
£3615 * Renewal of Vows from £2609 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - April 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Thailand
57
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Your big day package
WAT BANG RIENG PAGODA HILL TEMPLE THAILAND | Phang Nga
■ Return VIP transfers to wedding venue ■ Offering for the Monks ■ Lunch including drinks for 2 ■ 50 photos on CD ■ DVD photo slide show with music
£2445 * Renewal of Vows from £1439 Weddings from
*
You’ll experience Thai culture uncut when you wed at the Wat Bang Rieng Pagoda Hill Temple. This traditional Buddhist temple introduces itself with a pillared entrance way and gilded peak roof. And, inside, its yawning corridors team marble loors with frescoed walls. Ceremonies here are split into 3 stages. You’ll begin by paying your respects to the image of Buddha inside a prayer room at the temple, and then you’ll move out to a pavilion, which looks out over tropical forest and blue-hued mountains. Once you’re here, you’ll be joined by a group of golden-robed monks. You’ll kneel down in front of them and
they’ll begin a traditional blessing. A senior monk will begin the ritual by chanting in the ancient Pali language. You’ll be blessed with water, your waists will be emblematically tied together, and you’ll have 3 symbolic dots marked on your head. At this point, you’ll present the monks with gifts and small donations. Your inal transition to man and wife will take place in the inner sanctum of the temple, where you’ll make wishes about your future life together.
Available Nov 13 - April 14
TUP ISLAND THAILAND | Krabi
Your big day package ■ Return speedboat transfers to venue ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ 1 bottle of sparkling wine and canapés
for 2 ■ English speaking master of ceremony ■ Thai set dinner on Tup Island, and
drinks during dinner for 2 ■ 50 photos on a CD ■ DVD photo slideshow with music
A sandbar stands in for the aisle when you say your vows on Tup Island. And the Andaman Sea ills the space where the pews should be. The ceremony takes place on the runway of white sand that connects Tup Island to Chicken Island, 20 minutes from the Krabi mainland. You’ll travel over to the island in style, in a speedboat. A pergola, dressed with white drapes, will be waiting for you when you arrive, along with stands full of the lowers you’ll have chosen in ahead of the big day. There’s no shortage of photo opportunities on this deserted lozenge of
land. If you have your picture taken on the shore, you’ll have Krabi’s famous limestone rocks and the Princess Peninsula as the backdrop. Most people choose to get married at dusk, so they can pop a post-nuptial bottle of izz as the sun dips below the horizon. After sunset you can have dinner on the beach. Choose between an intimate table for 2 or invite the family for a bigger feast.
£3039 * Renewal of Vows from £2035 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - April 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
58
Thailand
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
AO NANG BEACH AND ISLANDS
Your big day package
THAILAND | Krabi
■ Return VIP transfers to wedding venue
Breaking waves will provide the soundtrack to your wedding when you get married on Ao Nang Beach. Ceremonies take place at the eastern end of the beach, which is more hushed than the rest. The sand here is as white as a traditional wedding dress and the whole area is backed by a dramatic cliff, so you’ll have no trouble illing your wedding album with snaps. To make your ceremony even more memorable, we’ll dress the swatch of sand where you’ll wed. Flower stands on either side of the altar will be illed with local blooms, and silk-covered chairs will be laid out for your guests. Bamboo partitions will add privacy to the whole scene. Most couples choose to say their vows at dusk, so they’ll be man and wife by sunset. Ao Nang town takes care of wedding breakfasts and post-nuptial drinks. This coastal town is dotted with dinky bars and friendly restaurants.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ 1 bottle of sparkling wine and canapés
for 2
£1955 * Renewal of Vows from £949
Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - April 14
KHAO LAK BEACH
Your big day package
THAILAND | Khao Lak
■ Return VIP transfers to wedding venue
When you say your vows on Khao Lak Beach you’ll have the Andaman Sea in front of you and the region’s tropical greenery behind you. This southernmost section of Khao Lak’s coastline is about as unspoilt as it gets, and the ideal place for a natural, fuss-free wedding. The ceremony will take place at dusk, just before the sun sets, so you can make your irst toast as man and wife as the sun dips below the horizon. Your irst meal together as newlyweds will take place on the beach, too. We’ll set up a special table for you on the sand and serve you a 4 or 5-course set meal. You can choose to dine as just the 2 of you or arrange a bigger feast for family and friends.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ 1 bottle of sparkling wine and canapés
for 2
£2329 * Renewal of Vows from £1325 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - April 14
SURIN BEACH
Your big day package
THAILAND | Phuket
■ Return VIP transfers to wedding venue
You’ll be in good company when you wed on Surin Beach. This slither of the Thai coast is known as Millionaire’s Row, due to the high number of exclusive hotels that overlook the sand. That said, ceremonies on this stretch of immaculately white sand are private affairs. You can have an aisle marked out in lower petals and edged with partitions. Wedding photographers have an easy job in this part of the world. You can have your pictures taken with the Andaman Sea in the background. Most people choose to get married here at sunset, so they can enjoy a post-nuptial cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon. When you get married on Surin Beach, the irst thing you’ll do together as man and wife is light some Chinese lanterns. When you ignite the tea light inside these paper balloons, they loat into the sky, symbolising good luck. You’ll have your irst meal as newlyweds at a table, which has been specially set up on the sand.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ 1 bottle of sparkling wine and canapés
for 2
£2329 * Renewal of Vows from £1325 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - April 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Thailand
59
CYPRUS “The birthplace of the Goddess of Love, Cyprus is fast becoming the destination of choice for dreamy nuptials.”
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Cyprus include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, marriage certificate, wedding cake, bouquet for the bride and button hole for the groom, sparkling wine for the toast. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
Nowhere in the Med spells romance quite like Cyprus. Not only is it the birthplace of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, but Mark Anthony presented the island to Cleopatra as a token of his affection. So you’re in good company if you tie the knot here. The island offers up some spectacular big-day backdrops. For starters, it’s got more than 800 kilometres of coastline to its name, with rocky inlets and secluded bays giving way to swathes of sand that stretch for miles. Inland, meanwhile, it’s all pine-covered hills, winding streams and citrus groves. Cyprus also comes with a huge helping of history. Explore crumbling churches and time-worn forts, and discover hidden charms like the
famous mountain-top monastery in Kykkos. Over in Kourion, the ancient theatre is well worth a look, too – stand in the centre and imagine the roar of the crowds from days gone by. Evenings in Cyprus can be played out in two ways. Ayia Napa and Potamos Yermasoyias are the places to go for cosmopolitan bars and thumping baselines. At the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got fairy-lit harbours in places like Paphos and Kyrenia. They’re lined with cosy tavernas – perfect for looking out across the water over a plate of moussaka and a bottle of wine.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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CYPRUS
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Practical Info Town Hall weddings in Cyprus usually take place in the morning, with hotel ceremonies in the afternoon. You’ll need to book for a minimum of ten nights in high season, due to weddings demand. In low season, it’s seven nights minimum.
A word from the expert... "There's nowhere better to seal your love than Aphrodite's birthplace. Pick from quaint chapels, town halls, and hotel gazebos that look out over the sea." Jeanette Salmon, Weddings Team Manager
Please see our Thomson Greece & Cyprus brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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ON THE HAPPIEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE WE MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
CONSTANTINOU BROS ATHENA BEACH HOTEL
CONSTANTINOU BROS ASIMINA SUITES HOTEL
CONSTANTINOU BROS ATHENA ROYAL BEACH HOTEL
SUPERIOR
CONSTANTINOU BROS PIONEER BEACH HOTEL
DELUXE
DELUXE
STYLISH Superb wedding venues in glorious beachfront locations EXCLUSIVE Romantic early evening sunset weddings UNIQUE Only one wedding per day on weekends COMPLIMENTARY Adonis Gazebo weddings free with 10 or more rooms booked
www.cbh-cyprus.com
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL SUNRISE BEACH ttttt CYPRUS | Protaras
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Wine and lowers in room on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 ■ Breakfast in room morning after the
wedding ■ Registrar fees ■ 1 massage for bride and groom
The Hotel Sunrise Beach is in the centre of Protaras, just a few minutes’ walk from the town’s shops, bars and restaurants. The property is pulled up against the beach, which means you’ve got a long ribbon of sand just footsteps away. Life here tends to centre around the lagoon-like swimming pool, which winds its way around a sunny terrace. Added luxuries include a swim-up bar and a built-in whirlpool bath. Little ones are also well catered for, with their own splash pool. Best of all, you’re allocated a sunbed when you arrive, which is yours for the rest of your stay.
On the dining front, expect international buffets in Panorama Restaurant. If you’re on a Half Board package, you can enjoy your evening meal in the Reef American Grill, which serves up huge burgers and sizzling steaks. Plus, the Dine Around option means you can eat at the Greek and Italian restaurants down the road. Oficial rating: HHHH
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group
£1055 * Renewal of Vows from £985
Weddings from
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
HOTEL CAPO BAY ttttt CYPRUS | Protaras
Your big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Candlelit dinner for two ■ Fruit, wine and lowers in your room ■ Sparkling wine breakfast in bed
morning after the wedding ■ Registrar and Town hall fees
The Capo Bay Hotel has the Blue Flag-awarded Fig Tree Bay to one side and Protaras’ town centre to the other, so all the area’s best bits are within easy reach. What’s more, the property is cocooned by Zen-like gardens dotted with ishponds and fountains, so it feels nice and private.
At mealtimes, choose from a buffet of international dishes and Cypriot specialities in the main restaurant. Alternatively, keep things simple with a salad or panini by the pool, or head to ‘Koi’, the hotel’s funky lounge, for a fusion menu of Asian and Mediterranean lavours. There’s a glossy vodka bar for afters, too.
Two outdoor pools take centre-stage in the grounds. They’re surrounded by palms and tropical lowers, which give them a real lagoon-like feel. Teak loungers line the water’s edge and a bar sits at one end. Around the corner, meanwhile, there’s a sleek spa, which offers up everything from a traditional hammam to a beauty studio.
Oficial rating: HHHH
£1799 * Renewal of Vows from £1725 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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63
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
ATLANTICA AENEAS RESORT & SPA ttttt CYPRUS | Nissi Beach
Your big day package ■ Wine and fruit on arrival
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ One free use of sauna and whirlpool
bath ■ Candlelit dinner for two, not on the
wedding day ■ Registrar fees ■ 20% off treatments in hairdressing
salon excluding the wedding day ■ Town hall, chapel and hotel ceremonies
available
It’s hard to know where to begin at the Atlantica Aeneas. Take the huge swimming pool snaking round the complex, for instance. It’s one of the largest in the world! Plus it’s got ive bars, including a swim-up variety. Terraces and gardens dotted with sun-loungers and parasols add the inishing touches to pool perfection. Then there’s the food. Expect everything from piled-high buffets to poolside snacks and gourmet dinners. Lots of special themed nights up the ante even further.
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£975 * Renewal of Vows from £925 Weddings from
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
The Atlantica Aeneas doesn’t disappoint when it comes to activities either. There are courts for tennis and squash, pitches for football in the winter, and things like aqua aerobics and water polo in the pool.
It’s more of the same when it comes to evening entertainment. At the lamboyant end of the spectrum, there’s everything from illusionists to cabaret acts and folk dancing. Mellow tones from the cocktail bar pianist provide a more low-key contrast. Factor in that the hotel is set in 14 acres of quiet landscaped gardens – a stone's throw from beautiful Nissi Beach – and there’s little need to ever venture out. But if you should feel the tug of the bright lights and brash fun of Ayia Napa, it’s two and a half kilometres away. Oficial rating: HHHHH
HOTEL ATLANTICA CLUB SUNGARDEN BEACH tttt CYPRUS | Ayia Napa
Your big day package ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Wine and fruit on arrival ■ Single use of sauna ■ Memento for the bride and groom ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 ■ Free tea and coffee making facilities in
room ■ Town hall fees
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Stylish hotels that welcome children can be hard to come by, but the Atlantica Club SunGarden bends the rules a bit. It’s chicly designed, but it’s got no airs or graces, so adults can relax while little ones get stuck into the fun.
At mealtimes, the hotel has two restaurants. There’s a candle-lit à la carte and a buffet restaurant, which has a special section for children’s dishes. Both eateries look out over the Mediterranean Sea, so you can soak up the views as you dine.
On the facilities front, there are two ininity swimming pools, an indoor pool, and a separate swimming pool for children. When you want a change of scene, it’s only a minute’s walk to the beach. The waters here are shallow and clear, so it’s safe for those in water-wings.
As for location, Ayia Napa’s town centre is within walking distance – it takes about 20 minutes – and public transport is easily available. Oficial rating: HHH
£1069 * Renewal of Vows from £975
Weddings from
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL NAPA MERMAID ttttp CYPRUS | Ayia Napa
Your big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Marriage licence & all registrar fees ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit & lowers in room on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for bride & groom ■ Breakfast in room the morning after
the wedding
Wedding area
Executive rooms
Fully rebuilt in 2007, the Napa Mermaid Hotel & Suites is the epitome of modern, fresh, understated design. Factor in a sandy beach, unrivalled sea views and a laid-back atmosphere and it’s clear to see why it’s so popular with guests.
lavished on each room. But it’s the views across Grecian Bay that are the real talking point. Factor in extras like individually controlled air-conditioning and latscreen TVs and you’ve got one modern escape.
Set in a quiet spot, it’s just a ten minute stroll from the centre of Ayia Napa, so it brings you the best of both worlds.
In terms of the hotel’s dining scene, there is one restaurant, which operates on a buffet and a la carte basis. For cocktailquafing meanwhile, there are two chic bars to choose from.
As for the hotel itself, it combines neutral, style-led spaces with a pool scene straight from a design magazine. Think sun terraces dotted with funky sunloungers, cream parasols and pergolas. Then there are the big, cubist sofas on the sundeck bringing more in the way of 21st-century style.
As for facilities, there’s plenty on offer. You’ve got a health club with a sauna, whirlpool bath and a gym. Plus there’s a loodlit tennis court where you can practise your serve. Oficial rating: HHH
The bedrooms are just as chic. Elegantly styled using natural materials and earthy colours, attention to detail has been
£1255 * Renewal of Vows from £1145
*
Weddings from
Available May 14 - Oct 14
DHERYNIA FOLKLORE MUSEUM CYPRUS | Ayia Napa
Your big day package ■ Decorated 4-seater car to the venue
on wedding day ■ Transfer to Town Hall for paperwork ■ Marriage licence ■ Registrar fees
Weddings don’t get more unique than at the Dherynia Folkloric Museum – you won’t ind a venue like this anywhere else in the world. Now a museum, this former Cypriot house is a portal to the island’s past, showcasing the way life was in Cyprus’ bygone years. When you choose to tie the knot here, you’ll say your vows by the side of a traditional wedding bed. It’s made from brass, and is draped in lace curtains that were originally sewn by unmarried girls to illustrate the purity of newlyweds. Once you’ve made your promises here, you can have your photographs taken
in the quaint courtyard outside. It’s home to a restored wishing well, so throw in a euro and whisper a wish. Later, you can head out into Protaras to continue your celebrations. You’ll ind plenty of restaurants serving home made Cypriot cuisine. Chat to your wedding coordinator when you arrive and they’ll give you the insider information on the best places.
Weddings from
£549
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Your big day package
AYIA NAPA TOWN HALL CYPRUS | Ayia Napa
■ Decorated 4-seater car to the Town
Hall on wedding day ■ Transfer to Town Hall for paperwork ■ Marriage licence ■ Registrar fees
As the party capital of Cyprus, Ayia Napa knows how to hold a celebration. And, being set in the heart of the town, the Aiya Napa Town Hall gives you instant access to all the action. From the outside, this glass-fronted building is modern and bright. And, when you choose to tie the knot here, you can opt to have your ceremony in one of two places. There’s the pastel-painted indoor wedding room where you can say your vows as candles licker beside you. Alternatively, you can whisper ‘I do’ in the
Weddings from
amphitheatre outside. When it comes to music, meanwhile, you can walk down the aisle to anything from the traditional wedding march to the latest love songs. As for your wedding breakfast, your wedding coordinator can help you pick the perfect place when you arrive at your hotel. There are plenty of low-key family tavernas alongside the throbbing bars, so your festivities can be as lively as you like.
£549
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
PARALIMNI TOWN HALL CYPRUS | Ayia Napa
Your big day package ■ Decorated 4-seater car to the Town
Hall on wedding day ■ Transfer to Town Hall for paperwork ■ Marriage licence ■ Registrar fees
If you’re looking to avoid all the usual clichés on your wedding day, take a look at Paralimni Town Hall. When you walk down the aisle here you’ll tread a white carpet rather than a traditional red one. And, unlike many weddings venues abroad, this place can it in 100 of your family and friends. When you choose to tie the knot here you’ll say your vows in a freshly-renovated room, decorated with pretty loral displays. And you can turn down the lights and say ‘I do’ under the lattering lickers of candle light.
Weddings from
After the ceremony, you can enjoy your wedding reception in one of Paralimni’s restaurants or tavernas. Your wedding coordinator will know the best ones, and they’ll be happy to help you make your choice when you arrive in resort. Grilled ish is a speciality in these parts, and red mullet, calamari and sea bass feature on most menus.
£549
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL NISSI BEACH ttttp CYPRUS | Nissi Bay
YOUR big day package
Set in tropical gardens overlooking Nissi Bay, the popular Hotel Nissi Beach balances upbeat activities with plenty by way of relaxation.
If you’re after a classic beach holiday, the Nissi Beach is ideal. It’s set beside Nissi Bay, just a stroll from the sands. What’s more, it comes with beachfront bungalows, which are just metres from the shore. Like the other bedrooms here, they’re modern and comfortable. The hotel is a friendly place with lots going on. Tennis, minigolf and spa treatments are on the agenda, as are live music performances and shows in the evenings. You can even make friends with the two house pelicans – they’re very tame and roam freely in the gardens. In terms of food, you’ve got three restaurants. Fish tops the bill at the beach taverna, while the buffet restaurant has a terrace overlooking the sea. There’s also a bar, which plays soft music in the evenings. Lastly, there’s the pool. It’s surrounded by pines and palms, and has a real hideaway feel – so it’s perfect for quiet sunbathing.
■ This wedding setting offers fantastic
■ ■ ■ ■
views out to sea and of pretty Nissi Beach. Room upgrade - subject to availability Fruit, flowers and sparkling wine in your room on arrival Candlelit dinner, including bottle of local wine Breakfast in bed morning after wedding with sparkling wine
Official rating: HHHH
In the UK, only the Thomson Group offers Half Board at this hotel
£1025 * Renewal of Vows from £919
Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
ATLANTICA OASIS tttt CYPRUS | Limassol
YOUR BIG DAY PACKAGE
Wedding area
This hotel is close to the shops, restaurants and the seafront - with plenty to do on-site, too. ■ Marriage licence fees ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine and flowers in room on ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
arrival Candlelight dinner for two Free memento for bride and groom One free use of sauna for bride and groom Free tea and coffee-making facilities in room Rose petals sprinkled on bed on wedding night
This place has had a bit of a makeover in recent years. The lobby, for example, is accessorised with potted plants and Chesterfield-style armchairs. The bedrooms are equally stylish. Think blonde-wood furniture, oversized headboards and soft furnishing in aqua and turquoise. Plus, in-room comforts like satellite TVs, mini-fridges and air-conditioning come as standard. There's also an impressive pool scene. The main pool is a huge, lagoon-style set-up with palm-tree islands and sun terraces. You’ve got a large children’s pool, with pirate ship and water cannons as well. Plus an adults-only pool. The hotel delivers on the dining front, too. At the main
restaurant it’s all about big buffets with on-the-spot cooking stations. There’s a good range of international dishes, with the evenings showcasing dishes from a different country each night. There’s also the option of an al fresco barbecue and à la carte evening. What really sets this place apart is that it caters for all ages. There’s an adults-only bar where you can sink into a plush velvet sofa, cocktail in hand. And the Thomson Kids' Club will keep younger guests entertained. You’ll also find nightly film screenings at the outdoor cinema. All this is in a relatively quiet spot about a five-minute walk from restaurants, bars and shops. A few minutes more and you're on the seafront. Official rating: HHH
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1169 * Renewal of Vows from £925
Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Dec 13 & March 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL ROYAL APOLLONIA BEACH ttttt CYPRUS | Limassol
Your big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Marriage licence ■ Room upgrade on arrival, subject to
availability ■ Wine, fruit and lowers in room
on arrival ■ Breakfast in bed the day after the
wedding ■ Candlelit dinner for two ■ Wedding gift from hotel
Planned appearance
Thanks to its beachfront setting and proximity to Limassol’s best bars, shops and restaurants, the Royal Apollonia Beach has always been pretty special. And, with a refurbishment in the pipeline for summer 2013, it’s set to get even better.
The bedrooms are getting a new look, as well. Carpets will be replaced with wooden or tiled loors, furniture will be brought into the 21st century, and special lighting effects will give the rooms a sense of softness.
The hotel’s outdoor space is getting a complete redesign. The existing pool will be replaced with a new igure-of-eight pool with a palm island and bridges, and there’ll be a new whirlpool bath and stylish pool bar next to the water. Children will get their own swimming space, too, which they can plunge into using a slide.
There will also be a few tweaks to the already stand-out dining scene. The Akakiko Japanese restaurant will feature a new lake area, where tables will sit over the water on decking. And there will be a new theme restaurant to eat in. Oficial rating: HHHHH
£1115 * Renewal of Vows from £869
*
Weddings from
Available Nov 13 & March 14 - Oct 14
YERMASOYIA CULTURAL CENTRE CYPRUS | Limassol
Your big day package ■ Transfer to Town Hall for paperwork ■ Registrar fees ■ Marriage licence ■ Decorated car to the Town Hall on
wedding day
You’ll get backstage access to the real Cyprus when you tie the knot at the Yermasoyia Cultural Centre. This place has been converted from a traditional village house, where generations of Cypriots would have grown up. Your ceremony will take place in the whitewashed wedding room, which you’ll enter through a broad open archway. You can’t be camera shy when you say your vows here – there are too many choices of backdrops for the wedding album. There’s the landscaped gardens, where the countours of the venue’s former form are still visible. Smile for the camera here and you’ll be watched by the plump palm tress
that dot the manicured grass. Alternatively, there’s the virginal-white stones of the church of St Paraskevi and the traditional narrow alleyways that weave around the centre. When it comes to your reception make the ten-minute drive to Cyprus’ second biggest city, Limassol. Here, you can take your pick from restaurants serving food from all over the world. Your Wedding Advisor will be on hand when you arrive to help you choose the best spot.
Weddings from
£549
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
INTERCONTINENTAL APHRODITE HILLS ttttt CYPRUS | Aphrodite Hills
Your big day package ■ Sparkling wine upon arrival
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Fruit basket upon arrival ■ Upgrade of bride and groom’s room
■
■ ■ ■
■
to the next category from the one booked Decoration of bedroom on the wedding night including petals in bath and aromatic essence oils in room Thermae Experience for the couple at the Award winning Spa Champagne Breakfast in room on the morning after the wedding One candlelit dinner with a bottle of house wine to be taken during their stay Planting of an Olive tree in the grounds of the hotel
Wedding chapel
The InterContinental Aphrodite Hills has moved the goal posts. In addition to accommodation, this award-winning resort gives visitors access to an 18-hole golf course, a Greco-Roman spa, and 9 championship-standard tennis courts at the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy.
Most people ind it hard to leave the resort. But those who do, catch the shuttle bus to a nearby cove, where the hotel has built a wooden decking section with loungers. Oficial rating: HHHHH
At the heart of it all there’s a private village square. Made from locally quarried stone, this meeting place is edged by a Häagen Dazs ice-cream parlour, a Costa coffee and a selection of dinky boutiques where you can buy jewellery, books and fashion.
£1255 * Renewal of Vows from £929
Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
There are 13 restaurants and 3 bars dotted throughout the resort. The highlights include Las Ramblas tapas restaurant, which has an oyster station, and Leander where the ine dining menu features a live lambé service.
HOTEL LOUIS IMPERIAL BEACH ttttp CYPRUS | Paphos
Your big day package ■ Marriage licence fees
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine and lowers in room
on arrival ■ Breakfast in bed the day after wedding ■ Candlelit dinner for two ■ Wedding gift from hotel
This whitewashed hotel really stands out against the lush gardens surrounding it. And at the edge of the grounds, golden sands slope into turquoise waters. The beach also lies a Blue Flag, so you’re guaranteed a spotless stretch. Elsewhere, you’ll ind a swimming pool, which is framed by sun terraces dotted with loungers and palms. Add in a bar serving snacks and cocktails, and you’ve got a great spot to relax. In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1099 * Renewal of Vows from £1079 Weddings from
*
The hotel restaurant is self-service, with a big range of international dishes on offer. And to mix things up a little, there’s Cypriot and Chinese themed nights. For after-dinner drinks with a little music, head for the piano bar, where tables spill out onto an open-air terrace.
Inside, everything is sleek and contemporary. The lobby features cool marble loors, potted palms and high-backed chairs. And the bedrooms come with wooden loors and plump armchairs that give things a homely vibe. The rooms and corridors are having a total makeover for summer 2013, too, so the interiors will look even more fresh and modern. Finally, you’ve got the location to consider. It takes around 20 minutes to walk to the heart of Paphos, and there’s a new beachside path that’ll take you the scenic way. Closer to home, restaurants and bars are less than a ive-minute walk from the hotel. Oficial rating: HHHH
Available Nov 13 & March 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL LOUIS LEDRA BEACH ttttp CYPRUS | Paphos
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
Your big day package
Wedding area
A seafront hotel with sleek interiors, the Louis Ledra Beach goes all out to impress. This modern, whitewashed hotel is in a great spot. To one side you’ve got a handful of shops, cafés and restaurants. And to the other, there’s a slice of sand-and-shingle beach.
The hotel’s main attraction is the large, square pool. It’s framed by wooden decking, with white linen parasols and comfy loungers. And there’s an adults-only pool that looks out to sea. Inside, bedrooms have been given a modern makeover. They’re calm and contemporary with in-room essentials like air-conditioning, satellite TVs and minibars. Elsewhere, the marble lobby is kitted out with plump armchairs, where windows look out to the sea. Dinner is served in the hotel’s restaurant. You’ll find a buffet spread, as well as show cooking stations. Weekly Cypriot theme nights mean you’ll get to try local dishes, too. Lastly, this place gives you easy access to Paphos harbour. There’s a walkway that takes you into the centre. If you don’t fancy the 30-minute stroll, just take the bus – it stops right outside the hotel. Official rating: HHHH
■ Marriage licence fees ■ Red carpet at entrance for bride with
wedding march ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Extra room on the night before the
wedding, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine and flowers in room
on arrival ■ Breakfast in bed the morning after
the wedding ■ Candlelit dinner for two ■ Wedding gift from hotel
In the UK, in the summer, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1149 * Renewal of Vows from £1079 Weddings from
Wedding area
*
Available Nov 13 & March 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
PIONEER BEACH HOTEL ttttt CYPRUS | Paphos
YoUR big day package ■ Registrar fees
Contemporary adults-only hotels. See our Couples brochure for details.
■ Wine for the toast on arrival ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Wine and fruit on arrival ■ Breakfast in bed the morning after the
wedding ■ Candlelit dinner for the couple ■ Use of sauna and steam bath for the
couple once during stay ■ 2 days' acommodation in the hotel for
2 guests - exclusions apply
This place is fronted by a curve of golden sand, so it’s great if you want to spend a lot of time on the beach. What’s more, it’s just a ten-minute walk from the nearest shops, tavernas and bars, while Paphos harbour is just 5-minutes away by bus.
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1099 * Renewal of Vows from £1035 Weddings from
*
At the hotel itself, palm-lined paths snake their way through the grounds, leading up to a curvy swimming pool. Loungers and parasols provide relaxation spots, while an al fresco bar means refreshments are easy to come by. Best of all, because this hotel is part of the adults-only Thomson Couples range, you can look forward to peaceful surroundings.
When it comes to dining, the buffet restaurant serves up international dishes, and puts on regular themed nights featuring the likes of Asian and Greek cuisine. If you’d rather go down the speciality route, you’ve got the choice of three à la cartes. There’s a beachfront restaurant, an Italian eatery, and a restaurant offering gourmet dining. Oficial rating: HHHH
Available Nov 13 & March 14 - Oct 14
HOTEL ELYSIUM ttttt CYPRUS | Paphos
YoUR big day package ■ Marriage licence fees
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Marriage certiicate ■ 1 tier sponge wedding cake ■ 1 bottle of sparkling wine for the toast ■ Round carnation bouquet for the bride ■ Carnation buttonhole for the groom ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine and lowers in room on
arrival ■ Decoration of bedroom on wedding
■ ■ ■ ■
night including rose petals in the bath and aromatic essence oils in room Breakfast in bed with sparkling wine morning after wedding Candlelit dinner for 2 with bottle of house wine, day after wedding €30 voucher to use during one visit to Opium Health Spa Wedding gift from hotel
Wedding chapel
All stone turrets, colonnades and fountains, there’s something reminiscent of a fortress about this hotel. It’s an idea the architects deinitely played on – they added a wooden drawbridge to the front entrance and a miniature amphitheatre to its grounds as well.
£1559 * Renewal of Vows from £1485 Weddings from
*
Inside, the grandeur moves up a gear. The lobby is a case in point. All gleaming marble, it’s crowned by a spiralling stairway. Elsewhere, grand archways and wall friezes seem to accompany your every step. The rooms, too, look like they’ve come from a castle. Think dark-wood furnishings and an earthy palette of ochres and terracottas. The standard ones also feature balconies and gadgets like LCD satellite TVs with videos on demand.
The hub of life here is the main pool. This circular affair boasts a swim-up bar and pillared hydro-massage pool, all skirted by huge terraces. Nearby, you'll ind the man-made sandy beach and a diving school. And at the less active end of the scale, there’s the Opium Health Spa that features ESPA beauty products. This temple to indulgence offers everything from body detoxes to algae wraps in state-of-the-art treatment rooms. Location-wise, the hotel is only a kilometre and a half from Paphos harbour. You’ve also got some fantastic sightseeing close by – the Tomb of the Kings stands right opposite the hotel. Oficial rating: HHHHH
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL ANNABELLE ttttt CYPRUS | Paphos
YoUR big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Marriage licence fees ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine and lowers in room on
arrival ■ Breakfast in bed the morning after the
wedding ■ Candlelight dinner for two
Wedding area
Wedding area
The Hotel Annabelle is spread over 6 acres of grounds. They’re really pretty, and accessorised by ornamental ponds and secret patios, which are linked by wooden bridges and stone pathways. At the far end of the gardens, the greenery gives way to a little beach.
At mealtimes, you’ve got 4 restaurants to choose from, including the Amorosa, where you’ll be serenaded by a classical pianist. Another popular eatery is the beachside Mediterraneo, which hosts regular barbecue nights and Cypriot dancing shows.
The hotel’s main swimming pool is bordered by sunloungers and planted urns. There’s also a grotto pool nestled among greenery. It’s spread out over 2 levels, and is framed by a cascading waterfall.
Lastly, the hotel is in a convenient location for exploring Paphos. The shops and restaurants of Kato Paphos are more or less on your doorstep. And Paphos harbour, with its waterfront tavernas and fortress, is only a 10-minute walk away. Oficial rating: HHHHH
£1425 * Renewal of Vows from £1365 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
KEFALOS BEACH VILLAGE tttp CYPRUS | Paphos
YoUR big day package ■ Marriage licence fees ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine and lowers in room on
arrival ■ Candlelight dinner for two
Wedding chapel
Wedding area
The clue’s in the name with this one. It’s pulled right up against the beach and looks more like a mini village than a hotel. The buildings have a classic lavour – all sugarcube-style apartments – and because they’re surrounded by pretty landscaped gardens, there’s an air of privacy to the place. Still, despite the peace and quiet it’s not far off the beaten track. The promenade – dotted with shops, bars and restaurants – is just a short walk away.
Outside, a lake-like swimming pool with a bridge crossing sits between the hotel and the sea. There’s a poolside bar, too, serving up drinks and light bites throughout the day. And if all that sounds a little too relaxed for your liking, there’s a mini golf course, a volleyball court and a gym to cater for the more active crowd.
As for the accommodation itself, the exterior may be on the traditional side but head inside and it’s a different story. Rooms still have a classic lavour – think white walls and cool ceramic loors – but modern trimmings like mini-fridges, satellite TVs and air-conditioning keep things up to date. You get your own balcony or veranda, too.
Food-wise, there’s a mix of big global buffets and à la carte options on offer. Head to the traditional taverna for a taste of authentic Cyprus, or eat al fresco from the barbecue grill which is open during the summer. There’s a sea-facing cocktail bar, too perfect for sundowners and after-dinner drinks. Oficial rating: A Class
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group
£1055 * Renewal of Vows from £989
Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 & March 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
CYPRUS
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
CONSTANTINOU BROS ATHENA BEACH HOTEL ttttp CYPRUS | Paphos
YoUR big day package ■ Marriage licence fees
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine and lowers in room ■ Breakfast in bed the morning after the
wedding ■ Candlelit dinner for two ■ 1 complimentary sauna and steam
bath for bride and groom
This place sprawls in front of a shingle beach, lined with rows of cushioned sunbeds and parasols. Gardens nudge the shoreline and work their way up to the main building. At the centre of it all you’ll ind three pools. The main one is a large, curvy number with palm tree islands at either end. Nearby there are two separate splash pools for children and one water slide. Factor in spacious sun terraces and the Helios beach bar that doubles up as a barbecue come lunchtime, and you’ve got a great spot for relaxing.
In the UK, only the Thomson Group offers Half Board at this hotel
£1099 * Renewal of Vows from £1035 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 & March 14 - Oct 14
For more in the way of food, there’s Leda Italian Reastaurant and Adonis Mediterranean Restaurant. Plus there's the Atrium, the main food hub here which offers an international buffet that concentrates on Mediterranean and Far Eastern lavours. And over at Zephyr, you’ll ind an à la carte restaurant with traditional Cypriot dishes on
the menu or you can choose the Palm Tree à la carte restaurant for al fresco dinners. As for the bedrooms, they’ve been kitted out with comfort in mind. Plush carpets and armchairs are the mainstays, and each room comes with a furnished balcony. In-room extras include latscreen LCD satellite TVs, plus luffy bathrobes and slippers. Upgrade to a superior room, and you’ll get complimentary Wi-Fi and a bottle of wine and fruit, plus free use of the sauna and steam bath. Lie in and take a late breakfast in a dedicated dining room, too. Finally, this place is about a ten-minute drive from the centre of Paphos. There’s a bus stop just outside the hotel that will get you there for a couple of euros. Oficial rating: HHHH
HOTEL ST GEORGE ttttp CYPRUS | Paphos
YoUR big day package ■ Marriage licence
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Sparkling wine and fruit in room on
arrival ■ Breakfast in bed ■ Candlelit dinner for two ■ Memento gift for the bride and groom ■ One hydrotherapy spa treatment for
couple
Wedding gazebo
Entering the vast atrium at the entrance to this hotel makes you feel rather small – in the nicest possible way. It’s because it’s so cavernous – shining marble loors and tall white columns stretch way above the open staircases. Almost like pillars on a giant wedding cake.
In the UK, in the summer, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1049 * Renewal of Vows from £1015 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 & March 14 - Oct 14
It’s an impressive introduction. And closer acquaintance doesn’t disappoint. There's a contemporary zip to this beachside hotel. The lobby is a case in point, dotted with wicker-backed chairs and glass-topped coffee tables. The bedrooms, meanwhile, are smart and simple, with neutral-painted walls and polished wooden loors.
up to. Extensive terraces and lawns provide lots of space for loungers and parasols. You’ve also got the option of an indoor pool. Elsewhere, tennis, squash courts, watersports and a gym ensure there’s always plenty to do. And where relaxation is concerned, the spa here is particularly impressive. The slender columns and mosaic tiles give it an almost Roman feel. If the hotel has a inal trump card, it’s the staff. Ever attentive and friendly, they go out of their way to meet your every need. Not surprising that people keep coming back to the St George. Oficial rating: HHHH
Outside, a big spacious swimming pool takes centre-stage. Facing out to sea, it’s got waterfalls and a pool bar you can swim
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
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Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL ALEXANDER THE GREAT BEACH ttttp CYPRUS | Paphos
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
YOUR big day package
Wedding area
The Alexander The Great Beach Hotel is getting a total refurbishment for summer 2013 – stylish new rooms and a new-look pool scene are part of the plans.
This hotel has one of the best postcodes in Paphos. The property is fronted by a sandy, Blue Flag beach, and is just a five-minute stroll from the lively resort centre and the stylish harbour-front. You’ll find a large swimming pool in the heart of the complex, set in a terrace that looks out over the Mediterranean. A planned refurbishment for summer 2013 will see a luxurious infinity pool, cascading waterfalls and a string of whirlpool baths added to the ranks. There’ll also be a great new pool bar overlooking the sea. It’ll come with sleek wooden decking and cushioned wicker seating. The hotel’s rooms are set to get a makeover, too. Rain showers and wardrobes with built-in lighting have been drawn up in the blueprints. In terms of extras, meanwhile, you can expect flatscreen TVs, iPod docking stations and sound systems in the bedrooms and bathrooms. Official rating: HHHH
■ Marriage licence ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Champagne breakfast in bed, day after ■ Fruit basket in room on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 with love cake ■ Sparkling wine in room on arrival ■ Wedding gift from the hotel ■ 10% Spa discount ■ Balloon and welcome card on arrival ■ 1 massage for the bride and groom ■ Free use of sauna and whirlpool bath for
the bride and groom ■ Free luxury bath amenities ■ Bathrobes and slippers in the room ■ Free wedding cocktail reception - a glass
of local champagne and 3 canapes per guest - when booking 10 or more rooms for min 7 nights and when the wedding dinner is held in the hotel
£895 * Renewal of Vows from £835 Weddings from
Wedding area
*
Available Nov 13 - Dec 13 & March 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
CYPRUS
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL LOUIS PHAETHON BEACH CLUB tttt CYPRUS | Paphos
YoUR big day package ■ Marriage licence fees ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine and lowers in room on
arrival ■ Breakfast in bed the day after wedding ■ Candlelit dinner for two
This hotel has clinched a quiet spot just outside the centre of Paphos. It’s less than a ten-minute bus ride from the harbour, where cafés and tavernas line up along the water’s edge. If you fancy the walk, just follow the palm-lined path along the seafront. It’ll take you about an hour. Back at the hotel, the spotlight falls on three swimming pools. The irst has a pool bar with a bougainvillea-covered canopy. The second's down by the beach and comes with six waterslides, which are open from May to October. Lastly, there’s the indoor pool – a circular number sitting beneath an ornate glass ceiling.
The rooms have freshly-painted walls and wooden loors, and come with essentials like satellite TVs. On the dining-front, the main restaurant serves up big buffets and, at breakfast, you can get things like omelettes cooked to order. At lunch, there’s a really popular Chinese buffet. And for afternoon coffee and cakes, there’s a traditional Viennese patisserie. In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Oficial rating: HHH
£1055 * Renewal of Vows from £989
Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
AMATHUS HOTEL PAPHOS ttttt CYPRUS | Paphos
YoUR big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Marriage licence fees ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine, lowers and personalised
present in room on arrival ■ Breakfast in bed the morning after
wedding ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 ■ Champagne and chocolate-covered
■ ■ Wedding area
While some hotels go for period charm or stark minimalism, this place has chosen a route of contemporary chic. Its restaurants are stylishly modern but still tuned to its cuisine. Take La Terrazza. This alfresco Italian number is all wooden trellises and rattan chairs under palms. Then there’s the Asiachi. Specialising in sushi and other Far Eastern delicacies, its sleek black chairs and starlit ceiling give it a modish Japanese swagger. Third up is La Rotisserie, where à la carte dishes are laid out on crisp white linen amid opulent jewelled curtains. The hotel makes a point of baking its own bread, cakes and pastries. The rooms are elegant, too. Decorated in understated fashion, they mix warm neutrals with light wood furnishings. Balconies or verandas, together with minibars and tea and coffee kits, add the inal touches.
■
The pool area has been treated to the same tasteful design. Complete with a swim-up bar, the lagoon pool loops around spacious terraces freckled with palms and lawns. For a switch of scenery, just walk past the pool to the beach.
■
strawberries in room after the ceremony White lowers and pink champagne in room on wedding night Rose petals on the bed on wedding night 30 minute anti-stress massage for bride & groom Farewell sparkling wine
Another great thing about this place is its family-friendly vibe. There's plenty to keep the kids happy, from splash pools and playgrounds to in-room video games. And if you opt for a family room or junior suite, there's enough room for a family of four. As for the location the hotel is a couple of kilometres from Paphos harbour. Just stroll along the promenade and you’re there in around 15 minutes. Paphos centre is a further two kilometres, but cabs and buses are easy to come by. Oficial rating: HHHHH
£1269 * Renewal of Vows from £1195 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
CYPRUS
77
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YoUR big day package
ST GEORGE'S CHAPEL CYPRUS | Paphos
■ Marriage licence fees ■ Transport to and from the town hall to
prepare paperwork ■ Decorated four-seater car to take bride
to chapel on wedding day ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit, wine and lowers in room on
arrival ■ Breakfast in bed ■ Candlelight dinner for two ■ Gift for the bride and groom ■ One hydrotherapy spa treatment for
the couple
Built in the traditional Orthodox style, St George’s Chapel stands on a small hill in the gardens of Paphos’ St. George Hotel. It’s reached by a stone staircase, and surrounded by pine trees and manicured gardens, which lead your eye down to the Mediterranean Sea below. From the outside, the chapel is all stone and pink-brick walls, which are crowned by a tiled dome. But the star turn is its interior. When you swap vows, you’ll be surrounded by walls and archways covered in medieval frescos.
Painted in jewel reds, blues and greens, they coat every inch of the room, creating an authentic regal atmosphere. You can add a personal note to the ceremony by choosing your own music. And afterwards, your guests can gather on the terraces, shower you with confetti and join you for photographs. With sea views stretching out in front of you, and the sweet scent of lowers in the area, it’s a really romantic spot.
Weddings from
£1295
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
PAPHOS TOWN HALL CYPRUS | Paphos
YoUR big day package ■ Transfer to Town Hall for paperwork ■ Registrar fees ■ Marriage licence ■ Decorated car to the Town Hall on
wedding day
This place is all about traditional elegance. Cue a neoclassical building lanked by a beautiful porch. It’s set back from the road, with a wide pathway leading through tall pines and manicured gardens, giving it a real air of seclusion. That said, it’s actually in a really convenient spot in the heart of the old town, so it’s great if you’ve got guests coming along. You’ve got two rooms to choose from for the ceremony itself – a large one with statement double doors and a smaller, more intimate venue that its up to 20
people. Both are kitted out with dark wooden chairs, elegant chandeliers and leather-topped tables, giving them a really smart feel. Outside, meanwhile, grand columns provide the backdrop for your irst photographs. And you’ll ind plenty more snap-worthy spots in the gardens.
Weddings from
£549
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
CYPRUS
79
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YoUR big day package
YEROSKIPPOU TOWN HALL
■ Transfer to town hall for paperwork
CYPRUS | Paphos
■ Registrar fees ■ Marriage licence ■ Decorated four-seater car to the Town
Hall on wedding day
Weddings from
£549
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
Just east of Paphos, Yeroskippou is a coastal village that – according to legend – was once visited by Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. It means the whole place has a romantic aura that’ll make your big day feel really special. The ceremony takes place in the Town Hall’s garden – a sanctuary-like space dotted with stone arches and neat lawns. Bougainvillea-wreathed stone staircases add an authentic touch, and you can even catch glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. You’ll swap rings under a stylish sail shade, with traditional arches providing the backdrop. The inishing touch comes from a white-draped ceremony table. Another bonus about this place is the topclass acoustics, which will make your music sound crystal clear. The gardens and terraces are great for photos, too. You can choose spots under the arches and on the steps, before wandering down to the lawns for group shots.
YoUR big day package
ST PAUL'S PILLAR (AYIA KYRIAKI CHURCH)
■ Transfer to town hall for paperwork
CYPRUS | Paphos
■ Registrar fees ■ Marriage licence ■ Decorated four-seater car to the
church on wedding day
Weddings from
£1295
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
You’ll have history at your ingertips if you get married in this pretty church. Dating back to the 12th-century, it stands among the ruins of St. Paul’s Pillar, close to Paphos harbour. All crumbled columns, the ruins were once a Roman forum and contain a pillar where it’s believed St. Paul was lashed for preaching Christianity. The church itself is magical. Built in pale stone, it’s hung with icons and shining chandeliers. And, like with a church in England, you can choose to have organ music playing. What’s more, there’s room for 180 people inside and the stonework keeps the interior refreshingly cool on hot days. After the ceremony, you’ll walk out through the wooden doorway into the sunshine. The views from here are magniicent, with the Roman relics and colonnades stretching before you. With the church in the background, it all makes a really atmospheric setting for photographs.
YoUR big day package
PEYIA TOWN HALL
■ Transfer to town hall for paperwork
CYPRUS | Peyia
■ Registrar fees ■ Marriage licence ■ Decorated four-seater car to the Town
Hall on wedding day
Weddings from
£549
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
If you like the idea of an open-air ceremony, Peyia Town Hall is perfect. Set in the rustic village of Peyia, close to Coral Bay, it stages its weddings in a sunken, paved courtyard set in the middle of lush gardens. The whole place is dotted with old trees and enclosed by stone walls draped in greenery and bougainvillea. You’ll ind the old village spring here, too, which gives the grounds a really timeless feel. The bride will enter down a grand stone stairway, with either ‘Here Comes the Bride’ or your favourite piece of music playing. Then, you’ll exchange your vows under a decorated wooden gazebo in the courtyard. As you’re outdoors, there’s plenty of room for large groups of guests. Plus, the courtyard provides a really romantic backdrop for your photos. Pose in the sunshine on the steps, in the shade of the trees or in front of the picturesque spring.
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
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It’s the little touches that make your big day unique. You might have your heart set on making a grand entrance in a horse-drawn carriage. Maybe you fancy traditional folkloric dancers at your reception. Or perhaps you’ve got your sights set on a certain type of hairstyle. Tie the knot in Cyprus, and you can book all this – and much more. Whatever you’ve got in mind, from transport and entertainment to wedding favours and table decorations, we can make it happen. We can even sort out your flowers, and arrange for them to be pretty much any colour you can think of. For more information, speak to the Weddings Specialist Team.
From top to bottom: Doves after the ceremony, Bouquets, Buttonholes & Stunning Hairstyles, Sunset Photographs, Decorated Wedding Car
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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GREECE "The love stories here span four millennia, so choose a piece of Greece for your big day and start writing your own.”
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Greece include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, wedding cake, sparkling wine for the toast. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
With its out-of-this-world scenery, unrivalled history and laid-back way of life, it’s little wonder Greece is such a popular place to say ‘I do’. Crete Crete is the biggest and the oldest of all the Greek Islands. Not only does it offer up fantastic settings for your big day, it provides loads of things to do. Visit the Palace of Knossos, for instance, or hire a car and go off the beaten track. Corfu Corfu is covered in olive-cloaked hills, huge vineyards and cypress trees, so it’s not short on big-day backdrops. Along the coast, you’ll find swathes of golden sand, while in the capital, Corfu Town, streets are lined with pretty churches and museums. Halkidiki A three-fingered peninsula clinging to the mainland, Halkidiki offers up pretty fishing villages, crumbling ruins and monasteries set high in the hills. Kefalonia Captain Corelli’s Mandolin might have put Kefalonia on the map, but these days people tend to flock here for the beaches. It’s a
great choice if you want to look out to sea while you say your vows. Kos As the party capital of Greece, Kos knows how to hold a celebration. Kos Town is the liveliest spot, but places like Kardamena and Lambi give it a run for its money. Rhodes Rhodes old town is a World Heritage Site, and one of the finest medieval citadels in existence. It also boasts the best sunshine record of all the Greek Islands. Santorini Clinging to a volcanic crater, Santorini packs a serious punch on the scenery front. We’re talking blue-domed churches, cobbled alleyways and whitewashed houses. Skiathos If you’re after a slice of authentic Greece, this is one of the most untouched Greek Islands. The whole place is a picture of old villages, olive groves and orchards. Zante Pristine beaches, craggy cliffs and plunging valleys. Perfect weddings territory.
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Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Practical Info In Kos, Crete, Halkidiki and Kefalonia, your wedding ceremony will take place at the closest town hall. You’ll then head back to the hotel for a celebration with family and friends. There’s a minimum stay of 14 nights for all Greek Islands, and you’ll need to have been in the country a certain amount of time before you wed. For Halkidiki, Kos, Skiathos, Crete, Santorini, Zante and Rhodes, it’s seven days. For Corfu and Kefalonia, meanwhile, it’s eight.
A word from the expert... “Make sure you check the weather forecast and temperatures before you fly out. It gets extremely hot in Greece, so bear this in mind when choosing what to wear on the day -think linens, chiffons or a bridal hoop!” Julie Winchcombe-Wallis, Wedding Co-ordinator
Please see our Thomson Greece & Cyprus brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
GREECE
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
BLUE LAGOON RESORT tttt KOS | Kos Town
YoUR big day package ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Wine and fruit in room on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 ■ Massage for the wedding couple ■ Rose petal turndown service for the
wedding couple ■ Wedding gift ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Wedding certiicate ■ 15% discount at the spa for the couple
Wedding area
The main talking point at the Blue Lagoon Resort is the pool scene. There's a huge swimming pool here, which comes complete with whirlpool baths and water jets. Better still, you'll ind a mini waterpark, featuring a water-spraying pirate ship and winding tubes. If you fancy a change of scene, there’s a sandy beach just a couple of minutes’ walk through the complex. In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group
£755 * Renewal of Vows from £705 *
Weddings from
Food-wise, the buffet restaurant lays on a mix of local dishes and round-the-world favourites. You’ve also got a Greek restaurant, a barbecue joint and an Italian à la carte to choose from. The latter is adults-only, although once a week it opens its doors to families. Oficial rating: HHHHH
There’s plenty to do here. Active types can make use of the full-sized football pitch, while the spa is the place for serious unwinding. As well as a range of beauty treatments, there are two saunas, a steam bath, and a heated indoor pool with whirlpool baths on offer.
Available May 14 - Oct 14
BLUE LAGOON VILLAGE ttttt KOS | Kefalos
YoUR big day package ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Decorated location ■ Room upgrade - subject to availability ■ Fruit basket and wine in room
on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 ■ Wine/champagne on arrival ■ Massage for wedding couple ■ Rose petal turn down service ■ 15% spa discount Wedding gift
Wedding chapel
The Blue Lagoon Village is set in a secluded bay overlooking the Aegean Sea, so incredible sea views and easy access to the sands are a big part of its appeal. Five swimming pools take centre-stage in the grounds, including a fun activity pool with slides, ropes and a lazy river. There’s also a low-key adults-only number. The biggest pool is kitted out with whirlpool baths and water jets. Plus, there’s a separate splash pool for little ones.
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£985 945* *
Renewal of Vows from £
At mealtimes, you can take your pick from eight restaurants, including an international buffet eatery, an Italian pizzeria, a sushi restaurant and a barbecue joint. If you’ve come away as a couple, you can also book a table at the romantic adults-only à la carte. Oficial rating: 5
Elsewhere, you’ve got a spa offering the likes of chocolate body wraps and indulgent hair masks. Spend some time unwinding in here, while smaller guests are looked after at the Thomson Kids’ Club.
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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KoS
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YoUR big day package
KOS TOWN HALL
■ Registrar
KOS | Kos Town Hall
■ Marriage Certiicate ■ Marriage licence ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Weddings from
£279
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
If you consider the swapping of vows to be the most important part of your big day, you won’t better a wedding in Kos. This beach-belted island has an impressive track record as far as promises are concerned – the Hippocratic Oath was born here. As for Kos Town Hall itself, it's a romantic, Venetian-style building. And it’s just a stone’s throw away from the tree where Hippocrates used to teach. If you choose to tie the knot here, you’ll say ‘I do’ in the smart Mayor's Ofice overlooking the harbour. Then, you’ll make your way outside to have your pictures taken on the shore of the port, as white-winged boats loat by behind you. Or pose against the backdrop of Kos’ Medieval castle and bridge. When it comes to your reception, you can take your pick from the traditional tavernas sprinkled around Kos Town. Have a chat with your Weddings Advisor when you arrive and they’ll help you choose.
YoUR big day package
LOFAKI
■ Registrar
KOS | Kos Town
■ Municipality taxes
This beautiful hillside restaurant commands great views over Kos and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, as well as neighbouring Kalymnos and Turkey. So, if you’re after a wedding album that’ll make all your friends jealous, it’s just the place. You’ll get married within the cobbledstone walls of the restaurant’s sunny garden, underneath a lower-speckled archway. Your guests will be seated right behind you, and you’ll say ‘I do’ in front of the mayor and a registrar. The photographer will then get to work, snapping pictures of you and your guests among the greenery. Afterwards, you’ll head to a large terrace for the reception, so you can toast your new life and enjoy an al fresco meal.
■ Marriage Certiicate ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Weddings from
£375
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
YoUR big day package
ANDIMACHIA TRADITIONAL HOUSE
■ Registrar
KOS | Andimachia
■ Marriage Certiicate ■ Marriage licence ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Weddings from
£279
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
Invite guests to your wedding at Andimachia Traditional House and you’ll be giving them access-all-areas entry to the timeline of Kos. This speckled stone building features four rooms of history, which showcase life on the island through the ages. If you choose to tie the knot here you’ll say your vows in a courtyard under a canopy of draping vines. And, when it comes to having your pictures taken, this place is full of photo opportunities. Stay close to the traditional house and pose against a backdrop of bougainvillea lowers. Or, head across the road to the sails of the only working windmill in Kos. Later, make the ten-minute drive into Kardamena for your wedding reception. As one of the most popular resorts in Greece, this ishing village is seasoned with tavernas, restaurants and bars. And your Weddings Advisor will be on hand when you arrive to help you choose which one to go for.
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
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Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL ISLAND BLUE tttt RHODES | Pefkos
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
YOUR big day package
With a smart pool scene and minimalist accommodation, the Hotel Island Blue is modern through and through.
The Hotel Island Blue is in a great spot. It’s less than a ten-minute walk from the beach and Pefkos’ town centre. Plus, there are shops, restaurants and bars even closer. And if you fancy going further afield, there’s a bus stop a ten-minute walk from the property. The hotel itself is ultra-contemporary. In the bar, calm neutrals and polished wood furnishings provide a backdrop for funky hanging light bulbs that wouldn’t look out of place at an art exhibition. As for the rooms, they go down the minimalist route, with simple wooden furniture as the mainstays.
■ Breakfast in bed the day after the
wedding ■ Wine, flowers and fruit in room on
wedding day ■ Marriage certificate issued in local
langauge
Outside, the focus is on relaxation. Two swimming pools take pride of place in the grounds, and they’re framed by sleek wooden decking that’s dotted with loungers and parasols. Each pool has a bar, so refreshments are never too far away. Official rating: HHH
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£705
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
RHODES
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
ATLANTICA IMPERIAL RESORT ttttt RHODES | Kolymbia
YoUR big day package ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language
Contemporary adults-only hotels. See our Couples brochure for details.
■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Wine and fruit in room on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for two ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ 15% discount on spa treatments for
wedding couple
Wedding area
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
The Atlantica Imperial Resort is in a really scenic spot. It's lanked by cliffs and pulled up against the sea. Better still, Kolymbia's Blue Flag sand-and-shingle beach is right on the doorstep, and you've got the bars and tavernas of Kolymbia town within a couple of minutes' walk.
Thomson Couples range, so the surroundings are child-free.
Outside, a large swimming pool winds its way through the grounds. There’s a whirlpool bath, too, set among raised rockery. And thanks to the property’s seafront position, you can unwind within earshot of the waves. Best of all, the hotel is part of our
Oficial rating: A Deluxe
As for the bedrooms, they’ve been painted in soothing shades of cream and terracotta. For an added touch of luxury, plump for a Junior Suite – these come with muslin-draped four-poster beds and contemporary wicker furniture.
£1159 * Renewal of Vows from £399
Weddings from
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
ATLANTICA AEGEAN BLUE ttttt RHODES | Kolymbia
Your big day package ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Sparkling wine and fruit in room
on arrival ■ A la carte, candlelit dinner for 2 ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Wedding area
It's the pool scene that turns heads at the Atlantica Aegean Blue. A turquoise number complete with water jets winds its way around the grounds, snaking under little wooden bridges. The real talking point, though, is the mini waterpark that's brimming with tubes and slides. You're also just footsteps from the beach, so you can swap pool for sea in seconds. In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1239 * Renewal of Vows from £399
Weddings from
*
The hotel itself is made up of low-level buildings separated by gardens, so expect a village-like vibe. In the bedrooms, calm vanilla tones strike a contemporary note. If you've got the children in tow, family rooms come with the option of sliding doors, giving you a little bit of privacy. Oficial rating: A Class
Elsewhere, there's plenty in the way of sports and activities. As well as favourites like beach volleyball, there are things like canoeing on offer. And special attention is paid to smaller guests at the Thomson Kids' Club.
Available Apr 14 - October 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
88
Rhodes
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL LA MARQUISE ttttt RHODES | Kalithea
YoUR big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Room upgrade (subject to availability) ■ Wine and fruit basket in the room ■ Flowers on arrival ■ Breakfast on wedding morning ■ Tea and coffee facilities in room ■ Farewell gift ■ Private check-in
Wedding chapel
Private-pool luxury bungalow
The La Marquise Hotel was recently re-built from scratch, and the designers have really made the most of the property’s 120,000 square metres. Cue tranquil gardens and grand fountains that sweep down to Kalithea’s Blue Flag sweep of sand.
When it comes to dining, expect Greek and Mediterranean dishes in the Da Vinci Restaurant. And for after-dinner drinks, head to the lounge bar for cocktails and piano music overlooking the gardens. Best of all, if you fancy a change of scene, it’s just a ten-minute drive to lively Rhodes Town.
At the centre of the grounds, you’ll ind ive swimming pools, including a rooftop number and a paddling pool for little ones. They’ve all been decked out with LED spot lighting that looks spectacular come sundown. For more in the way of relaxation, the spa offers up treatments like holistic cocooning and Thai massage. Plus, it boasts a pool that comes complete with caves and a waterfall.
Oficial rating: HHHHH
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£889
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
ST APOSTOLI RHODES | Faliraki
YoUR big day package ■ Registrar fees ■ Marriage certiicate ■ Bouquet for bride and buttonhole
for groom
This is the type of church that gets snapped for Greek postcards, so you can rest assured the photographs from your special day will be really beautiful. St Apostoli is a tiny, blue-trimmed chapel set on the waterfront in Faliraki’s harbour. You’ll say ‘I do’ just outside it, with the faded ishing boats bobbing in the Aegean behind you. Once you’ve signed the register, you’ll head over to a little wooden bridge that stretches over the water to Faliraki Beach. You’ll have your photographs taken on the bridge, before
walking down to the sands as Mr and Mrs, where you’ll be snapped with the sea in the background. For your reception, you’ve got a whole host of traditional restaurants to choose from nearby. This is where you’ll toast your big day and enjoy a meal with your guests. Most restaurants lay on authentic Greek dishes and dancing, too.
Weddings from
£299
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Rhodes
89
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YoUR big day package
ST GEORGE CHAPEL RHODES | Lindos
■ Registrar fees ■ Marriage certiicate ■ Bouquet for the bride and buttonhole
for the groom
If you want to give your big day a touch of authenticity, this is the perfect place to do it. You’ll wed in the sunshine outside St George Chapel, a whitewashed church in the heart of sleepy Lindos. The building’s edged by terraces that make the most of the views – rolling orange groves, dramatic cliffs, and the Aegean Sea stretch out from here for miles. After the ceremony, you can pose for photographs in the chapel’s romantic courtyard, on the
sea-facing balconies, and on the cobblestone steps that wind up to the church. Then, it’s just a short walk through the winding streets to a clutch of traditional tavernas – pick one for your reception and you’ll spend the rest of the day tucking in to Greek specialities and clinking glasses with your guests.
£335 * Renewal of Vows from £335 Weddings from
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
ST PAUL'S BAY RHODES | Lindos
Your big day package ■ Registrar ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
As far as photographic backdrops go, it’s hard to beat the towering Acropolis in Lindos. History was forged there, and you can get married in its shadow when you choose to have your ceremony at St Paul’s Chapel. The small whitewashed building is as Greek as they come, and it's dwarfed by the ancient monument that dominates the hillside above it. You’ll say your vows outside the chapel, under the blue Greek sky. And, once you’ve become man and wife, you can take the short walk to St Paul’s Bay to have your photographs taken to the sound of the
rippling tide. Toast your future at the small taverna in the bay before heading into Lindos for your reception. Where you celebrate is up to you – simply take your pick from the romantic rooftop restaurants and rustic little tavernas that line the streets. And if you need a little help making a decision, your wedding coordinator is on hand to help.
£335 * Renewal of Vows from £335 Weddings from
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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Rhodes
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
LINDOS MARE HOTEL tttt RHODES | Lindos
YoUR big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Breakfast in bed morning after after
the wedding ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Marriage certiicate issues in local
language ■ Candlelit dinner for bride and groom ■ 10% discount on spa treatments
If you can’t spoil yourself on your wedding day when can you spoil yourself? That’s the philosophy of the Lindos Mare Hotel. When you decide to tie the knot at this luxurious property, you can look forward to a beachside location, panoramic views, mouth-watering food and a front-row seat for the sunset. You can say your vows in the hotel’s sculpted gardens. And, once you’ve tied the knot, you can have your photographs taken as the Mediterranean Sea breathes in and out in the background. When it comes to the reception, meanwhile, you have a trio of
choices. Opt to dine on the spacious veranda where you can gaze out at the ocean or go for the breezy deck by the pool. For something a little more luxurious, sit your guests in the Pelagos a la carte restaurant where you can savour the aromas of the wood burning oven. The best part is, whatever you go for, your wedding coordinator will help you arrange it all. Oficial rating: HHHH
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£619 * Renewal of Vows from £435 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
HOTEL ATLANTICA PRINCESS tttt RHODES | Trianda
YoUR big day package ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Wine and fruit on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Breakfast in bed for the bride and
groom
It’s the location that gets top marks with this place. Just footsteps from the beach, it couldn’t get much closer to the water. There’s a huge swimming pool, too. Snaking its way along the back of the hotel, it’s bordered by a wide sun terrace and has a poolside bar. An interactive kids' pool and a small shaded pool for babies completes the picture. On the food front, the keyword here is choice. Think big buffets offering up a mix of traditional Greek dishes and international favourites, plus show cooking sessions and regular theme nights to keep things interesting. Or, for something a bit more casual, head for the poolside bar. Serving up lunchtime barbecues on the sun terrace, it’s a refreshingly laidback set-up. And when you
fancy eating out, there are a handful of bars, cafés and restaurants just a couple of minutes’ walk away. As for Rhodes Town itself, it’s an easy ten-minute drive – and there’s a bus stop within a stone’s throw of the hotel. In terms of accommodation, you can choose from a selection of different-sized rooms, including spacious family rooms. Balconies or terraces come as standard, as do extras like air-conditioning, satellite TVs and mini-fridges. The Atlantica Princess Hotel offers Half Board with an All Inclusive Option. Oficial rating: HHHH
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£1065
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Rhodes
91
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YoUR big day package
RHODES CAPITAL TOWN HALL
■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
RHODES | Rhodes Town
language ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Registrar
£225 * Renewal of Vows from £225 Weddings from
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
The ghost of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World will be a witness at your wedding if you tie the knot here. The public building is just a shufle away from the site where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes is thought to have once stood. Say ‘I do’ in the Town Hall’s wedding room, or opt for the small chapel at the entrance to the venue. Whichever you go for, you’ll get a double dose of your vows as the Mayor utters them in Greek and they're then translated into English. After the ceremony, head into Rhodes Town and have your photos taken with the famous Fortress of St Nicholas in the background. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to reception venues, too, and your Wedding Advisor will advise you on the best places to go. Leave the 21st century behind at a traditional taverna in the medieval Old Town, or dance until dawn at one of the cosmopolitan bars in the New Town.
Your big day package
KALITHEA SPRINGS
■ Registrar
RHODES | Kalithea
■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
£549 * Renewal of Vows from £549 Weddings from
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
Save a seat for Apollo, the Greek god of healing, when you tie the knot at the Kalithea Spa. The cliffside where you’ll say your vows is infused with spring waters which have been known for their healing properties since ancient times. Your ceremony will usually take place in the Spa Dome, with the Mediterranean sun looding in through the open port holes and traditional arches of the whitewashed walls. After, you can head outside to have your photos taken with the sea in the background. Kalithea has a reputation for being one of the best-looking places in Rhodes, so chances are you won’t want to stray far from the town for your reception. And, because the majority of local tavernas are well-practised when it comes to wedding breakfasts, you won’t have to. Some eateries even offer Champagne cruises from the spa to their venues. Have a word with your Weddings Advisor and they’ll help you arrange everything.
Your big day package
FILERIMOS
■ Registrar
RHODES | Filerimos
■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
£255 * Renewal of Vows from £255 Weddings from
*
You’ll be lanked by an army of cypress trees as you head to your wedding ceremony at Filerimos hill. As you travel along the road on your way up the historic mount, you’ll be following in the footsteps of the monks who once lived there. You’ll say your vows in front of the Mason’s Cross, a stone structure that stands stark against the blue Greek sky. Then, you can have your photographs taken on the hillside, as the entire north of the island tumbles away behind you. You’ll even be able to catch a glimpse of Rhodes’ highest mountain, Ataviros, in the distance. Once you’ve tied the knot you can head to any of the rustic restaurants in Ialyssos to start the celebrations and tuck in to some local food. If you need help choosing the right place, just have a word with your Weddings Advisor.
Available Apr 14 - October 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
92
Rhodes
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings and Renewal of Vows packages from
809
£
Available May 14 to Oct 14
Sensatori Resort Crete Add a dash of Greek style to your big day at Sensatori Resort Crete.
Weddings and Sensatori Resort Crete go together like strawberries and Champagne. Think luxury swim-up suites, indulgent spa treatments and candlelit dinners for two. You’ve even got the support of a locally-based wedding coordinator to make sure your special day goes without a hitch. And when it comes to saying that all-important ‘I do’, we have the perfect spot. Sensatori Resort Crete has a Greek Orthodox church within its grounds. You can swap vows in the cobbled stone courtyard just outside. There are plenty of extras to choose from, too. Arrange a hair and make-up session for the bride, set the menu for your wedding banquet, or book a photographer to mark the occasion. We’ve got a range of wedding packages to choose from – for details of what’s included in each just give our Weddings Team a call on 0871 664 0131*.
Suite with private pool
Sensatori Resort Crete comes top of the list for renewal of vows ceremonies and honeymoons, too. Couples love the beachfront setting, the galaxy of restaurants, and the super-sized suites that come with all the trimmings, including XL beds. For more information about Sensatori Resort Crete, pick up a copy of the Sensatori or Thomson Premium Collection brochures, or visit thomson.co.uk *Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication in April 2013.
Book Sensatori Resort Crete and you’ll get special travel benefits - a bigger luggage allowance and priority drop-off at your hotel.
93
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YoUR big day package
AGHIOS NIKOLAOS LAKESIDE CRETE | Aghios Nikolaos
■ Wedding ceremony - Fridays only ■ Marriage certiicate issued in the local
language ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
In the centre of Aghios Nikolaos, surrounded by dramatic red rock and lush greenery, Voulismeni Lake has a setting that’s second to none. What’s more, according to Greek Mythology, the goddesses Athena and Artemis once bathed in its waters – so you’re in good company when you take those irst steps as man and wife. In terms of what happens on the big day, you’ll start off by making your way to a bridge in the centre of town. Then, you’re escorted along the lake to the spot where your ceremony
Weddings from
will take place. You’ll say your vows on the cobbled stones next to the water, with little ishing boats bobbing in the background. Keep an eye out for the white church built into the cliffside – it makes a really authentic backdrop for photographs.
£269
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
HOTEL IBEROSTAR MIRABELLO ttttt CRETE | Aghios Nikolaos
YOUR big day package ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Honeymoon breakfast in room day
after the wedding ■ Marriage certiicate issued in the local
language ■ Flowers and wine in the room
on arrival ■ Massage for wedding couple ■ Please note: This wedding package
applies for weddings at the Hotel Iberostar Mirabello, not for those staying at the hotel but having their ceremony at the Lakeside in Agios Nikolaos. From the outside, whitewashed walls and exposed stonework give this place an authentic Greek edge. Step inside though, and things take a more contemporary turn. In the bedrooms, that means sleek vanilla walls contrasted with lashes of bright blue and yellow. Marble bathrooms add a touch of luxury, while good-sized balconies complete the scene. Outside, two huge swimming pools steal the limelight. There’s a multi-tiered pool, as well as a couple of smaller ones for the kids. When you’re not in the water, the lounger-lined terraces make great sunbathing spots.
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
Another good thing about this place is the choice of bars and eateries. The main restaurant serves international buffets in a partially open-air setting, and elsewhere there’s an à la carte restaurant. As for light bites and drinks, you’ll ind a handful of snack bars by the small private beach and the pools. Night owls should head to the Mermaid Beach Bar – it’s open 10.00am-01.00am and has a large terrace to chill out on. Last but not least, in terms of location the hotel is about a 30-minute walk from the centre of Agios Nikolaos. Oficial rating: A Class Superior
£1205
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
94
CRETE
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
AQUILA RITHYMNA BEACH ttttt CRETE | Rethymnon
YoUR big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Breakfast in bed the morning after
your wedding ■ Flowers and wine in room on arrival ■ Massage for the wedding couple ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ 1 room for the groom the night before
the wedding ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
This place has a great reputation, and it’s easy to see why. Take the location, for starters. The hotel looks out over Crete’s longest beach, a sandy stretch that boasts a coveted Blue Flag. Plus, you’ve got views of Mount Psiloritis and the White Mountains stretching in the opposite direction. The complex itself has been designed in the style of a Cretan village, so expect a spacious set-up of whitewashed buildings, winding pathways and well-manicured lawns. There’s even a church nestled among the greenery. As for swimming pools, you’ve got three to choose from. The biggest snakes its way under bridges and around little islands, and there’s another pulled up right next to the beach. On the accommodation front, rooms are spread out around the grounds. The ones in the main building are classically dressed, with
loral soft-furnishings paired with cream walls. The newer ones, set in low-level houses, turn the style dial up a notch – with latte-coloured walls and dark-wood or glass furniture. Another standout feature is the activity scene. There’s a Thomson Kids’ Club for younger guests. And everything from snorkelling and tennis to Greek cookery lessons on offer, too. Lastly, with four restaurants and the same number of bars, this place goes all out at mealtimes. The main eatery offers international buffet spreads. There’s also a separate spread just for children. The themed nights at the Greek taverna are really popular, too. Expect everything from lobster to grilled meat, with candlelit tables dotted across the pool bridge.
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£939 * Renewal of Vows from £595 Weddings from
Available Apr 14 - October 14
Oficial rating: Deluxe
AQUILA ELOUNDA VILLAGE ttttt CRETE | Elounda
*
YoUR big day package
Contemporary adults-only hotels. See our Couples brochure for details.
■ Candlelit dinner for 2 ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit basket and wine in room on
arrival ■ Registrar ■ Marriage certiicate issued in the local
language ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Separate room for the groom the night
before the wedding ■ Breakfast in bed morning after your
wedding ■ Massage for the wedding couple ■ Sauna for the wedding couple
Wedding chapel
■ 30% spa discount
The elegant Aquila Elounda Village has been designed for couples, so you can expect a romantic atmosphere and peaceful surroundings. The property is set up high on a clifftop and is edged by greenery, plus it looks out over Mirabello Bay.
Food-wise, you’ve got a buffet eatery and 2 à la cartes to dine in, with authentic Greek dishes playing a starring role. If you want a bit of privacy, you have the option to eat al fresco on your balcony or on the shore.
The pool area plays host to 3 tiered saltwater pools, which are lanked by olive trees, palms and blooms. The main one is an ininity number and comes complete with a waterfall. Better still, the whole area looks out across the Mediterranean Sea.
All wedding guests must be over the age of 18 years. Oficial rating: HHHHH
The state-of-the-art spa features VIP couples suites and a hammam. You can enjoy treatments like massages and hot stone therapy, as well.
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£979 * Renewal of Vows from £495 Weddings from
*
Available Apr 14 - October 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
CRETE
95
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YoUR big day package
SUITES OF THE GODS tttt
■ Marriage certiicate/licence
SANTORINI | Megalochori
■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Terraced into a cliffside a couple of kilometres from Megalochori, the Suites of the Gods looks directly over Santorini’s caldera. The pools give you a front-row seat for the views. There’s an ininity plunge pool and a larger affair set on split-level terraces, with sunloungers.
■ Registrar and license application
The hotel itself is built on an old winery with cave-like rooms, some are maisonette-style. Each has a terrace with sea views and some come with outdoor whirlpool tubs. As for dining, the à la carte restaurant serves meals either inside or on an al fresco terrace. There’s also a cliff-edge bar.
in the uk, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group
Elsewhere, you’ll ind the spa with a candlelit indoor pool and massage suites in the caverns of the old wine cellars.
£615 * Renewal of Vows from £575 *
Weddings from
Available May 14 - Oct 14
Bookings are not taken for under 16s at this hotel but there may be children from other tour operators Wedding area
Oficial rating: HHHH
Your big day package
SANTO WINERY
■ Registrar
SANTORINI | Messaria
■ Marriage certiicate issued in the local
language ■ Wedding car ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
£619 * Renewal of Vows from £585 *
Weddings from
Available May 14 - Oct 14
Perched on the edge of the Santorini caldera, the whitewashed terrace at the Santo Winery prides itself on offering some of the most spectacular views on the island. Get married here during the day, and your backdrop will be the brooding Nea Kameni volcano. Choose to tie the knot at sunset, meanwhile, and you can watch the Aegean Sea tinge pink as dusk falls on your ceremony. After exchanging vows, toast with a glass of wine – the grapes used to make the drink are grown on this very soil. You can even turn your toast into a party by hosting your wedding reception at the winery, as well – just speak to your Weddings Advisor and they’ll sort it all out. You and your guests can enjoy the wedding breakfast while feasting your eyes on the Greek horizon. And, if the views aren’t enough to commit the occasion to memory, you can take home a specially-labelled bottle of wine and plenty of photos.
Your big day package
HOTEL KASSANDRA BAY ttttp
■ Room upgrade, subject to availability
SKIATHOS | Vasilias
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Fruit, lowers and wine in room on
arrival ■ Breakfast in bed morning after wedding ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 - not on wedding
day ■ Ceremony in the gardens with gazebo
overlooking the sea or in gazebo style pergola by pool bar looking out to sea ■ Option to upgrade venue and decoration - payable locally
The hotel is set on a private beach overlooking the Aegean Sea. The sands are dotted with loungers and umbrellas, and the latter come with handy buttons that’ll summon a waiter when you fancy a snack or a cocktail. When you want to explore Skiathos Town, meanwhile, walk along the jetty that juts out into the waves – water taxis stop here regularly. The hotel’s grounds are cocooned by gardens. There are 2 saltwater swimming pools, each framed by smart wooden decking. Little ones have their own paddling pool, as well. Elsewhere, there’s a brand new spa, which will open its doors for the irst time in July 2013.
in the uk, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group
Weddings from
£889
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
Food-wise, mornings are all about American buffet breakfasts. For lunch and dinner, you can expect fresh seafood and traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Oficial rating: HHHHH
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
96
Santorini / SkiathoS
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
THE BOURTZI
YoUR big day package
SKIATHOS | Skiathos Town
■ Registrar
You’ll add a sense of adventure to your big day if you tie the knot at The Bourtzi in Skiathos. Built in the 13th century to defend the Greek island against piracy, this man-made peninsula was once encircled by towering stone walls. Granted, if you have your wedding ceremony here nowadays, you’ll say your vows in a converted school room rather than an embattled fort. But, listen carefully enough, and you can almost hear the area’s history whispering to you through the venue’s walls. Later, when you’re having your photographs taken, you’ll be snapped against the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, which bore witness to the original pirates’ thoughts of war. When it comes to your reception, take your pick from Skiathos’ sea-facing tavernas, where the cast of Mamma Mia hung out when they were ilming the blockbuster back in 2007. Your Weddings Advisor will be able to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
■ Marriage certiicate issued in the local
language ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Weddings from
£475
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
ACHARAVI TOWN HALL
YoUR big day package
CORFU | Acharavi
■ Wedding certiicate issued in the local
language If you’re looking for a traditional Greek wedding, take a look at Acharavi Town Hall. It sits just off the high street, and is framed by a backdrop of tree-studded mountains. You’ll make your promises to each other in the mayor's ofice, as the Corfu sun streams through the windows. You can also opt for a short reading in your hotel irst, before heading to the town hall for the rest of the ceremony. Because the hall is in the heart of town, you’re perfectly placed to continue your celebrations, too. Take the short walk to the coast and have your pictures taken on the pebble-dashed beach. Then, take your pick from the town’s many restaurants for your reception – your wedding co-ordinator will help you choose the right one, depending on what kind of food and atmosphere you’re after. Most of the eateries in Acharavi are traditional tavernas serving Greek specialities. And, if you choose a place on the beachfront, you’ll be able to watch the Greek sun shift shape and set into the surf at sunset.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Newspaper notiication - payable
locally
Weddings from
£315
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
IPSOS TOWN HALL
YoUR big day package
CORFU | Ipsos
■ Wedding certiicate issued in the local
language If a horse-drawn carriage or a vintage car doesn’t sound like your kind of thing, try travelling to your wedding venue in a glass-bottomed boat. That’s what’s in store if you tie the knot at Ipsos Town Hall. You’ll watch the kilometre-long belt of ivory sand magnify from over the bow of your vessel as you approach the shore. Then you’ll disembark and take the short walk to the venue to say your vows. All eyes will be on you when you get married in the gardens, as well-wishing locals and holidaymakers ill the grounds to witness you tie the knot. And don't worry if the weather's not on your side. If it's raining, you can get married in the mayor's ofice inside. After your ceremony, it’s only a few steps back to the beach to have your photographs taken against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Just have a word with your wedding coordinator when you get there – they’ll help you choose the best place for you.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Newspaper notiication - payable
locally
Weddings from
£279
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
SKIATHOS / CORFU
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YoUR big day package
MESSONGHI TOWN HALL CORFU | Messonghi
■ Wedding certiicate issued in the
local language ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Newspaper notiication - payable
locally
The former ishing village of Messonghi is known for its relaxed and laid-back way of life and, if you choose to get married here, your wedding day will follow suit. There'll be a short reading in the grounds of your hotel, and then you'll head to the small and intimate Town Hall to say your vows. Later, after you make your promises to one another, the Mayor will do a special reading. After the ceremony, take a trip to Messonghi beach, where you can brush your hemlines through the almond-coloured sand and have your photographs taken with the sea in the background.
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Alternatively, make your way to the Regency Beach Hotel and smile for the camera in front of the church in its grounds. When it comes to the wedding reception, meanwhile, there’s a good choice of venues, and your wedding coordinator can help you decide the right one for you. Take your pick from traditional tavernas woven with grapevines, and seaside restaurants where you can dine to the sound of waves lapping the shore.
£285
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
VELONADES CORFU | Sidari
YOUR big day package ■ Wedding certiicate issued in the
local language ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Newspaper notiication - payable
locally
Coriot tradition will surround you like a warm blanket if you get married at the Old School. Set in the sleepy village of Velonades, just outside Sidari, this place is typically Greek. You’ll actually say your vows before you make your way to the school – either on the clifftops at Canal D’amour, or in your hotel gardens. Then, you’ll head to the venue to listen to a short reading and sign the register in the air-conditioned Mayor’s ofice. Afterwards, you’ll have photographs taken in the village square. When you pose for your pictures you’ll be surrounded by an audience of
Weddings from
fondant-coloured geraniums that decorate the houses. Locals will even come out to watch you smile for the camera. You’ll have no trouble inding somewhere for your wedding reception and, if you need any advice, just ask your wedding coordinator for suggestions. Take your pick from any one of Sidari’s traditional tavernas or international restaurants.
£335
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
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CORFU
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
NINE MUSES tttt KEFALONIA | Skala
YoUR big day package ■ Sparkling wine, seasonal fruit or
■ ■ ■ ■
Wedding chapel
Wedding, Nine Muses
The Nine Muses hotel makes a great irst impression. Flags lutter at the gates and the reception is fronted by classical columns. Elsewhere, lower-lined pathways and palm trees provide a village-like setting for the pastel-painted apartments.
Location-wise, the property is just steps away from Skala’s main sandy beach, where sunloungers and parasols are strung along the shore. When you want to head into the resort centre, meanwhile, the main street is just a couple of minutes’ walk away.
You’ll ind two swimming pools here. The bigger one is the most popular, and has an indoor-and-outdoor bar alongside its sunloungers. The smaller pool, meanwhile, has a hideaway feel to it and offers up good views over the countryside.
chocolates, and lowers in room on the wedding day Bouquet and buttonhole Registrar fees Newspaper banns Marriage certiicate issued in the local language
Oficial rating: A Class In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Another of the hotel’s drawcards is its restaurant, which is set in gardens overlooking Skala’s beach. Its open-sided dining room is the perfect setting for breakfast and à la carte lunches and dinners.
£1119 * Renewal of Vows from £809
Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
HOTEL TESORO BLU tttt KEFALONIA | Skala
Contemporary adults-only hotels. See our Couples brochure for details.
YoUR big day package ■ Adults only hotel ■ Marriage license ■ Marriage certiicate ■ Bouquet & buttonhole ■ Fruit & lowers in the room on arrival ■ Relaxing massage for two ■ Bottle of Moet
All cubed buildings and sleek glass balconies, this modern Couples hotel is as contemporary as they come. Inside, expect the full minimalist works, with loor-to-ceiling windows and neutral shades throughout. The bedrooms follow suit, with rich coloured walls and luxurious double beds creating a modern feel. And, in terms of extras, you get latscreen TVs and minibars.
Next, there’s the pool to consider. Set alongside the main building, it’s a large ininity number bordered by smart sun terraces. Lastly, this place scores highly when it comes to location. The property has a pebbly beach on its doorstep and it’s just a 20-minute walk from the centre of Skala. Oficial rating: Pending
The dining scene is just as impressive. You’ve got one à la carte restaurant specialising in modern Mediterranean fare plus the main restaurant. And there are a couple of bars, where you can enjoy after-dinner drinks and light entertainment from live musicians and singers.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£1305 * Renewal of Vows from £1099 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
KefalONIA
99
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
APOLLONION RESORT & SPA tttt KEFALONIA | Lixouri
Your big day package ■ Marriage certiicate/license
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Room upgrade (subject to availability) ■ Fruit basket on arrival ■ Wine in room on arrival ■ Spa treatments
Wedding area
The Apollonion Resort & Spa is set in the countryside outside of Lixouri, so it’s very quiet and restful. What’s more, it’s just ive minutes’ walk from Xi Beach, where the sands are lined with sunbeds. Lixouri itself is a bit further away, so you’re better off taking a cab or bus.
in the uK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group
£1015 * Renewal of Vows from £865 *
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The hotel was only built recently, so it’s contemporary through and through. Avant-garde sculptures line the lobby, and the bedrooms are all boutique chic. To up the luxury, you can stay in a maisonette-style suite, which features a terrace leading into your own private pool.
In terms of the pool itself, it’s big and stretches through the gardens. Sunbeds surround the water, and there’s an al fresco taverna at one end, serving light meals. Completing everything is a buffet restaurant and a cocktail bar. Lastly, the spa is great for relaxing. Its treatments cover everything from essential oils massages to steam baths. Oficial rating: HHHHH
Available May 14 - Oct 14
ARGOSTOLI THEATRE KEFALONIA | Argostoli
Your big day package ■ Licence application ■ Marriage certiicate issued in the local
language ■ Registrar Fees ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
If you want to take centre-stage on your big day, say your vows in Argostoli. The ceremony will be conducted by an oficial from the Town Hall on the top loor of the local theatre. It means you can soak up views of the town and look out to sea while you make your promises. Sat opposite the Archaeological Museum, this theatre is one of the largest in Greece. It’s blushing pink façade is a great example of neoclassical architecture and its steps are the perfect place to have your irst pictures taken as man and wife. As for your reception, have a word with your
Weddings from
weddings coordinator and they’ll help you choose the best place for you. As the capital of Kefalonia, Argostoli itself is sprinkled with bars and tavernas. And, with a daily catch arriving at the local harbour every morning, the dishes of the day are usually fresh ish. If you choose a harbour-front venue, meanwhile, you’ve got a good chance of spotting loggerhead turtles in the waters nearby.
£589
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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Kefalonia
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL LOUIS ZANTE BEACH tttt ZANTE | Laganas
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
YOUR big day package
Set on Zante's longest beach and backed by pine forests – when it comes to location, this place is hard to beat.
Putting the sun-kissed shores of Laganas Beach in front of you, and over two hundred acres of lush forestland behind, the Louis Zante Beach Hotel offers up a breathtaking setting for your big day. You’ll say “I do” on an outdoor terrace in the hotel grounds, surrounded by rustic pots and rockery. The terrace looks out over shady gardens filled with exotic palms, banana trees and colourful shrubs, so the whole set up is really private and intimate. What’s more, soft music adds to the romantic vibe. Later, pose for your wedding pictures among all the greenery, or head down to the beach to get snapped on the sands. In terms of your reception, meanwhile, you can choose between a big buffet spread in the self-service restaurant or a waiter-service meal in the Asian restaurant. Your wedding coordinator will sort it all out for you - just have a word when you arrive.
■ Marriage certificate issued in the local
language ■ Registrar ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Room upgrade, subject to availability ■ Fruit basket and wine on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for two
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
£555 * Renewal of Vows from £415 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
ZANTE
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
GARDEN VILLAGE tttt ZANTE | Kalamaki
Your big day package ■ Flowers in room on arrival ■ Marriage certiicate issued in the local
language ■ Registrar ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
Wedding gazebo
Wedding gazebo
Surrounded by glossy palms and colourful lowers, the Garden Village in Kalamaki provides a really tranquil spot for your wedding ceremony. The whole place overlows with cobbled stone, terracotta pots and intricate carvings, meaning you’ve got plenty of choice when it comes to backdrops for your photos. You’ll say your vows in front of a rustic gazebo, with stone columns, draped cloth and lowers of your choice. It all makes for a really authentic setting. In terms of music, you can bring your own if there’s a special song you’ve got in mind. Or, if you’ve
opted for traditional local musicians for your big day, your Weddings Advisor can have a word and see if they know your favourite tune. After the ceremony, the reception can be held around the pool area, which is fringed by a stone grotto and waterfall feature.
£555 * Renewal of Vows from £415 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
THE BALCONY ZAKYNTHOS | Tsilivi
Your big day package ■ Marriage certiicate issued in the local
language ■ Registrar ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Perched high on the rugged cliffside above Akrotiri, this aptly-named place has a setting that’s hard to beat. You’ll say your vows on a sun-soaked balcony, looking out over the glittering Ionian Sea, Tsilivi Beach and the island of Kefalonia in the distance. And not only can you enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area, the balcony itself is a really pretty set-up, too. Your guests will sit either side of a red carpet aisle, which is framed by colourful blooms and intricate ribbons. Plus, there’s a
grassy space to the side that’s dotted with palms – so you’re not short of backdrops for photographs to really cherish. The ceremony itself is a short service, conducted in Greek with English translation. The best part is, you can add your own personal touches in the form of poetry or bible readings.
£555 * Renewal of Vows from £415 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
102
Zante
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Your big day package
ALEXANDRA BEACH ZAKYNTHOS | Tsilivi
■ Marriage certiicate issued in the local
language ■ Registrar ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
Exchange vows at the Alexandra Beach Hotel, and you get two choices when it comes to ceremony venues. First off, there’s the hotel’s outside terrace. Perched on a cliff top overlooking Tsilivi Beach and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, it offers up some of the best views in the area. You can choose to wed under a pretty archway covered in fragrant lowers in the colour of your choice. You’ll stand beside it and wed in the company of your family and friends. Your other option is to have your ceremony
conducted on a wooden jetty on the beach. Opt for a storybook horse-and-carriage arrival, and say your promises looking out to sea, with the mainland stretching out behind you. Whichever setting you go for, one thing’s for sure – you’ll take home some pretty spectacular photographs.
£555 * Renewal of Vows from £415 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
AKROPOLIS
Your big day package
ZAKYNTHOS | Lagana
■ Marriage certiicate/Licence ■ Registrar ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Town Hall fees
If you’re after an intimate, private venue for your special day, the Akropolis should go straight to the top of your list. Get married here, and you’ll become Mr and Mrs in a garden that’s freckled with banana and olive trees, underneath a rustic gazebo made from a leaning palm tree. Your guests will sit in the shade just behind you and, as you say your vows, you can opt to have a local musician strumming softly on a guitar. After the ceremony,
photographs will be taken around the sleepy garden – on the grassy lawn, by traditional Grecian columns, and next to a pretty water fountain. Later, you can sit down for a wedding breakfast with your loved ones, to sip Champagne and tuck in to some of the local cuisine.
£555 * Renewal of Vows from £415 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
ZAKYNTHOS
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TURKEY
Practical Info Firstly, you’ll need to pick up your marriage license, & get your documents legalised & translated, at the British Consulate – there’s one in Antalya & in Izmir. You’ll also both need to pay for a medical check-up, which includes a health questionnaire & sometimes a blood pressure test.
“Say ‘I do’ among beautiful beaches and ancient sites – Turkey offers up both in equal measure, and plenty more besides.” Turkey is getting a reputation as one of the most romantic spots in the Med. One of its main draws is its beach scene. Olu Deniz’s Blue Lagoon is the big one in these parts. Its pebbly beach merges into a turquoise lagoon, so it’s a great spot for post-ceremony photos. Then there are the golden sands of Antalya to consider, or the ten-kilometre-long coastline of Side. When it comes to exploring together, Turkey teams grand Ottoman mosques with crumbling Roman temples. The ancient city of Ephesus was one of the largest in the Roman Empire, and its ruins are well worth a visit. Highlights here include the first gladiator graveyard ever found, and the Library of Celsus, which was once home to 14,000 book scrolls. Elsewhere, historical titans like the ancient city of Troy vie for your attention. Head here to tick off sights like the Temple of Athena. Another part of Turkey’s appeal is the fact it’s kept its old-world charm. Haggle your way around the traditional bazaars of the old towns, picking up silver jewellery, hand-woven rugs and ‘kahya’ porcelain. Then settle at a waterfront restaurant for a plate of octopus salad and a glass of ‘raki’ – the locals’ spirit of choice. Antalya, in particular, has its fair share of romantic nightspots – choose one of the clifftop restaurants for al fresco dining under the stars.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Turkey include: wedding ceremony, venue, wedding coordinator, marriage certificate, wedding cake, bouquet & button hole, sparkling wine for the toast. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
A word from the expert... “Turkey is well-known for its beautiful jewellery, so you might want to sort out your weddings bands once you’re here. Lots of jewellers design their own ranges, so if you’ve got a design in mind, you can have it specially made right before your ceremony.” Geraldine Roberts, Customer Delivery
Please see our Thomson Turkey brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
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TURKEY
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
BLUE LAGOON TURKEY | Olu Deniz
YOUR big day package
Sitting centre-stage on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, the spectacular Blue Lagoon takes romance to another level.
Wedding venues don’t get more romantic than the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Set on Turkey’s popular Turquoise Coast, this huge body of glimmering water is the queen bee of the country’s beaches. The whole place is backed by mountains and surrounded by greenery, too, so the scenery for your big day is second to none. When you say your vows here, your ceremony will take place in lush gardens close to the edge of the lagoon. You’ll exchange rings under a decorated pagoda, with an interpreter translating the readings from Turkish to English. Afterwards, it’s just a short walk to the sandy shore, where the unspoilt scenery will become the backdrop for photographs.
■ Registrar fees ■ Marriage licence ■ CD player for the ceremony ■ Bridal car
As for your wedding reception, meanwhile, popular Olu Deniz is just a five-minute drive away. Most of the restaurants here serve a combination of Turkish and international food, so you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy. Need help deciding? Have a word with your Weddings Coordinator – they’ll know all the best places.
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£719
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
MONTANA PINE RESORT ttttp TURKEY | Olu Deniz
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
YOUR BIG DAY PACKAGE
A spectacular location, three pools and tranquillity you can almost reach out and touch - this mountain hotel is rather special.
■ Registrar fees
Tucked into pine-cloaked mountains overlooking Olu Deniz, this property looks out over hills to the Med in the distance. What’s more, its location is secluded. That said, there are a few morning courtesy buses to take you to Olu Deniz.
■ Marriage licence ■ CD player for ceremony
Inside, the rooms focus on homely charm. On the food front, there’s the main Pinewood restaurant lined by an elevated terrace so you eat outdoors. By the Marmara pool there’s a cafe specialising in Turkish coffee. For pre-dinner drinks though, the place to be is the Sunset Bar. Official rating: HHHH
As you’d expect, it’s the views that steal the spotlight. For the best, settle around the Dolphin pool. There are two other pools nestled in the gardens, too. One is surrounded by shady trees and has its own waterfall, while the other pool is set just above. As far as looks go, the hotel blends into its surroundings. Pan-tiled annexes are tiered into the hillside with some of them taking advantage of the widescreen panoramas on offer.
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group
Weddings from
£529
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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TURKEY
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
MARTI RESORT DELUXE ttttt TURKEY | Icmeler
Your big day package
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Covered wedding table, small table
lower and chairs for 8 people ■ Fruit basket, wine and lowers on
arrival ■ Late breakfast served in bride and
groom's room morning after wedding ■ Room upgrade for honeymoon night
- subject to availability
Superior elegant room
The Marti Resort Deluxe has scooped one of the best settings in the area. It sits in the shadow of pine-cloaked hills, right on a Blue Flag beach in Icmeler Bay. Tropical gardens frame the complex, so it feels really secluded. That said, the shops and restaurants of the town centre are less than a 15-minute walk away. Two swimming pools take pride of place in the grounds. They’re separated by rockery and edged by palms, sunbeds and thatched umbrellas. There’s a paddling pool just for smaller guests, too, and 3 snack bars that’ll see you through the day with cold drinks and light bites likes sandwiches, salads and toasties.
Speaking of food, mealtimes bring you plenty of choice, with 4 restaurants to pick from. One is of the buffet variety, so expect world lavours and on-the-spot cooking stations. If you want to go down the speciality route, meanwhile, there are Italian, Chinese and Turkish options. Some facilities may not be available during April 2013 due to potential weather conditions. Oficial rating: HHHHH In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£479
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
SUNTOPIA TROPICAL tttt TURKEY | Sarigerme
Your big day package ■ Room upgrade - subject to availability ■ Decorated room on wedding night ■ Red wine and fruit in room on wedding
night ■ Marriage licence ■ Registrar fees
Suite
As far as locations go, the Suntopia Tropical is hard to beat. The property backs on to pine-studded mountains and looks out over Sarigerme’s sandy beach. What’s more, it’s only a 20-minute walk from the town centre, so you’ve got shops and restaurants within easy reach.
In terms of dining, it’s a help-yourself set-up in the buffet eatery, where you’ll ind everything from fresh seafood to pasta dishes on offer. Little ones also have their own section to pick from. If you want to go down the speciality route instead, there are three themed restaurants to try.
The pool scene is another big draw. You’ll ind four swimming pools at the centre of the hotel’s grounds, including two for smaller guests and one that features corkscrew slides. Wander through the palm-freckled grounds and you’ll come to the quiet pool, where you can relax while the children are being looked after at the Thomson Kids’ Club.
Oficial rating: HHHH
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
£465
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
TURKEY
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
LIBERTY HOTELS LARA BEACH ttttt TURKEY | Lara Beach
Your big day package ■ Licence Application
Stylish 4T and 5T hotels. See our Premium brochure for details.
■ Registrar Fees ■ Breakfast in Bed on day after wedding ■ Fruit Basket, lowers and wine in room
on arrival ■ Candlelight dinner for 2
Double room
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
The Liberty Hotels Lara Beach has four swimming pools. There’s a shallow pool for children, an ‘activity’ pool with waterslides and a quiet pool that comes with its own restaurant and bar. Stealing the limelight, though, is the main pool, which snakes its way through the centre of the complex. Plus, when you want to swap poolside for beachside, there’s a sandy strip just footsteps away.
traditional affair serving up ‘gozleme’ – savoury pastries cooked on the griddle. Simply pick your illing and watch it being made in front of you. And for sundowner drinks it’s got to be the Sunset Shack.
You’ve got ive restaurants to choose from. The Italian, Bellini, is a favourite with guests, so it’s worth booking a table in advance. For a slice of old Turkey, head outside to the Yoruk Tent. It’s a
Oficial rating: HHHHH
Last but not least, the hotel has a Thomson Kids’ Club, which means it’s a great choice for families.
£535
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
PAPILLON AYSCHA ttttp TURKEY | Belek
YOUR big day package ■ Marriage licence and registrar fees ■ Wedding dinner in main or à la carte
restaurants (max 20 people) ■ Room upgrade (subject to availability) ■ 2 rooms on the night of the wedding
(subject to availability) ■ Continental breakfast in bed the
morning after the wedding ■ Fruit basket in room on arrival ■ Candlelit dinner for 2 served the day
after the wedding ■ Wine in room on arrival ■ Couple receive a 30% spa discount,
excluding cosmetic procedures, which is a 10% discount ■ Minimum of 10 people staying at this hotel including Bride and Groom to qualify for wedding package
Double room
The Papillon Ayscha is fronted by a private beach, so sweeping sea views and a close proximity to the sands are a big part of its appeal. It’s also surrounded by greenery – palm trees and lawns stretch out in every direction. Plus, when you want to get out and about, the centre of Belek is less than a 5-minute drive from the hotel. You’ll ind 6 swimming pools among the greenery. One of them comes with 3 slides, including tube and multi-person varieties. There’s a whirlpool bath out here, too, plus a bar that’s well-stocked with cocktails.
In the UK, this holiday is only available from the Thomson Group.
Weddings from
Mealtimes offer plenty of choice. The buffet restaurant showcases international dishes, while the 5 à la carte restaurants let you tuck in to fresh-from-the-net seafood, and Italian and Mexican cuisine. In the winter months, Asian and Turkish speciality restaurants are also part of the line-up. After-dinner entertainment, meanwhile, comes in the form of live shows – you’ll recognise favourites like The Lion King. Oficial rating: HHHHH
£569
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
108
TURKEY
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
IBIZA
Practical Info Ceremonies in Ibiza are purely blessings, so you’ll need to wed legally either before you fly out or when you get home.
A word from the expert... "Remember the summer temperatures in Ibiza are hot, hot, hot! Our ceremonies take place early evening when the day is a little cooler and comfortable - but make the most of your day with a lazy early morning sun bathe and swim, followed by a champagne brunch, before an afternoon of pampering ready for your grand entrance down the aisle!" Debbie Pike, Wedding Holiday Advisor
Please see our Thomson Spain, Portugal & Cape Verde brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
“With first-class ceremony backdrops, lantern-lit tavernas and a dusk-tildawn party scene, Ibiza has everything you need to become Mr and Mrs.” As the party capital of the Mediterranean, Ibiza knows how to hold a celebration. And weddings are no exception. For starters, the island has more than its fair share of album-worthy settings. They don’t call it the White Isle for nothing – it’s all light sands, blanched cliff faces and sugar-cube villages. Choose the right place and you can say your vows looking out over the Mediterranean Sea. Then there are the reception venues to consider. Ibiza is scattered with places to eat, drink and dance, so all you have to do is choose how much of a blow-out you want your big day to be. On the one hand, you can find a venue with a view on the southwest side of the island and watch the sun melt into the sea at sunset. On the other, you can toast your way into the early hours in the nightclubs of San Antonio or Playa d’en Bossa. If you’re more of a middle-grounder, you can enjoy the last few hours of your big day in a candle-lit beach bar or a private garden in San Miguel.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Ibiza include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, wedding cake or cupcakes, sangria & tapas for the bride & groom plus two guests, bouquet & button hole, sparkling wine for the toast. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Weddings From Thomson
CEREMONIES IN IBIZA
Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Whether you want to tie the knot with the sand between your toes, or say your vows in a church, we’ll make sure your Ibiza wedding is unforgettable.
MAKE IT SPECIAL There are plenty of extras you can arrange to put a personal stamp on your day...
A symbolic ceremony can be conducted by a civil host, which means you can take your pick from a great range of settings. On the west coast you can swap vows right on the beach in the intimate cove of Cala Carbo. If you want to tie the knot surrounded by greenery, go for a garden ceremony. With this one, you’ll get married in a private garden overlooking the promenade in San Antonio, so the sea and sunset views are something else. And, for something completely different, head to Cala Tarida. The panoramic views from the terrace here will take your breath away – you can pledge your love with nothing but the sea as your backdrop. It’s worth noting that for symbolic ceremonies, you can legally-bind your wedding at home, either before or after your Ibiza ceremony.
■ WHERE TO STAY Your ceremony in Ibiza can be booked alongside any property featured in our Summer Collection, Villas with Pools, Small & Friendly, A La Carte or Premier Collection brochures.
■ DECORATION
■ TIME TO CELEBRATE We can help you find the perfect place to celebrate after the ceremony. Want a chic restaurant with prime views of the sunset? A beach party and barbecue? Or the ambience of an elegant country eatery? Whether you’re looking for quiet intimacy or the liveliest of parties, you can have it all in Ibiza.
Need some inspiration? Let us help you find the perfect flowers to match your outfit and venue.
Make your day even more special with a romantic gazebo, a rose petal-lined aisle or a particular type of seating for your guests. ■ FLORISTS
■ PERSONAL PAMPERING
We’ll make sure you look a million dollars on the day. There’s a whole range of health and beauty treatments available, from hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, to rejuvenating massages and facials. ■ PHOTOGRAPHERS
Don’t miss a moment. Make sure your photos capture the beauty of the day in all its glory. And why not think about getting it captured on DVD? ■ GETTING THERE
Want to arrive in style? We’ve got a whole fleet to choose from, including minibuses and coaches. You can even make your way there in a decorated limousine. ■ MUSICIANS & SINGERS
JUST SO YOU KNOW All weddings will take place in the evening when it’s cooler. If there are more than four people in your wedding party and you decide not to use the ceremony venue for your meal, there’ll be an €15-per-person charge for sangria and tapas.
Whether you’re after a contemporary band, a solo singer or a Flamenco guitarist, we can arrange the perfect soundtrack for your ceremony.
* Prices and package inclusions are subject to change
Visit your local Thomson travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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IBIZA
*
775
Prices from £
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA
Practical Info To get married here you’ll need a certificate of no impediment from your local registry office 9 months before your wedding. We’ll need this & your original birth certificate, 3 months before travel. If the bride is divorced, she’ll need to wait 300 days until she can wed in Italy.
A word from the expert... “Italian weddings usually involve ‘bomboniere’, or ‘favours’, for the guests. Usually they’re parcels of five almonds, which symbolise health, happiness, fertility, long life and prosperity. You can easily add this element to your day – whether it’s with sweets or little gifts” Jane Moore, Resort Team Manager
Please see our Thomson Italy, Malta & Croatia brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
“Italy is a bit of a professional when it comes to romance and, with its jaw-dropping scenery, the Neapolitan Riviera is no exception.” Casanova. Cupid. St Valentine. It’s no coincidence Italy has given the world some of its greatest romantic icons. And it only takes one look at the Neapolitan Riviera to understand the power this place has on the heart strings. All along the Amalfi coast, whitewashed villages balance dramatically on a cliff side that tumbles away into the sea. And, in Sorrento, you’ve got a seaside town that could have been made for couples. The best way to spend a day here is to alternate romantic strolls with coffees in piazza-side cafes. The after-dusk scene is impressive, too. Nights out start in cosmopolitan wine bars, move into piazza-side restaurants, and end in cool gelato cafes. When it comes to exploring, meanwhile, the Neapolitan Riviera showcases some of the world’s most iconic historical sights. In Pompeii and Herculaneum, you can take a close-up look at the preserved remains of two ancient Roman towns. Finally, this slice of Italy comes out all guns blazing on the dining front. We’re talking wood-fired pizzas, lightly-grilled fish and homemade pasta dishes.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Italy include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, marriage certificate, translation of UK documents, bouquet & button hole, sparkling wine for the bride and groom. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Your big day package
CLOISTERS OF SAN FRANCESCO NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA | Sorrento
■ Small sponge wedding cake ■ Venue fees ■ Registrar
Cloisters of San Francesco was made for fairytale weddings. A quiet courtyard hidden within the walls of a Medieval monastery, it has a really private and intimate feel. The acoustics are excellent, as well – this place is often used as a venue for classical concerts, so it’s ideal if you want to add an element of music to your special day. As for the setting, it’s framed by Gothic arches and stone pillars, with trailing vines and fragrant plants along every wall. You’ll say your vows beneath the open sky, with
the Sorrento sun shining down on you. Then, your guests can throw confetti as you walk under the arches and out into the public gardens. From here, the sea views sweep all the way to Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. It’s the perfect setting for photographs to remember.
£725 * Renewal of Vows from £545 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
YOUR big day package
VILLA FONDI
■ Wedding cake for 6 people
NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA | Sorrento
■ Venue fee ■ Registrar fees
Say your vows at Sorrento’s Villa Fondi, and the inky waters of the Bay of Naples will provide a backdrop that’s nothing short of spectacular. The ceremony itself will take place on the villa’s cliff-top terrace, so great photo opportunities are offered up from the minute the irst chords of the wedding march chime. Mouth ‘I do’ under the warm Italian sun, with your guests bearing witness to your big moment. Later, move to the surrounding parkland to pose for the camera and complete your wedding album under the shade of crooked lemon trees.
If you’re after an authentic soundtrack for your big day, you can add a traditional mandolin or guitar performance. If you want to arrive at Villa Fondi in style, meanwhile, you can choose between pulling up in a vintage car or a horse-drawn carriage. Just speak to your Weddings Advisor when you arrive and they’ll sort it out for you.
£805 * Renewal of Vows from £615 Weddings from
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
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NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
MAIORI TOWN HALL
Your big day package
NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA | Positano
■ Wedding cake for 6 people ■ Venue fees ■ Registrar fees
You’ll be treading in the footsteps of Spartans when you tie the knot in Maiori. This pretty seaside town has been a popular tourist resort since Roman times, and it’s easy to see why – it has the longest unbroken stretch of beach on the Amali coast. The Town Hall here is cradled in the 18th-century Palazzo Mezzacapo in the heart of Maiori. You’ll say your vows in the ornate ceremonial room on the irst loor, where the walls are lined with frescoes. Or, you can choose to get married in the
intimate garden, which hold hands with the building. When it comes to having you pictures taken, head to the coast and pose against the silky blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Later, have your irst meal as man and wife in one of Maiori’s restaurants. Your wedding coordinator will have the inside information on where to choose when you get there.
Weddings from
£669
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
POSITANO TOWN HALL NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA | Positano
Your big day package ■ Wedding cake for 6 people ■ Venue fee ■ Registrar fees
The Positano Town Hall is a pretty white building with a real authentic feel to it. Your ceremony will take place on an open-air terrace, which means you’ll be wed in the warm Italian sunshine. What’s more, the hall is set high above the bay, so sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the sugar-cube houses that spill down the hillside come as standard. The terrace itself is surrounded by wrought- iron railings. It all makes for a really romantic setting. You can choose the type of music you have for
the ceremony, too. Opt for a traditional guitar or a mandolin performance, or go for something more modern. Later, once you’re oficially husband and wife, you can pose for photos while taking in the views. Your Weddings Advisor can help you to organise a reception, too
Weddings from
£779
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
NEAPOLITAN RIVIERA
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SICILY
Practical Info If you're planning on getting married in Sicily, it's worth noting that if the bride is divorced, she needs to wait 300 days until she can wed in Italy.
“Whether you’re wandering around ruins, watching theatre under the stars, or drinking local wine in a piano bar, Sicily is best experienced a deux.” One of the world’s greatest love stories was penned in Sicily. DH Lawrence was staying in the hilltop town of Taormina when he wrote Lady Chatterly’s Lover and, as far as muses go, it’s easy to see how this place inspired a best-seller. The town itself dates back to 385 BC, so it’s crammed with historical buildings and landmarks. One of the most romantic is a Greco-Roman amphitheatre, which looks out over the brooding Mount Etna volcano. Open-air theatre is still staged here in the summer, and audiences tend to catch a show before ending the evening in an art-plastered piano bar. Elsewhere on the island, you’ll find a patchwork of culture. Make your way south, and you’ve got the Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to seven ancient Greek temples, which date as far back as the 5th-century BC. Head a few miles inland and you’ll discover timeless villages doused in the scents of orange groves and pine forests. Then there’s the capital city, Palermo, where you can spend a day wandering between the Norman cathedral, the puppet museum, and the local markets.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Sicily include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue and wedding coordinator. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
A word from the expert... "Do as the Italians do and have your guests throw rice and sugared almonds rather than confetti – it’s a national tradition.” Jane Moore, Resort Team Manager
Please see our Thomson Italy, Malta & Croatia brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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SICILY
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
PALAZZO DUCHI DI SANTA STEFANO SICILY | Taormina
YOUR big day package
Showcasing antique sculpture and design, the Palazzo Duchio di Santo Stefano is an art lover’s Eden.
Dating back to the 13th-century, the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano is considered one of the masterpieces of Sicilian Gothic art. Take one look, and it’s easy to see why it’s held in such high esteem. Set in the centre of picturesque Taormina and surrounded by lush gardens, it’s all battlement walls, heavy stone and intricate Arabic detail. A grand stone stairwell takes centre-stage, leading up to the room where the ceremony itself takes place. Complete with original stone façades, impressive sculptures and arched windows, it certainly looks the part. What’s more, it offers up fantastic views of the ocean, which really ups the romance factor. After you’ve said your vows, head outside where cobbled courtyards are surrounded by tranquil gardens. It makes for a photo-worthy backdrop and you’ll have plenty of chances to capture it all on camera.
■ Wedding cake for 6 people ■ Town Hall fees ■ Registrar fees
Weddings from
£725
*
Available May 14 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
SICILY
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CROATIA
Practical Info You'll need to let the Registrar know your intent to marry if you want to tie the knot in Croatia. This needs to be done 30 to 45 days before the big day.
If you want your wedding album to run rings around everyone else’s, marry in Croatia, where towns come with distinctive red roofs and pretty harbours as standard. Weddings in Croatia are a little less ordinary. The country is only just starting to surface as a place to tie the knot. As such, wedding albums made here can be as individual as a signature. When you make your promises in Dubrovnik you can have your first photographs as man and wife taken against the inimitable backdrop of red-roofed houses and historical city walls. In Porec, there are UNESCO World Heritage Sites to squeeze into the scenes. And in Rovinj, there’s a pretty harbour where fishing boats bob. Wedding breakfasts can be customised in Croatia, too. Take your first dance to the sound of traditional tamburica folk music, played on strings. Or lift a glass of plummy rakija brandy to make your toasts. Croatia and honeymoons go hand in hand as well. The thousand-plus islands that pepper the country’s coastline were made for escapology. When you’re on these isles, all that matters is Mr, Mrs and the sand and the sea. You can also drop off the grid in Croatia’s national parks. In places like Krk National Park, fir trees and waterfalls will be the only company you’ll keep outside of one another.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Croatia include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator, bouquet for the bride and button hole for the groom. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
A word from the expert... “Croatia, one of the Mediterranean best kept secrets, offers unique cultural and historical experience as well as a natural beauty of its coastline. Choose from one of the town halls we offer in historic towns of Dubrovnik, Rovinj and Porec” Sanda Peranic, Purchasing Executive
Please see our Thomson Italy, Malta & Croatia brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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CROATIA
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
DUBROVNIC REGISTER OFFICE
Your big day package
CROATIA | Dubrovnic
■ Marriage Certiicate
With its red roof and cream walls, Dubrovnik Registry Ofice is classically Croatian. And it’s a place where countless locals have embarked on their married lives together. The building is a few minutes’ horse-drawn carriage ride or a 15-minute walk from the Bay of Gruz. This natural harbour makes a great backdrop for wedding photographs. It’s topped by yachts and sailboats, and surrounded by red-roofed houses and evergreen trees. Dubrovnik’s old town, a couple of kilometres away, could have been made for wedding breakfasts. Beyond the 16th-century Pile Gate entrance, there’s a lineage of restaurants. Make your irst meal as man and wife memorable by booking a table at one of the ine-dining restaurants. Order Dalmatian lobster and Istrian trufles in view of the Adriatic Sea. Or, for something simpler, stow away to a hidden restaurant to eat wood-ired pizza with your hands.
■ Floral Table Decoration at Venue ■ Local Sparking Wine ■ Cake for 10 people
Weddings from
£829
*
Available May 14 – Oct 14
ROVINJ TOWN HALL
Your big day package
CROATIA | Rovinj
■ Marriage Certiicate
Rovinj has always had a handle on heart strings. The romance language of Istriot was once widely spoken here, and a few locals still speak it today. Rovinj Town Hall is in the heart of the pretty old town, where the architecture is a muddle of gothic, renaissance, baroque and neoclassical. This oficial building has a few architecture aces up its own sleeve, too. Inside, on the irst loor, there’s a hand-painted fresco that’s waiting to be restored to its 17th-century glory. Rovinj is a great place for wedding breakfasts. The town is still a busy ishing port, so you’ll ind a catch of the day on almost every restaurant menu. Honeymoons are pretty special here, too. Rovinj has its own archipelago of islands a few miles from its coast. These green isles were made for vanishing acts.
■ Floral Table Decoration at Venue ■ Local Sparking Wine ■ Cake for 10 people
Weddings from
£875
*
Available May 14 – Oct 14
POREC TOWN HALL
Your big day package
CROATIA | Porec
■ Marriage Certiicate
The Istrian Riviera is making a name for itself as the new Tuscany. And Porec is right in the centre of it. The town hall itself is in the heart of the old town, less than a minute’s walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Euphrasian Basilica. The 16th-century bell tower and spire of this building make a memorable backdrop for wedding photographs, as does the harbour, which is a minute’s walk in the opposite direction. Fishing and pleasure boats bob in the moorings here, and there’s a pretty waterside promenade that’s colonnaded with red-roofed houses and Roman-style villas. Porec’s a great place for wedding breakfasts, too. There are lots of special places on the waterfront. Some offer a white table and candlelight experience, others serve hearty home-cooked food in rustic surroundings.
■ Floral Table Decoration at Venue ■ Local Sparking Wine ■ Cake for 10 people
Weddings from
£885
*
Available May 14 – Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
CRoaTIA
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MALTA
Practical Info Before you say ‘I do’ in Malta or Gozo, you’ll need to pay a visit to the Registrar’s Office and pick up your marriage license.
Showcasing centuries of history and a great gourmet scene, Malta lives up to its 'land of honey' nickname. There’s nothing like a knight’s tale to get the heart going, and that’s what makes Malta one of the most romantic countries in the world. During the 16th century, this tiny island was ruled by an order of these armoured amors, so its history is laced with stories of valour, gallantry and ‘feint heart never won fair lady’ sort of stuff. This period in Malta’s history is best showcased in Mdina, where the order left a legacy of baroque architecture alongside St Paul’s Cathedral, and the city of Valetta, which the order built from scratch. Of course, the knights’ time in Malta only scratches the surface of its history. Elsewhere on the island you’ll find megalithic temples that predate Egypt’s pyramids, and architectural artefacts left behind by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Byzantines. That said, there’s more to Malta than its past. These days, you’re just as likely to hear about the island’s film locations. The Hollywood epics Gladiator and Troy were both filmed here, so you’ll be following in the footsteps of movie stars if you hold your big day here. Lastly, Malta’s gastro scene is a reason in itself to tie the knot on the island. Maltese culture revolves around food, and on every weekend throughout the summer you’ll find a village hosting a festival of
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Malta include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue, wedding coordinator and sparkling wine for the bride and groom. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
A word from the expert... "Malta and Gozo are steeped in more than 7,000 years of history, so you've got some really unique wedding venues - including grand palaces - to choose from." Jeremy Paul Bonnici, Operations Manager
Please see our Thomson Italy, Malta & Croatia brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk
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MALTA
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
HOTEL MELLIEHA BAY tttt MALTA | Mellieha Bay
Your big day package ■ Wedding cake for up to 40 guests ■ Marriage licence and certiicate ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
The Hotel Mellieha Bay has one of the best addresses in Malta. The property overlooks the island’s largest sandy bay, and it’s bordered by seven acres of tropical gardens. Best of all, when you want to explore the local area, you’re only a ive-minute bus ride from the village of Mellieha and the nearest shops and restaurants.
On the food front, meals are laid out as buffets. Expect big breakfasts with bacon and eggs in the mornings, and Mediterranean specialities like couscous and almond cake in the evenings. Oficial rating: HHHH
The hotel has been designed with families in mind. Take the pool scene, for example. It’s got something for everyone – there are a couple of pools for adults, and two for smaller guests to paddle in. You’ll also ind a children’s playground in the grounds, complete with safety matting.
In the uK, this holiday is only available from the thomson Group.
£385 * Renewal of Vows from £355 Weddings from
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Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
HOTEL PHOENICIA ttttt MALTA | Valletta
Your big day package
A range of luxury hotels. See our A la Carte brochure for details.
■ Registrar fees ■ Wedding cake ■ Bouquet and button hole ■ Room upgrade - subject to availability ■ Breakfast in bed ■ Fruit basket in room on arrival ■ Wine in room on arrival
The Hotel Phoenicia is set on the edge of Marsamxett Harbour, so sweeping sea views are part of its appeal. Better still, it’s less than a ten-minute walk from Valletta’s historical old town.
Outside, you’ll ind a large swimming pool bordered by loungers and parasols. There’s also a whirlpool bath, and a bar serving up snacks and cocktails.
The property is lanked by smart gardens, and there’s an air of privacy about the place. It’s the interiors that really impress, though. In the lounge, sweeping arches and marble looring are accessorised by a grand piano. And in the hotel’s Phoenix restaurant, plush, gold chaise seating and crisp, white table linen set the scene.
At mealtimes, the Phoenix restaurant serves a mixture of international, Mediterranean and Maltese dishes from its table d'hôte menu. Plus, you can dine al fresco on the veranda. You’ve also got the Pegasus Brasserie to try – a laid-back eatery that showcases French and Mediterranean cuisine. Oficial rating: HHHHH
£699 * Renewal of Vows from £669 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
Malta
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Your big day package
VALLETTA PUBLIC REGISTRY
■ Registrar fees
MALTA | Valletta
■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language ■ Wedding cake ■ Carnation bouquet and buttonhole
Weddings from
£245
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
If you want your wedding to be a relaxed, low-key affair, take a look at Valletta Registry Ofice. Instead of an elaborate service, what you get is an intimate and subtle ceremony where the emphasis is irmly on you. As you make your way to the venue, you’ll pass some of the town’s fabulous architecture. Sneak a peek at the Castellania, which was constructed by the Knights of Malta, and glance up at the pretty Church of St Dominic. Once you’ve said ‘I do’ in front of your friends and family, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens to have your photographs taken. Nestle under one of the arches of the Valletta city walls for your irst pictures, before heading down to the grassy terrace to pose by the historic cannons. From here you can soak up panoramic views across the Grand Harbour and the three cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea across the waves.
Your big day package
VILLA ARRIGO
■ Wedding cake
MALTA | Naxxar
Valletta - image used for illustrative purposes only
■ Registrar fees ■ Town hall fees ■ Bouquet and buttonhole ■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
language
£795 * Renewal of Vows from £725 Weddings from
*
The click of shutter buttons will be the soundtrack to your big day when you tie the knot at Villa Arrigo. Get snapped on the creamy limestone steps on your way into the grand building. Pose for a picture in one of the antique-adorned rooms of the elegant interior. And smile for the camera on the pretty outside terrace. From here, you can see the satin waters of the secluded St Paul’s Bay and the pretty village of Burmarrad in the distance. In terms of the ceremony itself, you’ll tie the knot in the garden, next to an impressive water feature. Then it’s only a few steps to the brand new marquee where your reception will take place. You can enjoy your wedding breakfast under the subtle lighting of chandeliers, and dance the night away on the smooth wooding looring.
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
Your big day package
PALAZZO PARAISO
■ Marriage certiicate issued in local
MALTA | Naxxar
language ■ Wedding cake for up to 8 guests ■ Bouquet and buttonhole
£865 * Renewal of Vows from £835 Weddings from
*
Available Nov 13 - Oct 14
Your wedding album will be something to really cherish if you get married at the Palazzo Parisio in Malta. You can choose to say your vows in the breathtaking ballroom, where the partially-mirrored walls are intricately gilded in 24-carat gold. Alternatively, you can tie the knot in the perfectly-groomed Baroque gardens, which look like they’ve been pulled from the pages of Alice in Wonderland. The best part is, whichever setting you decide on, you can look forward to complete privacy. When you book the 19th-century palace for your big day, it becomes exclusively yours for the duration of your celebration. That means your wedding reception can continue in the palace gardens long after the Maltese stars have blinked to life. And, whether you choose a buffet reception or ive course gala dinner, you can work with a team of international chefs to decide on your menu.
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
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Malta
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
LAPLAND
Practical Info If you’re tying the knot here, you’ll need to send your documentation to us first. For Rovaniemi ceremonies, we’ll need photocopies six weeks before you go. For Kittilia, we’ll need original copies six weeks before you go, which we’ll send to Lapland. Just so you know, there’s a courier fee for this.
A word from the expert... “Lapland is a beautiful place to get married, but don’t underestimate how cold it is! We’ll provide you with all the necessary gear for keeping warm, such as a snowsuit and snow boots.” Kat Goring, Senior Product Manager
Please see our Thomson Lapland brochure for more information about the hotels featured in this section.
“White weddings are given a whole other meaning in Lapland, where snow-dusted forests and frozen lakes dominate the landscape.” Getting married abroad doesn’t have to mean tying the knot in exotic gardens or saying ‘I do’ by the sea. For something completely different, take a look at Lapland – a northern region of Finland that’s set inside the Arctic Circle. During the winter months, a thick blanket of snow covers the whole place, so it goes without saying it provides a pretty spectacular backdrop for weddings. In terms of where you can have your ceremony, you can pick from the likes of traditional wooden cabins, intimate restaurants, and even an ice chapel, which is made entirely from frozen water. Better still, weddings in this part of the world come with unique extras. After your ceremony, for instance, you can zoom off into the sunset on a snowmobile or enjoy a romantic ride in a reindeer-pulled sleigh. And, if you’re brave enough, you can spend your first night as Mr and Mrs in Kittila’s ice hotel.
Your Big Day Package All weddings in Lapland include: wedding ceremony, wedding venue and wedding coordinator. See individual hotel pages for any extras they offer.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
Your big day package
SNOWY ALTAR LAPLAND | Rovaniemi
■ Marriage certiicate in English ■ One car for transfer to and from the
venue for the bride and groom ■ Wedding cake for 6 people ■ Flora decoration in room ■ Sparkling wine for bride and groom
If you’ve always dreamed of a white wedding, you won’t beat the Snowy Altar Venue – this place is completely made out of ice. You’ll say your vows in an igloo-style chapel in front of an altar of ice and your guests can watch from chairs of frozen water, covered in reindeer pelts. Once you’ve tied the knot, you’ll toast your new life together with a glass of sparkling wine and a slice of cake. If you want to celebrate for longer, head to the ‘world’s
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coolest restaurant’ next door. The tables here are all made from – you guessed it – ice, and there are two ice bars serving drinks. As far as the menu is concerned, you can order anything from a bowl of hot soup to a chunky reindeer steak.
£1699
*
Available Dec-13
SANTAMUS LAPLAND | Rovaniemi
YOUR big day package ■ Marriage certiicate in English ■ Transfer to and from Santamus for the
bride and groom ■ A short music show in Santamus ■ Wedding cake for 6 people ■ Flora decoration in room ■ Sparkling wine for bride and groom
If you like the idea of tying the knot in Lapland, but want the comfort of an indoor ceremony, take a look at Santamus. This rustic wooden restaurant has been designed to look like a Lappish glade. A stream runs through the centre of the building, sturdy tree trunks support the roof, and candle lights licker like a camp ire in the forest. You’ll say ‘I do’ on a bridge over the water, before cutting your cake and enjoying a warming coffee with your guests. If you want to extend your celebrations, you
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can have your wedding breakfast here, too. The menu revolves around organic food, produced by local farmers. But the proof here is in the pudding. Nowhere else in the world serves dessert the way Santamus does. But that’s all we’re saying – we have to leave some surprises for you to experience when you get here.
£1989
*
Available Dec-13
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
WINTER WONDERLAND LAPLAND | Rovaniemi
YOUR big day package
For spectacular views of the snow-dusted landscape, it doesn’t get much better than the Winter Wonderland Venue…
At the Winter Wonderland Venue, an icy lake, a frosty forest and a cosy gazebo come together with fairytale effect. You’ll arrive at this softly-lit hut on a traditional reindeer sleigh, before taking your place inside to make your pledges. The gazebo will be dressed in greenery and twinkly lights, and, you’ll say your vows looking out towards the lake, so the views are nothing short of spectacular. Once you’ve become man and wife, you’ll head to the Winter Wonderland Hotel for your reception. Tuck in to local cuisine, before wrapping up the day in the hotel’s cosy lakeside sauna.
■ Magistrate office fees ■ Decoration (in room and venue) ■ Coffee and cake for 6 people ■ Sparkling wine and amenities pack for
bride and groom
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£1385
*
Available Dec-13
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YOUR big day package
SNOW VILLAGE LAPLAND | Yllas
■ Magistrate ofice fees ■ Transfer for bride and groom ■ Coffee and cake for 6 people ■ Sparkling wine for 2 people
Weddings from
Ice Chapel
Ice Chapel
You’ll turn a memorable day into an unforgettable one when you tie the knot at the Snow Village. Each year this 20,000 square-foot structure is entirely re-built using nothing but snow and ice. Inside, you’ll ind an ice hotel, ice bar, and galleries full of illuminated ice art. You can choose to say ‘I do’ under the snowy dome in the ice chapel or by the crackling log ire in a wooden cabin. Then, you can top it all off with a husky, reindeer or snowmobile ride into the frost-silvered countryside. If you want
to hold your wedding reception here, too, you can dine in the cosy log restaurant or opt for dinner and dancing in the Igloo Ice Bar. If you’re feeling really brave you can choose to spend your irst night as Mr and Mrs in one of the village’s all-ice bedrooms. Ask your Weddings Advisor about this, if you're interested.
£1329
*
Available Dec-13
SNOW PRINCESS LAPLAND | Yllas
YOUR big day package ■ Transfers for bride and groom ■ Coffee and cake for 6 ■ Sparkling wine for 2 ■ Magistrate ofice fees
The Snow Princess is a brilliant choice if you’re looking to add a touch of authenticity to your wedding day. The ceremony will be held in a traditional Lappish Kota or tepee, which is surrounded by snow-dusted woodland. You’ll become Mr and Mrs beside a roaring ire, and your guests will be seated on stalls draped in cosy reindeer furs. The hut will be lit with torches and candles, too, so the mood will be really romantic. After you’ve made your
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promises, you’ll have photographs taken by the ire, before you head out to the chalk-white hills for more pictures. For an extra special touch, ask about your transport options – you can choose to arrive for your big day on a reindeer sleigh or a snowmobile.
£765
*
Available Dec-13
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
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Weddings From Thomson Weddings and renewal of vows See opening pages for details
YOUR big day package
CRAZY REINDEER WEDDING LAPLAND | Levi
■ Magistrate ofice fees ■ Marriage certiicate in English ■ Transfer for bride and groom ■ Sparkling wine for 2 people
You won’t have any distractions on your big day if you opt for a wedding at the Crazy Reindeer. You’ll say your vows in a wooden chapel in the traditional village of Kongas, just outside of Levi. This snowy hamlet is home to a small cluster of houses and hardly anything else, so the only thing that could possibly divert from your vows is the scenery – the whole place is surrounded by snow-dusted forests and frozen lakes. The chapel itself is traditional to a T. The inside glows with candlelight and the focal
point is a stained glass window, forged with kaleidoscope colours. When it comes to your wedding reception, you can take your pick from the range of restaurants in Levi town centre. For something really special, though, head to the Sky restaurant on the top loor of the Crazy Reindeer Hotel, where you can dine under a canopy of LED stars.
Weddings from
£875
*
Available Dec-13
SANTA'S RESORT LAPLAND | Saariselka
YOUR big day package ■ Magistrate ofice fees ■ Transfer for bride and groom ■ Coffee, sparkling wine and cake for 6
people
Choose this place as your wedding venue, and you can make your promises deep in the heart of a Lappish forest. You’ll say your vows on a pretty wooden bridge, surrounded by frost-covered woodland, with the soft glow of the Igloo Village igloos in the distance. The area will be lit up with candles, so you can expect a really intimate atmosphere. And, as an extra special
touch, you’ve got the option of paying to have a traditional Lappish joik singer at the ceremony. The musician will sing the traditional songs of the Sami people as you celebrate your irst moments of Mr and Mrs.
Weddings from
£2635
*
Available Dec-13
*Prices and package inclusions are subject to change.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 664 0131 | thomson.co.uk Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.
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Our Agreement
with You, and Yours with Us
Our Agreement with You We are a trading division of TUI UK Limited, Company Number 02830117, having its Registered Office address at TUI Travel House, Crawley Business Quarter, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9QL and Our Agreement With You sets out what you are legally entitled to expect from us when you buy a Package Holiday from us and will not apply to any course of dealings between us other than the Package Holiday booked. The Package Holiday as advertised by us will also have restrictions set out in our A-Z Guide, which should also be read carefully. Because we sell a wide variety of Package Holidays, you should read our A-Z Guide and these terms and conditions carefully, before you book, to see how they affect your specific travel arrangements made by us.
1. Your Travel Booking Whether you book alone or as a group, we will only deal with the lead booking name in all subsequent correspondence, including changes, amendments and cancellations. You must be 18 years old at the time of booking and possess the legal capacity and authority to book as the lead name and travel on holidays with us and take up the offers advertised by us if they are still available. You are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the personal details or any other information supplied in respect of yourself and any other person travelling on the booking and for passing on any information regarding the booking or any changes made in relation thereto, to all persons travelling on such booking, including but not limited to information on schedule changes or copies of booking confirmations. In addition, if your holiday includes a flight, you are also responsible for (a) notifying us prior to the time of booking of any personal circumstances and needs pertaining to a person included in the booking including, without limitation, whether any such person is not self reliant or is a person with reduced mobility - e.g. if you, or a member of your party, have difficulty in walking 500 metres, and (b) notifying us at any time from the time of booking until 48 hours prior to the flight’s departure by calling our call centre if any person travelling on the booking has ceased to be self reliant or a person with reduced mobility or if a person previously reported to be with reduced mobility or as not being self reliant does no longer fall into either category. It is a condition of your booking with us that you and all other members of your party, including infants and children, are adequately insured on holiday. Any person who is under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult on his or her journey. There may be other restrictions and conditions on some offers, but these are explained in the details of those offers. When you or, if you are booking through a travel agent, your travel agent ask for your booking to be confirmed, we will confirm the booking there and then, and set aside your chosen accommodation, holiday or transport for you. Next, we will send you or your travel agent a Confirmation Invoice within 14 days. We may not be able to confirm some of our ground arrangements straight away e.g. bespoke accommodation, tours etc. In these instances we may issue a Confirmation Invoice. However, a contract for arrangements that have not been confirmed on that invoice will only be made when we have sent you written confirmation that those additional arrangements have been completed. If there is any change to any of the details discussed at the time of booking, before the Confirmation Invoice is issued, we will notify you promptly of any new or changed details, including a change to the total price, if any. If any detail on the Confirmation Invoice is not correct tell us or your travel agent immediately. If there is an obvious error on the Confirmation Invoice we reserve the right to correct it as soon as we become aware of it, but we will do this within 7 days of issuing the Confirmation Invoice or, if your departure is within 7 days, no later than 24 hours before you go. If any of these changes are not acceptable then you will be entitled to a full refund. The contractual terms of Our Agreement apply between you and us because you have chosen a Package Holiday with us, hereafter a “holiday”, which is a ‘package’ within the meaning of The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 and will enjoy the benefits conferred by it. Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday, whether or not booked through one of our official representatives, are not part of your package holiday provided by us. We may transfer your booking to another company within our group, but this will have no effect on your holiday arrangements. The price of your holiday will include the Air Passenger Duty for an economy seat. If you upgrade to a premium cabin this will be included in the upgrade cost.
2. The Price You Pay All prices we advertise are accurate at the date published, but we reserve the right to change any of those prices from time to time. Prices include a cost for fuel that was estimated at the date of this publication. We reserve the right to add a fuel supplement to holiday prices should this increase after the date of this publication. Prices can go up or down. We will be able to tell you or your travel agent the up-to-date price of your chosen travel arrangements and of any other services advertised by us before confirming your booking. We reserve the right to increase the price of your holiday after you have booked but no later than 30 days before the departure date stipulated and will forward an Amendment Invoice reflecting any changes made. After a Confirmation Invoice has been sent to you, any increase to your holiday price will be as the result of changes in our costs of supplying your holiday resulting from transportation charges, fuel, airport charges, scheduled air fares and other transport charges which form part of our contract with the transport provider, currency fluctuations and government action. An administration charge and any relevant travel agent’s commission is included within these amounts. If the increase would be 2% or less of the holiday price shown on your Confirmation Invoice, excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges, we will absorb the changes in our costs described above and will only pass on any increase above that level. If any change in our costs would cause a reduction in your holiday price, we will not make refunds of amounts less than 2% of your holiday price - calculated as above, but we will refund in full amounts exceeding such 2%, after deducting an administration charge of £1. If the increase is more than 10% of the holiday price, calculated as above, then 1. You may cancel your holiday booking within 14 days of the Amendment Invoice date and receive a refund of all monies paid to us except any amendment charges. We will only consider an appropriate refund of insurance premium paid if you can show us that you are unable to transfer or re-use your policy, and 2. the increase will be considered a Major Change as described in section 4 below and, unless you choose to cancel under paragraph 1 above, you will be entitled to the alternatives set out in section 4 for those circumstances, but in either case you will receive compensation in accordance with section 4. The price quoted on the last Amendment Invoice issued is guaranteed, unless you change your holiday booking. Any increases in our costs which occur after the last Amendment Invoice has been sent will be borne by us. Should you instruct your credit/debit card company to “charge back” any payment(s) properly due from you in respect of your booking, we will charge you a fee of £10 per incident and associated costs. We further reserve the right to cancel your booking and/or take legal action against you for all outstanding payment(s).
3. If We Cancel Your Booking We aim to provide your holiday as booked. But if, for example, there are not enough people booked on your holiday or you do not pay the balance of the holiday price on time, we may cancel it. We reserve the right to cancel your holiday in any circumstances but if we cancel your holiday, except where this is because you have not paid, you can either have a refund or accept a replacement holiday from us of equivalent or similar standard and price, if we are able to offer you one. We may offer you a replacement holiday from another TUI Travel Group company. Should you choose this option the terms and conditions of your holiday will not change and these conditions will still apply to your booking. In either case, we will pay you compensation, using the scale shown, unless we cancel your holiday because you do not pay us the balance of the holiday price or because of one of the events listed in the ‘Important note – events beyond our control’, and we will always refund the difference in price if the replacement holiday is of a lower standard and price. We will not cancel your holiday after the balance due date, unless this is the result of one of the events in the ‘Important Note – Events Beyond Our Control’, or you have not paid.
4. If We Change Your Booking Details We hope we will not have to make any change to your holiday but, because our holidays are planned many months in advance, we sometimes do need to make changes. We reserve the right to do this at any time. We will let you or your travel agent know about any important changes when you book. If you have already booked, we will let you know as soon as we can, if there is time before your departure. Flight timings shown by us are for guidance only and may change. Occasionally it may be necessary to change the aircraft type for your flight, which may mean that some facilities such as in-flight entertainment or the advertised seat pitch may not be available. Where we are unable to provide a seat option that you have paid for we will refund the amount you have paid. In summer 2013, if you have paid a premium in your flight supplement for a flight that was planned to be operated by the 787 Dreamliner and we have to change the aircraft type, you will receive a refund of the part of the premium for the relevant flight. Your Confirmation Invoice will show the latest planned timings. Your actual flight timings will be shown on your ticket, including any e ticket itinerary, which you should check carefully as soon as you receive it.
Major Changes To Your Holiday Occasionally, we have to make major changes to the flight or accommodation making up your holiday with us.
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Major changes to your holiday for which we will pay compensation, unless the change is for reasons beyond our control, see `Important Note - Events Beyond Our Control’, using the scale shown, may include the following changes - a significant change of destination, a change in accommodation to that of a lower category, a change in the time of your departure or return flight by more than 12 hours, a change of UK departure airport - excluding changes between London airports, London, Ebbsfleet and Ashford stations and between Dover/Folkestone ports. A delay to your flight that we need to make within 24 hours before you are due to depart will not be considered a major change unless the delay is for more than 24 hours. These changes are only examples and there may be other significant changes which constitute major changes. If we tell you about any of these changes after we have confirmed your holiday booking, you may either - accept the new arrangements offered by us, or - accept a replacement holiday from us of equivalent or similar standard and price, at the date of the change, if we are able to offer you one. We may offer you a replacement holiday from another TUI Travel Group company. Should you choose this option the terms and conditions of your holiday will not change and these conditions will still apply to your booking, or - cancel your holiday with us and receive a full refund of all monies paid. Either way, we will pay you compensation, using the Compensation table shown, unless the change is for reasons beyond our control, see the `Important Note – Events Beyond Our Control’, and we will always refund the difference in price if the replacement holiday is of a lower standard and price, at the date of the change. This standard payment will not affect your statutory or other legal rights. We will only make one payment for each full-fare-paying adult in the holiday booking. Any children not paying the full adult fare will receive 50% of these amounts. Children using a free child place will not receive any standard payment. A delay to your flight that we need to make within 24 hours before you are due to depart will not be considered a major change.
Compensation Any compensation payable will be on these scales based on how many days before your booked holiday departure we tell you of a major change. Period before departure when a major change is notified Compensation payable per person More than 84 days 0
83-29 days 28-15 days 14-8 days 7-0 days
£10 £20 £30 £40
If The Change Is Not Acceptable To You If any major change indicated above is not acceptable to you, you can cancel your holiday booking. In this case, we will refund all the money you have paid us and will pay you compensation, as shown above, depending on how many days before your holiday we tell you about this change unless the change is for reasons beyond our control - see `Important Note - Events Beyond Our Control’. This standard payment will not affect your statutory or other legal rights.
Important Note – Events Beyond Our Control Events beyond our control include war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist activity and its consequences, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, health risks and pandemics, unavoidable and unforeseeable technical problems with transport for reasons beyond our control or that of our suppliers, closed or congested airports or ports, hurricanes and other actual or potential severe weather conditions, and any other similar events. In February 2005 a new Europe-wide law relating to denied boarding, delays and cancellation of flights came into force. This law granted rights to passengers including in certain circumstances the right to cancel their flight and receive reimbursement of the cost of the flight from their airline. Full details of these rights is publicised at EU airports and is also available from affected airlines. You should note that reimbursement of the cost of a flight that forms part of your holiday is the responsibility of your airline and will not automatically entitle you to reimbursement of the cost of your holiday from us.
5. What Happens To Holiday Complaints We can usually sort out any complaints you may have. But if we cannot agree, you can take the matter to an arbitrator under the Arbitration Scheme devised for the travel industry by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. This is a simple way of sorting out complaints and there are limits on the costs you may have to pay. You do not have to appear in person, but can send documents to explain your complaint. Details and application forms are available from ABTA, 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ.
YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate, or a suitable alternative. In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative, at no extra cost to you. You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme, or your credit card issuer where applicable. All money accepted from you by a travel agent acting as our agent is held by that agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times, but subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we do fail, any money held at that time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by the agent, is and continues to be held by that agent on behalf of and for the benefits of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us. The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked from us and for your repatriation in the event of our insolvency. We provide this security by way of an ATOL, number 2524, administered by the Civil Aviation Authority and a bond held by ABTA for packages that do not include flights.
6. Our Responsibility For Your Holiday We will arrange for you to receive the holiday that you choose and that we confirm. These services will be provided either directly by us or through independent suppliers contracted by us. We are responsible for making sure that each part of the holiday you book with us is provided to a reasonable standard and as was advertised by us, or as changed and accepted by you. If any part of your holiday is not provided as described and this spoils your holiday, we will pay you compensation, if appropriate, unless this is due to reasons beyond our control. See `Important Note – Events Beyond Our Control’. We have taken all reasonable care to make sure that all the services which make up your holiday advertised by us are provided by efficient and reputable businesses. These businesses should follow local standards. However, overseas safety standards are generally lower than in the UK, for example few hotels yet meet EC fire safety recommendations even in Europe.
7. Personal Injury If you suffer injury, illness or death directly as a result of the services provided as part of your holiday, we may make a payment to you. We will not make any payment if your injury, illness or death was caused by an event or circumstances which the person who caused it could not have predicted or avoided even if they had taken all necessary and due care. We will not make any payment if your illness, injury or death was your own fault. If we do make a payment, it will be similar to one you would receive under English law in an English court. We will make such payments for injury, illness or death on the basis you are expected to accept 1. You must tell us and the supplier involved about your injury or illness while you are in the resort - see section 13. You should also write to our After Travel Customer Support at the address given in our A-Z Guide about your claim within 3 months of coming home from your holiday to allow us to investigate it properly and co-operate with us so as to enable us to carry out such investigation. Please include a letter about your injury or illness from your doctor if you can. 2. You should transfer to us any rights you have against the supplier or any other person. 3. You should co-operate fully with us if we or our insurers want to enforce those rights. 4. Any payments we make may be limited in accordance with international conventions. We ask you to transfer your rights to us so that we can claim back from suppliers any payments we make to you, plus any legal or other costs. We will not make a profit from this. If we get back from the supplier more than we have paid you plus these costs, we will give the extra money to you.
If you or someone on your holiday booking is injured, falls ill or dies while taking part in an activity which is not part of the holiday, or you need to incur unpredictable extra expenses for which we are not liable because the event is beyond our control - see `Important Note – Events Beyond Our Control’ - we will, where appropriate and subject to our discretion, try to help if we can. We may help everyone on your holiday booking up to a total cost to us of £5,000 provided the following conditions are met. 1. You must ask us for help within three months of coming back from holiday. 2. You must make a claim under your insurance policy’s legal expenses or other appropriate section. You must show us proof that your insurance company has received your claim and, if you get back the cost of legal or other expenses, you must repay us any money we have spent in helping you.
* please note there won’t be any reduction in the price you pay, even if your new travel arrangements are cheaper than the original booking.
12. If You Cancel Your Booking
If you want to cancel your booking, or part of it, you must contact us as soon as possible. If you have made your booking through a Travel Agency, your agent must advise us of your request to cancel. Once your booking has been cancelled you can expect to receive a cancellation invoice within 14 days. If you don’t please contact us. To cover the cost of processing your cancellation, and to compensate us for the risk that we may not be able to resell your travel arrangements, we’ll make a cancellation charge on the scale shown below. You are responsible for paying this charge. Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid. 8. Excursions From time to time to time we may introduce you to reputable third party suppliers of excursions or other leisure services. If Where extra facilities or transport options, see Sections 10 and 11.4, are non-refundable, in part or in full, the cost of these will be added to the cancellation charge you have to pay. you choose to enter into a contract for the provision of excursions or other leisure services, your contract will be with that If you booked using a Low Deposit Offer, the full deposit amount stated on your confirmation invoice will need to be supplier directly and we act only in the capacity of an agent, and therefore would have no liability for the proper paid upon cancellation. performance of that contract. The terms and conditions in this “Our Agreement With You” will not apply to any contract for the provision of excursions or The cancellation charge may be higher for certain travel arrangements, such as coach tours or scheduled airfares. Please ask for details of cancellation charges when you book and check your insurance policy to see if you’d be other leisure services. covered for the cost of any cancellation charges
Your Agreement With Us 9. Your Contract
Guide To Our Cancellation Charges
By asking us or your travel agent to confirm your booking, you are accepting on behalf of all persons travelling on this booking that the terms of this Agreement, which incorporate the information, restrictions and obligations set out in our A-Z Guide, and the conditions of any terms and conditions of carriage – see Conditions of Your Ticket – constitute the entire agreement between us with regard to your booking and your travel arrangements. You also consent to our processing personal information about you and other members of your party. Where the context permits, reference to “you” and “your” will include you and all persons travelling on this booking. Your contract with us shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales over any claim or matter arising under or in connection with your contract with us. You may however choose to submit to the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you are resident in either of these jurisdictions but not to any other law and/or jurisdiction. It is a condition of booking that you and all members of your party provide certain information that may be sent to governmental authorities and border control and security agencies for the purpose of security and counter terrorism. This is known as Advanced Passenger Information, sometimes known as APIS. The information you must provide will include, but not be limited to, full name - as shown in your passport or travel document, gender, date of birth, travel document type, number, country of issue and expiry date, and for travel to the United States, your country of residence and the address for your first night’s stay.
These charges are based on how many days before your booked departure we receive your cancellation notice, and are a percentage of the total cost of your booking, not including your insurance premium. If you want to cancel
10. Paying For Your Travel Arrangements You will be required to pay a deposit to us for each person when you book unless this is within 12 weeks of departure when the full amount for the booking is payable. The deposit amount will be specified by us or your travel agent when your booking is made. If it is not specified then it will be the amount that we ask you to pay when you book, even if this is 100% of the holiday price. If you pay less than the deposit under a low deposit booking scheme, then this is only part of the deposit referred to in this paragraph. The remaining deposit will be due on cancellation or date specified at time of booking or on your confirmation invoice. Please note your booking deposit may be increased or there may be a charge payable for some accommodation, holidays or flight bookings where it is necessary to secure specific facilities with full payment at the time of booking e.g. weddings, coach touring and specific types of airline tickets. Once confirmed, the booking deposit, additional charges paid and insurance premiums will not be refunded in the event of cancellation except in the circumstances specified in Sections 2, 3 or 4 or as otherwise required by law. This is your only commitment until 12 weeks before you go. Within 2 weeks of booking, we will send you a Confirmation Invoice showing how much you owe us. You must pay the amount on the last Invoice issued by us at least 12 weeks before you go on holiday. If you don’t, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled and to charge you a cancellation charge, in accordance with section 12. If you pay money for your booking to a travel agent appointed by us, they will hold that money as our agent from the time they receive it until they pay the money to us. Telephone bookings may incur an additional charge, check at time of booking. If your payment is made by credit card a fee will apply, please check fee at time of booking. We do not accept personal cheques, only building society and bankers’ drafts.
11. If You Change Your Booking 1. You must ensure all names and details are entered correctly at the time of booking. You will receive an invoice once your booking is confirmed and must contact us straight away if there is something that you need to correct, or if you don’t receive an invoice within 7 days of confirming your booking. Amendments to correct passenger name misspellings will be free of charge within 14 days of booking, if there are more than 35 days until your departure date. If there are 35 days or less to your departure date, you must correct misspellings within 2 days of booking to avoid being charged an amendment fee. 2. Subject to Section 11.4, you may transfer your booking to another person, providing the following conditions are met: - You authorise the change in writing - The new lead passenger accepts the transfer and the terms of Our Agreement - That person complies with the terms of the existing booking - That person has valid holiday insurance – you cannot transfer your holiday insurance to the new lead passenger. We’ll charge amendment fees to change a name on a booking outside 14 days to departure; these will be added to the new invoice. The new lead passenger, and you should they fail to pay, will be responsible for the payment of any balance due on that new invoice. 3. We charge an ‘Amendment Fee’ for each detail of your booking we allow you to change, see guide to our amendment fees table below. Please note that more major changes, including but not limited to, travelling later than planned, changes which lower the basic price of your holiday and changes which result in your holiday ceasing to be a Package Holiday or Thomson Cruise will be treated as a cancellation and incur the appropriate charges in line with Section 12. 4. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you. 5. When changing your holiday details, the price of your new travel arrangements will be based on the price that applies on the day you make the change. These prices may not be the same as when you first made your booking. Some accommodation is priced according to the number of people staying there. If your party size changes, we’ll recalculate your booking cost based on the new number of people going. If fewer people share the accommodation, then the cost per person may go up. This extra cost isn’t a cancellation charge, and it isn’t normally covered by insurance. 6. Some arrangements cannot be removed once they have been added to your booking. These include: transfers, flight options, children’s activities, accommodation options such as room/board upgrades and late checkout rooms. Certain extras, such as excursions, theme park tickets and airport extras may be non-refundable. We will make this clear when you book those arrangements, please check with us if you are unsure at the time of booking. A £50 per booking charge will be applied if you cancel car hire insurance more than 14 days after the initial holiday booking.
one or more passengers on the booking you’ll have to pay a proportion of the applicable cancellation charge for those passengers. Period before departure when notice of cancellation is received 70 days or more 69-57 days 56-36 days 35-22 days 21-15 days 14-0 days
% of total booking price Loss of deposit 30% 50% 70% 90% 100%
13. If You Have A Complaint If you have a complaint about your arrangements whilst away, you must immediately notify the supplier of the service in question locally. If they are unable to resolve the problem immediately, and a member of our staff is not available, you should contact us straight away by telephone/fax and we will endeavour to assist. If you are still not satisfied on your return home, you must write to our After Travel Customer Support at the address given in our A-Z Guide, within 28 days of returning from your holiday to allow your complaint to be investigated properly. Please write your holiday reference number on your letter, and include your daytime and evening telephone numbers. If you do not give us the opportunity to resolve any problem locally by reporting it to the supplier, or calling and informing us, then we may not be able to deal positively with any complaint on your return.
14. Online Check-in If your flight is provided by Thomson Airways, from June 2013 you will be able to check in online prior to departure. For flights to or from the U.S., Cuba and Mexico you can’t check in earlier than 24 hours before you fly. When checking in online you will be required to provide your advanced passenger information.
15. Conduct While Travelling We reserve the right to refuse to accept you as a customer or continue dealing with you if we, or another person in authority, believe your behaviour is disruptive, causes unnecessary inconvenience, is threatening or abusive, you damage property, you upset, annoy, disturb, or put any other traveller or our staff or agents in the UK or resort in any risk or danger, on the telephone, in writing or in person. If the Captain of your flight or cruise ship or any of our resort staff or agents believes that you could be disruptive or that you are suffering from a contagious disease, they can also refuse to let you proceed with your travel arrangements, restrict your movements on board, disembark you from a ship or aircraft, or remove you from your accommodation or excursion. If you are disruptive and prevented from boarding your outbound flight in the UK, we will treat your booking as cancelled by you from that moment, and you will have to pay full cancellation charges (see section 12). If this occurs overseas then you will become responsible for your own return home and any other members of your group who cannot or will not travel without you. We will not be liable for any refund, or compensation or any costs or expenses you incur. If you are refused carriage because of your behaviour, or you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your airline may pass on your details and date of the refusal of carriage to other airlines for their information. This in turn may make it difficult for you to book other airline tickets. In any of these circumstances no refunds or compensation will be paid to you and we may make a claim against you for any damages, costs and expenses (including legal expenses) incurred as a result of your behaviour including but not limited to (i) repairing or replacing property lost, damage or destroyed by you, (ii) compensating any passenger, crew, staff or agent affected by your actions and (iii) diverting the aircraft for the purpose of removing you from the aircraft. Criminal proceedings may also be instigated. For the purposes of this section reference to “you” or “your” includes any other person in your party.
16. Your Accommodation Any accommodation we arrange for you must only be used by those people named on your Confirmation Invoice, or on latest Amendment Invoice issued. You are not allowed to share the accommodation or let anyone else stay there. You are responsible for the cost of any damage caused to your accommodation or its contents during your stay. These charges must be met by you and may have to be paid locally.
17. The Conditions Of Your Ticket When you travel by air or by sea, your journey may be subject to certain international conventions such as the Warsaw Convention, Montreal Convention or Athens Convention. You agree that the transport company’s own ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to you on that journey. When arranging this transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those ‘Conditions of Carriage’. You acknowledge that all of these terms and conditions form part of your contract with us as well as with the transport company. You can ask us or the travel agent booking your holiday to provide you with a copy of any of the conditions applicable to your journey. The airline’s terms and conditions are available on request and Thomson Cruises & Louis Cruise Lines conditions of carriage are available at www.thomson.co.uk/cruise. We will tell you the identity of the air carrier when you book with us and if it is not known at that time or subsequently changes we will inform you as soon as possible and no later than at check-in.
18. Contacting You If you book via our website or have opted in other circumstances for us to contact you via e-mail, we will communicate with you using the e-mail address you have provided. For example, to provide your e-confirmation, e-ticket, e-cancellation, etc. We will assume that your e-mail address is correct and that you understand the risks associated with using this form of communication. You may still have to contact us via our call centre or in writing as required in our terms and conditions.
Guide To Our Amendment Fees
Change
Days Left to Departure 57+
Changes To correct incorrect title, initial, age provided the passenger type (adult/child) is still the same To change surname, passenger or passenger type To change accommodation, flight time, airport, duration and/or to travel earlier than planned* To travel later than planned
56-36
35-22
No charge
21-15
14-0
£25 per person
100% of original cost
£50 per person
£50 per person
90% of original cost
100% of original cost
Cancellation charges apply - see section 12
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A-Z Guide We understand the smallprint is the last thing anyone wants to read. But we believe it’s really important to be clear in the information we give you. This A-Z outlines to what extent we would be liable, if at all. If any part of this guide isn’t valid or can’t be enforced, the rest will still apply. Not everything here will apply to you but a lot of it will so you’ll need to read this guide before you book. You can see our full A-Z Guide by picking up a Thomson Summer Collection, Thomson Faraway Shores or Thomson Florida brochure, or by visiting thomson.co.ukhttp://www.thomson.co.uk/thomson/page/byo/atoz/atoz09tandc.page You’ll also need to read Our Agreement With You and Your Agreement With Us. Together, they explain every aspect of your holiday.
A Accuracy We published this brochure in April 2013. Our prices and information were accurate on that date but they may have changed since then. We always check our properties regularly to make sure we're giving you accurate information and we'll tell you of any changes we know about when you book. If you've already booked, we'll tell you about any major changes we’re aware of as soon as we can. Bear in mind public holidays and religious festivals affect whether or not facilities are available. Also, it may be the case some facilities aren’t managed directly by the hotel and they could close without notice. Advanced Passenger Information You, and all members of your party, must tell us certain information that we'll send to government authorities and border control and security agencies for the purpose of immigration, security and counter terrorism. This is known as Advanced Passenger Information, or APIS. It may also be referred to as E-Borders in the United Kingdom. The information you must provide will include, but not be limited to, your full name - as shown in your passport or travel document, gender, date of birth, travel document type, number, country of issue and expiry date. And for travel to the United States, your country of residence and the address for your first night’s stay too. You must provide this information to the airline between 6 months and 24 hours before departure. For Thomson Airways flights you can do this by visiting http://eapi.thomson.co.uk or by calling 0844 871 1597. You’ll need your booking reference number, the lead passenger’s surname and your date of departure to access the site. Age Ranges No under-18s can travel on their own. For hotels, 2 to 12-year-olds are classed as children unless we say otherwise. For self-catering properties, or any type of property in Florida, it’s 2 to 16 inclusive. Airline Rules Charter airlines aren’t allowed to carry certain nationals to and from their country of origin. This is due to licensing law restrictions with overseas aviation authorities. The current licensing laws, as of 15th November 2010, do not allow TUI Travel airlines to carry nationals of the following countries on their operating routes – Brazil, Kenya, and Morocco. Some other restrictions also apply… • Cuban nationals may travel to any international Cuban airport, except Cayo Largo and Cayo Coco, and must be travelling as part of an inclusive tour package. • Egyptian nationals, with official residence in the UK, can only travel on inclusive tour package arrangements, except when travelling to Sharm El Sheikh on a scheduled flight. • Indian and Turkish passport holders can only travel on inclusive tour package arrangements. Please check with your embassy or consulate before you book.
B Banned Airlines To improve safety, the European Commission has banned some airlines from operating in European airspace. In line with EU directive (EC) no. 2111/2005, Article 9, we need to make you aware of the list of banned airlines. You’ll find this at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm Building Work From time to time, building work is unavoidable, particularly where hotels are open all year round, and it can be noisy. If we’re aware of any work, we'll let you know as soon as possible if we think it’ll affect your holiday. This can be difficult as we don’t control the work and we’re not always told when it’ll happen and how long it will last. But if we think it’ll have a significant effect, you’ll have the option of a refund or an alternative holiday, as outlined under ‘Major changes to your holiday’ in Our Agreement With You.
C Child Protection We believe we have an important role to play in protecting children’s rights everywhere. Our child protection policy applies both in the UK and abroad. We train our resort staff to identify situations where children may need protection and report them to the relevant organisations. We’re signed up to the Child Protection Code www.thecode.org. This independent organisation monitors and supports our child protection activities. If you suspect any child is at risk on your holiday, please tell your Holiday Advisor or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. For more information, visit http://www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/child-protection.html. Conditions Of Carriage Certain rules and regulations apply to air travel. These are set out in the Montreal Convention for air. By law we need to give you these in ‘legal speak’ to avoid any misinterpretation. We can supply a full copy if you ask us to. Montreal Convention This is a notice required by European Community Regulation (EC) No. 889/2002. Air carrier liability for passengers and their baggage This information notice summarises the liability rules applied by Community air carriers as required by Community legislation and the Montreal Convention. Compensation In The Case Of Death Or Injury There are no financial limits to the liability for passenger injury or death. For damages up to 100,000 SDRs (approximately £96,000), the air carrier can't contest claims for compensation. Above that amount, the air carrier can defend itself against a claim by proving that it wasn't negligent or otherwise at fault. Advance Payments If a passenger is killed or injured, the air carrier must make an advance payment, to cover immediate economic needs, within 15 days from the identification of the person entitled to compensation. In the event of death, this advance payment shall not be less than 16,000 SDRs (approximately £15,360). Passenger Delays In case of passenger delay, the air carrier is liable for damage unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures. The liability for passenger delay is limited to 4,150 SDRs (approximately £3,980). Baggage Delays In case of baggage delay, the air carrier is liable for damage unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it
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was impossible to take such measures. The liability for baggage delay is limited to 1,000 SDRs (approximately £960). Destruction, Loss Or Damage To Baggage The air carrier is liable for destruction, loss or damage to baggage up to 1,000 SDRs (approximately £960). In the case of checked baggage, it's liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective. In the case of unchecked baggage, the carrier is liable only if at fault. Higher Limits For Baggage A passenger can benefit from a higher liability limit by making a special declaration at the latest at check-in and by paying a supplementary fee. Complaints On Baggage If the baggage is damaged, delayed, lost or destroyed, the passenger must write and complain to the air carrier as soon as possible. In the case of damage to checked baggage, the passenger must write and complain within 7 days, and in the case of delay within 21 days, in both cases from the date on which the baggage was placed at the passenger's disposal. Liability Of Contracting And Actual Carriers If the air carrier performing the flight is not the same as the contracting air carrier, the passenger has the right to address a complaint or to make a claim for damages against either. If the name or code of an air carrier is indicated on the ticket, that air carrier is the contracting air carrier. Time Limit For Action Any action in court to claim damages must be brought within 2 years from the date of arrival of the aircraft, or from the date on which the aircraft ought to have arrived. Basis For The Information The basis for the rules described above is the Montreal Convention of 28 May 1999, which is implemented in the Community by Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97 (as amended by Regulation (EC) No. 889/2002) and national legislation of the Member States.
D Data Protection When we talk about data protection, we’re actually referring to TUI UK Limited’s privacy policy. It sets out what information we collect about you, how we collect it, and what we do with it. The following is a UK group-wide policy so we need to include it in full here… Your Information This refers to a combination of information such as your name, contact details, travel preferences and special needs/disabilities/dietary requirements that you supply us or is supplied to us, including any information about other persons on your booking (“your information”). Your information is collected when you request information from us, contact us (and vice versa) or make a booking. You are responsible for ensuring that other members of your party are aware of the content of our Privacy Policy and consent to your acting on their behalf in all your dealings with us. We will update your information whenever we can to keep it current, accurate and complete. Our Use of Your Information (1) For the purpose of providing you with our services, including your flight, holiday or insurance, etc., we may disclose and process your information outside the UK/EEA. In order for you to travel abroad, it may be mandatory (as required by government authorities at the point(s) of departure and/or destination) to disclose and process your information for immigration, border control, security and anti-terrorism purposes, or any other purposes which they determine appropriate. These requirements may differ depending on your destination and you are advised to check. Even if not mandatory, we may exercise our discretion to assist where appropriate. (2) We may collect and process your information for the purposes set out in our registration with the Office of the Information Commissioner, and disclose the same to our group companies for business purposes and also to companies and our service providers who act as “data processors” on our behalf, or to credit and fraud agencies (some of whom are located outside the UK/EEA). These business purposes include administration, providing services (and contacting you where necessary), customer care, service quality, business management and operation, re-organisation/structuring/ sale of our business (or group companies), risk assessment, security, fraud and crime prevention/detection, monitoring, research and analysis, marketing, customer purchasing preferences and trends, dispute resolution, credit checking and debt collection. (3) Information (such as health or religion) may be considered “sensitive personal data” under the Data Protection Act 1998. We collect it to cater to your needs or act in your interest, and we are only prepared to accept sensitive personal data on the condition that we have your positive consent. By booking with us you also agree for your insurers, their agents and medical staff to disclose relevant information and sensitive personal data to us in circumstances where we need to act on your behalf or in the interest of passengers or in an emergency. If you do not agree to Our Use of Your Information above, we cannot do business with you or accept your booking. Direct Marketing Material (1) We may from time to time contact you with information on offers of goods and services, brochures, new products, forthcoming events or competitions from our holiday divisions and our group companies. Our websites will assume you to agree to e-communications when you make a booking. (2) You may indicate your preference regarding receiving third party direct marketing material. (3) If do not wish to receive such information or would like to change your preference, please refer to point (2) of “Your Rights” below. Your Rights (1) On completing our Data Subject Access Request form, you are entitled to a copy of the information we hold about you (for a £10 fee) and to correct any inaccuracies. (2) You have the right to ask in writing not to receive direct marketing material from us. If available, you can amend your previous preference on our website(s), use our “unsubscribe email” or refer to our literature containing instructions. Once properly notified by you, we will take steps to stop using your information in this way. (3) For a list of our group companies or brands, please send us your request. Please write to TUI UK Limited, Legal Department, TUI Travel House, Crawley Business Quarter, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9QL. Foreign Controls Outside the European Economic Area (EEA), note that controls on data protection in such countries may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. Use Of Tools/"Cookies" And Links To Other Websites If our contact and dealing with you is via our website(s), we may use HTTP cookies. These cookies allow us to identify your computer but not you personally. You can set your web browser to refuse cookies. However, you may not be able to enjoy all the facilities or book via our website if you do so. We may use information we hold and cookies to identify your individual
website behaviour, searches, preferences, facilitate your activities on our website(s) and provide you with services and offers. For example... ■ If you are making a purchase, we may also use cookies to keep track of the transaction from one web page to another. ■ We collect information relating to customer use, trends and patterns and use cookies and software tools to capture, measure and analyse site usage and related information. ■ If you also receive our email marketing, we will tailor the information we send you unless you tell us not to. This will enable us to send you more personalised and relevant communications. You will be given the opportunity on every communication to opt-out of this personalisation. ■ When you are on our website, we may interact with you and/or provide you with personalised information. We do this by using cookies to identify your individual website behaviour which allows us to provide you with more relevant personalised promotions. When you are online but off our site, to help us deliver advertising effectively and avoid repeating adverts, we employ cookies. These cookies allow us to provide advertising off site which is more relevant to a user’s interests. The information that we collect and share is anonymous and not personally identifiable. It does not contain a user’s name, address, telephone number or email address. Our website(s) may use a variety HTTP cookies. To help you understand more about, control and/or delete cookies... (1) Pinsent Masons law firm: www.aboutcookies.org (2) Internet Advertising Bureau: www.youronlinechoices.com/uk (3) Adobe: www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/ help/settings_manager07.html (4) Google Analytics: http://code.google.com/apis/analytics/docs/concepts/ gaConceptsCookies.html By using our website(s), you consent to our use of cookies as set out above. Our website(s) may contain links to other sites not controlled by us. It is your responsibility to check the status of these sites. Monitoring To ensure that we carry out your instructions accurately, improve our service and for security and fraud, we may monitor and/or record: (1) telephone calls, (2) activities using CCTV in and around our premises, and (3) transactions and activities at all points of contact. All recordings are and shall remain our sole property. Security Statement We have taken all reasonable steps and have in place appropriate security measures to protect your information. Changes to this Policy Any changes to this Policy will be either posted on our website, brochure and/or made available on request. Privacy Policy version - March 2011. Data Notices ■ Customer Data: To provide your holiday and ensure that it runs smoothly, we (and your travel agent, if you use one) need to use information such as your name and address, special needs, dietary requirements, etc. Please be informed that we must pass it to suppliers of your travel arrangements, including airlines, hotels and transport companies; we may also supply it to security or credit checking companies, and to public authorities such as customs and immigration. When you make this booking, you consent to this information being passed to the relevant people. Information held by your travel agent is subject to that company’s own data protection policy. ■ Caricom API Data: Please note that some or all of the Caricom states listed below have entered into an agreement with the USA whereby advance passenger data, required by and provided to Caricom states for border security purposes, will be passed to the USA Department for Homeland Security for processing on behalf of those Caricom states listed as follows: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands. Collectively members or associate members of ‘Caricom’. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office has accepted that this will not breach the Data Protection Act but that we are required to bring this to your attention. ■ US Secure Flight Data: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires you to provide your full name, date of birth ,and gender for the purpose of watch list screening, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. section 114, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and 49 C.F.R parts 1540 and 1560. You may also provide your Redress Number, if available. Failure to provide your full name, date of birth, and gender may result in denial of transport or denial of authority to enter the boarding area. TSA may share information you provide with law enforcement or intelligence agencies or others under its published system of records notice. For more on TSA privacy policies, or to review the system of records notice and the privacy impact assessment, please see the TSA Web site at www.tsa.gov.
E Extra Charges The key aspects of your holiday will be included in the price when you book – see Prices for details. But it’s important to point out you may have to pay extra for some things when you get there. For example, you might want to book an excursion, use a safety deposit box or enjoy something from the minibar or room service. You may also need to pay extra for things like sports, beauty treatments and classes.
F Finishing Touches You'll need to book them at least seven days before departure and pay for them in full when you settle your invoice.
I Insurance You'll need to take out a suitable insurance policy for you and anyone travelling with you. This includes infants and children. We'll tell you about our insurance policy when you book. If you choose not to take out our insurance, you'll need to tell us who you’re insured with. We’ll need the company details and your policy number before you travel. We can’t accept responsibility for any loss that you or anyone travelling on your booking suffers if the individual isn’t adequately insured. As with all insurance policies, terms and conditions apply, so you need to make sure you’ve got the right policy for you. If you're travelling to the European Economic Area you’ll also need a European Health Insurance Card. You can apply at www. ehic.org.uk. You’ll need to have both this card and adequate travel insurance. For travel to Cuba, you need to show proof of medical insurance before you can enter the country. So have a copy of your valid insurance policy with your tickets and passport for when you get to your resort airport. Visit http.//www.cubaminrex.cu/English/LookCuba/Articles/ Others/2010/06–04.html for details.
A-Z Guide L Late Bookings If you book your holiday within 84 days of departure there may be extra charges for coach transfers and you may have a reduced checked-in luggage allowance. Please check for details when you book. And if you book your holiday within 15 days of departure, you’ll also need to pay at least £20 per person to cover the costs of sorting things quickly for you. Local Laws Sometimes local laws, religious customs or events mean facilities aren’t available. Drinking and gambling ages vary by destination. It’s a good idea to find out more before you travel. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend you check http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/ travel-advice-by-country/. Luggage This section explains how much you can take, what you can pack, and how to keep your valuables safe. Please make sure you know your limits so your trip can get off to a smooth start. Luggage allowances vary, and could change, so please check when you book. On Thomson Airways Your checked-in allowance will vary between 15kg and 23kg depending on your holiday so make sure you check when you book. Just as a guide, if you’ve upgraded your flight or your holiday is part of the Thomson Premium Collection - so an A La Carte, Couples, Platinum or Sensatori holiday - your allowance is set at 20kg for checked-in luggage and 7kg for hand luggage as opposed to the standard 5kg. And if you've booked one of our wedding packages as a couple, you'll qualify for an extra 5kg of luggage allowance each for your wedding attire. This is in addition to the standard baggage allowance applicable to your holiday type. This extra allowance will be added to your holiday booking when you book your wedding package. One thing to bear in mind, though - if your flights change to another airline we won't be able to offer this allowance. On all flights, under twos get a 10kg luggage allowance, and we won’t charge you to take your folding pushchairs either. You can share your allowance with others on your booking, but no single bag can be more than 23kg. This is for health and safety reasons. If you have booked extra luggage allowance, you still need to make sure each bag is under 23kg, otherwise check–in staff won’t accept it. Also, we can only accept luggage if it's packed and secured in suitcases or bags, and we believe it can stand up to reasonable handling. Otherwise, we may ask you to sign a disclaimer before we can take it. This also includes any bags we believe are already damaged. As for hand luggage, you can take one item on your flight. The maximum dimensions are 55x40x20cm. You should be able to lift your hand luggage into the overhead storage compartments yourself. Other bags, such as handbags or laptop bags, must fit in your single item of hand luggage. There are restrictions on what you can carry in your hand luggage so make sure you read the information that comes with your tickets. For example, you should pack valuables in your hand luggage – never your checked–in luggage. This includes money, jewellery, computers and important documents. Your airline won't be liable for loss or damage to valuable or fragile items packed in hold luggage, no matter how it’s caused. On Other Airlines If you’re not flying with Thomson Airways, you’ll need to find out what your luggage allowance is. For example, with Air Europa, you get 20kg, whereas with Lotus Air, your allowance is 15kg and you can only check in one piece of luggage. Some airlines don’t give infants their own allowance. Excess Luggage And Sports Equipment There may be a charge for excess luggage and sports equipment. Whether or not we can carry it will depend on capacity on the day. We can't guarantee you'll be able to take bulky sports equipment with you on the coach to your holiday accommodation. You can arrange to take golf clubs, windsurf boards, diving equipment and other sports equipment on your flight. If you don't book, you may still be able to check your own equipment in. But we can’t guarantee this and there’ll be a charge. Bear in mind, any problems with excess luggage charges need to be sorted out at the airport. Lost And Damaged Luggage Please report any lost luggage or damage to us within seven days. If not, under the terms of the Montreal Convention, we won’t be liable. See Montreal Convention for details. If your luggage is damaged on your way back to the UK, you need to complete a Property Irregularity Form (PIF) at the airport and keep a copy of it for insurance purposes. Low Season You may find that if you’re travelling outside of peak holiday periods, like May and October, some facilities – both in your hotel and resort – may not be available and entertainment may be more low-key. Hoteliers may remove facilities at certain times due to low demand.
M Medical Conditions On Your Flight If you have a medical condition, a serious illness, or you’ve recently had surgery or an accident, you'll need to be cleared for travel by the airline. You may also need a ‘Fitness to Fly’ certificate from your GP. Conditions that need medical clearance include respiratory, coronary or infectious illness. You’ll need to give your request for medical clearance to the airline at least four working days before you’re due to fly. The risk of deep vein thrombosis while flying is extremely low but is still a serious medical condition. DVT is when a blood clot forms, usually in the lower leg, sometimes because of sitting still for a long time. It needs treatment with blood-thinning drugs to prevent clots breaking off and travelling to the lungs. You can take precautions to reduce the risk. People most at risk include those with a history of bronchial or circulatory problems, thrombosis, those recently hospitalised, smokers, the obese, those with congestive heart failure, a malignant disease, pregnant women or women taking the contraceptive pill. To reduce the risk, exercise your legs from time to time, or walk around if possible. Elastic stockings may be helpful. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to prevent dehydration. See your doctor if you think you may be particularly prone to DVT. If you think you might need to ask for therapeutic oxygen during your flight, please contact your airline for details at least one month before your departure date. Thomson Airways does not charge for this, but you must request it in advance so we can confirm that it’ll be available for you. Contact our Customer Welfare team for more information – their number is at the end of this guide. See Special Requests for more details. At Your Destination If you have specific medical needs, think about whether the healthcare system in the destination you're looking at is likely to be able to meet those needs, if you have any problems while you're away. Consider things like the country's state of development and its size. You may find it helpful to look at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-andliving-abroad/.
O Official Ratings Each country has its own system for rating properties. We’ll always publish any official ratings where they’re available, usually as stars. But there are a few things we need to tell you on this front. In Italy, you won’t find any
official ratings for some properties, like old villas and farmhouses that have been renovated. In Greece and Turkey, you’ll also find reference to A to C instead of stars, with A being the best.
Only from Thomson Where you see ‘Only from Thomson’ on the accommodation pages, it means that, in the UK, you can only book the holiday advertised through one of our TUI group companies. This includes Citalia, Crystal, First Choice, Hayes & Jarvis, Hotelbeds, Simply, Sovereign and Thomson. In some cases this only applies to the hotel for a particular season, board basis or room type. There are a few holidays that include a beneit you’re entitled to exclusively as a Thomson customer or where we are the only tour operator you can book with. Please see individual accommodation pages for details. Also, for some destinations you can only ly direct from the UK with us.
P Passports The name in your passport must match the name on your ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and your insurance could be invalid. If someone in your group changes their name after you have booked, tell us and we’ll issue the ticket in the new name. If you’ve already received the ticket, return it and we’ll send one with the correct name. There may be a fee for this change. If you’re a British citizen, you need a full, ten-year British passport and it must be valid for six months from the date of your return to the UK. For more information, visit the Passport Service website at www.ips.gov.uk. If you don’t have a UK passport, you should always check with your own embassy, high commission or consulate before you book. Pregnancy You can travel with us up to the 28th week. If you're more than 28 weeks at the time of your flight home, you’ll need a medical certificate from your GP. It must state there are no complications and give the dates of your pregnancy. If you're more than 36 weeks at the time of your flight home, they'll refuse to take you. If you're expecting twins or more, you must return by the 32nd week. Please check your insurance policy for any restrictions that apply. Many policies only cover up to the 28th week. Prices Our brochure prices are accurate at the time of publication, but you should only use them as a guide. The price we give is the lowest for that particular date range and will depend on when you’re travelling. Prices may go up and down throughout the season. We charge based on the number of people who can sleep in the room. So if there are fewer people than beds in your group – for example three people in a room that sleeps four – your invoice will show what we call an under-occupancy charge. We worked out the price of your holiday in our latest brochures using the following exchange rates. These were quoted in the Financial Times Guide to World Currencies on 13/03/2013... Bulgaria - Lev 2.2541, Croatia - Kuna 8.7451, Egypt - Pound 10.1084, Europe - Euro 1.1526, India - Rupees 81.0950, Kenya - Shilling 127.385, Maldives - Rufiya 22.9696, Mauritius - Rupee 46.1929 Mexico - Peso 18.5043, Morocco - Dirham 12.8044, Thailand - Baht 44.2004, Tunisia Dinar 2.3650, Turkey - Lira 2.7041, United States - Dollar 1.4925. What's Included The basic cost of your holiday includes the following… ■ Return flight from the UK ■ Air passenger duty at the standard economy rate - £12 per person for short haul, £60 for mid haul and £75 for long haul. Charges may change. ■ Transfers between the airport and your accommodation. This is usually by coach. Where we provide a taxi, the price we quote is for each person and based on three adults sharing a return taxi transfer. ■ Car hire on selected holidays – check when you book ■ The accommodation and meals as advertised or confirmed on your invoice ■ Luggage allowance as confirmed on your ticket ■ Aviation insurance and security charge ■ Estimated fuel costs ■ A Holiday Advisor at the UK airport and in resort ■ All obligatory hotel service charges and taxes ■ VAT on all holidays to EC countries What's Not Included The basic cost doesn’t include the following… ■ Additional flight charges, such as taxes and regional supplements ■ Additional air passenger duty – there’s a difference between standard and premium cabin charges. A higher rate is charged by the government for passengers travelling in premium cabins. The additional charge is currently double the standard air passenger duty, but charges may change. ■ In-flight meals unless we say otherwise ■ Seats together on the plane unless we say otherwise ■ Fuel supplements where applicable ■ Excursions ■ Holiday insurance ■ Additional charges for particular room types, meals or under-occupancy in apartments. For details, see the price panel for your accommodation or ask your Holiday Advisor. ■ Excess luggage and the transport of any sporting equipment ■ Deposits requested on arrival by some apartment or villa owners, and by some hotels in Florida ■ Any local taxes, levies or similar that local authorities abroad expect you to pay yourselves See Late Bookings for more details.
S Special Assistance If you or a member of your party is disabled, uses a wheelchair or has difficulty in walking, our Customer Welfare Team can tell you which properties have things like ramps and specially adapted rooms - their contact details are at the end of this guide. Also, if you’ve got any medical or dietary needs, they will do their best to help. On Your Flight If you or a member of your party is disabled, uses a wheelchair, can’t walk more than 500 metres without help, or has difficulty climbing the aircraft stairs, EU regulations say you should notify us of your assistance needs before travel. You can do this by contacting our Customer Welfare Team. You’ll need to do this at least 48 hours before your departure. If you don’t book ahead, we’ll provide reasonable assistance at the airport, but those who’ve pre-notified us will always take priority. Transfers If you aren’t able to use our coach transfers, we can arrange a taxi transfer if you tell us in advance by contacting our Customer Welfare Team. Bear in mind, there is a charge for this. See Medical Conditions.
Special Requests We’ll always do our best to help however we can, but we can’t guarantee we’ll be able to meet your needs every time. These special requests aren’t covered by Our Agreement With You so from a legal point of view, they’re not part of your holiday contract.
T Taxes You may need to pay a tourist tax either at the airport or at your hotel. Taxes change regularly so check before you go. See Prices for more details. Tour Operator Ratings We rate our holidays on our annual reviews and also the feedback we get from our end-of-holiday Customer Satisfaction Questionnaires. We rate hotels and apartments from ‘2’ for no–frills, good value accommodation, to ‘5’ for more comfort and a wider range of facilities. There may be some differences between accommodation that shares the same rating. That’s where our ‘plus’ rating comes in.
V Vaccinations Speak to your doctor at least two months before you’re due to go away. Some treatments, for malaria for example, should begin well before you go. If you’re booking within three weeks of your departure, speak to your doctor before you book. There’s more information available in the Department of Health’s free leaflet – Health Advice for Travellers. Call 0800 555 777 for a copy. Visas The best place for up–to–date information on visa and travel advice is the Foreign Office. Visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel or call 0845 850 2829. There may be specific entry requirements for under-18s, depending on your destination. For example, if a young person is travelling without both parents, there may be extra costs and they may need extra legal documents such as an affidavit, from a notary public. Always check with the consulate or embassy of the country you’re travelling to before you book. Here are some other key things we need to tell you about… Egypt For information on Egyptian visas in general, visit www. egyptianconsulate.co.uk or call the Egyptian Consulate on 0207 235 9777. Turkey You’ll need to buy a tourist visa when you arrive. You can expect to pay around £10 or €15 in cash for this. United States You’ll need to register for Electronic Travel Authority (ESTA) before you go. To apply, visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. There’ll be a charge of US$14.00 which you’ll need to pay by card when you apply. Without ESTA authorisation you may not be allowed to board your flight, you could be delayed during security processing or denied entry into the United States. That said, these documents don’t guarantee entry into the United States. As with most countries, immigration officials make the final decision. If you’re denied entry, you’ll still need to pay cancellation charges for your holiday as we explain in Your Agreement With Us. One other thing, if you’re changing your name on your passport – for example, if you’re getting married – it’s best to register for ESTA using your maiden name if your new passport doesn’t start until 72 hours before your departure. Otherwise, you may not get authorisation to travel.
W Weather There are sometimes tropical storms and hurricanes in Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico between June and November. If a storm is forecast for one of our destinations, your safety is always our first priority. If there are hurricanes during your holiday we follow the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and work with the Federation of Tour Operators. Please also bear in mind that some hotel facilities - like outdoor bars and some sports - may not be available in adverse weather. Where we display weather information, this is supplied by the Met Office, © Crown copyright, the Met Office.
Getting In Touch Before You Go If you’re yet to travel with us, here are some numbers you may need… Bookings, Amendments or General Enquiries 0844 871 0872 Customer Welfare 0844 871 1600 Groups 0871 971 0560 Weddings and Renewal of Vows 0871 664 0131 Honeymoons 0871 231 4880 Finishing Touches 0871 971 0533 Thomson Airways (new bookings) 0871 231 4787 Thomson Airways (amendments, in-flight extras and general enquiries) 0844 871 1603 You can also email PreTravelServices@thomson.co.uk or write to us at the address below. If you’ve already booked, please include your reference number in your letter or email. If you’re getting in touch about a wedding or renewal of vows please address your letter to ‘Weddings or Renewal of Vows’ instead of Pre–Travel Customer Services – at the same address. Pre-Travel Services, TUI UK, Columbus House, Westwood Business Park, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8TT While You’re Away For help while you’re away, please call our Holidayline Team on +442476 28 22 28, text 82345 or email 24–7@thomson.co.uk or 24-7@ simplytravel.co.uk if it’s a Simply holiday. If you're on a Sensatori holiday call +44 02476 28 22 06 or email sensatori@thomson.co.uk. They’ll be there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls from abroad will be charged at international rates. Texts to 82345 cost 50p plus your network rate. When You Get Home When you're back in the UK, to discuss your Thomson Airways flight experience, please call 0844 800 3100. For any other aspects of your holiday you can complete the online form located in the 'Contact Us' section of our website. Alternatively, you can write to us at the address below. Remember to give us your booking reference details. After Travel Customer Support, Thomson (or Simply), Wigmore House, Wigmore Lane, Luton, LU2 9TN Travel Agent Support If you’re a travel agent and need our help… Agent Reservations & Administration 0844 871 0877 Group Bookings 0871 971 0576 Weddings 0871 664 0131 Calls to 0871 numbers cost 10p per minute plus network extras. Calls to 0844 numbers cost 5p per minute plus network extras.
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Minimum Residency Period (excluding day of arrival, weekends and bank holidays)
a
Ma lta
pla nd
3
La
3
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3
Tu
3
ati
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3
Gr
3
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3
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3
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3
Me
Jam
3
Ke ny
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3
Cro
Birth Certificates
Th
Full 10 year Passports
Ar
ub a
nd
can
Re pu bli c
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
full
full
3
3
full
3
3
full
full
full
full
full
full
+ apostille stamp
full
3
full
3
4-7
3
3
4
3
4
3
3-5
4
7-8
2-3
1
1
2
3
3
3
If Never Previously Married 3
Single Status Statutory Declaration Certificate of No Impediment
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
If Divorced 3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Deed Poll*
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Minimum Age
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
21
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
Parental Consent - Affidavit or Statutory Declaration (stamped & signed by a solicitor) if under 18
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3 under 21
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Witnesses must not be related to the bride or groom
3
3
3
Marriage Certificate issued in local language
3
3
3
3
3
3
Decree Absolute If Widowed Spouse’s Death Certificate and Previous Marriage Certificate If Adopted Adoption Certificate If Name Changed
Certification / Legalisation / Translation of all Documents**
3
3 3
3
3 3
Mandatory blood test for the bride & groom in resort (payable locally).
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Documentation can change without prior notice, the information given is correct at the time of booking. The information given should be referred to as a basic guideline for British passport holders only. Non-British Passport holders or clients with documents issued outside the United Kingdom should contact their own consulate or embassy. In some areas, documents have to be legalized by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and then by the Consul of that country and will incur additional charges. Similarly, documentation may need to be translated prior to departure.
There may be other factors such as Visa requirements, personal details, the nature and format of officiated documents, where and when weddings can take place and minimum age requirements that vary between and within each resort. It is therefore advisable to contact the relevant Weddings Department for more information. **Requirements can differ by hotel.
FINAL FACTS PRECIOUS EXTRAS Speak to our wedding experts on 0871 664 0131* about insuring those precious extras such as the rings or the wedding dress to cover for loss or accidental damage. To book this additional weddings insurance policy you must also take out our standard insurance, and as with all insurance policies, terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations apply. You need to make sure the policy is suited to your needs.
FINISHING TOUCHES Please call 0871 971 0533* if you require further information or wish to book finishing touches such as Executive Check-in or Champagne and Chocolates.
Whichever Thomson Wedding package you choose, we wish both of you the best of luck for the future and many happy years together.
*Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication in April 2013.
130
EXTRA SPECIAL TOUCHES
WEDDING PACKAGES
BEAUTY
A romantic candle-lit meal. Breakfast in bed. A pampering treatment or two. Book an upgraded wedding package and you can really tie the knot in style.
If there’s one day you want to look your best, it’s on your wedding day. We can arrange for you to get your hair styled and nails polished to perfection.
FLOWERS
GETTING THERE
We can sort your bouquets and buttonholes. Take your pick from blooms like roses, lilies, carnations or go for something a bit more exotic.
It’s all about arriving in style. Whether you want a vintage car, a limo or a horse-drawn carriage we’ll do our best to sort it for you. Plus, we can arrange transport for your guests, too.
CAKE
PHOTOS & VIDEO
Our standard wedding package includes a cake. But if you want to cut into a frosted, multi-tiered affair, you can opt for something with a little more flair.
Click, flash, zoom – naturally you’ll want to capture as much of your special day as possible. We can arrange for your whole wedding to be photographed and filmed so you’ve got something to look back on in the years to come.
MUSIC Tinkling steel drums, a string quartet or perhaps a good old-fashioned live band - whatever you want to waltz down the aisle to, we can sort the soundtrack to your wedding.
CALL OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS If there’s anything else you want to know, give our Weddings Team a call on 0871 664 0131* or pop in to your nearest Thomson travel shop. *Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication in April 2013.
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0871 664 0131* thomson.co.uk Thomson travel shop facebook.com/thomsonholidays *Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication in April 2013.
Our other titles... 3T Favourites, Egypt, Morocco & Tunisia, Italy, Malta & Croatia featuring Montenegro, Spain, Portugal & Cape Verde, Greece & Cyprus, Turkey & Bulgaria, Faraway Shores, Florida and Thailand.
NEW
WITH A DIFFERENCE – SPECIALIST Small & Friendly, Ski & Snowboarding, Cruises, Family Collection, Villas with Pools, Gold, Lapland and Lakes & Mountains.
WITH A DIFFERENCE – PREMIUM A la Carte, Premium Collection, Couples and Sensatori.
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