WanderLust Issue 76 - From Perfect Wedding Magazine

WHISTLER BOUND: WHERE TO STAY

At the very heart of North America’s
most popular ski and outdoor adventure
capital, about a two hour drive north
from Canada’s beloved Vancouver is
Whistler, British Columbia, where
you will find a hotel that feels like your
‘second home’. Framed with mountains
on all sides and conveniently located just
steps from the Whistler and Blackcomb
lifts, the Sundial Boutique Hotel offers
a chic, contemporary place to unwind
after a day in the mountains or shopping
in the village. World-class dining expe-
riences are also very close at hand
including Trattoria di Umberto, which is
right across the street. The recently
renovated hotel suites offer village or
mountain views, a well-equipped kitchen
and a handful of suites even have a
private hot tub with a view. Make sure to
book your stay far in advance as this
popular boutique hotel with its ideal
location tends to fill up early. Enjoy!

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TRAVEL

WHISTLER BOUND: WHAT TO DO

Whistler Village and the surrounding areas simply beckon adventure, exploration
(a part of our destiny) and excitement. One of the ‘must-do’ experiences is to ride
Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola that spanns across the
valley, connecting Whistler mountain to Blackcomb mountain. The combination of
two mountains offers over 50 kms of hiking trails, vistas that overload the senses,
free and custom guided tours are in every direction you look. The array of venues,
both indoors and out, are seemingly endless. Contact Jessica Skilton at jcskilton@vail-
resorts.com to find out just what is possible for your big day!
One thing that almost everyone requests as an absolute necessity is a trip to the Spa.
Whistler’s own Scandinave Spa offers full public access for sauna, steam room,
jacuzzi and relaxation areas for a small fee. The rustic installations hug the edge of

Lost Lake Park in a forest setting, help-
ing to de-stress from everyday life.
Indulge in the full experience and book
for a body massage of your choice.

Walking around Whistler Village can
make one self rather hungry. Perhaps
the oldest and most established pizza
joints, Avalanche Pizza, is the go-to
when on the run.

100 Perfect Wedding Magazine WanderLust / Summer 2018

Elevated within a forested enclave close to Whistler Village, Closer to Vancouver, just south of the city of Squamish and
Canada’s newest museum offers a stunning and unique back- next to the world-renowned Stawamus Chief, is the Sea to Sky
drop for your wedding. Gondola. With breathtaking panoramic views of the coastal
mountain range, the Stawamus Chief, and Howe Sound, the
The Audain Art Museum (above) in Whistler, designed by Summit Lodge at the top of the gondola is an unbeatable loca-
internationally-acclaimed Patkau Architects, features an tion to host your event. The floor to ceiling windows and cedar
outstanding permanent boutique collection of historical beams boast a fantastic mountain retreat to hold your event.
and contemporary Northwest Coast art, complimented with With 20 gondola in operation the transportation of your guests
changing world-class temporary exhibitions. Its reception hall to the top of the mountain should be effortless, ensuring your
and galleries provide the perfect location for gatherings of all wedding celebration gets off to a stress-free start. The viewing
sizes, where guests will enjoy the surrounding artwork set platforms and suspension bridge provide an excellent photo
amidst a stunning natural environment. opportunity to create incredible wedding images. d

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TRAVEL

Serenity Found

Written & Photographed by Claudia Torres

One of the worlds best know coastal towns, the Mexican beach See more in our Instagram
destination of Puerto Vallarta is of vast importance. Recently, Highlights “Luxury Travel”
the city’s historical centre was declared a Cultural Heritage site @perfectweddingmagazine
of the State of Jalisco and is now pro-
tected under state and federal laws. The Wellness Suite

A short five-minute drive from the Inter-
national airport is Casa Velas - a serene
sanctuary of peaceful luxury, an adults-
only boutique hotel suited for the most
discerning traveller.

The moment the large iron gates open
to its secluded property you will be
transported into an elegant Spanish-
style hacienda. The bustling and some-
times loud crowd in Puerto Vallarta will
seem a world away. At Casa Velas you
feel as if you are in the middle of a
secluded lush tropical garden, receiving
personalized attention from the very
first moment you step into their luxury
transportation until the moment they
drive you back to the airport.

LUXE COMFORT
Casa Velas, is the perfect location
for honeymooners, couples seeking a
romantic getaway and intimate destina-

102 Perfect Wedding Magazine WanderLust / Summer 2018

The Abja Spa

Breakfast at housing a crystal water swimming pool this is a tasteful experience that is worth
Emiliano and a casual restaurant offering an Asian the extra-calories! At the Spa, get an ex-
inspired menu. An ideal spot for a foliation with avocado skin, avocado
Restaurant, most romantic dinner, enjoy the stunning body wrap or moisturizing hair treat-
delicious green sunset overlooking the Bay of Banderas. ment. At night, relax at the bar sipping
chilaquiles, an avocado piña colada martini!
During your stay, make sure to reserve
avocado smoothie dinner at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s During the day, we recommend you
and green juice. newly renovated Italian restaurant take a cooking class by the pool while
Lucca. The posh space embodies a you are treated with chilled Mexican
tion weddings, all with the convenience contemporary wine cellar, reflecting the white wines. Chef and Mexican TV
of receiving inclusive service. After you Italian spirit. Fresh handmade pastas, personality Yolanda Yanar will make a
are greeted at the lobby with a refresh- traditional pizzas, specialty seafood simple guacamole into many different
ing green juice or local “agua fresca” dishes and delectable dolce will accentu- tasty versions including a cold soup.
fruit water you will be escorted to your ate your evening. “Avocados are the mother of all fruits” she
room, which is exquisitely decorated begins explaining.
with Mexican pieces from famous sculp- OVER THE TOP
tor Sergio Bustamante. A lovely Jacuzzi One exclusive amenity that you Before heading to the restaurant for
on your private balcony invites you to shouldn’t miss is GUACAMANIA: an dinner, learn more about Tequila, its
relax while enjoying the view of the golf all-avocado themed menu and Spa treat- process and history with the knowledge-
course. A special accommodation, the ment. At Emiliano, Chef Juan Luis able staff at the bar. Participate in a
two level Wellness Suite, includes Ruelas created a menu that highlights Tequila tasting that includes Tequila
personal wellness concierge and is set Avocado as the main ingredient of each blanco, reposado, añejo and Tequila
every night with a Spa amenity. This dish, from delicious sweet smoothies and cream for a sweet send off.
suite is also ideal for a Bride getting jams for breakfast to avocado burritos,
ready for her big day! soups, ceviches, enchiladas and more, WELLNESS
Unwind from your trip and set yourself
CULINARY EXPERIENCE into a relaxation mode when visiting the
Casa Velas’s signature restaurant, Emil- Abja Spa at Casa Velas. The aromas of
iano, serves gourmet Mexican and inter- lavender, eucalyptus and lemongrass will
national cuisine by Executive Chef Juan awaken your senses. Your revitalizing
Luis Ruelas. Prepared with the highest journey will begin with the sauna while
quality of ingredients and fresh herbs your therapist places slices of fresh
from their own botanical garden, meals cucumber over your eyes. Highly recom-
can be savoured inside this majestic mended is the Pre-Hispanic hot stone
space or outdoors next to a romantic massage! After your treatment, relax
terrace surrounded by koi ponds. while you enjoy some healthy treats
made with avocado. The Spa also offers
There is a private shuttle available that a beauty menu, and the luxury facility
can take you Casa Velas Ocean Club, has a well-equipped fitness centre with
pleasing garden views.

A stay at Casa Velas is a luxurious retreat
that you will wish never to leave. d

perfect wedding magazine.com 103

TRAVEL

MAYAN SPIRIT

Elevated

Written by Claudia Torres Next to Barceló Maya
Beach you can have
A Grand Paradise awaits you 75 kms
south of the Cancun International Air- access to a private
port. With 2760 rooms distributed beach “playa azul” ,
throughout five hotels (Barceló Maya which is part of the
Beach, Maya Caribe, Maya Colonial,
Maya Tropical and Barceló Maya Palace), property where a
the Barceló Maya Grand Resort can wedding ceremony
accommodate groups of any size.
Barceló Maya Beach, with a Mayan feel or reception can
and architecture, is located on one of the be set-up.
most gorgeous beaches of the Mexican
Caribbean. The 2 kms of white sand
beach with a coral reef and crystal-clear
water will leave you breathless.

The Premium Level that Barceló Maya
Beach offers is our choice of stay where
it includes many bonuses not available to
the other accommodation levels. Aside
from the all-inclusive program, premium
level includes VIP area, VIP amenities,
24-hour room service, free Internet
access and concierge services, rooms
with the best locations, swim-up suites
and other exclusive services include full
access to all of the dining facilities
throughout the resort.

104 Perfect Wedding Magazine WanderLust / Summer 2018

DESTINATION WEDDINGS
Barceló Weddings offers certified
wedding planners who will help to
execute your wedding day, stress-free.
There is an in-house florist whit whom
you can discuss the theme and style of
the wedding floral décor, professional
photographers offering wide services as
well as videography. From boho-chic
ceremony at the beach, chic poolside
reception to ballroom party, Asian-
Indian weddings, the resort has the
professional team and splendorous
facilities to host the wedding of your
dreams! d

The U-Spa is an
experience to not
miss. Relax after a day
at the beach,
or excellent choice for
avoiding undesirable
weather.
Brides can get ready in
the private room at
the beauty salon.

All of the Barceló resorts are committed
to the environment by being certified for
its ecological practices. The lush gardens
and pathways throughout the resort are
excellent for early morning power walks.

A must-experience is to visit the U-Spa to
do the hydrotherapy circuit, enjoy the
quite relaxation rooms and why not
pamper yourself with a special signature
Spa treatment.

If you are celebrating your wedding, the Barceló Maya Beach has 8 specialty
spacious Spa offers a beauty salon. Book restaurants, 2 of them are in the Maya
your bridesmaids and yourself for a Mall, which is conveniently located right
private manicure/pedicure session while next to the resort's lobby. As part of the
sipping sparkling wine and enjoying the Premium level you can reserve a dinner
most delicious canapes and sweet treats! at the French restaurant Palace
This is fantastic way to destress before Brasserie, an opulent setting with excel-
your wedding and bond with all your lent cuisine ideal for intimate rehearsal
girls! The beauty salon has a "getting or welcome dinners.
ready" room for the Bride, an excellent
space to have everything prepared.

As for the flower girls, there is a super
cute Kids U-Spa adorned with pink walls,
tutu chandeliers and mini beauty
stations where your little girls can be
treated, getting all primped with a
special manicure or hair-do.

perfect wedding magazine.com 105

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT

LIV HART X BELLA
BELLE SHOES

This new shoe collection is incredibly
well-crafted and so versatile. You are able
to change the ankle strap and wear the
shoe four different ways. A plain silk
strap, silk strap with silk bow, floral crys-
tal strap, or floral crystal strap with the
silk bow allow you to change the look
from understated to a more statement
look with just one shoe. All of these strap
options are included with each shoe.

106 Perfect Wedding Magazine WanderLust / Summer 2018

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Perfect Wedding Magazine WanderLust / Summer 2018