Nanor Apikian
Melia Cuba offers a collection of 16 resorts specializing in weddings. In this price-sensitive market, Melia Cuba’s free weddings are a hit, with more than 70% of Canadian couples who got married in a Meliá Cuba property in 2016 taking advantage of the resort company’s Free Wedding package, says Melia Cuba wedding specialist, Nanor Apikian.
1. How popular is the Meliá Cuba wedding collection with Canadian couples and how many resorts are now in the collection?
“With a wide selection of 27 resorts in Cuba and four different brands (Paradisus, Meliá, Sol, Tryp) created for different needs and budget, Meliá Hotels International is the leading product offering couples great value for their destination wedding in Cuba.
“Located in absolutely romantic settings, combined with picturesque beaches, lovely facilities and fine dining, these properties are the preferred choice for Canadian couples.
“From Meliá Cuba’s wide range of hotels, clients can choose the one that best suits their needs. Our wedding packages are offered in all of our properties but we have a collection of 16 resorts that are specialized in weddings.
“These hotels have beautiful facilities for a wedding ceremony and reception as well as a wedding coordinator on site with many years of experience and a great expertise in weddings.”
2. Why do Canadian couples choose Meliá Cuba for their destination wedding?
“Thanks to our wedding specialist and bilingual assistance offered to travel agents here in Canada for the past 15 years, planning a wedding with Meliá Cuba is very simple. The planning is done between the travel agent and Meliá Cuba’s wedding specialist prior to the clients’ departure and once they arrive at the hotel, our on-site wedding coordinators look after all of their wedding details and ensure that our brides and grooms have a worry-free and memorable wedding day. This allows our couples to fully enjoy this very special day and spend valuable time with their family and friends.
“The requirements for a legal ceremony are also very simple with Meliá Cuba. If neither one has ever been married before, all they require for a legal ceremony are their original passports and birth certificates. Our wedding packages also include the legalization of the marriage certificate by the Canadian Embassy in Havana. Therefore the marriage is recognized here in Canada, which is a big advantage for couples interested in doing a legal wedding in Cuba.
“Our Free Wedding package offered to groups of a minimum number of guests is also a great reason why Canadian couples choose Meliá Cuba for their destination wedding. We also offer other types of wedding ceremonies, such as the renewal of vows and the symbolic ceremony without any legal aspect or paperwork.”
3. What are couples prioritizing these days when they look for a destination wedding resort?
“Brides and grooms are now, more than ever, looking for properties that have a strong wedding expertise as well as a variety of options for the ceremony and reception. The price is also an important aspect when selecting a property, especially to accommodate a large number of guests. Meliá Hotels International is the top hotel chain for weddings in Cuba since they offer a wide selection of resorts for every budget and for different bride and groom profiles. Some couples look for a simple ceremony with their feet in the sand, and others want to do something different such as a unique ceremony on a catamaran or at an outstanding wedding gazebo with tons of flowers and decorations.
“We also have couples who want to do a simple wedding dinner and others who want a big private reception with a sumptuous meal and open bar. Meliá Cuba offers options for every type of wedding, from the simplest to the most luxurious ones.”
4. What are the top 3 properties in the collection from the Canadian weddings market and why?
“Our most popular brand for weddings in Cuba is the Meliá brand. Ten of these properties are chosen each year by hundreds of brides and grooms around the world!
“Our two most popular properties for weddings are the Meliá Las Dunas in Cayo Santa María and the Meliá Jardines Del Rey in Cayo Coco. They both have a large choice of options for wedding ceremonies, dinners and receptions and can accommodate both small and large groups. Meliá Varadero is another great option for bigger wedding groups.
“All three Paradisus Resorts can also accommodate large groups and offer wonderful options for special group dinners and private cocktails. Paradisus Varadero is the only family Paradisus property and is the most popular choice for weddings out of all three.
“With its three distinct areas including the Royal Service adults-only section with 24-hour butler service, the brand new and modern Family Concierge area and the standard section, this property will meet the expectations of any couple seeking high-end accommodations for themselves and their guests.”
5. What percentage of Canadian couples opt for Meliá Cuba’s free weddings, and what are some of the highlights of the free wedding packages?
“In 2016, more than 70% of Canadian couples who got married in a Meliá Cuba property took advantage of our Free Wedding package.
“For those seeking luxurious accommodations, we suggest one of the three upscale Paradisus Resorts in Cuba where the Free Wedding package is offered for groups with as little as 12 paying guests and more, including the bride and groom.
“The Free Wedding at the Paradisus Resorts is the most comprehensive package available in the Caribbean and includes not only the notary fees and the legalization of the marriage certificate but also a special room for the bride and groom, musicians during the ceremony, a bouquet and a boutonniere for the bride and groom, a private cocktail, a wedding dinner, a late check-out and much more!
“At our Meliá Hotels, the Free Wedding package is available with as few as 17 paying guests and includes many items above and beyond what others offer.
“As for our Sol Hotels, the Free Wedding package is available for groups of 25 paying guests and more. Affordable packages are also available for those who do not qualify for the Free Wedding.
“To find out more on Meliá Cuba wedding packages, their inclusions as well as the conditions for the Free Wedding package, contact our wedding specialist in Canada at weddings@meliacuba.ca or visit ca.weddingcubachannel.com.”
