Love in Paradise!

A week ago, I was in Paradise (aka: Jamaica!)…now, I’m back in NYC with 2 feet of snow. Wow! What a difference a week makes! Last week, Frank and I journeyed to Jamaica to “test-drive” the locations we were interested in...in both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
 We loved the hospitality and generosity we received from the staff at all of the locations – Royal Plantation, Half Moon and Round Hill. The wonderful thing about Jamaica is its blend of old-world luxury with timeless glamour to make every experience special and memorable. After our week-long visit, we were certain that choosing Jamaica to host our wedding weekend was the perfect choice.


Each resorts’ offering was very compelling, and they treated us like kings and queens of the Universe! But in the end, we chose Round Hill (in Montego Bay) because:



It’s centrally located – it’s only 20 minutes from the airport.


Guests can easily and quickly be transported to a horseback trek, adventure sports course or a leisurely day of golf – the staff will arrange everything!


On site, the beachfront location offers all of our guests an oceanfront view as each hotel suite is steps away from the beach.


The villas – 4, 5 and 6-bedroom options - are ideal for an intimate gathering and to begin the tradition of an inter-family vacation.

The resort is like a slice of heaven – from the drinks (with rum, of course!), the food, the grounds and the interiors designed by Ralph Lauren (who owns a villa on-site) – we were overwhelmed with its beauty.


World-class spa where Frank and I enjoyed a 90 minute couples massage that rivals any that we’ve had in at some of the best spas in NYC. Need we say more?

 Finally, although we’re not having children in our ceremony, we’ve quickly grown to love the idea of having little ones join us for the weekend. There’s something about hearing those little voices discovering the sand, beach and water for the first time that we love. Round Hill has the Pineapple Kids’ Club – complimentary – for kids 3 to12 years old. It’s like camp for children where they could possible make friends for life.

 So, quickly we booked our date and put a deposit down on Round Hill for October 9th, 2010 (with 10.10.10 being in high demand, we needed to move quickly:)


It’s so surreal, everything is coming together and I’m really excited that at the end of the year we’ve completed the ‘save-the-dates’ and invitations. They are both being printed and we should receive the final save-the-dates right after the holidays!!!


As 2009 comes to a close, I start to realize that this time next year, I’ll be Mrs. Frank Altimare, III. WOW! I am so in love with Frank and excited to begin this next chapter of our life together. And, I realize that I’m very lucky (even though it can be a little stressful at times!) that he’s 100% involved in this planning process. It’s our first real project that helps me to know that as we move throughout life, our understanding of partnership will, hopefully, allow us to succeed as we collaborate as parents and spouses.

I wish you all the best this Holiday Season – safe travels, eat a lot and see you in the New Year!

(photo credit: all photos taken at Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Montego Bay)