FAQs

Question

When is the RSVP deadline?

Answer

Please RSVP by April 22, 2022, so we have an accurate headcount. You will RSVP using our wedding website. To do so, simply click on the 'RSVP' tab and type in your name. Your entire invited party will appear. Please indicate whom from your party will be attending and any dietary restrictions, and/or song requests.

Question

Can I bring guests/children/ +1's not included in my RSVP?

Answer

We have addressed the invitations to the people we would love to come. If you received a +1, they will appear as part of your party when you RSVP here on our website. Due to our venue, we are only able to accommodate those guests formally invited.

Question

What should I wear to the wedding ceremony & reception?

Answer

We are requesting a semi-formal attire for the ceremony & reception. Ladies should opt for a midi-dress, pantsuit, or longer dressier dress. Men should opt for a suit or slacks and a sports coat. Please no shorts, hats, jeans or non-collared shirts. We kindly ask that you do not wear colors traditionally reserved for the bride - whites, ivories, etc. Since our wedding ceremony and reception will be held on the beach, we will have a shoe check station where you can place your shoes.

Question

Are children welcome?

Answer

Due to our venue, we can only accommodate those formally invited. If invited, your child's/children's name(s) will appear under your name when you RSVP.

Question

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

All wedding events will be held outdoors. If rain is anticipated, wedding events will be moved indoors to the Ballroom.

Question

Is it okay to take pictures during the wedding?

Answer

We are having an "unplugged' ceremony. Meaning, we ask that all cell phones be put away and on silent/turned off during the ceremony. We have hired a professional to capture some of the most important moments of our lives, and we would hate to have a well-meaning person's phone/device blocking that moment for our photographer to capture. After the ceremony, feel free to take as many photos as you want!

Question

What should I wear to the Welcome Party?

Answer

We are requesting a Cocktail / Dressy Casual attire for our Welcome Party. For ladies, you can opt for a cocktail dress or floral dressy sundress. Men should wear slacks/khakis pants and a collared button down (short-sleeve its fine). Please no jeans, hats, or non-collared shirts.

Question

What should I do if I can't make it?

Answer

You will be missed dearly! If you can not make the wedding, please let us know as soon as possible by indicating "Will not attend" on your RSVP. We hope to celebrate with you at a later date.

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

Yes! We are registered on Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Crate&Barrel. To view our registry, please check out our 'Registry' tab. We appreciate your generosity in helping us build our new life together! Cory & I are building our first home for our future family, and deeply appreciate your support! P.S - Rather than traveling with a gift, feel free to send any gifts to our home.

Question

Do I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica?

Answer

Yes, all guests must have a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica. You will need your passport to board your flight and check in at the resort. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the date of your return flight. If you do not have a passport, we encourage you to start this process early on as passports can take up to 10-12 weeks to arrive once you have applied.

Question

Is the resort all-inclusive? What is included in our rate?

Answer

Yes - the resort is all-inclusive! Your stay will include the following at no additional hidden costs: • Limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining options (total of 8 restaurants and 8 bars) • Unlimited international & domestic top-shelf spirits • Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks • 24-hour room & concierge service • Pool and beach wait service • Daily refreshed mini-bar with soft drinks, juice, bottled water, etc. • Daily maid service • Endless daytime activities and live nightly entertainment (e.g., snorkeling, kayaking, scuba lessons) • Theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues • All taxes and gratuities *Please see our 'Things To Do' tab for a full list of all the activities included in your rate at the resort.

Question

What activities can I do while in Costa Rica?

Answer

There are numerous activities to do during your stay! While many are already included in your rate, some are subject to additional costs, denoted with an asterisk*. Please visit our 'Things To Do' tab for more information on excursions. Indoor/Outdoor Activities: • Two swimming pools and a steaming whirlpool • Water slide with pool for kids • Kids pool • Euro-bungee • Cooking and cocktail classes • Dance lessons • Big screen movies • Theme nights and parties • Bocce-ball • Table games • Local wildlife watching • Visit to the Arenal Volcano * • ATV tours* • Horseback riding* • Ziplining through the jungle* • Animal sanctuaries* • Rock Climbing* Water Activities • Introductory scuba lessons in the pool • Non-motorized water sports • Snorkeling • Kayaking • Deep sea fishing* • Sunset sailing & snorkeling* • Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) • Surfing • River Safari* • Scuba Diving* • Tubing* • Catamaran with sightseeing of dolphins, turtles, whales, etc.* • White Water Rafting* + more!

Question

What activities are there for my child/children?

Answer

In addition to the beach and pool activities included in your rate, children can also take part in the following: • Euro-Bungee • Water slides • Big screen movies • Games (e.g., Ping Pong, Bocce Ball) and so much more! Also included in your rate, parents can enjoy some time away with Explorer's Club (ages 3-12) and Core Zone Teens Club (ages 13-17). There is also a babysitting service available for an additional cost. Children are also able to partake in some of the excursions, depending on their age. Check out our 'Things to Do' tab for more information on activities.

Question

How long should we stay?

Answer

The resort requires a 3 night minimum. Our wedding is May 22, 2022. We suggest arriving at least 1-2 days before the wedding day in case of unanticipated travel delays. However, Costa Rica is a beautiful country! Feel free to stay as long as you would like to explore all that Costa Rica has to offer! We chose to do a destination wedding as traveling is important to us; we love to indulge in new cultures and experience different beauties of the world. For this reason, the Bride & Groom will be staying 7 days to allow for plenty of time to experience all the adventures that await us in Costa Rica. The Bride & Groom & their immediate family will arrive on May 17 & 18, 2022 and will be leaving 7 days later on May 24 & 25, 2022, allowing plenty of time to partake in various excursions!

Question

Will I have to pay for my whole trip upfront?

Answer

No, you do not need to pay for the whole trip upfront when you book your room! You are able to reserve your room and lock in your rate with an initial deposit. Once the deposit is paid, your room will be held and your full payment will be due closer to your travel dates. Amy will provide you with all payment information. If you chose to bundle your airfare with your room, you will also need to pay the airfare for your party in full in addition to the room deposit + trip protection. You do not need to book your airfare at the same time you book your room. You can book your airfare at a later date. Please note that your quote is only good for a limited window of time; outside of that window and you will need to request a new quote. As noted, excursions are extra and are not included in your rate. If you want to book excursions, you can do so before the trip or once you arrive at the resort.

Question

When should I book my room?

Answer

We have reserved rooms for guests until 1/5/2022. After this date, we can no longer guarantee any rooms and rooms will be subject to availability. Please reach out to our travel agent to book your room to be included in our wedding festivities. You can however look into other lodging options at your own will. Please be mindful that if you stay at another resort, to attend the wedding you will need to purchase a resort day pass and your own transportation. If you book your room and are not able to join us anymore for whatever reason, depending on the insurance option you paid for you, you will get either a full refund or a future trip voucher. If you do not purchase insurance, you will lose your room deposit.

Question

How do I book my room?

Answer

You must book your room through our travel agent to be included in our wedding count. When you are ready to book your room, please email our travel agent the following: • Full names (just as they appear on the passport) • Birthdates of all travelers • Dates of travel • Room category selection • Trip Protection selection (highly recommend VPP+, which is a full refund) • Departing airport Amy will email you back with a quote. Once you have approved your quote, Amy will send you a link to your client portal. In your client portal you will be able to: place your deposit, make payments on your room, and manage your booking. Please note that the quote is only accurate for a limited window; outside of that window you will need to request a new quote. Full payments are due closer to your travel dates. Please direct all travel related questions to Amy at amy@thetravspot.com.

Question

What room should I get?

Answer

This is completely up to you and your preferences! You have many options to choose from. The cheapest room options are the standard rooms. Of the standard rooms, you can request a room with a tropical view or an ocean view. All of these rooms include either 1 king or 2 double beds and a furnished terrace with a soaking tub. You can also reserve a room that is apart of the resort's Preferred Club. These room rates are typically more expensive but include great perks! These rooms vary in luxuries (e.g., some have a swim-out pool off the terrace), so be check out the room descriptions. The next question addresses the differences between preferred club rooms and standard rooms in more detail. Please note that rooms are subject to availability.

Question

What is the difference between preferred club and standard rooms?

Answer

Standard rooms are attached to the main-building, meaning they are close to restaurants, the lobby, and nightlife, but are far from the beach (the resort is quite large and the main building does not sit on the beach). These rooms are typically accompanied by more noise, but are the cheapest options. Preferred club rooms are typically more expensive but include additional perks. These rooms are much quieter as they are more secluded from the main building. Preferred club also offers private check-in/check-out and access to a member's only private pool & private section of the beach. Additionally, preferred club offers upgraded concierge service, a stocked mini bar in your room, upgraded bath amenities, complimentary in-room internet access, and access to a private lounge (which includes daily continental breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, desserts and liquors; useful when restaurants are packed during prime time).

Question

What amenities are offered in each room, both standard and preferred?

Answer

• One king-size bed or two double beds • Private, furnished balcony or terrace with soaking tub (or direct access to a pool if staying in swim out room) • Luxury bath amenities (upgraded bath amenities for Preferred rooms*) • Mini-fridge in room refreshed daily with juices, soft drinks and bottled water (stocked mini bar for Preferred rooms*) • 24-hour complimentary room service • Concierge service (additional services for Preferred rooms*) • Twice-daily maid service • Complimentary Wi-Fi with Unlimited Connectivity (in room access for Preferred rooms*) • 42" satellite cable TV • Alarm clock with MP3 docking station • Coffee and tea maker • Intelligent energy saving sensor • Hair dryer • Iron and ironing board • Electronic in-room safe • A few hangers Depending on your room, you may also have additional amenities, such as a swim-out pool. Please double-check your room selection amenities before booking.

Question

Can I get a room near other invited guests/family?

Answer

If you would like your room to be near another guests room, such as invited family or friends, please let Amy know when you email her initially to book your room. She will request this arrangement with the resort, but of course can not guarantee anything. Since there are different room types (e.g., standard pool view, preferred swim-out) in various different building across the resort, the invited guests you want to a room near will also need to have chosen the same room selection as you. We recommend also calling the resort. Let them know that you are guests of Alexandria & Cory's wedding and are requesting a room near other said guests. Provide them with your name, room selection, dates of travel, names of the guest you would like to be near, and their dates of travel. Again, nothing is guaranteed.

Question

What is the trip protection? Should I purchase it?

Answer

We HIGHLY recommend each guest purchase trip protection in case of unforeseen circumstances. There are two different types of trip protection you can choose from: 1) VPP+, which is a full refund if you cancel your booking for whatever reason, or 2) VPP, which is a future credit for one year from the date you booked. We recommend you purchase VPP+. Your rate will depend on which protection you chose, how many guests you are booking for, and the length of your stay. When you email Amy to book your stay, please let Amy know which trip protection plan you wish to purchase and she will include it in your quote. You can purchase trip protection for just land, covering your hotel stay. If you want your airfare included, you will need to either a) purchase your airfare through Amy, or b) purchase airfare protection through your airline when your purchase your ticket, which is typically offered by a lot of airlines. The Bride & Groom and their immediate family members all purchased VPP+.

Question

What about COVID-19?

Answer

We are hopeful COVID will no longer be a major issue for our wedding in May of 2022. However, we cannot predict the future and Costa Rica and the US are taking precautionary steps we must abide by. Thing are constantly changing and we will keep you all informed of COVID-19 procedures and information as things unfold. With this said, considering the uncertainty of COVID-19, we do recommend that you purchase the VPP+ trip protection. In the case that the borders shut down, or in the case where Cory & I do not feel like it is safe for us or our guests to travel, we will most likely push our wedding date back a few months. A lot will go into this decision and will be announced to you all in a timely manner. Because of this possibility, it is critical to purchase the trip protection. Both Cory & I and our immediate family members purchased VPP+. At this time, all hotel guests will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccine.

Question

Is airfare included in the all-inclusive price?

Answer

No, airfare in not included in your all-inclusive room rate. You may choose to bundle your airfare with your room at the time of booking, or you can purchase airfare at a later date. If you bundle your airfare with your room at the time of booking, you will need to pay the deposit amount + trip insurance + plane ticket. Your insurance will cover the hotel and airfare. If you purchase airfare at a later date, you can book on your own or through Amy. If you book airfare on your own, you will need to purchase airfare insurance. If you book airfare through Amy at a later date, you will only pay for the trip insurance for the resort stay when you place your desporit and will need to purchase the airfare insurance though Amy when booking your flight. We recommend booking your flight early on to secure the best price.

Question

What airport should we fly into?

Answer

We recommend flying into Liberia International Airport (LIR). This is the closest international airport to the resort and is approximately 50 miles and 80 minutes from the resort. Your all-inclusive rate includes transfers to and from the resort.

Question

When should I book my airfare?

Answer

If you are bundling your airfare with your room, you will need to book your airfare at the same time you book your room as you will need to pay your airfare at the same time you pay your room deposit. Amy can assist with bundling. If you are not planning to bundle your airfare, you can book your airfare at any time. We recommend booking your airfare sooner rather than later as prices will likely increase as the wedding date approaches. The average price for a roundtrip flight ranges from $300-$600 a person, depending on when you book, your travel dates, and where you are traveling from.

Question

Is there transportation to and from the airport?

Answer

The LIR airport is about an hour and twenty minutes from the resort. Your booking through our travel agent (all-inclusive price) will include round-trip transfers to and from the airport. So you do not need to worry about transportation once you land in Costa Rica. Amy will help you set transfers up closer to your travel dates. The company we are working with that will handle guest transfers is top-notch! The ride is entirely scenic, including views of volcanoes, sloths, monkey & other wildlife, and the Guanacaste mountain ranges. Additionally on your drive, you will have the opportunity to learn about the country's history and local facts, like how they run on 99% renewable energy, as well as learn common phrases to know during your stay, such as Pura Vida!

Question

Can we stay at a different hotel and attend the wedding?

Answer

Yes, you can. However, we encourage everyone to stay at Dreams Las Mareas. If you choose another hotel, the resort will charge you a day pass fee in order for you to join us. This fee is typically around $100, which will be your responsibility. Additionally, Dreams Las Mareas is a secluded tropical paradise, so you may have to travel a ways. Please let us know if you plan to stay somewhere else so we can let our wedding coordinator know.

Question

Does the hotel have a dress code?

Answer

Some of the restaurants at the resort do require a specific dress code, either Casual Elegance or Casual. 'Casual Elegance' restaurants include: • El Patio (Mexican cuisine) • Himitsu (Asian cuisine) • Portofino (Italian cuisine) 'Casual' restaurants include: • Oceana (seafood) • Seaside Grill • World Café Barefoot Grill & Coco Café do not have a dress code. Casual dress code includes: • Bermudas (long shorts or Capri pants), sneakers/tennis shoes and sandals. • Ladies must wear a bathing suit wrap or cover-up. • No sleeveless shirts for men. Casual Elegance dress code includes: • Sneakers/tennis shoes or sandals and dress shirts with short sleeves or collared shirts. • Long pants required for men. • No sleeveless shirts or flip-flops.

Question

What will the weather be like during my stay?

Answer

May is one of the best months to visit Costa Rica! The average temperature in May during the day is about 93 degrees and drops to an average temperature of 76 at night. There may be a few scattered quick rainstorms on some days. However, weather is unpredictable and we encourage you to check the weather before you pack.

Question

What should I pack?

Answer

• Passport • Photo ID • Cash / Card • Hotel confirmation • Airport Transfer confirmation • Boarding Pass for airfare to and from Costa Rica • Wedding event outfits (semi-formal attire) • Outfits for the number of days you plan to stay (please be sure to check out the hotel dress code and consider attire for the excursions you plan to do) • Bathing suites & cover ups • Sun hat • Sunscreen • Bug Repellent • Toiletries • Medications (e.g., Advil, Probiotics, Dramamine, First Aid) • Electronics • Favorite reusable cup for your drinks • Beach towel if you plan to do excursions off the resort (resort has towels to use on property)

Question

Can I leave the resort to explore Costa Rica?

Answer

Yes - and we encourage you to do so! Costa Rica is a beautiful country to explore. You traveled all this way, we encourage you to make the most out of your trip! While there is a lot of activities included in your stay, you can purchase excursions with the hotel or from a 3rd party. Some excursions we recommend include: • Horseback riding through the rainforest • Deep sea fishing • Sunset sailing and snorkeling • Rainforest water slide • White water rafting • Arenal Volcano • Zip-Lining through the rainforests • ATV tours through the rainforests • Hiking waterfalls and so much more! Check out our 'Things to Do' tab to explore more options! **Please note that these excursions are NOT apart of your all-inclusive rates.**

Question

What is the currency in Costa Rica?

Answer

The Cost Rican unit of currency is the colón. US dollars and major credit cards are also widely accepted but subject to fees. In fact, most vendors for excursions prefer US cash as most do not accept credit cards. We recommend bringing plenty of cash to avoid fees.

Question

What is the best form of communication while in Costa Rica?

Answer

We recommend you download and use the WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to communicate with loved ones during your stay as you only need access to WiFi to utilize these apps.

Question

Do I need converters for my chargers/plugs?

Answer

Nope! U.S plugs are compatible at the resort.

Question

Where can I learn more about Dreams Las Mareas?

Answer

In addition to their website, if you have a Facebook page we encourage you to join the "Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica Discussion Group" Facebook group. This page is open to all former and incoming resort travelers. Former travelers offer great advice in the group, such as best places to eat, excursions worth the money, and so much more! Once approved to the group, you have the ability to search for any term and all related posts will pop up. For example, if you are trying to determine which excursions to do and who to use as your guide, using the search feature you can type in "volcano excursion" and all posts that mention those words will pop up. From there you can see what the guests are saying about the volcano excursions. Similarly you can search for room options and read guest reviews and their take on Preferred Club v. standard. We highly recommend joining this Facebook group if you have a Facebook!

Question

I still have questions about booking my Costa Rica trip. Can you offer suggestions / guidance?

Answer

Of course! We want this to be a stress-free vacation for all of our loved ones. We are so blessed that you and your family are willing to come celebrate with us! We have a Facebook page where we post anything and everything related to our wedding. You can ask your questions / receive answers using this platform and this is also a great way to meet other guests! Once you have RSVP'd, we will send you an invite to our private wedding group page. If you do not have a Facebook, please feel free to reach out to the Bride & Groom; the Bride's mother, Amy Stone, and/or the Groom's mother, Anne Martin, for all general questions. For all travel related questions, please reach out to our travel agent, Amy Schwerdt.

Question

What is the travel agent's contact information?

Answer

We are using Amy Schwerdt with TRAVSPOT as our travel agent! The best way to get a hold of Amy is via email: amy@thetravspot.com. Please use our travel agent when booking your wedding travel to ensure you are included in our wedding count!