Currently, to get into Jamaica the resort requires a NEGATIVE viral test, the type that goes into the nasal passages, with results 1-3 days prior to travel. A send out should take roughly three days to get results and is considered more accurate, a rapid is often resulted in 15 minutes. Vaccine cards ARE NOT currently enough for untested entry into the country. Please be sure to check the restrictions for your airline specifically, as some may be different, and continue to check for updates as we get closer. Delta (who we are flying with) has the same criteria. To RETURN to the US, the restrictions are currently the same, and the resort will provide rapid viral COVID tests on site for return flights. This post will continue to be updated as more information is available. It is expected that restrictions may loosen prior to September, with COVID rates dropping in the US and a large number of vaccines anticipated in Jamaica. **** CURRENTLY A TRAVEL APPLICATION IS NECESSARY TO ENTER THE COUNTRY, TO BE FILED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF TRAVEL. WE ARE LOOKING INTO MORE INFORMATIONON THIS. THIS IS PLANNED TO BE IN EFFECT UNTIL AUGUST 31st. Our Jamaican contacts feel restrictions are improving, and we are hopeful it won't be a factor for our trip come September.
Usually, a local post office is available to take passport photos and help you complete the necessary paperwork. In today's era of technology, the application is also available online. PLEASE ALLOW FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS to ensure that passport will arrive before you travel. It is recommended that passport and flight are the first monetary purchases made when planning an international trip, after booking your room but before paying the full balance. A good link for passport information or to complete the process electronically is - https://www.govoffices.com/forms-passport
Typically, airlines provide flights within the calendar year. Flights for the end of September are available for booking now, and we recommend booking early in the process. Flights should be purchased before paying the entire balance on the rooms at the resort (per the hotel recommendations). As we are booking flights so far in advance it is recommended that people also purchase flight insurance and be sure the airline has a reasonable cancelation policy, since things do come up. Though we hope COVID will no longer be a factor when it comes time for our wedding, please be aware of cancelation policies related to the disease.
No - in fact they don't necessarily recommend that you do. There are payment plans available and you can make as many small payments as you like. It is recommended that you pay a deposit on the room and then make purchases like flights and passports if needed. The balance on your stay can be paid on arrival to the resort.
The resort is all-inclusive, meaning that all drinks and food are included when you book your accommodations. This includes alcoholic drinks and all meals at standard restaurants and snack bars. However, if you chose to do things like excursions on the island, tours, spa treatments, or off resort golf (transportation to sister resort included) there may be additional costs. The total also does not include a tip for the personnel on the resort, i.e. bartenders or housekeeping. There is a certain amount of resort credit you will automatically get when making your reservation, and we will get the opportunity to earn credits as a group as well - and these credits can go towards most extras you may be interested in.
While the resort does allow children, we have made the difficult choice to not include young children at our ceremony and reception. There are some teenage family members that have been invited but are independent. Please keep in mind the nature of staying at an all-inclusive island resort and remember that the wedding events will be focused towards adults. We understand that travel gives the opportunity for family vacations, and do not begrudge you bringing your children, but ask that you please arrange childcare during the ceremony and reception. Some we have spoken to have considered traveling with an additional family member to assist with child care. There are also typically children's clubs and the like available as well for older, teenage children who may be more independent.
Yes. Absolutely. This is part of the reason we recommend staying at least three nights over the weekend (Thursday through Sunday). As a group, we can earn additional resort credit for extras and adventures, free nights that can be used during THIS STAY, spa upgrades, room upgrades, and extra event hours as a group. All people that are booked under our group would be eligible for these resort credits and updates! If you are booking after the room block has been filled, be sure to mention you are booking with the Higley/Holmes wedding in order to be included in the group for benefits.
The resort has a cancelation and refund policy as long as you give them appropriate notice of room cancelation prior to the reservation date. They have assured us that if COVID is still a concern, we would be given a full refund or the option to move the date, and that this would extend to our guests as well. As far as flights, it is HIGHLY recommended that your purchase flight insurance when booking. Considering the current situation, purchasing flight insurance ensures a refund or the ability to move the date should there be extenuating circumstances. It is usually an extra expense that you can select once you are farther into the process of purchasing your tickets. If you are unsure, websites or airlines can be contacted to help explain the process, assist you in finding that option or book your flight over the phone to ensure that the flight insurance was included.
The wedding party will be dressed in traditional formal wedding attire, however, they are not wearing jackets - nobody wants to have a heat stroke. We consider the attire semi-formal. We ask that you dress nicely, no swim shorts or cut offs, but also understand the desire to be cool and comfortable. Overall, we don't mind what you where! While our ceremony has more flexible attire, there are often events, bars, or certain restaurants that require a sleeved shirt or jacket. It is important to note that there are other options, but in case the situation arises a jacket or formal shirt may be appropriate to bring, so there are no limitations to what you have available on the resort! (See additional photo in photos tab for explanation on resort dining attire)
We do not expect anyone to buy us gifts. We understand that some people enjoy buying wedding gifts or feel it's necessary but we did not invite you for gift, we invited you for your company. That being said we are aware we will get gifts, and have made a registry on this website of items we liked or 'featured funds' you can donate to (like our air fair or the deck we'd like to build for our house). PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL WITH GIFTS TO JAMACIA. Even small gifts could end up accumulating and we would not have a good way to travel home with these gifts. We are already traveling with our wedding attire, shoes, makeup and hair tools, as well as certain things we have made for the ceremony ourselves and favors. Instead, gifts can be sent to our home address if you insist on buying us something. There will be a small shower before the wedding, and a US reception in Ogdensburg the following summer where we will ideally show our photos and potential the video of the ceremony, and celebrate with those who could not travel, and these opportunities would also be good for giving a gift if you insist.
please email ellieholmes3@gmail.com or reach out to the bride and groom through phone call or text message