Tag Along to Cancun for a Destination Wedding Workshop
Sure, you see room tours and private dinners on social media, but have you ever wondered what it’s really like to travel for work as a travel agent? Keep scrolling to join me on a trip to Cancun for the Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist Association’s (DWHSA) Mastering Destination Weddings Workshop. From the travel and training to balancing business at home-and everything in between-I’m pulling back the curtain to share it all with you!
Travel days start early! I always try to book one of the earliest flights of the day to avoid delays as much as possible. I arrived to the airport around 4:45 a.m. for 6:00 a.m. take-off. Keep in mind, when traveling internationally most airports require you go through security no later than one hour before takeoff, but definitely check with your airport for any specific requirements. Also be sure to budget extra time if you’re parking at the airport, checking a bag, or traveling with a larger group.
Once I landed, I made my way outside to meet my representative from Lomas. The airport wasn’t busy at all and I didn’t check a bag, so I was in my transfer headed to the resort within 20 minutes of landing. Others I met at the resort said that baggage claim was taking up to 90 minutes that afternoon, yikes! It was a short, 15 minute drive to Hyatt Vivid Grand Island where I was staying. DWHSA had us in Vantage Club rooms so private check-in was in the club lounge. Luckily, my room was ready early so I was able to head right up. Early check in is subject to availability, but even if your room isn’t ready the resort will hold your luggage so you can start enjoying the resort ammenities while you wait. This is why I always recomend packing a swimsuit in your personal item for easy access!
The room design was so clean and spacious! The view didn’t hurt either. After getting some content of the room before I unpacked, I headed up to the roof to grab some lunch since I hadn’t eaten anything yet that day! The rooftop pool is for guests staying in Vantage Club rooms only and serves lunch until 4 p.m. It also has a swim-up bar and cabanas available to rent for the day for $50 (individual pool loungers are complimentary). I enjoyed some tacos, a mojito, and the views while checking for any emails I missed while in travel. Then it was time to head back to my room to get ready to meet everyone!
If you know me, you know I love a good hotel robe! Showered then a quick turnaround down to the lobby to meet everyone for a site inspection of the property.
Destination wedding set-ups!
Due to it’s unique location, Hyatt Vivid Grand Island has 360 degree views from the rooftop!
After our site inspection, they had a cocktail hour set up for us at the Serenity Bar. This area can be privitized for events and would be perfect for a welcome party or cocktail hour. Plus the views at golden hour are chefs kiss.
After cocktail hour we had dinner in the wine cellar. This would be PERFECT for a rehearsal dinner and was such a vibe. I didn’t get photos of the meal due to dim lighting, but it was delicious! After 3 courses, wine, and a long day of travel, it was time for bed to rest up for a full day of training.
Up bright and early for training! I was obsessed with the view of the pool from my room before everyone was awake.
The resort featured a delicious sampling of their food options and beautiful floral arrangements in the ballroom during our training. These thoughtful touches were much appreciated as we dove deep into all things destination weddings. It was incredible to discuss every aspect with fellow agents and bounce ideas off one another. Time flew by thanks to the empowering, content-rich conversations we had.
Went to my room when we broke for lunch to answer some client emails. Then back at it for the afternoon session, and with new snacks!
Training went until 6 p.m. so I went straight to dinner with some of the other agents. We tried the Italian restaurant, Aglio! I got photos of everything except the main, of course lol. Grabbed a nightcap at the main bar before heading back to my room to steam clothes and get prepped for the next day.
Day two was all about marketing and wedding packages with Hyatt Inclusive Collection. Then, we had the afternoon free before our farewell dinner. Finally made it to the pool and had my first marg of the trip. Their rooftop pool is the longest infinity pool in Cancun and in my opinion makes the upgrade to Vantage Club totally worth it!
Went back to the room to shower and get ready for dinner and had the sweetest litte sandbox-surprise waiting for me! These are the little touches you can all but expect when booking with a travel advisor.
The farewell dinner was at the beach club which was basically set up as a full wedding reception. While Hyatt Vivid Grand Island isn’t directly on the beach, guests do have access to their beach and beach club experience via a 5-10 minute shuttle ride which runs every half hour. Plus, the beach club can be privitized for weddings and wedding receptions. It was truly so stunning and such a special venue.
Live music, a delicious plated dinner, and even a photo booth! I’m so excited to be able to offer this experience to clients. Transparently, it was so much more than I had expected and ultimately that’s why we do what we do! Travel agents go so you know!
Vantage Club a-la-carte breakfast doesn’t start until 8:00 a.m. so I wasn’t able to catch it until the last morning because trainings started so early. It was worth the wait! I’m not even exaggerating when I say the yogurt parfait may have been the best thing I ate the whole trip. And you can never go wrong with chilaquiles.
This three-night trip was a whirlwind! Work trips definitely show the glamorous side of this job-and are packed with valuable info to help me create even better client experiences. If you enjoy this kind of behind-the-scenes content, let me know, and I’ll bring you along on my next adventure. Until then, safe travels!!
-xx Sophia
