Our Iberostar Tucan wedding...trip report.

usagi_sisa · 03-01-2005

Hi guys! It's taken me forever to get my trip report up - I apologise. Firstly, thanks to Dakota for all her help and advice! We had a great day. We arrived Sat Jan 1st 2005. The wedding was on our last day, Friday Jan 7th. We couldn't have had a better experience! Our wedding was just how we imagined it would be.

My gut impressions:
The IB Tucan is by far the best AI that I've been to. Others to compare: Ocean Arc Decameron, Allegro Playa Grande, Victoria Resort & Gran Ventana in DR. Gran Hotel in Cuba. Perhaps Mexico is just at a better quality level, but I was impressed!

The room:
The rooms are large and clean. I am picky about the bathroom quality - you can always tell how nice a place is, by how nice they do up the loo! The Tucan had marble floors & counters, stone showers...huge and gorgeous! We stayed in building 11, room 1127, I think - on the outside, with a side view to the ocean. Probably the best view available without getting the upgrade. We changed locations a couple times, b/c we wanted to have an upper level room, facing away from the pool noise. The staff were very accomodating and helpful.

The beach:
Wonderful! The water was rough, and the red flags seemed to be out every day, but people were still in the water. We went down to Playa and bought a little boogie board - great fun! (one tip - don't boogie board with a strapless bathing suit....) Always tons of yellow beach chairs available, and ample spots under the palapas. Other reviews noted the "towel reserving game", but we never really noticed. There seemed to always be more chairs than people. It was a little harder to find shade in the pool area, but you could if you looked hard enough.

The pool:
As I mentioned, a little more competitive for seats, but we never had a big problem. Plus, the beach was always available! Beautiful large main pool. I like the way they had a separate "sports" pool and kiddie pool as well. We did spend our first day at the swim up bar lagoon....although, you have to wonder..."when did I see that guy last get out of the pool...?? Hmmm?"

The food:
By far, the buffet was the best place to eat. Either on the Tucan side or on the Quetzal side for lunch. I did get to eat at the Japanese place and the steakhouse. Both were quite good. The teppan was quite comparable to Toronto restaurants..the sushi was a bit iffy though. As for the steak - order a rare steak my friends! That way, you'll be sure to get a better cut and a tender beef experience. I was a bit skeptical about the steak, since I love a nice juicy angus steak, but they did a wonderful job. Still, every other night at the buffet was fabulous. The fajitas are amazing - I didn't realize that I have never had a real fajita until I came to Mexico. Any of the stuff they sell at home - doesn't even come close! The fajita guy...fresh tortillas and filling cooked before your eyes...mmm...my mouth is starting to water. If you like spicy, try the green salsa! It was magnificent!
***Food was my biggest worry when booking a destination wedding. Being responsible for good meals for a group of 20..yikes! My worries were unfounded. There was something for everyone at the hotel. Burgers and pizza by the pool, and lobsters at the buffet. The food was the biggest difference between the IB* Tucan and the other AIs that we've been to in the DR and Cuba ***

The wedding:
We arrived on the Saturday, and had a note saying we should meet Mariela on Monday morning. She was great. We picked flowers, made some final arrangements and filled out the necessary paperwork that day. Had our blood tests that day as well. It really couldn't have been easier. Understand that you do give up some minute details, but really - who's going to notice that you flew in exotic rarest of the rare orchid from african rainforests and put them in you maid of honour's hair? I wasn't into the little details, which is why the destination wedding was perfect for us.
We had the service (in English) at 4pm on January 7th. Our JP was very eloquent and well spoken - we were very impressed. It was the first day that week that it wasn't rainy or overcast at that time of day.
If I had to redo one thing - it would have been the cocktail reception in the jungle. We had the mariachis, who were wonderful, but we booked a late dinner (8:30pm), so the cocktail party was 7-8pm. It wasn't well lit - 3 huge floodlights that were aimed right into our eyes and were very hot. I just turned them to face into the jungle. The hor d'oeurves tasted good at the time, but a few of us were a bit sick to our stomach later that night. They were sitting in chafing dishes, but were out for a long time. Not a huge deal. Could have happened here easily too. If I had to do it again, I would have asked to have them set up with more torches and maybe more Christmas-type white lights strung in thru the trees, instead of the flood lights. All in all we had a good time though. We moved to dinner at 8:30 at the steakhouse. Again - rare steak! We were so tired by the end of the meal, I could barely stand up to cut the cake - I'll post the pics - you can see it isn't my best! We were planning to hit the disco, all decked out, but I really couldn't stay awake! Must be getting old! (I turn 30 this Friday....) Can't stay out in to the wee hours of the morning anymore. Plus, we had to get on a bus at 6am the next day to catch a flight (boo hoo) home!

Anyhow, that is our trip, in a nutshell. Oh, I forgot to mention, Greg's uncle is a photographer, so we didn't use the resort photographer. Here is a link to the pics he put together for us:
http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewalbum.html?bm=62546
(click on the Marissa & Greg albums)

If anyone wants some additional info, I'd be happy to help, if I can! Thanks again!
usagi

ps to Tony & Djien - Thanks again for the lovely yellow wooden shoes! It was very thoughtful of you, and a nice example of some of the "global goodwill"

that these forums inspire. (Tony & Djien are a lovely couple that saw my posts on this forum, noticed they would be at the IB* Tucan for our wedding, so they brought us a little momento from Holland as a wedding gift! Very sweet!)

**TeeZet** · 03-01-2005

Hi Usagi!
Good to see you back on this forum with a very nice trip report! Nice Job!

We experienced Tucan very similar to your own experiences. Which were brilliant, obviously. In fact we are already saving up to go there again!

Pity, though, that you were too tired to go to the disco after the wedding. But I don't blame you... all the 'fuss' (

) during that particular day must have been exhausting.

I thought you mentioned going on a honeymoon after you guys returned from Playa. If so: please tell how that was!
I'll check out the official photos in a minute.
Btw: did you already see the ones I shot? You can find them here.

emmalaw45 · 03-01-2005

Great trip report - thanks for all the advice. We fly out to the Tucan at the end of March for our wedding so it's great to speak to other people who have already married there and can give sound advice.

I tried to view your photos on the link you provided but it doesn't show up any pics - do I know to download any software to support the viewing of the pics?

Thanks

usagi_sisa · 03-01-2005

Hi Emma -

It is a photo slideshow - you might have to download their view software. I did it the first time. It should prompt you when you click on the selected album.

Hope you like them!
Marissa

emmalaw45 · 03-01-2005

Im just downloading it now....... if it doesn't work I may have to ask you to email them to me as I would hate to not see your lovely pics.

**TeeZet** · 03-01-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by usagi_sisa

It is a photo slideshow - you might have to download their view software. I did it the first time. It should prompt you when you click on the selected album.

Hope you like them!
Marissa

I did!
Wonderfull pics/slideshow!
You guys make a very lovely couple (although I already knew that from seeing you guys in person, of course

)

KevKaos · 03-02-2005

I must say that yoursa is one of the best trip reports I have ever read. Going to Tucan this Aug, and you have supplied very good information. Thank you.

babs31 · 03-02-2005

Enjoyed your post ...thanks!

KevKaos · 03-02-2005

Wow, the slideshow was even better than the trip report. Most excellent.

chocoligato · 03-03-2005

Great slideshow! Awesome look at the Tucan--be there in June! Congrats on your beautiful wedding!! Much happiness!

dakota · 03-03-2005

Marissa - congrats on a great wedding!!
I'm so glad you had a great vacation and perfect wedding day! Just loading the slike show now - can't wait to see the pictures!
Congratulations!!
Dakota.

emmalaw45 · 03-04-2005

Hi all,

I dont know where I am going wrong but I have downloaded the software so I can view Marissa's pics and it just hangs when I try and access the photos saying "waiting for server". Has this happened to anyone else?

Emma

KevKaos · 03-04-2005

Are you on dialup or a broadband connection. If you are on a dialup, I would think that is the first problem point to look at. If you are on a broadband connection, perhaps their server is down.

KevKaos · 03-04-2005

I just tried it, and it worked for me through my cable modem. I am at a loss as to what the problem could be.

emmalaw45 · 03-04-2005

hmmmmmmm it installed fine. Just wont let me view the pics. How annoying! Not to wrry........ I'll have to go without. Thanks for your help though

03-01-2005	#1 (permalink)
usagi_sisa into ruins Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 64	Our Iberostar Tucan wedding...trip report. Hi guys! It's taken me forever to get my trip report up - I apologise. Firstly, thanks to Dakota for all her help and advice! We had a great day. We arrived Sat Jan 1st 2005. The wedding was on our last day, Friday Jan 7th. We couldn't have had a better experience! Our wedding was just how we imagined it would be. My gut impressions: The IB Tucan is by far the best AI that I've been to. Others to compare: Ocean Arc Decameron, Allegro Playa Grande, Victoria Resort & Gran Ventana in DR. Gran Hotel in Cuba. Perhaps Mexico is just at a better quality level, but I was impressed! The room: The rooms are large and clean. I am picky about the bathroom quality - you can always tell how nice a place is, by how nice they do up the loo! The Tucan had marble floors & counters, stone showers...huge and gorgeous! We stayed in building 11, room 1127, I think - on the outside, with a side view to the ocean. Probably the best view available without getting the upgrade. We changed locations a couple times, b/c we wanted to have an upper level room, facing away from the pool noise. The staff were very accomodating and helpful. The beach: Wonderful! The water was rough, and the red flags seemed to be out every day, but people were still in the water. We went down to Playa and bought a little boogie board - great fun! (one tip - don't boogie board with a strapless bathing suit....) Always tons of yellow beach chairs available, and ample spots under the palapas. Other reviews noted the "towel reserving game", but we never really noticed. There seemed to always be more chairs than people. It was a little harder to find shade in the pool area, but you could if you looked hard enough. The pool: As I mentioned, a little more competitive for seats, but we never had a big problem. Plus, the beach was always available! Beautiful large main pool. I like the way they had a separate "sports" pool and kiddie pool as well. We did spend our first day at the swim up bar lagoon....although, you have to wonder..."when did I see that guy last get out of the pool...?? Hmmm?" The food: By far, the buffet was the best place to eat. Either on the Tucan side or on the Quetzal side for lunch. I did get to eat at the Japanese place and the steakhouse. Both were quite good. The teppan was quite comparable to Toronto restaurants..the sushi was a bit iffy though. As for the steak - order a rare steak my friends! That way, you'll be sure to get a better cut and a tender beef experience. I was a bit skeptical about the steak, since I love a nice juicy angus steak, but they did a wonderful job. Still, every other night at the buffet was fabulous. The fajitas are amazing - I didn't realize that I have never had a real fajita until I came to Mexico. Any of the stuff they sell at home - doesn't even come close! The fajita guy...fresh tortillas and filling cooked before your eyes...mmm...my mouth is starting to water. If you like spicy, try the green salsa! It was magnificent! **Food was my biggest worry when booking a destination wedding. Being responsible for good meals for a group of 20..yikes! My worries were unfounded. There was something for everyone at the hotel. Burgers and pizza by the pool, and lobsters at the buffet. The food was the biggest difference between the IB Tucan and the other AIs that we've been to in the DR and Cuba *** The wedding: We arrived on the Saturday, and had a note saying we should meet Mariela on Monday morning. She was great. We picked flowers, made some final arrangements and filled out the necessary paperwork that day. Had our blood tests that day as well. It really couldn't have been easier. Understand that you do give up some minute details, but really - who's going to notice that you flew in exotic rarest of the rare orchid from african rainforests and put them in you maid of honour's hair? I wasn't into the little details, which is why the destination wedding was perfect for us. We had the service (in English) at 4pm on January 7th. Our JP was very eloquent and well spoken - we were very impressed. It was the first day that week that it wasn't rainy or overcast at that time of day. If I had to redo one thing - it would have been the cocktail reception in the jungle. We had the mariachis, who were wonderful, but we booked a late dinner (8:30pm), so the cocktail party was 7-8pm. It wasn't well lit - 3 huge floodlights that were aimed right into our eyes and were very hot. I just turned them to face into the jungle. The hor d'oeurves tasted good at the time, but a few of us were a bit sick to our stomach later that night. They were sitting in chafing dishes, but were out for a long time. Not a huge deal. Could have happened here easily too. If I had to do it again, I would have asked to have them set up with more torches and maybe more Christmas-type white lights strung in thru the trees, instead of the flood lights. All in all we had a good time though. We moved to dinner at 8:30 at the steakhouse. Again - rare steak! We were so tired by the end of the meal, I could barely stand up to cut the cake - I'll post the pics - you can see it isn't my best! We were planning to hit the disco, all decked out, but I really couldn't stay awake! Must be getting old! (I turn 30 this Friday....) Can't stay out in to the wee hours of the morning anymore. Plus, we had to get on a bus at 6am the next day to catch a flight (boo hoo) home! Anyhow, that is our trip, in a nutshell. Oh, I forgot to mention, Greg's uncle is a photographer, so we didn't use the resort photographer. Here is a link to the pics he put together for us: http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewalbum.html?bm=62546 (click on the Marissa & Greg albums) If anyone wants some additional info, I'd be happy to help, if I can! Thanks again! usagi ps to Tony & Djien - Thanks again for the lovely yellow wooden shoes! It was very thoughtful of you, and a nice example of some of the "global goodwill" that these forums inspire. (Tony & Djien are a lovely couple that saw my posts on this forum, noticed they would be at the IB* Tucan for our wedding, so they brought us a little momento from Holland as a wedding gift! Very sweet!) __________________ ...As Mitch & Mickey say, "There's a kiss at the end of the rainbow, more precious than a pot of gold." :p Last edited by usagi_sisa : 03-01-2005 at 03:39 PM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

03-01-2005	#2 (permalink)
TeeZet Non-aggressive Dutch dude Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Uithoorn, The Netherlands Posts: 7,629	Hi Usagi! Good to see you back on this forum with a very nice trip report! Nice Job! We experienced Tucan very similar to your own experiences. Which were brilliant, obviously. In fact we are already saving up to go there again! Pity, though, that you were too tired to go to the disco after the wedding. But I don't blame you... all the 'fuss' ( ) during that particular day must have been exhausting. I thought you mentioned going on a honeymoon after you guys returned from Playa. If so: please tell how that was! I'll check out the official photos in a minute. Btw: did you already see the ones I shot? You can find them here.

03-01-2005	#3 (permalink)
emmalaw45 way into it Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 132	Great trip report - thanks for all the advice. We fly out to the Tucan at the end of March for our wedding so it's great to speak to other people who have already married there and can give sound advice. I tried to view your photos on the link you provided but it doesn't show up any pics - do I know to download any software to support the viewing of the pics? Thanks

03-01-2005	#4 (permalink)
usagi_sisa into ruins Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 64	Hi Emma - It is a photo slideshow - you might have to download their view software. I did it the first time. It should prompt you when you click on the selected album. Hope you like them! Marissa

03-01-2005	#5 (permalink)
emmalaw45 way into it Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 132	Im just downloading it now....... if it doesn't work I may have to ask you to email them to me as I would hate to not see your lovely pics.

03-02-2005	#7 (permalink)
KevKaos añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mi hogar está en Baltimore Maryland Posts: 1,523	I must say that yoursa is one of the best trip reports I have ever read. Going to Tucan this Aug, and you have supplied very good information. Thank you.

03-02-2005	#8 (permalink)
babs31 life=playa Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: south of Green Bay Posts: 849	Enjoyed your post ...thanks!

03-02-2005	#9 (permalink)
KevKaos añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mi hogar está en Baltimore Maryland Posts: 1,523	Wow, the slideshow was even better than the trip report. Most excellent.

03-03-2005	#10 (permalink)
chocoligato way into it Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Marlton, New Jersey Posts: 151	Great slideshow! Awesome look at the Tucan--be there in June! Congrats on your beautiful wedding!! Much happiness!

03-03-2005	#11 (permalink)
dakota toe in water Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Calgary Canada Posts: 47	Marissa - congrats on a great wedding!! I'm so glad you had a great vacation and perfect wedding day! Just loading the slike show now - can't wait to see the pictures! Congratulations!! Dakota.

03-04-2005	#12 (permalink)
emmalaw45 way into it Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 132	Hi all, I dont know where I am going wrong but I have downloaded the software so I can view Marissa's pics and it just hangs when I try and access the photos saying "waiting for server". Has this happened to anyone else? Emma

register to remove these adverts

03-04-2005	#13 (permalink)
KevKaos añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mi hogar está en Baltimore Maryland Posts: 1,523	Are you on dialup or a broadband connection. If you are on a dialup, I would think that is the first problem point to look at. If you are on a broadband connection, perhaps their server is down.

03-04-2005	#14 (permalink)
KevKaos añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mi hogar está en Baltimore Maryland Posts: 1,523	I just tried it, and it worked for me through my cable modem. I am at a loss as to what the problem could be.

03-04-2005	#15 (permalink)
emmalaw45 way into it Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 132	hmmmmmmm it installed fine. Just wont let me view the pics. How annoying! Not to wrry........ I'll have to go without. Thanks for your help though