Star Studded Celebrations

beautiful banquets / one&only Palmilla LITE exico experiences E MMEXICO’S STAR-STUDDED CELEBRATIONS

From weddings and reunions, to birthdays and business retreats, Mexico is the ideal destination for staging spectacular events. With its mix of secluded beaches and show-stopping resorts, Mexico provides the perfect backdrop for any affair—whether you’re planning a big party or the biggest day of your life. We got the inside scoop from some of the world’s foremost experts on events—Hol- lywood’s hottest stars—to find out what makes Mexico so magical.

www.visitmexico.com LITE exico MEXICO’S STAR-STUDDED E M experiences CELEBRATIONS

jennifer flavin, kelly preston, john Travolta and sylvester stallone / one&Only Palmilla

john travolta / Elite events one&only Palmilla The stars were out in full force as legendary actor John Travolta celebrated his 50th birthday with a blowout weekend-long bash. Held at the ultra-luxe One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos in February 2004, the list of attendees read like a who’s who of Hollywood: Notable guests included Scarlett Johansson, Tom Cruise, Barbra Streisand, Meg Ryan and many more. travolta’s wife, actress Kelly Preston, pulled off the party without a hitch thanks to some care- ful advance planning. In the weeks leading up to his birthday, Preston told Travolta to expect a small family gathering in lieu of a big party. But when the couple arrived at the resort on Friday, February 6th, they were greeted by Oprah Winfrey, Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn and Carly Simon, who stunned Travolta by walking out from behind a fountain. A mariachi band—and a reported total of 250 friends from the worlds of television, film and music, all whisked to the resort by a chartered jet—rounded out the surprise entrance. Although Preston was just kidding when she greeted guests with, “Welcome to my hotel!,” the celebs in attendance actually took over the entire property, which had just reopened one day before the festivities following a yearlong renovation. later that night, as the soirée really got underway, the tranquil resort was transformed into a celeb hotspot rivaling any club in L.A. As the stars let loose, you could find Oprah taking shots of tequila, Scarlett Johansson getting down to hits like “Stayin’ Alive,” and the birthday boy himself doing some damage to an airplane-shaped piñata as pals cheered.

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www.visitmexico.com LITE exico MEXICO’S STAR-STUDDED E M experiences CELEBRATIONS

james brolin, oprah winfrey and barbra streisand / One&only Palmilla

Waitresses wore headdresses piled high with fruit that tom cruise and john travolta / one&only Palmilla recalled Carmen Miranda, cocktails were poured well into the wee hours of the morning and songstress Carly Simon serenaded Travolta with “You’re So Vain”—with a little help from fellow revelers Patti Austin, Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole. the next day guests were given a chance to relax and enjoy all the resort’s offerings, including a fishing trip in which actors Jenna Elfman and Tom Cruise reportedly spotted whales. Come sundown, following an airline- themed dinner by star chef Charlie Trotter—befitting the guest of honor’s love of aviation—the fiesta was back in full swing. That night, legendary crooner Tony Bennett took to the stage to perform “Fly Me to the Moon.” The party didn’t stop until six in the morning—when Travolta, Preston, Winfrey and iconic music producer Quincy Jones left the dance floor at long last to grab coffee. Who needs presents when you’ve got sun, surf and all of Hollywood at your fête? Certainly not Travolta, who gushed, “My birthday wish? I’ve got it.This is it.”

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www.visitmexico.com LITE exico MEXICO’S STAR-STUDDED E M experiences CELEBRATIONS

site of singer anastacia’s wedding / quinta real huatulco

remarkable weddings Rolling waves, soft sands, picture-perfect sunsets: When it comes to romance, Mexico has it made. Add in secluded, paparazzi-proof luxury hotels and hideaways, and you’ve got the ideal destination for staging a celeb-worthy wedding. For her April 2007 nuptials, international pop star Paulina Rubio and her fiance Nicolas “Colate” Vallejo-Najera opted for the San Francisco of Assisi chapel, located in the Xcarat Eco Theme Park in beautiful Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The lush hillside setting and ocean views provided a picturesque backdrop as the bride and groom said their “I do’s.” After the ceremony, all 200 guests—which included celebs like actress/singer Patricia Manterola and singer Alejandro Sanz—joined the newlyweds at one of the venue’s two under- ground rivers for a decadent dinner of duck and lobster, followed by a musical performance from celebrated recording artist Juan Gabriel. another pop starlet who’s made her walk down the aisle in Mexico is singer Anastacia, known for her smash 2005 album, “Pieces of a Dream.” On April 21, 2007 she wed her former bodyguard Wayne Newton in a stunning late afternoon ceremony at the Quinta Real Huatulco in Oaxaca, Mexico. Former Miss USA and star of UPN’s “Eve,” actress Ali Landry and her love, director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, enjoyed a spectacular spring wedding with a ceremony in San Miguel de Allende in April of 2006. In June of that same year, actor Oliver Hudson (brother of Kate and son of Goldie Hawn) married his fiancee of two years, actress Erinn Bartlett, in an exquisite beachside service held at perennial celebrity favorite One&Only Palmilla. Ninety-four guests looked on as Bartlett, radiant in a dress by Les Habitudes, walked down the “aisle” to the sounds of a four- piece orchestra.

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www.visitmexico.com LITE exico MEXICO’S STAR-STUDDED E M experiences CELEBRATIONS VIP-tested venues From spacious private rooms and outdoor terraces to in- novative catering, the haute properties below will help you plan the party they’ll never forget.

marquis los cabos Where | Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur Why you’ll love it | This chic resort, which combines warm Mexican ambiance with contemporary design, will appeal to modern brides and party-planners. Just steps from the ocean, it’s perfect for a wedding or banquet on the beach, although the opulent ballroom and beautiful pool deck make equally appealing options for staging an unforgettable event. www.marquisloscabos.com

camino real acapulco diamante Where | Pichilingue-Diamante, Guerrero Why you’ll love it | Situated to afford spectacular views of Puerto Marques Bay, the five-star, four-diamond Camino Real Acapulco Dia- mante is ideal for planning elegant seaside weddings and other impor- tant events. The outdoor terrace can accommodate up to 100 people, while a poolside banquet area holds up to 250 for larger parties. A private beach adds an element of exclusivity. www.caminoreal.com/acapulco

rosewood mayakoba Where | Solidaridad, Quintana Roo beachfront ceremony / rosewood mayakoba Why you’ll love it | Just make your guest list and this luxurious five-star resort also wed at the One&Only Palmilla were New York Giants quar- will take care of the rest: With so many great choices for ceremony setting, ca- terback Eli Manning and his college sweetheart Abby McGrew. The tering and even music, there’s something here to suit every party-planner’s bride made her entrance through enchanting wrought-iron gates and taste. Brides-to-be (and their lucky wedding parties) will love spending pre- walked down to a wildflower-adorned altar as around 60 loved ones ceremony pampering time in the on-site Sense, A Rosewood Spa. (including Manning’s brother and fellow pro football player, Peyton) www.rosewoodmayakoba.com looked on. The bridal party and other guests took full advantage of the resort’s amenities, lounging by the Vista pool pre-ceremony. The elite weddings / marquis los cabos newly-minted Mr. and Mrs. Manning reportedly spent the week following the wedding honeymooning at the resort, where they had va- cationed several times prior to their nuptials. The lavish yet intimate ceremony cost an estimated $500,000. easily one of the world’s most beautiful couples, supermodel Heidi Klum and her soul singer husband Seal chose an appropri- ately dazzling setting when they married in Puerto Vallarta in May 2005. The ultra-private ceremony—the only guests in attendance be- ing an officiant and Klum’s daughter Leni—took place on a secluded beach near Seal’s beloved four-bedroom home in Costa Careyes. The newlyweds reportedly spent their honeymoon enjoying Mexico’s gorgeous Gold Coast. to plan your next elite event in Mexico, check out www.visitmexico.com.

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www.visitmexico.com LITE exico MEXICO’S STAR-STUDDED E M experiences CELEBRATIONS elite sleeps After the party’s over, your guests will love retiring to the comfort of the deluxe rooms and world-class amenities in any one of these impressive hotels and resorts.

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Positioned on a pristine stretch of beach with serene views to the PacificO cean, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica offers a picturesque setting for the perfect surfside ceremony. The hotel’s elegant architecture has been harmoniously designed with the four elements in mind, creating a soothing retreat. With its world- class onsite restaurant, Siempre, indulgent Armonia spa and stylish guest rooms, your guests are ensured a stay they’ll never forget. Cabo Pacifica S/N, Cabo San Lucas, BCS; 52-624-142-9696; www.pueblobonitopacifica.com

Ceiba del Mar This luxury boutique resort offers plenty of options for weddings and events: Choose from two customizable ballrooms, two restaurants, spacious terraces and lounge areas, in addition to the more than half-mile of beautiful private beach at your disposal. Your guests can get primped and pampered in the onsite spa, which offers authentic, all-natural treatments using Ceiba del Mar’s own organic products. Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo; 52-998-872-8063; www.ceibadelmar.com

St. Regis Punta Mita Aside from offering incredible rooms, the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is a picture-perfect setting ideal for weddings and other special events. The property boasts the 2,600-square-foot Astor Ballroom, which can be divided into three sections for smaller gatherings or used in its entirety, in addition to a stunning outdoor terrace. With its range of world-class cuisine, unique architecture and resplendent views, the resort lends a relaxed, romantic vibe to any affair. Carretera Federal 200, km 19.5, Punta de Mita, Nayarit; 52-329-291-5800; www.stregis.com/puntamita

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Cabo Azul Boasting the open-air, five-story El Corazon wedding chapel—complete with ultra-romantic candlelit waterfalls—Ca- bo Azul was made for magical events. In the same structure, an outdoor terrace overlooking the resort as well as an in- door reception area provide ample space for pre- and post- ceremony drinks and dining. At the end of the night, guests will sleep easy in one of the 332 chic guest rooms. Paseo Malecon S/N, Lote 11 Fonatur, San Jose del Cabo, BCS; 52-624-163-5100; www.caboazulresort.com

Royal Hideaway Playacar Planning an unforgettable event is easy at this Five-Diamond resort, where you’ll have access to six gourmet restaurants and three casual-chic bars. 200 sophisticated guest rooms, boasting marble bathrooms with Etro amenities, ensure your guests will sleep in style. The Royal Hideway Wedding Coor- dinator can work with the bride and groom to plan the big day of their dreams, or arrange for a special vow-renewal celebration. Playacar Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo; 52-984-873-4500; www.royalhideaway.com

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort This lavish tropical hideaway lends a tranquil ambiance to any event. Party-goers will be impressed by the decadent accommodations, all of which afford ocean views, private terraces and over 1,000 square feet of space. Grand Velas also offers a special Bridal Boot Camp package, complete with spa treatments and yoga classes to get brides-to-be looking and feeling their best. Av. Cocoteros 98 Sur Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit; 52-322- 226-8000; www.vallarta.grandvelas.com

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