Sunday November 23

Hola! If anyone is staying in Puerto Vallarta Sunday night, please let McRae or I know. We plan on going to the restaurant of the chef we met at Casa La Vista. It is called Tiger Shrimp, and is not that big so he will need to close it down for our party. Juan told us he would accommodate any group we bring, but we would like to be able to give him a number at least a month or so in advance. So if you are staying Sunday in Mexico and want extremely delicious food, then let us know as soon as possible. HNK_Jamie

Most Important...

I left off something crucial for all women to enjoy this vacay: the SPA INFO! They also have a "special" of the month. When my mother and I were there it was something like 50% off of a hot stone massage. We didn't get to take advantage what with all the suntanning, I mean planning that we had to do, but I plan on it next time. [I did enjoy a massage at the house we stayed at and it was divine] To find out the special for November, email the spa by clicking on the link below in late October!

A little Spa info:
Seven indoor treatment rooms, oceanfront pergola for outdoor massages(yummy), whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, beauty salon.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/features/attraction_detail.html?propertyID=1090&attractionId=1001273306

The Week After as MR & MRS

After the wedding is over, McRae and I plan to stay in Mexico until Friday. We will be spending Saturday and Sunday night at the Westin and leaving Monday to head to a town called Barra de Navidad. We are going to rent a car and head there where we will stay in a house we have rented with 3 other couples. The town is about three hours south of Puerto Vallarta. We have a private beach and a pool, and are really excited about this part of the trip. We would love for anyone who wants to join us for the week or even a few days, to get a room near our house and join in on all the fun. The below site is a great place to find places to stay and the local "going ons" in this area. As per Cap't Matty who found the city as well as the house: "There is a ton to do – fishing, scuba, shopping, boat trip to an island for fresh caught seafood, … - and of course the always popular pastime of sitting on our private beach or in our private pool." McRae and I want to thank Matt for helping us plan our post wedding:
pre-honeymoon vacay! We are thrilled with the choice and can't wait to spend our first vacation as a married couple with people we love, and who know how to have a blast, of course!

http://www.tomzap.com/barra.html

Puerto Vallarta

Hello everyone!!! Well, the wedding is just around the corner and I am very happy to report that things are going extremely well. McRae and I just got back from a beautiful trip to Puerto Vallarta. It was a truly memorable experience and I cannot wait to go back and share this with all of you. We are extremely blessed! We stayed in a ginormous house with an incredible chef (Juan), and a nightly sunset that is indescribable. We met with Abigail, the wedding coordinator, and planned 90percent of the wedding in a very short time. We were lucky to have McRae's mom Nancy, sister Caroline, and my mom Susan to come help us out and get a little vacay time in as well. We ate at some incredible resturaunts and I will post that info before November in case you would like to check them out. There are a few things that I would like to share with you:
Golfers: there is a beautiful golf course called Vista Vallarta directly behind the Westin. If any of you are interested in golfing but need other players, please let me know as I know some groups going and would be happy to join you together.
Fishermen/women: Deep sea fishing is supposed to be awesome that time of year. McRae and the boys went when we were just down there and found out after catching 1 fish that that was not the time to go(luckily November is)...we can set this up for you as well, or give you options. MARLIN'
Taxi time: The Westin is literally 5 mintues from the airport. A taxi ride should cost you $4. If you get a taxi from within the airport, they will charge you b/t $15-$25. You have to go outside the airport and cross the street to pay the "correct" price. There are also suburbans you can rent if you are coming down in a group, but it is pricier.
Sightseeing: Downtown Puerto Vallarta is pretty cool. There are many shops, bars, restraunts...etc. A taxi ride from the hotel to downtown is $8, or 80pesos. Everytime! The church we are getting married in is remarkable. I fell in love with it from first sight! It is right in the centre of town.
Also, the Westin is around the corner from the Marina. The exciting part about getting married in November is it is whale season. You can go on tours, but we were told they come right up into the marina. Neato!
I know there is a lot that I am missing, but I will update when I remember. Super Excited...
Oh, if you have not gotten your plane ticket yet and know you are coming, please do it soon. The price has risen a great amount in 4 months. HNK_Jamie

Airplane Ride

I have spoken to several people who have already purchased their plane tickets, and I have heard that the price has gone up and is supposed to continue rising. Unfortunately with the gas situation, airlines are trying to make up for ticket prices by charging you to check luggage, etc. I would suggest going ahead and getting your ticket as soon as possible. I did call Delta to see if there were going to be direct flights later on, and customer service told me even if they do have them, they will be much more expensive. McRae and I got our tickets last week and we have a short layover in Mexico City. I believe this is pretty general. If we can help in any way, please let us know. Thanks, Jamie

Hotel info...

Apparently there is another way to book a room at the hotel. Call Starwood Central Reservation Office 1 800 2283000 and refer to “McRae and Jamie Wedding”-thanks rob! Please be sure to get the rate for all nights that you will be in Mexico as this is what is confirmed on our contract. We have emailed our contact to be sure they save this info to the 1.800 number, but we want to make sure it has been done. Also, if you could, shoot us a quick email to let us know when you have booked so that we can keep up with occupancy as we have a certain number of rooms blocked! Thanks-

If you have any questions-please feel free to call McRae or me.

The hotel is booked!!!

Hello All: Okay so we have finally gotten the rooms blocked off. The info is below.

The Westin Resort and Spa: Puerto Vallarta
Call to reserve: 011 52 322 226 11 00
Email to reserve: reservations.01090@westin.com
Specify that you are booking for "Wedding McRae & Jamie"
Use the following Code when booking: WEDNOV22

Rates:
Deluxe Room: $135
Deluxe Ocean View: $155
Royal Beach Club: $225
Grand Deluxe: $275
Junior Suite: $395

Hotel web site:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1090