Early last year, Playa Hotels & Resorts revealed their exciting new partnership with Panama Jack, a brand that has been making sun care products and beach apparel with love, care and pride since 1974. Two resorts in Mexico underwent a multimillion dollar rebrand with cosmetic renovations between the months of May and October. Gran Caribe in Cancun and Gran Porto in Playa del Carmen now embody the Panama Jack brand and have been changed to Panama Jack Cancun and Panama Jack Playa del Carmen. Panama Jack Resorts encourage vacationers to be a traveler, not a tourist and to embrace adventure in the exciting destinations of Cancun and Playa del Carmen. With all of the up and coming destinations for weddings this year, and too many new all-inclusive hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean to keep up with, we sat down with Wedding and Romance Sales Manager, Gina Johnson, to give you the details that will leave you no choice other than to #ChooseJack.
Catholic Wedding Chapel at Panama Jack Resort Cancun
The Weddings by Funjet team is extremely excited about the new Panama Jack Resorts in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. While our couples consider the two resorts, in your expert opinion, what sets the resorts apart for weddings and vow renewals?
Gina: "These newly renovated properties are located on some of the most magnificent beaches in the world. Panama Jack Resorts Cancun is located on the hotel strip close to shopping, nightlife and is home to the only oceanfront Catholic wedding chapel in Cancun. Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen is steps away from the famous Fifth Avenue, home to great local artisan shops, nightlife, and shopping. It's an excellence location for groups that want to get off property and experience the destination. Couples can take advantage of our Big Day Preview program which allows them to experience the property before or after they secure a wedding date. They can enjoy 2 nights/2 people for $400 and if they book their wedding and have a minimums pend of $2000, we'll apply a credit of $400 towards the wedding. It's like getting the Big Day Preview for *free.*
Zarape, Mexican Restaurant at Panama Jack Resort Playa del Carmen
The modern and chic vibes in the restaurants make us want to pack our bags, and give them a try first hand! Do you have a favorite restaurant at each resort? If so, what would you recommend our couples and their guests must try?
Gina: With newly renovated restaurants which include Italian, Caribbean, and Brazilian guests will have plenty of options. However, since we are in Mexico you don't want to skip Casa De Rosa in Cancun or Zarape in Playa del Carmen. These Mexican restaurants serve authentic cuisine immersing you in the local culture. Serving up everything from traditional Enchiladas to Mango and Habanero Shrimp, there is something to please even the pickiest palate. To complete the meal, try one of our specialty Margaritas like Watermelon or Berry, you won't be sorry.
Junior Suite Oceanview at Panama Jack Resort Playa del Carmen
What inspired Playa Hotels & Resorts to open this brand new resort brand in the Cancun/Riviera Maya region?
Gina: We wanted to bring something new to the market. Something that would encourage guests to experience life as a traveler and Panama Jack Resorts offer the perfect combo of relaxation and adventure. Guests can decide what their adventure will be. They can stay on property and take advantage of our amazing restaurants, bars, spas, kids clubs, daily activity program or venture off and explore ancient ruins, zip-line through the jungle, go scuba diving... the possibilities are endless. Panama Jack Resorts are about adventure and immersing yourself in the destination.
Beach Wedding Ceremony Location at Panama Jack Resort Cancun
We love to get the scoop on wedding venue locations. Which one has been the most popular for 2018?
Gina: We have some amazing locations which include Oceanview Terraces, Oceanfront Gazebos, Ballrooms, and Catholic Chapels, but I would have to say the beach is the most popular. There's nothing more amazing than exchanging vows with your toes in the sand and the beautiful turquoise ocean in the background. The beach is not only a fantastic location for the ceremony but for the reception as well. Imagine dining and dancing under the stars with your closest family and friends... this is what a destination wedding is all about, right?
Family Suite at Panama Jack Resort Playa del Carmen
What type of destination wedding group do you think Panama Jack Resorts cater to?
Gina: These resorts are great for multi-generational wedding groups. There’s something for every age from young to old—the entire group will be delighted. For our adult guests we have a daily activity programs which includes wine and tequila tastings, cooking classes and a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa. For our littler guests we have Camp Jack with kiddie pools, water slides, mini-golf, movie nights and magic shows. For the hard to please teen we have a teen zone where they can socialize and chill out. To top it off we have phenomenal nightly entertainment for the entire family.
Main Pool at Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Congratulations on Hyatt Ziva Cancun being awarded the best all-inclusive hotel for weddings in Mexico for the 2018 Travvy Awards by Travel Pulse! Do you anticipate Panama Jack Resorts to win any awards next year?
Gina: We were so honored to receive these awards. Our staff is dedicated to exceeding our clients’ expectations so it was amazing to be recognized for these efforts. As for Panama Jack Resorts, we will continue our commitment to make each guests stay unforgettable.
Junior Suite Beachfront Infinity Swimup at Panama Jack Resort Cancun
Put your wedding guest shoes on and imagine you are a guest at Panama Jack Resorts Cancun, which room are you staying in?
Gina: All of our rooms are amazing, but if I could choose it would have to be a Beachfront Walkout. These rooms not only have spectacular views but they give you direct access to the beach as well as a suite-designated beach cabana. If you are going to stay at the beach might as well do it right!
Beach Wedding Reception at Panama Jack Resort Cancun
What is your favorite destination wedding decor add-on for a beach reception? Why?
Gina: For a wedding it would have to be the Chuppah (Arch) as it sets the stage. This is what frames the couple as they exchange their vows. We have several to choose from, traditional, modern, rustic, something for every taste. For the reception it would have to be a DJ and dance floor. I love seeing everyone out on the dance floor having fun!
Playa Hotels & Resorts believe all-inclusive should exceed expectations, and every guest should be touched with heartfelt service. You will notice during your stay that staff members will place their hand on their heart, eager to assist and accommodate their guests at every turn. Thinking about having a destination wedding or vow renewal ceremony at Panama Jack Resorts? Contact a Concierge to ask questions, start planning, or to request additional information.
