Tag: Weddings

Exclusive Interview with Conrad Bergwerf, Managing Director, of both the Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana

2015-02-23 19.02.17Exclusive interview with Conrad Bergwerf, Managing Director of the Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana properties, in the Dominican Republic.

Conrad Bergwerf has almost twenty years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry and has won a number of prestigious awards. As General Manager of Hotel Gran Meliá Jakarta, Mr. Bergwerf was recognized by the Comité de Turismo de Asociación de Naciones del Sudeste Asiático (ASEAN), in addition to receiving a nomination by the government for the best hotel in the country. Mr. Bergwerf also served as the General Manager of Melia and Paradisus resorts and hotels in Cancun, Jakarta, Vietnam, Costa Rica and Punta Cana.

About the properties:

Both resorts are 5-star all-inclusives. Paradisus is the the all-inclusive luxury brand of Meliá Hotels International.

Paradisus Palma Real is a 554-suite all-inclusive resort that offers a signature adults-only Royal Service program with personal butler service, private beach and pool areas, and Family Concierge service. The resort also offers an abundance of water sports activities, horseback riding excursions, four tennis courts, three pools, Kids’ Club, six gourmet restaurants, and a full-service spa.

Paradisus Punta Cana is a luxury all-inclusive resort situated among white-sand beaches and beautiful blue waters in the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. The resort offers an array of chic suite accommodations and exclusive offerings for guests creating a distinct and memorable vacation experience including seven swimming pools, 12 restaurants and a full service, signature YHI Spa.

Liz Palmer:

What does Meliá Hotels International brand represent?

Conrad Bergwerf:

Across four continents it’s the number 1 vacation destination world wide; in Spain it’s the number 1 hotel chain, it’s number 2 in Europe, and world wide it’s number 10 – this all speaks how successful it has become.

Liz Palmer:

Does the Paradisus Palma Real and the Paradisus Punta Cana properties have a philosophy?

Conrad Bergwerf:

Yes, they do… “Its he pure freedom of just to be…” and this speaks for itself.

Liz Palmer:

Can you share what makes Paradisus Palma Real unique?

Conrad Bergwerf:

Paradisus is unique in that every single aspect has been thoughtfully and precisely created to deliver an unparalleled experience for all the senses. Your senses will be fully engaged in all respects.

The Family Concierge at the Paradisus Palma Real has had a recent $12 million renovation which includes 42 deluxe suites, with ocean or partial ocean views, some suites have Jacuzzi’s on the balcony — there is lots of marble, an elegant bathtub (separated by a white diaphanous curtain), has VIP check-in, private pool, exclusive restaurant, butlers, and a lounge with a nonstop selection of snacks and juices.

The Family Concierge section also has special  children’s in-suite amenities including robes and slippers and Kids Camp.

Liz Palmer:

Whom Does Paradisus Palma Real Particularly Appeal to?

Conrad Bergwerf:

Our guests come from:

#1 USA – East Coast and Midwest

#2 Canada

#3 Brazil

We do a lot of “barefoot dinners on the beach”, weddings, proposals,  entertain celebraties and Latin American sport celebrities.

Liz Palmer:

You have so many restaurants to choose from, which is your favorite? Do you also have a favorite dish? And a favorite wine?

Conrad Bergwerf:

It usually depends on the time of the day and my mood. Usually, I enjoy seafood. I love Spanish wine, we have many on our wine lists.

Liz Palmer:

How do you keep up with the industry trends and changes in emerging markets and cultural needs of global clients?

Conrad Bergwerf:

I am very focused on this. For example I like playing with the lighting – indirect on the beach and other parts of the resort. I’m also looking at changing the shower lighting. Also, having more open space on the properties, this gives it a nice flow. Using trendy architects to assist us in designing space. Trends start in Asia and I follow a lot of the top designers. Lastly, and the most important is that getting Wi-Fi to go to the beach.

Liz Palmer:

Thank you for taking some time out of your schedule to talk to us and for your wonderful hospitality during our visit to Paradisus Palma Real.

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CELEBRATE WITH CHAMPAGNE – EASY TIPS ON CHOOSING CHAMPAGNE FOR YOUR WEDDING

Selecting the right effervescent is a must for your wedding as it is the first bottle to be opened ….but not all bubbly is the same! While there are many quality sparkling wines produced around the world, true Champagne only comes Champagne France!

CHAMPAGNE STYLES

• Not all Champagne is alike. There are a variety of Champagne styles available, from full to light-bodied, Vintage to Rosé, as well as various levels of sweetness. One fun way of finding out which Champagne is right for your wedding is to host a Champagne tasting party as a bridesmaids’ activity. Using half bottles is a great way to cut costs while exploring the diversity of Champagne.

• Levels of sweetness include: Brut Natural (driest of the dry);
brut (very dry); extra brut (extra dry, but sweeter than brut); sec (medium sweet); demi-sec (sweet, considered a dessert wine) and doux (very sweet, considered a dessert wine) – keep this as a guide when ordering.

• Types of Champagne include: blanc de blancs which is made entirely from the Chardonnay grape. These Champagnes are light, elegant, and refreshing. A richer style is blanc de noir which is made entirely from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. This Champagne will have a dark gold color with the slightest tinge of pink, and finally rosé Champagne. The winemaker adds a small amount of Pinot Noir to base the wine blend.

SHOPPING ADVICE

• Having an accurate and up-to-date guest list will assist you when ordering.

• You should plan for 2 glasses of Champagne per guest.

• A bottle of Champagne fills 6 glasses (8 if the flutes are narrow).

• You don’t have to break the bank to serve Champagne at your wedding. This one-of-a-kind wine is available at a wide range of price points.

SERVING

• Champagne should be well chilled – this can be done by placing the bottle in a bucket of ice and water for 30 minutes prior to serving.

• Champagne should be poured in front of guests – part of the pleasure is seeing the bubbles froth up in the glass as it’s poured, and at the same time capturing the aromas.

• Use tall, tulip or flute glasses, which capture and promote bubbles and concentrate its aromas, while improving the experience. Saucer-type glasses should not be used as they cause the bubbles to disappear rapidly and are awkward to hold.

T I P S

• Brut is considered the classic choice.

• If you plan to use Champagne for cocktails choose extra brut Champagne.

• Rosé Champagne with its pink hue not only contributes to the romantic twist of the celebration but also stands out as a unique and memorable alternative.

• In serving a glass of champagne with the wedding cake, I recommend sweeter demi-sec champagne.

• Suggest to the venue manager that you would like to taste the Champagnes before you decide – this is a perfectly reasonable request.

MY PICK

Blanc de Blancs Champagne is a perfect wine for toasts. The name literally means “white of white,” a perfect complement to the wedding gown.

No matter what Champagne you choose, it is certain to add an air of festivity to your special day. After all, Champagne is the quintessential wine of celebration!

Liz Palmer
@Champagnehouses