Planning A Destination Wedding? Love Is In The Air In Playa del Carmen!

There is a reason why thousands of couples cross oceans and continents to get married in this paradisiacal region of Mexico known as “The Heart of the Mayan Riviera”.  Playa del Carmen offers pristine beaches, world class accommodations and top-notch wedding planning services at a fraction of the cost you would pay  elsewhere in the world. This sublime area receives on average, over 300 sunny days a year and offers a vast range of magical encounters with an adventurous, ecological or historical twist for the entire group of family and friends to partake in.

And if your travel tales do not yet extend to the land of tequila, white-sand beaches and sunshine, you are probably not aware that Mexicans know how to throw a party!  Due to a seemingly ingrained sense of hospitality and warmth, this culture delights at any opportunity to celebrate a special occasion. Creativity flourishes within a congenial setting and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

I have been fortunate to attend several weddings here in Playa del Carmen over the years, some extravagant and some simplistic, but each so enchanting they have etched a permanent mark in my memory bank.  With so many superb locations from which to hold a romantic ceremony, the Mayan Riviera offers a truly unique wedding experience.

Imagine exchanging vows overlooking the breathtaking turquoise sea, or amidst a lush tropical garden surrounded by the ones you love most. For those of you looking for a one-of-a-kind event, you might even consider performing intimate nuptials by candle light, within one of the many underground caves of the region’s subterranean river system.

Whatever your vision, the professional team of Bric Vacation wedding specialists can assist you with bringing that dream to fruition.  From securing the ideal venue, to transportation, photography, music, decor and catering, our staff will work in unison with you, the happy couple to arrange every detail of your momentous occasion.  Our experienced wedding and event coordinators will be in contact with you every step of the way to ensure that all facets of your vision are seamed together flawlessly.

Bric Vacation Rentals is arguably the most convenient route when planning your destination wedding. Our boutique hotel is centrally located within the heart of Playa del Carmen and serves not only as an option for accommodations, but a venue as well.  Additionally, we offer several ocean-front and luxury condo-retreat style accommodations around the city.

Our team of ambassadors are Playa del Carmen experts and can suggest and facilitate an itinerary for your group’s entire stay.  Whether your party consists of golf enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, water-sport fanatics, beach bums, or all of the above, our friendly concierges are able to create a customized list of sublime locations and excursions in which to indulge in the area’s remarkable natural beauty.

The young city of Playa del Carmen pulsates with a fresh and effervescent vibe, yet it is a land in which a fascinating, ancient civilization once trod. It exudes sophistication and modern amenities, yet still manages to remain true to its humble beginnings as a quaint fishing village. It is cosmopolitan city which offers world-class entertainment, yet it charms visitors to succumb to its laid back vibe. There is an alluring force that beckons travelers to return time and time again.

We invite you to allow us to design a wedding day you and your guests will fondly remember for a lifetime.  Let us exceed all your expectations and fill your important day with extraordinary moments, where all you are expected of, is to fill it with love and laughter.

For more information, please contact our events department at Kristen@bricrental.com.

Try These Tips To Make Your Vacation Rental More Appealing

To be able to have a home away from home where you can set off for some tranquility and quality time with friends and family is a dream for many people. However, when owners are only able to spend a few weeks of the year as an escape artist, the idea of offering their second home as a vacation rental becomes intriguing. The income generated from a vacation property not only offsets the costs of ownership, but can also be a financially rewarding experience when a personal approach is combined with good business sense.

What makes some rental properties more lucrative than others? Location is important, but there are many other factors which can attribute to a successful reservation rate. The key goal of a vacation rental should be to offer comfort and convenience which travelers would expect in their own homes while tending to the small details which will exceed their expectations. High review ratings provide owners with an advantage in a competitive market and word of mouth is still the most powerful way to effectuate repeat business.

Here is a list of tips we have put together which when applied, can produce a worthwhile investment for a vacation property owner and make it stand out against the competition.

1) Present the home as if your own family was going to be staying in it.

A lack of enthusiasm some owners have toward their property is clearly evident in the minimal and poor quality necessities they offer. Rock hard mattresses, a television with only 2 foreign language channels and outdated or tattered furniture are prone to lead visitors to develop an unfavorable opinion of the rental. Create a hospitable atmosphere by maintaining and replacing older furnishings, adding modern decorative touches, a fresh coat of paint and consider installing a satellite or an economical movie provider such as Netflix.

2) Showcase the attractive features of your property.

I have seen potentially breathtaking, private roof terraces with panoramic ocean views left in an abandoned state, with a couple of lounge chairs in disrepair or no furniture at all! A penthouse with an ocean view is a definite revenue earner and it is unfortunate when owners fail to play up such incredible outdoor living spaces. A few potted plants and a dining or seating area can really create a stunning transformation and present an alluring selling point for guests.

3) Exceed a guest’s expectations.

An owner is not required to spend a fortune to create a memorable and appealing ambience within his/her vacation home. Guests’ satisfaction lies within the small details. If you have a barbecue, be sure the propane tank is full and the grill is clean and ready for use. Check all batteries in the remotes and confirm that all appliances are in good working order. Consider providing toiletries, beach chairs and toys, tennis rackets, bikes, books, or board games. New visitors will appreciate an information binder which includes emergency contact numbers, appliance and garbage disposal instructions, popular attractions and restaurants in the area. Stocking milk in the refrigerator for coffee, providing laundry detergent, as well as playing soft background music upon arrival are extra touches that can have a big impact.

4) Cleanliness.

This is an obvious method to attract repeat clients, but some rentals fall very short in this category. There should be no stains in the toilets and bathtubs, white sheets and towels should be bleached, and cobwebs from ceiling fans and corners should definitely be given a swipe with the dusting wand. Have rugs and furniture professionally cleaned at least once a year and apply a stain protector to the furniture and mattresses as often as is suggested. Even an older home can have considerable appeal and charm if it is appears fresh, and in excellent condition.

5) Use withstanding materials.

As a rental owner, you can expect that your dish ware and furnishings will not last forever. It is important to choose durable materials that will withstand wear and tear. Solid color draperies and furniture are more timeless and will look less dated than a patterned material. However, for bedspreads and comforters, use a darker, simple pattern so that stains from sunscreen for example, will be less visible. Purchase white dish ware and keep an extra set in the closet so that broken ones can be easily matched and replaced. Removable seat covers are optimal for wearability and can be recovered to look like new.

6) Make your rental appealing to all types of reservations.

A vacation home which maximizes space and can accommodate a large family increases the reservation rate as it appeals to a broader clientele. If you have two bedrooms, by adding bunkbeds with double mattresses or a sleeper sofa in the guest room , you can achieve better odds of renting out your home. Providing extra bar stools or a large dining table provides ample seating for small group bookings. Also remember that it is imperative that there are enough towels, plates, utensils and glasses to accommodate the number of guests your rental sleeps.

The bottom line is that you yourself would be thrilled at the opportunity to stay in your vacation home time and time again. Ask yourself if you would feel as though you are getting your money’s worth? Your aim is to induce an emotional connection between guests and your vacation home so that ultimately, your guests will want to return and will recommend it to others.

Bric Vacation Rentals Expands To Its New Offices!!!

Since its inception in 2005, Bric Vacation Rentals has carved its name into the Hospitality and Property Management sectors in the picture-perfect Playa del Carmen. Up until last week, the ever-burgeoning team operated out of the somewhat compact top-floor offices of the Bric Hotel.

The time finally came, to acquire offices which would more adequately support the functionality of the growing business and so, the search for a suitable office space began.  It wasn’t long before management happened upon the  unoccupied, undeveloped shell of a space in the charming area of Shangri-La, located on Calle 38, 1 block from the beach!

Teaming up with architect, Mr. Carlos Alamillo who received degrees in Architecture and City Planning and Development in Mexico City,  Bric owners and their operations director worked diligently to produce a phenomenal headquarters for the rest of the unsuspecting team members. This past Monday was the momentous, grand reveal.  The staff was lured to a nearby restaurant for an “urgent meeting”.  Unbeknownst to them, each would soon be sitting at his/her elegant work station within their striking, contemporarily designed office.

Once everyone had stepped inside Bric’s new “home,” the staff, immediately understanding the surprise, broke out into applause and loud cheers.  Just as curious children in a toy store, they explored the space with awe and wide smiles. It was an exhilarating feeling for everyone, as all looked forward with eagerness, to progress to the next chapter of Bric Vacation Rentals.

With his background in Feng shui and Qi Mag which center around life-supporting design, Mr. Alamillo managed to achieve in the open-concept design, an aesthetic flow which induces harmony and collaborative effort. The group work stations focus on employee engagement and team building. The sleek, curved dividing walls of the “private” administration offices are made of a clear acrylic in order to foster transparency and unity.

There are no unnecessary details in the modernistic, industrial design.  The talented architect, who has gained experience in recent years as director of construction at Sacbe and sustainable architect for an 8 home project in Tulum, brilliantly emphasized the vertical and horizontal lines of the space.  Exposed structural aspects were enhanced for visual appeal and resulted in a minimalistic, polished look.

The original cinder block walls were given a fresh coat of concrete gray paint so as to remain true to the organic theme and the handsome ceramic tile choice mimics rustic wood floors. In the back, is a meditation room.  The incorporation of an area where staff could unplug and rejuvenate was an essential aspect of the design plans. Since the hospitality and sales industry is often a fast-paced and demanding one, it was important that a tranquil space be available, one which would give staff the opportunity to breathe and indulge in a moment of peace.

Access to nature, whether it be parks with walking trails or ponds, is the trending amenity today’s business owners are seeking for their operational headquarters.  Employers are now realizing the priceless value of providing employees with a crucial opportunity to connect with nature and with each other in an inspiring outdoor setting.  Fortunately, since the new Bric offices are situated mere steps to the mesmerizing sea, team members can conveniently recharge their batteries.  Owners are aware that healthy, happy employees generate more positive and meaningful interactions with clients.

In celebration of Bric Vacation Rentals’ expansion to their new office space, we cordially invite any past, present and future guests or clients to our inaugural cocktail party which will take place at our office on Calle 38, this Friday, May 15, from 5:00 to 6:30pm.  We look forward to seeing you there!