Honeymoon Blog

Real Honeymoons: A Mediterranean Masterpiece

When Aaron and Talia, from Los Angeles, initially contacted MoonRings to assist in planning their honeymoon, they were not entirely sure where they wanted to go. But one thing was certain – it had to be exotic and luxurious.  After exploring a number of fabulous locales including Bali and Bora Bora, it was old world charm of France and Italy that had the right mix of luxury, sophistication and culinary delights.

Their journey began on the France’s stunning Cote d’Azur for a week of relaxation and pampering.  Their first few days at the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat in St. Jean Cap Ferrat primarily consisted of lounging by the spectacular pool and taking strolls through the hotel’s romantic gardens.  Aaron and Talia did venture out to explore nearby towns such as Monaco, Eze and St. Paul de Vence (a favorite of Aaron’s).  One afternoon, they took hike around the Cap encountering a secluded cove with incredibly turquoise water where local residents were cliff diving. On their last night, the hotel upgraded them to massive suite with a private roof top Jacuzzi featuring panoramic views of the sea and dramatic scenery.

  

 
   
  
 
After the coast, it was time to head inland to the Four Seasons Provence for countryside vistas and more pampering.  The Four Seasons took excellent care of the couple and even gave them their first glimpse of a photo from their wedding, which was thoughtfully placed in their room (they received it from the Four Seasons in California where Aaron and Talia were married).  When they did opt to leave the Four Seasons, they visited the charming local towns of Fayence and Tourettes sampling tasty Provencal dishes and wine along the way. 

  

  
 

While their French adventure was coming to a close, there was plenty more pampering and luxury in store for them in Italy at the lovely Hotel Le Sirenuse in Positano.  Guess what they did?  You’re right, more relaxing and pampering!  The pool at Le Sirenuse is quite inviting, and with the view that they had from their suite, it’s easy to how they struggled to find a reason to leave such a perfect place.  Nonetheless, Aaron and Talia did muster the motivation to leave the hotel and enjoy Positano, visiting the local shops and people watching in cafes. One day, they made their way to the town of Ravello set high in the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast. Here they took a cooking class with a local chef, Vincenzino.  Chef Vincenzino shared many secrets of creating Italian seafood dishes, but in the end, the meal they created was not Aaron’s favorite and they opted for restaurant dining (i.e. professional chefs) for the rest of the trip. 

 

   

To close the trip, they took a quick train up to Rome for couple of nights of sightseeing and urban excitement.  

As Aaron and Talia began their long journey back to Los Angeles, they took a moment to browse through their fabulous digital photos and remember their enchanting adventure to some of Europe’s most scenic locations and luxurious retreats.   We wish them warm congratulations on their marriage and a long, happy and healthy life together!  Thanks for sharing your fantastic stories and photos!

 

 

 

 

Chelsea Clinton honeymoons in... Namibia!

 

With such high profile parents, it's no wonder that Chelsea Clinton and husband Marc Mezvinsky chose Namibia, in southern Africa, as their honeymoon destination.  Far away from most international media, and sparsely populated, this is also where Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt went for the birth of their daughter, Shiloh, in 2006. 

   

But aside from the distance away from prying eyes, why would someone want to honeymoon in Namibia?  In a word, the scenery - it is absolutly stunning.  A dry country, Namibia is a desert paradise, full of sand dunes, wild coastline, mountains and rocky terrain.  One can surf on the dunes, flightsee over the ochre-red rock formations, visit indigenous tribes and 4x4 across the terrain on a desert safari to see how the wild game has adapted to the harsh conditions. 

 

A great way to see this unusual ecosystem is by "flight safari".  A company called Skeleton Coast Safaris takes lucky visitors on a 4-day / 3-night sojourn around the country by small plane, stopping in remote locations to experience the flora, fauna, scenery and sand, seeing it in a way you could never imagine from the ground.  You can combine this with a safari stay on the ground, or with a safari in a neighboring country such as Botswana or South Africa.  So so unique.  MoonRings helps clients with travel all over southern Africa - give us a call and we are happy to share more about awesome Namibia with you!

Photos courtesy of Skeleton Coast Safaris

 

 

 

Honeymoon Wardrobe Consulting

On your honeymoon you want to look your absolute best for your new spouse, but with all the wedding stress leading up to the big day, who really has time to weed through your closet and come up with some great honeymoon looks?  The bride might not have the time, but Meaghan Bruckner, owner of Reflections  in Chicago can help with this task.

In a 90-minute in-home session, Meaghan will perform a honeymoon specific wardrobe audit starting with a discussion about your personal style, lifestyle, honeymoon destination and traveling style.  Then it’s off to the closet to start scoping out the wardrobe. Meaghan will mix and match the existing pieces in your closet and put together 10 – 30 different ensembles that you can wear for the various experiences in store for you on your honeymoon.  She will take pictures of each outfit (including shoes, bags etc) and then go home and create a personalized electronic look book, which includes all the ensembles she put together for you along with captions suggesting when and where to wear them.  She can also make some recommendations on key items you may want to pick up before you say “Bon Voyage.”    When it comes time to pack for the big trip, all you need to do is open up your look book, grab the garments and go.

This unique service is a great way to make use the clothes you already have eliminating the need to run out to the stores and spend a fortune on new honeymoon attire.

The audit starts at $200, but if you mention that MoonRings sent you, Meaghan will offer a 25% discount.

Meagan’s services aren’t limited to honeymoon wardrobe planning – if you are feel as though you are in a style rut and need fashionista to revamp your existing wardrobe, Meaghan is available for general wardrobe audits where she can suggest work clothes, weekend clothes and night-on-the-town clothes too!

Real Honeymoons: Raves for Capella Ixtapa from Andre & Jenya

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

Take one chilled out couple, add a brand-new resort with stunning cliffside views and plunge pools, and then include some of the most thoughtful service anywhere on the planet.  Mix thoroughly and what do you get?  A truly amazing honeymoon experience!

Andre and Jenya, from Boston, wanted to relax on their honeymoon.  After their wedding six months prior, buying a house, going crazy with work and many other life pressures, they decided upon the sister cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Mexico as their honeymoon destination.  A combination of two resorts, one on a stunning cliff in Ixtapa and another on the beach in Zihua sounded like the best of both worlds.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To start their honeymoon, they checked into Capella Ixtapa, a new resort that features only 58 rooms and suites, all of which have sea-facing balconies with plunge pools.  Each guest has a “Personal Assistant” who is essentially a concierge at their beck and call.  Christian was assigned to Andre and Jenya from the moment their reservation was made.  He pre-contacted their MoonRings Relationship Manager to find out what he could do to help make their stay special. 

The relaxed ambiance at Capella was perfect, and their balcony was a highlight – morning coffee, evening drinks, (complimentary) beer/chips/salsa, and a lot of time in between was spent gazing over the water and enjoying each other’s company. 

 

During their stay, nothing was too much trouble for Christian and the staff at Capella; every employee was empowered to make the guests’ experience personal and special.  Whatever you wanted to eat for breakfast, complimentary snacks by the pool, iced bottles of water at regular intervals, generosity at every turn.  “Yes” was the answer to almost everything!

   
  
  

When it was time to leave for the second resort, they were sad.  Reluctantly, they moved, and while Resort #2 was on the beach and it wasn’t so bad, it just wasn’t the same.  Clearly, they had been spoiled!  Fortunately, they were able to return to Capella, and they spent the remainder of their honeymoon pampered by their new family and friends who were delighted to welcome them back.

 

 

 
 
While at Capella, Andre and Jenya took advantage not only of the resort but of the area and all it had to offer.  They went snorkeling multiple times at Isla Ixtapa, took Capella’s bikes out for a spin to a nearby beach, and spent an amazing afternoon with Capella’s Executive Chef learning how to make simple yet delicious Mexican fare.  On top of that, they went deep-sea fishing and the kitchen staff created a custom dinner for them with their catch!  The couple also checked out the local dining scene, enjoying restaurants such as Tentaciones and Espuma. 

 

 

  
With so many great memories, Andre and Jenya went back home to Boston on Cloud 9.   Like the staff at Capella, we wish them warm congratulations on their marriage and all the best together!  Thanks for sharing your fantastic stories and photos!

 

  
  
 

 

Capturing Underwater Honeymoon Moments

If you are headed to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, French Polynesia, Turks and Caicos, the Maldives or any other destination known for excellent snorkeling you may want to pick up the new Kodak PlaySport HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera to capture your underwater adventures. 

It's a reasonably priced video camera (about $150 at Best Buy and on Amazon.com) and with its underwater features, you can plunge up to 10 feet below the surface to shoot 1080p video or take still photos.  Also, since the price point is reasonably low and this small pocket camera is designed with "adrenaline junkies" in mind, it's a good backup option to bring on tours or excursions where your camera might get wet or banged around a bit.

Since the depth is limited to 10 feet, this option is best for snorkelers as opposed to divers.  Divers headed further below might want a heavier duty and more sophisticated underwater camera.

If only I had known about this before my recent French Polynesian adventure - my most recent post would have been supplemented with great videos and photos!  I sure there is plenty more great snorkeling Ms. M's future so next time, I'll have this on hand and the pictures and video to share!

Snorkeling from French Polynesia's Overwater Bungalows: A Misconception?

When people think of French Polynesia they usually think of turquoise lagoons with charming bungalows perched directly above the water.  People from all over the world (honeymooners in particular) travel here to experience the unique feeling of sleeping directly above the water.  Since French Polynesia's lagoons are also well known for their excellent marine life some visitors expect to check in to their accommodations, strap on a snorkel mask and fins and dive directly from their overwater bungalow to greet schools of colorful fish.

  
  

In some of French Polynesia's resorts, these expectations will be met, but it’s important to note that not all resorts and overwater bungalows sit above great reefs for snorkeling. 

First, many overwater bungalows reside in shallow water, simply too shallow for snorkeling!  Snorkeling from the beach is often a better alternative, considering many resorts have a reef or “Lagoonarium” within their grounds.  Granted, it’s often located in a more enclosed area in order to guarantee great snorkeling as opposed to in the open water near the bungalows.  

Some overwater bungalows do reside right at a reef.  In theory, great, but coral is quite sharp, and you may have to wear reef shoes whenever swimming or wading.  If this is less than appealing to you, do look for a resort with a Lagoonarium to ensure good and comfortable snorkeling.  Alternatively, you can choose bungalows within the resort that are classified as “deep overwater” or “end of pontoon”.  These categories, although pricier, are deep enough such that most guests' feet won't touch bottom.

If your dream is to be able to snorkel directly from your overwater bungalow for at least part of your honeymoon in French Polynesia, you may want to consider a few nights at The Sofitel Ia Ora Resort on  Moorea, which has an excellent reef situated right below the overwater bungalows.  During a recent stay here, I had the opportunity to snorkel right from my overwater bungalow and it was truly fabulous. 

A glimpse of some of the fish I saw:

No matter what, a honeymoon in the idyllic French Polynesian Islands will offer beautiful scenery, fantasic resorts with overwater bungalows and excellent snorkeling either directly from an overwater bungalow or within a nearby Lagoonarium.

Just Back from French Polynesia!

I've just returned from a fantastic trip to French Polynesia where I had the opportunity to visit some of the finest hotels on offer...

Tahiti:

• Intercontinental Tahiti Resort
• Radisson Plaza Resort
• Manava Suites Resort

Moorea:

• Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa
• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
• Legends Resort Moorea
• Sofitel Ia Ora Beach Resort

Bora Bora:

• Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
• Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
• Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
• Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa
• Le Meriden Bora Bora
• Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach & Private Island
• Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort

Taha'a

• Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa

It was an amazing trip so keep an eye out for additional posts on both The Honeymoon Blogger and our Facebook page in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, here are a few snaps to tide you over...

 



  
 
 

money, money, money...

 

Dealing with unexpected financial surprises on a honeymoon (or any trip for that matter) can quickly turn a positive experience into a stressful one.  Fortunately, many common monetary problems can be avoided by simply planning in advance and paying attention to the details while you’re traveling.

 

 

• If on a rigid budget, try to estimate your trip costs as accurately as possible, and don’t underestimate the cost of food & beverage, especially in historically expensive destinations like French Polynesia and much of Europe.  For additional guidance, try out our budget calculator.
• Similarly, do not ignore the local “tax & service” that is often excluded from local rates as it can be substantial.  In parts of Mexico, for example, tax and service can total an additional 20 to 30%!
• Keep track of cancellation policies for your hotels, tour operators, spas, etc.  If you decide to make changes, you’ll know by when you need to do so without being penalized.
• If changing and/or cancelling your trip will result in a substantial financial loss, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance.
• If traveling outside of the US, check with your credit card issuers to determine which has the lowest “foreign currency transaction fee” (a surcharge added to every purchase).  These typically range from 2 - 5%, although many cards issued by Capital One do not have a fee.  Banrate.com has a nice list of fees by issuer.
• The easiest and least expensive way to obtain cash overseas is usually by using an ATM.  Even if the ATM charges a transaction fee, you’ll still get a better exchange rate than by using traveler’s checks.  Making fewer and larger withdrawals will reduce the cost of transaction fees. Check your card issuer’s website to understand if ATMs will be in available in your destination – not all ATM cards work in all locations.
• Some international ATMs only accept 4-digit numerical PINs so make sure you’re account is set up properly before you depart.
• To ensure that your credit and debit cards aren’t mistakenly flagged for fraud (and rejected), notify your banks and issuers of your destination and general travel dates before you depart.

Doing a bit of upfront legwork should pay dividends down the road!  Happy travels!

New on the honeymoon radar: Panama and the Bristol Hotels

In Central America, the destination of choice for honeymooners and adventure travelers alike has long been Costa Rica, but its neighbor to the south, Panama, is hot on its heels to become another Latin favorite. Miles of deserted beaches, tropical mountains covered with lush rainforests, remote island getaways, and a melting pot of cultures are a few of the many draws of Panama. Not to mention the historic and quickly developing capital of Panama City with the extraordinary Panama Canal.  Combine a visit to the beach and rainforest with a stop in the city and you will have the opportunity for a unforgettable trip in a unique and up and coming destination.

 

  
 

Though the tourism infrastructure in Panama is in its infancy, the development is fast and furious, particularly in the luxury market.  The Bristol hotel group is at the forefront of high end options. It operates one of the finest hotels in Panama City (website); an intimate and classy address located in an excellent central location. 

 

 
 
The Bristol Group has recently opened an exclusive resort along the Pacific Coast. The Bristol Buenaventura is about an hour and a half drive from Panama City and offers a truly 5 star experience.  From the finely appointed rooms, beautiful landscaping and pool areas, to the lovely stretch of beach and myriad activity options, the Buenaventura is a destination unto itself. Top this off with a world class spa, excellent dining, and exceptional service, you may find yourself reserving your next trip before you have even left!  We think this resort is a perfect way to relax after some adventure in other parts of the country.

 

  
  

 

For those looking for a romantic getaway or a unique adventure, Panama will not disappoint with its beautiful landscape and friendly, welcoming people.

Luxe Hacienda Hotels in Mexico's Yucatan

Interested in spicing up your Mexican honeymoon with a bit of culture after you have gotten your fill of rest and relaxation on the beach? Within only a few hours drive of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera is an area of the Yucatan that’s filled with unique cultural opportunities and the chance to delve into the interesting history of the Mexican people.  Some may be familiar with this location because it is home to famous Chichen Itza, one of the largest Mayan ruins in Latin America.

 

Though this region is somewhat off the beaten track, you won’t have to sacrifice luxury and comfort.  On our most recent visit, we had the opportunity to stay at several former historic haciendas which have been converted into luxurious boutique hotels.  Through carefully orchestrated renovations, the properties have retained much of their original character.  Former ranch buildings have been transformed into plush and spacious guest rooms with 25 foot ceilings, king sized beds, huge bathrooms, private terraces, and outdoor bathtubs.  Hacienda San Jose offers private “casitas,” free-standing bungalows that mimic the original Mayan dwellings of the area, complete with a platform bed hanging from ropes (the Mayans slept in hammocks, you know!).

 

Honeymooners, in particular, will appreciate the privacy and romance that the haciendas exemplify.  These charming abodes provide a perfect place to return to after a day of exploring ancient ruins, visiting colonial towns and hiking through the jungle.