At Park Guell in Barcelona
Garrett and Jessica recently celebrated their honeymoon by staying in Barcelona, taking a 7 night cruise to France and Italy, then returning to Barcelona and taking a train up to Madrid for a few nights. Cruises are a great way to see a lot of different destinations, and then you can return to your favorite places at a later time!
Here is what Garrett and Jessica had to say about their honeymoon:
1. Where did you go?
We flew into Barcelona and stayed for 2 nights before embarking on our 7 day cruise to Nice (France), Genoa, Florence, Rome and Salerno (Italy) and back to Barcelona. Then we took the train to Madrid for another 2 nights and flew back to the states.
2. How did you decide on this destination?
We knew that we wanted some new destinations to explore together and we love cities and experiencing various cultures. Europe has always struck us as being the ideal honeymoon destination so we went for it.
In Cinque Terre, Italy
3. Did you like where you stayed?
We enjoyed the locations of the hotels. We also loved how each of them was unique. They are not your typical big-chain hotels but had a very local flavor in addition to the English speaking staff.
4. What did you think about the destination?
Each city was very enjoyable and we really overdid ourselves with the exploration but it was well worth the physical effort.
5. Did you receive any special honeymoon amenities or upgrades?
We did receive a fruit platter at the U232 hotel but everything else was fairly standard.
At the Colosseum in Rome
6. What was your favorite part of your honeymoon?
We loved exploring Rome on our own. We took the train in from the port and got around on a tourist map using their public transportation system. It was neat seeing history blended with modern Rome.
7. Do you have any suggestions for other couples going on a similar honeymoon?
There is no pressure to book the shore excursions with the cruise. All of them are overpriced and you are able to get the information you need to get around from the concierge. There’s so much to enjoy on your own that it’s well worth the effort and planning. Also, don’t overdo yourself, otherwise you will spend many weeks recovering from what was supposed to be a relaxing time after the wedding.
8. What 3 words would you use to describe your honeymoon?
Adventurous, Cultural, Busy!
Christie and David recently celebrated their honeymoon in Hawaii. They visited the Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai and had an incredible time. I hope you enjoy reading about their honeymoon!
- How did you decide on these destinations?
We knew we wanted to stay closer to home for a short flight and wanted to know what we were getting. We chose Hawaii because we got to stay in the USA, use our own currency, and expect great meals and service. It’s just easy and although it may be more expensive than other destinations the peace of mind is totally worth it. Driving, shopping, eating; everything is just so easy and carefree!
- Did you like where you stayed?
We loved the properties we stayed in. The Fairmont Orchid is a great location and teeming with Sea Turtles every day! The service and food were fabulous! The ocean view doesn’t hurt either. It is a bit further away from town so that is something to consider. The room was great and we were upgraded!
The St. Regis in Kauai is like nothing else in the world! The view of Hanalei Bay is magnificent and so romantic. We were also upgraded at this property and the service is top notch. They really know how to make honeymooners feel special. We also both celebrated birthdays at the St. Regis! Such a treat. So luxurious and well thought out by the designers. The pool and beach are also phenomenal!
- What did you think about the destinations?
The big island really is huge! We loved driving around and seeing all the different landscapes and climate. Great for adventure but also for relaxing. We got a good taste and saw the amazing sights of the volcanoes and jungles.
Kauai really is the best Hawaiian Island for romance. It is so lush and dreamy. Everywhere you turn it is beauty everywhere. From the hiking to snorkeling to beaches, it was amazing!
- Did you receive any special honeymoon amenities or upgrades?
Oh yes! Champagne in our rooms, special dinner reservations and higher room categories than reserved. Ocean View at Fairmont and top floor Ocean View at St. Regis.
- What was your favorite part of your honeymoon?
Sitting in a lounge chair with a tropical cocktail watching the sunset on the beach was probably my favorite part! But then again the Helicopter ride in Kauai was once in a lifetime! We also had a blast paddle boarding on Hanalei Bay, and hiking the Napali Coast. So hard to choose!
- Do you have any suggestions for other couples going on a similar honeymoon?
Definitely splurge! It is so worth it. You want to feel pampered and special on your honeymoon! You only get one! We love the ocean side couples massage on the Big Island and the Gourmet meals. We stayed in beautiful properties and the time of the year was perfect. No Rain, No loud families and No crowds! Can’t beat that! We also got a convertible car which was a blast!
- What 3 words would you use to describe your honeymoon?
Romantic, Bliss, Adventure!
Interested in having Ever After Honeymoons plan your honeymoon? Contact us for a quote request!
Ok so this trip wasn’t a honeymoon, but it was definitely a special vacation because Francesco and Natalie got engaged on their first night in Hawaii! They spent 2 nights in Waikiki and then took a 7 night cruise around the Hawaiian Islands that stopped in Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kauai. Read on to hear about their amazing trip!
The trip was planned to celebrate Francesco’s graduation, but they had much more to celebrate! Francesco proposed at sunset on Waikiki beach. And of course Natalie said yes!!! Great way to start off an amazing vacation!
Francesco and Natalie wanted a combination of relaxation and activities, and by doing the cruise they were able to have both and see most of the Hawaiian Islands.
They started with 2 nights at the Moana Surfrider Hotel right in the middle of Waikiki beach which they loved. This was the first hotel in Waikiki, and they loved the historical significance and great character the hotel has.
Next was the cruise. The cabin was a little small, but they loved the ship, and especially the locations of where the ship docked. They also loved the variety of restaurants to choose from on the ship.
They also loved Hawaii! As Natalie said, How could you not love Hawaii?! It was fantastic. The cruise is such a great way to see all the islands. We probably never would have made a trip to the Big Island and it ended up being on of our favorites! Every island is very different so we were able to get some variety, which is not always possible at a beach destination. We were able to see an active volcano, a ton of gorgeous beaches, beautiful sunsets, lots of fish, and beautiful mountains all in the same trip.
As for advice for other couples going on a Hawaiian Cruise, Natalie said, I would also suggest renting cars on the islands. We were able to see so much of the islands by driving ourselves. All the rental car companies have shuttles and it was very convenient.
Also, it is important to realize that, even though food is included, you will probably still spend a lot on board. I expected to spend a lot, but the bill was still a little bit of a shock at the end.
Natalie and Francesco described their trip as amazing, romantic and memorable.
If you are interested in taking a similar vacation please contact Ever After Honeymoons. I can’t guarantee a proposal though!
Hotel Esperanza is a villa-style hotel four miles away from Cabo San Lucas. This intimate resort is above private beaches, includes swim-up bars, an infinify pool, ocean kayaks and hammocks. This five star hotel features 50 casita suites, 36 residential villas and six luxury suites.
Room amenities can be found here.
Breakfast is included daily in the oceanfront restaurant and the resort also includes a full-service salon. Esperanza features four restaurants each with unique dining selections. (And do you see that incredible night view? Talk about a romantic dinner for two!)
The hotel was voted no. 1 Spa in Latin America by Travel and Leisure 2007, no. 2 in Mexico and one of Mexico’s Most Romantic Resorts in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons 2007.
Children under the age of 16 have limited access in the hotel, so there is a good chance that children will not be around during your romantic getaway. On site, or near the hotel you can find bike rentals, a driving range, hiking trails, parasailing, snorkeling, tennis, windsurfing and many other activities, some of which have fees attached.
This resort is not one to overlook as you venture out on your honeymoon. Contact Ever After Honeymoons if you are interested in rates for your honeymoon!
Kathryn and James went on an incredibly romantic honeymoon in the gorgeous Caribbean. Oh yeah, did I mention they sailed through it? I had quite the challenge- they had already contacted two other travel agents, friends of theirs no less, who couldn’t find them their perfect honeymoon within their budget. But I was up for the challenge, and made all of their honeymoon dreams come true! The couple, both Pennsylvania natives, are beach lovers and knew that after the wedding relaxation was key.
We were advised that after the craziness of the wedding, we would want to spend the first few days just decompressing and relaxing, Kathryn said.Their dreamy honeymoon started at the Peter Island Resort, (this place is unbelievable!) a private island resort, followed by days of sailing with only a chef and a captain, oh, and each other. Not only was the idea of it all so unique, it also was special to the couple: Not only does James love sailboats, but he proposed to Kathryn on St. Thomas on a sail boat.
The sailing trip allowed them to see so much more than they could have if they just stayed in one place.
The couple sailed to Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, Cooper Island, baths at Virgin Gorda. They even snorkeled in caves and over shipwrecks!
They loved the fact that they were able to dress down at their all-inclusive resort, but still dressed up for dinner daily. And we loved the fact that they wanted to share their story!
Their wonderful honeymoon was also featured in issue five of Utterly Engaged! Private chartered sailboats can be taken to many destinations around the world, and probably aren’t as expensive as you might think. Contact me if you are interested in taking a private chartered sailboat for your honeymoon!
