I had the pleasure of planning a much deserved trip for the talented wedding photographer Ala Cortez and her husband to Greece and Italy. They hopped between Greece and Italy, and enjoyed all of the charm of Santorini, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome. You can see all their photos and read the full post on her blog, but I’ve included a beautifully written excerpt from Ala that highlights how the smallest experiences make the biggest and most lasting impacts.
It was things like driving a manual transmission car, in the rain, on foreign windy roads as we made our way to San Gimignano, Italy. Sitting on the steps of the Collegiata in the Piazza del Duomo, huddled around a cup of the best pistachio gelato in the world, watching the amateur orchestra perform. Tear-filled life talks over beers in Florence. Biking along the walls surrounding Lucca, overlooking the charming city. Walking into a tiny Sorrento storefront and letting a man who spoke no english whatsoever make sandals for me with his own two hands. Or my favorite day, renting a boat in Capri driving around the entire island stopping for a swim in the Grotta Verde, parking our boat to share lunch and a bottle of prosecco and finally, driving through the Faraglioni. What a glorious day! – Ala Cortez
Thanks so much Ala for sharing your adventures! It’s always good to take a trip to explore the world and enjoy one another. I love creating getaways for couples and I look forward to making a custom itinerary that suits your exact style. Let’s start planning!
Photo Credit: Ala Cortez
Does the name Borgo Egnazia sound familiar? Borgo Egnazia is the luxury hotel located off the southern coast of Italy that hot hollywood couple Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel tied the knot at last week. Blogs are buzzing that they chose this destination for the pleathera of food and wine in the region. I can get onboard with that any day! And check out how gorgeous this hotel is!
Lucky for you I am a Virtuoso preferred agent (this means I can get you very special amenities and services at the most elite resorts in the world). So clients of mine receive a complimentary romantic dinner for two and 100 euros in resort credit for you to use as you please!
If you would like to celebrate your honeymoon at this divine Italian location all you need to do is contact me!
Photo credit: Borgio Egnazia
Glamour Magazine recently reached out and asked me to provide my 5 favorite destinations and hotels for honeymoons in 2013. It was so tough to narrow down- there are so many fabulous spots! I put together a list of my current favorite spots, based on what I am loving and what clients are asking for when planning their 2013 honeymoons.
First up, Fiji! With a number of private island resorts, including the newest couples only resort Tadrai Island Resort, Fiji is the perfect spot for couples looking to relax in a beautiful & secluded destination.
Next up is Croatia. With a beautiful coastline, cool medieval towns, and small islands off the coast, Croatia is a dream honeymoon spot. My favorite hotel in Croatia is Villa Dubrovnik, with balconies right over the water!
My next favorite is the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Italy is such a beautiful and romantic country, and the Amalfi Coast has small towns with gorgeous scenery and incredible little restaurants. My favorite hotel is Palazzo Avino in the quaint town of Ravello.
St Barths is another fabulous spot! This island has such a unique French and Caribbean culture, with boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, and white sand beaches. The perfect honeymoon hotel is Hotel Le Toiny which has private villas, each featuring their own private pools!
Last up is St Lucia. This island is so green and lush, with the most warm and friendly people. BodyHoliday Resort is the perfect spot for active couples, where activities like water skiing, guided ocean swims, paddle board yoga classes, archery, and so much more, is already included!
So tell me…which of these fabulous destinations would you pick for your honeymoon?
Contact me if you need help with your upcoming honeymoon!
Wishing I was… in Italy at the Palazzo Avino in the town of Ravello in the Amalfi Coast. Beyond the gorgeous architecture, overlooking views of the quaint villages, the property’s history if also quite intriguing! The Palazzo Avino was once a 12th century private villa for an Italian noble family and in 1997 opened its doors as a hotel. Now you can enjoy life as noble, and why wouldn’t you want to?!?
Ravello is also one of my absolute favorite places in the world! It is such a beautiful, quaint little town with the most gorgeous views! One of my favorite parts of Ravello was walking through Villa Cimbrone. The courtyard, gardens, and views from there just can’t be missed. Neither can a meal at Trattoria Cumpa Cosimo, a small family run restaurant with the most incredible pasta.
Picture yourself arriving here after your nuptials. Contact me and I’ll provide you a quote!
I have another wonderful cruise to share! On the Uniworld Imperial Waterways of Russia, history-buffs can follow the path of Peter the Great from Moscow to St. Petersburg and discover the heart of Russia!
The Imperial Waterways of Russia is a 13-day River Cruise of the Volga River, Europe’s largest & longest waterway. Discover the rich Russian history & traditions, starting in Moscow, and then cruising along the Golden Ring to some of Russia’s most beautiful cities, including Uglich & Yaroslavl.
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This journey is ideal for travelers looking to experience all that is Russia at one time, seeing some of the world’s finest art & distinctive architecture. The best part about the Uniworld Imperial Waterways of Russia is that it not only takes you right to all of the great river-front Russian cities everyone should visit when in Russia, it also leads you to tucked-away villages with authentic Old World charm.
Interested in going on the Imperial Waterways of Russia Cruise? Contact us!