With one of my best friends (Summer from Grey Likes Weddings) getting married this week at the beautiful Sunstone Winery, I can’t help but have vineyards on the brain! Today I want to share two of my favorite French getaways for those looking for a romantic, wine country, escape post-wedding!
The Les Sources de Caudalie is in the rural part of France and has everything from a full-service health spa to golf driving-range on site! You can rent bikes to explore the grounds or stay on the property and enjoy the outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools. Everywhere you look seems like you’re in a postcard so definitely don’t forget a camera!
The Chateau de la Barre is filled to the brim with incredible antiques, art, history, and beauty. If you’re wanting a honeymoon that is filled with both relaxation and adventure, then you definitely want to check this place out! It’s less than 2 hours from the buzzing city of Paris but is still a unique, historical chateau with luxurious rooms and a breathtaking property.
And in both these places, of course, is some of the best French wine! So get your toasting glasses and passports ready!
Cheers!
Ever go on a vacation and have the “I never want to go back” feeling?? Happens to me all the time! With the normal excitement of a vacation mixed with all of the newlywed bliss you’ll be feeling, a honeymoon will be the epitome of that statement. I always love seeing the ways my clients decide to capture their honeymoon so I’ve decided to round up some of my favorites for you…
Postcards:
Sending yourself postcards from each stop of your adventure is a great way to remember how you were feeling and what you saw in each spot! Plus, who doesn’t love getting snail mail, even if it’s from yourself!
Photo by Caroline Joy
Travel Journal:
Writing in a journal together would be a fun activity to start off each day as you drink your morning cup of coffee! It’s a great way to recap the day before and all the fun adventures that you experienced together. If you bring a Polaroid camera you can stick in photos of the day too!
Journal via In Or Out Media
Video:
While an iPhone app seems like the easiest, most convenient option, carrying a small video camera such as a Flip Cam with higher quality video and longer battery life is definitely the way to go! If you’re especially brave, some of my favorite videos my clients have shown me have been on a vintage camera like an 8mm. You can rent one for your trip and even hire a videographer when you get home to put together an awesome video with all of your film!
Local Treats:
Ship a local piece of art or your favorite bottle of wine you came across! Something that you can visibly keep in your home to remind you of one of the best trips of your life!
Did you do something special and unique to commemorate your honeymoon? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Happy travels! xo
I’m sure you’ve already guessed that I am one of the biggest travel fans and constantly find myself with a case of wanderlust! But this also means that I’m living a lot of my life out of a suitcase, and lets be honest, that’s never fun. But it can definitely be made easier! I’ve become a pretty good packer (if I do say so myself) so I decided to pass on some of my tricks for those of you hopping on a plane any time soon.
Especially if you’re on your way to your honeymoon, travel stress is the last thing you want to think about. Your carry on will be your best friend and your only hope if your luggage gets lost so it’s important to always have the essentials with you.
{All photos compiled via Pinterest}
To keep you busy:
Stock up on your favorite movies, TV shows, and books but instead of cramming a bunch of DVDs or hardbacks into your bag, download them on an iPad or iPad mini! There’s also a ton of super cute cases to be able to slip your entertainment into while still staying stylish (the adorable hot pink one shown is by Kate Spade). Then of course don’t forget your headphones! If you’re not an earbud fan like me, I’m loving these mint green ones from Urbanears. Your movies will sound great and you’ll look cute listening! If you’re on a long flight there’s a good chance that your battery will run out before you land. I love storing one of these little PowerMate’s in my bag from JCrew. It will give you a little extra boost of power but also come in cute colors and patterns!
To snack on:
Remember that most planes are not serving snacks anymore so make sure to stock up on something easy to eat but that will also satisfy. Trail mixes and power bars are always a good option and don’t forget to hydrate! Lots of water will help with jetlag and get you moving as soon as you land.
To relax:
Make sure you wear your comfiest shoes on travel days! Slip on flats are usually the best for security lines and I’m definitely loving Madewell’s Summer Skimmers right now! They work for night and day, on and off a plane. Layer a soft tee with a lightweight scarf that can double as a neck pillow and then you can really snuggle in with your new hubby and travel blanket. I also find that journaling while I’m traveling makes it so fun to look back and remember a trip. Kate Spade carries super cute notebooks like the “Ready for Departure?” one above!
To keep that newlywed glow:
I know some like to think of a travel day as a day with no primping necessary, but I usually like to carry at least the basics with me. An eos chapstick, hand sanitizer, deodorant, and makeup remover towelettes will be your best friend by the end of the long flight. I also pack all of my makeup that I will use on the trip in a travel kit that fits in a tote just in case my luggage gets lost. Buying an extra outfit when arriving isn’t too bad but nobody wants to deal with restocking a makeup bag!
There you have it! These are the basics of my carry on! What are your thoughts? Anything I’m missing out on or you just can’t travel without? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Happy travels! xo
If you and your new spouse prefer snowy and cozy to tropical and hot, try one of these romantic honeymoon destinations around the world!
Val Thorens, France – The Altapura Hotel is the highest resort in Europe in the largest ski area in the world. After a day of skiing, nothing feels better than diving into a thermal mineral pool or having a massage at the world class spa. The rooms are equipped with breathtaking views and the coziest of beds.
Patagonia, Chile – Tierra Patagonia is a personal favorite of mine. You can see my experience here. It is truly a perfect cozy honeymoon location. The snowy mountains and glaciers make for the perfect backdrop to your luxury spa treatments.
Ballyfin, Ireland – The Ballyfin is a luxurious romantic estate situated in the hills of Ireland. The cozy manor house is furnished with beautiful chandeliers and extravagant décor. Guests can enjoy cooking classes and whiskey tastings in the cellar. Couples who book through Ever After Honeymoons receive a choice of a paired bottle of wine with dinner and departure gift or traditional afternoon tea for two.
If you’re ready to book your wintery honeymoon getaway, contact me today!
Summer is finally here! Here are some fashion essentials and where to buy them. Whether you’re going to Bora Bora, St. Barths or even Bali for your Summer honeymoon, you’ll be sure to look fabulous!
Bora Bora
St. Barths
If you’re looking to book your honeymoon getaway this summer, send me an email!
