Destination Weddings | OneWed

Honeymoon Destination: Love Bora Bora But Hate The Long Jaunt? Try A Private Island In The Grenadines!

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:26:09 -0500

Special to OneWed by Marie O'Mara of Honeymoons.com

When couples are looking for the Bora Bora atmosphere with half the travel, Petit St. Vincent Resort may be their answer. The resort is located on a private island in the Grenadines island chain - located in the southeastern Caribbean. Typically, guests fly to Barbados, and then connect to Union Island with a 50-minute flight, where you are then greeted and escorted to Petit St Vincent via a 20-minute boat ride. Petit St Vincent is only 113 acres, and is located in the pristine sailing waters of the southern Grenadines.

There are only 22 cottages on the island, which are dotted along the beach and on the hill, all with fabulous views of the water and surrounding islands. The cottages are made from blue stone, which is quarried from the island. Cottages all have private sundecks; separate sitting area, lounge chairs, hammocks, and lots of privacy. One of the most unique features of the resort is the flagpole system, because there are no telephones or televisions in the cottages, guests use their flagpole to signal when they would like room service, need something, or would just like to be left alone. Raise the yellow flag and put your request, on the handy sheets of paper provided, and a PSV staffer will come by and fulfill your request, raise the red flag, meaning "do not disturb", and you will be left completely alone.

The resort is very private, and you could go the entire honeymoon without seeing another human being if you chose not to! You could take all your meals in your private cottage, or you can arrange a romantic dinner on the beach in a secluded area. You can also have lunch/dinner in the dinning pavilion if you want to socialize with the other guests. You can also arrange for a couples massage in the privacy of your sundeck, with the sounds of the waves in the background. Sunrise and sunset is also fantastic on the island and something you won’t want to miss.

Honeymooning couples should definitely do a private lunch on the nearby Mopion Island - which can be arranged by PSV staff. Mopion is a tiny sand island that you can walk around in a matter of 30 seconds. The only thing on the tiny mound of sand is a thatched umbrella for shade. This is a perfect place for private beach time. PSV staff will pack a full lunch and set it up on the island, and then will come back to fetch you whenever you want. Honeymooners should also take a sail on the brand new Beauty sailboat to the nearby Tobago Cays - a national park with the Caribbean's best snorkeling.

The resort offers a honeymoon package that is available from June 1 - July 31 that includes- three meals per day, afternoon tea daily with a snack, tennis night and day, a picnic for two on a tiny tropical island, a massage for two in the privacy of your own cottage or on your patio, champagne in cottage on arrival & unlimited room service for a wonderful price.

Amazing Honeymoon Destination: Algarve in Portugal

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:09:19 -0500

Special to OneWed by Marie O'Mara of Honeymoons.com

For an amazing and unusual honeymoon location, couples need to check out the Algarve in Portugal. Located at the seashore in Portugal’s southernmost province, Algarve is not only the country’s most popular tourist destination, it is a vacation paradise. The Algarve offers everything from stunning natural beauty, gourmet cuisine & fine wines, to a year-round amazing climate with plenty of things to do and see. In addition to being an already breathtaking location, they also offer world-class beaches, dozens of golf courses, and plenty of sites to explore including the medieval castles at Silves and Sagres, the school of Prince Henry the Navigator where Columbus trained, and where you can stand on the most western point of Europe.

The Algarve’s most breathtaking resort is Vila Vita and it is an incredible haven for honeymooners, offering them so much to do or so much NOT to do! The resort is set on 54 spectacular acres and is perched high above the Atlantic Ocean offering guests lush blooming sub-tropical gardens, distinctive Moorish-influenced Algarvean architecture, a dramatic rocky coastline and one of the most beautiful private beaches in Portugal. Vila Vita has 169 fully equipped accommodations and each is exquisitely appointed terraces or balconies that offer panoramic views of the sea and of the flower-filled gardens.

Vila Vita offers a michellin-star restaurant, new residences with beautiful daybeds overlooking the Atlantic, private yachts for cruising up and down the rocky coastline to explore mysterious caves, a private beach, a first-rate spa and fabulous day trips! For couples that want to relax can stroll the miles and miles of unpopulated white sandy beaches or find any of the numerous cozy and intimate spots to sit together in the resort's extensive sub-tropical gardens and along the cliffs overlooking the beach and Atlantic Ocean. Another perk of this property is the Herdade dos Grous, this is the resort's wine estate, which has 1,465 acres of vineyards, flowering gardens, olive and orange groves where guests can learn about horse breeding, organic farming and the cultivation of award-winning wines. Many of the foods served at the resort are produced at the wine estate, and guests often visit Herdade dos Grous for a tour, to relax in the country ambiance where you can dine outside watching the sunset as the birds fly home.

My favorites of the many things couples can enjoy at the Vila Vita include a private dinner by candlelight in Cave de Vinhos, an impressive arched wine cellar with more than 11,000 bottles, or take a cruise for two on the resort's yacht along the dramatic rocky coastline with intense aquamarine waters, or relax on the beach and enjoy a bonfire, or enjoy dinner on your private terrace - where you can plan a personalized menu with wines and your own chef, along with your choice of flowers, candles & music.

Icy, Romantic Honeymoon Destination: Hotel de Glace in Quebec, Canada

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:59:09 -0500

Special to OneWed by Marie O'Mara of Honeymoons.com

When you imagine a couple of Eskimos heading out for their honeymoon, where do they go, back to their igloo? And how does an Eskimo really kiss anyway? Well after you spend a night at the amazing Hôtel de Glace, you and your loved one will find out! Once you check into this amazing hotel made of ice, yes ice, you will embark on a once in a lifetime experience and an outrageous CHILLY adventure. The Hôtel de Glace is located in the quaint and beautiful town of Québec, Canada. Quebec is known for its beauty and offers travelers historic and timeless buildings, wonderful shopping and they host an annual ice festival that attracts thousands. The Hôtel de Glace has been called an igloo from guests who have not experienced it. But for those who have seen it and stayed in it, they know that this 32,000 square foot structure of solid ice and snow is no igloo! It's an amazing ice hotel!

I, myself, was even having trouble imagining this structure but after looking at the amazing photos and their website, I couldn’t help but think how romantic this structure would be to stay in. I was in awe as I realized that the Hôtel de Glace was made of NOTHING but frozen water and to be exact, 15,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice. The ceilings are over 19 feet high, the walls are covered with original artwork, the furniture is carved out of ice blocks and the rooms and wedding chapel all designed and hand carved. I found it hard to believe, but there is no need because this structure does exist, for a few months anyway! The Hôtel de Glace is open from January till March and has over 65,000 visitors each season and sells over 4000 rooms in the short time it is open.

Clearly this is one of the most unique and complex undertakings that any hotel has ever tried to achieve, as it takes approximately five weeks to erect this masterpiece of architecture and covers more than 32,000 square feet of ground. It is the only ice hotel in America that is entirely made out of snow and ice and it can accommodate 88 people per night. The designers strive to keep to the originality of this masterpiece each year by continually changing the design and décor to keep guests coming year after year! The Hôtel de Glace artisans amaze everyone by modifying and creating new elements every year and always offer pure amazement of their finished product. Annually, there is no exception to its size, there is always 36 wonderful rooms and theme suites, in addition to the Ice Café, the magnificent chapel where couples can take the icy plunge, an immense lobby with a candelabra lit by fiber optics, an interior courtyard that can hold 400+ people, hot tubs and a sauna, functional fireplaces, and the majestic reception room named the Ice Bar where animated evenings come to life that will enthrall everyone for hours with entertainment.

Those who choose to stay overnight can enjoy the hotel package that includes an ice cocktail (served in a glass made of ice of course), a tour of the Hotel, your equipment for the night, access to the hot tubs and sauna, and your hot morning beverage and breakfast. This unique lodging experience offers guest a full array of winter activities including cross-country skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, dogsledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Guests who want to give it a go at this icy oasis, are told in great detail how to prepare themselves for this once in a lifetime stay. Considering that winter in Quebec is very cold (with the outside temperatures varying between -13 o F in February to 41 o F in March), appropriate clothing is necessary. You must layer yourself with three layers of synthetic or a mixture of wool and synthetic materials so your skin can breath, and be sure to have hats, gloves, and boots. If you are not so sure about sleeping on Ice, no need to fret, a comfortable bed is awaiting you. The Hotel and its furniture are made entirely of snow and ice, and the beds are too. However, blocks of ice form the bed base, followed by a solid wood box-frame that provides the initial separation from the ice, and a thick foam mattress covered by a fleece sheet completes the bed. When the evening arrives, a warm and soft sleeping bag will be delivered to your room with a pillow.

So if you are looking for a different twist to your honeymoon, suit up and head to Quebec for an Icy Romantic Experience.

Honeymoons in the Center of Italy

Marta — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:35:19 -0500

Special to OneWed by Marie O'Mara of Honeymoons.com

For honeymooners looking for a sweet and intimate Bed & Breakfast in Italy, La Torretta Bianca, which translates to the little white tower, is known for serene atmosphere and great location. The B&B is nestled on the hillsides overlooking the Adriatic sea, in the San Benedetto del Tronto, a town located at the bottom of the Marche Region in the center of Italy.
The B&B is tucked away on two acres of property, which consists of 5 terraces. The B&B resides on the middle terrace with walking paths throughout the gardens and fruit trees. The B&B is a gated community, with private parking and is located 3 kilometers from both downtown San Bennedetto del Tronto and the beaches of the Adriatic Sea. The Country Villa offers calm and tranquility to its guests, with various places to take in the amazing view or just sit on the mosaic patios and enjoy the calm sea breeze. For those that want to explore, the area offers a variety of things to do, see and taste throughout the Marche region. Whether you want to explore castles or medieval cities, take a hike in the Sibilini Mountains or relax on the beaches along the Adriatic coast, there is something for everyone. The region is also known for shopping in their open-air markets or their mom and pop leather shoe and bags shops that offer Todds, Geox, Prada and more. Since all the big brands are produced in this area, you can expect some amazing products. The medieval towns also offer antique markets once a month.

The location of this B&B is great because you are on the sea, but only 10 minutes away from the romantic scenery of the Italian hills, which is said to be no different then the landscape and vineyards of Tuscany. The area around this country B&B offers some of the best dinning and wines in the entire Marche region, guests can enjoy the option of local specialties of meat and pasta dishes or they can take advantage of being seaside and enjoy the fresh fish.

This B&B has a number of large bedrooms with bathrooms within the comforts of a warm and sweet home. Their most requested is their honeymoon suite, Dependance, which is an independent air conditioned cottage, with a its own private entrance, and offers a large bedroom, private bathroom, and a family room with wet bar and mini fridge. Another guest favorite is the Olive Suite, which offers guests a large bedroom and grand bathroom. For those honeymooners who enjoy candlelight and bubbles, this suite includes a full size bathtub and separate shower.

This B&B is not hard to get to and is located about two and a half hours east of Rome by car and they are 45 minutes away from two local airports, Ancona & Pescara Airport. All said and done, this Bed & Breakfast is a country villa, nestled in the hillsides overlooking San Benedetto del Tronto and the Adriatic Sea, and the Sibillini mountains. During summer the only sounds you can hear are the crickets in concert and when you are lucky enough on Saturdays you can hear the traditional music of the tango, waltz & salsa coming from the open-air ballroom downhill. It’s the beauty of a calm and tranquil location tied to the Italian country side and coast line, giving one wonderment, peace and possibilities.

Romance, Adventure, and Pristine Beaches Galore: The Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica, Ideal for your Honeymoon!

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:22:56 -0500

Special to OneWed by Marie O'Mara of Honeymoons.com

With Costa Rica offering couples everything they are looking for in both romance and adventure, it is no wonder that travel to this exotic & tropical country has become extremely popular. Not only has Costa Rica become known for being both friendly and peaceful, it also offers travelers pristine beaches, multiple outdoor activities, amazing spas & top of the line golf courses in a one-of-a-kind natural setting. Although The Pacuare Lodge is just one of several great places to stay in Costa Rico, it has quickly become a favorite of mine offering the perfect amount of luxury, romance and adventure that couples are looking for. The Lodge, which is located about 2 hours outside of the town of San Jose, has developed into a popular and exotic honeymoon destination. Perfectly situated along the Pacuare River in the middle of a Costa Rican rainforest, they have mastered the exact blend of “tropical and exotic” with “action and adventure”, as any guests staying at the property must whitewater raft down the Pacuare River to get there. This enchanting location was clearly designed to be secluded enough to feel dangerous and exotic, but welcoming enough that you arrive in awe of the adventure in store for you.

Once the guests arrive at the Pacuare Lodge they find their escape from the world nestled inside the mysterious and adventurous rainforest. The lodge, with 19 bungalows and suites, was built to create a place where people could enjoy nature and each other, while respecting and protecting the environment. The resort has become known in the community for its dedication to preserve the environment, as well as the planet, making it a much loved and respected retreat amongst naturalist. The Pacuare Lodge and its eco-friendly bungalows & suites are surrounded by exuberant tropical foliage and have no electricity! Before the thought of no electricity panics you, I want you to imagine what could be more romantic then spending an evening together in your own candlelit bungalow lying in a hammock looking up at the stars? Or better yet, imagine a candlelit dinner together with the sound of the jungle as your background music. As if that is not enough, the lodge also has many waterfalls in this secluded part of the rainforest for you to explore with or without guides on very well and clearly marked paths.

The lodge has five types of suites, from the more affordable options of the Garden-view bungalow & River-view bungalows, both are palm-thatched and either offer a view of the garden or the a river-view, they have a private terrace equipped with a canopy king size bed, hardwood flooring, a spacious private bathroom, an additional outdoor shower and your very own hammock that overlooks a landscaped garden of towering vine-draped trees. Those who want to splurge can do the Honeymoon Suite or the brand new Linda Vista Suites. When you are ready to go to your room, there is a cobbled stone path that will lead you and your partner from the main lodge up to a knoll overlooking the other facilities. There you will find you palm-thatched bungalow adorned with wide screened windows, teak floors, hand-crafted rattan wicker chairs and plenty of natural light. Honeymooners will love the king size canopy bed, gorgeous in door bathroom, an outdoor solar heated shower, your very own private deck, terrace and hammock with a much loved spring-fed pool. A private hanging bridge to a treetop platform is also connected to the suite. The Linda Vista Suites are brand new as of 2009 and are perched on a ridge amidst exuberant tropical greenery, and offer unforgettable views of the Pacuare River and surrounding rain forest. The suite features a living room, king-size canopy bed, spacious private bathroom with solar heated shower, outside solar heated shower, a private deck and terrace with hammock and a spring fed pool.

Since the Lodge is at one with nature, all of its meals are cooked on premise and is included in your the package. The much talked about authentic Costa Rican cuisine is made with ALL local ingredients and the lodge prides itself on being sustainable by giving back to the environment and community, which is why all chefs are native to Costa Rica and ALL of the food is transported in from nearby towns. For those who just want to relax, the main lodge is always open and has several comfortable chairs and couches, perfect for relaxing and reading with the roaring river in the background. And while the accommodations have no electricity there is some electricity in the main lodge and is used to power the kitchen. So there are a few outlets in case someone would like to use a hair dryer! They even offer games, books and magazines for couples that want to enjoy the comfort of a group setting. Additional activities guests can partake in during their stay include their Pacuare canopy adventure tour, horseback riding through the jungle, a private massage or facial in their suite, and a canyon/waterfall rappel tour or hiking

What honeymooners seem to love most about this property is the simple and gorgeous waterfall hike where you and your loved one will enjoy a spectacular, romantic experience. And Couples looking for adventure will get an adrenaline rush on the canopy adventure or canyon rappel tour. I found that the Pacuare Lodge has one of the more special honeymoon packages that I have seen. This getaway package includes a bottle of iced Champagne that couples will find waiting in their private suite, all of your breakfasts served in your suite, a therapeutic massage for two, a Pacuare Canopy (zip-line) Adventure and a private guided hike through the rainforest where couples will plant their very your own tree with a plaque to commemorate this special occasion and future life together. Simply put, if you want to start your life off together in a place that is not only full of adventure, absolutely gorgeous and ecologically friendly, this romantic once in a lifetime experience will leave you with memories you will cherish forever.

A Romantic Italian Honeymoon

Marta — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:12:35 -0500

Special to OneWed from Marie O’Mara of Honeymoons.com

I was recently introduced to an Inn in Italy with a great love story. The inn, located on the beautiful Lake Como in Northern Italy, is named "Ca de l’Üga Dulza," which means "House of the Sweet Grape" in the local dialect of Lezzeno. Kate, one of the owners, who happens to be an American, met and married an Italian man named Nico Ferrari, and together they run this romantic retreat inspired by their mutual love of wine and romance. "l'Üga Dulza" not only reflects their love of wine, it is also an expression used to convey "the sweet life"—generally involving good food and drink, good company and a great deal of lazing about. And at Ca de l'Üga Dulza, they take the sweet life seriously!

The Inn is located about an hour and a half north of Milan's Malpensa and Linate airports, and is a short 10-15 minute drive from the famous central "pearl" of Lake Como, Bellagio. Bellagio offers numerous restaurants, enotecas, fine shops as well as ferry service to the opposite shores of the lake. (The service between Bellagio, Cadenabbia, Menaggio & Varenna accommodates cars as well as pedestrian passengers.)

Honeymooners in the region may choose from a variety of pursuits (active to ... less so) to suit their tastes and daily moods. Naturally, no trip to Lake Como is complete without some romantic time spent on the water, but whether this comes in the form of a luxury private boat tour, a rental craft or the local ferries it is up to the individual visitors taste and desire.

Sports enthusiasts and other athletically inclined souls will be overwhelmed by the scope of activities available in this region. The spectacular hiking trails include the Strada Regia (the ancient Roman "Royal Road"), which passes just outside the Inn’s doors and stretches from the edges of Bellagio to Como, as well as countless others that loop around the surrounding mountains and sloping shores. A short walk down to the water makes it possible to take advantage of water skiing or wakeboard lessons with world champions through Lezzeno's Jolly Racing Club. Biking and horseback outings are available through adventure companies in Bellagio. The culturally or artistically minded will enjoy all manner of beautiful villas and gardens (standouts being Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello on the opposite shore of the lake, as well as Villa Olmo in Como), Vezio Castle above Varenna with its falconry demonstrations, as well as many small art galleries and fascinating small museum exhibits around the lake.

"Ca de l’Üga Dulza" consists of three rooms with private in-suite bathrooms, and one small apartment with a compact kitchen, living area and two balconies. Each room is named for an Italian grape varietal in the dialect of its region of origin. All four choices of accommodations are beautifully appointed with stylish furnishings, luxury bathrooms, high-end linens and modern amenities (including air conditioning, refrigerators and tea- and coffee-making facilities), and all three have breathtaking views of the lake. The Inn provides free wireless Internet access and MP3/iPod-compatible music players in each room, but have chosen to exclude televisions (with the exception of the apartment) so that guests can more fully immerse themselves in the romantic scenery and relaxing surroundings.
The view over the lake from the Inn’s hillside is not only unforgettable; it is also within walking distance of a charming lakeside Ristorante. Aurora is perfect for a romantic meal on the water. If your lucky enough to be at the Inn at the end of June, you will have a front row seat for a spectacular fireworks display that takes place on and around Comacina Island, for the Festival of San Giovanni.

At this intimate inn, guests are outside the bustle and crowds of Bellagio, in a peaceful and private escape with amazing views and surrounded by simple comforts. But they are also close enough to this exciting town to be there in a moments notice. The Inn’s location and view, of the Lake leave guests in awe and they let guests know that a boat ride on the lake and a visit to the gardens at Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello is worth every second! At the Inn there's never any obligation to be the super-tourist, and it seems that several guests check into the upstairs apartment suite and spend the vast majority of their stay on the balcony in their comfy robes alternating between sipping coffee and wine!

The Inn loves honeymooners and is always happy to provide flowers, wine and/or champagne upon request, and will assist in planning a special dinner or romantic excursion.

This Inn has received wonderful reviews on Trip Advisor.
And of course, you can find out more about the Inn at their website (English, Italian, French, and German): http://www.cadelugadulza.com -OR- http://www.houseofthesweetgrape.com

For help in booking your flight or other travel arrangements, visit OneWed's Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Page.

Honeymooning in the Dominican Republic!- Part Two

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:03:10 -0500

Special to OneWed by Marie O'Mara of Honeymoons.com

Last I left off I had just arrived in the Dominican Republic for a 40th birthday party. Our room at Tortuga Bay, in the Punta Cana Resort was oceanfront with what felt like our very own beach. As someone who grew up at the shore, I can tell you that there is something about waking up to the sound of the ocean that starts your day off on the right foot. The beach, with powder white sand and teal water, was more than inviting... it was extremely warm & relaxing. And, what was even more relaxing was that there was no pressure to do anything but unwind each day! There was plenty to do and nothing to do; it was all up to you. In addition to the golf course, beach activities & pool activities there was also the Sixth Sense Spa where you could go for various treatments, or even request the hotel to arrange transportation for the great shopping nearby.

What I found most amazing about the property, aside from the VIP airport service, was that although the property was 100% sold out, there was never that race for a pool or beach chair to reserve your spot. There was always something available and somehow, whether you chose the beach or the pool you had options of being part of the party or to be as relaxed and peaceful as you wanted. There was a place for everyone. To make things that much better, the service was great and there was never a time where I had to wait for a drink or couldn’t find someone. I was thrilled to arrive home each night to our tub filled with hot water and candles lit throughout the bathroom; it was memorable and much needed after a night of drinking and dancing.

Our evenings were full of the activities that our host provided, including beach parties and dinners, followed by the Saturday night grand bash where guests were shuttled to a spot on the beach where over 800 guests came to celebrate with the birthday boy. Our host even went as far as to book “The Whalers” as lead entertainment, along with several bands from Latin America and DJs from Paris and other parts of the world. Now, there is of course no replacing Bob Marley, but “The Whalers” still sounded great and the new lead singer did ol’ Bob proud playing the great old reggae songs we know and love.

Don’t get me wrong- Tortuga Bay in Puntacana Resorts is a great vacation spot, not just because of all the activities provided by our fabulous host. I spoke to many others down there on vacation as well as some couples who were on their honeymoons who were all enjoying the bars & restaurants throughout the hotel that were alive with activity. While the parties were great my favorite part of the trip was just being together on the beach surrounded by family and friends, but having great events planned, an ocean front room, my own golf cart and VIP service 24 hours a day made it that much better!

Honeymooning in the Dominican Republic!

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:20:37 -0400

Special to OneWed by Marie O'Mara of Honeymoons.com

This week I'm blogging “honeymoons” ON location from the Dominican Republic at the Tortuga Bay Resort located at the Punta Cana Resort & Club. "Tis’ the wedding season", and honeymooners are on the move. Although we are not here honeymooning, we are surrounded by couples that are. And they are hard NOT to miss, dressed in "on our honeymoon" t-shirts, "bride and groom" t-shirts, and that honeymoon smile that says it all. Couples are also here celebrating weddings, anniversaries and like us, birthdays. We are here for a 40th birthday party and the resort feels alive with guests both from our event, as well as a destination wedding.

We arrived yesterday and as we stepped off the plane onto the tarmac, we were greeted by a representative from the Punta Cana Resort, who then whisked us through the line at customs and out the door of the airport. This is a great service provided by the hotel, considering we were on our way to the resort, in an air-conditioned car, within 4 minutes of getting off the plane. Although our plane had not even fully de-boarded, we were somehow pulling out of the airport! We avoided lines at immigration, customs & the line for purchasing your tourist card. Let’s just say the resort had our attention.

A short, as in “five” minute short, drive to the hotel and we were greeted and escorted to our room. We were sitting on our terrace looking at the ocean less then 30 minutes from the plane landing. Our room is beachfront, spacious and clean. We have an amazing view from our room of the ocean and of our own little beach. The hotel, which is very large and is part of a huge multiple hotel complex, calms your fears of feeling lost in this enormous location, by giving your own golf cart & “in house” mobile phone to keep you connected. I think it goes without saying that the golf cart has quickly become my favorite part of this vacation.

We quickly changed and hopped in our golf cart to find our group for a welcome party, which clearly gave everyone an idea of the fun filled weekend we are in store for. Following this amazing evening, we found ourselves laughing as our group, all in carts, began racing each other through the resort back to our rooms. It was the perfect start to an amazing event-filled weekend and I can’t help but find myself thinking how perfect this resort would be for a destination wedding!

Check back next Friday for Part 2 of my adventures at the Tortuga Bay Resort!

Beautiful Beaches and Top-Notch Ammenities: The Perfect Honeymoon Destination for Couples Seeking Relaxation!

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:42:00 -0400

Special to OneWed by Marie O'Mara of Honeymoons.com

Seven Stars Resort on Grace Bay, Island of Providenciales

So many friends had told me to visit the Providenciales, and now I can see why. After arriving in Turks & Caicos after a long week of work, I was more then ready to relax on the beach! Seven Stars Resort on Grace Bay, a brand new property, was exactly the place I needed. What was amazing, after getting my luggage I was greeted by a driver and from there I wasn’t loaded onto a bus with 50 people, or herded like a group of cattle to an area to wait in the heat, or asked to stand on a long line. I simply got into an air conditioned Lincoln and off we went! The driver welcomed us to the Island with interesting facts about this paradise, making the 20 minute drive go by in a snap.

Seven Stars is located on Grace Bay, part of the Princess Alexandra Park, a protected marine reserve on the northern coast of the island of Providenciales. The resort, having one of the longest beachfronts of powder white sand on Grace Bay, was named for the seven stars in the Pleiades constellation.

When we arrived at the Resort we were greeted with their signature drink along with a wet & cold towel to dab our hands and face, instantly freshening us up. We were seated in the lobby while a team checked us in and took our luggage, a very relaxed & excellent approach to the standard front desk check in. By the time we finished our drinks we were ready to check into our room and get changed to hit the pool. The resort offers residential style accommodations in three beachfront buildings all surrounding a central swimming pool amidst courtyards, fountains and lush tropical gardens.

I was more then impressed with our room. The suite, at least 3500 square feet, offered us our very own ocean front retreat. My favorite was that the suite boasted a wrap-around terrace affording dramatic ocean views and lounge furniture. We had an expansive living area, including a large dining area and a gourmet kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops with a wine refrigerator and Nespresso coffee machines.

Once changed, we headed to the pool. Other guests lounged poolside while attendants offered chilled towels, a cooling spritz and cocktails. On the beach, a variety of complimentary water sport equipment was available, including kayaks, sailing boats and snorkeling masks. There was plenty to do and plenty of cabanas for privacy.

Each day we decided to walk the beach, it was stunning. To say the sand was white was an understatement; it was gorgeous and so soft. My favorite day was when we sat on the beach and enjoyed The Deck, a great bar located on the beachfront. It was perfect; surrounding the bar, a bi-level hardwood deck included comfortable seating with lounges, daybeds and hammocks creating an unpretentious spot to sip tropical cocktails and enjoy bite-size nibbles. It was very relaxed and felt perfect.

At night, we tried the hotels up and down the beach for dinner, each one was better then the next. It was fun to get dressed for dinner since the island’s fine dining establishments are geared towards a high-end crowd. On the last night of the trip we stayed at the hotel and dined at their very own Terrace. It was a gorgeous room with a roof top terrace lending to a remarkable dining setting.

We enjoyed the fitness center, which was fully equipped and I even made time for a trip to the spa for a treatment. This property is clean, very pretty, organized and well run. If honeymooners are looking for a place to just relax and enjoy each other in a very romantic setting, then this is it.

Perfect Honeymoon for the Adventurous Newlyweds: A Backroads Biking or Hiking Excursion through Italy!

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:00:01 -0400

Special to OneWed by Marie O'Mara of Honeymoons.com

There are a few types of honeymoons, those that are filled with beaches, sunsets and relaxation and then there are those full of exploration, sightseeing, education AND let’s not forget the once in a lifetime thrill seeking experiences. For the couples that look for adventure and nonstop action, I have the ideal action packed honeymoon for you! A Backroads Biking or Hiking adventure.

As someone who loves hiking, biking, rafting and practically any type of outdoor activity, I was thrilled to find the Backroads Adventure Company. We booked this adventure through friends, so technically we stumbled upon the company by accident, and it ended up being both an adventure in addition to a 5 star vacation we loved. It truly offered activities for guests that are the extreme sports enthusiast and also accommodated guests like us, the ones that do like to bike, but love to eat and drink more!

Our Backroads trip was through the Tuscany, which made the terrain a little difficult. With miles of what the locals call “rolling” hills left me feeling as if I just peddled up Mt. Rushmore. The great news is that Backroads also offers adventures around the world in various locations with trips and adventures that match both everyone’s athletic ability and budget. You'll find adventures that comfortably match your pace and outlook, and those who liven up the mix with different itineraries & locations. The Backroads concept is pretty wild and simple. You bike from hotel to hotel. A van takes your luggage ahead to your room and you simply hit the road at any pace you desire and ride to the next destination. For those of you who worry about gaining weight on vacation, this tour eliminates any concern you may have! The company also equips you with a bike, helmet and accessories, daily tours, some meals & tons of assistance and guidance as you ride along.

We met our group in Florence at the train station and were quickly introduced to the 4 other couples we would be riding and touring with and both our guides for the week. We loaded a van and drove to the center of Tuscany for lunch at an old estate. On the way to lunch we were given an informal, yet wonderful, welcome speech in addition to a brief overview of what the week entailed. At lunch we were introduced and quickly bonded with the other riders over a light, but delicious welcome meal. Following lunch we walked out side to find a table set up with snacks of fresh fruit, power bars and a wide variety of fun treats to take on the bike with us. We were then fitted for helmets and introduced to the bike we would be on for the next week!

After a quick review of biking, which I was thrilled to have since I had not been on a bike in years, we were off and heading towards our first hotel. Different levels of bikers were on the tour so some peddled off like Lance Armstrong and others like myself, peddled along like Little Miss Muffet. The scenery was amazing, the rolling hills and endless mountains of sunflowers were breathtaking. Stopping along the way to take pictures and even for a gelato in town, we found ourselves laughing and enjoying the adventure. After the first leg of the trip, which was about 15 miles, my partner and I decided to take the van to the hotel. It had been a long day and we were ready to relax. The amazing part about this trip was you were able to choose your package by your accommodations; casual inns or premium inns, offering riders a big option and range in price.

We were on the premium inn tour and we loved the Inn’s that Backroads had chosen. Each one was beyond amazing, offering the most romantic atmosphere and the best dining. In addition to your hotels, Backroads also sets up tours in the towns for the group, your dining and even a buffet along the biking route that was amazing. This is a first class, 5 star operation.

By the end of the trip you have a common bond with your fellow riders: A passion for discovery and a deep appreciation for the defining moment, be it a gorgeous sunset or the perfect cappuccino at a charming café in some faraway corner of the world. As a couple, looking back we fell in love on this trip all over again. Between the laughter and funny things happening along the way and the romance of being in Italy, it was the best adventure we have had together so far!