The Double Honeymoon

Decisions, decisions, decisions. You've just spent months and months planning your wedding. What are you going to do for your honeymoon? Maybe, you just want to take a break and relax. Your partner, on the other hand, is looking to celebrate and party it up 24/7.

What to do? The double honeymoon, or the half and half honeymoon, gives you the best of both worlds. Let me use our honeymoon as an example... my wife and I both enjoy the nightlife, however, after several months of running around planning our wedding, we both agreed that we needed some time to relax.

Our first destination was Jumby Bay in Antigua, a secluded island resort that can only be reached by plane or boat. No television, no cars, no cabs, just bicycles and golf carts to get you around this luxurious private island. While we were honeymooning, fashion designer and daughter of Sir Paul, Stella McCartney, was doing a photo shoot at the resort. The staff greeted us personally each morning at breakfast by first and last name.

After three days of total rest and relaxation, it was time to move on. We jumped on the hourly ferry to the mainland and took a cab over to our next destination... Sandals Antigua. We spent the last four days of our honeymoon with twenty four hours of activities, loud music and fun people. Of course, it wasn't as relaxing and personalized as our first three days in Antigua, but it balanced out our Honeymoon perfectly!

If you budget your money the right way by spending less time at the 'luxurious' destination and more time at the 'commercial' resort, you won't see much of a difference in price. It was only a couple hundred dollars extra for us to stay at Jumby Bay for the first three days, as opposed to staying at Sandals for the whole week. Be sure to look for all-inclusive packages at both destinations if available.

It's your honeymoon... you deserve the best!

Submitted by Joe Tortorello, Site Administrator

Top 10 Hotel / Resorts In The Caribbean

Conde Nast Traveler has recently published the "Top 10 hotels & resorts in the Caribbean".

Whether you're planning an all-inclusive destination wedding or romantic honeymoon, these hotel and resort destinations may be your answer to the Caribbean destination wedding or honeymoon of your dream!

To see more hotels on the list, go to CondeNastTraveler.com.

1) Peninsula House

Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Visit Peninsula House for simple luxuries, grand gestures, antique vases overflowing with orchids, light filtering into every guest room. Las Terrenas lies comfortably among some of the many idyllic beachfront villages that dot the Northeastern Coast of the Dominican Republic, on the Samana Peninsula, where the sun first rises to welcome the day...

2) Jumby Bay

Jumby Bay, Antigua. Visit Jumby Bay online for more information. A Rosewood Resort, situated on a private Caribbean island just off the coast of Antigua, the luxury resort of Jumby Bay offers spectacular natural surroundings and haven-like seclusion, perfect for your destination wedding or honeymoon.

"Absolutely incredible, loved it. Beautiful beaches, luxurious villas. We had dinner right next to Stella McCartney, fashion designer and daughter of The Beatles, Sir Paul, who is also a frequent vacationer at this resort. Will definitely be taking my wife back soon!"

We happen to have our very own personal experience with this property. Joe Tortorello, owner and founder of weddingzone.net, weddingzone.com and other affiliated sites spent part of his honeymoon with his wife Jennifer at Jumby Bay. They finished up at Sandals Grande All Inclusive Antigua Resort.

3) Nisbet Plantation Beach Club

St. Kitts, Nevis. Visit Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, separated by a two-mile channel, discover the beauty of the sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis in the British West Indies. Your Caribbean travels will lead you to islands that are rich in vegetation and history.

4) Anse Chastanet

St. Lucia. Visit Anse Chastanet to plan your destination wedding or honeymoon. Anse Chastanet's spectacular scenic location, it's unique setting and special ambiance, has firmly ensconced the Resort as one of St. Lucia's foremost honeymoon vacation spots and we have the awards to prove it.

5) Jade Mountain

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia. Visit Jade Mountain, with jaw-droppingly beautiful rooms, all have 15-foot ceilings, unforgettable Piton Mountain views, and private infinity pools in different colored tiles (ruby red, amber, plum). Chef Allen Susser’s Jade Mountain Club mixes sweet and spicy flavors, but the emphasis is on seafood that makes your taste buds sing.

6) The Reefs

Bermuda. Visit The Reefs for Bermuda's best wedding/honeymoon desination. Say “I Do” overlooking breathtaking views of the Atlantic or with pink sand between your toes. The Reefs is the perfect setting for the Bermuda wedding of your dreams.

7) The Caves

Negril, Jamaica. Visit The Caves to plan your destination wedding or honeymoon. A customized wedding or honeymoon at The Caves is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Bask in the sheer romance of sun-dazzled days and moonlit nights.

8) Hotel Le Toiny

St. Bartherlemy, St. Barts. Visit Hotel Le Toiny to plan your dream honeymoon. Privacy and exclusivity have always been the defining characteristics of Hotel Le Toiny. Situated in the area of the island referred to as Cote Sauvage, the 15 pastel-colored bungalows, called Villa Suites, are set on a gentle slope overlooking the bay of Toiny and the Caribbean Sea.

9) Seven Stars Resort

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Visit Seven Stars Resort to book your destination wedding. Ultra private oceanfront setting, Custom wedding and honeymoon packages, Complimentary services of a wedding coordinator.

10) Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa

Westmoreland, Jamaica. Visit Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa for more info. All rooms at this, the newest Sandals resort, sit on “a never-ending beach,” in a 500-acre wilderness preserve between Bannister and Parker’s bays on the island’s south coast.

Destination Wedding Resorts

Making your wedding a unique event is a challenge to every couple and saying I do's with a twist in a romantic but adventurous resort wedding can make the experience extraordinary for the couples and the guests.

We all want to get married just once to someone whom we hope to share our whole life with. We try to check all wedding websites, magazines, bridal shows and videos and hope to come up with the most unique idea to celebrate our own. Most of the time, we cannot control who we should invite to our weddings. It is but natural to have family relatives and close friends to witness the momentous event. However, we can always choose were to celebrate it and how it will be celebrated.

A unique resort wedding with some twists like scuba diving or mid ocean wedding ceremonies and others can make one's nuptial truly unusual, one of a kind and memorable.

A Luxurious Resort Wedding is Always worth the Long Wait

If it has taken years and was almost impossible to say your precious I do, then a luxurious resort wedding will always make the long wait worth it.

After years of waiting and believing, it is but right to reward yourself and your future spouse a luxurious wedding that is complete with all the comforts and pleasures like fairy tales are told. There can be nothing more delightful than finally meeting your better half and pledging your forever with her. Spending a great time with her on a perfect get away for your wedding is like expressing your gratitude to the most high for bringing her to your life - in the grandest way possible.

A helicopter ride, a yacht trip or a stay in the luxurious beach resort can truly make the experience pleasurable and making the experience. A resort wedding is a dream come true for any bride or groom who has waited for a long time for the reality of such a dream.

A Perfect Beach Resort Wedding for Busy Couples

If you have been working all your life, a perfect beach resort wedding is the ultimate escapade that makes busy couples to enjoy each other's company in a more intimate way.

Your busy schedules could make it impossible for you to share precious moments together. However, an event like a wedding can make any boss understand the need to be off work for a couple of days. Grab the chance to spend special intimate moments with your beloved and take off to a grand beach resort wedding that can take your relationship to a whole new level.

Everyone needs quality time with the person they loves especially to someone they promises to live their lives forever with. And when it comes to starting a new life together, it is important to start everything right together. A beach resort wedding can offer both of you a relaxing, refreshing and peaceful time together in a destination far from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

About the author: This is a guest post from Kala, courtesy of Resort Weddings by Traveloni.

Theme Wedding Ideas

Theme Weddings: how to make your special day even more special.

Weddings are events often organized with respect for tradition: religious ceremony, white wedding gown, fine banquet and so on. But behind every ceremony, there are two people, whose desires and personality may lead to the wish to give their wedding a touch of uniqueness and personalization. A good way to do that, without giving up traditions, is to plan a theme wedding.

Theme weddings can be of many different kinds. Here you are some examples, to be inspired from:

Beach Weddings

For people who love the seaside and want a young and fresh wedding, a wedding on the beach can be the perfect option. The idea is a good fit also for low-cost venues, as luxury restaurants and expensive decorations can be replaced by a rich buffet and simple but colourful flowers.

History-inspired weddings

A Medieval, 9th Century or Gone with The Wind style wedding: a multitude of ideas comes from history and there’s almost no limit to what it can suggest to make your wedding very original, especially if you choose the right location to increase the effect. Try to think, for example, to a Roman-style wedding in Rome, with the Coliseum as a perfect background.

Fairy tales inspired weddings

A wedding venue good enough for a princess: which girl has never thought about a wedding in a castle? Hotels and restaurant located in old restored castles are not impossible to find, especially for wedding venues in Italy and in France.

Personalized wedding venues

A theme wedding does not necessary need a huge effort. A wedding venue can be personalized also thanks to a few simple details. A good idea could be to pick up a specific theme according to the bride’s style, like a colour or the favourite flower, and choose the decoration according to this choice. Other original and simple ideas to give the venue a personal touch could be to write your own wedding vows or to organize special activities to entertain the guests.

Planning a theme wedding can be very complicated. For this reason, it could be a good idea to hire a professional wedding planner, especially if you choose to celebrate your wedding abroad. Involving friends and relatives could be also useful, so that they can enter the “themed” atmosphere in the best possible way.

Whatever support you decide to get, the most important thing to remember is that who has to make the final decisions is the couple. This is what really makes a wedding personalized.

Article submitted by Dimple Lalji

Honeymoon Registry Trends

Couples are now registering for honeymoons and 'life experiences', rather than the traditional china and crystal.

While on their honeymoon in the Poconos, Josephine and Robert Wilson of Princeton, NJ paused to take a picture -- in front of an inflatable raft on the Lehigh River, smiling big.

(Photo courtesy of Josephine Wilson)

Josephine Wilson, née Hearn, admits it was a corny photo.

But she captured the moment for her thank-you cards. Because without her godparents, the newlyweds wouldn't have been able to afford that river rafting trip. The trip was the wedding gift for which she would be writing to say "thank you."

Before their wedding on June 4, the Wilsons had lived together for more than a year. They already owned most of the traditional items found on a wedding registry. And the ones they didn't have, they didn't really want.

"We're never going to use the salad forks," Josephine Wilson said.

So the Wilsons didn't make a traditional registry. Instead, the couple turned to Honeyfund.com, a website that helps couples register for "experiences" on their honeymoon. Through the site, well-wishers can finance some aspect of a happy couple's honeymoon, big or small: Everything from airfare to peanuts during the flight, massages, candle-lit dinners and snorkeling lessons can be gifted.

The Wilsons are far from unique. Registering for honeymoons, "experience gifts" and other items more practical -- and even more fun -- than, say, a cake platter, is something more and more contemporary brides and grooms are experimenting with.

Eleven percent of marrying couples now register for honeymoons, 16 percent for movies, music and games and 20 percent for sports gear, according to the Knot Market Intelligence 2010 Bridal Registry Study, which was done by the popular wedding-planning website. A small number even registers for pet-pampering.

Why the shift? The average age of a bride is now 29; the average groom, 31. Most of these not-quite-youngsters have been living on their own, and for much longer than the engaged couples of generations past.

So, wine glasses? They've already got those, thanks.

"The trend is more of a lifestyle registry; outdoor gear, sports gear, stuff that pertains to their lifestyle, because chances are they have plates, forks and knives," said Amy Eisinger, associate editor at WeddingChannel.com. "They are not looking to fulfill (the) same needs as people who are moving out from parents' " homes.

It's not a universal movement yet. Couples' top three choices of retailers to register with continue to be Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Macy's. Even couples who also register for honeymoons or experience gifts normally make a small traditional registry, so as not to offend guests.

And, of course, even those who already have a house or an apartment full of stuff can use wedding gifts to kick their style up a notch. "Many couples who have already lived together are using this as a chance to upgrade to cohesive sets," Eisinger said. "But registries are letting couple's personalities shine through. If a couple registers for camping equipment, and they love to camp -- most likely every time they use it they will think of you.

"If it's honeymoons, you get to help them remember their special time."

On the Honeyfund, the Wilsons registered for things such as gas for the drive, a bottle of champagne, the cost of staying at a romantic cabin, lift tickets, a wine and cheese tasting and bike equipment.

The Wilsons received most of their Honeyfund contributions from their younger friends, while the older guests tended to purchase crystal and china.

"Couples are using online a lot more while planning a wedding," Eisinger said. "Now you can have a universal registry, and I'm even hesitant to say if honeymoon registries existed 10 years ago. Only in the past five years has this stuff really surfaced."


Michael Gleeson and Andreea Vasilescu, who married on July 17, were reluctant at first to try the Honeyfund, but when their friends registered for it, they thought it was a "neat alternative."

Once the duo decided what they wanted to do -- take a honeymoon trip to Greece -- Gleeson wrote up the descriptions of what they hoped for and posted them on Honeyfund.

"Greece isn't necessarily cheap," said Gleeson, 37, who lives in West New York. "We weren't sure if people would go for it."

"But we had to add more things because they all were purchased so quickly by our guests," said Vasilescu, 30.

The couple didn't feel comfortable asking for hotel or airfare from their guests, so they asked for dinners at local restaurants, a Santorini sailing trip and a snorkeling trip in Mykonos, among other things. The newlyweds did not ask for anything they couldn't have purchased on their own, they said, but the gifts helped ease the cost of the trip.

"We are not the most traditional couple -- we have a groomsmaid," said Vasilescu. "For us to have to have something different, like a honeymoon registry, it's not a surprise to either of our parents. We tend to make things up as we go and what works for us."

Article by By Meredith Galante/The Star-Ledger

(Newsfeed, www.nj.com)

Top 10 Reasons for Getting Married in Aruba

Falling in love again, what are you to do? Get out your passport and book a vacation to Aruba! Traveling is always fun and exciting. Getting married while you are traveling is more than just icing on the cake. An Aruba all inclusive wedding will be an unforgettable experience for you and your wedding guests.

The top 10 reasons for getting married in Aruba are:

1. Perfect Resort Settings - Aruba resorts offer a wide range of ceremony options from elegant ballroom to sandy beach. Aruba’s opulent high-rise resorts and casual beachfront low-rise resorts are complemented by the natural beauty of turquoise Caribbean waters, pristine beaches and stunning panoramas.

2. Perfect Weather - Aruba’s residents and visitors are blessed with clear skies, bright sunshine and cooling trade winds practically every day of the year. Sunshine, warm temperatures, cooling trade winds, brilliant sunsets, and a location at southern fringe of the hurricane belt take the worry out of planning your special day.

3. Safety - Feel secure in one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. You are safe and secure at all times.

4. Perfect Natural Settings - Aruba provides couples with many unique and unforgettable wedding venues, whether its barefoot on the beach, hidden coves, natural bridges or underwater reefs. Touring and exploring Aruba's unique terrain is both fascinating and fun. This small desert island contains vast contrasts including a leeward coast of marshmallow-soft beaches lapped by calm Caribbean waters, a rugged brush-covered desert interior, and a northeast wind-whipped coastline punctuated by inlets and cliffs and beaten by angry surf.

5. Convenient Airlift - With direct air service and hubs at major airports throughout the US, you, your bridal party and guests can easily travel to and from the island. The Queen Beatrix Airport has won international awards for facilities and services and provides pre-clearance of US Immigration and Customs on flights returning to the USA.

6. Conveniences and Comforts - Aruba is a modern island with fabulous shopping, state-of-the-art communications. Shoppers will find an enormous selection of international brand name products and prices that are 10 – 35% lower than those in the United States.

7. Island Hospitality - Aruba’s people are friendly and helpful. Hotel staffs are professional and well-informed. You will be received with warmth and appreciation and handled with care all during your stay.

8. Civil Marriages - Civil marriages are now possible in Aruba, and take place in the Civil Town House.

9. Religious Ceremonies - As long as you plan in advance and submit the necessary documentation, Catholic, Protestant, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Jewish religious ceremonies can all be conducted on-island.

10. Wedding Planners - Independent and resort wedding planners provide valuable advice about documentation and legal matters as well as coordination on the ceremony day. Every minute detail about the ceremony and reception can be arranged, from officiator, witnesses, flowers, mementoes, gifts, and wedding certificates, to limousine service, photography and video, rehearsal dinners, wardrobe, and personal attendants - even a butterfly release!

Article submitted by Jennifer Brown, Aruba all inclusive, Aruba resorts

Get Married On Miami Beach

The Ultimate Stress-Free Wedding

For couples looking for a casual and relaxing marriage ceremony, the beach is the perfect choice. By its very nature, the beach is a beautiful place where you can sit back, unwind and enjoy the moment. A place where a sun-dress and shorts are considered dressed up, and a bathing suit with a sarong is the norm.

Imagine having your nuptials in a warm tropical setting. Gentle ocean breezes fill the air, the sounds of waves and seagulls in the background, the sun shining overhead, and soft sand beneath your feet. Next to you is the love of your life, passionately vowing their commitment and devotion to you.

Having your wedding on the beach is a wonderful way to set the mood for a romantic honeymoon. It is an intimate celebration that is convenient and carefree, the perfect way to start a lifetime together.

As more couples plan and pay for their own weddings, they want to have a casual unique celebration and combine it with their honeymoon. This is the concept of a destination wedding. For less than the cost of a traditional wedding, they can have a wedding and honeymoon with funds to spare. Couples can travel to a tropical location; stay in a luxury oceanfront hotel, have a beach marriage ceremony, and still have money left over for restaurants, dance clubs, shopping and attractions.

South Florida is a popular tropical destination for couples who want to combine their wedding and honeymoon, but do not want to travel outside the United States. For those who desire the laid back ambiance of the Caribbean mixed with the exciting energetic atmosphere of South Beach, Miami Beach is the ideal location.

Miami Beach has become a haven for tropical destination weddings because of its beautiful weather and amenities. It has many miles of lovely beaches with a wide range of hotels and accommodations overlooking the warm Atlantic shoreline. An abundance of world renowned restaurants, bars, dance and night clubs for vibrant evenings of food and entertainment. Water sports and activities like jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating or para sailing to fill your days with fun in the sun. Trendy stores and shopping malls to satisfy all your shopping needs.

Relaxing by the water and sunbathing is a typical pastime. You may even catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrity during your stay. Centrally located between the Florida Keys and Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Beach is a great place for a romantic casual tropical beach wedding and honeymoon.

Monique N. Gilbert is a Wedding Officiant (Florida Notary) at Tropical Miami Beach Weddings. She caters to couples who seek a romantic and carefree beach marriage ceremony, commitment ceremony or vow renewal. She meets you at the beach of your choice and makes all the arrangements necessary. She even helps out-of-state couples obtain their Florida marriage license by mail.

Submitted by Monique N. Gilbert, www.tropicalmiamibeachweddings.com

St Barts Destination Weddings And Honeymoons

Destination Weddings are weddings that take place away from where the bride and groom live. They happen in some of the most exotic and wonderful places in the world. These types of non-traditional weddings provide the bride and groom with dreamy settings, while doubling as an opportunity for guests to experience a place they have never been before.

“Today’s couples are more educated, sophisticated, and better traveled than couples of past generations. More affluent than past marrying couples, 27% of these Generation Y couples (children of the baby boomers and twice the numbers) will pay for their entire wedding, and they want something different for themselves and their guests; they want to be pampered and taken seriously.

“Although women are still the primary decision makers of the wedding plans, men are more involved today than couples of the generation that preceded them, 83% of today’s couples are employed full time; they work hard (they are paying a mortgage and own one or two automobiles between them). Equally, they want to play hard; realizing that they are together rarely, they want to plan events that will bring them closer. As well, they want to create deep and meaningful memories for the family and friends. Since most couples are not getting married in the areas where they grew up, their time with family and friends is all the more precious and important to them. If they can do this in a unique or even an exotic setting, all the more enticing,” Ernst adds.

St Barthelemy, located in the French West Indies, is that exotic setting today’s bride is looking for. It is the Monte Carlo of the Caribbean, without the traffic jams but with the added advantage of flawless beaches. Shortened to Saint Barth in French and St Barts in English it is an exclusive eight square mile (21 sq km) embodiment of 24-carat French chic. It attracts millionaires on luxury yachts, movie stars and French expatriates fleeing the European winter. It is a Caribbean island where relaxation and Gallic style under a tropical sun have been refined to perfection.

Few islands worldwide, can match the unique blend of style, nature and history that is St. Barts. This tiny island has significant appeal where 'quality' is most certainly more important than 'quantity'... an island far away from the normality of life, making it the perfect wedding destination.

St. Barts is surrounded with turquoise waters, situated near the northern end of the Lesser Antilles group in the French West Indies. At a distance of 200 kms from the island of Guadeloupe and 25 kms from Saint-Martin. It is a mountainous island whose only flat area is occupied by the airport’s runway. As the climate is rather dry, agriculture has never been developed, thus throughout history few slaves had ever been employed. For the most part, St. Bartians are descendants of Breton and Norman fisher folk. Many are of French and Swedish ancestry, the latter evident in their fair skin, blond hair, and blue eyes.

St. Barts’ beaches are renowned for being some of the most beautiful and pristine in the world. Many are found in small coves, which have been protected from development by strict environmentally friendly zoning. Unlike many of its neighboring Caribbean islands, it has not been overrun with prefab condos and large chain hotels. There are six 4 star hotels all featuring romance packages for the wedding or honeymoon couple. All are of single story design, some as one building and others as separate single bedroom villas. Four are located on the beach (perfect for reading-of-the-vows ceremony) the other two are high on the hills with magnificent views of the island and setting sun. Each hotel has been uniquely designed, blending into the surrounding terrain. Luxury and elegance is felt in each environment.

St. Barts features some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean. The island has over eighty restaurants featuring culinary styles ranging from classic French to Asian to West Indian.

Many of the restaurants attract gourmet chefs trained in France to oversee their kitchens. These chefs can also be reserved to serve guests in the intimate privacy of their own villa for any special event or treasured evening. Villas on the island offer breath taking views and the perfect setting for your reception, especially with your own private French chef.

Nightlife of St. Barts is diverse as well. Visitors looking for late-night pleasures can listen to live jazz at a café or dance the night away at one of the local discos or after hours clubs.

St. Barts is also a duty-free port, rated as one of the premier shopping destinations in the Caribbean. The capital Gustavia is the principal shopping area of the island. There are boutiques and emporiums for the most sophisticated shoppers, featuring luxury brands such as Cartier, Hermes, Dior to name a few. The island hosts numerous health and beauty clinics and fitness centers catering to the island's upscale clientele.

It is important to realize that planning a wedding in a foreign country still has the usual concerns and worries of any home based event; there is the additional stress that something could go wrong in a different location. Aside from making travel reservations for the group, a couple needs to consider local legal issues. For instance, marriage in St Barts is not a legal ceremony, rather it is viewed as a spiritual ceremony. For this reason and others, travelers planning to marry in any foreign country should give serious consideration to hiring a local, home based Wedding Consultant for guidance and advice as well as an on-site Wedding Consultant at the particular destination. .The on-site Consultant will insure that the hosts of the event have all the required documentation, that every detail is planned long before arrival and that only the most competent, professional and expert wedding vendors with proper contracts will provide their services . These on-site Consultants can also provide any needed assistance if the couple chooses to bring along some of their own vendors (e.g. the photographer, floral designer, videographer, etc.). They will check that each client and guest is properly retrieved at the airport, that they are provided with the planned-for-accommodations, and that they are well rested from travel before beginning the schedule of any local tours and sightseeing prepared for in advance. Moreover, the on-site consultant can also suggest local customs that will make the wedding truly unique, one that family and friends alike will talk about for a very long time.

“Premium IV is truly one of the foremost on-site specialists. Located on St Barts they are members of AFWPI (Association for Wedding Professionals International) and JWI (June Wedding, Inc®). The management team of Premium IV is made up of three experts in service: a successful Canadian entrepreneur, an English expert in receptive tourism and a French restaurateur who have provided magnificent service in the best restaurants and hotels in France, the UK, USA, and St Barts. Additionally, the highly qualified and bilingual staff (French and English) have many years of experience in the island way of life.

They will provide the ultimate in V.I.P. services. Premium IV has brought together, under one umbrella, only the best that St Barts has to offer. With over 120 contracted partners providing approximately 450 products and services. There is virtually no request that Premium IV cannot arrange,” says International Travel Writer, Jesse Nash.

Any special event wedding, honeymoon or other special event that takes place on St. Barts is special and memorable simply due to the Island’s own enchanted ambiance and unique hospitality. The St. Barts experience is all the more enhanced when it is under the direction of a competent Consultant and Director, at home and on the Island. But the Consultant or Director who leaves nothing to chance, who sees to it that not only is the St. Barts experience itself is magical, one that will be treasured forever in the hearts and memories of the travelers, the staff of Premium IV takes the added steps of communicating with the client and/or their home based Consultant before arrival on St. Barts so that every detail is discussed, decisions determined and firmed up in writing, and that from the moment the client and guests set foot on St. Barts, they enter into a well scripted, stress-free atmosphere and they will be completely at ease and confident that all the planning will play out like as closely as possible to their dreams.

Submitted by John Day, President, Premium IV, St Barthelemy, www.premiumiv.com

Celebrity Weddings Are "Destined" For Europe

Celebrity weddings are "destined" for Europe. Discover tips from a travel insider and a former bride on how to plan your own destination wedding.

As more celebrities tie the knot in Europe, many couples have become interested in having their own destination wedding. Doorways, Ltd. is a travel agency that specializes in European villas. President Kit Burns has planned several dream weddings abroad, including her own daughter's. She offers nine steps with her insider tips for planning your own dream wedding in Europe...

Decide on the location

Burns suggests choosing a country that has personal meaning to the couple. Ethnic ties, scenery, or pure love of a country's culture often guide the couple's choice. Whatever country you decide on, always choose an agency that specializes in your destination.

Calculate your budget and number of guests

Happily, destination weddings often cost the same as or less than at-home weddings because the guest list can be trimmed down to only very close family and friends. Normally a destination wedding is between 12-40 people, including immediate family, best friends and close cousins. This is exactly why destination weddings are so appealing; they are personal, romantic, and surprisingly affordable.

Find the right place to stay within your country of choice

Some areas are perfect wedding spots. Burns recommends newly-restored Villa Buonvisi, nestled among olive groves, mountains, and vineyards in Lucca, Tuscany. The villa is fully-staffed, and its gracious owners offer guests free wine, olive oil, and personalized wedding planning. Doorways also offers properties ideal for weddings in France and Spain.

Locate a good wedding planner abroad

It is important to establish contact with a planner while you are still in the States. When brides call Doorways, Ltd. to rent a villa for their destination wedding, they are matched with villa owners who offer personal service and experience. For Trea Robinson, a Doorways destination wedding bride, the villa owners served as an integral part of the planning process. Robinson says, "The villa owners had everything under control and never let us see them under any pressure if there was any. They recommended restaurants, handled translations, the florist, cook, pastry chef, and numerous details that made our wedding day and week - absolutely perfect!"

Find out the legal regulations of your destination

To avoid a lot of red tape, Burns suggests couples have the legal marriage at home then a symbolic wedding ceremony in the destination country. Some countries, such as Italy offer civil ceremonies that are internationally recognized. Your travel consultant should be familiar with the legalities of your destination.

Notify your family and friends

Send out a "save the date" email as soon as your date and location are confirmed. Keep in mind that some people plan their vacations a year in advance, so you should let everyone know the date and country as soon as possible.

Buy your dress and figure out how you will transport it

Have it fitted in advance. Then, wrap it in tissue paper and pack it in a large box. If you check it with your luggage, be sure to label your destination address and phone number clearly, and insure the dress separately. Some brides prefer to ship the dress ahead and there are delivery services you can use. They are expensive, but can be worth it. Be sure to arrange the delivery and storage of the dress with your villa in advance.

Maintain communication

Create a website where guests can find answers to their questions without calling the bride and groom. The theme of the website can match your invitations. It is also helpful to provide guests with your travel consultant's contact information. This can be your US villa rental company, like Doorways, or it can be one of the other guests who loves to do this as a hobby.

Arrive early and finalize details

For Trea Robinson, it was the details of her destination wedding that were most memorable. "The fields of mint that we walked through to get to the vineyards for pictures were amazing. Guests enjoyed cocktails under the villa's arbor that was brimming with grapes." The magical aura of Europe can make any bride feel like a star.

For information on renting a villa for your destination wedding, vow renewal or honeymoon, visit www.villavacations.com or call 1 800-261-4460.

Doorways, Ltd. specializes in villa, chateau and apartment rentals in Italy, Spain, and France. Since 1994, the company has provided each of its clients with personalized service and genuine care. All properties have been personally seen and approved by the Doorways staff.

Article written by Susan Russo

Submitted by Kit Burns, President, Doorways, Ltd., www.villavacations.com

Bali A Tropical Paradise

Bali is to Asia as the Hawaii islands are to the United States: a gorgeous tropical destination whose economy exists almost solely to serve the needs and dreams of tourists. In the 1920s the former Dutch colony began to gain a reputation as a destination for cruise ships, and word of its beauty spread.

Bali's culture is an interesting contrast to the main island of Java. The ethnic Balinese people are for the most part Hindu. The wave of Islam that swept through much of Indonesia bypassed Bali. While the Hinduism they practice is fundamentally the same as in India, the customs and daily practices are unique.

On the island of Bali the cultural differences with respect to Indian Hinduism can be found in their temple styles, ceremonial offerings, rites and rituals. Balinese cultural rites are based on the belief in reincarnation.

The society in Bali is organized strictly according to Hindu caste system. Peoples name grants a special place to them in the society. The Hinduism practiced in Bali is a mixture of Hindu, Buddhist and their own indigenous customs. These Hindu and Buddhist customs would have reached the island centuries ago. Though in the present day the Buddhist population is very less.

Bali was a Dutch colony until World War II, when the Japanese overtook the island. Indonesia gained independence in 1949. Prior to Dutch control, Bali was ruled by its own leaders as well as by Java. People lived on Bali during prehistoric times, so the Balinese people today are descendants of millennia of customs and traditions.

After independence, the communist took charge of the affairs of the islands and progress was little or slow. It was in 1965 that General Suharto came to power and placed the islands on the path to progress. He initiated a long movement against the communists that resulted in the killing of about 50,000 people. It was during his rule that the country progressed and the tourisms industry really grew. The economy of Bali revolves around
agriculture and tourism.

Still, after these cultural interruptions, Balinese culture remains unique and is kind of an oasis in Indonesia. Although neighboring Java has great influence and the Suharto regime uprooted many traditional communities, Bali is still a place of ancient tradition and Hindu culture rooted in agriculture and tourism. However, the Balinese do not take this steadfastness of their culture for granted. They honor it every day, and organizations exist to "conserve" Balinese culture and historical treasures for the future.

Tania Montmon is the operator and webmaster of Bali Inc., which is the premier resource for Bali information.

Submitted by Tania Montmon, www.fptbali.com

Romancing The Green

Unite Exotic Adventure and Eco Friendly with a Green Honeymoon.

Golfo Dulce – Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has been described by National Geographic Magazine as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth.’ This Eden-like setting is an idyllic, remote location for a romantic and adventurous honeymoon and a perfect spot to make it a Green one where you can not only unite two hearts into one, but also show your desire for working together towards a more sustainable planet.

Imagine hiking with your new partner to a secluded swimming hole with a cascading waterfall in the rainforest? Or peacefully kayaking in one of only four tropical fjords in the world? The Golfo Dulce, or the Sweet Gulf, off the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity for both a beach and a rainforest honeymoon in one location. The gulf is surrounded by protected rainforest preserves, national parks, biological corridors and sanctuaries with hiking trails and a myriad of wildlife easily viewed wildlife.

A Dream Honeymoon

Though teeming with natural beauty, the Osa Peninsula is still far enough off the beaten track so you’ll not be surrounded by hordes of other travelers. Most resorts are accessible only by boat. One such resort, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, has the tranquil waters and unspoiled beaches of the gulf at its front door, and its 165-acre rainforest preserve and the lush Piedras Blancas National Park out back. If you’re looking for a private escape for your adventurous honeymoon, this may be the place for you.

The small size of Playa Nicuesa allows for an intimate experience with nature. Its cabins, guestrooms and the main lodge are uniquely designed to create a seamless and enjoyable transition between the indoors and outdoors. The lodge’s five cabins are all very private and great for couples seeking unique accommodation, including a special garden open air shower surrounded by nature.

Playa Nicuesa’s honeymoon package offers intimate rainforest cabins, aromatherapy massages, and candlelit dinners on the lodge’s rainforest terrace, and a selection of adventure activities, such as a private hike with a naturalist guide to a hidden waterfall, kayaking, mangrove river tours, snorkeling, fishing and bird watching. The package includes meals with an emphasis on local cuisine and fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegetables. If you want a little more room, a Cabin Suite is yours for the asking.

Playa Nicuesa’s green philosophy stands out. They understand the fragility and value of the beauty and nature that surrounds them, and have adopted strong environmental practices and policies. They practice sustainable, low-emission living and have adopted carbon neutrality as a way of life.

Their conservation program protects 95 per cent of its 65 hectare (165 acres) rainforest property in an undeveloped and natural condition. They also use clean energy powered by solar panels to run the majority of the lodge’s electrical service, and candles are used throughout the lodge to maintain the natural experience.

Playa Nicuesa Lodge has also earned a FONAFIFO (Costa Rica’s official carbon credits foundation) certification for offsetting their use of fossil fuel by purchasing carbon credits and has begun the official process to be certified a Carbon Neutral Business. Guests can offset the carbon footprints from their flights to Costa Rica by purchasing carbon credits with FONAFIFO that will be used to reforest and preserve the Golfo Dulce/Osa Peninsula.

Honeymoon couples can also plant their own hardwood tree to symbolize their start of their own marriage and contribute to the lodges Osa Peninsula conservation program that donated $10,000 to the Nature Conservancy last year. A perfect combination for romancing the green.

Playa Nicuesa also offers special rates to rent the entire lodge, if you are looking for a wedding venue. This option includes a nature guides, chef, boat captain and housekeeping, as well as unlimited use of preserve trails, kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling equipment and fishing gear. The lodge can accommodate 22 guests.

If you want to go off on our own adventure the lodge will set you up with a delicious packed lunch, a bottle of wine and some snorkeling equipment to put in your kayak and go off for a day of exploring private beaches and snorkeling spots.

The Golfo Dulce

Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park, and private reserves create a protected biological corridor around the gulf, and an extraordinary large trail system for hiking and exploring the incredibly bio-diverse rainforest. The region is only accessible by boat, so you know you’ll be able to experience nature intact complete with howler monkeys, over 250 types of birds including toucans and parrots, butterflies, coati, iguanas, lizards, tree frogs and much more.

Golfo Dulce, protected from the open Pacific by the Osa Peninsula, is home to groups of whales and at least three types of dolphins, as well as sea turtles, sea birds and other marine life. The gulf, the tenth deepest in the world, is a great place for kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, sailing or surfing. Its tranquil waters are pleasant for sailing and windsurfing, and excellent for snorkeling and fishing. The lodge has its own boats and local guides to take you out for a variety of tours including a private sunset boat tour of the Gulf or a variety of fishing trips.

The Golfo Dulce and Playa Nicuesa Lodge are a perfect combination for romancing the green.

Submitted by Margo Malcolm, www.nicuesalodge.com

Destination Weddings: Las Vegas

Top 10 destination wedding hot spots in Las Vegas from Wedding Zone

Bellagio Wedding Packages

South Wedding Chapel
East Wedding Chapel
Terrazza Di Sogno

Bellagio Weddings Las Vegas


Caesars Palace Wedding Packages

Classico
Romano
Venus Garden
Tuscanna

Caesars Palace Weddings Las Vegas


Mandalay Bay Wedding Packages

Crystal Waters
Opal Shores
Shark Reef Ceremony
Cabana Ceremony
Simcha / Rabbinical Ceremony
Platinum Skies
Diamond Lights
Alluring Breeze
Sweet Indulgence
Sun Villa
Spring Into Romance
Sun Kissed Wedding Plan
Fall In Love Plan

Mandalay Bay Weddings Las Vegas


Aria MGM Resorts Events

Aria Catering
Aria Weddings
Aria Events

Aria Weddings Las Vegas


MGM Grand Wedding Packages

Forever Grand
Legacy Chapel
Cherish Chapel

MGM Grand Weddings Las Vegas


Mirage Wedding Packages

Intimate Gatherings
Grand Lavish Affairs
20 to 5000 Guests
Jet and Revolution Nightclubs

Mirage Weddings Las Vegas


Hilton Wedding Packages

LaBella Wedding Chapel
Las Vegas Wedding Chapel Packages
Elvis Weddings
Outdoor Weddings
Gazebo Wedding
Renewal of Vows

Hilton Weddings Las Vegas


Planet Hollywood Wedding Packages

The Chapel at Planet Hollywood
Star in your own Happily Ever After in Las Vegas
Gone With The Wind
Love Actually
Blue Hawaii
Casablanca
Father Of The Bride
Chocolat

Planet Hollywood Weddings Las Vegas


Paris Las Vegas Wedding Packages

Marseille
Champagne
Burgundy
Paris Perfection
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower Petite
Poolside At Paris
Four or Two Night Honeymoon
All Inclusive

Paris Weddings Las Vegas


Stratosphere Wedding Packages

The Chapel in the Clouds
Stratosphere Wedding
Chapel Reception Specials
Say I Do At The Top
Lucky In Love
Wedding In The Clouds
Stairway To The Stars
Top Of The Tower
Stratosphere Spectacular
Sky's The Limit
Vow Renewals

Stratosphere Weddings Las Vegas

Vendors 2010 - Key Largo Beach Wedding

The Ideal Setting For Your Florida Wedding Experience a tropical Caribbean paradise - without leaving the United States - at Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club, A Hilton Resort, offering a wealth of natural wonders. To request more information or reserve space for your romantic Key Largo wedding or special event, send an email to Charlene Lopez at Charlene.lopez@hilton.com.

Florida Keys Weddings

Memorable Experiences Await

Key Largo is the perfect locale for weddings and special events. Shrouded in tropical splendor and elegantly meshed with picture-perfect weather, our captivating resort is where memorable experiences await.

An Unforgettably Romantic Key Largo Wedding Location

Honored as the only beach location mentioned in MSN's "Top Ten Wedding Destinations," Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club, A Hilton Resort provides a luxurious setting for your exclusive Florida wedding or social event. Enchant your guests with our unique blend of majestic atmosphere and classic design details. Our Largo Ballroom is ideal for lavish wedding receptions for up to 250 guests, while our Bay View Ballroom accommodates 200, and our Cypress Ballroom accommodates 120 with stunning bayside views. Whatever the occasion, our exceptional property offers the ideal venue, ensuring a truly memorable Key Largo wedding or event.

Submitted by www.keylargoresort.com

Maui Weddings Spousal Relationship In A Truthful Sense

The day of the wedding is the beginning of the journey that you and your soul mate will make. To make this day really memorable, a Maui wedding is a wonderful choice.

The attractive wedding sites that Mauiu offers include Hamoa Beach, Maui Tropical Plantation, the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium, Makena Cove, Wailea Rock Point and many more. The electrifying atmosphere will be cherished not only by you and your soul mate, but by all your guests as well. Mauis.com destination wedding packages include floral certificates, doves, Minister, Cider toast and wonderfully edited motion and still pictures in a DVD and CD.

Mauius.com offers information on every aspect of getting married on Maui. It also includes Maui culture, locations, traditions, marriage vows, marriage plans and lots of other things.

Submitted by http://www.mauius.com/

Marvelous Maui Weddings

The island of Maui is reckoned among the most beautiful destinations in the world. That is why it is preferred as one of the most favorite wedding destinations with all the natural beauties.

There are various wedding destination options here to choose from. To pick the most perfect Maui wedding destination, you can contact a Maui Wedding Coordinator. There are a number of Maui Wedding Coordinators who can consult you with choosing the right destination. The following are some popular destinations where Maui weddings are conducted.

There are many beach coves and parks on Maui. Many people prefer a beach wedding, with the blue sky over the head and colorful sand under foot. The weather is perfect and the scenery is fantastic, which helps in the blissful completion of the Maui wedding. There are several beaches that can not be used, while others require a permit to use them.

Tropical Gardens are also another popular Maui weddings destination. The beautiful and colorful plants and flowers will create a calm atmosphere. The breathtaking views of the beautiful flowers as well as their fragrance will refresh you and your life will be scented always. Ceremonies are made on a quiet, grassy bluff. Some tropical gardens have an exotic array of Asian art sculptures. The cascading waterfalls add special charm to it.

Resorts are also a good place for organizing weddings. The staff can usally make all of the arrangements... or you can use your own services.

For couples who want some privacy, weddings in a private home and estate can be the best option. There are a number of private homes and estates to choose from.

A church wedding is also popular and traditional. There are many picturesque churches on Maui that are available for weddings All Catholic weddings are obliged to be performed in the church. Chapel weddings can also be discussed with your Maui wedding planner.

Perhaps, helicopter weddings are the most sophisticated of all. If you want an adventurous wedding, this can be perfect for you. Helicopter weddings are held on the top of a mountain with a selected group of friends and family. Many Maui wedding planners can arrange a helicopter for you.

There are some wedding planners that can arrange a yacht wedding. A yacht wedding at dusk is extraordinarily fantastic.

Submitted by http://www.mauius.com/

Maui Weddings: A Luxurious Preference

Maui weddings are conducted in many enchanting places. These beautiful and extraordinary places can only be found on the island of Maui.

Most couples choose Maui weddings for various reasons. Theme beach weddings are the most popular and romantic. Tropical garden settings are also a popular destination for celebrating the two people uniting. Weddings near a water fall are quite exciting. Couples can also choose a helicopter wedding. Weddings can also be arranged in churches, chapels, temples, etc.

There are a number of wedding organizations offering their services in wide varieties of packages. Maius.com offers deluxe DVD video, floral certificate & copy of the vows, photos of the wonderful & magical moments, ministers and other officiants, photography with 120 high resolution images, and more.

Maui weddings also offer couples and their guests a chance to view all the romantic places of Maui.

Submitted by http://www.mauius.com/

Special Features Of Maui Wedding Decoration

A Maui wedding can contain lavish wedding decorations. Maui weddings are conducted at many beautiful destinations such as tropical gardens, private estates and beautiful beach settings. Couples can order different Maui wedding décor starting from relaxed and informal to high-class and expensive. Therefore, the first most important decision to make is whether to have the wedding in warm Caribbean resort or closer to Europe on the Spanish holiday beach.

The following are my top five beach wedding destination tips, judged on by the aesthetic appeal of the area and its popularity. The cost differs according to the specific arrangement of the ceremony and reception.

Flower arrangements, shells, ice carvings and floral fabrics are some of the best décor offered by many wedding planners for Maui weddings.

Many people prefer flower decorations with different flower types, both local and imported, as well as interesting fruit are used to create decor appropriate to any Maui-style wedding. These are used for decorating centerpiece and arches.

Decorations with shells brings special effects to the wedding. They are placed on tables, used in centerpieces and given to guests through leis and necklaces.

Ice carvings offer a most beautiful wedding setting. In this decor, ice is figured into any shape, from elegant waves, flowers and inscriptions to cute fish or turtles.

Some wedding planners also offer nice decorations with Hawaiian-themed fabrics for tablecloths. This decorative plan also includes grass skirts around tables besides floral fabric attached around chairs.

Submitted by www.mauius.com

Hawaiian Wedding Is Like Wedding In Paradise

Hawaii is stunningly beautiful and marriage here is an ultimate way for a couple to start life together. The entire idea behind a destination wedding is to go away from home, feel the fragrance of flower lei on a beach swept with sea mist, and get fascinated by light and seductive rhythms of aloha while exchanging your vows for a lifetime. Hawaii is a treasure of natural heritage. It is excellent decision to get married in Hawaii. Hawaii offers dazzlingly beautiful backdrops for beach weddings. There are great choices for a romantic, memorable and a wonderful wedding like it could be a Kauai wedding, a Maui wedding, an Oahu wedding and more.

Hawaii Wedding Photography

Submitted by www.alohaeverafter.com

We Cater To Las Vegas Weddings

Dear Bride & Groom,

If you are planning to get married in Las Vegas, then look no further. You have come to the right place. We Cater to Las Vegas Weddings! We offer a wide assortment of gifts for the Bride & Groom, wedding team, family and even friends. All our gifts can be personalized. Our Las Vegas Save the Date Magnets are a hit. We even have the Fabulous Las Vegas Signs, used for table center pieces!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. Email us at: vegasdusoleil@yahoo.com or call 909-395-7782.

We will tailor to your wedding theme and color.... If you see something you really love, but it’s not in your color, just ask us and will get it for you asap!

We invite you to visit our sites at:

www.vegasdusoleil.com
www.cafepress.com/vegasdusoleil
www.zazzle.com/vegasdusoleil*
www.printfection.com/brides
www.vegasinthesun.com
www.vegasinthesun.com/savethedateweddingmagnet.html

We also cater to birthdays, anniversaries, parties, events, corp meetings, conventions, bingo and casino night!

Sincerely,

VegasDuSoleil.com
VegasintheSun.com
Amy Hollon & Staff

Submitted by Fabulous Las Vegas Gifts

Sexy and Romantic Honeymoon Destinations

If there’s ever a time to splurge on luxurious hotel accommodations, it’s on your honeymoon.



www.jumbybayresort.com

One of my personal favorites is Jumby Bay, Antigua. Fit for royalty, it's one of Sir Paul McCartney's favorite Caribbean getaways, as seen on the cover of People Magazine.




www.arialasvegas.com

Las Vegas isn’t just for bachelor or bachelorette parties. It’s huge for weddings, too, so it’s fitting that many hotels offer special honeymoon suites. Aria, a chic property that’s part of the new CityCenter complex, features Sky Suites that extend the Strip’s reputation for luxury.




www.banyantree.com/en/seychelles/overview

The luxe Banyan Tree Seychelles is an all-villa hotel on Mahe Island, overlooking the Indian Ocean and a spectacular talcum-powder beach. The property’s Presidential Villa stands sentinel over a private cove, featuring a sundeck and an open-air living area along with luxurious furnishings.




www.fourseasons.com/newyork

Four Seasons New York. The Four Seasons’ Ty Warner Penthouse has an astounding view of Manhattan from the windows, but perhaps even more amazing scenery inside. Featuring the design talents of I.M. Pei, the penthouse has 25-foot-high ceilings, immense bay windows, multiple chandeliers, a zen garden and décor inlaid with mother-of-pearl.




www.atlantis.com

It's better in the Bahamas. Stay in the Atlantis’ Reef Penthouse and you’ll possess a commanding view of the ocean from just about everywhere in the suite, including the bedroom and a private terrace.




www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/PPTBNHI-Hilton-Bora-Bora-Nui-Resort-Spa/index.do

The Over Water Royal Suite is exactly what it sounds like: a suite that literally hovers over the water, and deluxe enough to make you feel like royalty. Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort, French Polynesia. Glass viewing panels in the floor let you watch the fish swim by underneath your suite.




www.bellagio.com

In a city known for luxurious hotels, the Bellagio is one of the most elegant. For your honeymoon, consider the Las Vegas Cypress Suite, which encompasses more than 1,500 square feet and comes with a private check-in at the Executive Suite Lounge (which itself features hand-stitched leather walls).




palmilla.oneandonlyresorts.com

A vacation in Los Cabos is sure to be fun, but if you’re on your honeymoon it’s worth splurging on this hotel’s Beachfront Pool Master Casita. One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico. The suite features its own pool terrace as well as an infinity pool and a whirlpool, and just beyond is a gorgeous beach and the Gulf of California.




www.lemeurice.com

Le Meurice, Paris. Le Meurice’s Belle Etoile Royal Suite is pure Parisian indulgence. The private terrace alone is worth the trip: It covers almost 2,700 feet and offers 360-degree views of the City of Light, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe.




www.jademountain.com

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia. If you want to really get away on your honeymoon, this may be the place to go: The suites — or “sanctuaries,” in Jade Mountain parlance — have no telephones, televisions or radios (although you can access the Web if you want to).




www.ventanainn.com

Rustic but sophisticated, the Ventana Inn sits on 243 acres on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean on California’s central coast. The hotel’s lovely Big Sur Suites feature four-post beds, big soaking tubs built for two, wood-burning fireplaces and cathedral ceilings.




www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai

This hotel prides itself on emphasizing the local culture and architecture, and it’s certainly on display in its penthouse. Welcome to the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The styling was inspired by the old palaces of the region, and the spacious, opulent accommodations have an appropriately regal feel.




www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Destinations/Dubai/Burj-Al-Arab

For the last name in luxury, the Burj al-Arab’s Royal Suite in Dubai is indeed fit for a monarch. The centerpiece is a gold-and-marble staircase, which you’ll reach after crossing mosaic-tiled floors in a lavish hallway. The master bed has sumptuous linens, is perched on a dais and even rotates.




www.thecarlyle.com

Talk about a luxe location: The Carlyle, New York City enjoys prime Upper East Side real estate, on the corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street. Its lavish Empire Suite on the 28th and 29th floors takes up 2,600 square feet, offers stunning views of Central Park and the Big Apple skyline and includes its own art collection.




www.venetian.com

The Venetian, Las Vegas. In this all-suite Vegas hotel, the Penthouse stands out for its luxe accommodations. The entrance to the suite consists of double doors leading into a foyer made from Italian marble, and there’s a powder room just off the entrance. The sitting room features a fireplace and great views of the Sin City skyline.




www.wickinn.com

Located on the west side of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, Wickaninnish Inn is a secluded getaway between the forest and the Pacific.

The inn’s Canopy Suite offers 900 square feet of romance, with a sweeping view of Clayoquot Sound, a fireplace, cozy wood furniture and an elegant bathroom, including a shower that’s roomy enough for two.




www.therooseveltneworleans.com

Sitting just a block away from the French Quarter, The Roosevelt New Orleans helped define the highest standards of luxury in the South during the first half of the 20th century.

A great spot for a honeymoon is the Astoria Suite, featuring 24-hour butler service, bay windows sweeping over the city, a pair of 42-inch flat-screen televisions and champagne and chocolates waiting for you when you arrive.




www.halekulani.com

Oahu’s Halekulani Hotel is located right on Waikiki Beach, and its history goes back a century. The oceanfront Orchid Suite has some of the best views of Diamond Head on Waikiki.