Honeymoon Blog

Happy New Year

Happy New Year and safe travels in 2012!

Cool Travel Products for the Holidays...

After dealing with the joys of the airport and settling into your “comfy” airplane seat, you reach into your carry-on to pull out your i-Pod-Pad-Touch.  But instead of enjoying the sweet sounds of Michael Bublé, you find yourself fighting to untangle your silly ear buds.  End the frustration by picking up a pair of Zipbuds ($39.99).  The left and right wires are integrated into a zipper so you simply zip them up when done – presto, no more tangles.

It’s a beautiful evening in Australia’s Hunter Valley and you and your partner are just finishing off a delicious locally produced Shiraz.  Keep the memories alive by bringing a bottle home without worrying about wine-soaked clothing.  The inflatable VinniBag ($28) surrounds your precious juice with a protective air-sealed chamber.  It’s also reusable, recyclable and TSA-compliant. 

Couple Faces 6 Natural Disasters on their Honeymoon

Ideally, honeymooners want to experience sunny skies and perfect weather for the duration of the vacation, but most realize that experiencing inclement conditions is always a possibility.  However, nothing could have prepared Erika and Stefan Svanstrom for what was in store for them on their four month honeymoon.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_odd_sweden_disaster_honeymoon



While some of the disasters the Svantroms encountered can not be predicted (earthquakes), perhaps if they had looked at weather patterns, they would have known that Cyclones are common in Northern Australia and Monsoons are common in Bali during our winter months. But then again, maybe the risk of bad weather is still better than Sweden in the winter?

Lesson - you can't avoid everything and weather is never guaranteed, but with some careful planning and research you can try to ensure that your honeymoon destination has optimal weather conditions for your honeymoon dates.

What's on your travel "Bucket List?"

 
 

Are you familiar with the concept of a "Bucket List"?  If not, it's is a list of all those things you want to see and do before you depart this earth.

Naturally, many people have some type of travel on their Bucket List - there are so many great places in the world!  Some people want to see wild animals on an African Safari, for others it's to stroll the neighborhoods of Paris, dive the Great Barrier Reef or even visit the Great Wall of China.  Really, a Travel Bucket List could contain anything that's truly interesting to you, that you wouldn't want to miss at some point.

When planning your honeymoon, it's good to think about what would be on your list, if you haven't already developed one.  It's fun to dream big, and totally appropriate too - the honeymoon is a once in a lifetime experience, after all!  And how wonderful if time and funds permit you to visit one your list's must-see locations with your new spouse? 

Granted, what you envision for your honeymoon may not be what's on your Bucket List.  You may just need 7 days of chill time on a beach in a good resort after surviving the hectic wedding prcess, and the thought of a busy itinerary in Asia is not your idea of fun at this point in time.  Or maybe you don't have the time right after the wedding to go as far as your dream destinations require.  This is definitely ok - the first goal should certainly be to fulfill your honeymoon objectives.  

But, if your honeymoon objectives intesect with your Travel Bucket List, we encourage you to think about going for it!  The fact it's your honeymoon will make the experience that much more memorable.

 

 

Great Travel Jacket from Merrell

  
 
Packing efficiently – what to bring and what to leave at home – can be a major challenge for many travelers.  The folks at Merrell have come up with a creative solution to this problem, at least for one product. Their Guise jacket is super lightweight, warm, and pretty sleek looking too.  And as a kicker, it transforms into a soft neck pillow, meaning one less item to stuff into your carry-on bag!
  

 
 

 
    

 

The World's Best Hotels and Resorts - check out the article

So many great places, so little time!  We'd like to share an excellent article on the World's Best Hotels and Resorts that was published in this month's Cigar Aficionado.  The writer for this luxury lifestyle magazine convened a panel of travel industry experts, one of which was MoonRings' President, to determine which hotels and resorts represent the creme de la creme around the world.   You can see the entire article at the link below:

Link to The World's Best Hotels and Resorts

In the article, our president keys in on such amazing places as The Four Seasons George V in Paris, Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli in Italy, The Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania, Four Seasons Hualalai in Hawaii, and a number of other beautiful places to stay. 

For a honeymoon, this list really does represent some of the finest places you could possibly experience.  Granted, there are many other hotels and locations in which you can have a terrific honeymoon, and we look forward to helping you determine exactly where is best for you! 

   

Above:  Four Seasons George V, Paris; Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

Below:  Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli, Italy; Four Seasons Hualalai, Hawaii

   

 

Where will Prince William and Kate Middleton Honeymoon?

   Last week the world celebrated the much anticipated royal engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  The media is buzzing with all kinds of questions about their upcoming nuptials.  What dress will Kate wear?  Where will the event take place? Will it be as lavish as Charles and Diana’s wedding?  

The top question on Ms. M’s mind is definitely, where will they honeymoon?  With little information on the subject available, it’s difficult to say, but here are some exclusive and luxurious options that the world’s most famous engaged couple might consider…

Sport and adventure in New Zealand – Rumors abound that the couple plan to spend at least part of their honeymoon in New Zealand to see the Rugby World Cup (the prince is a big fan).  The South Pacific destination is known for its Maori culture, jaw-dropping scenery and luxurious lodges. With glaciers, fjords, rugged coastline and snowcapped peaks, it’s a great place to be active, which is evidently right up Kate and William’s alley!  The Owners Cottage at Huka Lodge on the North Island is one of the most secluded and exclusive hideaways in the world.  The cottage is almost completely hidden from view and has 4 bedrooms, a living room and an infinity pool with views downstream to the powerful Huka Falls.

 

Safari in Botswana – Kate and William were engaged several weeks ago while vacationing in Kenya.  If they are romantics at heart, Botswana could be a great honeymoon spot to recreate all the magic of their engagement safari, while experiencing a different African location and landscape. The off-the-beaten-path Selinda Reserve is an area of vast savannas and floodplains known for its numerous elephants, water birds, hippos and unique “surfing lions” who hunt hippos.  Zarafa Camp is a romantic retreat with just four stunning guest accommodations where Kate and William can relax by their fire place or private pool and gaze out at the plains teeming with wildlife.

 

Sand and Sun in the Seychelles – After one of the couple’s “splits” during their nine-year courtship, they chose the islands of the Seychelles to rekindle their romance.  During that trip, they stayed a lovely private island resort called Desroches Island Resort.  For their honeymoon, they may wish to return the idyllic islands of the Seychelles, but kick the luxury and seclusion up a notch and stay at Villa North Island.  North Island is a resort on a completely private island with just 11 villas.   Villa 11 (aka Villa North Island) is a slice of heaven – tucked away in the forest with its own private stretch of white-sand beach, it has stunning views of the turquoise hues of the Indian ocean from nearly every vantage point. If Kate and William can’t unwind here, they probably can’t unwind anywhere!

 

Seclusion on a Private Yacht – With circus that will inevitably surround their wedding, the newly married couple may choose to honeymoon in the complete seclusion and privacy of a luxury yacht.  This way they have the flexibility to visit the locations they are interested in without the prying eyes of other guests. A spring wedding would be prefect for yachting in the Caribbean and a summer wedding would allow for great cruising in the Mediterranean.

 

We’ll have to wait and see what they choose.  Wherever they go, it will undoubtedly be an exclusive, romantic and luxurious vacation that they’ll remember and treasure for the rest of their lives. 

Ponta dos Ganchos Resort Review Posted on Facebook

Ms. M's latest voyage took her to the fabulous seaside Ponta dos Ganchos Resort in Brazil.  Check out her full take on the resort on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/notes/moonrings/beautiful-ponta-dos-ganchos-resort-in-southern-brazil/454591232669

 

Honeymoon where Katy Perry and Russell Brand were married

Okay, let's face it, most of us who are not of Indian descent may not choose to be married in India.  Katy Perry and Russell Brand are certainly an exception!  But they do have excellent taste and India is a fascinating country, so while perhaps not a perfect wedding locale, it could be an ideal honeymoon destination for some.

It's possible to do India in style.  For example, Aman-i-Khas (click here), where Katy and Russell were married, is a member of the prestigious Aman Hotel Group.  A stunning property and away from the hustle and bustle of major metropolitan centers, this is a luxury tented camp that is adjacent to Ranthambore National Park.  When not enjoying a the peace of the resort or the bliss of the spa, guests go on twice-daily tiger safaris in the park, to obtain (hopefully) a glimpse of these magnificent cats.  If you see one in the wild, count yourselves lucky!  They are so rare that now is the time to go before they disappear.

  
 
The tents at Aman-i-Khas are all white, lending an air of romance when you enter.  They have a huge sunken bathtub (which the resort will fill with flower petals to celebrate your occasion), a patio for lounging, a dressing area and a giant divan for a lovely afternoon nap.  This is safari in style!

  
Aman-i-Khas and Ranthambore are close to Delhi and Agra (for the Taj Mahal) so you can easily combine a tiger safari wth some of the country's key sights.  And many people will also tie in the gorgeous Maldives Islands (where Katy and Russell are on honeymoon - currently in a top secret location), which are great for a little R&R before or after the magic of India. 

 

 

Real Honeymoons: A Mediterranean Masterpiece

When Aaron and Talia, from Los Angeles, initially contacted MoonRings to assist in planning their honeymoon, they were not entirely sure where they wanted to go. But one thing was certain – it had to be exotic and luxurious.  After exploring a number of fabulous locales including Bali and Bora Bora, it was old world charm of France and Italy that had the right mix of luxury, sophistication and culinary delights.

Their journey began on the France’s stunning Cote d’Azur for a week of relaxation and pampering.  Their first few days at the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat in St. Jean Cap Ferrat primarily consisted of lounging by the spectacular pool and taking strolls through the hotel’s romantic gardens.  Aaron and Talia did venture out to explore nearby towns such as Monaco, Eze and St. Paul de Vence (a favorite of Aaron’s).  One afternoon, they took hike around the Cap encountering a secluded cove with incredibly turquoise water where local residents were cliff diving. On their last night, the hotel upgraded them to massive suite with a private roof top Jacuzzi featuring panoramic views of the sea and dramatic scenery.

  

 
   
  
 
After the coast, it was time to head inland to the Four Seasons Provence for countryside vistas and more pampering.  The Four Seasons took excellent care of the couple and even gave them their first glimpse of a photo from their wedding, which was thoughtfully placed in their room (they received it from the Four Seasons in California where Aaron and Talia were married).  When they did opt to leave the Four Seasons, they visited the charming local towns of Fayence and Tourettes sampling tasty Provencal dishes and wine along the way. 

  

  
 

While their French adventure was coming to a close, there was plenty more pampering and luxury in store for them in Italy at the lovely Hotel Le Sirenuse in Positano.  Guess what they did?  You’re right, more relaxing and pampering!  The pool at Le Sirenuse is quite inviting, and with the view that they had from their suite, it’s easy to how they struggled to find a reason to leave such a perfect place.  Nonetheless, Aaron and Talia did muster the motivation to leave the hotel and enjoy Positano, visiting the local shops and people watching in cafes. One day, they made their way to the town of Ravello set high in the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast. Here they took a cooking class with a local chef, Vincenzino.  Chef Vincenzino shared many secrets of creating Italian seafood dishes, but in the end, the meal they created was not Aaron’s favorite and they opted for restaurant dining (i.e. professional chefs) for the rest of the trip. 

 

   

To close the trip, they took a quick train up to Rome for couple of nights of sightseeing and urban excitement.  

As Aaron and Talia began their long journey back to Los Angeles, they took a moment to browse through their fabulous digital photos and remember their enchanting adventure to some of Europe’s most scenic locations and luxurious retreats.   We wish them warm congratulations on their marriage and a long, happy and healthy life together!  Thanks for sharing your fantastic stories and photos!