Honeymoon Blog

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: Raves for Capella Ixtapa from Andre & Jenya

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

Take one chilled out couple, add a brand-new resort with stunning cliffside views and plunge pools, and then include some of the most thoughtful service anywhere on the planet.  Mix thoroughly and what do you get?  A truly amazing honeymoon experience!

Andre and Jenya, from Boston, wanted to relax on their honeymoon.  After their wedding six months prior, buying a house, going crazy with work and many other life pressures, they decided upon the sister cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Mexico as their honeymoon destination.  A combination of two resorts, one on a stunning cliff in Ixtapa and another on the beach in Zihua sounded like the best of both worlds.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To start their honeymoon, they checked into Capella Ixtapa, a new resort that features only 58 rooms and suites, all of which have sea-facing balconies with plunge pools.  Each guest has a “Personal Assistant” who is essentially a concierge at their beck and call.  Christian was assigned to Andre and Jenya from the moment their reservation was made.  He pre-contacted their MoonRings Relationship Manager to find out what he could do to help make their stay special. 

The relaxed ambiance at Capella was perfect, and their balcony was a highlight – morning coffee, evening drinks, (complimentary) beer/chips/salsa, and a lot of time in between was spent gazing over the water and enjoying each other’s company. 

 

During their stay, nothing was too much trouble for Christian and the staff at Capella; every employee was empowered to make the guests’ experience personal and special.  Whatever you wanted to eat for breakfast, complimentary snacks by the pool, iced bottles of water at regular intervals, generosity at every turn.  “Yes” was the answer to almost everything!

   
  
  

When it was time to leave for the second resort, they were sad.  Reluctantly, they moved, and while Resort #2 was on the beach and it wasn’t so bad, it just wasn’t the same.  Clearly, they had been spoiled!  Fortunately, they were able to return to Capella, and they spent the remainder of their honeymoon pampered by their new family and friends who were delighted to welcome them back.

 

 

 
 
While at Capella, Andre and Jenya took advantage not only of the resort but of the area and all it had to offer.  They went snorkeling multiple times at Isla Ixtapa, took Capella’s bikes out for a spin to a nearby beach, and spent an amazing afternoon with Capella’s Executive Chef learning how to make simple yet delicious Mexican fare.  On top of that, they went deep-sea fishing and the kitchen staff created a custom dinner for them with their catch!  The couple also checked out the local dining scene, enjoying restaurants such as Tentaciones and Espuma. 

 

 

  
With so many great memories, Andre and Jenya went back home to Boston on Cloud 9.   Like the staff at Capella, we wish them warm congratulations on their marriage and all the best together!  Thanks for sharing your fantastic stories and photos!

 

  
  
 

 

Just Back from French Polynesia!

I've just returned from a fantastic trip to French Polynesia where I had the opportunity to visit some of the finest hotels on offer...

Tahiti:

• Intercontinental Tahiti Resort
• Radisson Plaza Resort
• Manava Suites Resort

Moorea:

• Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa
• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
• Legends Resort Moorea
• Sofitel Ia Ora Beach Resort

Bora Bora:

• Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
• Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
• Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
• Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa
• Le Meriden Bora Bora
• Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach & Private Island
• Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort

Taha'a

• Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa

It was an amazing trip so keep an eye out for additional posts on both The Honeymoon Blogger and our Facebook page in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, here are a few snaps to tide you over...

 



  
 
 

New on the honeymoon radar: Panama and the Bristol Hotels

In Central America, the destination of choice for honeymooners and adventure travelers alike has long been Costa Rica, but its neighbor to the south, Panama, is hot on its heels to become another Latin favorite. Miles of deserted beaches, tropical mountains covered with lush rainforests, remote island getaways, and a melting pot of cultures are a few of the many draws of Panama. Not to mention the historic and quickly developing capital of Panama City with the extraordinary Panama Canal.  Combine a visit to the beach and rainforest with a stop in the city and you will have the opportunity for a unforgettable trip in a unique and up and coming destination.

 

  
 

Though the tourism infrastructure in Panama is in its infancy, the development is fast and furious, particularly in the luxury market.  The Bristol hotel group is at the forefront of high end options. It operates one of the finest hotels in Panama City (website); an intimate and classy address located in an excellent central location. 

 

 
 
The Bristol Group has recently opened an exclusive resort along the Pacific Coast. The Bristol Buenaventura is about an hour and a half drive from Panama City and offers a truly 5 star experience.  From the finely appointed rooms, beautiful landscaping and pool areas, to the lovely stretch of beach and myriad activity options, the Buenaventura is a destination unto itself. Top this off with a world class spa, excellent dining, and exceptional service, you may find yourself reserving your next trip before you have even left!  We think this resort is a perfect way to relax after some adventure in other parts of the country.

 

  
  

 

For those looking for a romantic getaway or a unique adventure, Panama will not disappoint with its beautiful landscape and friendly, welcoming people.

Playa del Carmen Mexico has a new beach!

Ever since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, parts of Mexico's Mayan Riviera south of Cancun have struggled to hang on to their sand.  The storm washed much of it away, which led to further significant erosion.

In an effort to stem the tide, so to speak, the area's resorts installed large and often unsightly sandbags.  This protected the properties but was a suprise to many guests who came seeking the area's laid-back beach experience.

Fortuantely, the Mexican government recognized the threat to their tourism industry, and has recently finished an US$80 million beach restoration project.  The results look great!  And honeymooners and others alike can rest assured that their views across the sand towards the Caribbean water will be as blissful as they ever were! 

The results were particularly dramatic in the Playa del Carmen area.  Take a look at the transformation of what we consider to be one of the best all-inclusive in the area, Royal Hideaway:

   

Can you believe the difference?  Fabulous!  For those enroute or those who may go, enjoy!  
 

Real Honeymoons: Gorgeous Mauritius and Incredible South Africa

Bill and Liz, clients of MoonRings from New York City, recently returned from a truly amazing honeymoon to Mauritius (in the Indian Ocean) and South Africa.  We thought their photos were nothing short of spectacular, and wanted to share some of them here with you. 

 

   
  
After the long flight to Mauritius (via Dubai), they were more than ready for a few days of beautiful beaches, bright blue water and lush scenery.  Their resort, The Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita was the perfect place to get away, made that much more special by the fact that New York was in the midst of a blizzard!  Excellent timing. 

 

 
   
 
Tanned, happy and relaxed, their next stop was Cape Town, South Africa (with a transit night in Johannesburg), where they found their three days in this world-class city to be all too short.  They made visits to the nearby Winelands, Table Mountain, and the Cape Peninsula, and dined out at some great restaurants.  Their hotel, The Portswood, was located in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and was a great base for exploration. 

 

  
   

The highlight of the honeymoon was without a doubt their safari experience in the Madikwe Game Reserve, in the northern part of the country near the Botswana border.  They stayed at Madikwe Hills, an exclusive safari lodge with only 10 luxurious suites, each with a private plunge pool and an outdoor bath and shower.  Their game viewing was spectacular, including a pride of 19 lions drinking from the same water hole at the same time (we’ve never seen that before!)  They saw the Big 5 within 3 game drives, and rare wild dog in abundance, among other creatures. 

 

 
 
 

Thanks to Bill and Liz for sharing their photos and experiences!  We loved working with you!

Three great resorts in Turks & Caicos

  
 We recently had the opportunity to travel to Turks & Caicos, located in the northern Caribbean (just south of the Bahamas). This place is all about the gorgeous beaches and the bright blue water!  While on the main island of Providenciales (Provo for short), we stayed at some fantastic resorts, which we’d love to share with you here. Each was completely unique, and they all have great things to offer honeymooners, depending on your personal preferences and style.

  

The Gansevoort Turks & Caicos is one of the newest properties on Provo and is a great addition to the hotel scene. We loved its hip beach vibe and the modern style found throughout the rooms and common areas. Their signature infinity-edged pool is extremely inviting, and the oversized lounge beds on the beach were a great place to relax.  The hotel is definitely trendy, and while there’s a hint of South Beach in the resort’s ambiance, it also delivers a true laid-back Caribbean experience. Honeymooners looking for a cool place to chill out after the wedding in significant luxury and comfort will love the Gansevoort.

 

Another not-to-be-missed property in Turks (and no doubt in all of the Caribbean) is Amanyara, Amanresorts’ only property in this part of the world.  What struck us about this gorgeous Asian-inspired resort was its understated luxury, which in turn creates a low-key vibe. It’s located on the isolated far western side of Provo which gives you an incredible sense of seclusion.  Since the resort’s location means it’s further from other parts of Provo (including restaurants and activities), it’s good there are so many appealing things to enjoy from the property itself: relaxing daybeds overlooking the pool, snorkeling excursions and a treatment or two at the world-class spa. You may not want to stray too far from your private pavilion however, which gives you the ultimate feeling of exclusivity and pampering. For honeymooners looking for a hideaway on Provo and flawless service, Amanyara is certainly the place.

 

Lastly, for those seeking a more traditional Caribbean resort experience, look no further than the Grace Bay Club. Honeymooners will gravitate to the new  “Estates” section of property with private check-in, private concierges and an adults-only pool. The sheer size of the rooms doesn’t hurt either…the entry-level junior suites are huge! The other facilities here are great for relaxing (spa, pools, etc.) and the dozens of lounge chairs on the beach are very inviting! For those foodies who visit Grace Bay Club, make sure to check out their award-wining restaurant Anacaona for some truly spectacular island fare.  The “Infinity Bar” is also really cool – it stretches 90 feet across the sands of Grace Bay beach. Grace Bay Club delivers everything you’d expect in a quintessential Caribbean luxury experience.

 

If your travel plans take you to Turks & Caicos in the future make sure to check out of the above for a truly great experience, or give us a ring – we are happy to provide additional detail about the properties and the islands.

Summer 2010 Hot Destination: The Greek Isles

People are always asking us, "What is the hot honeymoon destination right now?" 

Greece seems to be without a doubt the hot spot for the 2010 season!  The islands, of course, are always one of the main attractions.  Honeymooners can spend several days to several months island hopping! This is why we like them, as do many of our clients:

Setting: The hundreds of Greek Isles play host to beaches, volcanic cliffs, charming white-washed villages and unique archaeological sites.  The terrain is generally rocky and arid with some exceptions like Corfu.  Expect stunning sea views at every turn!  

Activities: Visitors come for relaxation and fun.  On Santorini, sunset is an event, to be enjoyed prior to dining at one of the island’s great restaurants.  On Mykonos, the town of Hora has many boutique shops, restaurants and a rockin' nightlife.  As the largest island, Crete offers a more diverse range of attractions – there are beaches, but you can also hike the Samaria gorge, explore the ancient Palace of Knossos, linger at a café in the Venetian town of Chania, or tour back roads to uncover towns that haven’t changed in decades.  Most islands have a selection of historical sights.  And almost anywhere you can go sailing, rent a scooter, spend a day fishing, or simply enjoy all the great Greek food.  Some islands even have vineyards and offer wine tastings.

Lodging: On the main islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes there are literally hundreds of places to stay. They range from small guest houses to large and luxurious resorts.  The most iconic are embodied by those on Santorini, many of which are small, individually-owned boutique hotels built precipitously into the sea cliffs.  Lesser-visited islands lack world-class accommodations, but still offer clean, character-filled options.  It's also possible to charter a boat in order to get farther off the beaten path.

Logistics: The island are accessed via Athens (usually non-stop or 1-stop from the US) .  Ferries also link many of the islands and are the preferred way to island-hop, but are subject to sea conditions and can be cancelled on occasion.

When: As a summer destination, June to September are the best months to visit.  May can still be breezy/cool, and while October can be gorgeous, it isn’t always warm enough for swimming.  August is very busy – rates can skyrocket and some of the islands can feel a little overrun.