Tamarind Cove Barbados

This is the story of our perfect honeymoon. Perfectly us, that is. And far from perfect. Our trip was the exotic escape that we expected. If you are looking for nightlife and bustling activity-this place is not for you. If you want relaxation, privacy, and romance-this place is definitely for you. If you don't like nature-this place isn't for you. If you like bike rides through the lush forest or a hike with the staff botanist this place is for you.

When we pulled up, there was someone waiting to greet us with peach and anise scented towels to cool our faces. We were escorted into the lobby and offered fresh Tamarind Margaritas. We were taken by golf cart on a tour of the grounds.

To our great surprise were upgraded from standard rooms to one bedroom suites at no extra cost. The rooms and maid service were fantastic and could not have asked for better rooms.

Tamarind Cove has two restaurants: Tangiers, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the Caribbean-centric, open-air Sasso, open for dinner only, at different times depending on the week. Our favorite restaurant was Sasso. A Bistro you will find inside the Cove. Sasso offers Mediterranean inspired cuisine with a touch of their own. Both the restaurants served great food, although we were only at Taramind for 7 nights, I could see that the menu could NOT get monotonous even if you stayed for 14 nights.

I highly recommend Tamarind! It is truly a peaceful sanctuary. Beautifully designed hotel with all you could wish for!

Kapalua Villas

Maui no ka oi. We all hear it and for most of us, it's very true, Maui is indeed "the best."

I arrived in Maui on a Saturday this year and spent most of the day preparing ourselves for the days ahead.

As I walk into the open and airy lobby of the Kapalua Villas and am greeted by a grand sweeping view of the Maui coastline, ocean and beyond to the islands of Molokai and Lanai. This alone makes me weak in the knees.

The front desk staff was extremely nice and accommodating. The bell staff was very friendly and everyone at this hotel had a wonderful "Aloha" each time I saw them. The room was beautifully furnished and I feel that I got what I paid for. I stayed at the Ridge Villas. Ocean view villas sit on the top of the ridge and offer sweeping views of the Pacific, and the islands of Lanai and Molokai and the distance. In winter, you can see whales playing in the water just off the gorgeous beaches that lie below. You can also see the golf course on the other side, so it's kind of like the best of both worlds.

Everything that you need is nearby. The supermarkets in Napili and Kahana are just a short drive away. You can pick up some groceries, cook your own dinner and eat it outside on the lanai while watching the sunset.


Kapalua Villas Maui does not have an on-site restaurant, but the next-door Kapalua Bay Hotel and Ritz-Carlton Kapalua offer 11 restaurants. You can either walk there, or take a free shuttle. My favorite restaurant was The Banyan Tree (located at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua). This 4-diamond restaurant specializes in "eclectic Pacific cuisine". Food is really extraordinary, it is also a favorite for Sunday Champagne Brunch. Perfect spot for sunset cocktails and dinner

Kapalua is known as one of the finest golf resorts in the world and has the accolades to prove it. Kapalua is ranked in the top 30 of the "Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World, 2003" and listed as one of the "50 Best Golf Resorts in North America" in 2001 and 2002 by Condé Nast Traveler. The resort community is the setting for three award-winning 18-hole golf courses, one of which is home to the PGA Tour's Mercedes Championship each January and all three of which have been named among the top seven courses in Hawaii by Golf Digest.

My favorite part of the trip was with no doubt the fact that I was able to sit under the shade of a tree, looking out over the pineapple plantation and ocean stretched out before me, feeling the warm breeze on my face, far removed from the civilization that exists below me.

Garza Blanca Resort

A small city beach located off the Barra Navidad road at Km 7.5 on the way to Mismaloya, this white sand beach is framed with palms and crystal clear water that laps the shoreline.

The upscale resort of Garza Blanca, is located just 10 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, in a beautiful private nature reserve, surrounded by the vibrant colors of the sandy beaches, the lush jungle and the ocean.
Overlooking Banderas Bay, this contemporary hotel is set amid the verdant hills and mountains of a nature preserve. Walking paths lead guests to the secluded beach just below.

The hotel features a private beach, an outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a spa tub. The multilingual staff can provide sightseeing recommendations and arrange tours, and babysitting/childcare is available.

While in Puerto Vallarta, enjoy an unforgettable dining experience here at Garza Blanca. Blanca Blue restaurant has a superb menu that includes exquisite international specialties, as well as an extensive selection of wines, premium liquors, and exotic cocktails to please the most demanding customer.

For a romantic evening, guests can arrange a private candlelit dinner on the beach.

Romantic Honeymoon Ideas

Here are some romantic little ideas to spruce up your honeymoon ;)...

Make Every Moment of Your Honeymoon a Cherished Memory!

Your honeymoon is a time for you to celebrate your relationship and make special memories of your lives. We have some great romantic honeymoon ideas to enhance your honeymoon experience. Here are some low cost or free things you can do to make it that much more romantic. Plan your ideas before you leave so that you can make sure you have the resources to do them. Also, surprises are so much fun, so be spontaneous and dazzle your spouse with something romantic and from the heart. You will remember these moments forever! Check out our Honeymoon Merchandise for romantic ideas!

Sunrise Together

Ask someone at your resort where to go for a great location to see the sunrise. Wake up one morning before sunrise, make some coffee, walk to your special place and experience a new day starting as your lives together have just begun.

Little Presents

Bring with you a little present for each day of your honeymoon, and give it to your spouse at a special moment during the day. This could be bubble bath, massage oil or a new CD and your favorite bottle of wine to drink while spending a night indoors with a deck of cards. These little presents don’t need to be expensive, just something that fits both of you and can add a little zest to your honeymoon.

Jacuzzi

Bring scented bubble bath and tea light candles with you on your honeymoon and prepare a warm bath for the two of you. Make sure to request a room with a bathtub or Jacuzzi. Place the scented candles around the room and turn off the lights to enjoy your warm moment together.

Reasons Why I Love You...

Before leaving on your honeymoon, right down all the reasons why you love your fiancé. You could put these on separate pieces of paper and present them in an adorned box or write them on one decorative piece of paper, maybe in scrapbook style. Either way, your fiancé will be surprised at the thought and effort you took to express all the little things you love about him/her.

Walking in the Moonlight

At least one night on your honeymoon, take a long walk, hand-in-hand, with the moon shining on you both. Talk about your happy union and your excited plans for your future together. Share your dreams and make a wish on a star.

Romantic Dinner for Two

Find a way to have a secluded dinner, outside if possible. Some resorts will even put a private table on your deck/veranda or under a beach cabana so that you can only hear the ocean waves and the sound of each other’s voices. If this isn’t available, prepare a basket of shrimp cocktail and cheese with French baguettes, or buy take-out food and go make your own excluded dinner somewhere romantic, maybe in the park or on the beach.

Massage

Have a moment for you to give a massage to your spouse. This will hopefully be followed by you receiving a massage in return. Try this out at the beginning of your honeymoon to get you and your spouse to start off relaxing right away. Since you just finished a stressful period of time planning your wedding, this massage will be very much needed. Don’t forget the massage oil! An alternative is to arrange for a couple’s massage in your room or the resort’s facilities.

Breakfast in Bed

Pre-order breakfast for a reasonable hour and spend one whole morning in bed, eating, cuddling or even watching your favorite movie. This movie could be another little gift that you bring along, but don’t forget to find out if the room has VHS/DVD access. Whatever your preference, this is a nice way to relax and spend some quality time lounging around together.

Love Poem

Even if the talent of writing isn’t bestowed on you, you can write a meaningful poem that will make your spouse be overwhelmed with happiness. Start off with the reasons for your love and then put them into poetry format. If you’re really worried about how it sounds, ask a friend or family member. You can read the poem over dinner or a cocktail, whatever your style. This will be a treasured memory.

-Article via www.HoneymoonersReviewGuide.com

Tips for Planning the Perfect Honeymoon

Honeymoon Ideas and Tips are for your assistance while planning your honeymoon travel. Honeymoon does not mean making love after marriage. Honeymoon is beyond that. Honeymoon is a time to know each other well so that you can make your life heaven by developing a good understanding. You can make your honeymoon vacation the most unforgettable event of your life by following honeymoon Ideas and Tips:

Honeymoon Ideas and Tips for Reservation and Accommodation

• Decide your honeymoon destination along with your partner. Do not assume yourself that she/he will love to be at the destination you choose. Search for a commonly liked exotic honeymoon destination.
• Set a budget for your honeymoon and decide everything in advance.
• Do not go for your honeymoon the very next day of your marriage.
• Do not go by the advices of your family and friends. Only gather information from them and follow your heart. In any case do not forget to seek advise of your beloved.
• Book for a room with a double bed.
• Do not forget to take a camera with you so as not to miss the charm of the new romantic destination.
• If you are planning your romantic getaways abroad, make sure to update the passport of the new bride with new address and married name.
• A honeymoon gift will surely enhance the warmth of love between you two. Give a gift of memento or romantic item to your partner.
  

-article via Travour.com

The Ultimate Caribbean Sale!

(click on the photo for more details)

The Ultimate Caribbean Sale! Save up to 50% on Vacation Packages - Flight plus 3 Nights Hotel from $389 - Hurry! Sale ends March 4 for travel through Aug 31.

The Caribbeans has so many exquisite destinations to offer. Our personal favorites would have to be Jamaica and Turks & Caicos ;).

But hurry and book as the offer ends in just a matter of days!

• Antigua
• Barbados
• Grand Bahama
• Jamaica
• Nevis
• Puerto Rico
• St. Croix
• St. Martin
• Turks & Caicos
• Aruba
• Curacao
• Grand Cayman
• Nassau
• Puerto Plata
• Punta Cana
• St. Lucia
• St. Thomas

Packing: 16 Tips for Stuffing Your Honeymoon Suitcase

Here are some tips for economizing your luggage space. The ones we think are important are highlited ;).

Packing: 16 Tips for Stuffing Your Honeymoon Suitcase

Globetrotters know how to make the most of their little closets-on-wheels. Here are some tricks to help you maximize space and pack like a pro.

• Do laundry a few days early so everything will be clean and ready for action. Have button-down shirts professionally laundered, pressed, and bagged at the dry cleaner so you can just pop them in your suitcase.
• Start your packing list a week before you leave. Begin early so that you can add items as you think of them and keep an inventory list should the bag go missing.
• When selecting your wardrobe, think coordinating solids, wrinkle-resistant microfibers (Lycra, nylon, spandex, and Tencel), and versatile shoes. Also remember that light-colored fabrics show stains, but they are cooler than dark clothes.
• To avoid wrinkles, roll or wrap clothes in tissue paper or lay clothes in the suitcase on their hangers and in plastic dry cleaners bags. Roll -- don't fold! -- wrinkle-happy clothes and pack tightly to minimize wrinkles.
• Avoid taking shoes or clothes you've never worn before.
• Stuff socks and underwear in shoes or purses to help these items keep their shapes.
• Pack an extra bag. If you have a luggage set, pack everything inside the second-largest bag, then put that bag inside the largest bag. When you arrive, feel free to stock up on souvenirs and duty-free goods -- you have an extra bag to carry it all home in! Or, pack an empty duffel to fill with take-home goodies.
• Bring items that do double duty: a hair dryer with a curling iron attachment, an alarm clock and radio, a calculator and translation guide.
• When you've stuffed your bag to the max, zip it up and tap it on the floor a few times to make extra room.
• Don't overstuff! Suitcase zippers may bust en route, or you could exceed airline weight limitations and have to cough up extra dough at the ticket counter.
• Unfurl belts and wrap them around the inside of your suitcase.
• Share bathroom basics (toothpaste, shampoo, and so on).
• Double-bag liquids (air pressure at 30,000 feet can wreak havoc on bottles and tubes).
• Pack a suitcase like you would a grocery bag -- heavy items on bottom, lighter ones on top.
• Pack all your valuables, one change of clothes, non-perishable snacks, a small bottle of water, and your minimum toiletry needs (at least your toothbrushes and toothpaste) in your carry-on in case your luggage gets delayed.
• As soon as you arrive, unpack and hang up your clothes.

-- Lori Seto

Article from www.TheKnot.com