Tag Archives: honeymoons

Surround your love with lush landscapes, delicious food and some of the best wine in the world, a honeymoon like no other…Tuscany

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Tuscany

Italy is a great honeymoon destination, but Tuscany is a destination, per se, in and of itself.   Home to some of the best wine in the world, paired with incredible scenery and great food, it’s a perfect region for a couple to start the beginning of their marriage together.


Hotel Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

Tuscany’s lush landscape will inspire newlyweds, just as it did famous artists such as Raphael and Leonardo. Rolling hills, olive groves and Cypress trees lend to the magical aura of the area.  Architecture and art are evident at every turn.  Couples can spend lazy afternoons sipping wine and evenings indulging on some of the most incredible food anywhere.

Honeymooners will find the most ideal time to visit Tuscany to be early summer (May) or fall, such as September or October.   Not only is the weather more mild, but pricing on accommodations may be less than visiting during the height of summer.    Harvest time comes in September which can be very popular, so couples will want to plan well enough in advance if they intend to go at that time.

Getting to Tuscany is fairly easy from Rome and Florence, however transportation around the area is usually limited to renting your own car or joining an organized tour.   Some adventurous couples may consider renting bicycles and pedaling their way along the vineyards.


Villa Sant’ Anna, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

Accommodations range widely, from hotels to inns…and many even rent a Tuscan Villa or private home.   These days that’s easy to do through many booking sources right here in the U.S.   Some will even offer the assistance of a private chef for a fee.    And when it comes to eating…honeymooners will want to take advantage of all the local specialties, such as mushrooms, salami, ricotta, olive oil, and of course….wine.   Each town or region has its own specialty, so couples will want to sample it all.

Leaning tower of Pisa

There are a number of areas newlyweds can visit during their stay, such as Pisa, home to the famous leaning tower.    San Gimignano is a medieval town that is famous for its beautiful towers and Romanesque church.   Couples can spend time visiting the art galleries, restaurants and shops there as well. 


View of Siena Cathedral

In Lucca, couples can stroll among the grand churches, meet locals in an outdoor market or wander in the nearby gardens of Villa Reale.   Or they can visit the charming city of Siena, where they will find one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy.    


Cortona, Tuscany

The streets of Cortona are filled with charm, as couples climb the steep alleys among the old buildings, to the top of Santa Margherita church for breathtaking views.  Just watch the movie Under the Tuscan Sun again and couples will recall the romance and magic of the scenery and daily life of such an idyllic place. 

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

Hotel photos provided by Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco 

Enjoy a storybook city for your exciting honeymoon chapter…Amsterdam

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Amsterdam

Honeymoons use to be all about a tropical beach getaway, but these days many couples are more interested in finding a destination that matches their unique style and personality.

The Toren Hotel – Amsterdam

Many couples thinking of romantic European cities, conjure up thoughts of Paris and Rome.    Although many don’t think of it, Amsterdam should top that list as well.   Amsterdam is actually a very dreamy honeymoon destination filled with old world charm and modern amenities, and in some cases is more economical than the more famously labeled romantic European cities.

A storybook city known for its canals, row houses and bicycling culture, it’s a picturesque location that should be on many couple’s consideration list.   Amsterdam is a mix of new and old, of nightlife and culture, and yes, love and romance.

Amsterdam is a very much a modern capital filled with hip, contemporary design, top-notch restaurants and edgy fashion.  Romantic sidewalk cafes and outdoor restaurants abound where honeymooners can share a sweet treat or a few glasses of wine, while enjoying life as newlyweds.

Couples can stroll hand-in-hand along a canal, under pretty trees with street lights illuminated and shimmer on the evening water.   It’s a laid back city, but also offers much in the way of nightlife…something to suit any couple’s tastes and desires.   Amsterdam is very walkable and couples can simply get lost among the city’s streets and canals.   

The Toren Hotel – Canal View

Amsterdam is also a very “bike-able” destination.   For the Dutch, riding a bike comes as natural as breathing.   It’s how they commute to work, go to school and shop.   Numerous hotels will rent bicycles or couples can find many rental locations around the city.

The city also offers fantastic art such as the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt House Museum and the famous Rijksmuseum.   History buffs will be in awe of a visit to the Anne Frank house as well.   Some couples may want to work in a side-trip to Belgium, including a stop somewhere such as picturesque Bruges, which is only a two hour train ride away.

Despite its reputation for lenient drug laws and the racey Red Light District, if couples avoid questionable areas, it is a city filled with just as much history, culture and luxury as any other popular European honeymoon destinations.   Most of the locals in Amsterdam speak English and are extremely friendly and helpful, making it a great honeymoon pick.

Couples may consider it as a destination in and of itself, or paired along with a few other great European cities to create a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon.

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

Hotel photos provided by The Toren – Amsterdam 

Relax in private luxury on the beautiful island of St. Barts…

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Villa Marie – Saint-Barth

These days many newlyweds have already had the luxury of traveling extensively before getting married.   Couples who are looking at the Caribbean, but wanting a destination that neither of them have been to, may want to consider the tiny island of St. Barts.

It’s a mix of easy island living, with a chic European vibe thrown in.   A place where you may rub elbows with celebrities, fashion models and the jet-set crowd.  Where you will see yachts docked in the marina and photo shoots for magazines and catalogs taking place.   Because of the lack of ease in getting there, and the expense, it is certainly a favorite for the Hollywood crowd.

This French West Indies island offers tranquil turquoise waters, duty-free boutique shopping, wonderful cuisine with French and Creole influences, and optimal weather during their peak season from December to May.   The rest of the year can be beautiful as well, with the knowledge that the summer months may bring hurricanes.

Although a bit harder to get to than some of the other islands, it can be reached by flying from the U.S. to St. Martin and catching a locally operated 10-minute flight over to St Barts.   Some additional service may be found from San Juan, St Thomas and Antigua as well.

This island is all about sophistication, people-watching from a café along the waterfront, and just basking the sun.  The island is home to a number of incredible public beaches, where you can snorkel and swim. Topless sunbathing is a rather common practice on St. Barts beaches.  

Gustavia Harbor – St. Barts

French and European influences can be found everywhere. From the architecture, to the language, to the food and attitude. Residents and guests alike, have a love for food, drink and having a good time.

Couples should be aware that not only is it a destination that is not easy to get to, it is also not inexpensive.   Many of the small, intimate hotels are rather costly.   But for couples who can afford it, and enjoy their privacy, this may prove to be a winning honeymoon destination.

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

Hotel photos provided by Villa Marie – Saint-Barth 

Hit the road for your honeymoon…

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Charleston, South Carolina

Honeymooners who don’t want the hassle of getting a passport and traveling outside the U.S. for their honeymoon, yet want a romantic locale, can look no further than the lovely city of Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston is “hot” right now.   This popular city is engaging and romantic, and its Southern charm is evident everywhere.   From the oak tree-lined streets, to the horse-drawn carriages seen throughout the city…and from the southern hospitality to the antebellum mansions, this is a city filled with romance.   

The best time of year to honeymoon in Charleston is in spring or late fall.   This avoids the hot sticky summers and the potential for storms during hurricane season.   With these popular times, bring the crowds, so couples will want to be sure to book well in advance to get the accommodations they desire.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

There are a number of high-end hotels and boutique properties that cater to those looking for a bit more in the way of atmosphere, as well as numerous chain-hotels that will help keep the budget intact.    Certainly something for every wallet.

Charleston offers so much to see and do.   High on the list for history buffs is a visit to Fort Sumter, where the first battle of the Civil War took place.   A boat ride will transfer visitors over for a tour of the fort.    For more history, couples can visit one of many southern plantations in the surrounding area, or take in a haunted tour at the old local jail.

Fort Sumter Charleston Harbor

There is wonderful shopping along the cobblestone streets, from small boutiques to name-brand stores.    A walk along King Street will cover any couple’s shopping needs….with modern shops on Upper King and antiquing on Lower King.   And for those in Charleston on the Second Sunday of each month, they close off a portion of the street to become a pedestrian walkway.    Couples can also check out Marion Square on Saturday mornings for live music and food.


And if shopping isn’t enough, foodies will love the culinary scene in Charleston.    One of the best areas is surrounding the City Market.    The area offers an abundance of restaurants, along with arts & craft-style shopping booths.    Honeymoons can indulge upscale, wonderful southern cuisine…crab cakes, po’boy sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, grits, waffles & chicken and much more.    No one will go hungry in Charleston.

Honeymoons looking to just stroll the romantic streets, take in a little history along the way, and dine at some incredible restaurants, should consider checking out Charleston.     It’s a fantastic place to take in all the charm and hospitality of the South.

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

Resort photos provided by Kiawah Island Golf Resort 

The Maldives… I’ll take 2 tickets to paradise

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Luxury Maldives Villas by Anantara

The Maldives are a group of 1,192 islands located between the eastern coast of Africa and the southern the tip of India, and are part of the Asian continent.   And are simply paradise on earth.

The beaches of the Maldives, many of them untouched by human feet, are an oasis unlike any other beach locale.   Imagine laying on the silky white sand with your new spouse, taking a dip in the clear turquoise water, while it’s just the two of you alone on an entire island. The intimate setting this country offers to newlyweds, makes it a different honeymoon from any other.

The most ideal time to visit the Maldives is between November and April.  Couples who are interested in deep sea diving, should visit during April for clearest waters.  It’s advised to avoid traveling there from August to October when they can be affected by tropical cyclones.

Maldives is a destination for couples who like an indulgent style and are looking to be pampered.   It’s a rather extravagant trip, but one they won’t soon forget.    So for couples who want to spend their honeymoon in a little piece of heaven on earth, with the love of their life, this is the place they should be looking at. 

Honeymooners looking for true natural beauty, away from the distractions of other tourists, should consider a romantic stay in the Maldives.   There are an abundance of coral reefs for snorkeling, rich marine life, fishing and endless beaches.   Water sports abound with surf lessons, wake-boarding, windsurfing, sailing and more.   And all couples should be sure to visit the bioluminescence beaches at night.

Couples can take a flightseeing tour or the islands in a seaplane, visit the glowing beach at night, or if all of this is too tame, they can visit the capital of Male and tour fish markets, art galleries and the National Museum.

Sea – Underwater Restaurant

The island boast numerous luxury resorts, many with over-the-water bungalows and spas, and some with under water rooms.  Or couples may choose to island-hop instead, aboard a small ship cruise sailing to remote, uninhabited islands and deserted beaches.  

Whatever they choose to do, or not to do, this will surely be one memorable honeymoon they won’t soon forget.   An exotic destination like no other.

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

Photos provided by Anantara – Kihavah Maldives Villas 

 

A romantic honeymoon you will never forget..… Italy

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A romantic honeymoon you will never forget..… Italy
There is no where else quite like it.   A fantastic destination filled with romance, gorgeous scenery, amazing cuisine, some of the best wine in the world and history and culture that dates back 3000 years.   Italy.

It is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places anywhere in the world.   A country that offers picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, unmatched history and art, delicious food and wine, along with a slower paced way of life to help honeymooners relax and simply absorb the warmth and passion of it’s culture and people.

This is a country that beckons to lovers of all ages. The magical countryside offers the perfect atmosphere for a romantic honeymoon.   Charming villages, winding lanes, intimate inns and hotels, and warm people, embrace couples wherever they go.   The cities are full of culture, history and adventure.   The vibe of Italy is encompassing and unexplainable, but once you’ve experienced the romance there, you’ll always remember it.

There are endless things to see and do….from romantic gondola rides along the canals of Venice, to food and art tours in Florence, and private guided tours around Rome,… or simply relaxing along the Amalfi Coast.   There is so much to see and do, couples will have to make plans to return another time (for an anniversary perhaps) to experience more of this wonderfully romantic country.

Villa Rufolo Gardens and the Amalfi Coast – Italy

Food and wine play a big role in the Italian lifestyle, so couples should plan on eating and drinking a great deal.   There are fantastic little cafes and warm, wonderful dining spots everywhere.  And the people of Italy match that warmth and charm wherever couples may venture.

Italy is also a photographer’s dream….so honeymooners should be sure to grab their camera and be prepared to take in the scenic beauty and amazing sights they will see in this one of a kind place.  

Honeymooners should plan on spending at least 10 days in Italy, if not more.   Many take their first trip to the big three….Rome, Florence and Venice, but many will also include places like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, the Lakes region and other lesser known locales.   But regardless where they visit, it will be a honeymoon filled with romance and love…one they will never forget.

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

 

Start you honeymoon together in one of the most romantic places in the world. Come experience the one and only city of love… Paris

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Start you honeymoon together in one of the most romantic places in the world. Come experience the one and only city of love... Paris

Saint James Paris – Relais & Chateaux

Think of Paris and you immediately think romance. It is a city featuring a combination of incredible architecture, amazing food and wine, and art like you will find nowhere else in the world.

Start you honeymoon together in one of the most romantic places in the world. Come experience the one and only city of love... Paris
You’ve heard it called “The City of Lights”, but some also call it “The City of Love,” and for good reason….making it one of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations.  A place known for gourmet cuisine, numerous historical sites and world renowned architecture, Paris proves to be one of the most romantic places in the world.   What better location to start your new life together as honeymooners but in Paris.

Start you honeymoon together in one of the most romantic places in the world. Come experience the one and only city of love... Paris

As long as one can remember, lovers have noted that there is no place more romantic, magical and alluring.   The wine, the food, the charming hotels… paired with lazy afternoons just people-watching from a local café.   And even the sound of the French language are among this destination’s seductions.

Start you honeymoon together in one of the most romantic places in the world. Come experience the one and only city of love... Paris

Couples will want to be sure to visit the famed Pont des Art Bridge, where lovers have met for years to place a lock on the bridge (this is discouraged now, so tying a ribbon is the new practice) which symbolizes your commitment of love to one another.

Start you honeymoon together in one of the most romantic places in the world. Come experience the one and only city of love... Paris

There are so many sites to take in as newlyweds…..artwork at The Louvre, the sights from The Eiffel Tower at night, a stroll along the Champs Elysees.

Start you honeymoon together in one of the most romantic places in the world. Come experience the one and only city of love... Paris

Sail along the Seine through the heart of Paris, visit Notre Dame, wander the cobblestone streets or take in dinner and show at Moulin Rouge. Couples can visit the Rodin Museum where works like the “The Kiss” can be found.

Start you honeymoon together in one of the most romantic places in the world. Come experience the one and only city of love... Paris
But for all of the activities there are in Paris, couples should also plan to kick back, relax and just soak in the atmosphere…..and just enjoy being a couple together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

There’s no other city quite like it, especially for newlyweds….what’s not to love about honeymooning in Paris?

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

Hotel photos provided by Saint James Paris – Relais & Chateaux

 

Make your honeymoon a great experience… with a getaway close to home. Enjoy the calm, relaxing sun in Great Exuma.

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Make your honeymoon a great experience… with a getaway close to home. Enjoy the calm, relaxing sun in Great Exuma.

Grand Isle Resort & Spa

Exuma.   Even the names sounds exotic.   But this chain of islands in the Bahamas is so close to home for many on the east coast, it makes for a quick, easy and absolutely amazing honeymoon destination for those seeking solitude and relaxation.

 Great Exuma Island is home to a well known all-inclusive resort, as well as villa/residential and smaller boutique accommodations.   This destination is a truly relaxing one, but still offers numerous adventure activities.   The scenery is stunning, with white sand beaches and crystal clear multi-blue colored water.   The weather is ideal….balmy and breezy.
 

Make your honeymoon a great experience… with a getaway close to home. Enjoy the calm, relaxing sun in Great Exuma.

Great Exuma Island has a population of around 4,000 and offers a serene and peaceful time.     Compared to other islands, Great Exuma is not overrun by tourists or cruise ships, making for a truly relaxing getaway.   The island is relatively secluded and offers couples the chance to hide away on a white sand beach, or enjoy a picnic for two in a private cay.   There are no beach vendors selling their wares….just quiet, calm and relaxing places to sun yourself and let the day drift by.  

 But it’s not all relaxation time for those looking for some excitement.  There are options to play golf at a championship golf course with views that you can’t imagine.   Couples can play tennis, visit a spa, go scuba diving, participate in world class fishing, along with a host of other water sports.   Experienced guides are for hire and they are happy to add some extra adrenaline into your Caribbean honeymoon. Truly something for everyone.
 

Make your honeymoon a great experience… with a getaway close to home. Enjoy the calm, relaxing sun in Great Exuma.

Great Exuma offers an abundance of history and culture as well. Couples can visit the remains of cotton growing and salt farm plantations at Williams Town.  History abounds at Elizabeth Harbor which was once a favorite stop for pirates. The harbor is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park as well.

Make your honeymoon a great experience… with a getaway close to home. Enjoy the calm, relaxing sun in Great Exuma.

Couples seeking adventure will be enticed by the endless amount of activities available on Great Exuma Island.   Couples won’t want to miss a boat tour to visit the famous swimming pigs!  For anyone who follows a popular “dating” show on TV, you may remember the cast visiting these well-known swimming pigs!    In addition, couples can visit an nearby island where you can go ashore and feed grapes to the hundreds of iguanas that emerge from the foliage when they hear your boat pull up.   Truly a sight to see!

Make your honeymoon a great experience… with a getaway close to home. Enjoy the calm, relaxing sun in Great Exuma.Greg Norman 18 Hole Golf Course

 A honeymoon in this romantic Caribbean location will surely be memorable.   Great Exuma guarantees lasting memories of days in the sun, fun and romance!   A truly relaxing destination, off the beaten path, but so close to home.

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

 

Photos provided by Grand Isle Resort & Spa – Great Exuma

Celebrate your luck with love…take a honeymoon getaway on the romantic Emerald Isle of Ireland.

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Celebrate your luck with love…take a honeymoon getaway on the romantic Emerald Isle of Ireland.

The Emerald Isle – Ireland

Many thinking of a honeymoon conjure up thoughts of a warm-weather, all-inclusive style getaway.   But some newlyweds who want to veer away from the typical honeymoon spots, may want to consider the romantic Emerald Isle… Ireland.

Flights from the east coast are fairly short, at about 6 1/2 hours, with many airlines offering non-stop service to Dublin and Shannon.  Couples may not find an abundance of sunshine, but they will be transported into a misty land of rainbows and jagged cliffs, castles from fairytales that overlook blue lakes and warm, cozy pubs for sipping a pint of Guinness.

Celebrate your luck with love…take a honeymoon getaway on the romantic Emerald Isle of Ireland.

Dublin is a great city for walking, with plenty of things to do.  Couples will witness Dublin’s rich history in its classic architecture while walking the city streets.   They can taste the farm-to-table dining in one of many organic restaurants, and find the city’s poetic side with its varied literary, music and art scenes..

Celebrate your luck with love…take a honeymoon getaway on the romantic Emerald Isle of Ireland.

The Cliffs of Moher – Ireland

After spending some time in and around Dublin, honeymooners can rent a car and get out into the romantic countryside.   As they travel around the various towns, they will find beautiful scenery, lush foliage and rolling hills. Couples will enjoy some quiet time together is part of the allure of escaping to the countryside.   The sightseeing options abound.   Kissing the Blarney Stone, visiting the Cliffs of Moher, driving the Ring of Kerry, and so much more.   Ireland will hold an even greater draw for those honeymooners with Irish heritage.

Celebrate your luck with love…take a honeymoon getaway on the romantic Emerald Isle of Ireland.

Honeymooners can choose from various types of accommodations….everything from quaint B&Bs to historic castles, many of which offer a secluded retreat for romance.   There are 5-star hotels, to moderately priced boutique properties…a wide choice of where to stay and cost to stay there.   The options are endless.

Celebrate your luck with love…take a honeymoon getaway on the romantic Emerald Isle of Ireland.

So for couples looking for something different from the norm….why not head to the romantic Emerald Isle.   An Ireland honeymoon is an enduring experience that will stay with a couple forever.

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

 

Take your passion to the heart of the Canadian Rockies.. Enjoy a breathtaking and scenic honeymoon in the great outdoors.

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Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Some may think the Canadian Rockies is reserved for retirees or grandparents, but it can in fact be very romantic, making it an ideal destination for honeymooners who enjoy the outdoors and keeping active.

Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and places like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Yoho National Park offer an extraordinary backdrop for one of the most scenic honeymoons a couple could ask for.  The emerald blue and green waters, the mountain peaks and reflective lakes, make for some amazing photos for keepsake memories as a couple begins their life together.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – The Castle in the Rockies

There is a new generation of couples who are active in numerous outdoor pursuits.   Hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and so much more, are in abundance in the Canadian Rockies.    

Honeymooners can book a horseback riding excursion, go whitewater rafting, go boating or on heli-tours.  And the views along the way are an incredible bonus.  Couples can enjoy waterfalls, an abundance of places to hike, see glaciers, drive the Icefields Parkway, take a snowcoach tour on the Athabascan Glacier, take a gondola ride to the top of a few mountains and view wildlife. 

After full days in the outdoors, couples can relax at the spa, visit hot springs, stay in luxurious accommodations and enjoy some great dining options.  The Canadian Rockies boasts some incredible accommodations….everything to 5-star resorts to intimate log cabins…something for everyone’s taste and budget. 

In the Canadian Rockies, it is truly possible to have a first-class honeymoon.  If you love the outdoors, scenery that will stop you in your tracks, and being in nature, then the Canadian Rockies is an excellent choice.

– Melanie Jascoviez  CTC / DS 
MJ Travel
570-706-5775

Resort photos provided by Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

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