Portrait Suites in Rome, Italy

portrait suites rome Portrait Suites in Rome, Italy

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s recent low key wedding was the fitting beginning to an equally romantic and low key honeymoon.  The pair have been spotted out and about in Rome, Italy taking in the sites (and carbs).  Rome is one of my favorite cities in the world!  And one of the most popular places for visitors to enjoy is the Spanish Steps.  Reports say that Mr. and Mrs. Zuckerberg stayed just steps away from the famous steps, in an ultra modern swanky hotel called Portrait Suites.  The famous duo put this luxury property on the map last week so we thought we would take a look at what makes a couple who could stay anywhere in the world, chose here.rome italy luxury hotel Portrait Suites in Rome, Italy

This mini mod palace reflects the style of Rome in the 50‘s and makes you feel like you’ve been transported into a swanky fashion studio with all the amenities of home (hidden kitchen included).  With rooftop views of the city and suites that you could get lost in, honeymooners with a flair for style and city living will love it here.

portrait suites hotel Portrait Suites in Rome, Italy

For that Roman holiday shopping experience, there’s a Ferragamo experience when you book a suite (somehow we doubt this understated couple has opted in for this royal treatment).

portrait suites honeymoon Portrait Suites in Rome, Italy

Cocktails on the terrace, strolls to the Spanish Steps, sightseeing by day and private dinners for two – I have no doubt you will fall in love with Rome just as I (and Mr. and Mrs. Zuckerberg) have.

spanish steps luxury hotels Portrait Suites in Rome, Italy

Photos: Portrait Suites

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Bermuda Resort: Rosewood Tucker Point

the bachelorette bermuda resort Bermuda Resort: Rosewood Tucker Point

Are you a fan of The Bachelorette?  If you tuned in last night to watch the dating madness, chances are you saw another TV trip of a lifetime – to Bermuda!  The dating hopefuls headed to Rosewood Tucker’s Point, a private beach club, residential community, and of course, grand Caribbean resort.   A perfect place to touch down for the couple who likes to be active and do nothing at all too – you can golf by day or play a few sets of tennis before retiring to the 12,000 square foot spa for a couple’s massage in the suite designed just for two.  Using local ingredients and herbs from the spa garden, you’ll experience the best the island has to offer as you relax and unwind after your big day.  A honeymoon dreams are made of!

rosewood tucker point Bermuda Resort: Rosewood Tucker Pointtucker point bermuda Bermuda Resort: Rosewood Tucker Point

To live like TV royalty, consider dinning at the wine cellar at The Point, the fine dining restaurant in the resort, perfect for a romantic dinner for two.  Or head to the private beach club for some fun in the sun overlooking one of Bermuda’s most pristine pink sand beaches.  Yep, we said pink sand!  Bermuda is known for its one-of-a-kind beaches that boast a soft glow of pink thanks to the unique mix of red foam, shells and coral that make up the sand on island.  And Tucker’s Point is the only property with a private beach, ideal for those quiet walks at sunset down the shoreline together.   If you’re avid beach goers then this is the honeymoon spot for you.  Oh yeah, and the lavish poolside cabanas, luxury service and staff treatment, and amazing local fare isn’t half bad either :).

bremuda weddings1 Bermuda Resort: Rosewood Tucker Pointbermuda tuckers point1 Bermuda Resort: Rosewood Tucker Pointbermuda luxury resorts Bermuda Resort: Rosewood Tucker Point

For romantic seclusion paired with the ultimate luxury resort experience, call Rosewood Tucker’s Point home for your honeymoon (or Caribbean destination I do).  Your fairy tale ending will far surpass that of any reality star romance with this happy ending…

rosewood bermuda Bermuda Resort: Rosewood Tucker Pointbermuda honeymoons Bermuda Resort: Rosewood Tucker Point

Travel Tip: Book a private dinner in a cabana that overlooks the Palm Court Pool and Harrington Sound and you’ll be in a six course food and wine pairing heaven for hours and hours.

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Weddings at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

wedding at ritz carlton orlando Weddings at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande LakesToday we’re taking you on a little trip for a domestic destination wedding.  Florida is the most popular place to travel for stateside “I do’s,” pair that with the Ritz Carlton and you’ve got a perfect nuptial blend.  The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is set a bit outside the city for that getaway feeling and sense of relaxation, but still close enough in proximity for it to be a convenient locale for travelers (and of course a big plus for those with kids taking time for a theme park filled vacation).

A sprawling property, this place has it all for that big family, ballroom wedding but away from home nonetheless.  Eleven exquisite restaurants, 500+ hotel rooms and suites, a mega spa with incredible indulgences (think citrus-inspired treatments) for your bridal party, and of course, a Greg Norman-signature golf course for the guys.

The resort certainly feels like a fortress, one with the finest amenities, lavish suites, and great service in my stay experience.  It’s the perfect place for a family who wants a bit more formal affair but the couple wants to get out of town and hit the road too.  An ideal marriage of the two without breaking the bank of your guests to get there.

ritz carlton orlando weddings Weddings at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande LakesWhether permitting, we love the outdoor spaces of this resort, though there are three main level ballrooms too should you opt to go inside.  Either way, be sure to schedule some sun time poolside with your personal pool concierge.  

Flowers girls and ring bearers?  Don’t forget out the Ritz Kids program which in this locale can mean fly fishing, lady bug release and kayaking.  Can I be a kid?

ritz carlton grande lakes weddings Weddings at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande LakesInto an eco-adventure?  They’ve got that too!  Brush up on your skills at the Ritz Carlton’s fly fishing school, get out into the wilderness in a private eco-tour on Shingle Creek and the Everglades, or enjoy an afternoon hike with a crew or just for two.

weddings ritz carlton grande lakes Weddings at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande LakesAnd don’t forget, if you’re jetting off to the sunshine state, you’re not too far from the Caribbean for that intimate tropical honeymoon after your grand “I do’s” at Grande Lakes!

Tip:  When in Orlando, bring out the kid in you and take your wedding photographer to Disneyworld and Epcot Center for a day of fabulous photos and fun you’ll never forget.

When to Go:  High season is March to April, mid-June to mid-August, mid-December to early January – we suggest avoiding those kid-friendly vacation times if you can (better rates in the shoulder season and fewer crowds if you do venture to the parks).

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Weddings at San Ysidro Ranch

celebrity weddings san ysidro ranch1 Weddings at San Ysidro Ranch{Photos Courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch}

Nestled in the hills of the beautifully sleepy California town of Montecito, overlooking the Santa Ynez Mountains, just outside of Santa Barbara, sits a ranch style hotel known for its quiet privacy, celebrity sightings, and oh-so romantic weddings.  A perfect location for a destination wedding in California, the San Ysidro Ranch is within close proximity to Los Angeles and thus has become a landmark for celebrity weddings and honeymoon hideaways.

A 500-acre property that feels as comfortable as your own home, San Ysidro Ranch was originally put on the map as the spot where John F. Kennedy and wife Jackie O. honeymooned and now modern-day newlyweds can do the same – and stay in the very same suite, renamed the Kennedy Cottage.

San Ysidro Ranch weddings1 Weddings at San Ysidro Ranch{Photos: Jose Villa}

But more recently the boutique property is known for celebrity weddings like that of Victoria’s Secret model Lily Aldridge and Kings of Leon band member Caleb Followill.  It’s also the rumored spot of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin’s nuptials.  Celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss has seen her share of high profile weddings at San Ysidro Ranch as well.  Mindy planned Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie’s destination wedding there back in 2010.

A hotel best suited for intimate weddings, it’s no wonder celebs love San Ysidro Ranch, with plenty of options on which to wed.  My personal favorite – the garden setting is spectacular, complete with year-round ivy arches and lush floral hedges trimming the lawn.  The picturesque backdrop cannot be beat.

san ysidro ranch wedding Weddings at San Ysidro Ranch{Photos: Top: Jose Villa, Inset & Bottom Courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch}

The local lavender fields and organic local product make this property a standout both visually and for your palette.  Wedding and Events Coordinator Usha Atterbury tells us about the fine cuisine on property.  “Our Executive Chef uses the finest seasonal ingredients to create innovative California Cuisine, relying greatly upon the Ranch’s organic herb and vegetable garden for the freshest flavors to accompany his creations.  The Ranch’s exceptional blend of delicious food, stunning setting, and comfortable, understated elegance makes it a truly unique choice of venues.”

celebrity wedding photos san ysidro ranch Weddings at San Ysidro Ranch{Photos: Jose Villa}

If your event is very small in size, say an elopement of eight or less, say “I do” to the historic Old Adobe or the vintage wine cellar which you can fill with one long feasting table for twenty.  For slightly larger events, the Hydrangea Cottage is a popular spot to wed with its private patio, beautiful views, and six adjacent suites for your bridal party and getting ready time.

wedding san ysidro ranch Weddings at San Ysidro RanchA destination wedding weekend at San Ysidro Ranch means good old-fashioned fun.  Think lawn games, snuggling by the fireplace in your cottage, and perhaps taking a stroll through the town peppered with boutiques and local fare.  When a loved one of mine wed here, what I remember most was the wonderful quiet time and the serene feeling on property that makes for a very calming wedding day with the smell of fresh wood fires burning in chimneys above.  You feel transported back to the golden era of California, as if Will Rodgers might be sleeping in the cottage next door.

san ysidro ranch cottages Weddings at San Ysidro Ranchsan ysidro ranch1 Weddings at San Ysidro Ranch Frequently named one of the World’s Best Hotels by Travel + Leisure, San Ysidro Ranch is known for its four-poster beds that have become perhaps iconic for this property and make for a perfectly romantic wedding night and honeymoon.

jessica simpson wedding san ysidro ranch Weddings at San Ysidro Ranchsan ysidro ranch wedding venue Weddings at San Ysidro Ranch{Property Photos: San Ysidro Ranch}

When to Go: California has great year-round weather but summer months are the most popular for weddings.  Given that the property has less than 50 rooms and suites, book well in advance during peak season.

Travel Tip: Take your four-legged ring bearer with you!  This property is pet-friendly and will take extra special care of your furry friends with amenities and plenty of running around room.

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Weddings at The Grand Del Mar

grand del mar resort weddings Weddings at The Grand Del MarLet’s head to sunny Southern California – San Diego to be exact, where one of my favorite domestic resorts is nestled in the hills above and just a tad inland from the Pacific Ocean.  The Grand Del Mar, San Diego’s only Five Star and Five Diamond Resort, is one of those special places where service really does make the experience.  I’ve stayed on property, attended weddings and conferences here, dinned countless times and each and every single time the staff is truly extraordinary.  To know your wedding is in good hands is a luxury no one should miss out on and you’ll be cared for like a member of the family here.  Oh, and the venue is pretty much picture perfect for a destination wedding too!

Designed with the bride in mind, the sprawling location has several spots to say “I do”.  My personal favorite is the capella – an intimate chapel complete with its own entrance, removable pews, marble columns, high beamed ceilings and beautiful double doors for that oh-so grand Grand Del Mar entrance.  We asked their wedding specialist, Paige Levy about its details.  “The intimate chapel is steeped in old-world charm and infused with fairytale romance. The Capella features beamed ceilings, imported Italian pews, stained glass accents and ceremony seating for up to 280 guests.  The Capella offers the experience of a chapel setting without having to have the ceremony and reception at two separate locations.  The Capella is designed to cater to the client looking for a religious style ceremony with the option of displaying a cross and wood alter, however it can also be customized for the client looking for a non-religious unique indoor ceremony location.  The flexibility of the space caters to both desires.”  The space is so diverse, it can even be set for dinner!  With removable pews, you could chose to host your reception here too.

But if you’re traveling to San Diego for the year-round great weather, then there’s a ceremony spot for you too.  The vast Aria Lawn comes complete with a Moroccan pavilion overlooking the championship golf course.  A lovely place for a cocktail hour, dinner under the stars of that jaw-dropping, lavish ceremony.  If you or your loved ones can’t get to Italy, Morocco or other far off lands for your destination wedding, then let San Diego transport you there with the help of The Grand Del Mar!

grand del mar chapel1 Weddings at The Grand Del Mar{Photos: Top Left: Paul Barnett Photographer, All Others: True Photography}

If you want to wed under a traditional gazebo, they’ve got that too!  Just in front of a long fountain for that water element you might be dreaming of for your ceremony.

grand del mar weddings Weddings at The Grand Del Mar{All Photos: True Photography}

For a grand reception, the Elizabeth Ballroom is perfect!  With a built-in stage, detailed paneling on the walls, high and decorative ceilings, this is one hotel ballroom you won’t want to cover up.

But saying “I do” here isn’t all about the event itself.  A destination wedding weekend should allow guests to experience all that the location has to offer.  Paige tells us they also have, “…an award-winning five star spa, pro-style tennis courts, an 18-hole championship golf course, acclaimed restaurants, seasonal cooking classes, boutique shopping, and an abundance of outdoor recreation in the 37 miles of canyon preserve trails.   Take a scenic hike. Lounge poolside. Focus on your well-being. Dive into the ocean…or the action.  Endless options offer something for everyone – the active enthusiast, the spirited adventurer, the culinary connoisseur and the style seeker.” 

 It’s no wonder San Diego is one of the country’s most popular travel locations.  Time to pack your bags!

weddings at the grand del mar Weddings at The Grand Del Mar{All Photos: True Photography}

When to Wed: San Diego can pretty much be counted on for year round great weather.  But if you want picture perfect skies, and lots of activities to keep your guests occupied, consider late summer when the race track is in full season or early summer when the nearby county fair comes to town for the kids.  (Just be sure to book early!)

Travel Tip:  If you want to explore San Diego – the beach, theme parks, the downtown shopping and dining district, Coronado Island, the landmarks and more then we suggest renting a car.  The city is spread out and takes time to see it all.  The resort has a car service and can arrange offsite activities but for a bit more freedom of schedule, your own set of wheels might just do the trick!

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Propose at Fairmont Pacific Rim

Official engagement season is well underway and with Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, what better gift to give than an engagement ring?!  For those of you still looking for that perfect way to pop the question, we have quite the idea for you! Fairmont Pacific Rim in beautiful Vancouver recently developed several Perfect Proposal Packages and even has a personal proposal coordinator on hand to help you plan the engagement of a lifetime. Luxurious suites, private dinners, shopping sprees, even an airplane overhead carrying a banner professing your love – the list goes on! If you know your future bride or groom-to-be would enjoy a little luxury and pampering (and who wouldn’t!?) listen up, there’s sure to be a proposal idea here that’ll be the perfect fit.fairmont pacific rim Propose at Fairmont Pacific RimTo give you an idea of the dream-come-true packages the Fairmont offers, take a gander at the “Rock Star” package. Your honey will be swept away to the hotel in a luxury car, greeted by their own personal shopper at LEONE for the perfect outfit and then off to Palladio for the final touch of bling. Once your future fiancé is dressed to impress, it’s off to a private hotel suite where a solo guitarist, romantic dinner and you (on one knee!) awaits them.

Foodie love birds will enjoy the custom dinner and dessert menus that created just for the two of you! For the true chefs-at-heart, how about a private tour and lesson from the hotels executive pastry chef, too?

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, take a look at the packages that include a private helicopter tour or, for the very daring, why not propose and tie the knot all-in-one, a perfect option for couples who prefer to elope, but want the help of the hotel’s experts!fairmont vancouver Propose at Fairmont Pacific RimOf course, if you’re really wanting that one-of-a-kind vibe, Fairmont Pacific Rim allows you to customize your very own package from start to finish. Perhaps a relaxing spa treatment followed by a custom dinner in a secluded poolside cabana or a harbor cruise followed by a romantic private movie screening? I told you, the options are endless!  And with grounds as gorgeous as this resort’s, you may just want to plan your destination wedding there too…fairmont canada weddings Propose at Fairmont Pacific Rim

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Montelucia Resort Weddings

Montelucia Scottsdale Montelucia Resort WeddingsToday we jumped on a quick virtual flight out to Scottsdale, AZ where they are known for their fabulous spa resorts and breathtaking wedding backdrops with the desert mountains nearby.  The Montelucia Resort & Spa is among the best you can get out west! The resort has numerous options for destination weddings. Perhaps you favor an indoor ceremony with soaring ceilings and a reception with long elegant tables beneath beautiful wood-beams? Or, if your one with the outdoors, who could ask for a better backdrop for “I do” than the sunset over Camelback Mountain?

Montelucia weddings Montelucia Resort Weddings

Whether you choose to host your wedding at Montelcuia, or just jet their for your honeymoon, you must take advantage of all their dreamy amenities. Dine at their award winning restaurant, Prado, or spend a day relaxing away in their spa and experience Arizona’s only authentic Hammam, a luxurious bathing ritual, or simply lounge in your very own cabana around their rooftop pool. Embrace the wild wild west on a private horseback ride or try your hand at mixology and learn the art of the cocktail at Mbar. And when it’s time to turn in for the night, don’t worry, you’re not leaving luxury at the door. You’ll step into your very own Spanish-style suite and enjoy those magnificent views on your own private, sanctuary-like patio. Sweet dreams!

montelucia resort Montelucia Resort Weddings

 

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Four Seasons Lana’i, The Lodge at Koele

Four Seasons Lanai wedding Four Seasons Lanai, The Lodge at KoeleDid you catch our part one post yesterday about Lana’i?  We covered the beautiful beach side property of the Four Seasons Manele Bay.  And today we’re heading north to the central highlands of the island, to the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele.  Luxury resorts are a bit like children to me (only kidding), I don’t have favorites, but this property would certainly be one if I did.

Typically when someone says Hawaii, I think beaches, whale watching, hiking, waterfalls, and luaus.  Never before did I think of dude ranch, English countryside, or lunar surface-like sand dunes.  But yes, high above the beaches of Lana’i you’ll find a place unlike any other, with all of the above.  Perfectly manicured lawns (complete with croquet, archery and lawn bowling), wild turkeys running about at any given time, a huge wrap-around porch welcoming you into a ski lodge-like lobby, this resort has a little bit of the best of everything…all sewn together seamlessly.  Out back, you’ll find an orchid house (great cocktail hour setting for wedding guests!), two gazebo like structures, one in the traditional sense, the other – a beautiful Asian-inspired structure (both overlooking the resort’s large pond), and so much more.  If you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t until you’ve stayed at the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele.Four Seasons Lanai Lodge Resort Four Seasons Lanai, The Lodge at KoeleBut what is there for you and your guests to do away from the beach in Hawaii?  Hum.  Well, let’s start with nature walks, horseback riding, tennis, lawn bowling, croquet, spa, sun and pool, 4×4 sand dune riding adventures, oh, and spectacular golf too.  I wandered up to the course one morning and came upon the perfect wedding ceremony site, a hole overlooking a secluded valley, separated from all other parts of the world.  A setting so unique, how golfers manage not to get distracted is beyond me.Four Seasons Koele Four Seasons Lanai, The Lodge at KoeleWith so many idyllic options, activities, and, really, styles to choose from, your wedding can be as unique or diverse as you’d like it to be.  Opt for a hotel buyout and perhaps your reception site will be encased by the massive lobby fireplaces as you sip after dinner drinks and tell stories.  If you prefer the outdoors, golf, grass, or patio options are abundant!  (I’ve even heard of a rehearsal dinner in the horse stables just at the end of the drive).

This isn’t your typical Hawaiian destination wedding, but then again, nothing about Lana’i is typical.  And don’t forget, you can always catch a ride with Four Seasons down to the sister property on the beach.  Perhaps host an opening night lu’au on the beach and wed high above in the highlands the next day.  Or keep this best kept secret to yourselves and honeymoon here without friends and family.  A place of privacy, quiet time, nature, and indulgence – it doesn’t get much better than this for two people in love.Four Seasons Lanai Weddings Four Seasons Lanai, The Lodge at KoeleI like the idea of starting one’s honeymoon at Manele Bay and then finishing up the trip at the Lodge at Koele.  Best of both worlds.  (And save the best for last).

Traveler Tip:  Pack a bit warmer if this is your final destination.  It can get 10 to 2o degrees cooler at the lodge than the bay.  All the more reason to snuggle up to your new spouse!

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Four Seasons Lana’i, Manele Bay Weddings

Four Seasons Manele Bay Resort Four Seasons Lanai, Manele Bay WeddingsToday is part one of our two part look at the Lana’i Four Seasons sister properties.  For those of you unfamiliar with Lana’i, it’s a tiny island of Hawaii with little on it but a small village and two absolutely breathtaking resorts by Four Seasons.  Once a private pineapple plantation island, it’s now one of nature’s wonders with everything from sand dunes and rustic mountain tops to horse trails and beautiful beaches and coves.  One of the two Four Seasons properties on the island is located on the beach at Manele Bay and the other, high above in the mountains, Koele Lodge.  And I had the insane privilege of visiting both hotels last year.  I must say, they are equally special and equally unique.

The Four Seasons Manele Bay has an Asian influence mixed seamlessly with the rest of the Hawaiian culture.  Perched just above its beach on a cliff overlooking two bays, you often see dolphins swimming outside your windows.  But that’s not the best part.  While they discourage it (I must admit, I encourage it), a swim with the dolphins in the morning hours when they come practically up to shore is an unforgettable experience.  Something all honeymooners should get to experience, given the chance.  And what a story for your wedding guests to come home to tell their kids.

But it’s not just what nature has to offer that makes this a must visit destination.  Whether honeymooning, hosting a destination wedding, or both, this property has it all.  Fantastic pool deck, luxurious spa (complete with custom blended perfume consultations – a great bridesmaid gift – hint, hint), fantastic food and restaurants, and a secret garden-like atmosphere as you wind around paths through a gazebo to get to your beautifully appointed room (outfitted with a wonderful tub for two).  And when the time comes to say “I do,” do so in style on the 12th hole of the world famous course, The Challenge at Manele Bay (the spot where Bill Gates wed).  Then cart over to the beautiful Lu’ua Gardens for a private outdoor reception on the grass, or if you came to Hawaii for the beach, wed right on the sand of Manele Bay. four seasons lanai wedding Four Seasons Lanai, Manele Bay WeddingsFor couples or wedding parties that want the perfect mix of golf and spa, sun and sand, and total relaxation away from it all, Four Seasons Lana’i Manele Bay is for you.  Just a forty-five minute ferry ride from Maui, it’s easy to get to, but worlds away from everything and everyone else.

If you’re looking for a blend of activity and privacy, and perhaps your wedding is on Maui, then I recommend a quick jet over to this island to get away from it all when the “I do’s” are done (and say good bye to the in-laws before you do).Four Seasons Lanai beach Four Seasons Lanai, Manele Bay Weddings Traveler Tip: Book nights at both Four Seasons properties on Lana’i and get a completely different experience at each (with guest rights at both).  It will feel like two honeymoons in one!

Check back tomorrow for part two when we go north to the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele.

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Jade Mountain Honeymoons, St. Lucia

Jade Mountain resort Jade Mountain Honeymoons, St. LuciaIf you read travel magazines like I do, then chances are you’ve heard of the famed Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia.  But let me tell you, going there is an entirely different experience than one could imagine.  Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pitons, this boutique property was designed by architect owner, Nick Troubetzkoy, in such a way that you truly feel like you’re the only guests there.  With “galaxy suites” as they call them, shaped in a curve around the mountainside, you’ll find only one wall to keep you covered, but you’re not short of privacy as the angles are such that no vantage point allows others to see into the spaces. And no one is permitted onto your bridge to your front door without the appropriate colored flag hanging when your ready to re-join civilization.  Can you say honeymoon paradise?!?!   jade mountain st lucia Jade Mountain Honeymoons, St. LuciaThose fantastic suites each come complete with an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor furnishings, a fabulous tub for two, and a dedicated butler to cater to your every whim.  By day, you’ll lounge in your room’s pool or head down to the beach for a bit of snorkeling and sunning.  By night, dinner at the sister property, Anse Chstanet’s beach restaurant, or on the rooftop restaurant of Jade Mountain (with a James Beard award-winning chef) or perhaps a casual in-room yet al fresco dinner for two before you retire to your canopy covered four-poster bed.jade mountain inifinity pool1 Jade Mountain Honeymoons, St. LuciaIt may sound silly on an island as lush and beautiful as St. Lucia, but this really is a hotel room you won’t want to leave.  And what better trip to stay in than on your honeymoon?  When you need something, anything at all, your smiling, friendly and oh-so warm butler is just a click on your two-way walkie away.  I admit, when I visited this one-of-a-kind sanctuary, I was traveling solo (not ideal for a place this special) and even I was content swimming on my deck, reading a book while sipping a fresh island fruit smoothie, and watching the sun come up and go down from behind the curtains on the bed, blissful in a constant state of relaxation. jade mountain suites Jade Mountain Honeymoons, St. LuciaBut life in St. Lucia isn’t all naps and moments alone together (unless you want it to be).  Should you dare to venture out beyond your palace wall, the island is brimming with fantastic adventures and warm new friends to meet.  I highly suggest some snorkel time and a trip to the sulphur springs at sunrise where you’ll get a 5-star mud bath and mask au naturel, just as Mother Nature intended, and located in the base of the world’s only drive-in volcano.st lucia jade mountain Jade Mountain Honeymoons, St. LuciaTravel Tip:  If you’ve got the budget to splurge, opt for Jade Mountain’s helicopter airport pickup and arrive at the resort from high above the Pitons rather than by car.  And when you arrive, be sure you’re booked in an infinity pool galaxy suite, it’s well worth it!

…now back to daydreaming about a return trip (plus one).

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