A few weeks ago I had the chance to spend a week in Punta Cana and see some of the resorts down there. During a long ride between resorts the wonderful taxi driver, Juan and I had a conversation about the resorts that I had been to and what I thought. We chatted a bit about the features and amenities at each resort. In closing he said it could be summed up with 6 words “The difference is in the service” – and he was right. The resorts all have similar features and amenities to offer their guests but the difference between them is as simple as the service. Service sets apart the great resorts from to extraordinary ones. Simple tasks being handled without you even having to think about them are what make your experience extra special.

I was able to experience two resorts while in Punta Cana and I want to share my story with you so you can better understand what I mean by service makes the difference.

Here is a perfect example of where service makes the difference. While dining at Resort #1 we would constantly have to find someone and ask for our water to be refilled. We would spend half of our meal looking for a waiter to flag down to get some more water.  Now you might think, this lady is crazy, it is just a glass of water, but think of how much time I had to waste trying to find a waiter to get a simple glass of water. Now let’s travel to Resort #2 when we arrived at the lobby they had bottles waiting for us, as we walked around the resort the different restaurants and bars offered drinks without me having to track someone down to get it. It was effortless. This was a very enjoyable experience; I could enjoy my surroundings without having to worry about what I was going to do about water as it was always there for me.

Now you are scratching your head going so I should base my honeymoon on if they will get me a glass of water without asking. Yes – well at least on the principle, on your honeymoon you want it to be everything you dreamed of and more, the last time you dreamed about your honeymoon did it involve you chasing a waiter around the dining room for a glass of water? Service is a huge factor in what makes a great resort extraordinary. The lack of service can make for a long (and thirsty) week.

When you are deciding on a resort take into consideration not only what features and amenities it has but also and most importantly what type of service it has. This will set the mood for your entire honeymoon, make sure it is a good one!

If you need help debunking the great mystery of extraordinary service talk to your Bliss Honeymoons Expert today and we will get you on the right track to your perfect honeymoon!

#Hilary Wallace

Imagine sipping refreshing drinks with little umbrellas on the side as a warm Caribbean breeze blows over crystal clear turquoise waters. Select Antigua for your honeymoon destination and this fantasy can be reality.

Antigua is quaint little island in the Caribbean Sea that’s often overlooked by honeymooners – very much to their loss. While it only boasts about 108 square miles of land, Antigua packs plenty of things for a newlywed couple to do in its compact space.

This little island is the perfect spot to honeymoon for many reasons. Here are three of the top:

• The climate – Because of its location so close to the equator, Antigua offers beautiful weather year-round. The winter months see highs in the mid-70s. Summer months do bring slightly warmer weather with highs in the upper 80s. Even so, the Caribbean Sea delivers cool breezes year-round making it comfortable to explore the great outdoors. While rain is common here, Antigua does boast one of the lowest rainfall averages in the eastern Caribbean. Considering is practically perfect year-round climate, Antigua is a fantastic destination no matter the season.
• The attractions – Antigua is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The island boasts more than 360 different beaches, all famed for their pristine white sand. It also has stunning, rugged coastlines, coral reefs, breathtaking bays and plenty of outdoor attractions to take in. Visitors here find no shortage of things to do either. In addition to water sports and lazing on the beaches, you will find that practically anything you want to do can be done in Antigua. The island is also home to a number of historic sites, harbors, restaurants, shopping areas, nightclubs and more. Honeymooners can also enjoy some serious high adventure here. Kayaking, zip line rain forest tours, parasailing and more are all possible.
• The resorts – Antigua is home to numerous resorts that are just right for honeymooners looking for first-class service. From quaint little resorts that feature lots of privacy for newlyweds to high-end destinations that are well equipped to cater to every need, visitors here do not have to concern themselves with service.

If you’re looking for a honeymoon destination that’s different and distinctly romantic, Antigua is a spot worth exploring. This little island paradise is naturally romantic, but doesn’t skip a beat when it comes to things to do and incredible places to stay. Just consider the possibilities.

Who Should You Invite on Your Vow Renewal Trip?

You and your honey have been married for years, but you’re more in love today than ever before. As your anniversary approaches, you’ve decided to plan a getaway and you intend to renew your vows while you’re there.

While this is an incredibly romantic way to celebrate an anniversary, it can sometimes be a logistical nightmare. Trying to decide how much pomp to put into the circumstance and how many people to invite along for the fun can create a headache that rivals Mount Rushmore.

So, who should you invite?

There is a simple rule of thumb that goes into vow renewal planning that doesn’t necessarily fit an actual wedding: Since you’re already married, you are technically “free” to invite as many or as few people as you want. A vow renewal isn’t a wedding and you don’t have to have a guest list of 500 of your closest friends to enjoy a fantastic time.

Since you’re considering a vow renewal trip, here are some tips that can help you craft the guest list:

• Consider your personal preferences – Sit down with your spouse and talk about how big of an affair you’d like to hold. If you both decide that small and intimate suits your style, start crafting the guest list from there. Remember, it’s customary to invite your children (or grandchildren) along for a vow renewal and maybe a few other friends and family. You are not obligated, however, to really invite anyone. You can “elope” this time around and get away with it if you want to!
• Consider your desired destination – Where you intend to take your trip can greatly whittle down a guest list. For example, if you want to renew your vows in a quaint location within the United States, your guest list might realistically be a bit bigger since more people are likely to attend. Now, if you plan to escape to Paris to renew your vows, the travel might be cost prohibitive for a large guest list.
• Consider your need for “alone time” – Since you’re discussing a destination vow renewal, you might want to think about the time after the ceremony. Chances are if you have 40 people come along for the fun, they’re going to stick around at the resort in the days that follow. Do you really want a lot of people tagging along for your anniversary adventure? If not, invite accordingly.

No matter what you decide, a vow renewal is an incredible way to celebrate an anniversary. Just remember it’s your day and you can plan and celebrate it anyway you want. When you’re ready to start putting the details together, consult one of our romance travel experts that specializes in anniversary and honeymoon travel for the best ideas on where to go, where to stay and how to plan the ceremony.

Let’s face it; anniversary trips aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. While she might have a romantic adventure in mind, he’s probably thinking of a place that offers a whole new experience.

So, why not compromise just a little and combine the two? Yes, it’s possible to enjoy romance and a whole new experience at the same time. Consider a culinary getaway and you can have your cake and eat it, too – literally!

Culinary adventures are perfect for anniversary trips for a number of reasons. Perhaps one of the most appealing advantages of this type of “hands-on” vacation is the fact they can be found in just about any major tourist destination in the world. It doesn’t matter whether you want to tour a particular region in the United States or go to an exotic locale in Europe or beyond, there is likely to be a culinary getaway you can take advantage of.

So, what happens on a culinary getaway?

Most culinary getaways are scheduled to coincide with local culinary school or restaurant cooking classes. Travel agents that specialize in this type of travel help their clients select their destinations, schedule their classes, book their accommodations and schedule their transportation. Some even provide all-inclusive or nearly all-inclusive packages.

During a culinary getaway, couples can enjoy a number of activities that go beyond cooking classes, too. Depending on the locale selected, some days might be left free for touring the sites while evenings are open for romance. The classes are typically designed to teach novices and even beginners how to create select regional or national dishes. In some cases, couples can even enjoy private classes with top regional chefs.

While culinary getaways aren’t for everyone, they offer an exciting alternative to a quick weekend away to celebrate an anniversary. Imagine touring the Italian countryside while learning how to craft dishes that have made the country‘s cuisine so popular. Or picture yourself staying in a quaint New England resort while discovering the steps necessary to pull off a seafood feast fit for royalty. That’s possible when a culinary getaway is the vacation on tap.

If you love the idea of combining romance with a unique experience, consider booking a culinary getaway for your anniversary trip. Talk with our travel agents that specialize in anniversary packages to find out just how many destinations around the world offer this kind of adventure.

Want a honeymoon that’s truly out of the ordinary? Why not visit a resort that has a swim-up bar? Just imagine lazing around in your swimsuit, enjoying little drinks with umbrellas as you and your sweetie celebrate your special time together.

If you’re worried that timing is everything for one of these resorts, relax! There are some incredible resorts found all over the world that feature incredible swim-up bars. You can even enjoy world-class service in the middle of Manhattan in the middle of winter!

So, what are our favorite swim-up bars? Here are a few of the very best:

• The Encore at Wynn in Las Vegas – While there’s more than one swim-up bar in Sin City, this one happens to be one of the very best. The Encore boasts incredible service, a wide selection of drinks and a nightclub atmosphere that’s perfect for Honeymooners that want to kick off their shoes and have a good time.
• Room Mate Grace in New York City – Weather is never a problem at this swim-up bar in the heart of Manhattan. Thanks to an indoor pool, this swim-up bar is ready for action 365 days a year. Plus, thanks to DJs that are on site most nights, the pool features a lively nightclub atmosphere most of the time. What makes this particular spot so much fun is the fact that non-guests can indulge in the swim-up bar for a cover charge. This means you can stay at any New York resort you like and still check out this destination on your honeymoon.
• Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa – If you have a tropical destination in mind for your honeymoon, this resort is well worth the look. In addition to being in one of the most breathtaking and romantic destinations in the world, this resort might have one of the coolest swim-up bars on the planet. Rather than feature a pool, guests here can swim up to full-service restaurant and bar tables right in the tropical waters of the South Pacific.

It’s your honeymoon; if you want to live it up there are resorts all over the world that are ready to cater to your every whim. If you and your sweetheart have your hearts set on getting incredible service while never wearing more than a swimsuit, our favorite swim-up bars are worth checking out. Plus, you’ll find many other resorts here and abroad that feature their own incredible swim-up bars.

When it’s time to plan a honeymoon, the world is your oyster. There are so many places to go and so many things to do both at home and abroad.

But, what happens if you, your honey or both of you happen to be vegetarians or have other dietary concerns? Where can you go to ensure first-class romance with a menu that delights, too?

Fortunately, there are some great destinations you can go to where your dietary desires will be taken into account while adventure, romance and alone time will remain the top priorities.

Here are just three suggestions for great vegetarian friendly honeymoons:

• Cruises – Pick a cruise, any cruise and chances are you’re not only going to have an incredible honeymoon, but you’ll get to enjoy some amazing vegetarian cuisine the entire time you’re on board. Cruise vacations are among the best for vegetarians because of the extensive menu selections and the care that’s taken to ensure passengers’ dietary needs are catered to perfectly. Keep in mind there are cruises available to just about any region of the world imaginable, too. This means you pretty much have your pick of destinations while ensuring your preferences are kept in mind.
• Europe – Just about every major tourist destination in Europe has resorts, hotels and bed and breakfast locations that are either 100 percent vegetarian or equipped to cater to a vegetarian menu. From the countryside of England and the historic ambiance of Italy to the majesty of Paris, there are places to stay that will make sure your every whim is catered to perfectly. Just check with your honeymoon travel agent or the resort in question to make sure your needs can be accommodated. Honeymoon specialists, in fact, can let you know exactly what resorts the recommend for special dietary requests.
• America – If you’d prefer to stay a little closer to home for your honeymoon, you’ll find that’s more than possible, too. From the casinos of Las Vegas to the big city hotels in New York, most major resorts offer vegetarian options.  Again, your best bet is to work directly with a honeymoon specialist to locate the perfect resort for your special escape.

Just because you and/or your honey happens to be a vegetarian doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trip of a lifetime. You’ll find that most hotels and restaurants the world over are more than willing to offer some incredibly tasty vegetarian options for travelers. There’s no reason to worry no matter your destination of choice. Just work with our honeymoon specialists to find the perfect place to spend your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Selecting just the right destination for a vow renewal ceremony is no easy task. After all, the world is literally your oyster depending on your budget, who you intend to bring and how intimate you intend for the ceremony to be. When you want a locale that will easily suit the tastes of just about anyone, New Orleans will stand out from the crowd.

There are many reasons why New Orleans serves beautifully as a romantic backdrop for a vow renewal ceremony and all the celebration that might go along with it. Here are just five:

• The weather – With the exception of a few days here and there, New Orleans experiences pretty good weather year-round. The summers can be a little hot and humid, but the winters are pretty mild all in all. Spring and fall are simply spectacular.
• The music – There are only a few other places in the entire world that are better known for their selection of live music than New Orleans. If you love jazz, country and even rock and roll, this is just a great city to visit for a vow renewal. You can have your choice of bands to play at a post-ceremony reception, or you can hit Bourbon Street to hear just about any kind of music imaginable.
• Bourbon Street – Speaking of this famous street, it’s half the reason that New Orleans is such a hopping place to go for a wedding vow renewal ceremony. On this French Quarter thoroughfare, you’ll find restaurants, clubs, stores and more. It’s family friendly by day and just for adults by night, too.
• The things to do – It doesn’t matter whether you intend your ceremony to include only a few adults or you want the whole family – children, too – along for the fun, New Orleans offers a lot to do. From the art museums and historic aboveground cemeteries to the gambling, nightclubs and zoo, you can find something fun for anyone in your party to do.
• The scenery – New Orleans has some of the most spectacular scenery in the entire United States. From the historic buildings of the Garden District and the French Quarter to the natural settings along the Mississippi and Gulf, you’re sure to find the perfect backdrop for photographs of you and your sweetheart.

Whether you want an elaborate vow renewal ceremony at high-end resort or you favor something smaller and more intimate, New Orleans offers a world of possibilities. You can get away from it all without leaving the country when you select this destination for your special day.

Why You Shouldn’t Do a Destination Wedding

It’s a lovely thought: Have 50 of your closest friends and relatives meet you in an exotic locale so they can witness the biggest day of your life. After all, there’s just something special about having those you love around you to witness the big occasion. There’s something even more memorable about tying the knot in a beautiful location far from home.

Just picture yourself saying “I do” in a picturesque European town or on a beach in the middle of the Caribbean. Once the ceremony is over, you can enjoy the fun, adventure and romantic scenery of your destination of choice – just you, your sweetheart … and those 50 guests.

If that’s not enough of a mental picture to help you see why destination weddings just aren’t for everyone, there’s more. While a destination wedding can be a beautiful experience, the fact is this often immense undertaking just doesn’t fit the needs of many brides and grooms.

Should you and your sweetheart be considering a destination wedding followed by a honeymoon in that location, take pause. Consider these things:

• You will have to give up a lot of control – Want to plan out every single little detail for your big day? If you do, a destination wedding just might not be in the cards for you. In order to plan things out miles from home and even across a sea, you’ll have to give up some control. The reality is destination wedding coordinators as some of the world’s best resorts take time to reply. They just won’t be available to cater to your every need.
• You could lose the privacy you want for your honeymoon – Chances are if you’re spending a lot of money on the wedding and getting to the destination that you’ll have to honeymoon on site. Guess what? Your guests will probably stay, too. This means that quiet, alone time many couples enjoy on their honeymoons just might not be in the cards for you.
• You may have to shrink your guest list – The fact of the matter is not everyone can afford to attend a destination wedding. If you have your heart set on your best friends, closest relatives and Great Aunt Sue showing up for a European jaunt, you might be greatly disappointed.

While destination weddings can be amazing, many couples find they’re more trouble than they’re worth. If you’re considering this route, take a step back. Talk with our wedding travel experts, consult your soon-to-be-spouse and make sure this option really fits your needs before you dive in. After all, you can still have your cake and eat it too by getting married a little closer to home and enjoying a honeymoon in whatever destination sounds like paradise to you!

The only thing nearly as stressful as planning a wedding is making sure the honeymoon is perfect from beginning to end. After all, it’s your special time together and you do want to make sure no detail is left unattended.

Fortunately, there is a better way to make sure a honeymoon is as perfect as it can be. Collaborate directly with a travel agent and the work, worry and often some of the expense of enjoying a few days or even a few weeks away can be reduced to a blissful minimum.

So, what can a honeymoon travel expert do for you and your sweetheart that you might not be able to tackle alone? Here are three of the best reasons to consider working with a travel agent when it’s time to map out a romantic adventure:

• Their destination knowledge – You might have a perfect geographical location in mind for your honeymoon, but do you know the best place to stay to enjoy real quiet time? A skilled, experienced travel consultant will. In fact, the very best can tell you a whole lot about some of the most popular – and even exotic and unusual – destinations. They know, for example, where you can enjoy high adventure, what hotels will treat you like royalty, where you can get the best service and a whole lot more. Combine your desires with an expert in travel’s knowledge and your honeymoon will be perfect from start to end.
• Their ability to save you money – Believe it or not, you can save money by working with a travel agent to book your honeymoon. Not only do they know the best places to stay and things to do in locales all over the world, they also know how to save their clients some serious cash. In doing so, they open the door for you and your sweetheart to enjoy even more while you’re away.
• Their ability to take the worry off your shoulders – When a honeymoon planner oversees honeymoon planning, the work, worry and stress is removed from your plate. All you have to do is guide the agent in the right direction by stating your wishes and the agent will take care of the rest.

Planning a honeymoon doesn’t have to be extra work associated with your big day. Consult one of our experts and you will just have to show up and enjoy your time away.

Just because Las Vegas is also known as Sin City doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a romantic side, too. If you’re considering this destination for an anniversary getaway, you will find there’s a whole lot more to do here than gamble.

Yes, of course, you can hit a casino or two while you’re on an anniversary getaway, but you and your sweetheart won’t be disappointed with the romantic opportunities that are also at your fingertips. Here are just a few of the romantic highlights you can enjoy in between trips to the tables on The Strip:

• An intimate dinner for two – Las Vegas is known for a whole lot more than Black Jack and Slots. The city is also home to some amazing, upscale eateries where couples in love can enjoy an incredible meal by candlelight. The Eiffel Tower, Stripsteak, the Foundation Room and Seablue are just a few of the possibilities. It really doesn’t matter what type of cuisine you and your honey love the most, you’re going to find it in Las Vegas.
• A stroll in front of the fountains – Take a moonlight walk to see the Bellagio Fountains. This landmark feature of the famous hotel and casino is beautiful for pictures and it’s the perfect place to bestow a special anniversary gift on the love of your life.
• A trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower – While it might not be the real deal, this Las Vegas landmark is an incredibly romantic spot. In addition to the restaurant, you can simply take a ride to the top to see The Strip lit up in all its glory. The tower is one of Las Vegas’ most romantic spots.
• A gondola ride – You and your honey don’t have to travel to Venice to enjoy a romantic gondola ride for two. Just stop by the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas to take in canals that are almost as beautiful as those found in Italy.
• A trip into the desert – If you want to see some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world, just take a drive outside of Vegas. Here you and your honey can explore some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain found in the United States – and beyond.
• A walk on The Strip – Believe it or not, a casual stroll along The Strip when it’s all lit up at night can be quite romantic. Just grab your sweetheart’s hand and take in the sights and sounds that make Las Vegas so beautiful.

There’s more to Las Vegas than meets the eye. If you’re looking for romance, you won’t be gambling if Sin City is your chosen destination for an anniversary getaway