It’s been a busy week at Bliss Honeymoons.  Last week Hilary and I headed down to the beautiful resort area of Los Cabos, Mexico.  Over the course of three days, we had the privilege of visiting 18(!) resorts. Below are just a few of our many favorites.

Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula on Mexico’s west coast is the area known as Los Cabos.  This area is surrounded by deep blue waters, rugged mountains, and desert scenery.  It’s also where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.  Flights operate daily from the San Jose del Cabo International airport, making it an easily accessible destination for visitors from the U.S.

The three most popular areas in Los Cabos are the resort towns of San Jose del Cabo and San Lucas, which are connected by a twenty mile stretch known as The Corridor.  San Lucas is a great location for local restaurants and nightlife, whereas San Jose del Cabo is a picturesque cobblestone town known for its thriving local arts scene and relaxed atmosphere.  Golf lovers will revel in the championship golf courses located along the Corridor.

Accommodations range from budget-friendly to ultra-high-end luxury resorts that cater to a celebrity clientele.  All-inclusive resorts are found mainly along The Corridor and resorts with meal plans are available in many of the resorts in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.  Party-hardy atmospheres are more prevalent in the accommodations in San Lucas due to its proximity to nightlife options in the downtown area while more low key resorts are found in the quiet, secluded areas of the Pacific coast and San Jose del Cabo.

If you’re looking rub elbows with Hollywood’s elite on your honeymoon, you’ll want to check out the One and Only Palmilla just outside of San Jose along The Corridor.  This 5-star, 173-room boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations and amenities like butler service, poolside foot massages, a Jean-Georges restaurant, and lush, tropical grounds that are in stark contrast with the rest of Los Cabos.  Honeymooners will feel like celebrities during their stay.

If you desire to spend your days at the pool and on the beach and then nights at some of the area’s hot spots, Casa Dorada fits the bill perfectly.  This 4 ½-star beachfront resort is perfectly situated on a swimmable beach in Cabo San Lucas and features suite style accommodations with kitchens.  The marina, shopping, and nightclubs are all within walking distance or a short taxi ride.

For the ultimate in relaxation, try Secrets Marquis.  This 5-star, all-inclusive resort located along The Corridor recently opened.  Accommodations range from oceanfront suites to casita suites with plunge pools.  Only a 20-minute drive from the airport, plus 5 restaurants, 3 bars, and one of the top spas in Mexico located on-site will put you in a state of bliss from the moment you check in.

For really unique accommodations, the 5-star Capella Pedregal will amaze you.  This intimate, 44-room hideaway is built into the mountainside.  To get to the resort, you drive through a 1,000 foot long tunnel that is adorned with chandeliers.    Each guestroom has a private balcony with an infinity edge plunge pool.  The property’s signature restaurant is on a cliff overlooking the area where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet.  In spite of the secluded nature of the property, it is only 5 minutes away from the shopping, dining, and entertainment in Cabo San Lucas.

Between golfing, shopping, sport fishing, whale watching, a variety of accommodations, and over 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder why Los Cabos is a top honeymoon destination!

Hi Laura,

Sorry I’m just getting back to you, it’s amazing how time flies!  Abha and I had a wonderful time at El Dorado and couldn’t have wished for anything more for out of our anniversary get-away.  Once again, it was a worry free trip.  The transportation was timely and reliable.  Our room was ready upon arrival, despite being an early check-in.  We received a complimentary room upgrade to a swim-up suite.  The food was wonderful and the service amazing.  We even decided to spring for the dinner on the beach with our coupon which was a highlight of the trip.  Thanks again for the great service, Laura.  We’re already looking forward to a return trip!

Sincerely,

Matt

Don’t Overlook New England for Your Honeymoon

Honeymooners looking for destinations that are romantic and unique without requiring a passport don’t have to look farther than America’s own New England. The states that make up this region of the country have a lot more to offer than meets the eye. In fact, the unusual combination of options makes this region the perfect choice for many.

So what makes New England worth a close look for your honeymoon adventure? Here are a few reasons why these states – combined or on their own – have what it takes to make for a trip of a lifetime:

• The natural beauty – From Connecticut and Maine to New Hampshire and Vermont, the natural splendor of New England is breathtaking. While many of New England’s states have major metro areas, they all have quaint countryside locations, breathtaking mountains and extensive forested areas to explore. With only the exception of Vermont, each state in the region also boasts seaside landscapes that are perfect for romantic moonlit strolls. It doesn’t matter what season you visit either – New England always offers sights that are sure to please.
• The history – New England has a treasure trove of historic sites. From the countless destinations in Boston to lesser known destinations in Connecticut and other states, travelers can fill more than one vacation just visiting the cool places that have made their way into America’s history books.
• The culture – The New England states have a long and storied history that has developed into a unique culture that’s all this area’s own. This is evident in the art, cuisine and even the dialects found in these states. Just get to know New England and you’re going to love it.
• The high adventure – While most people think of quaint seaside villages or the hustle and bustle of Boston when New England is mentioned, these states are also perfect for those who enjoy high adventure. From skiing and mountain climbing to white water rafting, adventure lovers will find something to love about this region.
• The romance – New England is home to some of the country’s very best resorts and bed and breakfasts. If first-class service designed for couples in love is desired, these states can deliver.
• The shopping – New England might not have the fame of New York City when it comes to shopping, but it doesn’t slouch in this department. The reality is New England is home to a bevy of shopping destinations from the very high end to more frugal factory outlets.

Honeymooning closer to home doesn’t have to mean settling for less than the best. New England offers plenty of reasons to pay its states a visit. Just check with our honeymoon travel advisors for advice on where to go, where to stay and how to get there!

Bernie did a great job of booking our reservation and helping us find a wonderful honeymoon destination. She was very helpful and I have already recommended her to our other engaged friends!

The resort was beautiful and exactly what we were looking for. If you wanted complete privacy, you could have it. You could stay-in or around your private pool, or even find a secluded spot along the beach for the whole day. If you wanted to be more social, simply hang out at the pool bar.

Laura is very helpful and listens to your needs and offers a wide variety of options. We have used Bliss for our Honeymoon and 1st anniversary and had great experiences both times!

Do you think you have to travel to Paris, Rome or the sunny shores of Spain to enjoy an anniversary getaway that’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure?

While these are amazing destinations to be sure, there are some exceptional options a lot closer to home. The American west, for example, offers more romance than meets the eye. From Texas to California and all points in between, there are lots of anniversary trip destinations to explore.

Here are just a few of the possibilities you might want to explore as you plan your anniversary getaway:

• Texas – From the big cities to the wide open plains, the Lone Star State is jam-packed with destinations that are ideal for celebrating milestone anniversaries. If you love an urban setting, but still want to enjoy the western flair, consider Austin, Dallas or Houston for a getaway. Should a quainter getaway be to your liking, the state is famed for its dude ranch resorts that will give you the true flavor of the west while ensuring you and your honey are pampered every step of the way.
• Las Vegas –  Just because the city is famed for its high stakes action doesn’t mean it doesn’t know how to do romance. In fact, the Vegas area is one of the most romantic in all the Wild West. Here you can enjoy first-class, resort treatment, live shows, music and amazing food and still share some incredible alone time. Just picture yourselves taking a romantic stroll in the desert with a stunning sunset lighting your way.
• California – From the wine country of the Napa Valley to the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, this state knows how to treat couples right. No matter where your interest lie, you and your sweetheart will find this state has a destination that’s a perfect fit.
• Arizona – If scenery so beautiful only Mother Nature could have created it appeals to you, this is a state worth visiting. The wide open spaces and stunning natural attractions set the perfect scene for a romantic anniversary trip and the resorts here are legendary for treating guest right.

European destinations are fine for some, but you’ll find there are plenty of romantic destinations closer to home. If exploring the American West for your romantic adventure sounds like a plan, consult our anniversary travel expert for details. These pros can help map out every detail while making sure a package is created to suit your specific desires.

Planning a vow renewal ceremony can be a pretty big job. Even so, many couples say every bit of time and effort is well worth it in the end. This romantic reaffirmation of a lifelong commitment can deliver a number of benefits for you and your spouse that you might not have even considered.

Beyond having the opportunity to throw a bash just the way you want it, here are three reasons why many couples find vow renewals well worth their time:

They Provide an Opportunity to Create New Memories

Think back to your original wedding day. Chances are a lot of the people who are very important in your lives now weren’t present to see the first ceremony. Your children, friends you gained along the way and others can join you for a renewal and give you extra reasons to celebrate.

Whether you include children in the ceremony or not or those new and special friends that have come into your life, having them present to see you and your spouse reaffirm your commitment is an amazing experience. It’s one you’ll all remember for the rest of your life.

They Can Add a New Spark to a Marriage

Even if your marriage doesn’t need a spark to ignite the romance, vow renewals do serve as an incredibly romantic reminder of the love and passion that brought a couple together in the first place. Whether you’re celebrating five years together or 50, standing up and saying “I do” all over again can help you tap back into those original feelings that enabled you to create a marriage that will last. They are not only a great way to celebrate a milestone, but they can give you the charge you need to happily make it to the next.

They Give You a Great Excuse for a 2^nd Honeymoon

What better way to top off a vow renewal ceremony than to embark on a second honeymoon? These celebrations provide the perfect excuse to plan out and take the vacation of your dreams.

Just think about saying your vows all over again and escaping to a destination you both have been dreaming of. Chances are you’re in a better position today to take that trip you always wanted than when you first wed.

Planning a vow renewal does take some time, but the rewards are well worth the investment of effort. If you’re ready to say “I do” all over again, consult our anniversary and honeymoon travel expert for assistance. Not only can the best help you map out a second honeymoon, but they can also assist with destination ceremonies if that’s what your heart desires.

Are you looking for something different, romantic and highly entertaining to do for your honeymoon or destination wedding? Why not consider a cruise?

While cruises are famous for their romantic underpinnings and their outstanding service, you and your honey can do a whole lot more aboard a ship than you might realize. Of course, you can partake in romantic dinners, moonlit strolls, off-board adventures, hours of relaxation and more. But, did you know you could also:

• Learn how to blow glass – Ever wonder how master artisans create amazing pieces with hot sand and a little hot air? Book the right cruise and you could easily find out. Some cruise lines are realizing their patrons delight in exploring the arts while they’re on vacation. To accommodate, they’ve lined up some pretty amazing, hands-on classes to suit. You can learn how to blow one-of-a-kind glass pieces, explore water colors and oil painting, get down and dirty with pottery and a whole lot more, depending on the cruise you book. What better way to spend an anniversary than by exploring new hobbies by day and enjoying romantic nights alone?
• Become a wine connoisseur – Ever wish you could walk into a fancy dinner or gathering and know how to talk about wine like a pro? Take a cruise and you just might be able to. Some ships are offering hands-on, intense and highly fun wine tasting classes. These courses are designed to introduce newcomers to the fine art of wine making and tasting. Through them you can learn about different styles, the difference the right grapes make and how to sample flavors like an expert. This is a romantic way to spend some time during an anniversary trip and it just might lead to more excursions down the road. After all, California’s Napa Valley might just call to you after you learn more about savoring fine wine.
• Transform your cooking – Half the fun in going on a cruise is being able to sample amazing dishes from around the world prepared by expert chefs. If you’ve ever wished you could take the food home with you, you just might find you can. Cooking classes headed up by some of the industry’s best chefs are also a possibility.

There are more things to do on a cruise than you might believe. Book your romantic get-away on the water and you just might find that romance and expanding your horizons do go hand-in-hand.

4 Things You Need to Know About Summer Honeymoons in Warm Climates

Plan a summer honeymoon anywhere south of the Mason Dixon line, even into the Caribbean and beyond, are people are likely to look at you just a little funny. After all, the summer just isn’t the time to visit the south, right?

Not necessarily so! Some couples discover the warmer months are the perfect time for a romantic escape to the more popular destinations.

While there are a few things you might want to keep in mind when planning a honeymoon in some of the warmer regions, there are plenty of compelling reasons why June, July and August can be the perfect months to visit.

Here are four things you need to know when planning a summertime honeymoon in the south:

• You’re likely to find the crowds reduced – The warm temperatures and potential for rain, especially in the subtropical and tropical regions, are something to keep in mind. Even so, remember that lots of other people are keeping these things in mind and just stay away. As a result, some of the more popular tourist destinations are less packed in the summer months. From theme parks to world famous beaches, you’re likely to run into fewer people if you go when the temperatures climb.
• You’re likely to enjoy savings – Discounts and reduced rates are often easier to find in the summer time. While this doesn’t hold true for every place in the south, the savings are worth checking into – especially if you’re hoping to save some money during your honeymoon getaway.
• You can experience the local flavor more – Fewer tourists also means a greater likelihood of running into more locals. If you and your honey really like to get to know an area, the off-tourist season is the time to go.
• You can enjoy some incredible experiences – All the same great features of locales in the southern climates that drive visitors during the winter months are still there in the summer time. The beaches are still stunning, the food is still amazing, the ocean waters are still beautiful and the attractions are still open and awaiting visitors. The beauty of a summertime visit is perhaps having a greater ability to enjoy these places without throngs of people – making a honeymoon even more intimate.

Visiting warmer climates for a honeymoon getaway in the summer isn’t necessarily a mistake. Some couples discover what locals already know – paradise is paradise year-round. To find out more about trips to warmer climes in the summer, consult our honeymoon travel experts.