Costa Rica might not necessarily make most Top 10 lists for romantic honeymoon destinations, but it should! Explore this Central American country more closely and you’ll discover it’s a paradise that’s perfect for couples to experience together.

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica offers honeymooners a distinctly unique experience. The country is famed for its beautiful tropical weather and incredible sights to see. Plus, it’s a favorite of American retirees, which means a language barrier isn’t typically an issue.

Here are just four reasons why Costa Rica is an exceptional choice for a romantic honeymoon adventure:

• The climate and geography – Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate, which means visitors here can expect amazing weather throughout the year. While it is true rainfall can be heavy from May to November, the breathtaking natural beauty more than makes up for a few rain clouds. The geography here varies throughout the country, but visitors can almost assuredly expect to see lush, tropical foliage, towering mountains and spectacular beaches.
• The culture – Costa Rica is a culturally diverse country that offers guests rich experiences to enjoy. Its historic sites, museums, art galleries and shops are well worth exploring. Honeymooners with a passion for cultural experiences won’t run out of things to do here.
• The adventure – Honeymooners that want to experience high adventure won’t be disappointed in Costa Rica. The country is famed for its volcanic mountains, stunning rain forests, breathtaking waterfalls and more. Visitors here can enjoy such experiences as kayaking in pristine jungle waters, taking zipline trips through a rain forest, going climbing up the face of a mountain and much more. For those who prefer more passive experiences, the sights themselves are incredible to behold.
• Oxygen Jungle Villas – Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s best kept secrets in boutique resorts. Oxygen is located in the village of Uvita, which sits on the country’s west coast, boasting a beautiful Pacific view. The resort itself only offers private villas, which feature all the amenities of home and then some, including private terraces. The Oxygen estate sits on its own private reserve where only 10 percent of the land has been developed. On that other 90 percent, visitors will find waterfalls, jungle landscapes and wonders of nature that can only be seen in this part of the world. Oxygen is renowned for its first-class service and paradise-like setting, making it an ideal choice for couples in love.

When different sounds right for a honeymoon adventure, Costa Rica offers a world of unique experiences. This Central American country boasts all the ingredients necessary to create a picture-perfect honeymoon – an amazing private resort, romantic scenery and activities to suit almost any style.

To learn more about Costa Rica, contact our romance travel specialists today!

Giant, high-end hotels with lots of hustle and bustle are fine for some trips, but they don’t necessarily jive with romantic, intimate honeymoon getaways. If you’re heading to the Bahamas to celebrate your union, there are some incredible boutique hotels that are likely to fit your mood a whole lot better.

Just because a hotel is smaller, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your attention either. Smaller, boutique hotels tend to cater to those who want privacy and impeccable service rolled into one. While they might only have a handful of rooms, the best boutique hotels make sure their staff members are trained to deliver only the best in service.

Since you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon adventure, privacy and service likely matter a great deal. If so, here are some smaller hotels in the Bahamas that are well worth the stay:

• Pink Sands – Located on Harbour Island, this getaway destination features 18 private acres surrounded by, of course, pink sand. Guests here have their pick of one of 25 secluded, private cottages that are loaded with modern amenities. The resort has its own onsite dining, a swimming pool, laundry service and more. It’s the perfect destination for honeymooning couples who want the best in service with a lot of privacy mixed in.
• Kamalame Cay – Found in Andros, this 96-acre, private resort offers guests the very best in everything. The resort is only accessible by a private ferry and features lots of beach front property, tennis, a swimming pool and onsite dining. There’s even a tiki bar for those who want to enjoy drinks as the sun sets over the beach.
• Rock House – This small resort was originally built in the 1940s and has been a hit with travelers ever since. It features nine rooms in total, so privacy shouldn’t be a concern. Although it’s small, the Rock House is huge when it comes to amenities. The hotel features its own private beach, a swimming pool, onsite restaurant and much more. Guests here can even enjoy wireless Internet access and a full gym.

When it’s time to honeymoon, it’s nice to enjoy a little privacy. While large resorts are always a great choice, sometimes the smaller boutique destinations just fit the mood a whole lot better. After all, what could be more romantic than relaxing on a secluded beach in the Bahamas without a big crowd to get in the way?

To find out more about honeymoon getaways at private boutique hotels in the Bahamas and elsewhere, just contact our honeymoon travel specialists.

Honeymoons don’t have to take place in Paris or on remote islands in the middle of nowhere to be special. If you’re looking for romantic adventure that doesn’t require a passport, there are some great options just a little closer to home. Luxury dude ranches deliver an amazing alternative for couples who want to do something that’s just a little different, but still incredibly romantic.

Chances are you’re thinking what the heck is romantic about a dude ranch, right? Take a closer look at some of the options right here in America’s west and it becomes clear this is an outstanding choice for couples who want to mix some serious fun with their romance.

Here are two destinations that take going to a dude ranch to a whole new level – especially for honeymooners:

• Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa – This 27,000-acre luxury resort is located in Southwest Texas between Big Bend State park and Big Bend National Park. With a borderland to the Rio Grande River, this destination offers visitors plenty of room to roam. Honeymooners who select Lajitas will find there’s never a shortage of things to do. From golfing under the big Texas sky to relaxing in the on-site spa, luxury is not overlooked here. Since it’s a “dude ranch,” visitors can also enjoy time in the Equestrian Center where they can take out horses for trail rides on the resort’s extensive property. Imagine taking a romantic ride to watch the sun set over the mountains before retiring to a private luxury room that features “cowboy chic” décor.
• C Lazy U Guest Ranch & Resort – Tucked away in the mountains of Colorado, this destination is one that’s ideal for honeymooners. It features not only amazing views and fantastic trail rides for horse enthusiasts, but also private cabins honeymooners can retreat to at the end of the day. Privacy is not an issue here – nor is enjoying a little pampering. With an onsite spa and gourmet dining, guests are invited to kick back and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a honeymoon that won’t require a passport or an eight-hour plane ride overseas, consider the amazing possibilities a little closer to home. One of the most unique American experiences is found in the west where luxury resorts are giving a whole new meaning to dude ranches.  Combining outstanding service, luxury rooms, romantic landscapes and high adventure, these resorts are ideal for honeymooners who want to be just a little different. Check with our honeymoon travel specialists for details about these destinations and others in the American West.

When you want a honeymoon destination that’s fit for the gods, there’s only one place in the whole world that suits. Go Greek for your honeymoon and you’ll experience an adventure that’s like none other. This exotic destination combines the best of Old World charm with all the modern conveniences today’s travelers have come to expect.

Surrounded by the warm waters of the Aegean, Mediterranean and Ionian seas, the islands of Greece invite honeymooners to enjoy a mild, welcoming climate while they explore a multitude of wonders. It doesn’t matter if you and your sweetheart are into high adventure or just want a romantic, relaxing place to celebrate your marriage, the birthplace of the “gods” can more than accommodate. Whether you arrive by cruise ship or choose to fly into one of the major cities, such as Athens, you can rest assured some amazing sights are in store for you.

Here are just a few of the reasons why the Greek islands are perfect for honeymooners:

• The climate and landscape – Greece is famed for its warm, beautiful summers and mild, welcoming winters. From mountainous regions to pristine beaches, the landscape here is more than romantic, too. Imagine paying a visit to Mt. Olympus one day and then lounging on the shores of the Aegean Sea the next.
• The history and other attractions – The historic sites found among the Greek islands are almost too plentiful to list. From the famed Parthenon on the Acropolis overlooking Athens to ancient streets of Rhodes, you’ll step back in time as you visit Greece’s major destinations. While ancient history is one of Greece’s main attractions for tourists, modern wonders aren’t lost here either. You’ll also find lots of five-star hotels, nightclubs and fine restaurants to explore.
• The ability to call your own shots – When Greece is your honeymoon destination you’ll find that possible activities are almost endless. If you want high adventure, consider paying a visit to the Melissani Cave in Sami or go parasailing from one of the country’s many waterfronts. For a more leisurely pace, tour one of the quaint fishing villages and enjoy lunch by the docks. Or, you can pay a visit to the white-washed village of Santorini and much more. No matter how action-packed or laid-back you want your stay to be, you’ll find Greece is ready to make your wishes come true.

When you want a honeymoon that’s legendary, only the birthplace of the gods will do. Greece offers a getaway that’s just right for practically anyone. To find out more about this European destination, contact our honeymoon travel specialists.

Escape to a tropical island with a few friends and family in tow just in time to renew your wedding vows on a special anniversary date. The romance and wonder of it all sound truly spectacular, but what about the work and the planning? The fact of the matter is wedding vow renewals can take some work and planning. Arm yourself with knowledge in advance of the big day, however, and you can enjoy an amazing time that’s as special – and sometimes even more so – as your original wedding date.

So, what do you need to know about vow renewal ceremonies to make the planning part less stressful and the enjoying part more so? Here are four things every couple should know about in advance:

• You call the shots – Your wedding vow renewal isn’t your “wedding.” This means there really aren’t a lot of traditions you have to hold in check. If you want an intimate ceremony with just the two of you, that’s OK. If you’d prefer a big bash, that’s your call, too.
• You will foot the bill – While your parents probably got involved in paying for your original wedding, the vow renewal ceremony does fall on your checkbook to fund; unless children and loved ones are planning the event as a surprise.
• Destination ceremonies are spectacular, but stressful – Taking your friends and family to that exotic tropical island will create memories to last, but pulling off the logistics can be quite harried. If you do want to go this route – and many couples do – it’s best to get a vow renewal travel expert involved as early as possible. These pros can help you select the right destinations and resorts to ensure the logistics are well under control. Plus, they can help you get good deals on the adventure. (You don’t necessarily have to pay for your friends and family to come with a destination ceremony, but you should cover the costs of the event itself.)
• The second honeymoon is worth the wait – Whether you renew your vows at home or travel to paradise to do so, the honeymoon part of the adventure can be very much worth the wait. Work with a travel expert to find the best, most romantic destination to suit you and your sweetheart’s tastes.

Renewing your vows is one of the most special, romantic things you can do as a couple. Make sure the event is a great one by planning ahead and calling in help where it’s needed.

Anniversary Escapes You Don’t Need a Passport to Enjoy

Think you need a passport to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, romantic adventure for your anniversary? Think again! There are many amazing destinations right in the United States that easily rival “exotic” locations across the ocean and they won’t necessarily break your bank or require you to fill out reams of paperwork to get there.

While it’s true Caribbean islands, European cities and little-known spots in the South Pacific can be incredibly romantic and adventurous, so can these stateside locales:

• The Old West – If amazing scenery, breathtaking landscapes and plenty of opportunity for high adventure add up to your idea of romance, why not take a trip out west to celebrate your anniversary? From the splendor of the Grand Canyon to the fun delivered at high-end dude ranches, there’s more to the rugged west than meets the eye. Select the right resort for your anniversary adventure and you will have the time of your life.
• California – If the glamor and glitz of Los Angeles turns you off, consider this state’s many other appealing destinations. From the majesty of San Francisco to the stunning beauty of wine country’s Napa Valley, this state offers a world of possibilities for an anniversary escape. It truly doesn’t matter if you’re looking simply for incredible romance or want to do something different, adventurous and adrenaline producing, California can oblige.
• New England – If quaint and romantic are the words you want to string together to describe your anniversary getaway, consider New England. The states here offer everything from skiing and beach combing to historic tours and more. With more bed and breakfasts than you can shake a stick at and plenty of five-star resorts, too, New England is most certainly a wonderful destination for a couple in love.
• Hawaii – Should “exotic” be a must for your anniversary trip, this state fits the bill without requiring you to get a passport. From its world-class beaches to its lush tropical landscape, this destination has long been considered one of the best, if not the best, romantic destinations in America. Add to that the fact that Hawaii has more than its share of resorts that will cater to your every request and it’s clear why so many choose this escape.

Getting away from it all to enjoy a romantic honeymoon that’s chockfull of memories doesn’t demand a passport. There are “50” options right at home that offer all the ingredients for an incredible vacation. Just check with an anniversary travel specialist to get the skinny on destinations throughout the country.

The Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, the Spanish coastline – they’re all great honeymoon destinations to be sure. They all, however, are pretty common destinations for lovers in search of a romantic getaway of a lifetime. If something a little different appeals to you and your sweetheart, Fiji just might be the place to explore.

Located in the South Pacific closer to New Zealand than any other major land mass, Fiji isn’t necessarily easy to get to. Even so, it won’t take you long to see why this island paradise has been a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world for decades. With its fabled landscapes and strikingly blue waters, Fiji is an escape like none other. 

Whether you arrive by plane or boat, Fiji is an incredible place for an amazingly romantic getaway after you say your “I do’s.” Here are three reasons why Fiji shouldn’t fly under your honeymoon-planning radar:

• The incredible landscapes and climate – If there is a paradise on Earth, Fiji just might be it. This destination isn’t just a single island, it covers more than 300 of them – each with something unique to explore. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the two main islands in the country and boast the largest tourist destinations. No matter which island you select, however, you’re going to be in for some breathtaking sights. Fiji is home to tropical forests, lush, vegetation-covered mountains and some of the bluest waters in the South Pacific. The climate is also more than welcoming. Warm temperatures are found here pretty much year-round. During the “cold season,” which runs from May through October, the average temperatures come in at 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The things to do – It doesn’t matter if you’re just looking for picturesque beaches to stroll on or you want to enjoy high adventure, Fiji is up to making your wishes come true. Activities here include everything from water sports and hiking to learning how to dance like the natives, taking a zip line tour of a forest, rafting and more. Add to this the fact that Fiji has some incredible eco-tour sites to visit, plenty of restaurants and shops and you’re just not going to run out of things to do.
• The resorts to explore – Hospitality and Fiji really do go hand in hand. Here you will find some of the world’s finest resorts, all ready to cater to your every whim as a vacationing honeymooner. You and your sweetie won’t have to worry about a thing if you select one of Fiji’s destination resorts for your special getaway.

When only a honeymoon off the beaten path will do, Fiji is the place to explore. This South Pacific paradise offers the picture perfect romantic backdrop, plenty of adventure and some of the best resorts in the world. Just talk with our honeymoon travel experts for more information about this unusual destination.

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.