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.

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.

Best Holiday Season Honeymoons

There is just something incredibly romantic about saying “I do” during the heart of the holiday season. After all, it’s a time of joy, thankfulness and giving, so why not tie the knot and double the reasons to celebrate? Honeymooning during the holidays can also be an incredible experience – for couples who know where to go to celebrate.

So, what destinations should holiday honeymooners put on top of their lists? Here are just a few ideas where romance and the holidays can go hand-in-hand:

• Paris – It can easily be said that there’s never a bad time to visit Paris – especially for couples in love. Even so, the holidays are an exceptionally beautiful time of the year to check out the City of Lights. Imagine taking in the holidays at Notre Dame Cathedral, skating on an open-air rink while holding hands and touring the city’s many shops and restaurants as they’re lit up for the holiday celebration. A leisurely stroll along the Champs-Elysees becomes spectacular this time of year as holiday lights lend twinkling beauty to the night. It just doesn’t get more romantic than that. Keep in mind that if you do go, Paris does get pretty cold at Christmastime. Plan for it when you pack.
• Italy – There are few places in all the world that offer the romance, the history and the beauty of Rome. Christmastime, in fact, is one of the best times to visit this amazing destination. Select Rome for your holiday honeymoon and you’ll be able to see a towering Christmas tree lit up just outside the Colosseum, view the Vatican in its holiday glory, buy presents from street-side vendors and more. Rome does get pretty chilly this time of year, so plan on packing for cold weather and prepare to snuggle just a little closer.
• Jamaica – If cold weather and historic destinations just don’t appeal, why not spend your holiday honeymoon on the beach? Jamaica delivers highs in the 80s and lows in the 70s throughout the holiday season, which means it’s a perfect getaway for those that would rather sip a margarita on the beach than shovel snow. Plus, this tropical island paradise does deck itself out in grand fashion for the holidays. When it comes to romance, Jamaica is hard to top. Just picture warm tropical breezes, beautiful oceanfront scenery and sunsets that are to die for!

Getting away for a holiday honeymoon offers a world of possibilities. Just let your imagination wander to select the perfect spot to celebrate the season and your sweetheart.

While it’s certainly true that anywhere you and your sweetheart select for your honeymoon will be special, some places are just more memorable than others. When it comes to unusual, alluring and even highly exotic destinations, it’s simply hard to top Australia.

This beautiful country is famed for its romantic destinations, upscale hotels, all-inclusive resorts, amazing scenery and diverse climates. From the world famous Sydney Opera House to the wilds of the legendary Outback, there is no other place like Australia in the world.

Honeymooners here will find – depending on the time of the year – they can do everything from enjoying a high-end night on the town to skiing, surfing, beachcombing and more. Plus, Australia is home to many quaint towns well worth exploring and has some of the world’s most famous wines made within its boundaries.

Here are three things, however, that most honeymooners don’t know they can do in the land down under:

• Explore a rainforest – If spending a few days like “Crocodile Dundee” sounds romantic for you and your honey, Australia is for you. Visitors here can go on a four-wheel drive tour of the legendary Daintree rainforest. Here you can check out a diversity of plants and animals. You might even spot a real croc or two.
• Gamble – If you love flirting with Lady Luck, Vegas doesn’t have to be your only choice for a honeymoon. Melbourne has its own share of casinos that are well worth the visit. The Crown Casino, for example, is open around the clock – just like those in Las Vegas – and it boasts a whopping 25 restaurants and 11 bars on site. Couple this with all the romantic destinations Australia offers honeymooners and it’s hard to imagine rolling the dice on any other trip.
• Swim with dolphins – Visit Australia’s Monkey Mia – a small town about a day’s drive from Perth – and you can swim with bottle nose dolphins in a natural setting. Yes, that’s right. There’s no reason to pay for the adventure when you can just hit the beach in the morning hours and wait for the friendly group of mammals to make their appearance. It’s said the dolphins here show up beachside just about every single day.

There are great honeymoon destinations all over the world. If going off the beaten path and experiencing something completely unique is desired, the land down under might be the place to go. Australia offers something for every kind of honeymooner. From romance and wild treks to high rolling, this country truly has it all.

If you want a honeymoon destination that’s romantic, exciting and even a little bit exotic, Barcelona just might be the place for you and the love of your life to spend some alone time. Visit here for a week or two and you just might find yourself not wanting to go home!

Although it’s a bustling city with more than 1.6 million residents, this Spanish destination has all the ingredients honeymooners need to enjoy an unforgettable time. The second largest city in Spain is famed for its breathtaking skyline, stunning beaches, unbelievable weather and historic attractions. It’s also got a romantic side that honeymooners will never forget.

So, why should you and your honey consider Barcelona for your honeymoon? Here are just three of the reasons this city is worth a very close look:

• The natural beauty – Although it’s a major metropolis, Barcelona has done Spain proud in preserving its natural beauty. The city is situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and features a beautiful rolling landscape. With lots of hills and a few mountain peaks on the horizon, Barcelona is a treat for the eyes. The weather here is also outstanding. With its Mediterranean climate, the city enjoys comfortable temperatures throughout the year – even in wintertime.
• The attractions – Want to visit a castle, see historic works of art, visit a beach or have a picnic in a park? You can do all of these things and more in Barcelona. In fact, it’s almost impossible not to find something to see, do and love in in this city. From ancient historic sites and modern architecture to the beaches, this city truly has something for everyone. Barcelona even boasts nearly 70 city-owned parks, has numerous museums, lots of modern nightclubs, incredible eateries and more.
• The hotels – It’s your honeymoon, which means you probably want to spend some quiet time alone enjoying yourselves in a well-appointed hotel room or suite. If that’s the case, Barcelona’s hotels will not let you down. The city is famed for its outstanding hotels with staff members that are trained to ensure honeymooners have the time of their lives. From upscale, 5-start hotels to smaller, quainter venues, you won’t have to lift a finger to enjoy yourself in Barcelona.

Making your honeymoon an unforgettable adventure is easy. Just pick Barcelona for your vacation and you and your sweetheart are sure to have a time you’ll cherish forever.

Who says a honeymoon has to be traditional to be romantic?

If you and your sweetheart would rather enjoy high adventure to spice up your alone time together, good for you! As the big day approaches, you will find there are plenty of options available to you. One of the most amazing involves taking a G Adventures excursion to Costa Rica.

While your friends talk about their honeymoons that involved nothing more than wining, dining and staying in, you can discuss how you and the love of your life learned how to snorkel in the pristine waters off Costa Rica’s coastline. Or, you might find an eco-tour of this lush, tropical destination more to your liking.

Whatever your fancy, you are not locked into dull and traditional just because you are getting married.  Think outside the box and you can make your honeymoon anything you want it to be. If you happen to thrive on high adventure, our Costa Rican trips just might be perfect.

These adventures are ideal for free spirits like you and your intended for these reasons and more:

• They are all-inclusive – Just book your trip and your travel arrangements and you won’t have to worry about much else. Our experts plan the itinerary, which is always full of amazing sights and activities. From snorkeling and trail blazing to whitewater rafting and beyond, there’s never a dull moment on these high-adventure excursions. While it’s likely you’ll want to bring along extra cash, the “little details” are taken care of in the package price.
• They are highly romantic – There’s nothing like exploring volcanoes or rain forests by day and then retreating to a private hotel room. Let your friends show you their quaint honeymoon pictures and then dazzle them with yours. Their jaws will drop as they see shots of you and your honey taking part in the adrenaline-pumping activities our adventure expert has planned during its Costa Rican tours.
• They’re just plain fun – There’s no reason to go for ho-hum if you and your honey want an adventure. Our tours are designed to pack in fun at every turn. With multiple destinations involved in every tour, you’re going to see some amazing things.

If you want a honeymoon you’re going to remember forever, forget traditional and take things off the beaten path. Bliss Honeymoons’ Costa Rican tours are designed for honeymooners just like you. They take the worry of planning off your shoulders and leave you with nothing but fun and adventure as you celebrate your recent union

It’s your honeymoon and you want it to be special! With that in mind, chances are pretty strong you don’t just want to book a room in any old place. If you and your sweetheart have something “exotic,” and amazing in mind, Greece just might be the place to visit.

A Greek island honeymoon has all of the ingredients that make a trip of a lifetime: beautiful beaches, outstanding weather, spectacular resorts and plenty of memorable sites to tour. This country is famed for its cuisine, history and romantic backdrops. From the beauty of the coastline to the majesty of the Parthenon, there is no other place like it in all the world.

If you’re not sure why Greece would be right for a romantic honeymoon adventure, here are three reasons to consider this destination:

• It’s unusual – Beachside honeymoons are not at all out of the ordinary. Beachside honeymoons along the legendary Aegean Sea, however, are not quite so common. If you’re looking for a place that’s distinct and still has all the major ingredients for a romantic time you’ll never forget, this is a destination well worth considering. You can almost bet your friends won’t have olive trees, ancient ruins and the turquoise waters of Greece in the backgrounds of their honeymoon photos.
• The weather – Greece enjoys an incredible Mediterranean climate. This means you can visit just about any time of year and expect to enjoy some pretty great weather. Summers are warm and dry and winters tend to be pretty mild. You might catch a little rain in the winter months, but that just gives more of a reason to stay indoors and enjoy some private time at the resort you select.
• It’s accommodating to many tastes – It doesn’t matter whether you intend to soak up some rays and get sand between your toes or you want to visit some of the world’s oldest historic sites, you’ll find something to do in Greece. The Greek islands are famed for their world-class, all-inclusive resorts, stunning waterscapes, outstanding service, quaint villages and more. It’s almost impossible to not find something to love about Greece. If staying in is your desire, you’ll even discover that the best all-inclusive resorts in Greece make this a very easy option to pursue.

Your love is legendary; why not celebrate it in the “birthplace of the gods?” A Greek island honeymoon has everything you require to create a romantic trip you will never forget.

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect, romantic backdrop for your upcoming honeymoon, Jade Mountain is the place to stay. Located on the beautiful island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean Sea, this getaway destination blends tropical seaside scenery with all the amenities lovers need to create memories that will last a lifetime.

With its all-inclusive packages and breathtaking scenery, Jade Mountain is a destination like none other. If you’re wondering why so many honeymooners adore this resort, here are three reasons to consider it for your upcoming romantic escape:

• The on-site pampering you’ll enjoy – When you’re on your honeymoon, you don’t want to worry about the little details that tend to go along with vacationing. The Jade Mountain resort makes sure you don’t have to. The hotel was designed by architect-owner Nick Troubetzkoy to create a sense of harmony for guests. The rooms take advantage of the incredible Caribbean view, offering guests unfettered visuals of the sea and the lush tropical mountains that St. Lucia is famed for. At the resort, you can count on first-class pampering throughout your stay with beautifully appointed rooms and topnotch guest care. While staff members are always available to assist you, you can count on having as much alone-time as you desire.
• The amenities – The private beach-front is enough to capture most travelers’ attention, but Jade Mountain doesn’t stop there. Guests enjoy access to spa services, infinity pools, activities such as snorkeling, tennis, swimming, walks, hikes and more. The rooms are designed to serve as “sanctuaries.” Private infinity pools and decks create a careful balance between the inside nature of the rooms and the outdoor beauty the Caribbean is known for. On-site and in-sanctuary dining is also available with menus that are designed to please even the most finicky of eaters.
• The nearby attractions – Select the Jade Mountain for your honeymoon and you will find the wonders of St. Lucia at your fingertips. This tropical getaway is famed for its stunning outdoor adventures. Visitors here can take in such wonders as the twin peaks of the Pitons, Sulphur Springs and more. Visitors to the island nation will also find plenty of nightlife, entertainment and dining adventures available to them.

Finding a perfect honeymoon destination doesn’t have to be difficult. Jade Mountain offers tranquility, romance and plenty of pampering for newlyweds in all-inclusive packages that make planning a pleasure.