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

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.

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.

If your wedding is coming up within the next year or so, you’ve probably been thinking a little bit about your honeymoon.

And if you’ve been thinking at all about your honeymoon, you’ve probably been looking online at resorts.

They all look really pretty don’t they…?

And if you’ve been looking at resorts and pretty pictures of resorts, you’ve probably been reading a lot of online reviews too. And you’ve undoubtedly noticed that there are several negative reviews for the resort with the prettiest picture that you liked the best. Wanna know why?

Because there are dozens of intangibles that determine how much you’ll enjoy your honeymoon that you can’t determine based on photos and price.

Let me explain….

When most people set out to shop for travel online, they’re thinking about price. A nice beach, maybe some good food, and price. But there’s a lot of stuff about the resort that you can’t tell just from the photos and price. Things like rock hard beds, inadequate air conditioning, and really crappy food. They also don’t show you the part of the hotel that is currently under construction-really noisy construction-that starts promptly at 6:00 am every morning. They don’t show you the endless line that you’re going to have to stand in at 7:30 every morning if you want to eat at a real restaurant for dinner instead of a buffet. Oh and the screaming kids peeing in the pool. Yep that’s the stuff is completely left out of all the pictures.

So, you could spend 30 hours or so carefully combing every online review to try to find the perfect place. But let me ask you a question-does anyone on a review site have a vested interest in the outcome of your honeymoon? Will an online site stop you from putting your credit card number in until they’ve made sure it’s the right fit for you? I don’t know of anyone that’s ever happened to, do you?

So, rather than taking a gamble with your honeymoon, don’t you think it makes sense to maybe talk to someone who has been there? I mean in person, not a review site, but a real person, with tons of experience, who knows that if you’re a salsa dancing vegetarian who is afraid of heights that the resort with the prettiest online photos is or isn’t the right resort for you?

Here at Bliss Honeymoons romance travel is all we do. And unlike a random online site, we take the time to make sure that the trip that you’re about to book is a good fit for you-with the right amenities and services that are going to make you feel totally comfortable, before we let you put a deposit on your trip. And we’ll also take care of the little things that no one else thinks about, like getting you from the airport to the hotel, setting up your honeymoon registry, and making sure the resort knows that you’re there for a trip of a lifetime.

So, if you’re ready to start planning your amazing honeymoon, destination wedding or romantic get-away, click here to schedule your free consultation today.

Click here to read reviews from couples who booked with us, and had a great time.

Want to learn more? Download our free report ” Top 10 Booking Blunders” by clicking here.

If there is one challenge that almost all engaged couples share, it’s where to come up with the funds to pay for their honeymoon. And while nine out of ten couples would love to ask for money for their honeymoon, finding a tactful way to ask for cash is hard! Fortunately this problem can now be a thing of the past, thanks to a honeymoon registry.

Let’s face it… weddings can drain your bank account faster than you can say “I do”. Many couples have considered postponing their honeymoon because they just can’t see how they can afford it. Your honeymoon registry offers tactful way for you to ask for money from your wedding guests, and its fun for the guests too!

Once you’ve nailed down the details of your dream honeymoon, your travel agent can set up an account for the two of you. Your registry can be customized to your honeymoon destination with items like spa treatments, golf, zip lining, an upgraded room, etc. You’ll be provided with a link to your share with your family and friends, so they can easily jump online and make a contribution to your honeymoon registry.

Your guests will love it because they can purchase a wonderful gift with just a few clicks of the mouse with no boxes to ship and nothing to gift wrap. They can even leave you a message telling you what they’ve purchased and offering their best wishes for your fun in the sun.

The gifts in your registry are not physically purchased or set up. You’ll receive the gifts in the form of a check from the registry company. It’s secure, easy for you and your guests, and a sure-fire way to get you and your honey where you want to go.

Let’s face it-we’ve all given gifts that we suspected to end up being re-gifted. Great honeymoon memories are always a welcome gift. Your guests will be honored to be a part of the memories that you’ll have for a lifetime.

There are several ways to ensure your guest feel like a part of it all. Once you return post pictures of your trip and of the two of you enjoying some of the activities on you registry. Or, send postcard Thank You notes from your location. Unlike a gravy boat, a honeymoon gift creates memories you can share.

Now that you know how you’re going to manage you honeymoon budget, contact one of our romance travel experts to start planning your dream honeymoon today!

At least a couple times a month someone will call me or walk into my office and ask the question that’s probably somewhere on your mind right now-why should I use a honeymoon specialist?

There are just as many myths about travel agents as there are about Jell-O. I mean, we’ve all heard that Jell-O is made from horse hooves right? And that there’s a giant wall around the Jell-O factory so no one can see in. And travel agents went out of business when the internet came out. And everyone knows that the handful of travel agents that are still around cost way more than booking it yourself online.

Well, while I am still waiting for someone at Jell-O’s customer service dept to get back to me about the horse hoofs, (hey I am a vegetarian after all!), I can clear up some of the myths about travel consultants for you.

Travel consultants aren’t what they used to be. Just like Madonna, we’ve had to constantly reinvent ourselves to stay current. We’ve packed away our bangle bracelets and paper airline tickets, and moved into the electronic world. In fact, what you may not have realized is that travel consultants are much better today than they were in the past. Thanks to the internet, there’s an unending amount of travel information available everywhere. Since there’s nothing we hate more than looking uninformed, (or even worse knowing less than you do), we spend an ungodly amount of time doing research, attending seminars, and traveling to the destinations we sell.

To the internet retailer, travel is a commodity. It’s an airline ticket and a hotel room. To us, travel is an experience. It’s a week of your life that you probably saved up for a year or two to enjoy. It’s laying in the sunshine or having a great dinner. And, if you’re working with us, it’s likely that it’s your honeymoon or destination wedding, which is probably one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever take. An online travel site will happily take your money, and a week of your life, without ever bothering to make sure that you really intended to go to a clothing optional resort, or that you clearly understand the difference between a European and all inclusive plan. However, a good travel consultant will take the time to make sure that the trip you’re about to embark upon is actually the trip that was just a dream floating around in your head for months on end.

Price vs. Value- So we’ve all heard that it costs more to use an agent than it does to book online. Sometimes that’s true. Most of the time, it’s not. We have access to the same pricing and promotions as you’ll find online. And we frequently have access to upcoming promotions that you’re not going to be able to see yet. (Think an online site will tell you to wait a couple of weeks before booking because there’s a great sale starting later?) Feeling like you got a great deal is exciting! But, it’s important to remember that price and value are not the same thing. Sure you can find a resort that looks fantastic online. Let me give you an example. Here’s a photo from a resort’s website, which was recently running a “super online special”.

Looks amazing doesn’t it? Secluded, romantic, etc. What you can’t see is that the hotel is on a busy road, with a tiny beach. And it used to be a Hilton, so all the rooms are pretty ordinary. What you also can’t see is that you’ve just dug out your passport and traveled for hours to this exotic location, only to find that the chicken nuggets and Jell-O jigglers are the highlights of the lunch buffet.

Oh they didn’t mention that on the website? Maybe you should ask a travel consultant!

People call it “The Paris of South America,” and there’s no doubt why. Buenos Aires, Argentina is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, known for its mix of European flair and South American soul. Uniquely a mix of Spanish, Italian, French and native cultures, you’ll find a confluence of flavors, cultures and attitudes in a city that’s one of the most lovely places in the southern hemisphere. It’s a mix of contemporary and traditional, vibrant and tranquil, and modern and retrospective. Truly, one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Image courtesy of www.alvearpalace.com

There’s a distinct sexy attitude that runs through the whole city. Maybe it’s the tango; maybe it’s the music that drifts out of restaurants and clubs, or the citizens who seem to move with a natural grace. Who knows, but in a coastal city that even has its own Chinatown, there’s a character that distinctly “Porteño” meaning “from the port.” It’s got a lot of flavors, and one of them is surely for you.

Travel writer Michael Luongo describes the typical evening in Buenos Aires: A wonderful night involves a romantic restaurant in the Palermo Viejo neighborhood, something like De Olivas I Lustres, Novecento, Casa Cruz. Then, walk hand-in-hand on quiet cobblestone sidestreets under enormous 100-year-old oak trees.

Follow all that in a dimly lit milonga, where locals dance the tango. Whether you can dance it or not, there’s no harm in watching from a 1940′s style club table. (http://honeymoons.about.com/od/exoticsamerica/a/buenos_aires.htm)

If that doesn’t make you want to book a flight, here’s some more info that just might:

One of the most luxurious places in the city is the Alvear Palace (http://www.alvearpalace.com). They offer different packages, but spring for the luxury suites to most enjoy your honeymoon. The Royal Suite is decorated in the style of a Parisian Apartment, replete with all of the conventional comforts of a typical suite, but with even more than you would’ve expected. Hermes de Paris provides the bath products, the sheets are Egyptian Cotton, they provide complimentary drink service – and did we mention – your very own butler? This is truly the package for the discerning guest. The hotel and restaurant scene here is as metropolitan and modern as anywhere else in the world – and we hear the Italian food is ironically some of the best in the world (Italian immigrant settled here extensively ever since WWI).

The neighborhoods in Buenos Aires are as diverse as the people.

Recoleta is the luxurious area of town. Fantastic shopping. Designer everything. High-end wares everywhere you look. This area of town most resembles Paris, with Fine Arts museums, cultural institutions, and wide thoroughfares that are reminiscent of the quintessential European experience.

Images courtesy of http://www.info-recoleta.com/ and http://blog.ajg.net/tag/buenos-aires/

Areas like Palermo cater to the artsy, bohemian set. A younger demographic, this area of town is perfect for young couples who like to visit art galleries, see shows, eat distinctive, unique, authentic food and travel the streets arm in arm, waiting for the next adventure.

Images courtesy of moblog.net  

San Telmo is the oldest area in the city, and until the late 19^th century, was home to some of the most moneyed families in town. Areas of note include the gigantic Russian Orthodox Church, La Defensa Passage (a re-creation of colonial Buenos Aires) and the all-day antiques fair every Sunday.

Images courtesy of http://photos.igougo.com/pictures-photos-p211350-Shopping_in_San_Telmo.html

Obviously, Buenos Aires offers something a little off-the-beaten path. Invariably, there’s something for everyone.

There are many places that people would argue are “the best” in California.  While we’re not ready to take a stand and declare a #1, we will say that, among the most beautiful places in the state, Sonoma and Napa Valleys are two of the most gorgeous, tranquil, lovely places you’ll find on the West Coast.

Some people go for the wine, but Sonoma and Napa offer so much more. But, when you’re world famous for your winemaking skills, they can’t be ignored.

Wine & Dine

The most important part about a trip through wine country is getting off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems that lie in and around the area. Remember, a lot of the big industry players have wineries here too. But, the best wineries are the few sprinkled throughout the region that produce in small batches, handcrafting each wine to pull out the most amazing flavors from the grapes. Often, they’ll even pair the wine with small dishes or tasting menus. Just call ahead, they can help you get the most out of your experience. Just remember: drink what you like. Don’t let anyone tell you that there are rules or intimidate you. Everyone’s palate is different, so taste everything – but drink what you like.

There are too many wineries to list, but Gloria Ferrer is typical of many – grapes grown on site, fermented on site and then served to your liking at special tastings.

In business since 1984, the Gloria Ferrer Winery specializes in sparkling wines, chardonnay and pinot noir – some of the most versatile wines in the world. They can be consumed with a range of different meals as a great pairing to pork, red sauces, creamy white sauces, beef and chicken.

They also have extensive experience with accommodating weddings, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Remember, you don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy a tasting like this. You can craft an entire honeymoon around it, or it can be just one component to the entire trip. Remember, you’re in California – a melting pot of cultures, music, food – it’s got it all!

Check back later this week for more on Wine Country!