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.

A couple of times a week we’ll get a phone call or an email from someone who is just looking for a price on a honeymoon or wedding package. Some have seen a place online that they think looks nice, others may have heard about a place that a friend or family member enjoyed.

Your honeymoon is one of the most important trips you’ll ever take. But all too often we see couples focusing on finding a good deal on a honeymoon without really taking into consideration if that resort or destination is  really a good fit for them.

There are a million intangibles to consider when planning a trip. What kind of people does this resort attract? Will there be other honeymoon & destination wedding couples there, or will there be a million screaming kids in the pool? What is the food like? If you’re a vegetarian or have special dietary needs, can they assist you, or will you spend the whole week living on chicken nuggets and Jell-o Jigglers? Which rooms offer the kind of privacy and amenities that you’re looking for? Does it really look as good in person as it does online?

Just as each couple is unique, each destination offers it’s own culture and lifestyle. Here at Bliss Honeymoons, we travel several times of year to check out the resorts that we recommend, and are able to match our clients with the right destination for them, based on factors that go far beyond the price tag. How? Well because unlike an online site that is happy to relieve you of your hard earned money without knowing the first thing about you, we take the time to get to know our clients before we start making recommendations. The results? You’ll wind up with a honeymoon or anniversary package that you’re thrilled with, rather than a pile of regret.

Eight Great Reasons to go to Mexico now!

Last week we had the honor of attending the Karisma Resorts GIVC Awards ceremony held at El Dorado Royale. Spending some time with our fellow agents at this fantastic resort was something that we had been looking forward to for some time. Karisma did not disappoint! The service, food, and amenities were all exceptional.

Mexico has been getting a bad rap lately. You can barely turn on the news without someone warning you about the dangers of Mexico. But just as Columbus has good parts, and not so good parts; Mexico offers the same.

Last month I traveled to another Caribbean location, and was sadden by what I saw. The bumpy road that took us on our 30 minute drive to the resort was riddled with litter and decay. Our
and El Dorado Royale was clean, modern, well paved, and clearly marked- a sharp contrast to the trip we had just taken two weeks earlier.

So if you’re hesitant about traveling to Mexico, here are some great reasons why you should put it back on your list of future travel destinations!

1. The people of Mexico are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. While people in the Midwest avoid eye contact or greeting strangers in elevators, everyone we encountered offered a greeting or farewell.
2. The resorts are stunning! Some of the most romantic all inclusive resorts in the world are in Mexico.
3. The food. I left the resort in the Dominican Republic last month a couple of pounds lighter, as I had such a hard time finding vegetarian friendly dishes to enjoy. I more than made of for it during my trip to the Riviera Maya.
4. The flights to Mexico are easy, and relatively short as compared to some other destinations. We left CMH at 7:00 a.m. and were enjoying lunch at the resort by 1:00.
5. The beaches are fantastic. While it’s true at some resorts there are sandbags to protect the reef, that’s no reason to not enjoy the beach while you’re there. Our beach at Azul Sensatori was fantastic.
6. The Spa treatments at Azul Sensatori were fantastic. There were no pretentious hairdressers within miles of our spa. It was a wonderful relaxing experience. And having toured many hotel spas in Mexico, I can safely say there are a lot of fantastic spas to choose from.
7. Expand your mind. Traveling to any foreign destination will bring you to a better understanding about other people and culture. We took advantage of a Spanish class, yoga class, and tequila tasting class while were there. And none of these activities came at an additional charge.
8. I had to scrape my windows this morning-which is just no way to start your day! It was hot and beautiful in Mexico; a great change from the snow and ice here.

In short, there’s just no reason not to go to Mexico! You’ll have a fantastic time!

Food. It’s simple to overlook, but it’s a serious part of everyone’s honeymoon and wedding. It’s something very few people consider before booking their flight to a faraway location with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than going on your honeymoon to find out there’s nothing to eat.

Is the bride a picky eater? Does the groom not eat vegetables? Are there any food allergies to take into consideration? Is the bride scared of seafood? Does the groom have to have steak for every meal?
While these questions may seem silly, they’re questions that every couple should take into consideration before booking a honeymoon or destination wedding. After all, your honeymoon is all about enjoying your surroundings and indulging your senses. Horseback rides on the beach aren’t any fun if you haven’t eaten for three days.

So, there are two different ways you can tackle food on a honeymoon:

1. Plan your entire trip around the gastronomy of the area.

Is lobster his favorite? Does she just love Italian food? If you’re in the market for an overseas wedding or honeymoon, why not go to the source? Places like Rome or Florence are geared toward those with the sightseeing bug. Sicily or Milan are a bit more low key. Oh, and the shopping in Milan? Some of the best in the world.

It’s always fun to eat authentic versions of your favorite meals. If you love paella, try it in Valencia, Spain. It’s likely to taste much different than any American version you’ve ever had. If you are a fish lover – vacation spots in the Greek isles will most likely offer the most delicious catch-of-the-day Mediterranean fish you’ve ever tasted.

If you’re following your taste buds, you can’t go wrong.

1. Choose a destination and work with your options.

If you’ve already chosen a destination, it’s a good idea to call ahead and start requesting menus from different resorts. For instance, if you’ve decided on Maya Riviera, Mexico, you’ll have a range of different resorts to choose from. Call or e-mail each one and request a description of the different kinds of food they offer.

Often, resorts will have different restaurants within the same hotel, serving different types of food in different atmospheres (traditional, casual, fast-food, snacks, formal, etc.) If a resort doesn’t offer the kind of noshes you like – it’s better to know in advance.

So what does this all mean?

Well, we’ve been to these places. We’ve eaten at the restaurants, and we can tell you what to look for and what to avoid. We’ve even taken cooking classes in places like Barcelona and Greece! That way, after your honeymoon, you can come back with authentic recipes that Rachael Ray couldn’t shake a spatula at.

You’re supposed to enjoy your honeymoon-not stress over it. So why do you feel so overwhelmed? What you need is a good plan, a few expert tips, and perhaps the guidance of a professional honeymoon planner.

Here are 7 tips from the pros here at Bliss Honeymoons to de-stress your honeymoon planning.

Choose a destination that suites your “couples personality”

You love to hike and be outdoors and he would rather nap under a beach cabana, but you both love food. Focus on what you both love-look for all inclusive honeymoon packages with five star dining-chances are you can find amazing food at a resort with a tropical location for him and lots of outdoor excursions for you. When you find your common ground you can define your “couples personality” and knowing that will make all the difference when deciding on your destination.

Decide what your budget is and stick to it

You may have already decided your honeymoon budget during your wedding planning. But if not, now is the time to have this discussion. Look at your frequent flyer miles, or ask family to donate theirs as a wedding gift. You can even utilize our honeymoon registry to get help with the cost.  Whatever you decide, when you land on a number make sure you’re committed to it. The last thing you want is to be thinking about credit card debt while you’re on your honeymoon.

Finding a good honeymoon planner can help keep your cost down and they can even end up paying for their fees in the savings they can get you from unpublished airfares and long-standing relationships with resorts and hotels.

Figure out how long you can stay and when you want to go

Maybe you know you want to take a tropical cruise but your wedding date is smack in the middle of hurricane season. Or, maybe you want a five-day honeymoon package but you can’t find one online for the resort you want. Decide when your want to take your honeymoon and how long you want to be away, then talk to a honeymoon planner to see what the seasonal deals are and if you can book a custom designed package for the exact days you want to travel. Flight itineraries and seasonal deals can be tricky to coordinate, but a professional will know what flights to take and what locations are offering the best deals during every season.

Get your travel documents in order

If you’re planning an exotic honeymoon you need to know exactly what travel documents, visas and passports are needed and how long it will take to acquire all necessary paperwork before you book your trip.

Find your professional honeymoon planner

You may be a do-it-yourself guru, but some things are best handled by a professional. A professional honeymoon planner knows the resorts, because they stay there. Planners know how to create the most efficient flight itineraries and have access to unpublished flight deals you can’t find on the Internet. Maybe most importantly, honeymoon planners can guarantee a stress-free honeymoon-they deal with problems before, during and after your trip so you don’t have to.

Make sure to stay healthy before your trip…and during your stay

First, check with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before your tip. It’s important to check the traveler’s vaccination requirements for travel to certain locations. The CDC Web site also has water-quality lists for all destinations that pose a water quality threat. Your professional honeymoon planner will provide all this information for you as well as information on your specific resort or hotels water filtration system.

Follow your packing checklist

Layout both his and hers clothing and bathroom items before your trip and take an inventory. This inventory will act as your packing checklist. Don’t forget basic medical needs; such as Band Aids, sun screen and sun burn relief gel, anti-bacterial gel, and anti-diarrhea pills. Make sure all prescriptions are filled before leaving for your trip.

Know that you have the pros tips for a stress-free honeymoon learn how to register for your honeymoon.

Still not sure where you want to go? Check out our Top 5 Sexiest Honeymoon Locations.