Dreaming of escaping to a tropical paradise where your every need will be taken care of immediately after you and your sweetheart say your “I do’s?” If so, Barbados just might be the slice of heaven you’ve been looking for. This Caribbean island is famed for its beauty and even more renowned for the luxury its service industry knows how to dish up.

So, why should you consider Barbados for your honeymoon? Here are just a few reasons:

• The landscape – Consider the most beautiful postcard picture you’ve ever seen of the sand, surf and sun and Barbados just might top it. With crystal clear waters, powdery beaches and a lush, green tropical interior, Barbados paints the perfect picture for a romantic honeymoon adventure. You’ll even find there are mountains to climb. Mount Hillaby, in fact, is more than 1,200 feet above sea level.
• The things to do – Barbados has more things to see and do than any couple could possibly take in on a honeymoon. From hiking, biking and swimming to touring historic sites and beyond, you’re not going to run out of fun things to explore while you’re in Barbados. You’ll find there are activities here to match just about every taste, too. It doesn’t matter whether you just like sightseeing or you want to enjoy adrenaline pumping high adventure, you’ll find it in Barbados.
• The rum – Believe it or not, this is one of Barbados’ many claims to fame. This island paradise gets the credit as the birthplace of rum. Inasmuch, you can expect to find many libations made with this particular spirit at hotels, restaurants and beachside bars. You can also tour historic sites connected to the production of rum. There are also rum shops and rum distilleries well worth exploring.
• The House – No, this isn’t an ordinary abode with historic appeal waiting for you to explore. Instead, it’s one of the premier destinations in Barbados for couples on their honeymoon. This resort is an adults-only destination that’s famed the world over. It features top-notch service, its own Zagat-rated restaurant and plenty of on-site activities. Guests here enjoy private rooms that boast a variety of luxury appointments, such as flat-screen televisions, espresso machines, private porches and more.

Finding the right place for your honeymoon is important. If a tropical paradise is your dream, Barbados is the place to go. To find out more about this stunning escape, just consult with our honeymoon travel experts.

Thinking about DIYing your honeymoon? Here’s 6 things an online site won’t tell you.

You’ll get a better deal if you wait till next week:

Have you ever clicked the confirm button on an online site only to have it tell you that you’d get a better deal if you waited a couple days to book? Of course not! Since one of the reasons people use an online site is instant gratification, an online booking site is never going to let you know that the hotel you’ve just selected is running a promo that starts next week, and that you would really be better off to wait a couple more days before you book. And here’s the rub-if you book online and a better rate comes out after you’ve booked, the online site won’t adjust your price. Here at Bliss Honeymoons, if a better rate becomes available after you’ve booked, we can obtain the new rate for you.

At that resort, “ocean view” really means “tree view”

There’s nothing better than waking up in a tropical destination and sitting on your balcony staring at the ocean while having your coffee. But not all ocean view rooms are created equal. In fact, at some resorts, ocean views are obstructed by trees or other buildings. If you’re going to pay extra for an ocean view, don’t you want to be able to see the ocean?  At Bliss Honeymoons, we visit the resorts that we sell, so we can give you the inside scoop on what the rooms are really like.

This resort is great if you want to spend the week with rednecks!

While doing a hotel tour of Jamaica last fall, one of our agents spent a couple of nights at what claimed to be an upscale resort. While this resort looks fantastic online, what you don’t see on the online site are the 50 screaming kids doing cannon balls, and the lovely couple in cut-offs who were smoking in the pool! It’s also impossible to taste or feel a hotel from a website, and there was no mention of the rock hard beds or endless supply of box wine swill on their site.

Remember, anyone can build a pretty website. It’s impossible to judge the vibe of the resort, or the crowd it attracts from their site. And there’s nothing worse than spending a week trapped at a resort with people who make you uncomfortable.

Your hotel is closed for the season. Enjoy the Super 8!

In the last year there have been two big cases of couples who booked, only to learn that the hotel was closed for the season when they arrived. (One was a Greek Island honeymoon, the other a 25^th wedding anniversary in Costa Rica) In both of these cases, the online site refused to assist them until they could confirm that the hotel was actually closed. But how can you confirm a hotel is closed when there’s no one there to confirm it? Exactly!

In both of these instances, the travelers were left to fend for themselves. Each had to find and pay for a new hotel, and then spend months fighting with the online site to get their money back when they returned home.

You could have gotten that candlelight dinner on the beach free by booking the next room category!

There’s nothing worse than learning the  beach wedding you just paid $1500.00 for could have been free if you had just spent an extra $800.00 on the next highest room category, and stayed 7 nights instead of 6 nights.

Online sites do a great job of giving you a list of things that are available at various resorts, and making you think you’ve gotten a deal. But an experienced travel professional knows the inter-workings of the resorts promos, and can help you get more value from your trip than you can find from an online site.

Your connecting flight leaves 15 minutes before you arrive. Welcome to Duluth!

The cheapest flight is not always a flight that can actually work. Online sites are notorious for selling flights with misconnects, or failing to notify clients that their flight schedules have changed. Last year we had a destination wedding guest who insisted on booking their own flights. Imagine their surprise when they arrived at the airport with their two toddlers in tow, only to learn that Mexicana had gone bankrupt several weeks ago and was no longer flying. The walk-up fare to get to the wedding on an alternate airline was almost $2000 per person. They wound up driving home, missing the wedding, and losing everything they paid for the trip as they declined the insurance. And of course the online site they purchased the air through never notified them that Mexicana had gone under, and denied them any kind of compensation.

Italian Honeymoon for Foodies

Love great food, incredible scenery and romantic destinations? Hoping to combine the three in a honeymoon adventure your sweetheart will never forget? If so, Italy is the place spend your first post-wedding days together.

An Italian honeymoon is an outstanding choice for foodies for more reasons than anyone can count. Just a simple exploration of the cuisine is enough to show why this country is the place to go for those who love great food. And, depending on where in Italy you decide to visit, you can explore lots of different flavors along the way.

You’ll find that Italy’s different regions each have their own dishes and styles of cooking they’re famed for.  In Lombardy, for example, you can savor the taste of rice, beef, pork and maize dishes. Travel into the piedmont area and you’ll find cheese and nuts feature strongly in dishes. Tuscany brings its own flavors to the table with its cuisine that favors legumes, mushrooms, fresh fruits, cheese and bread.  Pasta, of course, is a staple in many regions, but count on it being served up with local styling no matter where you go.

How to Tour With Italian Food in Mind

Foodies will find there ways to tailor Italian honeymoons to their own personal tastes. Here are just a few options:

Go on a foodie tour – Cuisine is such a big part of Italian culture that there are tours dedicated to it alone. Check with our honeymoon travel consultants for information on tours that focus on the styles of cooking found in a particular region or several regions. You can count on some amazing meals along the way when one of these tours is booked!

Setting your own itinerary – If you have particular points of interest you want to explore while in Italy while also sampling the cuisine, it can help to work directly with our honeymoon travel advisors to map out your own adventure.

Educational tours – If you want to do more than just taste the food, you can take an educational tour that includes cooking lessons. Choose to do this for your Italian honeymoon and you’ll bring home more than incredible memories – you’ll also get to recreate the dishes you loved so much anytime you want! Check with your honeymoon travel advisor for cooking class options available in different regions of Italy.

Italian honeymoons are perfect for foodies with a penchant for romance and wonder. This country is famed not only for its amazing history and landscapes, but also the foods that set its different regions apart. Just speak with our honeymoon travel advisors to get the planning ball rolling!

Your wedding day is right around the corner and you want to plan a honeymoon that neither of you will ever forget. If someplace warm, on the beach and exotic sounds like a plan, you might want to consider a getaway to a tropical, over-the-water bungalow.

So why would you want to stay in a bungalow instead of a 5-star, high-rise beach resort? While the latter has its perks for sure, there are some compelling reasons why honeymooners love over-water bungalows. Here are just a few of the top reasons to consider a stay at a boutique resort that boasts these private, unique rooms for their guests:

1. The destinations – Over-the-water bungalows are found in some of the world’s most notable and most romantic locations. Think the coastline of Mexico, Belize, Tahiti and you’ll get the picture. These destinations are already perfect for honeymooners and the bungalow hotels just make them all the more sweet.
2. The things to do – Bungalows right on the beach or built out over the water are typically found in locales where the things to do abound. From high-action zip-lining through tropical jungles to laid back days on the beach, couples don’t run out of things to do when they choose vacations like this.
3. The landscape – There are few destinations in the world that can top the views that over-the-water bungalows deliver. Imagine waking up to a gentle tropical breeze as waves lap below your bed. Now picture yourself standing outside on a private porch watching the sunset over the water. It just doesn’t get better than that!
4. The privacy – It’s your honeymoon, and let’s face it; you want privacy. Over-the-water bungalows are typically designed with every luxury in mind and are self-contained. That means you and your honey will get the privacy you crave without having to sacrifice anything in the amenity department.
5. The memories – While escaping to a bungalow in a tropical locale isn’t quite like getting lost on a deserted island, it can come pretty close. You and your sweetie will be able to make memories to last a lifetime and just think of how stunning your vacation pictures will be!

To find out more about our Bungalow H2O Collection, just consult our honeymoon travel advisors. Our pros can help you book the best places to stay in resorts all over the world.

Hoping to sink your toes in the sand and soak up some rays on your honeymoon? Looking for a location that also provides all the necessary ingredients for a memorable destination wedding?

If you’re looking for something exotic, beautiful and sure to please your intended and maybe those wedding guests, too, we have some ideas for you! Here are just a few of our favorite beach wedding destinations and some of the top reasons why we love them so:

Honeymoon in Bora Bora – This Pacific Ocean paradise practically defies description. This amazing island is famed for its unusual natural beauty, practically perfect weather and outstanding resorts. Plus, you and your honey will be hard-pressed to find a more romantic destination that also offers plenty of things for wedding guests to enjoy. For your honeymoon in Bora Bora, you can even choose to stay in a highly romantic over-the water bungalow. Just imagine waking to the sounds of gentle waves lapping the beach!

Vacation in Fiji – This tropical wonder is considered one of the South Pacific’s best destinations for good reason. The volcanic islands here make for an incredible landscape, plus there’s so much to see and do. Tourists here find the beaches are practically perfect, the locals friendly and the scenery is to die for. From scuba diving to see the coral reefs to strolling local shops, it’s impossible to get bored in Fiji. Add to that the fact Fiji is famed for its resorts that have staff ready to cater to your every whim and it’s hard to go wrong with a destination wedding in Fiji.

Tie the knot in Tahiti – This South Pacific jewel is a favorite destination for couples in love. Its crystal clear waters are famed the world over. The island is famed for its stunning waterfalls, picturesque mountains and splendid beaches. Choose to honeymoon in Tahiti and you’ll discover this paradise also offers lots to see and do. From its world-renowned resorts to its amazing water activities, Tahiti always makes an awesome choice.

Host your wedding in Aruba – If you’d like your wedding to take place a little closer to home, Aruba might be the ideal choice. This Caribbean island has all the ingredients you need for an amazing adventure. Its beaches, landscape, culture and historical flavor are all major draws. Plus, you’ll find the resorts here are world class and more than ready to help you make your dream of an Aruba destination wedding become reality.

Are you ready to research a beach destination wedding more closely? Just consult with our honeymoon travel advisors for information on destinations at home and abroad.

Dream of spending your honeymoon on a tropical island that’s romantic and far enough away from the rat race to be considered remote and maybe even a little exotic? If so, Bora Bora is calling.

This stunning getaway destination is found in Pacific Ocean’s Leeward chain and is considered one of the islands of Tahiti. With its ice blue waters and lush, tropical landscape it looks like a set created by a master moviemaker from Hollywood, but rest assured its attractions are not fictional.

When Bora Bora is your honeymoon destination, you’ll enjoy such luxuries as:

• Nearly perfect weather – Bora Bora has a year-round average high temperature of about 84 degrees. Even in January, you’ll find the conditions here are ideal for getting away. While its lush vegetation does demand that a little rain must fall, most storms are isolated to a few months between November and April.
• A landscape that defies reason – Conjure up an image of the most beautiful tropical island you’ve ever laid your eyes on. Now, add in turquoise waters that are so blue they practically glow. Throw in unusually shaped mountain peaks covered with thick, green vegetation and be sure to envision plenty of lagoons. That’s Bora Bora!
• Romantic activities – Considering the landscape, it should come as no surprise that Bora Bora is considered one of the world’s most romantic honeymoon destinations. Here you can enjoy moonlit walks on the beach, enjoy lunch while taking in the view from a remote lagoon, hike to the top of the island’s mountain peaks to take in the view, go horseback riding and more.
• Adventure – If you’d rather enjoy a more adventurous pace during your honeymoon, Bora Bora fits. Here you can go diving, explore ancient temples, visit World War II sites, get in a rough and tumble 4X4 to explore the island’s interior and much more. The shopping and dining are also sure to please.
• Pampering – From its restaurants to its spas and hotels, you’ll find Bora Bora knows how to pamper its guests. Visitors here are treated first-class from the very second they step foot on the soil and throughout their entire stays. For honeymooners who want to enjoy the best Bora Bora has to offer, there are even hotels that offer romantic bungalows set over those famous turquoise waters!

There are some fantastic resorts in Bora Bora in our Bungalow H20 Collection. Contact us for more details!

Escaping to the splendor of a tropical paradise paints the perfect picture for a honeymoon that’s filled with wonder and romance. There’s just something so over-the-top romantic about falling to sleep with the gentle rolls of waves underneath a luxury bungalow that’s been designed for the ultimate in enjoyment.

Overwater bungalows are a favorite resort accommodation in destinations all over the world. This highly private design is perfect for honeymooners who want an escape from it all. To help you explore the possibilities, here are a few of our favorite resorts with overwater bungalows:

• The Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji – This amazing South Pacific destination boasts 10 private overwater bungalows and a total of 35 beach bungalows for those who aren’t so sure how they feel about sleeping over the water. Some of this resort’s rooms have their own private plunge pools, too. Visitors here will find that every room was designed with luxury in mind. The appointments are tropical chic and each bungalow boasts its own private porch for watching the sun sets in peace. The resort also has its own on-site dining and spa.
• InterContinental Tahiti Resort in Tahiti – This destination is also found in the South Pacific and boasts a total of 32 overwater bungalows. Visitors here will find this destination boasts all the comforts of home and the luxuries that honeymooners expect. The resort features its own private beach, a diving center, two pools, restaurants, bars and more. Plus, visitors here can stroll gardens, visit gift shops, luxuriate in the spa and much more.
• Hotelito Desconocido in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Offering some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, this resort has a combination of traditional villas and overwater bungalows. The resort itself has wedding and banquet facilities, so it’s perfect for combination destination weddings/honeymoons. Visitors here can enjoy such activities as horseback riding, mountain biking, sailing, windsurfing and more. There’s even an on-site spa, fishing, cooking lessons and more. To make this destination even sweeter, honeymooners will discover two onsite ocean view restaurants for their dining pleasure.

When it comes to romance and privacy, it’s hard to top an escape to a tropical paradise for a honeymoon adventure. If the ultimate experience is desired, overwater bungalows deliver. There are resorts around the world that offer their guests this distinctly romantic experience. Just check with our honeymoon travel advisors to explore the possibilities even further.

Are you looking for a honeymoon experience that’s romantic, unusual and highly adventurous without skipping in the luxury department? Then take a cue from that catchy song and head on down to the Love Shack!

What’s a love shack?

Nope, they’re not tin-roofed joints that are hopping every night of the week with music, libations and get-togethers. That, however, doesn’t mean you won’t find happening night spots near to the love shacks we’re suggesting for your honeymoon though.

In this case, the love shacks we have in mind are on-the-water or over-water bungalows. Think Robinson Crusoe meets your favorite 5-star resort and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect. The best love shacks in the world for honeymooners combine that intimate privacy that Crusoe enjoyed with the romance of a tropical destination and the impeccable service honeymooners deserve.

So where are the best destinations for finding utterly romantic love shacks? Believe it or not; you’ll find them all over the world! Our favorite huts on the beach though are found in Tulum, Mexico, and Belize.

While each destination is very distinct, they both have a few things in common that make their love shacks top our list. They are:

The beaches – Tulum and Belize are both famed for their stunning beaches and miles of coastline. In both destinations you can enjoy the surf, sand, sunshine and topnotch water sports that you’d expect from a tropical vacation.

The privacy – The love shacks found in both Belize and Tulum are designed to provide honeymoons – and other couples in love – with the privacy they crave. Guests at resorts throughout these two locations will find the very best in service when it’s wanted and the utmost privacy when they desire it. The accommodations in both locations, by the way, are simple stunning. While we’re calling them “love shacks,” luxury is truly found in every room detail.

The other possibilities – Honeymooners don’t always want to stay locked up in their rooms for days on end. When it’s time to get out explore and have some fun, both Tulum and Belize deliver. In both locations, you’ll find wonderful dining, eco-tourism opportunities, historic sites, shopping, nightclubs and more all waiting for you to explore.

If you’re looking for something tropical, yet highly distinct for your honeymoon, you can’t go wrong with a love shack. To find out more about booking a bungalow for two, just consult with our honeymoon travel advisors. Our pros will be more than happy to help you find just the right accommodations in the perfect destination for your romantic adventure.

While your wedding day might be the biggest, most exciting day of your life, it’s what comes later that really sets the stage for your journey as husband and wife. Your honeymoon affords you an opportunity to enjoy some much-needed alone time before you face the challenges of the “real world.” It also gives you a wonderful chance to make memories that will last forever and be cherished always.

With all that in mind, it’s little wonder that honeymoon planning is such an important aspect of getting ready for the big day. Planning the perfect honeymoon can be one of the most difficult “details” in the entire event, but it doesn’t have to be. When you work with a honeymoon travel expert and consider all-inclusive, boutique resorts, you’ll find most of the details take care of themselves.

Why would you want to consider an all-inclusive resort for your first trip as husband and wife? Here are just three reasons why it’s one of the best ways to go:

1. The destination possibilities – All-inclusive resorts don’t limit you on where you can go. The reality is there are great resorts that offer all-inclusive options found all over the world. From famous destinations close to home to those in Europe, the Caribbean and beyond, you’ll discover a world of possibilities when you select this route.
2. The pampering – All-inclusive, boutique resorts are well accustomed to helping honeymooners have the time of their lives. Select some of the best and you’ll find that every detail is handled for your stay and all you have to do is enjoy. Boutique resorts are an especially good choice because they tend to be smaller and more intimate. Staff members at these destinations know how to provide the service that makes a honeymooning couple want to come back.
3. The simplicity – Considering all the details that go into wedding planning, it’s nice to have a simple – yet incredible – option for the honeymoon. All-inclusive resorts provide this by making sure guests only have to worry about checking in and having fun. Everything necessary for a great time is included in the initial price. That takes the financial guesswork out of planning a honeymoon.

Your honeymoon is an important adventure meant to help you forge memories that will be cherished forever. Take the work and worry out of planning this journey by considering an all-inclusive resort in your destination of choice. Our honeymoon travel experts can help you find the perfect resort for your romantic getaway.

Imagine waking up in a place where crystalline waters are so blue it’s hard to tell where they end and the sky begins. Now picture yourself stepping outside your private bungalow to find those waters right at your doorstep – only a short staircase away.

Those are the images that dreams are made of for most. They’re reality for couples that choose to honeymoon in one of the world’s most romantic destinations – Tahiti. This South Pacific island is legendary for lovers for more than a few reasons. Here are just three:

• The splendor – It’s hard to imagine a warm, tropical destination that’s more postcard perfect that Tahiti. With its stunning blue waters, striking black sand beaches and mountainous terrain, the island doesn’t fail to impress. Its landscape is so perfect it’s almost hard to believe that it wasn’t constructed on a Hollywood movie set. The climate here is tropical, which means it’s warm and sunny practically year round. While rain is always a possibility, the stunning beauty of the island more than makes up for a few showers here and there.
• The adventure – The South Pacific has long called to the world as one of the most exotic, alluring places on earth. Vacationers here can explore volcanic mountains, enjoy water sports, bask in the sun, soak up the local culture and much more. No matter how adrenaline-packed or relaxing you want your honeymoon to be, Tahiti can deliver. Here you can sleep in an overwater bungalow, feed sharks, picnic on a volcanic mountainside, dine in quaint, waterside restaurants or just enjoy a sunset with a cool drink. The possibilities are as nearly endless as the deep blue waters Tahiti is so famous for.
• The service – Tahiti was made with romance in mind. Here you will find large hotels that know how to cater to every whim and smaller, boutique destinations that put privacy and romance as their top priorities. No matter what type of lodging you prefer, you’ll find that Tahitian resorts understand what it means to deliver top-notch service. Guests to the island are treated like royalty and leave for their home shores hoping to return as soon as possible.

When a honeymoon is meant to be adventurous, romantic and legendary, Tahiti is the place to explore. This South Pacific destination delivers natural beauty at every turn and a setting that other “romantic” locations are envious of. To find out more about vacationing in Tahiti, just check with our honeymoon travel experts.