There are 365 beaches in Antigua, you can choose one for each day of the year. Antigua’s coastline is 95 miles of superb Caribbean beaches. The islands are known best for their friendly and welcoming people. Pink and white-sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and the most enjoyable climate in the world are waiting for you.
The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are the perfect place for your romantic beach escape. A place for dream weddings and honeymoons. A selection of hotels provides the perfect romantic setting for couples looking to celebrate. One of the top 25 resorts in the Caribbean as voted by Conde Nast Traveler, is Galley Bay Resort. Three romantic open-air restaurants and lounges will welcome you. Live entertainment, cocktail parties, and barbecues will fill your evenings. There are complimentary watersports and optional excursions. Relax by the dramatic cascading waterfall and swimming pool. There are jogging trails, bicycles, and tennis courts for the more energetic guests. Relax at the spa in serene gardens overlooking the calming waters of a natural lagoon.
You will find a new era of luxury at Hammock Cove Antigua. Hammock Cove Antigua features 42 villas with a focus on gastronomy and personalized service. Entering your villa, you will be greeted by vast views of the ocean. Each villa features a plunge pool, modern amenities, and a contemporary design. The Executive Chef brings a Michelin-starred experience to both classic and creative dishes at the resort’s two restaurants.
To start planning your visit to explore the beaches of Antigua, reach out to me to find your place in the sun
Plan your honeymoon escape to a place where the sun meets the ocean. There are locations in Mexico that are more unique and offer an authentic Mexico honeymoon experience without crowds of tourists. Learn about the culture, enjoy sun-kissed beaches, and experience new adventures by the sea.
Riviera Nayarit
Located north of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit is Mexico’s beach destination with 200 miles of pristine coastline dotted with dozens of seaside coastal towns and pueblos. Enjoy lush rainforest-covered mountain peaks, nature sanctuaries, and golden sand beaches. Learn all about one of the richest cultures in Mexico, the Huichol culture.
Punta Mita
Leave the world behind you. This exclusive and luxurious destination has six miles of virgin Pacific coast beaches, surrounded by rolling green hills. More importantly the Pacific Ocean opens before you, and you will never tire of admiring the endless turquoise blue of the sea.
Enjoy an understated sophisticated stay coupled with relaxation at Casa de Mita. Casa de Mita is located on the beach in Punta Mita where the blue waters of the pacific will be your playground. This intimate hideaway is where romance lives.
Discovering a place means immersing yourself in its culture. Iberostar Selection Playa Mita wants to welcome you into one of the richest cultures in Mexico. Enjoy an all-inclusive experience with the pacific ocean at your feet. Enjoy a drink on the terrace and watch the sun fade below the horizon.
Located on the ocean in the heart of one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, the W Punta de Mita welcomes you to a remarkable experience. A biosphere reserve and seaside villages known for their crafts are located nearby.
Escape to Secrets Bahia Mita. Located in Banderas Bay, with golden sand beaches, this adults-only all-inclusive resort combines elegance with natural elements. Enjoy amazing views of the mountains, ocean, and gardens. A romantic honeymoon at Secrets offers you gourmet room service, walks on the beach at sunset, and multiple dining options to choose from. Let romance bloom at Secrets Bahia Mita.
Sayulita
When dusk falls on the beaches of Sayulita Mexico you will see silhouettes float across the water. Subsequently, watch bodies dive and emerge, facing the sunset while waiting on the next perfect wave. Each evening, these scenes are repeated. Sayulita is a surfer’s paradise and definitely one of Mexico’s more unique destinations. It is a place where you can honeymoon in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Certainly, the complicated world begins to disappear as the warm Mexican sun kisses your skin when you arrive at Hotel Playa Escondido. Celebrate your love in a beachfront room. Take a deep breath of sea air, and you will smile as you look out over the beach and the blue waters beyond.
This is the first part of a series on authentic Mexico honeymoon destinations. Above all, there is so much beauty to be seen in Mexico, certainly at the beach and beyond. If you are looking for more romantic, and off-the-beaten-path places for a honeymoon in Mexico, I would love to speak with you.
Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, full of chic locals living their best lives. While France is one of the most-visited countries in Europe, this doesn’t mean you want to stick out like a sore thumb! Here are a few tips on how to not look like a tourist in Paris.
Wardrobe
It’s no secret that Parisiens are stylish, and the city itself is a hub for fashion and creatives alike. Before you go out and buy a whole new wardrobe fit for Paris Fashion Week, take stock of your closet. You probably already have an attire that would blend in on the streets of Paris.
Don’t: Bring your baseball caps, Hawaiian shirts, and sports jerseys
Language & Tone of Voice
Take some time on the plane to brush up on some basic French. Learning some basic French phrases goes a long way, and is a sign of respect. Speaking of respect, say “bonjour” when you enter a store, “au revoir” when you leave, and “non merci” if someone is offering you something that you don’t want.
Do: Speak softly, and make an effort to communicate in French
Don’t: Shout into your cell phone, or expect everyone to speak to you in English
Dining
From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy neighborhood cafes, it’s hard to beat the dining scene in Paris. For the French, dining is an experience, and one not to be rushed. Don’t gulp your meal, and certainly don’t expect the quick food and service that you may experience in North America. Expect for your meal to take some time, and enjoy the slower pace that allows you to appreciate every sip and morsel.
If you happen to not finish your meal, do not ask for a to-go container (aka a doggy bag). While it’s customary in the United States to tip up to 20%, in France the gratuities are included – listed as “service compris” on your bill and is usually about 18%.
Do: Try restaurants off the beaten path, further away from the tourist attractions
Don’t: Request modifications to your meal at a restaurant, as it’s considered rude (unless for medical or dietary restrictions)
Day to Day Life
Paris is not only a charming and romantic destination but also a major metropolitan city. With that in mind, you need to keep your wits about you and be conscientious of pickpocketers who prey on travelers. Avoid hanging your handbag on the back of your chair in restaurants and cafes, and don’t carry an excessive amount of cash on you. Utilize the safe (if there is one) in your hotel to store valuables, and keep your bag or valuables in front of you when using the metro or visiting crowded tourist attractions.
Forget your checklist of attractions to see, and instead consider flaneur (strolling, or meandering) with no real end game. The best times while traveling are often not visiting attractions or following your itinerary to a ‘T’, rather they’re the genuine, authentic moments in between. It’s the buttery pain-au-chocolat you eat on a park bench, or the fromagerie you discover as you meander down cobbled side streets, or even the pride you feel when you successfully complete a basic exchange in another language. That’s what you’ll remember when your suitcase is unpacked, the souvenirs given out, and the photos are printed. And that’s what you’ll be looking forward to experiencing again.
Do: Soak it all in, people watch, and leave room in your travels for free time
Don’t: Visit Paris only once
Experience Paris like a local with these tips on how to not look like a tourist in Paris.
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Paris, let’s talk! You can reach me at 888.598.8351 or email me.