romantic vacations Archives - Page 15 of 32

An Authentic Mexico Honeymoon

Posted on February 19, 2022February 19, 2022 by Lucky n Love

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

an authentic mexico honeymoon experience

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.

How to NOT Look Like a Tourist in Paris

Posted on February 5, 2022June 23, 2023 by Lucky n Love

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.

Do: Bring plain t-shirts, well-tailored pants, a nice pair of shoes from sites like https://csd.shop/designers/hermes/women/

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.

Top 5 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations

Posted on January 29, 2022January 29, 2022 by Lucky n Love

The best antidote to the chaos (and excitement) of planning and executing a wedding is jetting off on a romantic honeymoon, just you and your significant other. What better way to wind down, celebrate your partnership, and decompress than by hopping on a plane and jetting off somewhere magical? From the black beaches of Santorini to the rolling vineyards of California’s wine country, here are the top 5 romantic honeymoon destinations to extend your celebration of love.

white concrete house near body of water under white and blue cloudy sky

Santorini, Greece

With picture-perfect views in every direction, Santorini is a Greek honeymoon must, and for good reason. Setting the stage for romance are countless boutique hotels perched on cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and cerulean domed churches – all facing the sea. Splurge for a suite with a plunge pool, overlooking the postcard views and mythical caldera below.

Tip: Stay in Oia, located on the quieter side of the island. While there are still cruise groups and tours passing through, it offers a far more intimate feel than busy Fira.

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Maui, Hawaii

Visitors to the Aloha State are greeted with a warm temperate climate, stunning vistas, and the lingering scent of plumeria in the air. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite among honeymooners, who gravitate to the luxurious Wailea, home to the island’s finest resorts. From The Four Seasons and The Fairmont to The Grand Wailea and newly built Andaz, Wailea, therefore, provides an upscale environment to unwind and is bordered by calm beaches.

Tip: Explore the islands from the air on a jaw-dropping helicopter tour that showcases the dramatic and lush Hawaiian landscape.

Napa Valley

Thinking of staying a little closer to home? The Napa (and Sonoma) Valley’s are a wine lover’s dream and roughly two and half hours from San Francisco. Stroll the countless vineyards, indulge in gourmet fare at The French Laundry, and take in Napa’s vibrant art scene. The laid-back Sonoma offers visitors a less commercialized alternative. At almost double the size of Napa, there are plenty of wineries to choose from. Sonoma’s Fairmont Mission Inn Resort & Spa makes for a great home base to explore the region.

Tip: The Napa Valley Wine Train is a great way to make stops at the vineyards, without the use of a car. More romantic than a mini-bus.

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The Amalfi Coast

A popular destination for Italians and world travelers alike, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is romance personified. Pastel-colored buildings are perched on steep cliffs over the sparkling Mediterranean ocean. The winding streets and alleys buzz with Vespas zipping past. The smell of coffee and baked goods emanates from cozy, family-run establishments.

There are myriad options for your home base, from the busy but conveniently located Sorrento (perfect for day trips to Naples and Pompeii) to the posh Positano (famous for its dramatic scenery and sandy beach). If you’re looking for the glam of Positano without the crowds, consider laid-back Ravello, a tiny village lacking direct beach access – but making up for it in luxurious accommodation options.

French Polynesia

Gracing many a traveler’s bucket list is the romantic island of Bora Bora and its surrounding atolls. Known for its towering Mt. Otemanu and luxurious overwater bungalows, Bora Bora is about as romantic as they come.

Travelers seeking that same experience with a slightly lower price tag often opt for the island of Moorea. With a range of resorts offering both hotel rooms and overwater bungalows – all are set against a stunning tropical backdrop.

For couples who are ready to go all out, there’s The Brando. A luxurious resort located on the private Tetiaroa atoll. Listed as the “The Most Luxurious Eco-Resort in the World” by Town & Country Magazine. The brainchild of Marlon Brando, the resort offers guests intimate access to French Polynesia. It also acts as a center for research and education. Sustainability is weaved through everything at The Brando. However, just because this is an eco-resort does not mean that luxury has been abandoned. Guests arrive by private plane. Accommodations are individual villas on their own stretch of white sand beach. Guests also have access to biologists and naturalist guides for one-on-one tours and educational sessions.

If you have questions about these top 5 romantic honeymoon destinations, or if you’d like support planning the honeymoon (or romantic getaway) of your dreams, I’d love to support you! Chat with me here.