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Must-Read Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

Friday, May 24th, 2013

It’s wedding season! Time to get out our party frocks and prepare to usher happy couples into wedded bliss. Perhaps you’ll be packing your bags, too, to attend a destination wedding?

destination weddingDestination weddings are growing in popularity thanks in large part to celebrities making it the way the cool kids do it. From Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s Italian dream wedding, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ Charleston “I dos,” and Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman’s wedded soiree on a private estate on California’s Big Sur coast, many celeb couples are taking the plunge in places far from Hollywood and home.

Destination Weddings are also a great way to extend the celebration and give friends and family a two-for-one experience: both a wedding and a vacation. Now, who wouldn’t love that! If you are considering turning your wedding into a remote celebration then here are some helpful tips to get you started.

13 Must-Read Destination Wedding Tips courtesy of The Knot.

Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Hotel

For destination weddings, often the hotel is the site for both the ceremony, the reception and the accommodations for your guests. The nice thing about that is everything is usually taken care of – the caterer, cake designer, team of servers and bartenders, wedding coordinator, ceremony, and reception site are available all in one place. There’s not much to worry about in this setting. And most hotels, at the very least, can provide you with a list of trusted vendors.

Try to get a special rate for guests. You will need to work with the wedding or event coordinator for a special rate for your guests at the hotel you’ve chosen. It helps if you can guarantee a certain number of reservations when negotiating rates. Try to do this four to six months prior to your wedding date.

In Las Vegas, some couples end up hosting part of their wedding day festivities in a hotel suite. Luckily, with so many hotel choices, Vegas can accommodate small in-suite ceremonies, receptions or post-reception cocktail parties…and really knows how do a great wedding party!

If you are booking both the rooms block and the wedding reception at the same hotel, there is a good chance that your wedding package includes a complimentary room. In my experience, many hotel wedding packages include a complimentary room for the bridal couple and often discounts for other services and amenities for both the couple and their guests.

Consider a Cruise. More and more couples are turning to cruise lines for affordable and fun getaways. This option is great for couples that want to extend the party with their guests; it especially works well for second marriages or vow renewal celebrations. Cruise weddings have grown a massive 60 percent over the last ten years, according to the New York Times.

Plan for Weather. A Caribbean wedding sounds amazing but maybe not at the peak of hurricane season. Make sure you seriously consider the weather when choosing any destination. Weddings during the off-season can be a great way to save money, but be sure to have an inclement weather plan just in case Mother Nature decides to attend the wedding.

Bride and Groom With Bouquet on BeachWedding Resorts

American Idol season four winner Carrie Underwood wed Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Fisher in June of 2010, at the chic 251-room Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia. Weddings at this resort can fit all budgets and the staff will even provide welcome baskets, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts and a variety of other special amenities to help add that personal touch to your wedding*. *Costs for all items vary.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is the state’s most legendary property. Weddings at the resort reflect the setting and can either be traditional with a Hawaiian officiant and a conch-shell blower, or modern and lavish at formal reception sites with sweeping sea views. No matter your preference, couples and their guests enjoy delectable cuisine (Polynesian-style buffets are popular) and the attention of an on-site coordinator (wedding packages start at $3,000 and include site fees and ceremony set-up and some décor.)

At the 16 beautiful properties (across 5 countries) of Barceló Hotels & Resorts, book as few as 25 room nights at participating properties and get a free ceremony at one of these family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts. On-site planners handle decor, ceremony and menu requests, as well as helping with any legal requirements.

Sprawling beachfront grounds, tons of watersports and festive nightly entertainment are just a few of the marquee amenities of Iberostar Hotels and Resorts, an all-inclusive five-star chain located in Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico. Couples holding their wedding at one of the resorts also get a free room upgrade, champagne toast and spa discount. Only five rooms must be booked for three nights to enjoy this deal.

Know any other fun destination wedding ideas? Let us know in the comments section!

 
 

 

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Unconventional Weddings & Destinations

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

Everyone dreams of having the perfect wedding — whether it’s in front of a balmy, breezy beach, at a lush botanical garden, or in a quaint, country barn. But not all people imagine picturesque trees and fancy ballrooms for their big day. There are those that dream of unconventional weddings that take couples to the most extreme and daring situations, or provide a unique and one-of-a-kind experience.

Roller Coaster WeddingFor those that wish to make their wedding day a bit of an adventure, below are five examples of out-of-this-world wedding ideas, anywhere from the sky to the sea.

Take the Plunge: One unconventional way to get hitched is to do it while scuba diving. Couples inclined to go on extreme adventures, and who feel no remorse from diving into the sea with a full wedding gown and tux, can consider this as a unique ceremony option. Saying your “I Dos” while strapped to an oxygen tank are not as uncommon as you may think. Some hotel resorts, such as the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa, offer their own scuba-wedding packages for couples that wish to tie the knot under the sea.

Leap of Faith: Those who want even more of a thrill can soar over 120 miles per hour through the air and wed while skydiving. Couples can choose to either tie the knot on the ground before jumping out, or do it after they land. For the more adventurous types, some packages even allow “skydiving preachers” to perform the ceremony in the aircraft on the climb to jump altitude. Many packages also provide fully edited DVDs of the entire skydive for you to relive the experience long after the jump.

Not for the Faint of Heart: Weddings at haunted houses have actually been around for quite some time. For example The Crescent Hotel has been hosting weddings for nearly 125 years. According to Glamour, a construction worker fell to his death during the hotel’s construction. He landed in what would become room 218, where the toilet flushes itself and footsteps fall once everyone’s in bed. At the Kewaunee Inn, children staying at the hotel are often seen playing with a mysterious little boy, reportedly the ghost of a 5-year-old who died there more than 100 years ago. Ring bearer anyone?

Destination Wedding: Planning a destination wedding? Why not hold it at Poldark Mine in the UK, a genuine 18th century tin mine? Experience an atmospheric tour through the partially candle lit mine before having your underground ceremony in an area of the mine known as the Holman Chamber. The site contains everything needed for a wedding facility: parking lot, restaurant, evening function room, children’s play area, and baby changing room. What more reason do you need to host a wedding at this cool venue?

Weightless Wedding: If you don’t like diving of any sort, try having a zero gravity wedding. Zero G provides weightless weddings for those who want an out-of-this world experience. Hop on board their Boeing 727, G-FORCE ONE, that creates about 20-30 seconds of zero gravity at a time while at 24,000 feet in the air. They will give you all the proper pre-flight orientation you need to be ready for take off, so there’s nothing (much) to fear.

What are some unique wedding experiences & destinations that you’ve seen before?

 
 

 

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Three Tips For Long-Term Traveling Twosomes

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Carrie and I going to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

On February 14, 2001, Carrie came to a Valentine’s Day party at my house. I was in college at the time.

I had finally gotten over a bad break-up (from nearly 2 years earlier), and was hosting a party for everyone who didn’t have anything to do on Valentine’s Day.

Carrie and I had met three days earlier at a German club meeting (at our college). Carrie sort of invited herself to my party (because she thought I was cute).

The party ended up being 8 young women and me. They were (apparently) there because they wanted to spend Valentine’s Day with me .

That’s how Carrie tells the story.

I’m generally pretty oblivious to advances and I still think they just came for the party.

At the end of the party, Carrie had outstayed everyone else, and we spent Valentine’s evening just talking and laughing (okay, we kissed for the first time on Valentine’s Day too).

It’s amazing to think that was 10 years ago, but then I think about all that we have done together in those years. We’ve traveled together on 6 continents, using every mode of transportation possible (except spaceship, camel, and hot air balloon).

And now, we are glad to be able to use our 10 year anniversary to share some things we have learned in our travels together.

When Carrie and I first started dating, we had some things to learn about each other. This is true with all relationships. However, it’s especially true when you travel together in close spaces. This is why we recommend our first tip:

1. Start small

You may dream about traveling the world together. (We just completed a 2-year travel around the world, and it is possible.) However, we recommend you start with a small trip. Take a weekend in Vegas, in the mountains, or at the beach. If that 3-4 day adventure goes well, then plan a week away together. If that works well, then figure out how to travel together for 2 weeks.

Road trips are great adventures to explore how you will get along in close quarters for 1 or 2 weeks. Shorter trips will help you learn each other’s preferences and how to accommodate for them. Whether your travel is short or long however, tip #2 is really important for bringing you closer together.

Carrie and I touring a cheese factory near Parma, Italy

2. Make time and plan for surprises

You likely have an idea of what’s special and important to your travel partner. Take something small along with you as a nice surprise because it will make your time together extra special. As an example, Carrie and I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina (in 2008) for 6 weeks. Our first weekend there was Easter weekend, and we ended up in a dirty, loud, mold-infested apartment. Because it was Easter weekend, there really was no one to call or email to negotiate and get out of the situation. In the midst of this trying situation on our first weekend in a foreign country, Carrie had a surprise for me.

Before we left, she thought it would be nice to bring some chocolate eggs with her from the states, because it would be a nice way to be able to celebrate Easter. She didn’t know we would end up in the situation we were in, but those chocolate eggs became our rallying point for having some good smiles and laughs in what was an unpleasant situation. For you, the surprise you take could be his or her favorite food, a new skimpy outfit for the bedroom, or something else you know your partner likes.

3. When it comes to destinations, decide ‘what’ before ‘where’

Many people like to decide where they will go based on what destinations are currently on sale. But even more important than where you go is what you want to do. You may like to lay on the beach when you travel, while your partner likes to climb mountains. We’re both good about going with the flow and being up for anything, but it was funny (3 weeks before we were set to leave on our 6-week summer 2006 travel) to discover a miscommunication Carrie and I had. It turns out that Carrie dislikes multi-day camping.

But we ended up spending 8 days sleeping in a tent on the side of the tallest mountain in Africa. It was absolutely one of the most amazing experiences of our lives, and is where we got engaged. But from this experience, we learned to talk thoroughly before booking. If you’re thinking about a luxury room at the Hilton, but she wants to sleep under the stars in the middle of the Mojave Desert, you should communicate about what you want.

Thank-you for giving us the opportunity to share these three tips with you, and may all your travels bring you the surprise you hoped for, in the way you least expected.

Carrie and Jonathan Kraft have been traveling the world together for 8 years and have been to more than 40 countries together. For great travel ideas and tips on how to save money on travel, visit http://www.CarrieAndJonathan.com

 
 

 

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BabyMoons: The Hottest Trend in Couples’ Vacations

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Taking a Babymoon is the perfect way to unwind before those late nights. (Photo courtesy of kissesfromamommytobe.blogspot.com)

Romance and relaxation: what could sound better to a couple? How about a baby on the way?

A Babymoon is that last vacation before a new baby joins the family. It’s a time for a couple to relax and reconnect before lack of sleep and midnight feedings take over. In fact, many hotels and resorts are now catering to this special group of travelers by offering “Babymoon packages” and special pre-natal massages and treats for expectant mothers.

Statistically, more babies are born between September and November than any other months, which makes summer the perfect time for parents-to-be to take a Babymoon!

Whether a couple is welcoming their first or fifth child, a romantic getaway may be just what they need! Where should expectant parents go for this memorable trip? Some place fabulous! After all, it may be a while before they travel sans diapers and bottles.

Peter Island Resort & Spa, Peter Island, British Virgin Islands – If you really want to escape to paradise than look no further than this resort. Between the oceanfront suites, the soft sand beaches and the hammocks that pepper them to the amazing service you will receive, Peter Island Resort does not disappoint. It just might be the perfect place to relax before a new bundle of energy arrives!

W New York Times Square, New York City – Be sure to inform the staff of the W that you are on your Babymoon and order off the Womb Service menu which includes pickles, milkshakes and grilled cheese sandwiches. Stay out late, sleep in, see a show and don’t worry about the babysitter…just yet! Be sure to visit FAO Schwartz for baby’s first NYC souvenir!

Grove Park Inn, Ashville, NC  – Set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Grove Park Inn is as charming as it is historic. The Spa features a Mother-to-Be package as well as various single services. And dad-to-be can enjoy a round of golf on this hotel’s famed greens that are more than 100 years old.

The Avalon Hotel on Catalina Island,  Avalon, CA – Intimate. Friendly. Indulgent. Relaxing. These words best describe this 15-room island retreat. From romance to adventure, the gracious staff is helpful in planning activities at every turn; perhaps a picnic at Two Harbors or a helicopter ride?

The Ritz Carlton, Naples, FL – Luxurious accommodations on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches is the perfect backdrop for a pre-baby getaway. The tropical setting is only a part of the allure of this five-star resort. Women in their second or third trimesters can even indulge in the amazing Mama Mio Mama’s Touch™ spa treatment.

 
 

 

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Six Travel Recommendations For A Valentine’s Day Getaway

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Nothing says "I Love You" like a Valentine's Day trip! (photo courtesy of eHow.com)

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and instead of running from the holiday committed to romance, embrace it by whisking that special someone in your life away for a night, or two, or seven!

Here are a few romantic destinations and suggestions for a Valentine’s Day trip your honey won’t soon forget!

1. If you want her to melt in your arms, try catching one of Brad Paisley’s H2O Frozen Over Tour concerts in Atlanta on February 11th, Birmingham (AL)  on the 12th and Lafayette (LA) on the 13th. His song, She’s Everything, will say it all for you.

2. How about trying something together that neither of you have ever done before? With miles of sandy beaches and mild temps in February, San Diego is a wonderful weekend getaway. And, it’s the perfect destination for sailing or surfing lessons. It’s easy to be active in San Diego and to try something new. As the saying goes: the couple that plays together, stays together!

3. A trip to the Big Easy can give your valentine a weekend of excitement and romance. There’s something about New Orleans that oozes love whether it’s the European influence, its history, the aromas floating through the French Quarter, or the multitude of places perfect for stealing a kiss.

4. You’ll need more than a weekend for relaxation and romance in Hawaii. Whether you enjoy amazing entertainment of an island luau or snorkel hand in hand in the Pacific, Hawaii puts you in the mood for love. You can reconnect with that special someone while you take in a beautiful sunset, experience the islands from a helicopter, and chase waterfalls.

5. If time, budget or distance is an issue, then consider a Staycation. You don’t have to go far to really get away. Leave the laundry and your daily routine behind and explore what’s in your own backyard. Whether it’s the city you live in or one just up the road, take in a museum, check into a nearby bed & breakfast or boutique hotel and take advantage of the day designed to celebrate being in love. 

6. Nothing quite says “you’re special to me” like a well thought out plan for a romantic evening or weekend. And as a parent, I can attest to the fact that being surprised with a babysitter for an evening or two away is certainly magical. It’s also important for children to see their parents enjoying time alone with each other.

Don’t forget, if anything, Valentine’s Day is just a great excuse to take a trip. Here are a few more tips for traveling as a couple.

 
 

 

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Top Honeymoon Destinations for Prince William and Kate Middleton

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

hotels.com offers honeymoon recommendations for the royal couple (photo courtesy of usmagazine.com)

With the recent engagement announcement of Prince William and Kate Middleton, speculation is already mounting as to where the royal couple should go for their honeymoon. 

As a result, hotels.com has come up with some of the top dream hotels that Prince William (and you!) should be making for their honeymoon.

Here is the hotels.com HRH (‘Highly Recommended for Honeymoon’) list:

1. Umaid Bhawan Palace- Jodhpur, India. Actress Elizabeth Hurley (of Austin Powers fame) married Indian businessman Arun Nayar in March 2007, and then celebrated Hindu style in India and spent their honeymoon at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. They opted for a full upgrade and stayed in Maharani Suites costing close to $10,000 per night.

2. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India.  Hollywood couple Katy Perry and Russell Brand exchanged vows at the Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel in Jaipur in front of guests including Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Noel Gallagher.

3. El Careyes Beach Resort- Jalisco, Mexico.  Supermodel Heidi Klum and pop star Seal spent their honeymoon here in May 2005.  Surrounded by sub tropical jungle, this resort emanates peace, elegance and tranquillity.

4. Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa- Bora Bora, French Polynesia. In June 2004, following a ceremony just outside Sydney, Australia, actress Nicole Kidman and country music star Keith Urban escaped to this tropical island paradise flanked by crystal waters and white sandy beaches, where guests can view the spectacular Mount Otemanu volcano from the sea shore.

5. Nikki Beach Resort- Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos. Even though they announced last week that they were getting divorced, Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria and professional basketball player Tony Parker honeymooned here amongst the 1,000 acres of unexplored beaches in 2007, enjoying water sports and relaxing in their villa overlooking the turquoise sea.

6. Mount Errigal Hotel, County Donegal, Ireland. This destination hosted Sex And The City’s Sarah Jessica Parker and actor Matthew Broderick  on their honeymoon in 1997. It provides the perfect foothold from which to explore the glorious surroundings of rural Ireland.

7. Conrad Hotel, Rangali Island, Maldives. Albeit that their honeymoon was cut slightly short by a tropical storm, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes spent their first three weeks of married life here in 2006.  They cruised around the 1,192 tiny islands of The Maldives on a friend’s yacht and dined at the underwater restaurant at the hotel itself

What else would YOU add to this list?

 
 

 

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Need a Hotel? Try a Bed & Breakfast

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

A Premier Bed and Breakfast Property, the Maison Perrier is a Victorian Mansion Located in New Orleans

Are you longing for a romantic getaway, need a quiet weekend away from the kids, or just want to stay somewhere truly unique and perhaps historic? Then I recommend you give a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) a try.  

Bed & Breakfasts offer a certain charm and comfort that you don’t often find in a traditional hotel. Each property is as unique as its owners and locale. Most are located off the beaten path, which offers a wonderful opportunity to explore nearby towns, try the best in local cuisine and get a bit removed from the mainstream. But that’s not all!  

When I compare costs between a luxury B&B and a nice hotel, the B&B often comes out the better value although the “sticker price” may initially seem higher. The “free benefits” of B&Bs far outweigh those of traditional hotels. Things such as free breakfasts (and I don’t just mean a danish and some coffee), snacks, desserts, evening wine and cheese receptions, sodas and tea, wireless Internet, and parking are typically included in the price of your stay in a B&B. Here’s the best part; while you could travel across the country, you don’t have to go far to find one of these charming spots! I can almost guarantee that your next B&B stay could be located less than an hours drive from where you are now.

Travel Smart Blog’s Recommendations for Bed & Breakfasts. 

Wondering what’s close to you? Send me an e-mail at TravelSmartBlog@gmail.com and I’ll let you know! 

1. The Inn on Lake Granbury is about an hour from Fort Worth, TX and a true respite from the world. Opened just five years ago, this luxurious inn has a reputation for relaxation and rejuvenation. The breakfasts are as big as one could expect in Texas, and in the afternoon guests are served homemade cookies and tea. This B&B even makes a great spot for team retreats with a separate meeting/retreat facility with wood burning fireplaces, a wraparound patio and board games that guests can use.

2. Amongst the moss-covered trees and historic downtown squares you’ll find The Gastonian in Savannah, GA. More than 100-years-old, this B&B is steeped in southern elegance and hospitality. A breakfast buffet and snacks are available throughout the day and desserts seem to disappear in the evening. Don’t take my word for it, just read the guest reviews to see how past guests have raved about it.

3. The sprawling ranch-style Brookside Mountain Mist Inn in Waynesville, North Carolina has oversized bedrooms, beautiful mountain views and is a stone’s throw from art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, a golf course, the historic Biltmore Estate and one of the most famous drives on the East Coast, “The Tail of the Dragon.”

4. Laurel Grove Inn on the South River in Annapolis, MD is a great escape from neighboring Washington D.C. November and December are beautiful months for a cozy visit to the 18th-century seaport town. This B&B is situated on three serene wooded acres overlooking the South River, and is often described as a home away from home, but better! The owners are gracious and giving and the inn is beautifully decorated and exceedingly comfortable.

5. Step back in time with a stay at the Maison Perrier in New Orleans, LA. Built in 1892, this Victorian mansion is registered as a historic place by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Once rumored to have been a gentleman’s club (the rooms are even named after the ladies who may have entertained there), Maison Perrier today features spacious bedrooms and glorious bathrooms. Offering a breakfast that changes daily with features such as Praline French Toast, and a complimentary wine and cheese hour with other guests. 

 
 

 

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STICKS AND STONES: TALKING ABOUT GOLF & SPA VACATIONS

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys features a Teen Spa, which caters to the young adult traveler

Golf & Spa vacations are no longer only a “his or her” proposition.  On the contrary, more women are taking to the links and according to the International SPA Association, male consumers now comprise nearly 30 percent of all spa-goers. 

With resorts trying hard to add the most enticing amenities to their properties, spas and beautiful golf courses are not hard to locate in most any locale. In fact, economically it is a great time to plan your getaway. Deals abound and, as I often say, look beyond the price for that extra value. Resorts are packaging more goods and services together for one price, including meals, spa vouchers, golf-shop credits and the always-popular “unlimited golf.”

Expert Tip: Many resorts offer beautifully designed golf courses.  But staying in a nearby hotel rather than the resort property is often a more affordable solution when looking to play a championship course.

With the increasing popularity of spas, resorts are competing with each other to offer the most luxurious and exotic treatments for both men and women.  In fact, even teen spas are popping up in resorts around the country offering hip treatments for the coolest teens. For example, Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys is a 60 acre island resort in that features a Teen Spa, which caters to the teen traveler offering really great treatments and experiences for kids 12-18.

Your first spa visit can still be somewhat overwhelming. The many activity choices can make you feel like a kid on your first day at summer camp.  Remember, you can’t do everything.  Pick a focus based on what you need such as: pampering and pleasure; health and wellness; spiritual journey, or fitness – and let that guide your choice of activities.

Tips For Planning a Spa Vacation on a Budget

Destination spas can also vary a great deal in price. If you want to take a spa vacation but wonder how to get the best deals or how to make it more affordable, consider these options.

1. If you’re going to choose a destination spa, stay at a less expensive B & B or hotel the night before, then head over in the morning to get a full day of activities in. They’ll let you stash your bags and use a locker until check-in time. You can use the same strategy on the way out.

2. Stay during the week for the lowest rates. Destination spas usually have a three-night minimum. A Thursday night arrival will cost more than a Sunday night arrival.

3. Travel off-season. In the Northeast, rates are lower in the winter, higher in the summer. It’s the reverse in the Southwest and Florida.

TravelSmartBlog.com’s Picks for a Golf & Spa Vacation

THE BROADMOOR - Celebrating its 50th year as a five-star resort in the heart of Colorado Springs, CO will play host to the 2011 U.S Women’s Open. It recently added six deluxe cottages along the 18th fairway of the resort’s East Course. Golf aside, the resort is elegant, romantic and the Spa at Broadmoor is an oasis in the heart of the Rockies.

THE BOULDERS RESORT & GOLDEN DOOR SPA - Aptly residing in Carefree, AZ, The 33,000 square foot Golden Door Spa was ranked one of the 10 Best Spas in the World by SpaFinder.  Services include stretching, conditioning and yoga for golfers.  The resort features two award-winning, championship golf courses that are situated among stunning ancient boulder formations.

Expert Tip. One of the most magical ways to explore the Sonoran Desert is during the cool of the night on guided, moonlit bicycle tours. Tours are scheduled at the concierge desk.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa is home to the PGA's Players Championship

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa - Home to The Players Championship, this resort is not short on things the whole family will enjoy from playing on the beach to first-rate children’s programs,  fishing in the surrounding lagoons, and more.

Casa Velas Hotel Boutique – Its secluded location helps keep some of this Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resort’s most wonderful secrets such as its luxurious, intimate and romantic environment, sensuous spa treatments, and outstanding service.  The hotel is surrounded by Marina Vallarta golf course and neighbors six other challenging courses.

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - This historic Asheville, NC resort boasts an impressive lineage of noted guests from presidents to famous artists and entertainers. But what speaks volumes is how every guest feels special when on the grounds of the esteemed Grove Park Inn. Other features include beautiful views, delectable dining in its restaurants, golf in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and an award-winning spa. 

The Fairmont Orchid - Recently listed as one of the 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Digest, this Hawaiian Big Island resort is also celebrating its 20th anniversary. But you definitely won’t want to miss an experience in the Spa Without Walls.  Its impressive spa offering includes six private outdoor waterfall hale (huts) and oceanfront massage cabanas. 

 
 

 

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Top 10 Travel Tips For Couples

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

No matter how much you are looking forward to spending some quality time with that special someone, traveling together can be a bit stressful; regardless of whether you have been married for decades or are just testing the waters as a couple. So what can you do to ensure a blissful getaway? Here are a few surefire ways to keep the fires burning without getting burned.

1. Both Contribute to the Planning - It’s important that you both feel like you have a part in the trip’s success. A site, like hotels.com, is great because you can check out all accommodations from bed & breakfasts to boutique hotels, vacation rentals to spa resorts. Take the virtual tours, read the guest reviews, check out the location relative to the sites you want to see and book it, together. 

 

2. Work with Each Other’s Strengths - During planning, if one of you is a savvy researcher then perhaps that person can do the destination investigation while the other could be responsible for booking the flights or hotels. Working with each other’s strengths is even more important while traveling. Who’s the control freak (I mean backseat driver) between the two of you? Come on! Admit it?! Maybe you should drive while your partner navigates. Don’t be afraid to play to each other’s strengths versus struggling through a situation.

3. Pace Yourselves - Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t see it all in one either. Trust me! I know how fantastic it is to be on vacation sans work and children, but take time for the small moments and some relaxation. Factor in downtime for your vacation as well as extra time while sightseeing.  You never know when you will want to spend some additional time in a museum, on the beach, or sampling the vineyard’s newest harvest. And you’ll appreciate not having the pressure to be on time or the disappointment of missing out on an opportunity.

4. Communicate - Seems simple enough, right? Are you tired? Are you hungry? Do you want to stay in this town for another day? How quickly we forget that we are not mind readers. Be sure to let your sweetheart know what you’re thinking before it’s too late to do something about it. When traveling, you are out of your normal rhythm and routine so it’s important that you are sharing your needs and desires even if you are used to your honey knowing what those things are. 

5. Take Time for Yourself - It’s important on vacation to have some time for you, whether to relax or explore.  That’s when the tips above are most useful by working together, communicating and taking the time to really enjoy your trip; you should be able to get some coveted “me time”.  For example, you could check out the local village shops while he takes in a round of golf.

6. Do Not Disturb - Our sleep patterns can really wreak havoc with our vacations. Is your sweetie a snorer? Plan ahead and pack those earplugs.  Who’s the morning person? Be kind to your special someone and allow her that precious time to sleep-in by perhaps following the tip above for your “me time” and take a walk around town or read a few chapters of that book you have been wanting to peruse. 

7. Try Something New to Both of You - If you frequent the same destination then make sure you change it up by finding something new to do each time you go.  Experiencing something for the first time is a great way to bring a couple closer together. So whether the destination is new to you or perhaps it’s that zip-line adventure that you both have always wanted to try, give it a whirl…together.

8. Budgets and Splurges - Let’s face it money is often an issue for most couples.  It is important for a couple to understand their vacation budget, if they have one, before they embark on their trip.  It’s not fair to either person to feel constrained or overly frugal while traveling.  So know before you go! Allow and anticipate for splurges like dinner at that trés romantic restaurant you stumbled upon or a piece of locally created art. 

9. Use the Hotel Concierge - Here’s what frequent travelers know; the concierge can make things happen. They often have discount tickets to area attractions, know the best restaurants and want to help make your hotel stay special. Tell the concierge if your stay is to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, etc. and see how he/she can help you make it memorable.

10. You Don’t Have to Go Far to Get Away - A vacation is merely a break for the ordinary.  And sometimes staying in a nearby resort can feel like you are one million miles away. A staycation, or vacation close to home, is often a great way for new couples to test the traveling together waters as well as to have some fun. It’s also a great way for couples with children to have some alone time without the worry that comes with traveling away from your children. 

Think you and your partner deserve a vacation? Remember to enter the Hotels.com “I Need A Vacation” sweepstakes!

 
 

 

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Summer Camp in Paradise: An Interview with the Atlantis Resort

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Hotels and resorts are so much more than a place to rest your weary head. In fact, many are going above and beyond to keep the whole family entertained. Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas has introduced themed summer camps for children that are so much fun they may never want to leave. So if you’re looking for some amazing summer fun in paradise this summer, then checkout this conversation with my friend, Amanda Felts, Vice President of Guest Activities Programming at Atlantis!

 Q:Atlantis is such a fun destination resort to begin with, what made Atlantis decide to offer themed camps for kids? 


A: We have great partnerships with the Miss Universe Organization, LEGO Systems, Inc. and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and felt it was the perfect extension to these partnerships to offer a unique one of a kind experience that our guests have come to not only expect, but appreciate. Then we realized that we have wonderful assets right here on property that we could offer to our guests, who would like to have a more in depth look at our Marine, Culinary, Golf and Hotel operations.   
For kids, Atlantis is not just a resort or simply a “place” to play with mom and dad. There may be no resort in the world better suited to that zest for discovery and pleasure than Atlantis, with its incomparable ruins of ancient Atlantis populated by schools of sharks, rays and tropical fish, its waterslides, its white-sand beaches and swimming pools, to its remarkably diverse dining experiences. Kids typically go off to a summer camp but just imagine going to a summer camp where the whole family gets to enjoy their own “camp” experience. We are a destination with something for everyone – spa, casino, golf, water slides, and dolphins just to name a few – and the kids have their own unique camp experience.  This is a win-win situation for the entire family – kids get their camp experience by day and family time at night.


Q. Tell me, briefly, about the different camps? 
       

A: The four-night/five-day Atlantis Fantasy Camps provide an opportunity for guests between the ages of seven and 17 to pursue one of their dream goals or career with a variety of different edutainment camp programs suited to specific age groups and interests. Campers can learn to cheer with one of the world’s most famous cheering squads during Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Fantasy Camp. At the Kids Culinary Adventure Fantasy Camp, young foodies will cook up culinary creations and even design their own birthday cake. For young LEGO fanatics, the LEGO Fantasy Camp will offer kids the opportunity to work with LEGO Master Builders for tips on perfecting their building and construction skills.

Pricing for the four-night/five-day camps are $495 per camper (not inclusive of room cost), and includes activities such as dolphin interaction, admission to Atlantis Kids Adventures, select meals and more. The Fantasy Camp sessions will take place during various dates beginning June 28 through August 13, 2010. For a full list of Fantasy Camp session dates and prices.

Q. What if you already have a reservation at Atlantis this summer during the time of one of the camps, can you enroll on site? 
       

A: Yes, we will allow enrollment based on availability. For Atlantis reservations, click here.

Q. What do parents need to know about a vacation at Atlantis?

A: That we certainly have something for everyone – young and old alike. We offer the perfect combination of fun and learning for the whole family on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.


Q. Any other events or new features that will be taking place this summer at Atlantis? 
       

A: Our Atlantis Live Concert Series continues this summer on July 17th with Katy Perry. 

 
 

 

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