Why The Honeymoon Is So Important

This photo is taken from my balcony in Luxor, Egypt. It was a holiday with only rest and relaxation scheduled. Nothing on the itinerary but doing whatever I felt like, whenever I felt like doing it. I opted for dinner on the balcony nightly because the dinner show nature provided was one of the best in my life. Nothing describes the sun dipping behind the desert hills with boats gently gliding down the Nile. It was the last trip I was able to truly relax and do nothing...a time to recharge and a place I revisit in my memories on busy days with multiple schedules to juggle. This wasn't my honeymoon so why mention it on our honeymoon blog? It is a testament to what I believe is most important about the honeymoon. Rest, reflection and rejuvenation.

Modern weddings have become a full-time job for couples already dealing with busy work schedules, family demands and economic strains. Just when you think you've made it through another planning day another issue pops up. Another vendor needs payment. Another juggling act begins. The honeymoon is often treated as the after-thought...pushed to the back to see what destination, if any, the budget can allow. It is my personal opinion that the honeymoon should be one of the first things considered and planned early in the process.

The honeymoon is that light at the end of the tunnel...the hope of time for just the two of you...when the world stops and you reconnect. It is the promise of conversations revolving around your life together and not just place settings, or invitations or colors. It is a time for you to cherish the memories of your hard work and embrace the new life it represents for you as a couple. It is the time to dream of the future while being pampered in the present. Regardless of the type of honeymoon you choose, whether it is you exploring ancient civilizations, gazing at each other over an espresso in a cafe or resting on a sandy beach make sure you give it plenty of thought. It is the most important vacation you will ever take as husband and wife.

~Melinda

Honeymoon Registries

What is a honeymoon registry? While the wedding registry isn't a new concept, a honeymoon registry is often unfamiliar to many couples. These days many couples live together or are marrying after they've established themselves. Often couples are combining households and find they don't need as many "necessities" as the couples of yesteryear did. These couples are trading in the bread and cheese board for upgraded electronics and other items that they wouldn't otherwise purchase for themselves. Enter the honeymoon registry...a perfect supplement to the wedding registry. Who doesn't want spa treatments, room upgrades, candlelight dinners, and excursions. Rather than receiving an item that will be forgotten or obsolete in 10 years you can enjoy a lifetime memory together. We also often suggest that couples have a photo taken of themselves in the destination on the excursion that was purchased and then include that in the their thank-you note. Friends and family will love the satisfaction of seeing their gift being enjoyed to the fullest.

Some Favorite Honeymoon Picks

Selecting a honeymoon destination can often be an overwhelming task for couples. You want this to be the perfect vacation of a lifetime and there is the world in front of you! What are some of our favorite destinations for honeymoons? Read on and see (destinations are not listed in order of importance).

1) Riviera Maya, Mexico--The photo to the left is of one of my favorite beaches and what is considered to be one of top 10 beaches in the world, Maroma Beach. White sugar sand, kissed by turquoise water and the easy going friendly local warmth make it a dream come true. This is the perfect base for cultural exploration, world class snorkeling and diving, or just simply relaxing together. Tip...spa treatments on the beach are a must!

2) Antigua--Another white sugar sand destination with beautiful water and a beach for each day of the year! Enjoy pink sand bathed with azul water.

3) Turks and Caicos--Grace Bay is consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world and this is another place to enjoy white sand, strikingly blue water and tons of fun with private island escapes, jet ski cave safaris and fantastic diving.

4) Italy---Specifically the Almafi coast and Capri with with beautiful towns, world class shopping and people watching, limoncello tastings, fantastic cuisine (why not take a cooking lesson together?), and little romantics escapes possible at every turn.

5) Ireland---Where else can you experience the warm music and laughter at a local pub before snuggling down in your castle bedroom? Ireland is one of my favorite places on earth and strikingly beautiful. Combine this with the warmth of the Irish, fantastic cuisine and even better accommodations (castle anyone???) and you have the perfect romantic escape. We were also very excited when marriage restrictions were lifted now making it possible to have a gorgeous destination wedding at many of these beautiful locations.

6) Portugal---Another favorite destination of mine, Portugal offers so much in the way of history, cuisine, beautiful towns, fantastic wines and locals who are so friendly and warm they really, truly make the destination. Portugal also offers great variety in scenery...everything from beautiful mountains to striking coastlines. We can even let you know where Lisbonites go for Fado! Or where the best place is for sea views and fantastic seafood in the Algarve!

7) Hawaii--We couldn't leave off America's little piece of paradise! Each island has so much to offer and the great thing about Hawaii is that in a 10 day honeymoon you can sample 3 islands without feeling rushed! Our favorite option...take the ferry from Maui to Lanai for a few days of rest and relaxation on Hawaii's private island. This is the perfect place to rejuvenate after all of your wedding stress.

8) St. Lucia--The Hawaii of the Caribbean....simply stunning scenery combined with fantastic resorts, drive through volcanoes and a ton of eco-adventure for the most active couples. For couples wanting a more relaxed pace enjoy a luxurious rondoval with butler service, private pools and grotto showers with a view of the Pitons across Rodney Bay!

9) New Zealand--New Zealand is an amazing destination that offers a ton of options for outdoor active adventures...which the destination is famous for. However, New Zealand offers so much in the way of great culinary and wine tours, luxury lodges, relaxing beaches, the fascinating and cherished Maori culture, world class spas, golf, art, and architecture.

10) Egypt--I LOVE Egypt. It is such an amazing destination...just the history alone makes it the perfect backdrop for the honeymoon of a lifetime. Add to it luxury river cruises that allow you to enjoy spectacular sunsets on the Nile, hot air balloon rides over the desert and 5 star resorts for a fraction of the cost of other destinations and you have a custom, luxury honeymoon at a fraction of the cost of other destinations. Not to mention if you love shopping the souks of Egypt are a shopper's paradise!