Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel to Reopen in October
We have such fond memories of our stay at the very romantic Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort and Spa. As you know, Cozumel was hit by Hurricane Wilma last year and the Presidente Intercontinental has been closed since that time.
We're glad to pass along word, though, that the resort is scheduled to reopen October 2006. The hotel has invested more than $25 million in renovations and hotel expansions with new features including an additional pool, new restaurants, a Scuba certification-training center and new golf putting green. The 220 redesigned rooms and suites will feature state-of-the-art amenities including plasma televisions, plus the resort is adding a new category of deluxe “Ocean Suites.” The hotel is located on a beautiful stretch of beach...here's wishing them the very best.
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 7:48 PM
Last Minute Honeymoon Getaway in Aruba
Looking for a last minute romantic getaway? One of the top Apple Vacations offerings this week is at Aruba's The Mill Resort & Suites. The offer is for seven nights from $799.99. Located steps from Palm Beach, the resort offers "One Cool Honeymoon." Honeymooners receive a bottle of champagne or wine, a souvenir gift and discounts on select shows, activities, and shopping.
The offer is available from Pittsburgh only on Saturdays from July 8-29 via
non-stop USA3000 Airlines. For more information, check with your local travel agent.
Labels: Caribbean
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 7:43 PM
Gone to Graceland
This week's visit to Graceland by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was one the leader called, "My dream come true." If a visit to Elvis's house--or a nearby wedding in the Graceland chapel--would be a dream come true for the two of you, read more about this Memphis attraction in our
"Gone to Graceland" feature.
Labels: celebrities, USA
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 7:40 PM
Beaches Adds Unity Sand Ceremony
Beaches Resorts, which offers the FamilyMoons™ package (an extension of the WeddingMoons™ concept), has now added the Unity Sand Ceremony. Starting July 1 at all four Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and the Turks & Caicos, the Unity Sand Ceremony will symbolize with Caribbean white sand the coming together of two families into one.
The Ceremony: Brides, grooms and their respective children each receive beautiful nesting vases, with the side vessels representing each of the family members and the center vessel – their new family. Each member takes turns pouring sand into the common center vessel, physically representing the union of “two into one.” Just as it is impossible to separate the grains of sand in the vase, it will be impossible to separate the new family.
Labels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:42 AM
Romantic Getaway at the Hilton Trinidad
The Hilton Trinidad & Conference Center, nicknamed the "upside down Hilton" because you enter on a top floor and work your way down, is now offering a romantic getaway package for couples. The hotel is a favorite with business travelers but it's a good stop for romantics as well; we've stayed here twice and found the hotel to be a good home base for exploring surrounding Port of Spain. The hotel is located in the capital city and surrounded by 25 acres of tropical gardens.
The romance package includes:
• accommodations
• daily breakfast for two
• fresh flowers in room upon arrival
• a complimentary bottle of champagne/sparkling wine
• a gourmet candlelit dinner for two
• a choice of either a city tour or tour to Maracas Bay Beach
• early check-in and late check-out
• a free first year anniversary certificate for a free night (valid at any Hilton Caribbean for 18 months from issued date).
The Price: A nightly rate for the "Romantic Getaway" package starts at $240 per night and is valid until December 31, 2006.
For more information:
• call 868-624-3211
• visit
Hilton TrinidadLabels: Caribbean
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:19 AM
Romance Package at Coco Reef, Tobago
We have fond memories of our stay at Tobago's Coco Reef Resort & Spa, a great spot for relaxing and unwinding. Couples can now enjoy the beachfront hotel with a romantic 5 day/4 night honeymoon package that includes:
• deluxe ocean view accommodations
• tropical fruit basket upon arrival
• full Caribbean buffet breakfast
• nightly candlelight dinner with bottle of sparkling wine
• jeep rental for one day of island touring
• one "Lesson in Love" couple massage
• airport/hotel transfers
The Price: The package, valid until December 20, 2006, is priced at $2,220 per couple and includes all taxes.
For more information:• call 868-639-8571
• visit
Coco ReefLabels: Caribbean
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:15 AM
Planning a Destination Wedding--Long Distance
You can picture the wedding of your dreams...but how can you plan it hundreds (or thousands) of miles from the wedding site? Read our interview with Patricia Haro, Event Coordinator for the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort for her suggestions on
how brides can best work long-distance with a wedding planner to create the ceremony of your dreams.
Labels: weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:59 PM
Celebrity Travel News
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next luxurious getaway--or just want to find out where the rich and famous are vacationing--check out the latest
Celebrity Travel News for word on who's where.
Labels: celebrities
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:57 PM
Windstar Cruises Offering Romantic Options
Ready to set sail to romance? Windstar Cruises offers special amenities for honeymooners as well as couples celebrating a destination wedding or vow renewal:
Why They're Dreamy: Windstar Cruises' three motor sailing yachts -- the 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit and the 308-guest Wind Surf -- have been the site of many honeymoons, weddings and vow renewals. Voted one of the 50 Best Honeymoons by Modern Bride, "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Most Romantic Dining Ambience" by Porthole Magazine and "Most Romantic Cruise Line" by CruiseReport.com.
On board, luxurious staterooms offer plush beds outfitted with luxury linens and duvets; flatscreen TVs and DVD players; and spa bathroom amenities by L'Occitane. A romance playlist has been added to the Apple iPod Nanos available at reception. Drop the Nano into the Bose SoundDock speaker installed in every stateroom and love songs create a romantic atmosphere.
On the Wind Spirit and Wind Star, guests may enjoy a romantic dinner for two in their stateroom. Called "Cuisine de l'Amour," the menu offers mood-enhancing food such as spicy grilled shrimp on a pillow of avocado, tango of green asparagus spears veloute flirting with Crispy Prosciutto Confettis, Rack of Lamb under a Blanket of Sun-Dried Love Apples, Fantasy of Fresh Strawberries Caressed by Decadent Chocolate Ganache with Kisses of Chantilly Cream Aroused with Pernod. The menu will be available on the Wind Surf at a later date.
Honeymoons Sailing in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Mediterranean and Greek Isles, Windstar itineraries are naturally romantic visiting secluded ports and hidden bays.
Honeymooners receive special treatment. Upon embarkation, a personal letter signed by the Captain and Hotel Manager welcomes them to their honeymoon cruise. Midway through the cruise, the couple will receive a plate of delectable chocolate-covered strawberries and romantic rose petals strewn across the bed at turndown. On the last night, a honeymoon certificate signed by the Captain and Hotel Manager will be deivered to the room as a memento.
A honeymoon celebration package is available to purchase for $148 and includes a bottle of Taittinger Cuvee Prestige Rose, two Windstar champagne glasses, chome.
Destination Weddings Couples getting married on a Windstar ship enjoy the ease of a combination wedding and romantic honeymoon. You can opt for a shoreside wedding in a port of call or a wedding on board the ship.
Wedding arrangements are coordinated through Windstar's professional wedding planners at The Wedding Experience. After booking the cruise, guests may call 877-580-3556 or visit http://www.theweddingexperience.com . A personal wedding planner will assist with all the details for the big day including wedding rehearsal and dinner, reception, flowers, special activities for the wedding party, ordering a cake and other requests.
Windstar has worked with The Wedding Experience on both small and elaborate weddings in locations as varied as beach weddings in the Virgin Islands to on board the ship in Venice, Italy. Wedding guests may either sail with the couple or meet the ship in port and join the festivities for the day.
Vow RenewalsUsually set on the top deck of the ship, either in port or under sail, panoramic views, blue seas and an elegant sailing ship combine to create a romantic location for the renewal of a lifelong commitment.
A Vow Renewal package is available for $148 and may be purchased on board. The package includes a renewal of vows ceremony by ship's captain, a cake, Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee, two keepsake Windstar champagne glasses and a certificate signed by the captain.
Other romance packages available for purchase include Anniversary, Just for Us and Pure Pampering.
For More Information:• visit
Windstar CruisesLabels: Caribbean
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:28 AM
Luxury Weddings in Rhode Island
In a hurry but don't want to skimp on luxury when it comes to your wedding? Check out the "Elopement Package" from The Chanler at Cliff Walk for real nuptial indulgence.
Starting at $3,000 per night, the package includes:
• guest room
• officiant
• your wedding ceremony
• dinner for two at the Spiced Pear
• photographer
• photo album and more
You can wrap-up a wedding license in less than 24 hours in Massachusetts.
Another option: if a traditional wedding is more your think, you can also buy out The Chanler for exclusive weddings. The price starts at $28,000 per night, exclusive of taxes and service charges.
For More Information:• visit
www.thechanler.comLabels: USA, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:43 PM
Christmas Caribbean Weddings
Sure, it may be June now but if you want to marry in the Caribbean during the holiday season, now's the time to make those plans. Find out what you need to know about planning a
holiday wedding in the Caribbean.
Labels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:39 PM
Making Weddings a Breeze at Little Dix Bay
In the British Virgin Islands, Little Dix Bay offers the "Island Breeze Wedding Package," including round-trip transportation to obtain a marriage license in Tortola, local officiant, bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, two hours of color photography, a sunset serenity couple's massage treatment, among many other amenities. The Island Breeze Wedding Package starts at $2,700.
For More Information:• visit
www.littledixbay.comLabels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:59 AM
Private Island Weddings at Jumby Bay
Looking for privacy for your wedding? Check out Antigua's Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, located on a private island. Couples can choose any one of the many picturesque locations for their ceremony, from the resort's lush gardens full of bougainvillea to lovely white-sand beaches.
For your reception, you can choose a scene and setting that matches your personality, from a beach-side barbeque to the beat of steel drums to an elegant dinner at the Estate House serenaded by the sounds of Ellington and Gershwin.
The wedding coordinator at Jumby Bay will personally accompany you to apply for your marriage license in St. John and will assist in all aspects of planning the wedding and celebration.
Price: Jumby Bay's "Wedding Ceremony" package starts at $2,000 per night; you can buy out the entire resort starting at $50,000 per night.
For More Information:• visit
www.jumbybayresort.comLabels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:55 AM
How About a Traditional Mongolian Wedding?
Want a wedding album that's really unique? Here's an option: weddings at the Three Camel Lodge, the only luxury "ger" camp in the Gobi Desert.
Nomadic Expeditions, which offers cultural and adventure travel to Mongolia and beyond, offers couples in love a traditional Mongolian wedding. It all comes complete with deels (traditional Mongol attire) as well as local delicacies, vodka toasts, camels and blessings from local Buddhist monks.
The Three Camel Lodge runs $175-$300 per night, including meals and guide service.
For More Information:• visit
www.nomadicexpeditions.comLabels: weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:52 AM
Runaway Bride Packages for Mid-Week Weddings
The Viceroy Palm Springs is offering a "Runaway Bride" package for mid-week weddings with plenty of room to bring family and friends.
This all-inclusive package includes:
• 67 rooms for two nights
• your wedding dinner
• bride-and-groom "couples massage" at the Estrella Spa
• a special Bridal villa for two nights
• a hair-styling, makeup, manicure and pedicure Champagne bash for the Bridal Party
• Golf Tee Times and transportation to a local golf course for the Groomsmen
• a photographer, music, flowers
• a local officiant (arranged upon request)
• a full brunch (including Bloody Marys) for all of your guests on the day after the ceremony
The "Runaway Bride" package starts at $68,000.
For More Information:• visit
Viceroy Palm SpringsLabels: weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:45 AM
Vow Renewals with a Miami View
Looking for a romantic place to renew your vows? Check out the "Sunrise/Sunset Nuptials" at Le Méridien Sunny Isles Beach. This beachfront destination offers private, intimate and exclusive weddings in one of four duplex penthouse suites, all with sweeping vistas of downtown Miami.
Each penthouse has a private terrace on which you can host 75 guests to celebrate your special day. Penthouse starts at $1,500 per night.
For More Information:• visit
www.miami.lemeridien.comLabels: USA, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:42 AM
Home Away from Home...In a Houseboat
When Tiger Woods wants privacy, he turns to his own yacht named Privacy for a home base for some R&R. If the two of you would like some luxurious privacy on a more down to earth budget, check out houseboating on Kentucky's lakes. You'll be free to chart your own course around the lake, explore coves and waterfalls, and, best of all, enjoy your vacation from the peace and privacy of your own houseboat. Some of the houseboats are much like yachts, complete with holographic fireplaces, satellite TV on big screens, Jacuzzi tubs, water slides, pool tables, and more.
Read about Kentucky houseboating...Labels: USA
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:35 AM
Gatlinburg Weddings in a Log Cabin
Picture a wedding in Gatlinburg, Tennessee or in the Smoky Mountains and you just might picture a charming log cabin, tucked in a hillside. It's a picture that accurately describes Little Log Wedding Chapel, located just at the edge of Gatlinburg. We visited this chapel and found it a charming option for couples looking for a woodsy wedding but in a chapel setting.
Read the article...Labels: USA, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:52 PM
Celebrity Travel News
Where do the stars go on vacation? Check out the latest
celebrity travel news for tips on the most luxurious getaways in the world.
Labels: celebrities
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 9:25 PM
Puerto Rico: Where the Caribbean Meets America
Couples visiting Puerto Rico are greeted with a hearty "Bienvenidos" and a welcoming blend of the familiar and the exotic. Here you'll find a festive vacation with all the spirit of the Caribbean and all the conveniences of the US. The Caribbean's fourth largest island lies a quick two and a half hour flight from Miami or less than four hours from New York.
Read more...Labels: Caribbean
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 1:44 PM
St. Thomas's Bolongo Bay Offering Bridal Packages
By buying a package now for travel from August 1 through October 31, you can take advantage of discounted rates, free stays, and a free wedding ceremony as part of Bolongo Bay's two fall wedding specials: "Autumn Escape Wedding Special" and "Heavenly Days All-Inclusive Wedding Special."
Couples will receive bonuses based on the number of rooms booked by friends and family joining them at Bolongo for the celebration. The more rooms booked the more incentives a couple receives.
The Autumn Escape Wedding Special includes:• European Plan (EP) hotel accommodations in an ocean view room for $125 per night, based on double occupancy, for the entire group when a minimum of five (5) rooms are booked by family and friends (normal ocean view rates are up-to $199)
• Complimentary one hour rum punch reception with hors d'oeuvres plus $125 nightly room rate for the group when 10 - 14 rooms are booked by guests
• Complimentary five-night EP stay for the bride and groom, plus rum punch reception and the $125 nightly rate for the group rate when 15 or more rooms are booked.
• Complimentary "Barefoot on the Beach" wedding package featuring the services of a wedding coordinator and clergyman; ceremony on the beach; and a bottle of champagne with two flute glasses (a $699 value) plus the five-night EP stay for the bride and groom, rum punch reception and $125 nightly rate for the group when 20 or more rooms are booked.
All stays booked as part of the Autumn Escape Wedding Special must be a minimum of four nights. Hotel tax and resort fees (15%) and $2 per day energy charge are additional.
Bolongo's EP vacation includes accommodations in an ocean view room; a "discover scuba diving" in-pool lesson; complimentary use of non-motorized watersports (snorkel gear, paddle boats, sunfish sailboats, windsurfing equipment, kayaks and more); use of basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, plus equipment; and nightly entertainment.
The Heavenly Days All-Inclusive Wedding Special includes:• A wedding ceremony the resort's 53-foot catamaran, Heavenly Days. To qualify for the Heavenly Days All-Inclusive Wedding Special couples must book a minimum of 15 rooms (four nights or longer) on the resort‚s All-Inclusive Plan. In exchange, couples and their group will receive the following:
• two-hour sunset wedding cruise for 30 people; the wedding ceremony; fresh vegetable crudités; assorted fruit and cheese tray; and an open bar including rum punch, mixed drinks, domestic beer, wine and champagne; and the services of a wedding coordinator and clergyman.
• Ocean view accommodations on the All-Inclusive Plan for $350 per room, per night for the entire group (normal rates up to $430 per room, per night)
Guests staying on the All-Inclusive Plan enjoy all of the features of the EP option PLUS all meals (seven days a week of a la carte dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner at two of the most popular restaurants on St. Thomas); a wide array of beverages including all premium brands; and hotel taxes and gratuities.
As an added bonus, as part of this promotion Bolongo will provide two complimentary passes for an all-day sail and beach outing to St. John aboard Heavenly Days with lunch and open bar (valued at $100 per person), and two complimentary tickets for a romantic sunset cocktail cruise to historic Charlotte Amalie Harbor (valued at $45 per person) with each seven-night All-Inclusive reservation.
For information:• call 1-800-449-1577 / 340-696-2612
• visit
www.bolongobay.comLabels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 12:10 PM
Wedding Buyout at Antigua's Jumby Bay
Don't like the thought of other guests at a resort during your wedding? There's a solution: a bridal buyout. It's an expensive option but an ultra-private one, offering the entire resort for your and your guests on your special day.
Antigua's Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort, offers a three-night bethrothal buyout package starting at $150,000, plus taxes and service. The package is available only from May to early December. The package includes three-night wedding weekend, 40 guest rooms and suites, villas and estate homes at additional cost, select cocktail receptions and meals, regular resort activities, and more.
Why It's Dreamy: One of Travel + Leisure's "Greatest Hotels of the World," Jumby Bay is a favorite with celebrities, aristocrats and discriminating travelers seeking luxury and privacy. The secluded inclusive hideaway is accessible only by boat from Antigua. Calio bicycles make it easy to get around the island and unwind to the pace of island life.
The resort offers luxury accommodation in 40 guest rooms and suites and 11 villas, the latter with private plunge pools. A collection of private residences come complete with personal chefs, extended staff, lawns and ocean views, providing ideal accommodations for the family of the bride and groom, a rehearsal dinner or a small wedding ceremony. Jumby Bay suites offer four-poster beds dressed with Italian linens and verandahs overlooking private gardens. Nearly all guest rooms and suites have private outdoor garden bathrooms, with rain showers or deep soaking tubs perfect for relaxing in the sun or under the stars.
Weddings at Jumby Bay: Couples can choose from myriad picturesque locations for their ceremony, from the resort's lush gardens full of bougainvillea to the white-sand beaches. For your reception, the two of you can choose a setting that matches your personality: a beach-side barbeque to the beat of steel drums or an elegant dinner at The Estate House with the sounds of Ellington and Gershwin.
An on-site wedding planner will help coordinate on-property logistics of the wedding process. On behalf of the bride and groom, Jumby Bay will coordinate welcome gift baskets to greet guests upon arrival with souvenirs to commemorate the event and their stay at the resort.
For more information:• call 888-ROSEWOOD, 268-462-6000
• visit
www.jumbybayresort.com
Labels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 11:50 AM
Last Chances for Weddings at the Stardust Hotel
A mainstay of Vegas style since 1958, the legendary Stardust Hotel and Casino has been dealt its last hand. Before the end of 2006, when the trademark red and blue neon lights will dim for the final time, create your own Stardust memories in one of the venue's chapels.
Read more...
Labels: USA, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 11:43 AM
Celebrity Grooms
He's the leading man in all your dreams, and with a little inspiration from some of Hollywood's top stars he can dress the part on your wedding day. Read what the
stars selected to wear for their wedding day.Labels: weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 11:38 AM
Mindy Weiss Announces Wedding Contest
If you're a fan of celebrity weddings, you know Mindy Weiss (wedding planner for Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey as well as Heidi Klum and Seal.) Thanks to a
new contest Mindy Weiss and Mirassou Winery are announcing, brides can have the chance to celebrate like a star. The winner will receive $5000 for wedding expenses!
Labels: celebrities, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:19 AM
Gatlinburg Weddings
Looking for a place to marry surrounded by forest? Our latest story on
Gatlinburg weddings (Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the second most popular place to marry after Las Vegas!) covers the Wedding Chapel in the Glades. This chapel is tucked back in the woods, far quieter than busy Gatlinburg.
Labels: USA, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:16 AM
Romantic Getaway in Nantucket
Summer and Nantucket go hand in hand. Now couples find a new reason to visit the island: a special summer package at the newly renovated Veranda House, an intimate boutique hotel in Nantucket Town. You can purchase value-added plans for two- and three-night stays that include complimentary beach outings with the hotel's "Beach Concierge" program, a one-day jeep rental and much more.
The Package: Plans are available through Sept. 30 and include two nights minimum weekdays from $799 and three nights minimum weekends from $999. The package includes:
• Accommodations for two
• One complimentary day of The Veranda House "Beach Concierge" service to and from one of Nantucket's best beaches complete with gourmet picnic, beach umbrella, beach chairs and towels
• A Nantucket Jeep rental for one day
• Evening cocktails for two nightly at a choice of Nantucket's trendiest new restaurants, including LoLa41, Cinco and Sea Street
• Afternoon tea
• Hosted wine and cheese reception Wednesday and Saturday evenings
• Epicurean breakfast daily
• Fresh flowers in guestroom
• Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet and in-room data port
Why It's Dreamy: Located in the center of Nantucket Town, the landmark Veranda House is perched atop Step Lane, one of the island's highest points. The hotel was named for its three wrap-around balconies which offer views of Nantucket Harbor.
Some of the 16 guestrooms, which includes a one-bedroom suite, feature private verandas -- a romantic setting for harbor gazing during morning coffee, afternoon tea or evening cocktails. The hotel's central location makes it easy for guests to explore the town's numerous art galleries, world-class dining venues and shops.
Lulled by sea breezes, couples may find it difficult to rouse themselves from Frette- and- duvet-draped feather beds outfitted with a selection of decadent pillows. Extra special touches in each room include hand blown Simon Pearce lamps, Italian tile rain showers, bath amenities by Fresh and nature's own "fresh" product, a vase of flowers. An additional amenity that is complimentary to all guests is wireless high speed Internet available throughout the Inn, as well as in-room data ports.
For additional information:• call 877-228-0695
• visit
The Veranda HouseFor information on island activities please see www.nantucketchamber.org.
Labels: USA
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 11:32 AM
Vegas Weddings at Riviera Hotel & Casino
Many Vegas hotels have wedding chapels but here's one that a real classic: Riviera Hotel's Royal Wedding Chapel. The hotel that was a Rat Pack favorite (and the wedding venue for Ann-Margret) offers many wedding options.
Read more...Labels: weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 7:37 PM
