Romantic Travel News

Lovetripper.com Selects Top Celebrity Weddings

You know the end of the year always brings out the lists...and here at Lovetripper it's no different. Whether you're looking for an elegant venue for your own upcoming ceremony or would just like to read more about the year's top nuptials, check out these articles:

Celebrity Wedding of the Year

Top 10 Celebrity Destination Weddings of 2006

Top 10 Celebrity Wedding Receptions of 2006

Top 10 Celebrity Chapel Weddings of 2006

Top 10 Unique Celebrity Venues of 2006

Top 10 Outdoor Celebrity Destination Weddings of 2006

Labels: celebrities, weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:19 PM

Celebrity Travel News

Whether you're looking for ideas for your next romantic getaway--or you're just curious about where the stars go--it's always fun to see where the celebs are staying and playing. Lovetripper.com's Grace Sydney takes a look at celebrity romantic travel in December.

Labels: celebrities

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:39 PM

Romantic San Antonio

We've just completed a radio interview with WHO Radio in Des Moines in preparation for the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio later this week. As Lovetripper readers know, San Antonio is one of our favorite cities. One topic that came up during the interview was what's new in San Antonio that returning visitors can discover; we recommended two new discoveries of ours that we think will be favorites with romantic travelers: the Watermark Hotel and Pesca on the River restaurant.

This month, we stayed at the Watermark during a trip to check out the River Walk's Christmas lights. A sister hotel to the Omni La Mansion just across the river, the Watermark is a good choice for lovers thanks to its top notch spa (the only Mobil 4 Star spa in San Antonio). We enjoyed a couple's massage at the spa, which was located just steps from our riverview room.

That evening, we headed downstairs to dinner at Pesca on the River, an elegant eatery with both indoor and riverfront seating. The restaurant flies in seafood from around the globe daily. Start off with a tequila tasting; tequilas are served "bandera style" accompanied by hot sauce, salt, and lime. When it comes time to make a meal selection, start with fresh oysters followed by specialties such as blackened swordfish, seared ahi tuna peppered steak or grilled aged filet mignon. From the restaurant, you can step right outside and stroll the River Walk, our vote for one of the country's most romantic escapes.

For More Information:
• visit www.watermarkhotel.com

Labels: USA

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:21 PM

Proposal Idea from Florida's Chesapeake Resort

Looking for a proposal idea? How about a $6000 Piña Colada? Yes, that's a piña colada...complete with a hand-selected diamond ring in place of the drink's cherry.

The Chesapeake Resort in Islamorada, Florida is offering a romantic holiday getway for popping the question.

The resort will arrange for the proposal to take place in your desired setting, be it during a candlelit dinner overlooking the sparkling crest of Atlantic waves, watching the sunset paint the horizon in brush strokes of pastel lavender and rose, or in the privacy of your suite basking in the glow of romance.

The Package: Along with the diamond ring, the package includes:
• three night's accommodations in an Oceanfront Suite
• continental breakfast daily
• use of all non-motorized water sports and bikes
• dinner for two at the intimate Morada Bay Café
• a romantic Sunset Cruise for two in the Keys' only Nautilimo nautical limousine or a chartered boat

The Ring: A special meeting will be arranged with the General Manager and resort's preferred jeweler to select the ring.

Price: Total cost of the package is $6,000.00, inclusive of all fees and taxes.
Reservations should be made seven days in advance.

For more information:
• visit www.chesapeake-resort.com
• call 1-800-338-3395
• Offer excludes Jan. 12-14, 2007

Labels: USA

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:32 PM

Belize's The Inn at Robert's Grove Launches Registry

We've been seeing more and more hotels jumping on the wedding/honeymoon registry bandwagon lately...and we couldn't be happier. Wouldn't you much more prefer to give (or receive!) a tour or spa treatment than a toaster or silverware!

We just learned of a new honeymoon registry at The Inn at Robert’s Grove, a top beach resort in Belize specializing in weddings and honeymoons.

Now, friends and family members of those getting married or honeymooning at this spectacular beachfront resort will be able to purchase specific gift services and items through the registry that will enhance the couple’s experience, including:

• A day of diving or snorkeling with the Inn’s PADI Dive Center, exploring the wonders of the Barrier Reef – the second largest in the world.
• Guided tour of Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve that includes a waterfall swim and river tubing
• Monkey River Tour where guests will glide by boat down the Monkey River and hike rainforest trails to view black howler monkeys, rare birds, crocodiles and iguana
• Manatee watching in the Placencia Lagoon as the boat tours the lush mangroves Exploring the ancient Maya sites of Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun, with the option of hiking the caves of Blue Creek for some cave swimming.
• Spa treatments including Hot Stone massage, Four Hands massage, Swedish massage, Reiki energy treatment, acupuncture, seaweed body wrap, facials, manicure and pedicures and other pampering treatments.
• Other registry items include a large selection of wines, floral baskets, specialty cakes and gourmet dining on the couple’s private terrace.

Weddings: The Inn has a dedicated wedding/event coordinator who is available for wedding and party planning, and a variety of wedding and honeymoon packages, including ceremony and license services.

Why It's Dreamy: The 52-room Inn at Robert’s Grove is situated on 22 lush acres in Placencia and is owned by Bob and Risa Frackman, transplanted New Yorkers who place a particular emphasis on great food, hospitality and ease of travel – elements that combine to create a romantic and comfortable environment for any wedding or honeymoon. There are spacious, air-conditioned, beautifully appointed hacienda-style accommodations, all beachfront or beach view, decorated with handcrafted furniture in native woods, woven fabrics and rugs, Mexican terra cotta tiled floors, and original artwork. Rooms and suites also feature telephones, cable TV, Internet connection and private terraces.

Guests can also enjoy a wide range of complimentary resort activities that include use of the Inn’s tennis court, gym, Jacuzzis, canoes, kayaks, windsurfers, sailboats hobie kats and bicycles for exploring the nearby villages of Placencia and Seine Bight. The resort also features two private islands, Robert’s Caye and Ranguana Caye that create the perfect opportunity for honeymooners to have a secluded “swept away” island experience during their stay.

Other attractions include three, 50-foot freshwater swimming pools, the Sea Spa, and two restaurants: the elegant Seaside restaurant and the more casual Habanero Mexican Café and Bar located at the Inn’s marina overlooking the Placencia Lagoon.

For more information:
• visit www.robertsgrove.com
• call 1 800 565-9757
• email info@robertsgrove.com

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 12:04 PM

Valentine's Package in California Wine Country

It's not too early to start making plans for Valentine's Day travel, especially for popular destinations. One idea: Northern California Wine Country.

BeautifulPlaces and Country Sojourns offer on-staff travel concierges to help you pick out a special weekend retreat. You can choose from a cozy cottage, Tuscan villa or a secluded mountaintop getaway. The company can plan exclusive activities for your stay or you can opt for the Wine & Wild Package.

The Package: The package includes:
• two tickets to Safari West’s Outrageous Wildlife Courtship Safari, Dinner and Dance Party
• An overflowing basket of gourmet treats and local wines;
• A private couples massage in your home.

Package Dates: available only February 9-11, 2007

Package Price: Wine and Wild package $699

Three-day/two-night weekend home rentals starting at $325 per night plus $75 booking fee and 11 percent tax.

For more information:
• call 1-800-495-9961
• visit www.beautiful-places.com and www.countrysojourns.com

Labels: USA

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:21 PM

Be James Bond--or a Bond Girl--for a Week

Wonder what to get for the guy who has everything? If your sweetie is a Bond fan, here's a package to make his--and your--007 dreams come true.

Bluefish Concierge has put together the ultimate 007 experience. Make your dreams of becoming James Bond come true. It’s one wild ride. Do you have what it takes? Bluefish Concierge flies you to Monaco to commence the training. This is set up to see if you have what it takes to be sent headfirst into the field of international espionage.

One customer has already tried the experience. Bluefish arranged a one-week trip for an executive and his wife to Monaco. The executive, who paid $350,000 for the experience, was given a mission, which included operating a powerboat and speeding around in a race car. He had to use a code name in restaurants, where staff members were tipped off ahead of time to serve him his favorite drink, Dewar's on the rocks. At one point, Bluefish even arranged for the executive to be kidnapped by the mysterious Octopussy while dining on a yacht in St.-Tropez. In all, Bluefish hired more than 200 actors to simulate the Bond experience for the chief executive.

Your experience could include (but not limited to):

• Stay in actual suite used in several James Bond movies
• Access to the hippest nightlife worthy of Bond
• Private driving lesson with former formula 1 driver
• Enemy evading speed boat training (a chase could easily be arranged)
• Mock kidnapping to Octupussy yacht for day of torturous spa treatments
• Flight to Russia to commence flight training
• Elegant dinner at top restaurant in Moscow
• Top-secret transport to Zhukovsky Air Base for flight training exercise in military jet (ranging from MIG 21 to the latest SU-30)
• Access to Star City for further space and flight training
• Private tour of the Kremlin

Price: Depending on scale and actors, prices range from $75,000pp.

For More Information:
• call 1 866 270 3879
• email JamesBond@thebluefish.com
• visit www.thebluefish.com

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 11:11 AM

Bringing the Hotel Experience Home

More and more hotels are offering bedding and other home furnishings for sale to guests. The latest entry is an expansion of HyattAtHome.com, the website that lets you bring home that Hyatt hotel experience with everything from the Hyatt bed (and bedding) to shower accessories and travel gear. Now if they could just figure out a way to offer room service at home...

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 11:04 AM

Our New Romance Contest

With Valentine's just around the corner, we've launched a new Texas Romance contest on our sister site, TexasTripper.com. The prize is a romantic Willie Nelson CD, Hope Floats DVD, his 'n hers Texas t-shirts, and more. You'll find all the details and entry info on our TexasTripper Contest page.

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 11:02 AM

Jamaica's Sunset Resorts Offers Babymoon Getaway

Before you head into the responsibilities of parenthood, there's always time for one more romantic escape. The latest hotel chain to offer pre-baby vacations or "babymoons" is Jamaica's Sunset Resorts.

The Package: Sunset Resorts Babymoon Getaway offers 5 days and 4 nights at Jamaica's best value all-inclusive resorts ˆ Sunset Beach Resort & Spa and Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa. Babymooners enjoy a sensuous couples massage at the spa, especially great for mom-to-be's sensitive muscles. Afterwards, they can dip their toes in the blue Caribbean waters or enjoy a host of all-inclusive couples' activities. Including all food and beverages, the Sunset Resorts Babymoon Getaway also includes a souvenir photo and a special gift for baby.

Rates: Winter rates are $729.00 per person at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, $779.00 per person at Sunset Jamaica Grande valid January 1 to April 8, 2007.

Summer rates are $629 per person at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, $699.00 per person at Sunset Jamaica Grande valid April 9 to December 22, 2007.

What's Included: Rates include ocean view accommodations, all meals, bar beverages, wine by the glass, non-motorized water sports, tennis, entertainment, taxes, and gratuity.

For more information:
• call 800-234-1707
• visit www.sunsetresortsjamaica.com

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 4:03 PM

New Programs at The Caves in Jamaica

A favorite with romantics (and jetsetters) thanks to its ultra-exclusive, private setting, The Caves in Negril, Jamaica is announcing a collection of new programs sure to indulge and entertain guests. These include:

· Refurbishment of all 11 handcrafted cottages.
· Guided snorkeling tour with the property's certified lifeguard Paul. Explore the caves and grottoes to behold the exciting undersea life that lies beneath.
· Yoga classes twice a week with certified yoga and gym instructor Rosa.
· Weekly manager's dinner party. Guests and management team meet over cocktails and dinner. Find out what makes The Caves tick!
· Negril Night Out, where a management team member guides guests through Negril's famous nightlife. Cost $15.00 per person (entrance frees and F&B not included).

Why It's Dreamy: The Caves, part of the Island Outpost boutique resort collection as created by Island Records' founder Chris Blackwell, is a serene haven set atop a seaside cliff honeycombed with grottoes. Personifying sensuality in every sense, The Caves offers private hot tubs, flavorful cuisine, a petite Aveda spa and stellar service.

Rates: Winter rates for The Caves start at $765 per night based on double occupancy. A plus for romantics: no kids under 16 are permitted.

For More Information:
• all 1-800-OUTPOST
• visit www.islandoutpost.com/thecaves

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:58 PM

No Passport Required Promotion from USVI Hotels

You've been hearing from us for months about the new passport requirement that goes into effect in January (it will require US air travelers to have a passport to return from the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and Bermuda among other destinations.) As you know, the US Virgin Islands (and Puerto Rico) won't be included in the change since they are part of the US.

To celebrate that fact, several USVI hotels are launching a “No Passport Required” promotion with savings all the way into 2007. The promotion offers visitors a minimum of a 20% discount for 2007 on room rates at participating hotels.

To take advantage of this special package, it must be booked, for a minimum of 5 nights, through a favorite travel agent or on line travel professional by the end of December.

The hotels included in this promotion are:
• St. Croix: Hotel Caravelle and Divi Carina Bay Resort
• St. John: the Westin Resort
• St. Thomas: Best Western Carib Beach, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort, Holiday Inn, and Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa

Rules and restrictions may apply.

Another benefit of the USVI for American travelers: you can bring back $1600 in purchases duty free.

For information on all U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association programs:
• visit www.virgin-islands-hotels.com

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:51 PM

Romantic Turndown Service

Sure it's nice to come back to the room after dinner and find chocolates on the pillows...but wouldn't it be nicer (and more romantic) to find a romantic CD, rose petals at the entrance to your room, or some aromatic bath salts? Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean and Mexico resorts are now offering all types of turndown options for lovers to consider.

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:46 PM

Marriott Adds Wedding, Honeymoon Registry

If they're the couple that has everything and you know they're honeymooning at a Marriott, you're in luck: the hotel brand now offers a wedding a honeymoon registry. Whether it's a spa treatment or elegant dinner, you'll be able to purchase wedding gifts for the lucky couple (or sign up for your own wedding registry!)

Labels: Caribbean, weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:44 PM

New Wedding Venue at Ritz-Carlton, Naples

There are always a lot of good reasons to select Ritz-Carlton for a destination wedding and, for couples planning a Naples, Florida wedding, there's yet one more: a new wedding venue right on the Gulf of Mexico. Read about the wedding and reception venue.

Labels: USA, weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:42 PM

Casablanca for Lovers

Casablanca makes an easy introduction to Morocco for honeymooners. The two of you will find plenty of reasons to say "here's lookin' at you" on your travels here and find that the city makes a good starting point for your exploration of the more exotic destinations of Morocco. Read our article on where to stay and play in Casablanca.

Labels: Africa

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:18 PM

Special Holiday Packages at Sandals and Beaches

If the two of you are headed to Sandals or Beaches this holiday season and you'd like to add something a little special (or you'd like to drop some hints to potential gift givers!), here are some nifty ideas:

* The Romance Love Nest Bundle, for guests at Sandals and Beaches, includes a 50-minute “Scent of Love” couples massage, a private four-course candlelight dinner, complete with private white-glove service along with personalized menus, champagne and 5x7 resort photo and finally, the “In Room Escapade”, which includes chilled champagne, sprinkled rose petals all over the room, flickering candles and a scented bubble bath. Romance Love Nest rates begin at $429 per couple.

* The Red Lane® Spa Rendezvous Bundle, also for guests at Sandals and Beaches, takes pampering to a new level. Services a deux include a 50 Minute Couples Massage, relaxing and exfoliating facial treatments that utilize sensuous ingredients like warm honey and hot aloe and the “Straight Up Pedicure”, the simplest form of relaxation and rejuvenation. Red Lane® Spa Rendezvous rates begin at $489 per couple.

* The Parents’ Night Out Bundle, for families staying at Beaches Resorts, includes a 50 Minute Couples Massage for Mom & Dad, sundown champagne and a chocolate-dipped tropical fruit treat on the beach, a private four-course candlelight dinner, complete with private white-glove service, personalized menus, champagne and 5x7 resort photo. Three hours of private nanny services with activities for kids 1-12 years old (maximum three children per nanny) also included. Additional nanny services are available starting at $8 per hour. Parents’ Night Out rates begin at $449 per couple.

All rates are based on double occupancy.

Photo courtesy Sandals Resorts

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:52 PM

Canada's Ice Hotel Plans for January Opening

Cold weather means snuggly weather--and no place is more snuggly than an ice hotel. Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada will open its doors for the seventh season starting January 5, 2007, remaining open through April 1. This year the hotel will include the N'Ice Bar, redesigned to recreate the mythical city of Atlantis.

More Lovetripper coverage of the Ice Hotel:
• Weddings at the Ice Hotel
• Vow Renewals at the hotel
• Quebec's Ice Hotel
• and Sweden's Ice Hotel

Labels: Canada

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:55 PM

Fairmont Sets Scene for Romance

If you're a movie buff, you'll know that several romantic flicks--from Dr. Zhivago to Notting Hill--included scenes filmed at Fairmont hotels and resorts. Check out the new romantic packages and promotions offered by several Fairmont properties, all keyed to making sure yours is a big screen romance.

Labels: Canada

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:07 PM