Romantic Travel News

Terranea Resort Site for "The Bachelor" Wedding

Reality TV may have brought Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney together, but when the time came to be joined together in marriage the pair picked a fantasy locale-- the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. For prospective brides and grooms who wish to follow in the footsteps of the reality romantics, here are a few of the sites which made their special day a memory to last a lifetime:

Pre-wedding festivities: The happy couple enjoyed a taste of married life as they dined with family and other members of their wedding party the evening before the main event at the resort's signature restaurant mar'sel, where they were served California-style cuisine featuring produce plucked from the vegetable garden on the premises.

The Wedding: Cameras once rolled on the classic comedy I Love Lucy at Terranea's location, and they did so again on February 27, 2010 as The Bachelor exchanged vows with his bride. The pair had a number of venues from which to choose, including the Ocean Lawn, which offers views of the Point Fermin coastline; Catalina Point, where the waves of the Pacific Ocean seems to applaud couples as they say 'I do" on the bluff above and The Meadows, which links to the Grand Ballroom.

Accommodations: Booking almost 275 rooms, cast and crew unpacked their luggage at the romantic retreat. Among the guests to rest in suites were The Bachelorette duo Trista and Ryan Sutter, who said "I do" in 2002, while newlyweds Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney spent their first days as husband and wife in one of the resort's oceanview casitas.

For more information:

• visit www.terranea.com

Photo courtesy Picapp

Labels: celebrities, USA weddings, weddings

posted by Grace Sydney /Click for permalink 4:00 PM

Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia: Venue for "The Bachelor" Finale

If your romantic fantasies took flight during the season finale of The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love, here's a closer look at the locale where Jake Pavelka proposed to Vienna Girardi:

Situated on the southwest portion of Saint Lucia near Soufriere, Jade Mountain is considered one of the Caribbean's most coveted hideaways. The Piton Mountains are silent sentinels in the distance, watching over the 29 sanctuaries-- designed with an absent fourth wall to invite the beauty of the idyllic island-- as couples staying in the 29 sanctuaries plunge into their private infinity pool or take a stroll to the Jade Mountain Club restaurant for a romantic repast created by James Beard Award-winning Chef Alan Susser.

Above the Jade mountain Club is the Celestial Terrace, which is a star in its own right, having played a pivotal role as the spot where cameras rolled when reality personality Jake Pavelka asked for the hand of Vienna Girardi on The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love.

Rates at Jade Mountain start at US $1,250 this Spring in a star infinity pool sanctuary.

For more information:

visit www.jademountain.com
Photo courtesy Jade Mountain resort

Labels: Caribbean, celebrities

posted by Grace Sydney /Click for permalink 4:12 PM

Spotlight: Trinidad & Tobago

This past weekend, the eyes of the world focused on Trinidad, the Caribbean island that played host to the Fifth Summit of the Americas. Held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain, the historic event focused on international relationships.

But Trinidad and its sister island, Tobago, can be great destinations for romantic relationships as well! From the non-stop energy of Trinidad's Carnival to the scuba diving and bird watching of Tobago, these islands offer getaways for all energy levels.

Check out our Trinidad and Tobago index page for more on activities, special events, and even getting married in Trinidad and Tobago!

Photos courtesy Hyatt Regency Trinidad

Labels: Caribbean, celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 4:08 PM

12312007: What's Your Dream Destination Wedding?

It wouldn't be New Year's without some top 10 lists, would it? We've got a whole batch on Lovetripper right now; one of our favorites is the Top 10 Celebrity Destination Weddings of 2007. From Bermuda to Puerto Rico, Mexico to Italy, the celebrities had some gala events across the globe this past year. We're not sure which our favorite would be; it just might be the Eva Longoria and Tony Parker wedding which had so many fairytale touches.

We're also taking a look back at these wedding and honeymoon stories throughout 2007:

• Top 10 Classic Celebrity Wedding Dresses

• Top 10 Celebrity Hotel and Resort Weddings

• Top 10 Best-Dressed Celebrity Grooms

• Top 10 Celebrity Castle Weddings

• Top 10 Outdoor Celebrity Weddings

• Top 10 Celebrity Engagements

• Top 10 Celebrity Engagement Rings

• Top 10 Unique Celebrity Wedding Dresses

• Top 10 Celebrity Honeymoons

Labels: celebrities, weddings

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 3:15 PM

08262007: Walk in Jennifer Lopez's Footsteps with El Cantante Package

If you enjoyed the recent El Cantante movie (or you just want to walk in the footsteps of stars Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony), check out the new package from Travelworm.com which honors the late salsero, Hector Lavoe.

The journey begins with a first class ticket to New York City, where guests will take a tour of Lavoe’s Bronx neighborhood and visit Fania Records. In the city, guests will also have a chance to attend a salsa concert with famed promoter, Ralph Mercado – the promoter who organized Lavoe’s famous last concert in Puerto Rico. Guests will also be treated to authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at the Manhattan restaurant Sofrito.

After two days in New York, travelers will be whisked off first class to Puerto Rico, the birthplace of Lavoe. Fans will stay at the Regency Hotel Condado, the same hotel Lavoe and his wife Puchi stayed while performing for the last time in Puerto Rico. On a private tour during the day, guests will walk through the streets of Ponce, the city where the music star was born and raised and visit the gravesites of him and his family.

For real Lavoe fans, the package would not be complete without a visit to a babalao – a supreme priest of the religion Santeria. The travelers will receive counsel and advice from one of Puerto Rico’s most famous and respected babalaos while on their Puerto Rican style journey. As a parting gift, the babalao will bless a white bead necklace which is said to “open doors of opportunity and remove all obstacles.” The adventure ends with a first class flight back to the traveler’s destination choice.

Budget Package: If you're on a tighter budget, you can opt for a lower priced Lavoe Package that includes a stay at the Regency Hotel Condado, round trip first class tickets to Puerto Rico and a CD of Lavoe’s greatest hits.

For more information:
• call 1-888-700-8342

Labels: Caribbean, celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 1:52 PM

International Celebrity Travel News, May 2007

Looking for a romantic location for your next getaway? Check out the international destinations enjoyed by celebrities this month, ranging from hip and happening to plush and private. Above, Chow Yun Fat and his wife prepare to hop on board the Jungle River Cruise in Hong Kong Disneyland.

(PRNewsFoto/Hong Kong Disneyland)

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 3:50 PM

Celebrity Romantic Travel News

Wonder who's where? Find out in this month's Celebrity Romantic Travel News by Grace Sydney. We've got both an international and a domestic edition to give you the scoop on the hottest places.

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 8:14 PM

Former Marley Home to Open as Bahamian Resort

The islands are synonymous with Bob Marley and soon fans will be able to enjoy a stay in an elegant former Marley home. Once the Marley family's summer home, lovingly watched over by Rita Marley herself, the Marley Resort & Spa will echo the family's creative spirit as an intimate world-class sanctuary. The resort is opening this spring in Nassau, Bahamas and, from the sound of things, promises to be a fun, romantic escape. Read more about the new Marley Resort.

Labels: Caribbean, celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 2:42 PM

Celebrity Travel News

Looking for some ideas for an extra-special Valentine's getaway...or just wondering who's where (and with whom)? We've just posted a new edition of Celebrity Romantic Travel News with both an international and a North American section to cover hotspots around the world.

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 2:39 PM

Jimmy Buffett Concert Packages in Anguilla

Thanks to Bankie Banx's The Dunes Preserve, Anguilla has long been enjoyed by music lovers. In March, Caribbean music buffs have another good reason to visit this island: Jimmy Buffett. The singer will perform one concert on March 24 and many Anguilla hotels are offering special concert packages.

Labels: Caribbean, celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 2:36 PM

Celebrity Wedding Show on Monday Night

On Monday night, look for InStyle Weddings on ABC; as always, the popular show will be featuring some of the top celebrity weddings of the past year. You've seen many of the on the pages of Lovetripper including:

Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes

Marcia Cross

Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott

Avril Lavigne

Niki Taylor

Joe Don Rooney

Ali Landry

Sean Patrick Thomas

Nicole Kidman's honeymoon

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 11:52 AM

More Best of 2006 Proposals, Weddings

We've recently added our choices for the best celebrity proposal sites of 2006 and the best celebrity resort and hotel weddings of the year. It was a tough task...there were a lot of big name weddings this past year!

Labels: celebrities, weddings

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 8:17 PM

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 Paris & John /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 Paris & John /Click for permalink 2:39 PM

Celebrity Wedding Planner and Mandarin Oriental Team Up

Looking for expert help with your wedding dress search? Mandarin Oriental, New York and celebrity wedding planner Marcy Blum have teamed up to create the Bridal Dress Quest Package.

The package gives mother-daughter, or the bride-to-be and her best friend, the chance to enjoy a day of guided “dress quest” shopping with Marcy Blum, the foremost wedding and party planner on the East Coast. Blum's client list includes socialites and celebrities from the Rockefeller family to the rocker Billy Joel.

The Package: The package begins with a phone consultation with Marcy Blum to tailor the dress quest experience to the bride’s individual taste.

On the actual day, a Mercedes sedan will transport the “questers” around Manhattan for six hours of personalized shopping with Marcy to top wedding gown designers and stores. Brides can try on the edgy designs of Selia Yang, the custom gowns of Lara-Helene, the eclectic collections of Mark Ingram’s The Bridal Atelier, and the classic styles of Vera Wang – all personal, long-time contacts of Marcy’s. A break for lunch at Marcy’s private club, SoHo House, is also included.

After a day of shopping, a night of pampering awaits at Mandarin Oriental, New York, with luxurious accommodation in a Central Park View Suite and an indulgent two-hour Spa treatment for two in the hotel’s acclaimed Five-Star spa.

To top off the experience, Marcy will select a gift from the new Spoylt Bryde by Marcy Blum Collection. Spoylt Lingerie is the maker of hand crafted, haute couture intimates based in London.

“New York City is the best place for a bride to look for her dream dress because of the incredible variety and talent available in this city,” states Marcy Blum. “Shopping for a wedding gown should and can be a magical experience -- a part of a bride’s fondest memories during this special time in her life. It can also be a very wonderful bonding experience for the bride and her mother, or for her and a close friend. The Dress Quest package we’ve created with Mandarin Oriental, New York brings all the components together to successfully create a memory of a lifetime.”

For the multi-tasking bride-to-be, an additional Marcy Blum “day of beauty” can be added for hair and make-up consultations with professionals from Marcy’s personal list of New York’s finest stylists and make-up artists.

The Price: The Bridal Dress Quest Package rate is $5,350 plus tax and service charges. The incremental cost of an additional day of beauty with a second night of accommodation at Mandarin Oriental, New York can be added based on prevailing hotel rates.

About Marcy Blum: Marcy Blum Associates was founded in 1987 as a corporate event planning company. Marcy’s talents led her to specialize in creating unforgettable weddings and high profile society events. She's appeared as a wedding and event expert on The Today Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, Oprah , Good Morning America, and was recently a guest judge on Top Chef. Marcy is frequently quoted in InStyle, Brides, the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. She also writes on the subject of special events, co-authoring the hugely successful Wedding Planning for Dummies, as well as being published in InStyle, Town & Country and Modern Bride. Recently, Marcy was selected as one of the Top 25 Trendsetter's of 2006 by Modern Bride.

About Mandarin Oriental, New York: Mandarin Oriental, New York features 248 elegant guestrooms and suites — all with views of Manhattan. Amenities include Asiate, the hotel’s vibrant restaurant, and a cocktail bar created by noted interior designer, Tony Chi; a lobby lounge with dramatic views of Central Park; The 14,500-square-foot Spa at Mandarin Oriental; and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a 75-foot lap pool.


For more information:
• call (866)-801-8880
• visit www.mandarinoriental.com

Labels: celebrities, weddings

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 5:14 PM

Pamela Anderson's St. Tropez Wedding

There's no doubt that celebrities are trendsetters around the world...so we wonder if Pamela Anderson's planned multiple destination weddings will set a trend. The curvy actress just married Kid Rock in Saint Tropez and more ceremonies are planned in Malibu, Detroit, and Nashville.

Labels: celebrities, weddings

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 4:09 PM

Celebrity Travel News

Looking for ideas for your next romantic getaway? We've just posted the latest Celebrity Travel News (which is fun to read even if you're not ready to travel just to find out who's where.) We've also added a new edition of Celebrity Dining, fun for ideas for the hottest restaurants perfect for a romantic dinner.

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 11:06 AM

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 Paris & John /Click for permalink 7:40 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 Paris & John /Click for permalink 3:57 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 Paris & John /Click for permalink 9:25 PM

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 Paris & John /Click for permalink 10:19 AM

ESPN Throws a Wedding!

If you are a sports fan -- especially if you're considering a sports-themed wedding -- you'll have to check out the story of Catherine Bennett and Jason West, winners of "Ultimate Sports Wedding" for ESPN Radio's “Mike & Mike in the Morning Marriage Madness.” We've got all the details on the wedding including photos! Read more...

Labels: celebrities, weddings

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 9:45 AM

X-Men Setting Also Bridal Venue

If you enjoyed the new X-Men movie, check out our new article on Western Canada's Hatley Castle. Along with serving as the setting for "X-Men 2: X-Men United' and "X-Men 3: The Last Stand,"the beautiful castle is available as a romantic wedding venue. Learn more...

Labels: celebrities, weddings

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 8:55 PM

Celebrity Travel News

The Paradisus Palma Real in the Dominican Republic (a new resort we visited just last month) recently played hosted to to many celebrities including the soon-to-wed couple Jonathan Silverman ("Weekend At Bernie's") and Jennifer Finnigan. Check out photos from the event and much more news of who's where in the Celebrity Travel News update.

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 8:58 AM

The Da Vinci Code for Lovers

Friday is the big day a lot of movie fans have been waiting for with the release of The Da Vinci Code. Check out our new Da Vinci Code gallery featuring many of the destinations that play an important role in the movie.

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 3:22 PM

Celebrity Travel News

Who's where this month? Check out the latest celebrity comings and goings around the world, a great way to learn the hottest restaurants and resorts for the rich and famous set. Read more...

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 3:20 PM

Celebrity Travel News

Just where do the celebrities stay and dine when they travel? We check out the current celebrity travels in the latest Celebrity Travel News, perfect for seeing who's where or for getting ideas for an elegant getaway.

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 11:49 AM

Eiffel Tower Proposals

Tom Cruise did it. So did Rod Stewart. How would you like to get engaged in Paris at the Eiffel Tower? Check out our tips for planning an Eiffel Tower proposal with information on romantic restaurants and more.

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 9:25 PM

Heather and Paul McCartney Issue Statement on Canadian Seal Slaughter

We've enjoyed traveling to Canada's wilderness areas many times; these pristine areas are truly a romantic getaway for any couple who enjoys nature.

But sadly this weekend marks the start of an annual hunt of Canada's harp seals so we wanted to pass along this press news from the Humane Society of the US and Heather and Paul McCartney, who have issued a video statement urging the stopping of the annual hunt. Earlier this month, the McCartneys visited the harp seal nursery on the ice floes to observe the newborn pups.

"We're devastated to learn that 325,000 of these harp seals—almost all of them defenseless babies—will be clubbed and shot to death," said Heather McCartney. "Compassionate people from all around the world are opposed to this seal hunt, including the majority of Canadians, and we urge them to contact their Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, and ask him to ban the hunt."

"Heather and I chose to come out to the ice floes before the hunt began because it would break our hearts to have to see the cruelty of the hunt," said Paul McCartney. "But we are absolutely committed to making sure this is the last slaughter of baby seals in Canada anyone will ever have to witness."

The McCartneys pointed out that an important strategy to ending the hunt is closing down the global markets for seal products and that countries such as Greenland, Mexico, and Italy have taken steps to ban the import of sealskins. "When countries stop buying sealskins, there will be no reason for sealers to kill the seals," said Heather McCartney. "We are asking every single country to please, please stop buying seal products so this hunt will stop."

Paul McCartney offered an alternative to the hunt—"We're proposing a fair solution to all of this—a sealing license buy-back plan. This is a win-win solution: fishermen would be compensated for any lost revenue when the hunt is closed, and Canada would have a graceful way to put an end to a cruel and needless practice that should have been stopped many years ago."

To learn more about this and to see a video made by the McCartneys about this situation, visit www.hsus.org.

Labels: celebrities

posted by Paris & John /Click for permalink 11:47 AM