From the Caribbean and Mexico to Spain, South Africa and even Utah, there’s a host of luxurious hotels with private pools perfect for the most relaxing, most romantic getaways. Isolate yourselves at Amangiri in the seemingly remote landscape of Utah; there are sunsets and gorgeous horizons all around. Prefer something more tropical? Visit St. Lucia and Jade Mountain for vistas overlooking the island.

If you’re looking for hotel rooms with a private pool, read on for our list of the best 14 locations.

Jade Mountain – Soufriere, St. Lucia

The 24 suites, aptly called sanctuaries at Jade Mountain, are stacked atop each other on a hillside, all with heart-stopping views. As you open the door, get ready to be wowed: Organic architecture blends curved stone walls with exotic hardwood floors, and the open plan means you’re never without a view, from the king-sized bed draped with mosquito netting to the sans-walls bathroom with its sexy whirlpool tub.

But the stars are the pools. Sized from 400 to 900 square feet, each is lined with iridescent glass tiles in shades like sapphire, jade, magenta and bronze. The effect is so mesmerizing you won’t mind that there’s no TV (or air conditioning, as the lofty locale provides cooling breezes). Just pour yourselves some bubbly, and slip into your infinity-edge paradise.

Royal Davui Island Resort – Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Each romantic “vale” is nestled into hillside foliage with plunge pools facing out toward the lagoon for ultimate privacy at Royal Davui Island Resort. Trading up from the island or deluxe categories to premium earns you the largest and most private oasis with its own refreshing rock waterfall.

Inside, a 20-foot netted canopy hangs from the ceiling to cocoon the king bed, which floats mid-room on a sea of polished Fijian-wood flooring adjacent to a large bathroom with a whirlpool tub and outdoor shower. A separate living room has sliding glass walls and a sunning patio with twin chaise lounges.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This 539-room all-inclusive is definitely abuzz, but the quiet Grand Class section perfectly combines luxe amenities with honeymoon privacy. All 90 suites in this section have ocean views, spa tubs and oceanfront balconies with private plunge pools. There’s even room for a massage table, should you prefer your spa treatment in suite. Top-floor rooms boast vaulted ceilings and the best views.

Hermitage Bay – Antigua

Yes, Hermitage Bay has cottages set right on the beach. But if it’s privacy and plunge pools you seek, request one of 17 hillside-cottage suites. You have to trek up a steep stone path to get there, but your effort is rewarded with the treehouse-like enclave, boasting sexy extras like a king bed, outdoor shower, wraparound sun deck and infinity-edge plunge pool with views that stretch all the way to neighboring Nevis and Montserrat.

The Resort at Pedregal – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Each of the 66 rooms and suites features a private terrace with a plunge pool, but, for the most indulgent ambience, book one of the eight Capella rooms at the Resort at Pedregal. These oversized havens have carved, wood-beam ceilings, a separate sitting area and a driftwood-back king bed positioned opposite a fireplace. The terrace door opens to an infinity-edge plunge pool with stellar sea views. More watery revelry is on tap inside in the rainforest shower for two.

Cavo Tagoo – Mykonos, Greece

Cavo Tagoo stays true to the stark-white Cycladic architecture Mykonos is known for, but the whitewashed interiors are refreshingly modern. Classic rooms on the lower level have private terraces and refreshing plunge pools while the upper-level deluxe rooms come with infinity-edge pools overlooking the Aegean Sea. A free shuttle runs between the hotel and Old Town five minutes away.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – Bora Bora, French Polynesia

All of the resort’s plush, overwater bungalows offer dive- or step-in access to the lagoon, but couples who book an overwater bungalow with a plunge pool can also take a freshwater dip on the lanai right outside their room. It’s perfect for a relaxing rinse after a snorkel session or a sunset soak complete with champagne.

Inside, contemporary Polynesian décor is equally seductive, especially the oversized tub with lagoon views. The glass panel in the living room floor lets you spy on multicolored reef fish below.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba – Riviera Maya, Mexico

For a romantic respite, book a bilevel spa-pool villa at Banyan Tree Mayakoba. Here, your rectangular H2O oasis is the perfect relaxation spot after a massage in your private treatment area. The décor is Asian spare meets Mexican spice. Think minimalist architecture that blends into the landscape and a neutral color palette accented by touches of orange and red.

Your outdoor terrace has twin chaise lounges and a dining area. Round-the-clock room service ups your incentive to stay put, too.

Ladera – Soufriere, St. Lucia

St. Lucia oozes romance, and the 32 treehouse-style rooms at Ladera match that vibe perfectly. Situated on a ridge 1,100 feet above sea level, the three-walled suites boast panoramic views of the Caribbean, the Pitons (two mountainous volcanic plugs) and the town of Soufriere. Each terrace has a private plunge pool surrounded by lush landscaping. Many also have waterfalls and teak swing sets hanging from the ceiling.

Spice Island Beach Resort – St. George’s, Grenada

This all-inclusive, 32-room boutique resort on Grenada’s southwest coast is on prime real estate, steps away from expansive Grand Anse Beach. The resort’s 1,200-square-foot Anthurium pool suites are located on the lower level, and each has a private courtyard terrace where gardens and chaise lounges surround a supersized 12-by-16-foot plunge pool.

Uma Ubud – Bali, Indonesia

There are just three Uma pool suites at COCO Uma Ubud. They’re constructed in an open, airy Balinese style with separate lounging, dining and sleeping areas. Each bedroom features a four-poster king bed and gleaming terrazzo floor that leads to a light-filled bathroom with a sunken tub for two. Outside, a pair of chaises flanks a sapphire-blue infinity plunge pool embraced by the solitude of the Balinese jungle.

Belmond La Residencia – Majorca, Spain

The isle of Majorca is classic Mediterranean: olive groves, quaint towns and seaside cliffs. Within the sleepy artists village of Deià is Belmond La Residencia, a pair of stunning stone houses that have been converted into a 67-room Orient Express retreat. Here, guests lounge around the grounds, hike to the nearby swimming cove or hole up in a Tramuntana suite with a tiled garden terrace and private pool.

Amangiri – Lake Powell, Utah

The stunning Utah landscape is best experienced at Amangiri, a 34-room oasis surrounded by stark plateaus near the Arizona border and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Six of the hotel’s suites have spacious plunge pools and private, candlelit sky terraces accessed by staircase and furnished with a daybed. It’s perfect for evening stargazing.

Earth Lodge – Mpumalanga, South Africa

Spend your mornings spotting lions, giraffes and elephants from a Land Rover while on safari around Kruger National Park. Then, return to Earth Lodge for afternoons staring out over the bush from the pool on your private terrace. The lodge’s 13 suites were made from stone and built low to the ground. While they appear minimal on the outside, inside, they’re an interior designer’s dream.

Each suite is filled with rich metallic art and funky, locally sourced furnishings, such as handmade twig chandeliers.

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If you live in New York (JFK), fly to Bermuda (BDA)

Flight info: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes on JetBlue and Delta

More than 40 moongates grace Bermuda’s Olde English-meets-tropical-island landscape. Couples famously kiss under these stone circles for good luck; find them on beaches, in gardens and at hotels like adults-only Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa. Other ways to feel the love: Find your own secret beach along the south shore trail; unwind side by side in Grotto Bay Beach Resort‘s cave spa; and toast with rum swizzles at Hamilton Princess hotel’s weekly Friday-night happy hour.

If you live in Los Angeles (LAX), fly to Hilo, Hawaii Island (ITO)

Flight info: Approximately 5 hours, 45 minutes on United

Sunset is undeniably the most romantic time of day — and sunset from the top of 13,796-foot Mauna Kea volcano is one of the most dramatic dusk displays on Earth. Stick around for some stargazing, and cuddle close — temps at the summit hover around freezing. For even more excitement, feel the rush (literally) on a waterfall tour with Hawaii Forest & Trail, or turn up the heat by viewing spattering lava from the Jaggar Museum & Overlook. Spend date night at the intimate Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Luau, the longest-running luau show on Hawaii Island.

If you live in London (STN), fly to Ibiza, Spain (IBZ)

Flight info: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes on easyJet and British Airways

Ibiza’s first hotel, the circa-1933 Gran Hotel Montesol Ibiza, is still one of its most romantic. Here, history lovers are just steps from the castle, cathedral, monastery and cobbled passageways of Dalt Vila (Upper Town). More fairy-tale sights await at the circa-1763 Torre des Savinar tower. Romantic dining is ubiquitous on the White Island; reserve a table at Sa Caleta, which has been run by the same family for several decades and sits in what is believed to be the same place the Phoenicians first settled thousands of years ago.

Bonus: Every February, the rural village of Santa Inés turns pale pink when the almond trees bloom, as if on cue for Valentine’s Day.

If you live in Chicago (ORD), fly to Nassau, Bahamas (NAS)

Flight info: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes on United

Nassau Paradise Island has wooed couples for decades, whether they crave a peaceful stroll through Versailles-inspired gardens or a heart-pumping swim with reef sharks. With recent additions at Baha Mar, the romantic possibilities are even greater. Paddle over turquoise waters in a double kayak (complimentary rental), clink glasses at Skybar’s 20th-floor rooftop lounge, and escape for the day to Long Cay, a private islet with comfy tented beach beds.

If you live in Houston (IAH), fly to Grand Cayman (GCM)

Flight info: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes on United

Along the eastern shore of Grand Cayman, a stone wall bears the sign, “Lovers Wall.” The peaceful scene is the perfect spot to stare at the ocean, snap a selfie and steal a kiss. Speaking of kisses, adventurous couples can smooch wild stingrays at Stingray City (not an amusement park — just a natural sandbar where these friendly sea creatures congregate). Cozy nooks, from daybeds and pool cabanas to a spa soaking grotto, are scattered throughout the grounds of Kimpton Seafire Resort, the island’s newest hotel.

If you live in Dallas (DFW), fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)

Flight info: Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes on American

Venice meets tropical rainforest on Jamaica’s Rio Grande river, where 30-foot-long bamboo rafts are just wide enough for two. More watery thrills are on tap at Dunn’s River Falls, which entails lots of hand-holding as you scramble up the slippery cascade. The island’s most romantic spot may just be the Blue Lagoon, filming site of the eponymous movie; legend holds the waters are an aphrodisiac. Couples who stay at Secrets Wild Orchid also have free access to the amenities at Secrets St. James and Breathless Montego Bay; all three resorts are adults-only.

If you live in Miami (MIA), fly to Aruba (AUA)

Flight info: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes on American Airlines

In Aruba’s arid Arikok National Park, shallow caves hold secrets and lore from the past. Bring your flashlight to explore the Tunnel of Love (Huliba Cave), named for its heart-shaped entrance. Adventurous souls will also relish a tandem jump into the wild and scenic Natural Pool. After active days, a quiet tête-à-tête is in order; try a romantic dinner sail for two on the Tranquilo, or head to Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort‘s Passions restaurant for torch-lit dining on the sand. You’ll be calling each other dushi — the island word for “sweetheart” — in no time.

If you live in Toronto (YYZ), fly to Turks and Caicos Islands (PLS)

Flight info: 3 hours, 50 minutes on Air Canada

Conch is everywhere in Turks and Caicos — even on the flag of this British oversees territory. Try it at Da Conch Shack — and if you’re brave enough, slurp down the conch’s pistol, aka “sea Viagra.” Discover more ocean treasures on a blissful snorkel sail up the Caicos Cay chain with Sun Charters. On Tuesday nights, the party is at The Somerset on Grace Bay, where the weekly beach barbecue features a rum bar, DJ, fire dancer and bonfire.

If you live in Philadelphia (PHL), fly to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)

Flight info: Approximately 4 hours on American

For couples with the will power to tear themselves away from Punta Cana’s white-sand beaches, romantic dining can be enjoyed over the water at Tortuga Bay‘s rustic La Yola Restaurant. After, get loose at Flavio Acuña Spa Natural Center, where the Massage Under the Moonlight treatment comes with sparkling wine. Or just let your suite’s outdoor hydro-massage tub at Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa do the work.

The post Find the Most Romantic Island That’s a Direct Flight from Your City appeared first on Islands.

Travel to Mexico for a variety of cheap honeymoon destinations, ranging from a hotel with 11 restaurants and bars to one with a 13,000-square-foot spa and a whale-watching bar. Barceló Bávaro Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has a casino and an 18-hole golf course you can spend your newly married life at. Try Meliá Caribe Tropical in the D.R. where they offer Japanese and Thai massages in one of the most affordable honeymoon destinations.

No matter how you want to celebrate one of the happiest moments in your life, read on for our list of best honeymoons destinations on a budget.

Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Whether you’re keeping it a twosome or inviting the whole crew, all-inclusive Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma in Playa del Carmen has more room types than a mariachi band has members, ranging from spacious, ocean-view suites to a three-bedroom penthouse. Plus, chances are you won’t go hungry with the property’s 11 restaurants and bars, ranging from swim-up to buttoned-up, with one of the best all-inclusive honeymoon packages.

Barceló Bávaro Palace – Dominican Republic

Punta Cana’s scores of all-inclusives mean resort choices are as varied as buffet selections. Barceló Bávaro Palace touts restaurants featuring European, Asian and local Dominican specialties at one of the best cheap honeymoon ideas. The U-Spa’s Vichy shower, with seven pressure shower heads suspended from a metal bar, might look like a medieval torture device, but its cleansing aqua massage is unforgettable — in a good way.

Breezes Bahamas Resort and Spa – Cable Beach, Bahamas

Cable Beach, a low-rise stretch of restaurants, casinos, golf courses, straw markets and hotels, is only a 10-minute jaunt from the airport in Nassau, New Providence Island. Breezes Bahamas Resort and Spa, one of Cable Beach’s top all-inclusives, welcomes couples and families with children 14 and older.

Their “Eternal Love” package includes five nights in a deluxe, ocean-view room, all meals and drinks, a bottle of champagne and tropical fruit tray, his and hers t-shirts, land and water sports (including instruction and equipment) and hotel taxes and gratuities at one of the best honeymoon getaways.

Grand Oasis Tulum – Riviera Maya, Mexico

This 114-room respite near the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula is in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, approximately one hour from Cancun International Airport. During the day, snorkel in the coral reef, or venture to the Tulum archeological site 10 miles away. At night, settle into one of the 13 restaurants and 15 bars.

Here’s what you get in the all-inclusive package: five nights in a grand, oceanfront guestroom, all meals, drinks and gratuities covered, unlimited access to the tennis court and the fitness center and use of water-sports equipment, including kayaks, surfboards and snorkel gear.

Sandals Ochi – Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Set on Jamaica’s North Coast, with the lush St. Ann Mountains over its shoulder, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort offers 519 guest rooms and a signature Red Lane Spa, with intimate spaces throughout, including oversized, plush loungers and fire pits overlooking the Caribbean sea.

Included in the honeymoon package for stays of three nights or more are a complimentary bottle of chilled sparkling wine, special turndown service that includes petals on your bed, delivery of fresh flowers along with a delicious breakfast in bed, all meals and drinks, land sports (including golf and tennis), water activities (including paddle boarding, snorkeling and scuba diving for certified divers), airport transfers and all resort taxes and fees.

Barceló Bávaro Beach – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

A casino, a rum-and-cigar lounge, an 18-hole golf course, theater, a spa and one of the best beaches in the Caribbean: Not a bad resume for Barceló Bávaro Beach, the 589-guestroom, adults-only all-inclusive in Punta Cana.

Off property, head into town for a taste of “sancocho,” window-shopping at Plaza Dominicana, or visit Cascada el Limon, the eye-popping, 188-foot waterfall in the Samaná Rainforest.

Paradisus Cancún – Cancún, Mexico

A series of white ziggurats along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with naturally lit interiors featuring gardens and lagoons, Paradisus Cancún claims to be one of the top resorts in the area with one of the best cheap honeymoon packages.

Here’s what you get in the all-inclusive package: five nights in a deluxe junior lagoon-view suite, all meals and drinks, scuba diving and non-motorized water sports and land activities, including access to the nine-hole, par-three golf course.

Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Flaunting turquoise Caribbean waters and misty, blue mountains, the landscape of Montego Bay is custom-made for love. With year-round, bikini-friendly temperatures and a diverse lineup of activities — from watersports and award-winning golf to fine dining and a spa — Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa offers honeymooners a laid-back respite from the real world.

Here’s what comes with the all-inclusive package: accommodations in resort-view guestroom, all meals and non-premium brand liquor, draft beer and wine, all hotel taxes and service charges and activities like non-motorized water sports, fitness-center access, rum-mixology classes and kayaking.

Meliá Caribe Beach Resort – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Don’t be fooled by the modest price tag at Melia Caribe Beach Resort in Punta Cana. You’ll be privy to all the special treatment honeymooners crave, including mixology workshops, bachata dance lessons, eight outdoor pools (and two indoors) and seven massage options, including Japanese shiatsu and Thai samunprai. The property is only 14 miles from Punta Cana’s airport, and every room is a suite, so you’ll have plenty of space to relax.

Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos Resort – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

In May 2013, the legendary Hotel Finisterra, built in 1972, was reborn as Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos. It’s on the southern tip of Baja, one of the last patches of land to separate the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez. The property features 288 guestrooms, swimming pools, tennis courts, a 13,000-square-foot spa and a whale-watching bar.

Paradisus Punta Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

While the 694-room property offers all the trappings of an expansive resort (pools, spa, casino, golf course, etc.), Paradisus Punta Cana is equally impressive in its locale. It’s tucked into a natural preserve peppered with palm trees, exotic vegetation, lily ponds and mangrove lagoons, which are home to exotic birds, flamingos and turtles.

Here’s what comes in the all-inclusive package: five nights in a deluxe junior suite, all meals and drinks, scuba diving and non-motorized water sports, land sports (including tennis and beach volleyball), classes including dance, sushi-making and wine-tasting and unlimited green fees at the Cocotal Golf & Country Club.

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Sure, we like the fact that it’s an eco-resort: a sustainable property featuring solar-powered guestrooms, a windmill and onsite composting. But it’s the 957-room resort’s surroundings — jungle, lagoons, a zoo, ancient Mayan temples within walking distance — that truly underscore the property’s preserved, natural vibe.

The honeymoon package includes four-night accommodations, all meals and drinks, access to the aqua park and covers taxes, service charges and gratuities.

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel – Cozumel, Mexico

Snorkel in the world’s second-largest coral reef system. Then, head to the beachfront Stingray Bar for a frozen drink. That’s just one version of an afternoon at Sunscape Sabor, the 388-guestroom resort on the island of Cozumel, 10 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Add in the pools, swim-up bars, restaurants, spa, shopping area and theater, and an afternoon can take on many shapes.

The “Sweet Escape Honeymoon” package includes five-night accommodations, fresh flowers, sparkling wine and a fruit plate upon arrival, all meals and drinks covered, one breakfast in bed with mimosas, a couples massage, choice of facial or body scrub for two and one private beachfront dinner.

The post Best All-Inclusive Honeymoon Packages Under $2,000 appeared first on Islands.

For the better part of the last two decades, Orlando has done an impressive job of emerging from Mickey Mouse’s shadow. Those who live in and around the City Beautiful know that homegrown chefs and artists have ushered in a new era of creativity and progress that have made this booming city arguably the best place to live in the Sunshine State. Orlando certainly has developed into something far greater than the home of rollercoasters and teacup rides.

But that doesn’t mean the town’s tourism roots are drying up. In fact, now more than ever, Orlando is the most popular destination in the United States, and we’d be fools to think that’s because of local treasures like Mead Botanical Gardens or Valkyrie Donuts. Theme parks will always inspire families to make the Griswoldian trek from all over the country, just so they can meet Goofy before standing in line for two hours to soar through Pandora.

It would be a mistake, though, to reduce the theme park region to thrilling rides, outlet malls and Dole Whips, considering the area’s most distinct and unexpected treasure isn’t much more than a stone’s throw from SeaWorld. For 20 years, Discovery Cove has served as not only one of the only all-inclusive resort experiences in the state, but also one of its most unique wedding venues.

That’s right—there is romance to be found in the heart of tourism country.

It Starts with a Love Story

Our tour guide, Todd, was the kind of delightful personality you’d want on every vacation. I wish I could have him join me on trips in hologram form, like Altered Carbon’s Poe, popping in and out to offer fun tidbits and fast facts about marine life, local weather and the availability of shredded pork BBQ sandwiches at the on-site restaurant. But one story in particular really portrayed just how special Discovery Cove is to some people.

On the same weekend that I visited with my wife and son, another family was at Discovery Cove for an annual vacation that has been occurring for almost as long as the park has been open. This family, Todd told us, is as special to Discovery Cove as the park is to the family, because these people hold the rare distinction of having celebrated all of their most special and romantic moments at Discovery Cove.

The father and mother were married and spent their honeymoon there, and soon after it became the destination for their anniversaries. First, second, fifth, 10th—year after year they returned to this special place. When they had kids, it became a family affair, and eventually, our guide explained, their oldest child would get married at Discovery Cove, too. Now, I don’t know if that last part was true or not, but Todd already had us hook, line and sinker with his storytelling.

With this simple tale of a family that flies from England to Orlando each year to celebrate love and life, we could suddenly see how Discovery Cove was so much different than the rest of the parks in the area.

This Isn’t an Ordinary All-inclusive

Arriving at Discovery Cove’s check-in center felt a lot like I’d been teleported to a far-off, remote island, even though we had just taken the same I4 exit as SeaWorld. It’s far more authentically tropical than, say, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and that’s mostly because it doesn’t feel like you’re at a theme park resort, since here your view isn’t obscured by towers and rooms.

While you cannot simply walk from your room to Dolphin Lagoon or the lazy river, the local hotel options are ample. Discovery Cove and SeaWorld partner with 11 local hotels bearing familiar names, including Hiltons of the Doubletree, Garden Inn and Grand Vacations varieties. So, with a quick and convenient shuttle ride to the welcome center, a day’s or weekend’s worth of family or romantic fun begins.

Choose Your Own Adventures

Make no mistake—the residents of Dolphin Lagoon are Discovery Cove’s biggest stars, but you’ll hardly spend the whole day feeding them and waiting for them to do back flips. What might surprise you most upon leaving the welcome center and following the walkways—surrounded by beautiful, lush forestry—is the quality of “beach” that greets you inside.

Yes, this is a theme park located in the middle of Orlando, approximately an hour away from the closest real beach. But with sand at your toes and cool water rolling up to your lounge chairs from waves—created by people excitedly entering and leaving the wind-away river—and, of course, the radiating Florida sun, it won’t be long before you forget that you are in the middle of Orlando.

Now, if your priority is to catch some rays and sip cocktails with your toes in the water, you’re covered. But think bigger, because this place is hiding some truly unique amenities that you won’t find at many other resorts, in Florida, the Caribbean or beyond.

The thing I loved most, however, wasn’t an amenity as much as it’s a policy. See, Todd let me in on a little secret (I’m not sure it’s much of a secret, but I like to pretend that I’m privy to inside information)—the reason that Discovery Cove seemed so different than any theme park in Orlando is that there’s a hard cap for capacity. This place isn’t herding visitors in for the sake of maximizing the almighty dollar. Instead, Discovery Cove maximizes the comfort and convenience. Maybe it’s my age or the impatience of fatherhood speaking, but the ability to float throughout the wind-away river without touching a random stranger… my goodness, that was incredible.

And I am a huge sucker for a good lazy river. There’s another prominent resort in Orlando, as well as one in the Bahamas, that my family visits for annual staycations, and while I spend plenty of time in those lazy rivers, they don’t hold a candle to Discovery Cove’s wind-away river because of the aforementioned space and the friendly wildlife. In addition to waterfalls and well-maintained trees and flora, this river takes you through a freshwater oasis that is home to otters, marmosets and colorful birds.

You can meet the birds in the Explorer’s Aviary, but the real treat is the “backstage” tour, where you get to handle the birds and even an adorable sloth that gives hugs like an old grandmother. There are a lot of treats, too—from the all-inclusive food and drinks and the extremely private cabanas to the comfortable Serenity Bay and joy of swimming and snorkeling with the marine life in the Grand Reef.

That was actually my favorite part, taking the Seaventure tour through the reef and handling some of the more docile creatures while allowing the fish to tickle my arms and legs while I desperately reminded myself that “I’m good” is the A-OK sign, and not thumbs up. (I desperately need to get back to dive training.)

But It’s All about the Romance

Going back to Todd’s story about the family that keeps coming back, I listened more than I spoke, but when he mentioned that the couple can wed using the Dolphin Lagoon as a backdrop, I asked, jokingly (but also with a little sincerity), “Do the dolphins get a front row seat since they’re giving up their home for the whole morning?” He didn’t laugh because, he told me, the dolphins are part of the ceremony. They can be part of the engagement, too, if that’s what the question popper desires.

If it’s possible, Discovery Cove will do it. If you want a dolphin to deliver the ring to your beloved significant other as you ask the ultimate question, it can be done. If you want two dolphins to leap from the water as you share your first kiss as a married couple, it can be done, and they’ll even form a heart behind you so the photo from that moment will blow all of your friends’ wedding photos away.

The morning I visited, I was invited to lurk in the shadows of a wedding reception that was taking place that afternoon, as the ceremony already took place, bright and early. (I declined, partially out of respect for privacy and also for my desire to hug a sloth.) That’s the thing—the wedding crew at Discovery Cove doesn’t mess around. Even if the parties had a late night and need a forklift to get them out of bed and into their suits and dresses, it will happen. This isn’t a venue that puts everything into scenery and little else into ensuring the couple a magical day. If it is requested, planning assistance is available, and the park’s team will perform to the best of its abilities.

Whether you’re eloping with a small squad or bringing the entire fam (and then some) for a full-day experience that features private dolphin swims and feeding time with the birds, Discovery Cove does romance as well as any venue you’ll visit in the months or even years leading up to your big day. And I cannot stress this enough—not a single one of your dream venues will offer anything as cool as Seaventure. So, don’t be afraid to say, “I do,” to both the person of your dreams and to hanging out with nurse sharks.

The post Why Discovery Cove is Florida’s Hidden Romantic Gem appeared first on Islands.

So, so many destinations across the globe court brides, and few deliver as many amenities and extras as do the all-inclusives in the greater Cancun, Mexico, area—and among them, one truly stands out. The TRS Yucatan Hotel, a five-star, adults-only resort on the golden sands of the Gulf of Mexico offers luxury, natural beauty and weddings designed by celebrity planner Karen Busson—so your big day is every bit as glamorous and fabulous as one that cost millions.

You can have honeymoon privacy.

TRS Yucatan Resort is right next door to sister property Grand Palladium—which means you and your partner can book yourselves into TRS, and have all your wedding guests stay at Grand Palladium. Because, let’s be real, you’re most likely going to honeymoon in the same destination you hold your wedding, so why not make a choice that keeps the mood romantic.

At TRS, you can feel cocooned in privacy—all without running into any friends or family members.

Your wedding will be picture-perfect.

Most destination brides complete 95 percent of the planning and decision-making from their homes, long before they arrive onsite. This means that they are expecting that everything they picked will be available and ready to go, looking just as it did in the pictures.

Worry not. This is exactly what Karen Busson, celebrity wedding planner and designer of the entire TRS Yucatan Hotel’s packages, understands. She has worked meticulously with her teams of wedding captains to make sure every item is available, sourced from reliable vendors. Plus, the wedding teams know exactly how to make it all look just like the photos. They work all their behind-the-scenes magic, so you don’t have to sweat any details.

“They know exactly how that scarf should be tied or how a recipe should be,” she says. “When a bride comes, everything is perfect.”

It’s all on Pinterest.

Not sure where to start? Get cozy on the couch and scroll through the entire Weddings by Palladium collection online—all on Pinterest. You can see the tablescapes, the I-do set-ups, inspiration for same-sex weddings plus extra experiences offered by the resort.

Yes, every wedding collection has a board. Bouquets have their own board. Tablescapes have their own board. Pin everything you like, then share your board with a wedding planner over the phone and go from there.

There’s no need to worry about cost.

Busson wants brides to focus on what they want, not the cost. Her everyday clients are millionaires, and she wanted every bride at Palladium and TRS to have every bit of the same glamour and luxury.

With the TRS wedding packages, brides choose from what Busson calls moods: six packages offer a range of themes, from the pink and red roses of the ‘Bliss in Bloom’ package to the lush greenery garlands and white-and-green bouquet of the ‘Lovebirds’ package.

The ‘Waves of Love’ is the most popular package, playing up all the natural elements of the beach wedding. The sixth and newest collection, ‘Elemental’ is earthy and bohemian, with lots of greenery for a lush feel.

You’re not locked in to any one package.

If you like the bouquet from another package, no problem. If you prefer the pineapples, golden bowls of limes and tropical flowers of the ‘Tropical Chic’ tablescape, they’re yours. You’re allowed to mix and match, and pull pieces from various collections. For the most part, there is no added charge to changing it up.

Plus, each package can be taken in several directions. The ‘Waves of Love’ package can be styled to be more rustic, classic or luxury—whatever is most you.

You can still have a private reception.

Most all-inclusive resorts don’t offer private receptions. Weddings by Palladium does.

They call it a “Beach Bash.” What they’ll do is set up a private space on the beach for your welcome reception, rehearsal dinner or your actual wedding night—or for whatever, whenever—for up to 50 people for one cost (you can have more than 50 people at an added cost).

You also get a DJ for four hours, so your dance party is private, too. And, if you want to have a private reception somewhere other than the beach, that can be arranged also.

You are the star.

This property does not hold two weddings at the same time. Throughout the entire property—TRS and Palladium—there are a maximum of three weddings per day: One at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Tie the knot on a cliff, in a chapel or in a garden.

Hear the words ‘destination wedding’ and you may assume toes in the sand. True, most couples who head south do choose to make the most of the ocean as backdrop. But you can also say your vows in a Catholic church, Nuestra Senora de las Nieves, which can hold up to 100 people.

There’s also a garden gazebo should you prefer. Or, even a platform in a cenote for a really intimate affair in a truly unforgettable setting.

You can do a wedding-day preview.

They call it the ‘My Wedding Day Preview’ and you and your fiancée can come down for a two-night stay, do a site inspection and meet with the wedding team. The package costs $500—but if you go ahead and book your big day with Palladium, that $500 becomes a credit toward the total purchase. In other words, it’s a free trip to TRS before the real deal.

They know you want to post your romance on Instagram.

Whether it’s the proposal dinner or a dinner during your honeymoon, TRS offers packages that combine a makeup session and photoshoot, along with a twilight photoshoot so you and yours can have dreamy photos to celebrate the moment—whether that moment is the proposal, honeymoon or just another fabulous Tuesday night in Mexico.

The post 10 Reasons to Get Married at the TRS Yucatan Hotel appeared first on Islands.

For every type of traveler, there’s a resort somewhere in the world ready to cater to your needs. Now more than ever, this is true for Marriott International, which has welcomed a variety of properties into its portfolio since merging with Starwood.

In fact, Marriott International now offers accommodations (more than 7,000) in beloved destinations all over the world for so many types of travelers, and you might not even be aware of them, especially how booking through Marriott International and joining the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program can make your vacations-of-a-lifetime even better, before you even embark.

Here is just a sampling of travelers who can benefit from Marriott Bonvoy and the convenience (and savings) offered by booking directly through Marriott International.

Beach Bums

You’re a simple leisure traveler and you only need one thing to be happy: A beautiful beach. Maybe you’re looking for a combination of relaxation and adventure on the water, so take a water taxi to the private island at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, where you can also mingle with Aruba’s biggest stars—the pink flamingos.

If you’d like to squeeze in a round of golf between naps in a cabana, the Royal at Atlantis has clubs and shoes ready for your tee time. If all you care about is a great meal following a day spent snoozing on the sand, then the new AC Hotel Kingston’s AC Lounge will provide delicious tapas and creative cocktails.

Solo Adventurer

You’re a brave, bold, adventurous traveler and ready to take on the world—in some cases, literally. Dipping your toes in the ocean offers you no thrills, so your heart is set on visiting captivating jungles or riding the waves of the world’s most popular surf locations, all while catching selfies that’ll make your friends and family incredibly jealous. Costa Rica’s Santa Rosa National Park and Miravalles Volcano are a stone’s throw from El Mangroove, an Autograph Collection property, while Le Méridien Bangkok drops you in the heart of Thailand, where tall-ship tours will show you islands you’ve only dreamed of.

Or surround yourself with the awesomeness of Oahu by grabbing a room at the Ko Olina Beach Club, where guests are just a few miles from epic hiking and biking trails, as well as world-class surfing.

Families with Various Tastes

We know how hard it is to plan a family vacation, especially with children of varying ages, because everyone expects something different. From Florida’s Captiva Island to California’s Coronado Island Resort & Spa, Marriott International offers more than 800 family-friendly travel hotels and resorts with enough amenities to please everyone, from your energized toddler, to parents who would love just an hour to themselves for a quick spa retreat, a round of golf, or just pure, blissful silence.

Bucket-Listers

You’ve spent years, maybe even decades, staring at the same photos of overwater bungalows until you just couldn’t take it anymore. Your lone travel dream has always been to visit Fiji and spend your nights in a lagoon villa, or maybe you’re fine with a beachfront bure. Whatever the accommodation, there’s a property in Fiji that will fit your needs and budget. For bungalows, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay can fulfill your dream.

Bringing the entire family? Sheraton Denarau Villas has more spacious accommodations. Look out over the beach from your own private patio at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, or kick up the romance by choosing a spa hotel like an adults-only spa studio suite at the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa.

Newlyweds and Hopeless Romantics

A perfect honeymoon is all about the little things that couples hotels offer that make us forget everyone else in the world. A classic Hawaiian honeymoon awaits in a romantic villa at Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u, or head right from your reception to a week of pampering in Palm Springs, where Triada Palm Springs is set against the San Jacinto Mountains and offers a variety of massage services at Studio M. Your dog is even welcome at the pet-friendly Triada Palm Springs, an Autograph Collection, just in case little Fluffers McScrunchyface was your ring bearer.

Better yet, choose a romantic vacation getaway to a destination you’ve never imagined, such as Mauritius, where the Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa mixes modern elegance and serenity with spectacular accents derived from local elements, all while directing your attention to the stunning body of water from which the resort takes its name. Or, for absolute seclusion, target Thailand’s Nai Yang Beach and check in to the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, where the lagoon pool offers a front-row seat to the sunset of a lifetime. Your lifetime, together.

Marriot Bonvoy offers you an extraordinary portfolio of 30 brands, endless experiences and world-class rewards. To book your next adventure or to learn more, visit marriott.com.

The post Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Rewards Program Reaches Farther than Ever appeared first on Islands.

While not located on an island, Santa Fe is still a perfect destination for romance, especially when it comes to those legendary New Mexico sunsets. And while the city might not be at the top of your list of perfect backdrops for a marriage proposal and romantic engagement celebration, the four-diamond La Fonda on the Plaza wants New Mexico’s old world charm and two of the fanciest margaritas you’ve ever seen to change your mind.

The hotel’s new $2,000 “Blingarita” proposal package offers couples one night in the Sunset Suite, which is highlighted by a wraparound balcony that offers views of the Plaza, as well as — you guessed it — the incredible sunsets. But the key to this engagement concept is a private reserved area under La Fonda’s bell tower, where lovebirds will watch the sun set while sipping on two top-shelf, ultra-premium margaritas made with Don Julio 1942 tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and Grand Marnier, served in glasses made by Southwestern designer Jan Barboglio. Oh, and they are topped off with a 24-karat gold flake rim.

With the engagement ring discreetly provided to hotel management upon arrival, it will then be safely secured to one of the margarita glasses to complete this unique surprise. Or, if the plan comes together as a spur-of-the-moment proposal, the hotel concierge can also assist with choosing other locations (the Bell Tower Bar is only open April through October) or even sourcing an engagement ring locally.

The only hotel in the historic Santa Fe Plaza, La Fonda on the Plaza boasts 180 rooms and suites, including 15 luxury suites that are built around a rooftop terrace offering unobstructed views of Santa Fe, the Plaza and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. For guests not ordering Blingaritas for that moment of a lifetime, the Bell Tower Bar also offers the Mana Margarita and Ethel’s Blue Margarita.

The most devoted margarita enthusiasts can also find love on Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail, which lets guests sample 45 of “Santa Fe’s finest margaritas,” which were all custom crafted just for this tour.

The post This Engagement Package Includes Some of the Most Lavish Margaritas in the World appeared first on Islands.

Want to know where in the world is hot, hot, hot for destination weddings this year? Choose one of these 10 swoon-worthy wedding locations, pack your bags and get ready to say, “I do.”

Cayman Islands

With its miles (almost seven, to be exact) of coral-sand beach, Grand Cayman enticed Empire co-stars Grace Gealey (who was raised on the island) and Trai Byers to marry there in April. Befitting Hollywood is Seven South, the new penthouse suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, which at 19,000 square feet (with its own elevator, assistant and cabana) may just be the largest and most luxe hotel suite in the Caribbean. For something more boutique-y, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa opened in November, with 266 design-centric guest rooms along a 500-foot stretch of Seven Mile Beach. Its ballroom serves up to 500 island-goers, but the best idea may be a ceviche bar right on the sand. Need some local inspiration? Cayman wedding planner JoAnne Brown of Celebrations showcases the best of the Cayman Islands in her book, Caribbean Wedding Style, from Pedro St. James Castle to Seven Mile Beach. Pop down for a go-see: Travel is easier than ever thanks to recent renovations at both international airports.

St. Lucia

Locally made chocolate and rum plus grand views of the Pitons equal all you really need for wedding success. Jumping on the spa-wedding trend, Capella Marigot Bay introduced serene ceremonies in its celestial little garden sanctuary of Auriga Spa. To add to its sweet white sand, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, has a new beach at the southern end of the property prime for a vow exchange, plus seven new luxury villas to kick off the honeymoon. To offer days of dining options to wedding guests, Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort recently opened three new restaurants, from Asian to Caribbean. On the Northwest coast, the couples-only, all-inclusive Rendezvous, fresh off a $12.5-million renovation and in July, introduced “Stolen Time” to ease the transition off the grid.

Tahiti

Tahiti synonymous with romance itself, but 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the invention of the overwater bungalow, invented in this South Pacific haven. The first new luxury resort on the island in nearly 10 years, Conrad Bora Bora Nui debuts in March 2017 and ups the overwater bungalow ante with the only two-story designs in the destination. To ease wedding preparations, Tahiti In Style villa and property rental now offers a concierge service to help organize a ceremony in private locations like Motu island or Villa Miki Miki on Moorea. If you’re more the private yacht type, Island Escape Cruises is returning to Tahiti in 2017 with all-inclusive experiences to exchange vows on board.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

A-listers like Heidi Klum, Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo poured down to Playa del Carmen last March for the wedding of country singer Jason Aldean and former American Idol contestant Brittany Kerr at Mahekal Beach Resort, whose $16-million update included the new beachfront Celebre wedding space and open canopied garden chapel. Nearby, groups that want to feel of a buyout will dig Thompson Playa Del Carmen‘s new bohemian-inspired, oceanfront Beach House with 27 guest rooms and suites, its own pool, private cabanas and an oceanfront restaurant. To continue the VIP vibes, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya partnered with celebrity wedding designer Colin Cowie for three customized wedding experiences — Cowie himself handpicks the details. Stay tuned for the adults-only, all-inclusive UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya, scheduled to open early this year.

Hawaii

Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer were among the first guests at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, a 642-acre that opened in May 2016 on the island’s west coast 17 miles from Honolulu. Couples looking to make a grand wedding entrance can take advantage of the hotel’s baller fleet including a helicopter, yacht and luxury cars. Closer to the action of Waikiki, the Surfjack Hotel opened in May with a dose vintage 1960s Hawaii, down to its painted murals and birds of paradise wallpaper by local artists that are just begging for an Instagrammable wedding photo session. On Maui, do as The Bachelorette‘s Desiree Hartsock Siegfried and husband Chris Siegfried did for their one-year wedding anniversary in February, and celebrate with an intimate canopy dinner on the beachfront lawn at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas.

Turks and Caicos

It’s where stars go to celebrate: Last summer both Kylie Jenner (who rented a $50 million villa on Airbnb) and Emily Ratajkowski (who stayed at the luxe Amanyara Resort) held their birthday festivities on the islands. The next glitterati hotspot may be The Shore Club, the only development on Providenciales’ Long Bay Beach with 106 ocean view suites and six luxury villas on a nine-acre stretch. On popular, pristine Grace Bay Beach, Grace Bay Club‘s tropical-chic redesign led by interior designer Thom Filicia includes redesigned lobby and guest rooms, the new Infiniti Restaurant and Raw Bar and The Residences, a trio of freestanding, beachfront villas.

Antigua

It’s been said that there are 365 beaches on Antigua, one for each day of the year (we wonder which stretch of sand Oprah, who has a house on the island, tends to frequent). Antigua remains slightly under the radar, even though it’s one of the closer Caribbean islands — and major upgrades to the airport in 2015 now ease any travel hassles (though it’s worth it for a bite of sweet Antigua Black pineapples). Here, builders are abuzz: This spring will see the opening of Royalton Luxury Resort, a 500-room all-inclusive resort on the famed white sands of Deep Bay. The private island resort Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, continually upgrades itself, now with the Together package filled with romantic excursions perfect for a post-wedding minimoon.

Florida Keys

Hemingway mystique meets laid-back Jimmy Buffet — such is life on the string of islands dangling off the southern tip of the U.S. And private jet is the best new way for VIP wedding guests to travel: Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, now offers direct seaplane air service with Key West Seaplanes from Florida airports to the property’s private beach pier. Farther north on Key Largo, Playa Largo Resort & Spa debuted in the summer with signature Sunshine State coral reefs and sea glass, plus 144 rooms and suites, 10 secluded bungalows and a standalone luxury guest house — saunter down its tree-lined path to a private beach to say I do.

Fiji

Firewalkers, diving with sharks, jungle hikes — Fiji is for couples in search of drama. The country is coming back strong after 2016’s Tropical Cyclone Winston, the most severe on record, and is returning to its roots as a romance mecca. The quintessential Fijian Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort on Savusavu Bay reopened in September with 25 newly thatched houses known as bures. For total seclusion, guests are ferried via seaplane to the remote Kokomo Island, a new collection of 21 bures and five villas on uninhabited Yaukuve Island.

New Orleans

Could the Big Easy be the next hipster hotspot? The opening of the trendy Ace Hotel, a nine-floor boutique property in an Art Deco former furniture store in the up-and-coming Warehouse District, seems to suggest it — though the style of its Barnett private dining room remains classic, charming old New Orleans. Also a mix of modern and Southern elegance, The Henry Howard Hotel opened with the signature crown molding and floor-to-ceiling windows that make a picturesque Garden District wedding background. In the historic French Quarter, completed renovations at Chateau LeMoyne (named for the city’s founder Jean Baptiste LeMoyne) offer added romance to a suite with a balcony overlooking the action. For those who’d rather sail than dance through the streets, the Carnival Triumph is the latest addition to The Port of New Orleans, with 4- and 5-day cruises to wed at sea (or sail off right after I do).

The post Best Wedding Locations of 2017 appeared first on Islands.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is so romantic that The Bachelor has filmed here twice. Just as 2015 came to a close, The BodyHoliday added ITAL, an eight-seat organic experience in a garden, plus new treatments to the spa menu and fresh turquoise-and-driftwood guest-room decor. Twenty minutes away, Malabar Beach Club, a new locavore eatery at the 100-room Rendezvous, debuted in 2015. Other upgrades: a new swim-up bar, a refreshed main pool and renovated suites. Flying to this lush, volcanic isle from Chicago is a breeze on United‘s new nonstop route, introduced in December 2015.

Dominican Republic

The Caribbean’s most-visited island is capitalizing on its popularity. After a $40 million face-lift in summer 2015, the artsy Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino is sleeker than ever for small weddings; the hotel’s transformation is part of Renaissance Hotels’ new global Wanderlust design initiative. New digs arrived in Cap Cana in 2015 as well: AlSol Tiara Cap Cana treats guests to a swim-up bar and lessons in Spanish and cooking. Eden Roc at Cap Cana is undergoing a multimillion-dollar reno in 2016, including 52 new beachfront suites, a new infinity pool, a new restaurant and a spa expansion. Aman Resorts revealed Amanera along the North Coast in November 2015 — gaze at the ocean from your posh casita above a 60-foot cliff. Coming to Punta Cana in 2016, the 500-suite Excellence El Carmen will cater to foodies with 12 restaurants and 16 watering holes. Plus, getting to Punta Cana is easier than ever, thanks to three new American Airlines routes (from Dallas, Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina).

St. Kitts

St. Where? Flying under the radar (for now), St. Kitts, pop. 45K, sits just east of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The island’s first-ever five-star resort, the 125-room Park Hyatt St. Kitts, debuts in 2016 on Banana Bay. Share your first newlywed kiss overlooking The Narrows, a strait dividing St. Kitts and its neighboring island, Nevis. Or go off the grid at the 400-acre Belle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill, opened December 2014. The “farm” in the name is for real: The property grows fruit that’s delivered to each villa, guesthouse and farmhouse daily. Host a reception feast for 20 in a field.

Jamaica

The birthplace of the all-inclusive is still a leader in the field: Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts will bring its signature Zen to Montego Bay in December 2016. Book your wedding one year in advance, and a cocktail party for up to 50 is included at no cost. Other all-inclusives that launched in 2015: the 700-plus-room Moon Palace Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios (offering six themed wedding collections) and the 287-room Melia Braco Village, with two wedding gazebos. In December 2015, Couples Resorts’ founders introduced six new villas, designed with families in mind, at Idle Awhile on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach.

Los Cabos, Mexico

After Hurricane Odile slammed Los Cabos in 2014, area resorts paused for a refresh and emerged sexier than ever. That includes the new Champagne Terrace at The Resort at Pedregal, introduced at the start of 2015. Feeling more Manhattan than Mexico, 161-room The Cape, A Thompson Hotel arrived in June 2015; host your wedding in its two-story Surfer Villa. Set to debut later in 2016, the 77-room Cachet Beach hotel (soon to be Cachet Corazon) on Medano Beach is already lining up rooftop nuptials.

Aruba

Twilight actress Nikki Reed and hubby Ian Somerhalder of The Vampire Diaries sunk their teeth into Aruba on Valentine’s Day 2015. What’s new: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino celebrated its 25th anniversary by redecorating all 357 rooms in 2015. Palm Beach newcomer Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino arrived summer 2015 with 24,000 square feet of outdoor event space; commence your torch-lit reception with seafood chowder. Host the rehearsal dinner at BLT Steak, serving up prime cuts at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba since August 2015. Flight alert: As of 2015, Southwest services Aruba.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale generated media attention in 2015 when it celebrated marriage equality by hosting the country’s largest mass same-sex wedding. And JetBlue‘s new routes from Baltimore and Philadelphia, launched in November 2015, make the area even more accessible. Big-city grandeur meets a casual beachfront vibe at the 290-room, 24-story Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, opening summer 2016 — swap I do’s on the oceanfront terrace, and spend your wedding night in a yacht-inspired guest room with a marble soaking tub, all designed by Michael Graves. Or party with up to 350 besties on the 11th-floor License to Chill pool deck of the 349-room Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, which entered the scene in nearby Hollywood in September 2015. Premiering mid-2016, the 487-room B Ocean Resort will have five venues (yes, the beach is one).

Florida Keys

The birthplace of the Rum Runner naturally specializes in laid-back luxury, including Key Largo’s Playa Largo Resort & Spa, premiering spring 2016. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the resort encourages marrying couples to plant a coral reef as a memento. Or anchor your love by the historic lighthouse at Marathon’s Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, launched December 2014. That same month, 96-room The Marker Waterfront Resort opened off Key West’s Duval Street; serve some Key West pink shrimp at your reception. Another new Key West property — The Saint Hotel, which debuted March 2015 in Old Town — lures guests with its 36 bright blue-and-white rooms. Renovations also breathed new life into two Islamorada resorts in 2015: The 63-room Pelican Cove, with three beach sites for I do’s; and Amara Cay Resort, where Sparrows Tiki Deck (seats 20) channels the tropics.

Costa Rica

This pura vida jungle country boasted 99 percent renewable energy in 2015. Two new properties premiered at the close of 2015: In the surf town of Nosara, the 17-suite Olas Verdes is primed for a buyout. And on Papagayo Bay, the 202 suites at adults-only Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica are mere steps from volcanic sand. In Guanacaste, the town of Las Catalinas unveiled a Beach Club in December 2015; two hotels and a chapel will be added by the end of 2016.

Belize

Caribbean Sea meets jungle in this tiny English-speaking nation. The largest development ever to hit Ambergris Caye, the 60-acre Mahogany Bay Village will introduce a hotel (195 cottages and suites), a beach club, a spa, retail and dining in 2016. In 2015, Las Terrazas Resort & Residences began hosting sandbar receptions — lounge furniture included. Premiering 2016 on the Placencia peninsula, Itz’ana Resort & Residences will entertain private groups in the Rum Room, captained by a rummelier. Bonus: Southwest‘s new daily flights to Belize City via Houston make travel to Belize a breeze.

Oahu, Hawaii

The Obamas have spent Christmas on Oahu for the last eight years — and if it’s good enough for the first family, then it’s good enough for us. Hold a beachfront ceremony at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, built in 1927 and used as a film location in season 6 of Mad Men. The famed Pink Palace introduced the reimagined, 17-story Mailani Tower in spring 2015; receive concierge-level service, gratis mai tais and a nightly spread of snacks. Also in 2015, two new rooftop experiences landed in Waikiki: Sky Waikiki is a 7,000-square-foot nightclub and lounge with a fire pit; and Tommy Bahama Restaurant Bar & Store flaunts a sand patio area, vintage surfboards and a 55-foot-wide living wall of native tropical plants. On the “sunset coast,” the 358-room Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is on track to open in June 2016.

Puerto Rico

Celebs from Johnny Depp to JLo have sought R & R on the Isle of Enchantment, and development is booming. Book a ceremony at Doubletree by Hilton San Juan‘s new beach club, premiered in May 2015, and private golf carts will whisk guests to your I do’s. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa added new family-friendly suites (sleeping six people each) in early 2016, and a director of romance has joined the staff. The 319-room Condado Vanderbilt, whose extensive reno wrapped year-end 2014, flaunts Puerto Rico’s first (and only) hammam; use the Bon Voyage brunch as a proper send-off. Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort‘s fresh look, unveiled in 2015, extends to the ballroom and Adirondack chairs on the beach. Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa‘s 2015 revamp introduced a new pool deck and updated villas on 20 tropical waterfront acres in Guanica.

Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico

More than 100 new hotels have surfaced in the Riviera Maya in the last 15 years, and the trend isn’t slowing down. At the all-inclusive Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, opened early 2015, wedding packages include late checkout and breakfast in bed, plus fun reception add-ons like late-night grilled cheese sandwiches. The Pyramid at Grand Oasis — a hotel-within-a-hotel concept unveiled in April 2015 — grants access to Cancun’s largest pool, a spa and a cigar bar. Two resorts also launched in 2015 near Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue: the 92-room Thompson Playa del Carmen (stage your wedding on the rooftop, on a private beach or in the boho Beach House); and the 314-room Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort (stay for the honeymoon package, with a candlelit dinner). In November 2015, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, a 434-suite all-inclusive, premiered in the fishing village of Akumal. And at Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ adults-only El Dorado Seaside Suites, revealed December 2015, each of the 192 rooms has its own pool or swim-up access.

Turks and Caicos Islands

With Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello posting up at COMO Parrot Cay resort for their 2015 honeymoon, TCI is more tantalizing than ever. Send your guests on JetBlue‘s new daily direct service from Fort Lauderdale, launched in November 2015. The Residences, a new collection of five-bedroom beach villas, joined Grace Bay Resorts in July 2015; tie the knot under the glow of tiki torches.

Italy

Since George and Amal’s media-blitz Venice bash in 2014, Italy’s romantic heat has grown into a five-alarm fire. Marry at the 137-room Sheraton Lake Como, not far from Casa Clooney; open since March 2015, the hotel hosts welcome drinks by the sun-splashed pool. Spring 2015 welcomed the 266-room JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa on the private island of Isola delle Rose. Nearby, San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice will premiere in March 2016; on its 17-acre grounds are gardens and a 12th-century church. Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa‘s $16 million 2015 reno updated its 180 rooms, lobby and restaurants; event spaces include a ballroom, terraces, piazzas and gardens. Debuting December 2016, a 120-room, five-star hotel at Toscana Resort Castelfalfi will be tucked into an 800-year-old medieval village.

Napa, California

Blend it like David Beckham — the sexy former footballer owns a vineyard in this tony wine region — and exchange vineyard vows. Celebrity chef Charlie Palmer took over St. Helena’s Harvest Inn in 2014, rebranding it to Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer (shown) and introducing Harvest Table; a revamp of the 78 rooms is slotted for 2016. Get married in the Wedding Garden at The Carneros Inn (spruced up spring 2016 to the tune of a cool $1 mil), and greet guests with award-winning local pinot in the Hilltop Dining Room, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.

The post Best Wedding Locations of 2016 appeared first on Islands.

Not only is it big on adventure, but as the home of some of Hawaii’s most indulgent resorts it’s also big on luxury. Better still, if your budget’s more limited, you can find sexy seclusion, too. Check out our 10 picks for the most romantic hotels on the Big Island.

Holualoa Inn

The aroma of freshly brewed Kona coffee isn’t the only thing that will set your hearts racing at the Holualoa Inn, a six-room bed & breakfast set on a 30-acre estate on the slopes Mt. Hualalai near Kona. At an elevation of 1,400 feet, the inn is surrounded by 4,100 coffee trees and tropical fruit trees and its mosaic-tiled pool and hot tub offer panoramic views of the rugged Kona coastline.

Its interiors feature original eucalyptus floors and décor that embraces the spirit of Old Hawaii. In the four rooms and two suites, couples are surrounded by local artwork, beautiful Hawaiian textiles and delicate orchids. A highlight each morning is breakfast, which features farm-to-table fruits and vegetables and estate-brewed coffee.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

A great spot to start married life together—or celebrate a special anniversary—is a property that has stood the test of time: The Big Island’s first resort, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The 252-room hotel, which dates to 1965 and was developed by conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller, is located on Kauna’oa Bay and can rightfully boast about having one of the finest crescent beaches on the Kohala Coast. Mauna Kea is now part of the Autograph Collection, and recent renovations to its 252 spacious rooms and suites (many of which have stellar ocean views) have created a sleeker, more contemporary ambience.

The resort also houses Rockefeller’s art collection, comprised of hundreds of museum-caliber pieces, and offers challenging fairways and greens on its Mauna Kea Golf Course (also the island’s first). Other activities include tennis, watersports, snorkeling, yoga and even bocce ball. Couples can indulge in romantic private dining in tiki-torch-lit locales around the resort or get in the Hawaiian spirit during the on-property luau. Additional restaurants include Manta for Pacific Rim cuisine and the Copper Bar for creative tapas, locally sourced entrees and craft cocktails.

The Fairmont Orchid

This is the place to connect with nature and allow stress to float off into the gentle Hawaiian breeze at the Spa Without Walls, where an al fresco (but totally private) couple’s massage with ingredients sourced on island is the romantic antidote for the harried pace of everyday life. Named for the one of Hawaii’s most beautiful botanicals and known for its elegant 32-acre grounds studded with black lava, The Fairmont Orchid also has plenty of appealing places to soak up the Kohala Coast sunshine: a serene stretch of sandy beach, a calm lagoon and a 10,000-square-foot oceanfront swimming pool.

Active couples can golf, play tennis, snorkel, or try outrigger canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding, while native Hawaiian specialties and seafood are specialties in the resort’s nine restaurants, from flavorful Hawaiian Regional Cuisine at award-winning Brown’s Beach House to the new modern Japanese menu at Binchotan Bar and Grill.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

From the pathways that meander its lushly planted grounds and lead to a half mile of white-sand beach to the expansive spa with its Hawaii-centric apothecary, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was designed with romance in mind. Yes, this 243-room Kona Coast resort also appeals to families, but there’s an adults-only pool (one of seven) and the Oceanview Rooms are a generous 635-square feet (those on the lower level have a private outdoor shower).

The salt-water King’s Pond is a relaxing spot to snorkel alongside thousands of tropical fish and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) frequent the resort’s warm waters and serene beach. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualalai Golf Course offers a scenic one-on-one challenge to golf-loving couples, while the resort’s restaurants range from the barefoot casual vibe of Beach Tree to regional, seasonal, artisanal dining at ‘Ulu Ocean Grill. A favorite spot is the Beach Tree Bar and Lounge at sunset—it’s perfect for a couple’s selfie snapped during the magical twilight hour.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

This luxury property, re-opening in late 2019 after a $100 million refurbishment by its new owners, Auberge Resorts, ticks all the boxes for romance. One of the Big Island’s iconic properties (it opened in 1983), the new Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection — set on 30 acres of the sunny Kohala Coast and featuring three miles of coastline with two stellar white-sand beaches — will offer 333 guestrooms, 38 luxury suites and five villas with 5,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor space and private pools. Interiors will be neutral and natural, featuring rich hardwoods and gorgeously patterned stone.

The property’s signature CanoeHouse restaurant, with its open-air setting and sublime sunset views, will remain, although with updated décor and menus. Three pools (one adults only), an Auberge Spa, tennis courts, the Mauna Lani Golf Club (with 36 holes on two courses) and historic royal fish ponds will make this one of the island’s most coveted romantic escapes.

Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

If your idea of romance is wading from soft sand into warm surf or sleeping in atop a bed so comfortable it’s called Heavenly, it’s hard to top the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. Not only is Hapuna Beach itself postcard perfect, but the serene setting of the Kohala Coast is ideal for couples looking to relax, recharge or reconnect. The 249 rooms and 17 suites have been recently renovated and feature contemporary décor and partial or full ocean views.

The property (formerly the Hapuna Prince and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2019) also features the Arnold Palmer-designed Hapuna Golf Course, two pools (one an adults-only infinity pool and the other a 6,800-square-foot freeform pool designed for families), four restaurants featuring Mediterranean and Hawaii-inspired cuisine, and a Mandara Spa.

Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

The Big Island’s lush side—centered along the windward coast near Hilo—offers a dramatically different perspective of the natural forces that have shaped the island. The power and grace of fresh water is on full display at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, which is built on a cliff overlooking Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall. Architecture is the inn’s four buildings is Asian-inspired and the vibe is rustic-sustainable (power is generated hydroelectrically—with one caveat: there’s no air conditioning).

While not luxury-level, a stay here allows adventure-seeking, eco-loving couples to fall asleep to the sound of cascading water (and several rooms in the Harmony House as well as the Pagoda Guest House offer direct waterfall views) while challenging themselves to activities such as waterfall rappelling, lava tube exploration and riding Icelandic horses.

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay

Sometimes romance needs to stick to a budget. Couples who can’t splurge but want to enjoy the sights of the Big Island will find great value at this 508-room resort perched on the black-lava cliffs of Keauhou Bay. Yes, it does attract families (especially over school breaks and summer) and the most romantic things about it are its charming wedding chapel, lush green lawns and stellar views of clear aqua water where giant manta rays can be spotted gliding and feeding, but the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay makes an affordable base for couples looking to mix romance and adventure.

Enjoy the many watersports (diving, stand-up paddle boarding and more) and bars and dining in lively Kailua-Kona as well as the sights along the coast (including Kealakekua Bay, known for its great snorkeling) on the way to Volcanoes National Park. And sharing small plate specialties from the tasty Asian-fusion menu at Rays on the Bay—where dining is often accompanied by manta ray sightings—will provide lasting only-on-the-Big-Island memories.

Mahana House Country Inn

With just four rooms, each offering a private lanai with an ocean view, the serene Mahana House Country Inn near Hilo offers a low-key escape for couples looking to experience the Big Island beyond the crowds and buffet lines of its large resorts. In fact, the inn is located on a 12-acre fruit farm and guests can enjoy freshly picked bananas, avocados, lychee and passion fruit in season.

The rooms benefit from ample tradewinds (there are ceiling fans but no air conditioning) and feature a king-sized bed, modern bathroom with walk-in shower and a kitchen area (there’s a pantry in the inn’s great room that’s stocked with fresh fruit, eggs and more), but no daily housekeeping. The property also offers easy access to the area’s many waterfalls (including nearby Akaka Falls) and to top sights such as Mauna Kea, Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Town.

Lava Lava Beach Club

For a cottage-on-the-beach experience—with delicious dining and lively ambience right next door—consider a stay at Lava Lava Beach Club. Located on 10 acres on Anaeho’omalu Bay near Waikoloa, the four cottages are 576 square feet and feature vibrant contemporary Hawaiian décor, offering the feeling of residential Big Island living with convenient access to dining and entertainment (note: there is live music nightly until 10pm at the restaurant, which accommodates several hundred people, and the entire property is non-smoking).

Hale Wa’a cottage is furthest from the restaurant and most private, but also the most requested so book well in advance. Lava Lava Beach Club makes a great base for independent-minded couples looking to learn stand-up paddle boarding, dine and enjoy the spas or golf courses of nearby Waikoloa resorts, or explore the rolling landscape of Waimea.

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