When it opened in December 2017, Sandals Royal Barbados became the gold standard for the beloved all-inclusive brand, with an emphasis on sophistication while still providing all the fun and excitement guests expect. Five years later, very little has changed in terms of the excellence guests have come to expect, and while Sandals has opened the doors on other thrilling properties, this one still delivers the best of its special Caribbean home.

Located on Barbados’ southern coast, the resort boasts 338 showstopper suites, as well as 10 restaurants, a 15,000-sq. ft. spa, 34 pools (yes, 34!) and one stunning white-sand beach. It also remains a Sandals trendsetter, as it was the first to debut amenities a spectacular rooftop pool and even more restaurant concepts that leave guests fulfilled and eager to return.

Here are nine things we love about this all-inclusive resort experience in Barbados.

Butler Service

Why not hand over the work of organizing your holiday to a pro? Personalized butler service is included in top-level suites and takes the pampering to the next level. Your butler is on-call 24/7 to make your vacay dreams come true: from drawing a candlelit bath to unpacking your luggage to fetching homemade cookies. Lounging by the pool and forgot your book? Call the butler using the cell phone provided by the resort. Need to make dinner reservations? Pick up the phone. It’s a luxury service that makes you feel like a celeb and lets you totally unwind.

Skypool Butler Suites

The property offers many fabulous room options: from private villas with plunge pools to oceanfront Millionaire Butler one-bedroom suites to seaside swim-up suites. But for the ultimate indulgence, book a beachfront Skypool Butler Suite. Each opulent room boasts a plush king-sized bed, a living room with a dining table, a spa-like bathroom, a butler pantry, and an infinity pool on the terrace. As if that wasn’t luxurious enough, guests also enjoy personal butler service, 24-hour room service, and VIP check-in.

The best part? Revel in ocean views from the deep soaker bathtub, day bed or infinity pool on the terrace. Sip on champagne while soaking in the pool and listening to crashing waves—it doesn’t get much more romantic than that.

Sandals’ First Rooftop Pool

Hidden away on the rooftop of the Skygazer Building is a spectacular pool with a panoramic view of the beach and surf. It’s the first rooftop pool for Sandals Resorts, and one of 34 pools located on the property. Get some rays from one of the sun loungers, take a refreshing dip, and grab a snapshot that’ll make your friends back home green with envy.

There’s also a French bistro and bar, perfect for a enjoying a glass of champagne at sunset or stargazing at night.

The Beachfront Location

The property fronts Maxwell Beach, a stunning stretch of powdery white sand leading to water so translucent you can see your toes. There’s an ample supply of canopies and beach loungers, which are complimentary on a first-come-first-served basis. However, if you have a butler, he or she will happily set up chairs and an umbrella in advance, as well as serve a gourmet lunch and a cooler full of your favorite drinks on the beach.

To spark a little l’amour, ask your butler or concierge to arrange a sunset dinner for two on the beach. Imagine dining by shimmering candlelight, while a white-gloved waiter serves a gourmet feast under the stars. It’s truly magical.

A Massive Glass-fronted Pool

Maxwell Beach is a certainly a showstopper, but the resort’s massive glass-fronted infinity pool overlooking the ocean is irresistible. Spanning 8,293 square feet and holding 220,000 gallons of water, it is possibly the largest glass-fronted pool in the Eastern Caribbean. Basking in the balmy air, it feels blissful floating in the refreshing waters with a rum punch in hand. Afterwards, get a group selfie standing by the pool’s glass front.

Something Even More Romantic

How could this resort be even better for couples on a honeymoon or special anniversary getaway? The addition of the South Seas Village, set against the beautiful beach. Simple touches like blackout shades and an in-room aromatherapy system guarantee a great night’s sleep for anyone, but creative signature elements like the Sandals Tranquility Blissful Bed—a king-size bed spoiling guests with fine linens and a pillow menu—and bath amenities by the Red Lane Spa make this a romantic haven within a haven.

And we’d be foolish to ignore the Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, which is a perfect setting for enjoying a few drinks from the full in-room bar.

Sandals’ First Four-Lane Bowling Alley

After a lazy day, strike out at Lover’s Lanes, Sandals’ first four-lane bowling alley for couples. ). In between games, snag a seat at the wraparound bar at Lover’s Lane Craft Beer Bar (another Sandals first) to sample up to 19 different ales from around the world.

Culinary Variety

Ten restaurants offer diverse menus and settings, ranging from on-the-beach casual to swanky white-gloved service. What makes a Sandals stay so great is guests almost never have the same meal twice—unless, of course, they want to. When this property opened, it welcomed two new names to the brand: The American Tavern and Chi Asian Fusion. And while those concepts instantly became crowd favorites, there’s always something newer on the horizon.

The most recent additions to the dining options are Heart and Sol and Greenhouse, with the former serving up healthy options from deli-style sandwiches to bowls, and the latter offering locally sourced ingredients in a rustic farm-to-table setting.

Access to a Second Resort

If you run out of places to dine, play, and swim at Royal Sandals Barbados, mosey over to the resort’s older all-inclusive sibling, Sandals Barbados. Sandals’ resort share program means you can use the other property’s amenities during your stay, gratis. No need to arrange transportation—a five-minute stroll leads you the resort, where you can enjoy 11 additional dining options and three more pools.

The post 9 Things We Love about Sandals Royal Barbados appeared first on Islands.

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.

The post 14 Romantic Resorts with Private Plunge Pools 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.

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.

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.

What’s the best way to score honeymoon deals? Should you book a honeymoon package or plan excursions on your own? Three world-renowned travel planners at Virtuoso answer your burning questions.

How early should couples book their honeymoon travel?

Book early — ideally, I recommend nine months out. Most hotels and suppliers have set their rates for the following year, and booking early allows you to take your time, make the right decisions and secure your first choice in airfare and accommodations. After all, your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime event. — Lisa Mazzillo of Power Travel

Should couples mention honeymoon when making reservations?

Always! This is a special occasion, and everyone should know. You might even get lucky and have someone extend you a little honeymoon VIP treatment; perks could include a bottle of champagne or a possible upgrade in room category. Most likely, you won’t need to bring your marriage license to receive honeymoon extras, but I always recommend bringing a copy of it just in case you have an emergency (e.g., name-change issues, medical emergencies, etc.) and need proof. — Kimberly Wilson Wetty of Valerie Wilson Travel

If the bride is changing her last name, what name should she use on her travel bookings?

The biggest issue is that your plane ticket and your ID must match. Realistically, the plane ticket should be issued in the maiden name since it takes time to file for a new passport, driver’s license, etc. But the hotel reservations can be made under “Mr. and Mrs.”; that way, you get to enjoy using your new name immediately. — Wilson Wetty

Should couples book their activities in advance or just work with their resort concierge onsite?

Book your must-do activities in advance so they don’t get filled up. Leave yourself some free time so you can not only relax and enjoy the resort but also add excursions you decide to do while in your locale. — Mazzillo

What are the pros and cons to using a travel agent?

It’s difficult for me to come up with cons to using a qualified travel advisor! That said, there are many travel agents who merely want to “turn the sale around” and get the travel booked. Choose a travel advisor who will spend time getting to know you and your travel style so they can suggest not only locations you might enjoy, but also activities, dining, special tours and sightseeing. Also, a travel advisor is often able to get money-saving amenities not offered to the general public — breakfast included, complimentary spa treatments, room upgrades and so forth. Travel advisors generally charge a fee for their services, but this is most times offset by the expertise, special amenities and pricing, and 24-hour support provided — key if you run into any travel snags. If you book through the Internet and have difficulty, who do you call? — Michael King of Great Getaways Travel

Is it worth it to buy travel insurance?

Absolutely! We always encourage our clients to take out travel insurance. It’s so much better to be protected so you aren’t disappointed or scrambling if your honeymoon plans have to change. The two companies we use most are Travelex and Access America. There are many policies that allow you to cancel for any reason, not just for medical reasons. These policies have higher premiums but also give you much greater flexibility. In today’s world, you just never know what might happen. — Wilson Wetty

Is it ever a good idea to book a small-group vacation package through a tour operator? Can you guarantee a compatible group and some alone time on these types of trips?

If honeymooners have special interests — archaeology, safaris, expedition cruising, adventure travel, etc. — then a small group might be perfect. Most of these tours build in time when a couple can be alone — time at leisure in a city, or even taking a private excursion away from the small group. There are some excellent small-tour operators that I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest. Just make sure you do your homework or your travel advisor researches carefully for group traveling, and let the tour operator know in advance that you’ll be on your honeymoon. — King

Where are the best places to get reliable, up-to-date info on travel deals and specials?

Check your travel agent’s website for the latest travel news. A travel-agency network like virtuoso.com is a great resource for exclusive travel offers as well. I often suggest my clients also check guidebook sites like Fodor’s and Frommer’s. Beware of websites that tout deals, as most of these promotions really are not deals. — King

What are some ways to stretch the honeymoon budget?

• Sign up for a honeymoon registry. You probably don’t need any more towels, pots or pans, especially if you’ve already been living together. You can use the registry gifts for excursions, dinners, massages or just cutting money off the bottom line.

• Consider staying in a condo property. This way, you can go to the supermarket and bring in snacks, drinks, breakfast or lunch foods rather than paying to eat out for every single meal.

• Opt for an all-inclusive. For couples on a budget, an all-inclusive resort works well. There are no hidden expenses; you know exactly how much the entire honeymoon will cost. — Mazzillo

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We’ve done the research to help you craft the best Thailand honeymoon for your romantic getaway. Go grab your passport — and don’t forget to bring along your sense of adventure. Here are our top four favorite experiences.

For Elephant Enthusiasts

Spend a day caring for rescued pachyderms at Elephant Nature Park outside Chiang Mai. Hand-feed and river-bathe them in a natural environment. Stay for an afternoon or spend the night, with transportation from the city included.

For Serenity Seekers

Ko Samui is the spot for spas. Try a four-hour package at Tamarind Springs, where you’ll detox in the herbal-steam cave and natural rock plunge pools. Or clear your schedule for the Niran Nirvana couples session at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui‘s Spa Cenvaree for custom treatments.

For Beach Bums

Live like Leo and stretch out on the sweet strands of Ko Phi Phi Lei, where The Beach was filmed. Arrange for a private ride to its sister island, Ko Phi Phi Don, with Phi Phi Island Speedboat Transfers. Overnight in the teakwood bungalows of Zeavola Resort, and wake up to an authentic Thai breakfast.

For Diving Devotees

Ko Tao is Thailand’s diving epicenter, and Ban’s Diving School is one of the largest certification outfits in the world. From basic instruction to open-water and rescue courses, divers of all levels are welcome. Stay at its hotel, Ban’s Diving Resort, to save time on travel to and from classes.

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Famed for its spellbinding scenery, it’s no wonder that Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a favorite honeymoon destination, as well as a retreat for VIPs and celebrities. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning coastal region is scattered with sleepy seaside towns, amazing beaches, superb restaurants, and luxurious cliff-top resorts overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. With the scenic highway winding along the coastline, driving the Amalfi Coast makes an unforgettable road trip and holiday destination — but there’s a lot more to do than just soak up the scenery on your Amalfi Coast honeymoon.

Amalfi Coast Honeymoon Hotels

Hotel Santa Caterina

Resting on the clifftop above the town of Amalfi, Hotel Santa Caterina is the perfect place for a love-in. From this white-stucco estate dating back to 1904, expect an opulent setting, superb service, and utterly enchanting scenery of the Mediterranean Sea and sky. What’s truly special are the two honeymoon villas designed for romance, each equipped with sunken whirlpool baths and sun-kissed terraces overlooking the Amalfi Coast. The hotel amenities aren’t too shabby either: two restaurants with panoramic sea views; an exclusive beach club with access to a heated saltwater pool and a private beach, plus a luxurious spa that uses Mediterranean herbs and citrus fruits in their treatments.

Monastero Santa Rosa

For heaven on earth, there’s Monastero Santa Rosa – a cliffside 17th-century monastery turned boutique hotel and spa in the village of Conca dei Marini. Each of the 20 rooms and suites are curated with Italian antiques and little luxuries: some have elegant living and dining rooms, while others have terraces shrouded by bougainvillea overlooking the Gulf of Salerno. Enjoy a couple’s massage outdoors in the private Treatment Garden, followed by a moonlight dip in the infinity pool hemming on a towering cliff that’s more than 600 feet above the sea. At breakfast, split a sfogliatella – a delicate pastry filled with ricotta and citrus fruit zest that was invented at this monastery centuries earlier.

Hotel Villa Franca

If you crave an intimate getaway in a showstopper setting, stay at the exclusive Hotel Villa Franca. One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this peaceful hilltop retreat is perched high above Positano and offers stunning vistas of the Amalfi Coast. Each of the 45 elegant rooms are adorned with majolica and Italian marble alongside modern art, and lead out onto a veranda with impressive views. Get Zen at O’Spa and then dine by candlelight at Ristorante Li Galli — the in-house restaurant that’s blessed with a Michelin-starred chef and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing “sky meets sea views.” But the best reason to check in? Enjoy a champagne toast from the incredible rooftop pool that yields unobstructed 360-degree views of Positano’s iconic cliffs and glittering Tyrrhenian Sea.

Things to Do on Your Amalfi Coast Honeymoon

Take a Road Trip in a Private Car

Getting to the Amalfi Coast is half the battle: expect insanely congested traffic on narrow streets, impossible road conditions, and parking situations that defy physics. One way to avoid this stress on your honeymoon is to arrange a private car service to schlepp you to and from the destination. Tours Around Naples will take you anywhere on the Amalfi Coast, offering completely customizable itineraries that include everything from visiting little seaside towns to secluded beaches to the best panoramic lookouts for romantic photoshoots. Bonus: take a side trip to the archaeological ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the legendary ancient Roman towns destroyed by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD.

Take a Sunset Cruise

Charter a private boat with Cassiopea Excursions and cruise along the Amalfi or Sorrento coastline with a glass of prosecco in hand. The pace is leisurely, stopping to swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, and to visit the beautiful Triton and African grottos. Lounging on the sun deck, admire the idyllic Li Galli islands off the coast of Positano: legend says these three rocky isles were inhabited by magical Sirens who lured ships with their melodious but mesmerizing voices. After a sunset dip, stop at one of the quaint little fishing villages for a drink or dinner.

Hike the Path of the Gods

The name says it all: towering high above the Amalfi Coast, this 30-mile hilltop path yields majestic vistas of beaches, valleys and seemingly endless sea. The scenic trail zigzags between hilltop villages, with multiple starting points between Nocella and Bomerano, and takes roughly five hours to complete. For the grandest views, your best bet is to walk westward from Praiano. Pack a gourmet picnic (complete with champagne, of course) and share a bite while absorbing the divine views. It’s no wonder that the Path of the Gods is considered one of the most spectacular treks in Europe.

Take a Cooking Class

If there’s one reason to honeymoon in the Amalfi Coast, it’s for the mouth-watering cuisine. From Neapolitan-style pizza to lemon pastries, there is a smorgasbord of flavors to explore – and what better way than by learning to cook like a local? In Positano, Ristorante Buca di Bacco offers culinary classes in southern Italian fare. Make fresh pastas and sauces together using local ingredients, and once the feast is ready, taste the dishes prepared with your own bare hands – naturally, with an oversized glass of local vino.

Romantic Amalfi Coast Restaurants

Lo Guarracino

From Positano beach, follow a hidden coastal path to Lo Guarrancio – a seaside restaurant that exudes romance with its secluded setting and superb Italian cuisine. Homemade lemon pasta and wood-fired oven pizza are top picks on the menu, but the seafood is so fresh it’s practically still swimming: ask about the catch of the day and the waiter emerges from the kitchen with a tray of fish for your choosing. Dining beneath coiling vines and surrounded by the echo of crashing waves, the dreamy setting and exquisite cuisine makes this place well-suited to long meals and conversation running late into the evening.

Sal de Riso

A highlight is popping into bakeries and pastry shops to sample countless sweet treats. For one of best, stop at the famed Sal de Riso — a seaside bakery in the town of Minori owned by legendary Italian pastry chef Salvatore De Riso. This little shop is small but mighty, turning out more than six hundred cakes a day and exporting all over Italy, and to France, Spain, Australia and Great Britain. Grab two forks and share Salvatore’s signature sweet, a Ricotta e Pere — a hazelnut sponge cake stuffed with creamy ricotta and pear cubes, best enjoyed with a scoop of homemade gelato.

Ristorante La Sponda

For mouth-watering Mediterranean, vie for a table at the Michelin-starred Ristorante La Sponda. Enjoy culinary creations by Chef Gennaro Russo, who incorporates unique local ingredients and traditions from Naples and the Amalfi Coast onto the menu. Best of all, in the evenings, the terrace is illuminated by 400 twinkling candles, setting the stage for romance.

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If you’re planning a honeymoon or romantic getaway you might be dreaming about spending it suspended above the warm blue Caribbean in a hammock for two on the deck of a sexy overwater bungalow in Jamaica.

In case you haven’t heard, Sandals Resorts offers Tahitian-style over-the-water accommodations at two properties in Jamaica — so your fantasy suite just got a whole lot closer to home if you live in the United States. And when the company decided to import some thatched-roof romance to the Caribbean, it did so with its signature all-inclusive ease. Sandals’ overwater bungalows in Jamaica all boast exclusive amenities that include private transfers, butler service and special dining menus with 24/7 room service.

But beyond the pampering that these love nests offer, it’s important to consider the resorts and locations themselves. So if you’re ready to splurge, here’s our guide to choosing the resort that’s right for you.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Bungalows: Five spacious Over-the-Water Villas opened in December 2016 and 12 Over-the-Water Bungalows debuted in March 2017. Enhancing the seclusion: All 17 butler-serviced units are built in a heart-shaped along a wooden walkway, and attached to Sandals Cay, the resort’s private island. Here, guests can enjoy a newly redesigned pool and pool bar, along with The Jerk Shack and Royal Thai restaurants, while the rest of the resort is a quick boat ride away.” But the amenities — especially in the villas, which have infinity-edge pools and floating water hammocks — and 24/7 room service mean you really don’t have to “go ashore.”

Resort: Centered around a Georgian-style Great House and set on 15 acres, the resort has 227 rooms, eight restaurants, five bars and seven pools, but retains an intimate ambiance. One caveat: its proximity to the airport means there’s jet noise throughout the day.

Location: Once off the plane, you’ll be here in minutes — and have easy access to sights and activities both nearby and in Ocho Rios. In addition, the “Stay at 1, Play at 3” option means you can enjoy the beaches, pools and amenities, as well as 12 additional restaurants, at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Inn.

Vibe: A British pub has fish ‘n chips on the menu and traditional afternoon tea is served daily at 4pm — but The Jerk Shack and several swim-up bars create a blend of old colonial charm and lively Jamaican fun.

Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse, Jamaica

Bungalows: The 12 Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows, opened in December 2017 and identical to those at Sandals Royal Caribbean, are located at the most secluded end of the beach (past the French Village). With their vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors (with glass viewing panels), contemporary decor and sun deck with private Tranquility Soaking Tub and hammock for two they’re a modern take on South Seas seduction.

Resort: For room to roam (2 miles of beach and 500 acres of land) and romantic bells and whistles (an overwater wedding chapel and an over-the-water bar) it’s hard to beat this property with its three villages (Italian, French and Dutch) set along the beach and most restaurants and bars located near the central Piazza. Tennis courts attract active (and at times slightly older) couples, while nine restaurants and seven bars, a Red Lane Spa and complimentary water sports (including diving) mean there’s plenty to do beyond lounging 24/7.

Location: Sandals South Coast isn’t in the center of the action — in fact, it’s far from it. At the airport in Montego Bay, you’ll hop a complimentary shuttle for a 1½-hour drive on mountain roads to Jamaica’s southern coast. You’ll see some of the island’s lush interior landscape, but almost all off-resort activities will need to be done via group excursions.

Vibe: For a 372-room all-inclusive resort, it’s surprisingly laid-back. The tranquil setting lends itself to relaxed romance with just the right amount of poolside fun.

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You’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime: lifelong marriage with the person of your dreams. Just as that adventure is getting started, preface it with one of these adventure honeymoons. It’s an opportunity to travel, see new cultures, try new foods, and collect life-lasting memories with the one and only person you’d enjoy doing this with.

Ready to add a different kind of thrill to your honeymoon? Try one of these five tropical retreats where you can top off a day of adventure with plenty of romance.

Aruba

The Resort: Set on a section of Eagle Beach so quiet that it’s dotted with sea-turtle nests, 104-room Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is an adults-only retreat that was awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice for the most romantic hotel in the Caribbean in 2017. First-floor rooms in the Tara Wing have direct beach access, or you can book a penthouse for sweeping views of the sea.

The Adventure: Nearly 20 percent of Aruba is a designated national park. Made for adventurous outings, at Arikok National Park, you can hike, explore caves and swim in natural pools, like Boca Keto. Up the adrenaline factor by taking an ATV tour on one of the most adventurous honeymoons.

The Romance: The resort’s romance concierge will plan a sunset dinner for two in one of four oceanfront dining palapas.

Nevis

The Resort: Mellow but sophisticated, Montpelier Plantation & Beach Resort is situated on a breezy bluff 750 feet above the sea. There are just 19 rooms scattered across the lush, 60-acre property, where days are spent sipping rum punch beside the serene pool or at the private beach club. Dinner is served by candlelight in a 300-year-old sugar mill.

The Adventure: You could choose to take the resort shuttle to the beach club for lunch, or you could let Nevis native Romel Gaskin lead you there on a bike tour of the island that includes stops at Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace, the local farmers market, a therapeutic hot springs and historic churches. If that’s not enough, schedule a private climb to the top of 3,332-foot-tall Nevis Peak.

The Romance: If you’re lucky, it will rain during your couples massage at Montpelier’s outdoor spa so you can drift off to the sound of the drops gently hitting the tented roof.

Fiji

The Resort: Located on a private island off the southwestern coast of Viti Levu in Fiji, the recently renovated Royal Davui Resort has just 16 vales (Fijian cottages). Set among high cliffs or on the beach, each thatched-roof villa has two private verandas, a plunge pool and an outdoor shower. The resort also offers cultural trips to local villages and a traditional kava welcome ceremony.

The Adventure: There are shipwrecks, colorful reefs and tons of tropical fish in the water surrounding Viti Levu, but the real action is 30 minutes away at the Shark Reef Marine Reserve, a protected sanctuary where thrill-seekers can hit the water with eight species of sharks as well as Moray eels and gigantic grouper, making this one of the best honeymoon adventures.

The Romance: Reserved for just one couple per day, the Royal Davui’s Sand Cay floats alone in sapphire-blue sea. You’ll be taken by boat to the tiny islet and dropped off with a picnic lunch, champagne, lounge chairs, a sun shade, snorkel equipment and a cellphone to summon your boat for the seven-minute ride back to the resort.

Belize

The Resort: At the family-owned San Ignacio Resort Hotel, each of the 26 rooms have airy, white-draped beds and are accented with local art. Take your morning coffee to the pool, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot toucans searching for fruit among the trees. The resort makes it easy to experience the region: Walk into the town of San Ignacio, or stroll the trail that loops through the property’s 17-acre jungle preserve and iguana sanctuary.

The Adventure: The hotel offers several adventurous tours to choose from. Hike through the jungle to a 1,000-foot waterfall; glide down a river on an inner tube through an underground labyrinth of caves; explore ancient Mayan temples, like Caracol and Tikal, which was a filming location for Star Wars.

The Romance: A short walk will take you into the ancient Mayan village of Cahal Pech where you can climb to the top of the central acropolis and take in views of the Belize River Valley. Afterward, share a quiet picnic under groves of shady trees. Here are some of the best beach resorts in Belize.

Los Cabos

The Resort: Grand Velas Los Cabos is an all-inclusive resort that boasts oceanfront, apartment-sized suites with private balconies and amenities like a 24-hour butler and room service, a fully stocked mini bar and a beach concierge.

The Adventure: Book the resort’s Extreme Adventure Getaway, which includes four nights of accommodations and heart-pumping activities: Dive with whale sharks (December through May), surf in Todos Santos, and zip-line at night under the stars at one of the best honeymoon-adventure destinations.

The Romance: Rejuvenate at Grand Velas SE Spa, a 35,000-square-foot oasis of relaxation. After an hour in the hydrotherapy area comprised of pools, saunas and steam rooms, take in the benefits of local botanicals with a couples massage infused with the essences of blue agave, cactus and other desert plants.

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