Stately palms, a gentle Caribbean breeze, beautiful beaches as far as the eye can see — Punta Cana has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of iconic Caribbean wedding destinations. As a region, Punta Cana covers more than 30 miles of coastline on the Dominican Republic's far eastern shores, beginning in Cap Cana and following the island's curves north and west towards the heart of Punta Cana, aptly named the Coconut Coast. ... (continue reading)
Las Vegas Bachelorette Party Planning: Everything You Need to Know Right Now (Brides)
With its reputation for revelry, Las Vegas has long been a favorite destination for bachelorette getaways. What's not to love about a weekend out of town with some of your favorites in tow, with any number of leisure pursuits at your beck and call? From luxe retreats to around-the-clock eats, Las Vegas delivers any time of day or night — and it's constantly upping the ante with new offerings. Thinking about having your bachelorette in this famously fabulous destination? Here's what you need to know... (continue reading)
How to Indulge in a Coastal Maine Road Trip Honeymoon (Brides)
For a honeymoon that's equal parts scenic cruising, New England charm, and delicious eats, look no further than Maine, whose rugged coasts and maritime ports of call are home to more than 60 lighthouses — the most of any New England state — and where the fresh catch of the day always includes local Maine lobster. ... (continue reading)
Epic Honeymoon Road Trip: California's Pacific Coast Highway (Brides)
Beach towns, off-the-grid escapes, wine country — the Golden State has no shortage of honeymoon-worthy destinations. The grande dame of them all, however, is not so much a destination as it is a journey: California's Pacific Coast Highway offers a taste of all of the above, along with some of the state's finest panoramas.
Departing from Los Angeles, the PCH winds north at a leisurely pace, hugging California's coastal curves for roughly 500 miles before arriving in San Francisco, passing through Malibu, Santa Barbara, Big Sur and looping around Monterey Bay along the way. Already California dreaming? Use this itinerary as a starting point for planning what is sure to be a honeymoon road trip to remember. ... (continue reading)
Destination Wedding Inspiration: Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province (Brides)
Brides-to-be dreaming of a destination wedding that is equal parts eco-friendly, exotic, and relatively close to home, look no further than Costa Rica. Readily accessible by direct flights from major cities across the U.S., this Central American country is known for its beautiful beaches, jungles, mountains, and incredible biodiversity.
"Nature is up close and personal here in Costa Rica," says Larissa Banting, President of Weddings Costa Rica, citing dolphins, monkeys, sloths, and parrots as some of the usual suspects visitors encounter. "Also, it's so varied — drive one hour and the landscape changes." ... (continue reading)
Extraordinary Romantic Escapes Around the Globe (AFAR)
Travel is undeniably romantic—the thrill of discovery, the alluring scenery, and the dedicated time with your favorite travel companion. For your next escape, look for inspiration beyond the expected hotel type. You’ll get to know each other in deeper ways when sleeping in a luxury tent under the Australian night sky or admiring the view from the hot tub on your houseboat in San Francisco Bay. ... (continue reading)
Indonesian Honeymoon Ideas: How to Plan a Wellness Getaway in Bali (Brides)
The Indonesian island perhaps best known in the U.S. for being the "love" destination in "Eat, Pray, Love," Bali is indeed a magical place, one blessed with abundant natural beauty, warm, tropical weather year round, and a vibrant artisan culture with a spiritual core. For newlyweds looking to completely unplug from life's routines and focus instead on wellness, and romance, Bali is the ultimate honeymoon destination. ... (continue reading)
How to See the U.S. Virgin Islands in 8 Epic Days (AFAR)
Exploring St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix in just eight days is absolutely doable, especially with ferries, safari taxis, and seaplane flights that make up part of the adventure. Island hopping in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers a true taste of the islands in one giant excursion. Book one-way transportation for each leg of the journey, and follow these day-by-day tips for the ultimate U.S. Virgin Islands tour. ... (continue reading)
How to Spend a 3 Day Honeymoon in Playa del Carmen (Brides)
Looking for a quick getaway with your love before or after the big day? Whether you need a little R&R from all the planning or are planning the mini-moon of your dreams, look no further than chic Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, the perfect getaway to splash and play or sun and spa. Or, why not both?
Just 45 minutes south of Cancun International Airport, Playa del Carmen is a double win: With so many direct flights to the region, getting here is a breeze — and yet you're worlds away from the mega-resorts (and collegiate crowd) of Cancun... (continue reading)
North Brooklyn's Hotel Scene Continues to Grow (AFAR)
Rooftop retreats, first-rate dining, daytime pool parties, local creative vibes—the hotel scene here in the northern part of Brooklyn is having such a moment. It’s easy to forget that just a few years ago, these same zip codes were all but devoid of decent lodging options, let alone anything that tapped into the pulse of New York City's beloved borough. ... (continue reading)
Mexico’s CostaBaja: Your Next Weekend Getaway (AFAR)
Extending south from the California border, Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula is graced with hundreds of miles of Pacific coastline—and hundreds more overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
So it’s no wonder it attracts surfers chasing their own “endless summer” and whale watchers, who time their visits to spring, when the mammals turn up here to mate in Baja’s warm, protected waters. ... (continue reading)
The Best Venues for the Perfect Palm Springs, California Destination Wedding (Brides)
Palm tree-lined boulevards, posh resorts, those iconic midcentury modern estates — Palm Springs has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of classic California destinations. A desert enclave that caters to A-list clientele, Palm Springs has no shortage of incredible locations for brides drawn to the idea of a destination wedding with a dose of Hollywood glamour. ... (continue reading)