Romance Travel Blog

The Latest Information on Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, Anniversaries and Romantic Getaways

  • 23 Reasons To Sail With SeaDream Yacht Club

    9/13/2024 6:18:26 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment


    1. It’s Yachting, Not Cruising®




    At SeaDream, we believe that the expression “yachting” is not only a statement about size, but it also describes a lifestyle. Chic and stylish, our twin superyachts are favored for their elegant informality, personal, award-winning service provided by a crew of 95, inclusive open bar and gratuities, ocean-view accommodations, and world-class cuisine.

    From the moment you step aboard, you’ll feel as if you’re on your own private luxury yacht. Savor a culinary adventure in the elegant Dining Salon or al fresco. Play in the waves with water toys from your yacht’s Marina. Rejuvenate with a treatment in the Thai-certified SeaDream Spa. Sunbathe by day and stargaze by night as you lounge in elevated Balinese Dream Beds. Relax in spacious staterooms and suites, enjoying superior amenities and commanding views.

    This is your yacht. This is your SeaDream. Enjoy the difference.


    2. Sail Where The Big Ships Can’t Go




    SeaDream yachts carry you to destinations that larger ships simply cannot reach—exclusive harbors, hidden islands, and secluded beaches along the shorelines of the British Virgin Islands, French West Indies, Greek Isles, Dalmatian Coast, and French and Italian Rivieras, to name a few. And the nimbleness of your yacht allows for unexpected and delightful calls along the way—where you can engage in as little or as much local charm as you like.


    3. Best Service On The Seas




    With a maximum of 56 couples served by an award-winning crew of 95, one crew member for every guest, SeaDream ensures your individual needs are given our greatest attention. It’s all in the details—addressing you by name, knowing your preferences, and anticipating your needs—that makes SeaDream’s service second to none.

    To learn the other 20 reasons why its Yachting, Not Cruising ®

    Click Here


  • Romantic Getaways For Couples

    9/3/2024 6:04:28 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment


    What is the perfect romantic getaway? Is it a tropical beach? A luxury boutique hotel? An exotic location? A hiking or cycling adventure? Exploring vineyards together?


    Whether you have a special anniversary coming up, are celebrating an engagement or just want to sneak away with that special someone, here are some ideas.


    Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina in the beautiful British Virgin Islands is on a private island. Explore sun kissed beaches, go swimming and snorkeling and rediscover each other.


    Charming Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast has long been a secret getaway for lovers. Located in a perfect bay with calm waters, boutique hotels and surrounding hills – Zihuat is the perfect getaway!

    Sonoma County in California is packed with beautiful vineyards and gorgeous inns with fabulous kitchens. Take a wine tour and just enjoy it together!


    For something really secluded head to Chassignolles, a village in France’s largest national park –Livradois-Forez where you can really escape the world together for a while.

    Let’s discuss your idea of the perfect romantic getaway!

    For more information on traveling for romance click here.


  • Mexico’s Anti-Smoking Law

    8/14/2024 5:01:54 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment


    On January 15, 2023, Mexico's sweeping anti-smoking law officially took effect nationwide. Endorsed by the World Health Organization, this radical law makes it illegal to smoke almost everywhere—except in a private residence. This ban encompasses all public areas, including parks, beaches, squares, hotels, restaurants, resorts, schools, shopping centers, stores, entertainment venues, public streets, sightseeing spots, and any other place outside of a private home. For the purposes of this law, hotel and resort rooms are considered public property. The law also prohibits having tobacco products on your person in public places. Additionally, any form of advertising or promotion of cigarettes and other tobacco products is strictly banned. Essentially, the law effectively prohibits smoking throughout the entire country of Mexico. While other nations like Spain, Hungary, and Costa Rica have enacted tobacco restrictions, Mexico’s new legislation is by far the most comprehensive. ####


    What Does This Mean for Travelers?


    During my time at the ports, I observed cruise passengers—likely unaware of the law—openly smoking on the streets. I also noticed a couple passing a vape around while sitting in a bar in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone. This raises questions about how strictly the law will be enforced. Penalties for smoking violations are somewhat ambiguous, but fines range from $300 to $500. In cases of non-compliance, offenders could face up to 36 hours in jail. Knowing the local police, I suspect they may see this as a lucrative opportunity to fine cruise passengers who need to promptly return to their ships. These passengers will likely pay whatever is demanded to settle the infraction on the spot. Major enforcement efforts will focus on business owners who allow smoking on their property, whether knowingly or not. Fines for businesses can reach up to $40,000. Given these stringent measures, it’s doubtful that anyone familiar with the law will risk enjoying a smoke anywhere in Mexico.


  • Save-The-Date

    7/25/2024 5:33:08 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment


    Presented by The Romance Specialist from Sandals & Beaches Resorts



    This is what a Luxury Included Wedding/Honeymoon Looks Like

    Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 6 pm EST (5 pm CST, 3 pm PST)

    Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 6 pm EST (5 pm CST, 3 pm PST)

    Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 6 pm EST (5 pm CST, 3 pm PST)

    Grab your fiancé and log-in to the best FREE Wedding soiree online!

    Learn the latest information from the Romance Specialist at Sandals Resorts and receive inside tips about throwing the ultimate Wedding in the Caribbean. Plus, we'll have an exclusive booking incentive of up to $250 Spa credit for the Bride and Groom.

    RSVP Today at http://bit.ly/VirtualAisle2IsleParty

    or call Tyus Tours and Travel at 866-547-5362.

    Please mention Tyus Tours and Travel as your Travel agent


  • Unique Venues for Your Tropical Destination Wedding
    Published October 13, 2022 - Travel insights from Codie Liermann, managing editor of The Compass

    7/16/2024 5:00:43 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment


    When most people think about tropical destination weddings, the first image that usually comes to mind is a beach. They picture soft sand beneath their feet, palm trees swaying in the breeze and a crystal-clear ocean in the backdrop. While this option for a ceremony is usually the most popular, there are several other routes to take when tying the knot in a tropical destination. Couples looking for alternatives to the beach might try one of these unique venues.


    The Caves at Hotel Xcaret Mexico


    Hotel Xcaret Mexico is already a unique resort to pick for a destination wedding, but couples can take it a step further and choose to celebrate their love in The Caves. This area is both intimate and original, and it will have wedding guests talking about the special day long after it’s over.



    Photo via Hotel Xcaret Mexico


    Zky Terrace at The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences in Playa del Carmen


    Couples wanting to see the ocean from way up high can choose a rooftop venue. While there are several to choose from, the Zky Terrace at The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences in Playa del Carmen offers breathtaking views of the ocean. It’s an ideal spot to host a wedding for those wanting to exchange vows during sunset hour.



    Suite 288 at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa


    Being in Maui for a wedding is enough to provide a unique factor to a ceremony, but Suite 288 takes it up a notch. This exclusive suite in the luxury Hokupa‘a tower at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa overlooks the resort’s ponds, waterfalls and pools, making it an ideal spot for photos.



    Photo via The Westin Maui Resort & Spa


    Our Lady Of Guadalupe Chapel at Wyndham Alltra Cancun


    Getting married in Cancun is ideal, as it’s a convenient location for guests coming from all over the U.S. Situated at Wyndham Alltra Cancun is Our Lady Of Guadalupe Chapel, the only Catholic oceanfront chapel in Cancun. This venue provides couples with a traditional setting while still having the ocean backdrop for photos.



    Photo by Codie Liermann


    Over-The-Water Wedding Chapel at Sandals South Coast in Jamaica


    Want an oceanfront ceremony without the sand? The over-the-water chapel at Sandals South Coast allows for this option. The exclusive venue has glass floor aisles, comfortable seating and an open-air ambience. To stay on trend, couples can have cocktail hour at the over-the-water bar and choose accommodations in an over-the-water bungalow right on property.



    Secret Garden at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya


    Meaning “place of the turtles” in the Mayan language, the small town of Akumal invites wedding couples in with its lush flora. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya has winding pathways that lead to the most intimate spaces for weddings, one being the secret garden. The beautiful string lights and décor bring this space to life and set the scene for a romantic evening.



    Photo via AMR Collection


  • 7 Reasons Why Aruba is the Best Island for Caribbean Weddings

    6/21/2024 10:04:37 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    A dream wedding on the One Happy Island of Aruba means that there will be a minimal chance of rain, virtually no chance of having the party tents blown away by a passing hurricane, and a constant supply of sunshine combined with a cooling breeze to keep everybody from getting too hot. Additionally, Aruba is an island with award-winning white sand beaches, some of the best hotels in the Caribbean, incredible all-inclusive Caribbean wedding packages, and first-rate wedding planners willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.

     

    But what makes Aruba such a special spot for a destination wedding? Here are 7 reasons Aruba is the best island for Caribbean weddings:

     

    1. Perfect Weather

    Have you ever heard people say that Aruba is the sunniest island in the Caribbean? Guess what, it’s absolutely true! Although Aruba has some hills, there aren’t any high mountains to trigger rainfall and the climate is typically dry and arid. More importantly, this sunny island is located outside of the hurricane belt and has never been directly hit by a hurricane. Never. That means future brides don’t have to worry about weather on their big day! Even better, they don’t have to plan for ways to cool down either, as constant refreshing trade winds cool the air.

     

    2. Safe and Reliable

    Not only is Aruba safe from bad weather, it’s also safe from just about everything else. As a matter of fact, Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean islands according to the United Nations. This is thanks to its very stable, tourism-driven economy. Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which accounts for Aruba adopting the same welfare, social, and educational systems as Holland. Aruba has been ranked a “high income” Caribbean Island (per the World Bank), allowing the locals to have a high quality of life, making people happy, and generally reducing the threat of crime.

     

    3. Top-Rated Wedding Packages

    Nothing makes for a better wedding planning process than having all of the costs bundled together in a Caribbean destination wedding package. Who has the time to investigate and compare the prices of all of the different vendors needed to plan a wedding? If your travelers don’t have a wedding planner at their disposal, this can be a tiring and time-consuming task. Luckily, the hotels in Aruba offer multiple wedding packages ranging from budget-friendly to all-inclusive Caribbean wedding packages, to the more deluxe, luxury packages so couples can plan the perfect beach or ballroom wedding, depending on what they want.

     

    4. Accommodations

    As a premier Caribbean wedding destination, Aruba offers a broad range of accommodations such as: high-end luxurious resorts, charming boutique style hotels, adult-only hotels and family-friendly properties. Aruba has an abundance of choices, making it a great destination for any bride-to-be.

    All-inclusive resorts can make it easier to keep the costs under control. Or, if travelers are looking for a more personal lodging approach they can consider staying in one of the smaller sized properties in the low-rise area of the island. Low rise hotels are situated on the award-winning Eagle beach (voted third best in the entire world) and Druif beach, both of which are tranquil, picturesque beaches simply perfect for weddings and honeymoons alike. Looking for more buzz? The high-rise hotels along the Palm Beach strip are perfect for active nightlife.

    Those seeking an ultra-luxurious experience can rent a luxury villa for the entire wedding party to stay in. Aruba has a bounty of high-end, top-rated vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront villas to rustic, but well-appointed ‘cunucu’ houses scattered throughout the Aruban countryside.

     

    5. Convenience

    Traveling to Aruba is easy. The award-winning Reina Beatrix Airport receives more than 16 daily flights from the U.S. and Canada most of which are direct flights. Make sure travelers have their online ED-card filled in and they can even escape the lines at customs. Upon the return trip back home, the Aruba Airport offers U.S. pre-clearance allowing travelers to skip customs upon arriving back in the United States. 

    After landing in Aruba there are plenty of taxis and tour operators ready to take visitors to their hotel or vacation rental.

    If travelers prefer to start exploring Aruba immediately there are plenty of car rental companies outside the airport

     

    6. Affordability

    Budget-minded couples can rest easy knowing Aruba is a fantastic place to have a Caribbean beach wedding on a budget. Instead of staying in a luxury hotel travelers can opt to stay somewhere more affordable without having to sacrifice much. Try calling hotels to check for early-bird rates if your couple wants to stay at a beach-front resort and knows their wedding date well in advance. This can help save a significant chunk of cash. Also, don’t forget to check for group rates if there will be a larger wedding party.

    Insider tips:

    ·         The Aruba Tourism Authority offers cash incentives based on the total number of room occupancies, with the minimum being 50 total room nights. Your local (Aruban) wedding planner can inform you further on this wedding incentive.

    ·         For weddings that will occupy more than 100 total room nights, ask your wedding planner to contact Hal Davis at h.davis@aruba.com or Dana Pederson at d.pederson@aruba.com.

     

     

    7. The One Happy Honeymoon Program

    With limited vacation days and perhaps budget constraints, couples may want to consider combining their destination wedding and honeymoon. Couples interested in this option can enter Aruba’s One Happy Honeymoon program, which features enticing perks and discounts.

    Book with a participating resort or hotel and let them know it’s your client’s honeymoon to receive:

    ·         Preferred check-in service

    ·         A bottle of champagne upon arrival

    ·         Special gifts

    ·         A free night when couples return for their anniversary

    ·         Discounts and special offers on activities and attractions

     

  • Save-The-Date

    5/22/2024 3:17:45 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Presented by The Romance Specialist from Sandals & Beaches Resorts



    This is what a Luxury Included Wedding/Honeymoon Looks Like


    Wednesday, May 22, 2023, at 6 pm EST (5 pm CST, 3 pm PST)


    Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 6 pm EST (5 pm CST, 3 pm PST)


    Grab your fiancé and log-in to the best FREE Wedding soiree online!


    Learn the latest information from the Romance Specialist at Sandals Resorts and receive inside tips about throwing the ultimate Wedding in the Caribbean. Plus, we'll have an exclusive booking incentive of up to $250 Spa credit for the Bride and Groom.


    RSVP Today at http://bit.ly/VirtualAisle2IsleParty or call Tyus Tours and Travel at 866-547-5362


    Please mention Tyus Tours and Travel as your Travel Agent.


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