Honeymoon Dexox Anyone? Unlimited Spa Treatments at Secrets Resorts, Mexico

Wedding planning is exhausting! What could be better than a pampering all-inclusive honeymoon with unlimited spa treatments???

To celebrate the opening of its new spa, Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, the adults-only, all-inclusive, honeymoon haven in Mexico, is offering the Unlimited Spa Package for guests visiting now through December 23rd. Yeah, there's fine print (four 25-minute treatments per day per person) but still, this is an awesome deal. You'll choose from an array of specialty massages and hydrotherapy treatments at the brand new Secrets Spa by Pevonia. If your guy isn't the pampering type, just grab your bridesmaids and make it a bachelorette getaway.

Have you scanned any travel experiences on your bridal registry lately?

Here's a great bridal registry idea for Globetrotting Brides and Grooms!

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has launched the Hyatt Gift Registry, where couples can register online for a host of amenities, services and accommodations at Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide - think tropical honeymoon, destination wedding, spa treatments, scuba diving, golf lessons, romantic dinners, wine tasting, etc. Much more exciting than toasters or china if you ask me.


Guests make a contribution towards Hyatt Gift Cards (redeemable at Hyatts in the U.S., Canada and Caribbean) or Hyatt Check Certificates™ (redeemable at Hyatts worldwide). Best of all, there are no expiration dates or blackout dates so any extra honeymoon credits can go towards future vacations - think anniversary trips, romantic weekends, babymoons, etc.


Just like traditional registries, you can sneak a peek as the gifts arrive and you'll also get an email notification so you can confirm your honeymoon activities. It's an ideal option for any couple and I can guarantee your groom's eyes won't glaze over when you're selecting spa treatments.


And if you're planning a destination wedding, couples who wed at a participating Hyatt property (in the U.S., Canada, Cancun, Mexico or Aruba) by June 30, 2010 will receive up to five complimentary nights towards their honeymoon.

Celebrate Romance - Trends for Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

Yesterday I went to a fabulous Celebrate Romance event sponsored by Destination Wedding & Honeymoons. It was at New York's Plaza Hotel (yes, its just like in Bride Wars) and there were dozens of representatives from luxury hotels and tropical destinations showing off their honeymoon and destination wedding offerings.

Randy from Say Yes to the Dress, Darcy from Martha Stewart Weddings and celebrity wedding cake designer Ron Ben-Israel were all in the house. Here's Ron about to cut one of his colorful creations with Susan Moynihan, editor in chief of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons.


After lunch, there was a "State of Romance Market" panel discussion where I learned about the latest trends in destination weddings and honeymoons. Here are some interesting findings from the Destination Weddings & Honeymoons reader survey:

- Despite the recession, destination wedding budgets are on the rise (up from $19,800 in 2006 to $20,600 in 2009).

- Destination couples marry sooner! Average engagement is 10.8 months vs. 14 months.

-Warm-weather locales top the list of wedding and honeymoon destinations. For international weddings, the Caribbean (51%) and Mexico (21%) are most popular while Florida (17%), Las Vegas (11%), Hawaii (9%) lead domestically.

- The average number of guests at a destination wedding is 48.

- More than half of destination couples pay for their own weddings.

- The average total honeymoon cost for destination couples is $8,200 vs $6,124 for traditional wedding couples.

- Honeymooners consider location (hello beachfront room!) and weather most important.

Stay tuned for some tropical destination wedding and honeymoon suggestions over the coming weeks...and be sure to visit Destination Weddings & Honeymoons for planning tips and ideas.

Destination Spa Getaway - Riviera Maya, Mexico

Continuing on from my earlier post Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Hotspot - Riviera Maya, Mexico, I'm back today to share the scoop on my favorite spas.

As the Globetrotting Groom points out, even manly men need a little pampering so be sure to put a couples spa getaway on your to-do list.

On our recent Mexico getaway, we tested out the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Mayakoba and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya. Both left us feeling nurtured and relaxed. Plus, they both featured top-notch technicians and local-inspired treatments that incorporated Mayan traditions and local herbs, oils and even Cacao for chocolate lovers.

Here's the scoop:

The Willow Stream Spa is in a super tranquil building that has a fitness center, comfortable treatment rooms, an upstairs relaxation lounge and a sun-filled outdoor area with a vitality pool, sea-mineral soaking pool and lounge chairs (yes, this was my choice pre- and post-treatment spot - see below). The locker rooms are spacious and feature luxe toiletries, sauna and steam room, showers and a tranquil waiting area with refreshments.

We tested a bunch of treatments including Customized Deep Cleansing facials (so soothing I almost fell asleep), Sports Massage (the GTG loves his massages) and a Body Quench (perfect for hydrating my dry winter skin and hair). We splurged on a two-hour Yucatan Healing Retreat (for couples) that took place in our own spa suite with private balcony and soaking tub. This started with a foot bath followed by a choice of sea and sand body scrubs, body mask, bath in the soaking tub and side-by-side massages.

If there was more time, I would have tried the Cha Chac Rain Ritual, Papaya Body Illumination and Hip Honeymooners (couples treatment featuring rose petals, rose oil and rosehip oil).

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya serves up pampering in chic yet earthy surrounds (think bamboo, stone, and mosaic tilework) as Mayan philosophy meets Asian-rooted healing rituals. The outdoor garden patio and Zen relaxation room are a great choice for pre- or post-treatment relaxation. The his and hers locker rooms feature "walk through" experience areas with a bubbling vitality pool with underwater recliners (my kind of relaxation - see them at the far end below), experience showers, artfully displayed crushed ice and an amazing mosaic tiled steam room (one of the largest I've been in with a really cool domed ceiling, dramatic lighting and steam coming out of a "fountain" - even the GTG remarked on its coolness).

(I promise, this is not me)

There are treatment rooms, VIP couples suites and waterfront spa palapas depending on your treatment. We tried the two-hour Mayan Tzolkin Couples Ritual, one of their signature experiences. It began in the medicinal garden where we hand-picked our herbs, which were later ground up and used in our body treatments. From there we entered an enormous treatment room where we were welcomed by a foot bath. Following a full body scrub and outdoor shower, it concluded with a relaxing massage. The whole treatment was very private and luxurious and we loved it!

Next time, I'd like to try one of the Aqua Experiences - one where you let the mud sink in as you relax in a warm throne-style chair or the other where you float in the Watsu Pool.

Too bad all the relaxation seems to vanish by the time you're back at JFK...

Have a great weekend!!!

Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Hotspot - Riviera Maya, Mexico

Who loves margaritas by the pool and pampering amenities? Me too. This post is for us!

Many of you have probably been to Cancun but true Mexican relaxation and romance filled resorts await about 45 minutes to the south on the less crowded, more sophisticated Mexican Riviera. The Globetrotting Groom and I recently visited and I've got the scoop on two of the area's best spots for an amazing wedding, honeymoon or both?

The Fairmont Mayakoba is part of the upscale Mayakoba resort community. While the property is built around 240 acres of canals, shoreline and mangrove forests, it has a very intimate feel. You can bike to the beach, take a scenic boat tour or just explore by foot. We stayed in one of the two-story Casitas with an amazingly comfortable king bed, lots of living space, a furnished patio and a very luxurious and oversized bathroom (think soaker tub, separate shower, and marble everywhere).

[Globetrotting Groom says: I liked how the tub felt like it was almost outdoors...it was right in front of a glass wall, that opened onto a private little outdoor space.]

If you're looking for a plush pad, check out these Oceanfront Deluxe Suites with private infinity pools below...and of course there are plenty of specialty suites and two presidential suites if you're looking to go all out.

Aside from the beach, you have a choice of so many gorgeous pools (the infinity edge adults only pool is my favorite, and the backdrop for many of my ring shots). Wish I was here right now...

[GTG says: The main pool sort of meandered, with lots of little nooks and crannies to make it feel more private.]

You'll love the super friendly staff (William makes the best margaritas), laid back ambiance and the lush,tropical grounds.

[GTG says: The staff was amazing, and they remembered our names. And when I wanted to arrange a special romantic surprise for the Globetrotting Bride, the staff helped me plan all the details. They made me look good!]

This place would be a great spot for destination weddings, honeymoons and proposal trips too! And, if you sign up for their free Fairmont President's Club you get perks such as free internet, phone calls, gym access and more. Check their site for ongoing packages.

Just down the road, The Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya has a completely different vibe. The property is stunning in a very modern, "Miami meets Mexico" kind of way. The pool area is tres chic and so are all the restaurants. If you're more "martini" than "margarita," you'll want to check out the amazing martini menu at the Mandarin Bar.

The tranquil grounds feature six art courtyards with sculptures by local artists, as well as gardens, modern outdoor seating areas and acres of lush tropical forest.

[GTG says: some of my favorite suites were the ones around the art-filled courtyards. One side opens onto the courtyards, and the other side (with the private plunge pools) faces some secluded canals.]

The rooms and suites are decorated in a minimalist style with modern decor, gorgeous artwork, all the comforts of home (ipod docks, Plasma TV, etc.) and enormous bathrooms (think onyx and marble, double rainforest showers, outdoor stone bathtubs, etc.).

Most accommodations offer some sort of water view (Caribbean, lagoon or freshwater lake) and many have private pools and roof decks. How nice are these Palafito villas?

The beachfront Presidential Suite is stunning with two stories, three bedrooms, a chef's kitchen, a swimming and lap pool, private butler and the biggest walk in closets I've ever seen in a hotel.

[GTG says: Seriously, the kitchen in the Presidential Suite is amazing. Outfitted with top end appliances including built-in deep fryer, steamer, and grill, plus a high-output wok burner. They say the Mandarin Oriental's chef will come prepare dinner for you, but I don't think I could let him take over this awesome kitchen. I'd probably spend the whole vacation cooking!]

Wedding and honeymoon packages are available and there are also a number of vacation packages.

[GTG says: What about the luxurious and pampering spas? Even us manly men need to be treated once in a while!] NOTE: The spas are really, really great. I'll write more about them in a future post so stay tuned.

Both properties offer an ideal location for day trips to the area's many attractions including Tulum, Xcaret, Chichen-Itza and Coba. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll find Jungle Crossing packages (4x4 trekking with snorkeling and kayaking) and Maya Zip-Line and More (zip-lines, biking, snorkeling and traditional Mayan purification ceremony).

Click here to find out more about the area's activities.

Mile High Proposal!

Since a few of you aren't officially engaged yet (love your pro-active planning and blogging!), I thought I'd share a fun new destination PROPOSAL idea! I think this is a really cool way to pop the question, assuming neither of you is afraid of heights. Talk about a travel themed proposal!?!

(source)

Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico, the destination's only Five Diamond property, is where it all starts. This Rosewood Resort has a dedicated Department of Romance to handle all of the details so the proposer can relax. Here's what happens:

- The couple is chauffered to nearby Cabo San Lucas Airport

- Their butler greets them with a heart-shaped picnic basket full of champagne and gourmet treats

- They proceed on an exciting helicopter ride over the Sea of Cortez and Los Cabos

- About 30 minutes into the flight, the girl spots a message written in seashells and flower petals in the sand that reads, "Marry Me (her name here)!"

- The guy pulls out a ring and hopefully she says "Yes."

Afterwards, they can celebrate back at the resort in their romantically decorated suite.

Ready to go? Email the Director of Romance Maria Jose Garcia at MariaJoseGarcia@Rosewoodhotels.com.

Put a ring on it!

Ok ladies, in follow-up to my previous ring photography post, I've started a tradition of photographing my wedding rings on all my trips. It's a fun way to chronicle my travels and as my mom pointed out, my rings will look the same years and years from now. Not sure what she meant by that...

Anyway, here are some of my favorite photos from our Mexico winter-moon (tune in Friday for the review). Oh and a few things I learned:

- Be very careful when shooting around the pool on a windy day
- Don't attempt to photograph your ring in the sand unless its in a bowl

If you want to see some more I've put them online here. Let me know what you think and feel free to email me with your traveling ring shots too!

Celebrity Stunner Wedding Gown

Did you see Eva Mendes at the Golden Globe Awards?

She had on a really great white silk Dior gown with a taffeta bustier and an eye catching turquoise and diamond necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels. Don't you think this look could double as a great wedding dress for a destination wedding in Greece or Mexico or the Caribbean? I sure do.

Click here to see more images.

(source)

And, while we're talking about red carpet style, didn't Michelle Obama's inaugural gown remind you of these Greek inspired wedding dresses?

Destination wedding hotspot - Occidental Hotels & Resorts

There is nothing easier and more relaxing than a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort. If you're the type of bride who wants to bring the dress and leave the stress, Occidental Hotels & Resorts should be on your radar. Here's the scoop:

* Who: Couples who want an affordable, everything-included wedding. If you've dreamed of a ceremony in an authentic Mayan ruin or on a beach with 360° Caribbean views, you will not be disappointed. Your stay includes unlimited meals and drinks, activities galore, entertainment and all taxes and gratuities.

* What: Choose a resort, date and package online and a wedding coordinator will plan everything to suit your style and budget. From a beach vow renewal for 10 to an elaborate 200 person affair, several wedding packages are offered including everything you need (cake, champagne toast, judge, documents, decor, and flowers). Ask about free weddings and complimentary honeymoon packages.

* When: Most of these properties are ideal year-round destinations. I would avoid Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and the Dominican Republic during hurricane season (late summer - fall).

* Where: Properties are located in Mexico, Costa Rica, Aruba and the Dominican Republic.

* Don't Miss: Explore Chichen Itza, Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Tulum in Mexico. In Aruba, go horseback riding and take a Jeep tour.

* Stay for the honeymoon? Yes. Newlyweds staying three nights or more get extra perks like room upgrades, resort discounts, congratulatory in-room items, continental breakfast in bed and more. You can upgrade to a premium honeymoon ($250+ more) to add on extra amenities like a couples massage, candlelit dinner on the beach, etc.

* Booking: To plan a wedding or honeymoon, call 800-858-2258 or visit Occidental Weddings.