Brides Magazine is hosting a giveaway contest to win one of three fabulous honeymoons.
Almond Beach Club & Spa – Barbados
Couples Tower Isle – Jamaica
Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro – Dominican Republic
Check out bridesmag.com for details on how to enter. Oh, and if you win, feel free to take me. I can stow away in your luggage.
It took me until I was in high school to realize Baja California wasn’t a part of California, US. Sad I know, but that information didn’t make it any less appealing to me, which is why we’ve chosen it for this month’s Honeymoon Hiatus Hotspot.
What We Love About It: The Weather! The cool winds from the Pacific Ocean and the cold California Current make the weather along the northwestern coast pleasant year round. The cities of Playas de Rosarito and Ensenada have one of the nicest weather patterns in all of Mexico.
What To Do There: Any kind of water activity is there to be had, especially surfing, snorkeling and whale watching. San Felipe and Bahia de los Angeles are major attraction for people in search of adventure, nice beaches and fresh fish. For a quieter beach going experience, there are numerous beaches on the east coast south of San Felipe, which is more rural quiet.
The state is also home to numerous islands in both of its shores. In fact, the westernmost point in Mexico, the Guadalupe Island, is part of Baja California. The Coronado, Todos Santos and Cedros Islands are also on the Pacific Shore. On the Gulf of California, the biggest island is the Angel de la Guarda, separated from the peninsula by the deep and narrow Canal de Ballenas.
With such beauty and a relatively low cost of living, you’re sure to find Baja appealing to both the eye and the pocketbook.
I basically grew up in Bella Villa. Every summer, my family would make a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica and walking into Bella always felt like home. I learned to swim in this private pool, ate two whole jerk chicken at this dining room table and shared memories in this house that will never be forgotten. Now that I am pregnant with my first child, I can not wait until I can take her to Bella Villa and carry on the family tradition.
For all of our brides, if you are looking for a great honeymoon location for an incredibly reasonable price, we urge you to check out Bella.
This month’s honeymoon hiatus takes you to the gorgeous and balmy island of Antigua, the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands.
What We Love: What’s not to love about this island’s general temperature range(the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer) the annual rainfall average of 45 inches, which makes it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, the low year-round humidity, and the claim to have a beach for every day of the year? We can’t think of a single thing.
What To Do: Boat lovers will be in heaven, as yachting and sailing are huge attractions to Antigua, the largest draw being the biggest boating event of the year. There are also plenty of upscale resorts, watersports, relaxing spas, snorkeling and diving activities, and rainforest adventures to fill your days.
Art lovers can venture over to Harmony Hall, the center of the Antiguan arts community. The sugar mill tower around which Harmony Hall is built has been converted to a bar and provides its patrons with one of the island’s best panoramic views, including a fine prospect of Nonsuch Bay. History buffs can spend hours at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, a charming museum that tells the story of Antigua and Barbuda from its geological birth through the present day. Whatever your mood, Antigua will probably have an activity to fit the bill.
Things To Keep In Mind: Antigua is informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants. Some hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie for men and dresses for women in the evening. Also, U.S. , Canadian and U.K. nationals require proof of citizenship–a valid passport, original or certified birth certificate. U.S. residents and others should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements. Finally, Antigua is relatively crime free, but exercise normal precautions; i.e. don’t leave valuables unattended in rental cars or on the beach.
This month’s Honeymoon Hotspot is the ever green and blooming country of Ireland.
Why We Love It: I have a long standing fascination with Ireland. I don’t know if it’s the magic that seems to lace the local fables, the melodious sound of the Irish brogue, or the gorgeous green countryside that calls to me, but the country immediately brings to mind romance, longing, and comfort.
What To Do: If you’re looking to have an active honeymoon, golfing, horse-riding, fishing, attending local festivals (Viking, JFK Dunbrody, etc), and pub hopping/touring are just a few of the activities you can enjoy.
Looking for something a bit more mellow and relaxed? Wile away the hours strolling along the numerous fields and cliffs for which the country is famous or hanging out at the nearest pub.
A Few Things To See: Trim Castle in County Meath; Dunluce Castle in County Antrim on the famous north Antrim coast; Leap Castle–reputed to be the most haunted castle in Ireland, The Beautiful O’Carrolls Gardens, The towering cliffs in Donegal and Clare, Killarney National Park and the scenic Beara Way.
For more information about Ireland and the ways to live up your romanitc getaway, head on over to Discover Ireland. It’s an excellent resource.
