Sittin’ on top of the world

There are some people who want to spend their honeymoons or destination weddings on a tropical beach, surrounded by sand, surf and the sound of seagulls in the breeze.

To other people, that sounds totally boring.

If you’re more of a city dweller, maybe a honeymoon in the city is the place for you. Shopping. Fine dining. World-class hotels that cater to your every whim. Culture. Museums. Why not go to New York? As long as you stay away from the touristy spots, you’ll most likely have a gorgeous time with your mate – and you won’t have to worry about getting the sand out of your shorts at the end of the night.

We’ve compiled just a few of our favorite NYC hotspots to give you just a taste of places where we can set you up.

The Kimberly Hotel

Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Times: The Kimberly hotel, right in the heart of midtown Manhattan, offers rooftop views that can’t be matched anywhere else.

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Photo Credit: 1906 Pine Crest Inn

“…But what will we eat?” Using food as Honeymoon inspiration.

Food. It’s simple to overlook, but it’s a serious part of everyone’s honeymoon and wedding. It’s something very few people consider before booking their flight to a faraway location with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than going on your honeymoon to find out there’s nothing to eat.

Is the bride a picky eater? Does the groom not eat vegetables? Are there any food allergies to take into consideration? Is the bride scared of seafood? Does the groom have to have steak for every meal?

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• Hotel reservations? Check!
• Flights booked? Check!!
• Passport current? Uh..check?
• Vaccinations up to date? Um…Hm.

Ah, yes, the honeymoon.  The ultimate vacation.  The bliss after the blowout bash.  Best way to enjoy it?  Be well prepared, well in advance.

Start early.  Three to one month prior to your wedding start your check list:

• Make sure passports, vaccinations and travel itineraries are in place and up to date.
• Confirm reservations for hotels, airlines, rental cars, even dinners, tours, snorkeling adventures and sky diving excursions the month prior to your travels.
• Brag! Tell reservation desks, concierge, airlines representatives, everyone you talk to, that this is your honeymoon.  You never know what bonuses or gifts might await you when you arrive.
• Brides, make sure your tickets and reservations under your maiden name since all your identification will not have switched to married name in a short time.  Alternative would be to have marriage license with you when traveling, but that may be challenging to arrange in time for your departure.
• Check with your doctor about your destination and if there are medications to consider having while there.  Renew prescriptions and have them on hand, too.
• Got a dog?  Cat?  Bird?  Arrange for kennel or home care.
• Have the post office hold your mail - easy to do online at the USPS.com website
• Set up automatic lighting system in your home – have the outdoor lights and / or indoor lamp set to come on at dusk and off at midnight (or have a trusted neighbor help you out with that.)
• Ask the stores where you are registered to hold deliveries so boxes aren’t left at your front door.
• Give your full itinerary to a parent or relative so you can be reached in case of emergency.
• Pack your honeymoon luggage separately from your wedding day items.  Give the wedding suitcase to a friend or family member if you aren’t returning home prior to travel.
• Take out the garbage.  Clear out the fridge.
• Organize addresses: write thank you notes on the plane or send postcard thank you notes from your destination!

“Bon Voyage!”

One of the requests we get often here at Bliss Honeymoons is for a room at a resort that “doesn’t feel like a hotel room”.  So if you’re looking for someplace unique to spend your honeymoon or destination wedding, the 2-story rooftop suites at Excellence Playa Mujeres just might be what you’re looking for.

Excellence Playa Mujeres is a stunning, adult only all inclusive resort located on a white sandy beach in Playa Mujeres, Mexico.

Excellence Resorts offer 8 restaurants, nightlife, great pools. But it’s the little things, like free wi-fi, pillow menus, and the 24 hour room service that take it over the top.

Excellence also offers the Excellence Club for guests who really want to experience the ultimate in services and amenities. And the spa at Excellence is one of the best I’ve ever seen.

The 2 story rooftop suites at Excellence offer a lodging experience that is perfect for an unforgettable honeymoon.

What’s better than the wedding of your dreams? The honeymoon vacation that follows, of course! Here are some tips to keep in mind before leaving town as a married couple:

• Use a travel agent. While most resorts offer online bookings, you should be wary to commit to something so expensive without having someone to serve as a face-to-face contact should you have any questions close to your departure. They can be a lifesaver if something goes awry on your trip!
• Make sure to do a Google search to read all the reviews about a specific destination or resort. Nothing is more honest than your ‘honeymoon peers!’ Address anything you are concerned about with your travel agent.
• Always carry your vitals (medicine, change of underwear, an outfit, and cell phone/chargers) with you on the airplane. If your flight is international and you happen to get stuck in a connecting city, it can be a near impossibility to get your luggage back from storage.

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In mid 2008 Princess Cruises unveiled the new Ruby Princess.

If you’ve been avoiding cruises because you wanted an adult only venue for your honeymoon or destination wedding, you’ll be thrilled to learn that one of the newest trends in cruising is the addition of an adult’s only section on board. The Ruby Princess offers a Sanctuary where adults can relax by the pool in plush lounge chairs and listen to specially programmed iPod playlists.

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If you’ve been torn between going to Las Vegas and taking a cruise, now you can get the best of both by sailing on the Epic. NCL’s newest ship offers amenities and nightlife typically only found on the Las Vegas strip-like the Blue Man Group and a bar built completely out of ice. If an outdoor venue is more your thing, how about the Spice H2O bar, where the floor of the pool rises up to become a dance floor! And much like the swanky hotels in Vegas, the Epic offers Spa suites and luxurious private villas with exclusive access to a private Studio Lounge.

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On Mykonos you will find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques and elegant nightclubs. Beneath its sophisticated surface, lies a quite essential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Perfect for a honeymoon, destination wedding, or anniversary trip.

Maui is amazing. Its lush slopes are home to some of the rarest wildlife and exotic birds on the planet. But it’s the island’s rewarding balance of seclusion and sophistication that will confirm your decision to visit Maui was the right one. The crystal clear waters have their allure as well, with surfers and watersport enthusiasts coming from all across the globe. Maui’s culture also delivers great delights, with museums, galleries, delectable dining and rich history. Be sure to visit Lahaina, a quaint 19th century whaling village that illuminates one of the most inspiring periods in the island’s history.

Aruba-where it’s always summer! Located just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba enjoys a premium location outside the hurricane belt. Tons of beaches line Aruba’s coastline, ranging from the surfer’s beach to the family beach to the private romantic beaches hidden away from the crowds. The attractions extend far beyond the beaches. There are the coves of Andicuri and Dos Playa. The calm of the Conchi, or natural pool on the windward coast. Restaurants ranging from seafood to Oriental and lots of great places to shop – outlets, collector’s shops specialty and antiques shops boutiques – and many more. The average annual temperature is 82°F and average annual rainfall less than 20 inches per year.