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Calling all men who want to capture one of the best moments of your life!

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Tides Riviera Maya’s ‘Paparazzi Proposal’
Captures Candid Memories of Life’s Most Romantic Moment

Daybed at the beach.

Men should be jumping on planes with their loved ones and heading to Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico!  Getting engaged is one of the most important moments in a couple’s life,  and while you will remember it forever, what if you could also capture it with candid photos?  Couples will come away from the proposal with a keepsake like none other: a photographic documentary of the special moment and your emotional reactions to it?

The Tides Riviera Maya has created the Paparazzi Proposal to assure that guests who are getting engaged will, indeed, remember the moment forever – and feel like celebrities when they look back on that romantic time.  Prospective grooms can ask the resort for a  “paparazzi” to take secret shots of the proposal. But that’s not all:  the photographer also secretly shoots the two of you at various moments during your stay, then surprises your fiancé with a CD of images capturing the special time together. Because hundreds of images are taken, to easily view them they are loaded into a program that allows you to quickly scan through the photos creating a movie effect.

As a favorite escape for romance, The Tides Riviera Maya caters to couples with special services designed to assure that their stay is exceptional. The Paparazzi Proposal evolved in response to a guest’s request – and was so successful that it is now offered to anyone planning to pop the question.

Favorite Places to Pop the Question:
The Tides offers some exceptionally beautiful places for prospective grooms to propose:
§         On the deck at the edge of the Pier, at a table for two, overlooking the warm Caribbean water with the lights of Cozumel in the distance
§         In the jungle, surrounded by lush tropical foliage, in a little clearing with benches and spider monkeys romping overhead
§         Next to a waterfall in a jungle spa room for couples
§         On the patio of your luxury villa, with candles lighting your private plunge pool
§         On an outdoor daybed for two, on the sandy beach at the ocean’s edge

The Tides Riviera Maya is a serene hideaway that merges every luxury amenity with dramatic sea and jungle, bringing together the best of the destination. The public areas –including the restaurant and lounge, swimming pool and day beds – are set by sugary white sands lapped by the warm Caribbean. Behind this open beachfront area are all of the private villas immersed in a jungle ambiance, dense with ferns, palms and guava trees, that is the playground of a resident family of friendly spider monkeys. Every villa features a completely private patio and plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a high-ceiling, thatched-palapa roof that resonates with the jungle environment. A maze of pathways meanders gently through the landscape, leading guests on a journey of the senses.

A major renovation is currently in progress at the resort that will be completed in December 2011. The highlights include: 11 new villas, bringing the total to 41 villas; a new entrance, motor court and reception area; a new grill restaurant by the sand and a reconfiguration and remodeling of the existing lounge and fine-dining restaurant; a complete redo of The Tides Villa and cosmetic upgrades to the other existing 29 villas; and a new gym and gift shop.

The Tides is organically connected to, and embodies, the destination’s historical roots. It melds luxury with Mayan cultural and spiritual influences to shape an inimitable guest experience not found at any other resort on the Riviera Maya or anywhere else. All guests arrive to a Mayan Blessing, performed by the Mayan shaman on staff, designed to release you from your cares and worries and step into a new, relaxed beginning at The Tides Riviera Maya. La Marea, the fine-dining restaurant that is being relocated to an ocean-view loft, serves “Mayaterranean” cuisine blending Mayan cooking and Mediterranean techniques. At the spa, Mayan healing techniques and traditions infuse every aspect of the guest experience.

The six-acre resort is on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula 40 miles south of Cancun and its international airport, and three miles north of popular Playa del Carmen, known for its beach scene, restaurants, boutiques and nightlife.  From The Tides, guests may stroll miles of beautiful white-sand beach along the spectacular Riviera Maya coast. The resort has its own pier where guests sunbathe, enjoy massages, savor romantic dinners, and may be conveniently picked up by boat for snorkeling, diving and other excursions. Opened in 2002, the resort originally was called Ikal del Mar, becoming The Tides Riviera Maya in 2006.

About The Tides
The Tides collection of hotels and resorts enjoys superlative coastal locations and chic-by-the-shore settings that invite guests to unwind and reconnect. Each Tides destination offers culturally inspired leisure and wellness experiences delivered with style, spirit and intuitive service. With The Tides South Beach in Miami, Florida as its flagship, the collection also includes The Tides Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and The Tides Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Forthcoming developments include The Tides Sugar Beach on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, which is currently operating as Jalousie Plantation. The official website for The Tides is www.thetidesresorts.com.

For additional information on The Tides Riviera Maya or to make a reservation:  toll-free 866-332-1672, reservations@tidesrivieramaya.com, or www.tidesrivieram

A couples dream MINI-MOON!

A great trip AND complimentary nights! Check out these hotels offering special packages providing guests with complimentary nights this Summer and into Fall – one in the heart of Rome and the other in the Costa Rican Rainforest.

Experience the Grand Hotel Via Veneto in Rome!  Guests are rewarded this  summer  with Complimentary Nights

ROME, June 22, 2011- “Grand hotel via Veneto” (www.ghvv.it), Rome’s newest five-star luxury hotel, which delicately and painstakingly married two 19th Century buildings to create a modern day masterpiece, is giving back with an exclusive promotion from July 19th to September 10th offering guests a complimentary night with stays of at least three nights in either Superior or Deluxe rooms ranging from €290,00 to €390,00 per night, complete with daily breakfast and a welcome aperitif for two, as well as a complimentary room upgrade based on availability.

Looking for something a little more exoitc or tropical….then “Fall” into some great savings with free nights at Nayara Hotel in Costa Rica starting this August!

COSTA RICA, June 22, 2011 – Everybody loves free stuff; particularly when it involves extending a stay in paradise. Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens (www.arenalnayara.com), a luxury retreat set amongst 15 acres of lush tropical gardens and Costa Rican rainforest boasting 44 spacious individual ‘casitas’ overlooking the active Arenal volcano, is allowing guests to extend their immersion in these remarkable surroundings by offering four night stays for the price of three in any suite category from August 15, 2011 – November 10, 2011.  The 4×3 Suite Special, which applies to Casita Suites and Nayara Suites, includes daily breakfast for two and welcome cocktails and starts at $795 per couple, per stay, averaging to less than $200 per night.

There is no wonder that from a cliff 1000 feet above the sea you will feel like you have found heaven. This will be confirmed once you turn around to see the luxury Hotel Caesar Augustus offering you one of the most spectacular vistas on the isle of Capri!

From the rooms and grounds of this marvelous luxury hotel, guests can enjoy views over the  Bay of Naples. The bird’s eye views include the breathtaking scenery of Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, Ischia, and unique views of the island of Capri, celebrated by the famous novelist Axel Munthe, whose Villa San Michele is nearby.

Located on a cliff, high above the Bay of Naples in Anacapri, the hotel occupies one of those rare historic sites that has hosted not just celebrity, but nobility and newlyweds since the 9th century A.D.

The property has 55 guest rooms and suites arrayed with stylish Italian furnishings, as well as balconies and terraces with spectacular sea and island views. As the island’s only Relais & Chateaux address, Hotel Caesar Augustus is as inviting indoors and out, with open-air features including private outdoor spa treatment rooms – perfect for couple’s massages – as well as al fresco fitness, Turkish bath and relaxation areas surrounded by natural rocks and plantings.

This incredible experience does not stop with the view, since romance has long been a tradition at Hotel Caesar Augustus, couples are in for a decadent and memorable experience.  Imagine a blissful start to your married life with a luxury suite accommodation at Hotel Caesar Augustus. Guests can arrange with the hotel to handle all of their transfers to and from the hotel and the port of Capri.

Couples can also request champagne, flowers and a gift in your suite upon arrival to surprise one another followed by daily breakfast served to your guest suite or enjoy a candlelit gourmet dinner at La Terrazza de Lucullo.  Be sure to reserve a  private boat or taxi to tour the Isle of Capri and don’t forget to schedule a couples massage at the Hotel Caesar Augustus Spa!

www.caesar-augustus.com

Drum Roll Please….

And the AWARD goes to…….

With the first annual Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards “underway” those looking for the best cruise possible should take notice of this years FIRST place winner, The SeaDream 1.

The SeaDream 1

The hard to impress cruise critics gave their VOTES and The SeaDream I placed #1 for Service in the Small Ship category! Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor in Chief of Cruise Critic announced, “Cruise Critic members who have reviewed the ship are clearly very happy with their cruise experience,” Carolyn went on to say, “SeaDream I gets excellent ratings for service, which is attentive and formal, without being fussy or intrusive.”

If you ask me, WHAT MORE could a cruiser or HONEYMOON ask for!

Cruise Critic issued awards based entirely on reviews/ratings submitted by cruisers when they posted a cruise review. Cruise Critic, the online guide to cruises, is one of the most influential travel sites on the web. With a world-renowned editorial staff, it provides objective cruise reviews, features, ports-of-call profiles and destination information.

With some vacations on the sea getting labeled as boring or boats being referred to as overcrowded people movers, the SeaDream Yacht Club offers something new and exotic for couples looking for a true yachting experience. The best thing about it, these ships are casual, unstructured and high end with aspects that appeal to even the most distinguished traveler.

The company boasts, “no clocks, no crowds, no lines, no stress.”

Together with their sister vessel SeaDream II, SeaDream I both offer Chic and stylish decor, personal service, state-of-the-art facilities all while surrounded by a crew of 95! Offering an intimate yachting journey combined with an all inclusive structure including alcohol & gratuities, ocean-view accommodations, luxury spa and world class cuisine! There is no wonder honeymooners find themselves attracted to this amazing and romantic experience.

Itineraries include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Amazon. “It’s yachting, not cruising” Enjoy the difference. For further details visit www.SeaDream.com or phone 800 707-4911.

CALLING ALL FOODIES!!!
WE HAVE GOT THE HONEYMOON FOR YOU!

Florence Italy, Sunset

Let us introduce you to “Gourmet on Tour”!

Gourmet on Tour , was started in 2000, by Judith von Prockl, a highly acclaimed travel specialist who was seeking the ultimate one-of-a-kind culinary adventure experience. From her initial vision to present day, GOT has become exactly what she dreamed of! Now, her award-winning culinary tours can be arranged around the world, giving attendees a unique opportunity to learn local cuisine and culture together. There are over 80 luxury cooking and wine tours awaiting food connoisseurs, ranging from half a day to a weekend or week. Gourmet on Tour thoroughly arranges everything from hands-on cooking classes to access and tours of exclusive wineries.

We know that this trip will leave you thrilled in addition to your taste buds satisfied! In fact, we were just made aware that Gourmet On Tour has won the 2011 IACP Award of Excellence Culinary Tour Operator demonstration achievement in culinary tourism!

The Gourmet-on-Tour cooking class in Florence Italy, Tuscany

Since starting Gourmet On Tour in 2000, Judith has seen a great rise in filling a gastronomic void—by catering to avid foodies looking for the ultimate in culinary tours featuring gourmet food and fine wine experiences. Judith has just launched a wildly successful cooking tour to Shanghai—in addition to customized food and wine tours to over 80 countries that Gourmet On Tour is already renowned for.

And we have even greater news….this year will see Gourmet On Tour will be offering new cooking vacations to:

• Italy—Rome and Puglia
• France—Gascony and Normandy
• U.S.—Santa Fe, New Mexico

Judith, founder of Gourmet on Tour says, “Food is the common language. Culinary holidays are perfect for more seasoned and hungry travelers who prefer to participate in, rather than observe, another culture.” Honeymooners that want to fall in love as they taste and enjoy the spices of life, this is the perfect voyage for you!

Pat claims, “While we love organizing unique experiences that our travelers couldn’t have otherwise done on their own—from private cooking classes with Michelin-starred chefs to accessing exclusive wine cellars—we’re also mindful of preserving local food cultures and support local food businesses around the world”.

This amazing style of travel is something worth looking into! To learn more about Gourmet on Tour, visit their website @ http://www.gourmetontour.com

Cheers!

Went to ITB~ ENJOY SOME OF THE AMAZING THINGS WE EXPERIENCED!

Honeymoons.com Attends ITB-Berlin

I could not just give you one reason to visit this amazing place called Nosara when there are MILLIONS of reasons why so many honeymooners already choose this perfect honeymoon location!  Nosara, Costa Rica is home to thousands of honeymooners each year for various reasons and attractions!

Some of those reasons include the beautiful warm tropical environment, the amazing food choices (fresh fish galore), and the endless options whether you want your honeymoon to be an adventure (with activities such as zip lining, canyoneering, SUP tours, deep waterfall hikes, white water rafting, surfing, snorkeling, deeps sea fishing, swimming with turtles and dolphins, cave exploration, river kayaking, beach/jungle horse back riding, ATV exploration tours, AND of course the famed Safari Surf School where couples love to learn to surf together)

OR if you just prefer to chill and embrace the romance on your honeymoon, there are activities like massage, beach yoga, meditation, all the spa treatments you can imagine, salsa dance classes…need I go on!

There is also enough privacy to run around naked and never see another sole other than your new spouse for your entire visit, if you so desire.

For those interested, the Safari Surf will be celebrating their tenth anniversary this November and have become one of the most well known surf schools in all of Central America. www.safarisurfschool.com

Honeymooners can also expect a great social scene, discothèque, no pavement, no street lights, monkeys in the trees…AND WiFi, cable TV, and cell reception! It’s the perfect balance of untouched paradise with all the modern conveniences of being in a city.

Imagine a place where warm Bahamian waters and staff are there and ready to give you the warmest welcome awaits you at the romantic Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort. Ideally situated on a 1,000-foot stretch of Nassau’s most spectacular white-sandy beach with waters so blue and pristine they will take your breath away. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be treated to gracious Bahamian hospitality, thoughtful amenities, and an abundance of activities from swimming and tennis to snorkeling, sailing and exciting water sports. There is even a shark diving opportunity at the nearby Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas http://www.stuartcove.com/.

Recently chosen by Expedia® travelers as one of the world’s best hotels on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select™ list, the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is set on seven exquisite acres of stunning waterscape, including three freshwater pools with flowing waterfalls, a swim-up bar and over-sized whirlpools nestled among tropical landscaping. The resort houses six restaurants and lounges serving a variety of island specialties and international cuisine. The 694-room Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort offers accommodations featuring a large private balcony or patio. Rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access, LCD flat-screen televisions and the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed – a multi-layered creation adorned with voluptuous down pillows, sensuous cotton sheets and a signature blanket and duvet.
Make your once-in-a-life time honeymoon a very special and romantic one at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort. Reserve the honeymoon package now and they will include with your room:
·                                 Free upgrade to next room type
·                                 Full Breakfast for 2 at our Restaurant or via Room Service daily
·                                 Bottle of Sparkling Wine and chocolate amenity on day of arrival
·                                 One dinner for two in our Amici Restaurant
·                                 Fruit and cheese amenity delivered to room on the third day of stay
·                                 4pm late checkout on day of departure
For more information on this amazing destination be sure to visit www.sheratonnassau.com

Top Ten Wedding Tips Presented By:

10) Cancun weather can be really hot depending on the season. If you are planning a beach wedding, we recommend scheduling the ceremony for after 5PM when the temperatures are more moderate.

9) For the wedding day, purchase two identical shirts for the Groom so he can change after the ceremony.

Bear in mind that you should arrive in Cancun a minimum of three days prior to your wedding in order to complete all required blood tests.

7) To avoid confusion at the airport, book transportation to the hotel for you and your guests leaving for Cancun. With a private transportation service, all you have to do then is look for the right banner displaying your name.

6) If you are planning to give your guests either wedding favors or souvenirs, it is better to buy them in Mexico. It will be less costly and you will also avoid any Customs bureaucracy.

5) For your ceremony, select flowers that are in-season. You will significantly lower the cost of this essential element of all well-planned weddings.

4) Don’t take anything for granted. Provide your wedding planner with as many details as you can: whether it is concerning the bouquet, the table set-up, the wedding decorations, or any other part of your wedding. If you have photos of what you expect, that’s even better!

3) Make sure you ask your wedding planner if there are any additional fees you should budget for when planning your wedding.

2) The Bride and Groom Kit: Come prepared for every eventuality. Bring items like a sewing kit, Tylenol, stain remover, buttons, water, comb, make-up, sandals, insect repellent, little snacks, hair clips.

1) Make your day an incredible and unforgettable experience – end your wedding with butterfly liberation ceremony! What better way to celebrate a new beginning?

AND Don’t forget the “Trash the Dress” photo shoot in a cenote for the day after the wedding!