Most romantic destination-we plan to elope!
Oct 31st, 2002, 07:01 PM
#22
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my husband and i eloped 3 weeks ago in Putney, Vermont. The fall leaves were just starting to turn (they were late, had planned for more foliage, but owell). it was perfect, romantic, special, and really, really wonderful to be alone with our vows.
it doesn't seem like vermont is up your ally, since you are looking for a sunny destination. (for others eloping who might like vermont, please check out www.hickoryridgehouse.com. the b&b owners are truly wonderful people and could not have been better hosts for our stay in their lovely home)
Anyway, I would avoid France if you are planning to actually marry at your destination. France has strict marriage license rules - must live in the city for a month or something like that. Italy is easier, but you will need someone to coordinate the documents from abroad and I would start planning that now.
Top romance in my book would probably be Kauai. And I do agree with the other poster about Santorini. My God, Greece is stunning. It's a hell of a trip to get there, but so worth it, especially if you planning to stay for 2 weeks.
If money is no object, look into the seychelles. a friend of mine went on her honeymoon there and said it was fantastic.
In the good ol' US mainland - try Carmel. Or Santa Barbara.
Have a wonderful elopement.
it doesn't seem like vermont is up your ally, since you are looking for a sunny destination. (for others eloping who might like vermont, please check out www.hickoryridgehouse.com. the b&b owners are truly wonderful people and could not have been better hosts for our stay in their lovely home)
Anyway, I would avoid France if you are planning to actually marry at your destination. France has strict marriage license rules - must live in the city for a month or something like that. Italy is easier, but you will need someone to coordinate the documents from abroad and I would start planning that now.
Top romance in my book would probably be Kauai. And I do agree with the other poster about Santorini. My God, Greece is stunning. It's a hell of a trip to get there, but so worth it, especially if you planning to stay for 2 weeks.
If money is no object, look into the seychelles. a friend of mine went on her honeymoon there and said it was fantastic.
In the good ol' US mainland - try Carmel. Or Santa Barbara.
Have a wonderful elopement.
Nov 1st, 2002, 03:52 AM
#23
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Ooooh, what a fun trip to plan! You want to wow her? I say anywhere on Capri, or Le Sirnuse in Positano. Another idea is Corsica, they just filmed the remake of Swept Away there which I haven't seen, but rent the original, also filmed in Corsica and you'll see why it I think it's an indredibly gorgeous spot.
Another Idea is Phuket Thailand and visit the Phi Phi islands. I thought it was surreally beautiful. The Aman hotels there are world class. Without a doubt the most gorgeous beaches I've ever seen. Blows Hawaii away.
Another thought is Punte d'Este in Uruguay. They have a top resort there at very low prices and even airfares aren't that bad. (about $600, but the hotel costs more than makeup for it).
Also Ville d'Este in Lake Como. I was there on Mother's day and it was incredibly beautiful. Where else can you see snowcapped mountains and palm trees all at once?
Any of those destinations would make me melt, that's for sure. Let us know what you decide.
Another Idea is Phuket Thailand and visit the Phi Phi islands. I thought it was surreally beautiful. The Aman hotels there are world class. Without a doubt the most gorgeous beaches I've ever seen. Blows Hawaii away.
Another thought is Punte d'Este in Uruguay. They have a top resort there at very low prices and even airfares aren't that bad. (about $600, but the hotel costs more than makeup for it).
Also Ville d'Este in Lake Como. I was there on Mother's day and it was incredibly beautiful. Where else can you see snowcapped mountains and palm trees all at once?
Any of those destinations would make me melt, that's for sure. Let us know what you decide.
Nov 1st, 2002, 06:01 AM
#26
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Have you both cruised before? Many variables on cruises, that can't be controlled - I wouldn't risk it. (Seasickness, bad weather with no options for alternative activities, weird dinner partners, etc.)
I've heard Venice is incredibly romantic, but for April, I'd go Caribbean. St. Barts is supposed to be a fabulous island, and the beaches of Anguilla are supposedly the best. No first-hand experience here (boo-hoo) - except for the cruise (boo-hoo-two) - just some thoughts.
I've heard Venice is incredibly romantic, but for April, I'd go Caribbean. St. Barts is supposed to be a fabulous island, and the beaches of Anguilla are supposedly the best. No first-hand experience here (boo-hoo) - except for the cruise (boo-hoo-two) - just some thoughts.
Nov 1st, 2002, 07:16 AM
#27
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Okay...the biggest WOW would be Fiji!
Look at
http://www.yasawa.com/
or
http://www.vatulele.com/
or
http://www.turtlefiji.com/
If those are too expensive then
http://www.south-seas-adventures.com/Matangi-Island-Resort/index.html
or
http://www.matamanoa.com/
You can't go wrong. Absolutely stunning and romantic. And, I'm convinced Fijians are the friendliest people on the planet.
Look at
http://www.yasawa.com/
or
http://www.vatulele.com/
or
http://www.turtlefiji.com/
If those are too expensive then
http://www.south-seas-adventures.com/Matangi-Island-Resort/index.html
or
http://www.matamanoa.com/
You can't go wrong. Absolutely stunning and romantic. And, I'm convinced Fijians are the friendliest people on the planet.
Nov 1st, 2002, 12:31 PM
#29
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Scott,
I only suggest moving the trip back for Paris becausew it can still be cold in April. We went there and cannot speak French, we took a book and did some homework...everything was fine. It has the best food, charm, art and atmosphere of any European city. I made a personal resolution after my first trip there, that if at any time in future travel I can add Paris to my itinerary I will, and I have three more times. It is a world class city, no doubt.
I only suggest moving the trip back for Paris becausew it can still be cold in April. We went there and cannot speak French, we took a book and did some homework...everything was fine. It has the best food, charm, art and atmosphere of any European city. I made a personal resolution after my first trip there, that if at any time in future travel I can add Paris to my itinerary I will, and I have three more times. It is a world class city, no doubt.
Nov 1st, 2002, 12:38 PM
#30
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Lizard Island Resort - off the coast of NE Australia right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef! Only 70 or so guests can even stay at one time. Look up their website. Book at least an Anchor Bay Suite. Then go to Syndey or go to Sydney first and watch a performance at the Opera House followed by dinner at the Opera House. Good idea to save the wedding cost and sink into a real honeymoon. I've been everywhere you mentioned but this experience was even more romantic and way fun too.
Nov 1st, 2002, 12:42 PM
#31
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I loved Paris too, but it just didn't have the kind of "Wow" factor that my other suggestions did. It's a beautiful, interesting city, but I wasn't in awe of it, nor would I rank it as quiet, peaceful, serene or necessarily sunny, which you mentioned that you were looking for. I feel the same about Venice, which I like even more than Paris, but they seem to be a different kind of vacation than I think you're looking for.
Nov 4th, 2002, 10:03 AM
#34
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What a wonderful thread! And here you were worried about bashing ....
I cannot think of a more romantic place in the world than Venice. We just saw a travelogue on Venice last week and it reminded us again what a romantic place it truly is. You will always have that magical memory and can tell your children and grandchildren where you were married. Ah, Venice ....
I cannot think of a more romantic place in the world than Venice. We just saw a travelogue on Venice last week and it reminded us again what a romantic place it truly is. You will always have that magical memory and can tell your children and grandchildren where you were married. Ah, Venice ....
Nov 4th, 2002, 10:14 AM
#35
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I too am looking for a place to get married, or elope if you want to call it that, in April. We are in our mid-30's and neither of us are interested in the big wedding, maybe a big party after we get back but not the big wedding for us. I looked quite a bit at the caribbean because I don't really want to do a long flight from the midwest in order to go to the pacific region. It looked to me like Caymans were great. Most caribbean islands I looked at had a link about weddings that explained what marriage paperwork and etc. you need there. I also looked at the Lost Resort in the BVI I think it was. If I remember correctly it was the eastern most island in the chain. A place I have been that seemed very romantic to me (altho I was only 20 at the time) was Guajataca Puerto Rico on the NE coast. I believe it was El Parador Hotel. It is not expensive and that was many years ago but I remember the pool up on the cliff above the beautiful blue of the caribbean. WOW! It is on the web at elguajataca.com I think PR gets a bad rap but it is a very beautiful place with many microclimates to explore...jungles, rainforest, african-savannah-like plains, mountains that reach right down to the coast, etc. Also San Juan has great history to be explored if you are in to that. And if you want, it is easy to island hop to anywhere from PR or jump on a cruise to really make it a trip of a lifetime.
Nov 6th, 2002, 04:27 PM
#36
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My husband and I eloped three years ago and it was amazing!! We took a barefoot sail boat through the British Virgin Islands for a week then we got married on the beach at Long Bay Resort it Tortola. We then stayed four days in a Villa there. I wouldn't have changed a thing!!! Our marriage lic. is issued by the Queen of England, pretty cool!!
Nov 6th, 2002, 04:39 PM
#37
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We honeymooned in Jamaica at the Grand Lito resort Sans Souci, and saw a lot of couples getting married there. It made us wish we'd skipped our big 250+ affair, and made off to to have a small intimate ceremony overlooking the water during an amazing sunset and a lone sax player playing in the distance.
If you decide to do Europe, I'd pick Venice over Florence as well for romance. Florence, beautiful as it was, was much too distracting and academic for romance. The gondola ride was worth the trip alone. Don't go during the summer months when the canal, is, how shall I say it--a stinkpot?
Oh, and congratulations! Marriage is a wonderful thing no matter where you start it off!
If you decide to do Europe, I'd pick Venice over Florence as well for romance. Florence, beautiful as it was, was much too distracting and academic for romance. The gondola ride was worth the trip alone. Don't go during the summer months when the canal, is, how shall I say it--a stinkpot?
Oh, and congratulations! Marriage is a wonderful thing no matter where you start it off!
Nov 7th, 2002, 07:39 AM
#39
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Amalfi Coast - hands down. Stay in Capri 1 week, and day trip from there to Ischia for a day spa experience. Ravello the other weeek. Certainly don't miss Positano, but I don't think you need to stay there.
One word of advice, which I wish so badly someone was kind enough to tell me - the Blue Grotto is the biggest waste of time, rip off going. However if you have the $ & time to waste, that's another story. The first time I went, I was on Capri for only 1 day, and I deeply regret choosing to go to the Grotto.
One word of advice, which I wish so badly someone was kind enough to tell me - the Blue Grotto is the biggest waste of time, rip off going. However if you have the $ & time to waste, that's another story. The first time I went, I was on Capri for only 1 day, and I deeply regret choosing to go to the Grotto.
Nov 7th, 2002, 08:55 AM
#40
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There are some pretty wonderful vineyards in Sonoma or Napa (Ferrari comes to mind immediately; they have spas, romantic dinners, wine trains, etc. The Hilton Wiakoloa on the Big Island has a very beautiful wedding chapel on its grounds. I would be a little hesitant with the world situation to go to Bali, SE Asia or even parts of Europe. You should also consider that some exotic destinations also have the unfortunately tag-along of tourista. The Hyatt on St Lucia is great; Westin on Grand Cayman is nice; what about the Westin in Whisler with a train trip through the Canadian Rockies afterwards? - depends a bit on what you want to do afterwards...scuba, snorkel, ski, drink, ??
