LITTLE HONEYMOONS: Arcipelago Toscano, Italy

  Looking for a Mediterranean seaside honeymoon spot in Italy? How about traveling off the beaten path and head for the little chain of islands off the coast of Toscana known as, Arcipelago Toscano?

There are seven islands:  the Isle of Elba is the largest, Isola del Giglio, Gorgona, Capraia, Giannutri, Pianosa and Montecristo, the last made famous by Alexandre Dumas in his novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. These beautiful jewels in the middle of the sea look heavenly with their wild nature, miles of sand or pebble beaches and cliffs. Also its uncontaminated landscape forms part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago and its sea is part of the biggest marine park in Europe.  Sign me up. Sigh. I would love to rent here or maybe stay here or here.  I haven't been there yet but have plenty of friends here that rave about it.  More helpful links about travel in the islands small island in an island, sailing, spa , b&b, camping, insider tips and tourism

                                            

If you could go on an island vacation\honeymoon, where would you go? 

I would love to hear about your travel itinerary.

summer

oops. I've been a bit mia, my bad. my excuse?
ummmm, I have been trying to get some projects done before I head to my summer workshop then august vacation with A. In the meantime, I'm trying my best to get work done in this Milano heat wave (no AC, helloooooo) while daydreaming of our haven place here. sadly we will not be heading to the island but instead we are traveling to visit my side of the ocean to see family and friends. Yay! What are you doing this summer?

(photography by deirdre quinn)

honeymoon

Japan is at the top of our travel list, we even contemplated traveling their on our honeymoon but realized it might not be ideal in the dead of winter
Maybe for a spring or fall honeymoon?
Tokyo is definitely up there on places to see but being the nature\spa lover that I am, I would much prefer to snuggle up with my sweet at this ultra romantic spa getaway.
A haven of relaxation tucked in away in a bamboo forest.

For this long holiday weekend, I will be sneaking away with A. to my favorite forest here

little honeymoon adventures: Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn

The last of the North American luxury resort series takes you to the Post Ranch Inn, located on Big Sur's coastline in California. This my friends, looks like the ultimate destination for a luxurious escape. To see more go here

Next week, I will be back with new "little honeymoon adventures" from my favorite little island......
stay tuned.......

little honeymoon adventures: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont at Lake Louise

A dream honeymoon resort tucked away in the beautiful and secluded Banff National Park located in Alberta, Canada. A gorgeous and nature haven at any season. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise could be a magical experience, I mean just look at those enchanting pictures, it's like out of a winter wonderland fairytale! For more information go here

Next Wednesday, make sure to stop by for your weekly dose of little honeymoon adventures and glimpse into a luxurious resort situated on the pacific coastline.......

little honeymoon adventures: The Point

The Point

As mentioned last week, I'm on vacation, so I will be keeping "little honeymoon adventures", short and sweet. For the next couple of weeks, I will be writing a North American Resort series. A little wish list that I thought I would share with you all.
Today, I'm taking you up state New York to The Point. This former Rockefeller estate offers the ultimate civilized wilderness experience. Imagine spending a beautiful fall weekend there....sigh....

I highly suggest taking a sneak peek here, its so dreamy........

little honeymoon adventures: The Amangani Resort

The Amangani Resort

While I'm away I will be keeping "little honeymoon adventures" short and sweet but I promise to bring back some beautiful tips from a unique little island in the Mediterranean where I am currently busy collecting travel tips for you all.....
The next couple of posts will be dedicated to North American luxury resorts and today's spotlight is on the Amangani Resort in Jackon Hole, Wyoming. This location is perfect anytime of the year but I think it's especially romantic during the winter. An adventure honeymoon for the couple wishing to spend the day on slopes and nights cuddled up in front of the fire.

all images from amangani resort

To find out more on Amangani Resort go here

little honeymoon adventures: Morocco

MOROCCO
By Kira Wind

I've invited my best friend Kira, a.k.a, little miss globe trotter, to guest blog on little honeymoon adventures today. A couple of posts back, she was kind enough to share insider tips on how to have an ultimate Nantucket honeymoon. To read about it go here. And today she will transport us over to exotic Morocco.


There are few places as romantic and mysterious and Morocco. It’s hot, cold, dry, spicy, sultry, sweet and mystical. If you’re looking for a honeymoon that will take you completely out of your element and drop you thousands of years in ago in a land rich with history, culture, tradition and personality, Morocco is a trip of a lifetime. There are many ways to see and experience Morocco – too much in fact. In your planning process you’re going to have to make some difficult decisions about what you desperately can’t miss and what you’ll skip. If you’re going in the summer (namely July and August), you may want to take into account the extreme heat. If any of your itinerary includes more than an evening ride into the Sahara and a sunrise ride out, consider traveling in the Spring or Winter. The sun is blistering hot and there’s nothing less romantic than heat stroke. There are many fantastic ways to see the country, but the safest, easiest and most interesting is to hire a driver/tour guide. Your driver is your key into this beautiful and unusual culture and country.

Some of the most interesting adventures in Morocco include camels, sand dunes, waterfalls and long, beautiful hikes. There are also sites for the more leisurely travelers, but there’s just so much to see and do that you’ll want to bring a great pair of sneakers and some sunscreen and do everything Morocco has to offer. As far as lodging, Morocco stands apart. In most cities and even in some villages, Riads are generally a fantastic choice. These are old palaces that have been converted for the modern traveler, maintaining all of the architectural integrity and incorporating all of the modern conveniences of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels. There’s a Riad for all tastes and budgets – so be adventurous. This isn’t where you want to be looking for a Marriott.

Karim, one of the managers of Kasbah Omar will take you on the best hike of your life. Exploring high mountain villages, natural water falls and swimming holes –you’ll forget the heat of the city and lose yourself in a beautiful mountain wilderness.

Kasbah Omar – Ourika, High Atlas Mountains

Dades Valley

Dades Valley, Gorges

Driving out to the Saraha

Setting up camp in the Merzouga Dunes

After a delicious meal cooked for you under starlight, the local Berber evening entertainment begins.

The only way in and out of the Dunes is by camel or dromedary. Your guides will lead you.

You may feel a little sandy upon returning from the desert. No better way to wash off than with a traditional Moroccan hammam. This exfoliating treatment will leave you soft and radiant. Most hotels and Riads offer this spa option.

Marrakech has plenty of best in class hotels to choose from. La Sultana offers five star luxury accommodations, dining and spa options. Other luxury resort options in Marrakech include:

Amanjena
La Mamounia
La Villa des Orangers
Palmeraie Golf Palace & Resort

Dining
It’s hard to go wrong dining in Morocco. Local tajines, juices and breads are delicious options no matter which part of the country you find yourself. Orance juices are particularly good, as is the local olive oil. If you’re invited into someone home for a meal, don’t decline. This will be your most memorable evening in Morocco!

Shopping
Moroccan crafts are stunning. Whether you’re shopping for lighting fixtures, antique jewelry boxes, carpets, perfume bottles or pottery, you’ll be sure to find unique objects all over the country. The medinas (or old walled cities) are the best places to find the most authentic goods, so be sure to bring a certified tour guide and start exploring!


How to get there…
Royal Air Maroc
Daily flights from JFK to Casablanca (and domestic connections to Fes, Marrakech, etc…)
When planning your itinerary, consider skipping Casablanca altogether and connecting to one of the main cities. A connection from Casablanca to Fes is just about an hour of flying time and will cut hours off of your drive. A sample week long itinerary includes Fes, Merzouga Dunes in the Sahara, Ouarzazate, Ourika/High Atlas Mountains and Marrakech.

{Photography by Kira Wind}

little honeymoon adventures: British Columbia part 2

Vancouver Island

Today, I give you part 2 of little honeymoon adventures in British Columbia.
I am whisking you away from the mountains to a little enchanting town called, Tofino, located in the Pacific Rim region of Vancouver Island.
Life here revolves around the arts, outdoor adventure and the spectacular nature.
This spot is the perfect setting for that couple looking for a bit of wilderness and luxury. For a secluded and romantic getaway go here and those looking for something a bit more rustic with a hint of ultra luxury go here.
Need I say more?


SLEEP in Tofino

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Long Beach Lodge
The Wickaninnish Inn
Cable Cove Inn
Pacific Sands

ACTIVITIES around Vancouver Island
Hiking
Whale Watching
Bear Watching
Sunset tours
Gardens
Sea Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Surfing in Tofino
Pacific Rim Parks

more travel information check out this blog here

Sunken Garden at Butchchart

EATS
The Point
Long Beach Lodge Resort restaurant
Rain Coast
Blue Heron Restaurant
Shelter
Sea Shanty
for more listings go here

Oyster guides can be found here
and here

How to get there go here
here and here
for more information on Tofino go here and for Vancouver Island here

little honeymoon adventures: British Columbia part 1

Whistler/Blackcomb

whistler cedars in the fog

on top of Blackcomb Glacier

Winter brides, looking for a little honeymoon adventure? Why not skip the island route and head straight to the mountains, for a cozy, romantic ski adventure at Whistler/Blackcomb, located in British Columbia, Canada. Whistler is one of the largest ski resorts in North America and home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. You will find a wide range of activities, from the tranquility of cross-country ski trek through the forest to that perfect powder slope on one of the 200 marked trails and 12 bowels. It a winter land paradise.

SLEEP

Four Seasons
Fairmont
Summit Lodge
Adara Hotel
Nita Lake Lodge


SPA
Royal treatment can be found at any of Whistlers fabulous spas, but for the ultimate, head over to the Four Seasons where you can choose from assortment of relaxing delights ranging from a Apres-Ski Massage to the British Columbia glacial clay body treatment. The wild seaweed they use in body scrubs is indigenous to British Columbia, which they purchase from the Seaweed lady here and here.
Four Seasons
Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa
Solarice

The Lake around Nicklaus North Golf Course

EATS
A day spent out in the fresh air on the slopes can certainly inspire a mountain sized appetite, so head for the village for some delicious local grub.
*some local/regional fish I highly recommend, Sable Fish
*local oysters that are delish! Kusshi & Kumamoto
Fifty Two 80 Bistro
Edgewater Restaurant - Lodge
The Den Restaurant make sure you ask about the horse drawn sleigh ride around the Green Lake and after warm up with a fondue dinner and a glass of vino.
Urban Tapas Parlour
Milestones
BrewHouse

dog sled teams

back country heli skiing

ACTIVITIES
dog sled tours
sleigh rides
skiing & snowboarding
cross country skiing
heli skiing
I highly recommend Coast Range helicopter skiing, located in Pemberton (about 20-30 minutes away from the Whistler village)
snow shoe tours
zip trek
For more outdoor activities go here
For more information on how to get there go here

(photography by deirdre quinn)