Honeymoon Blog

Granada: Spain’s Hidden Gem

MoonRings — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 10:58:05 -0500

As far as romance goes, there’s no shortage in Granada, Spain. Located at the base of the Sierra NevadaMountains in Andalucía, Granada has so much to offer you as a newly-wedded couple. Only an hour from the Mediterranean coast, and home to two UNESCO world heritage sites, Granada is sure to charm you with its rich Spanish culture and stunning views.

Perhaps its most popular attraction is the ancient fortress known as the Alhambra. Whether you enjoy the ancient history, breathtaking beauty, or strolling through the gardens, a trip to the Alhambra is a must.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Alhambra is the Albaizin, with which you are sure to fall in love. With a rich Moorish past, the area is home to some of Granada’s best views in, particularly the Mirador de San Nicolas. This lookout point sits directly across from the Alhambra, offering a perfect view of the ancient fortress and the entire city. It’s a hot spot for couples seeking a romantic evening, especially at sunset.

Not far from the Albaizin you can find the “Banuelos” or “Arab Bath House”, also known as a Hammam. Styled after traditional Hammams, the Banuelos has evolved into more of a spa. They offer massages, relaxing baths, or you can just enjoy the warm waters with your querido.

Up the road from the Albaizin is Sacramonte. Previously known as the gypsy quarter, it’s now famous for its Flamenco performances. The locals will be the first to tell you that Granada is one of the best places in Spain to catch a Flamenco show.

Just when you think Granada couldn’t be any more charming, the sun sets and the city comes to life. As tradition goes, residents take to the streets around 9 or 10 pm to socialize and enjoy “tapas.” As inventors of these tasty bites served at bars throughout the country, Spaniards have long-enjoyed snacking on tapas prior to hitting the town. And did we mention they’re free when you order a drink? What’s not to like? Because southern Spain has a mild climate, people tend to eat outside year-round, creating a festive atmosphere in the plazas and cafes.

Granada is a must as part of a longer honeymoon in Spain. However you choose to enjoy the city, it will be unforgettable. What better way to celebrate your new life together?

Looking for something different?? Try Ecuador and the Galapagos!

MoonRings — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:17:04 -0600

We recently returned from an exciting adventure to Ecuador including the incredible Galapagos Islands. The country has been on numerous hot lists recently and we’ve seen increased interest in the area as well. So we jumped at the chance to spend just under two weeks exploring this beautiful country.

Our journey started in Quito which is becoming the place to be in Ecuador. The city is a colorful metropolis and actually quite artistic; it’s even been referred to as the “Florence of South America” given the influence of art throughout the city. The old city was our favorite spot and Casa Gangotena made a perfect base for strolling around. It was once the residence of a prominent Ecuadorean family and still retains all the character of being in someone’s personal home. There are immaculate churches, interesting street vendors, and so many eclectic restaurants all within easy reach of your doorstep.

From Quito we continued on to the Galapagos aboard the M/Y Grace of Quasar Expeditions. The boat is named after Princess Grace of Monaco as it was a gift to her and Prince Rainier for their wedding. The even honeymooned on it throughout the Mediterranean so with such a romantic history it’s perfect to add to a honeymoon itinerary! The intimacy of this small ship really heightened our experience as the amount of people on board really made you feel like you were on someone’s personal yacht. The attentive service was also special and the comfy cabins on board were a welcome retreat after a day of exploring. The wildlife sightings were a highlight which included land and marine iguanas, tons of cute baby sea lions, and even snorkeling with hammerhead sharks! While cruising the Galapagos has become much more popular as of late, due to strict government rules it still feels like an incredibly isolated experience.

Next up was Mashpi Lodge located in the cloud forest about 2 ½ - 3 hours from Quito. Wow…what a wonderful place to spot animals (and appreciate nature) especially if you’re a bird watcher! There are more than 400 species of birds in the forest (35 of which are endemic) along with other interesting creatures such as monkeys, butterflies, and a variety of reptiles. Our favorite sighting was probably the female ocelot as she is typically very elusive and doesn’t reveal herself often. The reserve is a beautiful place to walk with a naturalist guide or even try their one-of-a-kind skybike (think pedaling on a zipline!) Back at the lodge, afternoons and evenings were relaxing and delicious thanks to a generous lunch buffet and high-quality dinner menu.

Our trip ended at the intimate and charming Hacienda Zuleta which gave us a true Ecuadorian experience. We felt right at home in our cozy surroundings and truly appreciated the local hospitality. It’s not often that we’re served family style by colorful Ecuadorian women who spent hours preparing our meals! The fireplaces lit up each night in the rooms made it feel extremely romantic and star gazing in the countryside is perfect to do with your loved one! Hacienda Zuleta is known for its horseback riding, which attracts numerous visitors throughout the year. If horses aren’t your thing there are plenty of great hikes, mountain biking and cheese making demonstrations. Who would have guessed that the hacienda has some award-wining varieties?

For those looking for a slightly more untouched South American adventure, Ecuador certainly has a lot to offer. There’s culture (over 26 indigenous groups), stunning scenery and delicious food that makes a trip well worth it. It’s also incredibly romantic and great way to start married life together. And getting to Ecuador is easy! There are several nonstop flights between Miami/Atlanta/Houston and Quito or Guayaquil making it easy to connect from most North American gateways. And while we didn’t have time to visit everywhere, you can choose to spend some time in the Amazon, stroll around the historical town of Cuenca or take a four day exploration by train between Guayaquil and Quito, stopping in little towns along the way. Whatever your interest, let us help you create a special experience in this true South American gem!

Rising Star: MoonRings' Kevin Doheny named one of USA's top young Travel Advisors

MoonRings — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 06:59:24 -0500

We are so pleased to announce that MoonRings' own Kevin Doheny has been named one of the country's top young travel advisors for 2013. Travel Agent Magazine's "Top 30 under 30" honor goes to those up-and-coming travel advisors who already, at a young age, are extraordinarily well traveled, demonstrate leadership within the industry, and have proven time and again they go the extra mile to ensure their clients have exceptional travel experiences. You can read about Kevin's accomplishments and the full text of the article here.

With MoonRings' focus on honeymoons and special occasions, Kevin works with clients in his own demographic daily. "I'm in a unique position within the travel industry. The things that matter to me as a young person are those that matter to many of our clients taking a honeymoon: discovering cool destinations, finding the right restaurants, and creating memorable experiences for example." Recent destinations where Kevin has planned honeymoons include the Seychelles, South Africa (his photo above is from Boulders Beach, outside Cape Town), Hawaii, Paris, Australia and Brazil.

Having planned hundreds of luxury honeymoons to diverse destinations across the globe during his time at MoonRings, Kevin is accepting new clients and welcomes the opportunity to consult with you about yours! You can email him directly at kdoheny@moonrings.com or see what he's posting about next on Twitter at @chiguykpd!

Good things for our clients - MoonRings joins Virtuoso!

MoonRings — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 11:13:44 -0500

MoonRings is excited to announce that we have become a member of Virtuoso, a prestigious grouping of travel agencies across the globe recognized for their dedication to luxury travel and creating dream vacations (and honeymoons!). Through our recent affiliation with Andavo Travel, we've just come into the Virtuoso family, which is great news for our clients!

Why is this great news for our clients? Because through Virtuoso, we have access to added amenities at luxury hotels, resorts and experiences across the globe. These include upgrades, free breakfasts, welcome gifts, spa credits, complimentary meals and a whole host of other possibilities. For those of you familiar with the American Express Platinum Fine Hotels Program, Virtuoso takes this one step further and covers even more amazing properties.

MoonRings can now further leverage the deep relationships we've always had - our "little black book" has just been extended, and this means even better treatment for our clients as they travel. We've also just attended what is know as "Virtuoso Travel Week", a 5-day conference in Las Vegas where we met with 100 luxury travel suppliers a day (4 minutes each), making contacts across the globe. We have essentially gone on a world-wide shopping trip for our clients, and you will be the beneficiaries!

In the honeymoon realm, we look forward to making your experiences even more special, personalized and memorable. And please think of us for any other travel, however small, since we now have the ability to provide even more benefits than you could otherwise would receive by booking on your own!

MoonRings' Miriam Geiser named in USA's Top 35 Travel Consultants Under 30

MoonRings — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:29:26 -0600

We are so pleased to announce that MoonRings' Miriam Geiser has been selected by Travel Agent magazine as one of the USA's top 35 Travel Consultants under the age of 30! We couldn't be happier for her accolade - she has been a fantastic asset to MoonRings and especially for her honeymoon clients.

The article can be seen at this link: click here

Miriam's entry is on this page: click here

Miriam has planned hundreds of amazing luxury and experiential honeymoons to beautiful and romantic destinations around the globe. Her attention to detail and creativity have earned her many happy clients who now continue to work with her, even after the Big Day. As a member of the same demographic, Miriam absolutely understands what to-be-wed couples are seeking in a honeymoon!

If you'd be interested in speaking with Miriam (or any of her equally fine colleagues) about your honeymoon plans, please just let us know! She's bound to have some great ideas for you. 1 800 205 3314, 1 312 261 5760 or info@moonrings.com.

10 Luxury Essentials for the Stylish Traveler

MoonRings — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 20:20:10 -0600

With the holidays coming up, we thougth this could be the start to the fun gift list for the honeymooner or other stylish traveler in your life!

//travel.cnn.com/luxury-essentials-stylish-traveler-914756

What's on your holiday travel wish list?

Honeymoon Electricity: Which Adapters to Take?

MoonRings — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 19:37:50 -0500

We get this question all the time - how will I charge my camera battery? My iPad? My smartphone? While this seems like an easy question, the reality is that electric plugs vary from country to country. To help you understand what to buy and pack, we'd love to share a good online resource:

GLOBAL ELECTRIC DIRECTORY //kropla.com/electric2.htm

This website will let you know voltage requirements as well as plug types for just about every country on the planet! You can purchase your adapters from the site, or even go to someplace like Amazon.com if you prefer.

It's always best to buy your adapters before you leave home - you never know if the location you'll visit will have them for sale or availalbe in your hotel. Also remember to check your electrical devices to determine if they are "dual voltage", in other words, can they take both 110 volts and 220 volts? If not, you'll need to purchase a converter as well.

Bon Voyage, no matter where your honeymoon may take you!

The Real Jamaica - Three Offbeat Properties Illustrate the Island's Best

MoonRings — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 19:18:02 -0500

We are just back from a visit to Jamaica’s east coast, and we have to say we are truly impressed! This is an amazing place for a honeymoon, particularly if you value character, intimate hideaways, lush scenery and rich culture.

When most people think of Jamaica, images of mega all-inclusive resorts and overdevelopment come to mind. Yes, these areas do exist, but there is a very different side to the country, where honeymooners in-the-know encounter stunning mountains, boutique resorts and local people quick to share a smile and a friendly wave. We are talking about the eastern side of Jamaica.

We flew into Kingston and were whisked an hour away into the Blue Mountains to Strawberry Hill //www.islandoutpost.com/strawberry_hill/, a peaceful retreat which is also home to some amazing musical history. Owned by music mogul Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and responsible for introducing Bob Marley and reggae music to the world, Strawberry Hill is where Marley convalesced for 6 months after being shot in 1976 during a period of political tension in Jamaica. Guests can enjoy the charming gingerbread cottage "Gong", one of 12 on property, where the reggae master himself stayed during this period.

Today one comes for the quiet, the romance and the fabulous views over Kingston towards the ocean, which are magical as the lights come on at dusk. Music is omnipresent. Not only will you enjoy great grooves playing in the cozy bar, but gold records by Marley, U2, Elton John, Melissa Etheridge and others are on display in the boardroom. You really feel like you are part of music history at Strawberry Hill!

If Strawberry Hill is a privileged look into music's past, our next stop, the tropical enclave of Geejam //www.geejamhotel.com/, is a look into music's future. Set just outside the coastal town of Port Antonio, Geejam boasts just 5 intimate cottages and one villa, and is tucked into a beautiful hillside setting, complete with private beach club below. Owned by two music executives, the theme continues: the Bushbar displays a slick iMac showing the current iTunes playlist, for example. But more surprising and delightful is Geejam's state-of-the-art recording studio. What? In the middle of a Jamaican jungle? Absolutely - it's brought in many top artists such as Alicia Keys, No Doubt and Amy Winehouse to name a few. Escapists love the setting and the amazing personal attention provided by the staff - nothing is too much trouble!

After Geejam, our final stop was the off-beat but very cool beach resort of Goldeneye //www.goldeneye.com/site/, in the town of Oracabessa in the northeast. If the name sounds familiar it should – the property was formerly owned by Ian Flemming, creator of James Bond. While it’s changed since Flemming’s day, guests can still choose to stay in or visit the Flemming Villa – an extensive compound set on a beautiful piece of cliff-side property where the author penned his iconic novels.

Also owned by Chris Blackwell, Goldeneye received major investment in 2010, resulting in a series of charming new cottages, both on the pretty beach and on its crystal-clear lagoon. Lagoon cottages even come with their own kayaks - just drop into the water and off you go! Other great watersports include stand up paddle, swimming in the lagoon, snorkeling, jetskiing and diving.

Of course Goldeneye has a musical component to it - great reggae tunes and other laid-back beach music are played over the Internet at the Bizot Beach Bar, which is adorned with album covers from the 60s and 70s. This is also a destination for musicians on holiday, so you never know who you might run into! Not to be missed is the nearby Firefly Estate, the Jamaican home to British musician, artist and friend of Ian Flemming, Noel Coward. The estate has a magnificent view, and is often the site of intimate concerts by visiting artists - for example, U2 played Firefly in February for the 50th birthday of one of Bono's friends.

Clearly, this is a different side of Jamaica. In addition to very cool places to stay, everywhere you go you'll find Jamaicans eager to chat, welcome you, share a laugh, or show you their town. Music, culture, beauty and romance come together at once for a truly unique experience that is perfect for a honeymoon or other special occassion!

Dream, plan and live your honeymoon to Southern Africa with new iPad App

MoonRings — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:32:46 -0500

Our partners in Southern Africa, Giltedge Travel, have helped us make untold numbers of African honeymoon dreams come true. To help you visualize just what your honeymoon experience can be in Africa, they've recently launched a beautiful iPad app. It's full of unbelievable photography including wildlife, ecosystems, hotels, resorts and game lodges. On top of that, there are detailed descriptions of countries, regions and accommodations; basically everything you need to conceptualize your honeymoon in Southern Africa!

To get the app, go to the iTunes Store and search for GILTEDGE TRAVEL. It's free.

It's so easy to use that you'll find yourselves engrossed as you explore countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, The Seychelles and Mozambique, to name a few. We hope you enjoy it - and when you're ready, give one of our Africa experts here at MoonRings a call to help you structure and put the entire experience together. This is the fun part of wedding planning...!

New Website for MoonRings!

MoonRings — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:19:31 -0500

We are excited to announce that our new website is now live! It features new destinations, ideas for great experiences, testimonials, spectacular photography, and many tips and pointers for planning amazing honeymoons.

We welcome your input and comments - let us know what you think:

www.moonrings.com

We look forward to helping you with your honeymoon plans - just give us a ring or send us a message!