A Honeymoon, Anniversary or other Romantic Getaway in Napa Valley
Is a romantic getaway on your radar this year? Are you planning a Honeymoon? Anniversary celebration? Maybe a fun getaway with some friends? With current events such as the Zika virus, terrorist threats, etc many are opting to stay in the U.S. this year.
Sure, staying in the U.S. might cost a bit more than jetting off to an all-inclusive beach resort in the Caribbean but for many, sacrificing a few extra $$ and forgoing the fruity drinks with umbrellas in them are a trade-off that they are comfortable making if it means they can opt for a fantastic Cabernet in California’s wine country
EZTravelPad has cultivated a great relationship with one of the best options in the region – Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. Not only can we expertly curate the entire adventure for you, we can leverage our relationships to your benefit and even arrange for some extra inclusions that you would not otherwise be entitled to!
Enjoy spending some quality time in one of the beautiful Bella suites…
Bella Suite The Meritage
Experience a morning bike ride through the vineyard….
A hot air balloon ride followed by a champagne brunch…
Spend some time lounging at the pool….
Treat yourself to some of the nearby local wineries on a tasting tour….
Spend some time before or after in one of America’s great cities….San Francisco and the greater Bay Area
With so much to experience, and the safety and security of the “Good old U S of A” leaving you with little to worry about you will find yourselves having an unforgettable romantic experience.
For more info on this or other great options for your next great vacation experience get in touch with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad today!
For decades Sandals Resorts have been the top choice for Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, and other romantic escapes to the Caribbean.
Why? – The answer is simple…they consistently provide a surprisingly affordable luxury resort experience where food, fun and romance are carefully intertwined to create a memorable vacation experience at some the the Caribbean’s top beaches on the best islands.
Every so often EZTravelPad partners with Sandals Resorts to offer a short presentation describing the Sandals Luxury Included experience-
What separates Sandals from competitors
Descriptions of the myriad inclusions
Where Sandals Resorts are located
What the Sandals experience is all about
and much more…even the potential for a bonus spa credit of up to $250!!
The next presentation is located in the most convenient place that you can imagine….your living room, or kitchen, or office (that’s right – it’s online!). It’s a fast paced webinar style presentation lasting about 45 minutes that provides a ton of info, and also gives YOU the opportunity to directly ask one of Sandals top representatives any questions you like – it’s a great opportunity to learn and earn!
The presentation will take place on Wednesday March 16 at 8PM Eastern Time
Here’s your chance to learn why Sandals Resorts are the Caribbean’s top choice for Honeymoons and Romance Travel
For decades Sandals Resorts have been the top choice for Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, and other romantic escapes to the Caribbean.
Why? – The answer is simple…they consistently provide a surprisingly affordable luxury resort experience where food, fun and romance are carefully intertwined to create a memorable vacation experience at some the the Caribbean’s top beaches on the best islands.
Every so often EZTravelPad partners with Sandals Resorts to offer a short presentation describing the Sandals Luxury Included experience-
What separates Sandals from competitors
Descriptions of the myriad inclusions
Where Sandals Resorts are located
What the Sandals experience is all about
and much more…even the potential for a bonus spa credit of up to $250!!
The next presentation is located in the most convenient place that you can imagine….your living room, or kitchen, or office (that’s right – it’s online!). It’s a fast paced webinar style presentation lasting about 45 minutes that provides a ton of info, and also gives YOU the opportunity to directly ask one of Sandals top representatives any questions you like – it’s a great opportunity to learn and earn!
The presentation will take place on Wednesday March 16 at 8PM Eastern Time
Does your Honeymoon vision look like like the photo above?
If so then the Sandals Resort experience may be for you!
Here is a special invitation from EZTravelPad and Sandals Resorts – to experience Indiana’s first ever “Virtual Sandals Caribbean Night” event
Join us from the comfort of your own home (or office) while you learn about the Sandals experience, what differentiates the locations in the Caribbean where the Sandals resorts exist, and a little bit about each resort in order to help determine which might be the best fit for you……and find out how you can qualify for a bonus $250 spa credit on top of all of the other great specials!
It’s simple – just register at this link for the event on Wednesday February 10th at 6:30PM
The presentation will last only about 45 minutes or so and allows for plenty of time for you to ask as many questions as you like.
Join us from the comfort of your home as Indiana’s best Honeymoon specialists team up with the Caribbean’s best resorts for romance – it couldn’t be more convenient – or more rewarding!
Share this link with a friend who might also be interested (the presentation is appropriate for everyone celebrating a Honeymoon, Anniversary, Destination Wedding, or even friends getaway)
Find out how “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad can help you have a better experience and SAVE!
If you have questions or any trouble with the link just call or email Scott 317-731-2293 or scott@eztravelpad.com
For a Destination Wedding at Florida’s Sunset Capital it’s Loews Don CeSar Beach Resort
Don CeSar Beach Resort – a Loews Hotel in St Pete Beach is a perfect spot for a U.S. based Destination Wedding. Stately, Classy, Gorgeous, and with a first class spa, this is a wonderful choice for discriminating couples interested in tying the knot beachside…
If coming in with a low budget is something that you want to accomplish for your Destination Wedding then this might not be the first choice, but compared to other more modest resorts in the area Don CeSar is surprisingly affordable.
Your Destination Wedding is in Good Hands
When putting together a destination wedding there are a few things to think about- location & reputation, capabilities and quality. Don CeSar has you covered, with 3 wedding coordinators on staff preparing to host over 400 weddings this year, rest assured that you are in good hands. If the service and attention to detail is anything like I experienced there recently I couldn’t be anymore comfortable in suggesting this as a great spot to tie the knot.
Offering exemplary service at every turn, you will not be disappointed by the staff, by the facilities, or by the dining options….
Flatbread topped with shredded island chicken, black bean spread & vegetables – Potato & plantain chips served with traditional guacamole and pineapple guacamole – Yum!
For some people a grilled chicken breast over a rice pilaf is just fine- others require something a bit more interesting. A more interesting menu is what you will find at Don CeSar, but is doesn’t stop there. The spa features 16 treatment rooms as well as a private deck overlooking the gulf – oh, and it smells like heaven when you walk through the door of the spa! Body toning water aerobics and beach yoga are complimentary for all guests.
Beach Resort = Beach + Pools
Beachside pools offer full service including complimentary refreshments (Italian ice, frozen grape kabobs, smoothies, chilled towels , etc) plus a full menu of activities include volleyball, beachball dodgeball, cannonball contest, and lots & lots of pool pampering are all in store for you if you stay for a few days.
Putting a Price on Service
How can you put a price on service? It’s the little things that mean so much – like the general manager stopping to have a chat – or walking into a restroom that smells of mint and eucalyptus – or being greeted by smiles from all the staff….lots and lots of staff can you put a price on that? Would you want your wedding celebration to be anywhere that offered less?
view of Don Cesar from beachside – looking great from every angle
My reason for stopping into Don CeSar was to find a Destination Wedding and Honeymoon resort located in Florida that I could feel good about recommending. I found it. So if a Florida based Honeymoon or Destination Wedding is something that you want, let EZTravelpad help guide you there – or wherever else your heart desires. After all, it’s your special day – but it’s not your responsibility to plan it all.
A Honeymoon or Destination Wedding at Sandals in St Lucia is Top Pick
A St Lucia Honeymoon, particularly at an all inclusive resort such as one of the 3 Sandals resorts located on the north end of St Lucia is one of the most sought after and romantic destinations in the Western Hemisphere.
Maybe it’s Oprah’s endorsement or maybe it is just the rare beauty this tropical paradise provides, it could even be that the last episode of The Bachelor was shot there last season, in any case it is real. It is beautiful, it is romantic, and it is in demand. Whether you choose Sandals Grande St Lucian (pictured above), Sandals Regency La Toc, or Sandals Halcyon Beach, you simply can’t go wrong.
If lounging in a tropical paradise – sharing a couples massage on the beach – dining in an over the water seafood restaurant – driving thru a volcano – scuba diving wrecks and reefs – golfing in a tropical paradise – if any of these things sound like what you want your honeymoon experience to include, then perhaps a Sandals luxury included vacation to St Lucia is your ideal Honeymoon spot.
But Sandals is not the only option – there is also The Pitons
So what about these Pitons you keep hearing about? What about the 3 walled suites? Just imagine waking to this in your Honeymoon suite….
Sure, this is Brad and Angelina stuff, right? Well, it’s not inexpensive. This Jade Mountain suite might run $10,000+ per week- if you can get in (better book it very, very far in advance), but there are other options that afford the same sort of view and the same concept of 1 wall being omitted so that you have an unbelievable view of one of the top 5 places in the world to visit.
The Sandals experience is All inclusive – the 3 walled view of The Pitons experience is generally not all inclusive, but you can combine the 2 as many people do, you can have it all. You can split your honeymoon into a few days of all inclusive fun in the sun + a few days of total relaxation in the most romantic place in the world, and you can get it done from between $5000-8000 total for a week including air from Chicago this September.
How do you plan such a once in a lifetime experience? How can you make sure that your Honeymoon in St Lucia is all you dreamed it can be? How can you coordinate a Destination Wedding to St Lucia, a place so far from home? One way is the best way, consult with a travel professional that specializes in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, a travel pro like EZTravelpad
Intercontinental Thalasso Resort & Spa in Bora Bora is Phenomenal
Welcome….
The Intercontinental Resort & Thalasso Spa is located on a motu (small islet) just off the main island of Bora Bora in The Society Islands of French Polynesia – or in short- The South Pacific. Actually the name of the spa is The Deep Ocean Spa so check out that link….
As the name implies, this resort is all about the spa. From the moment you step foot into the reception area you immediately notice soothing mood music – relaxing – totally. The decor, layout and furnishings are all designed to be in harmony with the spa nature of the resort….
Initially I wondered, what is a Thalasso spa? As they say everyday is a school day, so if YOU don’t know – here goes….
A Thalasso spa specializes in Thalassotherapy (derived from the Greek word ‘thalassa’ which means ‘sea’). The spa uses the beneficial aspects of the marine environment- the climate, sea water, seaweed and algae, mud and sand—all for therapeutic purposes. This spa even uses the seawater for air conditioning!
Sea water is sucked from a depth of 3500 feet (trust me- it’s cool down there) and circulated amongst the buildings on property for cooling purposes. The water is available from this fountain in the spa and guests are encouraged to take a daily sip – maybe 1/2 oz or less for better health. I did, and it’s not bad…
Like nearly every resort in French Polynesia the bulk of the buildings are bungalows. All guest rooms are in bungalows at this Intercontinental resort, as are the massage therapy rooms which are located in the overwater bungalows pictured below. Guests can enjoy a soothing massage while relaxing as they watch fish swimming in the reef immediately below the massage tables – Clear viewing windows in the floors allow an up close experience and are a fixture of most overwater bungalows in the area, another part of the experience of French Polynesia…
Had a long flight and feeling like your ankles are swollen from the lack of mobility combined with the warmth and humidity of the climate? This may be just the ticket- a Deep Chiller Walk pool. The pool of cool water is approx 25 feet in length and designed to allow you to walk back and forth in shallow cool water while being pounded by current…nice!
Tying the Knot
Considering French Polynesia as a destination for your wedding? There may exist a more romantic view than this, but if there is I am unaware of it. Imagine exchanging your vows in front of a huge plate glass window featuring Mt Otemanu as a backdrop – and standing on a clear floor with the reefs below….. this is the wedding chapel that dreams are made of.
A memory that will never, ever fade
Yes, I have an inside shot of the view, but trust me- it just doesn’t do it justice. Maybe a more professional photographer can- check this link
So yes, the spa is amazing – the wedding chapel is to die for – but what about the accommodations? How are the bungalows? Are they nice? How are the views? See for youself at their website. Suffice to say that the huge picture windows that are located at the foot of the King-sized beds in the bedrooms of the bungalows will afford a view like no other – provided that you know what to ask for…..
So is the Intercontinental Resort & Thalasso Spa the top resort in Bora Bora? Probably not for everyone. Some might opt for a larger resort – others may choose somewhere a bit more family friendly….but if you are a spa enthusiast who supports Green initiatives and you want to totally relax during your escape in paradise then this may be the best resort for you in all of French Polynesia…..
Can you book it thru some online “discount” source?
Sure- but why would you when the voice of experience is waiting for you – “Your friends….in the travel business” are here to help – Consider EZTravelpad – your source for unbiased advise and best price.
Vahine Private Island Resort is Paradise in French Polynesia
Have you ever dreamed of living on your own private island – away from everything and everybody?
Well you can almost accomplish just that at Vahine Private Island Resort – named by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world’s Top 25 Escapes, and with good reason.
To get there from say…Chicago would go a little like this- Flight to L.A. Change airlines and take Air Tahiti Nui to Papeete, Tahiti. Change airlines again (may require an overnight in Tahiti) to fly to Raiatea to catch a boat transfer to the small island of Vahine -about a 30 minute boat trip from Raiatea past Tahaa to Vahine.
Alternately, you could fly from Tahiti to Bora Bora & catch a private helicopter to Vahine from Bora Bora
arriving by boat you can expect to be greeted by Sophie (or another representative) who may be waiting with a cool fruit cocktail beverage and refreshing towel. I found the entire staff to be completely charming.
As the name suggests, this island is very private. There are a total of 9 guest bungalows so you and your travel partner will comprise more than 10% of the total number of guests on the entire island!
Finding a solitary place to relax is no problem….
As you can see below, the chef and his staff do not have state-of-the-art culinary equipment to prepare our lunch, but often times excellent and low-tech are a good fit and I can assure you that our dining experience was excellent
Simple- grilled meats and seafoods, ceviche, fruits – all extremely fresh and prepared to perfection.
Sometimes the food at a restaurant is excellent, but the ambiance is sub-standard. Not this time…as you can see in the background, this restaurant has a killer view of Taha’a and is completely open air and just steps from the beach
So the place is beautiful, small, private with a top-notch staff and excellent food – but how are the rooms you may ask? Well this should give you a sense……….
Below is a deluxe beach bungalow as viewed from the exterior – charming!
The deluxe beach bungalow is a bit larger than the standard beach bungalow. In both cases the bungalows are located on the water (as opposed to over the water)
There are 3 standard, 3 deluxe, and 3 over water bungalows, so the choices are not overwhelming….but the authentic Polynesian construction and decor are. Simply Irresistible
The 3 Overwater bungalows located out in the lagoon that separates Vahine from Taha’a actually have a view of the island of Bora Bora in the distance – one of the best views in all of French Polynesia
So this is supposed to be a review- right?
Ok then, enough with the niceties….
How’s the pool? – There isn’t one
Is the ice machine close to the room? Nope
Are you close to any “Hot” nightspots? Absolutely not…..
Is the lounge a good place to go dancing at night? Not really
Is there a better place to escape from it all for a few days and become one with nature in paradise? Maybe not….
Is there a better place for a Destination Wedding? Well, there certainly aren’t many other places that are this quaint and allow you to rent the entire resort! Even if you are not exchanging your vows on Vahine it would certainly be a wonderful place for part of your Honeymoon….
This is French Polynesia. This is about sleeping until you wake up (around dawn) then enjoying the day to it’s fullest – snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, paying a board game with your mate – or reading a book in the quiet solitude of the South Pacific
Then of course there are other activities that might cost a few $$ – activities such as
Visit to a Pearl Farm or a Vanilla Farm
Get a massage
Tour neighboring islands
Scuba diving
Deep Sea Fishing
and more…
The best way for many to experience French Polynesia is to spend a few days at 2 or 3 different islands. Spend some time on Tahiti and Bora Bora or Moorea – and spend some time at a place that is totally removed from the rest of the world…..
For more info contact someone who has been there and can offer the best advice available – EZTravelpad is here to help every step of the way!
Couples Sans Souci – A Great Jamaican All Adult Resort
Being a travel agency that specializes in Honeymoons, Destination Weddings and romantic escapes of all kinds, one of the most frequent questions we hear at EZTravelpad is “which resort is best?” – talk about an impossible question to answer…it’s like choosing the best flavor of ice cream- so many wonderful flavors I just want to try them all! But alas, we all know we can’t do that.
But I can tell you quickly that one of my favorites in Couples Sans Souci Resort in`Ocho Rios!
Is Couples Sans Souci right for everyone? Heck no!
So how do you know if it’s right for you? Well, one method is to hit their website and read the reviews- look at the photos – view their amenities…
But the best thing is to talk with a travel pro that can help you sort out the best options for you based on your immediate needs and requirements. Things that will impact the decision are
Interests
Style
Budget
Time Frame
All the resorts look good on paper and the photos are always awesome, but which is going to be the best fit? Which offers the right mix of fun and romance? Who has the best beach? Best pool? Which is the most romantic? Who has the best spa? If you’ve narrowed it down to the Caribbean, which island might be the best best?
So often the choice gets narrowed down and the island of Jamaica rises to the top, but with so many resorts in Jamaica (I can easily think of well over a dozen all adult resorts, not to mention the dozens that cater to guests of all ages) which is best? Well, that’s where I can help.
If romance, seclusion, space and serenity are the order of the day, the Sans Souci is definitely a top pick.
Couples Sans Souci is the most intimate of the 4 Couples resorts in Jamaica with only 150 luxurious rooms and suites, and given that the resort is spread out along 35 lush acres fronting the gorgeous Caribbean you can imagine how many opportunities there are for romantic moments of seclusion.
If you are thinking of tying the knot in one of the most romantic spots in the Caribbean, then it’s hard to beat this location…. a gazebo perched over the Caribbean in the midst of gardens. Awesome.
If you are looking for excellent yet basic accommodations with calming sea blue color schemes you may have found your spot
Whether you opt for a Deluxe Ocean Suite or a Penthouse Suite you are going to find a beautiful accommodation, but if you opt for the Hibiscus Cottage you are going to find a romantic cottage nestled behind a hedge of colorful bougainvillea and situated cliff-side overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Hibiscus Cottage is the ultimate secluded hideaway. This unique accommodation features a private outdoor infinity-edge Jacuzzi, a spacious living room, large master bedroom and bathroom suite with walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi tub for two
If you would like to select a suite with a gorgeous bath of marble featuring a soaker tub with whirlpool jets then maybe this is the pick
So sure, you are going to find a lovely suite, and the intimate nature of the resort certainly appeals to many couples interested in a romantic getaway, Honeymoon couples, or small groups in for a Destination Wedding – but if you are looking for a party spot this one is not for you-
At EZTravelpad we have the experience and the desire to help you select the best possible resorts to fit your style and make the most of your most important vacation – the NEXT one!
We like to think of ourselves are “Your friends….in the travel business” – get with us and see how we treat our friends – I think you’ll like it.
There are many, many possibilities for destinations to choose from when you are thinking about your Honeymoon or Destination Wedding, and there are many factors to consider-
How much time can you afford?
What do you want to experience?
How does budget play into it?
Do you need a passport?
What about safety?
Resort – Tour or Cruise?
EZTravelPad can help you quickly narrow down your choices to the most suitable, and offer you expert advice as to what else you should be thinking about – after all, an expert knows more- right?
So what are the most popular choices for Honeymoons these days?
Well, in my experience the vast majority of couples that I talk to want to experience something unique- something that neither of them have experienced before so that they can make new memories together, and in general it is usually ranked something like this-
Tropical – Romantic – Beach
Cruise
Close to home – a romantic Bed & Breakfast 2-8 hour drive from home
Tour Europe
So let’s look today at #1 – Tropical resort This can mean Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, South Pacific, somewhere even more exotic…
By far – about 80% of EZTravelPad clients choose either Caribbean or Mexico. Many people make their selection based on preconceived ideas about safety – affordability – beauty – status.
Obviously safety is a paramount concern. Nothing is more important to EZTravelPad – and all of our travel partners – than your safety! Many people see negative press about Mexico or specific Caribbean islands and rule them out. I am not here to change anyone’s mind – I am here to help you make the best choice possible given your particular wants, needs and desires. I happen to love Mexico, and the value that it presents to the US traveler, so would urge you to consider it – or if not, then it’s a really big world with plenty of other choices!
Budget & Value-
Sometimes price and value are confused. At EZtravelPad we always strive to acheive the maximum value for our clients. One of the best ways to acheive MAX value is by selecting an all-inclusive resort. Most all-inclusive resorts are located in-
Cancun / Riviera Maya area of Mexico
Jamaica
Dominican Republic
At an all-inclusive resort (and there is a very wide variety ranging from budget to luxury) typically food and beverages plus entertainment and non-motorized water sports are included in the price.
Some resorts – such as Sandals Resorts also include motorized water sports such as water sking & scuba diving- even golf….unlimited! Sandals Resorts are very good and are located in Jamaica, Bahamas, St Lucia and Antigua
Palace Resorts are another great choice. Palace Resorts are located in Dominican Republic and throughout many areas of Mexico. Palace offers $1500 in resort credits that can be used for scuba, tours, spa, romantic dinners, golf & more. This is a great value and allows MAX flexibility & choice!
There are some other great choices as well…
BUT– all-inclusive resorts are not necessarily for everyone. If you are the type that wants to get out and experience the destination to it’s fullest – meet the people – eat the food – live the culture, then an all inclusive resort experience is probably not the best choice. If you are the type who likes fine dining offering tremendous choice and is not afraid to pay for it, then a more “Americanized’ resort may be your best option, and they exist EVERYWHERE.
You may be interested in a destination like Hawaii or South Pacific or Europe where all inclusive resorts simply do not exist – no worries, at EZTravelPad we are completely familiar with all types of EP resorts- from high-rise in Hawaii to private-island in French Polynesia. Consider this- will the OTA (online travel agency such as Expedia, Orbitz, etc) personally email the sales manager at the resort and let them know to expect you – and what to expect from you? Unlikely
Choice
So is your Honeymoon or Destination Wedding all about the beach?
the party?
the food?
the tranquility?
the adventure?
the spa?
the service?
the destination?
the room?
How you answer those questions plays a very important role in determining which will be your best choice, and it is very difficult (if not impossible) to make the right choice based on the price and photos you find on the internet.
Adults Only vs Family Friendly
Often times Honeymoon couples want their Honeymoon experience to take place at an adults only resort. There are great options here, and again, Sandals leaps to mind as they are exclusively for adult couples only. Honeymoon couples make up the majority of guests at a Sandals Resort. Sometimes, particularly if a Destination Wedding involves children, then the adults only aspect is not possible. in that case there are still many, many choices- but I want to suggest that a primary concern at that point should be service – you want your most important vacation to go flawlessly and a more service oriented (and often higher end) resort may be the best choice.
How Can You Make The Most Informed Decision?
Here is the best advice you will receive- work with a travel professional….especially a travel pro that specializes in Romance Travel. In most cases the cost will be the same as you would achieve doing things yourself on the internet or going directly to the resort/airline/cruiseline….plus you will most certainly experience a higher grade of service and impartial advice to help you make the best choice.
Experience
Experience can mean many things. Is someone who has worked behind a desk for 20+ years your best source for feedback? Is your cousin, who went to Jamaica on her Honeymoon the best source for info? My belief is that experience is best when it’s broad, and part of that broad base of experience is only achieved by getting out and seeing – getting out and experiencing destinations and resort brands first hand – on the ground.
I have personally spent 33 days out of country this year alone- in 5 different countries – 8 different islands – visiting well over 60 different resorts, all in an effort to help my clients make the best choice possible when it comes to THEIR most important vacation. It’s hard work, but it is so rewarding!
At EZTravelPad we work with select wholesale vacation packagers – and directly with resorts to insure that you achieve the best possible value AND service. Work with a travel pro that you trust, that knows the destinations, and that understands what it is that you are trying to experience. At EZTravelPad we like to think of ourselves as “Your friends….in the travel business” – so when it’s time to make your plans make the call or send the email – you’ll be glad that you did.
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