How to Make Your Honeymoon Sizzle!

The wedding is over, and the two of you are ready to escape all of the wedding chaos. It's time to relax and go on your honeymoon!

For many couples, this is the trip of a lifetime. As newlyweds, your honeymoon is the chance to travel somewhere you've never been before, and perhaps splurge a bit on your accommodations. Most importantly, it's an opportunity for the two of you to spend time together celebrating your new status as man and wife.

Why, then, do some couples come back with a bittersweet taste in their mouth? The fact is, great honeymoons just don't happen. They require some effort and pre-thought to make it a truly memorable occasion and a trip that you will cherish forever.

1. Choose to do something that both of you will enjoy. There is no point of backpacking across Europe if one of you prefers five-star accommodations and having a bell-boy look after all of the luggage. Some compromise may be involved, but try and make it a place that both of you can experience for the first time. Maybe this is your chance to go to Tahiti or explore the Greek Islands, but choose a place that appeals to both of you.  
2. Make it special. Splurge on your accommodation. Maybe it's that extra special room with the ocean view or perhaps one with a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi. Especially with honeymoon registries in existence, such as Honeymoon Wishes, that allow your wedding guests to contribute to this trip of a lifetime, this is your chance to enjoy things a little more and treat yourself a bit.
3. Experience your surroundings and explore the area.  One of the biggest mistakes honeymooners can make is to stay locked in their room the entire time. Get out and explore the area. Sign up for a sunset cruise, a snorkelling excursion, or a wine tour. Maybe you would prefer to rent water kayaks or go zip-lining. By forcing yourself to get out of your hotel room, and mix with other people, it will make the time you do have together more special.  
4. Plan some special activities for two.  Romance plays a huge role on any honeymoon. Make sure you plan a couple of activities that will bring romance to the forefront. This could be a private dinner for two on the beach; a couple’s massage, or even a gondola ride in Venice. Choose at least one activity that will help create the mood and ambiance you're after, and then you can take it from there.  
5. Lingerie, lotions, and more. Don't forget to pack that new negligee or perhaps the massage oils. After all, it is your honeymoon and a big part of that is spending time together enjoying yourself. Packing a few special surprises can help make your honeymoon more satisfying for both of you.

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai.

By implementing some of these ideas, your honeymoon will definitely be off the charts. More importantly, it will be something the two of you will be able to enjoy and fondly remember for years to come.

If you need help planning the honeymoon of your dreams, contact Muriel to begin your travel planning now at either 403-477-0643 orinfo@delsoldestinationweddings.com.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com. 

Sheraton Kauai Resort

The beauty and romance of Kauai make it the perfect place, not only for a honeymoon, but for a destination wedding. Once the playground of Hawaiian Chiefs, the picturesque blue waters of the Pacific and the golden shoreline along with warm sunny days and mild evenings still make the Sheraton Kauai Resort the perfect place to play, relax, and get married.

Ideally located on the south shore on Poipu Beach, the Sheraton Kauai Resort is one of Hawaii’s top resorts on the beach. If you are looking for a place where you can hear the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, consider staying in the Ocean Wing. Renowned for its unspoiled white sand, swaying coco palms, brilliant sunshine, and breathtaking sunsets, this is the perfect place for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. In 1992, the resort underwent a 45 million dollar construction and renovation after the hurricane. With its 20 acres of lush oceanfront gardens, 394 rooms, including suites, facing the ocean or vibrant tropical gardens, pools, and sparkling waterfalls, the property offers a charming backdrop for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. The hotel offers a professional wedding coordinator who can help the bride and groom plan a wedding for two or a gala affair in the tropical gardens or on oceanfront property with beautiful views of the Pacific. The Sheraton Kauai offers a number of reception options in one of four elegant restaurants to a romantic private dinner for two.

Once the nuptials are done, couples can enjoy an array of on-site activities. They can sunbathe on the un-crowded crescent beach or snorkel in the clear waters offshore. There is ample room on the property for peaceful strolls either alongside the beach or ocean or through lovely gardens. Guests can enjoy Hawaiian nightly entertainment at the Point or indulge in cultural activities including hula lessons, and arts and crafts. The Friday night Hawaiian luau located on the lawn right beside the ocean is a must!

In addition, the newlyweds can explore major scenic points on the Garden Isle. Places to be sure to visit are the spectacular and colourful Waimea Canyon and the breath-taking Na Pali Coast with its 14 miles of vertical seamounts. Other Kauai attractions include helicopter tours, kayaking Hanalei River, Hanapepe Salt ponds, Kilauea Lighthouse, Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto, Zipline Adventure, and National Tropical Botanical Gardens. The resort is an easy one-hour drive to Kauai’s north shore attractions including the pretty little town of Hanalei and the beautiful resort area of Princeville.

The Sheraton Kauai is the perfect place for those seeking tranquility, and experience filled with an abundance of romance, and a lifetime of memories.

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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca