Honeymoon Trends and Hot Spots

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the New York Times Travel Show at the Jacob Javitz Center. Over 500 exhibitors gathered for the public and trade to offer information about their destination and products. Some exhibitors included Homeric Tours, specialists in travel to Greece; Tourism Turkey; and Carnival Cruise Lines. Nearly all the islands of the Caribbean had a presence. SpaFinder.com had a long line of patrons waiting to receive a complimentary massage. For a special treat, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove presented "Wild Survivors," an entertaining show with penguins, a sloth, and a lynx.

I decided to attend The Knot’s Travel Seminar: Honeymoon Hot Spots: Trends in Honeymoon Travel from The Knot. The panel had representatives from Jamaica, St. Lucia and South Africa. Yes! South Africa. It may be hard to believe but it looks like honeymooners are really splurging on their romantic getaway and looking for something adventurous as well. There are very few places in the world where you can go on a jungle safari one day and have dinner under the stars the next (with park rangers standing guard of course). Couples are looking for more than just sand and surf at ultra-mega resorts. They are looking for a more personalized vacation where they can do the activities they enjoy (or thought of trying) or just enjoy each others’ company away from overcrowded pools and restaurants.

Speaking of enjoying each other’s company, couples are also looking at ultra-romantic spa getaways. According to SpaFinder, many couples want to able to take a massage together or book a lavish suite, complete with a Jacuzzi and spa room for a more private massage encounter. SpaFinder notes that when booking the hotel stay couples should also book spa treatments at the same time. Although there are many types of massages, many spas have simplified their spa menu as not to confuse clients. Couples can talk to their therapists and develop a personalized spa treatment based on certain pressure points, music, and spa products. But don’t fret: if you don’t see a watsu massage (that’s a water and shiatsu combination), that doesn’t mean it’s not offered. Most spa therapists are trained in a variety of techniques so just ask. Many hotels are also offering massage classes so that the spa/massage experience doesn’t end when the honeymoon does.

Looking for something more in tuned with Mother Earth? Opt for a “green” honeymoon. Hotels are beginning to make eco-friendly changes such as using recycled materials for pools, restaurants and furniture. Some hotels only offer bicycles as the mode of transportation in and around the property. Others are using alternative fuel options such as coconut oil to power their vehicles. Couples may also engage in charity work during their honeymoon to help the local community.

Whatever the option is, couples are urged to really research your interests, costs and activities to define the honeymoon that suits your wants and needs.

Note: www.vastvoyages.com offers a spa search with available online specials. Click on the Extras Tab and then click on Spa Finder to find your next spa getaway.

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Here are some specials only available at VastVoyages.com:

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, USVI* - Book a 5 Night Stay in April and Receive $700 in Activities Incl. All Day Sail Outing, Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Scuba Lesson, Parasailing
Book by Mar. 31, 2008
Travel by April 30, 2008
*All-Inclusive Resort. Great for families!

Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico* - 4th & 7th Night Free
Book 4 Nights get 1 Nt. Free or Book 7 Nights get 2 Nts. Free
Book by March 30, 2008
Travel April 14 - Dec. 20, 2008
*Perfect for a destination wedding or honeymoon.

AMHSA Resorts, Dominican Republic* - Spring Sale, up to 35% off
Choose From 3 Resorts: Casa Marina Beach, Casa Marina Reef or Grand Paradise Bavaro & The Club Beach Resort Spa
Book Mar. 31, 2008
Travel by Sept. 30, 2008
*All-Inclusive Resorts.


Visit www.vastvoyages.com to book these and other fabulous getaways! Also don’t forget to sign up on our homepage to receive our Travel Deals and Steals sent to your inbox every week.