Image Source: Barbados Vacation

Many Caribbean islands have beaches, but where Barbados differs is what lies behind the surf and sand. No matter your budget or style, you can find a place to stay that suits you, whether cheap, funky, restful or posh. All the comforts of home are close at hand if you want them as Barbados is one of the most developed islands in the region.

Weather in Barbados

The climate in Barbados tends to be nice year-round: in January, the average daily high temperature is 28°C (83°F), while the low average is 21°C (70°F). In July, the average daily high is 30°C (86°F), while the average low is 23°C (74°F). February to May are the driest months (April averages only seven days of rain), while July is the wettest month with some 18 days of rain.

Fast Facts about Barbados

• Visa – Not required for US, EU or Commonwealth visitors.
• Money – Barbados dollar (B$ or BBD); B$1 = US$0.50 = €0.32 = UK£0.25
• Official name – Barbados
• Departure tax – B$55
• Area – 432 sq km
• Population – 282, 000
• Famous for – Beaches, rum, flying-fish sandwiches
• Country code – 246
• Capital – Bridgetown
• Phrase – Goodie (in response to most questions, eg ‘how was your weekend?’)
• People – Barbadian (formal), Bajan (slang)

 

Hotel Recommendations

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion

Image Source: Best Barbados Vacation Packages

Perched on the Eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea, The Fairmont Royal Pavilion hotel in Barbados is a magical oasis of luxury and privacy, romantically presiding over 11 acres of gardens, with an unrivalled beach presence.

An iconic five star luxury award-winning resort, The Fairmont Royal Pavilion for decades has become the epitome of luxury; an elegant retreat resembling a Barbadian home.  The people are welcoming, and the hospitality fit of the discerning and sophicated travelers.

See here for traveller reviews

Hilton Barbados

Image Source: Image 1 & Image 2

The Hilton Barbados hotel enjoys a prime location on the lush tropical peninsula of Needham’s Point near Bridgetown Barbados. With amenities tailored for couples, families, and business travellers alike, this non-smoking resort really is paradise for all. From this oceanfront hotel you can travel to Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados in just 5 minutes and to/from Grantley Adams International Airport in just 20 minutes.

See here for traveller reviews

Sandy Lane Resort

Image Source: Best Hotels Around The World

Sandy Lane conjures up images of serene style in an idyllic setting. From the moment they welcomed their first guests in 1961, Sandy Lane has been considered the premier address in the Caribbean – a haven of tranquility, a romantic retreat or the perfect location for families who desire the finest holiday experience with endless possibilities for recreation.

See here for traveller reviews

Doing these Honeymoon Destination posts is not helping my holiday envy one little bit!! Another place to add to my ‘If I win the lottery I’m going to take my friends and family to……’ – gonna have to start playing a few lucky dips during the week I think.

Military Wedding Discounts xx

Image Source: 21 Ruby Lane

Where to honeymoon in Mexico?

By The Beach
Traditionally, most couples spend their Honeymoon near water – often the ‘Caribbean-type’, with shallow, peaceful coves, turquoise and blue – soft sandy beaches, palm tress and first-class accommodation and plenty of facilities, like water sports, horse riding and bungee jumping all on hand if they’re in the mood for them.

Colonial Culture
Others may want something a bit different, perhaps a colonial setting – cobbled streets and alleyways, courtyards bursting with color and the smell of fresh flowers, old haciendas hosting museums, art galleries, curio shops, Restaurants and hotels… a setting brimming with history, culture and local people.

You can also experience a city buzz, a combination break allowing you to take in a mix of all of the above or a relaxing romantic spa break. Mexico really can cater for all!

Mexico’s Climate
Mexico’s climates vary by region and season. The key concern you may have, especially if you want to spend your honeymoon by the Caribbean sea, is the hurricane season.

Officially, the hurricane season months on the Caribbean coast of Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula) are June-October, but they tend to be more frequent August-October. These are also the hottest months.

Hotels in Mexico

Fot those wanting the city buzz

W Mexico City

Where there’s heat, there’s passion. Welcome to W Mexico City. Located off Reforma Boulevard in the trendy Polanco neighborhood’s chic shops, galleries, and nightlife, W Mexico City is awash in the painterly colors of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

See here for traveller reviews

For those wanting a more colonial setting

Dos Casas Hotel

Get ready to relax and rejuvenate at Dos Casas. From the personal service to the luxurious bedding, our guests appreciate the attention to detail they find at Dos Casas. Whether you’re unwinding in your private jacuzzi and terrace overlooking the magnificent view of historic San Miguel de Allende, enjoying the sunset or lounging in one of the garden patios reading a book or enjoying a glass of wine, you will fall in love with Dos Casas.

See here for traveller reviews

For those looking for a beach location

Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort

Inspirationally conceived to reveal the scenic beauty and abundant enjoyment that surrounds it, the world-class Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort enriches your senses and quickens your spirit.

Our beachfront Los Cabos resort was designed to reflect the rich Spanish heritage of Mexico, featuring tiled roofs and a hacienda-style courtyard with a large, elevated cascading pond to exemplify a relaxed ambience. Resort amenities range from shimmering infinity pools with swim-up bars and one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos to five delectable dining venues, whirlpools, tennis courts, Spa Oasis, boutique and more.

See here for traveller reviews

Finally, for those who are wanting a luxiourious romatic spa break

Aventura Spa Palace

Aventura Spa Palace invites you to take your body, mind and spirit on a journey that will at once purify, restore, and revitalize the senses. Ideally positioned in the heart of the Riviera Maya, where the tropical sun meets the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the ultimate pampering experience awaits.

See here for traveller reviews

Well I hope this has been of some help to anyone considering taking a trip to Mexico – I know I now have ANOTHER place to add to my holiday 2012 list!!

Military Wedding Discounts xx

Information from Mexperience and Honeymoon Reviews Guide

 

 

Every Tuesday we will be writing about popular Honeymoon destinations to try help you when it comes to making this decision! Not all of us like laying about on beaches, reading books, going for a swim (although this just sounds like heaven to me!) so we will be featuring city breaks and activity holidays too!

Today, we thought we would start with what has to be one of the most popular locations – Aloha Hawaii!

Hawaii offers six romantic islands….

Kauai – Island of Discovery

The tropical Paradise of Kauai basks amidst the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, about 20 minutes by air from Honolulu. Formed some six million years ago, the island encompasses roughly 550 square miles and is the oldest and northernmost of the main Hawaiian Islands.

For further info on Kauai click here

Hotel Recommendation – Koa Kea Hotel – http://www.kauai-hawaii.com/sites.php

See here for traveler reviews

Oahu – The heart of Hawaii

Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population, a fusion of east and west cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu so enjoyable.

For further info on Oahu click here

Hotel recommendation – Trump Waikiki Hotel http://www.trumpwaikikihotel.com/

See here for traveler reviews

Molokai – Hawaiian by nature

Imagine the Hawaii of the past. Unspoiled country and untouched beaches. No skyscrapers or stoplights. The chance to truly live as the locals do. That’s Molokai today.

Hawaii’s fifth-largest island, Molokai is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point. Molokai is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world along its northeast coast (3,600-3,900 feet) and Hawaii’s longest continuous fringing reef (28 miles) off Molokai’s southern coast. On foot, by bike or by 4-wheel drive, this is an island of outdoor adventure.

For further information on Molokai click here

Lanai – Hawaii’s most enticing Island

The smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, Lanai offers big enticements to its visitors. From the stunning views atop the pine-lined Munro Trail to watching the acrobatic spinner dolphins from romantic Hulopoe Bay, Lanai is a special place where you’re sure to find serenity, adventure and intimacy. If you want to get away from it all, get away to Lanai.

For further information on Lanai click here

Hotel recommendation – Four Seasons Resort – Lana’i at Manele Bay - http://www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/

See here for traveler reviews

Maui – The Magic Isle

The second largest Hawaiian island has a smaller population than you’d expect, making Maui popular with visitors who are looking for sophisticated diversions and amenities in the small towns and airy resorts spread throughout the island.

From the scenic slopes of fertile Upcountry Maui to beaches that have repeatedly been voted among the best in the world, a visit to the Magic Isle recharges the senses. But like every good magic trick, you’ll have to see it for yourself to believe it.

For further information on Maui click here

Hotel recommendation – Four Seasons Resort Maui - http://www.fourseasons.com/maui/

See here for traveler reviews

Hawaii’s Big Island – Hawaii’s Island of Adventure

It’s easy to feel small on Hawaii’s Big Island. From the molten magma flowing from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the green rainforests of the Hamakua Coast to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach; Hawaii’s Big Island is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.

To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the Island of Hawaii is often called the “Big Island,” and what an appropriate name it is. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be intimidating. You’ll find all but two of the world’s climatic zones within this island’s shores.

For further information of Hawaii’s Big Island click here.

Hotel recommendation – Four Seasons Hotel Hualalai - http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/

See here for traveler reviews

Well there you have it – a quick overview of Hawaii! I have honeymoon envy real bad – think I might have to test this place our for myself real soon and provide you with a ‘Real Life Honeymoon’ report! Purely for business reasons, I mean someone has to do it surely?

Next week we have another beach hot spot – Mexico!

Military Wedding Discounts xx

Picture Sources: Aloha Hawaii
Information Source: Go Hawaii a MUST read for anyone considering heading to Hawaii