Real Honeymoon: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Joel and Abby wanted to honeymoon somewhere, "beachy and tropical, without having to fly very far," and Ever After Honeymoons knew just the place. The couple spent their vacation at The Royal in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

They loved their room and The Royal's beachfront location. 

The couple had turndown service every night and they even received a "Happy Honeymoon" cake from the hotel upon arriving.

The view of the main pool at night.

The best part of their honeymoon? They booked a trip to swim with dolphins.

The couple's advice to other honeymooners: "If you know you’re just going to want to relax, look for a resort that is secluded and not in a downtown area (or one that) has a private beach. If you want nightlife and excitement, look for a resort that’s in a more urban or popular area. Seems like common sense now, but we didn’t really think about it at the time!"

The only downside, the couple said, is that a lot of people crowded around their pool, luckily however, they found a smaller, much quieter pool that was perfect for them to relax by. So, check around when you're on your honeymoon. There is probably another place to relax by if others have taken advantage of the "all-inclusive poolside"

The view from the lobby

The couple described their honeymoon as, "fun, relaxing and hot!." It sounded, and looks like a blast.

Honeymooning in Style

Now, although summer is coming to an end, the heat wave of Southern California is still, very much, in full swing, so as I’m writing this I’m imagining myself beach-side, as you may be when your honeymoon begins.

So, as you prepare for your late-summer-honeymooning, make sure to pack light, light fabrics that is.

Alright, ladies it's your turn first.

A great staple for honeymooning is the throw-on dress. Whether a mini or a maxi, the throw-on dress is perfect over a swimsuit, for the slept-in-late-but-don’t-want-anyone-to-know look or for the casual dinner date with the new hubs.

Patterson J. Kincaid Maple Tank Dress

Soft Joie Ruffled Jersey Dress

Couple a simple statement dress with a pair of wooden heels and your look cannot be stopped.

The Boogie Woogie Heel by Seychells

Oversized shirts, bold colors and floral patterns can be very simply paired with chain necklaces, strappy sandals and high waisted shorts.

Sedona Cuffed Shorts by Ella Moss

Antique Chain Necklace from Forever 21

Wear a pair of oversized sunglasses, you can search for a designer pair that will last but cost you a fortune, or buy a few different pairs at say, $5.80, and match your lenses with your look

Forever 21 Shades

And, last but not at all least, get a bag that fits your honeymooning. Whether it is a Marc by Marc Jacobs tote, a Deux Lux messenger bag or a Kimichi Blue canvas backpack, splurge to get the right bag for you!

Marc by Marc Jacobs on Zappos

Mercer Messenger Tote by Deux Lux

Kimichi Blue Canvas Backpack from Urban Outfitters

OK. I get it, a lot of honeymooners end up on the beach. So, go vintage this year! ModCloth has an incredible collection of old-fashioned suits this summer season:

So laides, I think you get the idea. Be fun and flirty with your look, but let yourself breathe in the clothes you buy!

Fellas, this part is for you.

Don’t be afraid to rock the fedora or the Boat Shoes as summer comes to an end.

Take some tips from The Sartorialist, mismatch your shades of jeans and grab your Ray Bans.

These Ray Bans will channel the inner traveler in you.

While these will most likely make your new wife swoon as they'll remind her of the Ad Men of Mad Men. (Or you can get the ones he actually wears here, the Ray Bans just won't seem as dated)

Don’t pack your cargo shorts and Hawaiian shirts, trade them for cuffed corduroys a short-sleeved western shirt and lace-up TOMS.

These BDG beauties are on sale for only $39 right now.

Men's Cordones from TOMS

And howabout for the swimwear?

Volley shorts are back in all of their glory. As well as snap-front shorts. (According to Esquire Fashion, and I'd listen if I were you)

Overall, be bold on your honeymoon! Don't forget that it is still summer, but that the person you're with is going to think you are the best looking thing they've ever seen. Because you love each other like crazy, you're newlyweds!

 

Oh yeah, and have the best time of your lives!

Northern Spain at a glance

When many travelers head to Europe they want to see the sights of Spain. And many of those travelers want to shop in Madrid, run with the bulls in Pamplona or see the sights in Barcelona, but one area of Spain much less traveled but entirely perfect for honeymooning is Cantabria, a province on the northern coast of Spain.

Statues along the dock of Santander

Cantabria's capital city, Santander, is the most populated area of Cantabria and is home to the exquisite Palacio de la Magdelena, built by King Alfonso XIII in the early 1900s.

Palacio de la Magdelena

The Palacio was built to be a summer home for the royal family, and its bordering beach continues to be a gorgeous beach location for many. El Sardinero is the most popular beach in the region, filled with people throughout the day but tranquil and romantic at night. 

Sardinero Beach

Santander is known for its climate, ranging anywhere from the perfect beach day to the best day to spend inside of a cafe eating churros con chocolate.

Another perfect spot to vacation is Bilbao. Bilbao is in the province of Biscay, or the Basque country. It is only a stones throw, or an hour and a half bus ride, from Santander, and a wonderful metropolitan city. It is full of shopping, eating and art. Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. 

T he Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Gugghenheim is one of the most prominent modern and contemporary art museums in the world, with locations in Venice, Berlin and New York.

The Miro Hotel, a very modern hotel overlooks the Guggenheim Museum and is perfect for a secluded getaway with your loved one. It is within walking distance of anything you would need in the city. And just imagine your view at night!

Hotel Miro

The hotel is right in the heart of the city and is one that should be considered as you make your way on your honeymoon to  beautiful, and historical Cantabria, Spain.

Real Honeymoon: Maui and Kauai

Danielle and Anthony started their new life together as they ventured to Maui and Kauai for a romantic island-style honeymoon this July.

They started their incredible journey in Maui on the club level at the Ritz Carlton. The club level allowed the couple to have access to the club lounge which features five presentations of complimentary beverages and food daily and their upgraded room allowed them to gaze out at the ocean each morning. The next location they stayed at was the romantic and secluded Hotel Hana, and again they were upgraded to an ocean view room. As well as a stay at the St. Regis Princeville in Kauai, the couple lived in luxury during their vacation. They dined like royalty at the Kauai Grill at the St. Regis and enjoyed fabulous cocktails at the Ritz Carlton.

Oh, the perks of being honeymooners!

Hawaiian Honeymoon Highlights:

-Haleakala sunrise bike tour in Maui. The couple got to watch the sunrise atop a mountain and cruise down the mountain at their leisure.
"It really is so hard to narrow down our favorite part. We really enjoyed the Haleakala sunrise bike tour," Danielle said. "We chose to use a company that let you ride independently down the mountain. We were shuttled to the top of the mountain where we watched the sunrise. It was so beautiful; I have never experienced something like that before."

-Snorkeling on Tunnels Beach in Kauai. They swam with sea turtles and other amazing sea creatures.

-Na Pali coast tour. The couple sailed the coast of the island and got to soak in all of the gorgeous views it offered.

Danielle described her honeymoon as: "Amazing, beautiful and romantic," and we would have to agree!