Destination Spotlight: St. Barths

As many of you know, I was lucky enough to venture off to the beautiful islands of St. Barths & Anguilla last week with the wonderful Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings and my assistant Lindsey and we had just about the best time ever! None of us had visited either island before, and boy were we in for a treat! So for this, I am super excited to share all of our adventures on St. Barths and then next week I will spill all the fun details of the island of Anguilla.

Gustavia Harbor, St. Barths

St. Barthelemy, better known as St. Barths (or St. Barts) is an island collectivity of France, nestled a midst the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean known as the French West Indies. Unlike the surrounding Caribbean islands, St. Barths is a little piece of Europe in the Atlantic Ocean, and when I say little, I mean a mere 8 square miles little.

St. Barths, French West Indies

Being in the Honeymoon business, I always have clients wanting the glamorous European getaway without the hellish long travel time, and St. Barths is the solution to this problem! The native language of the island is French, but English is widely spoken. The feel is relaxed, sophisticated elegance; French Riviera with a laid back Caribbean touch. The hillside is dotted with red-roofed villas, lush green landscape, and picturesque waters, and the people are just as beautiful as the island's breathtaking beaches. Our photos are proof that even during hurricane season, St. Barths is truly an island paradise.

If you're looking for European elegance and a luxurious island hideaway that isn't spoiled by towering casino hotels or mega resorts, St. Barths is the destination for you. From snorkeling and surfing, to shopping and exquisite cuisine, St. Barths is more than just lounging on the beach; there is something for everyone, and the natives are overjoyed to share it!

I am so excited about this week and everything we have to share with you about St. Barths! Check back tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday for inside looks at the best hotels on the island and on Friday we will give all the details on where to eat, what beaches to visit, and what to bring for your St. Barths getaway!

Interested in visiting St. Barths? Contact us! hello{at}everafterhoneymoons.com

Destination Spotlight: Ambergris Caye, Belize

Greetings from Anguilla! Today is our last day in paradise but we are excited to share all of our exciting adventures from St. Barths & Anguilla!

Recently we have had the opportunity to send a number of clients to the beautiful country of Belize and each and every couple has come back just raving about their trip. This is definitely a destination that must go on everyone's list of places to visit. Known as an Anglo-Mayan-Hispanic melting pot, to say Belize is unique is really an understatement.

Lighthouse Reef, Belize - Photographer: Greg Johnston

Haulover Creek, Belize City - Photographer: Anthony Plummer

Mayan Ruins - Photographer: Greg Johnston

Glover's Reef - Photographer: Mark Webster

Wooden Pier at Ambergris Caye - Photographer: Doug Mckinlay

Sunrise over New River - Photographer: John Elk III

Seine Bight - Photographer: Tim Rock

Belize Barrier Reef Aerial View - Greg Johnston

Known as the "Gateway to Belize" Ambergris Caye (pronounced "am-BER-gris" "key") is the largest island of Belize.  It is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and is one of the top dive destinations in the world.

Pier at Ambergris Caye - Tony Wheeler

Sailing Ambergris Caye - Doug Mckinlay

Nurse Sharks Feeding at Shark Ray Alley - Mark Webster

The Blue Hole - More than 1000' in diameter and 400' deep, the hole is the opening of what was a dry cave system during the Ice Age and is now world renowned for its marine life.

Just 10 minutes from the main city of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is the secluded Victoria House Hotel. A hotel that prides itself on its impeccable staff and unpretentious luxury, the Victoria House gives guest a genuine taste of tropical island paradise. With only 42 tranquil lodgings, the hotel also has a private pier into Ambergris Caye where guests can kayak, dive, and snorkel at their leisure.

Victoria House

Victoria House

Victoria House

Victoria House

Victoria House

Victoria House

Isn't this place beautiful?! No wonder why our clients love it so much!

Interested in going to Belize for your honeymoon? Contact us! hello{at}everafterhoneymoons.com

Destination Spotlight: Prague

Today, we are venturing across the pond to Prague for this Destination Spotlight. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a beachfront escape just as much as the next girl, but sometimes, you just need a bustling city to explore. At a glance, the Czech Republic appears to be similar to its surrounding neighbors of Poland, Austria, or Germany. But if you look closer, you quickly realize that the intricately tiled sidewalks and colored buildings set it apart from its neighbors. A city that's over 1,000 years old, Prague possesses an extraordinary charm about it that can only really be understood by those who have visited the intriguing, historical city.

Prague

Prague

Wallenstine Gardens

Wallenstine Gardens

Castle Gardens

Charles Bridge

Mala Strana, Prague

Malostranske Square

St. Thomas Church

View of Mala Strana & Prague Castle

One of my favorite places to stay in Prague is The Augustine. The picturesque history of this Czech capital city, while apparent in any of the ancient buildings lining the city streets, The Augustine is a perfect example of the "New Prague," taking the old and revolutionizing it. Converted from a 14th century monastery, The Augustine overlooks the Prague Castle, the largest castle in the world! The hotel is dressed head to toe with a Bohemian mid-century modern feel and was featured in Elle Decor's 2009 "What's Hot" column.

Monastery Gardens at Hotel Augustine

Hotel Augustine

Hotel Augustine from Above

Hotel Augustine

East Tower of Hotel Augustine

View of Prague from Hotel Augustine

Hotel Augustine

Hotel Augustine

Hotel Augustine

Hotel Augustine

Hotel Augustine

While you're in Prague be sure to make reservations of V Zatisi, Prague's most famous restaurant that has just undergone an extensive facelift you can't afford to miss out on. Make sure to also stop by the cozy, stone-walled restaurant of Le Terroir. Known for their Mediterranean-inspired Czech food, Le Terroir has an excellent wine list with over 650 vintages.

V Zatisi

Le Terroir

Interested in venturing to picturesque Prague? Contact us! hello{at}everafterhoneymoons.com

Images courtesy of The Augustine.