Recommend June 2011 - (Page 27)

Inc.’s annual honeymoon report, is Walt Disney World in Orlando, and one of the nicest onsite properties is the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, with a total of 2,265 guestrooms (756 at the swan and 1,509 at the Dolphin). Cinderella and her prince’s honeymoon couldn’t possibly have topped this. Obviously, there’s never a dull moment here, with theme parks galore, a bevy of dining venues, and a host of other fun-filled activities. the perks for Disney aficionados who stay on site include complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks and attractions, including water taxis to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios, extra Magic Hour benefits (each day, one of the four theme parks opens one hour early or remains open up to three hours after regular park closing time), onsite Disney ticket desk, advance tee times on four nearby golf courses, and dining with appearances by Disney characters for breakfast or dinner in select Walt Disney World swan and Dolphin restaurants. And when couples want some time away from the theme park hoopla, they can take a swan paddle boat ride, hang out by one of five swimming pools, including a grotto pool with waterfalls, or indulge in a spa treatment at the Mandara Spa. the Honeymoon package includes overnight accommodations in an upgraded room, breakfast for two daily, a 4 p.m. late check-out and a strawberries and champagne welcome amenity. Rates start at $338 per night. Contact: (800) 227-1500; swandolphin.com taj boston For history aficionados, there’s no better city in the U.s. than Boston and if your honeymooning couple is a lover of all the romanticized historical sites in Boston, then book them at the 273-room Taj Boston, located at Arlington and Newbury streets—a darling corner of this Northeastern city—and overlooking the Public Garden in the Back Bay neighborhood. From here, they’ll be able to take walks to the city’s historic sites (recommend they follow the Freedom trail, a bit hokey but truly interesting), theater district and fashionable boutiques and galleries. the resort’s Tata Suite is the way to go for honeymooners. Named for the hotel’s founder, this 1,540-sq.-ft. luxurious oasis just underwent a makeover that refreshed the interior and added subtle touches of india and tata family history, with soft floral designs. Newlyweds will be pampered with 24-hour butler service and exclusive Taj Club privileges, a gracious parlor, an entertaining area with wet bar, a king-size bed dressed in custom silk linens, and a lavish marble bathroom. tell couples to board a swan Boat in the Public Garden—America’s first botanical garden—for a scenic leisurely lagoon cruise. Or, even better, make it a picnic outing with a generous chef-prepared wicker hamper meal for two. Onsite “musts” are afternoon tea, sunday champagne brunch and Monthly Wine & Spirits Dinners (March-December). sample summer rates begin at $249, and the hotel is offering a Book Two Nights and Receive the Third Night Free Offer through sept. 30. Contact: (877) 482-5267; tajhotels.com/boston charleston place the lovely, AAA four-diamond Charleston Place, owned and operated by Orient-Express Hotels, in the city’s historic district, is consistently ranked among the best hotels in the world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, so why not send your loving couple off to this most charming of locales for a dreamy honeymoon. the city itself exudes romance with narrow cobblestone streets, a continental ambiance, Old World-style architecture, antique shops, art galleries, plantations, historic gardens and shopping in buildings that date back to the 1700s—it’s simply divine and a perfect option for your high-brow newlyweds who want to take leisurely strolls hand-in-hand. Upon arrival at the hotel, couples will instantly be enchanted by the italian marble lobby with its signature Georgian Open Arm staircase and 12-ft. crystal chandelier, as well as the overabundance of roses. the 435 rooms, too, are a delight, including the 48 suites featuring period fabrics and artwork by local artists. each guestroom features an opulent bath with Botticino marble and brass fixtures—a perfect setting for a romantic rendezvous. For dining on celestial southern cuisine, recommend clients spend an evening at the AAA four-diamond Charleston Grill, with live jazz accompaniment. Guest services include customized sightseeing itineraries, one of the perks honeymooners to this southern town are most definitely going to want to take advantage of, not to mention a couple’s treatment—or two—at The Spa at Charleston Place and afternoon tea (a must!). For those honeymooning during the summer, recommend a trip to the area’s white sand shoreline, which is a favorite for surfing, sailing and dolphin watching. the hotel can even provide all the necessities for a romantic picnic. Rates start at $235. Contact: (888) 635-2350; charlestonplace.com st. paul hotel For this last entry we decided to head a bit more north into Canada and straight to Montreal, one of our favorite cities. this, without doubt, is an idyllic place for newlyweds to start off their life together as husband and wife because everyone is so very friendly and their laughter is so utterly contagious. summer or early fall is the best time to send the happy couple here because it’s when the city is at its liveliest. And one of the hippest places to have them call home then is the St. Paul Hotel, a member of Design Hotels located in the heart of Old Montreal, one of the city’s most beautiful areas. this 10-story property is often described as muscular Beaux Arts, but past the antique doors, couples will come upon an interior that is ethereal, airy and light. the lobby features a fire-lit ice sculpture and Cube, one of Montreal’s trendiest hangouts. the 120 rooms themselves feature modernist furniture and pony-skin chairs and the windows offer splendid views of the skyline and the city’s historic Old Port (believe us when we tell you, it’s quite a gorgeous site!). We recommend you book the Black Suite, whose charcoal-covered walls are set off by 13-ft. ceilings and high windows. When they aren’t cozying up in their fabulous accommodations, honeymooners will feast on the myriad activities waiting for them on their doorsteps. One of our favorites—and it’s a great place for a few stolen kisses—is getting lost in the shed 16 labyrinth, a maze of dark alleys located within an old shed on the Old Port. Rates start at approximately $206. Contact: (800) 337-4685; designhotels.com/hotelstpaul n Archived related articles (available on recommend.com): Honeymoon Delights (June 2010) june 2011 27 http://www.swandolphin.com http://www.tajhotels.com/boston http://www.designhotels.com/hotelstpaul http://www.recommend.com http://www.charlestonplace.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend June 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Club Med Weddings by Imagine
A Perfect Honeymoon
Super-Sexy Voyages by Sea
Home-Based Happily Ever Afters
Kiss & Tell
Saying "I Do" on an Island
The Best Beach Honeymoons
Brazil Travel Planner
Say "I Do" to Central America
Steamy Love in South America
Finding Honeymoon Gems in Europe
Mesmerizing Retreats
Exotic Africa—The Perfect Honeymoon Haven
Five Fiery Honeymoons in Mexico
Mexico Says "I Do" to Destination Weddings

Recommend June 2011