Heavenly Honeymoons

Start your married life in style at one of these
romantic, secluded resorts

By Maureen L. King

It's your first official vacation together as Mr. and Mrs., and you want it to be the perfect beginning to your storybook romance. But planning your dream honeymoon can be a challenge with so many exciting destinations to choose from.

Following are 10 exceptional resorts, from a historic lakefront hotel in Canada to a scenic retreat in the Hawaiian Islands. Six are all-inclusive. All-inclusive resorts typically include food, lodging, most land and nonmotorized water sports, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and entertainment in a flat rate that's paid upfront.

Information: For more information on these and other honeymoon resorts, visit Vacations To Go or call (800) 998-6925.


Nassau, Bahamas

Quietly nestled on famed Cable Beach in Nassau, this 5.5-star resort offers the kind of honeymoon you've always dreamed about. The all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian, which caters exclusively to couples, combines Old World sophistication and Caribbean charm to create the ultimate setting for love. Just minutes offshore by ferry or kayak, the private island of Sandals Cay awaits you with two white-sand beaches, a gourmet restaurant and swim-up bar. Other resort highlights include seven pools, six whirlpools and eight world-class restaurants. Amid the intimate ambiance, indulge in a romantic candlelight dinner for two.


Southampton Parish, Bermuda

Ideally located overlooking Bermuda's southwest coast in Southampton Parish, this 54-room hotel boasts a relaxed atmosphere and dramatic views of the ocean. The Pompano Beach Club has been family-owned and operated since 1956 when it first opened as a small fishing lodge. Today, the four-star resort provides a wealth of recreational activities. Golfers can tee off on the adjacent Port Royal course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. or three other courses within close proximity. For a picturesque retreat, check out the resort's own private beach, where you can enjoy sunbathing or snorkeling among the stunning coral reefs.


Alberta, Canada

Surrounded by snowcapped mountain peaks and nestled deep within Canada's Banff National Park, this classic five-star resort is miles away from ordinary. Situated on the shores of legendary Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau offers breathtaking scenery, from majestic glaciers to crystal-clear waters. Discover why this resort has been called "the diamond in the wilderness" as you go skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, canoeing or horseback riding in the great outdoors. Or, stay indoors and pamper yourselves with a romantic breakfast in bed. Other amenities include a heated indoor pool and tantalizing cuisine at seven restaurants.


Negril, Jamaica

Celebrate your new life together at this four-star, all-inclusive resort for couples only. Set amid 18 acres of lush tropical gardens and powdery white sand in Negril, Couples Negril instantly transports you to a Caribbean paradise like no other. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted with a complimentary bottle of champagne and half-hour his-and-hers massages as a special congratulatory gift for honeymoon guests. Relax with your loved one in the oceanfront pool or choose from a wide range of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling or kayaking. When the sun sets, it's time to indulge in exquisite cuisine seaside at one of the resort's famous beach parties.


Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Built in a traditional British colonial style, this all-inclusive resort lives up to its 5.5-star rating. Nestled on a secluded peninsula in Gros Islet, Sandals Grande St. Lucian features breathtaking vistas of the Caribbean Sea to the north and the tranquil Rodney Bay to the south. This resort caters exclusively to couples and boasts five stunning freshwater pools, including a unique lagoon-style pool where guests can swim right up to their rooms. For a culinary treat, choose from five gourmet restaurants that offer some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean.


Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Romance is in the air at the all-inclusive Excellence Punta Cana Resort, which lies on the easternmost coast of the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana. This 5.5-star, adults-only destination offers unspoiled natural beauty amid gently swaying palm trees and refreshing Caribbean breezes. Take a moonlight horseback ride on the beach, enjoy a seaside candlelight dinner or check out a live stage show featuring Latin American music and dance. Cuddle up with your loved one in a hammock or relax in your room's private Jacuzzi for two. There are also a number of land and water sports, such as tennis, archery, snorkeling and canoeing.


Maui, Hawaii

Discover Hawaii's aloha spirit at this idyllic resort on the sunny southwest shores of Maui. The 5.5-star Fairmont Kea Lani sits in one of the world's most scenic locales, encompassing 22 acres of lush tropical landscape on beautiful Polo Beach. You'll find a wide range of amenities to accommodate your every need, including three pools, two whirlpools, a full-service spa, a 140-foot waterslide, and casual and fine dining in four restaurants. For exciting island adventures, go scuba diving, sailing or windsurfing, or take in a traditional Hawaiian luau. The resort also provides complimentary transportation to the adjacent Wailea Golf Club.


Kauai, Hawaii

Brilliant tropical flowers, gently swaying palms and spectacular sunsets lure honeymooners to this dream getaway on the North Shore of Kauai. Set on a bluff overlooking magnificent Hanalei Bay, the 5.5-star Princeville Resort sprawls across 23 acres of Hawaii's most stunning scenery. From the moment you arrive, you'll be swept away by the breathtaking views of the bay from the lobby's floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy a romantic five-course dinner in a private oceanside cabana or take part in a host of activities for two, from canoeing to snorkeling. Golf enthusiasts can improve their swing on the resort's famed Prince Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.


Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Nestled amid 500 acres of dense palm groves in Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Riviera Maya, El Dorado Royale is the perfect honeymoon destination. Only 25 minutes from the Cancun airport, this all-inclusive spa resort offers easy access to the tourist attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula. As you enter this adults-only, five-star property, you'll be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne. Stroll along a pristine beach at sunset or take a couples massage class at the resort's spa, which features a fitness center, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.


Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Situated on the beautiful beaches of Bahia de Banderas in the heart of Nuevo Vallarta near Puerto Vallarta, this five-star resort is a hidden gem on Mexico's Pacific Coast. The all-inclusive Vallarta Palace, which was renovated in July 2005, combines modern design with a touch of local flavor. Amenities include a miniature golf course; beach volleyball, basketball and tennis courts; and nightly theme parties at the outdoor amphitheater. For a relaxing alternative, soak up the sun at two outdoor pools surrounded by swaying palm trees or indulge in cuisine at any of the resort's four restaurants.

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