0 Honeymoon Hotspot: Milan

On an Italian honeymoon, Venice, Florence, and Rome are some obvious hot spots to jet off to. But who wants the obvious when it comes to a fabulous post-wedding getaway? Once thought of only as a major business and fashion capital, Milan is a vibrant and molto stylish city with is also surprisingly romantic with its charming streets, cozy cafe's, and Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Here are some highlights you shouldn't miss.

Where to stay: A discreet entrance on Via Gesa leads you into the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Milano (fourseasons.com). The property is a restored 15th century convent done up with swanky accommodations.If you're planning a destination wedding, this hotel is a dreamy location complete with a lavish downstairs ballroom and foyer that opens out to a sunken patio.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

What to do: - A little known fact about Milan: it's bursting with art and culture. Check out the Pinacoteca di Brera museum, which houses masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini and Raphael; take in the impressive sights of the Duomo Catherdral, the focal point of the city; visit the regal rooms at the Palazzo Reale; and make a reservation to see Leonardo da Vinciâ's The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

Duomo Cathedral

- Explore the Navigli neighborhood, located in the Southern part of the city, which is full of hip restaurants and nightclubs, as well as historic homes lining the Naviglio Grande canal.

- Of course you'll want to do a bit of shopping and you'll have lots of options along the store-packed Corso Vittorio Emanuele, under the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and among the top-designer boutiques that make up the fashion district known as the Golden Triangle

- Relax and keep up that newlywed glow with a luxurious facial using the Bulgari gem essence-infused skincare line at the spa in the sleek Bulgari Hotel Milan (bulgarihotels.com).

Bulgari Hotel Milan spa

Where to eat: Beautiful hidden courtyards dot the city, and many feature chic restaurants that boast open-air seating. Surrounded by a 19th century palazzo on Via Gesa, Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone (ilsalumaiodimontenapoleone.it) serves delicious traditional Milanese fare and offers a great wine selection. Conti Cafe (conticafe.it), on Via Montenapoleone, has a sexy lounge area that's perfect for an early-evening aperitivo or late-night dinner. Stop for gelato at Cioccolati Italiani (cioccolatitaliani.it), which is the best in town.

Where to go: Just an hour away is the picturesque Lake Como in the Lakes District. (discovercomo.com). Its grand villas, serene atmosphere, and spectacular scenery have made it a favorite retreat for the rich and famous.

Lake Como

Photo credits: Four Seasons Milano, DiscoverComo.com, The Italian Government Tourist Board, Bulgari Hotel Milan

0 Honeymoon Hot Spot: Ireland

This fantastic honeymoon destination is a seaside paradise of a different kind. We are taking a look at some amazing things to do on the island of Ireland!

1. Check out the cuisine: Ireland is filled with gastronomic delights! By day, check the calendar to see if there’s a local food festival going on, or take a tour of an Irish brewery. By night, select a romantic restaurant with scenic coastal views that serves a contemporary take on classic Irish dishes, such as Irish Oatmeal fish cakes with Dublin bay prawn (pictured below).

2. Explore the outdoors: A great way to see Ireland’s interior is to take an inland cruise! Take in the serene scenery as you gently navigate the extensive inland waterways. Ireland is also a great place to enjoy a round of golf– almost a quarter of a million golfers hit the Irish links each year! The outdoor adventure options are nearly endless; take in the greenery and the scenery by cycling, horseback riding, hiking, or fishing (pictured below).

3. Get culturally curious: Ireland boasts some beautiful landmarks (such as Kylemore Abbey, pictured below), including ancient castles, sprawling estates with elaborate manicured gardens, and monuments, both historic and religious. For a more in-depth encounter with rich Irish culture, plan a visit to one of Ireland’s many heritage centers.

0 Honeymoon Hot Spot: St Thomas, USVI

I am kicking off Honeymoon Hotspot for WeddingBlvd with the most popular cruise ship port in the Caribbean– St. Thomas, USVI!

The beautiful views of the clear blue sea beyond makes this an ideal location for your first getaway as a married couple! 

This is one honeymoon destination where you’ll want to make sure you have a good view, preferably nestled high in the island’s volcanic peaks, no matter whether you stay at a condo rental, bed and breakfast, or all-inclusive resort.

For our outdoor (or should I say out-to-sea) enthusiast types, there is no shortage of activities on St. Thomas, ranging from relaxing to adventurous! Scuba diving, nature tours, sailing, snorkeling, and beach combing are just a few of the fun ways to spend a romantic and memorable honeymoon. Don’t forget to cool your heels at the end of an outgoing day with a visit to the spa for a hot stone massage, followed by sampling a St. Thomas treasure– banana daiquiris!