Jetsettersblog

As destination weddings and honeymoons around the globe continue to increase in popularity, hotels and resorts are embracing the trend by introducing packages to claim their share of this phenomenon.

Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada

The Caribbean:

• Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas

Getting married at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is easy and affordable with the resort’s Paradise Wedding Package featuring the services of a wedding coordinator and clergyman; the ceremony; decorated arch; services of a professional photographer; wedding album with 72 photographs (4″ x 6″) with negative ownership; bouquet and boutonniere; a bottle of premium champagne with flute glasses; and witnesses (if needed). The package is priced as $1,399 per couple and is added on to the cost of the room.

Once “officially” hitched, newlyweds can honeymoon at the resort with the Island Bliss Package. Starting at $3,725 per couple, this eight-day/seven-night package includes beachfront accommodations with a view of the picturesque Caribbean Sea from the balcony; tropical flowers; chocolate-dipped fruit; a chilled bottle of champagne and two souvenir flutes in-room upon arrival; full breakfast, lunch and dinner, with all dining a la carte; unlimited drinks including premium brands and house wine; $50 resort credit to be spent as the couple wishes; his and her half-hour massages; three-course dinner for two, wine included, at the Lobster Grille; romantic sunset cocktail cruise around Charlotte Amalie Harbor; his and her T-shirts; introductory in-pool scuba lesson; unlimited use of windsurfs, sunfish sailboats, kayaks, aqua tricycles, swim mats, view boards and snorkel equipment; and gratuities, resort tax, room service charge and energy surcharges.

To book Bolongo’s wedding and/or honeymoon package(s) or for additional information, contact the resort’s reservations departmentat 1-800-524-4746 or via e-mail: reservations@bolongobay.com .Visit Bolongo in cyberspace at http://www.bolongobay.com/

• Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada

An ultra-elegant 64-suite property on magnificent Grand Anse Beach, Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada re-defines storybook weddings with its luxurious wedding package. Priced at $1,300,which is added on to the cost of a hotel stay (based on double occupancy), the package includes a tropically-decorated wedding arch located either on the beach or among the gardens; one-tier wedding cake and bottle of champagne; bridal bouquet, hair piece (for the bride) and boutonniere (for the groom); 36 color photos (including negatives); hors d’oeuvres platter for six people; room upgrade subject to availability; fruit basket in room upon arrival; one manicure for the bride; one Couple’s Massage for the bride and groom; sunset cruise the day following the wedding; Best Man, Maid of Honor and witness if required; fees for marriage license and priest or magistrate; Embassy signing fees; and roundtrip transfers for signing documents.

If desired, couples can add a video ($300), steel band music($150 per hour) and extra champagne (prices vary) to their wedding package.

Continue the celebration with a storybook honeymoon thanks to the Spice Up Your Honeymoon Package. Priced at $500 plus taxes, which is added on to the cost of a hotel stay (based on double occupancy), the package features fragrant flowers; tropical fruits and a bottle of champagne in room upon arrival; a gourmet dinner served by candlelight on the couple’s private patio, if they desire; a basket of spice-scented body oils, strands of refreshing seamoss spiced with cinnamon bark, and cooling AloeVera picked fresh from the resort’s on-property garden; one Couple’s Massage for the newlyweds at the resort’s Janissa’s Spa; and a sunset cruise along Grenada’s Leeward Coast.

To book Spice Island’s wedding and/or honeymoon package(s) or for more information contact the resort at 1-800-44-UTELLor via e-mail: spiceisl@spiceisle.com  Visit Spice Island Beach Resort at http://www.spiceislandbeachresort.com/

Europe:

• Sceptre Tours

Specializing in vacation packages to Ireland, Scotland and London, with departures from gateways nationwide, Sceptre Tours can assist couples in planning their dream wedding and/or honeymoon through its numerous independent and escorted tours.

Independent tours allow couples to choose from hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and castles to spend their first nights as husband and wife. Travelers are given a car and can tour the Irish countryside and popular cities at their own pace. They can choose to backpack through the mountains, drive along the countryside, or enjoy a romantic seaside picnic.

Starting at $699 per person, based on double occupancy, the eight-day, air-inclusive Emerald Bed & Breakfast independenttour package includes a spectacular first night at the first-class Clare Inn (for Shannon arrivals) or Regency Hotel (for Dublinarrivals). For the remaining five nights, couples can choose from more than 450 Irish farmhouse Bed & Breakfasts as they travel the Irish countryside. The package also includes a weekly car rental (or upgrade to a chauffeur); full Irish breakfast daily; and a tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory (10% discount forany purchases made in the retail shop).

If the couple would like a pre planned itinerary, the nine-day,air-inclusive Treasures of Ireland escorted tour package starts at $1,539 per person, based on double occupancy. The package features the flavors, fantasies, history and mystery that is the true Ireland with one night at the Old Ground Hotel in Clare; two nights in Killarney Towers in Kerry; one night at Faithlegg Manor House in Waterford; two nights in Jurys Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin; one night in Dromoland Castle in Clare or Adare Manor in Limerick; full Irish breakfast each morning; five complete Irish dinners including a farewell gala dinner at a five-star castle; private luxury motorcoach with professional Irish guide;and sightseeing at the Cliffs of Moher, Adare Village, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle and Blarney Woollen Mills, Waterford Crystal Factory, Panoramic Dublin City Tour, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity college and the “Book of Kells.”

For more information on Sceptre Tours call 1-800-221-0924 ore-mail: info@sceptretours.com  Visit Sceptre Tours on the web at http://www.sceptretours.com/

Asia:

• China & Asia:

To many couples, the idea of where to honeymoon goes beyond the more traditional tropical getaway. Many of today’s honeymooners have an intense desire to feed their cultural soul and spirit,and as a result, destinations such as China and Asia hold tremendous appeal. An escorted journey to this part of the world with travel industry leaders Ritz Tours and Victoria Cruises is not for every honeymooner - but it’s well-suited for those who want to mix their romance with adventure and cultural enrichment.

Committed to delivering an unmatched and equally unforgettable Yangtze River sailing experience in China, Victoria Cruises offers a variety of cruise programs varying from four to nine days.Scenic highlights include the dramatic vistas and

For nearly 30 years, Ritz Tours has been introducing travelersto Asia’s 5,000 years of history, spectacular scenery, and diverse cultures with a portfolio of programs that encompasses top-quality accommodations, outstanding service, distinctive itineraries,and a cadre of tour leaders who are among the best and friendliest in the business. Ritz Tours delivers on its motto “the bestquality tours at the most affordable prices” with a selection of exceptional programs that is unrivaled in the marketplace.Ritz Tours works exclusively with Victoria Cruises on all itineraries that incorporate the Yangtze River.

For a list of all 2008 itinerariescall 1-800-900-2446 or visit http://www.ritztours.com/