Romantic Honeymoons… Paris, France

Famed as the city of lovers, Paris is the perfect destination for couples looking for romance. There is a personality, flair and quiet sophistication in Paris and the rest of France that is unlike any other city in the world. Lovers can immerse themselves in the same romantic Parisian atmosphere that has inspired centuries of novels, paintings, photographs and films.

When visiting Paris, Teresa Barbee of Uniglobe Geo Travel strongly advises bringing along a comfortable pair of walking shoes as you will suddenly find yourself mesmerized by the sights and atmosphere of this beautiful city.  Summers are sunny in Paris but they can also be very hot. The best time to visit Paris is in the late spring (May &
early June) or in the fall, from September to late October.

While In Paris…

A romantic walk down the Grand Promenade and a visit to the top of the Arc are strongly recommended. This is one of the most romantic places to visit in Paris; the view and history creates a romantic atmosphere.

Paris is famed for the Eiffel Tower. When in Paris you should experience this wonderful spectacle during the day and later during the evening just before sunset. Arrive early and enjoy the perfect romantic lunch by visiting a local grocer for some cheese, bread, fresh fruit and a small bottle of wine. Now find a nice spot on the lawn at Champ de Mars beside the tower.

The Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is the perfect way to see Paris. Hop on this open-top doubledecker bus and when you see something exciting hop off and catch the next one.

Book a unique dinner cruise through the heart of Paris! The entirely glassed-in boats offer perfect views of Paris and its beautiful monuments. Depart from the Eiffel Tower, cruise along the left bank until the Ministry of Finance at Bercy, return to the Eiffel Tower via the right bank.

A Waterfront Wedding

Only 2 hours from Winnipeg on Lake of the Woods, the Best Western Lakeside Inn & Conference Centre offers the perfect waterfront wedding. The facilities include 94 rooms and 6 meeting rooms to choose from. The waterside restaurant located on the 9th floor offers a breathtaking view of the lake. There are banquet facilities for up to 250 guests and docking facilities for those who want to come by boat from their cottage.

A room can be set up as a chapel and then a larger room can be for dinner and dancing. A staff member will sit down with you to tailor-make this special day right down to the last little detail.

If the wedding is held at the hotel, special room rates are included for you and your guests. There are 2 virtual tours on their website, including every room and facility, so if you are a bride in Ottawa and your groom is in British Columbia, you can plan your wedding down to the very last detail with ease.

Text By Stephanie Dickison
Photography by Colleen Serban

Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

Imagine …Your Wedding in Paradise … walking barefoot down a sandy aisle. Your wedding march – the sound of ocean waves…the rustling of palm trees. Exchanging or renewing vows in a tropical setting with stunning backdrops of white sand and turquoise waters can be as unique and dramatic, as it is beautiful.

Thanks to over 8000 guests booked annually, UNIGLOBE Geo Travel’s Wedding Destination, Honeymoon or Anniversary specialists, are number one in Western Canada and well positioned to assist in customizing your romantic escape.

Some Benefits of Destination Weddings
• Usually cost less.
• Outstanding ambiance.
• Most have unlimited food/beverages.
• On-site specialists reduce your stress.

Some Benefits of Using UNIGLOBE’s Destination Wedding Specialists
• Ensures commitments are met.
• One-stop, best options, 24/7 assistance.
• Recommends exceptional service resorts.

Some of the Destination Wedding Complimentary Inclusions
• Online Announcement / Registry.
• Destination Specialists / Coordinators.
• Invitations / Thank You Cards / Luggage Tags.
• Free Weddings / Bride’s Bonus at selected resorts.

All Top 10 Destination and Honeymoon Locations are Certified 5*

Check: www.RomanticTravel.ca for additional complimentary and bonus features, to create your honeymoon gift registry and to arrange your Destination Wedding with Destination Weddings and Honeymoons with UNIGLOBE Geo Travel.

The Whiteshell Park… Honeymoon Destination Extraordinaire!

Breathtaking scenery, invigorating outdoor recreation and four romantic resorts have made the Whiteshell, Manitoba’s #1 Honeymoon Destination. If you’re looking for year-round natural beauty combined with luxury and romance…then reserve your place in the multi-faceted Whiteshell Park and experience:

• Wildlife, including bird watching.
• Scenic summer and winter hiking.
• Tennis. Water sports. Mountain biking.
• Amazing sunrises…sunsets…Northern Lights.
• Quiet streams, beaches, lakes, swirling rapids.
• Lakes teaming with Pickerel, Pike, Perch, Trout, Walleye.
• Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoeing, Ice Fishing, Snowmobiling, Warming Huts.

Select from one of the following fabulous resorts that are part of the Whiteshell:

Inverness Falls Resort

• Fireplaces.
• Satellite entertainment.
• Private Mineral Whirlpool Spas.
• Romance and Relaxation year round.
• Private Hydro-Thermo Massage Tubs.
• Winter OUTDOOR HOT TUB & SAUNA HUT.

Barrier Bay Resort

• Lakefront setting.
• Adults-onlygetaways year round.
• Luxury cabin accommodations with two-person whirlpools…cozy fireplaces.
• Heated summer outdoor pool; Snowshoeing; Satellite TV, Fully equipped kitchens; Screened porches; Air conditioning.

Jessica Lake Lodge

• Lakefront cottages.
• Private, romantic hideaway.
• Spectacular wilderness setting.
• King-sized beds, whirlpool tubs, saunas, fireplaces, air conditioning, screened porches.

Pinewood Lodge

• Lakefront chalets.
• Poolside suites year round.
• Unique wood hand carvings…stonework.
• Indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, fitness area.
• Complimentary canoes, pedal boats, mountain bikes, kayaks.

Text by Norma-Jean Alt

Honeymoon Destinations

There’s an old adage about saving the best for last and when it comes to weddings there’s no debating the fact that the honeymoon definitely is the best (and final) part of any wedding. After all the work involved in planning and successfully orchestrating the wedding itself, it’s not a matter of wanting a vacation, it’s a necessity to recuperate from all that chaos by spending some quality time together relishing the possibilities of your new life together as husband and wife. And what better place to do it than on the sun soaked beaches of a tropical island. If a honeymoon isn’t in your budget, rethink your budget and get creative, it should be an important part of your wedding. Consider setting up a honeymoon registry so guests can help make your plan a reality.

The current top honeymoon destinations are as follows:

The Caribbean Islands have to come first as honeymoon hot spot of the year. They lead in the top five spots with their magnificent beaches and honeymoon packages. Jamaica, Aruba, Bermuda and St. Lucia are the hottest Caribbean honeymoon destinations.

In the United States, Hawaii and it’s islands, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Oahu continue to be highly popular as well. The resorts and hotels have taken their honeymoon packages to unprecedented levels and they take special pride in knowing how to accommodate newlyweds.

Mexico with its resort cities of Cancun, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, Mexico CIty and Puerto Vallarta is lovely and also ranks high on the list. The beaches in Mexico are breathtakingly beautiful.

Then there’s the South Pacific, with Tahiti, Thailand and Australia as the leading honeymoon destinations there. Cooks Island is still a hot spot in the South Pacific too.

Check out Italy’s spot on the list this year! A small country that is big on ambiance as well as rich in history. And Italians know what love is all about. They love their culture, their food and their visitors. From vineyards to Tuscan cooking, from quaint restaurants and their authentic menu selections to the hills of the back country, honeymooners can find the perfect blend of good food, good atmosphere and good vino! No wonder it is such a hit with couples who9 want the culturally rich flavor of a foreign locale but also want to have fun.

And for the adventurous type Viva Las Vegas, the alleged gambling capital of the United States with its new cutting edge motto, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Of course this is appealing to some couples. Whatever makes you happy is the goal of the whole experience.

Before deciding on a final destination you need to research the weather for that particular country/part of the world for the time you plan to be there. Monsoons, tropical storms and other severe weather could make the possibility of travel to the area unsafe. A good travel agent should know and advise you of any and all potential issues including weather, health and/or crime advisories. They will also work with you to find you the right package at the right price regardless of wherever you want to go or whatever you plan to do there. They are in fact your key to a carefree vacation.

When it comes to planning your honeymoon you should consider anything you think will refresh you. While most couples opt for a romantic destination of hot sun and white sands, honeymoon packages are available everywhere and depending on your desire and your budget can be anything from a safari in Africa to a resort hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. With so many choices it can be tough to decide. You want your honeymoon to be an unforgettable experience (which could lead to a second honeymoon) and you want it to go smoothly. It is a good idea to register your travel dates and places you intend to stay with the Canadian embassy before you travel to any foreign country including the United States.

Your perfect honeymoon is like everything else, just a good plan away. And while you’re planning, think of some romantic ways you can enhance the experience to make it not only memorable but also a trip you will relish for a lifetime.

Text by Nancy Johnston