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10 Instagram Worthy Beach Honeymoons

12/23/2016

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​With the winter chill in the air, dreams are made of sunnier beach days. And with many of our friends getting married this season, it made for the perfect recipe for a swoon-worthy blog post. 

Beach vacays are relaxing and sexy—qualities that make for an awesome post-wedding trip. Check out these sunny, sandy spots I absolutely love in Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida.
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Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Island

Water the color of an amazing piece of turquoise jewelry, powdery-soft sand, an underwater snorkeling trail chock-full of Technicolor coral and fish. (Seriously, it's some of the best snorkeling you can find this side of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia—and a heck of a lot more affordable to get to.) These are just three great reasons to put Trunk Bay on your honeymoon short list

Where to Stay:
Just a few minutes away from Trunk Bay, Caneel Bay resort is only accessible by boat or ferry and has been world-renowned since opening in 1956. It has a casual but elegant vibe, and you two can really disconnect from reality—there are no phones or TVs. But don't worry—there is Wi-Fi, so you'll be able to upload your latest beach selfies to Instagram.
North Playa Del Carmen, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

If a fun book and a delicious margarita can only hold your interest for so long, the north side of the beach adjacent to downtown Playa del Carmen is for you, with its Miami-esque lively beach club scene (think: cool DJs, daybeds and dancing). And it's only a short drive to one of the best golf courses in Mexico, El Camaleón at Mayakoba.

Where To Stay: Every single one of the 41 villas at the Viceroy Riviera Mayacomes with that classic ultra-luxe honeymoon feature—a private plunge pool. Take things up a notch with the Plunge Pool Turndown. A concierge will completely customize your experience with aromatherapy, relaxing mood music and beverages.
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Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida

Even on a typically blistering hot South Florida summer day, the sand on this particular beach feels super-soft and cool, because it's 99 percent pure white quartz. Between the bright blue seas and sunsets so beautiful you'll want to take a ridiculous number of pictures, Siesta Key feels more like a far-off tropical island than a relatively local (and inexpensive) destination.

Where To Stay: The Capri at Siesta is a relaxed boutique hotel that has everything you need for a laid-back honeymoon in one of the absolute best locations on Siesta Key—namely, private beach access via a paved path and brand-new barbecue grills just for guests.
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Shoal Bay East, Anguilla

This two-mile section of Anguilla's 16 miles of coastline has white sand so glittery it looks like millions of diamonds glinting in the sun, but Anguilla itself isn't flashy at all. While A-list celebs like Beyoncé and Jay Z have been spotted vacationing here, the scene is totally not a “scene"—no casinos, big chain restaurants or nightlife here. Don't miss Gwen's Reggae Bar & Grill, famous for its delicious ribs and strong rum punch (both make the hammocks in front of the joint the prime place for after-lunch lounging).

Where To Stay: If you're looking for a seriously low-key (and budget-friendly) stay in a truly unbelievable location right on Shoal Bay beach, Shoal Bay Villas is the perfect pick. These apartments are the opposite of a mega-resort: simple rooms with fully equipped kitchens. So if your idea of a perfect honeymoon consists of drinking coffee with your toes in the sand in the morning and repeating with a chilled glass of wine at sunset, you'll do just fine at Shoal Bay Villas.
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Playa Del Amor, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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Cabo San Lucas is most known for its decadent nightlife, but it's most popular for its stunning beaches—most of which make for insanely beautiful Instagram shots, but can be dangerous to swim in since the surf is rough. Lover's Beach (aka Playa del Amor) has calm waters perfect for snorkeling and paddling around. It's only accessible by water taxi and has no bathrooms or shops so plan accordingly (read: make a restroom stop before you get on the water taxi, and don't forget your sunscreen).

Where to Stay: Every single room at Esperanza Resort Cabo San Lucas offers an “OMG, is this real life?" ocean view, and the area has bragging rights to an average of 350 days of sunshine per year. Explore the lush 17-acre estate dramatically positioned between two bluffs, get a couple's massage in a cbana right on the beach, try a cocktail-making or seafood-cooking class (and then enjoy the creations you've concocted), or participate in a tequila tasting led by a Master Tequilero.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Sure, it has the most beautiful coral Caribbean sand you won't find anywhere else on this list. And the water is so clear you'll be able to see the crazy rainbow of fish swimming around you and your better half. But you'll also find a surprisingly vast number of adventures to go on, from renting wave runners and parasailing to pick-up volleyball games with friendly locals.

Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has 800 employees serving just 365 guest rooms and suites—you'd be hard-pressed to find more attentive service in the Caribbean or anywhere else. The resort has a La Prairie Spa, a tennis center laid out by famed coach Nick Bollettieri and a Greg Norman–designed oceanfront golf course.
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Playa Delfines, Cancun, Mexico

While it's located smack dab in the middle of Cancun's Hotel Zone, there aren't any resorts directly on Playa Delfines—meaning its blue- green waters and white sand are relatively quiet for the area, which is known to be party central whether or not it's spring break.

Where To Stay: When you think of Mexico, you might think of tequila, but the all-inclusive Secrets The Vine Cancun resort (just a couple of minutes away from Playa Delfines) is actually focused on wine. Even though it's all-inclusive, they offer a world-class wine list at every meal. Vinophiles on vacation can take sommelier-led classes or simply visit the Vine Bar and sample one of its 3,000 varietals.
Barefoot Beach, North Naples, Florida

Not all Florida beaches look like the über-developed ones you see in Miami. Barefoot Beach Preserve Park has 342 acres of pristine land, including a white-sand, shell-laden beachfront where you're more likely to see nesting sea turtles among the palm trees and lagoons than club-goers. It's relatively quiet from April through October, before the white-haired snowbirds descend for the winter season.
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Where To Stay: Four cascading pools (in other words, mini-waterfalls) and a world-class spa and golf course may mean you'll never want to leave LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, but you should—downtown Naples, with artsy boutiques, a bustling farmers market and eclectic restaurants, is just minutes away.
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Galley Bay Beach, St. John's Parish, Antigua

Although it has some of the Caribbean's best sunsets and is home to adorable sea turtles, Galley Bay largely remains a secret of the hotel's guests—for now. Swimmers as well as snorkelers will love the crystal- clear, warm turquoise water and its pristine white-sand beach. The charming thatched-roof villas of the on-site resort dot the coast, giving Galley Bay a bohemian feel.

Where To Stay: The all-inclusive Galley Bay Resort is located on the sunset side of Antigua, so don't forget to charge up your camera or smartphone. Add the honeymoon package, which includes a champagne picnic on a secluded beach and in-room petals, candles, robes and a couple's massage.
Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

You know those crazy-beautiful beaches from your laptop's background options, where the sky and water both blend into one unbelievably serene blue? The ones you didn't believe existed? Well, prepare to become a believer. Grace Bay is 12 miles of that picture-perfect image. The island of Providenciales also has a golf course and a casino (just in case you need a break from the breathtaking beach). Bonus: It's easy to get to—only three hours from New York City.

Where To Stay: The Grace Bay Club is pure luxury all the way. It consists entirely of oceanfront suites, and has canopied beach beds and an infinity pool overlooking the turquoise water. Have a drink at the Infiniti Bar, one of the longest bars in the Caribbean. Stretching out 90 feet, there's plenty of room to grab a mojito or martini and try a dish off the menu of “small and sexy" bites.
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Barbados, Brunch & The Boat Yard

9/10/2015

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So I'd be totally lying if I told you the number one reason I was excited to go to Barbados wasn't for the fact that the FRIENDS cast went there in season 9. Even though they didn't REALLY go there. And it was a set in Burbank. 

But it totally was the reason I was so excited. I know most people dream of Barbados for the culture. The beaches. The rum. The food. But me, unique & quirky little me that I am, when I saw it on my tour itinerary my first thought was "Ross totally had his Paleontology event there." Anyone else crazy avid FRIENDS fans? Just me? O.K. moving on. 

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It wasn't long before I stepped off the boat and fell in love with the many reasons people DO visit this beautiful island and my FRIENDS frenzy floated away. The colorful buildings were charming, a PURPLE art gallery, I mean come on. It was rows of canary yellow shops, teal cafes and pink homes and I swooned. 

My group and I decided to take the city by foot and explore. Gorgeous brick structures and old architecture reminded me of Europe while the colorful facades were reminiscent of my time in Puerto Rico and east Mexico. And one of the best parts of Barbados? The GLUTEN-FREE options. We grabbed fish tacos nearby in my pre-paleo days before spending the day ocean side, but there are MANY options for those traveling gluten-free, dairy-free or vegetarian and I've listed my favorites below. 

Azul at Sea Breeze Resort
Highlights: Gorgeous ocean views, cozy upscale living room setting, high end menu with GF/DF customizations. 

Brown Sugar Barbados
Highlights: A dedicated Friday Gluten Free brunch, the Roasted Butternut Squash, Bajan Herbed Baked Chicken & Flourless Chocolate Cake

Lemongrass Noodle Bar & Grill
Highlights: Can sub any noodle dish for rice noodles, uses Kikkoman GF soy sauce, casual, relaxed environment 

Tides Barbados
Highlights: A gorgeous upscale eatery that's very photo worthy, ocean views, a full vegetarian menu with GF options 

Orange Street Grocer
Highlights: A great place to grab food to go or have a sit down meal, a full salad menu, The OSG salad, the wild salmon


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Tides - Credit: Tides Barbados PR
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One of my favorite photos & buildings - an old clock tower we walked by in town

Only able to spend a few hours in Barbados before heading to our next island locale, we spent a majority of our day at The Boatyard. The Boatyard is an awesome cafe/bar/nightclub that features piers to jump off, floating trampolines and a floating rock climbing wall. It's like Caribbean ocean play for the child within. 

We sat seaside, toes in the sand at our table and enjoyed drinks before taking a dip in the calm, warm waters of the Atlantic and wearing ourselves out before it was time to go. 
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View of the water on our walk through town.
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Me at Independence Square Barbados - Spring 2007

Do you have a favorite place to dine or visit in Barbados? Or do you have a favorite island I have to check out? Leave it in the comments below! 

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Shopping and Dining in St. Thomas
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Sea, Shops & Scrumptious Eats of St. Thomas

8/25/2015

12 Comments

 
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Crystal blue waters, delicious eateries with breathtaking views and stores where shop owners know you by name, this is what St. Thomas was to me. For nearly five months, as I sailed the Caribbean seas singing for Holland America Cruise Line, St. Thomas became a regular stop on my itinerary and I want to share my very favorite places.  Tip #1: For healthy foodies, there is an organic market, the Natural Food Grocer and Deli,  in port where the ships dock. I always stocked up on dehydrated fruits, nuts and delicious teas while here to have with me aboard the ship and on my travels. 
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Havana Blue

First, let us start with the eats, because. YUM. Caribbean food was by far some of my favorite food of my travels thus far. Fresh seafood, delectable salads and yummy drinks can be found everywhere throughout the islands. I treated myself to some very nice dinners while in St.. Thomas, accompanied by my friend and fellow healthy foodie Samantha Wyatt of Fresh Life Journeys, whom I met overseas. 

My favorite restaurant hands down was Havana Blue. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, dining in the open air with blue ocean as far as the eye can see. The sun was just setting and the blue hue that swept through the place was gorgeous. Samantha, some other friends and I enjoyed a delicious feast with wine (back when I still drank alcohol) & I ordered the Marinated Chicken Breast bursting with cilantro & garlic with asparagus and Cuban dirty rice. Delish! 

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Another must see is the Mountain Top. A sightseeing destination and lunch spot, the tramway is an affordable way to get a birds eye view of the island. There is an internet cafe located at the bottom and at the top you will find scenic walkways, a cafe and a duty free shop that carries island trinkets and souvenirs. 

The restaurant was a normal lunch place for us, the affordable eatery offers a wide selection of fare with healthy sandwich, salad and fresh appetizer platter choices. Even though we were high up in the trees, our ship still looked huge - even from way up on the mountain top. 

Tip #3: Most cell phones work in St. Thomas because it's American territory. I used this opportunity to call home each time I was in town to save on phone cards and internet cafe costs. 
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One of my very favorite parts of this island were the colorful, brick covered alleyways. Tip #4: When traveling in a foreign land, NEVER go anywhere alone, especially alley ways. Though they were high traffic, tourist areas, you never know and it's better to be safe than sorry. If there were days my friends Samantha or Cynthia couldn't grab coffee I stayed on the ship. But, if you do have someone to go with, they are fun to check out. There are usually less touristy, more authentic shops and galleries and its fun getting to talk to the locals. 

We found an amazing coffee shop that offered vegan coffees and we made it a regular stop. I wish I remembered the name, I do know it was down one of these alleys in the "downtown" area of the island if you want to do some exploring on your visit. 
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The people here, at White House Black Market St. Thomas, knew me by name. As did the islands Caribbean Surf Co. I know that isn't something to proud of, and I'm not, but they were my weekly or bi-weekly stops and they always saved new shipment items for me when I came in, haha. Always looking for a new formal dress or cute resort wear top, you can say that my wardrobe was very neutral that year with many pieces of Roxy thrown in. The stores also reminded me of home, and there was comfort in shopping there. 

Tip #5: When traveling abroad its good to find shops you know. While shopping in unique shops and boutiques is exciting, you can be taken advantage of. Like I was. I way over paid for a camera while in St. Thomas at a Caribbean electronics store and had major buyers remorse later on. Make sure you do your homework before making big purchases in other countries. 
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Last but certainly not least we need to talk about the excursions. They are SO many things to do here. From shipwrecks to castle tours, ziplining to hiking, St. Thomas offers many options for even the most adventurous traveler. 

I however, opted for snorkeling and boating. If I wasn't dining on delicious grub or buying cute beachwear you could find me in the water off the coast of Buck Island. Our friend Cynthia was the shore excursions director and always offered to take us out on that boat up there. A big group of us would board the boat and ride 40 miles off the shore of St. Thomas, enjoying rum and snacks, and snorkel in gorgeous, reef filled waters.

St. Thomas was my first experience with snorkeling and I will be completely honest and tell you the first time they dropped us in the water that far away from civilization, TOTALLY had a panic attack. They threw me a pool noodle, I did some deep breathing and then took a look under water. 

Instant calm.

The crystal waters, the colorful sealife & God's beauty calmed me almost instantly and I've been in love with snorkeling ever since. It's one of the first things I do whenever we go to Hawaii, and I hope to snorkel with Mr. Charming if we venture to the Caribbean together. 

Do you have a favorite Caribbean destination or island story? Share it with me in the comments below! 
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Nosh & Nurture was born of this journey I am on to better the health of myself, my family and those around me.  What started as a simple compilation of recipes has grown to a all-around lifestyle journal with ways to incorporate organic products into your home, pantry and beauty cabinet.  I also include stories on pregnancy, new motherhood, travel, Proverbs 31 marriage, and spiritual health, as I am a Christian who couldn't do any of this without my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. For more of my story you can click here. 

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