lumeria5

Properties We Love: Lumeria Maui

Posted on by

lumeria3lumeria4lumeria6

We are ecstatic to present the second installment of our “Properties We Love” series.  This time we are featuring Lumeria Maui, a unique alternative to traditional hotels and resorts. Located on six acres in northern Maui, this 24 room boutique retreat is comprised of historic lodge-style buildings connected by a continuous, covered lanai. The beautifully designed environment promotes relaxation and tranquility and is a perfect location for peaceful intimate honeymoon.

lumeria1

Each of the 24 rooms has been individually designed, featuring unique furnishings and artwork that balance vintage, Asian and modern influences. Rooms feature high ceilings, ocean, mountain or garden views and modern amenities, such as ipod docks and wifi.  The Japanese designed bathrooms feature rain shower heads, river rock floors, and products from Aveda.

If you ever leave your room you’ll find yourself surrounded by a tropical paradise of gardens, courtyards, stunning views and a gorgeous pool. At night you can lounge by one of the outside fires, or stargaze while soaking in the jacuzzi. When you get hungry, the onsite restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine that will excite the most selective foodie.

One of Lumeria’s unique features is their wellness services led by world-renowned professionals and practitioners. Included in your stay is an extensive menu of daily yoga classes, meditation, horticulture and aromatherapy classes. Lumeria also offers traditional Hawaiian massage and other well being services.

If you are looking for something more active, head to the ocean for a variety of water sports. Lumeria is located just minutes from the crystal clear waters and white sand beach, of Ho’oikipa Beach park, famous for both wind surfing and kite surfing.

With all of this, Lumeria is the perfect option for a couple looking for a quiet and relaxing honeymoon in paradise.

Discover more about Lumeria here: http://www.lumeriamaui.com/

Our Picks for Honeymoon Reads

Posted on by

At Wanderable, one of our favorite things to do while on a trip is to lose ourselves in a good book, and so today we’re sharing a list of some of our favorite books and the adventures they inspire.  We think these picks would make excellent honeymoon reads where ever your travels take you!

shadow-of-the-wind-us-1

Shadow of the Wind: Regardless of where you read it, this romantic mystery will have you dreaming of drinking wine at street-side cafes and exploring the twisty cobblestone streets of Barcelona.

pride & prejudice Pride and Prejudice: Jane Austen’s classic novel inspired one of our friends to take a trip to England’s Peak District, spending nights in cozy B&Bs with her own Mr. Darcy by her side.

the-time-travelers-wife-book-coverThe Time Travelers Wife: After some discussion, the Wanderable team concluded that this book is perfect for a long train/bus/plane ride to ANY destination.  This amazing romantic novel will make the miles fly by! catfish_mandala_475hCatfish and Mandala: Our social media maven, Gemma, planned a trip to Vietnam after reading this book.  If you are traveling to Asia or just love a good travel memoir, you should check out this read. Wild_bookcoverWild: If you are going on a challenging adventure or want to be inspired to take one, Cheryl Strayed’s account of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is the book for you.  After reading it, Tory, our marketing manager, was ready for an adventure in Yosemite.
mindy

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns): I tossed this book in my beach bag and Mindy had me cracking up on the beach during my last trip to Hawaii.

What books have you read on your travels that you’ve loved?

Receiving your Funds, with Love

Posted on by

PennyHearts

While we love to focus on the heart behind the honeymoon registry experience at Wanderable—loved ones giving meaningful experiences to one another, the gift of memories that last a lifetime—we focus just as earnestly on the practical need to provide a safe and seamless payment system for funds to be delivered to Wanderable couples. We selected Balanced as our payment processing platform because they provide the best possible experience for both gift givers and receivers on Wanderable, and there’s a lot to love about our payment system:

Easy setup. When you create your Wanderable registry you can enter your bank account information to have  funds directly deposited into your account, or elect to have your funds mailed to your address – whatever is most convenient for you. (Please note due to currency complexities, international couples must utilize PayPal.)

Quick and easy payment. We ensure our couples receive the direct deposit for each registry item they are gifted within two business days. Couples who opt to receive their funds in the mail can have their balance be sent in one lump sum at the end of their registry, or request as many separate checks as they want along the way.

No worries.  Balanced is Level 1 PCI certified, meeting the strictest compliance standard in the industry, and they integrate seamlessly into our site so you don’t have to log in to another account—you have enough to juggle planning a wedding and honeymoon!

With a payment system so easy and breezy, you can focus on the important stuff for your honeymoon registry… like whether you want to go for a snorkeling or kayaking expedition.

Questions, comments? We would love to hear them at hello@wanderable.com. To learn more about Balanced, visit balancedpayments.com.

Bed & Breakfasts We Love

Posted on by

Have you considered staying at a bed and breakfast for your honeymoon or wedding night? At Wanderable we love the personalized service and local flavor of staying in B&Bs, and when it comes to choosing one, we love the selections on bedandbreakfast.com. Below we’ve selected five B&Bs that feature luxurious amenities and personal touches, set in locations that are perfect for romance. Enjoy!

Wine Country Inn – Saint Helena, California

saint-helena-winecountryinn-lodging

Perfect for: Foodies and wine lovers. Spend your days exploring wine country, visiting wineries, hiking in state parks and eating at fantastic restaurants.

Why we love it: Perched on a knoll overlooking a vineyard, this property features stunning views and gorgeous grounds. Rooms feature local antiques, family made quilts, fireplaces and balconies to create an atmosphere of unparalleled comfort. Learn more.

Hale Puka ‘ana – Kekaha, Hawaii

13

Perfect for: Beach and nature lovers. Visit the rain forests of Koke’e and Waimea Canyon national parks, explore the Napali Coast and lounge on the longest white sand beach in Hawaii.

Why we love it: Set feet from the beach, this B&B lets you enjoy Hawaii away from the crowds. Rooms feature high thread count bed linens and private lanais (verandas) for sunset gazing and whale watching. Learn more.

Addison on Amelia - Fernandina Beach, Florida

fernandina-beach-fl-inns-addisonhouse

Perfect for: Beach bums, golfers, and hikers. Amelia Island has white sand beaches, maritime forests, treed marshlands, three nearby state parks and numerous golf courses.

Why we love it: Nestled in a historic seaside village, this historical property marries ‘old Florida’ elegance with luxe modern amenities. Rooms feature tall ceilings, four-poster beds, rich hardwood floors, luxurious bed linens and lots of large down-filled pillows. Learn more.

The Ruby of Crested Butte – Crested Butte, Colorado

crested-butte-inns-therubyofcrestedbuttealuxurybedbreakfast-lodging

Perfect for: Nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, and snow bunnies. Whatever the season, Crested Butte has a plethora of activities on tap: fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, skiing and snowboarding.

Why we love it: This gorgeous mountain lodge is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds with unobstructed views of Mount Crested Butte. Rooms feature spectacular views, luxurious 1000 thread count linens, antique furnishings and thoughtful details, enveloping guests in exceptional comfort. Learn more.

The Governor’s Inn – Charleston, South Carolina

gov house

Perfect for: Romance lovers. Horse drawn carriages, trees draped in Spanish moss, cobblestone streets and legendary southern hospitality make Charleston an ideal honeymoon destination.

Why we love it: Situated in the heart of historic Charleston, this pre-revolution mansion is rich in history and glamour. Rooms feature crystal chandeliers, family antiques, four-poster beds, original hardwood floors, whirlpool baths and private porches. Bliss. Learn more.

Properties We Love: Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort

Posted on by

KoaKea1

Today Wanderable is launching the first installment of our “Properties We Love” series, highlighting some of the best honeymoon resorts around the globe–properties that have built romance into every detail of their guests’ stay and that are staged in unforgettable settings. To kick things off, we present the beloved Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort, nestled on the sun-drenched south shore of the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. Ko’a Kea Resort and Spa has all the amenities of a large resort with an oceanfront pool, four star restaurant and dedicated concierge team, but with only 121 rooms, it also offers the intimacy and privacy that comes with a boutique hotel. On your honeymoon at Ko’a Kea you won’t find your beachfront stay marred by grandiose destination weddings or corporate luaus, just solitude, white sand and sea breezes for miles.

The resort’s recently renovated rooms feature Egyptian cotton linens, espresso machines, Italian marbled bathrooms, postcard perfect views, and, best of all, private lanais so you can soak the sunlight and moonlight in together al fresco during your stay. The rooms are so plush you won’t want to leave, but simultaneously won’t want to miss the oceanside pool, gleaming stretches of Poipu beach, or countless water activities that you can finds steps from your door.

When it comes time for pampering, the intimate Spa at Ko’a Kea features five treatment rooms with a focus on local, natural products such as seaweed, Awapuhi root, and red clay. The spa has several romantic treatments perfect for couples, including an oceanside massage for two, in suite baths, or their signature Honeymoon Ritual, which includes side-by-side massages, scrubs and scalp treatments.

For memorable dining on their honeymoon, couples need look no further than the resort’s critically acclaimed Red Salt Restaurant, which offers a romantic oceanfront setting and fresh Hawaiian cuisine. Sushi lovers can enjoy sushi and sake for two at the Red Salt Lounge, and there are plenty of mai tais to be had at the poolside bar.

Ko’a Kea has earned numerous accolades since its opening in 2011, including receiving the 2013 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Romance (#2 in the U.S. and #12 in the world), the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award as one of the Top 25 Hotels in Hawaii and the 2012 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award (#2 in Hawaii & #87 in the world).

With its plush rooms, intimate setting and dedicated staff that will go out of their way to make every moment of your once in a lifetime trip everything you have dreamed of, we are delighted to present Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort!

Have you ever been to Ko’a Kea or Kauai before? We would love to hear about your stay in the comments section below!

Honeymoons with a View: National Park Destinations

Posted on by

For couples who  prefer the views of towering mountains to towering buildings, dips in fresh water lakes to chlorinated pools and falling asleep under a canopy of glimmering stars instead of city lights, opting for a nature-oriented honeymoon destination can be the perfect way to celebrate your new life together amidst an awe-inspiring backdrop. Today Wanderable presents our picks for some of the best national parks around the world for honeymoons with a view!

ZionNationalPark

Zion National Park, Utah

Why we love it: Utah’s oldest national park is known for its magnificent canyons and breathtaking views. Weave your way through the Navajo sandstone walls together and duck behind a rock to sneak a kiss. Active honeymooners will love the park’s endless hiking possibilities with over 100 miles of backcountry trails.

When to go: May, September and October are great months to explore the park and avoid Utah’s sweltering mid-summer heat.

Stay: Want creature comforts? Cozy up together after a long day of hiking in the Buffalo Vista Honeymoon Suite at the Zion Mountain Ranch and enjoy a king sized bed, fireplace and jacuzzi tub for two. Or if you prefer getting back to the basics,  set up camp at the Watchman Campground which offers easy access to the park trails, nicely sized lots and some shaded sites.

TorresdelPaine

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Why we love it: This picture speaks a thousand words and yet only captures the smallest fragment of this park in Southern Patagonia’s charm: with staggering peaks, wind-swept hills,  bright blue glaciers and wild horses, Torres del Paine is the kind of place you can get utterly lost in together on your honeymoon, in the good kind of way. Couples can opt for a day hike to reach the park’s iconic towers, or spend five days tackling the park’s popular “W” route together.

When to go: October through April brings the warmest, hiking friendly weather.

Stay: Honeymooners looking to really indulge during their stay need look no further than Hotel Salto Chico, which is located in the heart of the park and features sweeping views, gourmet dining, on property stables and deluxe, television-free rooms.  The more adventurous types can opt to trek through the park and nestle into in their own tents or in the “refugios” (lodges) scattered along the route.

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff

Why we love it:  Canada’s oldest national park is nestled amongst the Rockies and filled with alpine landscapes, pristine waters and views for days. Bike enthusiast honeymooners can take advantages of the park’s paved trails, while hiking routes will take you to dazzling waterfalls and glaciers. End your afternoon soothing your aching muscles together in the park’s natural hot springs.

When to go: Summer months bring the park alive for hiking and biking, while winter months are better for couples interested in snow sports.

Stay: Luxury minded honeymooners can unwind at the Fairmont Banff Springs, known as “The Castle in the Rockies” with a word class spa, fine dining, and lavish suites, while the Two Jack Lakeside Campground has covetable plots along the lake for honeymooners open to sleeping in the great outdoors.

Would you consider a National Park for your honeymoon? If so where in the world would you choose?

Introducing Wanderable on the go!

Posted on by

ThankYouWanderable

We are delighted to announce the release of the newest version of our iPhone app to make it easy to build and manage your Wanderable honeymoon registry on the go! You can download the app for free in the iTunes app store here. With our new app you can…

Enhance your registry
• Add and edit items in your registry
• Customize registry items by snapping and uploading your own photos from your iPhone
• View and track the gifts you receive from guests

Seamlessly send Thank You cards
• Send thank you cards straight from your phone that feature your own uploaded photos - show your friends and family how much you enjoyed the experiences they gave you!
• Your email and Facebook notes are free to send, or have us address, stamp and deliver your personalized postcards with your own uploaded photos for just $1.99 domestic, $2.99 international.

As a special offer for our blog readers, the first five of you with Wanderable accounts to download the app and then email us at hello@wanderable.com with the subject line “blog promo” will receive a  code to download the Appy Couple app for free ($28 value!)

AppDemo

Facebook I Twitter I Pinterest

5 Amazing Over the Top Honeymoon Suites

Posted on by

Today’s feature is a guest post from the experts at Oyster.com. Oyster’s mission is to deliver unbiased, expert information about hotels and make it easy to discover the perfect destination. Oyster sends trained reviewers to visit, comprehensively photograph, critique and rate each hotel reviewed on Oyster. The honest, undoctored photos and in-depth reviews from hotel experts allow you to see exactly what you’re getting — before you arrive. They’ve visited over 3,000 hotels in 40 countries, including popular honeymoon spots in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. 

Most newlyweds want to stay in a seriously swag suite on their honeymoon — and who can blame them? After all, for many of us, a honeymoon is one of the only times we’ll get to live it up in such luxurious fashion. These five honeymoon suites come with all the bells and whistles one could ask for — from private pools to dizzying views.

The Honeymoon: Hong Kong
The Suite: Extreme WOW Suite at the W Hong Kong

extreme-wow-suite

Hong Kong is a fabulous urban destination for those couples seeking out incredible, modern architecture, world-class shopping, and Michelin-starred dining on a nightly basis. And the W Hong Kong is in the heart of the tourist district, Kowloon, and features all the funky extras you’d expect from a W as well as an unreal, souped-up version of the stateside Bliss Spa chain. And the Extreme WOW Suite not only has all the high-tech essentials that seem commonplace in Hong Kong, but also has a fully-stocked kitchenette, spacious closet (because every outfit was carefully planned and considered), and dizzying views of the harbor.

See more photos of the suite »

The Honeymoon: St. Lucia
The Suite: Two-Bedroom Villa at the Ladera Resort

two-bedrom-villa-plunge-pool

Unlike more developed Caribbean islands, such as Aruba and the Bahamas, the sparsely populated island-nation of Saint Lucia still maintains a sense of unspoiled, exotic beauty. Its landscapes of pristine beaches and mountainous terrain are among the most stunning you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean — especially so at the Ladera Resort, where views of the twin Pitons seem endless. Privacy is paramount here — there are just 32 villas on the property — and most rooms have private plunge pools. Want a bigger watering hole to splash around in? Try the Infinity Lagoon Pool, which may very well take your just-wedded breath away.

See more photos of the suite »

The Honeymoon: Paris, France
The Suite: Honeymoon Suite at Hotel Le Bristol

honeymoon-suite

If the City of Lights doesn’t seem romantic to you, well, then, you’re just not romantic. Paris is a premiere honeymoon destination — great for culture-lovers and fashionistas alike — and thus requires a rather perfect stay. Look no further than the famed Hotel Le Bristol, which exudes luxury from the moment you step in the marble lobby. Make sure to take a few cuddly pictures in the hotel’s epic private gardens or on the glass-housed sun terrace; however, the Honeymoon Suite is where you really get the full “five-star” experience: Each room is impeccably furnished and decorated, the balcony provides glorious views, and the bed is supremely comfortable — despite a slightly dated comforter. But the real highlight has got to be the incredible bathroom, which we’d just die for with its well-lit vanities, bidet, and deep soak tub.

See more photos of the suite »

The Honeymoon: Turks & Caicos
The Suite: The Beachfront Penthouse Suite at the Gansevoort Turks & Caicos, a Wymara Resort

beachfront-penthouse-suite

Turks and Caicos has a reputation for being one of the most exclusive Caribbean islands, and deservedly so. The Beachfront Penthouse Suite at the Gansevoort Turks and Caicos is one of the island’s sleekest and swankiest options. Partiers will appreciate the hotel’s live DJ sets on weekend nights, but those seeking seclusion won’t have a problem in a private suite that spills out onto the pristine beaches of Grace Bay. And should you two decide to get out of that incredible bed (or tub, as the case may be), your buffet breakfast is au gratis. Bring on the bacon, y’all!

See more photos of the suite »

The Honeymoon: Puerto Morelos, Mexico
The Suite:  Preferred Club Master Suite at the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – All Inclusive

preferred-club-honeymoon-suite

Puerto Morelos, located halfway between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, offers the perfect balance of the two, more touristy regions, blending a party atmosphere from the Spring Break Capital with a beachy, relaxed vibe. Perhaps one of the most luxurious all-inclusives in Mexico, the Dreams Riviera Cancun — a true megaresort, with over 400 rooms — tends to attract families with its myriad entertainment options. But couples shouldn’t falter: the attractive, airy guest rooms are downright romantic. Teak wood and marble floors create an ambiance of understated elegance, and the massive bathrooms (all with separate showers and Jacuzzi tubs) are a real treat.

See more photos of the suite »

Introducing Waggable…

Posted on by

 

 

[Update: April 2nd, 2013. Happy April Fools! Although Waggable received such a warm reception, we are wondering if we should expand our customer base permanently!]
Introducing Waggable

At Wanderable we are always looking for new ways to enhance our honeymoon registry services, and so we are thrilled to announce the release of our newest product offering today: Waggable, the premiere honeymoon registry service for dogs. From pampering paw-icures to leash-free long walks on the beach made complete with a romantic plate of spaghetti for two, Waggable will help pooches around the world fund their dream doggiemoons together.

To get inspiration for your own four legged friends, check out Scout and Kona’s fun-filled registry for their upcoming trip to  San Francisco on Waggable here.

What city will your dogs be honeymooning in thanks to Waggable? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!

Creative Honeymoon Registry Designs

Posted on by

We see hundreds of beautiful, unique honeymoon registries created by couples every month on Wanderable, and so today we wanted to highlight some of our recent favorites for your own entertainment and inspiration!

ParisWanderable

Couple: Rachel + Paul

Destination: Paris, France

Why we love it: The backdrop. This charming map of Paris is such a romantic way to tie in a honeymoon destination with a registry theme, and the the R+P welcome note to guests and its heartfelt message is a great personal touch.

NewZealandWanderable

Couple: Jenna + Mike

Destination: South Island, New Zealand

Why we love it: Customization. We love how how Jenna and Mike used their own photos to represent each of the experiences they are asking for, making it so gift givers can really visualize them on the adventures they are helping to fund.

TravelTheme

Couple: Ioulia + Aaron

Destination: Around the world

Why we love it: The travel theme. Ioulia and Aaron’s Save the Date makes a picture perfect background image for their Wanderable registry, and what better way to show their mutual love of travel to their wedding guests. All aboard the Wedding Express!

MemeRegistry

Couple: Maria + Dan

Destination: Caribbean

Why we love the registry: The brilliant meme theme. At Wanderable we love all things tech and broke into collective hysterics after seeing Maria and Dan’s clever use of internet memes to represent their various experience requests in their registry. From the Ryan Gosling’s “Hey Girl” to the use of LolCats, the birthplace of internet memes, this couple has created a registry that is sure to get as many laughs as contributions!

PhotoSpreadRegistry

Couple: Lily + Danny

Destination: Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Why we love the registry: Adorable background photo. This black and white snapshot of Lily and Danny makes the perfect registry background image. It is hard to resist giving gifts to a couple with who can wear mustaches so well.

Do you have a creative registry that you would like to share with the Wanderable blog? Email us at hello@wanderable.com – we would love to hear from you!