Archive for the ‘Honeymoon’ Category

If Sacramento’s scorching summer-like temps leave you longing for the cool surf and smooth sand of a seaside getaway this fall, indulge your heat-induced fantasies with a trip to scenic Santa Cruz. Whether you’re a whale watcher with a taste for central coast wines or an art lover with a passion for pampering, the less than three hour drive will prove well worth your while.

Recommended Resort:  “Under the Boardwalk, down by the sea, on a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be…” As I entered the lobby of Santa Cruz’s Dream Inn for the first time in more than a decade, I could’ve sworn I heard The Drifters crooning somewhere in the distance.

What was once a basic beach-side accommodation has been spectacularly reappointed by Joie de Vivre, the San Francisco-based purveyor of fabulously unique boutique properties. The “new” Dream Inn, conveniently located just blocks from the Boardwalk, opened its re-vamped doors four years ago and features 165 rooms, all of which boast stunning ocean views. Bright bursts of color and retro beach-chic furnishings throughout the property had me feeling like I’d stepped into a postcard from days gone by.

Photo courtesy of and copyright Matthew Millman

During our stay, my beau and I bunked in an ocean view Cloud Suite and took full advantage of its special amenities. Souvenir binoculars, for example, were perfect for people-watching from our private balcony, and the bathroom’s upgraded LATHER hair and body care products made relaxing after a day of sightseeing a truly luxurious experience.

Complimentary WI-FI throughout the property kept us connected to the world beyond paradise throughout our stay, but the pool bar, outdoor spa and convenient beach access were more than enough to keep our minds in vacation mode. Somewhere between finding locally loved Marini’s chocolates on the nightstand and experiencing the turn-down service, we found ourselves floating to cloud nine on a pile of our suite’s plush pillows.

Check In:  175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA. 831-426-4330, dreaminnsantacruz.com.

Check Out:  A stress-free 15 minute drive from the Dream Inn led us to Capitola-by-the-Sea, home of Shadowbrook Restaurant. A friend and former SC dweller said this was the place for sinfully delicious eats in a romantic setting, and we weren’t disappointed.

Our experience began with a cup of New England Clam Chowder featuring oven-roasted sweet corn, bacon, fresh rosemary and potato. Having tasted chowders in coastal towns throughout California (I’ll make it to New England eventually!), I can honestly say the velvety texture and bold seafood flavor of Shadowbrook’s put it at the top of my list.

Photo courtesy of and copyright Shadowbrook Restaurant. 

The Filet Mignon, served with smoked Gouda potato gratin, wild mushroom-cippolini onion ragout and béarnaise sauce, was my entrée of choice, and I’ll never forget the way this divine cut of char grilled angus beef practically melted in my mouth. My mate’s Slow-roasted ‘bone-in’ Pork Prime Rib (a house specialty) was equally delicious and paired beautifully with its accompanying slightly smoked potatoes, roasted fennel, apple-mustard and brandied hock jus.

We should have been stuffed following such a decadent meal but kept room in our dessert stomachs for a slice of Gizdich Ranch Olallieberry pie served with vanilla bean ice cream. The combination of tart berries, buttery crust and rich, real vanilla flavor had us over the moon and headed for a blissful food coma.

Just when we thought our culinary ride had come to an end, our server presented us with complimentary hazelnut truffles, a gesture Shadowbrook extends to couples celebrating special occasions. While we agreed that this local treasure’s cuisine would be reason enough to plan a return trip, my beau and I were completely taken with the warm, efficient and highly-personalized service we received at every turn.

Photo courtesy of and copyright Shadowbrook Restaurant.
Located beside tranquil Soquel Creek, Shadowbrook is best reached by its charming cable car elevator.

To learn more about Shadowbrook Restaurant, visit shadowbrook-capitola.com.

Don’t Miss:  Thanks to a healthy respect for large bodies of water, not to mention the creatures inhabiting them, surfing has never been at the top of my bucket list. I was content to while away our last day in Santa Cruz experiencing the comforts of a spa or shopping on Pacific Street until my mate revealed a lifelong desire to ride waves. Being the intrepid journalist/accommodating girlfriend that I am, I rang up Club Ed International Surf School to arrange a private lesson with the man himself, Ed Guzman.

Photo courtesy of and copyright Club Ed International Surf School.

Ed, who began teaching water sports professionally in the early ‘80s, first picked up a board in 1969 at age 12. According to his website, he’s lived in Santa Cruz since 1986 and surfed nearly every day of his adult life, a combination that eased some of my nerves as we drove to meet him at the beach. Once we’d wrestled our wetsuits on, the lesson began on land with a bit of yoga and an overview of wave dynamics, paddling, surf etiquette, and stand up and riding techniques. I appreciated our guru’s mix of positive reinforcement and honesty as he guided us through the basics and pinpointed ways we would (hopefully) improve as the day progressed.

Photo courtesy of and copyright Club Ed International Surf School.

Once we got in the water, movements that seemed awkward on land felt nearly natural despite our lack of experience. We waited patiently as Ed watched for surf-able waves and listened closely for his count to three and call to stand up as opportunity approached in all its blue, frothy glory. I would’ve stayed out all day if only to take in more of this local treasure’s life lessons, but I was grateful when he sensed my body reaching its limit. I paddled to shore at Ed’s recommendation while he helped my mate catch a few more waves. As I sat in the sand, I was glad we decided to forgo the spa – without a doubt, this experience brought us closer than any couples massage ever could.

To learn more about Club Ed, visit club-ed.com.

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine Contributor Morgan Casarez.

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For anyone who has frequented the City by the Bay in the past decade, it’s well known that the streets of San Francisco no longer just run north of Market for the occasional tourist. In fact, SOMA (South of Market) is one of the most bustling and happening neighborhoods in town. Home to exciting new restaurants, shopping area, public space and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), this the place to be and be seen.

It should come as no surprise that many a chic hotel has opened its doors along these formerly industrial avenues. Some are boutique and some quite posh, like the St. Regis San Francisco, a 40-story tower that beautifully blends the modern and metropolitan flavor this section of the city is becoming known for.

Recommended Hotel:  St. Regis San Francisco. The hotel handsomely transformed the historic early 20th Century Williams Building into a skyscraper with contemporary character and sleek sophistication. You could say culture surrounds this hub of hospitality.

Not only does the building host the new Museum of African Diaspora, but phenomenal SFMOMA is only steps away as well. Across the street you’ll find Yerba Buena Gardens, and bustling Market Street is only a short walk north.

If you’re lucky to get a room several stories up, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the bay to one side, or that inevitable fog engulfing the city to the other. Beautifully appointed and wrapped in the comforts you’d expect from a St. Regis property, the spacious rooms aim to please, with a clean cream and white palette and generous square footage.

Check In:  125 3rd Street in San Francisco. 415-284-4000, starwoodhotels.com/stregis

Check Out:  Reméde Spa. Release the tensions of your day or week in the St. Regis signature spa. 9,000-square feet in all, you’ll be surprised as the space the hotel has masterfully designated for this sanctuary. Indulge in the private steam rooms, saunas or whirlpools before your massage or facial then treat yourself to champagne and handmade truffles as you unwind.

Don’t Miss:  Ame. A tough reservation for even locals, the flagship restaurant at the St. Regis is a must for the intrigued epicurean. Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani, the team behind Terre in St. Helene, present seasonal New American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood.

Pair an elegant bottle of wine with offerings like fresh crudo, tartare and carpaccio, or sample some sashimi with a limited-edition sake. No matter the choice, you’ll leave this dining experience completely satisfied.

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Always a Bridesmaid Columnist, Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of and copyright St. Regis San Francisco.

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There are healthy retreats, and there is Villa Ananda. If you’re like me and love the spiritual and physical benefits of yoga practice, then you’re really going to get your money’s worth from a visit to this blissful escape just north of Puerto Vallarta. If you and your loved one want to turn up the heat this fall and winter season, head to this sunny coast and experience the warmth and relaxation of Villa Ananda.

Recommended Resort:  Villa Ananda. Located north of the Puerto Vallarta in Banderas Bay on the Pacific coast of Mexico, the resort is a hidden oasis surrounded by nature in a small private community called Punta Burros.

Discover a one-kilometer stretch of white sandy beach, deep blue sea with mountains, Marieta Islands and spectacular sunset views at this lovely beachfront community. Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of natural healing, provides the foundation of Villa Ananda. They specialize in Pancha Karma, Ayurveda’s signature program for detoxifying and rejuvenating the body. The week-long program includes Ayurveda Consultation, daily Yoga-Meditation practice, personalized daily treatments and wholesome diet.

Check In:  Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta, 503-922-1712, villaananda.com

Check Out:  Yoga. The resort invites you to join the morning Yoga Meditation class, relax in your favorite garden spot, swim or walk on the beach. Herbal tea, fruit and vegetable juices and exquisite vegetarian meals are available. Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or physical condition.

In each class, the staff will meet guests where they are and gently guide them through postures, breathing and meditation to strengthen the body and relax the mind, allowing for a natural flow of energy. The morning Yoga Practice is held outdoors overlooking the ocean with herbal tea served after. Classes are complimentary, donations gladly accepted. Private Yoga and Meditation sessions also available.

Don’t Miss:  Pancha Karma. Meaning five actions, this is Ayurveda’s signature system for detoxifying and rejuvenating the body. Luxurious and in-depth purifying treatments provide the basis for health, rejuvenation and longevity. Pancha Karma addresses the causes of imbalance and reverses their negative effects on the different body tissues by thoroughly eliminating the stored toxic waste. This fine tuning technique enhances energy levels, increases mental clarity, slows down the aging process and renews our sense of wellbeing.

The week-long Ananda Pancha Karma program begins with an Ayurveda Consultation and evaluation of personal health history. Specific therapies, foods, herbs and oils are then selected based on the individual body type constitution. Each day begins with herbal tea and Yoga Meditation practice. Treatments that follow may include herbal colon cleansing, aromatherapy steam, skin brushing, tandem Ayurveda massage, Chakra balancing and Shirodhara.

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Always a Bridesmaid Columnist, Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Villa Ananda.

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The momentous bachelorette party may be one of the last times in a long time that you and your ladies will get to paint the town pink, so why not make a weekend of it? Break tradition without breaking the bank by leaving Vegas for every other bride-to-be, and rendezvousing in Chicago.

Not only is it the ideal meeting spot if you have companions living across the country, but there’s 103.6 single men for every 100 single women (according to the Chicago Sun-Times), the bars close at 3 a.m. on Saturdays, and let’s face it: deep-dish pizza is the ultimate late-night nosh. Follow my guide below for a Windy City bachelorette bash that will blow you away.

Recommended Resort:  Too many choices can be daunting when it comes to anything in life, particularly picking a hotel. Thankfully, your search ends at Hotel 71. This centrally located boutique property, featured in The Transformers and The Dark Knight, boasts luxurious accommodations and chic décor without a high price tag attached.

For the friend who needs her daily dose of fitness, a 24-hour gym is available; for the plugged-in pal, free Wi-Fi runs throughout the 39-story building; and for the hungry girl, room service and an on-property eatery, Hoyt’s Chicago, promises to silence the growl.

Oversized bathrooms with illuminated make-up mirrors, an iPod docking station and plenty of square-footage provide the perfect pre-party setting, while pillow-top mattresses and top-notch linens ensure a peaceful night of beauty rest.

Check in:  71 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, 312-346-7100, hotel71.com

Check Out:  The list of quintessential Chicago is as long as Lake Michigan, but with only a few days to explore, there are definitely some must-see sites.

For the architecture aficionado (or to see the city without having to hoof it), I recommend Chicago Architecture Foundation’s River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady. The 90-minute tour takes you to all three branches of the Chicago River – past Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, Chicago Tribune Tower, and the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower – and is a great way to see the metropolis from a different vantage point. Bonus: The on-board bar serves a killer (no pun intended) Bloody Mary!

If shopping is more your friends’ forte, there’s the Magnificent Mile – a Mecca for major fashion houses – or the eclectic Lincoln Park neighborhood, bursting with boutiques and a zoo with free admission. Boredom may be a choice, but not one you’ll have to make on this trip.

Don’t Miss:  Estate Ultra Bar. The new kid on the block, Estate is sure to become everyone’s best friend in no time.

Seasonal American fare with a playful twist – think cake pops with Pop Rock frosting, lobster mac and cheese with Goldfish crust, and pretzel croissants with Gouda – piques even the pickiest of palates and is easy on the eyes, too.

But it’s the cocktails that will, literally, blow you away. Head Mixologist Dan De Los Monteros shakes things up with libations like Life’s Too Short, The Yachtsman and Summer Snow, plus skinny cocktails under 150 calories (I recommend That’s What She Said and the Millionaire Mojito II); all drinks are made with fresh fruit, spices/herbs, house-made syrups, custom ice cubes and quality spirits.

Choose to sip and be social in the Atrium, Living Room, Dining Room or Trophy Room; otherwise, head upstairs to the StarDeck, Chicago’s largest open-air rooftop lounge. No need to bar hop tonight, you’re home sweet home at Estate.

Money Saving Tips!

• Whether flying into Midway or O’Hare Airport, a cab into downtown will run close to $50. If trying to save some mullah, hop on the L train (Chi town’s rail system); the ride will cost just $2.25 and take roughly 30 minutes. From Midway, catch the orange line and from O’Hare, the blue.

• For a breathtaking view without paying sky-high fees, ride the John Hancock Center’s elevator to The Signature Lounge at the 96th. For the price of a cocktail, you’ll get to soak in the picturesque Chicago skyline and get buzzed!

• Monday through Friday, Pequod’s Pizza offers a $5 lunch special that’s hard to beat: 7” deep dish with cheese one topping and a soda or pint of Bud Light. The pie’s crisp caramelized crust, generous slathering of sweet saucy goodness and fresh ingredients are to-die-for delicious.

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Managing Editor, Megan Wiskus.

Hotel 71 photos courtesy of and copyright Hotel 71, River Cruise photos courtesy of and copyright Chicago Architecture Foundation, Estate Ultra Bar photos courtesy of and copyright Estate Ultra Bar, food photos courtesy of and copyright Megan Wiskus.

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One of America’s most beautifully preserved historic treasures, Charleston, South Carolina encompasses a 300-year heritage. This Colonial port city features cobblestone streets, pre-Revolutionary War historic buildings, museums, classic arts venues, fine restaurants, shops and exciting nightclubs.

In addition to sightseeing, shopping and dining, visitors to Charleston discover that recreation comes in two forms: land and water. On land, you can play world-famous golf and tennis. In the water, you can fish, surf, kayak, ski or slide. Perhaps no other resort in this Southern playground does both better than the Wild Dunes Resort.

Recommended Resort:  Wild Dunes Resort. Wild Dunes Resort is located on the northern tip of the Isle of Palms, a barrier island off South Carolina that’s just 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic Charleston. A leading vacation spot in Charleston, this 1,600-acre oceanfront resort features championship golf, nationally ranked tennis, one of the nation’s top-ranked family recreation programs, extensive meeting facilities, over two miles of pristine beach and four outstanding resort restaurants.

This resort offers a wide choice of accommodations from the luxurious Boardwalk Inn to The Village at Wild Dunes — brand new four-diamond quality rooms and suites in the heart of the resort — to lovely villas and exclusive homes with spectacular views of fairways, lagoons or the Atlantic Ocean.

Check In:  4600 Palm Boulevard in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. 888-778-1876, wilddunes.com

Check Out:  The Golf. Golf Digest says Wild Dunes Resort is among the “Best in State” for golf in South Carolina. Both guests and locals can enjoy 36 holes of signature golf designed by Tom Fazio. The Links Course and Harbor Course are open to the public and challenge players at every skill level. Wild Dunes Resort also offers one of the top Charleston golf schools with a variety of clinics, lessons and intensives.

Don’t Miss:  The Spa. Be sure to set aside time during your stay at Wild Dunes Resort to treat yourself to salon and spa services and invest in personal wellness. Sand & Sea Salon with Spa Services at Wild Dunes Resort can have you looking great and feeling even better. From manicures and pedicures to massages, facials, and body scrubs — any service in our relaxed island ambiance will leave you feeling balanced and calm. Take holistic steps towards overall wellness with a diverse group of programs including yoga, fitness training, sports training, golf and tennis instruction or even nutrition consultation. Be sure to ask about their Bliss by the Beach couples’ package.

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Always a Bridesmaid Columnist, Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Wild Dunes Resort.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

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