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Saint Lucia named the world's leading honeymoon destination
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Saint Lucia named the world’s leading honeymoon destination

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Saint Lucia has been named as the top honeymoon destination for the 12th time by the World Travel Awards. This is also the third consecutive win for the island nation.

It beat out other loved destinations like Jamaica, the Maldives, Mauritius, Paris, Miami Beach, Oman, Maui in Hawaii and Cartegena de Indias in Colombia.

While virtually accepting the award, Minister Honourable Dominic Fedee said: “Saint Lucia’s internationally acclaimed status is what we strive for daily in our strategic marketing and promotion efforts.

“The destination undoubtedly boasts of true passion in all key niches and amongst its hidden gems. It is indeed an honour for Saint Lucia to be named once again as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, a sincere reflection of our culture and the people who propel the industry.”

It seems this destination is quite popular. In addition to its winning category, Saint Lucia was also nominated as the World’s Leading Island Destination, World’s Leading Wedding Destination and World’s Most Romantic Destination 2020.

Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is especially popular for its lush rainforests, towering mountains, secluded coves and vibrant local communities. It is an adventure-lovers dream destination.
Picture: Instagram / Travel Saint Lucia
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Supporting your partner's pronouns during wedding planning
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Supporting your partner’s pronouns during wedding planning

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There are many couples whose identities are outside of the heteronormative spectrum. They are always the minority and have to constantly fight for their place in society.

They normally use different pronouns and chances are that people will get them wrong, which can be frustrating for them. If your partner exists outside of this box, there are things you can do to make life easier when planning your wedding.

What are pronouns?

Some non-binary/genderqueer people prefer to use gender-neutral pronouns. Usage of the singular ‘they’, ‘their’, and ‘them’ is the most common.

These are words that refer to an individual in place of their name. They describe different gender identities other than just male or female.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1C4GYeH6EB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don’t give in to traditional gender roles

The idea that women can only have female friends and men can only have male friends should not exist in your plan for the wedding.

Instead of traditions like the “Best Man Speech,” use gender-free labels like “Friends and Family Speeches.”

Everyone should have the same tasks unless it’s beyond their physical strength, do not give men certain tasks because of their gender and the belief that they are stronger.

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Specify in your wedding registry

Monitory donations are a great alternative to avoid receiving gender-specific gifts. You can even ask for donations to your favourite charity, preferably one fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights to help give back on your big day.

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Include correct pronouns on your invitation card and wedding day

Your guest list might include people they haven’t met before. To help initiate that conversation, use clear preferred pronouns. Use wedding planning tools as a way to introduce your guests to your partner’s pronouns, and ask for your guests’ pronouns when they RSVP.

If a person uses the incorrect pronouns when referring to your partner,  address it respectfully.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJ-8_xHPb1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Hire LGBTQIA + accomodating vendors

Not only are you supporting the larger  LGBTQIA+ community, but it will also make things easy to work with people that understand you.  Your partner will be more relaxed and that will result in them feeling included and validated.

The work will be less because most of their tools will not need to be altered or change to suit your needs, as they are already set up like that.

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Pictures: Unsplash

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Now trending: The first honeymoon

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This year has been a tough one for the wedding world. Across the globe, couples are postponing their weddings as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens. A new trend has no emerged from this, in which couples are making the best of a bad situation.

Many couples are opting to still honour their original wedding date by going on honeymoon on a much smaller scale. Called the “first honeymoon”, they have decided that they don’t want to be sad on what would have been their wedding day, so they head out on a trip and celebrate it.

A first honeymoon is a shorter, more affordable, typically domestic and small-scale “honeymoon” on or around the original wedding date.

According to a recent survey by wedding planning website Zola, one-third of engaged couples plan to have a first honeymoon.

“We’ve had engagement moons, and mini-moons, but no one ever thought a first moon would be a thing,” said Zola spokesperson Hailey Murphy. “Couples are finding joy in that and still looking forward to these big weddings and big celebrations that we will hopefully be able to get back to sooner rather than later.”

The first honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to relax and take a break from the stress of life, especially welcomed now as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate in many countries.

With so many travel restrictions in place, first honeymoons are best when they remain domestic. It is also important to maintain social distancing and practice good hygiene.

While international travel is open in South Africa, our local travel industry is in great need of financial support. Think local and book a trip to a nearby town or province to help the country get back on its feet.

Picture: Pexels

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3 Easy Hairstyles to Master for Your Honeymoon
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3 Easy Hairstyles to Master for Your Honeymoon

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Come wedding day, your hair is in top shape, in fact it’s never looked this good. But what comes after? You don’t want things to go south straight after the ceremony. With a few pro tips and three versatile styling products you can keep that wedding feeling going for longer than just the “I do’s.” 

First Step: Repair

Take care of any damage to the hair from heat and wedding hair styling by treating it with a DIY hair treatment using Wella’s Invigo Nutri-Enrich Deep Nourishing Mask. The trick here is to not immediately rinse off, take the time to let the product soak in and allow the deeply nourishing formula time to repair stressed hair, this will take about 5-10 minutes.

Style 1: Romantic Braid

Credit: Unsplash

A style that works for pool-side lounging, and can also easily go from day to night, by adding a hair accessory. Even if your hair is clean, spray Wella EIMI Dry Me into the roots, a dry shampoo is a good volumizing product and for this look you want to create height at the roots so that the braid doesn’t drag you down. Leave two front sections one either side loose and sweep the rest of your hair to the side.

Divide this ponytail into three sections and braid, secure the ends with a tie. With the two front sections, lightly tease with your fingers and a brush, working against the hair, twist them away from the face and tuck them into the braid, securing with a hair pin. 

Style 2: Breezy Beach Waves

3 Easy Hairstyles to Master for Your Honeymoon
Credit: Unsplash

This is the perfect follow on style from the romantic braid. The braid when undone, gives hair beachy texture to work from. Add to this texture with a Spritz of Wella EIMI Ocean Spritz (with a salt spray a little goes a long way, you want workable hold, not too much grit, so go easy).

Tong random sections of hair that need a bit more curl, about 5cm sections, then using your fingers, gently break up the curls so that you blend the tonged hair into the beachy texture. Avoid brushing at all costs as this will create frizz.

Style 3: Up ‘til All Hours

3 Easy Hairstyles to Master for Your Honeymoon
Credit: Unsplash

This style is one to keep for an evening when you don’t have time to wash your hair, in fact it’s easier to do on day-old hair. Make a middle parting at the front, and then using your thumbs roughly section hair in half from ear to ear, lift the top section and spray with Wella EIMI Flexible Finish hair spray, gently back comb the roots with a brush to create volume and lift.

Using your fingers, scrape both top and bottom sections together and into a low pony at the nape of your neck. Twist this section into a loose bun and secure with pins on each side of the bun, this shouldn’t be tight so that you have space to loosen it. Next, gently wiggle a few pieces of hair free at the front and massage the roots with your fingers to loosen the texture. The beauty of this style is in the imperfection, so messy is good. Once you are happy with your up-style, finish with hair spray to keep in place.

Written by Jade Leggat-Smith

Feature image: Unsplash

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Where to go for your post-lockdown honeymoon

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Keen to get planning on your post-lockdown honeymoon? Now is the time. If you and your loved one are avid travellers, listen up.

The global pandemic has forced most (if not all) countries to shut down worldwide, but some are slowly starting to open up for tourists again. While South Africans aren’t allowed to set foot outside the country yet, authorities say borders will likely open for outbound travel in 2021. That gives you just enough time to save up and look out for the best deals.

Several countries are already allowing tourists, including the European Union, Dubai, some south-east Asian countries and some African countries.

Other parts of the world that might take longer to recover are the United States and far east Asia, so don’t put your hopes on spending your honeymoon there just yet.

Here are our top picks of overseas honeymoon destinations that are welcoming visitors:

Europe

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The EU will be allowing non-Schengen visitors from July, and we couldn’t be more excited. Some EU countries like Italy and Spain were extremely hard hit, so they will be welcoming tourists with open arms. Get ready to sip wine and stroll through cobbled streets.

Read more here.

Also read: Romantic things for couples to do in Turkey

Dubai 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_FYAKjfKC/

If you had your heart set on a glamorous shopping expedition, fear not. The United Arab Emirates is reopening its borders to tourists this July. Remember to plan your dates for a mild season, as summer in the middle east can get sweltering.

Read more here.

Mauritius

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If you had more of an island vacation in mind, you’re in luck. Mauritius has been declared coronavirus-free since April, and the country said it is excited to welcome visitors. Pack those sunnies and flip flops, margaritas under palm trees await.

Read more here.

Also read: Top 10 things for couples to do in Mauritius

Namibia

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If you’re looking to be immersed in the bushveld, look no further than our neighbours to the north. Namibia is set to reopen borders and will likely have several fantastic special offers. Grab the binoculars and sun hats.

Read more here.

Cambodia

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The country is open for tourists but be warned that travelling there in the near future will require a quite flexible budget. Cambodia asks tourists to put down a significant deposit for COVID-19 related protocols, but for those who don’t mind, the tropical paradise awaits.

Read more here.

Barbados

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This lovely eastern Caribbean island is a dream come true and you’ll be able to hop over soon.  The country opens for international visitors in July, so make sure your snorkel gear is ready and your sarong is packed.

Read more here.

Image: Pixabay

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Simple ways to incorporate the Pride flag into your LGBTQIA+ wedding

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When you are part of a couple that falls somewhere on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, chances are, there are hardships you have had to deal with in expressing your love freely. As a result, most queer couples would like to incorporate one or more of the pride flags into their wedding decor, but how do you do this without it overwhelming the entire aesthetic of your big day?

There are a number of flags that can be incorporated, and each will depend on the couple getting married. These are the various flags:

The Gilbert Baker flag/original Pride flag: 

In 1977, Harvey Milk challenged Gilbert Baker, a veteran who taught himself to sew, to come up with a symbol of pride for the gay community. This is how the original Pride flag was born, and it is inspired by Judy Garland’s Over the Rainbow.

The flag made its debut at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade celebration on June 25, 1978. Each colour symbolises the following:

Hot pink =  Sex
Red = Life
Orange = Healing
Yellow = Sunlight
Green = Nature
Turquoise = Magic/Art
Indigo = Serenity
Violet = Spirit

The revised Pride flag: 

After Harvey Milk was assassinated, many in the LGBTQIA+ community wanted the Pride flag to commemorate all the hard work he did to uplift and build the community. The demand for the flag, however, was greater than the fabric at hand. This is how the original flag evolved into the flag we know today – if you pay attention, you will notice that the hot pink strip is missing.

The flag was designed by Michael Page, and shows the heteronormative colours for boys and girls, and their overlap.
The flag was inspired by an older symbol for bisexuality, which is two overlapping pink and dark blue triangles, often called “biangles”.
The pansexual flag:

This flag was created on the web in 2010, and this flag represents the pansexual love and acceptance of all genders in partners. The pink represents women, while the yellow represents all non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals. The blue at the bottom of the flag represents men.

The asexual flag was also created in 2010, and was inspired by the logo of the Asexual Visibility and Education network. It represents the identity of asexual individuals, as well as those who are graysexual (individuals who find themselves in a fluid spot between sexual and asexual), and demisexuals (those who are only attracted to partners they share an emotional connection with).
The polysexual flag:
Polysexuality is the attraction to multiple genders but not all, and is often viewed as the middle ground between bisexuality and pansexuality. Polysexuality is widely believed to centre more around attractions to femininity and masculinity rather than gender itself. The pink represents attraction to females; the blue for males. The green is for an attraction to those who don’t conform to either gender.
Agender flag:

While genderqueer people bend the rules of gender, agender people reject a gender completely. For their flag, the black and white stripes represent the absence of gender, while green – the inverse of the gender-heavy purple – represents nonbinary genders.

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Source: Pinterest
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Virtual date night ideas for romance under lockdown

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Trying to keep the romance alive while being separated from your love doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal! There are many virtual options for a great date night.

You’re not alone as many couples around the world are figuring out how to navigate the world of love, while being stuck at home. To make things a little easier, here are some virtual date night ideas to try out:

– Take a virtual tour 

Since self-isolation and legally enforced quarantines are global, many facilities have decided to help ease cabin fever by making virtual tours available. Why not take advantage of this while you still can? You can see things from all around the world, with your partner (virtually) by your side, without leaving the comfort and safety of your room!

Here are some to check out:

  1. L.A.’s Getty Museum 
  2. The Louvre
  3. The Smithsonian’s Natural History
  4. The National Women’s History Museum’s NASA exhibit
  5. The San Diego Zoo live cam 
  6. Tennesee Aquarium’s River Otter Falls Cam 
  7. International Wolf Centre’s ambassador wolves

– Dig Deep 

If you’re looking to become closer during your time (physically) apart, answer The 36 Questions That Lead to Love. This little back and forth quiz was published in 2015 and is considered one of the best conversational road maps around. Find out more about each other, by asking questions you never thought about before.

– Distanced Dinner Date

Just because you’re in separate locations, doesn’t mean a dinner date is off the table. You can each get dressed up, grab some food, light some candles and eat together on a Skype call. Play some music in the background for that extra bit of mood-setting.

– Online games

The internet is filled multiplayer games for you and your partner to try out. Explore a new universe together, by playing online together. Some couples have even taken to gaming weddings.

– Watch a movie in sync

Use the chrome extension Netflix Party, to watch a movie together. The extension allows you to connect your Netflix accounts so that your movie plays at exactly the same time. There’s also a chat bar for running commentary between the two of you during the movie.

– Plan your next in person date 

If you haven’t already, you can spend some time together deciding on what you’ll do as soon as the lockdown is over. Plan a big, special date to celebrate being by each others sides again.

Also read: Pair have Animal Crossing wedding amid corona virus

Also read: How to have a honeymoon during lockdown

Also read: How to celebrate your anniversary while quarantining

Image: Unsplash

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How to have a honeymoon during lockdown

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Of course, for your honeymoon you’d prefer to be lounging on the beach on a tropical island or roaming the streets in a city unfamiliar to you. However, when the President calls for a national lockdown, and all travel is banned, a stay home honeymoon is what’s on the cards!

Fret not though, newly weds! Your quarantine honeymoon can be great too. After all, you’re in this together, and who doesn’t want to be stuck alone with their number one person? We guarantee there are tons of couples who want to be in you shoes right now.

If you’re trying to turn your self-isolation into a bae-cation, here are some things you should do:

– Unplug 

First and foremost, take some time off from technology. Turn those phones off and unplug! You’ll feel more like you’re away, because you won’t have people texting and calling all day.

– Decorate your bedroom 

Turn your bedroom into a honeymoon suite. Lay out some new bedding, put some chocolates on the pillows, and create a romantic getaway hotel in your own home.

– Activities by candle light 

Candles make everything 100 times more romantic, don’t you agree? Fill up the bath and add some bubbles, pop the lights off and add some candles. There you have it, a perfect honeymoon activity.

If bubble baths are not your thing, or your tub is too small to take the both of you, a candle lit dinner is great too. Cook up something tasty and have a dinner date.

– Open wedding gifts 

Start off your journey together by opening all those gifts you received! It’ll make you feel very special and loved, and you’ll get some constructive things done at the same time.

– Breakfast in bed

Take turns bringing each other some food to get the day going. Pancakes, waffles, omelettes, go all out.

– Massages 

A whole new definition of “couples massage”. While you can’t go out and get a massage together, you can totally give each other massages. It can be very romantic!

– Planning 

Spend some time planning a trip away. We’re sure you want to take a “real” honeymoon when the lockdown is over. So why not use some of this time to get ahead with the planning!

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Romantic Things To Do In Punta Cana

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On the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic you’ll find the small town of Punta Cana. This may seem like an odd and offbeat choice for a romantic getaway, but you’ll be surprised at all the great activities the town has to offer.

Well-known for it’s 32km stretch of beaches and crystal clear waters, you’re guaranteed a relaxing and refreshing trip. But there is so much more to this town.

Here are some things to do with your partner in Punta Cana:

– Moonlit couples massage 

Many resorts in Punta Cana offer moonlit massages. This is the perfect way to relax and recharge before you get going with some more physically taxing activities.

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– Seaquarium 

An aquarium experience with a twist! You and your partner will be whisked off on an open-top bus and taken to a quay where a catamaran awaits you. Once you board the catamaran you’ll be treated to live entertainment, snacks and drinks. As if that is not an experience on its own, you’ll also get to walk under water with fish, sharks and manta rays! If you’re lucky enough you’ll get a kiss from a sea lion.

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– Reserva Ecologica Ojos Indigenas

The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve (Reserva Ecologica Ojos Indigenas) is a 1,500-acre area owned and operated by the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation. Historians discovered that the Taíno Indians, former inhabitants of the island, referred to the lakes as “eyes” (ojos in Spanish) because of their distinctive shape and formation.

Visit the reserve and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. What could be better than indulging in some tranquility with your partner by your side?

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– Hot air balloon

Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride and bask in the glory of the amazing sights you’ll see. Float high above sugarcane fields and grazing cattle, as you see the world from a different perspective.

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– Hoyo Azul 

This is one of the best landscapes that Punta Cana has on offer, you and your partner will have to spend an entire day there. With various activities such as cave exploration, snorkeling, riding through the jungle, and zip-lining, the day will be one you’ll remember for a long time.

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– Aromas Museum

Visit this private museum dedicated to the production of rum, coffee, cigars and cocoa. Of course you’ll get a chance to taste, touch, and smell all of these products (the best part) as you learn about their importance to the people of the Dominican Republic.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFTNSS-orz5/

Image: Instagram / puntacana

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Heavenly honeymooning at the opulent Quoin Rock

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Quoin Rock Wine Estate may be known for its exceptional wine and cuisine, but one of the defining features of this award-winning estate is an opulent Manor House offering spectacular views that stretch as far as Lions Head and False Bay.

This exclusive private residence is situated at 400m above sea level and is thought to be the highest residential property in the Western Cape. Surrounded by manicured lawns, edged by captivating beds of roses, the Manor House setting is nothing short of exceptional. Framed by rolling vineyards and distant mountain peaks, guests here are entranced with heavenly views enhanced by brilliant, balmy sunsets.

On par with luxury villas popular for family travel, this Cape Dutch-styled home caters for the top-end international market. Its lavish styling includes imported Italian furniture, crystal chandeliers and antique cabinets. Dutch finishes are offset by the work of some of South Africa’s finest artists, including a piece by sculptor Joanne Doyle. Well-situated in a totally secluded part of the estate, the calling cards of the Manor House are exclusivity and ultimate privacy, making this perfect for multi-generational family vacations.

Image: supplied
Image: supplied

“The Manor House accommodates 14 people and has seven bedrooms. The main house features 5 bedrooms, with two private cottages containing two bedrooms each, accommodating a total of 14. We offer different packages – bed and breakfast, or full board,” Hospitality Manager Lana Maydew explains. “We have a butler and manager, so guests always have someone looking after them. It’s fit for a king.”

Image: supplied

Other amenities for guests staying at The Manor House include a sauna, underfloor heating and the option of booking a private chef, hair and beauty treatments, or tours to nearby Stellenbosch or beyond. The old-world charm is enhanced with a stunning courtyard pool and terrace, where one can relax and take in the gorgeous views of the Simonsberg – offering a true nature experience which allows guests to totally connect to nature.

Image: supplied
Image: supplied
Image: supplied

The Manor House is also available for exclusive intimate weddings, with the landscaped lawns serving as the perfect location for a private ceremony. Larger weddings and special events are well-catered for in a function hall accommodating parties of 150 pax seated and 300 pax cocktail style, while the neighbouring Knorhoek Estate is also available for wedding parties of between 120 – 150 people seated.

Image: supplied
Image: supplied
Image: supplied

Recently refurbished by the Gaiduk family, Quoin Rock is the ultimate destination for individuals seeking the exceptional – exclusive private accommodation, magnificent views, incomparable cuisine and a remarkable setting.

For more information, please contact +27 21 888 4750 or call [email protected]
Events: [email protected]
Website: www.quoinrock.co.za

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