Honeymoons Archives | Page 10 of 16

In Advice

Romantic things to do in Costa Rica

January 23, 2020 No Comments

Costa Rica offers some amazing activities to make your romantic getaway an unforgettable one. Perfect for romantic relaxation and activity filled adventures, the country will have you falling in love all over again. The rainforest country offers the best of mother nature in the form of jungles and beaches. It also offers culture, good food and much more.

Here are some suggestions for romantic things to do in Costa Rica:

– Soak in the Hot Springs

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Head to La Fortuna, a small town in Costa Rica. There you’ll find some of the most exquisite hot springs. Relax your body, mind and soul with your significant other by your side as you grab a cocktail and sink into the natural hot waters.

– Ziplining or Bungee Jumping

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For those couples who enjoy a good adrenaline rush, Costa Rica has got you covered. The Selvatura Park in Monteverde offers tree-top ziplining. You’ll see some amazing views of the heavily forested area. While you’re there you should also check out the hanging bridges!

If you want some more adrenaline then you’d be happy to know that Monteverde is also home to the highest (143m) bungee jump in Central America.

– Take a dip in one of the Waterfalls

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Go for a morning hike in the jungle and end it off with a dip in one of Costa Rica’s stunning waterfalls. There are many to choose from including Nauyaca Waterfalls, Catarata La Cangreja and the Jaco Waterfalls.

– Visit a volcano

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Since the country is known for its volcanos, it wouldn’t be right to skip this activity. The Arenal, the youngest volcano in the nation, is one of the ten most active in the world. It’s possible for you to see an eruption if you’re there at the right time.

– Sample some chocolate

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The Chocolate Forest Experience is great as it offers history, exploration, chocolate, wine, and views! What more could you ask for? The experience takes you on a tour through the area, teaches the history of cocao in the area, and, at the end of it all, gives you a professional chocolate tasting with some organic wine!

– Swim in the sea

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Costa Rica, with its coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific, has some amazing beaches. Be sure to check some of them out! Depending on where you go, there are activities such as snorkelling and surfing available too.

– Check out the local markets

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Immerse yourselves in the culture, meet some locals, and stroll the streets! Make sure you pop by some of the markets too. You’ll get everything from fresh fruit and swimwear to souvenirs.

Image: Unsplash

In Destination

Beachcomber, the ultimate Mauritian honeymoon destination

January 22, 2020 No Comments

The most spectacular sites, a legacy of Mauritian lifestyle and excellent value are just some of the Beachcomber qualities.

Image: Supplied

In Advice

Meliá Bali: a dreamy honeymoon destination

January 20, 2020 No Comments

Located on the shores of Nusa Dua, Bali’s prestigious resort enclave, the Meliá Bali beachfront resort is a unique sanctuary of exotic beauty and comfort for those who seek a dream vacation.

Meliá Bali offers a selection of excellent arrangements for weddings and honeymoons. They undertake all the details of a perfect ceremony to create your dream wedding come true. Celebrate your wedding on the beach; enjoy the gentle sea breeze under the shades of the garden canopy or in a beautiful pavilion designed for traditional Balinese ceremonies while Meliá Bali creates the perfect setting for you to exchange your vows.

To plan your perfect wedding, contact Meliá Bali’s wedding specialist: [email protected]

Address: Kawasan Wisata ITDC Lot. 1, Nusa Dua 80363, Bali, Indonesia

Website: www.meliabali.com

Feature image: supplied

In Advice

Alternative hair removal options to try

January 17, 2020 No Comments

Removing all or some of your body hair is a personal choice, and we’re firm believers in doing whatever works for you. Many men and women do choose to wax, though, especially before the big day and long-awaited honeymoon. However, it’s not a very pleasant thought when making that waxing appointment. Often accompanied by pain, discomfort and even skin conditions like rashes or in-grown hair have made many skeptical of this procedure.

We take a look at the other options out there, which may just make things slightly easier and prevent you from getting in a sticky situation.

Sugaring

This method makes use of a sugar mixture which is applied at body temperature. That already means there is no chance of burning as is sometimes the case with wax. The sugar paste does not stick to live skin cells, only to hair and dead cells – giving the best exfoliation and leaving your skin smooth when the dry paste is removed. Although not completely painless, sugaring is considerably less painful than waxing.

Laser

Laser treatment’s biggest perk is the fact that it leads to permanent hairlessness over a long time if that’s what your goal is. However, it is quite expensive and you might still have to go for up to six treatments per year, depending on your hair growth and other factors like the quality of the laser machinery. Also, not completely pain-free, but most women say that it is definitely less painful than waxing.

Electrolysis

Different to laser treatments but working on the same basic principle, a probe emitting shortwave radio frequencies is applied to hair follicles to stop new hair from growing. This damages your hair follicles to prevent growth. Unlike laser technology, electrolysis is able to treat even blonde, white and grey hair.

Dry shave

It’s not groundbreaking, but it has proven to be an effective -and cheaper- alternative. Easy to do at home, a waterless electric shaver is quick and easy, with the bonus that it won’t cause in-grown hair like shaving does.

Image: Pexels

In Accessories

9 Websites for compiling your dream wedding registry

January 17, 2020 No Comments

If there’s any time at which you need the ease and conveniences of the internet the most, it’s during your engagement. Planning the big day is stressful enough so it only makes sense that when putting together your gift registry, you’d want to get the job done in the least laborious and time-consuming manner possible. These nine sites offer you the convenience of picking out wedding gifts without having to leave home.

1 Bespoke Wedding Registry

Launched by a Londoner, Bespoke Wedding Registry aims to fill the gap in the South African market for customised gifting. With a selection of homeware and kitchenware sourced from prestigious brands, including the namesake collection of world-renowned chef Jamie Oliver and local ranges Ardmore and Kikoi, you’re bound to find unique pieces that speak to your style. Plus, they offer a service where a group of guests can club together to purchase larger items such as furniture. You also score two free deliveries if you live in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban.

Contact +27 21 448 7155, [email protected], bespokeregistry.co.za

2 Wrapistry

Featuring products from a whopping 90 brands, Wrapistry’s offering include items to stock in your home as well as experiences. A variety of memory-making activities from a couple’s cooking class to wine tasting tours is available to add to your wishlist. If you ever feel like changing your mind, that’s no problem – you can do so as often as you like. To save you from the task of guessing who gave you a gift (and which one!), Wrapistry also mails you a list of guests and their purchases. Now, all you need to do is grab that mouse and start picking your favourites.

Contact +27 10 500 7503, [email protected], wrapistry.co.za

3 Banks Kitchen Boutique

What began as a lively shop in a close-knit community has now expanded to two boutiques and an online store. Apart from displaying their cutting-edge goods, the online store allows you to access their blog where you can discover recipes and browse product reviews. Once your guests have bought your presents, Banks Kitchen Boutique will happily wrap the goods, add a note from the gift-giver and deliver it to your door – all on the house. Customers have raved about this convenient outlet and we’re sure you’ll love it too.

Contact +27 21 461 3190, bankskitchenboutique.co.za

4 Yuppiechef

Voted South Africa’s best online store, you can rest assured their registry service is effortless. Not sure where to start? Navigate to the ‘Starter Collection’ tab to get an idea of what you’ll need to fill your first nest. Given our demanding, modern lifestyles, we could all spare a few bucks here and there, and Yuppiechef gives you the option of sending discount vouchers to three loved ones. However, if you do spot a pricey item you love, you can make it yours by swapping a few less expensive pieces for it.

Contact +27 861 702 4969, [email protected], yuppiechef.com

5 Carrol Boyes

Named after its internationally esteemed owner, this lifestyle brand specialises in premium homeware products. When creating your registry with Carrol Boyes, you have the option of selecting your goods online or enjoying a personal consultation with an assistant in a brick-and-mortar store. Once you’ve done so, your choices will be listed and placed online for your guests to seamlessly purchase what they please. If you want to return any duplicates, be sure to check that they are in the original packaging and in tip-top condition.

Contact +27 21 424 8263, carrolboyes.com

6 Granny Goose

With your mattress covered in fluffy pillows and duvets from Granny Goose, a producer of top-quality bed linen, you can luxuriate in deep, peaceful slumbers night after night. Apart from their bedding products, you can find Le Creuset cookware and Riedel Glassware items at their stores. To easily inform your guests about your registry, Granny Goose will provide you with little cards to insert into your wedding invitations. If anything wasn’t bought, you can get it at 10% off. What’s more, they’ll hand you a special thank-you gift for choosing them as your vendor.

Contact +27 860 388387, [email protected], grannygoose.com

7 @home

As South Africa’s prime shopping location for sophisticated homeware, you simply can’t afford not to enlist the registry service of @home. Head to the ‘Customer Favourites’ page to make sure you don’t forget to add any must-buys. In addition to a selection of top-notch products, you’ll receive a gift card worth 10% of the value of all your guests’ purchases. To keep this value updated and to record the buyer of each present in-store, remind your guests to notify the @home sales assistant that they are purchasing an item for your registry.

Contact +27 860 576 576, [email protected], home.co.za

8 Boardmans

Couple’s who have an Edcon Group Thank U loyalty card will enjoy all the benefits of the programme when they create a registry at Boardmans as you’ll gain 10 times the amount of Thank U points for all the gifts bought at the store. Given that there;s no limit on how many items are added, you could gain an enormous amount of points! These points can then be used to buy anything from Boardmans, or to shop at Edgars, Red Square, Jet, Legit and CNA. Talk about a shopping spree!

Contact +27 860 236 289, [email protected], boardmans.co.za

9 MRP Home

For home decor that’s uber stylish and pocket-friendly, there couldn’t be a better place to shop than MRP Home.Scroll through their ‘Inspiration’ section to view a variety of themes for your home along with a list of products to fit each theme. Although MRP Home offers online and in-store registries, they aren’t interchangeable so let your guest know which kind it is as guests wanting to purchase online for an in-store registry will not be able to do so and vice versa.

Contact +27 800 212 535, mrphome.com

Photography Crew/Unsplash

In Advice

Pre-wedding bridal skincare tips

January 17, 2020 No Comments

On your wedding day, you want to look and feel your best. However, getting here requires work that often starts months before your big day. Here are some tips to make sure you are looking and feeling your best come wedding day.

Develop a consistent skincare routine and STICK TO IT!

Hopefully you already have one in place, but it is important to have a skincare routine designed for your particular skin. Maybe you have oily skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin. Maybe you have discolouration, rosacea or fine lines. Regardless, there are many products created to cater for a multitude of skin types and concerns. Now, developing a skincare routine is not easy. It’s mainly just trial-and-error.

While Koreans are famed for their 12-step routines, many dermatologists recommend a simpler skincare routine with three key steps: cleanse, tone, moisturise. Another thing dermatologists agree on is that SPF is the most important skincare product everyone should be using. Sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Many skincare and makeup products contain SPF, which makes it that much easier and leaves you with no excuse not to use it.

Facials:

Treat your skin to a facial with your regular aesthetician every month in the lead up to your wedding. When meeting your aesthetician, highlight what you want to focus on with the facials. It’s also important to speak up about your skin type. If you’ve got sensitive skin, your aesthetician has to be very careful about the types of products they use, and it’s the same for dry and oily skin.

Importantly, make sure not to get a new facial the day before your wedding. Your skin might react weirdly and leave you with a nasty pimple on your big day. Leave yourself a couple of days for your skin to calm down and really reflect the benefits.

Exfoliate:

Get rid of those pesky dried skin cells with a weekly exfoliant that will leave your skin silky smooth. Exfoliants help your skin appear brighter and glowing, which is always a good thing. Be careful when choosing your exfoliant, as some can be too harsh on your skin.

Importantly, over-exfoliating can leave your skin dry, flaky and irritated, so best avoid using this product more than three times a week. Usage will change depending on the strength of your exfoliator.

Manage your stress

I know it’s hard, but this one’s important. With all the wedding planning and small moving parts to keep track of, your skin and body is likely to show your internal stress. You need to keep stress at bay so that it doesn’t show up in your skin through a breakout. A host of other conditions like exzema and psoriasis can be worsened through stress.

Consider sharing the load and delegating jobs to your bridal party to help out so that you don’t carry all the stress of event planning. If you have an event planner, that’s even better! It’s also a great idea to participate in some stress-relieving activities like yoga, painting or reading.

Feature image: Pexels

In Accessories

How to WOW with Red Dot Cosmetics

January 15, 2020 No Comments

It’s your big day, and you’ll want to be the star of the show. Obviously. We show you how to achieve a flawless face, whatever your style, with the newest from red dot cosmetics.

FIRST OFF, YOUR FOUNDATION

RED DOT introduces the Mix & Fix Colour Drops which you can use in a variety of fun ways. Use the ‘Green’ option to reduce and hide any redness, and the ‘Dark’ option if your spray-tan is golden, but your face is still pale. Simply add a drop to your liquid foundation or creamy concealer and mix until the desired shade is reached. Add more if necessary.

NEXT UP, WINDOWS TO THE SOUL

Make sure your lashes get maximum volume without looking clumpy. Start off with a base coat of Fake It! Lash Primer in Grey which will fill, lift and help separate the lashes, while nourishing and protecting each one. Finish up with a few swipes of Catchy Eyes Waterproof Mascara to add gorgeous curves and a cat-eye definition that won’t smudge or weigh lashes down.

ARE YOU A RED LIP KINDA LADY?

You’ll no doubt want to take that along with you on the day. Rock a red that won’t budge, slip or fade. The Ultimate Lipliner – With A Twist in The Red will get you started with a perfectly primed, matte surface and rich colour payoff, lasting for up to 6 hours come rain or Champagne. Finish the lip off with a layer of Velvet Touch Lipstick – Matt in the same shade (The Red) for a creamy and flawless finish, ensuring your lippie lasts the entire night.

SHOPPING

Mix & Fix Colour Drops in Green

Mix & Fix Colour Drops in Dark

Fake It! Lash Primer in Grey

Catchy Eyes Waterproof Mascara

The Ultimate Lipliner – With A Twist in The Red

Velvet Touch Lipstick – Matt in The Red

In Advice

Romantic things for couples to do in Vietnam

January 15, 2020 No Comments

With the Rand being stronger than the Vietnamese Dong, Vietnam is a smart choice for South African honeymooners. While the destination is easy on the pocket, there are many other offerings that make Vietnam a good option. The country has amazing beaches, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Everything you need for a romantic getaway.

Here are some of the most romantic things for couples to do in Vietnam.

– Visit the Valley of Love

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The Valley of Love…very appropriate for a romantic getaway. This valley contains many love-themed monuments for you and your partner to get some great pictures with. Stroll through the lush gardens and take in the beauty of the scenery.

– Relax in the mineral hot springs of Bing Chau

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An adventure and a day spent relaxing rolled into one activity. This is one of the most popular hot springs in Vietnam. You can enjoy hot pools and get out of your comfort zone with a mudbath too!

– Walk the ‘Golden Bridge’

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This bridge, held up by two hands known as “God’s hands”, provides a stunning view of the Ba Nang Hills, where it is located. You can enjoy a 20-minute cable car ride and make some fantastic memories. Be sure to snap a picture or two, this bridge is truly something to marvel at!

– Dinner and cruise on Saigon River

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Watch the sunset and see the city from a cruise ship. What could be more romantic? An evening dinner on this famous river is something you’ll never forget.

– Go to the Con Dao Islands

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This group of islands is very popular with couples. It offers beautiful beaches, interesting sea creatures, and coral reefs that make the area truly unique. There are thick forests and mountains in-land too. These islands are perfect for a couple looking for some alone time. Walk on the beach, take a dip in the ocean, and feel like you’re the only two people on the planet.

– Stroll through the magical Hoi An

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The lanterns hanging along the Hoai River create a wonderfully romantic ambience. The old town is filled with bright colours and interesting things to see. Walk hand-in-hand along the cobble stone roads or take a boat ride on the river to view the lights from a different perspective.

– Hike up the Heaven’s gate of Sapa

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With views of lush mountain ranges and breathtaking landscapes, this is one you won’t want to miss. Climb to the top (which peaks at 2000m above sea level) and see the rice fields, the waterfall, and the mountain range.

– Activities at Mui Nu: The Desert by the Sea

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Mui Ne has white sand hills extending as far as the eye can see and beautiful beaches to match. The combination of water and sand make for very interesting experiences (and photographs). You can also walk along the sand dunes, swim in the water or participate in the many water sports on offer such as kitesurfing, scuba diving, or canoeing.

Image: Pexels

In Beauty

How to: Bridal makeup with Red Dot Cosmetics Online

January 13, 2020 No Comments

We’ve shown you how to achieve a flawless natural look and how to make sure your brows are on point. Now, amp up your bridal look with a sophisticated flick of liner. Red Dot Cosmetics South Africa’s National Education Manager and National Brow Artist puts together a swoon-worthy look that’s perfect for your walk down the aisle.

In Advice

Romantic things for couples to do in Rio de Janeiro

January 8, 2020 No Comments

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most perfect places for a couple to take a vacation. It boasts warm, tropical weather and a vibrance that is unmatched. The festive feeling never leaves you while you’re roaming the streets.

Whether you’re taking your honeymoon or planning a spontaneous romantic getaway, Rio de Janeiro will be everything you want and more. There are tons of activities to make your getaway unforgettable.

With Rio being one of the most affordable travel destinations, many South Africans couples are booking their trips! Here are some romantic activities that are not to be missed:

Visit Parque Lage

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This 1840s, English-style 128-acre garden has a lot for couples to see. With fountains, walking paths and endless greenery you’re sure to get some great photos. Parque Lage also has a 19-century mansion which is home to an art school. To make the visit perfect, there is also a cafe and a restaurant where you can have a relaxed, pool-side meal.

Hike up Pedra Bonita

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The name Pedra Bonita means Pretty Rock; the name alone makes it a good place for a romantic activity. If you’re worried about your fitness level, there is no need! The hike is one of the easiest in Rio, it only takes about 40 minutes to reach summit.

Its level of difficulty, however, says nothing about its worthiness; the view from the top is one you won’t want to miss! If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping, there is also paragliding and hang-gliding on offer at the summit.

Explore Santa Teresa

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Let your inner tourist out in the hills of Santa Teresa. Cobbled streets, vintage stores, pubs, and welcoming locals are what you’ll find in Santa Teresa. Spend a few hours walking the streets and viewing the colourful buildings. You can catch some amazing views of the city if you pick the right restaurant.

Take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain

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The cable car starts at Praia Vermelha Beach, stops at Morro da Urca (halfway to the summit) and then makes its way to the top of Sugarloaf mountain. This is sure to be one of the most unforgettable experiences, with views you couldn’t imagine. To add an extra splash of romance, take the trip at sunset!

Visit Christ the Redeemer

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You can’t visit Rio de Janeiro without visiting Christ the Redeemer. It is one of Rio’s top attractions and is one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

Watch the Samba bands in Pedra do Sal

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Pedra do Sal is the birthplace of Samba! Every Monday you’ll find Samba bands and locals enjoying the music until 2am. Join in the fun for no cost at all.

Take a dip at Cachoeira do Horto

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While Rio is popular for its beaches, this waterfall offers a more relaxed, secluded swimming opportunity. If you want to escape the crowds, this is a good option. Surrounded by tall trees and vegetation, Cacheoira do Horto has three rock pools in which you can cool off. To get there, you’ll have to take a short, 15-minute hike from Tijuca National Park.

A day trip to Ilha Grande

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Only a 30-minute boat trip out away from Rio lies the Ilha Grande. The island is car free, giving it an untouched feel. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Rio and also has a variety of hikes for you to choose from. When you get hungry, make your way to one of the beach-side bars, or have a romantic dinner on the beach. Spend a day there and make the most of it!

Visit the Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro

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Stretching across 338 acres, this is one of Rio’s largest parks. There are more than 6500 plant species to look at, along with animals such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles. This is a great place to get some couple photos and take a romantic stroll.

Swim in the world famous Copacabana Beach

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A dip in the ocean is another one of those things you must do in Rio. Copacabana is easily one of, if not the most, popular beaches in Rio. It is world famous, we’re sure you know the song! Even if you’d prefer to avoid big crowds, you should still swing by this beach. It’s a must-do for the ultimate Rio experience.

Image: Unsplash