The Honeymooner

When I was approached by www.countyweddings.com, the parent website for www.lackawannacountyweddings.com and www.luzernecountyweddings.com, about writing a column relating my years of travel experience to exotic and romantic locales for newlyweds on their honeymoons, I was thrilled. I am excited because as a native of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, I feel our area is in great need of an upgrade to wedding planning apart from bridal shows, black and white newspaper and its sister the heavy and burdensome yellow pages, and other passé pamphlets and booklets. I am neither old, nor am I patient, in other words, the internet as provided me with a vehicle with information about destinations that I would not have otherwise discovered unless I used a travel agent (I will discuss the Pro’s of travel agents in next months column), and the internet is at my fingertips minus the newsprint residue (ugh!!!).

Getting to the crux of the matter, I have just recently returned from Nevis, a small (36 square mile island) gem of an island located in the leeward islands of the Caribbean. There are several smaller resorts on the island, but I was fortunate enough to stay at the Four Seasons Resort on Pinney’s Beach (for more info please visit www.fourseasons.com). Our room abutted the beach, and had its own private patio, luxurious marble bath, marble shower, and marble his/hers sinks. Even the floors were Italian marble!

As a honeymoon retreat, it is all one could ask for. Pampering began from the moment we got off the boat, as we were greeted with a bottle of champagne and box of truffles (Rum Punch was also an option). All our bags were carried to our room for us, and the sporting equipment (i.e. golf clubs) were taken to the pro shop.

If turquoise blue water and white sand beaches with drinks being brought to you by the cabana boy are not your thing than you didn’t receive the never ending supply of cold eucalyptus infused towels or Evian sprits that ensure your comfort during a strenuous day of getting a perfect tan on one of the worlds most pristine and expansive beaches.
Nonetheless, for the activity minded couple there is an absolute extensive amount of activities to participate in, all of which integrate the natural and scenic beauty of the tropics. Nature walks, through the lush rainforest, provide an opportunity to see many native birds and even monkeys (don’t feed the monkeys). The on-site golf course is a great way to work your way through the rain forest, up Mt. Nevis, and showcase some of Nevis’ best views of the Four Seasons Resort and the Caribbean.

Other activities include, croquet, shuffle board, bocce ball, and ten tennis courts (both hard and red clay surfaces). There is a plethora of water sports included with most packages, such as wind surfing, sailing, snorkeling, and many more. We were fortunate enough to take the concierge’s recommendation, and go on the Catamaran. It took us to the eastern end of St. Kitts where we snorkeled in clear emerald water and took in the many species of coral, fish, and other sea life. Our crew wasn’t bad either, who poured many exotic drinks and enhanced the experience with much local knowledge.

Getting to Nevis is a real treat as well. As I have previously mentioned, we get to Nevis by boat. But first, we had to fly in to St. Kitts which is 3 miles from Nevis (they are actually the same Federation and share the same government and such). The four seasons taxied us to the pier where we boarded the Four Seasons boat bound for Nevis. You have to go and come in at Sunset, as the arrival at sunset is breathtaking. Given the fact that arrivals are only by boat, you can envision how private the island is, and why it affords newlyweds much needed privacy.

Dining on the island has a far range of experiences to meet every palate. The only drawback to the resort was the dining. The food wasn’t bad, in fact it was great. However, the menu lacked any local flare or variety. Consult your concierge upon arrival for many choices off the result for both lunch and dinner. I really liked Bananas and Montpelier for dinner and Sunshine’s (home of the KILLER BEE) for lunch. All of the aforementioned provided their own unique blend of uniqueness that was refreshing apart from the resort

My only regret on the trip was staying for one week instead of the originally planned two weeks. Nevis was so gorgeous and was an invigorating break from most Caribbean islands that are full of tourists. I would recommend visiting to anyone and please follow some of the suggestions listed below:

• Men must wear closed-toed shoes, pants, and a collared shirt to eat in the Dining Room (the swankier of the Resorts three dining options)
  
• US dollars may be used in commerce
  
• Take your passport; If you don’t have one order 4-6 months prior to your trip, going to the passport office in Philadelphia will yield faster results, but patience will be a must
  
• Lots of Sunscreen
  
• Items are more expensive due to most things being imported, thus a dinner for two in the US that might cost $100.00 will probably cost $140.00, so plan/save accordingly
  
• Visit the Four Season’s spa, expensive but one of the most relaxing and quiet places I have ever been.
  
• Consider availability and season of travel as most businesses (off the resort) close for one month in September—Busy Season is October thru April and it is reflected in prices
  
• Consult a Travel Agent for trips such as this that aren’t as commercial as others (www.mastertravelpa.com)
  
• Great Place for a destination wedding (November Column) as well, but if you are planning a destination wedding, remember that friends are more likely to come than relatives
  
• Resort is child friendly (effects #9 above)
  

For more information about this trip or other destinations, please contact the HONEYMOONER at thehoneymooner@countyweddings.com