{Amazing Destinations} Bali, Indonesia

The island of Bali has it all. Volcanoes, mountains, scenic rivers, beautiful white and black sanded beaches, coral reefs, amazing wildlife, much of which is native only to the island, and of course, the incredibly unique balinese culture. What better way to celebrate the beginning of the rest of your life surrounded by these wonders of nature.

The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay is a relaxing retreat. Private Villas and Residences have the upmost in amenities and vistas. For your wedding or honeymoon, stay in the Royal Villa. With its privacy ensured by stone walls, this villa offers stunning views Jimbaran Bay. Have a meal of local cuisine cooked for you in the full service kitchen. Relax in the sauna then dive into the large swimming pool, or just take a dip in the hot and cold plunge pools. Get a tan on the two large sundecks. Best of all, recieve attentive service with the optional butler service.

For weddings, The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers many amazing settings both for the ceremony and the reception. Have an intimate ceremony in one of the gazebos close to the shore, or at the lower pool which over looks Jimbaran Bay. You can also choose to have your ceremony and reception in one of the private villas or residences. The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers wedding specialists to take care of all the details so you don't have to. They will help you procure your marriage licence and the on-site florists and chefs will work with you to pick flowers, menus and cakes. A Wedding or Honeymoon at The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay is sure to create lasting memories.

Guests booking The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay at the Virtuoso Rate with ClassicTravel.com will also recieve and upgrade upon arrival (subject to availablity), daily full breakfast (in room or at restaurant), and an exclusive locally handcrafted artifact. For more information about booking The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay please contact Virtuoso Travel Agent Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or at Jerry@classictravel.com.

Another great Bali resort is The Oberoi Bali. This resort, constructed in traditional Balinese style will give you a true taste of the rich Balinese culture. For honeymoon, the Luxury Villa with Pool is ideal for a couple. It has a private pool, a terrace and garden, and an outdoor private dining area. The Spa at The Oberoi Bali has open air massage pavilions where you can relax surrounded by nature. The serene treatments use traditional Balinese and Indonesian techniques. This amazingly beautiful facility is sure to provide a romantic and intimate honeymoon for any couple.

Guests booking at The Oberoi Bali at the Virtuoso Rate with ClassicTravel.com will also recieve an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), full breakfast for two, a special candlelit dinner for two and daily fresh fruit and flowers. Fore more information about booking The Oberoi Bali please contact Virtuoso Travel Agent Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or by e-mail at Jerry@classictravel.com.

Have a Big Fat Greek Wedding! (And Honeymoon!)

Greece has been a site for many historical and mythologically passionate romances. Helen of Troy, Odysseus and Penelope, and the ever loving and warring gods of Mount Olympus have left their mark on the land of Greece, making it the perfect place to celebrate a lifelong union, surrounded by hisotrical relics. King George Palace, in Athens, offers many beautiful venues for weddings, as well as the highest levels of service. Have a large and stately affair in the Uptown Ballroom, or a more intimate ceremony in the Royal Penthouse Suite. Just a few kilometers away from the hotel is the Royal Beach, a beach for guests of the hotel, that is also an amazing wedding location. Imagine your special day, completely planned by the hotel's staff, surrounded by the clear blue water with your family and friends. Located in downtown Athens, the helpful staff loves coordinating the perfect wedding for you down to the very last detail.

Guests booking at King George Palace with ClassicTravel.com at the Virtuoso Rate will also receive an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), buffet breakfast daily, lunch for two at Tudor Hall, early check in and late check out (subject to availability).

For honeymoon, why not hop over to the exotic Mykonos. Mykonos Blu is a resort that offers the best luxury and relaxation for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Book one of their Honeymoon Waterfront Bungalows, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Each of these bungalows comes with pre-arrival request and shopping service and Champagne, flowers, honey and yogurt (a classic greek treat!), and Greek pastries upon arrival. Each honeymoon suite features a sensuous bathtub for two and scented candles, to create the perfect mood.

Another option at Mykonos Blu is to book one of their exclusive Villas. For the most romantic experience, our favorite is the Cobalt Blu Villa on the Waterfront. This airy and luxurious space offers incredible ocean views and a lot of privacy. It has its own neatly manicured lawn, private terrace and private infinity pool. You will be welcomed with champagne and canapes, as well as many in-room gifts including fruit, flowers, wine and Greek pastries.

In addition to it's gourmet dining venues, Mykonos Blu also offers many romantic dining options. Have lunch by the pool or beach so you don't even have to get up from your lounge chair or enjoy a romantic in-room/villa dinner. Have some friends over and a private chef can make a barbeque at your villa!

Overall, the location alone is enough to take your breath away, even without Mykonos Blu's exceptionally personalized service and attentive staff.

Guests booking at Mykonos Blu with ClassicTravel.com at the Virtuoso Rate will also recieve an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), Buffet Breakfast daily (for rooms and suites), in room Continental Breakfast (for Villas), Early check in and Late check out (subject to availability), one three course lunch during stay, roundtrip port/airport transfers, an additional a la carte lunch (for guests staying 5 or more days), one in-room a la carte dinner (for guests staying in a Villa 5 or more nights).

For more information on booking The King George Palace or Mykonos Blu, or any of ClassicTravel.com's other Virtuoso properties, please contact Virtuoso Travel Agent Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or at Jerry@classictravel.com.

Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Resort, Barbados: New Romantic Summer Packages!

Our friend, Michelle Babb at Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Resort in Barbados has informed us of their new summer packages. There is something for everyone whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation or a romantic relaxing experience. 

For honeymoon travelers, they offer a "Honeymoon in Paradise" package. This luxurious vacation offers the ultimate romantic getaway. You will get a room upgrade to one of Sandy Lane's Luxury Ocean Rooms, which all offer spectacular views of the ocean, especially at sunset. Arrive in style with the Bentley that will pick you up when you arrive at the airport, and the bottle of champagne that awaits you in your room. Enjoy a romantic evening with a butler drawn bath and chocolate truffles after your candlelit dinner for two. Relax with "Romantic Bliss," a couples spa experience after a day of unlimited non-motorized motor sports. In addition, you will receive full English Breakfast daily, and a Catamaran Cruise.

For those actually wanting to get married at Sandy Lane, they offer an amazing wedding package, year round. This includes transportation to Bridgetown, where the marriage license is procured, and a priest to perform the ceremony. Sandy Lane will provide gorgeous floral arrangements, and a delicious wedding cake. Extra add ons include a charming one man steel band, a champagne ceremony, and photo and video services so you can share your special day with friends back home!

If you're looking for something simpler, try the "Romance in Paradise" package, where you can enjoy a $100 spa voucher per guest or a round of golf at one of the three world renowned golf courses at the resort, a Catamaran Cruise and candlelit dinner for two and a bottle of champagne upon arrival.

For those traveling with children, they offer the "Family Fun" package. Up to three children under the age of 16 can have an adjoining room at 50% off. The kids can enjoy unlimited use of the Treehouse Club, Sandy Lane's fully staffed kid's club (so you can enjoy romantic time together!) The Treehouse Club has a fully equipped indoor play space, dining area, teen center and toddler area. The club also offers theme days, where age appropriate activities are all based around themes, such as Oceans of Fun, where kids learn about ocean life! The family will receive one lunch together during the stay, as well as a complimentary gift for each child. They also offer golf and tennis lessons for kids!

For busy city dwellers, they offer two amazing packages. One is a weekend package, offering a room upgrade, a $100 spa credit for each adult, a round of golf or golf lesson, and a romantic lunch for two at the Bajan Blue beachfront restaurant or the poolside Spa Cafe. The maximum for this package is four nights. The other package great for busy go-getters looking to hide away is the "Rejuvenating Adventure." Guests will receive a room upgrade, and a personal fitness instructor and assessment. Guests will attend a yoga and pilates clinic, and a spa voucher of $100 per guest. Finally, relax after your spa treatments with a complimentary lunch at the Spa Cafe. 

For foodies looking for a new experience, they offer the "Gourmet Challenge." As always, you get a room upgrade, but that is where the similarities to other packages end! Guests will attend a cooking demonstration class with a Culinary Artiste, and a

culinary amenity. Experience a specially designed tasting menu at L'acajou, the Hotel's signature restaurant offering world cuisine. Finish off your degustation with a wine tasting with a sommelier. Finally, engage in a gourmet challenge in hors d'oeuvres and cocktail making!

Don't worry golfers! They did not forget about you. Sandy Lane is offering an amazing "Golf and Spa" package for the 2009 Summer Season. Guests will receive 4 rounds of golf at the Country Club and a Sandy Lane Full Body Massage! The resort has 3 different golf courses, and has something to offer golfers of all different abilities. The clubhouse offers The Galleria, a conflict-free jewelry store, a gourmet restaurant, shoe and club rentals and of course, golf carts!

So pick your package and get ready to relax at Sandy Lane this summer!

Guests who book at Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Resort at the Virtuoso Rate will also receive an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), Complimentary breakfast daily, $155 spa voucher per adult, Early Check-in and Late Check-out. For more information on booking Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Resort or any of our other Virtuoso properties, please contact Virtuoso Travel Agent Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or by e-mail at Jerry@classictravel.com.

{Amazing Destinations} Weddings at Cap Juluca

Cap Juluca, in Anguilla, is one of the most exotic and luxurious hotels in the Caribbean, and it is one of our top pics for prime destination wedding or honeymoon hotels! Service is impeccable; just raise your service flag while lounging on the beach and someone will come to help you! The hotel's staff to guest ratio is more than 3 to 1, so service is obviously their top priority. In addition, under new ownership, amenities such as water sports are now included in the room rate. Celebrities such as Courtney Cox and David Arquette, and Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards have celebrated their marriage at this fantastic resort! The resort won TravelAge West's coveted 2008 Wave Award as the "Best Resort for a Romance Vacation," as well as "Wedding Destination of the Year" on NBC's The Today Show. 

Cap Juluca has an amazing team that can provide start to finish special event coordination, gourmet food, unbelievable service, and an unforgettable location and experience.

When you book at Cap Juluca with ClassicTravel.com at the Virtuoso Rate, you will receive an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), in-room continental breakfast, and your choice of a complimentary champagne sunset cruise or free lunch at George's, one of the resort's restaurants. For more information please contact Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or by e-mail at jerry@classictravel.com.

{From The Experts} Michelle Rubin of The Kahala Hotel & Resort of Honolulu, Hawaii Gives Us The Inside Scoop On The Perfect Hawaii Wedding

Michelle Rubin, Sales Manager at The Kahala Hotel & Resort of Honolulu, Hawaii gave us the beat about amazing (and affordable!) destination weddings at The Kahala. For only $2,300 you can have an incredible and intimate Beachfront Wedding Ceremony. The ceremony will be performed by a Non-Denominational Minister and the bride and groom will receive a traditional Hawaiian Lei. The wedding party will receive a photographer for 45 minutes and 24 4x6 photos, as well as a champagne toast for up to 10 people. This ceremony has a maximum of 10 people but you can also arrange for larger wedding packages. Ms. Rubin was a concierge for 5 years, and carries that experience into her current work. "We will do anything and everything for a guest!" she exclaimed. 

The hotel is about to be featured on the Style Network show, Whose Wedding is it Anyways, which follows the stories of couples working with wedding planners to coordinate their special day and make it perfect. 

The Ko'olau Partial Ocean View Suite

For the bride and groom, the hotel has two marvelous suites, which are 30% off per night until December 20, 2009. When you book a suite at The Kahala, you will receive a VIP greeting upon arrival with a special lei and will be escorted to your suite by the manager. In your suite you will find personalized stationery, and will receive an unpacking/packing service, and ironing service upon arrival. You will get morning coffee with a newspaper, breakfast buffet for two at the Plumeria Beach House, late afternoon cocktail service with light appetizers and VIP turndown service daily. You will get booked for preferential times in one of the hotel's 12 spa suites, full complimentary use of the Hotel's Business Center and preferred ocean front seating at the hotel's two restaurants, The Plumeria Beach House and Hoku's. 

When you book with ClassicTravel.com and Virtuoso you will be eligible for an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability) and will receive a special Kahala coffee basket with a Hawaiian CD. When you book a suite, you will also receive a reserved beach cabana! To inquire about this or any of our other properties, please contact Jerry Hirshon at Jerry@classictravel.com or by phone at 212-404-6777.

{From the Experts} Tips on Planning Your Luxury Destination Wedding and Honeymoon from Anna Lena, Event Specialist

Anna Lena Shahrivar, the VP of Meetings and Plannings at classictravel.com was kind enough to give us some Do's and Do Not's that anyone planning a luxury destination wedding or honeymoon needs to know about.

DO NOT make reservations in your married name

Some brides get excited and make all the reservations in their married name, however if your honeymoon is directly after the wedding, the name will not match your IDs (passport, drivers licence etc) as these take a while to get changed. In addition, you will actually need the marriage licence to make any changes to official documents, so if you are having a destination wedding it will be impossible to make reservations under any name but your unmarried name. 

DO NOT make a group reservation for your entire party

Anna Lena says that sometimes, guests want to come earlier or extend their trip, trying to get a vacation in as well as the wedding, especially with destination weddings in Europe. Let your travel agent take care of all the different travel arrangements for your guests, so you will have less to worry about on your special day.

DO check with your airline to make sure you can hang your dress in a closet on the flight

A bride's worst nightmare is to find, on the day of the wedding, that the airline has lost your dress. If you find it is not possible to hang the dress on board, use one of our partners, Luggage Free, a door to door luggage shipping service, who will pick up anything you need shipped to your destination, and make sure it gets there on time!

DO arrive at the destination a few days ahead of the wedding, and leave at least one day after This will ensure that you will have time to deal with every small detail, and will make your experience less stressful!

DO have one travel agent in charge of all your guests' travel arrangements

Most people do not realize how much coordination it takes to put together a destination wedding. Put your travel agent's contact information on your Save The Date card and/or Invitations, so your guests can directly contact the agent. That way, you can focus on all the other details. 

DO use a travel agent for out of town guests' travel arrangements

Your travel agent can also arrange for guests coming in for local, non-destination weddings.

DO have at least 15 people in your party traveling identically

This means coming and going at the same time on the same flights. This is the minimum to get any group rates. 

DO have all proper travel documents and documents you will need to wed in your destination

Find out what kind of documents you will need to enter any countries you will be traveling to. There are so many laws & regulations that many travelers are not aware of. For example, some countries will not let you enter if your passport expires within 6 months. This is why it is important to have a great travel agent to alert you to these rules. In addition, read up before hand on the laws of marriage in your destination. Some places require that you stay there a certain amount of days before you are able to married, while others just require certain documentation.

DO let your travel agent take care of the little details

For example, your agent can coordinate with your guests to split rooms, and make their other travel arrangements. ie, one of your guests has an Egyptian passport and needs a certain type of visa to enter Sweden. 

For more information on planning your destination wedding or honeymoon contact Anna Lena Shahrivar at 212-404-6723 or annalena@classictravel.com.