There’s nothing better than getting away with the man in my life and, for the most part, we’re pretty compatible when it comes to travel. We usually agree on the destination, accommodation and even add-on adventures. But when it comes to the ‘spa thing,’ I stand (or lie) alone. Brent would rather be sweating over a treadmill than under hot rocks, and would definitely take an Elliptical machine over a eucalyptus steam. Well, on this recent Maui sojourn to three different areas, my skeptical hubby does an about face (and body). As well as going for the romance, he becomes one of the ‘lomilomi’ converted.

OK, so all of your wedding plans are in motion and the work is out of the way, right? Not so, if you want your dream day to be followed by a memorable honeymoon. In order to ensure that bonded bliss carries on after the vows, pre-considerations are a must, and provided below is a check list that will get you moving!

Imagine the perfect wedding, where you exchange vows on a chalk white beach, adjacent to an iridescent lagoon. Arching palm trees line the sensuous strip of sand, heavenly floral scents waft in the sultry breeze, and while saying those two life-altering words, “I do,” a crimson setting sun magnifies the backdrop.  If this is the type of wedding you’ve always wished for, the special ceremony you’ve always imagined, it no longer needs to remain a fantasy. After checking out the Cook Islands, all of your dreams may come true.

   “Honeymooners are the VIPs of the resort.” This quote comes from the manager of a resort, so take it from her that you’re in for the Royal Treatment when you speak up and let people know that yes, you are on your honeymoon. Doors will open, freebies are offered, and you’ll get celebrity-style treatment everywhere you go.

   More couples are planning their honeymoons with a focus on the kinds of adventures the destination or resort offers them. They might plan their entire trip around a high-adrenaline sport, or just take one of two days for high adventure…and then spend the rest of the week laying on the beach with that pina colada in hand. Here is a list of the most popular adventure sports and activities requested by honeymooners.

   Romantic gestures and surprises don’t end once the ring is on your finger (at least we hope not!). Your honeymoon is the ideal place for a romantic or sexy surprise that will make your partner even more thrilled to be yours.

   While, of course, the best thing you can take away from your honeymoon is a wealth of romantic memories (like when you had breakfast on the beach while watching the sunrise), it’s also a great idea to take a little something else home as a memento of the Trip of Your Lifetime.

Adventure honeymoons are the hottest trend in honeymoons right now, with couples opting for excitement and the challenge of outdoor sports rather than a cruise or other sightseeing excursion.

For the adventurer, with flexible family and friends, destination weddings provide a wonderful option.

As a Caribbean island where a coastline of rain-forested mountains often gives way to natural harbors and bays, St. Lucia offers a myriad of possibilities for the honeymooning couple.