Is it time to travel out of your comfort zone to find your love?
Italians do it better! Or shall I say, men from a foreign country do it better, or do they?
They say Italians do everything better: style, fashion, food, art, fun and yes, SEX. We can generalize all we want, but somewhere within lies the truth. So what is their secret? Why do they do it better?
The secret ingredient is Confidence. Italian men are confident and self-assured. They dress the part, they look the part, they act the part and they also smell the part (I have to tell you, a good smelling man can flip the switch, if you know what I mean!). They walk out the door with “I am the MAN!” written on their forehead and just make it happen. Even the guys who are not as handsome carry themselves like they are God’s gift to women. Well, are they?
If you are a single woman in America and you are tired of dating American men who fall short (sorry guys, but someone has to call it like it is), you might want to open yourself up to new adventures and maybe a new kind of man. This is what many single women are doing to find Love. Men who are raised in a foreign country, whether it is Italy or not, do dating and relationships differently (you can get your proof at www.3six5dates.com and follow the dating adventures of 4 women around the world to really see the differences. One of the ladies will be joining me to do just that on my trip to Italy this June, www.AmoreRetreat.com. What will her experience be?), so let me give you the 3 main differences you might encounter when dating men from a foreign country:
1. Wine and Dine: Men all over the world wine and dine the women they go out with without any qualms about whether they are going to get some or not. It is in their blood. Most of them are raised with the notion that a woman needs to be treated right no matter what. Here is an example. When I go back to Italy no matter who I am with, whether it is a date with romantic intensions or not, the man will always offer to pay for dinner or whatever it is and they don’t even want you to offer to pay (trust me I tried and I gotten the typical “forgettaboutit” with an evil look). In America, I have had men actually ask me to split the bill, even though they are the ones who asked me out and especially when it is just a friendship meeting. No, no, no boys, where are your manners!
At a certain point in every relationship, dollar pizza date nights just don’t cut it anymore. You’ve got to step up your game, and what better way to do that than get the hell out of town? Weekend trips are great, but they can also be a hassle to plan. So to save you the pain of poring over Fodor’s and Expedia, we picked out a romantic rendezvous point in every state in America. We favored smaller towns and quiet lakes/mountains/beaches to make it seem more like a “getaway,” and tried to steer clear of experiences that hinged too heavily on one really kick-ass resort. (Though we certainly dug into some hotel recs.) Enjoy your stay, and be sure to tip your B&B hosts well:
Alabama
Orange Beach
The Orange Beach area of ‘Bama had activities for you and your your frat bros (Hangout Fest! Pristine beaches ripe for dumping your cooler of cheap lager!), but it also boasts plenty to do now that you’re an adult and attempting to impress someone not wearing an airbrushed tank. You can ride the Ferris wheel on The Wharf, go mini-golfing on Adventure Island, take a glass-blowing class at the arts center, or, you know, lie on the beach. But anytime you have the opportunity to eat and drink on a boat while watching dolphins, you should always take it. So make that a priority.
Fairbanks
While reenacting your favorite scenes from Balto is romantic in its own way, a couples retreat in AK isn’t complete without some Northern Lights action. Your best bet is to head to Fairbanks. Make sure to book a place with aurora wake-up calls (many of them do this) and then decide whether you want to embark on a lights-themed van tour or dogsled adventure for the day. Keep in mind that the latter will fulfill those Balto fantasies.
Arizona
Sedona
You’re going to Sedona to marvel at all the majestic red rocks, but it’s your call whether you do this via pink Jeep tour or hot-air balloon. (But trust us: unless your date has Barbie Dream Car fantasies, there’s really only one option here.) When you decide you need a break from staring at nature, head to one of the city’s 20 art galleries to take in the fine Southwestern paintings and ceramics. Then head back outside to hike, kayak, ride ATVs, or maybe just drink wine in the fresh AZ air.
Arkansas
Eureka Springs
The very phrase “Victorian mountain village” should sell you on this AR escape, but in case you need more convincing, here it goes: Eureka Springs has outdoorsy activities (canoes, scooter tours, big cat refuges, etc.). Eureka Springs has small-town charm (chocolate shops, kaleidoscope-kite stores, dinner trolleys, etc.). But most important, it has mountain opera, which everyone knows is the best kind.
California
Napa
Napa Valley is the expected choice here, but you can mix it up by pretending to be Batman and enjoying your California wines in a legit cave. While there are many excellent, echo-y options out there, most of them are reserved for private parties (read: crazy expensive to book). But at Jarvis Estate, it’s part of the tour! After you’ve finished your subterranean wining, there’s plenty of excellent food, shopping, and river sports in Napa to fill the rest of your vacation. Also, lots more wine.
Colorado
Estes Park
You’re probably thinking this should be a ski resort town, but why limit yourself to the slopes? At Estes Park, active couples can go whitewater rafting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, climbing, zip-lining, and ropes-coursing all in one weekend. Once they finally wear themselves out, there are spas or booze centers (wineries, breweries, and distilleries!) where they can unwind. Or just recharge before hitting salsa night at Kelli’s Lounge, which seems like the only thing to do after enjoying a booze center.
Mystic
After getting hitched, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall famously retreated to the seaside town of Mystic. Because you also want a town that is small, pretty, and full of coastal photo ops should the admiring paparazzi, who we are sure constantly totally follow you, want a picture of you with a good backdrop, you should head here, too. The main attraction in town is the Mystic Seaport, where you can see old restored ships and a tiny recreated 19th-century village. (You better believe they have a printing press.) There’s also an aquarium, planetarium, and dining options outside that one famous pizza place. And if you’re all about authenticity, you gotta book a stay at Bogie and Bacall’s actual hotel, The Inn at Mystic.
Delaware
Montchanin (Brandywine Valley)
Montchanin is where the very lovely Inn at Montchanin Village is based, but you’re not going there to explore that town specifically (it’s an unincorporated community, anyway). You’re going there to drop your bags, maybe do a quick spin around the hotel gardens, and head out to the larger Brandywine Valley area. While you won’t be inundated with an incredibly boozy concoction everywhere you go, the region, which encompasses swaths of Delaware and Pennsylvania, does have several gorgeous manors and gardens there, including the Nemours Mansion andWinterthur, built by the Du Pont family. You can check out those, plus theDelaware Art Museum and, like, so many parks. But if your partner has a home shopping addiction, beware: the QVC studios are just over the state line.
Florida
Amelia Island Florida may be worse than New Jersey, but it does have amazing beaches. And if you’re in the Sunshine State with a boy/lady friend, you might as well find one where you’re allowed to ride horses! Amelia Island itself is pretty quiet, so you’ll get a more intimate experience than you would in Key West or Miami Beach. Plus it’s named after a princess, so you know it’s fancy. There’s requisite scuba and parasailing action, but also aPARTY BOUNCE PLAY full of inflatable slides and bounce houses. It’s technically for children, though they might be open to letting a nice-looking adult couple in.
Georgia
Savannah
OK, we know Savannah isn’t some tucked-away little town – it’s one of the largest cities in the state. But we’re willing to bend the rules a little here because it’s so ridiculously pretty. A stroll through Forsyth Park (with its trademark fountain) is a must. So is browsing the vendors (and ships) along River St. You can see a lot of the historic district through a trolley tour, which is always fun. But if you’re the type of couple that watches Poltergeist on Valentine’s Day, you can opt for a ghost tour instead. Just be sure to wear your most romantic all-black outfits.
Kauai
Look, you just can’t lose with Hawaii. You could seek out the dumpiest motel and eat exclusively McDonald’s, and your special friend would still be impressed. Not that you should do that. (Please don’t do that.) But if we had to choose a particular island for your retreat, it would have to be Kauai. Why? Lumahai Beach, Hanalei Valley, and Waimea Canyon. Google them. Book your trip. Done.
Idaho
McCall
Whether you’re looking to escape in June or January, McCall can cater to your vacation needs. In the winter, the resort town offers snowshoeing, snow tubing, and skiing off Brundage Mountain. (Also, hot springs in a ghost town. Seductive!) In the summer, you can use Payette Lake for all sorts of water sports. A Loch Ness-type figure named Sharlie is rumored to hang around, so if you wanna really make an impression and score a private patch of the lake, just shout his name.
Illinois
Galena
Yes, Galena has wine tours. Yes, Galena has carriage rides. Yes, Galena has antique stores. Yes, Galena has a 2,050-foot alpine slide. But it also has the Ulysses S. Grant Home, and nothing’s quite as sexy as dead presidents named Ulysses.
Indiana
Wabash
Wabash is home to many parks and an apple orchard, so you’ll have no shortage of romantic strolling options, and the shops range from thrift stores to doughnut hubs, so all interests are accounted for. Most importantly, there’s the 13-24 Drive In, so you can snuggle up under the stars to, uh, The Transporter Refueled.
Decorah
Decorah gets name-dropped a lot in reference to The Hotel Winneshiek, a pretty hotel boasting a tap room, “opera house,” and at least two fancy stone pillars. Obviously, you should stay there, but don’t spend all weekend cooped up in the place. Get out to Malanaphy Springs and Phelps Park for your nature fix. Head to the speedway on Saturday, if you’re into fast cars. Or go to the Wayside Skating Rink, if you’re into slower-paced races.
Kansas
Abilene
Get excited, Dwight D. Eisenhower fanatics, ’cause Abilene is the proud site of his presidential library, museum, and boyhood home!! For those who don’t like (or are merely ambivalent about) Ike, you’ll still be pleased with the town’s dinner trains and trolleys, as well as the Seelye Mansionand Brown Park Waterfall. If you aren’t opposed to cowboy kitsch, there are staged gunfights and can-can dances at the Alamo Saloon in “old town.” (Attention ghost hunters: it’s also supposedly haunted.) Finally, pro tip: book the Victorian Inn. Jay and Adrian will take care of you.
Kentucky
Brownsville (Mammoth Cave National Park)
At 400 miles, Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world. That’s the kind of natural wonder that merits a weekend adventure, although you shouldn’t sleep in the actual cave – that’s creepy! (And, we’d imagine, illegal.) Book a spot in nearby Brownsville instead. There’s a B&B with a covered porch, where you can watch hummingbirds as you sip your coffee. And if you get all caved out, Brownsville is a 20-minute drive from Nolin Lake.
Avery Island
Nothing reignites a fiery romance quite like hot sauce (and the ensuing indigestion), so get yourself to Avery Island, home of Tabasco. After you’ve finished up your pancakes at a B&B in New Iberia (the isle doesn’t have hotels), your first priority is Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre collection of azaleas, camellias, an old Buddha statue, and the rogue croc or deer. If you’re a bird-watching couple (reign it in, you party animals!), there’s a separate tour of “Bird City” as well. After you’ve taken in all the pretty flowers, it’s time to tour the hella-romantic Tabasco factory. The hot sauce company has an additional restaurant and Cajun-inspired “food tour” on Avery Island, just in case your date isn’t impressed with bottling operations.
Maine
Kennebunkport
At Kennebunkport, it’s not a question of whether you’re getting on a boat. It’s what type. There are whale-watching boats, schooners, even “scenic lobster cruises.” As far as landside activities go, you obviously have beaches and a lighthouse (off Cape Porpoise) at your disposal. But the place also boasts romantic fine-dining options like The White Barn Innand a “tree spa” that’s literally in the treetops.
Maryland
Smith Island
Ocean City is crowded and full of spring breakers, so assuming shotgunning college kids aren’t what sets the mood, head to one of the Chesapeake Bay’s tiny islands instead. While they all have their merits, only Smith Island has the state’s official, multi-layer dessert: Smith Island Cake. (They really thought hard on that name.) Stuff it, and so many crab cakes, into your face while staring lovingly into your partner’s eyes. Then rent some bikes or kayaks and lap the island. Don’t be alarmed by the locals’ weird accents – the place is so remote, they still have traces of English affectation.
Massachusetts
Nantucket
You like lighthouses? Nantucket has three. You like beaches? Nantuckethas 10. You like whales? Well, you might have mixed feelings about theWhaling Museum, but it’s there! There are also tons of shops and restaurants to hit during your preppy, picturesque New England weekend, so don’t waste too much time posing for profile pictures on Brant Point.
Mackinac Island
There’s a horse-drawn carriage in the place’s logo, so you’d be stupid not to take one through the tiny, frozen-in-time island. But that’s not all there is to do. You can kayak or parasail. You can reserve spots on a “sip ‘n sail” tour (sophisticated booze cruise!). You can stuff your face with free samples of the island’s famous fudge. And if you’re a big fan of cheesy Christopher Reeve movies, you can stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel, where they filmed Somewhere in Time.
Minnesota
Lutsen (North Shore)
The North Shore is a section of the Lake Superior coastline with all sorts of frameable scenery. If it’s the summer, you can canoe or hit up a picnic site. If it’s the winter, you can snowshoe or skate. And while you have many lodging options, you should probably go with the beloved Lutsen Resort, which boasts the Wine Spectator-approved Lakeside Dining Room.
Mississippi
Natchez
Natchez is located right on the riverbank, so you have all kinds of maritime activity options on the Mississippi River. On land, there are blues concerts happening basically every night, and gorgeous antebellum homes you can actually stay in. Don’t forget the distillery and the winery. Or the carriage tours of historic Downtown.
Missouri
Branson
This lovely Ozark town boasts everything from scenic railway tours tobutterfly palaces. The shopping and restaurant hub is at Branson Landing, which has a $7.5 million fountain production featuring fire cannons and 120-foot geysers. Think the Bellagio meets… the Ozarks. It might sound terrifying, but it’s amazing.
Montana
Whitefish
Biking and hiking are big in the city of Whitefish, as is skiing. (Bonus: when the chairlifts aren’t being use to transport skiers, they’re summertime “gondola rides.”) The Whitefish Mountain Resort also has an “aerial adventure park,” which is basically an obstacle course… in the trees. Another aerial option is a hot-air balloon ride courtesy of 2 Fly Us. As for indoor extracurriculars, consider a massage at one of the city’s spas or grab a pint at Great Northern Brewery.
Valentine
No, we didn’t just pick it because it has romance right in the name. (Although it doesn’t hurt.) Valentine is a prime location to check out the state’s sandhills, and it’s also got the Niobrara River in the mix. Take on the Civilian Conservation Corps Nature Trail, which ends at an old fire tower. At the top is an observation deck with great views of the prairie. If plains aren’t your scene, trek over to Smith Falls State Park to see the highest waterfall in Nebraska. As for lodging, you have plenty of resorts,B&Bs, lodges, and even elk ranches to choose from.
Nevada
Lake Tahoe
A couple’s trip to Nevada necessitates a redirect from the Strip and the, uh, stripping, to the state’s other wonders at Lake Tahoe. It’s huge, surrounded by trees and snowbanks, looks damn fine during a sunset, and considered by some (OK, USA Today) to be the best lake in America. The snowboarding and skiing is pretty famous at this point, but the place has just about every outdoor activity imaginable. Since it’s a resort town, there are also plenty of nice hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. And this is still Nevada, so there are places to playblackjack, if you’re so inclined.
New Hampshire
Pittsburg
“The Snowmobiling Capital of New England” is a very specific nickname, but those winter speedsters aren’t the only thing Pittsburg has going for it. Lake Francis State Park is a pretty big draw, although if you don’t like that lake, the town has five others (and almost all of them are named after Connecticut). Be sure to seek out Garfield Falls, and the steak at the Rainbow Grille. Before you leave, also be sure to congratulate the town on having one less letter than that Pennsylvania town. We assume it’s saved so much money on tourism brochures over the years.
New Jersey
Cape May
All right, get out all your jokes about “romantic New Jersey” now. You can also go ahead and mock us for picking a Jersey Shore destination if you like, but there’s a world of difference between Seaside Heights and Cape May. First off, you won’t bump into Snooki here. Second, the place has its own winery and brewery. (A brewery, we might add, with a pretty excellent sampler deal.) Third, it’s got museums and even a theater to pair with the requisite beach activities, like parasailing, Jet Skiing, and general boating. Fourth, there’s a downright impressive amount of B&Bs, meaning you won’t have to pony up for a beach house rental. Fifth, we mentioned no Snookis, right?
Cloudcroft
Don’t let the crazy-high elevation (8,600 feet) scare you away from this pretty N.M. village. Tourists routinely praise the rail trails, which afford great views of all the lush scenery and old railroads. Couples with matching goggles can shred Ski Palace. And while golf might not be the most obvious couples activity, the course at The Lodge is too good to pass up.
New York
Skaneateles (Finger Lakes) The Finger Lakes are your go-to New York destination in this arena, but there are 11 of them, and they all span different towns. So we’re picking Skaneateles, because it’s the hardest to spell. Its twowineries, art gallery,lake cruises, and neighboring strawberry fields (not the psychedelic kind) also helped.
North Carolina
Duck (Outer Banks)
When you’re discussing a chain of barrier islands in the Atlantic, “secluded” becomes pretty relative, but Duck has managed to stay (relatively) under the radar, meaning you’ll find it slightly more private than the rest of the Outer Banks. Unless you’re renting a house, you have just two hotel options: Sanderling Resort or the Advice 5¢ B&B. Don’t worry, they’re both great. This is a tiny town, so you’re mainly going to take advantage of the quieter beaches and boardwalk, but make a point to swing by Duck Donuts on at least one of your mornings.
North Dakota
Medora
We’re obviously sending you to the Badlands – ignore the name, they’re pretty! – but specifically to historic Medora. The place is home toTheodore Roosevelt National Park, and you know if it’s got Teddy’s name on it, it’s a natural beaut. You can buy carriage ride tickets at the mini golf place, or stagecoach ride tickets at the Chateau de Mores Interpretive Center, if you still haven’t gotten over your Oregon Trail obsession. For dinner, head to Theodore’s Dining Room, unless you’re ready for the wacky marvel that is Pitchfork Fondue.
Logan (Hocking Hills)
The Hocking Hills region has heaps of natural wonders – it’s just a matter of how much you wanna hike. The state park offers six major trails that take you to Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, Conkle’s Hollow, Old Man’s Cave, or Rock House. They’re all spectacular, but if you want easy access to the scene above (that’s Cedar Falls), your best bet is to book a spot at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. It’s pet-friendly! And it has mud wraps, which are totally sexy if you like looking like a swamp monster temporarily.
Oklahoma
Broken Bow
Broken Bow has hills (the Kiamichi Mountains) and water (Broken Bow Lake) to suit all your scenic needs. History nerds will no doubt love theGardner Mansion & Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Native American artifacts. After a long day of canoeing and history lessons, you can unwind at Girls Gone Wine, which is not nearly as trashy as the name would suggest.
Oregon
Cannon Beach
You might recognize Cannon Beach through Haystack Rock, a puffin hotspot that rises 235 feet out of the water. You can walk right up to it during low tide to gawk at all the sea life surrounding it. But if large ocean rocks aren’t your thing, the city has several other beach options at Ecola State Park, Hug Point, and Arcadia Beach. The non-sandy part of town offers constant arts festivals, glassblowing galleries, creperies, and a distillery. Put them all together and you have one wild Saturday afternoon.
Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe
Anywhere in the Poconos is an ideal PA getaway, but if you’re planning a couples vacation, you should probably go with the town that’s oftencompared to Switzerland. Jim Thorpe boasts easy access to ski slopes and stables for horseback riding – and it’s right by Pocono Mountain Paintball, too! (You laugh, but it worked for Heath Ledger.) The town itself is full of pretty Victorian homes, including one you can actually tour: the Asa Packer Mansion.
Newport
Newport is so money, and it absolutely knows it. The town is home to so many Gilded Age manors, there’s a separate “mansions” page on its tourism site. Once you’ve gawked at enough chandeliers (and tour guides in absurd, old-timey hats), book a massage at one of the town’s several spas or head to the Newport Vineyards tasting room.
South Carolina
Landrum
You’re going to Landrum to stare at the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s much easier to do that at The Red Horse Inn, a popular anniversary and honeymoon destination. (You can even get your own cottage!) Landrum is also home to Campbell’s Covered Bridge, the state’s only remaining covered bridge. It’s a prime location for pictures and maybe a picnic. But if you’d rather not pack a basket, there’s always SC barbecue.
South Dakota
Spearfish (Spearfish Canyon)
It’s not often that South Dakota beats Arizona at things, but one part of the Black Hills has AZ beat. Spearfish Canyon is actually older than the Grand Canyon, and most important, less populated with screaming children. The 1,000-foot walls are much narrower, though, so keep that in mind as you wind your way through the rocks, trees, and creek. Make sure to hit Roughlock Falls, a beautiful waterfall featured in (ugh) Dances with Wolves. And do all the outdoorsy extracurriculars (climbing, fishing, biking, etc.) your nature-loving heart desires.
Tennessee
Gatlinburg
According to intel from the Association for Wedding Professionals International, Gatlinburg is the third-most popular wedding destination in the world, so this town knows a thing or two about romance. The Smoky Mountains setting allows for hiking, horseback riding, and skiing (Ober Gatlinburg is the only slope in the state). And the fact that it’s in Tennessee means you can drink moonshine at several distilleries. (Don’t worry, it’s also got wineries and breweries.)
Corpus Christi (Padre Island National Seashore)
Quick note: we’re not talking about South Padre Island, where you’re more likely to find frat bros “surreptitiously” stashing a beer bong than romance. We’re talking about the Padre Island National Seashore, a much calmer stretch of beach with the NPS stamp of approval. You might spy some newborn turtles (like this guy) crawling out to the ocean, but if you miss the baby animals march, there’s still windsurfing, kayaking, and sunbathing to keep you occupied. And you don’t even have to book a hotel in the next town over – the campgrounds are open year-round.
Utah
Park City
Those Mormons might not know how to party, but they do know how to run a ski resort. The secret on Park City got out a long time ago, but as long as you avoid the Sundance stampede, you can have a relaxing retreat. There are two major ski resorts: Deer Valley and the U.S.’s new largest ski bonanza, Park City Mountain Resort, which just this year connected Park City Mountain and The Canyons. All have their charms, and all have other snow options (like sleigh rides and snow tubing) if you need a break from carving up the slopes. Also, you can sign up for tours of the city’s food scene or a wine class from the pros. Do that.
Vermont
Quechee
This village is one of five in the town of Hartford, Vt. While your weekend might take you into West Hartford or all the way over to White River Junction, you should focus on Quechee for three reasons. One: Quechee State Park, which has the state’s largest gorge. Two: The Quechee Ski Hill, which is run by The Quechee Club. And three: the Simon Pearce Restaurant, a locally sourced eatery located on an old mill. It looks like it was painted in a goddamn fairytale – and not one of the grisly Grimm’s ones.
Virginia
Middleburg
There aren’t even 1,000 residents in Middleburg, but somehow, there are five wineries. If you love a good horse show, Fox Chase Farm is kinda famous for those. You can then follow up your classy equestrian event with an art gallery (Middleburg has several). And don’t you dare Airbnb this situation, because the local hotels are firing onallcylinders.
San Juan Island
The “San Juan Islands” consist of 172 islands, but only four have ferry service. One of them is the titular San Juan Island, which has (get your pencils ready) biking, hiking, whale-watching, plane tours, a vineyard, antique shops, a lavender farm, and an alpaca farm. It’s also very picturesque, but if your partner isn’t sold on the promise of alpacas, you might want to reconsider your relationship.
West Virginia
Lewisburg
Downtown Lewisburg is home to all sorts of cute restaurants, antique stores, and art galleries. It’s also got Carnegie Hall, which might not be the most famous Carnegie Hall, but does boast an impressive array of concerts and symphonies. The charming town has more than enough to fill a weekend, but if you feel like trekking into nature, hit up the Lost World Caverns. Then go back inside to the adjacent dinosaur museum.
Wisconsin
Chetek
The city of Chetek has six lakes to its name, so you’ll have no shortage of waterskiing venues. (Just don’t try to compete with the Hydroflites.) There’s also mini-golf and bowling to complement all your water sports. You could stay at the Chetek River Campgrounds, but honestly, that’s downright stupid when you’ve got Canoe Bay. The adults-only resort is a hotspot for anniversaries and even proposals, and frequently shows up on lists of the most romantic hotels in the country.
Wyoming
Jackson
There’s a reason Jackson/Jackson Hole comes up so much when you’re talking Wyoming: it’s kind of the place to be. You can see a lot of the gorgeous sights (Grand Teton National Park, Snake River Valley, etc.) viaan aerial tram that runs from Teton Village to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. And thrill-seeking couples will be stoked to learn about the paragliding flights from the tram’s peak – it’s the largest vertical drop in the U.S. The National Elk Refuge and Laurance Rockefeller Preserve are musts. As for shows, you can watch real cowboys compete at the Jackson Hole Rodeo or some fake cowboys sing “Bless Yore Beautiful Hide” at The Jackson Hole Playhouse.
Among the various travel trends that are predicted to rule 2016, sexual well-being resorts are in the forefront.
While wellness is something that most people would focus on this year, sexual well-being becomes an increasingly popular part of vacations and spa treatments for most couples around the world. This could be for reasons like — ignite the fire again, address sexual dysfunction or to explore individual sexuality, without inhibitions. Here’s a lowdown on what you could expect at one of these resorts, or the planned retreats that happen at some of the most sensuous and picturesque locations around the world.
Activities at a sexual well-being resort Sex talk
This is for those couples who are shy and do not feel comfortable talking about sex — be it talking about their sensitive parts or some of their most intimate desires. The activities will encourage them to indulge in talking about their likes and dislikes when it comes to lovemaking. Through active sex talk, this activity is aimed at helping them know each other’s body well and deepen their sexual and emotional connections.
Perfecting the art
There are activities that would help you learn the art of starting a kickass lovemaking session. While men would learn how to reciprocate a sexual action and find ways to help the women feel at ease, women are taught to perfect the art of striptease with a burlesque dance instructor. In fact, there are sessions that also indulge couples to feel body positive around each other, and learn to touch each other at pulse points to ignite arousal.
Massage therapies
Couple massages are a must for most couples, when it comes to leisure travel. It is also an important element of sexual wellness — deep penetrating strokes and pleasurable touches relieve stress as well as releases several pleasure hormones. Massages are a great way to heat up foreplay and boost your sex drive. In fact, most of these sessions allow the couple to indulge in self massage, there are instructors who guide them stroke by stroke to learn effective sequences that could help better their experience. Starting with foot and hand massages to relieve stress, and proceeding to a deep back and shoulder massage for ultimate relaxation and finally the secret butt massage for profound pleasure and incredible arousal.
Overcoming issues
These sessions involve talkers and healers who help couples get over their sexuality issues. Similarly, they also have detailed sessions with experts who advice on therapeutic solutions to the several sexual dysfunctions faced by couples. Most of these therapies are Ayurvedic and based on various tantras of Yoga, which help in their healing.
Kundalini Tantra Yoga
One of the most widely practised form of Yoga, Kundalini Tantra Yoga has a detoxifying effect on the body and mind. It involves a unique set of postures and dynamic breathing along with a serpent-like movement of the spine and pelvis. “The movements make the body enter a meditative space where the body and mind easily surrender blockages and tensions. Tantra is the balancing and union of polarities within the mind and body. And, it is this intimacy and union with the self that allows one to be more intimate with others, which is why it is a great way to ignite the fire within,” adds Kushal Chandra, a yoga practitioner.
A lot of young newlyweds feel too broke, too stressed, or too busy to go all-out on their honeymoon. If that’s you, don’t stress! When you’re young and in your twenties, a boring adventure is out of the question.
You can have an amazing time without breaking the bank. And once you’ve reached your destination, there are plenty of creative ways to make the most of it.
Here are five of the most important things I learned during the honeymoon planning process.
Have an open mind.
I like museums, but my husband likes the beach. We made a list of places that had both. My first choice was France; he wanted Fiji. Both were WAY out of our price range. So when we couldn’t make up our minds, we decided to pick an affordable place that we were least likely to visit any other time.
The last place we ever expected to travel (but still really wanted to go) was Bali. So that’s where we went.
To my surprise, it actually ended up being much cheaper than our other options. And because we knew very little about the culture going into it, Bali was an amazing learning experience for both of us. I can’t imagine what would have happened if we had remained stubborn with our first choices. We might never have seen this faraway place!
If all goes well, you two have the rest of your lives to travel together. Don’t stress about the where so much. Talk about your interests, and make it a fun discussion. Draw destinations out of a hat if you must, but make the decision together.
Less is more.
Our trip was three weeks long. For a couple on a budget, this was quite ambitious. And to spend so long in a place we’d never been, well…that took some daring! If trekking around a foreign land for a month seems like your cup of tea, go for it. But if relaxation is what you’re into, don’t underestimate what you can accomplish in a week or two.
Pros of a longer trip: Total cultural immersion, seeing more sights, and adjusting to a new way of life together.
Cons of a longer trip: It’s more expensive and stressful, especially if you’re staying in a lot of different places.
In the end, we were glad we spent three weeks in Bali. But everyone is different, so make sure you know what you’re in for before booking tickets!
Do your research when buying cheaper airfare.
We bought our tickets on the Kayak app, which made our airfare significantly cheaper than anywhere else. But what we didn’t realize was just how long our layovers were. Often, cheap tickets mean longer layovers and no checked bags. It’s definitely something to talk about before you book.
Because we ignored the fine print, my husband and I spent the first three nights of our honeymoon sleeping in airports. If you don’t want this to be you… do your research!
Define your comfort level in advance.
Do you want a luxurious hotel, or does AirBnB sound more fun? If you’re the adventurous type, I highly recommend AirBnB. But if you’re set on luxury, skip the guesswork and book a hotel in advance.
We stayed in several AirBnBs, which had its ups and downs. While staying in private rentals was cheaper and gave us a better understanding of Bali’s culture, we didn’t have hot water for most of our trip. When we finally splurged on a luxury hotel, I nearly cried with joy. Two weeks into our trip, we were finally enjoying bubble baths and drinking wine together. If I had been up front about my comfort level in advance, we might have avoided cold showers altogether!
Having a budget is one thing, but don’t compromise your comfort level on a honeymoon. Know your non-negotiable desire. If it’s romance, make decisions with that in mind. If both of you crave adventure, then that’s where you should splurge.
For a honeymoon, put your money where your needs are. Save the stress for a different trip.
Remember your first priority: each other.
The most important thing on any honeymoon is your partnership. Your trip will only be as fun as you are. So, relax! There will definitely be obstacles during your trip. Things won’t always go as planned, because that’s life. But don’t let the logistics of your trip get in the way of why you’re there.
Look at your honeymoon as an allegory for your marriage: You can’t control the future, but you can love each other as life unfolds. Solve problems together, be considerate of each other’s needs, and have fun like the best friends that you are.
In the grand scheme of things, your honeymoon won’t matter too much. You can travel the world right after your wedding, or save money to go all-out years later. You can enjoy celebrating each other in a foreign country, or fake a weekend getaway with a tent in your backyard and a bottle of wine. Either way, have a blast!
You’ve made the commitment to be adventure buddies for life. Vacation is what you make it. Marriage is what you make it. So make the most of both.
