To help newlyweds make the most of their first trip as a married couple, consider this guide to some of the most lavish honeymoon destinations across the globe.
Explore the Romance of the Maldives
Known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and luxurious resorts, the Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean. A perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic, lavish honeymoon experience, the Maldives offers a range of romantic activities for couples including sunset cruises, candlelit dinners on the beach, spa treatments and luxurious accommodations in private villas built on stilts above the ocean with direct access to breathtaking views, snorkeling and diving.
Adventure and Opulence in South Africa
From thrilling safaris to world-class vineyards, South Africa offers a variety of experiences for couples looking for a unique honeymoon experience. On safari, you can spot lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos in their natural habitats and witness the beauty of African wildlife up close and personal. After an exhilarating adventure, you can unwind at one of the luxurious lodges or tented camps before visiting the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands, where you can enjoy some of the finest wines and gourmet dining in the world.
Cultural Riches and Exquisite Comforts in Italy
Rich in culture, history and exquisite comforts, Italy is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples who want to combine luxury and exploration. From the rolling hills of Tuscany – where you can indulge in wine tasting, visit medieval towns or take a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Italian dishes – to the picturesque Amalfi Coast, with its colorful cliffside villages, crystal clear waters and luxurious resorts, the country offers a diverse range of experiences. Plus, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Grand Canal allows couples to immerse themselves in the rich history and art of the charming cities of Rome, Florence and Venice.
Indulge in French Polynesia
A tropical paradise made up of 118 islands and atolls, French Polynesia is known for its overwater bungalows and azure waters. These luxurious accommodations are built on stilts above the lagoon, offering direct access to the crystal-clear waters. With the South Pacific’s vibrant marine life and coral reefs, you can go on a snorkeling or diving adventure to explore the underwater world or take a boat or kayak tour to discover hidden lagoons and remote islands.
Private Island Seclusion in the Caribbean
If you seek ultimate seclusion and relaxation, the pristine beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious resorts of the Caribbean make for a romantic and intimate honeymoon experience. One of the highlights of the Caribbean is the privacy and exclusivity of staying on a private island. In addition to the private accommodations, couples can go snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs, take a sunset cruise or indulge in delicious Caribbean cuisine.
Find more guidance to make your honeymoon a once-in-a-lifetime experience at eLivingtoday.com.
(Family Features) Photo courtesy of Unsplash
#16969 Source: eLivingtoday.com
Marriage brings hope for the future, hope for the couple and hope for our family as we see it get bigger today. This rite of passage is one we are so happy to witness, but at the same time, can’t believe it’s happening. When did she grow up? Our baby isn’t a baby anymore, and that realization of how quickly time passes fills me with joy and sorrow.
Sorrow that my Mom isn’t here with us because travel for her is too difficult now. She would absolutely love seeing her youngest grandchild walk down the aisle. Sorrow that my Dad and Step Dad who both passed a few years ago, won’t be with us today. Sorrow that time does go by too quickly and our parents are no longer here and our children are grown.
But Joy? Oh, today’s joy fills the heart as we dance and welcome the groom into our fold. Love is what brought this couple together and love is why we are all gathered here. I am excited to see what their future brings and wish them a life filled with joy and wonder. I hope they see the world and make exceptional memories. I hope they’ll have success both personally and professionally. And I know they’ll too have children and someday will see this life through the eyes of a parent.
But today is about celebrating them with a full heart, then holding each other tight as we watch them leave and embark on their life together. To our beautiful bride, I say “I love you!” To our groom, I say, “Welcome to the family!”
Photo credit- Kim Brooks
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The devastating effects of divorce have wreaked havoc on many lives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent article in the New York Post, https://nypost.com/2020/09/01/divorce-rates-skyrocket-in-u-s-amid-covid-19/, notes that divorce rates have spiked in the U.S. during the pandemic, citing a combination of stress, unemployment, financial strain, death of loved ones, illness, homeschooling children, mental illnesses and more putting strain on relationships.
While divorce is one of the biggest stressors, causing major upheaval, people do not have to go through it alone or without emotional support. As a Certified Divorce Coach, Jenine Marie Powell is able to provide the guidance, support, and direction to get both men and women through this difficult life transition. Powell stated, “My mission is getting people to their best selves. Most people have no idea divorce coaches exist. They are a very valuable part of the ‘divorce team’ to advocate for the client and to help them get through not only the practical aspects of divorce, but also the emotional and psychological issues.”
A single mom of two who experienced her own nightmare of a divorce, Powell brings empathy, knowledge and direct understanding to her practice, but is very clear about her services and role as a coach to gently but firmly guide clients to frame negatives as positives, refine communications skills and to detect and discover patterns of conflict and trigger points. While most arrive at her practice in a very overwhelmed state, she encourages them to tell their stories, to describe why they believe the divorce is happening or why they are thinking about severing the marriage. Once verbalized, she helps them to move forward from that moment on. Her clients range from people considering divorce, those in the midst of the process, and others who are finished with their divorce and starting over single.
Noting that traumatic experiences impact the way that the brain functions while under duress – the fight, flight or freeze survival mode kicks in – Powell is the objective voice and listener who assists clients with action items and conducts exercises which help clients obtain clarity and to decide what their next steps should be. “Because the brain functions differently during trauma, it is more important than ever to have someone trained specifically in practical as well as emotional areas of divorce to help people stay focused and most of all, prepared and functioning from a place of power, not weakness. Having a front-row seat to the self-discoveries and newfound confidence of my clients is a tremendous gift,” Powell emphasized.
In addition to her comprehensive training as a CDC Certified Divorce Coach, Jenine has a BA in English, a BS in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Journalism from NYU. She enjoyed a successful decade-long career as the editor in chief of a New York City-based parenting publication. In that role, she gained a wealth of valuable knowledge and insight pertaining to all aspects of parenting and family-related issues.
SOS Divorce Coaching provides private coaching sessions at a location of the client’s choosing, in an office setting, or by virtual Zoom platform.
Powell can be reached at (848) 218-2113 or [email protected]. https://sosdivorcecoaching.com/
Don’t assume your partner knows all the ways that you love them. Sometimes they need to hear it! Loving out loud can build a healthy relationship. — John and Julie Gottman
I may be putting you on the spot, but have you in the past week told your partner how much they mean to you? I’m thinking of something from the heart like, “Knowing you’re there for me makes me feel so lucky and cared for.” Or maybe a bit milder like, “I appreciate the way you put up with my meltdown the other day.”
If your answer is no, you’re not alone. Most of us assume our significant other knows how we feel about them so it’s not necessary to express our love or appreciation. Not true! Relationship experts John and Julie Gottman of the Gottman Institute say, “Don’t assume your partner knows all the ways that you love them. Sometimes they need to hear it! Loving out loud can build a healthy relationship.”
I can vouch for the Gottmans’ advice. Consciously choosing to shower my husband Gus with the positives I appreciate about him, rekindled our love and our relationship. If you’ve read my book, The Affirming Way of Life: See the Good, Speak the Good, Spread the Good, you know the story I tell in chapter one on how guilty I was of taking him for granted. We all do that from time to time or even more. Here are five simple tips to get you started creating more loving feelings in your relationship. And the beauty is these tips can get the love flowing with any special person in your life.
Five Tips for Growing the Love in Your Relationship
1. Look with eyes that see the good. It’s so easy to focus on what’s missing with our loved one, rather than the good that’s there. Try making an intentional mindshift—notice the positives in your partner. My husband, Gus often empties the dishwasher but leaves at least a quarter of it on the counter for me to put away. I feel the words brewing, How could you not know where these things go? You’re just making more work for me. But I immediately shift to positive thinking, I so appreciate that he empties the dishwasher. I hate doing it. I can count on him. So I say, “Thanks honey I really appreciate you emptying the dishwasher, it’s one of my least favorite jobs.” We share a warm moment.
2. Express appreciation for who they are, not just what they do. Reflect on your partner’s characteristics that you admire and value. Our words about them shape their sense of self and impact the feel of our relationship. One of the things I appreciate most about Gus is how easy going he is. So I affirm him by saying, “I so appreciate that when I don’t feel like cooking you just say, ‘an omlet is fine.’ How lucky I am to have such an easy to please husband.”
3. Be specific and sincere in your affirmations. When we’re specific we give the other person something to hold onto. I’ve noticed when I would just say things like “You’re such a good husband or I love you,” Gus would ask, “Why?” I realize how important it is to be specific and of course to speak from the heart.
4. Commit to affirm your significant other once a day. Like any good habit you want to develop, it takes repetition, commitment and practice. As you search daily for specific good things you can say to them, the good in them will become more of your focus. The most beautiful benefit is that in time your relationship will feel like the gift it can be!
5. A Bonus: As you make a point of appreciating and affirming your partner, they may begin to do the same for you. It’s worked that way for us. Spread good energy in your relationship and you’ll find unexpected silver linings.
James Taylor is my favorite go-to artist when I want to get in a mellow, happy state of mind. He says it the best in his song, Shower the People:
Shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna work out fine
If you only will
Wishing you a wonderful month of showering the people you love with love! Please share this link now with someone who needs this message!
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Gail Siggelakis is the award-winning author of The Affirming Way of Life: See the Good, Speak the Good, Spread the Good. She is a speaker and coach. Learn more about her at www.uppcoach.com and www.theaffirmingway.com. You can reach her at [email protected].
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