StyleSchool

I love vacation spots where different cultures mix seamlessly and I get a sort of two-trips-for-the-price-of-one experience. One of the hottest destinations for that best of both worlds vibe is St. Barts. This lovely island combines the sophistication of the French Riviera with the low-key Caribbean vibe. That means you get gourmet food, great shopping and prime people-watching right alongside beautiful beaches, gorgeous sunsets and the joy of doing nothing but relaxing.

One of the island’s best places to stay has to be the Hotel St. Barths Isle de France (isle-de-france.com). With just 37 rooms, this tiny treasure of a resort makes for the perfect honeymoon hideaway. And they’ve recently unveiled four secluded Beach Suites that offer a retreat within a retreat. The suites are located on the Baie des Flamands, the prettiest beach on the island. Each 1,500 square-foot suite features a private infinity plunge pool, large terrace with beach loungers, 52″ plasma-screen television, fully equipped kitchen, wireless internet, stone bathtub and outdoor shower.

The property also boasts two freshwater pools and a world-class Molton Brown spa. And since the hotel is legendary as a celebrity hideaway—Elle McPherson and Hugh Jackman are said to have stayed here—you never know who you might spot poolside.

—Sharon Boone

While relaxing during your honeymoon (or just lounging around with your new husband), Trove Clothing (troveclothing.com) is a must-have.

Trove is a new eco-friendly clothing line made from 100% organic cotton that just launched in the US. The pieces are casual, yet sexy and most importantly sustainable. They offer dresses, shorts, tops, cardigans and hoodies that are perfect for packing because they take up very little space. Layer the neutral colors with some of the more vibrant blues, yellows and coral—this way, you'll get more outfits without having to take more clothes.

Trove's pieces are super-versatile, so whether you're exploring Europe or laying on the beach in Hawaii, this is the only loungewear you need.

—Erica Blick Sigel, Associate Fashion Editor

Do you crave a serene and romantic locale, secluded enough to make you feel like it’s just the two of you, yet only a few hours from the home? Well, I’ve just heard about a new resort that fits the bill. Calabash Cove (calabashcove.com) is a brand new 5-star boutique hotel located on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. You know, St. Lucia, the tropical green island that’s a little bit French, a little bit British and feels a lot like Hawaii—without the long flight and the 6-hour time difference. And Oprah, no less, declared it one of the “Five Places to See in Your Lifetime.”

Why is it a perfect honeymoon location? It fulfills everything on even the pickiest honeymoon planners’ must-have list. Beautiful weather with bright sunny days and warm nights? Check. Gorgeously lush tropical scenery? You bet. Secluded beaches that make you feel as though you and your honey are the only two people in the world? Definitely.

What really sends Calabash Cove to the top of the list is their Romance Package. For a start, you get 4-5 nights accommodations in one of their super-secluded Waters Edge Cottages, which are constructed from Balinese mahogany and feature a private plunge pool, outdoor rain showers, a Jacuzzi and a hammock. You also get treated to a couples massage and a private, candlelit dinner served on your private patio or in the resort’s Gazebo, a charming platform suspended above the surf and flanked by the dense, jade green foliage that covers the island. To cap off the evening, the two of you will be treated to a one-hour West Indian steel pan serenade. I know! What could be more lovely? (Packages start at $325/night)

—Sharon Boone

Childhood allergies and a series of small apartments may have prevented me from actually getting a pet, but it hasn’t stopped me from being a dog-lover. Which is why I am dying over the new Marley & Me Miami Dog Days package offered by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (mandarinoriental.com/miami). As the name suggests, the program was inspired by the upcoming Jennifer Aniston-Owen Wilson film.

Doggie guests are treated to a plush pet bed, bone-shaped place mat with food and water bowls, special doggie treats and bottled water. They also get waited on paw and, um, paw, by a dog butler who will deliver refreshments and their favorite toys (Frisbees, balls and tug ropes) during afternoon play time, and a one-on-one workout with a certified dog trainer.

Owners don’t have it too ruff, either: The two-night stay includes breakfast, two tickets to see Marley & Me and a copy of the book that inspired the film. You can book yourself a decadent hot stone massage at the
hotel’s fabulous spa while Rover goes for a walk around the island of Brickell Key, courtesy of the complimentary daily pet-walking service. You and your furry friend can cap off the pampering weekend with a pet and person two-course room service dinner, included in the deal.

So don't leave your pooch behind if you're planning a prewedding getaway—pups deserve to be pampered, too! Visit mandarinoriental.com/miami
for rates.

—Sharon Boone

As much as I adore Hawaii, whenever friends ask which of the islands is my favorite, I have a hard time. Each of the eight islands has its own personality, so I’m constantly changing my mind. Lately, I’ve been feeling the lesser-known island of Lanai. It’s sleepy, laidback and, honeymooners take note, empty. That’s why it’s the preferred hideaway of celebrities like Scott Foley and Marika Dominczyk, Jenna Bush, Helen Mirren, and Bill and Melinda Gates. How empty? There are no shopping centers, no traffic lights and just two resorts. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that both are Four Seasons properties, one set on the shore and the other perched atop a hill. Which Hawaiian island is my favorite? I can’t even choose which Lanai hotel I prefer!

My water worshipping side loves the Four Seasons at Manele Bay (fourseasons.com/manelebay). With its prime position on a gorgeous stretch of white sand beach and brilliant turquoise ocean, you can catch spinner dolphins cavorting in the surf right from your beach chair. Great dining options and a world class spa—their new demi-blending perfume experience in which a master perfumer custom blends a scent designed to meld with your body chemistry—make for a beyond fabulous stay.

The woodsy part of me likes the cooler air of the interior of the island at The Lodge at Koele (fourseasons.com/koele). Set amidst towering Cook Island pine trees and next to a picturesque lake, the feel is very rustic, English hunting lodge. Guests can stroll through the elegant grounds and tour the orchid house, play croquet on the lawn, go horseback riding or have high tea in the Great Hall, which features high ceilings, natural stone fireplaces and huge, museum-quality oil paintings. When not in your room (a stay in the super-romantic premier fireplace room or suite is worth the extra splurge) you can nestle in a leather armchair in the library, reminiscent of an English gentlemen’s club or in the music conservatory. You’ll feel like you walked into a game of Clue—all that’s missing are Colonel Mustard and Professor Plum.

—Sharon Boone

We know you’re excited to relax on your honeymoon (and after planning that wedding, you deserve to!), but if you’re going someplace sunny (like Bora Bora, wink wink), be sure to pack some pretty cover-ups for when you’re laying poolside. That way, you’ll still look chic while protecting yourself from the tropical sun.

This stylish one by Shoshanna (the Poolside Paisley tunic, $175 at Bloomingdales) has a bold green print and is 100% cotton.

Best of all, they’ll take up very little room in your suitcase, so you can afford to bring a few. That way, there will really be no excuse for hiding that new bikini (and postwedding workout body!) under one of your hubby’s oversized t-shirts.

—Erica Sigel & Jessica Derschowitz

Every bride-to-be dreams of having a magical sky’s-the-limit honeymoon. No matter how much your head (and budget) is telling you to cut back on wedding plans, your heart will always be trying to lead you to splash out for the most amazing getaway you can find. Many a bride is ruled by the mantra: “It’s my special once-in-a-lifetime experience.” That’s why I’m always thrilled to hear about a honeymoon deal that speaks to both my brain and my romantic spirit. The latest great deal I’ve discovered is at the Marquis Los Cabos in Baja California Sur, Mexico. (Savvy readers will note that Mexico has been a popular honeymoon spot for such celebs as Katherine Heigl, LeAnn Rimes, Bachelor Andrew Firestone and quarterback Eli Manning)

First of all, the spectacular 237-suite beachfront resort, nestled in the spot where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific, is a picture-perfect setting for an idyllic honeymoon.  The suites feature Bulgari bath amenities, luxurious Frette linens and a spa bathtub. And guests get to enjoy a complimentary breakfast delivered to the room via an en-suite private cubby, so you don’t have to make any exceptions once you hang that Do Not Disturb sign on your door.  But the absolute best part is that starting this month, couples that spend their honeymoon at Marquis Los Cabos will receive two nights’ complimentary accommodation on their first anniversary. The offer also includes the resort’s signature Romantic Bath scented with rose petals and a bottle of champagne. Think of it as buy one honeymoon, get one free! Rates through December 20 start at $440 per night for a junior suite and $920 for a casita. From January 5th to May 31, rates start at $495 per night for a junior suite and $1,030 per night.

—Sharon Boone

Here's a thought: Why not forgo a big, fancy wedding in lieu of something smaller and more intimate (read: less expensive). Then, use the money you save to go on an out-of-this-world honeymoon. Sounds good to me!

If you're in the market for real dream getaway, check out Cocoa Island (cocoaisland.como.bz) in the Maldive Islands. It's run by the same company that owns Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos (where Eva Longoria and Ashlee Simspon honeymooned), so you know it's amazing. The accommodations range from split-level bedrooms with a spacious living area, a private sundeck with two chaise lounges, and direct access to the lagoon to 2-bedroom villas complete with an island bath, an outdoor shower, a private sundeck, a private bale and a spacious living room with striking oceanviews through full-length windows. Incredible, right?

Oh, but it gets better. The restaurant menu changes daily and features seafood straight from the ocean. The property also has an on-site dive center with certified instructors that cater to every level of experience. (FYI: the Maldives has some of the best diving in the world.) White sand beaches and sunsets like you've never seen seal the deal.

So, small and intimate it is then?

I know, I know. The economic outlook isn't looking any brighter and who can possibly think of spending right now? But to all your brides-to-be out there, listen to me—take a honeymoon!

No, I am not crazy, I just believe that there is no better way to start a marriage than with a few days of pure tranquility. And you don't have to go far or spends loads of money to get it. I've said it before and I will say it again—the U.S. has some (okay, a ton!) amazing destinations that are perfect for a postwedding wind down.

For example, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (montereyplazahotel.com) on the California coast. It's absolutely perfect if you're looking to get that Mediterranean feel here in the states. The European architecture and oceanviews will transport you to place of peace and relaxation, and the amazing spa is there to help with any lingering kinks.

—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor

I recently interviewed one of the travel experts at the new site TravelTicker.com for a story I'm working on for the magazine, but I just had to share one of her tips. She suggested couples consider delaying their honeymoon if the timining isn't right. It seems so obvious, but because most newlyweds are in such a rush to get away, they don't really consider the advantages of waiting. By postponing your trip a few weeks or months, you could easily get better weather, activities and prices (and who doesn't want that in this economy?).

That being said, I do believe that a few days of postwedding wind down right after the festivities is essential. After all the planning and all the buildup, you need to relax. But why not stay some place super luxurious, closer to home until the time is right to take your honeymoon? I happen to love the W Hotel chain—all their properties are so modern and chic, but the rates aren't over-the-top expensive. Arizonans (and those of you close to Arizona) should absolutely take advantage of the new W that opens tomorrow in Scottsdale. True to form, the furnishings are contemporary and the amenities are amazing. Plus, there's a Bliss Spa, which is perfect for indulging yourself. Visit starwoodhotels.com for more info.

—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor

P.S. That's the bathroom. How cool, right?