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ADVENTURES IN HONEYMOONING

from Seattle Bride Spring/Summer 2023

from Seattle Bride Spring/Summer 2023, page 104

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS

WE’VE GATHERED SEVEN DESTINATIONS THAT ARE CLOSE TO NATURE AND FILLED WITH ROMANCE, FROM FAR FLUNG BEACH DESTINATIONS TO DESERT GETAWAYS

ORIGINS BY MANTIS

Costa Rica

Origins by Mantis (originslodge.com) is a dr eam destination for couples who desire serenity, nature and adventure without sacrificing five-star luxury. The boutique lodge is nestled in Costa Rica’s northern rain forest on 111 acres of jungle overlooking the lush Upala Valley. The verdant grounds feature the intimate Laka-Tii Spa; an open-air yoga pavilion; six private luxury lodges featuring fire-heated plunge pools, handcrafted canopy beds and open-air bathrooms; as well as a stunning three-bedroom tree house, Villa Vertigo.

Foodies will delight in the fare at El Salto, located in the residential-style main lodge, which is also home to a peaceful infinity pool and 180-degree views of the valley and Lake Nicaragua. Michelin-starred chef Jean-Luc L’Hourre curates the menu daily, bringing his haute French take on laid-back Latin cuisine while using ingredients sourced from the estate’s extensive organic garden. Adventure seekers and nature lovers can partake in a wide range of experiences, such as a rain forest hike to the Oro Waterfall (keep your eyes open for sloths), horseback riding, farm tours, medicinal plant tours, lagoon fishing, birdwatching, nocturnal walks— all within the vast property.

Conservation and sustainability are the anchors of Origins. Consequently, no chemical pesticides are used (pack mosquito repellent!), the resort is nearly free of plastic, and the kitchen composts its food waste—and these are just a few of its green practices. The tranquil vibe of

Mother Nature lends itself beautifully to the lodge’s wellness practices. You can make your honeymoon even more memorable by designing a custom retreat that includes luxurious spa treatments and healing experiences, such as guided yoga and meditation practice, sound baths and breathwork sessions. There are also off-site experiences to consider, such as a visit to a butterfly sanctuary or rafting in nearby Tenorio Volcano National Park. Intimate weddings are an option at Origins as well, with ceremonies taking place in the main lodge or the yoga shambala, and receptions featuring a one-of-a-kind dinner created by chef L’Hourre.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

If you’re craving that international vibe, but want to keep the flight short and sweet, there’s no better place than Cabo San Lucas. Rated the No. 1 all-inclusive resort in Mexico by Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Awards, the Grand Velas Los Cabos (@grandvelascabos) is the ideal oasis for honeymooners, where they will find the luxury of choice and warm hospitality. The AAA Five Diamond resort reimagines the all-inclusive experience, providing guests with amazing restaurants (one with a two-Michelin-star chef at the helm), a luxurious 35,000-square-foot spa and first-class accommodations, such as the Grand Class Suite, with its own private plunge pool. For honeymooners, there is no shortage of activities to indulge in—from couples massages and love rituals to the Wine Lovers’ Experience and an option to charter the property’s very own 55-foot Bella yacht to cruise the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.

PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA

Stay close to home but feel like you are a million miles away at Terranea Resort (@terranearesort) in Palos Verdes. Perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking a protected marine preserve and kelp forest, the resort feels like an oceanfront sanctuary. With beautiful Mediterranean architecture and admirable environmental practices, this sprawling 102-acre property offers guests more than 75 acres of the natural Southern California landscape