Honeymoons Beyond the Beach

Roni Fishkin • June 2, 2019
A palm tree on a beach with a sunset in the background


by Roni Fishkin
Love is in the air…and no conversation about weddings would be complete without exploring honeymoon options. Increasingly, brides and grooms in Charlotte are thinking beyond the traditional beach vacation and embarking on fascinating journeys around the world. Here are a few destinations to consider if you are tying the knot – or just looking for a way to celebrate your vows.

Thailand
The picture- postcard perfection of this country is one of the things that draws honeymooners – but most say it is the hospitality of the friendly Thai people that makes the experience so memorable. Add a dose of fabulous food, a rich cultural experience complete with Buddhist temples, gorgeous beaches and exotic markets and you have the ingredients for an incredible romantic getaway.

River Cruising
Once mainly the domain of an older generation, river cruising is fast becoming a popular honeymoon option. A romantic journey down one of Europe’s iconic waterways is a fabulous way to relax, be pampered and take in some of the continent’s most beautiful landscapes. Bicycles on board and active excursions appeal to a more active cruiser and can help make the honeymoon as adventurous as you want it to be.
Croatia
Perhaps it’s the Game of Thrones- mania sweeping the country, but Croatia is suddenly on every traveler’s bucket list. The country is a perfect honeymoon destination with both Roman ruins and gorgeous natural wonders. With Croatia’s miles of coastline, quaint fishing villages, and medieval castles, it is impossible not to fall in love with the destination.
Napa Valley, California
Wine lovers are not the only ones that love the charm of Northern California’s picturesque wine country. Besides the obvious wine and food attractions (the area boasts restaurants with more Michelin stars per capita than any other wine region in the world) there is biking, hot air ballooning, kayaking, fishing, spas, golf and more activities to keep you busy.
Panama
At the crossroads of two oceans and two continents, Panama packs a big punch in a little country. There is culture, tropical weather, wildlife and basically everything you could wish for in an adventurous honeymoon. History buffs, beach lovers and coffee aficionados all agree that this country is a don’t-miss destination.
Hawaii
What honeymoon article would be legit without mentioning Hawaii? To some it may sound cliché, but there are ways to experience these gorgeous islands without being old-fashioned. Couples looking for a way to avoid crowds can choose to say in a less touristy area and spend their time hiking trails with awe-inspiring views, snorkeling and enjoying the new and exploding culinary scene. Or hop on the Norwegian Pride of America, the only cruise line with a 7 day Hawaiian island itinerary – and see all the islands and unpack only once!
As always, trusting a reputable travel professional and protecting your investment with travel insurance are important steps to making sure you have a wonderful and stress-free honeymoon. Where is your dream honeymoon destination?

A large swimming pool surrounded by palm trees in front of a house.
A row of wooden barrels in front of a building

Christie's Handbags Online: The New York Edit

June 4, 2025
HERMÉS, CIRCA 1990S Estimate: $100,000-200,000 NEW YORK - Christie's is pleased to present Handbags Online: The New York Edit , a curated selection of handbags from Hermés, Chanel, Dior, and more. Bidding will be open from 4-17 June, with highlights on view at Christie's Rockefeller Center galleries from 6-16 June. Leading the sale is an exceptional Rare Sterling Silver Mini Kelly (Estimate: $100.000-200,000). Produced in Mexico in the 1990s, the original solid sterling silver design is among the rarest handbags in the world. Additional notable highlights include a Bleu Marine Diamond Kelly 25 (Estimate: $100,000-150,000), and an Hermès Special Rdition 706 Madison Kelly (Estimate: $35,000-45,000). This exceptional piece, created to commemorate the opening of Hermès Madison Avenue flagship, features intricate leather marquetry inlay inspired by the Hommage á Gene Kelly scarf design. This season's sale offers a captivating blend of whimsy and timeless sophistication. designed to appeal to collectors at every level. A standout feature is a magnificent single-owner collection titled Sculpted Ions: Handbags From the Vault of a Discerning Collector , showcasing exquisite examples from Schiaparelli. Chanel, Hermès, and Fendi. Among the highlights is an Orange Crocodile Diamond Kelly 25 (Estimate: $100,000-150,000), noted for its bold color and precious detailing. For the first time at Christie's, a selection of bags by Schiaparelli will be offered. The group includes four striking designs, with estimates ranging from $1,000-6,000. Highlights include a Crème Leather Bijoux Secret Top Handle Bag with gilded brass and enamel hardware (Estimate: S4,000-6,000), and a Black Calfskin Anatomy Jewelry Bag featuring enamel and hammered gold brass accents (Estimate: $3,000-4,000). Auction Information : Click Here ALL IMAGES PROVIDED BY: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2025 Sale Highlights

The Cigar

June 3, 2025
ACCLAIMED AUTHOR AARON (SIG) SIGMOND HAS DONE IT AGAIN. HIS WRITTEN KNOWLEDGE (NOW NUMBERING AT OVER 20) ON NUMEROUS TOPICS INCLUDING FINE MECHANICAL TIMEPIECES, HOTELS, AUTOMOBILES—ALL OF WHICH FALL WITHIN THE SOMEWHAT VAGUE “MEN’S LUXURY” CATEGORY—CIRCLE BEAUTIFULLY BACK TO ONE OF HIS FAVORITE SUBJECTS, HIS LOVE FOR CIGARS. AN ACCOUTREMENT THAT HAS BEEN A PART OF HIS LIFE SINCE COLLEGE.

A TASTE OF THE AEGEAN ARRIVES IN WEST PALM BEACH: INSIDE THE NEW ESTIATORIO MILOS

June 2, 2025
There’s a new jewel sparkling along the Intracoastal in West Palm Beach—and it speaks fluent Greek. Estiatorio Milos, the acclaimed seafood-forward restaurant helmed by legendary chef and restaurateur Costas Spiliadis, has opened its thirteenth global location and second in Florida, bringing the breezy sophistication of the Mediterranean to the heart of South Florida. Nestled within the sleek, waterfront One Flagler tower, Milos isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a full-sensory journey to the shores of Greece. Step inside, and you’re immediately transported. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a soft palette of natural materials, and thoughtfully curated art create a warm, contemporary atmosphere. Designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners, the space is as much about serenity as it is about style. Pentelikon marble, warm oak, and textured stone echo the materials of Cycladic islands, while an open-air terrace fringed with greenery brings the outdoors in. A dramatic staircase, a signature design element across Milos locations, provides a striking focal point—modern yet rooted in classical influence. But of course, the real story here is the food. Milos is revered worldwide for its dedication to purity of flavor and ingredient integrity. Each morning, whole fish is flown in directly from the Mediterranean—snapper, lavraki, dorade—then displayed on ice for guests to view before choosing. Local bounty also takes center stage, from Florida stone crab to daily selections sourced from fishermen in the Keys. The result is a menu that’s fresh, unfussy, and deeply soulful. Signature dishes like the paper-thin zucchini and eggplant tower with tzatziki, or the simple grilled octopus with Santorini fava, let the ingredients do the talking. And the experience is meant to be shared—Milos encourages the Greek tradition of philoxenia, or warm hospitality, where tables are filled with plates passed around among friends and family. To complement the cuisine, Milos West Palm Beach offers one of the most expansive Greek wine lists in the Southeast, showcasing varietals such as Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and Agiorgitiko, all carefully selected to pair harmoniously with the flavors of the sea. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or simply curious, the staff’s knowledge and passion make wine exploration an integral part of the experience. As the sun dips below the horizon and the waterway glows, the setting takes on a romantic, almost transportive quality. You could close your eyes and swear you were perched on a terrace in the Greek isles—until the silhouette of Palm Beach Island reminds you where you are. For those seeking an elevated dining experience rooted in simplicity, season- ality, and timeless elegance, Estiatorio Milos West Palm Beach is nothing short of a revelation. Reservations are recommended.  To book your table, call (561) 437-8889.
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