Honeymoon on a Dime: Lake Powell

Are you craving a beach honeymoon? Than look no further than Lake Powell! With over 2,000 miles of shoreline, (more than the entire U.S. west coast!), you are sure to find a private oasis with your loved one. The lake is so huge that there are several marinas surrounding it. I recommend the Wahweap Marina as it is the largest marina and the location is by far the most active. 

Book your stay at the Courtyard. Located in the little city of Page, AZ. Only a five minute drive to the lake, this location offers you comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and breath taking views.

Relax in your king sized suite featuring a private balcony with stunning views.

Enjoy dinner and drinks at the hotels on site restaurant and lounge.

Lake Powell can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you want. For the best combination of a relaxing adventure, book the Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour. The trip is a little over 5 hours long, so packing drinks and snacks is always a great idea!

Other adventures include kayaking to Ice Cream Canyon, it is as beautiful as it is delicious!

 If you are feeling really adventurous, try paddleboarding, jet skiing, or wakeboarding.

Take a photography tour of Antelope Canyon. You won't be disappointed!

 A visit to the Carl Hayden Vistor Center to view the impressive Glen Canyon Dam will leave you in awe.

Other impressive sites include a quick hike out to Horseshoe Bend.

Activities go far beyond hiking and boating. Golfing, bowling, movies, hot air ballooning, museum tour, or horseback riding.

Now just because you are in such gorgeous natural surroundings doesn't mean that you will be bored during the evening. Take a romantic dinner cruise around the lake.

 Go grab sushi at Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge.

Stop in for a variety of amazing dishes at the Dam Bar & Grille. I highly suggest the fish tacos!

Or sit quietly together and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

This five day four night Honeymoon will cost you just under $2,000.

Written by Amanda Ivory

Honeymoon on a Dime, Downtown

There are a lot of great reasons to keep your Honeymoon local. Maybe you waited too long to apply for your international passport, maybe you decided to use your Honeymoon funds as a down payment on a home, or maybe you have just never experienced all that Salt Lake City has to offer. By stepping out of your regular routine, you will discover a five star experience right at your fingertips! 

You will be staying at Hotel Monaco, a chic and sophisticated boutique hotel. This stunning hotel is located in the heart of downtown within walking distance of world class shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

Enjoy stylishly modern rooms with five star amenities readily available. Schedule an in-room massage to enjoy an hour of pampering in the privacy of your own room. 

Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee every morning, a hosted wine hour every evening, and not to mention the hotel's award winning restaurant, Bambara; recently named Salt Lake City's Best Restaurant. Dine in for a late lunch or make a reservation for late night dessert to experience fine dining at a fraction of the cost.

 No need to pay for expensive cab rides, the beauty of a Honeymoon downtown is being able to walk wherever you want to go. If you want to venture a little further, Trax is right next to the hotel.

Walk across the street to enjoy a live show at Capital Theatre.

Walk up the street to the new City Creek Center for an eventful day of shopping. Featuring high end retail shops and elegant dining, you can treat yourself right with all the money you saved on airfare!

After a full day of shopping, take a romantic carriage ride around Temple Square. 

Salt Lake City has a rich art culture and even a full day of exploring will leave you wanting more. Jump on Trax and head only a few blocks to Library Square. There you will find the modern architecture of The City Library, where not only books can be found, but quaint cafes and local retail shops. 

The Leonardo, Salt Lake City's newest art and science museum will keep you occupied for hours.

While you are in the neighborhood, don't forget to bring your camera. You are going to want to capture the beautiful scenery all around you, including the historic City-County building.

If you still are wanting more, hop back onto the Trax and head back toward Abravanel Hall; home of the Utah Symphony, and part of the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts.

If you can fit all of these activities into this 5 day 4 night Honeymoon, you will spend just over $2,000.

Once you fall in love with the city, you are going to want to immediately start planning your next getaway.

Written by Amanda Ivory

Honeymoon on a Dime, Lava Hot Springs

Who says that having a memorable Honeymoon has to be in a far off land. There are so many beautiful places to be explored close to home, one being Lava Hot Springs. Located just two and a half hours north of Salt Lake City, Lava Hot Springs is your home away from home. Which is why we recommend booking your stay at Home Hotel. This gorgeously remodeled hotel built in 1918 is full of character and charm. Each guest suite features inspiring artwork from the likes of Pablo Picasso to Georgia O'Keeffe. Each room is equipped with a private hot springs bath. Be sure to book their Romantic Gift Package to enjoy chocolate, chilled sparkling cider, and therapeutic bubble bath upon arrival.

 

 

 No Honeymoon would be complete without indulging yourselves to a couples massage. Aura Soma Lava is the place to be for complete pampering.

  Lava Hot Springs is named after the natural hot springs the little town is built around. Bubbling out of natural underground springs, the hot water is laden with minerals. You and your sweetheart can spend a day relaxing and focus on your time together as a newly married couple.

 The park is also known for their Olympic sized swimming pool and water park. 

Enjoy a romantic dinner at the little town's award winning restaurant, Portneuf Grill  & Lounge. Featured in Sunset Magazine, Portneuf provides a "distinctive, inspired dining experience. Featuring Northwest inspired cuisine of fresh seafood, USDA aged prime steak, pastas and vegetarian dishes."

 A little friendly competition never hurt anybody, play a game of darts or a game of pool at the local arcade.

Other activities include Lava Zipline Adventures, perusing the local museum, golfing, mini golf, or horse drawn carriage rides. A lovely walk on the quiet streets allows for a romantic evening.
This quiet and relaxing 4 day 3 night Honeymoon can be enjoyed for under $1,000.

 Written by Amanda Ivory

5 Star Honeymoon on a Dime, St. George

For our Honeymoon series, we are highlighting the finer side of Utah, and why keeping your Honeymoon local is not only an affordable option, but an adventurous one. Now that you are a newly married couple, it is time to create memories and traditions of your own. If you grew up in the state, as I did, you have more than likely stepped foot into the lovely city of St. George. A mere four hour road trip from Salt Lake City, you will find yourself in a different world. With gorgeous views of red rock mountains, palm trees, Spanish inspired architecture, and the blazing sun; your stresses from home will literally melt away.

Spend your week in St. George at the Inn at Entrada. This small luxury resort is located in a gated golf community, offering panoramic views of Snow Canyon and the surrounding red rock mountains. 

Your charming one bedroom casita offers a cozy living area with romantic fireplace, contemporary artwork, king size bed, whirlpool tub, complementary Aveda Spa products, private garage, a private patio and a kitchenette; breakfast in bed anyone? 

Be sure to book Entrada's Tuacahn Package. Combining first class accommodations and broadway entertainment from Tuacahn's stunning outdoor amplitheater.

Before the show, spend a few hours winding down. Book a pampering couples massage at Entrada's exclusive spa.

What better way to connect as a couple then trying something new. If you have never golfed before, have fun learning together on Entrada's private golf course. If you are a city couple, go for a hike in the redrocks. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, stay on trails, and bring extra water. To top off this adventurous activity, pack a light picnic.

Spending your Honeymoon in St. George does not have to lack in romantic atmosphere. Reserve a dinner at Scaldoni's. Featuring the deluctable creations of Chef Johnny Devivo, Scaldoni's offers more than a delicious meal; each plate is served as a piece of art.

A few days in St. George, you may be feeling a tad warm. A great way to cool off is to visit one of the many great lakes in the surrounding areas. Each lake offers a unique experience. Sand Hollow provides you with sandy beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and gorgeous coves allow for a more private experience. Laying in the sand and listening to the light crashing of waves, you will feel like you have just been transported to an exotic beach. If you want to amp up your activity level at the lake, check out this fun company for boat and jet ski rentals.

  Want to grab something quick to eat, stop by Sand Hollow's state of the art clubhouse.

After a few days spent exploring the great outdoors, a fun day of shopping and site seeing may be in order.  For a fun peek into the local side of St. George, visit Ancestor Square. You will find locally owned shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Not every day spent on your Honeymoon has to be filled with candle light and romantic music. Spend a day just being silly together. Who says now that you are a married couple you can't have fun racing go carts, playing arcade games, and attacking each other on the bumper boats at Fiesta Fun?

After spending such a fun filled weekend together, I am sure you never want your Honeymoon to end. On your drive back home, take the long way! Utah is full of beautiful canyons and the gorgeous Zion Canyon is on the way. Just slowing your pace and taking in the magnificent sites will leave you feeling overwhelmed with how beautiful your life is and how lucky you are to get to spend it with the one you love.

*Rates may vary on season, but this 5 Star Honeymoon can be enjoyed for just under $2,500.00.

Images courtesy of: Sniquaway, Inn at Entrada, Split Rock, Johnny Devivo, Sand Hollow Resort,