“The locals kept asking us our reason for visiting – little did I know it was to celebrate our engagement!
​
After a much-anticipated (and needed!) vacation planned by our favorite travel experts *wink*, we are finally back from the trip that will forever be in our hearts. So without further ado, here are 6 reasons I was completely “swept away” at Couples Swept Away, in Negril, Jamaica:

The Beach
From the moment we stepped on the silky-white sand, to our first dip into the sparkling-blue sea, we immediately fell in love with Jamaica. Situated on the center point of , boasts gorgeous tropical views on one of the best beaches in the world. It was hard saying goodbye to it!

The Exotic Appeal
The first thing we requested for our next vacation was something a bit more exotic than your average beach resort. We wanted to see the different plants and brightly-colored flowers – perhaps an iguana or two! Little did we know, most of the villas at this property are surrounded by lush greens, winding paths, and jaw-dropping views from the rooms. We felt like we were in the middle of a rain forest!

The Water Sports
Couples Swept Away is not your average all-inclusive. In fact, most of the water activities were included in our stay – which we took full advantage of, every day! Marc really enjoys wakeboarding, so they took him out one day, “no problem.” We also tried everything from hydro-biking, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and oh yeah, the complimentary “booze cruise!”

The Locals
We both expected the chill, laid-back vibes before we arrived in Jamaica. But nothing quite compares to seeing the kings and queens of reggae up close and personal! On days when there was overcast, we’d head to the nearest tiki bar and have a drink with the bartenders. We’d joke around with our snorkeling instructor as he passed around a starfish for us to touch. We’d even applaud the guitarist on the beach who put our names into a song. Ya, mon!

The Seafood
Marc and I were really looking forward to fresh seafood, and we certainly got it in Negril! Our favorite, and a common menu item, was the red snapper – which they’d whip up in dishes with mango salsa, fresh vegetables, or on a sandwich (don’t even get me started with the “”). We certainly didn’t leave Jamaica hungry!

The Romance
​The last and probably biggest reason I was swept away happened about an hour after we arrived. We were wandering around the resort to scope everything out, when we came across this little bridge set across a small pond in the back of the property. We soaked in the sunset, exchanged some (mushy) words, and before I knew it – Marc was on his knee asking me to marry him. I teased him how all the locals kept asking us our reason for visiting – little did I know it was to celebrate our engagement! A romantic and special moment, indeed.
 
After revisiting “our bridge” several times on our last day, it was time to say goodbye. Truly an experience we won’t forget. Thank you, Romance Travel Group for the amazing recommendation.

A guest blog by: Shauna Carlson, Essie Brands.

For more information on Couples Resorts, or to plan a special getaway with your loved one, contact us today at hello@romancetravelgroup.com, or visit us at  www.romancetravelgroup.com. 

Meet 3 of our favorite, crowd-free Tuscan towns!

​Millions of travelers head to popular sites – like Siena, Florence, and Pisa – each year.  Tuscany’s popularity has become a blessing and a curse. Hotels here can sell out months in advance. And, popular tours book up fast. With so many folks seeing the same sights, it’s easy to feel like you’re visiting Epcot Center rather than experiencing the Italy you’ve dreamed of.
​
But, don’t you worry – the true Tuscany thrives just off the tourist-beaten track. It’s a place where you might:

​•gaze at medieval towers while strolling a centuries-old street 
•sip Chianti with a vineyard owner in an ancient cellar 
•bake fresh focaccia at a chef’s wine-country villa 

With our on-the-ground travel connections, you’ll savor the Tuscany most tourists never experience. Below are 3 of our favorite, crowd-free Tuscan towns: