Cape Town preview vlog. Scroll to bottom for full vlog <3
Jamaica
WHY WE ♥ JAMAICA:
Jamaica the perfect blend of scenic wonder and cultural bliss. It is where my father-in-law grew up. Kingston will always be home to him ✨. I love my husband’s stories of his family taking trips there and his dad driving them all over the island when he was growing up. I’ve wanted to go for years and we finally went together for a wedding. Since we were there for a family member’s nuptials, we didn’t explore like we would have it were just a baecation. Yet, I know it is still an incredible place to visit, eat and appreciate the culture. Everything tastes so fresh (because it is) from their fruit, fish and famous Blue Mountain Coffee.
OUR FAV♥RITE THINGS TO DO:
Lagoon Bungalow w/a Private Pool
Bathtub with Ocean Views
Buffet Breakfast + Restaurants
Underwater Spa Treatments
Water Tubing
Private Rock-Pier Dinner 😍
Floating Breakfast in Private Pool
Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean
One night MASTER suite surprise
A Candid Cost Calculation:
Accommodation – JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar. Remember when I said saving is essential? Our six-night accommodation was actually booked at a relatively conservative rate. Wherever you decide to stay in the Maldives, make sure it includes the iconic experience of walking down a wooden overwater walkway that leads to a private villa or lagoon. This is a destination meant for relaxation and romance, so you’ll spend much of your time enjoying your room and surroundings, rather than exploring a bustling city.
Food – The food in the Maldives was delicious! Keep in mind that they can charge you whatever prices that they want because there are no cheap fast-food or street vendor alternatives. The absolute best meal that we had was a private dinner on a rock-pier. This is a surprise that I set-up for my husband’s birthday. You can read about that here.
Transportation – After landing in Malé, the capital of the Maldives, following our layover in Dubai, we enjoyed a 30-minute roundtrip speedboat transfer that was included with our accommodation.
Best of the Best – After a full day of surprising my husband with bday experiences and surprises, he flipped the script and pulled the ultimate surprise for me – a one-night stay in the presidential villa at the end of the iconic wooden overwater walkway. The surprise was to celebrate an accomplishment in my career. As you can see, we like to spoil each other 🥰. You can read more about this surprise in my blog – Planning Your Spouse’s Birthday Abroad.
FULL VL♥G:
Cape Town full vlog <3
PRO TIPS ♥:
1
Break Up the Long Travel
Most people who travel to the Maldives from the U.S. have a layover in Dubai. We barely made our connecting flight on the way to the Maldives but had an 18 hour layover on our return flight. I recommend getting a hotel for one night (even though you will not spend the night). In that time, you can shower, nap, explore and have a nice dinner.
2
Book Activities in Advance
Unlike a busy city with many tour operators, most activities are booked through the hotel. Whether you stay at the resort or venture out, it’s best to book everything in advance, as options are limited and popular activities can sell out. Be sure to schedule plenty of free time to enjoy your private villa and leisurely meals.
3
Once in a Lifetime Trip
I am all about saving money but not much will get saved here. This is truly a once in a lifetime trip so if you're able, splurge and do everything that your heart desires. There are certain trips that we take every year. This is not one of those trips! You may not have another opportunity to return so make sure to make a list of everything you want to do and make sure to do them.
4
Share It with Someone Special
I have to be honest, I cringe a little when someone brings a girlfriend or boyfriend to the Maldives. I have seen it happen and the relationship doesn't last. You will have these amazing, forever memories attached to a a non-forever person. If possible, save this trip for your forever date. Your time will come ❤️
June 11, 2025
