The Honeymoon Is Back On!
November 13th, 2007 @ 2:01 pm by Mrs. Peony
I had written earlier about my choice not to go on a honeymoon for several reasons:
- Money. I had been too conservative with my original budget… things in NY can cost 20-30% more than the national average. In addition, buying a condo while planning a wedding is fast draining our bank accounts.
- My parents have graciously offered to pay for the difference in my original budget and the actual budget. So we plan on giving them all the cash gifts we receive at the wedding.
- We can’t register for a honeymoon because we really don’t have any household items - we need the registry for traditional registry items.
- This is probably just pure stubbornness on my part, but I don’t think that a honeymoon taken months/years after a wedding is a “honeymoon.” Even if you reap the benefits of a honeymoon such as free upgrades, I still consider it a romantic vacation.
Naturally, I was pretty bummed about this. However, I was adamant that Mr Peony and I start our lives together debt-free and I got over it. Mr Peony and I decided that we can have the romantic vacation of my dreams to the Greek Isles the year after our wedding.
Then my parents surprised me with some wonderful news. They told me that they support my decision not to go on a honeymoon; it is the responsible thing to do and they were proud of me for having made such a difficult decision. However, they were both very sad that I couldn’t go on a nice honeymoon, especially because they couldn’t afford one either when they got married years ago (my parents both come from very large but very poor families). They also knew that Mr Peony and I had never gone on a romantic vacation before…
My parents want to pay for our honeymoon! It will be my birthday, Mr Peony’s birthday, and our wedding presents combined.
When I relayed the news to Mr Peony, he confessed that he had been working on something too! He had been secretly saving extra money and talking to his Greek friends about nice but affordable accommodations. He was planning on surprising me as soon as everything was set.
I felt so loved and was overwhelmed with emotion. Last night while lying in bed I blinked back tears for having such wonderful people in my life.
Now we are in full honeymoon planning mode as well. I found out that the week we will be visiting is Greek Holy Week, which is a great time to visit with all the extra festivities.
I’m thinking of visiting Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. I don’t really care if we stay in nice hotels, just as long as we get to stay in a luxury hotel for just one night.
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to stay in Greece? Any must-do or must-visit suggestions?
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24 Responses to “The Honeymoon Is Back On!”
Haven’t been to Greece but make sure you book your tickets far out…many many many Greek Americans will probably by flying home for holy week so ticket prices will be high and/or many flights booked.
That’s fantastic! I’m so happy for you. I went to Athens, Mykonos and Santarini with my mother a number of years ago — I wish we still had our itinerary so I could suggest places to stay.
While you’re thinking about how long to spend in each place know that Athens has a ton of history, Mykonos is a party island and Santorini is very quiet and relaxing so plan your trip based on what is important to you.
Hiya,
not sure about greece but my FI and I are planning on going to Paphos in Cyprus- that is pretty close to greece…
Crown Resort Horizon through thomson.co.uk or http://www.thomascook.co.uk for 7nights is bout £650 for 2 adults/all inclusive holiday with flights/transport to and from airport to the resort/feeding and all the facilities at the hotel
not sure how much it would cost you since you are leaving from the states (we leave from Manchester) but the site is well worth a vlook- cheers
Honestly? Take a day trip or two to Athens. Don’t stay in it. I’d also suggest visiting Crete when you’re there!
That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you 
You have such great parents and a wonderful fiance! Sorry, no suggestions for places to go/stay in Greece…I’d love to go someday.
You will have the best time!!! My husband and I went there for a vacation two years ago. Please email me at alysonschwartz at gmail dot com and I can give you hotel info for all three places and sights and restaurants. You will have the best time!!!!
Thats great that you are getting your honeymoon!!! Greece is beautiful. I went with three friends and we stayed at Apanema in Myknonos (http://www.apanemaresort.com) and Villa Ilias in Santorini (http://www.villailias.gr). The hotel in Santorini had a breaktaking view, though the rooms were a bit outdated. The Apanema was a gorgeous boutique hotel, and we got it for a great rate because we went off season. It was in walking distance from town and has an infinity pool (so fun!). It might be a good “splurge” hotel. Have fun with your planning!!
Oh congratulations! You’re family and Fiance are wonderful! Makes it seem like you have fairy godparents. See, now this is what it’s all about.
Yay, I’m SO happy for you guys! I’ve never been to Greece, but I’ve heard that it’s so beautiful!
Yay. Congrats! I am from Greece (almost all of my family still lives there) and have spent at least a dozen summers there. We also were engaged on the island of Mykonos last summer.
It sounds like you may have already picked your travel dates, but if possible, do not go in August. The heat is pretty unbearable, there are a TON of tourists and most Greeks are also on vacation (meaning shops in Athens are sometimes closed).
Also, Mykonos is definitely a party island so make sure that is your thing or you might get burned out or overloaded after a day.
Santorini is a must see so good choice. Sign up for one of the sailboat day tours that takes you to the volcano, swimming in the hot springs and finishes off with a donkey ride (or walk) up the hills to watch the sunset. You can sign up once you get there at the port and it is really reasonable.. around 20euros.
I would recommend also going to another island (depending on how much time you have). Cephalonia is gorgeous if you want laid-back with lush scenery. That is the island where they filmed Captain Correlli’s Mandolin.
In Athens, stay somewhere close to the Metro (subway) and you can get all over the city very easily.
Have fun!
Hi Miss Peony -
I am researching the Greek Isles for my honeymoon too!!! The most popular advice I’ve received so far is that I don’t need to stay in Athens fore more than 2 days.
Also, check out Travelzoo - they have a special going on now for Greece (for the 3 places you named) - http://vacations.travelzoo.com/european-vacations/338297
Good luck!
You must go to Lefkada (Lefkas). The island is beautiful and mostly visited by europeans so it makes it a great true getaway for us Americans.
I went for two weeks last September and it was the best trip I have ever taken.
Aww…I’m so happy for you! =) Just reading your entry made me smile.
In Santorini, I stayed in a place called Finikia Place. It’s right outside of Oia, which is a quiet fishing village with BEAUTIFUL sunsets and away from the craziness that is Fira. You can read my review at http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g482941-d253974-r5816338-Finikia_s_Place-Oia_Santorini_Cyclades.html. Best of all, it was about $80/night!
I’ve heard amazing things about Anastasis Apartment. I’d love to go to Santorini one day. I told myself that whoever takes me there, I’d marry him. Have an awesome trip!
i honeymooned in greece too! congrats, its so beautiful!
we stayed at FRESH hotel in Athens. walking distance to a lot of sites, and a very trendy and fun hotel (rooftop pool!) it’s part of the design group that also does the very trendy Hotel Gansevoort in NY, but it’s not as expensive. they also have a WONDERFUL buffet breakfast. in greece- check out stadiou for shopping, the nightlife around the acropolis, all the historic sites in the city, if you have time go out to gyufada (its a richer suburb outside of athens) its nice to see how different it is from america and from the athens) and there’s also a private beach called Tales that is quite nice.
in greece, i would make sure to drink lots of FRESH JUICE, it’s so delicious and everywhere.the euro is a lot higher than the american dollar, so be aware of that…and don’t tell cab drivers you’re american cause they’ll try to rip you off…sometimes 
we only went to Santorini (but the husband has been to mykonos, and its pretty but for heavy partying mostly..)
we stayed in fira (thira) but traveled all around the island during the 9 days we were there..
i would recommend eating lots of tzitziki, moussaka, and gelato:) the black beach on santorini was one of my favorites, red beach is really beautiful, and there’s a priv ate strip of beaches above the “family beaches” on the bottomeast coast of the island. you should definitely rent a car, motorbike or one of the off-road cars to get around the island–totally worth it. Mama’s house in FIRA is a great restaurant. don’t go to the seasfood restaurant witht hte colorful lights (beautiful but they are tricksters)
you must check out OIA or the sunset..
we stayed in 2 different villas in fira, Enigma, and Porta Fira, both were nice. If you are looking to stay in a luxury hotel for just 1 or 2 days..i would recommend splurging for one that has a private jacuzzi / or pool. it was wondering to soak up in a hot tub (private) after a long day of walking, beaching, and being outside. have fun!!
We’re going to Greece for our honeymoon too! We’re still figuring out where to stay and what to do as well. So great recommendations from everyone. I’m so glad you got to go there for your honeymoon! Can’t wait to hear how it goes! We want to see pictures!
I haven’t been to Greece in years but I spent time in Athens and Santorini, among other places. I don’t know the name of the hotels but in Santorini we stayed in fira in a hotel that was literally cut into the side of the cliffs– amazing, adorable, charming! Take the boat to the hot springs and hike up the volcano, the view from the top is incredible. I really enjoyed visiting the buried city of Akrotiri (similar to Pompeii) and if you are into history it’s really cool to see the snapshot of daily life. It’s not on your list but my favorite town was Nafplio, just a beautiful town very close to lots of great sites and Delphi was incredible, too…. Ahhh can I come too???
We went to Athens and Santorini on our honeymoon this August. As someone already mentioned, Greece (especially Athens) is quite hot in August. However, we were fine - carry water with you everywhere you go and stop at least once or twice a day for ice cream (no, seriously, we ate a ton of ice cream). We ended up getting an apartment for free for five days in Athens (basically through the kindness of strangers), so I can’t recommend any Athens hotels. Find a place on the subway or on the TRAM (it’s, um, just like a subway) and you’ll have no problems. They don’t have great beaches in Athens, but when it’s 90 degrees, you’ll be happy for the cigarette-covered beaches they do have. (Oh yeah, 66% of Greeks smoke - we don’t like the smell, so this was the worst part of the trip for us.) We stayed at Artemis Villas (http://www.artemisvillas.gr/) in Santorini and really enjoyed it. We got a studio - the room was tiny, as you would expect, but the bed was comfortable, it had a small refrigerator, an amazing view, and the air conditioner worked really well. What more do you need on your honeymoon? It was in Imerovigli, which is the highest town on the island. This is nice because you have a beautiful view and because you can walk anywhere and it will be downhill - however, walking back from anywhere is uphill! We got a four-wheeler for three days and it was TOTALLY worth the money (30 Euros per day maybe?) - you could also walk places and then take the bus back, as the bus service there is pretty good. This is getting long - what other info would you like?
Oh, I forgot to say - Akrotiri is closed to visitors. We were excited to see it until we read that the roof caved in and killed a tourist a few years ago (2003?). Last I read, the site will be closed through 2008. We did go to the Red Beach, which is right near there - you have to pay to sit under the umbrellas, so be ready with your euros.
Great choice! My fiancee and I are thinking about either Greece or Italy for our honeymoon. Do you know the exact dates for Greek Holy Week?
[...] since my parents graciously offered to help pay for our honeymoon, I had been talking with various travel agencies. In addition, I exchanged several emails with [...]
hope im not too late!!
lefkada is gorgeous
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6090800815557877745
ave a nice time
P
Mrs. Peony, New York
Age and Occupation: 27, Marketing Coordinator
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, QA Engineer
Engagement Date: June 28, 2007
Wedding Date: April 18, 2008
Venue: The Fountainhead
Blogging Since: August 7, 2007
About Me: Both Mr. Peony and I are huge computer nerds, and our conversations usually consist of the latest gadgets, programming languages, and video games. At the same time, I can also be very girly with an obsession with handbags, makeup, and high heels. And art! I've studied studio art extensively, almost majored in art history, and freelance as a web and graphics designer. Mr. Peony and I are having a ball of a time planning a wedding for 250(!) guests, doing our best to infuse our personalities (geeky chic) with the wishes of our very traditional Asian parents.
Congrats, Miss Peony! Holy Week in Greece is absolutely breathtaking. The procession in the streets is just so enchanting and beautiful. I go to watch when I was in Athens.
Sorry no hotel recs, since I was just a student when I went. But I’m so happy for you!