1. Location 

If you choose to elope, the sky is the limit. So hop on a plane, go on a road trip or head down to the courthouse with your soon to be betrothed and have the elopement of your dreams! Below are a few photos that prove no matter where you choose to tie the knot, it can be absolutely magical.

Vegas Baby!

City Hall Cuties

Paris, Please

2. Legalities

Eloping, while a supposed less stressful option, can also get technical. Each state and country has its own laws regarding marriage licenses, so don’t forget to do your research. If you are eloping in a different country you will want to call the country’s U.S. tourist bureau for information. If you’re staying in the states, check out this complete list of marriage laws by state.

3. Say Cheese!

Like any great occasion in life, pictures are a must! Your friends and family will want to see the special moments you and your sweetheart shared but more importantly, you will have photos to look back on. You could even take it a step further and hire a videographer like Courtney and Blaine (below) did. Just prepare yourself for some happy tears every time you watch.

4. Attire

When you elope, you don’t have to play by anyone’s rules! Have fun with your attire and wear what you like, whether it’s a casual get-up, a formal dress, or something in between. Below are a few of our favorite elopement ensembles.

5. Make it Official

If you’re not going to the courthouse, you’ll need someone to officiate (unless you’re eloping in Colorado or Pennsylvania, where you can self-solemnize your wedding). If you hire an officiant out of town, be sure to do research and make sure your religious views align. If you’re interested in having a friend or family member marry you, it’s fairly easy to become a temporary officiant. Laws regarding this vary from state to state so again, do your research!

6. The Guest List

Yes, you’re avoiding the stressful situation that is seating charts, but you still have a couple of decisions to make. Most states require two witnesses to sign a marriage license but again, it varies from state to state. You could invite two close friends to join you, a couple of family members, or even have your photographer and videographer sign. On the other hand, if you’d like to invite your family to witness your elopement, there certainly aren’t any rules saying you can’t, even if you all just head to city hall!

7. Celebrate Good Times

Once you’re husband and wife, take time to celebrate! Whether it’s lunch with your new hubby, exploring a new city after your international elopement, or a proper party with your friends and family, is up to you.

8. The Big Announcement

Many a family member has and will get upset over missing a loved ones nuptials but there are ways to soothe those who are upset. Traditionally, couples who elope do so without telling anyone until after the deed is done. These days many couples choose to clue in their family members, allowing them to feel like they are a part of the day. Whatever you choose, do tell your close family and friends first. Many couples are opting to send other friends and family elopement announcements in the mail (we told you that photographer would come in handy).

Are you considering eloping? We hope this list was a helpful in getting you started planning your perfect elopement. Let us know your dream elopement location in the comments below!

1. Tried and True

First things first — you’ve got to pack your goodies in something! You simply can’t go wrong with Louie Vuitton. LV is so iconic because their designs never go out of style!

2. Sneakers on a Plane

Here’s hoping your plane ride to your honeymoon destination is nothing like “Snakes on a Plane”. Your snakeskin sneakers on the other hand, will undoubtedly turn some heads! If you’re looking to travel in comfort and style, (and who isn’t?) these designer sneakers are for you.

3. Beach Bum Babe

If you’re planning on doing a whole lotta nothing on the beach with your babe, you’re going to need a swimsuit that makes you feel like a million bucks! Lucky for you, one-piece swimsuits are back and better than ever. This striped suit puts off some serious retro vibes, but features the very modern, low-cut back that is so trendy right now.

4. Oversized Obsessions

*Disclaimer — You’ll need a beach bag this large by the time you’re done reading this list. We’re overly obsessed with this oversized tote for two reasons. 1. It’s big enough to carry your stuff and his (but don’t tell him that).  2. It has a seriously classic beachy vibe, while remaining seriously chic.

5. La Mer = Luxury

While you’re soaking up the sun with your sweetie, remember, there’s nothing glamorous about skin cancer. This luxury product protects your skin from harmful UV rays, while reversing signs of aging.

6. Breezy and Beautiful

For those days when you just want to wear your swimsuit all day long, you’ll need something breezy and beautiful to throw on. It’s not every day you see a denim colored cover-up, which is why we love this one!

7. Dior Does it Again

Speaking of sun protectants, let’s talk sunglasses! Dior does a beautiful pair in this seasons trendiest color, rose gold. Protecting your retinas from the sun has never looked so chic.

8. Effortless Style

Spending a day exploring your tropical paradise? Rompers are the perfect way to look like a goddess without putting in the effort of putting together an outfit. Just throw on this gorgeous, teal number on and you’re ready for a day out and about with your handsome man!

9. The Essentials

Because you can’t run around barefoot for your entire honeymoon, you’ll need something basic and comfortable that you can dress up or down. Steve Madden can do no wrong in this department.

10. Your Year in White

Dinner date for two? Continue Your Year in White with this crochet maxi. The pretty, romantic look of it really sells us. The crochet fabric (i.e.breathable) is just a bonus. Perfect for a romantic getaway on an indescribable (and hot) island.

11. A Little Lingerie

You know we had to include this somewhere on our list! A little lingerie never hurt anyone, so if you’ve never been the type to wear something so luxurious to bed, your honeymoon is the time to try it out. Nothing too scandalous here — just a fun, tropical printed, short and tank set in satin.

Hope you found this list fun and useful! Which of these luxury items (if not all of them) will you be taking with you on your honeymoon? If you’ve already taken your honeymoon, what’s the number one thing you would recommend packing? Discuss in the comments!

Martinez, who has shot all over North America, says nothing compares to Alaska. After seeing the Glacier Bride photos, we have to agree! A talented and innovative photographer alone wasn’t enough to make this shoot work though, the bride and groom Martinez worked with were willing to do anything to get the perfect shot!

As you saw in the video above, in order to access the gorgeous glacier, Martinez and the couple traveled via helicopter. Here, the couple was caught smooching near their chariot! If you think this view is something, what came next will knock your socks off.

Did we mention the couple was willing to do anything for the perfect shot? That included wading around in glacier water in their wedding attire. What we don’t know is how they gained the super human strength to look so serene in this photo. What we do know is that the work was worth it!

The beautiful bride sacrificed not just her comfort, but her dress! Result? One of the most breathtaking Trash the Dress photos of all time. The contrast of the stark blue water and her gorgeous white gown is breathtaking. What Martinez has never told anyone is that he used only natural light for the whole shoot. He had brought ample Profoto lighting, but decided to nix it at the last second.

Have these images convinced you to go for adventurous wedding photos? Can’t blame you there! Here’s what Martinez has to say to couples looking to get bold and beautiful wedding photos; “Prioritize your day. You can’t balance your way into epic photography. It has to be one of the top priorities for you and the wedding day. Find a photographer who will push your limits and reward you with something truly remarkable.”

Knowing Martinez lives for adventure and excitement, it was no surprise to us that his favorite part of shooting a wedding is the emotion, drama and suspense of the whole day. With all the distractions of a wedding, it can be easy to bottle up all your emotions. Those emotions tend to pour out when a photographer steals the couple away for a few quiet moments of photography, resulting in intimate photos like the one above! 

When it comes to his own relationship, it sounds like Martinez and his wife are picture perfect together! As far as adventures go, Martinez says “If the day ends with a glass of wine or a morning at the spa, she’s in!” Sounds like our kind of girl. The couple now lives in Nashville, Tennessee where they are raising their four children.

Learn more about Josh Martinez.

Keep up with Martinez’s latest adventures.

Hire Martinez for your wedding day.

Image via James Hamilton’s YouTube channel

1.  SCOTLAND – The Blackening of the Bride                                                               In some parts of Scotland people still practice custom called “the blackening of the bride”. What does it involve? (and yeah, don’t even get us started on the name). The bride’s friends will get together and throw all manner of nastiness at her (from spoiled milk to eggs, flour, even fish and soot). Then they proceed to tie the bride-to-be to a tree. This custom is practiced in order to chase away the evil spirits. But it is also said that if the bride can handle this custom, she can handle anything (marriage included). Sometimes the groom will receive the same treatment (since we are all about equality, we think it is only fair).

Image via Myday.ynet.co.il

2.  POLAND – The Money Dance

The following custom originated in Poland in the 1990s but to be fair – the money dance isn’t exclusive to Poland (the custom is practiced in various forms in a number of countries all over Eastern Europe). When the bride goes to dance with her father, a relative will take an apron and walk around with it. The wedding party guests can then place money in the apron in order to get a chance to dance with the bride. Likewise the female guests in attendance can pay money to have the opportunity to dance with the groom.

Image via Finch &Co

3.  FIJI – A Whales Tooth Gift

You plan to ask your father-to-be for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Sounds simple enough. OK, it might be a bit nerve wracking, but not that bad. Wrong. In Fiji you are expected to bring along a whale’s tooth as a gift. Where do you find a whale’s tooth? We don’t have a clue. Talk about impossible to shop for.

Image via La Crosse Tribune

4.  FRANCE – Banging of Pots and Pans

The custom of charivari dates back to the Middle Ages and it originated in France. Family and assorted friends will gather outside of the newlyweds’ home on the first night of their marriage. They will proceed to bang on pots and pans in order to show their approval for the marriage. It is expected of the newlyweds to treat the crowd with drinks. In some countries the custom goes under the name shivaree. Charivari wasn’t always benign in its nature. Sometimes it was used by the community members that wanted to voice their displeasure about adulterous relationships, when the man was violent or when a marriage was a result of an unsuitable match – for example when a much older widower married a young woman. It was used as a way to shun people from the community.

Image via James Cowan’s YouTube channel

5.  SOUTH KOREA – Beating of the Feet

Falaka is a wedding custom practiced in South Korea. After the bride and groom are married and before the groom is allowed to leave with the bride, he needs to get his feet beaten. Family members or groomsmen will remove his shoes and socks and bound his feet. Then they will proceed to beat his feet with a stick or dried fish. While it might sound cruel it is not, the custom is meant to be in good humor. The purpose is to make sure the groom doesn’t disappoint on his wedding night.

Image via Marigold Events

6.  INDIA – Stealing the Groom’s Shoes

The best way to get families to bond? Have them fight over a shoe. In some parts of India people observe the tradition called Joota Chupai. The groom will take off his shoes on his walk to the altar. The bride’s family will then try to steal the shoes, while the groom’s family will do their best to prevent them.

Image via Turnupgear

7.  GERMANY – Cleaning up Smashed Porcelain

In Germany it is customary for the wedding party guests to bring all sorts of porcelain stuff to the wedding – from dishes to pots and cups. They proceed to smash them on the floor in order to ward off the evil spirits. It is then bride and groom’s duty to clean it all up. The moral of this custom? If the couple works together they can overcome any challenge.

Image via Slavorum.org

8. RUSSIA – Biting of the Bread

After the wedding ceremony Russian newlyweds will have a bread called karavaya. It is decorated with interlocking rings to symbolize faithfulness and wheat that symbolizes prosperity. They have to take a bite out of the bread without using their hands. The person who takes a bigger bite will be the head of the family.

Image via Four Seasons Magazine

9. CHINA – Teasing the Groom

In China your girlfriends got your back. It is customary in China for bridesmaids to give the groom a hard time on his wedding day. They will pose him challenges, tests, ask questions about the bride and generally tease him. And to top it all off he will have to bribe them with envelopes stuffed with cash.

Image via Brides.com

10.  IRELAND – Keeping your Dancing Feet on the Ground

The bride and groom’s dance can be nerve-wrecking as it is (especially if you are less than a stellar dancer). In Ireland? The bride has to remember to keep her feet on the floor at all times. Otherwise it is believed that the fairies will take her away.

We have rounded up the most luxurious honeymoon suites, cottages and tents (yes, tents!) for your consideration. And please share your honeymoon stories in the comments below – where you went, why you chose that particular destination and did it live up to the hype.

1.  Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida Keys, Florida

Image via Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is located on a private island and it is only reachable by a boat or a plane. It is an ideal place for any couples who want to unplug – cellphone use is discouraged and there is no TV in any of the suites. It is also ideal for couples who want maximum privacy (and one of the reasons why the resort is so popular with celebrities). All of the suites are beautifully appointed and most have ocean views. Take advantage of the spa available on the premises or enjoy some fine dining at the resort’s restaurant. It is easy to avoid other people and get lost in a tropical paradise.

2.  Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

Image via Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

Offering stunning views of the Paradise Valley Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is an ideal place to relax, unplug and recharge. Pick one of the chic suites or one of the casitas (if you want more privacy) and enjoy the serenity of the Paradise Valley. If you need some pampering Sanctuary Resort Spa will not disappoint – it offers an extensive range of Asian inspired treatments that will have you reach Zen state in no time. Play a game of tennis, do some yoga or enjoy a long nature walk on one of the hiking trails. The elements restaurant at the resort is headed by Chef Beau MacMillan (a Food Network star) who uses local, organic produce to put together a delicious and diverse menu. Did we mention Beyonce and Jay Z mini-mooned at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa? Yes, there’s that. If it is good enough for Queen Bey…

3.  San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California

Image via San Ysidro Ranch

San Ysidro Ranch, located on the foothills of Montecito in Southern California, is a combination of luxury and natural beauty that has been attracting guests from all over for over a century (Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier got married at one of the gardens). If you want a crazy romantic spot to spend your honeymoon it does not get better than the Kennedy Cottage. This stone cottage offers spectacular views from your private deck, luxuriously appointed rooms, an outdoor rain shower and a hot tub. The reason it is called the Kennedy cottage? This is where Jackie and John Kennedy honeymooned in 1953.

4.  Meadwood Napa Valley Resort

Image via Meadwood

If you want a romantic escape in the Napa Valley, Meadwood will deliver on all counts. It is located in a private valley and you can take your pick between spacious rooms, gorgeous cottages or chic suites. If you want to go all out? Estate Suite should do the trick. Airy and sunny Estate Suite has a private terrace that offers sweeping views of the valley and the forest. If there is a bit of a chill in the air, start a fire and curl up in front of the fireplace. If it is warm, enjoy your dinner on the terrace. Meadwood Napa Valley Resort offers plenty of activities – enjoy a game of tennis or croquet, go for a hike or a swim or treat yourself to a pampering session at the newly opened spa. Last but not least – each afternoon the resort organizes a wine tasting and you can explore the best wines Napa Valley has to offer.

5.  Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Image via Post Ranch Inn

1200 feet above the Pacific on the cliffs of Big Sur you will find the Post Ranch Inn. Make no mistake – Post Ranch Inn is the perfect destination for a luxurious escape, a place to rest, rejuvenate and recharge. But it is the stunning views of the Big Sur coastline that will take your breath away. If you can stare at the view for hours, book a Coast House. Inspired by the redwood trees and circular in design, the Coast House is as private as it gets. And you can enjoy the view from the living room, the bed or the tub (!). If you can tear yourself away from the view, there are plenty of activities available to keep you busy – go for a morning yoga session, enjoy a nature walk, go on a culinary tour with the chef or do some star gazing.

6.  The Four Seasons Hotel, New York

Image via Four Seasons Hotel New York

With its superb location in Midtown Manhattan at The Four Seasons Hotel you will be steps away from the best New York has to offer. If budget is of no concern, book yourself into the Ty Warner Penthouse Suite. Located on the 52nd floor it offers a 360 degree panoramic view of Manhattan from the four cantilevered glass balconies. The suite was designed by Peter Marino and I.M. Pei who hand picked the art displayed in the suite. At your disposal you will have a personal butler and unlimited caviar and champagne. If you want to get around the town in style you can do so in a Rolls-Royce Phantom (your personal chauffeur is included).

7.  Amangiri, Utah

Image via Amangiri

Utah is not the first destination that comes to mind when someone says honeymoon. But Amangiri, located in the Canyon Point in Utah, is a sight to behold. Yes, it is remote. But due to its location (in the middle of the Grand Circle), it is within easy reach of Zion National Park, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Take your pick between one of the luxurious suites that offer breathtaking views of the dessert, the mountains and the mesas (we are partial to both the Amangiri suite and the Girijaala Suite). There is plenty to do at the resort and the surrounding area – go for a horseback ride, do some climbing, go kayaking at Lake Powell or check out the fossils at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. For the early risers there is the option of an early morning hot balloon ride to take in the dawn views of the desert and the mountains.

8.  Twin Farms, Vermont

Image via Twin Farms

Located on the sprawling 300 acres near Barnard in Vermont you will find Twin Farms. Book yourself in one of the cozy and whimsically appointed cottages and enjoy the views from your private porch no matter the season. And there is plenty to do at the property as well – from sledding, ice skating and cross-country skiing in the winter, to canoeing, fly fishing and hiking in the spring and summer. You can do all of this and more while enjoying some of the most stunning scenery Vermont has to offer.

9.  The London West Hollywood, Los Angeles

Image via The London West Hollywood

If there is one place that knows lavish it’s Hollywood. And it doesn’t get more lavish than The Penthouse Suite at the London West Hollywood. The design might have been inspired by Vivienne Westwood, but there is no mistaking that breezy, laid back, luxurious Californian vibe. Did we mention that the Penthouse Suite spreads out over 2 floors? Why yes, you get 2 floors all to yourself! The main attraction (apart from the bathroom which can be described by one world only – OMG!) is your private terrace that offers unprecedented views of L.A.’s skyline, ample space for lounging or entertaining and your own fire pit.

10.  Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel, California

Image via Bernardus Lodge & Spa

An hour away from San Jose and San Francisco and tucked away among 28 acres of vineyards, gardens and orchards you will find Bernardus Lodge & Spa. Whether you consider yourself a foodie, need a bit of pampering or you would like to sample the best wines Carmel has to offer, you can find all of these and more at the resort. For maximum privacy opt for one of the villas that offer the ultimate in ranch chic accommodation. At your disposal you will have your own private terrace AND two private bath patios with outdoor showers. Take in the views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, relax, breathe in and enjoy.

11.  Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

Image via Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Hawaii is a popular honeymoon destination. But if you want the best of the best book yourself into Four Seasons, Hualalai. One of the main attractions of the resort is the King’s Pond – 1.8-million gallon “aquarium” that has been carved out of the natural lava rock and is home to more than 4000 tropical fish. If you want secluded (it is your honeymoon after all) the best choice is the Hawaii Loa Presidential villa. Housed in a single story bungalow this villa is situated directly on the oceanfront and offers stunning views, direct access to the beach and a lanai with your own private hot tub. Watch the sunset or catch the migration of the humpback whales (if you are lucky).

12.  The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

Image via The Resort at Paws Up

The Resort at Paws Up is located on a working cattle ranch that covers 37.000 acres in Western Montana. Take in the big skies and the rugged natural beauty all the while enjoying yourself in the lap of luxury. The Resort at Paws Up is known as the premier destination for glamping (glam + camping) in the United States. It is camping unlike any you have experienced before. The honeymoon tents are located at the Cliffside Camp, a soaring cliff that overlooks the spot where Blackfoot River and Elk Creek meet. The tents offer maximum privacy and the ultimate luxury – from air conditioning to luxurious en suite bathrooms, you will not miss any of the creature’s comforts. The resort is a wilderness playground for all ages – go horseback riding, fly fishing, kayaking, hiking, boating, rafting – the options are almost endless.

1.  Blue Lagoon, Iceland

If you want an experience like no other,  then the otherworldly Blue Lagoon should be your first choice. Blue Lagoon is located 30 minutes from Reykjavik and it is a sight to behold – turquoise blue and nestled in a lava field. The water in the lagoon is recycled from Svartsengi, a nearby geothermal plant, and it is a unique combination of algae, minerals and silica. The water is in fact white, it is the silica and its light reflecting properties that put the blue in the Blue Lagoon. If you want to go all out, book a room at the Clinic Hotel. Located 10 minutes from the Blue Lagoon all guests get complimentary entrance to the Blue Lagoon spa as well as access to the private bathing lagoon. For true indulgence book an in-water massage. If your face needs some gentle care visit their mud mask bar.

Spoil yourself with an in-water massage at the Blue Lagoon.

2.  Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux

Caudalie is a wine-inspired spa. We will let that sink in – a wine-inspired spa! Les Sources de Caudalie is located some 20 kms from Bordeaux and nestled on the lake of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards. The spa offers a unique combination of treatments that include both vinotherapy and the local hot spring waters. The founders of Caudalie pioneered the concept of vinotherapy (polyphenols that are found in grapes are used in skincare for their anti-aging properties). Facial treatments are based around Caudalie line of skincare products (and include everything from anti-aging to hydrating facials), while the body treatments… well. There is the Crushed Cabernet scrub. Or our favorite – the Merlot wrap. One of the treatments also includes, we kid you not, a red vine barrel bath! For the gents there is the sommelier ritual treatment. When you are not being slathered all over with grapes, go for a wine tasting tour, try your hand at a cookery course or take a dip in one of the pools.

How can you resist a place that offers a Cabernet scrub?

3.  Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy

If you want a romantic holiday, it does not get any better than Positano on the Amalfi coast. Overlooking the bay of Positano, Le Sirenuse was turned into a charming luxury hotel by the Sersale brothers in 1951. If you can tear yourself away from the view (almost impossible!), pop to the spa to revitalize your body and your senses. All of the face and body treatments use Aveda skincare with an emphasis on natural products and techniques. Try a Tropical body treatment (it involves a salt scrub and a mango/coconut moisturizer massage), Rosemary mint body treatment to awaken your senses or the botanical skin resurfacing. If you want some privacy book Spa Suite for couples.

The hotel with the prettiest view in the world.

4.  Royal Crescent Hotel   Bath, United Kingdom

Located in the rolling countryside of Somerset and 90 minutes away from London, you will find Bath. A World Heritage site, it is known for its Roman ruins and baths. For a truly luxurious stay opt for the Royal Crescent Hotel (located at the world famous Royal Crescent). The hotel offers superb spa facilities that include a relaxation pool, ham-mam, sauna and steam rooms. Treatments on offer include anti-aging facials (all done with ESPA skincare), a variety of body massages (from deep tissue to reflexology) and pregnancy massages for mothers-to-be. Shop at one of the many boutique shops, take a stroll in one of the city parks or visit the Jane Austen center. When your feet start to hurt, pop into one of the many tea rooms for some afternoon refreshments.

Explore a historic city and indulge your senses in Bath.

5.  Grand hotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Karlovy Vary is home to 13 main hot springs and 300 smaller springs. For centuries people went there for the drinking cure. The drinking cure refers to the thermal waters that guests drank during their stay. A physician will prescribe which spring’s water you are supposed to drink based on your medical condition. The drinking cure should detoxify the body and have a positive effect on both your digestion and your overall health. We will not lie to you – taking the cure can sometimes be grim (the smell! THE SMELL!). So why not spoil yourself with some Old World luxury? Grand hotel Pupp was founded in 1701 and it still retains its charm without skimping on any of the amenities. Their spa is top notch and offers all manner of treatments such as oxygen therapy, inhalations (for people with respiratory problems), carbon dioxide baths and colon cleansing. If you wanted to try a laser treatment, you can do so at the Esthé Laser Clinic. Karlovy Vary can easily be explored on foot and if you want a more active holiday play a round of golf at one of the nearby golf courses, rent a bike or try Nordic walking.

Detox your body and pamper yourself at the charming Grand hotel Pupp

6.  Aqua Dome, Austria

Aqua Dome in Austria is being lauded as the best thermal spa resort in the Alps. It is located 2.5 hours away from Münich and smack in the middle of Ötztal Valley. The main lure? World class spa and unprecedented views of the Alps. The thermal spa area covers 22.000 m2 with 15 pools and 7 (!!!) different saunas to choose from. The beauty spa offers all manner of treatments – from the Tyrolean honey and ginger oil body massage to anti-aging facials. Spa 3000 is exclusive to the hotel guests – sit in the sauna and enjoy the view of the Alps, lounge by the mossy rock pool (a good option after a sauna session) or take a dip in the Ötztal thermal springs.  Want privacy? No problem. Book a private SPA area where you can rest and relax in peace.

Bliss-ed out stay in the Alps.

7.  SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante, Spain

Spain is not all about the city breaks or beach holidays. At SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante wellness is a serious business. Close to the beach of Albir and Sierra Helada Natural Park the clinic and its surrounding area has such micro-climate that the weather here has been declared as the best in the world (by the World Health Organization in case you are wondering). The number of programs available at SHA Wellness Clinic is staggering – get help to detox, combat stress, stop smoking or lose some weight. Aesthetic treatments include rejuvenation for almost every area of the body – hands, legs, bottom, stomach or face.

Rejuvenate your body at the place with the best weather in the world.

8.  Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany

Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa has been welcoming guests since 1872. Prepare yourself for world class luxury in the lush and leafy surroundings of a private park on the Lichtentaler Allee. Take a dip in the pool, let some steam off in the sauna or try their signature ham-mam treatment (it fuses massage techniques with the traditional cleansing). Take a lesson in kickboxing or try a shiatsu massage. If you find yourself craving some shopping or just popping somewhere for a coffee, Baden-Baden can be easily explored on foot (that is if a Michelin starred restaurant on the premises is not enough).

World class luxury in the Black Forest.

9.  Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Hungary Italy

You want to visit a crazy romantic destination for your honeymoon? But you still want to see some sights? And dine in great restaurants? Budapest (also known as The Queen of Danube) will have you spoiled for choice. With over 120 hot springs scattered all over the city, the spa culture is the norm in Budapest. If you are in a need of a serious pampering session Kempinski Hotel Corvinus should be your first port of call. Pick between their seasonal body massages or face treatments. Or try their signature full body Hungary mud treatment. Couples treatments are available. Also? The hotel is a favorite with the visiting celebrities (cough Brad Pitt cough).

The Queen of Danube will spoil you rotten.

10.  Clinique La Prairie, Switzerland

Rejuvenation means different things to different people. At Clinique La Prairie rejuvenation is a serious business. Shortly put – Clinique La Prairie is a spa on steroids. Located on the shore of the Lake Leman and an hour away from Geneva, Clinique La Prairie offers specialized spa treatments for just about anything – from Icoone body treatments to oxygen facials, from reflexology to acupuncture. But what lures repeat guests is the fabled Rejuvenation treatment. The base of the treatment is the CLP Extract which is derived from the cells of lamb fetuses. The cells are processed in the lab and taken orally for a period of 6 days (preferable to how the treatment was done in the past – with injections). The end result should be a boosted immune system and a revitalized body (the results should last up to 2 years). It is rumored Mick Jagger is a fan (which explains A LOT).

Go all out and try the fabled Rejuvenation treatment.

Hotel Mousai – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

AAA Inspector Notes: This chic hotel, exclusively for adults, offers the ultimate in contemporary design in its rooms and public areas. Distinctive personal attention includes a mid-day “siesta” hammock service. Using an iPad to control the electric curtains, guests enjoy stunning hilltop views that offer both jungle and seaside vistas. Exclusive amenities include a rooftop pool, world-class spa and a gym with yoga room and resident DJ.

Park Hyatt New York – New York, N.Y.

AAA Inspector Notes: An ultra-refined, modernist style greets guests at this gleaming glass jewel in the center of Midtown. The spacious rooms feature a custom designed beverage center and a media hub integrated with curated art and designer furnishings, complemented by fine linens, aromatic scents and an oversized soaking tub. Facilities include an indoor pool and state-of-the-art 1,845-square-foot fitness center. This pet-friendly property donates all pet fees to animal charities.

St. Regis Deer Valley – Park City, Utah

AAA Inspector Notes: Located on a ski run with true slope-side ski-in/ski-out access, the guest experience begins with a peaceful funicular tram ride up the mountain, offering stunning picture-postcard views. The luxurious lobby, split-level infinity pool and convenient ski beach for downhill rest breaks invite total relaxation. The rooms, baths and one- to four-bedroom condominiums are luxuriously appointed. Refreshments include a daily afternoon iced tea social, nightly s’mores for the kids and a dramatic evening Champagne sabering for adults by the fire pits.

The Cloister – Sea Island, Ga.

AAA Inspector Notes: This exclusive luxury resort features five miles of private beach, championship sports and recreation, lush gardens and a seaside spa. Rooms are large, luxurious and uniquely designed. Relax in an overstuffed chair and treat your feet to the caress of handmade Turkish rugs after a full day of boating, tennis, squash or your favorite beach activity.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain – Marana, Ariz.

AAA Inspector Notes: Nestled into the Tortolita Mountains, this elegant resort features rooms with expansive views and luxurious baths as well as world-class golf facilities. Influenced by the traditions of the Sonoran desert, the spa features ancient curative rituals and eco-holistic therapies, a treat for guests who wish to be pampered. Enjoy an indoor-outdoor fitness center, complete with a private fireplace and courtyard, and mountain-view serenity pool terrace surrounded by ancient Native American carvings in nearby rocks.

Trump International Hotel and Tower Toronto – Toronto, Ontario

AAA Inspector Notes: Set in the heart of the city’s financial district, this stunning showpiece soars high in the sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer guests remarkable city views. Luxury is standard as each room features Bellino fine linens with an extensive pillow menu, a European-style wet bar with a Nespresso machine and a stone-finished bathroom with a deep soaking tub, rain shower and in-mirror TV. Business features include personalized stationery, business cards, and an in-room fax machine and computer, on request.

AAA inspectors have an unmatched first-person, on-site view of emerging hospitality trends. “At the Five Diamond level, we’re seeing hotels using new technology to expand the scope and depth of the traditional hallmarks of ultra-luxury accommodations: indulgent pampering and highly personalized service,” said Michael Petrone, director, AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings. “For example, using virtual touchpoints such as text messaging, social media and apps, hotels reach out to guests before, during and after their stay. These tools allow guests to interact at their own convenience to further personalize their stay. They can reserve special services like in-room spa treatments, check in and out, maintain their guest folios and share experiences and photos with other travelers.”

Of note among the new additions to the list are three properties that are the only Five Diamond hotels in exclusive destination areas: Marana, Ariz.; Sea Island, Ga. and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. New York City and Toronto continue to add ultra-luxury accommodations, gaining their ninth and fourth Five Diamond hotels, respectively. Additionally, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., remains the only hotel that has maintained the Five Diamond Rating for 40 consecutive years – since 1976 when AAA first introduced the Diamond Ratings for accommodations.

“Attaining the Five Diamond Rating is an impressive accomplishment and a point of great pride for these top hotels,” said Petrone. “Five Diamond establishments stand apart by redefining personalized service, using creativity to enhance guest comfort and providing memorable experiences.” Candidates for the rating undergo multiple unannounced evaluations and a final decision by a panel of experts. Using guidelines weighted by member priorities, inspectors meticulously evaluate guest services and physical attributes to assess the level of competence, refinement and hospitality and assign a corresponding rating of One to Five Diamonds.

For more information about Diamond Ratings and the complete lists of Four and Five Diamond hotels, visit AAA.com/Diamonds.

About AAA Inspections

For 80 years, AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct in-person property evaluations. AAA offers the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations guided by member priorities. With a far greater inventory than any other rating entity, AAA’s rating system covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Travelers can find Diamond Rated establishments and inspector insight in AAA’s trip planning products: the AAA Mobile^® app, the online  TripTik^® Travel Planner mapping and routing tool, searchable online Travel Guides and AAA TourBook^® guides available to members at AAA/CAA offices.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 55 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.