A Tropical Paradise of Culture, Nature, and Romance

Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands, each surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Located approximately 2,000 km northeast of New Zealand, its two main islands—Viti Levu and Vanua Levu—are home to most of Fiji’s nearly 920,000 residents. The islands’ geography ranges from lush rainforests and volcanic mountains to white-sand beaches and secluded lagoons, creating a breathtaking natural canvas.

Fiji enjoys a tropical marine climate, with warm temperatures year-round averaging 77–86°F (25–30°C). The dry season from May to October is especially popular with tourists, while the wetter months bring lush vegetation and dramatic tropical showers. The islands boast rich biodiversity, from exotic birds and fruit bats to flowering hibiscus, towering coconut palms, and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life.

Fijian culture is a warm blend of indigenous Melanesian traditions and strong Indian influences, rooted in community, hospitality, and connection to nature. Visitors can experience traditional village life, enjoy a kava ceremony, or watch firewalking and meke dance performances. English is widely spoken, though Fijian and Hindi are also national languages. Christianity is the dominant religion, alongside Hinduism and Islam, creating a rich tapestry of festivals and traditions.

For travelers—and especially honeymooners—Fiji offers an unmatched blend of luxury and authenticity. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in an overwater bungalow, diving with manta rays in the Yasawas, snorkeling in the pristine coral reefs…

… or enjoying a private beach picnic on a deserted sand cay …

Fiji invites romance at every turn. Resorts often incorporate Fijian design and local produce, enhancing the cultural immersion without compromising comfort. Locals are generally very friendly and welcoming (though business-minded…), the beaches offer powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, and the technicolor sunsets create an unforgettable backdrop for beginning a new chapter in life.

In every sense, Fiji is not just a destination—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience of serenity, wonder, and romance in the tropics.

Munich – that’s “Oktoberfest,” right? Was that your first association?

Well… yes. Parades and beer tents and the general atmosphere of a time-honored country fair. That’s what you get when you travel to Munich in the Fall – between September 20 and October 5 this year, to be exact. BUT there is so much more to Munich… let me show you.

Beautiful baroque architecture…

The Marienplatz and Liebfrauenkirche…

… parks and beer gardens…

… and lots of things to see in the vicinity. You could go on a day trip to King Ludwig’s castle Neuschwanstein (inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle)…

… a folly that actually cost the king his life – he was found drowned in a nearby lake, most likely a political assassination motivated by his enormous spending spree on fairytale castles.

You could go on a day trip to see the Alps and the picturesque little town of Mittenwald …

… or, even better, stay there for a while for mountain hiking. Also less than 200 miles away is Lake Constance with its fully restored Bronze Age village…

… absolutely worth the detour.

For your stay in Munich, I recommend as your homebase the hotel Bayerischer Hof – traditional, elegant, centrally located (with the most famous dirndl shop right next door!) and the additional benefit that the Oktoberfest parades go right past its front entrance.

Once you are in Germany, what about traveling a bit further north for a Rhine river cruise past countless medieval castles…

… and a visit to the medieval city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber – also home to one of the most famous “Christkindlmaerkte” (Christmas markets) in all of Germany?

I am sure you’ll love it. Again – send photos!

The city of light, the city of love – once in your lifetime, you HAVE to see it, so why not for your honeymoon? Believe me, it IS magical – still, despite the traffic and the tourists…

One of my own fondest memories is arriving at the Gare du Nord via night train with my then-fiance, now-husband, at the crack of dawn – way too early to check into our hotel. We left our luggage at the station and walked. We watched the sun rise in the Jardin du Luxembourg.

We wandered the streets as the city was waking up. It was a rare epiphany: we felt the soul of the city… beyond the Eiffel Tower.

Yes, of course, you should visit the Eiffel Tower, that’s a “must” for all tourists, but there is so much more! The Palace du Louvre with its world-famous museum and the glass pyramid in front …

… the newly restored and reopened Notre-Dame cathedral, one of the greatest Gothic masterpieces…

The Seine with its many bridges (and don’t forget a boat tour on a bateau mouche – maybe at night..)

… the Palais Royal…

… and long strolls throught the St. Germain des Pres neighborhood.

This here is MY Paris… quiet, romantic, and steeped in history.

Bon voyage!