After Brooklynites Melody and Kevin Aberg tied the knot in Middletown, CT, they couldn’t wait to board their flight down to Belize for a romantic honeymoon. Melody, who works in marketing for a book publisher and Kevin, who does credit and risk management for a trading firm, wanted a trip that offered them a little adventure and a whole lotta relaxation. Melody says that Belize is a destination that, “felt like a few different honeymoons in one.”

Costa Rica, the South of France and Tahiti were all incredible destinations these two also considered. But in the end it was the wide range of activities combined with the great deal on flights that sealed the deal for Belize. Melody says, “It seemed like a place where we could really get a lot for our money and time – and that proved to be true. Flights were inexpensive (less than $300 each, round-trip from New York) and only took a few hours.”

The incredible waters of Belize are what draws visitors to this spot. Melody and Kevin were amazed by the nurse sharks and stingrays they saw while snorkeling. When asked what they’d do if they went back, this was at the top of their list. Melody says, “There are so many world-class snorkeling spots right off Ambergris Caye, and we only took one snorkel trip during our time there. If we went back, we’d check out some of the other snorkel spots – especially around Lighthouse Reef.

These two absolutely loved Victoria House, the resort where they stayed. Our faithful readers will remember another Melody +1 couple who coincidentally stayed at the very same resort. Mel and Kevin say it, “was a fantastic value for the experience.”

What’s not to love about a country with friendly locals, gorgeous beaches and fun in the jungle?! Melody list some of their trip highlights: hiking, lazy cocktails on the beach, zip-lining, reading on their balcony and cave-tubing. And the weather wasn’t bad either. She says, “It was perfect! Sunny and clear but not too hot; only rained one day we were there.”

Sounds like absolute perfection to me!

And we saved the most fabulous for last, The Fontainebleau in Miami Beach. This place is the ultimate honeymoon destination for couples who want some old-school romance on their trip. Following a recent $1 billion renovation and expansion (yes, that’s with a B) this place oozes golden-age glamour and luxury. Be prepared to pay a grand a night for a suite here. And then live it up.

Located just off the lobby, The Bleau Bar reminded me of Rat-Pack-hotel-meets-21st-century-Vegas. It was as if Old Blue Eye could come strolling up to the bar at any moment. With his iPhone in hand.

Amanda (above) and I were way, way into this place, as well as the extensive cocktail menu. My champagne-and-strawberry concoction was delicious though expensive. The boys weren’t as thrilled. They thought it was cheesy, but that’s exactly why we ladies loved it.

What can I say… I’m a sucker for a light-up floor!? It makes your strappy gold sandals look oh-so-Miami.

The guys may have been underwhelmed with the decor, but Tim did brave The Gaucho (tequila, ginger beer, and jalepeno.) He says, “It was delicious, but I couldn’t drink it. It made my stomach hurt. It defeated me.”

We ventured outside to check out the huge and newly renovated pool area – where Lady Gaga will be ringing in 2010, by the way. The cabanas are top notch with beds and flat screen TVs. Tim loved the LED twinkle lights that lined the bottom of the pool, slowly changing colors.

And so, dear honeymoon readers, the end of Fancy Cocktail Night seems the best place to leave you on this New Year’s Eve. Wishing you a very happy, very fun, and very romantic New Year. Hope you get to kiss someone great at midnight!

(We’ll be back on Jan 4, 2010!)

Some choose The Delano for its design sense. Others for its South Beach location. But everyone chooses The Delano for its pool. During the day, the lounge chairs and cabanas are the place to see and be seen. At night the pool heats up into one of Miami’s hottest bars.

Celebrities, socialites and decked-out ‘regular’ folk flock to the pool day and night. But catching some rays here doesn’t come cheap. Besides splurging on a room, be prepared to shell out for bottle service in the cabanas.

Just like the all-white guest rooms, the Agua Spa is minimal and modern. Offering the typical spa services, the best part of any treatment is relaxing on the roofdeck when you’re done.

A manicure will run you around $50 and hour-long massages start at $140. You can also get spa services in your pool-side cabana. The spa is open 9 am to 9 pm everyday.

The Delano offers numerous food and drink options, including Blue Sea (it’s sushi spot), the Rose Bar and the Blue Door Terrace (below). Grab lunch and a cocktail here during the day to people-watch and relax.

We also got a peek at the legendary Florida Room bar, designed in collaboration with Lenny Kravitz (below). The place was empty since it was early in the day, but you can imagine this room gets going when packed until the wee hours of the morning.

The Delano is an experience for all five senses. It can also be a hit on the wallet. Tomorrow we’ll check out a funky Miami hotel that’s much more budget-friendly.

As one of Miami Beach’s most famous hotels, The Delano is hallmark of design in the US. The art deco exterior and glamorous lobby make it one of the most glamrous places to stay in the city.

With even the most basic rooms costing over $500 a night, this place doesn’t come cheap. But every square inch of this place will delight design-lover and trend-setters.

Wandering through the Philippe Starck-designed spacious lobby is like walking through a modern art museum – one where you’re allowed to touch. With chairs designed by Antonio Gaudi, Man Ray, and Salvador Dali you can get up close and personal with the furniture (as Tim does below.)

We were lucky enough to get an exclusive tour from the Delano’s staff. The guest room above features an update of Starke’s design by Tim Andreas of Banjo. The room features a king-size bed, down comforter, white floors and black-out shades for late-sleepers.

Other accommodation options at the Delano include poolside bungalows, luxury suites, and of course the penthouse. But we were smitten with this simplicity of this all-white room. It’s like a blank canvas for the honeymoon of your dreams.

We also got to peek at the seriously stocked mini-bar. Not just booze and snacks here, but also an iPod docking-station, spa products and clothing bedazzled with the Delano logo. Does this place look familiar yet? You may remember it from this little gem.

Up next, a look at The Delano’s famous pool and Florida Room bar.