Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, is nearly here. We welcome the return of outdoor barbeques, sky-high wedges, and one of my favorite aspects of the summer – love! We all know summer is officially the height of wedding season. It’s the time of year when beautiful brides don the dress and grooms get spiffy in the suiting of their dreams to walk down the aisle. But once the “I Do’s” and dancing are over, the true party starts when the happy couple whisks off to a dreamy destination for the trip of a lifetime: The Honeymoon.

Imagine jetting off to a place where you don’t have to lift a finger because the British-trained butlers anticipate your every need. Where you’re invited to indulge in gourmet fine dining and fruity top-shelf cocktail concoctions. Where you can take in the turquoise water under a thatched palapa, or spend your time snorkeling and sailing (all without having to pawn your vintage Chanel bag to pay for it). So whether you’re getting hitched or just in desperate need of a romantic getaway, I’m a big fan of the hotspots Rue La La is offering in their Sandals Luxury Included® Resorts Boutique – opening today!

Here are my highlights:

Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas: This seaside stunner is a new Sandals addition. As if the powder white, mile-long beach isn’t enough for you and your sweetheart, how about a Greg Norman-designed golf course, a 29,000 square foot Red Lane® spa, a deepwater marina, and five superb restaurants? SOLD.

Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, St. John’s Antigua: This Five Star, Five Diamond Resort is an oasis located on one of Antigua’s most magnificent beaches. A foodie’s paradise, nine restaurants take guests on a culinary journey around the world, with entertainment options that are virtually endless.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, Nassau, Bahamas: Chic sophistication abounds from the moment you pull up to the stunning Georgian façade, once the domain of a former king of England. Regal and royal, this resort is the home of two sparkling beaches, luxe shopping venues, a swim-up bar, and exceptional cuisine.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, Montego Bay, Jamaica: I love the manicured gardens and noble Georgian-style Great House where you can enjoy High Tea each afternoon and enjoy breakfast in bed. Also available: Seven gourmet restaurants, every water sport under the sun (including scuba diving), swim-up bars, and nightly entertainment where you can dance ‘til dawn.

Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa, Whitehouse, Jamaica: This Jamaican gem is where the hills of the Blue Mountains, lush palm groves, pristine coastlines, and shimmering turquoise waters meet to offer the adventure of a lifetime. As far as I’m concerned, it’s romance personified.

Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica: This is an upscale retreat with true Jamaican hospitality. My dream day: Basking blissfully on the resort’s spectacular twin beaches while sipping “mangosas” – delivered ice-cold and sparkling by unobtrusive beach butlers. Love. Golfers can play at the Upton Golf & Country Club, and for the gourmands there are three exquisite gourmet restaurants where everything is served à la carte by chefs trained in Europe’s finest restaurants.

What to pack?  Your sarong or surf shorts, strongest SPF, and the entirety of your sunglasses collection. Trust me, after wedding planning, primping, and partying, you’ll be glad that someone else is doing the thinking for you.

Douglas Little isn’t your typical candle connoisseur. He dubs himself a “modern alchemist” – and we couldn’t agree more. These waxy masterpieces aren’t your typical coffee table trinket. Not only do they smell intoxicating, but these candles are edgy, hauntingly beautiful, and have a way of creating instant ambiance. Here, the alchemist talks about his burning passion.

Rue La La: Name three moments that just can’t happen without candlelight.
Douglas: Morning, afternoon, and evening. Candlelight makes everything more interesting and creates ambiance. I recently hosted a breakfast at my house and thought – why not put all the candelabras out? Candlelight complimented by sunlight is magical and made my eggs Benedict even more delish.

Rue La La: If a candle is used to set The Mood, who has to get up and blow it out before going to sleep?
Douglas: Whoever has been hitting the gym more often!

Rue La La: What is your favorite candle?
Douglas: Our new “Essence of Green” fragrance. I love everything about it. I’m totally obsessed with the color green and just “green” fragrances in general. This candle fills the room with fresh-cut basil, velvety geranium, and crisp mint – absolute heaven.

Rue La La: Where’s an unexpected place to put a candle?
Douglas: I love to place small votive candles behind objects/books/sculptures. It creates beautiful shadows and outlines objects with soft light.

Rue La La: How do you like to light candles?
Douglas: I’m very superstitious and believe you must light a candle with intention. I am very cautious to clear my mind prior to striking a match.

Rue La La: Which legends would you have loved to give candles to? What would their candles smell like?
Douglas: The Marquesa Casati – it would have smelled of wet animal fur, frankincense, myrrh, and blue lotus absolute. Billie Holiday – gardenias. And Johnny Cash – whiskey, cola, and tobacco.

Rue La La: What candle scents are the biggest turn-on and biggest turn-off?
Douglas: Turn-on: Amber. Turn-off: Berry-scented candles.

Rue La La: Can candlelight make someone fall in love?
Douglas: It certainly can be very seductive. Candlelight is so complimentary and makes everyone look beautiful. The very act of lighting a candle creates drama and touches a primal chord within us.