Having trouble deciding on a honeymoon destination? It’s quite understandable since planning for a wedding is enough to send any sane person’s head spinning. Well, despair not for we have scoured through many of the world’s renowned travel publications to select some of this year’s hottest vacations for newlyweds.
Andalusia, Spain
It is said that while the rest of Europe languished through the Dark Ages, the legendary cities of Andalusia in southern Spain flourished in wealth and enlightenment. Fortunately, the stunning architecture, picturesque villages and secret gardens have been well preserved and continue to reflect the splendor of the Moorish civilization. One of the best ways to explore the region is by car. Hire a personal tour guide or, better yet, rent a vehicle of your own and set off on an adventure through the historic streets of Cordoba, the walled gardens of Seville, and the grand palaces of Granada.
Bora Bora
Situated close to Tahiti, the South Pacific paradise of Bora Bora consistently tops many “best tropical destinations” lists. A romantic description of the island pronounces it as “a tiny emerald in a setting of turquoise, encircled by a sheltering necklace of sparkling pearls”. Bora Bora’s resorts offer the famous “over the water bungalows’’ which sit on stilts above the crystal blue waters of the island’s lagoon.
Each bungalow has a private deck with steps that lead right into the water. It really does appear as though everything one could ask for in a tropical vacation is granted here. Pristine beaches, calm inviting waters, world-class diving, water sports, and excursions to the surrounding islands will have you wishing that you would never leave.
Marrakech, Morocco
Get transported to a magical time in the city of Marrakech or “Marrakesh” in Morocco. Stay at a Moroccan riad, a converted garden mansion that typically consists of a walled building with rooms that open into delightful courtyards. Many riads are lavishly furnished and decorated with Middle Eastern themes providing an atmosphere that is as authentic as possible. At night, candles and lanterns are often lit throughout the terraces and courtyards exuding an air of enchantment.
The old part of the city, known as the “medina,” dates back hundreds of years. It is where you’ll find narrow winding streets surrounded by sun baked rose-coloured buildings and secret doorways that can open to lovely little restaurants or surprisingly cavernous shops that sell everything imaginable. Pay a visit to the historic Koutoubia Mosque and explore the ruins of the El Badi Palace before losing yourself in the world’s largest traditional marketplace, the “Djemaa el Fna.” A bustling square, the Djemaa el Fna is filled with witty peddlers, snake charmers, magicians, and an endless array of food stalls that will have you coming back for more.
Antigua and Barbuda
With 365 beaches, one for each day of the year as the locals like to say, visitors to Antigua will have no problem finding sand and surf that suits their taste. Located in the West Indies, the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda have long been touted as high-end Caribbean destinations. Numerous luxury resorts offer lovely beachside cottages with private pools – perfect for those wishing to disconnect from the rest of the world for a while.
Rajasthan, India
Live like royalty in the palace hotels of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Travel critics have recently showered accolades upon resorts such as the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur and the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur for successfully recreating the opulence enjoyed by the nawabs and Rajput kings who once ruled the area. Luxurious rooms and service that aims to please will leave you feeling quite pampered.
Receive personally guided tours of Jaipur’s sprawling palaces and be sure to join the head chef of Rajvilas on a fascinating journey through the world of Indian spices. Travel onwards to the Udaivilas resort and discover the fabled lake city of Udaipur. Experience sights such as the elaborate lakeside summer palaces of Indian maharajahs before taking a leisurely cruise aboard a private gondola complete with a gourmet picnic basket provided by the hotel.
Paris, France
One of the most renowned and enduring cities in the world remains a classic choice for honeymooners. Take in views from the top of the Eiffel Tower, hop aboard a cruise on the River Seine, and visit world-famous museums such as the Louvre and the Museé d’Orsay. Be sure to spend an evening taking in the sights and sounds of the Champs-Élysées – a street that doesn’t sleep. Why not book a room at one of the numerous boutique hotels for your stay?
Stylish and trendy, these designer hotels combine the elegance of a luxury hotel with the convenience of a bed & breakfast type inn. Walk in the footsteps of famous artists, historical figures, and authors through heritage-rich Parisian neighbourhoods. Since French culinary skills have always been at the forefront of high-end cuisine, at least attempt to reserve a table at any of the world’s most celebrated restaurants or, take a break and unwind at a popular bistro to simply enjoy the city’s charming atmosphere.
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, Italy
A time-honoured saying dictates, “Only Paris is worthy of Rome; only Rome is worthy of Paris”. So if you can’t decide on Paris then perhaps Rome deserves a consideration. Once the seat of the vast Roman Empire and later, a spearhead of the Italian Rennaissance, Rome is the home of some of the finest pieces of art and architecture in the world. Indulge in a typical Roman breakfast of a cappucino and cream-filled cornettos before setting off to explore cultural landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and notable mansions known as “palazzos” and public squares or “piazzas.”
Stroll down the Spanish Steps, the widest staircase in Europe, towards the Via Condotti where you can shop like a celebrity at the fashion houses of Armani, Gucci, and Prada. From Rome travel southwards to the scenic Amalfi Coast where centuries-old towns dramatically cling to the edge of steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea below. The best way to view the extraordinary landscape is by boat and fortunately, tours are readily available.
The Gold Coast, Australia
The lure of some of the best surfing, sailing, and diving areas in the world will attract adventuresome couples to the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. A modern paradise, Gold Coast City boasts glorious weather and vast stretches of sandy beaches. Such is the locals’ love for the ocean that an extensive system of waterways has been constructed throughout the city’s suburbs so that the majority of the population remains perpetually connected to the sea, nature, and recreation.
Purveyors of every kind of water sport conceivable can be found here – from mainstream boating, sailing, and diving to more extreme activities such as kite surfing and wakeboarding. Surfing enthusiasts will enjoy catching a wave at Surfer’s Paradise, which was recently voted as one of the best beaches in the world. And remember that the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s most famous natural wonder, is only a short distance away. Daily tours to the various island resorts of the reef are available via hour-long flights from the Gold Coast.
Step off the plane right onto gleaming white coral sand and come face to face with sea turtles among other rare and beautiful species of marine life. End your trip with a breathtaking walk on top of the Great Barrier Reef for a simply unforgettable experience.