Honeymoons
No travel dream is more important than someone’s honeymoon. Honeymoons don’t just happen; they have to be carefully planned. It is the beginning of your life and often the first big decision you make together as a couple.
According to Conde Nast, honeymooners spend twice as much (over $5,000 on average) and stay twice as long as the average U.S. vacationer. This should be a once in a lifetime event for a couple, so they shouldn’t be afraid to splurge on a few extras. It could be his and hers massages, or a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach followed by horseback riding, or a sunset sail.
When I first meet with a honeymoon couple, I try to determine if they have a specific place in mind. Many couples have already evaluated destinations on the internet, which can be a useful tool to research locations and gather information. However, it’s not the best way to make a final booking. When making honeymoon plans, it’s best to use a travel specialist who has the expertise and knowledge that is needed—at no additional cost. Since this is a trip of a lifetime, the last thing anyone wants to encounter is some unpleasant surprises!
Honeymoons come in all shapes and sizes — a beach vacation, a safari, a ski trip — and are based more on the couple’s joint-personality than on tradition. The requests I get are vast and varied, but I will try to enlighten you on some of the hottest honeymoon destinations — from sunny beaches to castles in Ireland. Depending on the time of year, I have listed below a few of the most well-known spots for lovers.
Turks and Caicos
St Lucia
Bora Bora
The most impressive accommodations in the South Pacific elevate The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort to a new level of splendor. The Resort features 83 luxurious villas and estates. The St. Regis Butler can assist in arranging a Polynesian Wedding ceremony, a romantic flower petal turndown or even a day on your very own private island.
Costa Rica and Belize
Traditionally people go to the beach, but now people are trying to do something a bit different…. and eco-tourism is becoming more and more popular.
Costa Rica is a great spot for active couples. It’s well known for its zip line tours, which send visitors swinging through the forest’s treetop canopy via a cable and a harness – not to mention the great surfing. The Four Seasons Resort in Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has plenty of other options, including two beaches, a fully equipped spa, and a championship golf course.
In Belize, honeymooners can also tour the jungle, swim under waterfalls and explore ancient Mayan ruins. The Turtle Inn in Belize, owned by Francis Ford Coppola, has thatched villas that are set on 650 feet of beach near a small fishing village. There is a honeymoon cottage, with a private garden and Japanese bath.
All-Inclusive Resorts
A great option for honeymooners is to consider all-inclusive resorts. If you book a stay at an all-inclusive resort, your trip is practically worry-free. One rate will take care of the costs of your entire stay. This includes not only meals and drinks, but also entertainment, tips, taxes, airport transfers and more. What all of this means is that you will not have any surprise costs and you will avoid reaching into pockets for tips. There are many to choose from and to suit your budget. Among the top all-inclusive resorts I like to recommend are:
Dominican Republic, Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
Mexico, Royal Hideaway
Ireland & England
And from Dublin, take a short flight to London. And why not stay at The Goring Hotel where many of the guests (including the bride’s family) stayed before the recent Royal Wedding.
Paris or Venice
Venice is known for its enchanting waterways and leisurely gondola cruise boats. It’s not only among the most unique cities in the world; it is an excellent spot for a couple to spend a romantic and unforgettable honeymoon. I would recommend the Hotel Gritti Palace which is one of the world’s most celebrated hotels
These are some of the most well-known and tried and tested spots for lovers. With all the stress surrounding a wedding, it’s nice to step into a marriage with a perfectly tailored honeymoon that will set the tone for exploring the world together as a couple. However it is a personal choice, and with a little diligence and research, the perfect getaway for a honeymoon of a lifetime can be arranged.