From a cosy minimoon in the Cotswolds to a luxury aquatic adventure in Indonesia, newlyweds can enjoy blissful, uninterrupted privacy and make memories to last a lifetime at these romantic hotels fit for every type of honeymooner.
Best for a secluded escape
JA Manafaru, Maldives
Located in the Maldives’ northernmost atoll, JA Manafaru takes seclusion to a whole new level. The island is a honeymooner’s dream, with pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and exquisite overwater villas providing panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, best enjoyed from a private infinity pool or freestanding bathtub. Days can be spent relaxing in paradise, exploring the otherworldly archipelago or indulging in a couples’ wellness treatment inspired by ancient Maldivian tradition. By night, enjoy freshly caught seafood at the ocean-inspired restaurant, experience an intimate wine tasting in the Maldives’ deepest subterranean wine cellar, or choose the perfect spot for a private dining experience on a secluded swathe of beach or in the lush interior of the island.
Rates start from $1,300 (approx. £1,012) per night, including breakfast. jaresortshotels.com.
Best for minimoons
Whatley Manor, The Cotswolds, UK
Revel in the romance of the Cotswolds at Whatley Manor, the historic country house hotel surrounded by 12 acres of arts and crafts-style gardens amidst the chocolate box villages, rolling hills and sweeping meadows that define the destination. The hotel is home to the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Dining Room, perfect for an intimate candle-lit dinner with a tasting menu of contemporary British dishes, as well as a tranquil spa for relaxing treatments and therapies. Wander through the gardens, including the walled rose garden and colourful hot garden, dotted with sculptures and cosy nooks where newlyweds can enjoy an evening cocktail by firelight.
Rates start from £379 per night, including breakfast and use of the spa. whatleymanor.com.
Best for coastal adventure
The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California, USA
Famed for its golden beaches, vibrant culinary scene and unbeatable nautical experiences, the coastal city of Newport Beach effortlessly blends luxury, adventure and romance. Let love lead the way on a romantic gondola ride through the network of quaint canals, catch the sunset over the Balboa Pier and dine in one of the many romantic harbourside restaurants. Set amongst the rolling hills above the Pacific Ocean, The Resort at Pelican Hill offers a truly glamorous start to wedded bliss, with Italian-inspired architecture, seasonal dining, wellbeing and golf experiences. The resort is an ideal base for exploring Crystal Cove State Park, where active couples can enjoy rustic beaches and 18 miles of hiking, cycling and horse trails in El Moro chaparral canyon.
Rates start from $676 (approx. £526) per night. pelicanhill.com.
Best for romantic views
Nobu Hotel Santorini, Santorini, Greece
Overlooking the Caldera, Nobu Hotel Santorini is home to Greece’s first and only Nobu restaurant, where newlyweds can enjoy the famed chef’s celebrated dishes while marvelling at some of the island’s most spectacular sunset views. Located along the Oia to Thira hiking trail, honeymooners can venture to Santorini’s picture-perfect towns and villages, explore local wineries or simply relax beside the dual-level infinity pool with a cocktail in-hand. For a truly showstopping honeymoon moment, take a tour of the island on a private yacht and enjoy Nobu dining on-board as the sun sets over the volcanic landscape.
Rates start from €1,000 (approx. £858), including breakfast. santorini.nobuhotels.com.
Best for a gourmet getaway
The Residence Mauritius, Mauritius
Located 1,200 miles off the coast of Madagascar, Mauritius if the perfect island for nature, gourmet and adventure seeking-honeymooners. Beachfront paradise The Residence Mauritius invites couples to immerse themselves in the destination with a number of unique experiences, from authentic cookery classes to master Creole cuisine, to day trips to the island’s wild south Eden. With four restaurants and bars to choose from, guests may savour a diversity of recipes from around the world, be it traditional Mauritian cuisine at The Dining Room or a decadent afternoon tea in the lounge looking out to gorgeous views of the azure Indian Ocean and tropical gardens for an unforgettable honeymoon.
Rates start from £184 per night, including breakfast. cenizaro.com/theresidence/mauritius.
Best for a sustainable safari
Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania
The recently opened Ngorongoro Lodge in Tanzania offers honeymooners a stunning luxury hideaway, complete with breath-taking views of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Newlyweds can discover the crater with a full-day Game Drive to observe Tanzania’s most extraordinary wildlife such as wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. Perfect for the eco-conscious couple, the hotel pays special attention to protecting the natural ecosystem of Ngorongoro and preserving the culture of the Maasai tribe, whilst 95 per cent of all products used across the property are acquired in neighbouring villages. Inspired by traditional African cuisine with Asian influences, the hotel’s restaurant, The Crater Grill, prepares the best selection of local fish and poultry with an extraordinary fusion of Tanzanian aromas and ingredients.
Rates start from $800 (approx. £628) per night. melia.com/en/hotels/tanzania/ngorongoro
Best for partygoers
Ibiza Gran Hotel, Ibiza, Spain
Located right on the seafront facing the island’s most luxurious marina, Ibiza Gran Hotel 5* Grand Luxe is the finest manifestation of serene Mediterranean luxury. Couples eager to experience the famed nightlife of Ibiza will find an abundance of venues just steps away from the hotel’s doorstep, including the emblematic Lio and Pacha. Additionally, the hotel features its own nightclub, Club Chinois, where world-class music and entertainment come alive in the heart of Ibiza. The Casino de Ibiza also provides an opportunity for guests to enjoy an elegant and exciting gaming experience. After a night of excitement, honeymooners can find the perfect respite at the Open Spa at Ibiza Gran Hotel – a go-to oasis spanning over 1,300m², dedicated to revitalizing both body and mind.
Rates start from €480 (approx. £413) per night, including breakfast. ibizagranhotel.com.
Best for nature lovers
Aqua Expeditions, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
A recognised global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions promises honeymooners the adventure of a lifetime. Aqua Blu – the first ever long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia – offers breath-taking excursions to Raja Ampat, with carefully considered itineraries permitting guests to visit one of earth’s most unspoiled sanctuaries and connect with nature in a remarkable, yet responsible way. With a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, Aqua offers ultra-personalised excursions led by native born-and-raised naturalist guides. From snorkelling with majestic manta-rays to spotting saltwater crocodiles and hawksbill turtles, splendour in wildlife is found at every turn.
Rates start from $8,715pp (approx. £6,843) for seven nights/ $13,445pp (approx. £10,557) for 12 nights. aquaexpeditions.com.
