Are you set to walk down the aisle in 2019? Whether your wedding day is just weeks away or the big question has only just been popped, planning one of the biggest occasions of your life is a memorable experience unlike any other. Both exciting and stressful in equal measures, it requires hard work, meticulous planning, and plenty of tearing your hair out along the way – but if there’s one thing that’s more thrilling than finally exchanging those rings, it’s jetting off on that much-needed honeymoon immediately after the celebrations. Having it booked and ready to look forward to can help that stress to just melt away – so have you secured yours?
The perfect way to relax and unwind after a hectic few months, a luxurious getaway is just what is needed to celebrate those first few weeks of wedded bliss. Your honeymoon should truly be the stuff that dreams are made of, and in our book, that involves white, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and premium cocktails on tap.
Whether you’re a culture vulture, an adrenaline junkie, or simply a fan of 100% relaxation, if you’re in the process of planning your dream honeymoon, then these destinations will have you inspired in no time.
The Maldives
A popular honeymoon destination with newlyweds thanks to its unrivalled luxury, powdery white beaches and beautiful reefs that make for some incredible snorkelling. It can be hard to choose which island to travel to. This Indian Ocean hideaway is a paradise quite unlike any other and some might say, the very definition of postcard perfect.
Spend your days relaxing on the palm-fringed beaches or take a diving trip between the region’s atolls. With waters this clear, it would be rude not to, and if you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger then you’ll be rewarded with schools of kaleidoscopic fish and breath-taking coral walls. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle or a manta ray. If you’re not already addicted to the beauty of the marine environment, then prepare to be converted.
With a plethora of opulent five-star hotels to choose from in the Maldives, expect personal butlers, private pools and sumptuous spas. If you are really keen to push the boat out, then book yourself into the opulent Shangri La Villingilli or the Baros Resort – both take luxury to a completely different level.
Cuba
Fast becoming one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, Cuba is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a good dose of culture to combine with your pristine beaches. Spend a few days in historic Havana to get you started, where you can soak up the olde world charm and immerse yourself in the Cuban way of life – think crumbling buildings and colourful architecture, a spot of salsa dancing and all the mojitos you can drink.
Next, fly over to the breath-takingly beautiful Cayos for a luxurious beach-front stay and some much-needed R&R. With vast stretches of golden sand and stunning turquoise waters, there’s little more you could want from a relaxing break – especially after a few days spent exploring the city.
With its breath-taking natural beauty, old fashioned colonial buildings, live music and exquisite beaches – not to mention its endless daily sunshine – Cuba is a honeymoon hotspot that has it all.
Bora Bora
Giving the Maldives a run for its money, Bora Bora is fast becoming recognised for its iconic water bungalows, white sand beaches and beautiful reefs, offering the ideal destination for a sun-drenched honeymoon away from the hustle and bustle of larger crowds. Located north-west of Tahiti, in French Polynesia, it offers the perfect combination of action and relaxation.
With a distinctly exclusive feel about it, Bora Bora is about so much more than its beaches alone, and couples who favour an adrenaline-fuelled activity or two can indulge in some thrill-seeking watersports or head off to explore one of the island’s eleven volcanoes. Flanked by lush, tropical vegetation, Mount Otemanu is well worth the trek – especially for the breath-taking views you’ll enjoy from the top.
That said, don’t miss out on a trip to Matira Beach, either; this pristine stretch of sand offers one of the best sunset views on the island.
For accommodation, check into the lavish St. Regis Bora Bora – set on a lagoon, this luxe tropical beachfront resort offers stunning over-water bungalows, world class dining and a spa and butler service.
Croatia
If long-haul travel doesn’t appeal after the stresses and strains of wedding planning and all you want to do is get on that beach quickly, then Croatia should be the top choice on your list. With its idyllic coastline, 1,000 or more islands and a whole host of lively and historic cities to choose from, there’s a lot to love about it – and having grandly been declared ‘The 21st Century Destination’ by Conde Naste Traveller, the sooner you can get there, the better.
Seamlessly combining glitz and glamour with its more traditional side, Croatia is awash with lush greenery, deep blue waters and pretty pebble beaches, offering mouth-watering cuisine and more historic sites than you can shake a stick at. Luxury is a given, with a plethora of fabulous hotels and resorts to choose from that are guaranteed to keep you in the manner to which you have been accustomed.
Dubrovnik is the obvious choice, but if you’re keen to escape the crowds then trendy Hvar makes for a quieter island hangout. Foodies should head to the gourmet haven of Istria, while watersports enthusiasts will love the Elapahiti islands, where you can make the most of the sailing opportunities on offer.
Bali
It may be a relatively small island, but Bali is jam-packed with culture, action and beautiful beaches. It’s hard to explore all that this vibrant destination has to offer all in one go, but if you’re a honeymooner in search of a truly enriching getaway then it’s certainly fun to try.
Start your journey in Ubud – often dubbed the cultural centre of Bali – where beautiful five-star hotels offer private pools and lavish suites overlooking the lush green vegetation of the rainforest and the rolling hills of the area’s myriad rice terraces. Check into Chapung Sebali or Alila Ubud for an experience you won’t forget.
Here, you can visit the local temples, explore the many art museums and galleries in the area, indulge in a spot of shopping, and try adventure sports such as white water rafting and abseiling.
For paradise beaches, take a 30-minute boat ride over to Nusa Lembongan, and spend a few days smorkelling and exploring picturesque Nusa Penida. Then, head back to the mainlands to enjoy the trendy hipster vibes of Seminyak and Canggu – or for the utmost in luxury, make your way to Nusa Dua, where opulent hotels and high-end restaurants can be found at every turn.
Wherever you choose to spend your first few weeks of married life, these beautiful destinations are sure to get things off to a memorable start – so pack that suitcase, book those First Class flights and organise that luxury hotel.
