Top 10 Honeymoons

Top 10 Honeymoons

Planning your honeymoon can be just as exciting as planning your actual wedding because you know that once your wedding day confetti has settled, you and your new husband will be jetting off somewhere wonderful for a well-deserved romantic break. The world is getting smaller and there are ever more far-flung and exotic locations to choose from. But at the same time, there are also some fabulous options closer to home. We asked bespoke travel agent Jack Adams to come up with what he considered the best places for honeymooners all over the world.

Jack says: “I’ve gone for the top ten hotels and resorts that I think are particularly suited for honeymooners. Each one has something special about it. But remember to check with your doctor whether you need vaccinations several months before you set off.”

BedarraIsland, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Jack says: “The ultimate honeymoon destination. Simply amazing. You fly to Cairns, then take a short flight to nearby Dunk island, followed by another short boat ride, or you take a boat from MissionBeach near Cairns all the way to BedarraIsland. It really is a proper, hard-to-reach tropical hide-away.”

Bedarra is an exclusive adults-only resort that takes a maximum of 32 guests in 16 villas hidden in the rainforest, each with its own private balcony and minutes from the beach. It’s the chosen resort for the likes of our own royal family, and the Hollywood A-list.

Weather: tropical, average 29ºC

Tip: December to March is the rainy season.

Website: www.bedarraisland.com

The One and Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

Jack says: “For those who really enjoy opulence and pampering. The staff are so attentive that if you drop your towel they’ll pick it up before it hits the floor.”

Probably the best resort in Dubai, built like an Arabian fortress on the beach. It has all you would expect to find in a five star hotel, but is also just a few minutes away from Dubai city centre, considered by many to be the shopping capital of the world. Ideal for those who want to combine relaxing on the beach with well-earned post-wedding retail therapy.

Weather: Hot and sunny all year round, little rainfall

Tip: Between May and September is too hot to eat outside with temperatures rising to more than 40ºC.

Website: www.oneandonlyresorts.com

Hotel Cipriani, Venice, Italy

Jack says: “I love this because you get your own private butler, and the food is just out of this world. Venice is also one of the most romantic cities there is, there’s so much to see and do, plus you can get there quite cheaply and quickly.”

You reach the Cipriani by private launch, so despite the fact the hotel is at the heart of the city, you still get the feeling of exclusivity. The hotel is home to the famous Casanova Spa, so named because the legendary lover seduced some of his ladies in the hotel gardens! To add to the romance, instead of flying, why not take the luxurious Orient Express?

Weather: Cool winters, hot summers

Tip: June to September can be hot, but spring and early autumn months are very pleasant too.

Website: www.hotelcipriani.com

The Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia

Jack says: “It’s another fabulous, secluded getaway and combines beautiful beaches with lush rainforest. The staff are pleasant and really discreet, so you feel you are truly alone, but with all the comforts of the hotel at your disposal.”

You can choose a private villa hidden in the rainforest with its own plunge pool for total romantic seclusion. If you have the energy, why not take a jungle walk or a tour of the mangroves? If that sounds too energetic, then you and your new husband can enjoy a joint appointment at one of the several spa pavilions that caters for couples wanting to be pampered together.

Weather: Hot and humid most of the year

Tip: The wettest months are August to November.

Website: www.thedatai.com

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Jack says: “This is something completely different to all the other resorts – it’s a man-made fantasy, totally over the top, but fabulous nevertheless. It has everything you need all in one place – great food, relaxing spas, breathtaking shows, excellent shopping – and of course the casinos. Vegas is fast and furious, where you go for the time of your life.”

The Bellagio is one of Vegas’ most famous hotels and featured in the blockbuster film Ocean’s 11. Its fountains are famous for the stunning music and light show, and the huge hotel boasts seven restaurants, five bars, beauty spa, salon, theatre, pools, shopping centre, casino and its own botanical gardens. The good news is that if you want to escape the madness of Vegas, a short drive takes you to the heart of the national conservation area of RedRockCanyon, or to the tranquil Lake Mead National Recreational Area.

Weather: Hot summers, mild the rest of the time. Little rain.

Tip: April and October are good months as it’s hot but not overbearing. December and January are coolest, with average temperatures of 14°C.

Website: www.bellagio.com

Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, Courcehval, France

Jack says: “This is one of the best skiing hotels in the world. You can literally ski from your door to some of the best slopes there are. So if sun and sea aren’t your thing, then this could be the place for you.”

With its 450 on-site qualified ski instructors, even if you’ve never skied before, you’re sure to get the best help here. You have direct access to the 500kms of slopes of the Domaine des Trois-Vallees. The 62 rooms are beautifully furnished in an Alpine theme and there’s shopping, spas and pool all on hand for those off-piste moments.

Weather: Very cold winters, warm summers

Tip: Best time to ski is January to March

Website: www.airelles.fr

Hotel Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Jack says: “Bora Bora sells itself. Once you’ve flown to the island, you’re taken by motor launch to your own overwater bungalow that seems to float above a turquoise lagoon full of stunning tropical marine life. There’s no night life to speak of, so it’s just perfect for total relaxation.”

Bora Bora forms part of French Polynesia, a group of South Pacific islands resting half way between the coasts of Australia and South America.  Like its more famous neighbour, Tahiti, the island boasts lush green forests, soft white sand and clear blue sea. Hotel Bora Bora sits on the edge of a warm lagoon, beneath the volcanic peaks of MountOtemanu.

Weather: Hot all year round

Tip: November to April is the rainy season. Cyclones are an occasional threat.

Website: www.amanresorts.com/bora

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Jack says: “This is for those with an adventurous spirit. The mountainside lodges have truly breathtaking views with all the luxury you’d expect in a five star hotel, which is just what you need after an exhausting day tracking the Big Five.”

The Big Five are safari’s ‘holy grail’ of sightings – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Ulusaba is owned by Virgin boss Richard Branson and set in the heart of Sabi Sands game reserve which borders the famous Kruger National Park. And because it’s privately owned, you’ll enjoy your safari in near solitude, led by experienced trackers who will share their wealth of local knowledge with you.

Weather: Pretty hot all year round, with most rain between November and February.

Tip: The South African summer (October to April) is hottest, averaging 34°C. During their winter (May to September), days are warm (26°C) and nights are cool.

Website: www.ulusaba.com

Adaaran Prestige Water Villas, Maldives

Jack says: “Similar to Hotel Bora Bora, but in a different part of the world. Ideal for those who want to do nothing except be romantic and enjoy sun, sand and crystal clear waters.”

The Maldives is a group of 1,200 islands that lie north of the Equator in the Indian Ocean. Each villa has its own jacuzzi on a private sun deck, and when you arrive you will be greeted by a butler who is assigned to you for the length of your stay.

Weather: Between 70°C and 90°C all year round.

Tip: May to September is the rainy season, with occasional cyclones.

Website: www.thewatervillas.com

Hotel de Crillon, Paris

Jack says: “I had to put Paris in my top ten and I think this hotel is as good as it gets. The 18th century architecture is beautiful, and being right on the Place de la Concorde, it’s in the heart of the most romantic city in the world.”

The impressive Hotel de Crillon was built in 1758, then acquired by the Comte de Crillon in 1788. The rooms are decorated with minute attention to detail in authentic ‘Grand Siécle’ style. Its excellent location means you can view most of Paris’ iconic landmarks from your own balcony, and many are within walking distance.

Weather: Similar to the UK.

Tip: After a few nights in Paris, head down to the warm Mediterranean beaches in the South.

Website: www.crillon.com

For more information, contact Jack Adams at Instant Holidays on 01904 675497, or email jack.adams@tarsc.net

Back to: Summer 2007