Remote & romantic
Laid back Bali is a paradise for honeymooners and surprisingly good value for money to boot! The island offers secluded villa suites with private plunge pools aplenty, as well as intimate beach-front properties. If you’re going all that way, combine the beach with the arty hilltop community of Ubud, draped in dense greenery and dramatic ravines.
HOT HOTEL: Stay at the boutique ‘The Elysian’ in fashionable Seminyak, a village of villas all with private pools, then head to The Viceroy at Ubud (recently voted one of the best hotels in the world by Trip Advisor) with stunning views out over the valley.
Buzzy city vibe
Uber-hip and easy to get to, Berlin is a great shout for a city-moon. You’ll find a perfect blend of living history, culture and vibrant night-life, not to mention great places to stay from self-catered loft apartments to swanky boutique hotels.
HOT HOTEL: Nestled in the diplomatic district (right opposite the Teirgarten and Berlin Zoo), Das Stue was once the Danish Embassy. Now, it’s a luxurious boutique hotel revelling in Berlin’s revival of old-world glamour. Fabulously spacious suites, fine cuisine and relaxed, but oh so stylish, interiors make this the coolest address in Berlin right now.
Adrenaline rush
Complete with jungle retreats flanked by beach-front hideaways, Costa Rica is growing in popularity as a honeymoon destination for those looking for a mix of beach life and adventure. Adrenaline junkies can try rafting, kayaking and surfing or a mountain hike into the cloud forests. Ensure you include a visit to Arenal Volcano, one of the ten most active in the world.
HOT HOTEL: Plenty of luxury hotels sit (safely) around the perimeter of the volcano, but Nayara is one of best, with plush accommodation, impeccable service, fine cuisine and a great spa. Don’t forget to ask for a room with a volcano view!
Stateside glamour
Home to glamourous South Beach and famed for its art deco vibe, trendy clubs and surf-side hotels, Miami Beach is perfect for hip, sun-loving honeymooners. It’s easy to get to, warm all year long and has bucket loads to do, from water-sports and golf to shopping and a thriving arts scene. Great for celeb spotting, watch out for Kim (Kardashian) and Kanye (West), Cameron Diaz and our very own Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw. Barack Obama has even been known to pop up!
HOT HOTEL: Try The Setai for intimate ocean-front Art Deco glamour, with a hint of Asian influence.
Closer to home
Summer honeymoon? You can’t go wrong with the romantic Amalfi Coast, Italy, littered with romantic boutique hotels and grand palazzos.
HOT HOTEL: Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa is perched on a cliff, just five minutes out of Amalfi, with dramatic views out over the Gulf of Salerno. Once a 17th Century monastery, it’s been restored as an exclusive boutique hotel with 20 suites, terraced gardens, exquisite infinity pools and a fabulous spa, making it the perfect spot for an intimate honeymoon. If you’re planning on tying the knot too, you can book the nearby medieval chapel at Luna Convento.
Arabian nights
Leave the bling behind and discover Dubai with a difference.
HOT HOTEL: Live out your Arabian romance at the laid back Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort. Stretched along a private shore of white sand at the edge of the desert, it exudes tranquility and each villa comes with its own infinity pool that faces out to sea. Combine with the luxurious desert oasis of Banyan Tree Al Wadi, just 20 minutes away. Their tented pool villas are the ultimate indulgence and the Rainforest Spa experience is not to be missed.
