[fshow photosetid=72157632217986095]
Few holidays in your life are going to be remembered as well as your honeymoon. Although you and your partner may have been on many a trip together before, the honeymoon is different in that it is your first getaway as a married couple – and perhaps the last before family expansion. But where should you go? Below are five of the most idyllic honeymoon destinations in the tropics.
Seychelles
Famous for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and unspoiled nature, the Seychelles is quite a favourite amongst honeymooners and many of the best resorts in the archipelago seems built for romance. Made up of more than 100 larger and smaller islands, the island country is a perfect destination for nature and sea-lovers with many visitors choosing to spend time on more than one of the stunning islets. The largest island of Mahe is home to some of the most luxurious resorts and private villas in the world, offering world-class service and amenities, while the more far-flung islands of Prasline and La Digue offer seclusion and privacy with little more to do than relax in each other’s company. If lounging in a sun chair is not your thing, the Seychelles offer plenty of activities such as scuba diving, sailing, fishing, spa and walking tours and excursions. Seychelles villas
Caribbean
If Jack Sparrow didn’t open your eyes to the Caribbean, maybe it’s time to review this tropical paradise, which is probably one of the most visited honeymoon destinations in the world. The many islands stretch from Cuba south of Florida in the west to Trinidad and Tobago north of Venezuela in the east, with thousands of islands, habited and uninhabited in between. Traditionally a favoured destination for the world’s rich and famous, the Caribbean is home to world-renowned honeymoon islands such as Antigua, Anguilla, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and St Barts, each with their own distinctive character and charm. Common for them is the year-round mild weather, beautiful nature and hospitable people. Often referred to as the best cruising grounds in the world, many newlyweds visiting this region choose to spend their honeymoon aboard a cruise ship hopping between the romantic islets. There is an abundance of offers for villas out there and no matter if you’re looking for five-star grandeur or relaxed, barefoot luxury, the honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean are sure to deliver. Caribbean villas
Maldives
Now is the time to visit the Maldives. The famous island nation is predicted to be completely submerged before the end of the century due to rising sea levels. The ultimate honeymoon destination, many of the islands in The Maldives feature ills in just one luxurious resort, complete with all the activities to keep you either constantly entertained or blissfully relaxed. To take advantage of the sublime waters around the Maldives which sustain diverse yet fragile ecosystems, many of the most luxurious choices for honeymooners on the Maldives feature supremely romantic villas on stilts over the water, offering privacy and closeness to nature. These unique villas often come with the utmost in luxury such as private pools and spa facilities as well as offering stunning untainted ocean views and romantic dining options right by the water. If the overwater surroundings become too tranquil for you, head underwater for a teeming back-to-nature experience. Boasting some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs, the waters surrounding the Maldives are famous for the great variety of species found there; you can discover everything from tiny, colourful nudibranches to the magnificent whale shark and the iconic manta ray. Go before it’s too late!
Bali
Especially popular amongst Europeans and Australians, Bali is a long-time honeymoon favourite in the Eastern Hemisphere due to the island’s welcoming people, rich cultural traditions and diverse natural attractions. The island’s wide sandy beaches are well-known for their swells and surfers from all over the world come here to compete or practise their skills. Perhaps the most famous beach in Southeast Asia, Kuta beach stretches on the west side of the island from Kuta in the south to Canggu further north, with the high-end Seminyak and up-and-coming Batu Belig in between. In the island’s tropical interior, artsy Ubud is popular with the upscale hippie, creative crowd while hilly Munduk attracts plenty of visitors due to its beauty and the access to three inland lakes. Bali’s west coast is home to some of the most luxurious villas in Indonesia, even Asia as a whole. Balinese private rental villas are known for their unique and authentic design, the majority of them relying on traditional building materials and styles, allowing guests to revel in the magnificent surroundings of beautifully manicured gardens, fascinating local artefacts and romantic private pools. The hospitable nature of the Balinese people is the finishing touch to a perfect, romantic honeymoon. Bali villas
Koh Samui
Located in the Gulf of Thailand and enjoying mild sunny weather for the majority of the year, Koh Samui is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Thailand. Visitors here are spoilt for choice for private accommodation as the island’s hotel industry is increasingly being complemented by a thriving private luxury villa scene, featuring some of the most desirable beach properties in the world, appointed with all the amenities and luxuries one could imagine. How about lounging on the ocean view pool deck, drink in hand while a chef is preparing a scrumptious dinner using freshly-caught seafood? Or watching the sun set over the Gulf of Thailand from your private infinity pool? Around the island, small fishermen’s villages make for charming spots to take a break with a massage on the beach, or in one of the small restaurants serving whatever the fishermen just brought in for the daily catch. If all the activities become tiring for the newlyweds, Koh Samui is also home to some unique spas and wellness centres, using ancient techniques to relieve any tension and stress left over from the big day. Koh Samui villas
Beyond romantic relaxation
- If you get tired of lying on the beach in the Seychlles, head inland on Mahe to explore the mountainous Morne Seychellois National Park. Guided walks are recommended to learn the most about the various habitats found in the park.
- One of the best ways to experience the Caribbean between villas stays is on board a luxury cruise ship. The 11 Night Tropical Hideways on board the Regent Seven Seas Cruises visits St Barts, the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas, amongst others. Butlers? Yes!
- For ultimate indulgence, The Spa at Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi offers a holistic approach to health and wellness combining modern therapies and luxury products.
- Bali has become beach club central in recent years, largely due to the world-famous Ku De Ta in Seminyak. But others are worth a visit: The Potato Head Beach Club serves superb food and signature drinks in hip modern surroundings just down the beach from Ku De Ta.
- For the best steak on Koh Samui, head to the popular Shack Bar and Grill in Bophut. The menu features grill classics such as prime rib eye steaks, tenderloins, t-bone steaks and lamb and pork chops.
