Dreamy destinations | Find the perfect honeymoon for you
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Let’s face it, wedding planning can’t all be cake samples and dress shopping.
Some of it can be frustrating, tedious and down-right dull. (Table plan we’re looking at you).
So in those moments when you’re ready to throw the all-important spreadsheet out the window, whisper this magical little word to yourself: honeymoon.
Because completing any large project deserves a reward, and after organising your wedding you definitely qualify.
So where do you begin?
Our former columnist Rachel of Tender Loving Style and her husband Brian let us in on all the highlights from their amazing honeymoon to Malta and Valencia.
hey admitted that having looked at all the usual suspects like the Maldives and Mexico they opted for what felt more like their dream post-wedding hols – a city break with the option to relax by the pool or beach.
Which just goes to show, honeymoons, just like weddings, do not need to fit into some pre-ordained idea of what you should do.
Amanda Mckinlay, the wedding and honeymoon specialist at Thorne Travel agrees – “From the first contact we ask the question that will make sure you get
the honeymoon you want, ‘What do you like to do on holiday, and what would be your dream honeymoon?’
“You will be surprised how many couples have different ideas of what their honeymoon looks like.
“This is where a honeymoon specialist can find ideas that can suit both of you and even something you have never considered.”
Amanda says planning your honeymoon is an exciting time but the choice can be overwhelming.
Whether you have your heart set on a blissful stay at a luxurious overwater bungalow in the Maldives, a musical journey through the Deep South, an exhilarating safari, or an adventure holiday full of cultural experiences, she urges couples to consult a travel agent specialising in honeymoon planning.
That way they can find the best option.
“Your honeymoon should be full of memorable moments and that is where Thorne Travel can help,” adds Amanda.
Imagine beginning married life with an oh-so -romantic private dinner on the beach, a sunset cruise, or – if you’re more adrenaline junkies – a bungee jump.
So when wedmin is getting you down just picture yourselves lying on that beach, coming face to face with that giraffe, or exploring that new city.
If you’re the type of couple that lives for the next adventure and immersing yourselves in new cultures and experiences we highly recommend the Treasures of the Incas Luxury Tour, as picked out by Thorne Travel.
Amanda says, “Peru is an excellent destination for adventure-seekers, offering a diverse range of landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes Mountains and the coastal desert.”
The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is perhaps one of the most iconic adventures in Peru and the Treasures of the Incas itinerary starts and ends in Peru’s capital city Lima, City of the Kings.
It begins with a chance to explore top sites, including the cathedral, government palace, archbishop’s palace and city hall.
The day is rounded off with a VIP visit to the home and workshop of renowned sculptor and painter, Victor Delfin.
After Lima you’ll travel on to the Sacred Valley and find out about the history and culture of traditional Peruvian Cusqueñan textile weavers before a local shaman welcomes you with a traditional blessing.
For the travel to Machu Picchu itself you’ll board the panoramic Vistadome train, pausing for a guided walk through an enchanting cloud forest before discovering a tea plantation or the world’s largest private collection of indigenous orchids.
On day six you finally arrive at Machu Picchu where a local expert will share all the history and you’ll feast on an Andean lunch.
Later you could take part in a twilight walk through the cloud forest.
When you’re done exploring Machu Picchu you still have days ahead of you, getting to know the historical city of Cusco, dining with the locals of the floating
islands of Lake Titicaca, and taking a private cruise on the lake.
Of course, with this being a luxury tour you can expect fabulous hotels, and exceptional dining to make all that exploring and trekking that little bit easier.
It is your honeymoon after all!
Prices for the tour start from £6,875pp in 2024, and £7,195pp in 2025.
When it comes to your honeymoon the expression ‘Go big or go home’ definitely applies.
Because guess what, after planning and paying for your dream wedding day you’re allowed to kick off married life in style, and preferably in the lap of luxury.
Which is why Amanda recommends honeymooning in the Seychelles and Dubai.
This dual destination trip gives you the very best of both worlds, relaxing in paradise and exploring the breath-takingly beautiful Seychelles, before flying home via a three-night stop-over in Dubai where luxury is standard.
Think of your dream honeymoon destination and chances are the Seychelles rank high up on that list, promising stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, lush landscapes and a romantic atmosphere.
And Amanda has picked out one example honeymoon which makes the most of it, starting with seven nights at Coco de Mer Hotel in the Seychelles on a half
board basis.
Set against the backdrop of a tropical forest by the Indian Ocean, the modern Coco de Mer Hotel is situated in over 80 hectares of natural beauty on the south-west coast of Praslin Island.
But if you want to truly push the boat out – and remember it is your honeymoon – you could stay at Raffles Hotel where you’ll enjoy your own villa and private pool.
The Raffles retreat is scattered over 40 acres of hillside on Praslin Island, while you’ll love the on-site spa with its 12 treatment rooms, sauna, Jacuzzi and experience shower, along with the outdoor pool and open air yoga pavilion.
There’s also a choice of restaurants serving exceptional worldwide cuisine.
If you can tear yourself away from either resort you’ll fall in love with the Seychelles where you can indulge in sunset cruises, private beach picnics, snorkeling, hiking through jungles and exploring the picturesque villages.
The luxury doesn’t end when it’s time to leave. Stopping off in Dubai’s Dukes The Palm you’ll be treated like royalty.
Located in the exclusive Palm Jumeirah area, it boasts panoramic views of the sea and the city, along with a private beach, while being the perfect base from which to explore.
Seven nights at Coco de Mer and three nights at Dukes The Palm departing 4th September 2024 from £2,650pp.
Truly spoil yourself with options like Raffles, staying in your own villa and private pools from min £3,687 – £4,623pp.
Has reading this got you excited for your honeymoon?
Look out for more dreamy trip ideas in the September issue of the YSW magazine