When the confetti has been swept away, the champagne toasted and the last slice of cake eaten, it’s time for, unquestionably, the best part about getting married: the honeymoon. With Prince Harry and our brand new Princess Meghan Markle jetting off on their own newlywed adventure, we’ve listed the most luxurious honeymoon destinations from around the world for you to lust after.
Namibia
Although the royal couple have jetted off to Alberta, Canada, Namibia was tipped as the hot favourite for Meghan and Harry’s honeymoon. This may mean an increase in honeymooners, although it is not a traditional destination for romance. There’s no doubt that Namibia is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, not just for the popular safari tours, but also for the vast, stunning sand dunes, where visitors can see zebras, antelopes and even lions in the wild. For couples looking for adventure, Namibia provides an expanse of dusty deserts and gold mountains to hike and explore, as well as the opportunity to meet some of the last nomadic tribes in the world. Meghan and Harry were thought to be staying at one of the newest and most luxurious hotels in the country, the Hoanib Valley Camp in Kaokoland. The height of glamping, Hoanib Valley Camp is equally as elegant and modern as it is rugged and intimate.
The Maldives
To many, the Maldives conjures up images of blinding white beaches, sparkling blue sea and palm trees heaving with coconuts. This picture-perfect paradise setting attracts a huge amount of tourists to the Maldives each year, but the islands have so much more to offer to visitors. Made up of over 1000 small islands, many of them uninhabited, the Maldives also has an abundance of coral reefs and colourful marine life, and no visit is complete without taking a cruise between the islands or riding a dhoni, a traditional coconut palm timber boat. There are plenty of opportunities for romance at Maldivian hotels, like the Indian royalty-style pampering on offer at Taj Exotica resort and spa.
The Amalfi Coast
Located just south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast of Italy is characterised by its narrow, meandering mountain roads, pastel-coloured villages and brightly-coloured boats sailing below luscious green covered cliffs. Couples deciding to honeymoon here will enjoy exploring the sprawling cliff top villages and driving along the precarious yet breathtaking Amalfi Drive. An area famed for its romantic landscapes, each village on the coast has its own unique area to swim and enjoy watersports, as well as huge stretches of sun-drenched beach, perfect for romantic walks. For those searching for real luxury, the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel and Spa, a former monastery, offers stunning, panoramic views of the Gulf of Salerno and traditional, gourmet cuisine.
Iceland
Iceland has recently become a particularly popular travel destination, for family holidays, exploration trips, but moreover it’s a must-see for couples getaways. A landscape of picturesque waterfalls, rock formations and icy blue glaciers awaits those honeymooners that don’t necessarily want to bask in the heat of the sun. Visiting between September and March will give couples a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the Northern Lights, and geothermal spas such as the Blue Lagoon are perfect for newlyweds. Hotel Rangá is a cross between a log cabin and a boutique hotel, boasting a number of hot tubs in the grounds for nighttime stargazing, a restaurant serving traditional Icelandic fare and activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding.
Sri Lanka
For those looking for a perfect mixture of tropical heat and exciting adventure, Sri Lanka is the ideal honeymoon destination. The island, which sits in the Indian Ocean, is famous for its ancient buddhist ruins, elephant rides and vast tea plantations. But aside from its beautiful views, hikes and stimulating culture, Sri Lanka is also home to many stunning beaches, providing couples with the perfect spot to unwind. Honeymooners looking for a tranquil paradise will love The Fortress Resort and Spa, as its relaxing gardens and beachfront boutique style make it a romantic paradise.
New Orleans
For something completely different, New Orleans is known as the most romantic city in America, probably because of its heavy European influences and laid back, relaxed attitude. Couples can visit the French Quarter, the Garden District and take a cruising tour of the Mississippi River, along with enjoying local cuisine such as shrimp Creole, Gumbo and Beignets. Music is a huge part of New Orleans’ identity, and street musicians often create their own symphony of accordions and washboards at night, along with the many jazz bars to be found around the city. Luxury hotel The Ritz-Carlton offers honeymooners live music, fine dining and a romantic spa, as well as rooms with charming and historic decor, all in the centre of the city.
