After months of planning, pinning and general wedding excitement, the honeymoon is a chance to enjoy some rest and relaxation after all the madness and take some some time for just the two of you in a gorgeous setting. But choosing that one fabulous setting can be difficult as newyweds are spoilt for choice with so many beautiful places to visit in the world. Still trying to figure out where to go? This post is designed to give you a lowdown of 10 unique, exotic and luxurious honeymoon destinations for 2016/2017. Some are a little bit further afield but we have a mix of locations that are closer to home as well. We’ve also included top hotel picks and the best seasons to visit these amazing destinations! Check out 10 luxury honeymoon destinations for 2016/17 below…
1. Indonesia – Bali and Java Islands
Bali is the ultimate honeymoon spot for couples who love their beaches. Relax in a private pool or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling or river rafting in Central Bali. Java Islands is also home to unique temples and UNESCO world heritage sites. Check out this great resource to find little known places to hike in Bali.
Best seasons to visit: May to November
Best Hotel: The Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay
2. Bora Bora
Amazing scenery, stunning beaches and a vibrant sea life await you at the Bora Bora islands. You can relax on the beach, snorkel, Jet Ski, canoe or embark on 4×4 adventures. The weather is mild all year round – the only downside to this location perhaps is its distance from the UAE.
Best month to visit: January
Best Hotel: St. Regis Bora Bora
3. Japan
An overnight flight will take you to Japan – the ultimate honeymooners’ paradise with its bustling big cities, ancient temples, beautiful gardens, hot springs, and rich cultural experiences. Start your journey at Kyoto and discover its ancient temples and gardens. Get entertained by Geishas; then visit Tokyo’s museums, historical sites, and delightful tea ceremonies with a night helicopter tour of the city. Don’t miss a trip to Mt. Fuji to relax in the hot springs in Hakone National Park. If you visit in summer, enjoy Hokkaido Island’s outdoor activities and skiing in winter.
Best season to visit: May to November
Best hotel: Our pick is The Ritz Carlton in Kyoto known for its quintessential hospitality.
4. New Zealand and Australia
If stunning scenery, numerous outdoor activities and the Great Barrier Reef do not lure you to these locales, then we don’t know what will. Enjoy caving, hiking, horseback riding, wineries, kayaking, backwater rafting and swimming or simply relax in the top resorts both countries have to offer.
Best month to visit: March since the weather is not too cold or hot.
Best hotel: Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand
5. South Africa
Looking for some relaxation and pampering? Get it at one of the many resorts in South Africa filled with natural beauty and luxury game reserves. You could relax on beaches or take private guided safaris, self drive tours or enjoy picnics, snorkelling or kayaking and golfing at the resort you stay in.
Best seasons to visit: October to April
Best hotel: The Karkloof Spa resort is a discreet getaway for the weary travellers, this resort accommodates a small number of guests so you’re in for personalized service, rejuvenating hydrotherapy and a wide range of activities you’re sure to love.
6. Belize
Romance and privacy with a bit of adventure – if you don’t mind its distance from home, then Belize is an ideal honeymoon hotspot. Tour its Mayan ruins while living in one of its many private cabanas situated along the edge of the rainforest or enjoy private and romantic candlelight dinners on the cabana deck. These are just a few examples of what you can expect on your Belize honeymoon.
Best time to visit: The dry season from late November to mid-April.
Best place to stay: Cayo Espanto – located only 3 miles from Ambergris Caye, the Espanto is a 4 acre retreat and the ultimate luxury resort for couples seeking privacy and pampering with world class service.
7. Seychelles
If unique and exotic is what you’re looking for, then Seychelles Island is the destination for you. Located in the western Indian Ocean just off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles has a lot to offer to newlyweds. Take romantic strolls on the pink sandy beaches, or adventurous walks through its rainforests or simply sunbathe and relax.
Best time to visit: The Seychelles is the perfect getaway all year round for sun worshippers and beach lovers
Best hotel: You could choose any luxury resort in Mahe, Praslin, Anse Louis or Fregate Island. The Maia Luxury Resort and Spa in Anse Louis comes highly recommended for honeymooners looking for relaxed luxury and pampering.
8. Rome and Amalfi Coast
Photo via Zapphyre
Begin your Roman honeymoon with a tour of the Vatican City, Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel. After a fun filled day touring, enjoy a romantic dinner at a local trattoria. Next, travel to the Amalfi Coast for some relaxation and privacy and enjoy town after quaint town surrounded by hilltops and cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean.
Best time to visit: September is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast
Best hotel: Monastero Santa Rosa, Conca dei Marini is a monastery converted into a spa resort. You will love its heated infinity pool and flavors from the resort’s organic gardens.
9. Kashmir
Begin your marital bliss amidst the eye-catching beauty of nature, snowy views of Gulmarg and well laid gardens and lakes of Srinagar. Indulge in exotic and mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine and take home beautiful shawls, carpets, fragrant spices and sweet dry fruits.
Best time to visit: From March to August
Best places to stay: The Lalit Grand Palace in Srinagar or the Hotel Hilltop in Gulmarg which is very close to Shikharas (boats/gondolas) and ski areas.
10. Tanzania
A 5 hour flight will get you to Tanzania, famous for its safaris, horseback riding, exotic wildlife and activities like swimming and snorkelling. Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park are must-visit places to include on your itinerary.
Best time to visit: February because of great weather and annual migration this time of the year that will give you an amazing experience to take home.
Best hotel: Singita Sasakwa Lodge in the Grumeti Reserve in North Tanzania, famed for its old world elegance and luxury.
Main photo via Coolband
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