#honeymoongoals

Floating breakfasts, glass-fronted infinity pools, brightly coloured hot-air balloons, sunset strolls along deserted sandbanks… your honeymoon is a chance to share some serious eye candy.

Maybe you’re excited about honing your video skills surrounded by nature, or you’re looking for the kind of place where you can drape yourself around the fountain in the lobby for that pinned post. At these grid-worthy destinations, there’ll be no case of Insta v reality –they’re as dreamy as they come.

All about the DM That’s D for Dhigali and M for Maldives. Every Maldives resort in our collection is grid-worthy, but Dhigali Maldives brings the A game when it comes to inspiring spaces and added perks. One of the highlights is the premium allinclusive package, which includes a handful of excursions, fitness activities and cultural experiences alongside your meals and drinks.

Dining is innovative and authentic, with the style and atmosphere of each restaurant reflecting the cuisine, and the rooms are more modern than you’d usually find in the Maldives – they’re more like apartments by the beach. The money shots? A video strolling down the stunning sandbank at the tip of the island, and a fancy cocktail ‘cheers’ from the upper level of Haali, the sunset bar.

TOP TIP: Hire a honeymoon photographer to get some beautiful pics of you both without the stress of selfie sticks and timers.

Watch hot-air balloons float above a cave town

POV: you’re tucking into an outdoor breakfast of flaky pastries and hot Turkish coffee while watching brightly coloured hot-air balloons float above a landscape of Anatolian plains and soaring boulders. There’s nowhere else like Cappadocia, where a scattering of jaw-dropping cave towns are carved into the rippling hills. This extraordinary pocket of central Turkey has exploded since Instagrammers started showcasing its fairy chimneys, vast valleys and wild horses – the good news is that it’s not as busy as you might think outside of peak summer months. argos in Cappadocia is the place to stay. Once an ancient cave dwelling, this boutique hotel is packed with character and has a front-row seat for those famous hot-air balloon scenes and views over snow-capped Mount Erciyes.

Wine o’clock in Porto

In Porto, you’ll find supermodel good looks at the Baroque bell towers and Eiffel-influenced bridge, but this is a place to zoom in on the details, too – look out for handpainted tile murals, cool street art, terracotta rooftops and mouthwatering tapas.

The Yeatman is a plush hillside wine and spa retreat with twinkling views over Porto and the Douro River. Dining is a big deal and two Michelin stars have been awarded for the chef’s homage to the fantastic local food and wine. As well as sampling the vintages (there are wine tours, master classes and themed wine dinners), you can also book a barrel bath experience to immerse yourself in extracts of the good stuff.

TOP TIP: Embrace the slow travel movement and add on a stay in sleepy little Pinhão, where you can take a river cruise along the Douro River.

Get #instaglam in Mykonos

Imagine checking in to an exclusive hideaway to find you’re located right above iconic Psarou Beach. Grecotel Mykonos Blu Boutique Resort is more like a private beach house than a hotel and comes with its own stretch of Psarou Beach –including complimentary loungers, umbrellas and waiter service for guests – steps from your room. There’s no shortage of options for dreamy pictures of you and the view; think chic blue-and-white suites with private pools, lavish breakfast spreads on flower-filled terraces and Champagne served as the sun disappears into yachtstudded waters. Then just a fiveminute drive away, there are the super-luxe shops and nightlife of Mykonos Town.

Ramp up the romance in Cyprus

On a beautiful beachfront just 15-minutes’ walk from Paphos Castle, everything about adults-only Amavi Hotel is geared towards romance. As soon as you enter the glossy lobby, its marble-clad interiors illuminated by a canopy of suspended lights, you know you’re in for a slice of luxury. From here, a clutch of stylish dining spaces feature interiors as show-stopping as the food: sushi platters and sizzling steaks on the rooftop, Mediterranean-infused haute cuisine beneath statement chandeliers and contemporary Cypriot dishes served by the sea. Plump for a Honeymoon Suite Sea View to have your own romantic cocoon with private balcony, before hotfooting it to the soothing spa for some blissed-up relaxation – a sideby-side signature massage in the couple’s suite is a must.

Vitamin sea and rainforest bathing

Nature and beach lovers, this one’s for you. Deep in Borneo’s protected rainforest, there’s the chance to take dips in natural pools, go river tubing and spot orangutans, monkeys and pygmy elephants. After a few days of jungle experiences, head to the ShangriLa Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu for luxury by the sea. This regal resort has a two-mile sweep of sand all to itself plus a nature reserve offering canopy walks, bird-watching and guided rainforest treks. Obligatory Insta shots include the Borneo Sunrise Breakfast, where you start the day watching the sun rise over UNESCO-listed Mount Kinabalu; a rose petal bath on your balcony (book a suite in the Ocean Wing for a more grown-up vibe); and sunset cocktails at the laid-back Sampan Bar which overlooks the beach.cooking school.

Indian Ocean views for days

Beautiful surroundings come by the bucket-list load at welcoming Mango House Seychelles , which sits on the boulder-strewn curve of Anse aux Poules Bleues, a sheltered bay with shallow clear waters and an irresistible sliver of white sand. The house at the heart of this highluxury boutique hotel was once the family home of a celebrated Italian photographer and it shows – the stylish Seychellois spaces are immaculately designed, and you can see the sea from every guest room. Spend your days tucking into lip-smacking dishes (the quality is exceptional across all five gorgeous restaurants), kayaking on the sparkling waters and finding your favourite backdrops, then let the lapping waves lull you to sleep.

TOP TIP: Snap away during your ‘Bubbles and Art’ experience, a onehour painting session (with a glass of Champagne) hosted by a local artist on your private balcony that’s complimentary for Kuoni honeymoon guests.

Spa time in the Italian lakes Photo dumps never looked so good at camera-ready Lake Garda. Even when you’re not facing the glorious lake itself, you’re surrounded by lemon and olive groves, enchanting castles and storybook villages.

Calm and contemporary Lefay Resort & SPA Lago Di Garda has views over Lake Garda from almost every spot. The resort has a strong wellbeing ethos and the tranquil vibe achieved by its award-winning spa – home to saunas, grottos, a saltwater pool and an infinity pool overlooking the lake – feels like a kind of magic. Even just a few days here makes you feel like you’re getting away from it all.

TOP TIP: Add on a couple of nights in fair Verona – there’s no better time to take a selfie under the famous balcony from Romeo and Juliet (it can get incredibly busy, so visit early evening after the day-trippers have gone).

The reel deal in Sri Lanka

There’ll be no battling for prime photo positions at Uga Chena Huts, a charming African safari-style lodge with a best-of-both-worlds Sri Lankan setting. This intimate resort sits alongside a lagoon among the sand dunes, backing an otherwise deserted beach. It’s also just a 15-minute drive from the entrance of wildlife-rich Yala National Park, where you can go on game drives to spot Sambar deer, elephants and leopards with your expert ranger/guide.

The concept at Uga Chena Huts is inspired by the centuries-old practice of farming small clearances, known as chenas, where farmers would sleep in huts beside their crops. The 14 luxurious ‘huts’ here come with all creature comforts, each one secluded in the bush scrub to give you total privacy when you’re lazing in your plunge pool. Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly staff, so take your pick of private dining locations under the stars for a romantic meal for two.

TOP TIP: Explore more of Sri Lanka with a private car and driver/guide –this option means you can create your own itinerary to see what you want, when you want to see it.

Halong Bay: no filter needed

With dreamlike grottoes and towering limestone karsts rising out of shimmering emerald waters, Halong Bay is the star attraction of any Vietnam itinerary.

See this natural wonder on an overnight cruise on board the Au Co, a beautiful modern ship inspired by traditional Vietnamese junks, where you’ll get to go beyond the busy tourist hot spots. Au Co sails to the more secluded shores of Halong’s lesser-visited neighbouring bays. You’ll also get to try out activities such as t’ai chi, kayaking and cooking classes, and cycle to the remote Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island to learn about social responsibility projects.

TOP TIP: We can design a Vietnam honeymoon just for you. Sit down with one of our experts in-store over a glass of fizz and tell us about your interests and the spots you’d like to see.

Perfect pool days

If spending time by the pool is high on your honeymoon list, check out The Shore at Katathani . This intimate all-pool-villa resort at the far end of Phuket’s Kata Noi Beach is exclusively for adults, so there’s a naturally romantic feel. The focal point here is the main infinity pool, which seems to trickle down into the ocean. For private pool time, each villa also has its own infinity pool with a sunken lounge where you can laze days away together. The Shore knows how to deliver on picture-perfect private dining. It’s hard to choose between venues on the beach, in the chapel and at the cove, but it’s the six-course dinner at ‘The Kissing Point’ perched over the Andaman Sea that absolutely steals the wow-factor crown.

What do a boutique bolthole in Thailand, an all-inclusive island paradise in the Maldives and a tropical Caribbean retreat have in common?

They all stand out for offering the very best value. We’ve added these hotels (and more) to our collection to give you an unforgettable honeymoon experience without the top-dollar price tag. There’s no scrimping on quality or indulgence, though – these stays are sweet as honey for less money.

An all-inclusive island paradise

Carefree days come easy in the Maldives, but there’s an extra level of relaxation when you don’t have to worry about the bills totting up at the end of your honeymoon.

At stunning Sandies Bathala – a great-value allinclusive island in one of the Maldives’ top snorkelling and diving areas – you can enjoy fresh fish barbecues, live cooking stations, afternoon canapés, evening cocktails, daily snorkelling tours and more, all included in your stay.

The house reef surrounding the island is amazing, so don your mask and snorkel and dip beneath the waves to spot colourful fish, reef sharks and turtles. Two room types keep things refreshingly simple – you’re choosing between a bungalow on the beach or, for a little extra, one over the glistening waters.

TOP TIP: Your journey from Malé airport to Sandies Bathala is by seaplane – it’s like a transfer and an excursion all-in-one, so keep your phone camera on to capture the amazing aerial views.

Create life-long memories in Corfu

Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa has been drawing guests to its simple traditional style, delicious Greek food, dazzling Ionian Sea views and two secluded beaches for over 50 years. It’s the kind of place people return to over and over again for that feeling of being treated like friends; something special to think about if you love the idea of returning to the place you first holidayed as a married couple.

Nestled on a peaceful peninsula with postcard-pretty views of the enchanting gardens or sparkling marina at every turn, you’ll find plenty of facilities including an extensive range of watersports, a spa with therapies inspired by ancient Greek heritage, and a mix of casual and fine-dining restaurants.

Corfu Town is just a 15-minute car hop away for strolls through cobblestone streets and flower-filled squares where locals and holidaymakers flit between tavernas, churches and shops.

Make it a family affair in Mexico

Paradisus Playa del Carmen is one of those resorts where couples, groups and families of all ages are made to feel welcome. It’s perfect if you’ve got a family (or families) and want to share your honeymoon with them.

There’s plenty going on from morning until late at night and very few resorts around the world can match the range of dining options here. 14 restaurants include casual buffet and fine-dining establishments such as Passion, overseen by Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui. Make time for a romantic evening for two at one of the restaurants in the adults-only enclave, La Perla.

You can’t beat the Nikté Swim-Up Suite for the ultimate family escape – the look on the children’s faces will be priceless when they realise they can get to their room straight from the swimming pool.

TOP TIP: Choose a room in The Nikté section of the resort – they come with a concierge service, so you can relax and enjoy your honeymoon knowing everyone’s well looked after.

Easy breezy Caribbean vibes

Coyaba Beach Resort is everything a tropical island honeymoon should be. At this relaxed retreat, expect traditional Grenadian style, a happy-go-lucky atmosphere, silky white sands and boat-fresh seafood. The friendly service from the staff is a big part of the experience here – lots of them have worked at the hotel for years. You’ve also got a front-row seat to the action on Grand Anse Beach, with its bars, restaurants and shops, so it’s easy to get a real flavour of local Caribbean life.

While you could spend every day kicking back on the beach, a trip to Grenada’s famous Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park is a must. Hop on a catamaran to this bucket-list location and snorkel or dive down to the ghostly figures that ‘live’ in underwater gardens.

TOP TIP: Go for the great-value all-inclusive option and you’ll soon find yourselves as laid-back as the locals.

Mix things up in Mauritius

If you can’t agree whether you want a buzzy scene, time to chill or immersive local experiences, let us introduce you to Lagoon Attitude – a cool island hangout hugging the shores of a huge lagoon on the north coast of Mauritius.

The whole of this all-inclusive resort is a kid-free zone. Start the day with sunrise Pilates on the waterfront, join a Creole lesson to learn a new language or sample tasty street food for lunch. Master the art of mixology with a cocktail workshop at dusk or stay after hours at a late-night pool party.

No single-use plastics, non-polluting mineral sunscreen (available in the shop), refillable tea and coffee jars and a litter picking initiative cement the all-round integrity of this proudly Mauritian resort.

Live the pool villa life on the ‘Island of the Gods’

If private poolside lounging all afternoon and buzzing beats at night is your idea of honeymoon heaven, it doesn’t get better than The Elysian – a sleek and sexy retreat tucked away in tropical gardens in the heart of stylish Seminyak.

There are just 27 villas here, each with its own pool and sun deck hidden behind high walls, so spend your days as you like – privacy is not an issue. For more of a members-club vibe, take your pick of shaded cabanas around the main pool.

Food-wise, order your favourite breakfast to your villa, check out the restaurant’s themed evenings or wander down Jalan Kayu Aya, known as ‘Eat Street’. After dark, Seminyak is where it’s at for upmarket boutiques, cool cafés and swanky bars. Leave time for sightseeing too – visit the clifftop sea temple at Uluwatu and watch the sun set over the rugged Bukit Peninsula.

TOP TIP: Add on a couple of nights in cultural Ubud in the lush heart of Bali for a change of scenery and pace.

Play castaway in the Indian Ocean

With its lush wild interior, sand-floor cocktail bar and open-air restaurant, Adaaran Club Rannalhi is all about natural beauty. The style here is simple and fuss-free, yet there’s everything you need for a tropical reset including a spa, watersports, dive centre and a handful of adventure excursions.

You could spend hours of fun together splashing around and perfecting your poses on the double overwater swing, cuddle up in the comfort of your traditionally Maldivian room (opt for a Water Villa with glass-floor viewing window for your own private peek at the underwater world) or find a palm-shaded spot on the beach and imagine you have the island all to yourselves.

Rannalhi is an all-inclusive resort too, so there’s no chance of “oops, we went overboard” bills at the end of your stay.

Lazy days in the Seychelles

This is how to do the Seychelles without breaking the bank. CaranaBeach Hotel gives you that classic away-from-it-all experience without the high price tag of a private island resort.

This quietly luxurious boutique property in the north of Mahé has been a hit with honeymooners since it opened in 2016. Life here revolves around the pool area where you can laze on giant beanbags and graze from the delicious all-day menu. Or you can tumble straight onto powder-soft white sand for a dip in the Indian Ocean.

Experiences – or ‘Emotions’ as the hotel calls them –focus on de-stressing, from a special photo session on the beach to a coastal horse-riding trip with a sunset Champagne picnic at the end. The icing on the cake? Every room at the hotel has a view of the shimmering sea.

Fly and flop in the Canaries

For a gorgeously grown-up getaway closer to home, check out Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa

You can bank on peace and quiet here – no under 18s are allowed at this stylish seafront hotel located in the upmarket marina resort of Puerto Calero. With four pools, a spa and a beauty centre with a tempting list of face and body treatments, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular ‘fly and flop’ honeymoon choice. On the food and drink front, there’s everything from classic Italian cuisine and sushi with sea views to a seafood grill and a beach bar with a fine line in cocktails.

If you can muster the energy to explore, you’re just a 10-minute stroll from the marina’s chic bars and boutiques. There’s also diving, bicycles to hire and excursions to beaches and volcanoes.

Relaxed romance on a Thai island

There’ll be no rocky start to married life at this traditional Thai hideaway. Rocky’s Boutique Resort is a little gem that oozes relaxed romance, perfect for guests whose vibe is more chill than all-the-frills. Set over three small beaches overlooking the gorgeous Gulf of Thailand, the location is perfectly peaceful, so if you want to laze by the pool all day, that’s just fine here.

Kayaking, snorkelling, sunset cruises and cooking classes are the main activities on offer. The hotel also runs a shuttle to nearby Lamai (Koh Samui’s second largest resort) where after dark you’ll find livelier night markets, restaurants and bars.

If you’re staying put for the evening, night-time at Rocky’s is magical. Follow the fairy lights and lantern-lit walkways to The Dining Room, take a seat at a table-for-two above the beach and tuck into top-quality French-Mediterranean food while watching long-tail boats bob in the distance.

A secret jungle hideaway… in Phuket

At Marina Phuket Resort , it feels like you’re stepping through a window into another world. On the outside world, there’s Karon: Phuket’s second largest resort, where the buzz of neon-lit bars and lively night markets hum long into the evening. But head to the end of Karon’s golden sand beach and things take a different turn.

Pull back the curtain of palms and the scene changes to one of exotic orchids and red ginger flowers, the chirps of cicadas and tropical birdsong. Wander along leafy walkways and you’ll find traditional bungalows and the excellent On The Rock cliff-edge restaurant with sweeping ocean views. There are speedboat adventures to the astoundingly beautiful (also read: exceptionally popular) Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay’s ‘James Bond Island’ when you want them, and Marina Phuket’s jungle-cloaked pool with a waterfall and swim-up bar when you don’t. Win-win.

A world away from those famous beaches is a city of sacred places, bejewelled Buddhas and jungle clad hills. Discover Thailand’s cultural epicentre on honeymoons to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Sail the Greek Islands

Scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece’s easy-going towns and secluded bays make island-hopping a breeze. There’s something enchanting about zipping across the glistening waters with salty skin and windswept hair – even a ferry journey is more romantic here.

The long golden beaches are the big draw, but there are also mighty ruins, olive groves and pocket-sized fishing villages. Let a speedboat whisk you away to a hidden cove to spend a sun-soaked afternoon waiting for catch-ofthe-day to be served, or dock off the coast of a beach that can only be reached by boat to snorkel in the warm waters.

‘There’s a lot to see and do on pint-sized Mykonos. Little Venice, a quarter in the capital Chora, is one of the most photographed towns in Europe’.

Greece has some of the Med’s sunniest islands, so expect beautiful bright days ideal for relaxing and exploring. Then there’s the food. You’re guaranteed a taste of that spectacular Mediterranean diet: tuck into the freshest seafood, zingy Greek salads, sun-ripened veg and plenty of souvlaki skewers.

For classic Greek romance with a side of glitz and glam, twin Mykonos and Santorini

There’s a lot to see and do on pint-sized Mykonos. Little Venice, a quarter in the capital

Chora, is one of the most photographed towns in Europe, filled with medieval houses teetering on the edge of the sea. Come here for art galleries, gorgeous lunch spots and a walk to the famous windmills. Over on Santorini, the tumbling white-washed villages and blue-domed churches are best explored from honeymoon favourite Grace Santorini, where the sunsets over the caldera are magical. And even from these megastar islands, you can still reach lesser-visited neighbouring isles with a totally different pace and vibe.

‘Catch the ferry to Skopelos – still having a Mamma Mia moment thanks to its starring role in the 2008 rom-com’.

The charming Sporades Islands , scattered off Greece’s eastern coast, offer a more low-key honeymoon experience. Here, it’s about sailing to tiny fishing villages and swathes of unspoilt sand, keeping your eyes peeled for the next secluded cove to come into sight. Fly in to Skiathos, which has a whopping 65 beaches, hilltop monasteries and pine-clad trails leading far into the forest, as well as Skiathos Town where traditional tavernas and cool cocktail bars line the waterfront. Then catch the ferry to Skopelos – still having a Mamma Mia moment thanks to its starring role in the 2008 rom-com. Finish up on Alonissos; this rugged green island is largely undeveloped and super chilled. It’s part of the National Marine Park of Alonissos, which protects flora and fauna including wild olive and juniper trees, the monk seal and various species of dolphin.

Beyond Bali’s beaches

Indonesia is a honeypot of romantic hotels, so it would be a shame to limit yourselves to just one. Start your island-hopping honeymoon in Bali , the deservedly hyped-up headline act of this island nation. For the sun-worshipping set, there are golden sands and vibey beach clubs, and it’s easy enough to visit temples and cycle through rice paddies from the beach resorts. To really make the most of your stay, though, jump around.

On the quieter east coast, Candi Beach Resort & Spa is hidden away in towering coconut palms and has a private white-sand beach (one of the few on the island). As well as being a beautiful place to unwind, it’s also a stop-off point for Bali’s lesser-visited neighbours.

Settle in for a fun journey on the boat from Padang Bai to Lombok , where you’ll find wide open spaces, quieter beaches and plenty of outdoor activities. There’s just one main beach resort – laid-back Senggigi, set on a sweeping bay between two headlands. Stay at small and chic Sudamala Resort Senggigi for stylish suites and to watch the dramatic sunsets over

Bali’s volcanoes. The ultimate honeymoon adventure on Lombok is a testing trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani where, on a clear morning, you can see a glorious blue-green crater lake.

‘If you can’t chill out here, you’ll struggle to do it anywhere’.

It’s just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Lombok to tiny Gili Meno, the prettiest and least developed of the Gili Islands. Gili Meno gives a taste of what some of Thailand’s islands might have been like many moons ago. This rustic, bohemian island is car-free and it’s perfect for lounging on the coral sands, snorkelling with hawksbill and green sea turtles, and enjoying ice-cold beers as the sun goes down. Play castaway at Mahamaya , a boutique bolthole with stylish pools, a distinct character (there are quotes from Marilyn Monroe and Mohammed Ali on the walls) and a strong eco ethos. In the evenings, bag a table on the beach at the water’s edge and dine by the light of cute hanging lanterns. If you can’t chill out here, you’ll struggle to do it anywhere.

Flavours of the Caribbean

Jewel-like islands where you can hike, dive and lie on white-sand beaches all in the same day; the rhythmic sound of steel drum beats; rum punch delivered direct to your sun lounger –life in the Caribbean is famously laid-back, but each island has its own character and style.

‘Over on the islands of the Grenadines – unspoilt and sufficiently inaccessible so it can stay that way – it’s all about a serene Caribbean experience’. Pair up Barbados and the Grenadines to see the best of both sides. Birthplace of rum and big on personality, Barbados is a firm favourite for its mouth-watering food, dazzling beaches and social spots where you can chat with friendly locals. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to luxe hotels – go all out with a stay at the A-listers’ favourite, Sandy Lane , where it’s all white-glove service, high-end dining and romantic walks along the sand, or hang out at the cool and contemporary O2 Beach Club & Spa by Ocean Hotels . Go for an elevated couple’s treatment at the 8th-floor spa and enjoy the ocean backdrop of dreams.

Over on the emerald-clad islands of the Grenadines – unspoilt and sufficiently inaccessible so it can stay that way – it’s all about a serene Caribbean experience. Switch off at a retreat like Palm Island Resort & Spa , a 135-acre private island paradise where you can go kayaking to spot turtles in the mornings and then sway the afternoons away in a hammock.

For all-out romance and lush green landscapes, Dominica and Saint Lucia are the perfect match. Saint Lucia is the Caribbean’s cover star: the iconic Pitons are a jaw-dropping backdrop to lush mountains and palm-fringed bays. See it in style and enjoy private Piton gazing from one of the best hotels in the world, Jade Mountain . This iconic bolthole has just 29 suites dotted around the hillside, each with an unique open air concept to make the most of some pretty unbeatable views.

‘The Caribbean is one part of the world where the views from the water are just as good as the ones on land’.

An island-hop away in Dominica, you’ll find an authentic slice of paradise that’s more Jurassic Park than fly and flop. The natural landscape is the star here, with forested peaks, pristine beaches and sprawling coconut plantations. And the beauty isn’t just surface deep; underwater, there’s a world of dramatic corals, shipwrecks and colourful marine life.

‘Wilder than the glossy perfection of the Maldives, the Seychelles has an extraordinary natural charm’. Hop and flop in the Seychelles

Wilder than the glossy perfection of the Maldives, the Seychelles has an extraordinary natural charm. A honeymoon here can involve sunbathing for days on talcum-powder sands, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters with turtles or hiking through World Heritage-listed nature reserves. Then there’s Creole history and colourful flora and fauna, from the rare coco de mer tree to giant tortoises.

‘There are very few cars here – bicycles are the main mode of transport. La Digue is home to Anse Source d’Argent, the Seychelles’ poster child beach with its towering granite boulders. Visit at sunset when the rocks glow pink’.

With so much variety on offer, a visit to the Seychelles is certainly not a case of once you’ve seen one island, you’ve seen them all. It’s easy to get around and you could combine any number of islands, but it’s hard to beat Mahé, Praslin & La Digue . Start on lively Mahé, home to the nation’s capital Victoria, for an authentic insight into Seychellois life. Boutique STORY Seychelles is the place to stay for location, location, location. It’s just 10 minutes from the capital’s energy-packed markets, five minutes from lush Morne Seychelles National Park, and fronts Mahé’s best beach, Beau Vallon, which is a dream for watersports.

Hop over to wonderfully diverse Praslin and the serene Coco de Mer & Black Parrot Suites , a delightful hideaway which blends perfectly with its rugged surroundings, before heading to La Digue, where village life exists at a slower pace. There are very few cars here – bicycles are the main mode of transport. La Digue is home to Anse Source d’Argent, the Seychelles’ poster child beach with its towering granite boulders. Visit at sunset when the rocks glow pink. Rustic-chic Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie is hands down our favourite honeymoon resort on La Digue – hotels and settings don’t come much more romantic: it sits on a steep hillside draped in greenery teeming with birds, overlooking a pretty-as-a-picture beach.

We can help you plan how long to spend on each island, where to stay and how to get around. Make an appointment in-store and we’ll take all the stress out of creating your dream island-hopping honeymoon.

TOP ISLAND-HOPPING HONEYMOONS:

Mykonos & Santorini

Sporades Islands, Greece Bali, Lombok & The Gilis Barbados & The Grenadines

Saint Lucia & Dominica

Mahé, Praslin & La Digue, Seychelles

Planet worth: sustainable luxury

It’s cool to be kind. Sustainable travel is complicated, but thanks to the long-term actions of eco-conscious resorts around the globe (and more recent efforts from those who’ve had a wake-up call), travelling ‘better’ is easier than ever before.

So how do you see through the greenwashing when ‘eco’ has basically become a buzzword?

It’s all about measurable actions. See if a hotel has an annual sustainability report, check for internationally recognised certification or look for specific details about the social, environmental and economic initiatives it supports.

From ditching single-use plastics and recycling waste to supporting communities and conservation projects, these are the hotels (and destinations) leading the way in luxury travel that won’t cost the Earth.

The Azores: the world’s first sustainable tourism archipelago

You’ll be familiar with the concept of sustainable hotels, but how about an entire sustainable destination? Welcome to The Azores, a remarkable cluster of islands off the coast of Portugal that’s setting the bar in sustainable tourism.

Situated over 800 miles from the mainland, the Azores is a nine-island autonomous region of Portugal often compared to Hawaii or Iceland due to its volcanic backdrop, geothermal wonders and wildlife-rich waters. But this Atlantic archipelago is unique. There’s no other place where tea and wine are produced side by side or where you can hike in the morning, recuperate in hot springs in the afternoon and dine on Cozido das Furnas (a volcano-cooked stew) once the sun sets. And there’s no other string of islands that is a certified EarthCheck Sustainable Destination, as awarded by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

The Azores scores high on protecting nature and the environment (a whopping 92% of the landscape is classified as a green area and 39% is protected habitat), renewable energy (currently standing at about 40% with big plans to go higher) and cultural identity (a blend of Portuguese traditions and local culture influenced by the islanders’ deeply held faith).

On Sao Miguel, the largest of the nine islands, you’ll find deep crater lakes, clearwater coastal lagoons and the Furnas Valley, where geothermic-heated springs bubble into bathing pools. Stay at a rustic-luxe resort like Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort, where being at harmony with nature comes first, or sleep half-hidden amongst the trees at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel , a classy retreat with a geothermal pool and a host of rare plants. Then spend your days going big on outdoor experiences: try out being a marine biologist for a day and learn more about the Azores’ incredible ecosystem or hop on a 4x4 tour to explore old settlements and verdant forests. Over on smaller Terceira, The Shipyard Angra is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a dose of eye-catching modernity and a bit more independence. Terceira is home to agricultural plains encompassed by crater walls, a collapsed volcanic cone surrounded by the sea and the Algar do Carvão – a cavernous volcanic vent around 90 metres deep that can be explored by descending 338 steps (but remember: what goes down, must come up).

It’s easy to include The Azores in a Portugal honeymoon – escape here between city stays in charismatic Lisbon and gothic Porto. ➤

‘Time your honeymoon right and you can head down to the beach with a resident turtle expert for the rare chance to see these beautiful creatures laying their eggs’.

Help protect critically endangered turtles in the Seychelles

Herons fly over the golf course and turtles nest on the beach at this elegant hideaway on the north-west coast of Praslin. Constance Lemuria is a dreamy mix of nature, style and service, where keeping the environment healthy takes top priority.

In 2013, the Constance group of hotels (which has seven properties dotted throughout the Indian Ocean) put in place an environmental sustainability performance programme to up its efforts, and it’s now a certified Green Globe Gold member.

At Lemuria, you’ll be offered an aluminium drinking flask which you can fill up at water fountains around the resort, and almost two-thirds of the water used in the resort is treated and reused to irrigate the golf course. But it’s the programme to protect the critically endangered hawksbill turtle population that stands out. The turtles come and nest on gorgeous Grand Anse Kerlan beach between October and February each year, so time your honeymoon right and you can head down to the beach with a resident turtle expert for the rare chance to see these beautiful creatures laying their eggs.

Sri Lanka’s ground-breaking wetlands resort

It might come as a surprise that a lush corner of Sri Lanka (just 10 minutes from iconic Sigiriya Rock) has been inspired by a spot in the UK’s capital city. The incredible journey at Jetwing Vil Uyana started over 16 years ago, inspired by the habitat of the London Wetlands Centre. It’s now Sri Lanka’s most successful eco-resort, a beautiful personality-packed retreat off ering style and serenity in ground-breaking man-made wetlands that provide habitat for slender loris, fi shing cats, otters and over 100 bird species. Starting with the basics, the open design of the buildings reduces the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. There’s an on-site organic farm which produces fruit, vegetables, herbs and honey to be used in the resort’s kitchens, and all of the wastewater from various hotel operations is treated in the grounds and used for irrigation.

Choose to stay in a villa nestled among reed beds by the lake, in the forest or over paddy fields. The two-storey Forest Dwellings, which come with a plunge pool, are probably the most private options as they’re surrounded by towering reeds, while the cooling breeze and feeling of peace from the over-water balcony of the Water Dwelling is magical.

Find a real sense of place in Sri Lanka

With just 25 pool villas and a 150-year-old mansion house sitting in 58 acres of tranquil tropical vegetation close to all the attractions of the Cultural Triangle, there’s a lot to love about Uga Ulagalla . You’ll appreciate it even more when you know about its focus on everything local. The traditional bell ringing ceremony as you arrive sets the tone of the rest of your stay: sublime service and a sense of destination.

‘Each chalet comes with two bikes, allowing you to make your way around the estate under your own steam’.

Food miles are kept to a minimum thanks to produce from the hotel’s organic garden and local farmers and fishermen, while community projects here have included the installation of a reverse osmosis water treatment facility in a local village. In 2020, Ulagalla launched an Elephant Research Centre to help resolve local issues with elephant-human conflict.

You might well see elephants (and monkeys) during your stay. Each chalet comes with two bikes, allowing you to make your way around the estate under your own steam, and you can take dawn and dusk kayaking excursions to a historic nearby reservoir, paddling past fishing villagers and an array of birdlife. ➤

‘Food miles are kept to a minimum thanks to produce from the hotel’s organic garden and local farmers and fishermen, while community projects here have included the installation of a reverse osmosis water treatment facility in a local village’.

The Caribbean hideaway with local people at its heart

If your style is more rustic-chic than ubersleek, we’re about to let you in on Antigua’s best-kept secret. At couples-only Keyonna Beach Resort – an intimate all-inclusive hotel that sits just steps from the calm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea – seagrape trees prop up thatched roofs and cute cottages are scattered along flower-lined pathways.

People are at the heart of this vintage Caribbean resort. Fresh and delicious dishes are cooked to order, containing locally grown vegetables from nearby farmers’ markets, bread baked daily in the local village of Urlings, and fish freshly caught by local fishermen. Each piece of furniture is crafted to perfection by a team of local carpenters. Place mats and lampshades are hand-weaved by the Industrial Workshop for the Blind.

Keeping the supply chain short and simple –encouraging sustainable farming, supporting the health of the soil, reducing food packaging, eliminating food waste – means you can feel better about enjoying the local environment. Book a place on a rainforest canopy tour for a thrilling journey through the island’s lush forest on a series of zip-lines without disturbing the wildlife.

A pioneering positive Attitude in Mauritius

When it comes to environmental and social responsibility, Attitude Hotels is at the top of the game. This group of eco-committed hotels doesn’t shy away from doing everything it can to protect Mauritius’s natural landscapes and support its economy. It’s in its bones. If you want stats, they’re all set out for you; Attitude has one of the most detailed sustainability reports around.

Sunrise Attitude is a stylish new hotel just for adults, located moments from one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius. Leaving a positive impact is at its core: we’re talking a zero-single-use-plastic policy, with refillable glass jars for everything from coffee to shampoo in every room; Mauritian-made mineral suncream, which reduces the risk of damage to the reefs and marine life; and a boutique featuring the work of talented local artisans and small companies.

The approach enhances the guest experience, too. You’re invited to live like a local and take part in the resort’s bespoke Otentik programme – a series of experiences to help you get to know this special corner of the world. You can dine with a local family in their home, learn how to play a traditional Mauritian instrument and use the Otentik Discovery app to find places only locals know about, like a stunning view reached by following dirt tracks on a scooter through sugar cane fields.

The Maldives’ educational eco-centre and hydroponic gardens

Kuramathi Maldives , with its dazzling choice of facilities and swoon-worthy sandbank, is our most popular honeymoon resort. It’s also one of the most environmentally forward-thinking – verified by its not-easy-to-achieve Travelife Gold certification for the tenth year in a row.

‘Fresh salads and herbs are grown in the island’s hydroponic garden – a resourceful way to get your greens in this far-flung string of sandy islands’.

Beneath the swaying palms and bright blue skies, eco-conscious thinking underpins everything the resort team does. Kuramathi’s Eco Centre, established way back in 1999, was set up to better understand and monitor the fragile ecosystem. Today, it runs programmes on coral reef research and water temperature measurement, hosts resident marine biologist talks on topics such as environmental education and beach clean-ups, and shares vital research with conservation groups like the Maldivian Manta Ray Project.

Dig around at Kuramathi and you won’t find any shortcuts. In fact, when it comes to growing fruit and veg, you won’t even fi nd soil. Fresh salads and herbs are grown in the island’s hydroponic garden – a resourceful way to get your greens in this far-fl ung string of sandy islands. The boatfresh fi sh you tuck into at the Island Barbecue is bought from Maldivian fi sherman and fruit and veg are purchased from small businesses, which puts around USD 250,000 back into the local economy. In 2011, a glass bottling plant was instilled so you can enjoy distilled, purifi ed water in the signature Kuramathi glass bottles – this reduces the usage of around 300,000 plastic bottles every year.

The ever-evolving ways to preserve the environment here aren’t just impressive; they can be an important part of your stay. Go on behind-the-scenes tours, get involved and play your part in helping future generations enjoy the Maldives for years to come.

Adopt a coral and stay in an amazing planet-friendly villa

“Leave only footprints behind” is the ethos at Gili Lankanfushi, a Robinson Crusoe-style island so naturally fl awless (and featuring amazing spaces including a jungle cinema, artisanal cheese room (yum) and chocolate cave (yum again) it was once voted the best hotel in the world at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.

‘The resort rehabilitates the coral reef by nursing coral on ropes and transplanting them onto degraded reef areas’.

This is a resort that cared before caring was cool – the huge, deceivingly opulent villas were built from sustainably sourced plantation teak and palm wood and supported by reclaimed telegraph poles. Plastic is banned. Waste is separated and recycled where possible and organic waste is composted for use in the resort gardens. Wastewater is collected, treated onsite and recycled for irrigation and the resort desalinates water with an efficient reverse-osmosis system. In the organic garden, chefs harvest fresh vegetables and herbs for you to enjoy and seafood is sourced from local fishermen.

The resort rehabilitates the coral reef by nursing coral on ropes and transplanting them onto degraded reef areas. On your honeymoon, you can ‘adopt’ your own coral line to support the project and help keep the underwater world beautiful.

The world’s fi rst Biosphere-Smart certified hotel

On a quiet hillside by the sea in Lanzarote’s Playa del Carmen, you’ll find the first hotel in the world to earn a UNESCO-backed BioSmart certification. The sophisticated design at luxurious adults-only La Isla Y el Mar isn’t just about respecting the immediate environment, it’s about the environment in general. Not that guests will be aware of all this as they chill out in the two pools, indulge in a soothing ritual in the small spa or soak up the ocean panoramas from their private terrace. It’s just there in the background, helping to make a visit here a guilt-free pleasure.

‘The food here is delicious and very much rooted in the island’.

Technology has resulted in a building that consumes four times less energy and four times fewer carbon emissions than any non-sustainable hotel of a similar size. Sustainability is taken seriously, so they use geothermal energy to power the airconditioning, intelligent systems to control the lighting and all manner of clever ways to minimise water use.

The food here is delicious and very much rooted in the island. Herbs are home-grown at the hotel and lots of the restaurant’s produce is sourced from Lanzarote’s organic Finca Machinda farm. Opportunities to get out and see more of island life include e-bike tours, hiking trips and winery visits. ➤

‘The food here is delicious and very much rooted in the island. Herbs are home-grown at the hotel and lots of the restaurant’s produce is sourced from Lanzarote’s organic Finca Machinda farm’.

Coral reef restoration and soap recycling at Bond’s Seychelles spot

It’s easy to see why Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa was a favourite haunt of James Bond author Ian Fleming. Here, a cluster of thatched villas tumbles down the hillside to the jade-coloured waters below, framed by huge granite boulders and tropical foliage for postcard-perfect scenes.

‘Coincide your honeymoon with the resort’s monthly Sustainable Day when you can help out with activities such as beach cleans.’

Plans are in place to keep it that way. The resort is working with the Marine Conservation Society on projects to support the island’s fragile coral reefs; solar panels are used to generate the hot water for the guest villas and the spa; and there’s a regular Hotel Earth Hour. One of the most interesting initiatives is a soap recycling scheme. Hilton Seychelles Northolme is part of Diversey’s Soap for Hope programme, where unused soap is recycled and donated to the local community.

Dine al fresco at Wave, where you can feast on Mediterranean cuisine with a menu that draws on the bounty of the sea, and try and coincide your honeymoon with the resort’s monthly Sustainable Day when you can help out with activities such as beach cleans, learn the local culture with a Sega dancer or snorkel to the coral nursery with a conservation expert.

A passion for nature on Koh Samui

It’s the serene setting, exceptional service and environmentally sensitive approach that sets Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui apart. Framing a beautiful cove in a nature reserve on the north-east coast of Koh Samui, this romantic Banyan Tree-run hotel was sensitively built without cutting down a single large tree.

‘Personalised spa treatments take place in the privacy of the Prana Spa, hidden among the greenery’.

Strong eco initiatives are in place throughout, from efforts to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint by sourcing rice straight from local farmers to supporting community projects such as funding and advising a nearby school on their low carbon practices, and supporting an animal rescue centre and wildlife foundations. Energy-saving light bulbs and electric buggies, biological pesticides and compost as fertiliser, an ozone system in the laundry, and reusable cloth bags made from recycled napkins in place of plastic bags all play their part.

Don’t worry, none of this comes at the expense of the five-star experience. Personalised spa treatments take place in the privacy of the Prana Spa, hidden among the greenery, where you can soak away your stress with a floralscented outdoor bath. Or, if you fancy a drink while you’re relaxing by the pool, just raise your flag and the waiter will appear to take your order.

‘Strong eco initiatives are in place throughout, from efforts to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint by sourcing rice straight from local farmers to supporting community projects such as funding and advising a nearby school on their low carbon practices’.