Honeymoons

The Ultimate Honeymoon Destinations of All Time

Words: Cecilia D’souza

Whether you want to relax on a golden beach, go on an adventurous postnuptial trip or explore a far-flung hideaway, here are 10 destinations to add to your shortlist

01. The Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll Why go: Well, we cannot help but state the obvious here. It chooses itself in any hon eymoon discussion. Home to snow-white sands, glistening blue waters, secluded re sorts and heart-melting sunsets, this luxurious destination has it all. And then there are the watersports, the scuba diving and the spa pampering, too. It’s a one-stop shop. What to do: Drink in the amazing views, jump from your villa into the ocean, go surf boarding, scuba diving, take loads of photos for your Instagram, play footsie in the sand and feast on local and international cuisines. Where to stay: There are a plethora of luxurious hotels spread across the Maldives. On the Dhaalu Atoll, there stands the majestic Niayama Private, on the Noono Atoll the Che val Blanc Randheli, the exclusive Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, One & Only Reeti Rah, the Naladhu Private Island Maldives, Coco Bodu Hithi and Velaa Private Island.

02. Marrakesh, Morocco Why go: You’ll feel like you wandered onto a movie set complete with a bustling medina, snake charmers, belly dancers, horse-drawn carriage rides and an extensive maze of co lourful markets. What to do: Visits to Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent’s former home and gar dens are Insta-gold. Celebrate your love when you stop by the Galerie ‘Love’ – a col lection of all of the designer’s collage posters with the word ‘love’ emblazoned on each one. Where to stay: The stylish and luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, the Jnane Tamsna, the character-filled La Mamounia with its lovely walled gardens and Jasper Conran’s 19th centrury riad L’Hotel. 03. Rwanda Why go: If trekking through misty mountains in search of wild gorillas in this land of a thousand rolling hills, watching beautiful volcanoes and golden monkeys excites you, then this one is for you.

What to do: The delightful Nyungwe Forest National Park, the Volcanoes National Park, the utterly stunning Lake Kivu are a treat to the eyes and add a calm to the soul. Roman tic leisurely walks by the waterfalls and canopies, bird watching and much much more. Where to stay: The One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offers a front row seat to the gorilla sanctuary and has loads of adventure spaces. The Bis ate Lodge is immersed in greenery. 04. Ladakh, India Why go: Situated at an average altitude of 11,500 feet and crisscrossed by four moun tain ranges it is one of the few breathtaking places on Earth that remain virtually un touched and unexplored. What to do: Tour the city of Leh, meet local monks, stargaze to your hearts content and maybe even catch a game of Ladakhi Polo. Where to stay: Why not stay in beautiful homestays in unknown villages and then luxury tented camps. Try the momo, Ladakhi Pulao and Chutagi (dumpling soup) cooked by a local. You will find it beats any restaurant. The Grand Dragon Ladakh is top of the list.

Left page: The Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll; This page, from top: Marrakesh, Morocco Ladakh, India

From top: Salta, Argentina, The Faroe Islands, Denmark; Right page: Tulum, Mexico WHAT TO PACK

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05. St Barts Why go: This island is one of the most picturesque and stylish destinations in the Caribbean and has a French Riviera feel. It has it all – sun, sand, acquamarine waters and total privacy. What to do: Pack a picnic basket, swimsuits and beach towels and head to the insanely beautiful Le Colombier beach, which is only accessible via boat or by foot. Laze in the sand and watch the sunset, kite-surf, snorkel with turtles or hire a car and take a memorable drive on the coast. Where to stay: Supremely stylish stays await you here. The enchanting Le Sereno, the Hotel Le Toiny which is set on a pan oramic hillside or the majestic Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, are gems to lap in. 06. Orkney, Scotland Why go: Indulge in all your daydreams at this northern archipelago off the coast of Scotland with green-topped islands, tur quoise waters and sandstone cliffs. What to do: Take a day trip and wander around Stromness Port. Stand in awe at the Neolithic Ring of Brodgar, an ancient and eerie ring of standing stones. It is still a mystery how the stones were brought here or what the circle means but it makes for a supernatural sight. Where to stay: The family-run Kirkwall Hotel is steps from shopping. The Sands Hotel on Burray and the ornate 17 th century Orkney hotel are also close to the magnificent sights. 07. The Faroe Islands, Denmark Why go: Located in the chilly waters between Norway and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are a mesmerising treat. The dramatic landscapes redefine the meaning of untouched archi pelago and offer one breathtaking view of waterfalls and quaint villages after another. What to do: Rugged coastlines are home to natural wonders best explored by old fishing boats. The Faroe Islands are limiting tour ism to preserve the ecosystem and authentic culture, so begin planning your trip as soon as the wedding preparations are underway. Make your trip extra special by embarking on a helicopter tour and, while there, why not snag a reservation at the Michelinstarred Koks for a taste of regional specials. Where to stay: Hotel Foroyar is perched on the hillside overlooking the world’s smallest capital city, the Gásadalsgardur Guesthouse is cosy and very inviting and the Hotel Vagar is as popular a spot as any. 08. Salta, Argentina Why go: Famed for its spectacular scenery and richly coloured landscapes – think red rock valleys, multi-coloured hills and terracotta peaks set magically against blue skies, you will fall in love all over again. What to do: Visit its outstanding museums, plaza side cafes and the vibrant folk music clubs where you can dance the night away in each other’s arms. The diversity of the area also makes it a haven for trekking, horse back riding, rafting and a lot more. Where to stay: La Merced del Alto is a spectacular escape while the delightful townhouse Legado Mitico Salta and the grand Patios de Cafayate are also choice stays. 09. Cartagena and Llanos Orientales, Colombia Why go: It has stunning colonial architecture, oozes romance, a buzzy nightlife and impres sive wellness offerings. What’s not to love?

What to do: Check out Cartagena, where pastel buildings in the old city house some of the best dining options. For something completely off-the-beaten track yet luxuri ous, it’s the Corocora Camp in Llanos Orientales region that you head to. Spend days exploring the terrain on horseback, go offroading or even birdwatching. Where to stay: The 17th century converted monastery Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartegena has heaps of fascinating history. You can also try the Bastión Luxury Hotel in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city. 10. Tulum, Mexico Why go: With pristine white beaches, the ultimate hammock life and colourful cul ture, it has something for all couples. What to do: If you are in the mood for shopping, you should check out the local boutiques which run along the beach road for caftans, locally-made knits, leather goods and funky accessories. Where to stay: From a rustic bungalow to a luxury suite, it’s all here. The Nest has ev erything you have dreamt about. Another beautiful eco-boutique hotel is Sanará.