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Hip Honeymoons
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The Alpine Retreat, Austria
Go on an alpine adventure with your loved one. There’s nothing more romantic than a cosy, winter break. Think snow-topped backdrops, days spent roaming the powdered mountains and evenings snowed-in by the open fire. The Alpine Retreat in Lech, Austria offers couples a whirlwind combination of snow sports and adventure, together with the tranquility of the stunning spa facilities. Sophisticated suites await, all with sweeping views of the Alps and beyond. And with Michelin-starred chef, Stephen Kriegelstein at the helm, you’ll be treated to dishes that are as inspiring as they are appetising. Using local produce, guests pick up the culinary traditions of the Arlberg region, best enjoyed with a bottle of specially selected wine from the hotel’s private cellar. www.severins-lech.at
Cap Maison, St Lucia
St Lucia is an isle of plenty to say the least. The perfect place for laid back luxury with a bit of adventure thrown in too. From the peaks of the Piton mountains, to the golden sands beneath them, there’s something for all travellers in St Lucia. Whether you want to unwind with the sand between your toes - surrounded by turquoise waters and swooping palm trees; or you’d prefer to explore the exotic isle and its action-packed activities, you’ll find the perfect combination of the two here. Cap Maison is a boutique hotel perched on a clifftop, taking in the region’s tropical beauty. It’s a luxurious, secluded, beach-side spot celebrating everything that is special about Saint Lucian culture. www.capmaison.com
Singita Serengeti House, Tanzania
Couples looking to experience nature in a private, picturesque setting will love Singita’s private villa in Tanzania - leading the way with wildlife conservation. Located in the heart of the Singita Grumeti reserve, this luxurious house is designed for exclusive use and is perfect for those seeking relaxed freedom with a full-time guide who will show you the sights in a bespoke safari. Take some time out for a spa treatment, cool down in a 25-metre outdoor pool with dining decks and fire pits providing an intimate vibe for newlyweds to enjoy. Private staff will help create a tailor-made itinerary and menu for the entire stay. If you’re serious about a safari honeymoon, look no further. www.singita.com
City Chic
The Carlyle, New York
New York City is one of the most romantic cities in the world. It has everything from fine foodie experiences and sumptuous hotel stays to exquisite experiences and perfect public spaces to take in with a loved one. Newlyweds can stay at a real New York landmark - and one of the city’s most romantic locations - The Carlyle, a luxe, art-deco-style hotel just a block from Central Park. The hotel oozes charm and elegance. Its suites are a stunning place to unwind after a busy day exploring the Big Apple. www.rosewoodhotels.com
The Grand Ferdinand Hotel, Vienna
This five-star, deluxe hotel in the heart of Vienna is a beautiful honeymoon location for city sightseers. The brand new Grande Suite is a charming space, boasting original features and luxurious amenities, fit for newlyweds. The suite comes complete with a private staircase leading to the hotel’s rooftop pool with panoramic views across the city. But the best place to take in the views of the Ringstrasse is from the free-standing, cast-iron bath tub. It doesn’t get much more romantic than this. www.grandferdinand.com
Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Celebrate the start of married life together in the Eternal City. This enchanting Waldorf Astoria resort is set within beautiful surroundings in 15-acres of private parkland overlooking Rome and the Vatican City. Rome Cavalieri epitomises romantic luxury, boasting three Michelin starred restaurants, glorious views from the city’s highest hilltop and Europe’s largest private art collection. It’s a secluded sanctuary close to Rome’s monumental landmarks and ancient ruins - perfect for a cultured city break with your significant other. www.romecavalieri.com
Hip Honeymoons
Paradise Found
Villa Marie, Saint Barth
Wrap yourself up in a cocoon of luxury at Villa Marie. This beautiful, boutique hotel on the fantastic French island of St Barth boasts 21 cute cottages, ideal for a stylish and secluded honeymoon retreat with breathtaking views over the quintessential Caribbean island famous for its white-sand beaches, its yacht-filled harbour and its deluxe, designer shopping scene. Honeymooners can spend the day relaxing on the golden sands, feeling refreshed by the pool, or packed up with a personalised picnic created by the hotel staff. If you just need to switch off and you’re in need of a relaxing treatment after tying the knot, guests can book in for an afternoon at the Pure Altitude Spa. If guests fancy trying a traditional tipple while on the island, the Plantation Bar is the perfect place to be - serving one of the finest collections of rum on St Barth. www.saint-barth.villamarie.fr
Essque Zalu, Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a tropical isle off the coast of Tanzania, perfect for couples looking for an away-from-it-all retreat by the coast. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean at one side and the lush greenery of the forest at the other, this relax and retreat resort combines contemporary luxury with a real sense of place. The hotel itself is cool and colourful inside and out - a place that will leave you smiling from ear to ear no matter where you decide to bed down and unwind for the day. Kick back with a sundown cocktail on The Jetty, go on a gastronomical journey in the Market Kitchen and indulge in an innovative couples treatment in The Zalu Spa. The activities are endless; but if doing absolutely nothing or sitting with a book in hand and the sand between your toes is your preference, then we don’t think you’ll have a problem doing so in this spectacular spot nestled in a natural cove. www.essquehotels.com
Shutters On The Beach Hotel, Santa Monica
Grab your bag, your book and your bikini… it’s time to hit the beach! Think sparkling white sands, crystal clear waters and a gentle ocean breeze. Santa Monica’s Shutters on the Beach Hotel is a luxurious, beach-front paradise in one of Southern California’s most desirable enclaves away from the busy neighbourhoods of LA. If your idea of the perfect honeymoon is chilling out by the coast, this one is for you. Couples can luxe it up on breezy balconies as the fresh sea air blows through the shutters. Or if you fancy living the American dream, venture off to the eclectic and desirable Santa Monica Pier where you’ll find shops, restaurants, live entertainment and fairgound fun. The hotel is just minutes from LA’s luxurious shopping districts, fine dining restaurants and art galleries if you want to explore The City of Angels. www.shuttersonthebeach.com
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
Accessible only by boat, this picture-perfect, private retreat is the ultimate destination for honeymooners who wish to appreciate the finer things in life. As one of the most romantic residences in the Indian Ocean, couples can look forward to lush lagoons, private sundecks and a privileged, personalised service from check in to check out. If you’re looking for an exquisite place to escape with your loved one, then Velaa Private Island is the one for you. Newlyweds can expect flawless facilities, fine foods, plush interiors and dedicated butlers on hand to make the experience extra special. Not to mention the sparkling waters that surround, the palm-lined beaches and the sumptuous spa facilities. www.velaaprivateisland.com