Romantic honeymoon destinations
The planning is finished. You’ve danced laughed and cried. Your memories have been digitally captured and await your photographer’s edits. Your guests have retreated. Your walk down the aisle has ended in a coupling you believe is divine.
It’s time for you to relax, to reap the ultimate reward with the partner you’ve chosen to accompany you for the rest of your life in a memorable escape for two. Think about exploring a few of our favorites.
Little Palm Island, Florida
There aren’t many places more secluded than a private island. There aren’t many islands as luxurious as Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. The only way in or out of this exclusive resort is by sea plane or boat. With suites nestled inside bungalows decorated with mosquito netting and appointed with thatched roofs and outdoor bamboo showers, you’ll feel like you’ve landed smack in the middle of an insanely decadent tropical oasis. The five-acre island offers a beauty all its own, with majestic green waters, native wildlife and lush green foliage that provides both privacy and beauty. Be prepared to leave your cell phones in your rooms and shut yourself off from the world around you; precious time connecting with your new life partner awaits in this adults-only retreat.
Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colorado
The majestic mountains of Colorado provide the perfect backdrop to romance when you visit Vail Valley and Beaver Creek Mountain in Bachelor’s Gulch. The Ritz Carlton, one of the most luxurious resorts in the area, offers ski-in, ski-out access to Beaver Mountain and village-to-village skiing. Whether you bond through skiing, hiking, spa treatments or gourmet meals, you and your true love will discover a new level of intimacy at this world-renowned resort.
Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, California
Couples can’t help but find romance when they visit the exclusive Calistoga Ranch nestled in Napa Valley. Harnessing the gorgeous natural surroundings, the resort is set on 157 pristine acres and offers the ultimate refined rustic experience. You’ll find luxurious outdoor living with massive stone fireplaces, rich cedar decks, outdoor showers and hot tubs. The ranch boasts its own private lake, on-site vineyard and a selection of cooking classes; you may not want to leave, though they make it easy to explore with free Mercedes loaner cars and bikes. With wine tastings and candle-lit, world-class dining, you certainly can’t go wrong when you look for romance in Napa Valley.
St. Tropez, France
Fabulous is the only word to describe St. Tropez. Located on the French Riviera, this oceanside city is a sight to behold. Lavish yachts share real estate in the waters of the Mediterranean, their inhabitants pouring champagne by day and traveling to shore for posh dining and night life after sunset. Just beyond the harbor, docks are littered with dozens of talented artists whose plein air paintings are hungrily devoured by curious eyes. Sunbathing is taken to a new level here; many beaches allow the sun to kiss every part of your body without a shred of clothing required. Rent a yacht or stay in one of the many upscale hotels here. Either way, there are plenty of opportunities for romance while indulging in the decadence that is St. Tropez.
The Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco
A Disneyland for adults and the once-upon-a-time-home to Princess Grace, Monte Carlo is what fairy tales and happily-ever-after are made of. Built on stilts overhanging the Mediterranean, The Fairmont Monte Carlo offers guests spectacular views of the deep blue waters, just steps away for sunbathers. Another option is the exclusive rooftop pool, with a prime view of the sea, where celebrities are known to party day and night. Book a massage at the famed Willow Stream spa and you’ll never let another pair of hands touch your body. The Grand Prix, the yacht-lined harbor, sparkling champagne, grandiose casinos, a wealth of history, and the royal palace are well-known icons in this glamorous cliffside city. If you enjoy warm Mediterranean air, beautiful people, decadent restaurants, palatial architecture and lavish shopping, you and your new partner will feel as if your honeymoon was pulled from the pages of a story book.
Bora Bora
We simply cannot write about romance and luxury without mentioning Bora Bora, a small South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Picture the most exquisite shade of blue waters you’ve ever laid eyes on, filled with brightly colored aquatic life and corals, surrounded by white sandy beaches and lush greenery. The turquoise and emerald lagoon surrounds thatched-roof bungalows that are perched over the water on stilts. This oasis is a dream for scuba divers and snorkelers, and really just about anyone. While you probably can’t go wrong at any of the resorts, you’ll find the InterContinental especially lovely. You are so far from reality here, the only problem is that your honeymoon most likely has an end date. HLM
Sources: littlepalmisland.com, wikipedia.org, brides.com, ritzcarlton.com, ihg.com, tahiti-tourisme.com and the experience of the author.
