Bora Bora is one of the most dreamy honeymoon destinations. Photo courtesy of Bora Bora One
Greet the return of travel with far-flung, opulent honeymoon destinations that transport in more ways than one.
By Ann Loynd Burton & Samantha Garbarini
BORA BORA
THE IMPORTANT: In search of destinations far away, the remote islands of French Polynesia, located nearly 2,500 miles from the mainland, are hard to beat. The famous Bora Bora of the Society Islands is known for its striking beauty and love of luxury. No wonder, because the most important industry of the small island (the mainland extends over about 20 square kilometers) is tourism. The awe-inspiring beauty of Bora Bora has been described for decades, with a dormant volcano and lush jungle in the center and an aquamarine lagoon on the edge.
TO DO: Explore the main port of Vaitape; climb Mount Otemanu (or see it from above by helicopter); snorkel in crystal clear water. This type of seclusion, glamor, and breathtaking sights requires a healthy budget, and the resorts deliver in abundance.
Photo courtesy of Bora Bora One
EXCELLENT STAY: If you’re one of those couples who prefer not to have polite conversations with the people on the neighboring beach chairs, Bora Bora One is well worth the money. Here you will enjoy your own secluded, private five bedroom property on an idyllic 7.5 acre property surrounded by the turquoise waters of the island. Prices start at $ 17,000 per night.
YOU WILL LOVE: If you enjoy staying at the resort overseas, there’s no need to leave Bora Bora One, complete with its own private beach, pool, tennis courts, personal chef, and 24-hour concierge of activities like snorkeling, swimming with sharks, and parasailing. —ALB
Photo courtesy of Bora Bora One
SARDINIA
THE IMPORTANT: Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean, offers a unique combination of tropical getaways and rich history. The Italian island offers a wide variety of ecosystems that include mountains, forests, rocky coasts, sandy beaches, and plains – collectively described by travelers as a microcontinent. Many of Sardinia’s landscapes have remained untouched since the ancient nuragic civilization inhabited the island.
TO DO: For tourists, the Costa Smeralda (or “Emerald Coast”) beckons with its dramatic rock formations, winding coastline, fragrant flora (think of bay leaves, oleanders and junipers) and aqua blue water. If you want to combine culture with relaxation, Sassari, the second largest city on the island, is a worthwhile day trip. It is home to beautiful churches and a popular city museum, although the city is largely unknown to visitors. Smaller villages are also worth a visit, including Castelsardo, which is home to the 12th century Doria Castle.
EXCELLENT STAY: The Hotel Cala di Volpe (from $ 1,200 / night) is the epitome of glamor and stretches across the bay like a timeless village. Originally opened in the 1960s by Jacques Couëlle, the hotel offers five-star luxury and a sumptuous experience that will impress even the most passionate foodie. Newlyweds in 2022 can be among the first to enjoy a redesigned lobby, special rooms and an additional treatment room in the elegant Shiseido Spa.
YOU WILL LOVE: Hidden coves are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving, with mild water that warms up to 20 ° C in summer. —ALB
Photo courtesy of Hotel Cala Di Volpe | HOTEL PRICES ARE APPROXIMATELY BASED ON THE CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE.
SOUTH AFRICA
THE IMPORTANT: Safari seekers are pleasantly surprised by the vibrant diversity of South Africa, with city life and a world-class wine region that can rival the Big Five.
TO DO: Start your trip in cosmopolitan Cape Town, where you can wrap up the sights. Take the cable car up Table Mountain; Immerse yourself in a cage with adrenaline to dive with great white sharks. Explore the region’s troubled history on Robben Island; Immerse yourself in the local art scene; Snap the perfect shot with African penguins on Boulders Beach; and indulge in the city’s sophisticated dining scene. After a few days of city life, retreat to the wine country, which revolves around the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where you can find some of the best whites in the New World and beautiful vineyards. End your honeymoon with the reason you most likely chose South Africa: a multi-day safari in search of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo.
Photo courtesy of Ngala Safari Lodge
EXCELLENT STAY: Honeymoon seems like the right time to enjoy a luxurious stay at & Beyonds Ngala Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park Area (from $ 695 / night), which combines exclusive game drives, bush walks, and wildlife viewing with romantic, lavishly decorated cottages and a private swimming pool Pool and candlelight dinner.
YOU WILL LOVE: Mauritius is a popular addition for South African honeymooners who choose this Indian Ocean nation for its dramatic landscapes and fashionable beach resorts. —SG
Photo courtesy of Ngala Safari Lodge
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
THE IMPORTANT: If rugged wilderness, stone castles, and cozy nights by the fire are your idea of romance, then the Highlands are calling.
Photo courtesy of Gleneagles
TO DO: Some may blame the sudden romantic interest in this northern region of Britain on Outlander, Diana Gabaldon’s hot time travel novels that became a TV series, but Scotland’s seductive character is nothing new. The beauty of the Highlands is hard to beat, and unsurprisingly, time that is well spent is often spent outdoors, whether it be hiking through the purple heather, exploring historic moors and castle ruins, or swinging up clubs Royal Dornoch (one of the best golf courses in the world). , cruise a lake, immerse yourself in clan culture at a festival or visit a dolphin or puffin colony. Let yourself be pampered in between by the culinary treasures of the region, which also occupy land and sea, from the finest fresh seafood (of course salmon, but also luxurious oysters and lobsters) to game and outstanding single malt scotch.
Photo courtesy of Gleneagles
EXCELLENT STAY: Take a few days to visit Gleneagles (from $ 570 / night), Scotland’s famous five-star grand-dame – a destination in itself. The property extends over 850 acres and offers traditional Scottish activities such as falconry and shooting, as well as Michelin-star restaurants, world-class spa facilities and cozy, luxurious rooms with rubber boots and Barbour jackets for the famous unpredictable weather.
YOU WILL LOVE: On the Isle of Skye, Talisker is one of the best Scottish producers in the country, especially for award-winning 20 and 30 year old whiskeys. —SG
Photo courtesy of Gleneagles
THAILAND
THE IMPORTANT: There’s a reason Thailand tops so many bucket lists. With fascinating cultural sites, sugar-white sandy beaches, beautiful resorts, and one of the best dining scenes in the world, it’s a dream destination that won’t break the bank.
TO DO: Most flights land in hectic Bangkok, where you can immerse yourself in Thai culture and feast like a king in the night markets for just a few dollars. Don’t limit yourself to just one region of this diverse destination: head north to explore the cultural capital of Chiang Mai, where gilded temples, hidden waterfalls, and elephant sanctuaries dot the lush landscape. Sun and sand seekers should head south instead and hop from one heavenly island to another, including the popular Koh Samui, the mellow Koh Lanta, and the romantic Koh Lipe, which is popular for good reason.
Photo courtesy Six Senses Yao Noi
EXCELLENT STAY: The Six Senses Yao Noi (from $ 695 / night) is located in the famous Phang Nga Bay and is the perfect, sustainable retreat with villas in tropical surroundings, an infinity pool that you won’t want to leave, and enough spa treatments for a whole stay.
YOU WILL LOVE: Adventurous couples head to Koh Tao to earn PADI international scuba diving certification and, for experienced divers, explore shipwrecks and night scuba diving. —SG
Photo courtesy Six Senses Yao Noi
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