Honeymoon bliss

Getting married soon? I’ve the perfect run down of honeymoon ideas for you to pick from. Disclaimer – also valid for just a lovely holiday too!

The GOAT – The Maldives

The picture perfect paradise honeymoon – The Maldives.

Why chose here: Quite simply, the most beautiful places on earth and due to rising sea levels they may not be around forever. There are 1,190 islands of which 132 have resorts.

What to do when you’re there: Not a lot. Relaxing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Some islands are bigger than others and have more choices of restaurants and sporting activities.

Any cons: The price tag. Some of the smaller islands don’t have much choice at the restaurants and all food is imported.

When to visit – peak season is November – March

How to get there – fly direct with BA in peak season, otherwise transition through Dubai or other Middle East destinations. Ideal for a stopover. You also need to factor in getting to your resort island from the international airport on the main island of Male – by seaplane, domestic flight or speedboat which will be part of your holiday package.

Multi centre: Combine with Middle East or Sri Lanka

Tips: Unless you really want to splash out, make sure you go all inclusive as you have no choice but to eat and drink in the resort! There are new and refurbished islands opening all the time and this is a good way to get special offers – contact me to find out more.

Honeymoon specials: An overwater villa is the most luxurious option for a honeymoon. All resorts offer romantic specials such as dining on a beach or private island, spa treatments and sunset cruises.

Want more than just beaches – Mauritius

Seaplane flight over the underwater waterfall and Le Morne

Why chose here: Picture perfect beaches with the ability to explore the island.

What to do when you’re there: Relaxing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Dolphin and whale watching. Hire a car and drive round the island. Hiking to the top of Le Morne, visiting the waterfalls and national parks. Plenty of golf. Helicopter or sea plane flight over the underwater waterfall.

Any cons: There’s a lot of hotels so choice can be overwhelming.

When to visit – all year round destination, with the summer months being the wettest. Trade winds affect the different coasts at different times of the year too. Ideal time for all is October to December.

How to get there – fly direct with BA or transition through Dubai or other Middle East destinations or through South Africa. Safe to hire a car and drive around – they drive on the left!

Multi centre: Combine with Middle East or South Africa

Tips: Stay on each coast of the island if you’d like to explore.

Honeymoon specials: many hotels offer “bride goes free” for honeymooners. Romantic specials are on offer everywhere from the spa to dining on the beach.

Glamour & scenery – Amalfi Coast

Why chose here: Gorgeous views, loads to explore and the best food.

What to do when you’re there: Explore the towns along the Amalfi coast, take a ferry to Capri, hire a boat, visit Sorrento, visit ancient Pompeii. Relax and enjoy the views.

Any cons: The price tag here is among the most expensive in Europe.

When to visit – May – September – peak summer season can be very busy.

How to get there – fly direct from the UK in around 2 hrs.

Multi centre: Combine with other destinations in Italy, such as Rome, Venice and Florence. Italy is so well connected by train.

Tips: Hire a car as taxis are very expensive.

Honeymoon specials: Book a restaurant with an amazing view (there’s plenty), hire a boat and watch the sunset.

The ultimate sunset – Santorini

Why chose here: Gorgeous views and picture perfect sunsets. Perfect for a mini moon. Most hotels are small boutiques with cave style rooms and private pools and terraces are plenty.

What to do when you’re there: Explore the towns along the island, visit the black volcanic beaches, watch the sunset

Any cons: If you want views from your room expect to pay for it. Cheaper options are staying on the east coast (away from the sunset). In the peak season the island can become over populated and the small streets can get very crowded.

When to visit – May – September – peak summer season can be very busy.

How to get there – fly direct from the UK in around 2 hrs.

Multi centre: Island hop around Greece – combine with Mykonos and Naxos.

Tips: If the budget allows, book a hotel room with a caldera view so you don’t have to queue to watch the sunset from your room. Even better if you can stretch to a private pool or hot tub.

Honeymoon specials: Many hotels have a honeymoon suite, often with a private pool or terrace and in the romantic cave style.

Ultimate Island Hopping – The Bahamas

Why chose here: The Bahamas islands are out of this world. Island hop to view the more remote islands.

What to do when you’re there: Relax on the picture perfect beaches, glamourous casinos, hire a yacht, island hop to The Exumas where you can swim with sharks and the famous swimming pigs!

Any cons: There’s multiple connections between the islands but some of the planes aren’t for the feint hearted!

When to visit – Nov – April is peak. June – Nov is hurricane season.

How to get there – fly direct from the UK to Nassau in around 10 hours or stop in the US.

Multi centre: Combine with East coast USA – New York and Miami or other Floridian destinations are easy to connect to the Bahamas. Island hop around Bahamas.

Tips: To visit the swimming pigs and other tourist attractions it’s worth going to stay in the Exumas and hiring a private tour guide to take you. This way you can visit before the cruise ship crowds get there, you get the island pretty much to yourself and it saves hours on larger boats.

Something different – Cape Town

Why chose here: If you love food and wine, beautiful sights and want to go somewhere different for your honeymoon. And it’s super cheap when you get there.

What to do when you’re there: Visit the winelands and drink some of the worlds best wine, eat in some of the best restaurants in the world, hike up mountains, see wildlife and safari animals, drive around the coast and admire the views.

Any cons: The flights can be expensive from the UK.

When to visit – Their summer is our winter – best time to visit is December through Feb.

How to get there – fly direct from the UK to Cape Town in around 12 hours.

Multi centre: Combine with safari or Mauritius for beaches.

Tips: Make sure you visit the winelands (1-2hrs from Cape Town) and take the wine tram. Book restaurants in advance of your trip as some of the best ones are booked up months in advance.

Mini Moons

Why chose here: If you’re short on time or want to get away straight after your wedding and save the bigger trip for later.

Paris – the most romantic city in the world. Sightseeing – The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Notre-Dame…. there’s so much to see and do. You can walk around or catch a river cruise too. It’s super easy to reach from London via Eurostar in around 2 hrs.

Venice – the city of love! Walk around this small city in awe, eat incredible food and ride a gondola. 2 hr. flight from London.

New York – the city that never sleeps! There’s so much to do in this incredible city all year round. View the sights, eat in the most amazing restaurants and take a stroll around Central Park. There’s something for everyone in this city and it’s the perfect option if you want something a bit more fast paced.