One of the dangers of a winter wedding is that you get to spend your honeymoon sheltering from the rain. But summer is only a long-haul flight away. Here are the top beach resorts in the world where you can spend your honeymoon in the sun.
The Reefs, Bermuda
Built on the ruins of a 17th century farmhouse, this cabana-style resort is perfectly situated on a cliff overlooking a private beach.
Wake up to breathtaking ocean views from your room and then spend your day investing your time in a quiet read on the pink sand or a relaxing treatment at the award-winning spa. Then in the evening, dine in front of a brick fireplace. And as the sun goes down, its rays shimmer and shake on the salmon-coloured limestone. It can’t get more romantic than this.
North Island, Seychelles
This is where Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge spent their honeymoon – and if it’s good enough for them, it’s certainly good enough for you.
But this private island in the Seychelles is more than just good – it is paradise. It’s like you’re a modern Robinson Crusoe – there are just 11 villas on the island – except that you have the luxury of a butler, designer villa and gourmet dining. You even get to arrive by helicopter, like the star that you are.
North Island is also an ongoing conservation project, which means that you get to enjoy nature at its beautiful best.
Coco Palm, Maldives
A tropical island glittering in the sun – that’s the stuff of your dreams, isn’t it? But if your honeymoon itinerary includes a stay at the Coco Palm resort in the Maldives, you will realise that money can buy dreams.
Tucked in the Baa Atoll, the Coco Palm resort makes pleasant conversation with the surrounding natural wonders – its villas are hidden among the palm trees while quiet spots are placed in such an intelligent way that you’ll feel as if you’re the last couple on Earth. Service is personal and the menu is as fresh as the surrounding ocean.
Quilalea Private Island, Mozambique
To arrive here, it’s a long-haul journey on planes, barges, boats and automobiles. But it is totally worth it because, located in the undiscovered north of Mozambique, Quilalea is truly a gem.
The nine villas are surrounded by the most spectacular views of the Quirimbas Archipelago. The island is also a marine sanctuary, which guarantees a spot of thrilling snorkelling. Every day, you get to choose where to eat, from a relaxed seafood lunch on the beach to an unforgettable dinner on the veranda of your own villa.
Sugar Beach Resort, Mauritius
Back home, it’s a rainy winter with humidity gnawing at our bones. But here, on the west coast of Mauritius, you have half a kilometre of sandy beach and the blue Indian Ocean as your frolicking playground.
Surrounded by 30 acres of tropical, colourful gardens, the villas at Sugar Beach Resort are all private, which makes them perfect for your honeymoon. The island of Mauritius is also ripe for exploration, with historic sights, plenty of culture, a picturesque coastline and some of the best seafood around.
Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp, Tanzania
You probably haven’t camped since you were a pimply teenager. But this here is a different kind of camping because the tents at the Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp in Tanzania are as ingenious as they are comfortable.
Designed in Edwardian style, this camp incorporates modern comforts with delicate antiques like chaise longues, Persian carpets, stud-backed chairs and vintage knick-knacks. The ensuite tents are raised on timber platforms – inside, there’s a four-poster bed, writing desk, rugs and antiques. Moreover, every tent comes with its own personal valet.
Inside your tent is beautiful – outside, you can watch the greatest show on Earth as the camp is situated right next to the Serengeti National Park where every year, over one million wildebeest migrate.
Taj Lake Palace, Rajasthan
True, there is no beach in sight – but Lake Pichola is a sight for sore eyes.
The Taj Lake Palace, a Leading Small Hotel, is set in an 18th century palace with sweeping courtyards, mysterious corridors, silk, stained glass, marble and plenty of glimmering gilt. It’s colonialism gone right.
What’s more, you’re completely cut off from the rest of the world because the Taj Lake Palace is perched on a four-acre island which you reach by boat. There are plenty of romantic treats in store, from a formal dinner at the rooftop restaurant to a sunset cruise on board a 150-year-old ceremonial barge.
Peninsula House, Dominican Republic
One of the best hotels in the Dominican Republic, Peninsula House is situated in a lovely Victorian house set in 15 acres of green hillside – cue colonial yet cosy rooms, elegant dining room, charming bar and a stunning veranda that overlooks the hotel’s private gardens and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
Voted as the top hotel in the Atlantic by Condé Nast Traveler, Peninsula House offers superb accommodation and fine food – lunch can be served on the beach where the turquoise sea laps at your toes. Then enjoy a romantic dinner on the veranda overlooking the peaceful ocean.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
When a resort is inspired by a story of love, then it cannot be anything but a honeymooners’ dream. When in the 1980s Swedish top model Eva travelled to the Maldives, she fell in love with the islands in the sun. Then years later, when she married Sonu, they decided to settle down in the Maldives and build luxury resorts in the most beautiful locations. This is how Six Senses Resorts and Spas, and Soneva Fushi, were created.
Soneva Fushi is the most romantic of resorts, with chic villas surrounded by nature, endless beaches and turquoise waters. The service is always with a polite smile and the food makes you feel alive. You will fall in love every day.