Are you a cultural couple or a pair of adrenaline junkies?
We’ve picked the best locations for your honeymoon retreat both at home and abroad. Just answer the questions below to find out which destination is the right one for you!
1. What do you most look forward to doing on honeymoon?
A. Anything to get the adrenaline going
B. Relaxing on the beach with a cocktail in hand
C. Sightseeing and checking out all the local hotspots
D. Enjoying some breathtaking scenery
2. What’s in the background of your favourite honeymoon snap?
A. A rugged coastline
B. A scenic lake
C. A piece of architectural history
D. The local villagers
3. Which of these best describes the style of your luggage?
A. A backpack as tall as you
B. A full set of designer luggage
C. A sleek, city suitcase
D. A raffia bag
4. Your ideal honeymoon souvenir would be…
A. The fish you caught
B. Enough pictures of you and your husband to fill an album
C. A chic print from a local artist
D. A gorgeous golden tan
5. Describe your ideal honeymoon meal.
A. A relaxed picnic
B. A five-course meal at a top restaurant
C. Trying out a local delicacy
D. A fresh meal made from organic ingredients
6. How would you spend a fun night out?
A. Sitting around a fire reliving the day’s events
B. Snuggling into bed early
C. Taking in a cultural event
D. Hanging out with the locals
7. What would you most like to get out of your honeymoon?
A. Perfecting your fishing/surfing/golfing skills
B. Spending time alone with your new hubbie
C. Learning all about a new city
D. Getting to know a local area and its people
8. How would your friends mostly describe you as a couple?
A. Up for an adventure
B. Love some quality time together
C. Interested in discovering something new
D. Enjoy spending time with a smaller group
…
Mostly As
You’re adventurous and daring people who thrive on getting the pulse racing with some adrenaline-fuelled activities
AT HOME
The banks of the River Snizort, at Skeabost Country House Hotel on the Isle of Skye, is an ideal base from which to enjoy salmon and trout fishing, as well as quad biking, clay pigeon shooting and even tomahawk throwing. The hotel also boasts its own nine-hole golf course if you’re looking for a bit of healthy competition!
NEED TO KNOW Barrhead Travel offers four nights at Skeabost Country House Hotel with bed and breakfast for £320pp from June to September, and for £190pp in October, based on two sharing.
www.barrheadtravel.co.uk
ABROAD
Head to Australia and explore Perth’s beautiful coastline. It has coral to rival the Great Barrier Reef as well as some of the world’s finest wineries. Tour company Black Tomato has put together the ultimate package for adventure hunters that lets you swim with sharks at the Ningaloo Reef before relaxing at the acclaimed vineyards of the Margaret River. You’ll then rest your head at Sal Salis Wildlife Retreat [pictured above], which is close to the beach. It also neighbours Cape Range National Park which is teeming with wildlife.
NEED TO KNOW Black Tomato’s Wine, Whale, Sharks and The Wild West package starts at £5619pp for ten nights.
www.blacktomato.com
Mostly Bs
You’re sun lovers who want to spend some quality time together – and these romantic destinations will be right up your street
AT HOME
Voted Romantic Hotel of the Year in 2012, Ardanaiseig nestles in 240 acres of scenic parkland near Taynuilt in Argyll. After your six-course dinner at the award-winning restaurant, retreat to the secluded Boat Shed Suite, much loved by honeymooners, where you can watch the sun set over Loch Awe.
NEED TO KNOW Ardanaiseig offers two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast, with champagne and chocolates on arrival, boat rental and a gourmet picnic, for £826.
www.ardanaiseig.com
ABROAD
The idyllic island of Mauritius will provide a romantic backdrop to your first days together as newlyweds. At Shanti Maurice you can enjoy private beachfront villas, pristine turquoise waters and the resort’s gorgeous beach setting. There’s a spa too, with a fab range of treatments.
NEED TO KNOW Seven nights at Shanti Maurice starts from £1539pp, a 50% discount. The price includes half-board accommodation in a Junior Ocean View Suite, private return transfers and international flights, as well as special honeymoon benefits. Valid until 22nd December 2013.
www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk
Mostly Cs
A pair of culture vultures who are always on the lookout for the latest exhibition or gallery to visit, you’ll love these top city hotspots
AT HOME
One of Edinburgh’s landmark hotels, sitting proudly on Princes Street, The Caledonian is a fantastic base for exploring the Scottish capital. The elegant Pompadour Restaurant is headed up by Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin and, with its impressive views of Edinburgh Castle through the panoramic arched windows, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic meal.
NEED TO KNOW Two nights’ bed and breakfast at The Caledonian, a Waldorf Astoria hotel, including dinner at the Pompadour by Galvin, from £579 (available for arrival on Mon-Wed only).
www.thecaledonianedinburgh.com
ABROAD
Das Stue, a chic new hotel in Berlin, is the perfect base from which to explore the many cultural sights of this dazzling city. The former home of the Danish embassy, the hotel boasts a unique position overlooking Berlin Zoo, which can be accessed directly from the terrace. After a day exploring this cool city, come back to a fine dining experience at Cinco, overseen by Spain’s multiple-Michelin-starred chef Paco Perez, and a night in a sexy, interior-designed room.
NEED TO KNOW From £210 a night for a Junior Suite room.
www.das-stue.com
Mostly Ds
Eco-conscious newlyweds will love the sustainable points of these luxury island retreats
AT HOME
With unspoilt views of the stunning surrounding landscape, the turfed-roof cottage of Coillabus on Islay is set in a secluded spot that makes it an ideal honeymoon escape. The cedar hot tub is filled with spring water, while inside Caithness slab floors and a wood-burning stove create the perfect atmosphere for a night in.
NEED TO KNOW Seven-night stays for £1600 per week per couple from April to October 2013, and for £995 per week per couple from November 2013 to March 2014.
www.coillabus.com
ABROAD
The only resort in Brazil to have gained the much sought-after certificate for Environmental and Sustainable Management, Ponta dos Ganchos is the ideal retreat for couples looking for environmentally conscious yet luxurious surroundings. Go on a guided ecological trail leading to a heavenly deserted beach before relaxing in your own private rustic-style bungalow.
NEED TO KNOW Ponta dos Ganchos offers rates from around £470 per bungalow per night, including welcome drinks and breakfast, based on two sharing.
www.pontadosganchos.com