The hard part is over – you’ve chosen your forever travel partner… so now what? Let inspiration take flight (or set sail) with Emma Simper’s selection of dreamy honeymoon trends
Decisions, decisions, decisions… Don’t get me wrong – options are incredible, and we feel oh so lucky to have them. But if, after a long day consulting on floral arrangements and painstakingly narrowing down your guest list, your brain goes a little bit numb, we don’t blame you.
So, instead of non-ironically re-enacting with your partner that infamous scene from The Notebook where Ryan Gosling begs Rachel McAdams to tell him what she wants, take a look at the following half a dozen honeymoon-worthy travel trends. Whichever takes your fancy, we promise there are no wrong choices.
1. WELLNESS RETREATS
Shambhala Estate, Bali
A bit of pampering never goes amiss, but at Bali’s Shambhala Estate, wellness is taken to the next level. Alongside its white-sand beaches and lush countryside, the Indonesian island is a place heavily rooted in healing practices.
Guests at the estate can immerse themselves in a personalised wellness programme (including tailored eating plans, therapy schedules and a variety of health- focused activities) all while enjoying tranquil rooms and access to healing water from a locally revered spring.
You can look forward to returning home from your honeymoon feeling relaxed, inspired and more equipped than ever for the adventure that is married life. Start as you mean to go on, right?
2. CULTURAL IMMERSION
Zanzibar
of the Indian Ocean
Thrill-craving honeymooners these days don’t visit inspirational hot spots simply to tick off items on a bucket list; many are actively looking to truly experience the places they travel to.
Whether that’s immersing yourself in Japanese cuisine by taking cooking classes in Tokyo, learning how to ride at a ranch in Texas, or – as Barrhead Travel recommends – discovering the rich and diverse cultures of East Africa by exploring the island of Zanzibar. Its capital, Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been a unique melting pot of Indian, Arab and European influences for hundreds of years.
Once you’ve meandered through the maze of narrow streets, past palaces, historic mosques and forts (and the house where Freddie Mercury was born), head to the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to see the red colobus monkeys, venture on a spice tour, or, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in more than just culture, learn to scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
3. CARIBBEAN TWIN-CENTRE
Sandals’ resorts
You’ve already done a tonne of organising for the wedding, so if you fancy letting someone else take care of the hassles of travelling once you’re on honeymoon, try Sandals’ twin-centre holidays in the Caribbean.
“Newlyweds can combine a stay at two different Sandals resorts on the islands of Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Bahamas,” says the company’s Esme Burden. With ten nights’ all-inclusive accommodation and flights, all you have to do is pack a swimsuit – and relax.
4. ALTERNATIVE CRUISES
Magna on the Danube
Instead of taking to the high seas, how about a voyage along one of the most famous rivers in the world? AmaWaterways’ cruises on the romantic Danube through the heart of Europe are proving so popular that the company has had to extend its 2024 season.
Its flagship, the AmaMagna, will take you on a seven- night cruise between Vilshofen in south-east Germany, to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, stopping off at an exciting line-up of included excursions (sample apricot brandy and chocolate in the gorgeous little Austrian town of Dürnstein, for example, and explore elegant Vienna by bike).
Onboard, there’s award-winning dining, spin classes with a view, a sun deck with a pool, daily entertainment and much more.
5. MEDITERRANEAN OASIS
Cala Cuncheddi, Sardinia
The sunny Italian island of Sardinia has scored first place in Forbes’ list of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 – and with its golden coastline and glorious scenery, it’s no wonder.
When it comes to luxury retreats, the island has more than its fair share, but we can’t help but love the secluded oasis that is Cala Cuncheddi. Home to a beautiful private garden filled with Mediterranean plants, the hotel also offers guests a seafront pool, an exclusive spa that extends onto the private beach, and three on-site restaurants.
Be sure to grab one of the tables placed perfectly for a private fine-dining experience under the stars.
6. A SCANDINAVIAN ESCAPE
Ruths Hotel, Denmark
While Copenhagen has become a solid weekend-break fixture for many Brits, few visitors stray beyond the much-loved capital city. But now, thanks in part to the likes of actress Lily Collins professing her love of Denmark, the country’s rural scene is transitioning from a well-kept secret to a highlight on the holiday radar.
Do you love invigorating sea breezes, refreshing dips in the waves and award-winning gourmet food? If so, book yourself a summer getaway at Ruths Hotel. You’ll find it in the artists’ town of Skagen, at the tip of the little country’s northernmost peninsula, where you can enjoy a wonderful combination of serene seaside comfort and iconic Danish design.
Imagine sunlit evenings stretching past 10pm, afternoons spent on your bike (with frequent stops for ice-cream) and mornings best begun with a trip to the local bakery for traditional pastries and still-warm bread.
