Romantic Honeymoon Destinations
For some couples, the romantic honeymoon depends upon their available budget. To begin saving, many couples will set up a Honeymoon Registry, so guests can pay for some (if not all) of their trip instead of giving traditional gifts. Couples also begin saving Frequent Flier Miles or sign up for credit cards that earn Flier Miles as a bonus reward. For the budget travelers, all inclusive romantic vacation packages are a great way to save money on hidden expenses like meals, transportation and activities. At a resort like Sandals or on an all inclusive cruise, all entertainment and meals are already included! No matter what time of year the newlyweds are traveling, there are great vacation spots waiting.
A winter wedding may limit your romantic honeymoon options slightly, although many couples find the decision making process that much easier with less destinations to choose from. Budget-conscious travelers will find ample honeymoon packages to Las Vegas, Nevada — the city that never sleeps. Vegas is certainly not all about gambling, as there are plenty of romantic activities, such as indulging in the Mandalay Bay Spa, visiting the Wine Cellar tasting room, taking a gondola ride at The Venetian, sailing on Topaz Lake or dining at Alizé at the Top of the Palms, to name a few. Another great destination for January travelers is Saint Barths Island in the French West Indies, where you can catch some rest and relaxation amid 14 quiet beaches and dine on world-class French cuisine. February newlyweds would not be disappointed with Buenos Aires, which is very warm all year round, offers fine dining and boutique shopping, and may even send you home knowing how to Tango. Of course Hawaii also offers luxurious, romance-filled vacations with ideal weather any month of the year.
Come springtime, the Caribbean waters are all the rage for romantic honeymoon plans. In Jamaica, the weather is dreamy and the luxury is unparalleled at a place like Half Moon in Montego Bay (www.halfmoon.com). This 400-acre estate will offer you a personal butler, chef and housekeeper on a beachfront suite. While you’re there, you can snorkel, go rum tasting at Appleton Estate, visit the underwater marine park at Cornwall Beach, eat local Caribbean cuisine at Pier One Restaurant and catch a steel drum band. Another romantic vacation destination for March, April or May is Belize. Divers will be able to see the plankton-eating whale sharks migrating this time of year and you can also tour a jaguar reserve if you’re feeling adventurous. If you simply want to relax, then you’ll love The Placencia Hotel (www.theplancencia.com) or Sandals all inclusive resort (www.sandals.com) — not to mention, the Swedish spas, waterfalls and kayaking. While you’re visiting, be sure to try some local Creole cooking at The Capriccio restaurant! For an even more intimate experience, you can stay overnight on a privately owned island called Ranguana Cave (www.robertsgrove.com).
Autumn can be a challenging time for planning a romantic honeymoon because it’s hurricane season for many of the coastal paradises. However, these cooler and less touristy months are ideal for traveling Europe. In Spain, you can stay at the five-star La Pleta Hotel & Spa in Baqueira (www.lapleta.com) up in the Pyrenees Mountains for more seclusion and pampering. Horseback riding, mountain climbing, archery and massages are some of the activities here. In Venice, you’ll find many romantic vacation ideas, such as wine tasting, gondola rides in the Venetian canals and partaking in the international art and film festivals that occur each fall. Try staying at the Hotel Dei Dogi (www.boscolohotels.com), which will give you that historic 18th century vibe.
