Our travel experts share the top honeymoon destinations couples are heading to in 2016 and give us the best honeymoon offers available at the moment, from a two-centre stay in Vegas and Cancun to South African safaris and a week of relaxation in the picture perfect Maldives!
1. Barbados & Royal Clipper Cruise
A cruise ship is a romantic and relaxing way for newlyweds to see the world in comfort and take in the sights along the way. Combine an unforgettable Caribbean cruise with a luxurious stay at the SoCo Hotel in Barbados. You’ve a choice of two cruise itineraries – explore the fascinating islets, cays and islands around the Grenadines, or sail through the Windward Islands to catch some of the Caribbean’s hidden treasures.
The package, from Tropical Sky: Barbados and Royal Clipper Cruise, 11 Nights from €3339 per person.
2. Thailand
Photo via Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa
Honeymooners looking to kick back after the wedding celebrations can look forward to one beautiful sandy beach after the next. But there’s more to Thailand than its stunning resorts – it has a rich cultural heritage with impressive Thai palaces and beautiful temples to explore as well as National Parks (this packages gives you the chance partake in the Elephants Hills & Rainforest Nature Safari), bustling markets and some of the finest cuisine around.
The package, from GoHop Honeymoons: 5 nights at 5* Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa, Koh Samui in a Deluxe Plunge pool room with breakfast included, 5 nights at 5* Dusit Thani Krabi Beach in a Deluxe room with breakfast included, 2 nights Elephant Hills & Rainforest Nature Safari and 5 nights at Ramada Khao Lak in a Deluxe room with breakfast included. Includes flights, taxes, transfers, accommodation. From €2645 per person.
3. Desert Adventure in Chile
Combine a remote and romantic getaway with incredible scenery and natural wonders with a trip to beautiful Chile. Enjoy some time in its cosmopolitan capital Santiago where cool cafes, culture, museums and restaurants are a plenty, head to Central Valley winelands where you can indulge in a spot (or a lot) of wine tasting before setting off for the spectacular Atacama Desert, the driest place on the planet where an evening of stargazing is a must.
The package, from Nuevo Mundo: This 13 day honeymoon includes all flights, 4 star hotels, private transfers and tours. Prices start from €2870 + taxes.
4. Discover the Inca Trail in Peru
If you’re looking for an alternative to the beach honeymoon, Peru is a worthy contender. This 16 day trip is jam packed with culture, activities and adventure – explore its bustling capital Lima, marvel at the Nazca Lines, ancient lines etched in Peru’s sand, take in the heritage town of Cuzco, trek through the jungle on the Inca Trail to the magical Machu Picchu (one of the New 7 Wonders) and get a glimpse of the floating islands at Lake Titicaca to round off your trip of a lifetime.
The Package, from Nuevo Mundo: Prices for the Bronze packages for this 16 day Inca Trail Adventure start from €3090 + taxes and the Silver package starts from €3525 + taxes. Includes all flights, 4 star hotels, private transfers and tours.
5. Maldives
Made up of hundreds of little islands, The Maldives is a picture perfect destination in the Indian Ocean with incredible beaches and coral reefs brimming with marine life just begging to be explored. Beach huts and sea bungalows are a staple in resorts where you’ll have lots of time to enjoy the crystal clear waters, fabulous restaurants, (Kuredu has 7 restaurants!), massages and each other’s company as you toast this special time.
The package, from Tropical Sky: 4* Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, 7 Nights All Inclusive from €1839 per person.
6. The Seychelles & Dubai
If you’re looking to combine a dazzling city break with a week relaxing poolside, a Dubai and Seychelles honeymoon is one to consider. Expect beautiful beaches, swaying coconut fronds and dramatic violet and orange sunsets in the beautiful Seychelles, while glamorous Dubai promises massive malls of tax free boutiques and a beautiful desert to explore if you’re after some adventure.
The package, from Travel Focus: Package includes 7 nights in the Constance Ephlelia, Seychelles in a junior suite, on a Half Board basis and 4 nights at The Bonnington hotel, Dubai on a Bed & Breakfast basis. Prices from €2575 per person sharing (including taxes).
7. Cancun & Las Vegas
Photo via Secrets The Vine Cancun
The Vegas/Cancun honeymoon is ideal for couples looking to combine some relaxation and sunshine with the bright lights of Vegas. Settle in to married life with a stay at the picture perfect Secrets The Vine resort where white sandy beaches and crystal clear Caribbean waters are guaranteed and if you fancy some culture and sightseeing, there are plenty of day trips to enjoy from ancient Mayan ruins to local fishing villages. Finish the trip off with a few nights in Vegas, where luxury hotels, beautiful spas, amazing shows and an abundance of lavish Casinos await.
The package, from GoHop Honeymoons: 10 Nights in Secrets The Vine in a Preferred Club Ocean View room on an all-inclusive basis. 5 nights Encore at Wynn in a Resort Suite with breakfast included or 5 nights in the 5* Cosmopolitan 1 bedroom suite with Bellagio Fountain view for an extra €50 per person. Includes flights, taxes, transfers, accommodation. From €3265 per person.
8. Luxury Dubai & Maldives Twin-Centre
Photo via JA Manafaru Maldives
The Maldives and Dubai is a popular choice for couples looking to team an idyllic getaway with a chic city break. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a slice of paradise with incredible golden beaches, ample coral reefs to snorkel and a chance to unwind in total luxury with the most heavenly backdrop. Finish off your trip with a stay in the glitzy and glamorous city of Dubai with its dazzling skyline, amazing shops and beautiful restaurants.
The package, from Tropical Sky: 9 Nights Bed & Breakfast from €3049 per person.
9. New York & Cancun Twin-Centre
Looking to combine a bustling city break with a romantic stay at a luxury beach resort? Enjoy your first few days as newlyweds in the Big Apple where you can shop up a storm, take in a show, see some of the many iconic attractions or simply sit back and celebrate with some cocktails. You’ll then jet off for some romance and relaxation in the beautiful Occidental Grand Xcaret in Cancun where you can expect sunshine, beautiful beaches and coral reefs to snorkel and explore.
The package, from Tropical Sky: Includes 10 Nights Mixed Board from €1999 per person.
10. Garden Route Honeymoon
Take the reins on your honeymoon with a romantic self drive road trip along South Africa’s famed Garden Route exploring charming towns, gorgeous countryside, stunning mountain passes and beautiful coastlines along the way. The 16 day trip includes overnight stays at guest houses and game reserves in Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Franschhoek, Hermanus and Cape Town with a chance to indulge in a spot of wine tasting in the wine regions, relax on pristine beaches, enjoy some whale-watching and see South Africa’s abundant wildlife on safari.
The package, from East Cape Tours and Safaris: Transfer from Cape Town to Lawhill Luxury Apartments, Car Hire (with super waiver insurance), accommodation, all meals, selected local beverages and 2 game drives per day at Pumba Private Game Reserve. Flights are not included. Price is R 58000 (Approx. €3900) from May-September 2016.
11. Cape Town, Garden Route and Mauritius Honeymoon
Photo via Pumba Private Game Reserve
Combine a once-a-lifetime Safari experience in South Africa with an idyllic getaway to Mauritius with this 19 day adventure. Take in the sights with a road trip along South Africa’s stunning Garden Route which boast beautiful scenery and lots of adventures and activities along the way, before jetting off to the Mauritius for sunshine and relaxation with a wealth of culture, historical sights and beautiful scenery at your doorstep.
The package, from East Cape Tours and Safaris: Transfer to Lawhill luxury Apartments, Car Hire (with super waiver insurance, deliver in Cape Town on the last day and drop off at Port Elizabeth Airport), accommodation, all meals, selected local beverages and 2 game drives per day at Pumba Private Game Reserve, car hire in Mauritius. Included at Baystone, Mauritius: Breakfast as suggested by the chef, motorized and non-motorized watersports, dinner in case of half board reservations (drinks excluded). Flights are not included. Price is R 63000 (Approx. €5383) from May-September 2016.
12. South Africa – KwaZulu-Natal
If you’re looking for a mix of action and adventure, South Africa’s beautiful KwaZulu-Natal region has it all. The north coast is famous for its golden beaches, beautiful restaurants and charming seaside towns. It’s also known as the Dolphin Coast so you can look forward to glimpsing local bottlenose dolphins close to the shore year round. A trip to safari destination Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, home to black and white rhinos, lions and giraffes is sure to complete your honeymoon adventure!
The package, from Travel Focus: From €2220 per person for a 14 night self-drive itinerary.
Main photo via Secrets The Vine Cancun
