After attending bridal shows, cake tastings, bachelor(ette) parties, after marrying the love of your life at your wedding and dancing the night away at your reception, you’re off on your honeymoon!
Forbes Magazine released a list of the Most Luxurious Honeymoon Destinations in 2005. I know what two words you’re thinking. “Honeymoon budget.” Let me show how you can emulate some of the Most Luxurious Honeymoon Destinations without going over your budget.
Forbes describes each honeymoon destination in detail. Read the summarized descriptions of just five locations and think about what appeals to you most about that honeymoon destination. Then apply it to your upcoming honeymoon. We want you to embark on one of the most important journeys together—we want the both of you to enter your paradise.
Amanjena means “peaceful paradise.” Open-air fountains flank the entrance, which is sheltered by palm and olive trees. The architecture, particularly the rose-colored walls and open-air buildings, was modeled on the Moorish packed-earth buildings that once crowded Marrakech. Reflecting pools and the guests’ pavilions radiate out from the bassin, the central-heated swimming pool.
Recreate your paradise by thinking of what aesthetically pleases the both of you. What types of architecture do you like? Modern, Victorian, Art Deco? Which body of water relaxes you? Oceans, lakes, rivers, and/or pools? What little things can you bring or buy to make your hotel or bed and breakfast a paradise. Candles, chocolate, flowers?
New York can be one of the most romantic cities in the world, but there’s nothing sexier than feeling like you own it. The Four Seasons knows how exhausting a honeymoon can be, which is why packing and unpacking services are offered free of charge. You can call ahead to request to have a romantic selection of CDs and DVDs waiting for you upon arrival.
Does your paradise include being waited on hand and foot? Can’t afford room service or butler? Take turns waiting on each other! You can do this very romantically too, you know.
Does your paradise include your favorite technology? A great honeymoon present for the both of you is buying an iPad, mp3 player, or even upgrading your cell phone into a smart phone. If you have one of these already, bring it along to the honeymoon. These devices can enhance your honeymoon by playing your favorite music and watching your favorite shows after a long day of adventuring, sight-seeing, etc. Just promise you won’t be doing work while you’re on your honeymoon.
Lémuria Resort of Praslin: A three-tiered pool leads down to the ocean, and guests can play tennis, windsurf or kayak, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and mountain biking.
If you both love to keep busy, find your paradise that offers new or favorite activities. Packages are generally affordable. Ask if you substitute certain activities for another if there are some you’re not comfortable. What about there’s one thing you want to do but your partner doesn’t or vice versa? Compromise. Take scuba-diving. Try snorkeling together first and then see if you or your loved one is now willing to try scuba-diving.
What kind of activities are out there? Compile a list by reflecting on your relationship journey. Think of your favorite dates. Anything you’d want to do again? Think of what you have talked about with one another—your wishes, desires, to-dos. Now is one of the best times because you’ll be acting on your wishes and desires together.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private game reserve, in South Africa takes its name from the Sand River, which winds through it, and you’ll see lions, elephants and hippopotamus all in a day’s work. The best part? You don’t have to give up your creature comforts to see the creatures.
Do animals belong in your paradise? Wherever your honeymoon may be, try to find a local zoo, game reserve, bird sanctuary, aquarium, etc. Going on a road trip or not traveling too far by plane? Why not take your pet(s) with you? Do your research and find pet-friendly airlines and hotels and make sure your vehicle is spacious enough for you newlyweds and your furry friends.
Uma Paro: Yoga, hiking, holistic therapy and trips to annual festivals are just part of the experience at Uma Paro. And the stunning scenery and modern accommodations give you a chance to breathe deeply and connect with each other’s inner Buddhist.
Make your paradise a spiritual journey! If you and your partner share the same spiritual beliefs, why not strengthen your relationship and yourself at your honeymoon? Talk to the head of your place of worship and see if there are any couples’ retreats, religious pilgrimages, anything that the both of you will find rewarding.
Read more Most Luxurious Honeymoon Destinations to see if any other places sparks your and your significant other’s interests, dreams, fantasies. Save this list for future anniversary vacations and/or vow renewals. Any place can be your paradise!
Pictures and Descriptions © Forbes Magazine
Commentary © Bridal Show Producers International
