Torn between a chic city honeymoon and a blissful beach escape or indulgent break in the countryside? Whether you’re planning a bucket list holiday or searching for minimoon ideas, we’ve got suggestions to suit everyone — romance guaranteed.
Cap Karoso - Hit the beach
New this summer, luxury retreat Cap Karoso hides away on the island of Sumba, one hour’s flight from Bali. As well as its pristine white-sand beach and chance to swim in or surf the waters of the Indian Ocean, the retreat focuses on ways to experience the island’s wild beauty and culture.
Along with visits to local villages, try cooking classes and ikat weaving, with artist residencies and craft studios at Cap Karoso itself, part of its commitment to sustainability and supporting Sumbanese communities.
Or head out on foot to explore the island, including an enticing turquoise saltwater lake. Electric cars and bikes are also available to venture to some of the waterfalls and tropical forests, plus private boat charters around the island.
Back in the resort, there’s a spa with products using Sumbanese ingredients, an infinity pool, and glorious sunsets from the daybeds on the terrace of your spacious room, thanks to Cap Karoso’s position on the island’s western cape.
Seven nights costs from £2,855 per person including international flights and domestic flights from Bali to Sumba, and accommodation in a studio room with breakfast. Book through Turquoise Holidays
Cap Karoso pool SAS8129 CREDIT Cap Karoso
Pool at Cap Karoso (Photo: Cap Karoso/Turquoise Holidays)
Rome - celebratory city break
Where better for a honeymoon than the Eternal City of Rome? Anantara Palazzo Naiadi’s Eat Pray & Love experience is ideal for newlyweds, plus the hotel has a new fine dining restaurant, called Ineo.
Relive some Roman Holiday romance and explore by Vespa, with a three-hour sidecar tour taking you from elegant Trevi to lively Trastevere, stopping to savour some of Rome’s traditional pastries between eyeing up the landmarks.
The hotel itself is on Piazza della Repubblica, right in the city centre, so it’s a great base for exploring, and it even offers built-in sightseeing — the remains of the ancient Baths of Diocletian are visible under the hotel building itself.
As well as its own modern spa, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi is also home to one of the largest rooftop terraces with a swimming pool in central Rome, while some of the luxurious rooms have their own terraces; perfect for relaxing with a glass of prosecco as you soak up the views of the city.
A deluxe double room at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi costs from £390 B&B, while the Eat, Pray & Love Signature Experience costs from around £120 per person for a Vespa sidecar.
Virgin Voyages IMG-CAB-the-sea-view-architectural-interior-main-night-v1-01-2988-3000x1700 CREDIT Virgin Voyages
Seaview cabin (Photo: Virgin Voyages)
Virgin Voyages - Marvellous minimoon
Want to get away for a memorable escape but don’t have time for more than a short break? Board one of the adults-only cruises from Virgin Voyages, for a week-long trip mixing sightseeing with sun.
The French Daze and Ibiza Nights cruise on Valiant Lady visits Barcelona (perfect whether you’re looking to kick back on the beach or explore the city’s art and culture), as well as Marseille and Cannes in the South of France, before stops at Mallorca and a day and overnight stay on Ibiza — ideal if your dream trip includes hitting the island’s clubs.
If that itinerary doesn’t float your boat, there’s also Greek Island Glow, sailing from Athens to Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos, plus a stop at Bodrum in Turkey.
Virgin Voyages cabins cost from £2,050, including food, some drinks, wi-fi, classes such as yoga and meditation, and the ship’s shows and entertainment.
Dryhill Cottage P1144303 CREDIT Luxury Cotswold Rentals
Dryhill Cottage (Photo: Luxury Cotswold Rentals)
Dryhill cottage - Escape it all
You needn’t compromise on honeymoon memories by choosing a break in the UK, with country escapes which are hard to beat. Head to the Cotswolds countryside and check into one of the properties from Luxury Cotswold Rentals, such as Dryhill Cottage.
Dating back to the 17th century, this beautiful cottage has its own hot tub on the terrace, as well as great views from its hilltop position out to the Dryhill vineyard. There’s a super-king-sized bed in the master bedroom, while in the sitting room you can snuggle up in front of a wood-burning stove.
When the sun shines, take a stroll from the cottage’s garden along the pathways to the meadow below, and a nearby spring-fed lake.
The company’s concierge service can arrange activities from classic car rental to horse riding and wine tours, plus it’s close to Cheltenham Spa if you fancy trying some of the town’s restaurants. Or if you want a secluded mini honeymoon à deux, there’s a Weber BBQ at Dryhill Cottage to complement the main kitchen.
Priced from £1,260 for a three-night weekend break. Book with Luxury Cotswold Rentals.
Cape Town Beach CREDIT Luxtripper
Cape Town Beach (Photo: Luxtripper)
South Africa - Best of both worlds
What to do if you want city, countryside and beach? Well, it is your honeymoon after all — so why not have them all? Head to southern Africa, on a 14-night South Africa and Mozambique honeymoon.
Start by exploring lively Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, before heading off on safari in Kruger National Park, with a stay at the luxurious Lion Sands Tinga Lodge on the banks of the Sabie River, including guided game drives and a chance to spy Africa’s wildlife at night during a star-gazing experience.
Then fly to Benguerra Island, just off the coast of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean, to relax on the white sand beaches surrounding Azura Benguerra Island, an eco-friendly resort. The thatched beach villas have their own private pool, plus there’s snorkelling, boat trips and scuba diving on offer.
Even mealtimes are special, with star-lit dinners and breakfast on the beach among the options, so you rarely have to eat in the same place twice.
The 14-night trip costs from £9,750 per person including international flights, transfers, tours, activities and accommodation at four and a half- and five-star hotels and lodges, booked with Luxtripper.
