HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

Looking for ideas or popular honeymoon destinations and need a little information to help your decision making? You've come to the right place. Whether you need more detail about the Caribbean versus Hawaii or Europe versus Asia, you would find a couple of lovely options here.

Firstly, its important to LAY THE PLANS.

When you make your initial wedding budget calculations, set aside an amount for the honeymoon. This way you will have a trip fund and the possibility of taking a honeymoon will seem real, rather than a fantasy. You don't have to allow for the entire cost, but once the fund is set up, you can treat it as the home for any stray money. It will grow.

EUROPEAN HONEYMOON

1) Hotel Gritti Palace, Italy

Ernest Hemingway once called it "the best hotel in a city of great hotels," Greta Garbo made it her Venetian home away from home, and Conde Nast Traveler named it to its 2005 Gold List -- we certainly wouldn't argue with them. Reigning on the Grand Canal, with spectacular water views, the Hotel Gritti Palace was built in 1525 as the residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti. Today it attracts the elite and luminaries like the British Royal family and many a Hollywood star, with its luxurious rooms and amenities, and mouth-watering cuisine.
You'll take pleasure in feeling like the aristocrat you are in your large, luxurious room, and enthrall in being spoiled with palatial service (you deserve it!). Small details like fresh flowers, fine antiques, grand appointments, and old-fashion service make the Gritti a palace to remember.
Bonus: May through October, enjoy private round-trip boat service to Venice Lido, where the hotel’s sister hotels, The Westin Excelsior and The Hotel Des Bains, await with private beach facilities, swimming pools, tennis, and golf.

 

 

 

 

2) Hotel Cipriani, Italy

The Cip, as devotees refer to it, has been voted the number one hotel in all of Europe and has attracted celebrities and royalty alike. Located at the tip of Giudecca Island, just a short, magnificent boat ride from St. Marks Square (the center of Venice), the Cip is steeped in tradition, not trend, and its Terrace Restaurant is one where elegant dress (suits and ties, dresses for the ladies) and etiquette are revered and expected.
Seventy-five of the 88 guestrooms have balconies, terraces or patios that open onto the gardens or have views of the majestic boat-filled lagoon. The hotel makes its own wine from the grapes found at the adjacent vineyard, and the Cip is only accessible by boat, ensuring the utmost in privacy for its fortunate guests.
Bonus: The Casanova Spa boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool (the only one in the city) and a space age treatment room, where pampering is the focus. Red clay tennis courts and docking facilities give the property a resort atmosphere

 

 

 

 

 

3) Perivolas, Greece

A complex of 17 private houses set within an amphitheatrical landscape of curves that step down to a central stone terrace, complete with a pool that flows over the edge of the cliff into an Aegean horizon, Perivolas is truly a setting like no other. The infinity pool alone has been featured on the cover of countless magazines, and the rooms, once former caves, have been transformed into modern homes featuring vaulted ceilings, air conditioning, and private stone terraces, ripe for watching gasp-worthy sunsets. You and your beloved are just a short walk from the charming village of Oia, where you can indulge in delectable restaurants, or just stay put at the hotel--you'll be hard pressed to find a reason to ever want to leave.

CARIBBEAN HONEYMOON 

1) Hotel Carl Gustaf, St. Barthelemy

The 14-room Hotel Carl Gustaf rises above the town's harbor from a steep hillside, with the beach just a 10 minute stroll away. Each room offer Italian marble floors, a private kitchenette; and some rooms offer private terraces, Jacuzzis, and small plunge pools. The refined French-Caribbean atmosphere is relaxing, not stuffy, and with a spa, restaurant and activities like windsurfing, you'll have plenty of reasons to stay a few days.

 

 

 

 

2) Cotton House, Mustique

Originally an 18th century coral warehouse and sugar mill, Cotton House underwent a full scale renovation in the late 90s to become the luxury resort it is today. With 20 unique suites and rooms, 12 palm-covered acres and nine white sandy beaches, you'll understand why celebs like to hide out here. The tiny island, located in the Grenadines, is only 1,400 acres total, and offers activities like diving, hiking, fishing and bird watching. It might be slightly more rustic, but you'll love the added privacy.

3) Four Seasons Resort in Nevis, West Indies

Why We Love It: One phrase sums it up: World-class luxury.
Why You'll Love It: The resort's 196 spacious rooms, plus suites in 12 two-story guest buildings that all sit just steps from the beach.
This amazing resort is located right on Pinney's Beach, meaning guests can enjoy a half-mile of soft golden sand. While you're there, take advantage of the infinity pool's perks: cold, scented towls, ice water and complimentary water misting.You can also dine at the resort's acclaimed restaurants, relax during a beachside couple's massage, or go on a daylong catamaran sail with complete with picnicking on a nearby island and snorkeling.

4) Ladera, St. Lucia

Why We Love It: Despite the "open wall" -- which lets the breathtaking Cliffside views into your suite, the six villas and 19 suites all guarantee complete privacy.
Why You'll Love It: Each room features it's very own plunge pool or swimming pool.
The resort main pool and deck area overlooks the Pitons and Caribbean Sea, and poolside snacks and drinks are served daily. You'll also be within 15 minutes of Sulphur Springs -- the world's only "drive-in" volcano, as well as the Diamond Waterfall Botanical Gardens and The King Louis XVI Mineral Baths, all near Soufriere.

5) The Body Holiday at LeSPORT, St. Lucia

St. Lucia's LeSPORT enables honeymooners be taking care of every last detail, thanks to its all-inclusive setup. That means accommodations, three amazing meals a day, all refreshments, plus bar drinks, as well as the use of their sports facilities, and a vast majority of their spa treatments all come included in one price. With 155 rooms in total -- all TV free -- you'll still have that intimate hotel feel, without being the only ones on the beach. Several "soft adventures" are available for an extra fee as well, including scenic walks, mountain climbing, turtle-watching, and hikes through the neighboring rainforest.