Let’s be real, one of the best parts of the wedding is when it’s over and you can jet off on your dream honeymoon. Sure, romance awaits in Paris or adventure in South Africa, but what’s new and hot in honeymoons? Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato, is here to share the five hottest honeymoon destinations of 2017. So, grab your passport and your honey, and darling, let’s be adventurous!
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Finland is a natural beauty. Explore it’s snow covered landscape in the winter and marvel at the Northern lights or get great lake views and green forestry in the summer. Finland is also in the heart of other Scandinavian countries that are easily accessible (such as Stockholm and Helsinki). This means quick visits to bustling cities amidst a secluded wedding ceremony are very much possible. Not yet as popular as other parts of Scandinavia, Finland benefits from far fewer crowds but just as many delights.
While there, we recommend staying at the friendly HavsVidden hotel — you won’t be disappointed with the incredible Baltic Sea views at this stylish & chic eco-friendly hotel. While there you can sail down from various Scandi seaports or board a super short flight from Stockholm or Helsinki into Mariehamn, where you’ll be driven a scenic 45 minutes up to HavsVidden, just off the Havsviddsvägen trail. Bursting with open-air activities both on and off shore, the HavsVidden is prepared for everything from incredible wreck-diving to unforgettable wildlife and nature experiences.
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Vietnam is amazing for a couple with a palette for flavorful cuisine. Offering some of the most sensational food, have a stunning beach wedding along one of the many sandy beaches and bask in the culture inspired by a bit of French elegance. The region also has beautiful jungles, dreamlike waters and majestic mountains waiting to be explored. Not to mention, the cost of hosting an extravagant wedding is a lot more manageable here. If you’re looking for things to do with guests during downtime, trips to the temples of Cambodia or strolls through the urban centers of Vietnam can’t be missed.
For ultimate rest & relaxation post wedding, look no further than Song Saa — a picture perfect beach, exquisite tropical reef and an unspoiled virgin rainforest all set on a couple of little known islands floating in the Gulf of Thailand. Made up of not one but two islands connected only by a footbridge, Song Saa means ‘The Sweethearts’ and for those of you looking for the perfect honeymoon, this is just the place.
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Oman is an excellent honeymoon spot — a sandy playground rich with sand dunes and culture, this Arabian oasis is great for an intimate retreat. The region itself is relatively unknown to the average traveler — this means you’ll have charming beaches, lively souks and magnificent dunes to explore all to yourself. Some fantastic hotels that can’t be missed include The Chedi Muscat, Al Bustan Palace and Sahab Hotel. Make sure to make your way to Muscat, the capital of Oman, to explore all the rich culture that this city has to offer. Visit the Grand Mosque for it’s remarkable architecture, before you head over to one of the oldest markets in the Arab Would, Mutrah Souq, and stop in for lunch with an unforgettable view at the Mumtaz Mahal.
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Uruguay is also great for the honeymooners that want an authentic South American experience. It boasts quaint colonial towns, hip costal villages and amazing vineyards. Uruguay is also quite lively — lounge away the days and go out for a real party experience at night.
Stay in Playa Vik Jose Ignacio, one of the extraordinary contemporary art hotels owned by Alexander Vik. Standing above the shores of Playa Mansa at Jose Ignacio your oceanside retreat awaits you. Take a stroll along the endless beach to find a restaurant that serves the freshest fish daily or have a bonfire on the beach with friends before returning to dine at Parillero under a ceiling made of canes. If quirky architecture is your thing, take a 10-minute drive along the coast to Puente Laguna Garzón, famed for its circular shaped lagoon crossing. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, who also lays claim to London’s Walkie Talkie, the structure allows people to enjoy the panoramic views by slowing the speed of cars.
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The islands of French Polynesia provide the ultimate escape for romance and relaxation. Golden beaches, sun and sea are just par for the course when vacationing here. Spend your days lounging in your own private villa and your nights sipping on cocktails in a hammock. Your honeymoon is guaranteed to be an amazing trip with picturesque views and tranquility.
For a taste of island bliss, stay at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort nestled in the island of Moorea where you can head to the crystal clear ocean to take in some water sports or sit on the private deck of your over-water bungalow as you sip champagne with the accompaniment of the serene sunset view. The St. Regis Bora Bora and Le Taha’a are also amazing. The tropical paradise of Bora Bora offers lush jungles, turquoise seas, and pristine coral reefs – everything is ripe for exploration. Le Taha’a has white sandy shores leading to tropical lagoon waters, stunning views of surrounding Polynesian islands and sunsets melting into the horizon.
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