Bali
The Property
The Apurva Kempinski Bali offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and a tropical garden in an open-air theater. The Balinese architecture and decor reflect its Indonesian roots and cultural heritage. Honeymooners can take advantage of services at a luxury spa.
Why Bali
Sometimes known as Shangri-La or Utopia, the landscape is green, the ocean turquoise and the volcanoes simmering on this island province of Indonesia. Enjoy lazy days on the beach with spa treatments. Or spend time outdoors climbing an active volcano, discovering a Komodo dragon or swimming in a shark nursery. There’s raucous night life in the town of Kuta.
But Bali is more than just a scenic location. Its cultural traditions are unmatched, offering both Islamic and Hindu temple sites. Bali is an ideal honeymoon destination for couples with a taste for culture and global traditions.
When to visit
The weather is great year-round. The high season in winter and spring offers an array of cultural festivals around Easter and New Year’s that allows visitors to celebrate with locals.
Paris
The Properties
L'Hotel du Collectionneur and Les Jardins du Marais are great jumping-off points for a Paris wedding and honeymoon.
Hotel du Collectionneur is in the 8th arrondissement, a historic neighborhood linking art and architecture. The hotel faces Parc Monceau and is a short walk to the Champs-Elysées and Rue du Faubourg St Honoré.
Les Jardins du Marais is in the heart of Le Marais, a historical and trendy district near Place des Vosges and the Bastille Opera. It’s near the metro and shopping boutiques in central Paris.
Why Paris
Barkley said Paris – the “City of Love” – reigns supreme for newlyweds seeking a honeymoon steeped in romance and grandeur. “Imagine strolling hand-in-hand under the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, marveling at the Mona Lisa in The Louvre or indulging in a decadent meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant,” she said. Paris offers experiences guaranteed to create unforgettable memories for any couple, whether it’s strolling along the Seine River, exploring charming neighborhoods like Montmartre, or picnicking in the idyllic Jardin du Luxembourg.
When To Visit
Consider the shoulder seasons of May, June, September, and October, Barkley suggested.
“These months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, making it easier to snag reservations and enjoy intimate moments,” she said. Paris also will be hosting the Olympics from late July to mid-August, so the city’s usual summer crowds will be even larger.
Kaua'i, Hawaii
The Property
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort is located on Kalapaki Beach and its rooms are steps away from golden sand beaches. The hotel offers four restaurants, outdoor adventures, beachside spa treatments and the largest one-level pool in Hawaii. It’s close to the airport and Kalepa Mountain Forest Reserve and Ahukini Recreation Pier State Park.
Why Kaua’i
The oldest island in the Hawaiian chain has only two major highways, and some regions can be explored only on foot or through a boat tour. It’s the perfect place for getting away from it all. Barkley said honeymooners will love Kaua’i for its breathtaking natural beauty and endless opportunities for adventure. “Hike through lush rainforests teeming with exotic flora and fauna, kayak down cascading waterfalls, or swim in the crystal-clear waters off pristine beaches,” she recommended. “Embrace the spirit of aloha as you learn to surf, explore hidden coves, or embark on a helicopter tour over spectacular canyons and mountains.”
When to visit
Barkley noted Kauai has pleasant weather throughout the year, but April, May, August, September, and early October are suggested for comfortable temperatures and more manageable crowds.
Seychelles
The property
Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare, on the chain’s largest island of Mahe, offers a secluded and scenic location for both weddings and honeymoons. Many guests arrive by helicopter to enjoy the resort’s restaurants, spa treatments, beaches or jungle hikes.
Why Seychelles
Seychelles is a cluster of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. It has white and pink sand beaches, swaying palms – and seclusion. Most travelers stay on the 43 inner Islands, with a base on one of the group's three main islands. Mahé is the largest, home to the Seychellois capital, Victoria, and the famous Anse Intendance beach. Praslin is the second largest of the primary islands and La Digue is a quiet island where bicycles reign. Besides the beaches, the larger islands boast French and British colonial architecture and incredible seafood offerings.
When to visit
The best months to visit are in April, May, October and November, between humid and hot when the trade winds change.
Marry in the Bahamas, Honeymoon in Turks and Caicos
The property
Get married at Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas and take a two-hour plane ride to Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. Atlantis has secluded white sand beaches and more than 20 unique wedding and reception venues – outdoor, indoor, intimate and grand.
Why Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos has about 100 islands and cays with three types of experiences. Providenciales offers luxurious hotels. Grand Turk is more laid-back and the historic and cultural location where Christopher Columbus first landed in the Western Hemisphere. Tiny Salt Cay allows visitors to explore one of the largest reef systems in the world. “Turks and Caicos, with its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious resorts offers a honeymoon destination that is simply paradise,” Barkley said. “For couples seeking an ultimate escape in paradise, Turks and Caicos provides the perfect setting to unwind, reconnect, and create lasting memories.”
When to visit
December to April is the best time to visit to get away from cold weather elsewhere. “However, if you're seeking a quieter and less crowded experience, April and May,” Barkley said. “This time offers a delicate balance of perfect weather and manageable crowds, allowing you to enjoy the pristine beaches and turquoise waters without feeling overwhelmed.”
Marry in Venice, Honeymoon in Lake Como, Italy
The property
Get married at San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice and drive, fly, take a train, bus or ferry to beautiful Lake Como – a four- to five-hour trip by any mode of travel. San Clemente Palace is a historic venue on an island outside Venice offers an Italian luxury wedding in a historic chapel or its lush gardens.
Why Lake Como
In the foothills of the Italian Alps 50 miles north of Milan, Lake Como “guarantees an unforgettable honeymoon experience for couples seeking luxury, relaxation and a touch of historical charm,” Barkley said. “Honeymooners can escape to opulent villas overlooking the sparkling waters, engage in exhilarating water sports on the lake, or explore charming villages dotted along the shoreline.” Lake Como offers something for history buffs and design enthusiasts in magnificent villas and old-world craftsmanship. And of course, there is authentic Italian cuisine, fine wines and magnificent views. Plan to stroll the "walk of lovers," a short, scenic promenade in the village of Varenna.
When to visit
April to June offer the best conditions for honeymooners. “During this period, you'll encounter mild weather, vibrant greenery and fewer crowds, allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in the lake's beauty,” Barkley said. Later in the summer, be prepared for more humid weather and bigger crowds.
Marry in Morocco, Honeymoon in Tanzania
The property
Get married at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in Morocco and hop a flight from Casablanca, Rabat or Marrakech to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Six airlines have flights from Morocco to Tanzania. Mazagan offers 7 kilometers of pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches and year-round sunshine for weddings in an eclectic and off-the-beaten path destination.
Why Tanzania
Tanzania, in East Africa, may at first blush seem an unlikely honeymoon destination. But the country offers incredible national parks, wild animals, secluded beaches and luxury accommodations – even on safari trips. Honeymooners could climb Africa’s tallest peak, the 19,000-feet Mount Kilimanjaro, or take in the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park. Other unique experiences include hot air balloon rides or treehouse picnics. At the end of the day, enjoy a “Sundowner” drink while watching the sunset.
When to visit
Tanzania’s seasons are dictated by the rains. To experience the winter’s Great Migration, visit between July and September to see wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River. But be warned: it will be crowded. The “green season” between November and March offers migratory birds and Great Migration herds with new babies and fewer tourists. April and May are the rainiest months, disrupting wildlife viewing.
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