Just married

With your wedding day complete, it’s time to head off on the trip off a lifetime!

Honeymoon, Honeymoon Destination When it comes to planning a honeymoon, most people have a picture in mind of their dream destination. For some, this may comprise a private bungalow in a tropical getaway; for others gondola rides in Venice. Whatever your preference, there are no rules dictating this, your first holiday as a married couple, so make sure your choice encompasses everything you want from such a momentous occasion.

These days, many couples are favouring a quieter, more personal honeymoon over the traditional hotspots, perhaps in a bid to relinquish the build-up of stress from wedding preparations. Mark van Renen, the general manager of Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, has observed a move towards more unusual destinations in both Australia and overseas. “The internet is playing a big part in all this with it being the number one honeymoon search tool,” Mark says. “People are spending a lot of time researching; this is leading to people making a wiser, more informed personal honeymoon choice, which is probably better suited to their individual personalities and situation.

“Maybe it is a romantic picnic in the rainforest or on a deserted beach,” he continues. “For some it is having their room filled with 100 candles and champagne on ice to surprise their partner and set the mood.”

Whatever your preference, you first need to decide the type of honeymoon you desire in order to choose the destination. Understanding that planning a wedding can often be time-consuming, Kiyhan Bell, wedding sales executive at Daydream Island Resort and Spa, recommends booking your wedding far enough in advance so you have enough time to plan your honeymoon. “Have a chat with your fiancé about where you want to go and what kind of experience you are after,” she says. “Do you want a honeymoon that is action-packed or one that is slower-paced?”

Seaside retreat

Possibly the most iconic honeymoon prototype, a beach getaway offers romantic walks on the sand, lazy dips in crystal-clear waters and the occasional massage or spa treatment. In Australia we enjoy the perfect launching pad for such an escape, located in close vicinity to exotic Asia and the Pacific Islands. If it’s an island honeymoon you crave, Fiji, Vanuatu, Bora Bora, Cook Islands and Tahiti promise the quintessential retreat. They also share the added benefit of short travel time; you’ll be sipping daiquiris on the deck of your private bungalow in no time.

There is also a host of picture-perfect beach destinations right on our doorstep. Many couples choose Daydream Island for a memorable, unique, romantic honeymoon. “Couples definitely want to experience something out of the ordinary,” Kiyhan Bell says. “For this reason, our helicopter trips to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach are extremely popular. Guests are flown to this pristine white sand beach for a private gourmet picnic for two with champagne. It’s incredibly romantic and the scenery is to die for.

“Other popular options include sunset dinner cruises, indulgent couple massages or a private dinner on the beach with a personal waiter.”

Adrenalin rush

If the idea of lying in the sand for the duration of your trip makes you restless, you may wish to consider an adventure honeymoon. Still retaining to this day an aura of the exotic, an African safari is a fabulous choice. This alluring continent is not all about ferocious wildlife; from Mt Kilimanjaro National Park and the Serengeti plains to island indulgence in Mauritius or the Maldives, there is a diverse mix of experiences to be enjoyed.

Alternately, experience surf, mountains and live volcanoes in Central and South America; a paradise for adventurers. The tropical clime and party-nature of Cuba attracts visitors, while Mexico grows in popularity due to its stunning beaches, luxury hotels and notable nightlife. The Caribbean islands also offer a diverse array of honeymoon activities, from snorkelling and scuba diving to leisurely strolls along unspoilt beaches.

Closer to home, the likes of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bali combine beachside luxuries with culture and adventure. It was for exactly this reason that bride-to-be Kellie Johnston and her fiancé chose Vietnam for their honeymoon. “We wanted somewhere that offered the option of spending time relaxing at a beach resort as well as being able to do a bit of travelling,” Kellie says. “I’m most looking forward to getting away, relaxing and not having to think about organising a wedding!”

Culture hit

Visits to the vineyards and galleries of France, countryside trysts in picturesque England or historically rich tours of Greece, Europe offers an endless list of travel opportunities. Honeymooners here can embrace any number of clichéd romantic opportunities: post a message of love on Juliet’s balcony in Verona or envisage your holiday home among the chateaux of the Loire Valley.

For a different cultural experience altogether, a road trip across the multi-faceted USA would provide a wealth of honeymoon stories. From vibrant New York to the debauchery of Las Vegas; the glamour of California to the cowboy quality of the west; there is something here for every taste.

Lauren O’Meara and her fiancé Mark are heading to New York for such a trip, with the objective of discovering great shops, restaurants, bars, galleries and museums. “We felt like choosing a destination with lots to offer that we could spend two weeks exploring really well,” says Lauren. “We’re thinking of a helicopter ride over NY but all we’ve planned at this stage is to stay in a swanky hotel for the first few nights and then stay in an apartment for the rest of the time so it feels like we become New Yorkers for two weeks.”

Final call

When selecting your honeymoon destination, one aspect is more important than any other and that is that you choose somewhere you both want to visit. After all, this experience will form your first memory as husband and wife, so you want it to be special for both of you.

Extra points to consider

How long will it take to get to your destination? If you only have a week for your honeymoon, you don’t want to waste half of it on a plane
If you’re planning to spend the majority of your time at your hotel, you will want to know what type of guests it attracts. An older crowd or families mean it’s probably not what you have in mind
Research local customs and culture before locking in a destination so you know exactly what you’re buying into. Head to www.smarttraveller.gov.au for all the details
Consider any dietary needs and food allergies when researching honeymoon destinations
Consider the weather; the majority of Australian weddings are held in spring or summer, so you will be faced with winter if you choose to go to the Northern Hemisphere

Tags: Honeymoon, Honeymoon Packages, Honeymoon Destinations