dreamy honeymoon destinations –  8 Blow the Budget Honeymoon Destinations

2 March 2021

Have you had to postpone your wedding due to Covid-19? Are you eagerly awaiting the day that you can tie the knot and jet off on your honeymoon? Most likely, you’ll also want to blow off some steam from the stress of multiple date changes and new invites sent out.

Well, we’ve got just the ticket. If you’re on the hunt for a blow-the-budget honeymoon that’ll ensure you’ll forget the trauma of wedding planning during the Covid-era, these destinations and hotels are for you.

*we can’t be held responsible for wanderlust or depleted savings accounts due to this article

The Amalfi Coast

An obvious choice, but there’s a reason for it. The ever-romantic, postcard perfect Amalfi Coast is the ideal destination for newlyweds hoping to indulge in each other while experiencing one of the world’s most luxurious destinations. Hire a vintage car and cruise the coastline in search of a little la dolce vita.

Best time to visit: May, June, July and September

Where to stay: If you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast, you have to stay at Le Sirenuse, a family residence turned iconic hotel, or the former 11th-century palace perched on a cliff overlooking the Amalfi Coast, Belmond Hotel Caruso

 

The Seychelles

For a castaway experience with all the luxury and none of the pomp of the Maldives, opt for the Seychelles. The lesser-visited archipelago offers a little something for every type of traveller, with a strong creole culture ensuring that island life is vibrant and inviting.

Best time to visit: May – October

Where to stay: Six Senses Zil Pasyon, or ‘Passion Island’, is where luxury comes in the form of privacy, world-class spa treatments and exceptional dining.

image by @leoniehanne and @earthpix

 

Tanzania

Where going off-the-radar is easier than connecting to wifi, Tanzania is one of the world’s most exciting holiday destinations. Offering the growingly popular bush-and-beach vacation option, Tanzania is thronging with diverse wildlife safaris, luxury lodges and coastal retreats. Spend a week on land scaling peaks and traversing plains, followed by a week on the spice island of Zanzibar and you’ll experience two out-of-this-world honeymoons in one.

Best time to visit: July – March

Where to stay: Start at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, where the Big Five run free on untamed plains, before retreating to Zuri Zanzibar, where luxury, social consciousness and culture collide.

California

If you have a penchant for epic landscapes, vintage Americana and some of the world’s most delicious cuisine, a road trip through the Golden State is the trip for you. Clichés are there to be realised, so don’t back down when it comes to choosing your hire car – a cadillac or classic mustang is awaiting your ‘Just Married’ sign. Start in San Francisco and work your way down to L.A via the Big Sur. For added adventure, stop off at Autocamp Yosemite, explore the kitsch art world of Joshua Tree and live life like a Hollywood star in Palm Springs.

Best time to visit: March – June

Where to stay: While there’s a plethora of places to stay in the major cities, the stand out properties for us in this incredible state are Post Ranch Inn on the Big Sur, Merchant on the Road Airstream in Joshua Tree, and ARRIVE Hotel Palm Springs.

images by @your_passport and @cassheridan

Sumba Island, Indonesia

Some call it ‘the new Bali’, but we recommend you don’t. While it’s bigger than it’s famous cousin, it’s a lot harder to get to and is therefore considered by locals as the ‘edge of wilderness’. Utter seclusion is on the menu on this island of lost jungle villages and deserted beaches.

Best time to visit: May – September

Where to stay: A hotel with it’s own chocolate factory and a mantra of ‘returning to a life well lived’, Nihi Sumba is the reason travellers venture to Sumba Island.

Japan

There’s nothing like starting your new life together than with the trip of a lifetime. From romantic strolls through the ancient city of Kyoto, ryokan stays at the foot of Mount Fuji, nights spent dancing in Harajuku, to beach escapes on the island of Okinawa, Japan has it all.

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

Where to stay: The most standout properties on our radar are Aman Kyoto and Aman Tokyo for exceptional examples of Japanese architecture and hospitality.

Images from @jackandjilltravel and @jamesrelfdyer

Colombia

Not top of your list, we’d imagine, but it should be. With a white sandy Caribbean coastline, Pacific Coast wildlife, colourful cities, the amazon rainforest, hot savannah plains and mountainous hideaways, Colombia really does have it all. Spend a weekend exploring markets in the romantic city of Cartagena, venture in land to the scorching Tatacoa Desert before retreating to beach bliss on the remote island of Providencia.

Best time to visit: December to March

Where to stay: A trip to Colombia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Casa San Agustin or Hotel Las Islas.

Maharaja Express, India

For something truly mind blowing and likely to be the most unforgettable experience of your life (yes, even more so than your wedding) hop on board the Maharaja Express. A luxury train ride through India’s most fabled destinations, this is your chance to explore the rich cultural heritage and hidden treasures of this incredible country in old-world glamour.

Best time to visit: October to March

Where to stay: On-board the Maharaja Express, of course, but if you do want an extra few nights not on the rails, our top pick is the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur.

images via @thelifeabroad, @jaimito_reyes and Maharaja Express

written by Crusoe Collective