The honeymoon
There are some couples who choose to forego their honeymoon in favour of saving up for their future. Nonetheless, the honeymoon, it seems, is the first thing that would-be couples decide on before they even decide on the menu for their wedding.
A honeymoon can be much more than just a great holiday. It is a journey the couple is about to embark upon; a chance to find out your partner's inner side while in the backdrop of a beautiful location before they settle down to the ups and downs of married life with no parents, in-laws, or friends or bosses to tell them what to do.
While there are some crowd favourites when it comes to honeymoon destinations, you do not have to be bound by those choices alone. Depending upon you and your spouse's interests or hobbies, there are tons of other exciting places that are more suited for the both of you. With that in mind, we are rounding up on some destinations that are sure to suit you.
VIETNAM
Vietnam is fast becoming known as a beautiful holiday destination with diverse cuisine, lush green forests, mountains, and beautiful beaches, making this a prime location for honeymooners.
WHERE TO STAY?
Ana Mandara
For those who are fond of the woodland solitude and cool comfy weather, Ana Mandara, located in Dalat, is the perfect choice. Each room has its own unique furniture setup, layout and ambiance. The wooden floors, antiquated furniture and canopied beds make your dwelling feel like a secret forest cabin for you two to escape from the world outside, all the while enjoying modern amenities such as a heated pool, bathtub, rain shower and a fantastic view. Rates start at Tk 7,500 per night.
Evason Ana Mandara
For those who cannot do without the beach, this hotel, located in Nha Trang is the obvious choice. Unlike many hotels, it is located On the beach rather than across the street. The gardens, the dedicated beachfront and the sleek pools all magnify the serenity. Rates start at Tk 15,500 per night.
AUSTRIA
For honeymooners, Austria offers amazing scenery, fantastic landmarks and a rich culture. Austria is also particularly well known for its vast mountain ranges, so if you love the idea of a winter honeymoon then Austria could be just what the doctor ordered.
WHERE TO STAY?
Hotel Daniel
Hotel Daniel in Vienna is a great choice for travellers who like contemporary decor and great value. The hotel is close to the Belvedere Palace and Museum and a short walk from the city centre. Rooms with a hammock, overlooking the city, serve as the perfect way for relaxing with a book after a day of shopping and sightseeing. Rates start at Tk 8,000 per night.
Hoteldorf Gruener
Located in Baum, this is a romantic mountain getaway in Austria, complete with a wellness centre, several accommodation options and beautiful mountain scenery. In the summer, play golf on an 18-hole golf course in Gastein, or drive to other courses in the area. In winter, there is cross-country skiing on 90 km of trails, and downhill skiing accessible with the hotel's shuttle bus. Rates start at Tk 11,180 per night.
CHILE
Chile's many geographical contrasts are vast, making it easy for honeymooners to experience a great number of things all at once. To the north there are the stark scenes of the Atacama and the high Andes, along its coastline, the abundant Pacific Ocean, and to the south, Patagonia and the Antarctic. With so much to choose from, it is little wonder that honeymooning in Chile is such a great idea.
WHERE TO STAY?
Kaimana Inn Hotel and Restaurant
The utter definition of isolated peace, this hotel, located in Chile's Easter Islands, offers newlyweds an isolated freedom that very few locales can ever provide. There are also tons of things to do once there such as island tours, diving, snorkelling, trekking, etc. Room rates start at Tk 10,000 per night.
Courtyard Santiago Las Condes
Located in the bustling Las Condes district, it is a two minute walk from the famous Falabella Parque Arauco and 14 km from La Moneda Palace, home to the presidential offices and it features city or mountain views. Rates start at Tk 9,500 per night.
TANZANIA
Sure, when most people hear the words Africa and honeymoon, they immediately veer off to Cape Town, without considering there can be other worthy locales. This is where Tanzania comes in. Not only because it has stunning natural landscapes and wildlife, but also because an adventurous safari can be so neatly combined with a relaxing beach holiday either on Zanzibar or the mainland, with easy travelling between.
WHERE TO STAY?
Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel
Located three kilometres from Nungwi village in Zanzibar, this upscale beachfront resort overlooks the Indian Ocean and is set in lush gardens. The resort sports refined rooms and thatched chalets, plus balconies, minibars and safes. Upgraded rooms add ocean views, and oceanfront chalets are available. Rates start at Tk 13,000 per night.
Tanzanite Executive Suites
A 10-minute walk from the Zanzibar Ferry Terminal, this modern, city-centre hotel is one kilometre from the National Museum of Tanzania. The hotel features luxurious rooms with fantastic services and modern amenities. Rates start at Tk 6,000 per night.
TURKEY
Turquoise blue waters, colourful bazaars, remarkable historic sites and stunning landscapes – Turkey has it all. The country provides an amazing mix of culture and natural beauty to give you the honeymoon you have been looking for.
WHERE TO STAY?
Millstone Cave Suites
The hotel is situated on a hilltop with a bird's eye view of the breath taking vistas of Goreme, Red Valley and Pigeon Valley. Its position affords the spectator the full view of the enchanting dance of a rainbow of hot air balloons simultaneously upon daybreak. Rates start at Tk 9,500 per night.
Concorde De Luxe Resort
This modern beachfront resort situated on the Turkish Riviera, is 10 km from the Düden Şelaleleri waterfalls and 16 km from the Antalya Expo Center, and features balconies with sea, garden or pool views. Suites and upgraded rooms add sea views and separate living area; some have loft bedrooms or kitchenettes. Rates start at Tk 12,000 per night.
That rounds up our pick of off-beat honeymoon destinations you can visit. Happy honeymooning.