Want to know our top 2019/2020 honeymoon destinations? As a wedding and romance travel specialist, let me give you the low-down on our top picks for this year and next.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is one of those places that has all you could want for a honeymoon. Long, sandy beaches, leafy vineyards and wildlife galore. Enjoy the buzz of Cape Town with its great value fine dining restaurants and wonderful wines, before venturing out to spot the Big 5 on safari. Oh, and no visit to South Africa is complete without a visit to Boulders Beach – home to a large colony of cheeky African penguins. While it’s a relatively long flight from the US, direct flights are available and time difference is minimal.
MATERA, ITALY
Italy, home of romance, is an obvious choice if planning a honeymoon or even a destination wedding. But if you want to get a more authentic taste of Italy than the more obvious choices of Venice or Rome, try the historic hill town of Matera. Set in the south, it’s a short drive from the airport of Bari and it is easy to extend your trip to visit the region of Puglia, home to some of the country’s finest olive oils and wines. Stay in the Sassi, known for their unique cave dwellings, and steeped in history.
MEXICO
Forget the overrun Cancun and Playa del Carmen and explore the real Mexico. Check out the Valle de Guadelupe – Mexico’s wine country, often billed as Mexico’s ‘Napa Valley’, perfect for a spot of wine tasting. The buzzing creative capital, Oaxaca, is well-worth a visit. Not only is it the birthplace of mezcal but it is also home to some of the best street food, set among the magnificent colonial architecture. End your trip with a visit to laid back Isla Holbox. Separated from the mainland by the Yalahau Lagoon (home to flamingos and pelicans), this car-free island offers pristine white beaches and plenty of selfie-spotting opportunities in its crystal clear waters.
COSTA RICA
With a quarter of the country made up of protected jungle, it’s little wonder that Costa Rica is such a haven for wildlife. With hundreds of varieties of tropical birds and insects, through to monkeys and the iconic sloth, there is always something new to see. Book into a jungle retreat for the ultimate treetop luxury, or thrill-seekers can visit the volcanoes. When it all gets too much, hit one of the country’s white sandy beaches for some well-earned R&R.
MOROCCO
Blessed with warm weather throughout the year, Morocco is a good bet at almost any time of year. The madness of Marrakech is a must, with it’s hectic bazaars and luxurious riads. But beyond that, there’s so much more to Morocco. Visit the boho surfing towns on the Atlantic coast for laidback vibes, or escape to the secluded sands of the Sahara Desert to really get away from it all. The food is next level and its the perfect place to soak up plenty of culture.
VIETNAM
Vietnam is one of those places that you can easily fall in love with. After experiencing the mad rush of motorbikes in the cities, wander the pretty streets of Hoi An with its beautiful little shops, explore the floating villages and see a slice of real Vietnamese life, and sail around breathtaking Halong Bay. Beautiful white sand beaches are there to be explored, and don’t forget to sample plenty of the local cuisine.
MOZAMBIQUE
With pristine, palm-fringed beaches giving easy access to the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Mozambique manages to combine luxe living with vibrant culture. Home to a crop of new luxury hotels, there are plenty of places perfect for honeymooners to stay, whether visiting Mozambique in isolation or twinning with another of Africa’s highlights such as South Africa, Madagascar or Zambia. Well known for its delicious fresh seafood, the country’s cuisine takes influence from the Portuguese, with peri-peri prawns a favourite dish.
ARGENTINA
On arrival, spend a couple of nights in the cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires, home to an array of incredible steak restaurants and culture galore. Visit the colourful Caminito, or soak up the buzz of the live music and tango dancers in the streets of San Telmo. Beyond Buenos Aires, if you’re feeling adventurous explore the wilderness of breathtaking Patagonia, or visit the wine valleys of Mendoza for luxury wine tasting at its best.
JAPAN
Home to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, all eyes will be on Japan this year and not just for the sport. Explore the madness of Japan, from the bright lights of Tokyo through to the beaches of Okinawa. From the food to the people, Japan is a place like no other and is ideal for those looking for their honeymoon to be something a little different. Visit at cherry blossom time to be blown away. If you’re still struggling to decide where to go, or need some help planning the perfect itinerary, contact us and we’d be happy to help plan your