Ensure memorable stays and plan the perfect honeymoon at these great getaways. Here are three all-time favorites:
Seychelles
Dreaming of a romantic tropical paradise with topaz waters, verdant green hills? Seychelles. This fantasy island on the Indian Ocean with palm-fringed beaches and a dreamy ocean that beckons romantically is a great place for honeymoon. Luxury hotel, resorts and private islands make Seychelles a favorite honeymoon destination. If you are feeling adventurous, you could spend some time exploring the wildlife, forests and coral reefs, else just relax and enjoy your holiday. The North Island, located in the inner granitic islands of Seychelles, has exclusive villas, private pool and access to the beach. According to Forbes, it is the ‘Most Exclusive Honeymoon Spot In The World.’ George and Amal Clooney and Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to have holidayed here. Frégate Island Private attracts honeymooners, including A-listers, with its indigenous forests, yacht club, wildlife and beaches. Another exclusive spot is Denis Island – yet another private island with luxurious villas and cottages by the beach, besides a lovely lagoon.
Resorts in Seychelles include Maia Luxury Resort & Spa, Six Senses Zil Pasyon and Four Seasons Resort, among others. Over-water villas are quite dreamy, as are the candlelit-dining options on the beaches.
Info: www.north-island.com, www.fregate.com, www.denisisland.com, www.constancehotels.com, www.seychelles.travel
Maldives
Maldives is an obvious choice for a luxury holiday and honeymoon. It is tough though to choose where to stay, for each luxury resort and hideaway is unparalleled. Barefoot luxury is synonymous with Gill Lankanfushi, a tiny private coral island resort lapped by the azure Indian Ocean. Sitting in its own lagoon, this hideaway has 45 spacious, rustic overwater villas made in natural wood and glass. The Crusoe Residences, however, are accessed only by boat and floating pontoons. You couldn’t go wrong with Four Seasons’ luxury Landaa Giraavaru and the 103 villas in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Kuda Huraa, its sister property, with an Island Spa sea sanctuary, lies to the south. If you want more seclusion, opt for the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway: the exotic Voavah is a seven-bedroom private island at Voavah, Baa Atoll. Banyan Tree Madivaru and its six exquisite suites nestled in the midst of greenery, while the LVMH property, Cheval Blanc Randheli – located on the Noonu Atoll – is an intimate haven comprising 45-beach and over-water villas with lagoon views.
One & Only Reethi Rah, Six Senses Laamu (Laamu Atoll), Como Cocoa Island, among others, are key luxury options for honeymooners.
Info: www.gili-lankanfushi.com, www.fourseasons.com (Landaa Giraavaru), www.banyantree.com, www.grandluxuryhotels.com, www.comohotels.com, www.constancehotels.com, www.maldives.com
Mauritius
Mark Twain once said: “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” And he was right! A true paradise in the Indian Ocean, the rich coastline of Mauritius and its tiny islets offer a variety of water sports and opportunities that you can explore by boat or underwater. Idyllic and romantic, Mauritius has stunning resorts and over-water villas and a few private islands. The Constance Le Prince Maurice, which has been given a stylish makeover, is a romantic luxury hotel inspired by feng shui principles.
For a pampering, check in to Shangri La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa. Dramatic tropical landscape and bespoke experiences make Le Touessrok a good choice. The resort has 200 rooms and suites along with three exclusive villas. Nestled on the western shores of Mauritius, Maradiva is a romantic getaway overlooking the expansive blues of Tamarin Bay, noted for its brilliantly hued sunsets, the resort has 65 luxurious and spacious thatched-roof villas, each with its own infinity plunge pool, private patio and butler service. If you wish to rent a villa, book House On The Island, set on a rocky plateau and accessed by a pontoon, about 100 meters from the beach. The island is a haven for fish and a fisherman pops in daily to offer fresh catch. A chef and a butler can be arranged on request.
Step back in time at St. Regis Mauritius, Lux* Belle Mare and Angsana Balaclava Mauritius Hotel.
Info: www.maradiva.com, www.shangri-la.com, sjvillas.co.uk (House On The Island), www.lhw.com, www.luxresorts.com, www.angsana.com, www.tourism-mauritius.mu
Smitha Sadanandan
