Ballygally Castle in Northern Ireland has introduced its latest aquatic experience
Ballygally Castle, positioned on the waters of the Antrim Coast,...
Breathtaking honeymoon destinations
Chablé Yucatan, Mexico
Best for wellness enthusiasts
Nestled in 750 acres of secluded, Mexican jungle, Chablé Yucatan offers honeymooners a unique setting. Chable Yucatan’s world-class spa is the first to be built inside a ‘cenote’ – a natural cave formation considered sacred by the ancient Mayans and commonly associated with the Yucatán Peninsula.
The hotel’s spiritual setting and extraordinary spa ensures it is perfect for couples with a love for wellness. All treatments are rooted in ancient Mayan techniques, with traditional temazcal (steam house) rituals taking centre stage.
The hotel can also organise dedicated adventures to hidden cenotes across the area for newlyweds to dive into the mineral rich waters and spend hours swimming under the jungle canopy. Underwater photographers can capture these special moments in the crystal clear waters of magical cave cenotes, whilst open-air cenotes are home to vitamins that nourish and protect the skin if bathed in.
As each day closes, couples retreat back to their private casitas boasting calming pools, sprawling terraces and outdoor rain showers hidden amidst the tropical landscape, providing total tranquillity.
Rooms start from £790.
Chablé Maroma, Mexico
Best for beach
Best for beach
Surrounded by luscious mangroves on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, Chablé Maroma offers a picture-perfect backdrop for newlyweds looking to celebrate their union on sun-drenched sands. The hotel is within close proximity to the world’s second-largest coral reef where couples can spend afternoons snorkelling beside shoals of tropical fish, paddleboarding across azure lagoons and kayaking in calm waters.
Guests at the beachside property, can also expect delectable cuisine throughout their honeymoon. Exemplary Mexican dishes are served under the creative eye of head chef, Jorge Vallejo and a particular highlight is the fresh seafood served at the property’s Raw Bar overlooking the turquoise sea.
New for November 2022 will be Casa Chablé, a private islet hotel with only 10 keys on the untouched stretch of Quintana Roo’s Caribbean coast. Casa Chablé and Chable Maroma will be the perfect twin trip for honeymooners seeking winter sun and remote island living this season.
Rooms start from £608.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island | Maldives
Best for ultra-luxe seclusion
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is spread across two beautiful playgrounds, Rangalifinolu Island and Rangali Island. The property underwent an extensive renovation this year and is full of possibilities for the most unforgettable romantic getaway.
Keen on curating bespoke honeymoons for each couple, Conrad Maldives offers a range of experiences. For those whose love-lanugage is food, 12 world-class dining offerings are available, including a private experience in the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, where travellers can dine whilst a rainbow of tropical fish and reef sharks swim overhead.
Meanwhile the adventurous can jump onboard speed boats in search of majestic whale sharks and experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants. Or for the ultimate indulgence, guests can retreat to The MURAKA, the first-of-its-kind luxury overwater residence featuring three bedrooms (one of which is submerged 17ft underwater) an infinity pool, private jet skis and an onsite butler, chef and fitness trainer. Conrad Maldives will help capture special moments on camera during a private photography session allowing couples to forever reminisce about their adventures together.
Rooms from £405 (beach villa)
Shangri-La Le Touessrok I Mauritius, Indian Ocean
Best for privacy
Best for privacy
Mauritius is a much-loved castaway island and a top honeymoon choice. Located on the island’s east coast within a secluded bay overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean, Shangri-La Le Touessrok provides couples with a honeymoon to remember. The resort’s settings are luxurious yet at one with nature, and invite guests for romantic strolls across the expansive and pristine beaches where they can cocoon in large nest beds or spend time with the resident turtles.
The hotel also offers complimentary daily boat shuttles to their private island, the secluded and idyllic Ilot Mangénie - perfect for couples seeking something more intimate. The ‘Romance by Shangri-La’ offer tailored for couples celebrating their special occasion includes a sumptuous romantic breakfast in a venue of their choice (from feet-in-the-sand, at-sea, in the comfort of their terrace with stunning Indian Ocean views, or simply in the privacy of their luxury suite), a couple’s massage at Chi The Spa using essential oils that will revive the senses, daily access to the exclusive island, Ilot Mangénie, a selection of watersports and so much more.
Rooms from £375 per night
Shangri-La Al Husn | Muscat, Oman
Best for a locally-inspired Omani stay
Shangri-La Al Husn is Oman’s exclusive, adults-only clifftop retreat where an air of peace and tranquillity prevails. The resort caters to honeymooners seeking an authentic yet luxurious experience, through its locally inspired bespoke guest experience.
Touches from Oman’s rich heritage begin from the moment of arrival at the palatial Al Husn – meaning ‘castle’ in Arabic. Designed to reference the historic architecture of Omani forts – guests are immediately immersed in the courtyard design elements; arches, water features and palm trees. Beyond the resort’s water gardens lies the infinity pool with its Instagram-worthy views of the Sea of Oman that also defines the setting of the private 100-metre beach.
Sweeping views and calming hues are a source of inspiration along with the private beach cove, where couples can laze the day away on sun beds, cabanas or within the privacy of their lounges. Couples can enjoy pampering moments together with a selection of precious Omani Frankincense treatment rituals at the Luban Spa – The Spa of Frankincense. This is the first of its kind in the Sultanate which uses Luban (Frankincense), a precious resin originating in Oman that is treasured over the world for its healing properties.
Rooms from £450 per night
The Setai, Miami Beach | Florida, USA
Best for a secluded getaway in the heart of fun-filled Miami
Best for a secluded getaway in the heart of fun-filled Miami
Situated ocean side amongst the buzz of South Beach, The Setai is a haven of tranquillity. Perfect for private, romantic getaways, The Setai is known for its seclusion amongst the A-list and Hollywood stars. Combining Asian design with European-style hospitality, the ultra-luxe hotel is an oasis for newlyweds with nods to romance throughout.
Couples can luxuriate in the sleek and chic dark interiors by the famed Jean-Michel Gathy (100 signature red roses greet guests in the lobby — a romantic Setai signature) or shop for forgotten romantic gifts at the designer stores hidden within the hotel (brands available include Orlebar Brown, Tom Ford, Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet, Dior and Gucci).
There is also a private yet expansive beach, which offers more adventurous couples watersports, alongside three temperature controlled infinity pools made with recycled glass.
To fully relax, guests can pamper themselves with the signature Couples Love Ritual at Valmont for The Spa at The Setai, which includes a 60-minute traditional Balinese-style massage with pressure point techniques and a soak in an oversize terrazzo bath filled with rose petals and Himalayan bath salts, served with champagne and chocolate strawberries.
Rooms from £485 per night
