Beach honeymoons, multi-centre holidays or full blown adventure, what is your ideal honeymoon? Check out my ultimate guide to choosing the right honeymoon, it might help you decide.

Honeymoons come in all shapes and sizes. For some, lazing on a tropical beach is the ultimate honeymoon, while others might like an action packed trip to Peru. Personally I like to combine some beach time with a little adventure, so a two-centre holiday is probably my ideal honeymoon. However, we all have different tastes so it is important that there are plenty of honeymoon options to suit everyone. I have teamed up with Tropical Sky, the honeymoon specialists, who offer luxury hotels in idyllic locations, as well as adventure and culture based honeymoons. Still not sure which honeymoon is right for you? Check out my ultimate guide to choosing the right honeymoon below.

Beach Honeymoons

From over-water bungalows in the Maldives to island hopping in the Caribbean, Tropical Sky offer a wide selection of beach honeymoons. Here are a few to give you a flavour of what is available.

Komandoo Island, Maldives, All Inclusive Inc Sea-Plane Transfers from €3069

Arriving by sea-plane to a private island in the Indian Ocean – it doesn’t get much better than that ❤️. Surrounded by magnificent white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, this is paradise. This is an adult-only resort and all villas come with four-poster beds. Make sure you book the candle-lit dinner on the beach for the ultimate romantic treat.

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Like Indian Ocean holidays? See more here:

St Lucia: East Winds Hotel, All Inclusive from €2359

Palm fringed beaches combine with dramatic tropical rainforests and colonial plantations meet modern resorts, St Lucia is an island of contrasts and is a superb honeymoon destination. What I love about the East Winds hotel is the rooms are like cottages, so they feel very private. Located on a secluded beach along the Caribbean Sea, with an emphasis on great food and drink, the all-inclusive arrangement here includes premium branded drinks, even champagne in the evening! You can also enjoy non-motorised watersports free of charge.

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Like All Inclusive holidays? See more all-inclusive long haul holidays here:

Luxury Dubai & Seychelles Twin Centre, €3749

This luxurious two-centre holiday offers the best of both worlds. You will start your honeymoon in the five-star JA Enchanted Island Resort, a boutique private island resort in the Seychelles. Your own private villa has direct access to the beach as well as a small infinity pool. Voted Seychelles Leading Luxury Hotel Villas at the World Travel Awards for the second consecutive year, this certainly has the wow factor. After a relaxing seven days in the Seychelles, what better than a two-night stay in the bustling city of Dubai. Stay in the JA Ocean View hotel, located on the famous ‘Walk’, close to the marina and ideally located to enjoy all that Dubai has to offer.

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Check out my top 10 things to do in Dubai here:

Culture & Beach Honeymoons

Sometimes we need a little culture as well as some beach time, choosing the right honeymoon can offer both perfectly.

Sri Lanka Tour & Maldives, 12 Nights, from €3389

I absolutely loved Sri Lanka and would recommend anyone to visit. There is so much to see and do! So if you want to combine some culture and adventure with beach time, then this is the perfect honeymoon! You will fly to Sri Lanka first to explore its mesmerising cultural centre. Climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya, visit the temple of Dambulla and marvel at Ramboda Falls near the tea plantations.  After five action packed days I can think of nothing better than chilling out on a private island in the Maldives! You will be staying in Meeru Island Resort where breakfast and evening meals are included in your stay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I climbed #sigiriya today, all 1202 steps 😱 It’s often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world and once you climb it you will see why. It was a fantastic experience and I’m delighted I made it to the top! How the monks carried up stones to build their city in the 5th century is mindblowing! The climb wasn’t that difficult but it was quite scary in parts. The fact that it is a holy day here didn’t help, it was packed! Check out my stories for more 👆 . . . . #srilanka #sigiriyarock #sigiriyasrilanka #wonderoftheworld #wonder #climb #climbing #hiking #proud #travelblogger #irishtravelblogger #asianwonders #wearetravelgirls #picoftheday #dreamdestinations #passionpassport @srilanka @srilanka.travel @destination_srilanka @turkishairlines @travelcounsellorsireland #widenyourworld #lovemyjob #monks #monastery

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Oct 5, 2017 at 8:39am PDT

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Elephant Hills Experience & Thai Beach Hideaways, 10 Nights from €2599

Combine two of Thailand’s secluded beach resorts with a two-night stay in a jungle camp. This ten-night trip combines luxury, culture and adventure in one memorable trip. You will fly first to Phuket and enjoy a four-night stay in the 5* Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa Phang Nga. This small luxury hotel is the perfect spot to unwind after the wedding. Located on the pristine beach surrounded by forest conservation land, you are sure to find deserted beaches close to the hotel. The spa and dedicated yoga area also adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

Your next two nights will be spent in luxurious tents in a jungle camp for rescue elephants, Elephant Hills.  Feed and interact with these gentle giants before transferring to Aava Resort & Spa in Khanom. Enjoy your last few days relaxing on the beach and make sure to take the boat trip to see the resident pink dolphins.

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Like Adventure holidays in Asia? See more here:

Honeymoons with full of adventure:

Why not start married life as you mean to go on, filled with fun and adventure! These three honeymoons will do exactly that!

Best of Magical Peru & The Amazon Tour, 13 Nights from €3689

Watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu is on every travel bucket list I see, and a honeymoon is a great excuse to justify this life-changing experience. This amazing 13 night tour also includes trips to the Sacred Valley, Santa Catalina, Lima and Cusco as well as witnessing jaw dropping views of Lake Titicaca.

The adventure doesn’t stop there. You will then fly to Puerto Maldonado for a stay in the Posada Amazonas Eco Lodge, in the heart of the Amazon jungle. If you fancy some beach time at the end of this trip, talk to the experts in Tropical Sky and they will arrange it for you.

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Like South America? See top South American tours here:

Cape Town, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari, from €1829

If you have been following my adventures for a while, you will know that I love South Africa. I have been twice now and would go back tomorrow in a heart beat. I did a similar itinerary to this last year and it was amazing. Cape Town is a superb city, there is so much to see and do but walking around it is pretty cool too. Visit Robben Island, go to the top of Table Mountain and drive the Cape Peninsula Drive. After a few days exploring the sights of Cape Town you will set off to drive the Garden Route. Go whale watching in Hermanus, visit the spectacular Tsitsikama National Park and enjoy the sea views in Knysna, all before arriving in Lalibela Game Reserve for a two night stay. You can extend your time in Cape Town or the Garden Route, just ask the travel consultants in Tropical Sky to tailor make an itinerary to suit you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Met the sweetest kids along the Garden Route today ❤️ We have just left Plettenberg Bay, next stop Cape St Francis… See more on my stories 👆 . . . . instatravel #travelblogger #travelpic #beautifuldestinations #travelgram #southafrica @ilovesouthafrica @meetsouthafrica @southafrica #tia #irishtravelblogger #thetravelexpert #childrenofinstagram #childrenofsouthafrica #locals #localkids #wearetravelgirls #southafricathroughmyeyes #southafricanstyle #gardenroute

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Apr 1, 2018 at 11:43am PDT

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Like Safari Holidays? See luxury safari holidays in South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania here:

San Francisco, Yosemite & Lake Tahoe, 9 Nights, Self-Drive from €1859

We have all seen the typical California road-trip itineraries, but there is no doubt Yosemite and Lake Tahoe add a touch of adventure to this honeymoon. You will start your honeymoon in San Francisco where you will stay for three nights. This should give you ample time to visit Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the top attractions. You will then pick up your hire-car and drive to Yosemite National Park – something I would love to see! Hike, bike or take a boat trip, no matter what you choose you will no doubt be blown away by the stunning scenery in Yosemite, your home for three nights. From there drive through the magnificent Tioga Pass to Lake Tahoe. Chill out on the lakeshore, try some watersports or simply take in the views. Why not extend your honeymoon by adding on a trip to Napa Valley or drive some more of the California Coast?

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Like American Holidays? See my Top 6 USA holidays with direct flights from Ireland here:

Sarah

Imagine staying in a hotel where spa treatments and golf are included, where you can enjoy free excursions and swim with dolphins, and just pay a 20% service fee. UNICO 20°87° is an all-inclusive resort like no other.

UNICO 20°87° is a new adult-only luxury hotel, located on a stunning white sandy beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico. It has broken boundaries on so many levels. You may expect to dine in any of the restaurants, enjoy premium drinks and avail of a host of water-sports; but it is their extra inclusions that make the all-inclusive arrangement so unique. Where else would you find excursions included in the price of your say? You can visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, zipline in Selvatica Park, swim with dolphins or enjoy a romantic dinner on a tall ship. All of these tours are included in the price of your stay, you just pay the 20% service fee!

Fancy a relaxing massage or a detoxifying facial? Why not treat yourself to a pedicure or a blow dry. You can even get a couples massage, so men need not feel left out 😉. Imagine paying €6 for a manicure, or €10 for a blowdry – that is (approximately) what the 20% service fee equates to! You can also enjoy a round of golf, or golf lessons with a Pro or enjoy personal training sessions and a host of fitness classes. Whether you fancy yoga on the beach or a spinning class in the fitness centre, Unico 20°87° have you covered. You can see a full list of all inclusions here.

Rooms are pretty special too! Choose an Alcoba swim-up pool room, or a room with an ocean view and an outdoor spa tub. If you are travelling with friends and fancy your own private villa, they have that too, complete with a huge terrace and two spa tubs! Regardless of what room you choose, you will have your own personalised Anfitrión, (private butler), available 24 hours a day. They will help you with restaurant reservations, organise tours, un pack your suitcase and even organise your laundry!

If you just want to relax, why not chill out in one of the three swimming pools? You might fancy a cocktail in one of the cool bars or some delicious food in one of the five restaurants; which, like most things at this hotel, are included in the price of your stay.  They also offer unique cultural experiences, including cookery classes and a cocktail hour in a nearby Mayan village. And if you still need convincing, check out the amazing reviews on tripadvisor, where Unico 20°87° gets a five star rating and is rated the best hotel in the Riviera Maya.

Tropical Sky have exclusive offers in Unico 20°87° with prices from €1459 for a seven night stay, on an all-inclusive basis with flights and transfers.  

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Like Long haul ? See more here.  This post was sponsored by Tropical Sky but all views, as always, are my own.

Sarah

I was lucky enough to spend a week in Zanzibar some years ago and trust me, the word ‘paradise’ is an understatement!

The beaches are right out of a romantic novel. Zanzibar is the Indian Ocean, so you can expect amazing white sand and warm waters. Although Zanzibar is full of luxury hotels, most of them blend into the environment and it almost feels unspoilt. Watching the locals fishing in their dhows, while you chill out on a hammock, is typical of the lazy days you can expect there.

Of course if you want action, you can have that too. The capital Stone Town is worth a visit. It feels almost medieval with bustling bazaars and a Marrakech style medina. Zanzibar is an underwater paradise, it is the perfect place to try snorkelling or scuba diving. In fact my husband got his PADI dive licence there in five days!

I found a great deal in the luxury Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa Hotel. Situated right on the beach with rooms set in traditional round bungalows, it offers all mod cons yet retaining the island’s charming character. All rooms face the sea with large patio doors leading out to a  balcony or terrace.

This deal includes breakfast and evening meal each day and with three restaurants and bars, you have a great choice of dining options. Facilities at the Ocean Paradise Resort include a large pool, health and fitness centre and an abundance of water sports to choose from, including a PADI dive centre.

Fly from Dublin to Zanzibar on the 14th of June and enjoy a seven night stay at the Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa for only €1259 per person. This hotel receives excellent reviews on tripadvisor and is also a travellers choice winner. This is a great time to visit Zanzibar as average temperatures are a balmy 25 degrees and there is little rainfall. Price includes flights, accommodation on a half board basis and all taxes. Other dates are available at a supplement.

Click here for more details:

Prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Sunway Holidays but all views, as always, are my own 🙂

Sarah

I was lucky enough to spend a week in Zanzibar some years ago and trust me, the word ‘paradise’ is an understatement!

The beaches are right out of a romantic novel. Zanzibar is the Indian Ocean, so you can expect amazing white sand and warm waters. Although Zanzibar is full of luxury hotels, most of them blend into the environment and it almost feels unspoilt. Watching the locals fishing in their dhows, while you chill out on a hammock, is typical of the lazy days you can expect there.

Of course if you want action, you can have that too. The capital Stone Town is worth a visit. It feels almost medieval with bustling bazaars and a Marrakech style medina. Zanzibar is an underwater paradise, it is the perfect place to try snorkelling or scuba diving. In fact my husband got his PADI dive licence there in five days!

I found a great deal in the luxury Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa Hotel. Situated right on the beach with rooms set in traditional round bungalows, it offers all mod cons yet retaining the island’s charming character. All rooms face the sea with large patio doors leading out to a  balcony or terrace.

This deal includes breakfast and evening meal each day and with three restaurants and bars, you have a great choice of dining options. Facilities at the Ocean Paradise Resort include a large pool, health and fitness centre and an abundance of water sports to choose from, including a PADI dive centre.

Fly from Dublin to Zanzibar on the 14th of June and enjoy a seven night stay at the Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa for only €1229 per person. This hotel receives excellent reviews on tripadvisor and is also a travellers choice winner. This is a great time to visit Zanzibar as average temperatures are a balmy 25 degrees and there is little rainfall. Price includes flights, accommodation on a half board basis and all taxes. Other dates are available at a supplement.

Click here for more details:

Prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change.

Sarah

When you think about paradise islands, the Seychelles immediately springs to mind.

With year round sunshine, perfect beaches and a an abundance of coral reefs, this is the ‘lovers’ island. Renowned as a top honeymoon destination, you would be hard pushed to find anywhere as romantic as the Seychelles.

The islands have a tropical appearance, yet receive little rainfall.  You will discover small cove beaches beside what looks like jungle terrain. Try some scuba diving, interact with their giant tortoises or just snorkel at the waters edge, the choice is yours. If you fancy a bit of life, take a trip to Victoria, the capital. Enjoy some lively bars and restaurants or wander through their bustling indoor market.

A trip to the Seychelles is normally a bucket list trip, but it is surprisingly affordable at the moment. Fly from Dublin on the 11th of May and spend seven nights in the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort & Casino for only €1235 per person. Situated on a stunning beach and close to Victoria, this is a great choice for a couple looking to discover these islands without the typical expensive tag. The hotel has three restaurants and three bars on site, as well as evening entertainment and a casino. If you are feeling energetic you can enjoy their tennis courts, gym and water sports centre. Their 5 star PADI dive centre is recognised as one of the best in the Seychelles.

So do something spontaneous, be romantic  and book a trip to the Seychelles – you won’t regret it!

Click here for more details:

Prices are correct at the time of issue, but are subject to availability.

Sarah

We all have different tastes and budgets, so I think it is fair to say that there are no perfect honeymoon destinations that suit everyone – well maybe Bora Bora…

Lets face it, if we had unlimited holidays and unlimited cash, we would probably all like to stay in a beach villa in the South Pacific. However, being realistic, we need to remember not everyone can take three weeks off to travel the world, and many of us have limited means. You also have to make sure to check the weather before you book, as it could be the rainy or even hurricane season in your dream honeymoon destination. Here are my top  honeymoon destinations – there should be one here to suit you.

• The Amalfi Coast
• Greece
• Cancun
• The Maldives
• The Caribbean
• South Africa
• California
• Florida
• Thailand
• Australia

1. Short on time – The Amalfi Coast

For those of you who only don’t have lots of annual leave available, a week in Italy is the perfect choice. Stay in a deluxe hotel in Positano or Ravello and live like a celebrity. Visit the isle of Capri, take water taxis along the coast and soak up the Italian atmosphere.  Bellisimo!

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2. Short on cash – Greece

I love the Greek islands and if you are getting married during the summer months, then Greece is a great choice. Swim with turtles in the turquoise waters of Zakynthos, explore the hilltop town of Lindos in Rhodes, or chill out in a five-star hotel in Crete. I stayed in a luxury hotel near Chania and loved it.

Read my review of Anemos Luxury Grand Resort.

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3. Like All Inclusive –  Cancun

If you want a luxury hotel with all meals and drinks included, then Cancun is best for value. Cancun is perfect for anyone who wants to be pampered, without moving too far from your hotel.  Many honeymooners feel exhausted after the wedding, so all-inclusive holidays suit perfectly. You could however, mix it up a little and add in a few days in New York or Vegas on the way back….

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4. Play it safe – The Maldives

If you want pure luxury, idyllic beaches and want to wear flip flops for the week, the Maldives is for you. It is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations, but can still be affordable. Combine with Dubai for a great combination of city and beach. 

Read: Where to stay in the Maldives – my guide to the best hotels in the Maldives

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5. Tick all boxes – Island hopping in the Caribbean

This is a great choice for couples who primarily want a beach holiday, but want a bit of adventure thrown in. Barbados, The Grenadines, St Lucia and the Cayman Islands, it’s hard to believe they are all so close  – yet so different. If you don’t fancy to much packing and unpacking, try a Caribbean cruise and see them all on day trips!

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6. Like adventure – South Africa

South Africa is one of my favourite honeymoon destinations. It is the perfect place to mix adventure with beach time. Drive the garden route, go whale watching, take in a safari, explore Cape Town and finish off your honeymoon by chilling out on a wine estate.

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7. Road trip – California

There is nothing like the wind in your hair as you drive the Pacific Coast highway in a convertible. Combine San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and if  you have three weeks to spare, try to take in the national parks too. Drive from LA to Scottsdale, on to Vegas before hitting Death Valley and Yosemite. From there drive to San Francisco and hit the pacific coast highway back to LA. For a two week trip, make it simple, fly to San Francisco and drive the PCH to San Diego. 

Read the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway.

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8. Adrenaline Junkies – Florida

Surprisingly this is a really popular honeymoon choice. If you are looking for non-stop action, then Florida is hard to beat. Mix it up a little and combine with New York or Vegas, or why not add on a Caribbean cruise?

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9. A bit more exotic – Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Choose to relax on one of its many beaches or choose to combine a stay in Bangkok and Thailand’s cultural centre, Chiang Mai. Opt for five-star glamping in the Elephant Hills Camp, go island hopping in the Andaman Sea, or shop till you drop in Bangkok. Who says you can’t do it all?   

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10. The world is your oyster – Australia

If you have plenty of time on your hands, and plenty of cash – then it has to be Australia! See the sights in Sydney, marvel at Ayers Rock and explore the world’s most impressive underwater paradise at the Great Barrier Reef. There is actually so much to see and do in Australia – way to many to mention! And if you manage to tour this massive continent and still want some more action – hop over to New Zealand…

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