Only one vacation in a lifetime is special enough to be called a honeymoon. But are the hottest destinations within your reach? The experts say yes. Think outside the box, plan carefully and open up to new ideas, and a dream honeymoon is yours.
“The world is a possibility,” says Vickie S. Everhart, manager/director of sales, Krouse Travel (www.krousetravel.com).
According to Everhart; Amy McHugh, co-owner/director of marketing, Dream Makers Vacation Services (www.DreamMakersVaca.com); and Corinne Stevenson, travel consultant, Outfitters Adventure Travel LLC (Corinne@outfittersadventuretravel.com), here is what’s new and what’s unexpected in hot honeymoon destinations.
What’s new:
Sandals LaSource, St. George’s, Grenada: A non-stop flight from JFK Airport takes you straight to this brand-new, intimate spot on the Island of Spice. Swim up to your room. Take a day trip to a spice farm.
Secrets Maroma, Riviera Cancun, Mexico: Enjoy consistent excellence in service and quality, all on one of the world’s great beaches. “It’s hard to find a resort that ticks all the boxes,” says McHugh. “This ticks all the boxes.”
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, Montego Bay, Jamaica: Oh, those overwater bungalows in Tahiti. What a dream–and what a long, pricey flight. Much closer: Sandals’ upcoming overwater suites, with glass flooring, private outdoor Jacuzzis, hammocks for two and steps straight to the ocean.
El Dorado Royale Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico: It’s affordable and close to the airport. The service is top-notch, and there are oodles of dining choices. An excellent value option.
Riu Palace Antillas, Aruba: Aruba can be pricier than Mexico, but the surrounding areas are more prosperous. Plus, Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, so rains and winds are less likely to spoil that dream honeymoon.
The unexpected:
Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens, Costa Rica: This eco-friendly resort in the heart of Arenal Volcano National Park beckons to adrenaline-rush junkies. Zipline, take vertical descents into spectacular canyons and hike the rainforest–all amid complete luxury.
San Blas Islands, Panama, or Roatan Bay, Honduras: Although off the beaten path and limited compared to Mexican resorts, these Caribbean sites offer “gorgeous water, tons of scuba diving and great little beaches,” says Stevenson. “If you’re the kind of person who wants to go kayaking, take a bicycle around the island, go snorkeling and relax on your little hammock in your open-air, over-the-water bungalow, these places are
for you.”
The Finger Lakes, New York: Wine trails, mountains, trees in their summer greenery or fall finery, and, of course, sparkling water–the Finger Lakes region is a nearby, world-class getaway.
Charleston, South Carolina: Meander along colorful streets, where moss hangs on the trees. Stay in a luxury inn, enjoy Southern hospitality and cuisine, and hit the beach an hour away.
Naples, Florida: Pining for sun and sand, but just can’t foot the bill? The charming town of Naples is near beautiful islands and gorgeous beaches. It’s not all-inclusive, so there’s more planning involved, but “it really can be nice to explore part of Florida that a lot of people don’t think about,” says Stevenson.
Croatia: Yes, Croatia is “one of the hot up-and-coming spots in Europe,” says Stevenson. “They call it the Pearl of the Adriatic.” Explore beaches, romantic islands, and ancient walled towns on world heritage lists. The city of Rovinj, with four-star resorts in a busy fishing port, is a foodies’ paradise.
Wine destinations: Taste the richness of South African wines in the vineyards where they were born. Or imbibe in vintage style on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
The British Isles: There’s no place like England, Ireland and Scotland for spectacular scenery, friendly pubs and incomparable people. Post pics of the ancestral home for Mom, Dad and the grandparents to see.
