For honeymooners looking to splurge on honeymoon after a long delay, here are some options from a private island retreat to luxurious safari adventures.
Grumeti Reserve — Singita
With sweeping views of the 350,000 acre Grumeti Reserve and the abundant game of the Serengeti, Hillside Suite at Singita Saskawa Lodge is the ideal spot for honeymooners looking to reconnect with nature and each other in the luxury of absolute stillness and silence.
Hillside Suite’s expansive indoor and outdoor areas are ideal for in-room dining, as well as a range of relaxing wellness experiences – from yoga to in-room spa treatments and soothing couple’s massages on the large infinity pool deck that overlooks the plains of the Serengeti. The double-volume suite accommodates two guests and features a master suite, an exquisite bathroom and kitchenette. Guests can set the pace of their days by scheduling mealtimes and activities to their liking all while immersing themselves in the peaceful surrounding wilderness.
Fregate Island — Seycheles
Way out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Fregate Island offers the ultimate in privacy and seclusion. Lovebirds can enjoy a romantic stay in a villa (one of only 17 on the island) complete with their own pool and 24/7 butler service to cater to lovebirds’ every whim. Private dinners can be arranged anywhere on the island – including on the highest point of the mountain. Additionally, Fregate Island is home to the only privatizable beach in the Indian Ocean to truly make it feel like there are only two people in the world. The island is also available for buyouts, should the newlyweds be interested in having the island to themselves.
Couples can enjoy activities such as treatments at Rock Spa, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, windsurfing, kayaking, deep sea fishing and participating in hands-on conservation experiences. Guests can assist in turtle hatchlings and even cultivate sea coral, as well as walk amongst the island’s giant tortoises and observe the island’s “Little Five”.
Napa Valley — THIRDHOME
For those looking for garden inspiration and farm vibes in the heart of Napa Valley, the Villa Calistoga, available via luxury travel and property club, THIRDHOME offers a spectacular retreat nestled in four-acres of secluded rose gardens, wine vines and gardens. Designed for outdoor living, the 8-bed/7-bath estate contains 12 sets of French doors extending the living space of the house out onto thousands of square-feet of balconies and patios across the estate. Activities abound on the landscaped estate, with a spectacular pool and volleyball, bocce ball and tennis courts perfect for staying active. The panoramic views overlook the spectacular gardens on the property and the nearby vineyards, olive trees, Palisade mountains and Mount St. Helena.
Cape Town — Ellerman House
With turquoise blue oceans and white sand, Cape Town is a popular destination for honeymoon and romance travel. The Mother City is unique for a honeymoon offering romantic activities including sight seeing, wine tastings, beautiful beaches and some of the world’s best restaurants all in one place. The Franschhoek and Stellenbosch winelands are just a 30-minute drive from the center city and an idyllic place to spend a day. The Western Cape and surrounding areas are famous for their world-class wine due to the Mediterranean climate. A perfect way to end a romantic day is on a sunset boat cruise from the V&A Waterfront. Guests can choose between a large sailboat or motor vessel that, depending on which chosen, travel to Clifton Beach or across Table Bay.
The ultimate place to stay for honeymooners in Cape Town is Ellerman House, an exclusive five-star hotel with breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. The elegant Ellerman House mansion is perched on the slopes of Lion’s Head in Bantry Bay, and its location provides amazing views from the ocean-facing mansion guest rooms and the two separate villas. Ellerman House is the quintessential romantic hotel, surrounded by luscious indigenous gardens spotted with South African contemporary sculptures and an art gallery with one of the most important private South African art collections. Ellerman House boasts a wine gallery with approximately 7,500 bottles of South African wine, a Dom Perignon champagne cellar and a brandy tasting lounge. Ellerman House is currently running a Honeymoon Promotion from April 1, 2021 until December 15, 2021. Couples who book a minimum of 4 nights in a Deluxe Category or higher receive a 15% discount on accommodation, a 20% discount on one couple’s treatment at the Ellerman House Spa, "Ellerman House Tea" on one afternoon and a bottle of South African MCC with their honeymoon turndown.
Johannesburg — The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
For newlyweds who love art, culture, relaxation and romance, the multifaceted city of Johannesburg is the place to be. With so many neighborhoods to explore, there are a variety of romantic activities in Johannesburg just waiting to be discovered. The newly wedded husband and wife can enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the Hartbeesport Dam by taking the Harties Cableway car to the top. Another dreamy outdoor spot is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Roodeport. With a backdrop of waterfalls, cliffs and amazing flora and fauna, the botanical gardens are the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon picnic. Parkwood is one of the best places for art lovers as it is home to galleries such as the Goodman Art Gallery, which features everything from photographs to conceptual art. Those looking to learn more about the city’s rich history can check out the Nelson Mandela Foundation in neighboring center city. Lovebirds can also visit the market for an afternoon refreshment and indulge in gin tasting in the neighborhood of Maboneng at the Time Anchor Distillery before heading to rooftop salsa dancing nearby.
Guests can take advantage of discovering this cultural city by staying at the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, a secluded retreat in the city. Located in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, within minutes of Johannesburg's world-class shopping and business hub, the Saxon Hotel is an all-luxury, 53-suite hotel. While younger guests are welcome, a majority of the hotel’s patrons are adults which allows couples to achieve the privacy and calm they often seek. The Saxon is also home to the nature-inspired Saxon Spa, which offers the ultimate relaxation oasis featuring rejuvenating menu of therapies and treatments including the Heaven on Earth package for couples. Following pampering treatments, guests can dine with one of the hotel gourmet restaurants including the Terrace, a causal outdoor space that serves light meals and Qunu, for an elegant dining experience. The Saxon also offers brunch, afternoon tea and a red and white wine cellar — a perfect way to complete a day full of romance.
Patagonia — Quasar Expeditions
Quasar Expeditions and their Overland Jeep Safaris across Patagonia are the ideal honeymoon choice for the adventure-loving couple. Quasar gives travelers access to the top highlights in both the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, the freedom to explore Patagonia at their own pace in their very own Jeep and accommodations at some of the top hotels and lodges in all of South America.
Couples experience the best of both worlds when honeymooning with Quasar Expeditions – rugged trips across the mountains, rivers and rough terrain and cozy nights spent at rustic lodges, the perfect hideaways for escaping the chilly air. And with their exclusive Honeymoon Experiencesavailable to add on any safari, newlyweds can bring the romance factor to new heights. Guests can choose from a variety of offerings, such as a sunrise hike with private breakfast, ice hike with champagne toast, Patagonian cooking class, sunset BBQ dinner for two, and private photographer for a day, to make their trip even more unforgettable.
Ascona — Hotel Eden Roc
Just a few miles from the Italian border on the Switzerland side of Lake Maggiore sits Ascona, the perfect destination for an authentic Italian honeymoon - in Switzerland! Boasting colorful cafe-filled streets dotted with palm trees and the Alps towering in the background, Ascona is a truly magical place where travelers can experience year-round warm weather and unparalleled scenic views.
Located right on Lake Maggiore is Hotel Eden Roc, a charming Mediterranean-inspired resort. Featuring a private beach and yacht harbor, couples can relax by the lake after saying “I do." The hotel also boasts four outstanding restaurants including Michelin-starred La Brezza, a 21,528 square-foot spa and wellness center and 95 luxurious rooms and suites. Honeymooners can spend their days taking a romantic stroll through the Botanical Gardens on the Brissago Islands, jetting around the lake on one of Eden Roc’s two Riva boats, visiting Terreni all Maggia's northernmost rice fields in the world, and relaxing with a couple’s massage at the hotel’s grand spa.
Malaysia — Pangkor Laut Resort
Set off the West coast of Malaysia on a private island exclusive to guests, the five-star Pangkor Laut Resort is a romantic honeymoon haven amid an ancient rainforest, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters. Pangkor Laut Resort features a range of Signature and Crafted Experiences curated towards couples, including dining on the resort’s private Emerald Beach, jungle trekking through the island’s ancient rainforest, sailing on a private sunset cruise, and a signature couple’s spa experience at the award-winning Spa Village Pangkor Laut. The resort’s Spa Villas are perfect for couples looking to enjoy their honeymoon away from the chaos of everyday life. Perched on stilts over the crystal clear waters, the adult-only Spa Villas have direct access to Spa Village and its incredible amenities, providing guests with the ultimate romantic and tranquil experience.
Kalahari — Tswalu
Tswalu means “new beginning” and that is exactly the driving ethos for Tswalu, a private reserve in the Kalahari. With a strong focus on research and conservation, Tswalu’s offers honeymooners a chance to experience extraordinary wildlife in a luxurious setting through the lens of research. Research is a recurring feature of life at Tswalu and continues to both answer and raise questions about the best ways to conserve and restore the southern Kalahari. Through this, Tswalu is also able to design and implement more effective conservation policies. Honeymooners will enjoy private game drives with private guides who can further educate guests on the research process and conservation efforts of Tswalu. After days of exploring the Kalahari, guests can unwind at the Motse, a secluded “village” of nine dwellings, each complete with an open viewing deck. Beds are situated to maximize guests’ viewsof the wide-open Kalahari landscape, complete with sweeping vistas and greenery. The Motse’s bathrooms boast private gardens with outdoor showers, which allow for unobstructed, romantic views of the desert skies above.