Some honeymoon destinations never go out of style. While a royal vacation or splashy new hotel might make some getaway spots hot for awhile, there are locations that forever beckon couples seeking romance, privacy and blissful downtime. Here, a look at what’s both timeless and new at four iconic spots.
Paris
Photo Credit: Atout France/Jean François Tripleon-Jarry
The City of Lights, the City of Love — whichever nickname you prefer, there’s no denying that paris has historically been known as one of the world’s most romantic destinations. It’s robust with picture-perfect settings, charming restaurants and quiet, cobblestoned corners just made for a stealing a smooch. Whether you’ve been before or are a first timer, Paris always manages to steal your heart.
Tried & True: If this is your first time, then visiting legendary sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral are a must. Tip: Locals swear by the 360-degree views from the Arc de Triomphe, from which you can see sites like Sacre-Coeur, the Opera and the Eiffel Tower. It’s open until 11 p.m., so you can take in the glittering night skyline. Explore the rest of the city with a personal (and quirky) experience: 4 Roues Sous 1 Parapluie offers guided “escapades” (as they call them) in retro, colorful Citroën 2C cars.
New & Notable: For a different perspective, go underground and walk through catacomb tunnels, where guides will talk you through 2,000 years of hidden history. Back at ground level, visit the new Fondation Louis Vuitton, a Frank Gehry-designed museum dedicated to contemporary art, photography and classical music that’s set in the lush Bois de Boulogne.
Where to Stay: The Hilton Paris Opera is the perfect mix of historic and modern, set in a landmark 1889 building in the heart of the right bank opera district. The OTT champagne package includes a guided day trip to champagne country to see how the bubbles are made, lunch and other goodies (rates for the two-night package start at $1,910; hilton.com).
Next: California ►
California
Photo courtesy of Jordan Winery
Though Northern California’s wine country is often described as feeling “European,” with its lush vineyards, focus on the good life, and the scent of Mediterranean herbs like lavender and rosemary wafting in the air, there is still an unmistakably American streak running through Napa and Sonoma counties. It is here that chefs have defined modern American cuisine. Add to that lovely hotels that celebrate outdoor living, and it’s clear why this is one of the country’s top romantic destinations.
Tried & True: Winery visits and wine tastings are, naturally, the signature activity here, but the best places to visit depend on your tastes, style — and where you are. Wine country is actually made up of numerous regions, stretching from the Pacific Ocean, up into mountains and down to just outside San Francisco. Napa and Sonoma counties are the main designators, and between the two, there are close to a 1,000 wineries where you can sniff-and-sip.
Napa is home to many of the larger, nationally sold labels, like Hall Vineyards, whose art-filled visitors center features a stunning glass-walled tasting area and chef-led cooking demos (with lunch and wine pairings). At Stag’s Leap, experience a 90-minute tasting and historical tour. In Sonoma, some of the better-known labels are keeping things fresh with new food-pairing experiences. The four-decade-old St. Francis Winery, makers of award-winning reds, host multi-course wine & food pairing meals featuring chef Bryan Jones’s cuisine — and at $60 per person, it’s also one of the best deals in the region.
Photo courtesy of St. Francis Winery
New & Notable: Enjoy a peaceful early-morning soar in a hot-air balloon with Napa Valley aloft over the landscape before landing back in Yountville for a casual champagne breakfast with fellow fliers. In Sonoma, Jordan Winery has been crafting Bordeaux-style blends since 1972 from its estate in the Alexander Valley, which is centered around a French-style chateau that houses a tasting room, winemaking facilities, chef’s kitchen and more. Visit the chateau for a one-hour library tasting of wine and olive oil, a 90-minute tasting and winery visit, or a three-hour estate tour with food and wine experiences.
Where to Stay: In Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, The Farmhouse Inn is a family-owned favorite known for its Michelin-star restaurant and 25 plush rooms. Treatments in the spa incorporate locally grown ingredients like heirloom cider apples, fresh herbs and honey (room rates start at $625 a night and include breakfast; farmhouseinn.com).
Photo courtesy of Farmhouse Inn
Next: French Polynesia ►
French Polynesia
Photo courtesy of St. Regis Bora Bora
Luxe waterside villas, water as clear as glass, dress codes rarely more formal than a sarong — French Polynesia has all the components of a daydream retreat. Widely known as “Tahiti,” French Polynesia is made up of 118 inhabited and uninhabited islands divided into five archipelagos. As the birthplace of the overwater bungalow, relaxation is the main activity here.
Tried & True: Many travelers to French Polynesia spend the majority of their stays at their resorts — after all, when you can snorkel off the deck of your bungalow, there’s little need to venture far! When you do feel like exploring, the activities will differ slightly depending on what island you are on. On Le Taha’a, for example, visit a vanilla plantation to learn how the sweet bean is harvested and used. Most islands also offer snorkeling and diving trips to sea life-rich reefs or deserted islands, as well as activities like swimming with manta rays and visits to pearl farms to learn how the region’s signature colored pearls are grown and harvested.
New & Notable: The big news here comes from the hotel scene, and the most buzzed-about opening was the Brando, a 35-villa resort located just north of Tahiti island. The property is actually spread over 12 islets that used to belong to actor Marlon Brando; the main resort is on one island, while the rest boast the likes of bird sanctuaries, a lemon shark nursery, coconut plantations and pristine private beaches.
Photo courtesy of The Brando
Photo courtesy of The Brando
Where to Stay: At St. Regis Bora Bora, couples are royalty — the resort even has a staff romance concierge who can help set up picnics, cooking classes, sunset yacht cruises and more. Check into Tahiti’s signature accommodation: the Premier Overwater Villa featuring a whirlpool, gazebo and private terrace with daybed (room rates start at $1,409 a night; stregisborabora.com).
Next: Bali ►
Bali
Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Bali
Over the last decade or so, this dreamy Indonesian island has earned a place in the honeymoon hall of fame, thanks to such diverse attractions as beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, jaw-dropping sunsets and sexy, villa-style accommodations. Bali is rich in art, culture, shopping and adventure activities — making it a one-stop shop for honeymooners of all travel styles and interests.
Tried & True: Bali is deceptively spread out, stretching from volcanoes, terraced rice paddies and coffee plantations in the lush north to beaches and surfng hotspots on the coasts. Balance resort time with day trips to Ubud, the island’s arts, culture and wellness center. There, you can take in a traditional dance performance at the Ubud Palace, and pop into the boutiques and cafés. Other Bali musts include touring one of the island’s beautiful temples — Uluwatu is a particular standout, especially just before sunset. Take a day trip to hike mount agung, snorkel or dive off the coast or to visit the rice terraces, coffee producers and a traditional home.
New & Notable: In trendy Seminyak, an area known for shops and lounges, drop by Uluwatu Lace to learn how artisans are using traditional techniques to create chic, modern pieces for men and women. Seminyak is also where everyone flocks for sunset views (and drinks); a favorite is Potato Head, a retro-cool beach club/restaurant/all-day hangout.
Where to Stay: Recently opened on the Nusa Dua Peninsula, The Ritz-Carlton Bali stretches from high on a clifftop down to the beach, with 180- degree views of the Indian ocean from all points. Book into a pool pavilion with indoor/outdoor living spaces, an outdoor shower and bathtub and private oversized plunge pools. There are several dining and drinking options on-site, plus a stunning spa, activities and lots of cushy, shaded pavilions scattered all the way down to the beach (room rates start at $288 a night; ritzcarlton.com).