Want to know where to go to spoil yourselves rotten and have the honeymoon of a lifetime? Afterall, you deserve it after all that wedding planning! More and more, couples are spending larger portions of their budget on honeymoons. All over, new boutique hotels are springing up in far flung corners of the world. If you want to know where is 'in' with the honeymoon crowd, check out WeddingTV's top 10 destinations for 2011.
1. The Maldives
The Maldives are a group of 1000 tiny coral islands west of the southern tip of India, dotted across the Indian Ocean. There are white sand beaches and crystal clear water, cool lagoons and dazzling underwater coral formations with fabulous marine life. The diving is out of this world and there are hotels and resorts to suit every budget.
2. Barbados
Barbados is a small, luxurious island in the Caribbean. Home to celebrity-heavy hotels such as Sandy Lane, Barbados tempts the great and the good with its stunning beaches and gorgeous restaurants. Mick Jagger, Michael Winner, Kate Moss, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones are all regulars on the island, but you don't have to be a rock star or supermodel to visit. There are numerous places to stay to suit all budgets and plenty of things to do regardless of your bank balance.
3. French Riviera
The famous Mediterranean coastline of the southeastern France has been a destination location for decades of A-listers. Not only do celebrities frequent the beautiful location, but even Queen Victoria and King Edward VII vacationed there. Not only is the French Riviera famous for its beaches and resorts, but there are plenty of amazing day trips available to honeymooners, from St. Tropez to Eze.
4. Fiji
Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is a beautiful island nation with spectacular sites to see. Not only is this island a wonderful beaching location, but it is overflowing with culture and color. It will surely wake any and all of your sense, making for an unforgettable getaway with your new spouse.
5. Thailand
Thailand's fantastic beaches and exotic culture have long made it a honeymoon favourite. The 'land of smiles' has so much to offer - Buddhist temples, diverse markets, fascinating history, great shopping, sandy beaches and delicious food. Thailand is divided into four natural regions - the mountains and forests of the north, the rice fields of the centre, the farms of the north-east and the tourist heavy tropical islands and coastline of the southern peninsula.
The vibrant capital city of Bangkok is a fascinating place to explore as are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. Phuket and Pattaya are lively places to go, with fantastic nightlife and beach parties and Koh Samui is a bit quieter and more secluded. Your honeymoon could be packed with activities, or you could settle in to one of the beaches and crawl into bed for a “nap”…
6. Antigua
This island has 365 beaches, so you can stay a whole year and never sunbathe in the same place twice, and the sunniest climate in the eastern Caribbean. Antigua is green, lush and laid-back with beautiful scenery, fabulous restaurants and some of the best hotels in the world. You can fish, dive, sail, swim with dolphins, sip rum, and even do a spot of shopping. Antigua has a bit of everything you could need for your honeymoon of relaxation.
7. Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in Windward group of French Polynesia. The island is famous for its clear waters, deliciously fresh food, and certainly its breathtaking scenery. Not only was the island formed by a volcano, but it is also surrounded by coral reefs, supplying an endless exploration of the beauty around every corner. It is also very culturally diverse, giving you that full feeling of escaping.
8. Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, hundreds of miles off the West Coast of the US. The largest island, Hawaii, was probably the world's most famous island paradise. Awesome beaches, fantastic surfing, and stunning scenery combine to make Hawaii a very special place.
Each island has a different character: Hawaii is the largest and most active (volcanically speaking!) and is home to the famous Waikiki beach, the hot spot for surfing. Lanai is peaceful and calm, Oahu is livelier, and Kauai has great scenery, fabulous waterfalls and striking mountains. With most flights going via the USA, this is a good option for a two-stop honeymoon, how about a few days in LA or Las Vegas first?
9. Dubai
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, has a fabulous climate all year round, great beaches along the Jumeriah coast, interesting modern architecture and the most luxurious hotels in the world. Shopping is fantastic, it's a duty free city, and there is plenty to do, whether you want to swim in the Persian Gulf or drive motorbikes across the desert. It's a great stopping off point for other honeymoon destinations such as the Maldives.
10. South Africa
Stunning safari parks, endless beaches, funky cities, dramatic mountains and the beautiful wine country all make South Africa a fantastic honeymoon destination. It’s good to travel around and enjoy all the country has to offer. Fashionable Cape Town is a great starting point, before heading off to see the wine country. Why not take travel the spectacular Garden Route, and finish your trip on safari in the Kruger National Park? South Africa has many stylish boutique hotels, as well as luxury resorts and trendy guesthouses. Good weather and great food make this a really great choice, especially for those with an adventurous spirit.
Wherever you chose, this trip will inevitably make memories that will last a lifetime!
