Inspiring destinations for newlyweds
Couples are determined to create the ultimate romantic trip when it comes to their honeymoon with no expense spared. But increasingly luxury holidays spent lying on the beach are being replaced with more unusual options as honeymooners seek a unique and special way to spend their first few weeks together as husband and wife. Here are three honeymoon destinations with a difference.
If a luxury pod in the Swiss mountains, only accessible by foot or skis sounds good to you, Whitepod in Villiars could be your ideal honeymoon destination. Nestled in the charming village of Les Cerniers, surrounded by a blanket of glistening white snow and panoramic mountain views, Whitepod offers a unique experience for prospective honeymooners. The giant snowball-like pods dotted on the mountain side are geodesic structures anchored on wooden platforms, naturally insulated from the cold and snow. All of the pods are equipped with cosy wood-burning stoves, organic luxury bedding and full service bathrooms. Honeymooners can snuggle in the sheepskin rugs whilst enjoying the stunning views across to Mont Blanc in complete privacy.
The intimate resort’s restaurant Les Cerniers provides couples with the ideal place to experience quality cuisine on the slopes. Innovative yet refined, the restaurant offers traditional dishes such as fondue as well as the chef’s own diverse range of balanced and modern dishes which marry perfectly with the authentic mountain cuisine. Included as part of your honeymoon is the Whitepod ski estate made up of 7km ski pistes which cater for beginners as well as the more experienced. Two private lifts are opened to guests taking you to a perfectly maintained slope. A unique mountain escape, this is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples with a sense of adventure and a thirst for something different.
Everyone wants to be treated like royalty on their honeymoon, so what better place to spend it then in a castle? Be pampered in style at Dromoland Castle, County Clare in Ireland, as you enjoy indulgent treats and majestic accommodation. The vastly proportioned 5-star rooms are certainly fit for a King. A stay in one of the deluxe suites will guarantee you a stunning view out over the lake and Dromoland Gardens. Individually designed and decorated each room consists of a King sized bed (naturally), Dromoland Castle’s signature soft slippers and bathrobes and an interactive television with movies on demand.
Take a morning stroll in the 410 acres of private grounds with a specially prepared picnic basket, packed full of freshly made snacks and a bottle of chilled champagne. Couples can enjoy horse-riding through the grounds, golf on the private course, tennis and cycling. Or for a relaxing indulgence get pampered at the Dromoland spa or wander round the drawing room and galleries for a feel of antiquated luxury. A luxury honeymoon destination with a twist, this is sure to be a memorable stay.
If you still want to get away to warmer climates and enjoy a beach honeymoon with a tropical environment, Costa Rica could make a fantastic alternative. The remote and eco-friendly Lapa Rios Lodge is set in 1,000 acres of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest. Honeymooners can stay in a spacious bungalow with spectacular ocean views, complete with a private wooden balcony to enjoy the sunshine and a pleasant open air shower.
Couples can plant a tree together to celebrate their union, or enjoy a massage in the rainforest view massage room. For something a little more adventurous take a romantic horse trek along the beach, go surfing or even explore the lush surroundings of the rainforest and discover the waterfalls and pools. A boat excursion offers the chance to see sea turtles, whales and the opportunity to swim with dolphins. This is a honeymoon destination for nature lovers and explorers, a unique retreat far removed from the modern world.
Craig is a professional travel writer and travel enthusiast always on the look out for the best new honeymoon destinations.