Bazaar Arabia’s Honeymoon Hotspots of 2025
Escape to white-sand paradises, ancient ruins and fairy-tale castles for a honeymoon of a lifetime
Best for . . . pure relaxation
On the south-west coast of Bali lies the 10-kilometre Canggu beach. While the area is best known for surfing, the new hotel Regent Bali Canggu offers a beautifully serene retreat. Honeymooners should choose either an ocean facing penthouse or a beachfront villa – spacious, self-contained and all offering private pools and unparalleled sea views. ihg.com
Best for… thrill-seeking food-lovers
Epicureans will love Cottar’s new five-night safari, launching in December. Hosted by the Kenyan restaurateur Kiran Jethwa, known for his TV programmes Chef vs Wild and The Fearless Chef, this incredible trip gives guests the opportunity to see the big five in the Maasai Mara, and to try food-focused activities such as foraging. Couples will dine under the stars, having learnt about Kenya’s unique culinary heritage from those who live there, before cosying up in Cottar’s honeymoon tent tucked into the wilderness. cottars.co
Best for . . . classic romance
Capri has inspired countless films, songs and novels, and for good reason. This small Italian island is the very definition of a chic honeymoon location, with its clear-blue waters, rugged coastline and smattering of notable restaurants and hotels. One is Jumeirah Capri Palace, a historic destination synonymous with 1960s glamour that joined the brand in 2019. While away the hours by its secluded pool or marvel at the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea afforded by its prime position in the hilltop town of Anacapri. You’ll leave with the unmistakable feeling you have experienced a true taste of la dolce vita. jumeirah.com
Best for . . . family fun
Who said honeymoons had to be adult-only zones? Situated on a peaceful stretch of the Andalusian coastline, Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol is a newly opened resort and a masterclass in family friendly design – perfect for those travelling en masse or with tots. It features an 1,800-squaremetre spa with a hammam and yoga studio, alongside two innovative kids’ clubs for ages ranging from four to 13, and a dedicated babysitting service. The 47 elegant villas all have private pools and terraces, ideal for unwinding with a cocktail at sunset. For a date night with a difference, head to the beach club to try the espeto, sardines roasted over a fire in a boat – a Málaga speciality. fairmont.com
Best for . . . history enthusiasts
The most romanticised of destinations is often the past. So, why not travel back in time with your new husband at some of the classical world’s most precious sites? Explora Journeys hosts a seven-day ‘A Journey between Magnificent Ruins & Myths’ adventure in a luxury cruise ship from Antalya to Istanbul that takes in the grand vestiges of the Roman Empire – the marble gateway of Hadrian’s Arch, the ruins of Ephesus in Kuşadasi – and the evocative settings of Homer’s epics. Sailing the seas on Explora I, a stunning boat designed to feel like your own private yacht, its deluxe penthouse suite will prove to be the perfect honeymoon home away from home. explorajourneys.com
Best for . . . secret seclusion
Honeymoons provide the perfect excuse to switch off and truly detach yourself from everyday life. Sri Lanka excels at escapism, with its long, wild beaches, rolling hills and verdant forestry. Ararunya Nature Resort is an award-winning boutique hotel that maximises on this and more – a beautiful collection of 10 private villas set across a lush 10-acre estate of vibrant spice and tea gardens in the misty highlands near Kandy. Check into its newest opening, the Sol Sanctuary – a celestial, star-oriented villa designed for restoration and immersive connection to the land. Enjoy your private plunge pool with its in-built jacuzzi whilst drinking in mesmerising mountain views. Do as much or as little as you please, from Ayurvedic wellness journeys to private dinners with estate-grown ingredients. aarunyaresort.com
Best for . . . nautical adventures
While the Maldives might once have held the crown for its crystalline waters, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea is certainly having its moment. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is what honeymoons are all about– romance, privacy, luxury and leisure. With all manner of water-based adventures, enthusiasts can kayak, snorkel, dive and sail to their heart’s content. Expect encounters with beautiful fish, technicolour corals, endangered hawksbill turtles, dolphins, stingrays and more. On dry land, Neyrah Spa will take you on a journey of self-discovery, while Nujuma’s chefs can craft bespoke culinary experiences. ritzcarlton.com
Best for . . . star-studded jet-setting
Fresh from hosting a Jennifer Lopez performance, Hotel Cala di Volpe is Costa Esmeralda’s most in-demand des res. Built in the ’60s and designed in the style of an old Mediterranean fishing village, it echoes the glamour of yesteryear. Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Ariana Grande have all stayed, so you’ll be in good company dining at Matsuhisa and sipping cocktails at Atrium Bar. If ever there was a time to splurge, your honeymoon is it and the Harrods Suite is a worthy contender for your dirhams: spread over three floors with views of Sardinia’s incredible sunset. marriott.com
Best for . . . adults-only energy
Newlyweds deserve a honeymoon of undivided – and uninterrupted– attention and OKU Kos is the perfect adults-only island hideaway inspired by the Greek way of life. Think lazy days by the pool and dips in the cerulean sea; letting your hair down out at a beach party; feasting on Mediterranean cuisine; touring a local winery; stargazing, astronomy and movies under the stars. Kos was once home to Hippocrates, the Greek physician and philosopher, so you’re in the right place for some serious R’n’R at the spa – try the signature treatment based on the island’s hippocratic traditions. okuhotels.com
Best for . . . adventure lovers
Morocco is ripe for culture, cuisine and adventure. Situated on the windswept shores of Morocco’s Dakhla Lagoon, surrounded by the Sahara and the Atlantic Ocean, Our Habitas’ Caravan Dakhla is a playground on the water, with a world-class kitesurfing school teaching everything from kiteboarding to wing foiling. When you’re not chasing wind, you can dry off by the pool, swapping stories over Moroccan-Mexican fusion dishes at Levante, or sinking into the eco-resort’s earthy, natural surrounds in your serene Riad-style room or Oasis villa. ourhabitas.com
Best for . . . five- star living
Laying claim as Zurich’s top hotel since 1899, The Dolder Grand embraces the quintessential Swiss approach to luxury – five star and more. To elevate your honeymoon, this palace has one-of-a kind experiences on tap. It has almost 200 rooms and suites, world-class restaurants, a 4,000+ square-metre spa and an art collection boasting over 100 works, including originals from Takashi Murakami and Salvador Dalí. Plus, its lofty position treats its guests to jaw dropping views over Zurich, the lake and the Alps. Stay in a Suite Deluxe for fin-de-siècle romance, taste the two Michelin stars at The Restaurant, revel in the 180-minute Couple’s Celebration at the spa, then knock a ball about at the Le Club Lacoste Zurich tennis court nestled in the forest. thedoldergrand.com
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From Harper’s Bazaar Bride Autumn/Winter 2025 Issue