11 of The Best Honeymoon Destinations of 2024
From the far west coast of Canada to the lush landscape of Sri Lanka, Bazaar Arabia shares the best locations for a romantic– and adventurous – getaway like no other…
Perfect proposal settings, heavenly honeymoons or destination weddings await…
11 of The Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2024
Wickaninnish Inn, Canada
Characterised by jagged cliffs and towering forests, Tofino is the Wickaninnish Inn’s dramatically romantic setting on Vancouver Island, off the west coast of Canada. Near to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, it is awe-inspiringly scenic all year round, with ample bear-spotting and whale watching opportunities.
Inside, the natural world is reflected in the design, with touches of driftwood and cedar, as well as the large windows showcasing panoramas of the surrounding wilderness. Bedrooms are spoiling and feature spacious bathtubs, fireplaces and hot-chocolate stations. Little wonder Uma Thurman, Alanis Morissette and Justin Trudeau are all fans.
Châte Au Troplong Mondot, France
Upon a hilltop, with exceptional views towards the fortified town of St Emilion, stands Château Troplong Mondot, a 19th century winery.
The estate has a Premier Grand Cru Classé ranking, and the food served in the award-winning Les Belles Perdrix is exquisite. Eschew the beautiful rooms with all the mod cons for a stay in the bijou Maison des Vignes, a charming worker’s cottage in the midst of the vines; in the evenings, sit outside with a bottle of Mondot, gazing at the stars.
Regent, Lisbon To Barcelona
Indulge in the sybaritic pleasures of Portugal and Spain, starting with Lisbon and its lavish palaces. Book a penthouse suite aboard Regent’s Navigator and you’ll be welcomed with drinks and a selection of Guerlain and L’Occitane products. Wander the streets of Cádiz’s lively old town; see the mediaeval Alcázar in Seville; visit Malaga to sample its famous dessert drinks; and stop by Granada to explore the Alhambra. Once you’ve arrived in Barcelona, visit the masterpieces at the Joan Miró Foundation and the Picasso Museum, before catching a vibrant flamenco show in Las Ramblas.
Viceroy Riviera Maya, Mexico
Enclosed between leafy jungle and a beach of white sand, the Viceroy Riviera Maya is a serene sanctuary in which to unwind. The 41 villas are dotted about within the greenery for unparalleled privacy, and come with four-poster beds, plunge pools and outdoor rain showers stocked with Natura Bissé toiletries.
Enjoy breakfast served on your private patio, spotting passing iguanas and spider monkeys; but come dinnertime, be sure to visit the candle-lit alfresco restaurant La Marea for locally sourced Mexican fare, such as chayote squash and cheese tart with poblano chilli soup or bluefin tuna al pastor with pineapple purée and ponzu.
Lux Grand Baie, Mauritius
At the centre of one of the island’s most lively seaside towns is the modernist resort Lux Grand Baie. Designed by the local architect Jean François-Adam, with interiors by Kelly Hoppen, its polished concrete, blonde-wood floors and industrial steel accents were inspired by the shape of old Mauritian sailboats.
The main pool (one of three), with its swim-up bar and over-water DJ set, attracts a fun crowd – as does the rooftop bar Bisou, whose cabanas offer astonishing sunset views, to be enjoyed with a chilled drinks and plantain chips in hand.
Oberoi, Egypt
There’s something magical about waking at sunrise when cruising along the Nile, as ibis dip their beaks for their morning drink. Days are filled with journeys back in time, visiting the necropolis of the Valley of the Kings and the extraordinary temples of Edfu and Philae, which rise from the waters like a mirage.
Audley’s specialists are on hand throughout, ensuring your adventure is stress-free and seamless. Time on board is equally glorious, with delicious food, soothing spa treatments and a pool on the top deck, to cool off after afternoons spent channelling your inner Indiana Jones.
Hotel Supetar, Croatia
In the coastal town of Cavtat is the three-storey villa housing Hotel Supetar. On the edge of the blue Adriatic and built above the ancient settlement of Epidaurum, it has a prime position for both restful beach days and afternoons exploring the old Baroque churches and Illyrian ruins – not to mention being a short drive from Dubrovnik.
Its 16 uniquely decorated bedrooms and soon-to-open five-bedroom residence provide the ideal hideaway with a loved one.
La Mamounia, Morocco
A stone’s throw from Marrakech’s medina, yet an oasis of luxurious peace, La Mamounia deserves the iconic reputation that comes with more than 100 years of hospitality. The romantic bedrooms feature Moroccan mosaic tiling, latticework and king-size beds.
Service is impeccable and the facilities include its famously lush gardens and orchards, several alluring bars and gourmet restaurants, a palm-fringed swimming pool, a huge spa and a private cinema.
Uga Bay, Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Uga Bay in the village of Pasikuda is during the summer months when the ocean is crystal clear, so you can see its reefs, which house more than 700 species of fish, in all their glory.
The waters are still and warm, ideal for kayaking trips and leisurely swims, while the powder-soft sands provide the perfect spot on which to recline with a good book and refreshments of crisp calamari, wraps and fresh salads courtesy of the beach bar. Each of the 44 airy rooms faces out over the bay, shaded by palm-trees, so you can drift off for a blissful night’s sleep to the sound of gently lapping waves.
Atlantica Grand Mediterraneo, Greece
With its hidden coves and dramatic clifftops, Corfu provides a picture-perfect backdrop for romance. Legend has it that couples who swim in the Canal d’Amour to the northwest of the island seal their love for ever – and those looking to formally tie the knot can do so with ease, using the wedding-planning concierge.
Whether you’d like to hold your nuptials at a hotel, such as in the serene secret garden of the Atlantica Grand Mediterraneo, or on a cypress-tree-lined hilltop at sunset, your big day will be one to remember.
Castara Retreats, Tobago
Tucked away on the fringes of a quiet fishing village, Castara Retreats is a secluded slice of Caribbean heaven. A champion of sustainability for more than 20 years, this collection of 15 luxury eco lodges – built within the treetops above Castara Bay on Tobago’s north coast – exists in harmony with nature.
There are plenty of options for exploring the biodiversity on its doorstep, including dives with marine biologists and tours of the lush rainforest. Swim in the nearby waterfall, take yoga classes with ocean views and join the village barbecues on the beach.
Photography by: Marcus Paladino, Ekaterina Boltaga, Aayush Gupta, Tomas Nozina/unsplash, Tom Fallon, Cecile Perrinet Lhermitte, Romain Ricard, Marie-claire Chappet, Courtesy Of Hotel Supetar, La Mamounia, Atlantica Grand Mediterraneo, Alex Treadway
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Bride Spring/Summer 2024 issue.