Honeymoon-Worthy Escapes

// April 13, 2017

// Posted in Africa, Asia, Getaway, Honeymoon, News, Special Interest

There’s always a good reason for a sexy escape. Always. Go to get the sparks flying with your significant other, to treat yourself on a solo adventure, or for a luxury vacation with friends. After nearly three decades of searching the world over for dream-trip material, we know a thing or two about how to create an effortlessly indulgent getaway. These four have big honeymoon appeal, but require no excuse (read: life-long commitment) to go.

NIGHT SAFARIS & YOUR OWN PRIVATE ISLAND

Quilalea Island Villa

BEST FOR: Those who want to travel like a professional jet-setter; wine aficionados; foodies; and those seeking a seriously luxurious safari.
WHY GO: With every option under the sun, how does an Absolute Asia staffer vacation? Here’s how: This indulgent trip showcases the best South Africa and Mozambique have to offer. You’ll dine at Cape Town’s chicest restaurants and Stellenbosch’s most famous vineyards where you’ll learn about winemaking and drink perfect glasses of Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. You’ll journey across the savannah in search of Africa’s fiercest predators, and walk amongst them on an intimate night saunter together. (We can even set up a behind-the-scenes visit at the Save the Elephants Research Center if you’d like.) Cap off this legendary trip at your own private island in Mozambique, where you’ll relax at one of the world’s most impossibly stunning properties. Anything this special is remote. Exclusivity is a given; to get here travelers must take a teeny plane, switch over to a boat and cruise through the warm waters until you arrive at the most idyllic private island you could dream up. Think dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, your personal butler, and a super-chic coral and stone villa all to yourself. You choose how you want to spend your days. You can kayak the turquoise waters, come face-to-face with sea turtles and a kaleidoscope of coral, or even hop to another part of the island for some serious culture and a step back in time.

ROMANCE OF MOROCCO: HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES, HOT-AIR BALLOON RIDES & YOUR PERSONAL PALACE

Morocco romantic hotel beautiful room

BEST FOR: Lovers of design and architecture; indulgence & pampering in its most romantic form
WHY GO: What makes a perfect getaway? If your answer is a sexy, chic, and exotic locale that’s easy to get to, this may be the right trip for you. This deluxe journey takes you from Fes’ rich medinas, vibrant, artisanal quarters, and ancient souks, to the famous Saadian Tombs and romantic restaurants of Marrakech and onward. Take a traditional horse-drawn carriage to the Jardin Majorelle, the garden Yves Saint Laurent gifted to Marrakesh (a bouquet of flowers certainly wasn’t enough for his favorite city), then soar over Marrakech on a breathtaking hot-air balloon ride. Continue to the High Atlas Mountains to Sir Richard Branson’s romantic retreat. You’ll be transported by the smell of rose-petals, as many hammam treatments as you can fit in, and secret spots to steal a quiet moment for yourself. Call a private, stunning Berber tent (infinity pool and jaw-dropping view included) home for a few nights. Cap off the trip by descending to the windswept coastal town of Essaouira for a stay at a renovated palace set inside the medina. You will feel like Moroccan royalty on this trip.

AN EXCLUSIVE HIDEAWAY IN CANYON COUNTRY

Honeymoon Amangiri hotel in Utah desert landscape

BEST FOR: Travelers seeking time to rejuvenate among some of the most gorgeous views (and hotels) on the planet with a little adventure mixed in (no passport needed)
WHY GO: This trip strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. First, get lost in Montana’s powerfully beautiful and rugged landscape at The Ranch at Rock Creek. You’ll feel like you’re living in a Western novel as you ride past endless rail fences, fly fish the rushing creeks, and saddle up at the Silver Dollar Saloon in the evening. Continue to Utah’s canyon country, a region that is magical, otherworldly and so beautiful it will leave you silent. The stark landscape demands to be explored, and we have the best base from which to do this: Amangiri. This exclusive hideaway is surrounded by five national parks with plunging canyons, towering bluffs, painterly vistas and rich Navajo experiences. We’re sure a visit to this untouched valley will leave you rejuvenated, refreshed, and grounded.

BALI & SUMBA: AN ESCAPE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE

Honeymoon Bali Samba Private Villa and Pool

BEST FOR: Lovers of remote locals; exotic food; culture and serious romance
WHY GO: There’s a reason Bali tops travel lists. It’s stunning and somehow always brings out the best in us. This journey sums up the ultimate island experience with stops in Bali and Sumba: think personal infinity pools, private beaches, stilted villas overlooking turquoise waters, air perfumed with frangipani and the most sincere smiles on earth. While Bali and Sumba are just two of the more than 18,000 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, their jaw-dropping natural beauty and mystical culture set these islands apart. You’ll stay at some of our favorite hotels that overlook the ocean and nestle into the lush forests, explore the islands’ temples and markets, take in traditional dance performances, be pampered with locally-inspired spa treatments, and feast on gourmet picnics prepared in jungle gazebos and on the beach.

Worlds best Honeymoon Cambodia Monk blessing on dock

The big question: Do it yourself or work with a travel specialist?
We may be biased, but in our minds there’s no question planning a trip like this is the time to work with an expert. We will take care of every single detail so you can focus on being in the moment. Travel specialists not only provide the insider access (private after-hours museum dinners, anyone?) that make a trip unforgettable, but they ensure your trip is exactly what you want—and much more. The clincher: working with an expert who has actually been to your destination of choice and done the activities you want to do ensures you avoid that dreaded moment when you show up and it’s not what you expected.

Worlds best honeymoon Africa Safari Kenya SIngita luxury tented camp interior

What’s the next step for someone who wants to work with a travel specialist?And when should they start planning?
If you think you may want to work with one of our travel experts, it’s best to start the conversation as soon as possible. That way, you’ll have the greatest chance of securing your ideal hotels and specialty experiences. It’ll also give you ample time to play around with ideas and design a journey that truly inspires you.

But if you only have a few months to plan, that’s ok too. We’re experts at making seemingly impossible trips come together. It may just mean you have to think creatively about the spectacular location you choose, or to visit an amazing under-the-radar hotel (these are often the best ones, by the way!).

The starting point is to do a little research and select a travel specialist that you vibe with, then begin a conversation. Here’s a useful tip: the really good travel specialists won’t try to sell you on a set itinerary. Rather, they’ll have a few ideas to spark your interest and will then work closely with you to customize your journey. We have ideas like the ones we shared above, but then we always say “get in touch.” From here, we’ll chat on the phone or email you (your choice) to learn more about your interests and passions. This way our suggestions will be thoughtful and true to who you are.

Ready to go? Get in touch and let’s start planning your trip.
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