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Health & Fitness

Top 10 Luxury Locations for Honeymoons and Destination Weddings

Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations

I just returned from attending the World Luxury Travel Advisory Council meeting in New York and the latest trends in destinations was on the agenda. Honeymoon locations are always a worldwide discussion item, and it is important to keep abreast of what’s new.  

The destination-wedding business has been growing at a very rapid pace every year and is currently an $8.6 billion industry, with the average destination wedding hosting 88 guests at an average cost of $26,000.  Honeymoons comprise a $12 billion dollar a year industry.

Why would any bride and groom want to book a honeymoon through an intermediary when they believe they can do it on their own? The answer is simple, expertise and access.

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I am giving you our hand-picked selection of the ultimate resorts for the sophisticated luxury traveler.

  1. DUBAI AND THE MALDIVES. With the Emirates Airline non-stop flights from San Francisco, this is going to be a top destination for people who have been to many other places. A few days in Dubai, then onto an island paradise, the Maldives. Stay at the Burj Al Arab, rated as the best hotel in the world, or perhaps have a true Arab experience at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. Rangali Island is lauded as the epitome of every tropical Paradise fantasy, with over the water villas, and the only undersea restaurant in World. 
  2. HAWAII. Mauna Lani Bay Bungalows. Lovely beach, and the villas have 4,000 square feet, with a butler and private pool. Great golf course, bike trails and this is a perfect Big Island destination.  
  3. FIJI. Luki Luki Lagoon Resort. Voted in the top 10 for honeymoon destinations. Sixteen miles from Nadi Airport by boat, heli, or seaplane.
  4. TAHITI.  The St. Regis Resort just won the award for the Most Romantic Hotel in the South Pacific. We had fantastic special, all inclusive air, over the water bungalow, for half price
  5. COSTA RICA.  Four Seasons Resort has lovely beaches and a great golf course The private villas are lovely, fishing, scuba, spa and horseback riding in a secluded location.
  6. MEXICO. Punta Mita sits on a private isthmus surrounded by pristine beaches. Spacious rooms and suites are situated in Mexican-style casitas along the edge of the beach. 
  7. CARIBBEAN – EXCLUSIVE VILLA COLLECTION. Luxury villas in Anguilla, Virgin Gorda, Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos to name a few. Typically they have a swimming pool and private quarters for housekeeping staff.
  8. FLORIDA KEYS. Little Palm Island has thirty luxurious private bungalows. One of the most romantic places on our list. Wonderful spa, great deep sea fishing and diving.
  9. COOK ISLANDS. Raratongan Resort. A gem in the South Pacific.  Wonderful diving and snorkeling, fishing, a great island destination. I would also recommend a few days on the island of Aitutaki at the Pearl Beach Resort. Wonderful Polynesian dance show and a great place to buy black pearls.
  10. SEA DREAM YACHT CLUB. The ultimate luxury experience. Only 55 cabins, you can charter the yacht for your bridal party. It takes 5-,7-,9- or l4-day cruises Caribbean or the Mediterranean. Unique crew-led shore experiences, late night and overnight stay in ports. Twenty-two different ports to choose from, and something out of the ordinary.

These are our highly recommended locations on which we have had rave reviews.

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Next week – New Zealand Pinot Noir

 

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