While your wedding is sure to be one of the most important life events that you'll plan, don't get so focused on the flowers, outfit, guest lists and return gifts that you overlook the most anticipated and exciting part of celebrating your union—the honeymoon. The post-wedding break is the first holiday a couple takes after officially celebrating their commitment to each other. And post all the craziness of planning for a big fat Indian wedding, you want to make sure you have the time to enjoy the calm after the storm, relax, rejuvenate, explore, learn and make memories that will last a lifetime.
From diving in the crystal clear beaches of Oman to staying in a villa with a private infinity pool on the Bora Bora coast, to going for a luxury biker trail in Portugal—what should those driven by wanderlust choose as a destination for the one of the most indulgent holidays of their lives? “To a millennial couple, sights don't matter as much as how immersive the whole experience is,” informs Pritish Shah, founder of A Travel Duet, a company that curates bespoke couples-only getaways, whether it is a private stay in an olive estate or a cooking session with a Michelin star chef, or even something as outrageous as getting a helicopter to land outside your villa in the middle of the ocean. “The globetrotters don't just want to discover a place, but want to share an experience, perhaps even learn a [new] skill. These could vary from taking tango lessons in Buenos Aires to making wine in Italy, or going scuba diving together in Fiji.” Sometimes, it is this desire for a unique experience that drives the destination. “We had a bride wanting to soak in the romance of butterfly migration, so we suggested Mexico and built an itinerary around it. An equestrian-inspired couple desired to stay on a stable, so we flew them to Finca La Donaira, a luxurious but offbeat eco-retreat set high on a mountain in the province of Malaga, Spain.”
The first step is to get synergy on what your idea of a honeymoon is as a couple. Is it glistening nightlife, majestic skylines, intimate beaches, romantic dunes or candle-lit gourmet dinners? It could be just one of the aforementioned (or something entirely unlisted), or a bit of everything. Once you're zeroed that down, the next move is to align your dream destination with a budget. “For an indulgent holiday, keep 25 per cent of the budget for tickets, while [the] rest is available for accommodation, meals, sightseeing, etc. For instance, if the client has a budget of 10 lakhs, where just the tickets are coming to five lakhs, then we would suggest tweaks in their destinations so that the ticket cost comes to 2.5 lakhs,” recommends Shah. The season in your preferred locales at the time of your arrival is another factor that determines where you end up. For a couple that had a winter wedding but desires a spot in the sun, spots in southern hemisphere such as South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand work brilliantly, as it's mellow and sunny there. And if you love the idea of cuddling in the cold snow, Europe, with its Christmas markets and Northern Lights, can be just as charming. Confused? Check out our guide to help you pick the right honeymoon destination.
The time you have determines your itinerary and destinations. “A minimum of two weeks is needed for long hauls. You don't want a holiday where you are jet-lagged or travelling always. If you only have a week or lesser to spare, I would suggest exotic getaways in Asia or the Middle East,” advises Shah, who says his business is not booking flights and resorts, but managing expectations. Discover the stunning coastline of El Nido in Palawan, Philippines or the sparkling bays, colonial structures and stunning landscapes of the culturally vibrant Vietnam. Another unexplored treasure is Oman, at just three hours away from India. From private beaches and mountain resorts to glamping (a new style of camping that comes with a myriad of amenities, and resort-style services in some cases) under the stars in golden desert sands, the Sultanate entices with its amalgamation of rich history, culture and adventure. If you have less than a week in hand, head to Nihiwatu, one of the most romantic resorts in the world, located in the lesser known Sumba islands in Indonesia.
The hills of Nainital and the surrounding Kumaon region of Uttarakhand are popular honeymoon destinations in India during the summer. For a mini British getaway, check out the luxurious heritage property Naini Retreat, which charms with its colonial architecture, cobbled pathways and stunning views of the valley and lake. You can plan for a brush with the wildlife as well, since Corbett National Park is only a few hours away from here. Another popular spot is the lake city of Udaipur. With the city palace providing a royal backdrop, it makes for one of the most romantic spots in India. Bask in the warm Rajput hospitality where your every desire is their command. Everything is possible here, right from a four-course candle-lit meal on a tranquil boat ride to painting a mural with a local artist. Go further west and Goa welcomes the honeymooners with its balmy shores, old-world Portuguese architecture, eclectic nightlife and delectable cuisine. If you yearn to be diving during the day and having a romantic dinner under the stars on soft white sands by night, then the best honeymoon destination in India has to be the pristine Andaman beaches. Coffee tours in Coorg and tea-tasting in Conoor amidst uber luxurious resorts is favoured for those who seek beauty in solitude. Read our guide to the best honeymoon destinations in India.
One of the most popular honeymoon itineraries involves the South Africa circuit (Cape Town and wildlife national parks), starting with Seychelles, which is only four and a half hours away from India. Seychelles offers island hopping too. From a variety of accommodation options to pristine white sand beaches, stunning marine life, adventurous treks, customised Indian dishes and mouthwatering Creole cuisine, there's a mix of everything at this popular honeymoon destination. Kruger National Park might seem an unusual place for romance at the beginning, but be ready to be surprised. It offers the most decadent, exclusive lodges with four-poster beds, deep free-standing baths, private candle-lit meals and personal butler service.
While Italy, UK, France and Switzerland remain popular honeymoon destinations, the Scandinavian region, with its strong historical and cultural attractions is the choice of a well-travelled couple. Portugal is another understated but majestic beauty, where you can bike over hills covered in wildflowers and gorge on gourmet picnic lunches at any spot you like. For those seeking a cool, quiet buzz, the search ends at the coast of the rice-farming village of Comporta, which has been likened to Ibiza and the lesser-discovered St Tropez. Fabulous food in beach shacks; caipirinhas served on the sand to barefoot drinkers; and tiny lanes that reveal tiny boutiques selling handcrafted wares—Comporta has it all.
Can't decide between the sophistication of a beach resort in Europe and the laid-back ease of a Caribbean island? Pick St Barts! The vibe (including cuisine, shopping and nightlife) on this tiny island is every bit as elegant as that of St Tropez, but the blue waters and dreamy lifestyle are utterly Caribbean. To holiday like the celebrities, book the Eden Rock villa, which not only comes with a private pool, but also with private butlers and a personal chef. Should you desire for a private plane at any time of the day or night, or to attend an exclusive party, it can be arranged.
The best honeymoon tip you can ever get is to plan your itinerary meticulously. Decide how you want to start your journey first—on a relaxing note or with an adrenaline rush. “If a couple is heading for a holiday immediately after the wedding, we start with three nights at a beach resort, where they get to recharge their batteries after the frenzied pace of the wedding. However, if the couple couldn't take a break due to professional commitments, we recommend starting the trip with an action-packed destination, and leaving the beaches towards the end,” shares Shah. While planning your honeymoon itinerary, book routes and layovers that give you a plethora of diverse experiences through beaches, vineyards, secluded spa retreats and bustling city spots. This approach allows you to visit places with different vibes. What if you could fly to the beautiful beaches in Fiji after a short skiing holiday in Korea? Or instead of travelling for hours at a stretch to Hawaii, route your trip via the culturally-rich Tokyo?
There are many little things you can do to make this getaway memorable for the two of you as well. “Look for ways—big and small—to pamper and take your partner by surprise. Prepare a meal with the chef or get the pilot to make a special announcement for your lady love. Something small could leave a lasting imprint,” suggests Shah.
A unique honeymoon itinerary, one that is spread across continents or experiences for example, requires a lot of planning and effort. “There are merits to taking the assistance of a reliable agency partner instead of booking online, as is the new trend,” says Sonali Shah, manager, KFT Holidays. “Just last week, we had a couple who realised three days before departure that the Caribbean Island they had booked was in the French territory, and not in the US. Then there was a last-minute stressful rush to get the Schengen visa. Also, established agencies have a long-term relationship with luxury resort chains, so upgrades, personalised services and discount vouchers come easier [when you book through them].”
When you're packing for your honeymoon, you're walking a thin line. Carry too much and a cumbersome bag will weigh you down, or take too little and risk the regret of leaving something behind. Also note that most airline tickets include a check-in baggage allowance of upto 23kgs, with an extra seven kgs allotted for hand baggage. While there is no definitive guideline, since everyone has their own packing style—threadbare or elaborate—here are some basic tips. Keep your destinations, the weather there and the activities you've planned for in mind, and pack accessories, toiletries, makeup and clothes accordingly. Most luxury resorts offer great toiletries, so you can avoid packing items that will be available to you on request. Though nobody wants to repeat outfits in honeymoon pictures, that doesn't mean you lug your entire wardrobe in a suitcase. Get creative with your sartorial choices instead, and try to use the same item of clothing in different ways. Pack in some separates that you can mix and match to get different looks too. And don't forget to throw in a medicine kit for emergencies.
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