inspiration
Honeymoon Sweet
Whether you’re craving an eco adventure far from the reaches of Wi-Fi, or seeking a luxe getaway worthy of Hollywood A-listers, we’ve got romantic destinations fit for your honeymoon dreams.
THE ADVENTURE SEEKERS
Australia: The Land Down Under is sure to give you the edge you crave. Choose your own adventure–kayaking and surfing to hiking through the outback–to satisfy your wild side. Check out the Kewarra Beach Resort, which features spacious suites and bungalows nestled among rainforest gardens and a lagoon. It’s just a stone’s throw from Australia’s hottest action, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping and hot-air ballooning. The resort also stands at the threshold of the Great Barrier Reef, giving you access to some of the best sailing and diving experiences (September and October offer the best chances to dive and swim with whales).
THE ECO WARRIORS
Peru: Peru is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, boasting a bounty of butterflies, primates, wildflowers and more than 30 types of marine mammals, including 37 percent of the world’s whale and dolphin species. It’s also home to ten national parks, tropical rainforests (including the Amazon) and that little Incan town of Machu Picchu. The Libertador Tambopata Lodge is one of the best-known eco-tourism lodges and is nestled along the banks of the Tambopata River. This small lodge will give you a warm, homey feeling, and many of the lodge’s staff are naturalist guides or ecological researchers. Discover the mysterious creatures of the Amazon, explore the Ox-Bow Lakes and embark upon a variety of trails.
THE LUXE LOVERS
Finland: This northern European country is a who’s who of top designers: Marimekko (fabric), Pentik (china, textiles) and Aarika (jewelry and gifts) to name but a few. Make like 19th-century Russian aristocrats and unwind after a day at the shops with some pampering at an upscale Finnish spa. Here you’ll enjoy exotic treatments like a reindeer milk facial or Nordic sea salt body scrub. Opera houses, theaters and swanky restos, featuring Finnish delicacies, including crayfish and wild duck, will make your honeymoon a delicious affair. Play king and queen for a day at Helsinki’s Hotel Kämp, which first opened its doors in 1887. This five-star hotel is opulently decorated in white and gold and also features magnificent chandeliers and stunning French mirrors–perfect for an unforgettable photo op.
THE ROMANTICS
New Hampshire: As home to 54 of the remaining 750 covered bridges in the United States, New Hampshire is the quintessential New England state. Featuring rolling farmlands, quaint towns, gorgeous forests and magnificent mountains, New Hampshire is a wonderful location for your romantic honeymoon. The Rosewood Country Inn in Bradford first opened in 1896. With lush greenery and blossoming gardens, it’s the perfect post-wedding retreat. This cozy B&B offers suites outfitted in period antiques, fireplaces and Jacuzzis-for-two. Activities include scenic lake and dinner cruises during warmer months, and sleigh rides and snowshoeing in winter.
THE PARTY PEOPLE
Las Vegas: While polyester suits and chapels flashing with neon signs might come to mind, Las Vegas is a truly luxury destination. Check out the strip for the hottest casinos–think the Mirage, Bellagio and the Venetian. But Sin City really comes to life at night, when wining and dining are the name of the game. Vegas offers world-class cuisine, as well as an assortment of elegant clubs and hip lounges, all ready to serve up a good time. One of the city’s most exciting resorts is Harrah’s Las Vegas, located in the heart of the strip. With more than 2,500 gorgeous suites and a 86,664-square-foot casino plus seven renowned restaurants, Harrah’s is happy to be your honeymoon hub. Complete with a carnival theme, luxurious spa and swanky lounges, Harrah’s is the diamond of the strip.
Find more destinations to match your honeymoon personality here.
FEATURED PARTNER
JCPenney Registry Picks for Travel Lovers
Get packing with luggage by Samsonite, available at JCPenney. These collections are lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver thanks to multi-directional spinner wheels that let you roll the bags upright. The Samsonite Control II collection (at left) expands for added packing capacity, features TSA-approved combination locks, and comes in silver or black. The new Samsonite Soar 2.0 collection (at right) is especially lightweight, and available in red, blue, grey or black. Register for luggage at JC Penney.
As featured in the Spring issue of 2life Weddings digital magazine:
Image(s): Top to bottom: Courtesy Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa; iStock; Courtesy Hotel Kämp; Courtesy Rosewood Country Inn; luggage images courtesy of JCPenney