Friday, February 19, 2016

10 Romantic Honeymoon Hotspots Around the Globe

Where better to celebrate your love for each other than in a Royal Caribbean cruise ship? (Photo courtesy of Root Photography).

NOTE: This post has not in any way been influenced by the coming and passing of Hearts' Day about two days ago. (Just kidding!)

Everyday, when I open my Facebook, about two-thirds of the news in my feed are about lovey-dovey couples going out together, getting engaged, or already enjoying the bliss of being hitched. Don't get me wrong, though. I'm absolutely happy for all of them and I would wish them all the luck in the world if I were given any opportunity to personally talk to them. Still, being single for some time already doesn't stop me from dreaming that one day I'd find Prince Charming again, fall in love again, and finally have that epic fairytale garden wedding and honeymoon that I've been dreaming of since I was fourteen.

And speaking of honeymoons-- here are ten places from around the world where I dreamed I would spend my honeymoon (if I ever get married). This list is based solely on my opinion, by the way.

10. ON A ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE
The Oasis of the Seas (photo courtesy of the Oasis' Wikipedia page).


Photo from Root Photography.

From the Royal Caribbean wedding brochure.

From the Royal Caribbean wedding brochure.

The Opus Dining Room at the Oasis of the Seas. Photo from the Royal Caribbean blog.

Midnight Pool. Photo from the Royal Caribbean blog.

Deck 5 promenade. Photo from the Royal Caribbean blog.

Allure of the Seas main pool deck. Photo from the Royal Caribbean blog.

The Solarium Cafe aboard the Oasis of the Seas. Photo from the Royal Caribbean blog.

Imagine having to laze around in your stateroom's balcony, soaking up the sun and the view of the ocean as the majestic Oasis of the Seas smoothly parts the surface of the water. In one hand, you hold a glass of chilled crystal wine; in the other, the hand of the person with whom you're pleased to spend eternity with. Nothing could be better.

9. JAPAN
Illuminated sakura blossoms along Meguro River in Tokyo (photo courtesy of Experience Tokyo).

I know what everyone's thinking-- Japan?! As in, densely-populated, Xenophobic land of all things eccentric and kawaii Japan?! But please, hear me out. While Japan is my numero uno dream destination, I say it's also one of the places that I considered honeymoon-worthy because I've never encountered a place so beautiful, so full of nature and so rich in culture than the Land of the Rising Sun. I don't really mind the crowd and the nature of riding on the Japanese subway during rush hour-- but for those of you who do mind should remember that Japan is a huge country and there are a load of places to go for a little romance and privacy during your honeymoon, such as:

Wakayama prefecture, a peninsula in the Kansai Region famous for its white-sand beaches. Image courtesy of Kanko Kushimoto.

Engetsu Island in Wakayama. Photo from CNN Travel.

Shirahama (White Sand) beach in Wakayama. Photo from CNN Travel.

Barrel bath in Shirahama's Hotel Seamore filled with onsen (hot spring) water. Photo from CNN Travel. Book this hotel via Agoda for discounts from 30% and more! 

Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture is Japan's premier summer destination, but it is even more beautiful in autumn. That's the season when maple leaves start to turn orange and red. Pictured above is Hoshinoya Karuizawa.

(Karuizawa is even prettier at night! Book your ultimate staycation via Agoda!)

The onsen at Hoshinoya Karuizawa.

A bakery at Sawamura in Karuizawa.

Autumn leaves in Karuizawa. Photo courtesy of Touchstone.

Shirakawa-go, a village in Gifu prefecture, is a very beautiful village. It's designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo from this Flickr account. Stay in Shirakawa-go for as low as 90 USD per night! Book via Agoda!

Anime fans will recognize this scenery as Hinamizawa from the series Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (I loved that series!). Photo from Japanican.

If you want to escape from escaping in Japan, there's Villa Santorini Hotel in Kochi prefecture that will make you feel as if you're on the island that's also featured further into this list. Photo courtesy of RocketNews24.

8. THE ISLANDS OF HAWAII
Your own private garden in a luxury resort in Maui, Hawaii.

Aaaah, Hawaii-- the land where the calm and invigorating water meets the wild and passionate fire. Wouldn't it be romantic to celebrate the union of such two different souls in such a paradise? 

Beautiful image of a romantic dinner in Maui from this Pin.

The beautiful Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui. Book this hotel via Agoda to receive up to 30% discount!

Dining under the stars in Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui.

Paradise. Photo from this link.

The beautiful Ko'a Kea Hotel in Kauai. Book their ocean-view rooms via Agoda for as low as USD 620 per night!

Romantic dinner at the Buddha Point at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in the Big Island of Hawaii.

Romantic dinner at a Japanese restaurant at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in the Big Island of Hawaii.

Romantic oceanview dinner at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in the Big Island of Hawaii. Book this hotel via Agoda for room rates as low as USD 211 per night!

7. THE BAHAMAS
The Cove at Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Image from this Pin.

(What are the most beautiful, cheapest hotels in the Bahamas? Click here to find out.)

The Bahamas. I really don't have to expound why a honeymoon here would be the best thing in the world, right? Couples just dig the beautiful warm weather and pristine beaches here. As for me? I'm in it for Atlantis!


Beautiful set-up. Image from this Pin.

This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests! 

This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests! 

This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!

This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!

 This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!


 This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!


 This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!


 This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!


 This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!


 This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!

 This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!

This is part of Musha Cay, an exclusive private-island resort in the Bahamas with luxurious accommodations for up to only 24 guests!

Luxury Suite from Atlantis, Bahamas. Book this hotel via Agoda to experience paradise for a discounted price!

Mandara Spa, Atlantis, Bahamas.

Snorkel the ruins of Atlantis in Atlantis, Bahamas.

The Dig, Atlantis, Bahamas.

6. SAN YSIDRO RANCH, CALIFORNIA
A beautiful lavender garden in San Ysidro Ranch.

Why would classical icons such as Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh choose to wed in this particular place? Also, why would political figures John and Jackie Kennedy choose to spend their honeymoon here, too? Fall in love (like I did) with San Ysidro Ranch's beautiful wildflower gardens, gurgling creeks, waterfalls, and beautiful, rustic cottages.

(Experience romance amidst the whimsical lavenders! Book this hotel via Agoda!)

Entrance to the Lavender Cottage, San Ysidro Ranch.

Channel Island cottage, San Ysidro Ranch.

The terrace of Channel Island cottage, San Ysidro Ranch.

Outdoor sunken hot tub, San Ysidro Ranch. This is SO romantic!

Beautiful stone pathway leading to Plow & Angel, one of two dining options in San Ysidro Ranch.

That mac and cheese. Mmmmmm. (Photo from San Ysidro Ranch).

The Stonehouse restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. (Photo from San Ysidro Ranch).

The Stonehouse restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. (Photo from San Ysidro Ranch).

The Stonehouse restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. (Photo from San Ysidro Ranch).

Near the ranch are local attractions like the Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Lotusland, and some gorgeous beaches. 


5. MOROCCO
A poolside villa in Palais Namaskar in Marrakech, Morocco.

Compared to its more popular neighboring countries, Morocco is smaller and somewhat less appreciated as a tourist destination-- but the beauty of the and and the richness of the culture contained within its boundaries are absolutely well-worth delving into. 

(Don't wait out! Experience Morocco in luxurious hotels with low prices!)

Photo from AIESEC.

At Lagoon Lodge de Morocco in Oualidia.

At Lagoon Lodge de Morocco in Oualidia.

At Lagoon Lodge de Morocco in Oualidia.

At Lagoon Lodge de Morocco in Oualidia.

A poolside villa in Palais Namaskar in Marrakech, Morocco. Would you believe you can stay here for as low as USD 600 per night? Book now via Agoda!

A poolside villa in Palais Namaskar in Marrakech, Morocco.

Palais Namaskar in Marrakech, Morocco.

What's inside a poolside villa in Palais Namaskar? Absolutely stunning!

What's inside a poolside villa in Palais Namaskar? Absolutely stunning!

What's inside a poolside villa in Palais Namaskar? Absolutely stunning!

What's inside a poolside villa in Palais Namaskar? Absolutely stunning!

The main walkway at Palais Namaskar.

Book a massage for you and your honey at Palais Namaskar.

4. BHUTAN
The Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan, the "Last Shangri-La". Photo from Travdoor.


The mysterious country of Bhutan, dubbed the "Last Shangri-La on Earth" because of its exclusivity from foreign influences, just recently opened its doors to the outside world. As such, you can be sure that its beauty is natural and unspoiled by the flock of tourists and modern-day infrastructures and the mega-menace of industrialism. Perfect for maximum levels of R&R and privacy on your honeymoon.

NOTE: Tourists wanting to explore Bhutan have to research the place more, as it has a unique set of rules. For example, the country has "tariff rates" for every day spent there. Airports that offer flights to Bhutan are limited as of now, too. Nevertheless, they're all still worth the trip I'm sure.

Traditional Bhutanese dance. Photo from Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro, Bhutan.

Prayers wheels. Photo from Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro, Bhutan.

Paro Valley sunset. Photo from Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro, Bhutan.

Paro Chhu river. Photo from Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro, Bhutan.

Photo from this link.

Beautiful Hotel Zhiwa Ling in Bhutan. Photos from Bhutan 360. Room rate per night is as low as 375 USD! Book this hotel via Agoda!

Beautiful Hotel Zhuwa Ling in Bhutan. Photos from Bhutan 360.

Luxurious accommodations in Bhutan courtesy of  Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro. Book via Agoda for discounts of up to 30% and more!

Luxurious accommodations in Bhutan courtesy of  Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro.

Luxurious accommodations in Bhutan courtesy of  Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro.

The view from the terrace villa in Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro, Bhutan.

Luxurious accommodations in Bhutan courtesy of  Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro.

Private dining at   Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro, Bhutan.

Private dining at Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro, Bhutan.

Stone bath house in Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro, Bhutan.

Indoor pool at Hotel Uma by COMO in Paro, Bhutan.


3. SAINT LUCIA
Go on a hike up the magical Piton Mountains with your sweetheart in Saint Lucia. Photo from the Saint Lucia Official Tourism website.

(Want the best rates for hotels in Saint Lucia? Click here.)

Saint Lucia is yet another island paradise featured on this list. The place is a lesser-known secret among many travel junkies and honeymooners, but those who do discover it are left unable to articulate how beautiful it is. Pristine beaches and mountains galore!

The romantic Sugar Beach in Viceroy Hotel Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia. Book this romantic getaway via Agoda!

The romantic Sugar Beach in Viceroy Hotel Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia.

The romantic Sugar Beach in Viceroy Hotel Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia.

Grand Luxury Villa overlooking Sugar Beach at the Viceroy Hotel Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia.

Luxury Beachfront Bungalow at the Viceroy Hotel Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia.

Luxury Cottage at the Viceroy Hotel Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia.

Sunset dinner cruise courtesy of  the Viceroy Hotel Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia.

Beautiful Rainforest Spa at the Viceroy Hotel Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia.

The Rainforest Spa at the Viceroy Hotel Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia.

Fan-favorite Ladera Resort prides itself in being the only resort located on the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Soufriere Volcano. Don't miss out on this view! Book via Agoda now!

Fan-favorite Ladera Resort prides itself in being the only resort located on the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Soufriere Volcano.

Accomodations at Ladera Resort in Saint Lucia.

Accomodations at Ladera Resort in Saint Lucia.

Accomodations at Ladera Resort in Saint Lucia.

Accomodations at Ladera Resort in Saint Lucia.

Dining at Ladera Resort in Saint Lucia.

2. COSTA RICA
Ladderized set-up thermal springs at Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica. 

The country of Costa Rica boasts of many things (romantic beaches included), but its selling point for me is its lush greenery. What blushing bride wouldn't want a honeymoon between a cloud forest and the clouds?

(What could be the top hotels in Costa Rica?)

Bridge over thermal springs leading to the gardens at Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica. Book this hotel via Agoda for as low as USD 300 a night!

Just beautiful. Photo courtesy of Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

Romance in the middle of the rainforest. Photo courtesy of Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

Arenal volcano in the background. Photo courtesy of Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

Hydrotherapy. Photo courtesy of Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

The Shangri-la Gardens, Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

The Shangri-la Gardens, Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

The Shangri-la Gardens, Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

The Shangri-la Gardens, Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

The Honeymoon Suite, Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

The Honeymoon Suite, Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

Gala dinner in a private bungalow, Tabacon Grand Spa, Costa Rica.

Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica is located within a mountain range, hidden among a rainforest. Have the perfect honeymoon! Book via Agoda!

Romantic accommodations in Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica.

Romantic accommodations in Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica.

Romantic accommodations in Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica.

The Canopy Suite of Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica offers a 180-degree view of the rainforest and is isolated from the rest of the lodge, mainly accessible through a suspension bridge. It has its own sundeck and stone pool.

Dining beneath the stars in Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica.

One of Costa Rica's main attractions is the La Paz Waterfall Garden.

The Butterfly Garden at the La Paz Waterfall Garden.

Get close with Mother Nature by doing the canopy walk over the cloud forests of Costa Rica. Photo from this Wikipedia page.

Get close with Mother Nature by doing riding an aerial tram over the cloud forests of Costa Rica. Photo from Rain Forest Adventures.

Get close with Mother Nature by ziplining over the cloud forests of Costa Rica. Photo from Jaco Tours.

1. SANTORINI ISLAND, GREECE
Romantic oceanview dinner. Photo from Travel2Greece.


No surprises here-- Greece is the honeymoon Mecca for all honeymooners in the world! And the famous island of Santorini in all its white-and-blue infamy is the one island of my dreams. While it is true that there are more islands in Greece (which some would claim to be even more honeymoon-worthy than my top pick), the thing that appeals to me the most is the total recluse provided for by Santorini's cave-style cliffside accommodations. The views of the sea and the caldera are breathtaking! And Greek food in all its deliciousness can't be beat!

(Experience beautiful, beautiful Santorini! Choose from over 850 discounted hotels!)

White and blue all over Oia in Santorini. Photo from the Canaves Oia Hotel website. Book this hotel via Agoda!

White and blue all over Oia in Santorini. Photo from the Canaves Oia Hotel website.

White and blue all over Oia in Santorini. Photo from the Canaves Oia Hotel website.

The Canaves Oia Hotel in Santorini, Greece. One of the most luxurious accommodations in the island.

The Canaves Oia Hotel in Santorini, Greece. One of the most luxurious accommodations in the island.

The Canaves Oia Hotel in Santorini, Greece. One of the most luxurious accommodations in the island.

The Canaves Oia Hotel in Santorini, Greece. One of the most luxurious accommodations in the island.

The Canaves Oia Hotel in Santorini, Greece. One of the most luxurious accommodations in the island.

The pool at the Canaves Oia Hotel in Santorini, Greece.

The Cave Suite at 1864 Sea Captain's House in Santorini, Greece.  Be the captain and book this hotel via Agoda!

The Cave Suite at 1864 Sea Captain's House in Santorini, Greece.

The Cave Suite at 1864 Sea Captain's House in Santorini, Greece.

Go island-hopping! Photo from the Greece and Mediterranean Travel Center Website.

Fira Market. They say it's also lovely at night! Photo from Sherry's Trip Report.

Anemomilos restaurant in Oia town, Greece. Photo from Sherry's Trip Report.

Some of the runners-up that did not make this list are: the Maldives, Turkey, Jamaica, and Bali Island in Indonesia. The reason I did not include them in this list is because of the growing threats of terrorism in these places. I wouldn't want a honeymoon where I'm constantly anxious. Still, these places are on my bucket list. I'd go if the safety and security statuses of these places change.

What are your thoughts on this? Did we share the same opinion in some parts of the list? Or do you have any suggestions?

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