It makes sense to do your honeymoon on an island in the Pacific. The scenery, nature and culture are amazing, plus your money goes that little bit further.
You should also be able to look back on your honeymoon with fondness. No stress, no last-minute bookings and cancellations, no roach-infested treehouses that were marketed to you as an ‘eco-retreat’. Avoid the stress and check out the best honeymoon resorts in the Pacific.
We know what you’re thinking…you can’t afford an overwater villa in Tahiti for your honeymoon. But if you book Le Meridien Tahiti at the right time, chances are you can.
The French Polynesian resort is home to traditional Tahitian thatched-roof bungalows, with everything you’d expect. Back on the mainland, you’ll find suites varying in size and luxury, in addition to restaurants, pools and bars.
Newlyweds should take advantage of the cooking classes offered on-site. In these classes, guests learn from top chefs at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant Le Carré.
While this resort might be on the rocks, your marriage hopefully isn’t. Spend your honeymoon on the edge of a limestone cliff at Alila, 100 metres above the Indian Ocean.
As expected from the Alila brand, the hotel experience is just as important as the view. Guests can sign up for ‘journeys’, which showcase local experiences like cooking tours and eco-adventures while taking in the local surrounds.
The most noteworthy Alila experience is the ‘Journey to Romance at Sunset’. Couples enjoy an intimate cruise for two from Jimbaran Beach to the aptly-named Honeymoon Bay. Guests enjoy dinner, served in a Sunset Cabana with panoramic ocean views.
The Modern is all about custom-designed, organic luxury. There are no luaus or clichéd Honolulu experiences – each honeymoon package is tailored to the couple. This means that honeymoons here are as adventure-filled or relaxing as desired.
Rooms are decorated in crisp, clean hues of white and blue, while furniture is sleek and minimalist, with an emphasis on natural light. The penthouse is a standout, complete with a wraparound terrace and custom-designed furniture.
Activities on offer for honeymooners range from hole-in-the-wall food tours to the more extreme helicopter and shark diving tours. LATHER, the resort spa is known for its traditional Polynesian Lomi Lomi massage that mimics the continuous movements of ocean currents.
Set on the side of a hill, in a private cove of Lamai Bay is Banyan Tree Samui. Local Thai materials like rattan and bamboo have been used to construct each of the architecturally designed villas. Adding to this, calming waterways weave their way through the resort grounds.
Villas are dotted throughout immaculately landscaped gardens. Open plan bedrooms and living areas incorporate the large deck and natural surrounds. All villas come with a private pool, while the best have views out over the Gulf of Thailand.
‘Destination Dining’ experiences offered by the resort are perfect for honeymooners. This involves a private dining experience on the beach, under an illuminated pavilion. Couples should also take advantage of the yoga classes and hydrotherapy centre, ‘The Rainforest’.
Sri Lanka’s scenery, untouched coastlines and holistic lifestyle have attributed to its recent boom as a honeymoon hotspot. It makes sense then that Anantara Tangelle Peace Haven is located between a coconut plantation and a white beach on the Indian Ocean.
Rooms and villas are available, with the latter being the more luxurious. Pick of the pack is the Beach Pool Villa, with its king bed, luxury bathroom and large terrace overlooking the private plunge pool and ocean.
Dining options are diverse to say the least. Italian served on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, Sri Lankan inspired Teppanyaki and high tea are a few options.
Milaidhoo Island, one of the Maldives’ newest resorts, was practically built for honeymooners. Here, the ‘Perfect Honeymoon’ package comes with a complimentary 60-minute spa treatment for two, a private three-course dinner on your villa deck and a freshly baked cake on arrival. Most noteworthy however is that honeymooners receive a star named after them, to make the occasion ‘extra special’.
Villas open up 180 degrees, ensuring guests get a true sense of Maldivian natural beauty. Suites come with oversized minibars and a private wine fridge. Opt for a Water Pool Villa for a private infinity pool and deck that hovers above the UNESCO listed coral reef.
The resort takes its ‘No shoes required. Ever.’ policy seriously – even on the decks of the Ba’Theli Restaurant. Situated on a glass-bottomed boat, the restaurant dishes up island cuisine and seafood from the Maldivian Spice Route.
If you’re ever going to treat yourself to a stay in an overwater bungalow, it should be for your honeymoon. We don’t need to run you through the perks of staying in one though, because the pictures speak for themselves.
What you do need to know about staying at Palau Pacific is that you’re going to have good reason to not want to leave your villa. Four poster beds, free-standing bathtubs and huge private decks are the icings on the cake at this resort. Order room service – both Western and Japanese inspired menus are available.