Book It: Four romantic resorts for a blissful honeymoon
Where to go on your honeymoon is a big decision, which is why we’ve searched out these four fabulous resorts.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
Best for… an ultra-private getaway
Picture the island on the Pixar movie The Incredibles – all giant granite boulders set in tropical, lush landscape – and you get an accurate first impression of Felicite, the Seychelles's fifth biggest island. With 30 tucked-away villas, stunning infinity pool and sea view included, three sandy private beaches and a breathtaking spa, this is no ordinary resort. Spot turtles from the yoga pavilion, dine on exquisite food or take a hike with the island's ecologist. The resort even boasts its own organic garden. The whole philosophy here is 'no news, no shoes' – and who's arguing? An unforgettable experience.
Out and about: Close by is Praslin, where the Coco de Mer tree grows. Head to laid-back La Digue for spectacular beaches and Curieuse Island, a nature reserve where giant tortoises roam free.
? Read the full review: Six Senses Zil Pasyon
From ￡4,799 per person for seven nights b&b, including flights; privatetravelcompany.co.uk
? The most romantic Seychelles hotels
Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa, Koh Samui
Best for… beach lovers
Set on the perfectly Instagrammable Maenam Beach with 300m of powder sand, it’s all hammocks swinging from coconut trees and sunbeds with spongy mattresses and jaunty striped towels, plus efficient ‘Beach Butlers’ are on hand to dole out factor 30, order you a mango juice from The Beach House, or even wipe your sunglasses. Make the most of the free paddleboarding, windsurfing and sailing lessons, then head to the fitness centre for a muay Thai boxing class (also complimentary), or if you’re feeling lazy, check into the spa for a soothing Thai Silk Aroma massage. Make sure you’re back at the beach by 2pm when hotel staff wheel around a trolley, handing out cups of homemade ice cream and delicious fruit sorbets.
Out and about: If you’re keen to venture out for dinner, flag down a songthaew (a sort of rudimentary Uber Pool) and head to Fisherman’s Village Bophut 10 minutes away for cheap and cheerful som tam (papaya salad) and pad krapow gai (spicy basil chicken). For special occasions, book a table for dinner at The Dining Room, a fine dining restaurant at Rocky’s Boutique Resort with a classical French menu.
? Read the full review: Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa
From ￡1,493 per person for seven nights b&b, inc flights (based on two sharing); kuoni.co.uk
? The best hotels in Koh Samui
The Surfrider Hotel, Malibu
Best for... California dreaming
Previously a dilapidated roadside motel, The Surfrider was revamped by its trio of owners into an impeccable boutique hotel with a chilled Californian vibe. The 20-room hotel, all dressed in a neutral palette of beachy whites with natural materials, has a beachfront position that guarantees an epic view over the ocean. Surfers can check the waves from their bed in the morning before heading out with one of the boards that's available for guest use. Or if if you’re not that way inclined, head to the guest-only rooftop restaurant for breakfast, over to Point Dume for a hike and finish down the beach at Little Beach House, Soho House’s Malibu outpost, for sundowners.
Out and about: Start with breakfast at the rooftop restaurant, then head to Point Dume for a hike, and end the day with cocktails at Little Beach House.
From ￡230 room only; thesurfridermalibu.com
Treasure Beach, Barbados
Best for... culture vultures
Treasure Beach, Elegant Hotels’ boutique adult-only property, is a microcosm of activity and yet its greatest asset is the peace it offers: an undisturbed hour spent on a swing sucking frozen grapes, looking up only to glance at paddleboarders (water sports are complimentary); picking up a brush in mandela art classes; snorkelling the surrounding reefs; perusing the Caribbean Gallery of Art and Earthworks on the Treasure Art Crawl; or, thanks to Elegant’s Dine Around Programme, hopping on a water taxi to one of Treasure’s six sister hotels for a lunch of flying fish. Rare is such a place that you leave feeling both accomplished and relaxed.
Out and about: Rejuvenate yourself with a Fire and Water Jetlag Massage at The House’s spa before heading to Daphne’s for a beachfront night of Italian cuisine overlooking the ocean. If you’re feeling daring, drive to Oistins, where you’ll dance with locals beneath a Bajan sky.
From ￡1,250 per person for seven nights with Virgin Holidays; eleganthotels.com
