A honeymoon is supposed to be the kind of vacation you’ll never forget, a trip of a lifetime. And of course, as your first excursion together as husband and wife, no expense should be spared. Sunset yacht cruise? Yes. Over-the-top spa experience? Sign us up. With the right hotel, you’re also probably never going to want to leave. So we went ahead and found three resorts across the globe that might just make you more excited for your honeymoon than the actual wedding (it’s okay, we won’t tell).
Traditional Elegance — CastaDiva Resort & Spa
Known as one of the most glamorous places in the world, Lake Como is a beautiful destination surrounded by cliffside hideaways, palaces, winding mountain roads, villas and dramatic scenery. The third largest lake in Italy, the 56 square miles encompass several small towns and villages, and has been an escape of aristocrats and socialites since the Roman times.
On the shores of Lake Como in Blevio—known as the area The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni took place—on 6.5 acres of pristine, manicured property is Small Luxury Hotels of the World member CastaDiva Resort & Spa. Formerly the home of famous 19th century Italian opera singer and muse Giuditta Pasta, the immaculate hotel opened in 2010. A perfect blend of old-world-meets-modern, the 75 rooms and suites are spread across nine separate villas, and all are named and decorated in the spirit of the opera. At the heart of the resort is Villa Roccabruna, which is home to the reception area, lavish sitting rooms, a bar, terrace and spa. The windows are draped in jewel-toned, elaborate fabrics, giving a perfect frame to view the spectacular lake. Walls are adorned with Italian paintings and bring about feelings of unadorned beauty and splendor.
Outside is a beautifully-designed heated, floating pool with panoramic views. The property’s subterranean spa offers four luxurious spa suites that represent the four elements of fire, water, air and earth. Each private oasis is complete with a shower, steam room, sauna and relaxation area. In the lounging area, guests can relax on comfortable chaise lounges while admiring the view outdoors. The spa also features Chromotherapy showers, a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, vertical Kneipp, Himalayan Salt room and state-of-the-art fitness center.
Castadiva prides itself on being the only eco-friendly resort on Lake Como. They have taken measures to reduce their carbon footprint by banning the use of gas and Diesel fuel at the resort, and water is extracted from the lake at a depth of 65 feet at a constant temperature and used for air conditioning and in the thermal exchange process. Detergents used are all biodegradable, and the gardens are kept with recycled water. Bed sheets and towels are changed every two days unless requested daily.
CastaDiva’s Honeymoon Packages includes three nights in a lake view junior suite with a bottle of Champagne upon arrival, a suite spa day, three-course lunch at L’Orangerie, four-course candlelight dinner and your choice of a private boat tour of the lake or a day trip to St. Moritz.
Sensual Seclusion — Carpe Diem Suites & Spa
Known as the most picturesque Greek island, Santorini, is an exquisite gem located in the Aegean Sea. White structures dot the cliffs, the water bounces between shades of aquamarine and deep blues and beaches frame the majestic natural beauty of the historic island. Some scholars believe that the island is part of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis, which explains the distinctive charm and mystique.
Located on a quiet hilltop below the ancient medieval city of Pyrgos is Carpe Diem Suites & Spa. With only 10 suites located on the property, the staff provides a high level of service. As you arrive by private transfer arranged by the hotel, you will be met with a guest services representative. As the service concentrates on being exclusive and personable, there is no front desk, and your personal attendant shows you to your suite. Every room comes with a large private terrace, plunge pool, airy whitewashed spacious rooms and an immense bathroom complete with massive soaking tub. The staff is available 24/7 to make your stay perfect, and if you choose, there is no reason to ever leave your hotel suite.
The staff can assist you with whatever need, whether it be a car delivered to the hotel to explore the island at your leisure, a restaurant reservation or a private yacht to sail around. In the mornings, breakfast can be delivered to the suite on your terrace or can be had in the Carpe Diem Pool Restaurant.
Be sure to spend an afternoon at the minimalistic-yet-romantic spa. Reserve early, as the spa only services one client at a time. The Couple’s Ritual spa package features a dual massage, relaxing Jacuzzi bath with wine and strawberries for two.
Exclusive Sophistication — Baros Maldives
One of the most exclusive honeymoon getaways in the world is the Maldives. The planet’s lowest country and the smallest Asian destination in both population and land mass, the Maldives is made up of small groups of 1,191 islands over 20 atolls.
Baros Maldives can only be described as heaven on earth. Calm, turquoise waters frame lovely soft white sand beaches and overwater bungalows dot the water line. With only 75 suites, the guest to staff ratio is 3:1. Every villa on the island is assigned a villa host, who typically speaks 3-5 languages and can assist you with anything you may need. As the third oldest resort in the Maldives, the property has made sure to keep up with modern times. An overwater infinity pool was newly added last year, which overlooks the Indian Ocean and the island of Male in the distance. Its own reef encircles the pristine lagoon, and snorkeling and diving are definitely one of the many activities not to miss.
When it comes to dining, Executive Chef Stefan Goehcke oversees three restaurants, two bars and a brigade of 59 chefs and stewards on the island. The flagship contemporary restaurant, The Lighthouse, is perched over the water and embodies a refined, yet comfortable atmosphere. The menu features modern cuisine from around the world, and several dishes are presented at your table including the popular Lobster Bisque. Above the restaurant is The Lighthouse Lounge, which boasts an intricate cocktail menu from around the world.
Cayenne is situated in a tropical garden, and is host to special events such as Asian Night and Maldivian Night. The open teppanyaki grill is the heart of the restaurant, and wines can be tried from around the world. Lime is the most frequented eatery, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a more casual setting.
For honeymooners, Baros has put together a package that includes the best things to see and do on the island. Those visiting for a minimum of four nights within six months of their wedding date will be treated to premium chocolates and a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, candlelight dinner on the beach for two and a photograph of the two of you in a souvenir Baros Maldives photo frame.
One of the most romantic excursions you can do on the trip is sailing on the Baros Maldives traditional handcrafted Maldivian 19-meter-long sailing dhoni. The boat is outfitted with a lounge area, air-conditioned bedroom, shower and sunbathing loungers. The crew wears traditional sarongs and a steward is on board to serve refreshments. Under the sea, over 1,100 different kinds of fish can be viewed when snorkeling or scuba diving, including the friendly bat fish and colorful parrot fish. If you are lucky, you can also catch a glimpse of turtles, eels and nurse sharks.
