Honeymoons used to be an opportunity for newlyweds to get to know each other better. Nowadays, weary couples take this vacation as a chance to recuperate. But of course, you still want it to be romantic. More often than not, honeymooners are willing to indulge in that final blaze of nuptial bliss, never mind the credit card bills.
The modern honeymooners are looking to experience a place that neither has been to before so that they can share it together, and they don't hold back when it comes to the cost. These six hotels we've listed have appeared on many travel editors' lists of the most luxurious destinations in the world. We present to you: luxury, seclusion, expense, and most of all, romance.
Destination 1: AMANJENA, Marrakech, Morocco
"Peaceful paradise". That's what Amanjena means. With 32 sunset-coloured private pavilions and two-storey Maisons, of which eight come with private pools, as well as sunken wood fires that appeal to primal desires, find yourselves in terraces with cushioned seating areas and candle lanterns that create a secluded area to chill or dine, from sunrise to sunset. Amanjena also has a health and beauty centre and a beautiful view of the snow-capped Atlas Mountain to offer. Nightly rates start at US$900, excluding taxes.
Destination 2: CHÂTEAU DE LA CHÈVRE D'OR, Eze, France
Château de la Chèvre d'Or is located in Eze, a tiny French village that was established in about 500 B.C. The medieval looking hotel is right in between Nice and Monaco, and clings stoically to the edge of a cliff over the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel's infinity pool, winding gardens and the unique observatory, cleverly capitalise on their superb location. For an experience that is in equal parts rocky cliff and blue sea, their nightly rates start at €295.
Destination 3: HALEKULANI, Waikiki, Hawaii
Halekulani has been hosting visitors for nearly 100 years. If that isn't impressive enough, the hotel is also home to the 2,135-square-foot Vera Wang Suite. Every element in the room was designed or selected by Ms Wang, right down to the silver and crystal in the dining room. The most indulgent of couples can enjoy 24-hour in-room private fine dining service, to a fine selection of Vera Wang fragrances, body lotion and powder, while for the rest of us, standard rates start at US$445 per night.
Destination 4: LÉMURIA RESORT OF PRASLIN, Anse Kerlan, The Seychelles
The story is that, when the continents parted, a small piece of paradise survived-The Lémuria. The Indian Ocean-facing suites and villas, constructed out of natural materials such as wood, pink granite and stone, were specially designed to help preserve the environment for the resident wildlife, while the subdued lighting throughout the resort is meant to avoid spooking the turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs. Rates start at €323 per night for junior suites, sun-lounge chairs and overhanging palm trees included.
Destination 5: LE PRINCE MAURICE, Poste de Falcq, Mauritius
The nutmeg is Le Prince Maurice's logo. The hotel was named after Prince Maurice of Orange and Nassau, who pioneered the spice trade, and thus the 88-suite resort evokes the splendour of that era. Couples can wander along the wooden bridges that span the private lagoon or dine at the hotel's seafood restaurant, which is suspended dramatically over the pool. Feel at home, with the hotel's no-reception-desk rule, at €327 per night for a junior suite during off-peak season.
Destination 6: ONE & ONLY OCEAN CLUB, The Bahamas
Once a private estate, The One & Only Ocean Club still retains the air of a much-treasured hideaway. Modelled after the gardens of Versailles, you can find bronze and marble statues scattered throughout the terraced gardens of the resort. Choose between the resort's variety of rooms, suites, cottages and villas. The price ranges from US$585 for a Garden View Room to US$10,000 for a four-bedroom villa. Refresh yourselves with the lush greenery or retreat to your suites for some rare downtime.
