Everybody loves a list, and anyone planning a honeymoon needs this particular one in their life. After much deliberation the team at Original Travel have come up with their Top 10 Honeymoon Hotels from around the world. Editing the list down to a mere ten proved mighty difficult, and more than a little contentious, but we like a challenge, so here goes with the finest post-wedding wonders...
Amanwana, Indonesia
Take a collection of the most luxurious tents (in the loosest sense of the word), plonk them on a default desert island and sprinkle on some of the Amanresorts' magic service and attention to detail and - hey presto - you have Amanwana, one of the finest places to stay for a Honeymoon in Indonesia, if not all Asia. An admirable approach to sustainable tourism and world class diving complete a very delectable picture.
JK Place, Capri
Capri is one of the most romantic places in the Mediterranean, and JK Capri is the most romantic place to stay on the island, so we're talking honeymoon heaven here. The interiors are the stuff of House & Garden covers and the views across the harbour and out to sea are spectacular. One word of warning, a hotel this good gets booked up way in advance, so be organised!
Wolwedans Boulders Camp, Namibia
Namibia is a deeply cool destination (except in November, mind, when it's hotter than Hades) and while it's not your conventional African wildlife destination, the Namib Desert, home to the iconic red sand dunes, is mind-blowing. So, for that matter, are the Wolwedans properties, including the immaculate Boulders Camp, from which newly-weds can go on awesome landscape safaris. Chances are they'll find it hard to tear themselves away from the super-luxurious tented camp itself, though.
Our Namibia Honeymoon ideas
Perivolas, Santorini
We always preach the benefits of Mediterranean honeymoons in our summer, and so Greece had to make the list. Of all the sillily romantic islands, Santorini probably elicits the most cooing from lovebirds, and the white-washed wonder of Perivolas is the place to stay. The sunset views across the sea, cocktail in hand, might just be the most romantic in the world.
Post Ranch Inn, USA
The US of A is becoming a hit for honeymooners with even far-flung Hawaii now on many bridal bucket lists, but the classic destination for newly-weds remains California. There are cities, National Parks, wine regions et al, so there's more than enough for a fortnight's honeymoon or more, but one must do is a self-drive of the Big Sur coastline, and the place to stay is Post Ranch Inn, with its modernist design and views to die for.
Our USA Honeymoon Ideas
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
The shortlist of Maldives properties was more of a longlist, but we've plumped for our old favourite Soneva Fushi. This pioneering barefoot luxury island paradise gets better with age as they refine the laidback luxury vibe that has turned this into a classic honeymoon destination. Don't expect gold taps or even a hint of bling; do expect heavenly service, delicious food and romance in spades.
Our Maldives Honeymoon Ideas
Udaivilas, India
It would be hard to argue with Udaipur as the most romantic city in India, famed for views across Pichola Lake, the iconic Lake Palace hotel and a bustling and busy (but manageable) city centre. We think the slick Udaivilas, on the far side of the lake, is the place to stay, where guests can gaze back across at the city from the sinuous swimming pool running along in front of the best rooms, and then pop into town for the full-on Indian experience.
Our India Honeymoon Ideas
Wharekauhau Lodge, New Zealand
You may struggle to pronounce Wharekauhau Lodge ('forry-ko-ho'), but you'll definitely love this quintessential New Zealand lodge. Hardy honeymooners in search of more than a fly & flop will love NZ, and where better to base yourself for exploring arguably the greatest outdoors (walking, riding, fishing, skiing, sailing, wine tasting, skiing, heli trips etc etc...) than a lodge with sublime food and elegant rooms.
Our New Zealand Honeymoon Ideas
The Chedi, Oman
Oman caters for all types of honeymooners, with beauts of beaches to flop by, yet a whole heap more for action-mooners. But whatever the brief, we recommend starting proceedings at the superslick Chedi in the capital Muscat. Stylish minimalist rooms, excellent restaurants, elegant water gardens and three huge pools make for the perfect launch pad for doing, well, arguably nothing much at all.
Our Oman Honeymoon Ideas
Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil
Brazil is a humdinger of a honeymoon destination, with Rio about the sassiest city imaginable. After enjoying a few days enjoying the view on Ipanema, head south to the Costa Verde, a beautifully unspoilt coastline of charming towns and endless beaches. Pousada Picinguaba is the perfect boho honeymoon hangout, hammocks and all. If swanning around supping on caipirinha cocktails gets a little too much, head out surfing or to explore the cobbled streets of charming colonial gem Paraty.
Our Brazil Honeymoon Ideas