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Tying the knot this year? Celebrate your love at the most exclusive destinations and hotels money can buy
There are luxury destinations – and then there are honeymoon-worthy destinations. It’s not uncommon for newlyweds to want to push the boat out when it comes to their first holiday as a married couple and, in that spirit, we’ve scoured the globe for the most romantic stays money can buy. Ranging from safari hotspots in Africa to exclusive private islands in Panama, here are the best honeymoon destinations for flying, flopping and detoxing from wedding stress – while also putting your plethora of annual leave to good use by seeing a different side of the world, too. 
Fancy exploring some of Africa’s best sights and cities on your honeymoon? Luxury London has partnered with Vumba Travel to collate the ultimate itinerary to Cape Town and Zimbabwe, combining the best of safari, city, vineyards and coast in a 14-day stay. Land in Cape Town to soak up the city’s vibrant energy, visit the iconic penguin-filled beaches, and explore iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, all while staying at the beautiful Victoria and Alfred Hotel on the edge of the yacht marina. The journey continues to Victoria Falls, then into Botswana for a day at Chobe National Park where you can spot the Big Five, and culminates with a romantic stay fringing the banks of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.
Mukwa River Lodge
Guests can enjoy three gorgeous hotels throughout this itinerary, but one real highlight is the Victoria Falls Hotel. Lauded as Zimbabwe’s grandest hotel, it dates back to 1904 when it was created as accommodation for workers on the Cape-to-Cairo railway – but today, it epitomises five-star hospitality and old-world charm. Just 10 minutes away on foot lies the majestic Victoria Falls: a UNESCO site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Couples will then move to Mukwa River Lodge for an unforgettable wilderness experience, where cocktails are served riverside while elephants graze in the distance. This provides the perfect base for venturing into the Chobe National Park to witness its extraordinary wildlife. 
For an idyllic and relaxing coolcation honeymoon, head to Finnish Lapland. Situated in the heart of the Arctic region, it’s naturally a popular hotspot for families at Christmas, but those looking for a Scandi back-to-nature experience can visit throughout the year to immerse themselves in the unique landscape, home to an abundance of free-roaming reindeer and other wildlife. Go in the summer months for 24-hour sunlight, or head here in the winter for unrivalled skiing at Ylläs – the biggest resort in the country that boasts more than 500km of trails – and a chance to spot the Northern Lights between September and March. 
For couples seeking a romantic escape, Invisible Forest Lodge offers a secluded retreat in the heart of Lapland’s wilderness. This unique accommodation, located within the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, has become a bucket list destination for those wishing to combine modern comfort with breathtaking natural surroundings. Boasting 13 Invisible Suites with floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass windows, get up-close-and-personal with the wildlife outside while enjoying the walk-in shower and private sauna – perfect for warming up after a peaceful stroll through snow-dusted pines. Plus, head to the concierge desk to book bespoke Arctic experiences, including husky safaris, reindeer farm visits and aurora tours.
From £150 per night. 
While Chicago is famed for its deep dish pizza, vibrant jazz community and unwavering sports scene, there’s more to the third largest city in the US than meets the eye. Nicknamed the Windy City, Chicago occupies an interesting geographical intersection known for its extreme seasons and as the starting point of Route 66. It’s home to some of the world’s tallest buildings, such as Willis Tower and 360 Chicago, while culture vultures should head to the Art Institute of Chicago: one of the oldest and largest galleries in the world, frequently putting on major exhibitions featuring world-class artworks. For those not averse to splashing the cash, head to the Magnificent Mile and Michigan Avenue to browse boutiques from the major fashion houses and luxury department stores, while Colin Park, Armitage Avenue, Halsted Street and Wicker Park are home to a plethora of vintage stores. 
Since its grand opening in 2001, The Peninsula Chicago has been consistently named one of the most romantic hotels in the city. Located at the heart of the Magnificent Mile and on the doorstep of Chicago’s business and shopping district, the 339-key hotel features a classical interior style that spans three restaurants and bars, a state-of-the-art spa and heated pool situated on the 20^th floor of the hotel. Ideal for couples looking to enjoy a romantic getaway, The Peninsula offers a romance package which includes a suite of choice, a delicious breakfast for two, a bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and in-room rose petals at turndown.
From £430 per night. 
Perfect for old-fashioned romantics, the Loire Valley oozes French splendour and style as a former playground of France’s aristocratic elite, kings, queens, dukes and nobles. Exploring the cornucopia of châteaux in the Loire Valley will transport you to the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods while teaching you more about the country’s history – and no day in and out of turrets is complete without a moment in some of the adjacent working wine cellars and vineyards. Make a beeline for Domaine Fabien Duveau, Caves Ambacia, Cave de Vouvray and Domaine Thierry Cosme for some of the best sauvignon blanc in all the land. 
If you want to feel like you’re holidaying at the Palace of Versailles, this is the hotel for you. Just an hour outside of Paris, Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé dates back to the 18^th century, when it was the home of Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay. Today, it boasts just 19 individually-designed suites, alongside a boutique spa and signature restaurant and bar, amid 80 acres of landscaped gardens and white oak forest. Its crown jewel is the irreplicable Baron Suite, which features 17ft-tall ceilings, a marble-clad bathroom with garden views of its own, and the pièce de résistance, the Salon Chinois, aptly named for the canvas covered walls painted in the Chinoiserie style by the artist Jean-Baptiste Pillement, whose work can be found at the palace of Versailles and the Louvre. Couples can while away the day exploring the property and its artwork, taking a boat out on the lake or cycling around the grounds to truly switch off in a grand setting. 
From £475 per night. 
The tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is an ideal romantic destination with its uncrowded soft-sand beaches, dreamy sunsets, and verdant mountain landscapes. Tucked away on this Spice Isle, couples can discover intimate retreats, lively coastal bars, and a serene ambience, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. Those with a thrill-seeking side should explore its diverse terrain via rainforest hikes, diving among vibrant coral reefs, or conquering challenging mountain trails. Grand Anse Beach is one of the island’s most famous tourist hotspots, and just a 30-minute drive away lies Grand Etang National Park, where you can chase waterfalls and admire the Grand Etang Lake: an extinct volcano crater now filled with water. Don’t miss the Mona monkeys swinging from the branches, too. 
Grenada’s Mount Cinnamon Hotel is one of the island’s most romantic hotels, perfect for couples looking for an intimate honeymoon escape with Caribbean charm. Fringing the aforementioned Grand Anse Beach, this seaside resort combines ocean-view suites and villas with an array of exciting activities, from relaxing yoga sessions to rum tastings, and diving excursions to beach volleyball and tennis lessons. Complete with an intimate spa – perfect for couples’ massages – and a newly-renovated restaurant featuring locally-sourced cuisine, those wishing to get an authentic taste of the Spice Isle should call on the hotel’s concierge to arrange romantic hikes through the rainforest, swimming in the waterfalls, sunset sailing cruises and a chocolate factory tour.
From £330 per night. 
For honeymooners in search of off-grid experiences, look no further than Islas Secas: a highly-exclusive, privately-owned archipelago situated in the Gulf of Chiriquí in Panama. Transformed into a luxury resort, the resort specialises in immersive marine experiences, from snorkeling and diving in vibrant aquatic ecosystems to exploring the biodiversity of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From April to October, Islas Secas sets the scene for an inimitable front-row view of the migration of two distinct populations of humpback whales, one from feeding areas off Antarctica and Chile and the other from the Northern Hemisphere. Expect to see large pods of whales from the resort’s shoreline, with best-practice boat trips also available to those desiring a closer look at this magnificent species in its natural habitat. The whales’ breaching, spy hopping, tail slapping and lob tailing will prove why Panama’s whale-watching is some of the best in the world. 
Tucked between the trees overlooking the rippling waves of the bay is the romantic hideaway Casita Mirador, enveloped by lush, tropical gardens. This one-bedroom villa is secluded and private, with three areas for languid lounging (think cloud-like daybeds shaded by a thatched cabana), and a plunge pool from which to gaze out to sea. With an airy indoor-outdoor Panamanian design, expect a king-sized bed and sleek en-suite to cater to all your needs, while social activities and fine dining can be found at the island’s hub, Terraza, where plates of seafood ceviche and banana-leaf steamed catch of the day are made fresh daily. 
From £2,300 per night. 
You’d be forgiven for thinking Bali was more of a winter sun destination, like its Asian cousins, but the small Indonesian country actually boasts balmy temperatures throughout the summer months – perfect for post-summer nuptials. Ubud is a highlight for those looking to sample Bali’s famed wellness culture amid rice paddies, or venture to the more hip and trendy Canggu for bohemian vibes by the coast. If you have little ones in tow, we recommend Kuta and Legian – these neighbouring beaches are known for lively nightlife, surf beaches, and an array of family-friendly activities. 
Those looking for an intimate, peaceful island escape should book Raffles Bali: a luxury beachfront resort with just 32 villas complete with private infinity pools, set among 36 acres of lush botanical gardens. Boasting a private beach – a rare oasis of calm away from Bali’s tourist-packed main beaches – personal butler service, two restaurants and a bar, there’s plenty to do here. Don’t miss Raffles Bali’s fine dining restaurant, Rumari, and an exquisite spa, featuring two treatment suites, each with its own soaking tub and sliding doors that lead out to a hill-view terrace. Health and beauty programmes borrow inspiration from Balinese and south-east Asian traditional healing practices, while mindfulness classes include everything from yoga and meditation to Reiki and sound healing. Andddd, relax. 
From £940 per night. 
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