If you’re looking for your own little slice of heaven for your honeymoon, look no further, friends. There’s just one thing you need to do first, and that’s to scrap that whole ‘one slice’ notion. Why? Because we’re bringing you the whole damn cake in this post. From the Maldives (where we were lucky enough to spend a week-long adventure with Soneva) to more purse and flight friendly locations closer to home, we’ve got you covered. Just remember, this whole honeymoon thing is the one holiday you can spend big on and write off into the wedding budget black hole, right? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip and every penny is worth it at this point of the planning – promise.
Not surprising, our favourite location on this list is the Maldives – just as luxurious as you imagine and a must to move to the top of your honeymoon hit list, pronto. We travelled to both Soneva Jani (the overwater wonderland above) and Soneva Fushi (the jungle paradise below) and you can read all about it in depth in Issue 23 that you can still find in our online store. But for now, we’ve got a condensed version below, along with a few destinations closer to home, like Samoa and Bali and even some in our own backyard – say hi Byron and the Northern Territory.
If a mini-moon more your thing, we’ve included the Whitsundays in Queensland and New Zealand’s ever popular and equally as beautiful, Queenstown, too. Now scroll down and enjoy all the epic locations that we have no doubt will get you excited for the post-wedding feels, people…
The Maldives
You can literally have lunch in the treetops at the eco-friendly Soneva Fushi, enjoy a buffet breakfast by the beach, dinner on your own private sandbank and slide into the water at any point (instantly turning you into a kid again) without a worry in the world. It’s inspired by the Daniel Defoe novel, Robinson Crusoe, and even has a Mr (or Mrs) Friday at your beck and call, instead of a concierge or front desk. Soneva Fushi is said to have housed celebrities like Madonna, Oprah and Paul McCartney, but you honestly wouldn’t know who was staying there, as everything is so surrounded by so much dense jungle, it almost feels like you’re on the island alone. Plus, the service doesn’t discriminate regardless of your celebrity status.
The Northern Territory, Australia
There’s no place like home, right guys? If you’re keen to experience something next-level in your very own backyard, don’t miss the incredibly long list of things you can do in the Northern Territory. We are most excited about hiking in the Kakadu National Park and dining and staying at Longitude 131° and seriously doubt anyone could take a look at this place and not want to visit. An experience like no other, stay in a luxury tent overlooking Uluru and never leave.
Singapore
If you’re more the city slicker type than island getaway lover, head to Singapore – a bearable eight-hour flight from Sydney. Stay at the picturesque Marina Bay Sands (above), making sure you have a swim in the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the skyline and have cocktails as you watch the light show over the city. Hot tip, it’s perfect for your stopover on the way to the Maldives (yes, we may be slightly swaying towards beach honeymoon bliss here, people).
Bali, Indonesia
Health nuts, we haven’t forgotten you. Revivo Wellness Resorts is an epic retreat worth the moolah in our books (yes, we’ve gone and conquered one of their signature retreats, complete with healing shots of turmeric, ginger, coconut oil and kombucha, all before 8am each morning) and it’s not only somewhere you could relax, unwind and reboot with your new husband post-wedding, but somewhere you could take the ‘maids to kickstart your healthy feels pre-wedding.
Daydream Island, QLD
Not able to have much time off? Take a mini-moon to the Whitsundays- a quick flight, views for days and no jet lag. A win! Off the East Coast of Australia, the recently refurbished Daydream Island is surrounded by reef you can explore day and night – 200 metres and 1.5 million litres of it. Impressive much? Stay, spa, swim, see, touch and feel all the island has to offer – you won’t regret it.
Rottnest Island, WA
Are you a Perth local? Or at the very least, based in Western Australia? Well, have you thought about honeymooning a quick boat trip away? If you’re an eco-conscious, outdoors-loving couple, how about glamping with the friendly quokkas on Rottnest Island? Stories (and selfies) for days, guys. As well as blue water, bush walks and more.
Thailand
Your classic beach holiday, this place can be anything you want it to be, from a cultural playground, experiencing all Southeast Asia has to offer, backpacking your way around and tasting the local food along the beach, to living a life of luxury at any of the incredible hotels made with honeymooners specifically in mind. Head to Ko Samui for the best of both worlds. Hey, you could even have your nuptials over there – destination wedding anyone? Check out Take Us To Thailand to kill two birds with one stone. You’ll find more details here.
Queenstown, NZ
This is another one for the destination wedding lovers – without being too far from home. Get in touch with the Queenstown Wedding Association for all your needs and keep your friends there for the ever so popular ‘mates moon’. Explore the incredible views, countryside, food and wine, stat and here’s an idea – head back for your anniversary. Check out all you need to know here. This is such a popular destination to elope too. See more from the above wedding (captured by the talented Dawn Thomson Photography) here.
Samoa
An untouched piece of paradise, Samoa is price-friendly for such an incredible slice of heaven and only a six to seven-hour flight from Sydney, making it super accessible, too. An ideal alternative to the more commercialised Bali and for the low key pair who love nature’s beauty. You can stay at huts along the beach on the coast, or stay at the luxury, adults only Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa to really treat yourself. The only must? A swim (or three or four) at the incredible natural waterhole known as the To Sua Ocean Trench. Worth noting, ‘Samoan time’ is definitely an adjustment.
Byron Bay, NSW
Does Byron need much explanation? Basically, if you haven’t been, you need to go, people. The cool factor is off the chart, as is the dining options, beautiful beaches and shopping. If it makes the cut, check out The Bower for unique and luxury coastal accommodation in an awesome part of town – far enough to be out of the hustle and bustle, close enough to wander in for dinner and cocktails. Plus, you can hire the large Bower Cottage if you’re keen on having your friends or family come along for the ride, or the Bower Barn for a more intimate feel.