Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered.
Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime.
As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next?
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With wedding season in full swing, we decided to take a look at some dream destinations that would definitely be on our honeymoon wish list.
This week, in the first of our two-part series, we are off exploring some romantic islands and here’s just some of our favourite hot spots for that dream start to married life.
Cook Islands
Perched between Hawaii and New Zealand in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are idyllic havens of blue lagoons, untouched landscapes and stunning beaches. With amazing views and a relaxing atmosphere, they’re one of our favourites.
Handy hint: Check out Sea Change Villas for stunning private villas – absolute bliss.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia has been hailed as one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. The island in the Caribbean boasts a number of remote islets, hot springs and of course, water sports.
Handy hint: Here, you can even stay on an island on your own, and also climb on top of a volcano.
Aruba
A hugely popular honeymoon destination, it’s not hard to see why Aruba attracts thousands of visitors every year. Stunning white-sand beaches along with almost perfect weather year-round, it truly is an oasis of calm and beauty.
Handy hint: Take a horse ride along the beach, catch a ride in a glass-bottom boat and check out the brilliant shopping too.
Costa Rica
Nothing says exotic and holiday quite like Costa Rica. Home to fantastic boutique hotels, world class resorts and jaw-dropping natural scenery, Costa Rica is another favourite for newlyweds. Take in the fabulous hot springs, gorgeous beaches and trek through the tropical rainforests.
Handy hint: Feeling adventurous? Take a white-water rafting trip on the Rio Toro or a canopy ride high into the trees at Manuel Antonio National Park.
Hawaii
An amazing welcome from friendly locals will greet you the moment you arrive in Hawaii. One of the most sought after honeymoon destinations, it boasts fabulous beaches, stunning backdrops and a huge array of places to explore.
Handy hint: Go island hopping from Maui to Kauai, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii and check out the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea where Jennifer Aniston and a number of other famous faces have frequented.
Bali
One of the must-see destinations in the world, Bali has something that little bit different for visitors. Apart from glorious white sand beaches and fantastic water sports, Bali has exotic and enchanting lands surrounded by volcanic mountains and amazing scenery.
Handy hint: With so many places to stay, why not check out the Oberoi Bali which boasts thatched roof villas, and private pools with stunning views. Take a trip to Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple.
Cancun, Mexico
Another favourite with holidaymakers and honeymooners alike, Cancun is also one of Mexico’s most famous destinations. Enjoy the amazing beaches and local cuisine, while also taking in the sights such as amazing Aztec temples.
Handy hint: Perfect for water sports, especially snorkelling and diving, we promise – you won’t want to leave here.
Fiji
Another firm favourite with honeymooners, Fiji is home to amazing locals, fantastic culture and brilliant food. On arrival, you will be welcomed into a world full of serenity and relaxation and with a number of islands to explore, Fiji has enough to keep you going for months.
Handy hint: Explore the hot springs, take a tour of some of the islands, and be sure to take in some local dances and shows.
Mauritius
A volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is famous for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. Visit the Black River Gorges National Park and take in walks through the rainforest with stunning waterfalls.
Handy hint: Be sure to visit the botanical gardens, the Tamarind Falls and the Blue Penney museum.
Maldives
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives boasts crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Head off on a night time snorkelling tour, which is worth every second, and relax and unwind in this little bit of paradise.
Handy hint: One of our favourite places to stay is the Niyama Maldives which has an underwater nightclub (yes, really), a restaurant you have to get a boat to and a coral nursery.
Make sure to come back next week for the second part of our dream honeymoon destinations.
