Honeymoon plans can often fall by the wayside when preparing for your big day, with last minute bookings and frantic searches for the perfect location to unwind and relax. We’ve been asking the experts to join us in the Polka Dot Travel Lounge and share their hot tips and preferred destinations to ensure your honeymoon is a trip to remember, and today we’re pleased to welcome Sally from HomeAway.com.au!
HomeAway.com.au is one of Australia’s leading holiday home rental sites with the the largest and most diverse selection of holiday homes around the world (more than 570,000 properties across 139 countries!). A holiday home rental can be a great alternative to hotel stays (increased privacy, space, more economical, experiential etc). Sally shares her top picks for honeymooners heading around the world – so jealous!
What is your favourite region?
For honeymooners, it’s hard to beat the laid back vibe of South East Asia. While you’re there, immerse yourself in a different culture, sample some amazing cuisines, discover age-old temples or just relax on some of the best beaches in the world.
Where to stay:
Sleeping 2, this intimate villa has a spacious bedroom with its own bathroom and study area, a private swimming pool and kitchen. The use of different quality and natural materials, such as ‘Ulin’ wood, lava stone, solid teck floors, plants and flower walls, gives a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. Wifi, LCD TV, movies, series and cartoons, bikes to be borrowed.
Surin Beach Holiday Villa, Phuket
Located in the Ultra desirable Surin Beach enclave on the West Coast of Phuket, this modern Villa boasts stunning views over Surin Beach, Bang Tao, and the West coast of Phuket. The house stands high above the bay, facing North West with stunning sun sets out over the Indian Ocean.
The villa has its own pool as well as its own modern Western kitchen facilities. Large plasma screen TV and DVD player, WIFI, laundry on site complete the package. An ideal destination for Honeymooners, this Villa has everything for a romantic tropical getaway.
Top Resort Recommendation?
While HomeAway doesn’t offer traditional style resort accommodation, many properties on the site offer personal chefs and food services. This South African property comes with its own private butler and chef, personal ranger and tracker, game vehicle, private game drives & bush walks!
Morukuru Farm House, Cape Town
This Morukuru villa, is a completely redesigned vintage farm house. Morukuru Farm House offers green eco furnishings, modern design and spacious rooms. The garden leads you either to the heated swimming pool, or to one of the patios to enjoy a specially made cocktail by your personal butler.
What to do while you’re there?
South Africa is the adventure capital of the world! There’s plenty to see and do; climb Table Mountain, surf some of the world’s best waves, tour Robben Island or experience breathtaking scenery along the Garden route.
One of our top recommendations is to visit the Madikwe game reserve, where the Morukuru Farm House is situated. At 75,000 hectares it’s one of the largest game reserves in South Africa.
Madikwe has 66 mammal species including the Big Five (lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) and approximately 300 resident and migrant bird species. Marvel at the vast plains of the open woodlands and grasslands, and the rugged Rant van Tweedepoort, and Dwarsberg Mountains in the background.
Suggestions for great honeymoon activities.
For those that want an active and relaxing honeymoon rolled into one, we recommend the Queenstown region of New Zealand. There is something for everyone; whether it’s skiing, bungee jumping, white water rafting, hiking or just taking in the breathtaking scenery that takes your fancy, you can cap it all off by toasting your marriage with one of the many fantastic local wines.
Where to stay:
Tenby Apartments have been finished to a very high standard with wonderful art and tasteful decor. The large windows and glass walls capture the gorgeous mountain vistas of Wanaka. Each apartment has private balconies and decking, along with landscaped gardens to enjoy the long summer days. There is undercover garaging, full laundry facilities and dedicated ski drying rooms for your convenience.
The ideal location for a proposal?
For a proposal like no other, why not surprise your loved one with a trip to Tuscany? Walk hand in hand along the mountain paths; stop to enjoy simple yet delicious cuisine and the famous local Chianti.
Wonder at the dusty green hills, brick-red earth, blue skies and golden sunlight while hearing the beautifully romantic Italian language being spoken around you.
Where to stay?
‘Podere Le Caggia’ is an enchanting country villa set in the tranquility and peacefulness of the Tuscan countryside. The villa has a total of 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a large fully-equipped kitchen, a dining room with a fireplace and two big living rooms. The impressive garden complete with a private swimming pool and a hot tub allows you to enjoy a relaxing holiday and is perfect for taking time out and lounging about while sipping on a glass of local wine.
Best kept secret honeymoon location?
If you’re looking for a honeymoon destination that’s a little bit off the beaten path, we think Belize is the ideal location. As well as submerging yourself in the country’s rich and ancient culture, there’s plenty to see and do like discovering exotic plants and animals in the lush local jungles, swimming, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean sea with its attractive reefs, and no trip to Belize is complete without a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins.
After spending a day filled with adventure and exploration, retreat back to the seclusion and privacy of Casa Olita.
Casa Olita will charm you with its sophistication and seclusion.
After you gaze at exquisite Caribbean vistas from your private dock, take a dip in your personal splash pool or cool off in the alfresco showers. It’s your choice. Toast to your honeymoon or simply embrace your loved one in the enchanting walled garden.
A big thanks to Sally for her fantastic tips, and if you’ve spotted a destination that you’d love to learn more about, head to the HomeAway.com.au website for more info!
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