The Polka Dot Travel Lounge with Annapurna from ROAM Magazine

The Polka Dot Travel Lounge welcomes Annapurna to our list of well regarded travel experts. Annapurna is a talented writer and photographer. She is the co-founder of ROAM Magazine and a regular contributor to Travelettes. Her focus is on people, culture and capturing a sense of place. Her passion for travel has taken her to over 50 countries but as she says “my heart belongs in Asia.” Check our Annapurna’s amazing talent behind the lens on her Instagram page and read on to get the scoop on some of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world.

What is your favourite region?

South Asia – India, Nepal, Myanmar and particularly the Himalayas – is my favourite part of the world. I feel a strong connection to the mountains, the way of life and the people in this part of the world. I keep going back and I know I will continue to do so throughout my life. You can travel in India for six months and barely scratch the surface.

Top resort recommendation

I’ve only stayed in a few resorts around the world, but one which really stood out to me was the Kempinski Dead Sea Resort in Jordan.

It’s located right on the Dead Sea, with a private beach overlooking the mountains of Israel across the bay. It’s got a series of incredible infinity pools and the food on offer is delicious! Jordan would really be a great country to honeymoon in – not only does it have incredible resorts, but you can visit Petra, drive through the Wadi Rum desert and experience Bedouin culture.

Suggestions for great honeymoon activities

I think road tripping is an ideal way to travel for a honeymoon. Not only will you get to spend lots of time together, but you can see much more of a destination, at your own pace. Pick a country- somewhere like Iceland, the USA or Spain are perfect, and just drive. I guarantee you’ll bump into some weird and wonderful situations and create memories together you’ll always remember.

The ideal location for a proposal

When I was trekking in the Nepali Himalayas, we met a young couple on the way up to ‘Annapurna Base Camp’ and when we finally reached base camp he proposed to her under the Himalayan mountains. If you are adventurous, what could be more perfect! I heard they were planning to get married in Sri Lanka a few months later – sounds ideal to me!

Best kept secret honeymoon location

When I think of honeymoons, I think of having secret paradise beaches all to yourself. While places like the Maldives might be full of honeymooners, there are plenty of places which are equally as “white sand-turquoise sea” perfect which are a little more off the beaten track. In South India, places like Marari Beach is absolute heaven without the crowds. There’s also tons of stuff to do around here, you can day trip to Kochi, the Allappey backwaters or head up to the tea plantations of Munnar.

Over in Thailand, the Trang Islands are only a couple of hours boat ride from popular spots like Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe, yet they see far fewer tourists. I visited Koh Muk, a lush white sand beach, lots of authentic Thai food and some of the best snorkelling in the country!